Vol. 55, No. 13 • January 9 - 15, 2020
New Opportunities for Ethiopia-D.C. Relations / Page 26
Jack Evans Resigns from D.C. Council
5 Councilmember Jack Evans (WI File photo)
By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins 5 Anti-war demonstrators gathered at the White House on Saturday, January 4 to protest the potential war against Iran set off with the Trump administration’s use of a drone strike to kill Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)
Parents Demand Answers on Lead at School Playgrounds By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins
5 The D.C. Department of General Services will review the lead levels on the playground at Parkview Recreation Center. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
Officials in the Department of General Services (DGS) said they will release an update about lead levels on D.C. public school playgrounds within the coming months. They revealed this timeline amid demands from parents, community members and the D.C. Council for a solution to a citywide problem. Aspects of this dilemma of particular concern to Jael Nicole Anker-Lagos and other members of the Bruce-Monroe Park View community involve the presence of lead and other contaminants on the grounds of D.C.’s recreation centers, and the department’s level of transpar-
ency about the use of hazardous material in place of the rubber implicated in earlier reports. “Our children are being exposed to lead and now another toxic material. Why would they spend money on this project without community input?” Anker-Lagos, a mother of three students at Bruce-Monroe Elementary School at Park View in Northwest, said in reference to the plastic wrapped silica filling she said DGS contractors plan to install at the Park View Recreation Center. Since last spring, when DGS deemed the Park View soccer field unfit for use, Anker-Lagos’ young ones and other Bruce-Monroe kindergarteners have continued to spend their recess at the
LEAD Page 40
Effective Friday, January 17, Jack Evans, the longest-serving elected official in the District’s history, will no longer represent the residents of Ward 2.
EVANS Page 33
Shopping in 2020: Should Blacks Celebrate Nation’s So-called ‘Retail Apocalypse?’
Major Store Closures Hit Region as Online Purchasing Continues to Dominate By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Contributing Writer The world of shopping has drastically changed over the past decade and many marketing experts and economists predict that 2020 will bring more of the same. Consumers can anticipate the ongoing “death march” of some of their favorite retailers across the U.S. as they either reduce the number of stores, consider liq-
uidation or close their doors for good. However, consumers continue to grow more comfortable with and accustomed to online shopping platforms as this more modern method of shopping yields greater profits for businesses. According to recently-released data from Coresight Research, retailers including
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AME in Southeastlaw enforcement. She said they
By Tia Carol Jones
threat,” she said. had come together to bring a Among the programs Marlow sense of uniformity in the way wants see finalized implemented Funeral arrangements havetobeen for theare late MaryWhen L.Y. Marlow's 23-year- domestic violence victims and stricter restraining order policies, land state Sen. Ulysses Currie, 82. He will lie-in-state Friday, old daughter told her the father survivors are treated. more rights for victim's families Jan. 10, Pope Funeral Home, 5538 Marlboro Pike, Forestville. of her daughter threatened her “She's using her own personal to intervene on behalf of a vicA “Celebration of Life” takes place Saturday, Jan. 11, Allen life, and the life of their child, story, her own personal pain to tim, a domestic violence assessChapel AME Church, 2498 Alabama Ave. SE. As an Army she knew something had to be push forward,” Davis-Nickens ment unit coupled with further veteran (1960-63), hetraining will receive military honors occurring done. Out of her frustration said about Marlow. for law enforcement duringsaid the interment at Gravelya Family Cemetery in Martinswith law enforcement's handling Davis-Nickens anyone agencies, Child's Life Protecville, Virginia. Currie served as a state delegate from of the situation, she decided to who reads Marlow's book will tion Act and mandatory counsel- 1987 to during alsoforserved as majority whip. He retired start the Saving Promise cam- “get it.” She 1985 said she “putswhich the heing batterers. from the Senate in 2016 (he was first paign. case in such a way, the average “If we are everelected going in to 1995). eradi- HowevheShe rescinded the resignation and served two more “It seems to be a vicious cycle person can geter,it.” said at the cate domestic violence, we mustyears. His careerthehasbook included: and of director of the Prince that won't turn my family end of the day, will teacher, look atprincipal both sides the coin. George’s Head Start program. lawmakers agreed loose,” Marlow said. Marlow help people begin to have a diaWe need State to address both the vic- last year to rename the state’s Head Starttheprogram theMarlow “Ulysses Currie shared her story audiabout violence. tim and batterer,” 5 Former Sen. with Ulyssesthe Currie. (Photologue courtesy of domestic Head Start Program.” enceMaryland at theState District Heights Also present at the event was said. Archives) Domestic Violence Symposium Mildred Muhammad, the exMarlow would also like to see on May 7 at the District Heights wife of John Allen Muhammad, programs designed to raise Municipal Center. The sympo- who was sentenced to six consec- awareness among children in sium was sponsored by the utive life terms without parole public and private schools. She Family and Youth Services by a Maryland jury for his role in feels children need to be educatCenter of the city of District the Beltway Sniper attacks in ed about domestic violence. Heights and the National Hook- 2002. Mildred Muhammad is “We have to stop being pasA Black prescription board, of estabUp of Women.drug affordability the founder After the Trauma, sive-aggressive with poor chillished 2019 by the Marylandan legislature, willthat helps the dren about domestic violence,” Marlowin has written a book, organization hold its meetingwhich Monday, 13 in Annapolis. “Color Mefirst Butterfly,” is a Jan.survivors of domestic violence Marlow said. It’s the nation’s first ever group to review and asstory about four generations of and their children. Marlow has worked to break sess howviolence. to cap prescription drug prices. The domestic The book is “I lived in group fear for six years. Six the cycle of abuse in her family, inspired by her recommendations own experiences, toyears will provide the in General fear is Asa long time. It is and is confident the policies she and thosefor of state her grandmother, sembly and local government not an employees. easy thing to come out is pushing for will start that her andbe her daughter. Themother goal will to expand to other of,”employers, she said. but process. She time she reads Mildred Muhammad said all said caps every must be approved by the Legislative Poli“I plan to take these policies to excerpts from her comprised book, she still who The want to help a Congress and implore them to cy Committee of statepeople lawmakers. can not believeboard the words violence victim must change our laws,” Marlow said. five-member will became chaireddomestic by Van Mitchell, from her. “Color Me Butterfly” beother careful of how they go into “I will not stop until these polia former state health secretary. The members: won the 2007 National “Bestprofessor the victim's and understand cies are passed.” Ebere Onukwugha, associate at thelife, UniBooks” that sheGeorge may be Tia Carol Jones can be reached versityAward. of Maryland School of Pharmacy; S. in “survival “I was just when mode”. at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net Malouf, Jr., 16-years-old an ophthalmologist; Gerard F. Andermy eyedirector first blackened andHopkins my “Beforefor youHosget to 'I'm going son, of the John Center lips bled,” Marlow to kill you,'Levy, it started WI pital Finance andsaid. Management; and Joseph a as a verbal Elaine Davis-Nickens, presiprofessor at John Hopkins University. dent of the National Hook-Up of Black Women, said there is no consistency in the way domestic violence issues are dealt with by Comcast has announced its next-generation xFi Advanced Gateway – it’s first device capable of delivering true multi-gigabit speeds – begins rolling out to customers in the coming months. Comcast, the nation’s largest gigabit speed provider, becomes one of the first U.S. Internet Service Providers to offer a WiFi 6 Certified gateway delivering faster speeds, ultimate capacity, lower latency and best-in-class WiFi coverage throughout the home. The xFi Advanced Gateway is designed for high-performance users to handle more capacity for even smarter home devices coming online today and in the future. This gateway delivers exceptionally lower latency for an unrivaled cloud and online gaming, 4K video streaming and VR and AR experiences, as these applications increasingly become mainstream. For more information: www.comcastcorporation.com. WI Staff Writer
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We have to stop being passive-aggressive with poor children about domestic violence. I plan to take these policies to Congress and implore them to change our laws. I will not stop until these policies are passed.
“
SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY
Women the Cycle of wi hotBreak topics Domestic Violence Funeral for Sen. Ulysses Currie: Jan. 11, Allen Chapel
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L.Y. Marlow
AROUND THE REGION
District’s Black Women Weigh In on Pending Maternal Health Legislation By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins In lieu of the state-of-the-art medical facility that had been promised to Ward 7 and 8 residents, members of the D.C. Council have drafted legislation bolstering the elements of what some elected officials have described as the ideal community-based health care system for people living in the eastern part of the District. One of those bills, introduced by Council member Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) and 10 of his colleagues last summer, provides expectant and new mothers coverage through Medicaid and the D.C. Healthcare Alliance program for at least two postpartum healthcare and home visits, fertility preservation services, and transportation services. If passed, the legislation would also establish a Center on Maternal Health and Wellness. For onetime expectant mother Kristi Love, such accommodations, though very well needed, would better serve her and other Black women in Ward 8 if anchored by a high quality community medical institution that prioritizes cultural competency. “People shouldn’t have to go outside of their ward [for medical care],” Love told The Informer. “It wasn’t even a conversation about going to United Medical Center or anywhere close. It was just George Washington Hospital.” In October, Love had a stillborn birth she said could’ve been prevented had doctors at George Washington Hospital taken her cries for help seriously. During the 20th week of a smooth pregnancy, Love visited the hospital with lower body pain that doctors later diagnosed as a ligament strain. However, her water broke within a day and medical staff induced her birth. Months later, Love contends negligence on the doctors’ part, even down to the manner in which they checked her contractions. Late last month, Love recounted her experience to Allen and Council member Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7) during a public hearing that the council’s Committee on Health hosted for the Maternal Healthcare and Expansion Act.
“I want to start having more conversations and advocating for mothers and families to stay close for their care,” said Love, a Ward 8 resident who has lived in the D.C. metropolitan area since 2005. “They shouldn’t have to do an Uber or cab. Even if they do, it should be [to the hospital] in our wards.” The facility replacing the financially insolvent UMC has been scheduled to open in 2022 on St. Elizabeths East Campus, much to the chagrin of residents in surrounding communities yearning for immediate high-quality care. Controversy surrounding Universal Health Services, the intended operator of the new hospital, has raised concerns about whether the new hospital would ever materialize, or if UMC will remain open in the interim. Even as Gray has attempted to quell such anxiety, UMC staff have reported not being able to keep up with the influx of patients. This strain comes years after the closure of its obstetrics unit and that of Providence Hospital in Northeast. Data shows that three out of four women who died from birth complications in the District within the past few years identified as Black. In November, a Southeast woman who suffered a miscarriage blamed an ambulance delay and the lack of a nearby maternity ward. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) launched a Maternal Mortality Review Committee within the Office of the Chief Examiner charged with developing strategies to curb birth complications disproportionately affecting Black mothers. The Maternal Healthcare and Expansion Act accompanies the council’s Perinatal Healthcare Worker Training Access Act as a response to the high levels of maternal deaths and miscarriages in the District, particularly among mothers living east of the Anacostia River. For local birth doula Malika Muhammad, meeting the goals outlined in these pieces of legislation would require taking into account how medical systems perpetuate racial bias against Black women during and after pregnancy. Though she commended the D.C. Council’s efforts to provide postpartum resources, Muhammad
said the Maternal Healthcare and Expansion Act could go much further. “Those two visits would be used in the first week,” said Muhammad, also known as the “DC Doula.” “Medicaid providers are so focused on costs that they’re not considering if the offering is effective. [Services] covering six weeks of postpartum would look better. That’s a cross-cultural practice; it’s seen as a parent’s reentry. It’s not that they’re completely healed from the birthing experience [but] that’s when some of the symptoms go away.” WI
5 (Courtesy photo/Glamour)
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AROUND THE REGION
black facts
JAN 9 - 15, 2020 SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB
JAN. 9
1866 – Fisk University, a historically Black institution, opens in Nashville, Tennessee. 1914 – The fraternity Phi Beta Sigma is founded at Howard University. 1935 – Earl G. Graves, entrepreneur and publisher of Black Enterprise magazine, is born in New York City. 1946 – Harlem Renaissance-era poet Countee Cullen dies at 42 of high blood pressure and uremic poisoning.
JAN. 10
1750 – James Varick, the first bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, is born near Newburgh, New York. 1888 – A.B. Blackburn patents the railway signal. 1924 – Legendary jazz drummer Max Roach is born in Newland, North Carolina. 1938 – Baseball Hall of Famer Willie McCovey is born in Mobile, Alabama. 1957 – The Southern Christian Leadership Conference is founded in Atlanta.
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ago and may be the mother of the human species.
JAN. 12
1910 – Famed U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves dies of Bright’s disease in Muskogee, Oklahoma, at 71. 1948 – Supreme Court JAN. 11 1971 – Mary J. Blige, “The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” is rules that Blacks have the right to study law at state institutions. born in New York City. 1987 – Three scientists announce they have discovered evidence of a woman who lived in Africa 200,000 years JAN. 13 1835 – Isaac Myers, pioneer of the African American trade union movement, is born in Baltimore. 1869 – The Colored National Labor Union, the nation’s first Black labor union, is founded in Washington, D.C. 1873 – P.B.S. Pinchback ends service as Louisiana governor. 1913 – Sorority Delta Sigma Theta is founded at Howard University. 1953 – Don Barksdale becomes the first Black to play in the NBA All-Star Game. 1989 – Poet and literary critic Sterling A. Brown, D.C. native and longtime Howard University professor, dies in Tacoma Park, Maryland, at 87.
JAN. 14
1916 – Fiction writer John Oliver Killens is born in Macon, Georgia. 1940 – Famed civil rights leader Julian Bond is born in Nashville, Tennessee.
JAN. 15
MARY J. BLIGE
6 - JANUARY 9 - 15, 2020
1908 – Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first Black Greek-letter sorority, is founded at Howard University. 1929 – Iconic civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. is born in Atlanta. 1998 – Civil rights activist James Farmer is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Clinton. WI
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After news of an airstrike killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani without the authorization of Congress, people took to social media to vent, as well as joke about an impending World War III, which some say was insensitive to service members. What are your thoughts?
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Most Black people use comedy or laughter to ease the harshness of our realities in our communities. That doesn’t mean we don’t take it seriously because we make jokes about something. You have to laugh to keep from crying sometimes.
JANAE ARCENEAUX / KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
This is a laugh-to-keep-from-crying type of situation. We know the seriousness of war. My generation went to Iraq and Afghanistan, Kuwait. Many didn’t come back, and the ones who did didn’t always return mentally or physically the same way they left. This is scary for all of us. The joking helps relieve the anxiety of a bad situation.
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There is nothing left but laughter. The rank and file of the military overwhelmingly voted the very person who ordered the assassination of the equivalent of a sovereign nation’s secretary of defense. We are governed by a joke in command who has no idea of what he is doing nor listens to the professionals in front of him, except that one in Russia.
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We are sending prayers to them all. We joke too much some times. Yes, I think this whole thing is BS, but praying for those young men and women that have to go clean up his mess. He should be shipping his sons and daughters off to the front line. Even England’s princes join the military and serve, but not these people.
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I can’t imagine how they feel. Yes, we make jokes because, to most of us, the situation isn’t real. We are not there and can’t feel the severity of the situation. My prayers are with every soldier and their families.
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AROUND THE REGION The World According to Dominic BY D. KEVIN MCNEIR / WI EDITOR / @DKEVINMCNEIR
‘Welcome Mat Removed as Methodists Split Over Gay Clergy and Gay Marriage’
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After decades of internal strife and debate, often bitter and divisive, the second-largest Protestant denomination in the U.S., the United Methodist Church [UMC], has decided to split into separate factions over an unresolvable theological dispute. The bone of contention, the legitimacy and appropriateness of gay marriage and gay clergy, has already led to a mass exodus of congregations from Presbyterian, Episcopalian and Catholic churches in recent years with young evangelicals also leaving the pews. What makes me so disheartened is how much I thought that the UMC was different from other denominations in the U.S. In this instance is the fact that I selected the United Methodists for my seminary training (Emory University), eventually leaving my roots, the AME Church, and aligning myself with the UMC. I would even accept a charge as pastor for two years in a small
New Jersey town. Throughout those years, it was a foregone conclusion that both our annual and general conferences would include arguments from the two vehemently-divided factions. One favored tightening the ban on same-sex marriage and denying allowances for gay and lesbian clergy to be ordained and serve – the other and more liberal members wanted to lay down the welcome mat for everyone. For a while, the welcome mat remained – a decision which I supported if for no other reason than my understanding of how the Christian Church was established and my belief that since God loves and accepts us all, those who profess to follow Christ should do likewise. But there were other reasons as well. I had witnessed leaders of the church that shaped my faith refuse to embrace a promising youth minister, married with a beautiful daughter, after he became infected with HIV and died. They chose denial and lies instead of taking advantages of a potential teachable moment for others. I said farewell to three close friends from college and graduate school – each of whom died in silence and pain – too ashamed to tell me that they, too, had fallen victim to the dreaded virus. Too ashamed to trust me with their “secret.” I had celebrated with samesex couples as they exchanged their wedding vows. I had saluted my fellow theologians who had bravely “come out” while also refusing to be denied their right to serve their church and community like anyone else called to the ministry, just because of their
sexual orientation. But I had also listened with incredulity to folks who danced with joy to the harmonies sung and played by the minister of music – only to later ridicule and mock him because of his feminine demeanor. And I would face respected church officers and ordained ministers use their bully pulpit as they rebuked and humiliated those who would even consider embracing such a blasphemous lifestyle – then, behind closed doors or within the confines of secret closets, manipulate young men or women to engage in illicit trysts – youth so enthralled by their power that they were willing to do almost anything. The church is filled with people, each of whom comes bearing their own crosses. But we are all seeking guidance, direction, healing and salvation. None of us knows all the answers. Even with all of our prayers and supplication, theological studies or walks along the road to Damascus, we will never fully comprehend the ways and will of God – the whys or the why nots that make the Creator the sovereign one in whom we trust. But if I’m correct in my conclusions, then do we have the right to ban those committed to the faith, to the community and to our God because they ascribe to a same-sex lifestyle? Perhaps, the UMC should split so that those who are more astute as to the difference between “big sins” and “little sins” can sequester themselves and others like them within their own cathedrals – houses of faith where welcome mats do not exist. WI
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AROUND THE REGION
District Election Roundup By James Wright WI Staff Writer @jamesdcwrighter
OWOLEWA SEEKS SHADOW REP POSITION
Dr. Adeoye “Oye” Owolewa, who represents Advisory Neighborhood Commission single-member district 8E01, wants to take his passion for D.C. statehood to the next level. Owolewa, a pharmacist, said he wants to replace Franklin Garcia as the shadow representative this year to help the statehood movement go forward. “I believe it is a critical time for the statehood movement,” he said. “I think D.C. is very close to being a state.” District voters elect one shadow representative and two shadow senators to lobby Congress on D.C. becoming the 51st state. The District is officially represented in the Congress by Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D), who has no final vote on the House floor. The District has no representation in the U.S. Senate. Norton has a bill — The Washington, D.C. Admission Act of 2019 — that would make the District a state. The bill has 224 co-sponsors, enough to pass the House chamber. In the Senate, there are 35 supporters for a companion bill authored by Sen. Thomas Carper (D-Del.). Owolewa said the congressional momentum favors the District becoming a state and a “perfect storm” of a Democratic Senate and White
House, with the party retaining control of the House in the 2020 elections, could make the District a state within a couple of years. He said if the “perfect storm” happens, he will push Democrats to put statehood at the top of their agenda. “The Democrats have to be accountable to us” he said. “In 2008, we had a Democratic president and a Democratic Congress but we were not prepared and therefore put on the back burner. We have come a long way since then and we need to seize the opportunity when it presents itself.” Owolewa has served as a commissioner since 2019, his first elected office. The Boston native plans to be on the June 2 Democratic Party ballot for the shadow representative position. He said if he is unsuccessful in the primary, he will run for reelection as a commissioner in the Nov. 3 general election. Owolewa said regardless of the result of the shadow representative campaign, his activism in Ward 8 will continue. “The future of Ward 8 excites me,” he said. “I want to bring together the newbies and the long established residents. Even though I hope to be the shadow representative, I won’t abandon my passion for Ward 8.”
DEMOCRATIC STATE LEADERS ENDORSE D.C. STATEHOOD
The Association of State Democratic Committees (ASDC), an organization comprised of party chairs
5 The proposed state flag for Washington, D.C. (WI file photo)
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DESIGNER EYEWEAR 5 Adeoye “Oye” Owolewa, an advisory neighborhood commissioner for 8E01, wants to be the next District shadow representative. (Courtesy photo)
and vice chairs of the U.S. states and territories, on Dec. 13 passed a historic resolution in favor of making the District a state. The resolution, submitted by D.C. Democratic State Committee Chairman Charles Wilson, affirms that statehood has been endorsed by each Democratic state party organization. Wilson praised the organization’s action. “The passage of this resolution is an enormous win in our ongoing fight for statehood,” Wilson said. “Having the approval and support of our nation’s state Democratic Party organizations will be critical in our grassroots movement to make the District of Columbia the 51st state. “I would like to thank ASDC President Ken Martin for holding a vote on this crucial resolution and seeing it through to passage,” he said. “With the support of our Democratic state-level organization, we know it is only a matter of time before full voting rights are granted to the residents of the nation’s capital.” D.C. Democratic State Committee Vice Chairman Linda Gray agreed with Wilson. “The leaders of the Democratic Party in all 50 states will enhance our efforts for full representation with their congressional representatives,” Gray said. “The support from our colleagues across the nation is greatly appreciated.” WI
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AROUND THE REGION CAPTURE THE MOMENT RUN FOR YOUR LIFE
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AROUND THE REGION D.C. Council Members Reveal Their New Year’s Resolutions
Robert White Aims to Be Better Husband By James Wright WI Staff Writer @jamesdcwrighter Many people have New Year’s resolutions that reflect their values and desires and D.C. Council members have proven to be no exception. The Informer talked to council members in December about their 2020 resolutions. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D), in consideration of the controversy surrounding fellow Council member Jack Evans’ (D-Ward 2) ethical violations, addressed that issue indirectly. “Quietly rebuild the public trust’s in the legislative branch of the District government “in light of this year’s turmoil,” the chairman said. While the chairman discursively discussed Evans’s situation, some council members chose to be more personal. Trayon White (D-Ward 8) said during the new year he wants to learn how to achieve parity in his life. “I want to balance community, school, faith and family,” White said. Robert White (D-At-Large) also referred to his family life, but in a more intimate way. “I want to be a better husband,” Robert White said with a chuckle.
“My wife hasn’t complained about me and I don’t want her to complain.” Council member Elissa Silverman (I-At Large) cited improved personal habits as her resolutions for the new year. “I want to exercise regularly, sleep and eat better,” Silverman said. Other council members said they wanted to make the District a better place to live for all of its residents. Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1) said she wants to end “chronic homelessness” in the city while Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7) expressed his desire to “bring a new full-service hospital to the residents of Wards 7 and 8.” Anita Bonds (D-At-Large) spoke succinctly about her resolution to enhance the lives of District residents. “I want to work harder, smarter and cheerfully for my community,” she said with a smile. Some council members facing voters this year, including Brandon Todd (D-Ward 4) and Trayon White, voiced their goal to be reelected, while others such as David Grosso (D-At-Large), Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5), Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) and Evans didn’t reveal any resolutions. “I haven’t given that much thought,” Evans said. “Ask me later.” WI
“I want to balance community, school, faith and family.”
5 D.C. Councilman Trayon White wants a more balanced life in 2020. (WI file photo)
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JANUARY 9 - 15, 2020 11
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Former Maryland Lawmaker Gaines Gets Prison Time for Misusing Funds By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill A federal judge sentenced former Del. Tawanna P. Gaines on Friday, Jan. 3 to six months in prison after she pleaded guilty to spending thousands of dollars in campaign contributions for personal use. Gaines, 67, was also given three years of supervised release upon completion of her prison time, including two months of home detention. She must also pay $22,565 in restitution, the amount of money she was charged with misappropriating. Federal authorities said Gaines committed the offenses between Jan-
uary 2015 to April 2018, including a withdrawal of nearly $2,000 from her campaign PayPal account that she deposited into her personal bank account. “Trust in our government officials is dangerously low,” Judge Theodore D. Chuang told Gaines in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt. “Corruption is intolerable in a democracy. I wish you well as you complete your sentence.” Because of Gaines’ track record of helping and working with residents and colleagues, Chuang’s sentence was lower than the eight months sought by prosecutors. In addition, she doesn’t have to surrender to prison until Feb. 24. Gaines, of Berwyn Heights, who
represented District 22 from 2001 until her resignation in October, briefly spoke with reporters after exiting the courthouse. “I apologize to my family, to the General Assembly and the people of Prince George’s,” she said. “They represented me and loved me forever. I’m quite sure I’ll keep that love.” Gaines became the second Maryland lawmaker in as many months to resign and face federal charges. Former Del. Cheryl Glenn (D-Baltimore City) resigned Dec. 18, five days before federal authorities charged her with wire fraud and bribery for allegedly accepting more than $35,000 in exchange for passing medical cannabis legislation and other offenses between March 4, 2018, and Feb. 11, 2019. Glenn, 68, who chaired the Baltimore City delegation and served as former chair of the Maryland Black Caucus, has a court appearance and arraignment scheduled for Jan. 22 at U.S. District Court in Baltimore. Before Chuang handed down Gaines’ sentence Friday, six people spoke in support of her, including former state lawmakers, a social worker and a judge who used words such as “calm,” “intellectual” and “wonderful.” She was also praised as a caregiver for her son and grandchildren. Michele Hotten, a Maryland Court of Appeals judge, said she met in Gaines in 2010 while serving as a judge in Prince George’s. “You cannot measure a person from one single incident,” she said.
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5 Former Del. Tawanna P. Gaines (left) stands beside her attorney William C. Brennan Jr. outside U.S. District Court in Greenbelt on Oct. 17. (William J. Ford/ The Washington Informer)
“She is a wonderful member of society.” Some who couldn’t attend the sentencing wrote letters on Gaines’ behalf, including House Speaker Adrienne Jones (D-Baltimore County), who worked with Gaines while both were members of the Capital Budget subcommittee that Jones chaired. “In addition to our professional relationship, my friendship with Tawanna is something that I continue to value,” Jones wrote. “I have always admired the way that, as important as her political life was, her family was always of paramount importance.” Gaines’ sisters, son, former colleagues and friends were among her supporters in the nearly filled courtroom. Her family members declined to comment after the sentencing. In court, Gaines apologized and thanked her family and others for appearing on her behalf. She also asked the public not to hold her actions against current lawmakers in the General Assembly, which convenes Wednesday in Annapolis. “I don’t want you to judge any elected official from what I have done,” she said. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas
Windom cited three former Prince George’s lawmakers convicted of corruption in recent years — former County Executive Jack Johnson and former delegates Will Campos and Michael Vaughn — in calling for a prison term for Gaines, saying such punishment is “justified” and necessary to deter people from “stealing money and accepting bribes.” But Gaines’ attorney William C. Brennan Jr. said there’s “no comparison” between his client and those officials who received longer prison sentences of at least 48 months. “The other [former officials] sold their political vote,” Brennan said. “She did not compromise her legislative function.” Meanwhile, federal officials said Gaines’ daughter, Anitra Edmonds, 43, served as treasurer for the “Friends of Tawanna P. Gaines” campaign and pleaded guilty in November to wire fraud. According to court documents, Edmonds, of New Carrollton, used more than $35,000 in contributions for fast food, hair styling, phone bills and other personal use. Edmonds, released on her own recognizance, will return to court for sentencing Feb. 24. WI
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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
PGCPS BRIEFS
Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer
MLK HOLIDAY
Schools and offices are closed Jan. 20 for Martin L. King Jr. Day. Mr. Rogers Comes to Prince George’s Written by Fred Rogers himself, “The Sky Above Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood,” coming to the Howard B. Owens Science Center in Lanham on Friday, Jan. 10, is a unique full dome planetarium program which introduces children to the wonders of the sky, clouds, stars, sun and moon. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the program begins at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $5 for adults, $3 for students, teachers, senior citizens and military families. Payment can be made at the door.
5 Taraji P. Henson (Courtesy photo)
For more information, go to the Science Center’s website (www1. pgcps.org/howardbowens).
PUBLIC MEETING
The Board of Education Academic Achievement Committee will hold a public meeting Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Board of Education Executive Conference Room at the Sasscer Administration Building in Upper Marlboro.
SCHOOL LUNCH DEBT
DARCARS Automotive Group spread holiday cheer last month by presenting a check for $25,000 to the Excellence in Education Foundation for PGCPS. The event served as an opportunity to pay off school lunch debt for PGCPS students. More than 75 percent of school districts — including PGCPS — across the country report having unpaid student school lunch debt. When parents fall behind on school lunch payments, it’s the children who ultimately suffer from embarrassment, poor nutrition, and potentially long-term self-esteem issues, school officials say.
5 DARCARS Automotive Group recently spread some holiday cheer by paying off school lunch debt for PGCPS students. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)
But as people become more educated about the issue, celebrities and ordinary people alike are stepping up to help retire such debts. “DARCARS Toyota is happy for the opportunity to be able to pay off the current school lunch debt of every student in Prince George’s County,” said DARCARS COO Jamie Darvish. “School lunch debt is a serious problem in this country that impacts the well-being of students and their families. As a member of the Prince George’s County community, we at DARCARS felt it was our obligation to step up and help families in need.” Schools CEO Monica Goldson lauded DARCARS Toyota’s gift. “This donation will not only cover debt accumulated from the start of this school year but help extend the community that surrounds Prince George’s County Public Schools,” Goldson said.
PGCPS ALUMNI
5 Martin Lawrence (Courtesy photo)
Whether a famous face or accomplished alumni, the PGCPS system is always proud of its graduates who have excelled in their careers or made contributions to their community. The list includes Martin Lawrence, Taraji P. Henson and Sugar Ray Leonard. WI 5 Sugar Ray Leonard (Courtesy photo)
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JANUARY 9 - 15, 2020 13
BUSINESS RETAILERS from Page 1 Lord & Taylor, Gymboree, Sears, New York & Company and many others comprise a whopping total of more than 9,000 stores that have closed nationally in 2019 alone – a phenomenon often referred to as the “Retail Apocalypse.” Not surprising, the African-American community in cities like the District find themselves disproportionately impacted by these closures, especially in parts of D.C. where retail options are already limited. Family Dollar, a highly-patronized store within urban neighborhoods across the DMV, 90 in Maryland alone, has announced the closing of 390 stores nationwide. The decision has already begun to reverberate among consumers in the District, Virginia and Maryland. “They have good-quality name brand items at a cheaper price and it certainly beats going into 7/11,” said Ray Swann, a resident in Northeast.
As Family Dollar and its parent companies house discount goods, the chain serves as a safe financial shopping experience for local residents living on a restricted budget. To date, Family Dollar has five stores in the District (inside city limits or along the border) including H Street NE, Mt. Rainier, Rhode Island Avenue NE, Marlboro Pike and Queens Chapel. They stand in stark contrast to larger retailers such as Giant or Target – companies that rarely offer the same low sale prices as the Family Dollar chain. The result, many fear, will be a more difficult time for consumers, families in particular, who will have to either travel further for goods or find a means to increase their budgets so that they can afford higher-priced shopping options. “My first thought is what store are they going to open to replace Family Dollar with because it has the best prices. They’re usually cheaper than going to Safeway, Giant and most
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others, especially to get smaller items like paper products,” Swann said. “I find that the prices at Family Dollar are around two dollars less than going to the other stores in the area that carry most of the same items.” The impact of the so-called “Retail Apocalypse,” along with well-documented inequities of options within various parts of the District, most notably Wards 7 and 8, bring further anxiety for African-American and Hispanic households who already find it difficult to make ends meet. The lament heard from those communities living in “Food Deserts,” particularly in areas East of the River, has grown louder and gained even greater attention as consumers see another popular “affordable” chain, Shoppers Food, shuttering its doors in a process that began last year and will continue into the first quarter of 2020. Shoppers Food parent company, United Natural Foods, Inc., continues to make good on its announcement last year to close four stores across Virginia and Maryland with 13 others having been sold to other grocery store chains, including almost half to German discount grocer Lidl. In an interview with WTOP, a LIDL spokesperson shared the plans of the organization promising that they will be making “significant investments in the redevelopment of the sites and will have more to share in terms of the grand opening
5 The Shoppers grocery store in Bladensburg, along with 13 other store locations in the D.C.-Baltimore region, has been sold. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)
timeline at the end of next year.” But for now, those plans have yet to be shared with the public. Earlier WI reports indicated that two new full grocery stores have been slated for Ward 8 with another, still unnamed, on the horizon for those living along the border of wards 7 and 8. For the hundreds of employees previously employed by Shoppers Food and the thousands of families and individuals who have shopped at their locations with regularity, the future remains uncertain if not troublesome. But good news does exist. Good Food Markets recently broke ground in Ward 8 (4001 South Capitol SW). Once open for business, own-
ers say shoppers can expect seeing significantly healthier food options. The grocery store partners with local distributors, local growers and producers to provide a full service grocery experience in a significantly smaller space. Currently, Ward 8 constituents have just one full-service grocery store available to them – a situation which has not gone ignored by D.C. Councilmembers who represent Wards 7 and 8. “We want to welcome new people, but we especially want to help those who have been struggling here as well,” Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8) shared at the Good Food Markets groundbreaking, Thursday, January 3. WI
FULL GROCERY STORES IN washington, D.C. WARD
POPULATION
# OF FULL SERVICE G.S.
1 *74,400 8 2 *76,800 8 3 *78,800 9 4 *75,700 5 5 *74,300 8 6 *76,000 12 7 *71,700 2 - Safeway, Alabama Avenue/ Yes! Organic Market, Penn. Avenue, SE/ Safeway, 40th St., NE 8
*73,600
1 - Giant, Alabama Ave SE
*G.S. = Grocery Stores *Population numbers are rough estimates *May it also be noted that Ward 7 and 8’s grocery store totals have not changed since 2016, based on the D.C. Hunger Solution’s 2016’s data estimations.
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Despite Concerns, Church’s Chicken Coming to Ward 7
BUSINESS
Some Ward Leaders Wanted Healthier Food Options By James Wright WI Staff Writer @jamesdcwrighter Church’s Chicken will open a new restaurant on Minnesota Avenue NE in a couple of weeks and there are mixed feelings among community leaders about its presence. As first reported by The Informer, Douglas Development Corporation, led by well-known developer Douglas Jemal, wanted a Church’s Chicken restaurant at his 3780 Minnesota Avenue NE property to replace the shuttered Dominos to the chagrin of some community leaders. Tyrell M. Holcomb, the chairman of the 7F advisory neighborhood commission, wrote a letter to Jemal on June 29 expressing his concerns, saying that he and other community leaders wanted “fresh food eatery
options in our community whether that be through Chop’t, Sweetgreen or a food innovation swing space for caterers.” “There is a misnomer that residents in Ward 7 prefer an emphasis on meal deals and not healthier food options,” Holcomb said. “Church’s Chicken opening would be a step in the wrong direction for our community with another fast-food option that would further contribute to chronic diseases.” Despite the concerns of Holcomb and other neighborhood leaders, Douglas Development apparently proceeded with allowing Church’s to set up on its Minnesota property. Matthew Jemal, vice president of the Douglas Development Corporation, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Rakesh Kalotra, owner of both the
Minnesota Avenue Church’s and the L’Enfant Plaza location, said the Minnesota Avenue location will open in mid-January and is in the process of hiring workers. Church’s web site indicates that are no locations in Maryland and Northern Virginia. Cinque E. Culver, an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for single-member district 7D04 in the River Terrace neighborhood, expressed unhappiness with the opening of Church’s in his vicinity. “Ward 7 has enough fast-food casual establishments,” Culver said. “We need healthier food options and more upscale restaurants. We want other people to come to Ward 7 to have a good dining experience.”
BUSINESS Page 40
5 The second location of Church’s Chicken in the District will be at 3780 Minnesota Avenue NE. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)
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JANUARY 9 - 15, 2020 15
NATIONAL Gerrymandering Stymies Tougher Gun Laws: Report By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia Public support for common-sense gun laws in the United States has been steadily increasing in recent years, due in large part to a seemingly endless string of horrific mass shootings, rates of gun-related homicide that are unmatched by those of other high-income nations, and an epidemic of suicide by firearm, according to a D.C.-based think tank. Yet, researchers at the Center for American Progress (CAP) noted that while some states have responded by
implementing sensible gun safety measures, too many states have taken no action at all. In these states, there remains a disconnect between voters and the state legislators elected to represent them, CAP researchers noted. In a new report, CAP researchers found that states could save lives by passing tougher gun laws, but partisan gerrymandering keeps progress out of reach. The report examined the strong public support in the United States for gun safety measures and how partisan gerrymandering has blocked efforts toward sensible reforms in
5 In a new report, CAP researchers found that states could save lives by passing tougher gun laws, but partisan gerrymandering keeps progress out of reach. (Courtesy photo/Preserving Black History)
several key states, including Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin. Gerrymandering in those states have ensured that control of state legislatures shifted to or remained with Republicans who, for the most part, have refused to allow meaningful debate on any common-sense gun law reform measures, according to the report.
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“It is very likely that, in the absence of partisan gerrymandering, the legislatures in these five states would have passed measures to strengthen gun laws and save lives,” said Alex Tausanovitch, co-author of the report and director of campaign finance and electoral reform at CAP. “In order to have legislatures that actually respond to the demands of FROM
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the public, we need to end partisan gerrymandering.” Voters have made clear that addressing gun violence is a key issue driving them to the polls, and elected representatives in these states are poised to finally take action, said Chelsea Parsons, vice president of Gun Violence Prevention at CAP. “Yet unfair districts drawn with partisan intent have stymied progress on this crucial issue, leaving communities in these states vulnerable to gun violence and without the representation they deserve,” Parsons said. The report recommends requiring independent commissions to draw voter-determined districts based on statewide voter preferences. This policy would end partisan gerrymandering and increase representation for communities that have too often been shut out of the political system, the researchers said. “Gerrymandering frustrates the will of the people. Fixing gerrymandering would clear the way for state legislatures to enact policies with broad public support, including laws that would help reduce gun violence,” the researchers wrote in the report. “In a nation where the vast majority of voters support strengthening gun laws, one should expect stronger regulation of guns and more resources dedicated to ensuring public health and safety.” To view the full report, go to americanprogress.org. WI
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NATIONAL Apathy Remains as 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage Approaches By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia This is part of an ongoing Washington Informer series about the Women’s Suffrage Movement and an initiative that includes Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes that will use the lens of history, the fabric of art and culture and the venue of the public square to shine a light into dark places, equipping all with a compass to chart the way forward. The initiative lives in the institutional home of the Washington Informer Charities. The suffrage movement undoubtedly left many scars, and today African American women still look back with apathy because of the way their heroic ancestors, who fought for the rights of everyone, were mistreated. Monique Lewis, founder of the PR consultancy firm ML Management, said the suffragist movement is why she doesn’t identify as a feminist. “As a Black woman of this current century, I certainly did not grow up without hearing stories of misogyny, discrimination and racism, particularly the intersection of all three when it came to Black women,” Lewis said. “I understood from a young age what
the feminist movements did — equality, voting rights, equal pay, and more. What was hidden from me, quite intentionally, were the stories of women who looked like me who was leading or participating in these movements.” For Lewis, it would take decades of self-education to discover the contributions of Black women in the suffrage movement. “We literally were the hidden figures, and, often, when white and non-Black women reached their success, they never reached back to pull us up along with them,” Lewis said. “We were utilized and discarded. This is why I vehemently state that I am not a feminist, I am a womanist who stands for and with other Black women. “Being the most maligned, degraded, and abused, I soon realized that we are forced to rely on each other as we lack support from other women,” she said. Lewis isn’t alone. New York Times editorial board member Brent Staples wrote that among the suffrage movement’s worst offenses, “it rendered nearly invisible the Black women who labored in the suffragist vineyard and that it looked away from the racism that tightened its grip on the fight for the women’s vote in the years after
the Civil War.” Sinead DeRoiste, of ERA Parrish Realty Legacy Group, said that in today’s economy, Black women continue to earn significantly less than their professional peers, including those of equal or less experience, education, or time committed to an organization. “If Black women were ever intended to be treated as women and ladies in our society, why hasn’t the toxic masculine popular culture of rap music been addressed for its grotesque misrepresentation of Black women as subjects to degrade either lyrically, visually, physically, or otherwise?” DeRoiste wondered. “Look at the disproportionate amounts of Black women who are going missing at such alarming rates,” DeRoiste said. “Yet, if Black women were beneficiaries of the women’s empowerment, suffrage, and #MeToo movement, where are the public outrage and uniformed gatherings in honor of fellow women who are continuing to suffer due to inequity both financial, social, and otherwise?” Film writer and producer Faith DeVeaux, who authored the book “When Duty Calls,” said since she learned that the suffragettes didn’t
“I’ve just been in a conversation with someone talking about a local production on the suffrage movement. The only Black woman included is Ida B. Wells.” want to “deal with the color problem,” she lost interest in anything to do with the celebration or remembrance of the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote. “Some white feminists that I know don’t even notice that there are no Black women in any of the footage or photos documenting the movement,” she said. “I don’t recall seeing a significant amount of Black women in the 2016 Women’s March in D.C. I’ve seen
5 Faith DeVeaux (Courtesy photo)
many articles floating around the internet lately about how Black women are the backbone of the Democratic party and are being taken for granted. “I’ve just been in a conversation with someone talking about a local production on the suffrage movement,” DeVeaux said. “The only Black woman included is Ida B. Wells.” WI
5 Sinead DeRoiste (Courtesy photo)
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africa now
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Debate Over Implementation of Single Currency for West Africa The government of Ghana has raised concerns over the decision by the Monetary Union of West Africa (UEMOA) to fix the new ECO currency to the Euro. The eight-member states of UEMOA late last year announced their decision to replace the CFA Franc with the new Eco currency beginning this year, the Ghanaian Times reported. Although the government says it is “determined to do whatever it can to join the eight countries using the Eco,” it does not want the currency to be fixed to the Euro. It is rather advocating for a flexible exchange rate regime to allow the currency to perform based on its demand and supply. However, the government has not yet stated in clear terms that adopting a flexible currency would be a condition to be met before Ghana would adopt the currency. Ghana, Nigeria, the Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Cape Verde and Sierra Leone are not members of UEMOA and, therefore, not part of the CFA Franc monetary union. They have yet to decide on the Eco, although all ECOWAS members have expressed their commitment to using the single currency. A statement from the Communications Bureau at the Office of the President expressed the government’s support for the Eco currency and urged six other West African countries to do the same. The government has, as part of its foreign policy, been championing regional integration and adoption of a common currency. “We believe the new currency will help remove trade and monetary barriers, reduce transaction costs, boost economic activity and raise the living standards of our people,” the statement said. The government, however, appealed to other ECOWAS nations to work rapidly towards achieving its common-currency plans through the ECO. The statement called for the institution of a federal system for the ECOWAS Central Bank and other related agreed convergence criteria to achieve the single currency objectives. WI
caribbean now British PM Brings in New Year in Mustique
Newly elected British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (left) and his girlfriend Carrie Symonds celebrated the beginning of the new year in Mustique, a small private island that is part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The couple celebrated the prime minister’s “dominant election win at the Oceanus, a Moroccan-style house nestled on the hilltops of Mustique,” according to The Sun, a British newspaper. En route to Mustique, which is described as a favorite of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and where singer Mick Jagger has a home, the prime minister stopped off in Saint Lucia and met with Saint Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, current chairman of the
Caribbean Community (CARICOM). In welcoming the prime minister during his “short layover” in Saint Lucia, Chastanet was quoted as saying, “I thanked the PM for his country’s continued support to our country and the region and of course took the opportunity to once again offer my heartiest congratulations on his hard-won and well-deserved victory in the recent election. We look forward to working more closely together on our countries’ shared mutual interests.” According to published reports, at the luxury villa where they brought in the New Year, the British prime minister and his girlfriend had “a pick of three swimming pools, six bedrooms and stunning views in every direction at the £20,000-a-week hideaway.” WI
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HEALTH Hot Yoga Studio Brings Health and Wellness to District Heights By Kendra Dibinga Blackett Special to the Washington Informer I cried during my first hot yoga class, not because of the heat but due to the yoga instructor’s decision to place me directly in front of the mirror. There, I was forced to look at myself where I began the arduous process of liking what I saw. For one suffering from low self-esteem and depression, that’s
a major accomplishment. Ninety classes and 14 fewer pounds later, I felt better about myself than I had in a long time. I have Bikram (hot) Yoga to thank for that. Words like these, shared by a District Heights resident who says she took Ubers to Ivy City in the District and Riverdale to take classes, have become commonplace since I opened BikramYogaWorks [BYW] located in District Heights, reaffirming my reasons for opening the business. If I could help her, I could help
others in that community and surrounding areas. I wanted to reach African Americans, particularly student/athletes and their parents who might not have easy access to the many yoga studios throughout the Greater Washington Area so they could reap the many health benefits that yoga has to offer. I knew it would be worth it. In terms of my own journey, Bikram Yoga changed my life. After years of running track and weight training, I developed chronic knee pain which led to surgery in 2010. Bikram Yoga helped me strengthen and heal my knees and manage the stress and demands of a very busy but rewarding life. It has allowed me to connect with like-minded, health-seeking individuals and I wanted to share my experience with the residents of District Heights. Bikram Yoga takes place in a 105-degree room with 40 to 50 percent humidity. It improves flexibility, increases muscle strength and tone, reduces weight (in conjunction with the right diet), improves blood glucose levels and eases depression. The Hot Room powered by BikramYogaWorks officially opened its doors in the District Heights community a few months ago. BYW offers hot yoga, barre and Pilates classes. I want BYW to become a one-stop shop where
5 Kendra Dibinga Blackett owner of the Bikram Yoga Works studio in Northeast in a yoga pose. (Courtesy photo/Drew Xeron)
parents and their children can exercise together. Unlike typical yoga studios, BikramYogaWorks serves as a lifestyle and wellness company that caters to the whole person. In addition to high-quality yoga instruction from some of the most
I cried during my first hot yoga class, not because of the heat but due to the yoga instructor’s decision to place me directly in front of the mirror. There, I was forced to look at myself where I began the arduous process of liking what I saw.
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experienced instructors in the area, we also offer Fascial Stretch Therapy and Cryotherapy – a treatment that uses cold temperatures to treat pain and inflammation resulting from sports injuries. I am excited to partner with the Athletic Republic-Capital Region [ARC] to improve the health of Prince George’s County youth and their families. Our goal is to get area residents to take classes so that they can take care of their health. Parents may find our services beneficial particularly if their children have dreams of reaching their full potential as basketball, football or track stars. In addition to my District Heights location, I have studios in Riverdale Park and Baltimore, Maryland and in DC’s North East Ivy City neighborhood. I am passionate about building healthier African-American communities. If you’ve long considered participating in hot yoga, Pilates or barre classes, or have been away from the practice and want to start again, check out BikramYogaWorks at 6417 Marlboro Pike in District Heights. The first class is free and we offer a special introductory rate for the first month. For more information, see our app, BikramYogaWorks or visit https://bikramyogawellnessworks. com/. WI
JANUARY 9 - 15, 2020 19
EDUCATION DCPS
BRIEFS Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer
MY SCHOOL DC
The My School DC lottery appli-
cation for school year 2020-21 is now open. My School DC serves as the city’s common application and public lottery for DCPS and the majority of public charter schools. Families must use the My School DC lottery application process to apply to: • DCPS PK3/PK4 programs (including programs at in-boundary DCPS schools) • DCPS citywide and out-ofboundary schools (PK3-12) • DCPS selective high schools (912); and all participating public charter schools (PK3-12) The application deadlines are Feb.
3 for grades 9-12 and March 2 for grades PK3-8. For more information and to apply, go to www.myschooldc. org.
winners — individuals and groups who are committed to and have significantly contributed to D.C.’s charter school sector.
TOP-RANKED PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS
The 2019 winners: Data Excellence Award Winner • Charlie Riebeling, Carlos Rosario PCS The Community Influence Award Winners • DC SCORES • Christine Miller - ANC (SMD 1A05) TIERific Teacher Award Winner •Abner Soto, LAYC Career Academy PCS TIERific Principal Award Winner • Belicia Reaves, Capital City PCS High School TIERific Parent Award Winner • Tamara Brown, Two Rivers PCS - 4th Street • Yizel Romero, Briya PCS - Adult Education TIERific Student Award Winner • Jerell King, Friendship PCS Technology Preparatory, 12th Grade
The number of DC students attending top-ranked public charter schools increased for the fifth year, according to the 2019 School Quality Report. This year, 53.4 percent of public charter school students or 23,450 are attending high-performing, Tier 1 schools, an increase of 11.4 percent from the 2017-18 school year. Top Tier 1 Schools, Winners The DC Public Charter School Board recently celebrated the 60 topranked, Tier 1 public charter schools located across the city. During last month’s “Celebrating Best Practices in Public Charter School Education” event, the board also honored 10 Best Practice Award
• Aisosa Oviasogie, DC Prep PCS - Benning Middle, 8th Grade Program Innovation Award Winner • Share Your DC, Two Rivers PCS
WEB DESIGN CERTIFICATION
Students at Washington Leadership Academy Public Charter School can earn a web specialist certification by completing the Advanced HTML5 & CSS3 Specialist course. The course teaches students how to use the graphic design platform Canva, create and design interactive web pages, and more. “I feel great about being certified because I can make my own website,” said 11th grader Yasmin Seid. “I don’t need to go through a middle man, because I am the middle man.” Fellow 11th grader Lizay Abarca added, “This program helped me discover my love for computer science and web design.” WI
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EDUCATION
District Sets Sights on Enhanced Security in Houses of Faith
Recent Live-Streamed Shooting in Texas Church Furthers Fears of Worshippers By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer Long before the recent shootings and attacks against houses of faith in New York City, Texas and other parts of the U.S., District officials have been working with religious leaders to ensure that they’re prepared for any types of violence or terrorism targeting local communities of faith. In August Mayor Muriel Bowser approved $2.5 million in security and preparedness grants for faith-based, non-profit organizations in the District to support efforts for planning, training and other security-related initiatives. “These grants are one more way we can advance D.C. values and take proactive steps to strengthen security at our places of worship,” Bowser said. “Coupled with the work of our Interfaith Preparedness and Advisory Group, grants like these will help us ensure residents and visitors feel safe throughout the District – especially in our places of worship.” Nineteen District non-profit groups receive the maximum award of $100,000 used to purchase physical security enhancements including cameras, new doors, locks, gates and security personnel. Twenty-Six District non-profits also received grants to enhance security at their facilities with 22 of the recipients first-time awardees. The Rev. Thomas Bowen, director of the Mayors Office of Religious Affairs, said while District congregations have received grants there’s more work to do. “We encourage more congregations to be active and vigilant,” he said. The grants, managed through the District of Columbia’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency [HSEMA], fall under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program [NSGP]). In 2019, Bowser launched the Interfaith Preparedness and Advisory Group – a joint effort between the Mayor’s Office of Religious Affairs, the Metropolitan Police Department and HSEMA that provides greater collaboration among the District’s
faith-based communities. “The ability to conduct physical threat assessments and share personal preparedness resources within their communities could be the difference in preventing another tragedy,” said HSEMA Director Dr. Christopher Rodriguez. “Building a more resilient community is our agency’s top priority and our partnerships with the faithbased community are invaluable.” With recently-released reports indicating an 18-year high in anti-Semitic crimes in cities including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, D.C. officials have become even more aggressive in responding to incidents of or complaints about violent acts or related threats, continuing monthly meetings for the sharing of vital information at places like Metropolitan AME Church in Northwest. The Rev. Donald Robinson, assistant to the pastor, the First Baptist Church of the City of Washington D.C. in Northwest, noted the improvements to security employed by the historic house of worship located a mere nine blocks from the White House. “We started a security team and we have people both inside and outside of the church to protect our members and visitors,” he said. “We also have law enforcement officials in our church who provide a greater modicum of security.” Meanwhile, some houses of faith, like West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, Texas, have ramped up security with members armed with weapons following the recent shooting in December that left two members dead before a volunteer security guard killed the
assailant. Robinson, who serves as the chairperson for the church’s Wednesday Clergy Fellowship, said, “In different jurisdictions different things work and different people have different needs. But ever since the South Carolina shooting, we have been talking.” The Rev. Cheryl Sanders, pastor of the Third Street Church of God in Northwest, says while her church has become concerned about safety, they also want to make sure people feel welcome. “We are not paranoid – what we are is vigilant and prayerful,” she said. “We don’t adhere to the policy of churches like West Freeway that encourages its members bringing weapons to church. That’s not a good optic. We’re not going [in that direction].” The Rev. Ianther Mills, pastor, Asbury United Methodist Church [UMC] in Northwest, pointed to current initiatives employed by her denomination. “The UMC already follows strategies like our Active Shooter Plan which includes the use of security guards for special events and activities,” she said. “We’ve experienced recent incidents at the church that have led us to the conclusion that we need to step up our security to having an off-duty MPD officer available during the worship hour and we’re working on getting that in place.” Churches, groups or organizations interested in receiving information about enhancing security can contact John Mein, HSEMA’s program manager, at 202-815-8780. WI
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Litter in Prince George’s County lowers property values, pollutes our waterways, and tells the world we don’t care. Put trash in its place.
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS
EDITORIAL
War is Not the Answer Mr. President; Why Pull the Trigger?
Ominous threats continue to be launched like missiles between the U.S. and Iran after our president, Donald Trump, chose what many describe as the “worst available option” – recently giving the order to assassinate Iran’s leader of the Quds Force and a mastermind in warfare, Maj. General Qassim Suleimani in an alleged act of “retaliation.” Less than a week later, the questionable move has severed an already-tenuous, hardfought for stalemate, if not an agreement, between the two nations and led the U.S. and others to fear the worst. Ironically, Trump, who maintained his position as a dove when facing Hillary Clinton for president, has now switched teams and become a zealous hawk. And it’s difficult to refute those in the know who say he moved to act upon impulse rather than insightfulness – a decision whose fullest impact no one can predict. One thing we know, it’s frightening. Trump’s top two assistants, Vice President Pence and Secretary of State Pompeo, both say they’re in full support of the attack and the president repeatedly saying he made the move in order to avoid a war with Iran. Few Republicans have openly-voiced any opposition. Still, troubling and no matter what one’s political party affiliation, are a few essentials including the timing of the strike, turning from the long-standing tradition, if not policy, of first advising Congress before moving ahead with acts of war or combat. Further, why did Trump feel so compelled to move in direct opposition after more experienced voices within the “inner sanctum” had recommended taking other paths to better fortify U.S. interests and safety? How can any of this be considered as an action taken in the best interests of the U.S.? We just don’t see it. And what’s in store for the U.S. and our allies as Iran considers its next sequence of moves? Today, terrorism and global revenge comes in many forms. Iran has proved its expertise in employing cyber-attacks – the new battlefield. And they’re good at it too. What would you do if you could not access your accounts through the ATM, could not get gasoline because your credit and debit cards will not properly function or could not use your cell phone? And what about the upcoming presidential elections whose results and eligible voters, along with all of their personal information, are just one click away? Trump did not make America safer. Not by a long shot. But we have been distracted. We’ve already “forgotten” about the articles of impeachment and the Senate trial, whenever that may finally occur. We’ve paid little or no attention to the recent reduction in certain federal protections for America’s LGBTQ citizens. And the recent announcement by the Trump Administration to further dismantle legislation that had been secured under Obama to reduce the impact and results of surging temperatures on planet earth barely got a nod from online news junkies. We are not safer, America. We’re just lost in the forest, we’re stumbling blindly in the dark, we’re in a state of total denial. But safer, we are not! WI
Evans Departure Marks New Day for DC Council Some District voters are describing Tuesday’s resignation by long-time D.C. Councilmember Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) as “sad” while others are satisfied with his decision, describing it as “long overdue.” The fact is that Evans, who was elected to the Council in 1991, did great things on behalf of District residents and his record clearly demonstrates it. His focus on business and economic development helped to bring downtown D.C. back to life while creating thousands of jobs and business opportunities for District residents. As a matter of fact, it was Evans who said during the last D.C. Council inauguration ceremony that the District has enough money to provide housing for every
TO THE EDITOR Keeping Us Informed
Taking a Look Back
Looking forward to a new and prosperous year in 2020. I trust that The Informer will keep the community formed as always. Here’s to another year!
I really enjoyed the year-end issue. It’s hard to believe all those things happened in one calendar year. I’m appreciative of the refresher because, my Lord. They say time moves fast, but the news moves faster. Happy New Year.
Chasity Wells Washington, D.C.
Marvin Pendleton Laurel, Md.
District resident, a comment that may be fueling Mayor Muriel Bowser’s efforts to build more affordable housing in all of the District’s eight wards, despite “NIMBY” attitudes by some residents. Still, Evans had his flaws, demonstrated by a lack of good judgment, carelessness in his relations with his clients and ethical lapses related to his council position. Allegations of wrongdoing have been circulating about him for years. But like Teflon, not much stuck to Evans, unlike Marion Barry, Kwame Brown, Michael Brown, Harry Thomas, or Jim Graham. Many believed it was because Evans is white, that he was able to dodge the degree of scandal that
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ended the political careers of the others. But even that did not keep his colleagues on the Council from planning to expel him after stripping him of his committee chairmanship last July. Evans served the District for nearly 30 years and significantly shaped current policies and legislation. As the longest-serving member of the Council, he will be missed if for nothing more than his keen institutional memory often needed during Council deliberations. His departure leaves a void and it will mark a new day for District politics when the soon to be vacant Ward 2 seat is filled. WI
JANUARY 9 - 15, 2020 23
OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
By Julianne Malveaux
Will Money Rule in This Presidential Race? Democrats started this presidential campaign season with more than 20 candidates. Eventually, it dropped to about a dozen, with, so far, only five of those “qualified” to appear on the next debate stage. But debate performance doesn’t seem to matter much. Both Sen. Kamala Harris and former Obama cabinet member Julián Castro having had excellent debate performances, and yet they have still
dropped out of the race. It’s a money thing. With just $9 million in the bank, Sen. Harris said she couldn’t see her way clear to the nomination given her extremely limited resources. Castro, matching Harris in grace and reflectiveness, said: “It just wasn’t our time.” He, too, felt he did not have enough money in the bank to compete. It almost certainly would have helped these candidates qualify if they had the resources, say, of former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who pumped $100 million into his cam-
Guest Columnist
paign in just one month! In fairness, though, it is essential to note that Sen. Bernie Sanders raised a whopping $34.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2019 alone. Mayor Pete Buttigieg and former VP Joe Biden raised more than $20 million in that quarter, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren came close. The deadline for filing finance reports is later this month, so I’m cautious in concluding based on news articles and partial reports. Still, generally, those who have something to crow about put their numbers out there early.
And for some, money isn’t the only issue. Did they meet the thresholds the Democratic party set for debate qualification? Do they and their advisers think they can win? What are the polls saying? So even though Kirsten Gillibrand had $14.9 million in the bank when she dropped out of the race last August, she was not polling well and failed to qualify for the September debate. Meanwhile, Sen. Corey Booker did not qualify for the last debate, but he is hanging in there. Although Booker and entrepreneur Andrew Yang are still in the
race, the Democratic field is mostly white, and the debate stage on Jan. 14, 2020, in Des Moines, Iowa, is likely to be all-white. The white folks on the stage may be “qualified,” but I find them no more qualified than, say, Julian Castro and Kamala Harris. Their greatest flaw was the inability to compete in this multimillion-dollar cacophony of voices. Neither Harris nor Castro will suffer much for dropping out of the race. Some say that Castro will run
MALVEAUX Page 41
By Marc H. Morial
‘Living Legend’ Tom Joyner’s Career Has Transformed Black Media on that show the best. They’ve done a lot for a lot of people.” — Sports journalist Bomani Jones “I learned so much about building a community around content from Tom Joyner. That show was so good at finding commonality within a diverse audience — yes, there is diversity within Blackness — and serving many wants and needs simultaneously. It’s hard to be entertaining, informative and educational without ever talking down to your audience. Tom did that day after day for decades. I wish him and everyone who’s worked
Even as we enter 2020 with optimism and a sense of renewed purpose, there will be a huge void in our cultural life without the daily voice of radio legend Tom Joyner, who retired last month after nearly 50 years on the air, the last 25 as the host of the iconic “Tom Joyner Morning Show.” It’s hard for me to imagine the past 16 years of my life as president and CEO of the National Urban
Guest Columnist
League without Joyner’s enthusiastic support and clear-sighted analysis. Reach Media, the company he founded in 2001, has long been one of the National Urban League’s most valued media partners. Whenever the National Urban League has launched a new initiative or announced a campaign, the Tom Joyner Morning Show was always one of our first stops. There was no better forum for reaching Joyner’s devoted and sizable audience, or for thought-provoking analysis of the issues of the day. In 2015, the National Urban
League honored Joyner with our “Living Legend” at our Conference in Fort Lauderdale. His live broadcast from the Conference was a highlight of the week. Our most important partnerships with Joyner have been around our education initiatives. A third-generation alumnus of a HBCU, Joyner has been a passionate advocate, with his Tom Joyner Foundation raising more than $65 million since 1998 to support more than 29,000 students attending HBCUs. Joyner’s deep respect for education, and for HBCUs in particular,
stemmed from the experience of his grandfather, Oscar “Doc” Joyner, a Pullman porter who attended Meharry Medical College and became one of only 3,000 Black doctors in the United States in 1909. Joyner and his father, Hercules Joyner, were featured in the documentary “Rising from the Rails: The Story of the Pullman Porter.” Hercules Joyner, who served as one of the elite Tuskegee Airmen, earned a degree in chemistry from Florida A&M College and spent most of his career
MORIAL Page 41
By Bill Fletcher Jr.
The Danger of the ‘Ethno-Nationalist’ State
One of the most common features of right-wing populist and fascist movements is the demand for ethnic and/or racial purity. During the course of the 20th century we saw it in its most egregious forms in colonial and white minority regimes in the global South, and in the Nazi-led persecution and, later, Holocaust against the
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Jews. Ethnic regimes were largely ignored in the mainstream media of the global North until the early 1990s, even when troubling events, such as genocide in Burundi, were unfolding. It was only with the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia in the early 1990s and the Rwanda genocide (1994) that it became more than apparent that another wave of ethnic cleansing and ethno-nationalist regimes were unfolding.
What are ethno-nationalist regimes? They are political systems that quite openly privilege the alleged rights of a given ethnic or so-called racial group. Apartheid South Africa was certainly an example of a long-running such regime. But the Rwanda genocide when right-wing Hutus went to war to openly eliminate Tutsis (and those Hutus who allied with Tutsis) using the pretext of a civil war, was yet another example. Right-wing populist leaders
such as Donald Trump in the USA, Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel and Narenda Modi in India are quintessential examples of leaders who promote ethno-nationalist regimes. Contrary to early 20th century fascists and 19th century “scientific racists,” they do not rely on the rhetoric of racial superiority or inferiority in justifying their politics. Rather they argue either the incompatibility of different racial/ethnic groups and/or that the specific racial/ethnic group which
they claim to represent has been, allegedly, aggrieved over the years. The situation in India at this very moment is illustrating the evolving and serious dangers of ethno-nationalist regimes. The political forces around Modi and his political party — the BJP — have been promoting anti-Muslim rhetoric and practices for years. Their objective is nothing short of eliminating the secular basis of In-
FLETCHER Page 41
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
By Ray Curry
Put Your Vote to Work!
If you work for a living but are somewhat up in the air about who to vote for in 2020 or if you should even bother getting to that crowded polling place, I’d like to ask that you indulge me for a minute. Because I’ve got a story to tell you that might help with your decision. A story of working people and politicians who are working against all of us — every day. I’d like to go back to 1980, the year that Ronald Reagan was campaigning to
the 40th president of the United States. Much of his rhetoric was designed to appeal to labor and the working men and women of this country, promising to protect jobs, to support policies that would create more jobs and put unemployed Americans back to work. The reality of his presidency and his policies came down somewhat differently. In fact, President Reagan’s eight years in office were devastating for labor and the middle class. He was a champion of deregulation, which systematically weakened workplace safety standards and record-keeping. He specifically went after labor by appointing three
Guest Columnist
management-friendly National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) members, causing the NLRB to depart from its legal obligation to actively promote collective bargaining — the constitutional right and underlying principle for the existence of unions. During his presidency, NLRB caseloads were drastically cut and the cases that did go forward went from the recent 33 percent finding in favor of employers to 75 percent favoring employers. His economic policies shifted the tax burden away from the wealthy and onto the back of middle-class Americans. So why am I bringing up this sad history?
Because Ronald Reagan, who turned his back on organized labor and started America’s middle class into a tailspin from which it has never recovered, has recently been voted by this administration’s handpicked NLRB into the Labor Hall of Fame. I think that speaks volumes. Clearly, they have taken a page from the Old Gipper’s playbook. And clearly, it should serve as a dire warning of what is to come should we continue with the status quo. Today, an NLRB even more conservative than President Reagan’s has moved as fast as it could to make it more difficult for unions to organize. In December of 2017, the board
overturned a rule that had made it easier to organize smaller units of workers in big factories and stores. Another decision made it tougher for workers at fast-food restaurants and other franchised operations to unionize. What’s more, this board is further encroaching on labor by looking to slow unionization elections, a move that, as we all know too well, would give corporations more time to pressure workers to vote NO. Here at the UAW, we saw those stalling hijinks in action in Chattanooga this summer with the effort to organize
systems, injustices especially for women and non-white people, the unemployment rate with a lack of livable wages for so many, the lack of hope for too many people, and the desire for instant gratification — these things lead to desperation and other negative outcomes. Too many leaders have lost that 20/20 vision of where we should be going such that nobody wants to, or sees the wisdom of following them. We’ve lost confidence in them because few of them seem
to care about nothing more than their own well-being. Former Gen. Colin Powell once said, “Leadership is a position of problem-solving which is conflict resolution. The day people stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They’ve either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case
CURRY Page 42
By E. Faye Williams
20/20 Vision For some reason, whenever I go to the eye doctor, I expect to get a good report on my vision. Sometimes I get one. Sometimes I don’t, but I am always hopeful. This year, I am truly hopeful that our leaders will have 20/20 vision so they can stop the warring attitudes and practices and the punishing behaviors toward the most vulnerable
they have been chosen lead. My prayer is for them to not just pray for, but work for a better and just world for all, no matter where people live, the color of their skin or the culture from which they come. My dream is for world leaders to care about everybody’s children, that no child would be left behind, that every child would have access to a useable education. Years ago when young people graduated from high school, it was under-
Askia-At-Large
stood that all of them would not be going to college, so they were taught useable skills so that they could go to work to make a living right out of high school. Whatever some may think of those days, I want to see that part of our past come back. Is it possible for all of us to give meaning to this year being 20/20? Let it be the cue for all of us to think about what we can do to show that we have clearer vision. With wars, poor education
WILLIAMS Page 41
By Askia Muhammad
Call it ‘Trump-ocalypse Now,’ or ‘Trump-aggedon’ So let me get this straight: We have an impeached president authorizing international assassinations at an international airport, heedless of possible civilian casualties, without consulting with relevant congressional leaders, while tweeting from a golf course. His justification for assassinating Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, a top Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander, has been judged suspicious
by informed Pentagon analysts and by folks with common sense all around the world. According to New York Times correspondent Rukmini Callimachi, “I’ve had a chance to check in with sources, including two U.S. officials who had intelligence briefings after the strike on Suleimani. Here is what I’ve learned. According to them, the evidence suggesting there was to be an imminent attack on American targets is ‘razor thin.’” Given his track record as a compulsive liar—15,000 lies counted by The
Washington Post since he’s been in office — it’s hard to give him the benefit of the doubt … because he lies! There was a time in 2011 when Trump repeatedly tweeted that then-President Barack Obama would bomb Iran in order to get reelected. Oh, how the worm has turned. That’s what failing presidents do, in order to deflect public attention away from their problems and onto a national security threat. In fact, on the day of former White House intern Monica Lewinsky’s testimony in his impeachment
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trial, President Bill Clinton bombed a Sudanese pharmaceutical plant, falsely claiming there were “precursors” to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the soil outside the plant. Then he did it again: on the day before the Senate vote on his impeachment — Dec. 16, 1998 — Clinton played the oldest game in the book, bombing Iraq, citing a “military need to move swiftly,” according to The Times. The tactic delayed the impeachment vote. But what may really be behind this dangerous gambit is 45’s loyalty to the
State of Israel, even above U.S. interests. When asked why he was so soft on Saudi Arabia after the brutal murder and dismemberment of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khassogi in one of the country’s embassies, he said Saudi Arabia has been a “great ally,” adding that, “without them, Israel would be in a lot more trouble.” There are credible news media reports that Israel even had advance notice of the U.S. plan, even when congressional
ASKIA Page 42 JANUARY 9 - 15, 2020 25
LIFESTYLE StepAfrika! Afrika! Step Afrika! Step Debuts Debuts Debuts ‘Drumfolk’at at ‘Drumfolk’ at ‘Drumfolk’ theStrathmore Strathmore the Strathmore the Jan.12 12 Jan. 12 Jan.
(Courtesy photos/Jati Lindsay)
Newly-commissioned Work showcased on National Tour By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor @dkevinmcneir Step Afrika! continues the celebration of its 25th anniversary into 2020 with a special performance at the Music Center at Strathmore, Sunday, Jan. 12 during which the internationally-acclaimed “step-masters” will share an excerpt from their newly-commissioned work, “Drumfolk.” The concert, “Step Xplosion,” features Step Afrika! who headline a showcase of both the region’s finest step squads and a portion of their new work, “Drumfolk,” commissioned by Strathmore. The performance begins at 5 p.m. The piece, which is based on historical events that took place during the 1700s in the Deep South, debuts in selected arts centers and college campuses from January through November 2020. The tour also features the company’s highly anticipated return to New York City’s beloved Theater District and summer performances in venues across the Washington, D.C. area, Step Afrika!’s home base. “Drumfolk is the second work by Step Afrika! that celebrates and chronicles the African-American experience in America,” said C. Brian Williams, Founder and Executive Director. “This new production is grounded in extensive research and over 25 years of Step Afrika!’s percussive practice and investigation into the tradition of stepping. We’re thrilled to be sharing it with our audiences.” “Drumfolk” takes audiences on a journey from the 17th century, when the African drum found itself in the then-colony of South Carolina, to present-day America, where the instrument has shaped new art forms like hip-hop and African-American social dance. Highlights include: Step Afrika!’s first presentation of dance and drumming traditions from Angola; an exploration of the ring shout, which is a 200+ year-old African American dance rarely seen on our country’s stages; and a contemporary routine of stepping and vocal percussion to demonstrate the drum’s influence on other mediums. Look for our review of the performance and an exclusive interview with Step Afrika! Founder and Executive Director C. Brian Williams on our website, www.washingtoninformer.com on Monday, Jan. 13. For more information and tickets, visit www.strathmore.org or www.stepafrika.org Founder and Executive Director C. Brian Williams (Photo courtesy C. Brian Williams)
STEPAFRIKA Page 27
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LIFESTYLE
STEP AFRIKA from Page 26
“Drumfolk is “Drumfolk is thesecond secondwork work the by Step Afrika! by Step Afrika! thatcelebrates celebrates that andchronicles chronicles and theAfricanAfricanthe American American experiencein in experience America.” America.” – C. BRIAN WILLIAMS
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JANUARY 9 - 15, 2020 27
LIFESTYLE New Decade Marks Greater Options for Ethiopia-D.C. Relations By Lafayette A. Barnes Special to the Informer The year 2020 marks a new decade and golden opportunity for District of Columbia business and government leaders to build stronger diplomatic and trade relations between Ethiopia and Washington, D.C. This follows Mayor Muriel Bowser’s historic diplomatic and trade mission to Ethiopia on Nov. 8-13. Bowser is the first District mayor to lead 70 delegates consisting of Ethiopian Diaspora and District of Columbia business, education and nonprofit leaders to Addis Ababa, where some 3.5 million Ethiopians live. The purpose of the trip was to renew the Sister City Agreement with Addis Ababa, thus fulfilling the mayor’s commitment made to the Dis-
trict’s estimated 30,000 Ethiopian residents and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during his visit to D.C. on July 20, 2018. The new agreement signed on Nov. 11 by Bowser and Addis Ababa Mayor Takele Uma Banti symbolizes their strong intent to achieve real outcomes that will benefit the residents of both cities. Bowser stated that “we particularly value our special relationship with Ethiopia, which has been strengthened by the substantial Ethiopian population in our city and region. This mission gave our delegation the opportunity to build relationships and explore innovative strategies to grow the District’s economy through tourism, transportation, health care, and more.’’ Tourism is an important industry
5 Mayors Bowser and Benti exchange the renewed Sister City Agreements that they signed at the Addis Ababa Municipality Building on November 11 and witnessed by over 100 officials including U.S. Ambassador Michael Raynor and Ethiopian Ambassador Fitsum Arega.
for Ethiopian and D.C. businesses to develop partnerships that promote more inbound and outbound touring and travel opportunities. Both cities have numerous world heritage destinations for their residents to visit.
Here’s to Health, Wealth, and Happiness in 2020! (We can help with the health part)
Enroll by Jan 15 for coverage beginning Feb 1 DCHealthLink.com
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DC residents are required to have health insurance, get an exemption, or pay a tax penalty. We are here to help. If you have questions, please contact us.
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Ethiopia is the home of the Orthodox Christian religion with its historic 900-year-old rock-cut churches in the town of Lalibela. Bowser and her delegation went to the holy town of Lalibela for a day trip on Ethiopian Airlines while there. The country has the largest number of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in Africa. Bowser has tasked her Executive Office with working with the D.C. Chamber of Commerce to implement actions that will lead to real benefits in the District of Columbia. During the visit, Vincent Orange, former D.C. Council member and chamber president and CEO, signed Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) with both the American Chamber of Commerce Ethiopia and the Ethiopia Chamber of Commerce to support Bowser’s efforts to develop long-term business investment and trade relations with Addis Ababa. “The signing of these MOUs provides a great opportunity for further dialogue, joint initiatives and contract opportunities for our collective memberships,” Orange said. “Clearly our Chambers working together can successfully promote trade, investment, tourism and assist local and global businesses in the challenges and opportunities of today’s globalized world.” The Sister City Agreement also aims to establish educational partnerships between universities in D.C. and Addis Ababa. In support of this educational initiative, Dean Barron
Harvey at Howard University School of Business submitted a letter of interest to President Tassew Woldehanna at Addis Ababa University to establish faculty, student and research exchange programs between both universities. Both universities have subsequently, agreed in principle, to formalize educational exchanges between their respective institutions in 2020. Delegates from the Carlos Rosario School, a national model for adult and immigrant education in D.C., were also able to establish a partnership with the Catering and Tourism Training Institute (CTTI) in Addis Ababa. Allison Kokkoros, CEO of Carlos Rosario School, and Aster Dawit, CTTI director, signed an MOU to strengthen English language training for Ethiopian students on Nov. 12. “CTTI requested that we work with their English teachers to enhance their English skills program to better support CTTI graduates in accessing good jobs in the rapidly growing hospitality and tourism sectors in Addis Ababa and elsewhere in Ethiopia,” Kokkoros said. Andres Hayes, international business manager in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, organized the diplomatic and trade mission and said he is very optimistic about the District’s future in Ethiopia. “We were able to renew our sister city agreement, gain a better understanding of their government struc-
ETHIOPIA Page 30
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January Greetings from DC Department of Aging and Community Living Laura Newland Director Department of Aging and Community Living Happy New Year! It was so great to see everyone last month at the Mayor’s Annual Senior Holiday Celebration. As we ring in 2020 with a fresh start, it’s a great time
Happy Holidays, Happy New Year
Dr. Heather Stowe, Clinical Director, Department of Aging and Community Living These greetings, and many like them are ringing out around us at this time of year. Joy is almost tangible in the air. Everyone seems a little more friendly, decorations and lights make homes and stores a little brighter and festive. We might be spending more time than usual connecting with others, whether it’s a lunchtime gathering, coffee with friends we don’t see as often, or an email just to say hello. Holidays tend to be a time when we cement our connection with family and friends — even those that we might not see that often during the year. Maybe it’s because the year is coming to an end, and we’re thinking about what has happened and what we meant to do this year. Maybe we’ve lost someone special to us during the
year, and we want to hold those dear to us just a bit closer. I know that it will come as no surprise to anyone to know that science has discovered that connection — that human-to-human interaction — is good for our health. We’re social creatures! It’s our connection to other people (and to our pets) that enables us to survive and thrive People who engage in meaningful, productive activities with others tend to live longer, have a better mood and maintain a sense of purpose. Being with other people, connecting on some level, helps us to remain healthy, keeps our brain engaged and slows decline. For some folks, however, this can be a very lonely time of year — a time when they feel that lack of connection to others even more sharply than usual. Just as connection can improve our health and well-being, the lack of connection can actually make us ill. Research has linked a lack of connection to others to a higher risk for depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, and a decline in mental sharpness. Isolation can make us sick! People who find themselves unexpectedly alone due to the death of a spouse or partner, separation from friends or family, retirement, loss of mobility, and lack of transportation are at particular risk. Amidst all of the business of our lives, let’s try to remember our friends, family and neighbors
to resolve to stay connected to our neighbors and our communities. Mayor Bowser reminded us at the celebration that for every individual who came to celebrate the holidays with us, there were several others who were home, without family, friends, or neighbors to check in on them. This month,
I’ve asked DACL’s Clinical Director, Dr. Heather Stowe, to contribute some tips and advice on how you can stay connected and help someone else who may be feeling isolated as we close out the holiday season. Dr. Stowe oversees DACL’s direct services, includ-
ing the Aging and Disability Resource Center and Adult Protective Services. As always, thanks for being a vital part of the community and helping us make D.C. a place where everyone—no matter their age or ability—can live boldly!
DEPARTMENT OF AGING AND COMMUNITY LIVING NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS (ADRD) Competitive Grant In FY 2021 The Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) plans to award $500,000 to design and implement proven programs, preferably evidence-based for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). Programs must include ADRD and caregiver education and support, ADRD prevention and intervention, and ADRD outreach, resource referral, and linkages for caregivers and recipients. Any organization or institution is eligible to apply. The award period is October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021. Program continuation is based on DACL’s determination of satisfactory progress during the initial period. A PRE-APPLICATION WORKSHOP FOR the FISCAL YEAR 2021 ALZHEIMER’S AND RELATED DEMENTIA DISEASE PROGRAM COMPETITIVE GRANT will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 2:00 p.m., 500 K Street, NE. For questions and registration, contact: Eric Manuel, Program Manager, 202-730-1745 or Jennifer Adu, Program Analyst, 202-727-6601. Visit www.dcoa.dc.gov for the complete RFA and details for the grant opportunity. who might be alone, who might be lonely. Mayor Bowser has challenged each of us to connect with three people who might be in this situation. So, reach out to that friend, family member or neighbor and ask them if they need a ride to
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the grocery store or doctor’s appointment or ask them to go to church with you. Slow down; sit down with them for a few minutes and chat. If you find yourself feeling alone, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 202-724-5626. We are here
for you and can connect you to activities, programs and services to keep you engaged. Take the first step, and connect —it’s good for you, and it’s good for them! Best wishes for a prosperous New Year!
JANUARY 9 - 15, 2020 29
LIFESTYLE ETHIOPIA from Page 28
2019 to ease restrictions on foreign exchange transactions, it is still very difficult for many U.S. companies to get paid in U.S. dollars for goods and services sold in Ethiopia. The Executive Office of the Mayor and D.C. Chamber of Commerce need to work closely with U.S. government and private sector officials to monitor the changing foreign exchange environment in Ethiopia to effectively advise District companies about prospects for doing business there. Nevertheless, the newly signed Sister City Agreement with Addis Ababa does provide the pathway to golden opportunities for D.C. companies willing to step out of the box and expand their businesses globally. WI
ture, and network with more than 27 Ethiopian businesses,” Hayes said. “Since returning in November, we are already starting to see positive results especially in terms of enhancing business between D.C.-based businesses and Ethiopian companies.” Though Hayes’ optimism for future District business opportunities in Ethiopia is shared by many delegates, U.S. companies must be aware of the National Bank of Ethiopia’s tight controls on foreign exchange reserves. NBE has instituted forex controls to assist the government in acquiring the supply of foreign exchange needed to finance its large trade deficit. Although the bank adopted new measures in
3 Mayors Bowser and Benti along with other Ethiopian, District, and U.S. government officials attend the Street-Naming Ceremony for the new Mayor Muriel Bowser Street and Washington DC Roundabout organized by the Municipality of Addis Ababa on November 11.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Celebrates Centennial in D.C.
Activities (Jan. 12-18) Include Womanhood Empowerment Summit WI Staff Report
STEP PLOSION This Sunday! Jan 12, Matinee
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Fri, Jan 24
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Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. one the country’s largest African-American women’s service organizations, will mark its 100th year of service with Centennial Week activities Jan. 12-18 in the District. Zeta International Centennial President Valerie Hollingsworth Baker will kick-off the week by unveiling an exclusive line of Zeta-inspired St. John apparel, followed by activities featuring D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, attorney and Zeta member Anita Hill, former Congresswoman and Zeta member Donna Edwards, April Ryan, Vivica A. Fox, Lamman Rucker, Raheem DeVaughn, R&B artist and Zeta member Syleena Johnson, plus electrifying performances by The Chuck Brown Band, Zeta member DJ Poizon Ivy & DJ Heat and the Zeta International Choir. “This is an historic moment for [our sorority]. Finally, our epic Centennial Celebration begins. I am elated to lead these amazing women at this time in our history,” Hollingsworth Baker said. “We are thrilled to welcome our sisters who are travelling from across the world to Washington, D.C. Together, we’ll commemorate all that we’ve accomplished in the last 100 years and look forward with anticipation to what we will achieve next.” Centennial Week activities include: Sunday, Jan. 12: St. John reception
at Queenstown Premium Outlets, 441 Outlet Center Drive, Queenstown, Maryland. Monday, Jan. 13: Zeta Centennial digital signage activation will go live in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas Washington, D.C., St. Louis and Memphis. Wednesday, Jan. 15: An historic
Founders’ Midnight Celebration will take place at Howard University, the birthplace of the sorority. Scheduled to perform are the Howard University Drum Line, musical artist Jacques Johnson and DJ Heat & DJ Pozion Ivy. Syleena Johnson will serve as Mistress of Ceremony. Thursday, Jan. 16: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Founders’ Busts will be unveiled during the Centennial Experience at 3 p.m. at the Washington Hilton Hotel, followed by an evening of celebration at the National Muse-
um of African American History and Culture at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17: Rhapsody in Blue Fashion Show Extravaganza and Luncheon is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Washington Hilton Hotel featuring 10 designers including a surprise guest. In the afternoon, Zetas will distribute 5,000 blankets and toiletries to the homeless in the District. A Sisterhood Day-into-Night Denim and Pearls Party is set for 7 p.m. at the Washington Hilton Hotel. Saturday, Jan.18: The Finer Womanhood Empowerment Summit will take place at the Washington Hilton Hotel, and will showcase three panels of thought-leading women addressing issues related to education, health and wellness, family connectedness, social advocacy and economic development. This sold-out event will begin at noon. The Centennial Founders’ Gala will close out the week’s activities. This black-tie affair will take place at the Washington Hilton Hotel, starting at 7 p.m. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1920 on the campus of Howard University with headquarters in Washington, D.C. Zeta has initiated a diverse membership of more than 125,000 college-educated women with more than 850 chapters in North America, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East. For more information visit www.zphib1920.org. WI
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LIFESTYLE
wi book review “The Broken Road: George Wallace and a Daughter’s Journey to Reconciliation” By Peggy Wallace Kennedy with Justice H. Mark Kennedy c.2019, Bloomsbury $28 / 292 pages By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer The path your parents first set you on is not the path you ended up taking. Somewhere along the way, you veered to the left or stepped to the right. You found your own groove, made your own decisions, and made adjustments while you learned where you were going. And as in the new book “The Broken Road” by Peggy Wallace Kennedy (with Justice H. Mark Kennedy), it was essential to know where you came from. She never doubted that her Daddy loved her. Still, when Peggy Wallace Kennedy was growing up, her father was absent more than he was present, even when he was in the room: George Wallace’s political promise to himself as a young man consumed him until campaigning became an obsession. He was away for much of Kennedy’s early life, meeting prospective constituents and asking for votes. After he lost the 1958 Alabama Governor’s seat to an opponent who was “racist to the heart,” the obsession grew and festered. Before then, says Kennedy, when her father was a judge, he was known for fairness and equality in the courtroom but when Wallace lost that election, something changed in his mind. He started telling people that he was a segregationist, he began using words that were shocking, and his behavior attracted voters to his side. He all but abandoned his wife and family, and focused only on winning the next time. Kennedy says that once the Wallaces were ensconced in the governor’s mansion in 1962, she thought everything was fine until she learned of the violence happening throughout their state and, though she was just a child and somewhat shielded from her father’s actions by her strong, tenderhearted mother, she couldn’t believe her Daddy would allow that. After her mother’s death, however, when Wallace renewed his decision to run for president, Kennedy’s eyes were opened and she wished she could stand for racial equality by standing up to him. But by “the fall of 1968,” she says, “I was neither white nor black. The color of my skin was Wallace.” Absolutely, “The Broken Road” is a book of a thousand emotions. Anger, disgust, outrage — of course, you may remember those. Keep going: deep sadness rings this tale, but a sense of satisfaction may be found, too, as pieces of a 50-plus-year-old puzzle fall into place. Also in author Peggy Wallace’s hands, the story of her mother is told with steely inspiration, while other passages hold a tinge of droll Well-Bless-Your-Heart zingers that are delightfully tucked in. Mostly, though, this book seems to be about teasing apart the years, trying to understand why and how what happened, happened, and reconciling what was with what is. It’s a child’s-eye view of history with an adult’s careful perspective, finalized as Kennedy writes of spiritual generosity and the forgiveness her father received toward the end of his life, and the tender friendships she has with those he hurt. Love, politics, the tumultuous ‘60s, current events — it’s all in this can’tmiss biography. “The Broken Road” is paved with grace. WI
horoscopes
JAN 9 - 15, 2020
ARIES While fiery Mars continues its journey through your travel zone, a desire to get away from it all could increase. Still, this week may bring other concerns into the mix as a potent lineup of planets in your sector of goals and ambitions is very much to the fore. Lucky Numbers: 5, 9, 55 TAURUS As 2020 gets underway, it comes with a powerful gift from the cosmos. There’s a major focus on your sector of growth and travel, so you might have to let go of the old to embrace the new. Lucky Numbers: 14, 20, 26 GEMINI Although Mars in your sector of relating can increase the pace of key interactions and enhance your social life, your focus may be on more pressing issues. With a lunar eclipse across your financial axis, and an intense Saturn-Pluto connection linking with other key planets, money matters could be very much to the fore. Lucky Numbers: 12, 21, 35 CANCER Relationships are very much to the fore this week and for some time to come. But this week is particularly special in that it sees a rare connection between prudent Saturn and volcanic Pluto in your relationship zone. What does this mean for you? It suggests that a key bond could come to a natural end, and that it might be time to turn over a new leaf. Lucky Numbers: 15, 25, 35 LEO Your relationship to your work and health could be held up to the light this week, with key influences encouraging a process of change. If you’ve felt suffocated by your job, this could be a time when you feel ready to try something new. It’s also possible that a job could come to an end, and this might inspire you to look for something that engages more of your natural skills and abilities. Lucky Numbers: 34, 37, 40 VIRGO As dynamic Mars journeys through your domestic sector, it’s a great opportunity for some decluttering. In fact, this week can be a time of clearing out and paring things back to the essentials. With a powerful lunar eclipse across your social axis, and a transformative Saturn-Pluto merger in your creative zone, you could be on the verge of a powerful shift. Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 7 LIBRA Your domestic zone takes center stage this week with a powerful lineup here. It can mean that an issue that has been ongoing comes to a head, yet this is likely no surprise. And with sobering Saturn linking to powerful Pluto, this may be a time of discovery that enables you to understand something about your history or heritage that proves empowering. Lucky Numbers: 19, 21, 42 SCORPIO Your words might have more power than usual, so it would be wise to be careful about what you say. The intense focus on your sector of communication can be a call to change your mindset, particularly if negative thinking has held you back. Lucky Numbers: 2, 30, 34 SAGITTARIUS Finances could keep you on your toes over this week because the focus is very much on this sector. Issues of self-worth may come to the surface, and if so, this can give you much food for thought. If you’ve had difficulties with money matters, it could be that deep down you don’t value yourself enough. Lucky Numbers: 6, 12, 58 CAPRICORN You may need to face certain truths this week as sobering Saturn and dynamic Pluto merge in your sign. This can be a time of paring back your goals and ambitions and simplifying them as much as you can. If you’ve taken on too much, you might have felt the pressure for too long now, and events this week can push you do something about it. With dwarf planet Ceres involved in the mix, finding a level of activity that inspires and nurtures you can be the key to happiness. Lucky Numbers: 15, 36, 44 AQUARIUS You may have been working on your inner game for some time now, and this week things reach a new and empowering stage. The potent blend of prudent Saturn and transformative Pluto can help you uncover your true purpose, making this a very powerful time for you. Lucky Numbers: 3, 28, 32 PISCES Get ready for a shift in your social scene, because powerful influences and aspects this week could change everything. You already have expansive Jupiter moving through this sector opening doors and bringing fresh possibilities your way. Lucky Numbers: 7, 10, 17
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JANUARY 9 - 15, 2020 31
SPORTS For more photos, visit www.washingtoninformer.com
Wizards Surprise Nuggets at Home
5 Denver Nuggets forward Paul Millsap looks to make a pass while guarded by Washington Wizards guard Troy Brown Jr. during the Wizards’ 128-114 win at Capital One Arena in Northwest on Saturday, Jan. 4. (John E. De Freitas/The Washington Informer)
5 Washington Wizards guard Ish Smith splits a double-team by Denver Nuggets forward Paul Millsap and guard Jamal Murray during the Wizards’ 128-114 win at Capital One Arena in Northwest on Saturday, Jan. 4. (John E. De Freitas/ The Washington Informer) 4 Washington Wizards guard Isaiah Thomas attempts to fend off Denver Nuggets guard Will Barton for a layup attempt during the Wizards’ 128-114 win at Capital One Arena in Northwest on Saturday, Jan. 4. (John E. De Freitas/The Washington Informer)
5 Washington Wizards guard Troy Brown Jr. is trapped by Denver Nuggets forward Mason Plumlee and guard Will Barton during the Wizards’ 128-114 win at Capital One Arena in Northwest on Saturday, Jan. 4. (John E. De Freitas/The Washington Informer)Informer)
4 Washington Wizards guard Isaac Bonga drives against Denver Nuggets forward Paul Millsap as Nuggets center Nikola Jokic looks on during the Wizards’ 128-114 win at Capital One Arena in Northwest on Saturday, Jan. 4. (John E. De Freitas/The Washington Informer)
32 - JANUARY 9 - 15, 2020
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EVANS from Page 1
The embattled politician announced his decision on Tuesday in a letter to Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D). The transition will take place just days before the D.C. Council would have wrapped up deliberations on Evans’ fate. “I believe Washington, D.C. to be the pride of the nation and I am proud of the contributions I have made in helping to create a vibrant city,” Evans said in his letter. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the District of Columbia and the residents of Ward 2.” Evans had been scheduled to address the council about his alleged violations. For months, he avoided questions from constituents and colleagues alike about what had been documented as to his abuse of political power for financial gain. He recently went as far as declining to appear before the adhoc committee reviewing the facts of an ongoing investigation. During the earlier part of last month, that committee, comprised of Evans’ 12 council colleagues, recommended that he no longer serve Ward 2. In less than two hours, and without any input from Evans, they concluded that a punishment of that magnitude would best serve the public interest. Weeks earlier, a report that two attorneys from O’Melveny & Myers presented to the D.C. Council cited more than a dozen ethics violations committed by Evans within the last five years, including failing to disclose tens of thousands of dollars in outside income and recuse himself from votes affecting entities compensating him. Evans, via his attorneys, has denied any knowledge of rule breaking. While the ad-hoc hearing had been scheduled so as to decide whether to continue the investigation into Evans’ business dealings, councilmembers who spoke early on agreed that information
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5 Councilmember Jack Evans and Mayor Muriel Bowser. (WI File photo)
Weeks earlier, a report that two attorneys from O’Melveny & Myers presented to the D.C. Council cited more than a dozen ethics violations committed by Evans within the last five years, including failing to disclose tens of thousands of dollars in outside income and recuse himself from votes affecting entities compensating him. collected from the law firm and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority on which Evans served as a board member would suffice. Councilmember Elissa Silverman (I-At large) in particular told her colleagues that such evidence confirmed Evans’ ability to rally support among other councilmembers for legislation that
lined his pockets and that of his business partners. “Where’s the ethics violation in making all of us a part of this? she said. “The explanation that [Evans] misunderstood doesn’t pass the smell test. We have to look at what happened and if we don’t expel Councilmember Evans for this, we would be showing residents this is how business is done in the Wilson Building.” WI
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JANUARY 9 - 15, 2020 33
RELIGION For more photos, visit www.washingtoninformer.com
Notable 2019 Washington, D.C./ Maryland/Virginia Deaths 1
Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer
1. BARBARA FLACK-DARKO
2
Flack-Darko, a longtime journalist, editor and advocate of equal rights, died Feb. 8 at age 72 after a bout with breast cancer. She was founder and editor of The Montgomery Times, a one-woman publication catered to Montgomery County’s growing Black population.
2. REV. DR. JOHN A. CHERRY
Cherry, 79, founder of “From the Heart Ministries Worldwide,” died Feb. 16 in Fairfax, Va.
3. DR. LASALLE D. LEFFALL, JR.
3
Leffall, a surgeon, oncologist, professor and civic leader, died May 25.
“It is with a heavy heart that I write to share that an icon of Howard University and a giant in the field of Medicine, Dr. LaSalle D. Leffall Jr., has passed away,” said Howard University President Wayne A.I. Frederick in a letter to HU students, staff and community.
4
4. ARTHUR S. EVANS, SR.
Evans, 90, father of Dr. Tony Evans, died Nov. 26 in Baltimore.
5. ALFONSO GIBSON
5
Gibson, a retired Metropolitan Police Department deputy chief, died Dec. 18. The Pittsburgh-born Gibson graduated from American University, starting his career with the Metropolitan Police Department in 1961.
6
6. CONSTANCE T. LAWS
Laws, a retired D.C. Public Schools educator, died Dec. 22. She was the mother of the late Laurence M. Laws.
7. SAMUEL GRAVES
7
Graves, affectionately known as “Sam,” died Dec. 25. He was a retired officer with U.S. Park Police’s Mounted Unit, a Master Mason and was affiliated with Prince Hall #14 and Chapter #5 Our Eastern Star in D.C.
8. BEATRICE ODOM SCOTT
Scott, a stalwart member of the Ashburton community of northwest Baltimore and a teacher in the Baltimore City Public Schools for decades, died Dec. 26. She was 77.
9. ULYSSES D. CURRIE
Currie, a Maryland politician, died Dec. 27 at age 84. He was a member of the Democratic Party, where he represented District 25 in Prince George’s County, first in the House of Delegates from 1987 to 1995, then in the Senate from 1995 to 2019.
34 - JANUARY 9 - 15, 2020
8
9
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT
Turning on Light During Darkness
This article is written to encourage anyone who may be going through some hard times. You may have lost your job, list a close lived one, parent, child or maybe a spouse. You may have gotten an eviction notice and now you feel like giving up. You cried rivers of tears, and the light on the inside of you is growing dimmer and dimmer. Allow me to encourage you to never let your inner light go completely out. When that happens, often that person will either commit suicide or they may come pretty close to doing so. They allowed darkness to take over completely. When the night comes and you enter your home, what’s the very first thing you do? Of course, you turn on some light. J.K. Oliver once said, “You can always find some light in the dark, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” In the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” George Bailey had a gift that he wasn’t sure he wanted. His gift was the gift of life. And his life had seemingly fallen apart all around
him. He just knew he was going to lose his business, his livelihood. He faced prison for something he hadn’t done. And as a result of all this, his family faced shame and poverty. In desperation, he pleads with his arch-enemy Mr. Potter for a loan on his life insurance. Potter gleefully observes, “George, you’re worth more dead than alive!” George Bailey allowed his inner light to go out. So he decides that his only solution is to throw himself off the bridge into the frigid waters below and at least supply his family with the money from his life insurance. God steps in and an angel is sent to earth to stop George before he can take his life. He will step in for you, too. Go to church and always keep His first. How do you convince a man that the gift he wants to throw away is in reality far too valuable to be destroyed? The angel decided to grant George Bailey’s wish and show him what life would’ve been like if he’d never been born. So, as George tries to get back to his home, he finds that the town he’d worked so hard to build up and protect had become a den of iniquity and evil. He was never there to help the community. Therefore, he saw that the pharmacist — who he saved from a tragic mistake — has become the town drunk. George wasn’t there to keep the poison prescription filled by ac-
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
cident by the pharmacist, who was grief-stricken due to the telegram informing him of the death of his sin from the flu. His brother Harry, whom he’d saved from falling thru the ice, dies because George wasn’t there to save him, and the hundreds of men who Harry would have saved during the war died because he wasn’t there to save them. Finally, the beautiful woman whom he married and had such wonderful children with ended up becoming a wretched, dejected and lonely spinster. George now saw how valuable his life had been, so he begged to have a second chance. It took going back to see what a blessing he had been to cause George to want to live again. Will you take a look back over your life and see how far God has brought you? The Bible speaks of darkness hundreds of times. And it’s never glorified or celebrated. In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” From the earliest of passages, His Word gives us indications that darkness is a scary thing. Remember this year to always keep your light burning, never allow darkness to take over your inner spirit, look for the good, be thankful, have faith and never give up! Happy New Year! WI
John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.
5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089
1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005
“A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org
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Mount Olivet Lutheran Church
Reverend John W. Davis Pastor
Service and Times Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.) Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
(301) 864-6070
Service and Times Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m. Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday “Friendliest Church in the City” Website: mountolivetdc.org Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com
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JANUARY 9 - 15, 2020 35
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
Rev. Dr. Alice Greene Interim Pastor
Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor
Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor
4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax
3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) / (202) 562-4219 (Fax)
5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555 Services and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45 AM Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday , 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 PM Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30 AM
1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax
Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM
Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power “An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org
www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org
Campbell AME Church
Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study Wednesday: 12:00 Noon Wednesday: 7:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 PM “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address : Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020
“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org
Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor 800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703 Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45 AM Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”
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
Isle of Patmos Baptist Church 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
Twelfth Street Christian Church
Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White 2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org
“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org / E-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net
Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM
Crusader Baptist Church
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
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
36 - JANUARY 9 - 15, 2020
Mount Carmel Baptist Church
901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423 Service and Times Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10 AM themcbc.org
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RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor 7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471 Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 AM Service 11:00 AM Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Motto: “A Church Keeping It Real for Real.” Website: Shabbathcommandmentchruch.org Email: Praisebetoyhwh@gmail.com
Zion Baptist Church Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor 4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773 Service and Times 9:00 a.m. – Sunday School 10:15 a.m. – Worship Service Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study 7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org
St. Luke Baptist Church Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor 1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851 P: (202) 726-5940 Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun. Bible Institute: Wednesday - 1:30 PM Prayer Meeting: Wednesday - 12:00 Noon
All Nations Baptist Church Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor 2001 North Capitol St, N.E. - Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591 Service and Times Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education / School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards
Israel Baptist Church
Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor 2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730 Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Baptismal Service: 1st Sunday – 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday – 11:00 AM Prayer Meeting & Bible Study: Wednesday -7:30 PM “Where Jesus is the King”
Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor
2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . . 100% Forgiven!
623 Florida Ave.. NW - WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 / Study (202) 265-0836 Home Study (301) 464-8211 / Fax (202) 483-4009
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00 PM www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org
Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith
Lincoln Park United Methodist Church Rev. Richard B. Black Pastor
Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor
1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288
1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org
5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005
Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM
Mount Moriah Baptist Church Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM Motto: "Faith On The Hill"
Service and Times Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42
New Commandment Baptist Church
Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor
Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor
1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964
8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240
13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:30 AM Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM
Service and Times Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11 AM Sunday School: 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM
Rehoboth Baptist Church
Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor
Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor
2001 Brooks Drive District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074
621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032 P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112
Service and Times Sunday Worship Experience: 10:15am Sunday School: 9:00am Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Morning Noontime Bible Study: Tuesday @ 12:00pm Prayer Meeting/Bible Study: Tuesday @7:00pm Theme: "Building On A Firm Foundation"
Service and Times Sunday Service: 10:00 AM Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM 1st Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting: 7:45 PM
Email: revprbstmbc@gmail.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org
Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”
“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org
“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”
Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958
Shiloh Baptist Church
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM Noonday Prayer Every Thursday
Matthews Memorial Baptist Church
4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net
Christ Embassy DC
Dr. Joseph D. Turner / Senior Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Early Worship Service: 8:00 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM New Member’s Class: 9:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday, 11:00 AM Church School: 9:45 AM Wednesday 12:00pm Bible Study Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: 7:00 PM Saturday Bible Study: 11:00 AM Baptism 4th Sunday: 11:00 AM
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”
“Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”
Peace Baptist Church
www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com
Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell
Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor
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 “
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. Reginald M. Green Interim Pastor
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 9 - 15, 2020 37
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2019 ADM 000753
2019 ADM 001281
2019 FEP 000149
Joseph Clair Decedent
Margaret P. Mathis Decedent
Bradley A. Thomas, Esq. 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006-1631 Attorney
Cecilia R. Jones 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW Suite #440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney
Nakia Gray, Esq 800 Maine Ave. SW Suite 200 Washington, DC 20024 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Beverly Headley Glover, whose address is 108 S. Dayflower Court, Dover, DE 19904, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lettice Lawrence aka Lettice M. Lawrence who died on December 25, 2017 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/26/2020. 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 6/26/2020, 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.
Adrienne Clair, whose address is 2109 First Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joseph Clair who died on April 19, 2019 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/26/2020. 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 6/26/2020, 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.
Alton L. Mathis, Sr., whose address is 714 31st Street, SE Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Margaret P. Mathis who died on October 8, 2019 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/26/2020. 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 6/26/2020, 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: 12/26/2019
Date of first publication: 12/26/2019
Date of first publication: 12/26/2019
Date of first publication: 1/2/2020
Beverly Headley Glover Personal Representative
Adrienne Clair Personal Representative
Alton L. Mathis, Sr. Personal Representative
Jacqueline B. Wells Wesley Wells Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills
Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2019 ADM 001154 Lettice Lawrence aka Lettice M. Lawrence Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
August 7, 2017 Date of Death Edward Graves Barksdale Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Jacqueline B. Wells and Wesley Wells whose addresses are 9821 Salem Church Road N., Chesterfield, VA 23237 were appointed personal representatives of the estate of Edward Graves Barksdale, deceased, by the Circuit Court for Chesterfield County, State of Virginia, on February 15, 2019. Service of process may be made upon Peg Shaw, 2147 O Street, NW, Apt. 306, Washington, DC 20037 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate. 55 Buchanan Street, NE, Washington, DC 20011. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2019 ADM 001314
2019 FEP 000143
2019 ADM 001283
2017 ADM 000350
July 13, 2019 Date of Death
Tassie Louise Wright Decedent
Elizabeth H. Phillips Decedent
James V. Francis, Jr. Name of Decedent
Nakia V. Gray, Esq. 800 Maine Ave., SW Suite 200 Washington, DC 20024 Attorney
Aimee D. Griffin 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney
Tyran Anthony Ballenger Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Tiara D. Jackson, whose address is 5027 C Street, SE #204, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Tyran Anthony Ballenger who died on 6/10/2019 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/2/20. 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 7/2/20, 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: 1/2/2020 Tiara D. Jackson Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills Washington Informer
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Sharon Francis, whose address is 5812 Spyri Drive, Clinton, MD 20735 was appointed personal representative of the estate of James V. Francis, Jr., deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on 9/5/2019. Service of process may be made upon Nakia V. Gray, Esq., 800 Maine Ave., SW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20024 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate: 1608 Isherwood Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Sharon Francis Personal Representative
Juanita Louise Davis, whose address is 8828 Sterling Street, Hyattsville, MD 20785, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Tassie Louise Wright who died on September 13, 2019 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/9/2020. 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 7/9/2020, 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.
Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills
Date of first publication: 1/9/2020
Washington Informer
Juanita Louise Davis Personal Representative
Date of first publication: 1/2/2020
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS La Dosca Richardson, whose address is 4713 Sir Woodburn Way, Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elizabeth H. Phillips who died on December 4, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/9/2020. 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 7/9/2020, 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: 1/9/2020 La Dosca Richardson Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills Washington Informer
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills Washington Informer
38 - JANUARY 9 - 15, 2020
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Park View Recreation Center, the only nearby outdoor space considered large enough for nearly 500 students. At least one parent has since opted out of their child playing on that surface. “The safety sheet they used was biased,” said Anker-Lagos, also a board member of Parent-Teachers United for Bruce-Monroe Elementary. “Of course the manufacturer would want us to think it’s safe. I don’t want my kids to go through that. I don’t want other children to be exposed, but I’m not going to tell teachers to not let my kids play outside. If that’s their only option for play, I might be poisoning my child right now.” Early last month, 11 of 13 council members, including Robert White (D-At Large), chair of the council’s Committee on Facilities and Procurement, sent a letter to Mayor Muriel Bowser demanding the immediate testing of the Department of Parks and Recreation’s outdoor spaces and other relevant material. Other requests included an accelerated test of all D.C. public school playgrounds and a plan of action from DGS. This concerted action followed the release of a report commissioned by DGS in September showing significant levels of lead in the “pour-inplace” rubber-polyurethane matting found on 17 District playgrounds — including Thomson Elementary and Truesdell Education Campus in Northwest and River Terrace Education Campus in Northeast. In their September report, DGS officials didn’t designate the material as the source of the lead, pointing instead to lead paint chips found in nearby buildings and local lead-contaminated soil that made its way to the playgrounds. DGS’ cleanup strategy, a process
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However, Dontrell Smith, a former Ward 7 commissioner, supports Church’s presence. “I’m glad it is coming,” Smith said. “We need major businesses in Ward 7 and we aren’t in a position to pick and choose.” Smith noted that Church’s has over 1,000 locations worldwide and generates hundreds of millions in revenue. “Why turn that type of company away?” Smith asked. Smith said he doesn’t see fresh food companies coming to Ward 7 any-
5 The Park View Recreation Center is one of the places where the soccer field was deemed unfit for use. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
called remediation, involved pressure washing and specialized vacuuming at 14 of the 17 sites and shuttering six others over the summer as contractors removed portions of the pour-inplace material and stabilized flaking paint. Officials told The Informer their contractors, out of precaution, also vacuumed all of the nearly 90 DCPS playgrounds that had pourin-place surface material. Exposure to even the tiniest of lead fragments can cause hyperactivity and irritability in children along with long-term learning problems, hearing loss and delayed growth. A 2016 DGS report showed high levels of lead in the water at 64 out of 113 D.C. public schools. When a subsequent document revealed a similar situation at more than a dozen fields with synthetic turf. Bowser launched a task force and Council member Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) hosted a hearing. At the time, parents not only expressed concerns about the lead presence, but that of other deadly chemicals and the likelihood of those surfaces getting unbearably hot for children. In recent years, some local
parents such as Evan Yeats remained focused on equity and transparency. “Some schools get all of their questions answered in meetings, and other schools barely get notified when the playgrounds were closed,” said Yeats, a Thomson Elementary parent who represents ANC single-member district 4B01, which includes Takoma Education Campus in Northwest. Yeats recounted his feelings of frustration upon learning that DGS had cordoned off the outdoor play area at Thomson, along with Cardozo Education Campus in Northwest and Aiton Elementary School without notifying parents. He said officials eventually sent a letter to the multilingual population in English. Questions about across-the-board safety standards and how to dispose of soil in the vegetable garden fell on deaf ears. “DGS refused to commit to a standard for lead contamination,” Yeats said. “When you allow different standards, you open yourself up for problems in equity. They tested more than 80 other schools and kept those results secret. They haven’t taken it as seriously as they could have.” WI
“I’m glad it is
time soon because of the high costs of their offerings. “Many people here can’t afford to go to Sweetgreen,” he said. In Holcomb’s view, the issue isn’t cost but access and he wants city leaders to address fast-food restaurants permeating east of the Anacostia River areas. “I call on D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the D.C. Council, especially D.C. Council members Vincent Gray and Trayon White, to support a moratorium on fast-food outlets east of the River,” he said. “We need healthier food options here.” WI
coming. We need major businesses in Ward 7 and we aren’t in a position to pick and choose.” – DONTRELL SMITH
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MALVEAUX from Page 24
WILLIAMS from Page 25 this is a failure of leadership. “Leadership is all about people,” he said. “It is not about organizations. It is not about plans. It is not about strategies. It is all about people motivating people to get the job done. You have to be people-centered. None of us can change our yesterdays but all of us can change our tomorrows.” There was a time that leaders convened with positive motives
Right-wing populism and ethno-nationalism have become major parts of the global political landscape. It is not only the appearance of Donald Trump; nor is it just Britain’s Boris Johnson. It has emerged, like chicken pox, in numerous places. And, if one is not careful, it can emerge even within the ranks of the oppressed when, in desperation, we sometimes seek to distinguish ourselves from some “Other.” WI
— really willing to compromise in order to accomplish great things for all the people. We, the people have a responsibility in electing and choosing leaders who make good on their promises once elected or chosen and not ones who just begin to flip flop on their promises depending on the way the wind blows or the money finds its way to their pockets. On that note, we the people must insist upon overturning the destructive Citizens United.
We, the people, must be determined that our leaders are qualified to lead. Just look at the man people elected to our White House has done to undermine certain members of his team. He is the total opposite of what a leader should be. He not only does not offer leadership for all the people, he does not offer leadership for vision to his team whose members might want to do the right thing. We, the people, must demand 20/20 visionary leaders. WI
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dia and replacing it with a Hindu ethno-nationalist state. The recent legislation advanced by Modi and passed in Parliament that offers citizenship to refugees from neighboring countries UNLESS they happen to be Muslim demonstrates the depths of depravity of such regimes. It is, therefore, not surprising that India is exploding. Netanyahu is a close cousin — politically speaking — of Modi’s.
He and his party — the Likud — have always aimed to eliminate the Palestinian presence from not only the occupied Palestinian territories, but from Israel itself. But it is not only the Palestinians that Netanyahu, et.al. wish to eliminate. The language of the regime when it comes to other alleged outsiders is particularly provocative and echoes that of Hindu fascists in India in describing undocumented immigrants, in the case of Israel, as “infiltrators.”
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“Don’t worry about crossover. Just super serve, super serve, super serve,” he told CBS News. “Anything that affects African Americans, that’s what you do. Just worry about connecting to people and their needs.” We offer Joyner our gratitude for his many years of entertainment and commentary, wish him well in retirement and look forward to lending our support to his efforts to uplift the community through education. WI
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as an accountant. The Tom Joyner Foundation’s Hercules Scholarship is named in his honor. “The Fly Jock” — a nickname he earned during the eight years he commuted between a morning show in Chicago and an afternoon show in Dallas — told CBS News he got his big break after a protest march in his hometown of Tuskegee, Alabama. “I’m out there protesting the
fact that our radio station in this all Black town didn’t play any Black music. And this guy who owned a radio station, which was inside a Ford dealership, came out and said I don’t need this, I’m trying to really sell some cars,” Joyner said. “Tell you what, it’s a sun-up sun-down station. Every Saturday, I’ll let one of you play all the Aretha and Temptations that you want.” In a career spanning nearly five decades, Joyner has never altered his focus on serving Black listeners.
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and there are likely to be massive GOTV (get out the vote) efforts led by civil society organizations. But what engages new voters? They must feel that the political process reflects them. Already Latino voters are concerned that Democrats aren’t vying for their vote. And African American voters think that the Democratic Party takes them for granted. To engage new voters, perhaps Democrats need to examine their rules to embrace more candidates of color. And they need to fight for legislation that makes it easier to vote. Democrats like to call themselves candidates of the “underdog.” But when billionaires like Steyer and Bloomberg come sauntering through the door, concern for the underdog seems to go out of the window. WI
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for governor of Texas. Harris has three years more of a Senate term, and she is an effective presence in Capitol Hill. I didn’t like seeing either of them dropping out of the race, but the loss is ours, not theirs. The way the election cycle works, candidates can get a big boost if they can win either Iowa or New Hampshire. But with the debate qualification set so high, voters in those states will not have the opportunity to see some great possibilities in action because they don’t qualify for the debates. To be sure, it was useful to narrow the field of candidates from an unwieldy number to a more manageable one. And candidates all appreciate the fact that they have more time to go in-depth answering questions. Still, if
it’s an all-white debate stage, what does that say about progress in this nation? What does it say about the Democratic Party, which presents itself as a bigtent party that has embraced diversity? For Democrats, there are three keys to winning this election. First, Dems must engage “new voters,” including young people and first-time voters. Next, Dems must monitor the rules around elections so that they do not discriminate and scrutinize the ways people are removed from the voting rolls. Finally, and most importantly, Democrats must place significant effort on getting out the vote in November (and during the primaries), and new voters and especially communities of color, must be targeted. Election protection organizations have the monitoring issue covered,
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CURRY from Page 25 Volkswagen and give its workers a real say in their work lives. This administration hasn’t stopped at turning the NLRB into the Chamber of Commerce. Let’s look at the Supreme Court. Justice Neil Gorsuch was confirmed in the first few months of this administration and he delivered the conservative anti-labor edge to the Janus case almost as soon as he was installed. Gorsuch, who had close ties with groups that bankrolled Janus, cast the deciding vote in a decision that prohibited public-sector unions from collecting fees from non-members. This devastating decision reversed 41 years of precedent and overturned laws in the 22 states that have not adopted “right-to-work” policies. And all signs indicate that, when he is not drinking beer, the administration’s second appointee, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, will be just as awful. The Huffington Post, in sizing him up as anti-labor, recounted the time when a New York manufacturer created a new spinoff company to avoid bargaining with unionized workers. Federal regulators and a panel of appellate judges said the manufacturer broke the law and violated its employees’ rights. There was, however, one judge who dissented in the appeals decision and sided with the employer: Brett Kavanaugh. Say no more. A legal aid lawyer put it this way: “Along with [Justice Neil] Gorsuch, [Kavanaugh] is the ideal of a Koch brothers judge. He’ll be anti-labor and anti-worker.” Of course, just as disturbing when it comes to the courts is this fact: While the Supreme Court gets the attention, it’s the lower courts that decide the bulk
ASKIA from Page 25 leaders in this country were kept in the dark. This is according to Israeli military and diplomatic analysts who refrained from providing details due to heavy military censorship. “Our assessment is that the United States informed Israel about this operation in Iraq, apparently a few days ago,” said Barak Ravid, a journalist and commentator with deep sources in the Israeli security establishment, according to Mondoweiss. The U.S. signed on to the Israeli strategy even before Trump, though. Former Supreme Allied Commander Wesley Clark said a handful of Arab-Muslim countries were to be dealt with by U.S. power. “We’re going to take out seven countries in five years, starting with Iraq,
of the cases. In lockstep with the anti-worker overhaul of our courts, more pro-management judges have been appointed to the federal appeals courts than at any other time in our recent history, and one out of every four circuit court judges have been installed by the current administration. And the latest anti-labor move? The nomination and seating of Eugene Scalia as secretary of labor, a position that historically enforces workers’ rights and U.S. labor laws. This includes laws meant to protect workers from unsafe workplaces, overtime violations, and employee misclassification. I quite honestly cannot think of anyone less likely to safeguard these protections. Here is a highlight reel: Back in 2006, he helped Walmart and other corporations win a lawsuit against the state of Maryland, stopping large companies from having to contribute to their employees’ health care plans or Medicaid. In 2011, he got behind Boeing’s threats to move jobs to a “right-to-work” state during union contract negotiations. Additionally, he defended casino boss Steve Wynn in his efforts to force casino card dealers to split their tips with pit bosses. And here’s one for you: Scalia argued that SeaWorld had no responsibility for the violent death of one of its Orca trainers and instead blamed the victim! And finally, we must consider the current disregard for worker safety. In 2017, 5,197 workers went to work and never returned home to their families. That is an average of 99 workers a week losing their lives while making the rich, richer. And this number can be added to the 2.8 million on the job non-fatal injuries and illnesses reported, with nearly 900,000 of them resulting in lost workdays. Current administration memorandums and executive orders
have frozen new regulatory protections since the 2016 election. Rules requiring employers to keep accurate injury and illness records and to disclose safety, health, and labor violations to qualify for federal contracts have been repealed. Consider this: There are about 2,100 inspectors to inspect more than 8 million workplaces around the nation. That is roughly one inspector for every 59,000 workers, or enough inspectors to inspect workplaces once every 150 years or so. I ask you, what do we do with this? Is it expecting too much to go to work in the morning and come home safe to your loved ones at the end of the day? I’ll tell you what we do. We vote! And we vote for candidates that support the millions of working men and women in this country. Vote to keep our jobs, to keep workers safe, to protect the right to organize and to have a voice in the workplace. Take this voting season as an opportunity to tell your own story. The story of millions of hardworking Americans that our country so desperately needs to hear. A story of how we rose up in the face of increasing wage inequality, lack of health care, threats to job security and a meaningful retirement, rampant corporate greed and a shrinking middle class. Labor also faces challenges at the ballot box despite rallying their membership base. Look no further than the Presidential election of 2000 with hanging chads, deleted registered voter rolls in the 2018 Georgia Governor’s race, and the 2018 Florida governor’s race won by a 50% to 49% margin after a recount. All three races lost by the final vote count and all three were labor-endorsed candidates. Think your vote doesn’t count? Please think again. WI
and then Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and finishing off with Iran,” Clark said on Dec. 16, 2016 according to “Democracy Now!” Check the list. Then, after snubbing his own government — yet informing Russian authorities, and even guests at his Mara-Lago golf resort where he spent the holidays — he told Congress to follow his Twitter feed in order to get the latest. “These Media Posts will serve as notification to the United States Congress that should Iran strike any U.S. person or target, the United States will quickly & fully strike back, & perhaps in a disproportionate manner. Such legal notice is not required, but is given nevertheless!” The Dude tweeted from Air Force One on his return from Florida to Washington. That’s what you call “cheeky.” What’s more, this Guy’s golf cart
rentals alone have cost the taxpayers $500,000 for 257 days at a golf resort he owns. In all, he has spent 338 days at a property he owns (billing the government for his staff and his Secret Service detail), since he took office in 2017. He and his cadre claim the country can’t afford medical care, food, or education for millions of its people, yet he’s spent $5.6 trillion on war since 9/11, this according to Andrea Germanos, writing for Common Dreams. And he boasted this week that he’s spent $2 trillion on fancy weapons that can destroy even sacred cultural sites in Iran, which would constitute a war crime. Wow! Brace yourself. This country will certainly be in for a rough ride in 2020 — apocalyptic or maybe Armageddon-style, even. WI
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Tom Baker Comcast Employee U.S. Army Veteran, 34 years
“It’s hard to explain the anxiety when you’re leaving the service. When someone from Comcast called it was like seeing a lighthouse.” At Comcast NBCUniversal, we’re grateful to our Nation’s military for their dedicated service. That’s why we’re committed to hiring at least 21,000 members of the military community between 2015 and the end of 2021 and have an internal support network of fellow military members to help with the transition. Learn more at comcastcorporation.com/military
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