The Washington Informer - July 2, 2020 by The Washington Informer

WINNER OF FIVE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS D.C. AWARDS Black Fireworks Industry Left out of Local Festivities Page 11 Vol. 55, No. 38 • July 2 - 8, 2020

Pedro Sierra Recounts Glory Days in Negro Baseball Leagues Cuban Native’s 22-Year Career Included Stints with Washington Senators By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor @dkevinmcneir

5 Local patrons of The Fish Market say they have had enough of racist remarks and disrespect from the restaurant’s owners. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

Pedro Sierra, 81, left his native Cuba in 1954 – then just 16 – with the opportunity to follow what he describes as the only thing he’d ever dreamed of – to play professional baseball. It would mark the beginning of a memorable, 22-year career for the talented right-hander after being signed by the Indianapolis Clowns and joining a legacy of pioneers who made up the Negro Leagues. Before a worldwide pandemic shutdown sports, Major League Baseball had planned to use Tuesday, June 29, as a celebration and

Protesters Circle The Fish Market Following Racial Incident With House in Tow, D.C. Statehood Is This the Straw that Broke the Camel’s Back?

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor @dkevinmcneir A family-run eatery in Prince George’s County known for its seafood, service and house band, and a favorite among the local African-American community, now finds itself under fire after a reported racial incident between the owner and a customer. On Tuesday, June 30, dozens of people continued recent daily protests outside of The Fish Market in Clinton on Old Branch Avenue, holding signs and chanting phrases which included, “I can’t breathe” and “shut it down” while those supporting their efforts honked their horns as they drove past in automobiles.

Just over a week ago, a Black man attempted to enter the restaurant seeking to place his order when, allegedly, the owner blocked his entrance, saying that he could not come in wearing a T-shirt which said, “I can’t breathe.” The T-shirt’s message, which references the recent death of George Floyd and other Black men at the hands of law enforcement, has become a rallying cry for protesters both in the U.S. and around the world as they’ve taken to the streets demanding change within police departments including the need for de-escalation policies and defunding. After the incident between the customer,

PROTEST Page 43

BASEBALL Page 38 5 Pedro Sierra (Photo courtesy Pedro Sierra)

Backers Mull Senate Strategy By James Wright WI Staff Writer @Jamesdcwrighter With the historic passage of a bill granting the District state-level sovereignty despite Republican opposition, statehood advocates are planning a Senate strategy for the remaining months of this congressional session and the next, regardless of the results of the November general election. On Friday, June 26, the House passed the Washington, D.C. Admission Act of 2019 on a 232-180 vote becoming the first chamber of Congress embracing District statehood. D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D), who authored the bill, known as

H.R. 51, expressed elation at its passage. “The U.S. is the only Democratic country that denies both voting rights in the national legislature and local autonomy to the residents of the nation’s capital,” Norton said in a statement. “As we approach July 4th, it is long past time to apply the nation’s oldest slogan, ‘no taxation without representation,’ and the principle of consent of the governed to District of Columbia residents.” The legislation would admit the non-federal enclaves of the District as the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, named after famed city resident abolitionist Frederick Douglass, to the union.

STATEHOOD Page 44

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Women the Cycle of wi hotBreak topics Domestic Violence Hogan Extends Emergency Prince George’s Agency

Hosts Men Order on Utility Providers law enforcement. She said they ‘The threat,” she said. Challenge’ had come together to bring a Among the programs Marlow Thru August 1 sense of uniformity in Series the way wants to see implemented are

By Tia Carol Jones WI Staff Writer

When L.Y. Marlow's 23-year- domestic violence victims and stricter restraining order policies, Governor Larry Hogan announced on Tuesday that Prince George’s old daughter told her the father survivors are treated. more rights for victim's families he has extended the emergency order prohibiting utilCounty Department of her daughter threatened her “She's using her own personal to intervene on behalf of a vicity and providers from off or charging late fees for of Family Services life, the life of shutting their child, story, her own personal pain to tim, a domestic violence assessresidential services, including electricity, water, phone began its occasional she knew something had to be push forward,” Davis-Nickens ment unit coupled with further and internet. be in effect through August. 1. series Monday, June done. Out ofThis herwill frustration said about Marlow. training for law enforcement first issued the order on March 16, shortly said 29 called “The Men withHogan law enforcement's handling Davis-Nickens anyone agencies, a Child's Life ProtecStatedecided of Emergency. Challenge.” The Act ini-and mandatory counselofafter the declaring situation,a she to who reads Marlow's book will tion As of June 30, Maryland had recorded 67,559 contiative, through start the Saving Promise cam- “get it.” She said she “puts the ing forthebatterers. firmed cases with 3,190 deaths. case in such a way, thedepartment’s paign. average “If dowe are ever going to eradimestic and “It seems to be a vicious cycle person can get it.” She said at theviolence cate domestic violence, we must human that won't turn my family end of the day, the book will trafficking look at both sides of the coin. division, the to address both the vicloose,” Marlow said. Marlow help people begin to have a dia- presents We need series as a waytim for men shared her story with the audi- logue about domestic violence. and the batterer,” Marlow to develop ence at the District Heights Also present at the event was healthy said. reusingwould violence. firsttoseries Domestic Violence Symposium Mildred Muhammad, lationships the ex- without Marlow alsoItslike see Monday on May 7 at the District Heights wife of John Allen Muhammad, focused on weight management and staying active during programs designed to raise Municipal Center. The sympo- who was sentenced to sixthe coronavirus pandemic. Another, scheduled consecawareness among children in Wednessium was sponsored by the utive life terms withoutday,parole July 1, represents partprivate one onschools. Black lives public and Shefrom EmFamily and Youth Services by a Maryland jury for his roleTill in to George mett Floyd. need Part two be shown July feels children to bewill educatCenter of the city of District the Beltway Sniper attacks ed series aboutondomestic violence. 15 andin the last July 28 will provide an historical Heights and the National Hook- 2002. Mildred Muhammad have to The stopfree being pas-discussions contextisof Black“We fatherhood. virtual Up of Black Women. the founder of After the run Trauma, sive-aggressive with poor chilfrom 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Marlow has written a book, an organization that helps dren about domestic violence,” Forthe more information, go to https://www.princegeor“Color Me Butterfly,” which is a survivors of domestic gescountymd.gov/1671/Domestic-Violence. violence Marlow said. 5 MD Governor Larry Hogan (WI File Photo) story about four generations of and their children. Marlow has worked to break domestic violence. The book is “I lived in fear for six years. Six the cycle of abuse in her family, inspired by her own experiences, years in fear is a long time. It is and is confident the policies she and those of her grandmother, not an easy thing to come out is pushing for will start that her mother and her daughter. of,” she said. process. She said every time she reads Mildred Muhammad said “I plan to take these policies to D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen (D-Ward excerpts from her book, she still people who want to help a Congress and implore them to 6) sent a letter to Kevin Donahue, the D.C. Depcan not believe the words came domestic violence victim must change our laws,” Marlow said. utyher. Mayor forMe Public Safety and Justice and D.C. from “Color Butterfly” be careful of how they go into “I will not stop until these poliPolice Chief Peter Newsham 28 questionwon the 2007 National “Best ontheJune victim's life, and understand cies are passed.” ing the actions of the police department during Books” Award. that she may be in “survival Tia Carol Jones can be reached recent events. “I was just 16-years-old when mode”. at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net “Today, two incidents to my you attention my eye first blackened and mycame “Before get to 'I'm going which I amsaid. requesting a full accounting,” Al- as a verbal lipsfor bled,” Marlow to kill you,' it started WI len wrote. “The first ispresia disturbing video which Elaine Davis-Nickens, show Hook-Up dozens of Metropolitan Police dentappears of the to National Department officers tearing down of Black Women, said there aggressively is no a supply tent used by protestors on Black Lives consistency in the way domestic Matter Plaza, force on those under and violence issues areemploying dealt with by around the tent. The second incident is depicted in a now-deleted tweet by the MPD official Twitter account showing Breitbart News – a right, racist media site – delivering food to officers in the Second District Station. In video footage of the visit recorded by Breitbart, a woman accompanying staff states in an interview that Black people “are the most violent race.” Regarding the incidents, Allen requested an investigation and the unredacted body-worn camera footage from the Black Lives Matter Plaza incident and any association with White supremacist media must be disavowed. “Both events show serious lapses in judgment 5 D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen. (WI File and leadership,” the councilmember said. Photo)

Councilmember Charles Allen Blasts MPD Officers’ Behavior

“

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.

“

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L.Y. Marlow

AROUND THE REGION D.C. Residents Deliberate on Orange’s Council Candidacy

By James Wright WI Staff Writer @Jamesdcwrighter

Former D.C. Council member Vincent Orange has decided to get back into the political arena after a stint as the president of the D.C. Chamber of Commerce and that has many District residents pondering about his candidacy for the independent at-large council position. In an email to members of the media on June 16, Orange, a longtime Democrat, stated his intention to run in the Nov. 3 general election as an independent, vying for one of the two spots available. He started the email by saying, “Vincent Orange is back.” Orange joins a number of candidates who seek to win one of the two at-large council seats up for grabs. Council member Robert White, running for reelection, will likely win one of the seats as the Democratic Party nominee because of the party’s 76.47 percent voter registration advantage, according to data from the D.C. Board of Elections. Attempts by The Informer to reach Orange for comment on his candidacy were unsuccessful. When Ward 8 political activist Philip Pannell heard of Orange’s candidacy, he expressed wonderment. “He has plenty experience as a candidate,” Pannell said. “He is one of the best campaigners in the city. I believe I have voted for him twice

throughout the years but I haven’t endorsed him this time.” District residents have seen Orange’s name on the ballot a number of times. He lost Democratic mayoral campaigns in 2006 and 2014 and for council chairman in 1990, 1993 and 2010. In 1994, he ran for the Ward 5 council seat but lost to incumbent Harry Thomas Sr., but he defeated Thomas in 1998 for the position. Orange served on the council from 1999-2007. When Orange lost to Council member Kwame Brown to be the council chairman in 2010, he sought Brown’s at-large council position in 2011 but the D.C. Democratic Committee selected Sekou Biddle for the job. In the special election to fill Brown’s seat permanently in May 2011, Orange defeated Biddle and others to win the seat. In 2012, Orange won a full term as a Democratic at-large council member. White defeated Orange in the June 2016 Democratic primary and Orange resigned in August to become the president of the Chamber of Commerce full-time. Mary Cuthbert, a former advisory neighborhood commissioner and civic activist in Ward 8 welcomes Orange’s candidacy. “Everybody should get a second chance,” Cuthbert said, referring to Orange’s loss in 2016. “He lost that race — he didn’t get thrown out of office. If you lose, you can come back.”

Cuthbert said she thought Orange did an excellent job on the council and would be an asset if reelected to the body. “He did a lot for people in the city and he helped people in Ward 8,” she said. “Vincent Orange understands the council’s process and not many of the people who are on the council now understand how things work.” On the council, Orange has been credited with the establishment of the District’s Emancipation Day holiday and spearheading the upgrade of McKinley Technology High School. Orange has championed causes such as the certified business enterprise program and economic development projects especially in predom-

inantly Black neighborhoods. Orange’s work on behalf of Ward 5 and the city has impressed Ronnie Edwards, the chairman of advisory neighborhood commission 5A, who thinks the former lawmaker should run again if he feels inclined to do so, even if it means leaving the Democratic Party. “If he feels he can do it he should,” Edwards said. “I don’t see him as a traitor to the Democratic Party if he runs as an independent. I think it would be advantageous to have someone on the council who has been an active Democrat in that position. Orange has done a lot for this

ORANGE Page 29

5 Former D.C. Councilmember Vincent Orange has declared his candidacy for an at-large council seat in the November 3 general election. (WI file photo)

One-on-One with Vincent Orange By James Wright WI Staff Writer @Jamesdcwrighter Former D.C. Council member Vincent Orange spoke to the Informer about his candidacy for the independent at-large council seat. Orange talks about his candidacy and why he wants to rejoin the council: Washington Informer: Why are you running for the council in November as an independent candidate? Vincent Orange: There is an open seat on the D.C. Council created by the departure of D.C. Council member David Grosso. I feel there needs

to be a balance on the council and I still have a lot to offer. Our city is facing some tough challenges such as COVID-19 and a city that is undergoing some unrest. I have the experience to get the city back on track. We have to find a way to jump-start our economy. There should be a new normal for everyday people and our city should be for the benefit of everyone. WI: You are not running as a Democrat, even though you have been in elected office with that party and have represented the District as a member of the Democratic National

INTERVIEW Page 32

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1908 – Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to ever serve on the Supreme Court, is born in Baltimore. 1925 – Medgar Evers, civil rights activist, is born in Decatur, Mississippi. 1943 – Tuskegee Airman Charles Hall becomes the first African American pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft in World War II. 1964 – The Civil Rights Act, which prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin, is signed into law.

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1950 – “The Hazel Scott Show,” the first U.S. network television series to be hosted by an African American woman, premieres. 1956 – Television talk show host Montel Williams is born in Baltimore.

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1975 – Arthur Ashe defeats defending Wimbledon champion Jimmy Connors, becoming the first African American man to win the singles title in the tournament.

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1957 – Tennis star Althea Gibson became the first Black tennis player to win Wimbledon, defeating fellow American Darlene Hard in straight sets. 1971 – Legendary jazz trumpeter Louis “Satchmo”Armstrong dies of a heart attack in New York City. 1979 – Musician and D.C. native Van McCoy, best known for his 1975 smash “The Hustle,” dies in Englewood, New Jersey.

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1913 – Negro leagues baseball legend Leroy “Satchel” Paige is born in Mobile, Alabama. 1913 – Blues pianist Pinetop Perkins is born in Belzoni, Mississippi. 1915 – American poet and writer Margaret Walker, author of “Jubilee,” is born in Birmingham, Alabama. 1972 – Hall of Fame basketball player Lisa Leslie, the first player to dunk in a WNBA game, is born in Gardena, California.

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1908 – Swing-era bandleader and musician Louis Jordan, “The King of the Jukebox,” is born in Brinkley, Arkansas. 1914 – Famed jazz singer Billy Eckstine is born in Pittsburgh. 2000 – Tennis legend Venus Williams defeats Lindsay Davenport to win the Wimbledon women’s singles championship, the first Black woman to do so since Althea Gibson in 1958. Exactly a year later, Williams successfully defended her title, knocking off Justine Henin in the finals. WI

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Some things get easier with time. Some things, no matter how much time goes by, never do. The death of my mother sit at the top of the list. That’s my conclusion as the one-year anniversary of my mother’s death approaches on July 4th. Momma was 91. In many ways, I realize that I am indeed fortunate – blessed to have had my mother, Edna, in my life for so many years. During her last four years of life, she slowly began slipping away from me and our family as Alzheimer’s disease took its toll on her abilities to remember and to engage. But there were those moments when, suddenly, she was that energetic ball of fire that I remembered and missed so much. There were things that I took for granted that I now tell my children, my grandsons and others to never allow to happen. I grew to long for those Sunday dinners: oven-fried chicken, sweet potatoes cooked to perfection, macaroni and cheese – the cheese oozing over the sides of the pan, cornbread (Jiffy’s of course), collard greens mixed with turnips and okra. I grew to long for our fierce Scrabble competitions which as I grew older and my vocabulary developed, I began to beat her with ease – much to her

dismay and pride. The more things change, the more they remain the same. I grew to long for those road trips we took long ago every summer during my youth to Camden and Mobile, Pensacola, Baltimore, Williamsburg, Charles City where we’d visit all of the kin folks. Like a Black version of the Van Trapp family, Mom, along with my older sister and I, would sing threepart harmony to the Top Ten tunes from her choir back in Detroit. Then, we’d add the Motown hits from the Temps, Tops, Supremes and all the rest. Meanwhile, my Dad, who also died on another holiday, Father’s Day, in 1985, would hum in the background since he’d never been able to carry a tune. We let him keep the beat. But most of all, I remember the cards my mother would send to me – always knowing, somehow, that I was a bit overwhelmed with life, despondent over setbacks or failures, or just plain broke and in need of a few dollars. She always knew. And she always sent me a note of encouragement which, as I look back on it, meant a lot more than any amount of money she would include. One day not long ago, I found a box that my mother had saved which had no label on the outside. In it were all of the clippings of my writ-

ings – things I’d written as a child all the way through my professional career as a journalist. There were cards that I had sent to her. There were photos and photos and more photos. The box was a cornucopia of love. It was her collection of memories of me – of us. Earlier I said I realize how fortunate and blessed I am and have been. I stand by that statement. You see, as she began to forget how to walk, feed herself, even use the bathroom or wash herself, I found myself forced to accept a new role as the parent of a very young child. Our roles had been reversed – not of my choosing – but out of necessity. I began to enjoy combing her hair, getting her dressed for a concert or dinner when she was up to it. I looked forward to tucking her in and kissing her goodnight. I relished the chance to cook HER favorites and see her make a mess as she gobbled up my greens, my chicken, my sweet potatoes and my macaroni and cheese. Then, like all of us, she’d lay back on the couch and begin to snore – loudly. I remember praying that God would take her in her sleep, peacefully, painlessly, so that she would not have to endure being alone in a hospital room with tubes, and needles and nurses – alone. God granted me that prayer on America’s birthday. I don’t really care about the fireworks or the singing of national anthems like “My Country, Tis of Thee” or “God, Bless America.” I don’t put out a red, white and blue flag. I don’t stand to recite the pledge of allegiance. In fact, I don’t do anything patriotic at all. Instead I look to the heavens, then open that box of memories that my mother cherished and saved so that one day I would discover it and know that while even in death, she’d never be far away from me. Actually, when I think about it, Momma is just a prayer away. WI

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AROUND THE REGION

By James Wright WI Staff Writer @Jamesdcwrighter

Since the coronavirus pandemic, issues have arisen about whether people should engage in sex given the deadly nature of the disease but sexual therapists and a relationships expert say with precautions, a healthy sexual lifestyle can be practiced. Deborah J. Fox, a certified sex therapist in the District, said that while she understands the impact the pandemic has had on sexual activity, certain measures should take place between partners for a healthy sexual experience as the coronavirus circulates without a vaccine or cure. “Social distancing is the way to go to adhere to public health guidelines,” Fox said. “If you can figure out how to have sex with someone you’re not quarantined with, outside of six feet apart … OK. All of the science that is now available suggests that having sex with new people is going to spread the virus and puts you and your partner at risk. However, this is not all bad news, in my opinion. If you’re looking for a significant relationship with one person, get to know that person first through video chat and outside picnics.” Fox said sexual activity can often be spontaneous and caution should be exercised in those situations. “Having sex at first sight has become common [and] blurs the experience of getting to know someone,” she said. “If you hit it off, then you can choose to quarantine for 14 days, get tested for [the coronavirus] and then pursue a more intimate relationship. If you are interested in casual sex, then this is a harder time.” Fox suggested a surefire method for being sexually active without the fear of disease: “There’s always phone sex.” Patti Renko, a psychotherapist and sex therapist with Keith Miller Counseling LLC in the District, said with the coronavirus active, the safest method of having sex would be with oneself.

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“You have to assess your risk,” Renko said. “You are your best sex partner. Masturbation, stimulation of the genitals with the hand for sexual pleasure, is safe, and so are using sex toys. Be sure to wash your hands with soap when you are done.” Renko said if partners are interested in sex, there should be a discussion about COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, and its symptoms. She said couples who are intimate but live in different cities or have one or both partners that travel a lot should be careful when engaging in sex because some cities and states are more amenable to the coronavirus than others. “In those situations, sexual intercourse should be undertaken with caution,” Renko said. “Try to avoid activities such as kissing or rimming, the act of orally pleasuring the anus, that could possibly spread the virus. Also, there is no scientific or medical evidence [the coronavirus] can be obtained by taking in semen or feces. But to be safe, use dental dams or condoms when having sex. While there is no direct correlation between sexually transmitted diseases and the coronavirus, safe sex should be practiced nevertheless.” For those who choose not to

have sex or practice abstinence, Renko said “they should do it if they are comfortable with that.” Dr. Audrey Chapman, a D.C.based relationship counselor, said the most comfortable sexual partners during the pandemic are married couples. “Married couples are the best persons to have sex — it is an exclusive relationship,” she said. “The partners know each other and are likely to be more careful when it comes to intimacy and not transmitting any infections. When you are single, however, things may be more difficult. A man may be more aggressive in trying to have sex with a female and the female should be on her guard. In that situation, I would suggest the male and female get together by riding bikes, taking walks and perhaps chatting while in their separate cars before getting together intimately.” Chapman said people should want to know the sexual histories of their partners. “COVID-19 and AIDS will take you out of here,” she said. “There is no cure for those diseases. While there are treatments for AIDS, who wants to battle that all of your life? Before having sex with a person, be sure you know who you are getting intimate with.” WI

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AROUND THE REGION CAPTURE THE MOMENT BLACK TRANS MARCH Black trans activists in a caravan at the John A. Wilson Building on July 26 in Northwest celebrate the lives of Black transgender and gender non-conforming people and demand decriminalization of sex work. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

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“To some Negroes light color is far from being a status symbol; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. It is evidence that your image has been corrupted by white people. It was an irony. On the one hand, much money was spent on hair straighteners and skin-lighteners, on the other hand you were put down for being naturally closer to the prevailing ideal of beauty. I did not know whether I was supposed to be proud of my color or ashamed of it.”

–Lena Horne

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AROUND THE REGION Black Fireworks Industry Left out of Regional Festivities

D.C.-Based Wholesaler Implicates DCRA, Illegal Fireworks Vendors By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins Throughout the July Fourth weekend and well after, the sights and sounds of aerial pyrotechnics and cherry bomb explosions will likely continue to draw the ire of District residents who’ve complained about the nightly cacophony that’s gone on for more than a month with a near-unprecedented level of intensity. The situation and similar scenarios unfolding in other U.S. cities have compelled questions among social media commentators about the origins of the fireworks, and whether outside forces coordinated the nightly explosions to sow anti-Black sentiment in the middle of a full-fledged sociopolitical movement. While James P. Peters III, a local fireworks wholesaler in a legal battle with the D.C. government, didn’t go so far to draw that conclusion, he argued that the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)’s decision to allow Costco Wholesale Corporation to sell fireworks while denying the same for 27 independent vendors — 22 of whom are Black — has allowed illegal, outof-state fireworks to saturate the local market with products sounding much louder and shooting much higher than what D.C. law mandates. “My vendors are not on the streets and they don’t have licenses. You’re gonna blame Costco? It’s not them either, because they don’t sell those fireworks. The illegal fireworks come from out of state — like Pennsylvania

and Delaware,” said Peters, a 40-year fireworks industry veteran and owner of Capitol Works Fireworks, Inc. On Saturday afternoon, hours before more allegedly illegal fireworks went off across the city, Peters, along with attorney Johnny Barnes, former D.C. Council member Harry Thomas Jr., and several local fireworks vendors, peacefully protested on the front steps of the Capitol Works warehouse. This gathering happened four days after Peters filed a lawsuit against the D.C. government for what Barnes described as a decision lacking sound reasoning. The lawsuit referenced a June 17 email in which Vincent Parker of DCRA’s business and professional licensing administration told Peters that the agency’s denial of the 27 vendors’ licenses stemmed from the public health emergency, ongoing local demonstrations, and residents’ concerns. Up until that point, local vendors had been waiting since May for Peters to give them the go-ahead to purchase legal fireworks from him. Peters even attended a Zoom conference call with DCRA officials in April to prepare for a fireworks season that had been complicated by the coronavirus pandemic. Plans to make sales would never materialize however, leaving Peters with a warehouse full of fireworks and 27 small businesses without a key source of income during the summer months. As Costco, and the out-oftown vendors of illegal fireworks, met market demand unencumbered, one of the District’s longest existing, majority-Black industry was at a standstill, particularly Capitol Works was

working to become an importer of fireworks. “Out-of-state companies inundate radio stations and social media. They’ll even ship to you, which is illegal,” Peters said, later expressing his belief that Bowser would reverse DCRA’s decision. “They’ll sell you the aerial stuff that explodes. I tried asking the powers that be to do something about illegal fireworks. It will drive us all out of business.” In the District, fireworks that explode and shoot into the air — including firecrackers, sparklers of more than 20 inches, and Roman candles — have been deemed illegal. Even so, some District families have been

known to travel to Pennsylvania and other states to purchase such products. With local vendors out of the picture, illegal fireworks have garnered more attention from residents and local officials alike. For instance, complaints about loud explosions, as well as a fire at King Gas Station on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, prompted Ward 8 Council member Trayon White’s office to send an email to constituents differentiating between legal and illegal fireworks. While Bowser’s office hasn’t commented on Capitol Work’s lawsuit, the mayor has weighed in on how she thought residents navigating a city in Phase 2 of its reopening should conduct themselves on July 4. On Satur-

day, she advised people to enjoy the fireworks display at the National Mall from the comfort of their homes. Some people, including ANC Commissioner Robbie Woodland, said they want to hear more from Bowser about the noises they’ve experienced at night. “We heard booms that were so loud, it shook my apartment window and set off every car alarm on my street, including mine,” said Woodland, adding that she’d like to see an outright ban on fireworks much like what Massachusetts implemented, or at least the designation of open spaces for such activities. For the full version of this story, go to washingtoninformer.com. WI

5 Employees and several local fireworks vendors protest on the steps of the Capitol Works warehouse in Northeast. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

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JULY 2 - 8, 2020 11

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY MGM National Harbor Reopens Amid Pandemic By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill The MGM National Harbor casino resort reopened at 6 a.m. Monday after being shuttered for more than three months due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Visitors such as Falisha Shabazz of Richmond, Virginia, played some blackjack and roulette Monday morning, as fewer seats than usual were separated by plexiglass to protect other players and employees. For extra precaution, each table has hand sanitizer. “You don’t have to worry about people bumping all into you. Social distancing is good,” Shabazz said. “[MGM] is clean and com-

fortable. Everybody is nice. It was cool to come when not many people are here.” Employees also appreciate the additional safety measures such as a four-sink, hand-washing station on the casino floor near the slot machines. Soap, water and paper towels automatically flow when placing a hand underneath each dispenser. Hand sanitizer stations are placed at various parts of the resort. The hotel entrance also provides a mask station for anyone without a face covering. Hotel guests receive a complimentary package containing a mask, hand sanitizer spray and a stylus that enables slot machine play without having to touch the buttons or pull the levers.

Contactless temperature checks are conducted on anyone entering the casino. If a person’s temperature is 100.4 or higher, they must leave the property and seek medical attention. “I was a little nervous, but I’m really happy about all the safety measures MGM is providing us with to feel safe and healthy,” said Yolanda Perez, an MGM employee who works at the table games. “We clean the area after every guest leaves the table to make sure everything is sanitized. As long as we keep maintaining safe and healthy protocols, then I believe we can get through this safely.” In terms of table games, plexiglass separates players and employees and available seats will be cut in half. Seats at blackjack tables have been decreased from six seats to three, while craps tables will go from 12 seats to six. Functioning slot machines will be separated by one unavailable for play. “We want to open things up the right way,” said MGM Resorts Vice President of Administration John Flynn. “It’s a way of getting our employees comfortable. It’s a way of getting our guests comfortable. It’s a way to reinforce the trust and confidence with our customer base that we are doing things to keep health and safety as a number-one priority.” MGM will open the same day that Prince George’s County goes fully into phase two of its reopening plan, allowing several businesses including bingo halls, fitness centers and shopping malls

5 John Flynn, vice president of administration and head of health/safety strategy for MGM Resorts International, uses one of four sinks at a hand-washing station on the casino floor of MGM National Harbor on June 25 at it prepares to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

to resume operations. However, they cannot exceed 50 percent capacity. According to the county executive order, outdoor youth sports can expand from 50 to 100 people in any area, but small groups must remain with no more than nine children and one coach per group. Personal services such as tattoo parlors, spas and massage parlors can reopen, but operate at just 50 percent capacity or less and by appointment only, with one customer per 200 square feet. Churches and other houses of worship may expand indoor ser-

Eviction Tsunami May Hit Maryland After Housing Moratorium By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill Housing in Maryland has become one of the latest industries which the coronavirus pandemic has negatively affected. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said $5 million has been provided for emergency one-time payments, $3.5 million in rental assistance and $218,000 to help tenants facing eviction. The negative: about 20,000 households are in default of lease payments. Elrich said the number could’ve been higher if not for the additional $600 per week provided for federal unem-

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ployment assistance. The $600 payments are scheduled to end July 25. In addition, a moratorium on evictions is set to expire on the same date through the federal CARES Act, the economic stimulus package approved by Congress to help states with budgetary problems due to the pandemic. “When that ends … unless all the jobs come back miraculously, we’ve got a real problem on our hands,” Elrich said Monday, June 29 during a virtual briefing before the House of Delegates Environment and Transportation Committee. “We’re facing a tsunami of potential evictions.” The committee held a nearly fivehour discussion in which county officials and housing advocates sought

help to ensure those who rent don’t face homelessness due to scheduled eviction hearings in court. Maryland courts are reopening in phases. Escrow and tenant holding actions that occurred prior to the courts closing could take place starting July 20. Five days later, on the same day the eviction moratorium will lift, the courts plan to process warrants for those who failed to pay rent. According to Maryland District Court statement, all District Courts “will begin to hear failure to pay rent cases as well as all other landlord/ tenant case types” starting Aug. 31. Meanwhile, Gov. Larry Hogan announced Friday, June 26 the state will provide $30 million in eviction

prevention assistance. About $20 million will go to all 23 counties and Baltimore City and the other $10 million for a housing relief program. If the state of emergency executive order remains in effect, then unemployed residents affected by the coronavirus and face eviction may be protected. However, they may need to go to court and prove it. “This highlights that there is significant uncertainty, concern among tenants who just don’t what’s going to happen,” said Karen Wabeke, senior attorney for the Homeless Persons Representation Project Inc. of Baltimore. “The suggestion that folks should feel comfortable at this point is really, really missing the mark.” WI

vices to 50 percent capacity, but must provide safeguards such as hand sanitizer and implement physical distancing requirements. Religious leaders can hold outdoor activities and services with up to 250 people if appropriate social distance measures are applied and access to hand washing or hand sanitizers is provided. MGM opened earlier than other businesses in the county because it’s regulated by the state lottery and gaming commission. Because Prince George’s continues to record the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state, indoor pools, government buildings, movie theaters, senior citizen centers, concert venues and nightclubs will remain closed. As of Monday, the county has more than 19,000 confirmed coronavirus cases. The executive order for phase two will remain in effect through July 9. At MGM, J.T. Tillman said he wasn’t sure if he would play any card games, specifically blackjack, because the tables he saw started at a minimum of $50. “I’m not really a high roller. I don’t come here to try and pay any bills. I just come to enjoy the games,” said Tillman, a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia. “I stay here at least once every six weeks. It’s probably one of the nicer casinos in the area.” WI

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PGCPS BRIEFS Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer

SUMMER LEARNING PROGRAMS

PGCPS’ Virtual Summer Learning programs offer students opportunities for acceleration, enrichment, credit recovery, or original credit. This summer, all programs will be offered virtually with no fees.

COVID-19 TRAUMA

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in thousands of children being separated from loved ones who require isolation and/or hospitaliza-

DCPS

BRIEFS Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer

DCPS GOES TO COLLEGE

Leticia Banda is excited about the whole college experience: “Meeting new people, learning how to be independent and finding myself.” As a District Scholar studying public health at American University, Leticia plans to do that and more when she attends in the fall.

STATE BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS

The DC State Board of Education is reviewing recommendations outlined in the ReOpen DC Plan and welcomes DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee for a discussion

tion due to a positive test for or potential exposure to COVID-19, the potentially deadly respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus. A tip sheet has been created for caregivers or other adults supporting children with traumatic separation or traumatic grief related to the pandemic.

LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM

The Washington Nationals and Prince George’s County Memorial Library System have teamed up for an online-only summer reading and engagement program. The Summer @ Your Library program encourages children, teens and adults to read 30 minutes each day, attend virtual programs, explore the wide range of streaming movies and music in the 85-plus online library resources, and participate in interactive social media challenges. The virtual program will be hosted in English and Spanish for all ages and runs through Aug. 21.

regarding measures being implemented to reopen schools in a safe and sustainable way. The State Board will also outline its next steps to assist students and families as they prepare for reopening. The board will continue its review of the Statewide Accountability Plan and STAR Framework used to evaluate the performance of all D.C. public schools, both DCPS and public charter schools, which promote transparency and provide important information for parents, policymakers, and education stakeholders.

SOCIAL STUDIES STANDARDS COMMITTEE

The state board is convening a Social Studies Standards Advisory Committee to draft guiding principles and make recommendations to OSSE on how state standards should be revised and updated to reflect the needs of students and teachers in the District. After receiving more than 100 applications, the board selected a diverse and knowledgeable group of pre-K-12 teachers and curricu-

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

VIRTUAL SUMMER LEARNING

PGCPS’ Virtual Summer Learning programs offer students opportunities to help transition to high school, take part in academic enrichment, earn original credits towards graduation requirements and recover credits for required courses. While students in prekindergarten through fifth grade can continue distance learning via PGCPS-TV on channels 38 (Verizon) and 96 (Comcast), middle school students can access the Edgenuity MYPath summer learning program to build skills in reading and math. High school students can earn an original credit and/or recover failed credits towards fulfilling graduation requirements. Students will receive instructional support from a certified content area teacher. No registration required and the program is free. Students can take the self-paced classes from July 1 through July 31. Log in at learn.edgenuity.com using the following credentials: USERlum experts, school district leaders, parents, students, higher education personnel, and experts from organizations in relevant social science fields. Members of the Social Studies Standards Advisory Committee include: Alexander O’Sullivan student, BASIS DC PCS Alyssa Richardson, student, Duke Ellington School of the Arts Barbara Davidson, president, StandardsWork, Inc. Daniel Espinas, teacher, DCPS Elizabeth A. Worden, associate professor, American University Emily Brimsek, manager of professional learning, National Center on Education and the Economy Fadhal Moore, Georgetown University Jennifer DePaoli, senior researcher, Learning Policy Institute Jessica A. Rucker, teacher, EL Haynes High School PCS Karen Hopkins, D.C. area representative, Human Rights Educators USA Karen Lee, teacher, Thurgood Marshall Academy PCS Lamar James Bethea, teacher,

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5 June 15, which marked the end of distance learning, also concluded PGCPS’ 201920 school year. (PGCPS photo)

NAME: pgms YOUR STUDENT ID; and PASSWORD: YOUR STUDENT ID. For more information on all programs, go to the summer program webpage.

PRIORITIES, RECOMMENDATIONS, STRATEGIC GOALS

The Prince George’s County Board

Statesmen College Preparatory Academy Laura Fuchs, teacher, HD Woodson High School Lauren Grimes, founder, The Community Enrichment Project Maria Marable-Bunch, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution Melanie R. Holmes, teacher, MacFarland Middle School Michael Stevens, director of social studies, Friendship PCS Molly France, instructional guide, Two Rivers PCS Molly Sloss, teacher, Capitol Hill Montessori School Nicolas Ojeda, teacher, Duke Ellington School of the Arts Rebecca Schouvieller, teacher, DC International School PCS Reginald L. Williams, teacher, Columbia Heights Education Campus Sally Schwartz, executive director, Globalize DC Sarah Buscher, teacher, Janney Elementary School Scott Abbott, director of Social Studies, DCPS Office of Teaching and Learning Shelina Warren, teacher, Dunbar High School WI

of Education has unanimously approved its budget proposal based upon a recommendation from PGCPS Chief Monica E. Goldson that reflected her vision for the diverse academic programs and fiscal and staffing allocations that are required to advance the school system. Goldson identified the following five strategic goals in her FY20-21 budget proposal: academic excellence, a high performing workforce; a safe and supportive environment; family and community engagement; and organizational effectiveness. Responding to Goldson’s recommendation and the public’s input offered during three public hearings, the board adopted a FY20-21 spending plan focused on its five priorities: increase employee compensation; address food insecurity for students; enhance building maintenance services; expand language immersion programs; and support and advocate for additional funding and services as recommended by the Kirwan Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education.

SUMMER MEAL DISTRIBUTION

PGCPS has ended the two-day meal distribution program and following a one-week break to complete year-end activities, the school system will operate the annual Summer Food Service Program through Thursday, Aug. 13. “Grab and go” breakfast and lunch meals will be available Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon at 87 school sites and 12 apartment complexes. For more information, go to www.pgcps.org/ foodandnutrition. WI

JULY 2 - 8, 2020 13

BUSINESS ‘Busy Bee’ Britton Revises Sales Strategy in Midst of Coronavirus Pandemic By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Contributing Writer As the District reopens from phases two to three, local business owner Juanita “Busy Bee” Britton has hit the ground running, hosting her first shopping event of the year. Displaying mud cloth fabrics, custom jewelry, handmade paintings, furniture and more, Britton presented a decorative house that offered something for everyone in her Raleigh Street home in Southeast. She has been facilitating shows for

30 years. “I produced three major events in late February in Miami. But I’ve just closed that portion of my business down which is why we’re having this event. Many of the items on sale have come from my Miami venues,” Britton said. “I have 20-plus stores and have experienced major financial hardship. The loan programs that the federal government has offered to small business owners have requirements which I do not meet. So, I’m struggling. My mortgage is in forbearance.

5 Juanita “Busy Bee” Britton pictured in her home filled with beautiful art and craft pieces. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

But I’m making a way somehow through these tough economic times.” Britton has championed a long standing career as the “Busy Bee” of eccentric retail event extravaganzas, while simultaneously partnering as senior vice president and partner

Request for Proposal Solicitation GAGA-2020-I-0071 We the Girls and Empowering Males of Color Conference DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE OF SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT AND SUPPORTS SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT The District of Columbia Public School (DCPS), Resource Strategy Office, Contracts & Acquisitions Division, on behalf of Office of School Improvement and Supports Social-Emotional Academic Development is seeking a contractor (an event planner) to support the planning, logistics, vendor solidification, and staffing for two virtual conferences in September 2020. As a part of the initiative, Reign: Empowering Young Women as Leaders, DCPS is excited to virtually host our 4th Annual We the Girls: Young Women’s Leadership Conference on Saturday, September 19, 2020. As a part of the initiative, Empowering Males of Color (EMOC), DCPS is excited to virtually host its inaugural EMOC Convening on Saturday, September 26, 2020. We are looking for a vendor that has the history and capacity to support large-scale conferences within the District. Solicitations will be available Friday, July,01, 2020. This solicitation can be downloaded from the OCA website delineating all the details of the solicitation at http://dcps.dc.gov/DCPS/About+DCPS/Doing+Business+with+DCPS/Procurement. Proposals will be accepted at DCPS/OCA on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, no later than 1:00 p.m. at. dcpsoca. inquiries@k12.dc.gov.

14 - JULY 2 - 8, 2020

of Paradies-BZB, DC, LLC. Her various airport stores which include SPANX, Native Tongue Collection, Capitol Candy and Heritage Booksellers, were all abruptly shut down with the exception of “News and Gifts,” which both Reagan National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport requested remain open. In the meantime, Britton says she’s been supported by local organizations dedicated to support small business owners. Some of the organizations she mentioned include the Business Chamber of Commerce, National Business Alliance and the Airport

Minority Advisory Council. However, she notes that the status of future business operations remain up unclear as the District government has recently issued tighter restrictions on full-service stores and including mass gathering protocol while emergency orders continue. Britton believes that the demand for her unique end of the year holiday bazaars has not abated. “People are looking forward to the show. But if there is another round [of health emergency shutdowns] that takes us down-

BUSY BEE Page 15

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BUSY BEE from Page 14 ward, then so be it. But I am going full-steam ahead. I think we are going to get through it and become comfortable with our new normal,” she said. On a brighter note, several recurring vendors who offer their goods at Britton’s Black Art Collection and Boutique event have experienced an uptick in sales. Tempie Satcher, owner of Tempie Lee’s Sweet Potato Pies and the recent winner of Busboys and Poets “Ward 8 World’s Greatest Sweet Potato Pie Contest,” has seen a significant increase in her business sales amid the District shut down. “I guess as people were stuck indoors, they found more time to call me and order pies – many coming to pick up their purchases with their masks on,” Satcher said. “We were still practicing social distancing but it didn’t stop them from ordering pies. So it did me a well of

good.” Satcher has worked with “Busy Bee” for many years, continuing to set up shop under Britton’s anticipated events, while simultaneously distributing her dessert line in all seven Busboys and Poets locations. “I’ve learned a lot from her and honed my marketing skills,” Satcher said. “Now, I consider myself a marketing guru. I’ve watched how she engages with people and learned so much. She’s truly my shero.” Despite the devastating blow that the health pandemic and related shutdowns have had on the retail industry, Britton continues pushing forward and says she’s determined to keep her head above water, planning for the virtual shift of her businesses. “There’s still an open season for the eclectic, beautiful things that we have to offer and I’m bound and determined to make this work,” she said. WI

BUSINESS

5 “Busy Bee’s” Black Art Collection and Boutique apparel. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

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JULY 2 - 8, 2020 15

NATIONAL NASA Headquarters Named After Mary W. Jackson

Agency’s First Black Female Engineer Honored By Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer Mary W. Jackson, the first African American female engineer at NASA and one of the subjects of the biographical film “Hidden Figures,” will have the agency’s headquarters building in Washington, D.C., named in her honor. NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said the move is one of many to honor Jackson and others like her for their trailblazing work. “Mary W. Jackson was part of a group of very important women who helped NASA succeed in getting American astronauts into space,” Bridenstine said. “Mary never accepted the status quo, she helped break barriers and open op-

portunities for African Americans and women in the field of engineering and technology.” Bridenstine also said the now Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in southwest appropriately sits on ‘Hidden Figures Way.’ “Hidden no more, we will continue to recognize the contributions of women, African Americans, and people of all backgrounds who have helped construct NASA’s successful history to explore.” Jackson started her career at NASA in the segregated West Area Computing Unit of the agency’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va. The unit’s work garnered national attention in 2016 following the release of Margot Lee Shetterly’s book “Hidden Figures: The Ameri-

Angelina Weld Grimké: ‘ Black Power Wrapped in Fair Skin’ 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. Angelina Weld Grimké was born into a legacy of advocacy for racial justice. As the daughter of Archibald

16 - JULY 2 - 8, 2020

Grimké, the second Black to graduate from Harvard law and vice president of the NAACP, Grimké’s heritage of racial equality can be further traced to her grandaunts, Angelina and Sarah Grimké, prominent abolitionists and advocates of women’s rights. “Upon graduating the Boston Normal School of Gymnastics in Massachusetts (now Wellesley College) in 1902, Angelina Weld Grimké embarked on a career teaching English in Washington, D.C., that would last until 1926,” BlackPast.org researchers noted. During her teaching career, she begins to write, and her poetry, short stories and essays were published in The Crisis, Alain Locke’s “The New Negro,” Countee Cul-

can Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race.” The book was made into a movie that same year highlighting three brilliant African American women — Jackson, Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughan — who all served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history, the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit in 1962. “We are honored that NASA continues to celebrate the legacy of our mother and grandmother Mary W. Jackson,” said Carolyn Lewis, Jackson’s daughter. “She was a scientist, humanitarian, wife, mother and trailblazer who paved the way for thousands of others to succeed, not only at NASA, but throughout this nation.” Born in Hampton, Va., Jackson graduated from Hampton Institute in 1942 with a dual degree in math and physical sciences, and initially accepted a job as a math teacher in Calvert County, Md., according to her biography. She would work as a bookkeeper and as a secretary in the U.S. Army before her aerospace career would take off. In 1951, Jackson was recruited by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, which was succeeded by NASA in 1958. She started as a research mathematician who became known as one of the human computers at Langley. After two years in the computing pool, Jackson received an offer to work in the 4-foot by 4-foot Sulen’s “Caroling Dusk” and Robert Kerlin’s “Negro Poets and Their Poems.” Grimké is also known for her play “Rachel,” a three-act drama that was performed by an all-Black cast in March 1916. Published in 1920, the play was produced as a vehicle for the NAACP to rally support against the film “The Birth of Nation.” “I often think of how many white people today are aloof to their Black heritage,” said Phyllis G. Williams, a special-education teacher, school psychologist and co-host of “Living the Principles” podcast. “There were many white-passing Blacks during the Jim Crow and civil rights era who did what was easier for them by impersonating a white person. “Angelina Weld Grimké makes me think of chosen hardship for a greater cause,” Williams said. “She is quoted saying, ‘I want to

5 An undated photo of Mary W. Jackson (Courtesy of NASA)

personic Pressure Tunnel, a 60,000 horsepower wind tunnel capable of blasting models with winds approaching twice the speed of sound, according to NASA. For nearly two decades during her engineering career, she authored and co-authored numerous research reports, mostly focused on the behavior of the boundary layer of air around airplanes. In 1979, she joined Langley’s Federal Women’s Program, which supports career development and advancement for women, to address the hiring and promotion of the next generation of female mathematicians, engineers and scientists. be identified with the Nego; until he gets his rights, we shall never have ours.’ She could have ignored Black issues, yet she created the stage for the Harlem Renaissance, with her all-Black cast of Rachel in 1916. When I think of Angelina Grimké, I think of Black power wrapped in fair skin.” Born in 1880 in Boston, Grimké died in 1958 in New York. “By the mid-20thcentury, ‘the personal is political’ had become a familiar rallying cry for the civil rights and women’s movements,” said Lee M. Pierce, an assistant professor of Rhetorical Communication in New York and a writer who has penned pieces on race and politics for top academic journals and ABC News. “But in 1838, when Grimké began her speech at the Anti-Slavery Convention of American Women at Pennsylvania

SUFFRAGE Page 30

Jackson retired in 1985. Last year, President Donald Trump signed the Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Act that posthumously awarded the honor to Jackson, who died in 2005, and her “Hidden Figures” colleagues Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Christine Darden. “NASA facilities across the country are named after people who dedicated their lives to push the frontiers of the aerospace industry,” Bridenstine said. “The nation is beginning to awaken to the greater need to honor the full diversity of people who helped pioneer our great nation.” WI

5 Angelina Weld Grimké (Courtesy of Blackpast.org)

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NATIONAL

Hundreds in Virginia at Risk of Losing Housing Under New Eviction Order

WI Staff Report

A new order issued by the state Supreme Court could put thousands of Virginia residents at risk of losing their homes during the pandemic. The order, released earlier this week a by Judge Donald Lemons, allows the state’s courts to resume hearings for evictions on June 29, the day after a temporary stay expires. A second order permits courts to immediately resume hearing evictions unrelated to nonpayment of rent, such as if a tenant breaches the terms of their lease. Although Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam had requested a halt on evictions for most of June, the state began preparing a new rent relief program -- that’s yet to be implemented -- to help tenants who lost income during the public health crisis. Advocates are now rushing to find ways to delay evictions for Virginians at immediate risk of homelessness. In

doing so, some are continuing to encourage local sheriffs to delay issuing writs of eviction in areas with high COVID-19 rates. Meanwhile, with the judicial order allowing courts to resume evictions as early as Monday that could impact hundreds of residents, Virginia’s General Assembly allowed tenants to seek a 60-day eviction continuance if they appear in court and prove they lost their income due to the pandemic.

GOVERNOR NORTHAM ANNOUNCES NEXT BIG STEP IN VA REOPENING

After months of closures and partial reinstatements, Virginia’s businesses are starting to get back to preCOVID-19 levels of operations. Phase 3 – which began on July – allows entertainment venues to open

their doors and raises capacity rates for other industries like retail establishments and salons. “Thanks to Virginians pulling together over the last four months, our key health metrics are trending in the right direction, and every region of the Commonwealth is on track to enter Phase Three of our #ForwardVirginia,” Northam said in a tweet. The biggest difference between Phase 2 and Phase 3 is the variety of businesses that will be allowed to operate. While the emphasis is on getting retailers open again, the governor reminds residents to take precautions. “Our Phase Three guidelines will help Virginia families and businesses plan for what the next stage of easing public health restrictions will look like in our Commonwealth. While we may not have the same spike in infections that many states are seeing right now, Virginians need to remain cautious and do the things that we know reduce transmission: wear a face

5 Courts in Virginia are allowed to resume evictions unrelated to nonpayment of rent. (Courtesy photo/VCU News Service)

covering, maintain physical distance, and stay home if you are high-risk or experience COVID-19 symptoms. This virus is still with us, and we must continue to adapt our lives around it and ensure we are keeping our vulnerable communities safe.” Newly-opened businesses opening at 50 percent capacity (up to 1,000 people) will include entertainment venues like: amusement parks, escape rooms, movie theaters, skating rinks, zoos and aquariums, museums, botanic gardens, concert venues and pri-

vate social clubs. Business owners and staff must keep a regular cleaning schedule and have enhanced sanitation stations throughout high-touch areas. Things like cash registers, door handles, and dressing rooms will require constant disinfecting to meet the state’s stringent guidelines. Face coverings remain mandatory during Phase 3 and the current mask mandate remains in full effect until it is lifted by an executive order from the governor’s office. WI

receive up to $25,000 to pay delinquent property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, condominium fees, homeowners association fees and certain property related expenses paid by your Servicer. • Must be a District resident/homeowner • Residence must be secured by a Reverse Mortgage in borrower’s name • Subject property must be a primary residence located in the District • Have an annual income not to exceed $77,450 • Be ”at risk” of foreclosure due to unpaid property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, condo/HOA fees • Must demonstrate ability to sustain future tax and insurance payments, as required.

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africa now

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN

Chakwera Sworn In as Malawi President Malawi held an investiture for President Lazarus Chakwera (left) and Vice President Saulos Chilima on Sunday, hours after the elections body declared Chakwera winner of the June 23 polls. The event was held in Lilongwe, where thousands gathered as Chief Justice Andrew Nyirenda administered the oath to the new leaders. In his inaugural speech, Chakwera struck a conciliatory tone, promising to be president for all Malawians whether they voted for him or not. “I know there are many of you who did not vote for me and the prospect of my presidency gives you fear. I want you to know that my administration will strive to give equal opportunities for all of us together,” Chakwera said, Africanews reported. The new president is a philosopher, theologian and clergyman by training and studied in Malawi, South Africa and the United States. Chakwera has been the face of opposition in the country’s political space since 2013. He led the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), a former ruling party, credited with Malawi’s independence struggle from British rule in the early 1960s. He contested two elections on the MCP ticket losing twice in 2014 and 2019, the latter result was annuled and he has won the rerun. Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) late Saturday declared Chakwera as the winner of the June 23 election Making the declaration, commission chair Justice Chifundo Kachale announced that Chakwera, leader of the Tonse Allaince, bagged 2,604,043 votes, representing 58.5 percent of the total votes cast. Outgoing President Peter Mutharika of the DPP/UDF alliance came second with 1,751,877 votes. The third-place candidate, Mbakuwaku Movement for Development’s Peter Kuwani, managed 33,456 votes. WI

caribbean now Bahamas Begins Phased Reopening Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis gave updates on the phased reopening of the country on Sunday afternoon, June 28, saying, “We are able to reopen our economy in a safer manner than many other jurisdictions.” In a televised address, Minnis thanked the Bahamian people for their cooperation during the curfews and lockdown and said their sacrifice has not been in vain. The prime minister announced that effective Monday, June 29, beaches and parks would reopen on New Providence, Paradise Island, Grand Bahama and Bimini. On Wednesday, July 1, the Bahamas entered into phase two of the tourism plan, including the reopening of international borders for commercial flights.” Also, on that date, hotels and vacation rentals would also reopen. Additionally, Minnis announced that: • On July 13, attractions, excursions and tours may reopen. On July 27 vendors — including straw vendors — may reopen and jet ski operators can operate. Masks must be worn by all. • Groups of more than five people are strictly prohibited on beaches. Enforcement teams will monitor this risk closely. Mass gatherings may result in the immediate closure of a beach. Based on the response to these measures, the government will decide whether beaches will stay open for the upcoming Independence Day weekend. • Anyone currently entering the country is required to have a negative molecular diagnostic COVID-19 test result within 10 days of their travel date. From July 7, the window of time between that test and the day of travel will be shortened to seven days. Anyone coming from a country where they cannot obtain a test will be permitted entry but subject to a 14-day quarantine. • Bahamians and residents returning from a trip abroad of 72 hours or less are exempted from the need for a test to reenter the country but will have to quarantine for two weeks on their return home. Everyone entering the country may be subject to thermal checks. All will be monitored by the Ministry of Health. WI

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Stay Cool, Stay Hydrated Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia You’ve been busy in the heat of your home or yard for hours, and you haven’t had a drop to drink. You start to feel dizzy, lightheaded, or tired. Your mouth feels like cotton. What’s going on? You’re dehydrated — you haven’t taken in enough fluids to replace what you’ve been losing. Dehydration means your body does not have enough fluids to work properly.1

DEHYDRATION DANGER

We can get dehydrated any time of year. But in the summer, when we are active in the heat, dehydration becomes more likely because we sweat more. When we see signs of dehydration, we need to drink lots of water. In adults, these signs include having:1 • A lot of thirst • Dry mouth • Dry skin, with less sweat • Dizziness

• Tiredness • Less urine than usual • Darker urine than usual Babies and children can also get dehydrated. Watch for these signs:1 • High fever • Irritability • Unusual drowsiness • Dry mouth and tongue • Dry diapers for three or more hours • Crying without tears • Eyes that look sunken Dehydration can become serious if it’s left alone for too long. If you or someone with you experiences any of these advanced signs, seek medical help right away:1 • Confusion • Fainting • No urination • Rapid heartbeat • Rapid breathing • Shock

HEAT-ILLNESS HAZARD

Warm weather can sometimes feel like the best time of year. But when

temperatures soar, we need to watch out for more than just dehydration. If it’s hot enough, our body heat can also rise to dangerous levels. Then we may develop a heat illness.2 Staying in the heat for a long time raises the risk of developing a heat illness, such as:2 The information in this document is to help you learn more about this topic. It is not to take the place of your or your child’s health care provider. If you have questions, talk with your or your child’s health care provider. If you think you need to see your or your child’s health care provider because of something you have read in this information, please contact your or your child’s health care provider. Never stop or wait to get medical attention because of something you have read in this material. Sources: 1. “Dehydration,” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://medlineplus.gov/dehydration.html. 2. “Heat Illness,” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https:// medlineplus.gov/heatillness.html.

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You can often prevent dehydration and heat illness by making sure you get enough fluids:1, 2 • Drink enough water every day. Ask your health care provider how much you should drink each day. This can help

ensure you get the right amount for your individual needs. • If you are active and sweat in the heat, try sports drinks. They can help your body replace needed minerals. • Avoid sugar and caffeine, including in your drinks • Drink extra fluids when it’s hot out or when you are sick Limit your time in the heat

All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model

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AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. English: ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, at no cost, are available to you. Call 1-800-408-7511 (TTY/TDD: 202-216-9885 or 1-800-570-1190). Spanish: ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-408-7511 (TTY/TDD: 202-216-9885 o 1-800-570-1190). Amharic: ማሳሰቢያ፡ አማርኛ መናገር የሚችሉ ከሆነ፣ ከከፍያ ነጻ የሆነ የቋንቋ ድጋፍ አገልግሎት ይቀርብልዎታል፡፡ በስልክ ቁጥር 1-800-408-7511 (TTY/TDD: 202-216-9885 ወይም 1-800-570-1190) ይደውሉ. 1-800-408-7511 ‫ اﺗﺼﻞ ﺑﺮﻗﻢ‬.‫ﺎن‬‫ ﻓﺈن ﺧﺪﻣﺎت اﳌﺴﺎﻋﺪة اﻟﻠﻐﻮﻳﺔ ﺗﺘﻮاﻓﺮ ﻟﻚ ﺑﺎ‬،‫ إذا ﻛﻨﺖ ﺗﺘﺤﺪث اﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻟﻌﺮﺑﻴﺔ‬:‫ ﻣﻠﺤﻮﻇﺔ‬: Arabic .(1-800-570-1190 ‫ أو‬TTY/TDD: 202-216-9885 ‫)رﻗﻢ ﻫﺎﺗﻒ اﻟﺼﻢ واﻟﺒﻜﻢ‬

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JULY 2 - 8, 2020 19

HEALTH Prescription Drug Board Moves in Right Direction By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill

An all-volunteer board in Maryland will continue working throughout this year, even with an uncertain future to fund for resources to assess prescription drug prices. Van Mitchell, chair of the five-member Prescription Drug Affordability Board, said in an email Friday, June 26 that paperwork was completed for the state Department of General Services to seek office

space in the Bowie area. The board plans to apply for an executive director this month to the state Department of Budget and Management, said Mitchell, who added a website (pdab.maryland.gov) is scheduled to launch Wednesday, July 1. “It has been a struggle,” Mitchell, former secretary of the state Department, said during a telephone town hall last week. “We have worked to coddle things together and try to get the board moving in the right direction.”

That’s because the board, the first in the nation created to recommend ways to make prescription drugs more affordable, received about $750,000 to begin its work this year. During this year’s abrupt legislative session, state lawmakers approved a cap in fees of no more than $2 million through fiscal year 2025. According to a budget summary, those fees would be assessed to manufacturers, pharmacy benefits managers, insurance carriers and wholesale distributors that sell or offer for sale prescription drug products to Maryland residents. The fee would be about $1,000 each to 1,400 companies and other entities. An additional $250,000 would be provided through 2021 to 2023 as “special fund expenditures” to repay the Maryland Health Care Commission. Even though lawmakers approved the bill, including a unanimous vote in the state Senate, Gov. Larry Hogan still vetoed the bill because “it would raise taxes and fees on Marylanders at a time when many are already out of work and

financially struggling,” the Republican governor wrote in a letter May 7. The overwhelmingly Democratic legislature may certainly override Hogan’s veto when lawmakers reconvene in January. “It didn’t make any sense to anyone then [and] doesn’t make sense now,” said Sen. Brian Feldman (D-Montgomery County), one of the lead sponsors on health care legislation. “The governor has been a

bit of a roadblock.” The board held its first meeting in January in Annapolis, but the coronavirus pandemic has forced virtual sessions that included one June 16. Besides Mitchell, the other members are Eberechukwu Onukwugha, an associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy in Baltimore; Gerard F. Anderson, a professor at the Johns

HEALTH Page 43

Virginia: Open with care. COVID-19 isn’t over. We’re making progress, but we can’t leave behind all the safety measures we’ve been taking. They’re working! That’s why, when you visit your local stores, restaurants, and places of worship, they’ll only allow in half as many people as before. And they need all of us to do our part to keep them safe. Please continue to:

6 ft.

Wear a mask in public.

Stay 6 feet away. from others.

Wash your hands often.

Get tested if you’re sick!

More at vdh.virginia.gov, or call 2-1-1 for help with food, shelter or safety. 20 - JULY 2 - 8, 2020

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A CONTINUING SERIES

COVID 19 UPDATE Strategies to Survive, Sustain and Succeed

Coronavirus Surge a Sobering Reminder that Pandemic Still Isn’t Over By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia With the reopening of many cities and states, some apparently believe that not wearing a mask is suddenly OK. Well, they’re wrong. Over the past few weeks, the coronavirus has begun spreading rapidly across the country and the world. Many have stopped following public-health guidance — gathering closely at beaches, in restaurants, bars, churches, gyms and workplace. “It has been an awakening,” said Charles Bey, a self-described social justice warrior who is based in southeast D.C. Bey has participated in much of the demonstrations that have occurred in the aftermath of the police killing of George Floyd. He observed that while many are wearing masks, they’re often missing something else. “I don’t see anyone wearing gloves, and folks are touching things and sharing signs and even bullhorns and microphones,” Bey said. The surge in new cases has led the White House to announce that its virus task force would hold its first briefing in nearly two months. Some states, including Texas, have paused reopening plans as the virus has spread. The New York Times reported that younger people are making up a growing percentage of new cases nationwide, threatening plans to reopen schools and resume athletic events. The infection rate among Latinos in the U.S. is especially high, a sign of the makeup of the essential workforce, the Times reported.

Notably, Al Jazeera reported that U.S. health officials believe as many as 20 million Americans have contracted the coronavirus — nearly 10 times as many infections as the 2.3 million cases that have been confirmed. Twenty million infections would mean about six percent of America’s 331 million people have been infected. “It’s a pandemic that our government has, from the start, ignored the importance and dangers,” said Raymond Myers, an associate of Bey who also lives in Southeast. “We always knew that more people had the coronavirus than what the government was reporting. We also know that we can’t trust what’s reported in mainstream news, so when we’re out here [demonstrating] it’s up to us to make sure that we are safe and, like [Bey] said, we have to wear gloves and masks and watch who and what we come in contact with.” A report issued by Axios, underscored that the country is getting closer to the worst-case scenario

envisioned in the spring — a nationwide crisis, made worse by “a vacuum of political leadership, threatening to overwhelm hospitals and spread out of control.” Their report concluded that cases are up 30 percent nationwide compared to the beginning of this month, and dramatically worsening outbreaks in several states are beginning to strain hospital capacity — the same concern that prompted the nationwide lockdown in the first place. This is the grimmest map in the eight weeks since Axios began tracking the change in new cases in every state. More than half the country — 26 states — have seen coronavirus caseloads increase over the past week, including in Arizona (up 77 percent), Michigan (75 percent), Texas (70 percent) and Florida (66 percent). These steep increases come after weeks of steadily climbing cases or back-and-forth results across the South, Midwest and West Coast. Only the New York region and parts of New England — the nation’s earliest hot spots — have consistently managed to get their caseloads down throughout May and June, according to the Axios study. Further, seven states, including Arizona, have set records for the number of people hospitalized with coronavirus, and the percentage of all tests that come back positive is also increasing. “Going out in public without a mask is like driving drunk,” Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a cardiologist and professor of medicine at George Washington University, told CNN. “If you don’t get hurt, you might kill somebody else.” WI

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EDUCATION Whistleblower Calls Out Relationship Between DCPS, Key Contractor By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins As the Boone Elementary School community continues to embark on the search for a new principal, an employee critical of what’s been described as militaristic classroom management practices, has taken steps to further highlight the nature of the D.C. government’s relationship with the entity promoting methods deemed indicative of the school-to-prison pipeline. Marlon Ray, a Boone staff member of more than a decade, told The Informer that he has utilized local whistleblower protections to highlight, and inquire further about, what he described as inconsistencies in

payments doled out by D.C. Public Schools (DCPS), the Executive Office of the Mayor, and the Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE) to the Relay Graduate School of Education (RGSE) over the past three years. In his endeavor, Ray said he has also implicated Mary Ann Stinson, the DCPS Cluster II instructional superintendent to whom administrators at Boone and eight other schools east of the Anacostia River report, as an double agent for DCPS and RGSE who defended the classroom management practices and punished those who challenged its implementation — including former Boone Principal Carolyn Jackson-King. “I’m a mandated reporter, so I’m expected to report abuse and harm

placed upon any child. I am to also report abuse and harm in operations, policies, procedures, and programs,” said Ray, Boone’s director of strategy and logistics. “When it comes to DCPS’ abuse toward children, [the central office] is slow to act against procedures that are harmful to children. My hand has been slapped and officials didn’t want me to get the D.C. Council involved.” On March 23, Jackson-King revealed DCPS’ decision to not reinstate her for the 2020-2021 academic year, despite her rapport with the school community and gains made under her stewardship in the STAR rating system, ANET, Insight Survey, Affirm, OSSE and other assessments. Her announcement marked the end of a battle that started months prior when she initially expressed reservations about what was called the Relay Strong Start Program. Instead of acquiescing to RGSE’s demands, Jackson-King often encouraged teachers to reject elements she thought controlled the movements of a socio-emotionally diverse student body and turned the campus into a prison. Ray said that mindset often clashed with Stinson’s, ultimately leading to the poor IMPACT ratings that fomented Jackson-King’s ouster. DCPS officials didn’t respond to The Informer’s inquiry about the nature of Stinson’s relationship with RGSE and whether she had ideological differences with Jackson-King or any other administrator under her su-

5 Boone staff member Marlon Ray. (WI photo)

pervision. They did, however, as had been previously reported, confirm the continuation of their partnership with RGSE for the 2020-2021 academic year. This past school year, Cluster II and III teachers who’ve attended Relay professional development sessions recounted learning to address students in a strong formal tone while standing tall and squaring their shoulders. The model also required students to pick up their writing utensils within three seconds of starting an assignment, and walk silently, with their hands behind their back and in a straight line as they exit the classroom. In order to confirm the model’s implementation, RGSE representatives

Robert F. Smith Tackles Student Debt Burden at HBCUs Initiative to Provide Low Interest Loans for Black Students By Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer

5 Robert F. Smith at Morehouse College’s 2019 commencement ceremony (Courtesy of UNCF)

22 - JULY 2 - 8, 2020

Billionaire Robert F. Smith, who made headlines last spring when he pledged to pay the student debt of Morehouse College’s graduating class, has launched another effort to assist Black students with postsecondary education. The nonprofit Student Freedom Initiative, spearheaded by Smith, will provide low-interest loans for juniors and seniors studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Eleven not-yet-named HBCUs will pilot the program slated to launch fall 2021. The initiative seeks to address the burden of student loan debt many Black gradu-

ates face after college. “You think about these students graduating and then plowing so much of their wealth opportunity into supporting this student debt, that’s a travesty in and of itself,” Smith, chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, said during a discussion with Time Editor-in-Chief Edward Felsenthal. Time reports that the Student Freedom Initiative is launching with a $50 million grant from Fund II Foundation, a charitable organization of which Smith is founding director and president. The initiative aims to include 5,000 new students each year and raise at least $500 million by October to make the program self-sustaining through investments and graduates’ income-based repayments.

“I think it’s important that we do these things at scale and en masse because that’s how you lift up entire communities,” Smith said. “Of course, we all like the great one story, but I want thousands of these stories. And I want thousands of Robert Smiths out there who are actually looking to do some things in fields that are exciting to them and are giving back.” Smith, reportedly one of the wealthiest Black men in the world, put up $34 million to clear the debt of roughly 400 Morehouse graduates including the educational debt incurred by their families. The discussion around the burden of student loans in the U.S. especially for Black students

LOANS Page 30

often conducted classroom observations at Cluster II and II schools. As former Wheatley Education Campus teacher Shannon Brown explained to The Informer, teachers who didn’t carry out commands to the liking of their visitors would often have to, at their request, stop the lesson and directly address the matter. Brown, a fifth-grade teacher with years of experience in Southeast schools, said that she learned from other teachers across the city that RGSE and DCPS singled out majority-Black schools in the eastern part of the city as sites for the Relay Strong Start Program. Wheatley Education Campus, a Cluster II school where Brown taught for nearly seven years, counted among those sites. Relay’s implementation, and the school’s campus culture, would eventually compel Brown to resign at the end of the 2018-2019 academic year. Eventually, Brown worked at Boone Elementary where she saw what she described as Jackson-King’s commitment to fostering genuine relationships with students. She said that leadership model, and Jackson-King’s willingness to stand up against RGSE, significantly differed from what she thought was possible. “As a teacher, the choice isn’t up to you to participate,” Brown said. “It’s part of your job, and not [following the Relay model] could get your score marked down, which affects your money. “I left Wheatley because I needed to see what leadership looked like at another school,” she said. “[The classroom management strategy] was even more upsetting for the older students. They understand you can get to your destination without walking like you’re in jail.” WI

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EDUCATION

5 The facade of Woodrow Wilson High. (WI photo)

Wilson Name Change Campaign Gains Momentum By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins As racial-justice advocates continue to set their sights on the monuments immortalizing Andrew Jackson, Christopher Columbus, and other controversial white figures, a longtime endeavor to rename Woodrow Wilson High School has garnered a new wave of support from students, alumni, elected officials and other community members. Whether a popular petition and endorsements from D.C. Council members and school board officials would bring the intended paradigm shift has yet to be seen, especially since, as a name-change advocate told The Informer, the D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) central office switched directions earlier this year near the end of a process much like what changed Orr Elementary in Southeast to Lawrence E. Boone Elementary. “They were quite encouraging, pointing us to the school renaming policy based on Orr Elementary. We started down that road and kept them informed with every step, doing x, y, z, and sending letters to Chancellor Lewis Ferebee,” said Judith Ingram, a Ward 3 resident and founding member of the DC History and Justice Collective. This grassroots group coalesced in 2018 in continuation of what some Wilson teachers attempted three years prior. Its campaign has focused on educating the public

about segregationist employment policies President Woodrow Wilson imposed on an integrated federal government during the early 20th century. Those changes have been credited with hindering local African Americans’ advancement opportunities, and in turn the growth of D.C.’s Black middle class. By the time the collective received some unwelcome news from DCPS in January, some members said they thought their campaign was gaining momentum. Their petition was approaching 1,000 signatures and they had already sat down before a few elected officials who have expressed interest and provided guidance. “After some time of silence, I messaged the highest-ranking official other than Ferebee for feedback, and they said they needed to think about it,” said Ingram, also a parent of a Wilson student and alumna. “They said the renaming policy needed to be revamped.” The DC History and Justice Collective has since solicited Mayor Muriel Bowser’s support in an open letter. DCPS officials issued a statement earlier this week confirming the mayor’s formation of a District-wide renaming policy working group, and the central office’s intent to work closely with her in the revision of their agency-specific guidelines. In June, perhaps as a result of the DC History and Justice Collective’s public information campaign and questions in online forums about how white, affluent

Ward 3 residents could contribute to the cause of racial equity, the renaming endeavor found new life and the group’s Change.org petition attracted nearly 18,000 signatures within two weeks. The fervor around a possible name change has also inspired a bevy of suggestions about possible replacements, including Marion Barry, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Julian Bond and Edna Jackson, one of the school’s first Black instructors. These names and others can be found on the DC History and Justice Collective’s website. Though some Council members — Ward 3’s Mary Cheh and reportedly Ward 5’s Kenyan McDuffie, a Wilson alumnus — have spoken in support of Wilson’s name change, a council staff member said it has yet to be determined whether, or from which council committee, legislation would be created. Meanwhile, an institution a couple hundred miles away with buildings bearing Wilson’s name has boldly addressed the question of his legacy. On Saturday, Princeton University officials announced the removal of the brand from its public policy school and residential college, saying that not even Wilson’s reputation as an internationalist and former Princeton president could blunt the impact of his racist policies. Some people such as Phil McCall have deemed the name change essential in tackling the country’s history of racism. However, the alumnus has noted that Woodrow Wilson represented a mindset indicative of the greater society. McCall also questioned the lengths the District government would go in renaming other buildings named after facilitators of white supremacy. “Most, if not all, U.S. presidents would be considered racist [because] they have enforced racist policies,” McCall, a social entrepreneur and 2008 Wilson graduate, told The Informer. “I am in favor of the name change because Woodrow Wilson’s leadership and policies did oppress Africans, but given the racial climate and culture of America during his presidency, I wonder how much he could really do.” For the full version of this story, go to washingtoninformer.com. WI

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

EDITORIAL

Youth Could be the Key to Keeping COVID-19 at Bay

There’s one thing that tends to remain constant among young folks, no matter what the era in which they first become adults: they fear almost nothing, believing themselves to be invincible. And from recent videos or news reports showing millennials packing nightclubs, bars and beaches after most states and the District lifted stay-at-home orders and allowed these popular haunts to reopen for business, it’s clear that young adults couldn’t wait to shake off the effects of cabin fever. But the last six months have been far different from anything Americans or the world have ever faced – the enemy’s name is coronavirus. And as of June 30, there have been 2,679,036 confirmed cases in the U.S. with 791,484 recoveries and 128,791 deaths. Meanwhile, the White House’s top medical advisor in the Administration’s battle against COVID-19, NIAID Director Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, predicted Tuesday that America can soon anticipate new cases of coronavirus totaling 100,000 every day compared to 40,000 per day now if the nation doesn’t make urgent behavioral changes. Perhaps that’s why governors in states like Florida and Delaware have shutdown recently-opened beaches for the July 4th holiday, remaining closed until further notice. At the same time, both Florida and Texas, whose leaders were praised by Donald Trump for being among the first to end COVID-19 restrictions, have had to abruptly reverse course as virus infections soared to record highs in both states, re-bolting the doors to bars and imposing other limits in hopes to contain the health pandemic. However, it may be young adults – seemingly healthy young adults who are asymptomatic carriers of the virus – who hold the key to whether the U.S. can get a firm hold on the surging infection rates that have been recorded in at least 24 states, the majority in the South and West. Chase Bank recently reported that within the last 30 days, young adults 18 -34 far outspent any other demographic of Americans, using a majority of their dollars for entertainment purposes including restaurants, bars and clubs. In these tight spaces, it’s pretty tough to keep a mask on while sipping on a cocktail, munching on appetizers or sharing a puff on an e-cigarette or a joint. One night is all it takes to contract and then spread the virus. And while young adults have immune systems that keep the virus from putting them in the hospital or worse, they are what medical experts refer to as “super spreaders.” And it’s older adults, small children and those with other preexisting health conditions who can ill-afford to contract COVID-19. For African Americans, the situation is even more disturbing. According to a recent Washington Post-Ipsos poll, nearly one-in-three Blacks (31 percent nationally) know someone personally who has died of COVID-19 compared to 17 percent of adults who are Hispanic and nine percent who are white. Factoring in those who know someone with symptoms consistent with the virus, the percent of Blacks answering affirmatively rises to more than 50 percent. Need we say more. WI

Support for Black Press Grows with Black Journalism Fund

The tragic murder of George Floyd, and countless other lives taken at the hands of law enforcement, has opened the curtain to the masses of grave injustices meted out upon Black people for centuries. It’s not that Blacks, and their allies, have not complained, protested and demanded fair and just treatment; this time, their voices are being heard. The response is coming in ways formerly demanded but hardly anticipated. Federal, state and local legislators are dismantling laws that long upheld the status quo of injustice and inequality for many. They are removing symbols of inequality, including statues, flags, names on buildings and street names. Corporations are doling out millions of dollars to support Black causes and defunding ad spending in companies like Facebook that hold onto policies deemed harmful to all Americans, regardless of race. Organizations are engaging in the “hard conversations” around race and equity, while activists are keeping a steady drumbeat of protests in cities all across the nation, including D.C. and in front of the house where President Donald Trump lives. The media is taking a good look at itself, as well, and acknowledging its lack of diversity in newsrooms, and the imbalance of coverage of stories that provide a fair and balanced perspective of communities of color. Change is happening at the same time as media organizations are still trying to figure out their sweet spot within the print and digital spectrum, when traditional ad

TO THE EDITOR Picture Pefect I love the picture of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton with the defaced confederate statue. That is truly one for the history books! Jennifer Chukwu Washington, D.C.

Cosby’s Saga Not Finished It’s nice to see that there is still some media covering Bill Cosby’s case. Your reporter Stacy Brown has diligently covered Cosby and his fall from grace very well over the years. I’m personally shocked Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court has agreed to hear his appeal. Thanks for the information. Mae Dean Washington, D.C.

dollars are declining and the future of journalism is unclear. In the midst of all of this, hope is still alive. Among the hopefuls are members of the Black Press, including The Washington Informer, who support an effort to “reimagine the Black Press” through an initiative to raise $25 million for the Fund for Black Journalism. The visionary is Elinor Tatum, the second-generation publisher of one of the nation’s oldest Black-owned newspapers, The Amsterdam News, in New York. Other owners supporting this effort are publishers of The Atlanta Voice, The Afro, Houston Defender

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Network, St. Louis American, Michigan Chronicle, The Dallas Weekly, Seattle Medium and The Sacramento Observer, with ten more Black-owned media organizations (including broadcasters) to soon join. If there was ever a time when the Black Press needs to be front and center, it is now. We report the stories and interpret their meaning. Still, the Fund will help us to amplify solutions to current problems, including police reform, fair housing, access to affordable healthcare and equitable education, to name a few. The Fund, with the support of the Local Media Foundation, will help make this possible. Thanks, in advance, for your support. WI

JULY 2 - 8, 2020 25

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

By Benjamin Chavis Jr.

America Should Embrace Prison Returnees in Our Communities

I am pleased to work and live in our nation’s capital. Washington, D.C., is a city on the move progressively even amid the continued existence of the COVID-19 pandemic. But there is one emerging issue in the District of Columbia that in my long career in the field of civil and human rights that I am very concerned about: people returning to our communities from prison.

It’s difficult to argue that there is not an urgent need for better helping former inmates make the difficult transition back to society. A returning citizen with a pathway to gainful employment and secure housing has a better chance of developing a strong connection to his family and community and not returning to prison. Mass incarceration in America is a serious national problem that needs to be resolved. African Americans, in particular, are disproportionately imprisoned across the country. I personally know what it is like to be un-

Guest Columnist

justly imprisoned and the difficulties of trying to overcome the aftermath of counterproductive stigmas and unfair stereotypes with respect to the lingering, unjustified cloud over former prison inmates. But as a practical matter, common-sense measures that would bolster support for individuals reentering society sometimes meet sharp resistance — even now, as the nation engages in an emotional and painful debate over whether America has lived up to its promise of social justice, equity and a fair penal system.

That tension between theory and policy is, sadly, beginning to emerge yet again in Washington, D.C., where some community advocates have raised objections to plans for a new residential reentry center that would provide temporary housing, job and skills training, substance-abuse counseling and other critical support for inmates returning home after serving time. Many residents in D.C. share the conviction that we must do far more to lend a hand to the thousands of individuals — disproportionately Black

men ages 21 to 30 — who return to the District each year after periods of incarceration. But right now, D.C. is without a single reentry center that is equipped to provide such support. In a move that would fill that void, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) earlier this month awarded a contract for a new reentry center in Ward 7. For the project, BOP tapped CORE DC, a social service provider that operates a homeless shelter and a home confinement program in D.C. and is a sub-

CHAVIS Page 45

By Dr. Asefa Jejaw Mekonnen

As Vaccine Trials Begin, We Must Improve Minority Participation

The minority community’s relationship with the medical and scientific world has not been built upon trust. This is particularly true with African Americans. Brutal and unethical historical practices in medicine subjected African American bodies to dissection and autopsy material without their consent. In

addition, sterilizing Native American women without their consent, and the infamous Tuskegee syphilis experiment, led to a justifiable fear and luck of trust by people of color regarding clinical trial participation in the U.S. Recent publications have also indicated African Americans are overly represented in experimental and procedural studies that did not require informed consent. These are studies conducted under emergency situations when subjects cannot

Guest Columnist

make an informed decision. Part of the explanation given was that African Americans represent the largest proportion of geographical catchment in areas where such experiments are done. These are primarily in inner-city metro areas where academic medical centers are located. On the contrary, African Americans constituted less than 5% of patients in cancer-related clinical trials that led to 24 of the cancer drugs approved between 2015 and 2018. The underrepresentation of African

American in oncological clinical trials extends to cancers that have higher rates of occurrence in the African American community. If we follow the same logic for studies that did not require consent, studies on medical conditions that affect African Americans at a disproportionately higher rate (like multiple myeloma) should have a proportionate or higher ratio of African American subjects in the clinical trial. The system is not serving justice and must change. Clinical trials can

provide earlier access to care options that can prolong life and prevent disease. Opinions differ in terms of the benefit of vaccines to society. I strongly believe in the positive impact of vaccines. The world eradicated smallpox and controlled polio, measles, yellow fever, pertussis, etc., with vaccine intervention. We must remember how human health was affected in the pre-vaccine era, when

MEKONNEN Page 45

By Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

College Football Amid a Pandemic Not Worth the Risk to Young Men’s Lives How many lives of young men and women should be sacrificed for entertainment — and for billions in profit? That question can’t be ducked as the NCAA allows colleges to begin “voluntary” football practices, and other college teams begin to practice. Colleges are desperate to open the full football season, a source of millions in profits for colleges and universities. Donald Trump, who pretends

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that COVID-19 is behind us, wants a return to normal, with stadiums filled with fans cheering their heroes. Players are eager to compete and to display their skills. Only problem is that the coronavirus doesn’t care about profits or presidents, or about fans or coaches. It doesn’t follow polls, doesn’t care who wins the presidential election, and has no party. It is deadly and it’s still here, even spiking in more than 20 states. And now, it’s hitting football players hard. Thirty Louisiana State players are in quarantine, either testing

positive for the virus or from being in contact with those who tested positive. Twenty-three Clemson football players have tested positive since workouts started on June 1. Thirteen at Texas, 14 at Kansas State, and more at Alabama, Mississippi, Southern Florida, Auburn, Oklahoma State and others. Houston and Kansas State have suspended voluntary workouts after a raft of positive tests. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the United States’ leading infectious disease expert, warns that football might not be possible now: “Unless players are es-

sentially in a bubble — insulated from the community and they are tested nearly every day — it would be very hard to see how football is able to be played this fall.” For Donald Trump, this is unacceptable. He wants to pretend that the pandemic has been conquered and wants praise for the self-proclaimed “phenomenal job” that he has done, even though the U.S. has suffered more victims than any other nation in the world. He sought to kick-start his reelection campaign with a rally in an enclosed arena in Tulsa, Oklahoma,

site of one of the worst racial massacres in our history in 1921. Yet, after boasting that a million people had sought tickets for the 19,000-seat arena, he spoke before an arena that was only one-third full. Even the Trumpsters thought twice about gathering in a closed arena to listen to hours of speeches in a crowd parading without masks. Who will be responsible for the athletes whose lives will be at risk so fans can be entertained, and the universi-

JACKSON Page 45

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

By Ronald Mason Jr.

The Roots of White Supremacy

A scene from the movie “Gangs of New York” puts the current unrest in our cities into perspective. It depicts a battle between rival gangs of poor white people — native-born Americans versus Irish immigrants — in the notorious Manhattan slum of Five Points. Their battle is suddenly interrupted by cannon fire from

American warships anchored in the Hudson River that are attempting to quell a larger riot. The gang battle just happened to be in their way. The larger riot had erupted over the nation’s first wartime draft, which was raising troops for the Union’s extended and deadly efforts to win the Civil War. If a draftee could afford it, he could pay $300 — the equivalent of almost $9,000 today — to buy an exemption and avoid going to war. When lists were posted naming the

Guest Columnist

poor people who had been unable to avoid the draft, the protests turned violent. The “mob,” as the protesters were called in the movie, began looting and killing Black people. Those poor white protesters blamed their misfortunes on the yearning of Black people to be free. Slowly, the mob moved uptown to wealthy white neighborhoods, looting and killing more people. That’s when a voice was heard saying: “We must put down the mob.

Put down the mob at all cost.” The ships then commenced to fire. The army marched in. The “mob” was put down, the draft was implemented, and the war proceeded along its bloody path. The point is that violence in poor and working-poor communities, whether it’s white-on-white, whiteon-Black, or people of color-on-others, is allowed, and in some ways even encouraged, by wealthy whites, as long as that violence doesn’t threaten

their privileges. America will summon its army and navy to protect the supremacy of the “rights” those people enjoy. The scene from “Gangs of New York” focused on the roots of that white supremacy: the power of wealth, the advantages of whiteness, and the oppression of Blacks and other people of color. Today’s unrest has been cast as a

MASON Page 46

By Dr. Valda Crowder

Is Prison a ‘Death Sentence’ for Correctional Staff and Our Communities in Pandemic?

What happens in prison does not stay in prison. The cell blocks and bars give us a false sense of containment. Nothing could be further from the truth. According to the Justice Department, “The average time served by state prisoners released in 2016, from initial admission to initial release, was 2.6 years, and the median time served was 1.3 years.” As a former medical director in a jail, I know that a constant flow ex-

ists between a correctional facility and a community. This back-and-forth includes cultural trends like saggy pants which became fashionable in the 1990s. It can also include diseases, such as COVID-19 and, before that, HIV, carried by people in prison and correctional staff. What happens in the correctional setting during a pandemic? Despite reports that the top five largest hot spots are in correctional facilities, it turns out the answer is not enough. Our biggest tool to tackle coronavirus is social distancing. Creating space

Askia-At-Large

between people, wearing masks, washing hands and keeping them away from our faces can reduce the spread outside prisons. But inside the barbed wires, lawsuit after lawsuit documents the hurdles correctional facilities face with these tactics from overcrowding to shortages of personnel protective equipment and cleaning products, such as masks and soap. There have been a few high-profile releases, such as former Donald Trump lawyer and “fixer” Michael Cohen and Ray Nagin, former New Orleans mayor. Many more releases are needed. Too many people at high

risk for COVID-19, due to age or underlying medical conditions, and with only months remaining on their sentence remain under lock and key. For almost half of Americans, or 133 million people, with a chronic disease such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, arthritis, obesity or oral disease, the coronavirus may be deadly. It is hard to understand why any taxpayer would want to be responsible for expensive COVID-19 medical care of a person who has not been found guilty of a crime and just could not pay 10 percent of bail money. If not for people behind bars, consider

the safety of correctional staff, doctors, nurses, guards and their families. On Facebook, head of the sheriff’s deputy union Randall Crawford posted that “Working in Wayne County Jail has now become a death sentence.” His comments followed the deaths due to COVID-19 of the medical director, emergency specialist and jail commander. Among New York City’s 9,680 mostly Black and brown officers, 1259 tested positive. These high rates of COVID-19 are reflected in their neighborhoods. The guards

CROWDER Page 46

By Askia Muhammad

Don’t Black Lives Taken by Homeboys Matter?

I am in deep pain when I look at the accounts of the death of George Floyd. There are many others recently, but George Floyd’s death is especially painful, and vengeful. I thought I was out of tears and then, wicked cops killed Elijah McClain, a nerdy guy who played his violin at the animal shelter for forlorn feral cats. Like

Floyd, he begged for his life. He told them cops; he didn’t even fight other young’uns. But they choked him, then when he was unresponsive, paramedics pumped him with drugs. He was a skinny, little, nerdy kid, not a big buck like Floyd. But it didn’t matter. Were either of them Baptist, or Catholic, or Muslim, Brother Malcolm X might inquire. It doesn’t matter. What matters is they were Black and some Ku Kluxers with a badge thought

them to be “suspicious” and took the law into their own hands. I know how they think. “I’ll teach him a lesson, because some liberal judge will let him off with a plea deal.” “He may not be guilty of this crime, but he’s guilty of something, so I’ll teach him not to walk the streets in the 77th Precinct.” Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice, Breonna Taylor, the list seems endless, and we are rightly outraged. Now, at last, the whole world shares our

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outrage. It’s good that so many are now outraged. The Watts Uprising in 1965 was over this very same kind of police abuse, and that was 55 years ago. It hurts me to say this, but far more Black people are killed every week at the hands of out-of-control young hoodlums who answer to no one, and only change their thuggish ways after a long prison bid for one offense or another, or after they grow too old to compete with the young’uns in “The

Game.” The sad part is that no one except the affected family members mourn for the victims of homeboy violence. When a cop (especially a White cop) or a White civilian kills one of us, we scream, “Black Lives Matter.” We march. We protest. When Cousin Juney Boy is the perpetrator, we are mum. I insist, those Black lives matter too.

ASKIA Page 46 JULY 2 - 8, 2020 27

LIFESTYLE D.C.’s Soloman Howard Coming Home for the Holidays Acclaimed Opera Star Takes the Stage July 4th for ‘American Spirit’ Tribute By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor @dkevinmcneir The relentless fallout from COVID-19 may put a damper on this weekend’s Fourth of July festivities but as the saying goes, “the show must go on.” At least that’s the sentiment expressed by native Washingtonian Soloman Howard, a world-renowned opera singer, who promises to unleash his booming bass voice as he returns home for a special online live streaming concert titled, “A Tribute to the American Spirit.” Howard, a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, Morgan State University and the Wash-

ington National Opera’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program, supported by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, has garnered high praise for his stellar performances on opera and concert stages around the world. And while he won’t stand before an audience as he’s more accustomed, he says that being asked to participate in a concert which will highlight the resilience of Americans, honors veterans and celebrates our nation’s independence provides more than enough motivation for him to sing with everything he’s got. “As an artist, I’ve been taught to always bring the same kind energy and mindset whenever I take

the stage and even though I won’t have that human contact and interaction which we all cherish and feed off of, there will still be an audience out there and they deserve the same kind of integrity, honesty and level of preparation that we always bring to any performance,” he said. “When it’s time to sing, you get that energy – the adrenalin flows and takes charge. Kobe Bryant referred to as ‘Mamba Mentality,’ focusing on the processing and trusting in the hard work when it matters most. It’s that kind of philosophy that drives me,” said Howard, who took home the prestigious Kennedy Center’s Marian Anderson Vocal Award in 2019. Howard, whose career he says was birthed at the Kennedy Center, recalled his feelings upon receiving the Vocal Award named for the great Marian Anderson. “She set the stage for others like me to follow and established a legacy – she was bold enough to stand up for what she believed in,” he said. “She was the first African American and it’s because of her that I have the kinds of opportunities that have allowed me to pursue my dreams and my career. Most of all, receiving the award in my hometown, and recalling how she stood with pride and dignity during that historic outdoor concert after being mistreated by the DAR, reminds me that as a Black man I must do the same, no mat-

5 Soloman Howard (Courtesy photo)

ter what the circumstances.” The event, hosted by Aaron Gilchrist, morning anchor on NBC4, is presented due to a partnership between National Harbor, Washington Performing Arts and the U.S. Air Force Band and kicks off at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. It can be accessed at nationalharbor. com/july4. Besides Howard, the lineup

Go-Go Pioneer Kenny Barnes Talks Genre’s History Dispels Myths Surrounding Origin By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Contributing Writer

5 “The Godfather of Go-Go” Chuck Brown (left) and Kenny Barnes Sr., “The Father of Friday Night Go-Go”

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Kenny Barnes Sr., one of the early proponents of the go-go movement in the 1970s, was a key figure during the nascent days of the Soul Searchers, the legendary Chuck Brown-fronted band that brought the genre’s funk and vibe to DMV neighborhoods. Barnes and his partner founded a popularized weekend event, “Friday Night Go-Go,” in Palmer Park, Md., at a venue known as The Squad Room, which became one of the birthing grounds of go-go music by way of Brown and the Soul Searchers. “Now at that time, they were known as a cover band. Very good

band,” Barnes said of the Soul Searchers. “But they could sing somebody’s record and make it sound better than the person who did the record. That’s what they were known for. There was no such thing as go-go music. Chuck Brown had brought some music that he had worked on for several years. He brought it to the Friday Night Go-Go at The Squad Room, and that’s where go-go got its voice.” Chuck Brown and The Soul Searchers played as the main feature of the Friday Night Go-Go, while accompanied by filler bands such as Shadow, Reflection, Black Heat and a few additional local acts, coordinated and promoted by Barnes.

“We had no idea that it would turn out to be what it is,” Barnes said of the event. “We never thought that. So to be on the front — it was the in place to be. Everybody from around town who was anybody came there.” In February, go-go was formally adopted as the official music of D.C., largely due to the efforts of local advocates and Washingtonians who grew up listening to and taking part of the music’s culture that bears such heavy influence on life in the District. “I feel proud that something I was involved with is the official music of the District,” Barnes said.

BARNES Page 29

includes violinist Joshua Bell, soprano Larisa Martinez as well as the historic and spectacular U.S. Air Force Band, formed in 1941, and now conducted by Col. Don Schofield. “The concert will include noteworthy selections from the guest artists as well as fun, patriotic favorites. We’re honored to have this partnership and the U.S. Air Force Band, who has something for everyone, are so talented that they manage to captivate their audience, no matter the age,” said Kent Digby, executive vice president, National Harbor. Howard said he’s honored to bring his gifts and perspective as he seeks to exude the American spirit for the virtual audience. “When I sing the Negro National Anthem, I will sing it knowing that it’s my anthem – I will sing it with pride,” he said. “Every verse will resonate and as the song comes to an end, I know that everyone will similarly lift their voices and sing with me. People want to see themselves reflected in those who perform on stage – and classical music is no different. I’m honored to represent the American spirit as a Black man in his hometown. We’re part of the American spirit. Ours is a long, honorable legacy that I now continue.” WI

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LIFESTYLE Paris Dennard Doesn’t Shy Away from Backing Trump Paris Dennard is one African American who thinks President Donald Trump has improved the lives of Black people in the United States. Dennard, the senior communications adviser for Black Media Affairs at the Republican National Committee, has repeatedly championed Trump as a sort of knight in shining armor. The longtime GOP political commentator, writer, consultant and strategist, regularly praises Trump for guaranteed funding to historically Black colleges and universities, lowering the African American unemployment rate and accomplishing criminal justice reform. “He has done more for Black people than Barack Obama,” Dennard said of the president during a livestream interview with Black Press USA, which was broadcast on Facebook and YouTube. “Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, I think you should” vote for Trump.

Many African Americans quickly took issue with Dennard and his message. “Reading is fundamental,” wrote Nadine Banks, who viewed the interview. “Our right to vote has more value than Trump can ever imagine. There is nothing they can say or do to earn/steal my vote. I know he won’t get my vote.” Nina Justice, who also watched the interview, questioned Dennard’s claim that Trump had done much for criminal justice reform. “Criminal Justice Reform?” she wrote, apparently incredulous at the suggestion. “Will never get my vote. I’m excited about the election to get rid of him.” Dennard, however, continued to hammer away. “An executive order signed by President Trump highlights the importance the administration places on promoting strong, healthy, and secure family units in America,” he said. “With nearly 100,000 Black children in the foster care system in the United States, this action shows Black children in the welfare system, and minority welfare advocates who

BARNES from Page 28

ORANGE from Page 5

Despite the genre’s growing recognition and acceptance by the city government, Barnes raises a few points of contention regarding its origins. “If you’re going to include that, you have to include the true history. Where it began, how it began, and its roots,” he said. Barnes credits Chuck Brown with founding the District’s signature genre — contrary to the narrative of Brown merely popularizing the movement after its creation. “When I think about Chuck Brown, what I admired about him [is that] he never wavered,” Barnes said. “When he created go-go music, it was more for kids. And when I say for kids, and adults too, it was all clean. As far as his music was concerned, his music was wholesome and pure. “The reason why it will last forever, is because of Chuck Brown,” he said. “Everybody knows that Chuck Brown created the music. Everybody knows that.” WI

city and the residents are still benefitting from his previous years on the council.” Gordon-Andrew Fletcher, chair of the Ward 5 Democrats, agrees that Orange has right to seek the independent council seat even though that might upset some party members. “I am the chair of the Ward 5 Democrats and it is my obligation to support the party,” he said. “I will educate people about the candidates for the independent position but I will vote for Robert White for reelection.” Nevertheless, there are residents who wish Orange would not run this time. “When I heard he was a candidate, I was stunned,” said former Ward 1 Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Vicki A. WrightSmith. “He has a right to do that but he shouldn’t run all the time just because he can. I question whether he can win because the new residents in the city don’t like him and the only people who will vote for him will be 60 and older.” WI

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia

have been focused on racial disparities in the system, that they have a champion for them in President Trump.” Dennard said the U.S. Immigration Policy under the Trump administration, which has seen small children placed inside cages near the border, was “Obama’s policy.” He disagreed with the term “cages,” but nevertheless defended the actions of immigration officials for protecting the U.S. border: “What else are [they] supposed to do?” “How can a Black or Latino person work for this administration?” asked Wilhelmina Perry, another individual who tuned into the controversial interview. “Small gains that you might be able to cite is offset by the racism and violent statements from this man [Trump]. I might add, statements that are so violent that they are

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flagged by Facebook and Twitter.” Dennard further defended Trump’s position against Colin Kaepernick and anyone else who has taken a knee during the playing of the national anthem. “It’s disrespectful to our country, our veterans,” Dennard said. Despite being pressed that most, including police officers and the NFL commissioner, now say they understand and support why Kaepernick kneeled during the anthem, Dennard demurred. “Let him kneel during the game. Not during the anthem,” he said. Westside Gazette newspaper publisher Bobby Henry also commented as he watched the interview. Henry objected, “[Trump’s] boldness has caused white supremacy to really surface overtly.” WI

5 Paris Dennard (Courtesy of RNC)

JULY 2 - 8, 2020 29

LIFESTYLE

Three D.C. Residents Take Top Prizes in #iMask4DC Competition Creative Messengers Employ Video to Address COVID-19 Safety Protocols WI Staff Report With clear, concise, creative messaging, three District residents recently won top honors for video demonstrations of COVID-19 safety protocols. In partnership with THEARC Theater, the Howard University Department of Theatre Arts, The Washington Informer Newspaper, WHUR 96.3 and WPFW 89.3, the Black Coalition Against COVID [BCAC] required competition participants to produce 30 second videos on their smartphones showing and saying why it’s important to wear masks. The goal of the competition was to engage the community itself in taking direct and immediate action necessary to reduce the spread

of COVID-19. The competition winners were announced during our Virtual Video Festival, hosted by BCAC member Dr. Melissa Clarke, broadcast live on Friday June 24. The winners included:

FIRST PLACE ($1,500):

Jayden Settles Jayden, who will be attending Benjamin Banneker Academic High School in the fall, enjoys playing sports, mainly basketball and engaging in all kinds of art and music activities.

SECOND PLACE ($500):

Norman Nixon Norman, president of the May-

or’s Youth Leadership Institute Alumni Association, is also an associate minister at Union Temple Baptist Church located in Ward 8.

THIRD PLACE ($250):

Ife Calhoun Ife, a student and a Ward 4 resident, used the recent stay-at-home order to become an entrepreneur and launched a T-shirt business – something she loves to do.

LOANS from Page 22 isn’t new, but recent studies have shown a new trend — a rise in parent borrowing. A Lending Tree study conducted with data from the National Center of Education Statistics and Federal Student Aid found that over the past five years, parent borrowing has increased by 27 percent. Four HBCUs were among the top 10 schools where parents take on the most debt for their children, and eight were in the top 50. Rebecca Safier, one of the study analysts, wrote that 47 percent of students at prestigious women’s school Spelman College in Atlanta have parents borrowing PLUS loans on their behalf. “Spelman came in at No. 2 on the list, with an average parent PLUS loan origination of $16,227 per student,” Safier wrote. “Clark Atlanta University came in at No. 4 on the list, with an average parent PLUS loan of $13,066 per student, closely followed by Morehouse College, also in Atlanta,

SUFFRAGE from Page 16 Hall in Philadelphia, politics were a white man’s affair and no one else’s. “Grimké, in the last public speech she ever gave and the first of its kind to a mixed audience, was determined to change that reality,” Pierce said. “Although all historical activists become famous because of their rhetorical excellence, Angelina Grimké stood out as a uniquely eloquent speaker

30 - JULY 2 - 8, 2020

The names of those listed above represent the top three of six finalists, all announced and their videos shown during the Festival. The Festival will be available permanently on the BCAC website. Go to www.blackcoalitionagainstcovid.org. In this time of protest and affirmation of life, BCAC reminds all of us that Black Lives Matter and to show it, wear a mask. WI with an average of $12,759.” The reasons behind this pattern of parent borrowing at HBCUs include financial challenges faced by the schools and families and the overall disproportionate racial wealth gap, the study said. HBCUs tend to have smaller endowments than other colleges, which can lead to less financial aid and fewer scholarship opportunities, Safier pointed out. “Given this reality, combined with the racial wealth gap in the U.S., it’s unfortunate but not surprising that parents have to take on greater debt to send their children to these schools,” she wrote. While parents often borrow significant amounts for private HBCUs, they tend to take out less for public ones, according to the study. “The average amount of parent PLUS borrowed for full-time students was a far more modest $2,758 at the public Norfolk State University in Virginia, and was $3,407 at North Carolina Central University, also a state school,” the study’s authors wrote. WI when women were not meant to speak, let alone abolition. “Grimké’s Pennsylvania Hall Address is notorious among speech scholars for its steadfast resolve in the face of the violent mob waiting outside the hall,” Pierce said. “Grimké’s willingness to enact the very suffering she associated with slavery would echo throughout the 19th century across women abolitionists, most notably in Sojourner Truth’s ‘Ain’t I A Woman.’” WI

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LIFESTYLE

PBS Doc ‘And She Could Be Next’ Follows Women of Color on Campaign Trail By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

It was grueling, heartbreaking and never-ending for women candidates who wanted to make a difference with their 2018 political campaigns. “And She Could Be Next,” a two-part documentary, debuted Monday and Tuesday as part of PBS’ “POV” series. It screened during the recent AFI DOCS annual film festival, which was a virtual event this year. The documentary features a slate of history-making candidates including Stacey Abrams (Ga.), Rashida Tlaib (Mich.), Lucy McBath (Ga.), Veronica Escobar (Texas), Maria Elena Durazo (Calif.) and Bushra Amiwala (Ill.). Viewers see a campaign infrastructure has a lot of moving parts outside of raising money. Candidates must build strong leadership teams. Phone bank callers, doorto-door volunteers, schedulers and others spend numerous hours ensuring a candidate is seen and heard. It seems the biggest challenge convincing voters not to give up because they have been disappointed before. “There is an assumption that Black people don’t vote,” said Nse Ufot, executive director of the New Georgia Project, a voter action group. “That Latinos are not American citizens, that Asian-Americans are Republicans, and that young

5 Lucy McBath speaks with reporters during her 2018 congressional campaign to represent Georgia’s 6th District.

people are wholly unreliable.” A connecting thread through all six candidates is the trauma or excruciating disappointments that scream “You’re not supposed to be here!” McBath, now in Congress representing a north Atlanta suburb, ran on a gun safety platform. She lost her only child, 17-year-old Jordan Davis, when he was shot because another driver felt the music from his car was too loud. McBath spends Mother’s Day sitting on the ground at Jordan’s gravesite. “Nobody wishes me a happy Mother’s Day,” said McBath, who was a spokesperson for Moms Demand Action. “They don’t know what to say to me. I will always be a mom.” Viewers also will see upbeat, encouraging moments. A big campaign donation comes in for Tlaib when funds were extremely low. Amiwala is enthusiastically told

to go for it by her father and the Muslim male elders in her community. Campaign staff work around prickly issues like knowing that Muslim-Americans are not usually polled. There is the aura when campaign volunteers approach a home where the wife must hide her political viewpoints from her husband. “Women are political hostages,” said an Abrams volunteer when a woman answered the door and said they were a Republican household. “The husband was hovering in the background.” The Abrams campaign research showed that the wife consistently voted as a Democrat for years. “And She Could Be Next” was filmed with a predominately women-of-color production crew. Director/producer Ava DuVernay is one of the documentary’s producers. WI

Notice of Branch Application Notice is hereby given that Industrial Bank intends to file an application for FDIC consent to establish a branch office at 431 Elizabeth Ave, Newark, NJ 07112. Any person wishing to comment on this application may file his or her comments in writing with the regional director of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation at the appropriate FDIC office 350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1200 New York, NY, 10118-0110 not later than July 17, 2020. The nonconfidential portions of the application are on file at the appropriate FDIC office and are available for public inspection during regular business hours. Photocopies of the nonconfidential portion of the application file will be made available upon request.

32 - JULY 2 - 8, 2020

INTERVIEW from Page 5 Committee. Why have you abandoned the Democratic Party for this council seat? VO: Let me make it clear that I am not abandoning the Democratic Party. There are two at-large Democrats on the council now and I see myself as a complement to them. However, the Democrats on the council need to have a check so their policies reflect the interests of D.C. residents. For example, the Paid Leave Act passed by the council a few years ago. That Paid Leave Act, the way it is written, excludes 94,000 D.C. residents, but non-residents have the benefits. I believe that all D.C. residents should have paid leave on their jobs and have access to benefits like those. I think it is the job of D.C. Council members to take care of D.C. residents first. WI: When some people heard of your candidacy, they say you represent “Old Washington.” What do you make of that assessment and what do you say in your defense? VO: We need the right leadership right now, no matter what age a person is. We need seasoned people on the council who can deal with the city’s problems and now you have a lot of newcomers who don’t understand how the system works. On the council, you have the blind leading the blind. You have got to have the right mix of experience and perspective on the council for it to be effective. For example, Council member Allen has a bill that would give D.C. residents a Metro card with money on it and the program would cost $150 million. I think a better way to spend $150 million would be to give all D.C. students laptops to bridge the digital divide. The council also needs to give more money for rental assistance programs, create business interruption grants and assist our returning citizens. There needs to be a council member who is working for the everyday person and that will be me. WI: How will your experience as the president and CEO of the District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce enhance your service as a council member? VO: My four years as the president and CEO of the DC Chamber will serve me well as an at-large council member in balancing the needs of business, community and govern-

ment. A balance of thought and integration of policies are needed to revive the D.C. economy, get our residents back to work in safe environments and getting the dollars to circulate again through our neighborhoods for the general welfare of the citizens of the District of Columbia. WI: You have served on the council as a Ward 5 representative and an at-large member. Is there anything different you would like to do if you win another four-year term? VO: I would like to serve on the Committee on Finance and Revenue. I am a certified public accountant and I believe that I could make a difference serving on that committee. WI: Why would you like to serve on that committee and what will you bring to it that will benefit District residents? VO: The members of the Committee on Finance and Revenue will play a significant role in overseeing the finances of the District, the replenishment of our rainy day fund, which has been reduced from nearly $2 billion to a contingency cash fund of approximately $150 million, maintenance of our unemployment compensation fund, which is being depleted due to numerous unemployment compensation claims, maintaining the debt service cap of 12 percent and maintaining the District’s triple-A bond status on Wall Street. Moreover, this committee must ensure the city’s budget is balanced in five-year intervals to prevent the return of the “federal control board” overseeing the District of Columbia while providing recovery measures for the District. My experience in assisting the District climbing out of a $518 million deficit, getting rid of junk-bond status and getting rid of the “federal financial control board” by balancing the District’s budget for four consecutive fiscal years is the type of knowledge, know-how and leadership that is required for the Finance and Revenue Committee. My experience as a certified public accountant, tax lawyer, chief financial officer, president and CEO, ward and at-large council member, private and public sector work experience and knowing the needs of “everyday people” will serve me well as chair of the committee and/or member thereof. I am uniquely qualified for the assignment to the committee. WI

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JULY 2 - 8, 2020 33

LIFESTYLE Juneteenth Fetes Captured in Photographs

3 Muka Chisaka, 26, raises her fist in front of Trump International Hotel in Washington D.C. during a Juneteenth Black Lives Matter march on June 19. (Kaitlin Newman/Zenger) 6 A man raises his fist in Washington D.C. during a Juneteenth Black Lives Matter march on June 19. (Kaitlin Newman/Zenger)

5 Steelo Soul plays the trombone in front of the Trump International Hotel in Washington D.C. during a Juneteenth Black Lives Matter march on June 19. (Kaitlin Newman/Zenger) 3 A woman raises her head to the sky in Washington D.C. during a Juneteenth Black Lives Matter march on June 19. (Kaitlin Newman/Zenger) (Far Left Top) Protesters march in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. during a Juneteenth Black Lives Matter march on June 19. (Kaitlin Newman/Zenger)

34 - JULY 2 - 8, 2020

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LIFESTYLE

wi book review “Pauli Murray: A Personal and Political Life” By Troy R. Saxby c.2020, The University of North Carolina Press $34.95 / 353 pages By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer Life, if you think about it, is somewhat like a necklace. Imagine the first bead is birth, starting off a chain. This bead represents your fifth birthday, here’s your 10th, graduation, your first job, your first home, your firstborn. Some beads are larger but the smaller ones are not unimportant. And so it goes, but when building that metaphoric chain, as in the new book “Pauli Murray: A Personal and Political Life” by Troy R. Saxby, be aware of the links. Almost from the day she was born, Annie Pauline Murray was challenged. When she was three years old, her pregnant mother died, leaving six children to a husband who was abusive and mentally ill. Shortly afterward, Murray’s father entered a “psychiatric facility,” where he died when Murray was 12; between those losses, Murray was taken in and raised by an aunt in a poverty-affected but “respectable middle-class” household that contained more mental illness. Though many of Murray’s Black family members “passed” as white, her closest guardians “gloried in the achievements of African Americans.” Young Murray had a “rebellious streak,” but she embraced the education her elders demanded, and was driven to excel: at college, many officials doubted that she could do the work required to succeed, and they told her so — but that “streak” made her more determined, which helped her achieve several college degrees, including one in law. Her accomplishments were many: Murray was an early feminist, she worked tirelessly and ingeniously for the civil rights movement and for social justice, but her successes didn’t buoy her. Always a “tomboy,” Murray had love affairs with women through the years, but furtively, given the times and lack of tolerance for homosexuality. She seemed to embrace that love, but it also seemed to bother her: she asked doctors if there was something inside her that was more male than female, as if she were a “hermaphrodite.” This, perhaps, as well as racism, self-pressure to succeed, confrontationalism, and mental illness that plagued her family caused “almost annual breakdowns …” While it starts out fascinating, with descriptions of the era in which Murray’s forebears lived and of her earliest years, “Pauli Murray” becomes too much, too quickly. It’s comprehensive, that’s a fact (author Troy R. Saxby seemed to leave no stone unturned) but infinitesimal details of Murray’s life are abundant here — every argument, movement and visit — and that can be overwhelming. And yet, there’s so much to glean from this book, so many milestones Saxby says Murray set, that you almost can’t stop reading despite watching the discomfort, obvious pain, and inner struggle she endured. Through letters and articles she wrote, readers get to know Murray as she perceived herself. Those personal peeks are engrossing, especially given the legacy she left when she died almost exactly 35 years ago. If you have the patience, or the ability to skim when overpowered with minutiae, “Pauli Murray” is ultimately, absolutely worthwhile. Especially now, any reader who wants to know more about social justice pioneers should get a bead on it. WI

horoscopes

JULY 2 - 8, 2020

ARIES There can be money opportunities related to home today, including buying some rental property or getting a job in construction. There is also positive energy around making money with family members like starting a business with one of your adult children. Lucky Numbers: 7, 34, 42 TAURUS You may find your ability to do creative writing or general problem-solving is very high right now. This aspect can also inspire the desire for freedom to go a new direction with your life in general. And you may start brainstorming how to buy your own house, own your own business, or run the New York City Marathon next year. Lucky Numbers: 20, 38, 52 GEMINI What ever needs to be done around the house this is the day to pick up the list and start checking things off. This aspect allows you to execute projects with precision. Today, you have diligence and patience. Use this energy for doing something that’s a little more complex than just sorting laundry. Lucky Numbers: 10, 26, 56 CANCER You have a great desire to throw off the limitations placed on you by supervisors or by the job itself. And you may be tempted to mosey on out of this job. But Mars will be in Aries for the rest of the year, and so you have plenty of time to get your ducks in a row before you go duck hunting. Lucky Numbers: 28, 52, 58 LEO Leos may spend this week keeping a low profile. It’s time for a little rest and recuperation from the hard weeks you had this month already. Perhaps some quality time on the sofa? You can develop a personal spiritual practice by lighting a candle every day or reading sacred texts and meditating on their meaning. Lucky Numbers: 9, 24, 32 VIRGO Start today with a little magic. Gather together a few representations of what you want; coins for money, rose petals for love, a few seeds for good health, and tie these together inside a square of cloth with a little bit of thread. Carry this little pouch with you as a reminder of what you are attracting. Lucky Numbers: 4, 16, 40 LIBRA Taking calculated risks helps you learn to trust yourself and your own abilities. It gives you the gumption to move forward. Reach out to someone you admire and see if a connection can be made. If you haven’t moved recently, you may find now you can think of little else. Or perhaps you are redecorating or renovating the dwelling. Family is also on your mind as perhaps a relative wants your attention, or perhaps you need to take sides in a family matter. Lucky Numbers: 3, 14, 51 SCORPIO It’s time to rethink some recent decisions such as allowing your buddy to move into your basement or purchasing a used RV. Consider the work and responsibility your decision brings. Allow yourself some silence today whether it’s while you’re doing chores or taking a walk. The universe will speak to you. New ideas will flow into your mind. Lucky Numbers: 47, 52, 57 SAGITTARIUS For Sagittarians who are looking for love, from now until the end of the year opportunities for great connections will come into your life. It starts by letting your friends and family know that you’re in the market for love. Lucky Numbers: 5, 11, 30 CAPRICORN Solutions are ready to happen. Take a sheet of paper and a pencil. Write down the problems, blocks or unscalable walls that are limiting you. Place the list under your pillow and sleep on it. Have the warrior mindset and fight for your goals. Changes in opportunities are coming soon. Lucky Numbers: 8, 10, 34 AQUARIUS You have the opportunity to realize an important goal in your life related to your psychic ability or artistic endeavors. It’s time to explore the inner you and bring it forth for other people to see. Pick up a deck of tarot cards or paintbrush and express yourself. Lucky Numbers: 1, 14, 22 PISCES It’s a good idea to have a regular practice calling in abundance and prosperity energy. This could be done through visualization or meditation. Take a few minutes each day and put yourself in harmony with the abundance of the Universe and watch how money and opportunities flow into your life. Lucky Numbers: 10, 25, 43

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

JULY 2 - 8, 2020 35

CAPTURE the moment

For more photos, visit www.washingtoninformer.com

UDC HONORS BLACK LIVES LOST TO WHITE SUPREMACY On Saturday, June 27, the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) President Ronald Mason, Jr., along with members of the UDC Board of Trustees, faculty, student leaders and community residents took a knee for 8 minutes and 46 seconds at 8:46 p.m. on the Dennard Plaza at the UDC Van Ness Campus. (Brigette Squire/The Washington Informer)

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SPORTS Bison to host Notre Dame on MLK Day in 2021 Season By Daniel Kucin Jr. WI Contributing Writer @danielkucin88

A historic moment for Howard University men’s basketball team will occur on Martin Luther King Jr. Day next year when the Bison host the University of Notre Dame at Burr Gymnasium in D.C. It will be the first time that perennial powerhouse Notre Dame will visit a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in program history. Tipoff and game broadcast details will be announced at a later date. This will be the fourth time Howard will honor Dr. King’s Celebration of Excellence by hosting non-conference contests with iconic, historical institutions. In the past two seasons, HU has hosted Ivy League teams such as

Harvard (2016 and 2019) and Yale (2020) at home and will host its first Power Five opponent inside Burr Gymnasium since welcoming thenPac-10 foe Oregon State in 2010. MLK Day is an American federal holiday, acknowledging the icon’s birthday for nonviolent activism in the civil rights movement. Former President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law, and it was first observed three years later on Jan. 20, 1986. “We are excited to host the University of Notre Dame men’s basketball team in what will certainly be a spirited competition that will energize the fans on both sides of the court,” said Howard President Wayne A.I. Frederick. “As we witness the nation’s outcry for social justice and racial equality, this event will be a fitting demonstration of unity, collegiality

and sportsmanship.” Howard will have the contributions of DMV native Wayne Bristol Jr., who took home MEAC Rookie of the Year honors last season, and head coach Kenneth Blakeney, who will be returning to the team for his second season. Both Blakeney and Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey both have ties to the D.C. area, having played at DeMatha High School under legendary and Hall of Fame coach Morgan Wooten, the winningest high school coach in school history. Playing on MLK Day is a real honor for Blakeney, and he uses Dr. King’s message as a teaching tool for his players. Before every practice, he shares a quote with his team and one quote from Dr. King that is relevant during these challenging times: “Law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and when they fail in this purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress.” “We are honored to welcome Notre Dame to Howard University for our annual MLK Day game,” Blakeney said. “Coach Mike Brey and I are brothers. We were both mentored by one of the best educators, Coach Morgan Wooten at DeMatha Catholic High School, who first considered himself a teacher. We understand that this game is bigger than both universities, and I feel that we have a social and civic responsibility to engage our programs in celebrating Dr. King’s birthday.” Kery Davis, Howard’s athletic di-

5 Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey (above) and Howard head coach Kenneth Blakeney, fellow DeMatha Catholic High School alums, will reunite on MLK Day 2021 when their teams square off for the first time at Burr Gymnasium. (Daniel Kucin Jr./The Washington Informer)

rector, concurred. “We’ve made this a tradition, hosting these outstanding institutions on MLK Day,” Davis said. “We thank Commissioner Dr. Dennis E. Thomas for giving us an opportunity to host Notre Dame during Mid-Eastern Athletic conference play. This is a great opportunity for us, and we’re excited to welcome Coach Mike Brey and the Fighting Irish to The Mecca.” The two schools also announced that they will partner with When

Pro Sports Set to Return Following Pandemic Shutdown By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia

5 Team sports are set to return in July but the coronavirus remains a threat. (WI file photo)

The Washington Nationals are tentatively scheduled to take on the New York Yankees in D.C. on Thursday, July 23, as team sports begin to return after months of being shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic. The prime-time affair between the World Series champs and the perennial powerhouses from New York, kicks off an abbreviated 60game schedule, making it a sprint to the postseason. The NBA returns one week later on Thursday, July 30, with contests between the Utah Jazz and the New Orleans Pelicans, and an all-Los Angeles battle that pits the

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Lakers vs. the Clippers. The Wizards return Friday, July 31, with a 4 p.m. contest. All of the NBA’s games for the remainder of the season will be played at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The return of team sports is seen by some as a welcome diversion amid the pandemic that has caused the death of at least 120,000 Americans and the ongoing uprisings taken place throughout the country and across the globe in the aftermath of the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Boxing legend and Palmer Park, Maryland, native Sugar Ray Leonard said sports — particularly the

SPORTS Page 44

We All Vote, a national, nonpartisan nonprofit that brings together citizens, institutions, brands and organizations to increase participation in every election. Former first lady Michelle Obama, who launched the organization, is committed to closing the race and age voting gap and empowering all eligible voters to cast their ballots by harnessing grassroots energy, establishing strategic partnerships and implementing digital organizing strategies, with the ultimate goal of changing the culture around voting. “We have been looking for the best way to fulfill our game contract with Howard, and this seemed like the perfect fit,” Brey said. “As our program searched for the best way to remain active participants in the push for social change, a visit to one of our nation’s top HBCUs on Martin Luther King Jr. Day will provide an incredible educational experience for our student-athletes, coaches, support staff and university.” Blakeney is all in on the cause and understands how powerful everyone’s vote is today. “Give us the ballot,” he said. “And we will no longer have to worry the federal government about our basic rights. Being a coach means you’re a teacher, and I’ve been given an incredible opportunity to teach, serve, lead and give back while helping student-athletes achieve their full potential.” WI

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38 - JULY 2 - 8, 2020

BASEBALL from Page 1 tip of the cap to the Negro Leagues which began 100 years ago. But even COVID-19 could not keep fans of the game and those eager to express their admiration for great players of the past, including former President Barack Obama, from using social media to “tip their cap” as a means of respect. The Negro National Leagues would serve as the first organized baseball leagues for Black men, established 27 years before Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier in 1947. And despite economic hardships, prejudice and racism, those teams, their players and coaches somehow persevered. Sierra represents one of the hundreds of men who found a home in the Negro Leagues as well as an opportunity to showcase their prowess in the sport that has emerged to become not only a popular sport but a cultural phenomenon – with few things, as the saying goes, “being more American than baseball and apple pie.” After playing for the Clowns from 1954 to 1955, Sierra joined the Detroit Stars. He played in the Canadian Provincial League, the Mexican League, in the Dominican Republic and played for two stints in the Washington Senators’ system – even serving in the U.S. Army during his colorful 22 seasons on the mound. He left baseball in 1976 and worked for the Montgomery County Department of Recreation for 25 years where he implemented a program, Get High on Sports, during which he took youth to Baltimore Orioles games where he connected the boys with his friends from his days on the mound. The children would sometimes meet with players during practice, meet them while in the stands and hear inspiring words aimed at keeping them away from drugs and focused on education and sports. Today he lives in New Jersey with his brother and for the past nine years, he’s honored a commitment with Major League Baseball traveling to fan fests where he signs autographs, talks about his years in the Negro Leagues and talks with youth who hope to make professional baseball their career one day. He’s currently working on a book, his biography, which he says will be titled, “You Are What You Wanna Be, Not What You Can Be” – something that his father, a famous boxer, often said to him. “I have to thank Jackie Robinson both for his resiliency and for en-

3 Pedro Sierra in his heyday. (Photo courtesy Pedro Sierra) 6 A gathering of ‘older’ men. (Photo courtesy Pedro Sierra)

during so much hardship but never giving up or giving in,” Sierra said. “Because of him, I was able to fulfil my dream to become a professional baseball player. It was something that I promised my mother when I was just a teenager and I kept that promise so that she would not have to work anymore.” “In the early days, we traveled all over the U.S. and we took a bus. The older guys mentored those like me who were young. They taught us the ropes and looked out for us. I was fortunate because when I came to America, I already spoke English, having learned it in school back in Cuba. But there were plenty of setbacks and disappointments. One day you’d be playing with a team and then you’d be looking to sign a new contract somewhere else. It didn’t matter to me – I just wanted to play baseball.” “I have always felt honored to rep-

resent the Negro Leagues and there were some really tremendous players who played. I could name so many men who helped me during my career – and there were a lot who were really good men and wanted to see me, and others, do well. Men like Ted Williams, Oscar Charleston, Joe Cambria, Poppa Joe, Pedro Roberts – they opened doors or made introductions that would help me find my way.” “Sometimes, I let my Cuban temper get in my way, but for I learned to keep it under control, most of the time anyway. I recently pulled a baseball card out designed by Tops that showed me in my youth. I keep it close to my heart. Those were some great days with some great men – great players. And one things we all shared was a profound love for the game of baseball. Baseball changed my life and changed it for the better.” WI

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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

You ARE What You Think!

Be careful what you think, my friends, I’m writing this column to remind us to control our thinking. Don’t allow our minds to take us places that will harm you. Pay close attention to what it is you are thinking about. In the first paragraph of his bestseller “Think and Grow Rich,” Napoleon Hill argues that thinking is more conducive to success than any other feature, including money, education or specific knowledge about something. The man that “thinks” he can accomplish something is already a step forward toward the finish line. But thinking in itself might be too general of a term. That’s why Hill translates thinking as a mixture of initiatives. When you have the ability to figure things out and begin taking steps toward them by following those thoughts given to you by the Holy Spirit, that’s what Hill is speaking of. When you use your common sense, and you have faith in your thoughts, you have that willingness to do those good things that you are being led to do; then, you ARE what you think, in a “good”

way. Your thought can lead you in the opposite direction too. My column is only a reminder to suggest you pay close attention to what you’re thinking. The Bible makes it clear that our thoughts and hearts are linked, and that means every one of us. What and how we think affects our heart. Just think about the cop who held his knee on the neck of George Floyd for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. His heart was filled with darkness. If it had not been so dark, he would not have been able to do such a horrible thing. There are many Scriptures to support this idea. Let’s start with the flood, God described the condition of people’s hearts in Genesis 6:5: “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Let us take full responsibility for our thoughts, by renewing our minds and cleaning up our thoughts. This Scripture was given to me by the Holy Spirit 10 years ago while searching for a title to my new radio show, “The Lyndia Grant Show.” Its subtitle is “Think on These Things,” taken from Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any praise, think on these things.” This Scripture shows how we are governed by our thinking. Romans 12:2 KJV (“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”) is a Scripture that I stand firmly on. Then there is this Scripture which teaches us to adopt a new mindset: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2) My conclusion: We must pay close attention to what it is we are thinking about. When you find yourself being afraid that you will get the coronavirus, shake that devil off and put your mind on things above. Regarding these police who gave taken off the white hoods and sheets from their Ku Klux Klan rallies and put on blue uniforms, Scripture is showing the world how God has determined, as he said in Luke 12:2-3, “the secrets will be uncovered, the truth will come forth, and God’s thought about every behavior and action will be vindicated. What’s done in the dark will come to light.” Thank God he has created it to operate so! 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

www.jmlaw.net

(301) 864-6070

jmccollum@jmlaw.net

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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JULY 2 - 8, 2020 39

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

Blessed Word of Life Church

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

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

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

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

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

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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

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

Crusader Baptist Church 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 Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor (Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW - Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion every Sunday: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 10:00 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 12 Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday: 6:30 PM Motto: “Discover Something Wonderful” Website: 12thscc.org / Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com

Mount Carmel Baptist Church Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr. Senior Pastor 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

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

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

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

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

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

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor

Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

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

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

Rev. Dr. Jerryl V. Moody Pastor-Elect

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

St. Matthews Baptist Church

Emmanuel Baptist Church

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

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

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

JULY 2 - 8, 2020 41

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2019 ADM 001079 Anthony Cornelius Baker Decedent Howard Haley, Esq. The Haley Firm, PC 7600 Georgia Ave, NW #405 Washington, DC 20012 Attorney

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MARYLAND CAD19-39367 PATRICK ANDERSON Plaintiff v. WANDA ANDERSON Defendant

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Lakesha Sistrunk, whose address is 14338 Marlborough Lane, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Anthony Cornelius Baker who died on November 16, 2018 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/25/2020. 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 12/25/2020, 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: 6/25/2020

ORDER Upon consideration of the Plaintiff’s Motion for Alternative Service, and the relief sought therein, it is this 26th day of May, 2020 by and through the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, ORDERED, that Plaintiff’s Motion for Alternative Service is hereby GRANTED; and it is further, ORDERED, that Plaintiff may serve process to Defendant, WANDA ANDERSON, pursuant to Maryland Rules 2-121(c), 2-122(a) (1) by posting the notice by the sheriff at the courthouse door or on a bulletin board within its immediate vicinity, and 2-122(a)(2), by publishing the notice at least once a week in each of three successive weeks in one or more newspapers of general circulation published in the country in which the action is pending.

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Mahasin El Amin, Clerk

Lakesha Sistrunk Personal Representative

Washington Informer SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA FAMILY COURT ADOPTION BRANCH EX PARTE IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF D.J. FOR ADOPTION OF MINOR CHILD 2020 ADA 0025 Case No: Julie Breslow Judge

SUPERIOR COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA FAMILY COURT IN THE MATTER OFTHE PETITION OF T.F.T. ADOPTION CASE #: 2019 ADA 198 FOR ADOPTION OF MINOR CHILD D.H., (DOB: 04/08/2013) MAGISTRATE JUDGE JORGE VILA NEXT DATE: JULY 23, 2020 To the Unknown Birth Father and/or Mr. Damien Brown, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT a petition for adoption of a minor child has been filed in this matter. The subject male child was born on April 8, 2013 and has the initials D.H. The birth mother’s name is Ms. Reina Alexsandra Harris.

NOTICE OF ADOPTION PROCEEDING UNKNOWN FATHER, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT a petition for adoption of a minor child has been filed in the above-captioned matter. The subject male child was born on March 26, 2019 and has the initials M.N. The birth mother’s name is Wykela Nolan. IF YOU WANT TO SEEK CUSTODY OR CHALLENGE THIS ADOPTION, you must file a written objection with the Court prior to the adoption hearing scheduled for July 8, 2020. This objection should be directed to the Adoption Clerk, Family Court, Superior Court of the District of Columbia, 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001. IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO SEEK CUSTODY OR CHALLENGE THIS ADOPTION, you may consent to the adoption or relinquish the child to a licensed child-placing agency. Please contact social worker, DC Danh at the Child and Family Services Agency. The agency can be contacted at 202-422-8794 (work) 202715-7797 (cell) and is located at 200 I Street SE Washington, DC 20003.

If you want to challenge the termination of your parental rights, or if you want to seek custody, or challenge the adoption petition, you must file a written objection with the Court prior to the adoption status hearing scheduled for July 23, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. This objection should be directed to the Adoption Clerk, Family Court, Superior Court of the District of Columbia, 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001. If you do not want to contest the termination of your parental rights and do not want to seek custody or challenge this adoption you may consent to the adoption and relinquish the child to a licensed child-placing agency. Please contact the subject child’s social worker, Ms. Chinwendu Utom at Child and Family Services Agency, 200 I St. SE, Washington, DC 20003, telephone number (202) 442-6100. You have the right to retain your counsel. You also have court appointed counsel in this matter is Mr. Ronald Colbert, Esq.

PLEASE ADVISE CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES AGENCY OF YOUR INTENTIONS REGARDING THIS CHILD PRIOR TO JULY 8, 2020.

His address is 717 D St NW Suite 310 Washington, DC 20004.

YOUR COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL IN THIS MATTER IS Marco Cabezas, Esq. 4508 Van Ness Street NW Washington, DC 20016. HIS TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 202-744-4008.

If the adoption is granted, your legal rights, responsibilities,

IF THE ADOPTION IS GRANTED, your legal rights, responsibilities and obligations with respect to this child will be forever terminated.

___________________________

June 5, 2020

42 - JULY 2 - 8, 2020

His telephone number is (202) 370-6228. and obligations with respect to this child will be forever terminated. FDOP 07/02/2020 _______________________________ MAGISTRATE JUDGE JORGE VILA

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PROTEST from Page 1 Daryl Rollins, and the owner, who is white, it is reported that employees came to the support of Rollins. In stories filed by both DC Fox 5 and Newsweek reporters, it seems that Rollins and his family were waiting to get in the restaurant when the confrontation occurred. “He came over and told me, ‘Why do you have that shirt on? I seen the video. It was terrible, Why would you wear that shirt? You cannot come into my establishment like that,” Rollins said. The video to which the owner referenced, Rollins says, was that of Floyd being killed. Eventually, allegedly due to the outrage of employees who are mostly Black, the owner relented – allowing Rollins and his family to enter and even providing free food and drinks. However, Rollins says he heard the owner mutter other disparaging remarks under his breath. Shirley Giovannoni, co-owner, went to Facebook seeking to apologize for her husband’s behavior. “To say that I am shocked and embarrassed by his behavior is an understatement,” she wrote, adding that her husband has challenges with mental health and alcohol for which they have sought help. She summarized her husband’s response to the T-shirt as a “misunderstanding.” But according to several protesters, the incident is not an isolated one. They say it has become common knowledge among frequent Black patrons that the owner holds racist notions and makes his views known with regularity. Cory Brim, a Black business owner and regular patron of The Fish Market, has employed social media over the past few days, posting interviews he’s held with several people as they marched with signs and voiced their displeasure. As Brim observed, the staff reported to work but no customers had ventured inside. “You want change? Hit them in their pockets,” he said. “This place is packed Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and has been for years – every weekend. This is what it looks like when Blacks gather and protest peacefully. We’ve decided to take our economic dollars and put them together for good.” One Black woman, saying that she often goes to the restaurant, spoke to Brim about why she’d come out to protest. “Black lives matter. Black dollars do too. We thank people for responding and we’re asking for even more sup-

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5 Joseph ‘OT Kanye’ Tolbert III, who helped organize a protest against The Fish Market, stands with a demonstrator at the restaurant in Clinton, Maryland on Monday, June 29. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

port,” she said as horns continued to blare in the background. “This place has been here over 20 years that I know and Blacks pack the house. But the owners have been lying and giving fake apologies. Enough is enough. We don’t want any more apologies,” she said. Another protester, also a Black woman, added her perspective. “We are no longer willing to allow them to build their wealth on the Black community while disrespecting us,” she said. “When someone comes in with a T-shirt and you tell them to get out, that shows that you don’t respect the movement. So, we’re going to stay out here and stand united. We are going to continue to be out here and shut it down. We want to make sure they don’t make one dollar. When people pull up, we’re asking them not to shop here. This is not the first time the owners have disrespected our community – and we’ve had enough. We

don’t need them, they need us. There’s a Black-owned Jamaican fish shop one block over, if you’re looking for a good meal.” “We are here because we’re change makers. We want our elected officials to be responsible. We want money to be put into our businesses. As for the owners, they can take their racism somewhere else – out to Montgomery County where they can disrespect whites, if they want. But this is a Black community and if we’re not good enough to be served with respect, then we don’t want you here. This is about unity,” she said. In an unconfirmed statement, one local resident said she’d heard that at least one Black employee has quit their job over the racist ruckus and that other Black-owned businesses in the area have agreed to pick up staff with offers of employment if they would rather work in a different, less hostile environment. WI

HEALTH from Page 20

afford and are challenges to the state’s health care system. During a June 24 telephone town hall, one resident asked how people can help the board such as telling “war stories” about how much they pay for prescription drugs. Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative, one of the state’s biggest health care advocacy organizations, prompts residents to file their concerns at http://healthcareforall. com/hearmystory by asking: “Are you paying too much for prescription drugs?” “It is one thing to focus on the pricing, but if people cannot pay, that’s important and we need to understand what the dimensions of that look like,” Onukwugha said. “That’s where the stories are immensely helpful.” WI

Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore; George S. Malouf Jr., an ophthalmologist; and Joseph Levy, a professor at Johns Hopkins University. Three other people may be employed with the executive director in an office such as a general counsel, pharmacist and a person to handle administrative functions. A consultant may also be retained to help with financial matters on health and other matters. The board plans to review new brand name prescription drugs at $30,000 or more per year, analyze existing brand-name medications that increase in price by $3,000 or more annually, and assess any prescription drugs that patients cannot

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STATEHOOD from Page 1

SPORTS from Page 37

The bill would provide a voting member of the House based on population and two U.S. senators as well as the rights and privileges the residents of all states have. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said statehood’s time has come. “Today, with this historic vote, D.C. is closer than we have ever been to becoming the 51st state,” the mayor said. “I was born without representation but I swear I will not die without representation. Together, we will achieve D.C. statehood, and when we do, we will look back on this day and remember all who stood with us on the right side of history.” D.C. Attorney General Karl A. Racine joined Bowser’s assessment of the District’s statehood aspiration. He said the city’s racial composition and progressive bent have been barriers in the cause. “Throughout the 20th century, members of Congress routinely opposed empowering the District’s predominantly Black population the right to govern themselves,” the attorney general said. “Statehood is the remedy to this type of oppression.” One representative, Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), knows personally what Racine’s complaints are regarding race. During the House debate, Johnson mentioned his connection to the District. “I was born in Washington, D.C., and spent most of my formative years here,” Johnson said. “I grew up knowing that when my parents voted in elections, their voices wouldn’t be heard. It is not a coincidence that a largely Black city had their voices erased from the halls of the federal government. We obeyed the same laws and paid the same taxes as our fellow Americans, but we had no in taking part in the governing of America.” During that debate, House Republicans made it clear their opposition to statehood arguing the U.S. Constitution prohibits it. “Washington, D.C. was never meant to be a state,” Rep. Fred Keller (R-Pa.) said. “Our founders intended the federal district to be a neutral location of collaboration among all 50 states, not just subject to one state. With this ill-conceived move for D.C. statehood, Democrats will allow the new Washington, Douglass Commonwealth to have a position of superiority over the federal government in contravention of the original intent of the

sweet science — saved his life. He said the return of competition is an important milestone. “It gave me an opportunity to provide for my parents, help my siblings, help my friends, and help my community,” Leonard said. “I’m a blessed man. I won the Olympics in 1976 and had every intention of going to the University of Maryland to further my education and get a good job. “I had no intention of turning pro because I heard about fighters getting taking advantage of financially,” he said. “My father was in the hospital, my mother was crying, my family was crying, and my mentor Janks Morton said I should turn pro. I made the right decision to take care of my family. My dad passed away just a couple of years ago, and my mother is 91. Life is what you make it.” Still, the return of sports isn’t without hiccups. Numerous reports show that since most states have reopened, the virus has begun spreading more. According to various reports, Major League Baseball has already had 40 players and staff tests positive for COVID-19 within the last week. In the NFL, four players from the Dallas Cowboys and four from the Houston Texans tested positive for COVID-19, including Cowboys superstar Ezekiel Elliott. Two players from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and one of the team’s assistant coaches tested positive, and a member of the San Francisco 49ers also was diagnosed with the coronavirus. A number of college football players, including those from Clemson, the University of Houston, University of Texas, and Rutgers, have also tested positive. More than 45,000 new cases in the United States were reported on Friday, June 26, the third consecutive day with a record total. Global infections reportedly have approached 10 million. “Sports that are being played in October and November run a real risk of being unable to happen at all due to a [potential] second wave of the coronavirus that could hit the country hard,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force. WI

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5 D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton holds a sign showing the winning vote on a D.C. statehood bill in front of the U.S. Capitol. (Roy Lewis/Washington Informer)

founders of this country.” Keller introduced a motion to mandate full gun rights under the Second Amendment in the new state as well as protections for monuments, funding for police and law enforcement units and prohibition against sanctuary city status, autonomous zones and publicly funded political campaigns but his measure lost, 227-182. Many Republicans, like Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) fear the new state will consistently elect two Democrats to the U.S. Senate, thereby threatening their ability to secure control. “The answer is simple: power,” Cotton said in a June 25 statement. “The Democrats want to make Washington a state because they want two Democratic senators in perpetuity.” Also, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has consistently pledged not to bring any D.C. statehood bills to the floor, calling it “a terrible idea.” While most Senate Republicans seem cool to statehood, Josh Burch, the organizer and educator of Neighbors United for DC Statehood, said there are a few who may consider it. “On my list, we have Republicans such as Tim Scott of South Carolina, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Rob Portman of Ohio and Mitt Rom-

ney of Utah who we feel we can talk to,” Burch said. “I doubt that any of them will come over to our side at this point.” There are 41 Democratic senators co-sponsoring statehood legislation and Burch would like to get the remaining six to do so. On June 29, he sent an email to his members urging them to contact Sens. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Angus King (I-Maine) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) to request their co-sponsorship. While Burch works his Senate strategy, Anise Jenkins, executive director of Stand Up for Democracy in DC, suggests a plan used by District residents in the 1990s may work to upend McConnell in November. “I remember in 1998, D.C. residents [were] traveling to North Carolina to campaign against Republican Senator Lauch Faircloth because he was so hard on the District,” Jenkins said. “John Edwards, the Democrat, won the race that year and perhaps we should do the same in Kentucky. D.C. residents should consider going to Kentucky to support either Charles Booker or Amy McGrath and defeat Mitch McConnell. We did it once before and we can do it again on behalf of statehood.” WI

CHAVIS from Page 26 sidiary of a nonprofit organization that manages homeless shelters and reentry centers throughout New York City. The effort to establish a functional reentry center in Washington, D.C., has been a difficult and complicated one, partly because of the troubled history of Hope Village, a social service provider that closed its doors earlier this year, ending its 42-year run as the District’s only option for returning citizens.

But just weeks after BOP awarded the contract to CORE DC, there are already disturbing, NIMBY (“Not in My Backyard”) reactions from individuals who should know better, especially now, amid constant reports exposing the systemic injustices that African American men must contend with in the policing and criminal justice systems. Watchdogs and activists, including myself, have long been calling for Hope Village to be shut down due to poor program management and a lack of accountability. Put simply, the provider had lost the trust of the community. Against this backdrop, representatives at CORE DC have gone to great lengths to reassure the public that they are committed to helping turn the page on this long and turbulent chapter and work closely with the community to establish a reentry model that is tailored for the District’s unique set of needs. That outreach has included meeting with elected officials, advocates, faithbased organizations and residents to hear their concerns and invite their input on how the community can come together and forge a new way forward on this important issue. But just weeks after BOP awarded the contract to CORE DC, there are already disturbing, NIMBY (“Not in My Backyard”) reactions from individuals who should know better, especially now, amid constant reports exposing the systemic injustices that African American men must contend with in the policing and criminal justice systems. Consider the recent comments made by Tyrell Holcomb, the chair

CHAVIS Page 45

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CHAVIS from Page 44

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possible. They wanted guarantees that players would not lose their scholarships or face retaliation if they chose not to return to the campus for the season this fall. They argued, sensibly, that they could not trust university or athletic department officials who had interests other than their lives and health at stake. With demonstrations in support of the Black Lives Matter movement continuing, it is time for players to speak out. Oklahoma State’s football coach, Mike Gundy, found that out when he wore a sweatshirt from OAN, the virulent right-wing cable network that has consistently mocked Black Lives Matter demonstrations. His Heisman Award candidate, running back Chuba Hubbard, called

him out, leading to Gundy’s abject apology for what he claimed was an ignorant mistake. Now players need to speak out about their own health and safety. College football is a wonderful spectator sport, but it is not worth the lives of young American men. The same is true for other college sports. If college officials, college coaches and the NCAA are not prepared to act responsibly, the athletes themselves must take the lead. Their parents should support them. Thirty players testing positive in “voluntary” practices is 30 too many. It is time to give greater weight to the pandemic experts than to the panicked administrators. WI

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ties can profit? College presidents now make big salaries, but they should feel a greater responsibility to the young men and women who attend their schools. College coaches make millions at big-time programs, but they should protect the players that play for them. The NCAA should reconsider its decision to open practices now that the virus has spread so quickly. In the end, sadly, it is likely that the players themselves will have to be the adults in the room. At UCLA, 30 players petitioned the university for additional protections, seeking a third-party health official to review all safety measures and protocols to ensure the greatest protection

rapport with their communities. Having quantitatively and qualitatively proportionate racial, cultural, and ethnic representation on the team of clinical investigators — and among the teams who monitor the observance of rules of clinical investigation — can couple with a compassionate support staff during clinical trials to improve the trust factor. While medicine is a universal human science that assumes each of us should have commitment and care based on our common humanity, historical reasons in America have made race a major factor in care delivery. As such, we must bridge the gap so the community that needs care the most can benefit from early clinical trials and scientific progress to change the course of COVID-19 pandemic. People interested in participating in COVID-19 vaccination clinical trials should visit clinicaltrials.gov and search for clinical trials in their area. WI

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JACKSON from Page 26

ments for participating in the trial. But protocols will not increase participation in the study unless the trust and fear barriers for clinical trial participation are addressed. When it comes to COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials, early educational intervention to the underrepresented African American and Hispanic communities can improve the knowledge gap. Logistical factors that will curtail access to clinical research sites have to be considered. For example, trial managers should think about creating access to transportation, or taking clinical trial sites to where the target cohorts reside. While building trust takes a long time, involvement of nonmedical community leaders to champion care in their respective communities will have a positive influence. Primary care physicians who have long-standing relationships with communities should be involved in recruitment and the explanation of research protocols as they have built

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millions died with each major epidemic. I grew up in a developing nation where infectious disease accounts for the majority of preventable deaths. I witnessed first-hand the impact of mass vaccination. I cannot imagine what the population demography would have looked like if public health was not armed with mass vaccination strategies for major childhood illnesses. As we progress in the fight against COVID-19, a safe and effective vaccine would give us the means to resume normal life. Vaccine trials will show the result of preventing disease, or modifying the course of a disease, in a population that has the highest burden of disease. People at the highest risk of the disease — health care workers, front-line workers, and African American and Hispanic communities — must be included in the study design that identifies require-

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MEKONNEN from Page 26

more just society, we have to shed our fears, and open ourselves to new ideas, new insights and even, as is the case now in D.C., new neighbors who are committed to being a part of the solution. We have to break old patterns of thinking that stifle progress and aid and abet the status quo. We must remember that the men and women returning to D.C. after terms of imprisonment are not strangers. They are members of our community looking for a second chance to rebuild their lives after paying their debt to society. This is also a national issue. I am hoping that Washington, D.C., will lead the rest of the nation in welcoming our brothers and sisters back home from the nation’s prisons. WI

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of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission in Ward 7. Holcomb indicated his opposition to a new reentry center in his community, saying that “using Ward 7 as a dumping ground to place the least attractive facilities has gone on far too long.” It’s time to move past this kind of destructive rhetoric and ugly thinking, which has the pernicious effect of dehumanizing the men for whom such a facility could provide a second chance and be a source of positive transformation. NIMBY opposition — which so often amplifies stereotypes and falsehoods in order to drum up fear — has long been an obstacle

to building support facilities and programs for the most vulnerable, whether such protests have been in response to proposed group homes, drug treatment clinics or homeless shelters. Many of the fears are simply without basis. Researchers have been studying myths about home values in communities that accommodate reentry centers for decades, to take one example. One D.C.-focused study conducted by The George Washington University, Center for Excellence in Municipal Management and the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice, found that housing values on streets with halfway houses continued to increase over a period of five years. If there is any hope to make this a

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protest against racial injustice, as if injustice can be segmented. Racial injustice is a servant of economic injustice. In America, the latter could not exist without the nation being conditioned to obsess over the former. Scientists tell us that race is not a biological reality, but an illusion. Societies invented so-called racial identities long ago as tools of manipulation and vehicles by which to profit. As such, racial fear and hatred are learned vices. While many protesters insist Black lives must matter, the only way we can achieve that result is by breaking the cycles of white supremacy. Doing so will be no small task, because white supremacy perpetuates itself in all aspects of America’s social formation. It resists attacks, pretends to decry injustice, and insincerely promises to do better. But in the end, white supremacy has the power to repeatedly “put down the mob” until discontent inevitably boils over again. Too often,

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have a higher rate of infection than the population at Rikers Island. And that’s saying something. New York City’s jail is a hot spot within a hot spot. Although the Empire State has the largest number of cases, this should not distract from the dizzying number of infections among people in correctional facilities. As the number of COVID-19 deaths exceeded 100,000, “at least 43,967 people in prison” have the virus. This infected population is larger than the population of Selma, Alabama, or Key

ASKIA from Page 27 Over one recent June weekend in Chicago, 14 Black folks were murdered, 102 were wounded at the hands of our own people. There were no murals, no marches, no celebrities rushing forward with money to pay for those funerals and to get a headline. We don’t even know their names. Fourteen dead, 102 injured in one bloody weekend. Sometimes our little babies are killed by stray bullets, and we remain silent. So, when I posted a complaint on social media about our myopia when White folks are not to blame, I was called “stupid,” “offensive,” “propagandist,” told I had lost my damn mind. Well, I may be crazy, out of my mind, but

it seems unconquerable. If the experiment we call America is to succeed, the cycles of white supremacy must be broken. White people must stop being surprised by injustices that have been in plain view for over 400 years. Stop saying “something needs to be done.” We have heard that before. Do something! Start with the truth. Say that white supremacy in all its manifestations is the problem. Say that white supremacy is evil, a sin against the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God, and that it is bad for America. It’s not enough to talk about “equity” and “merit,” because they are incapable of coexisting with white supremacy. Finally, stop hiding behind market theory and “capitalism,” and the presumption that both operate independent of race, and call it what it is: greed. Greed concentrates white wealth while limiting opportunities not only for people of color, but for most white people as well. Close the wealth gap by feeding the hungry, clothing

the naked, housing the homeless, and the economy will take care of itself. White supremacy cannot have its cake and eat it too. America’s success requires a better business model, one that allows human potential to flourish whatever its color or class. Such work requires an institution that grows from the seeds you are planting. Therefore, the University of the District of Columbia is establishing the Institute for the Study and Elimination of White Supremacy in America. All people — scholars, activists, citizens — who believe in the idea of America — that all people are created equal and endowed with rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — are invited to join this enterprise. The days of simply commiserating over the condition of poor, Black and brown Americans is over. It is time to rethink our future. It is finally time for one nation, under God, indivisible, to be born! WI

West, Florida. Five states — Ohio, Tennessee, Michigan, California and New Jersey — account for most of the infections in correctional settings. Estimates of COVID-19 cases and deaths are undercounts. Some states do not test regularly in prisons. Most have not tested people who do not show symptoms of the disease. If nothing changes, prisons may become an unwitting ally and engine of community spread of the virus. To avoid this outcome, correctional administrators and the courts should strictly follow the CDC’s new guidelines.

“Ramping up cleaning and hygiene reminders” are a good start. Limit transfers between prisons. Screen everyone coming into a facility. Practicing social distance in prisons means managing distance in lines and staggering meals among other steps. Know the non-respiratory symptoms of the virus. And the last prevention step is to implement no-contact prison visits. We need to demand full compliance with this guidance and personnel protective equipment for people in prison and correctional staff. We are all in this global pandemic together. WI

I’m not stupid. The saddest part is that those perpetrators went back to their homes and faced no consequences. Sadly, some of us even know our out-of-control children commit these terrible crimes but are maybe afraid to confront them. It’s understandable, who would want to send our child into the hands of the U.S. criminal injustice system? But wrong is still wrong. On that weekend in Chicago, two boys were killed and another wounded because they asked some dude in a convenience store how tall he is! Just days later in New York, a high school basketball star was gunned down days after his graduation, but not by a cop or a White vigilante, though, so our voices were silent.

But don’t try to make me out as some kind of Tea Party-collaborating, Uncle Clarence Tom-ass because I’m sick of seeing it, and have the nerve to say something about it. No way! Go down to your basement, there’s an 800-pound gorilla there playing video games, and otherwise up to no good. Show him some tough love. Get him to mend his/her ways. Get him/her to go to school. Take him/her to the community college to enroll. Require him/her to do something productive with his/her life. Be an example. I’m not wrong for calling us to discipline ourselves. Like when cops do it to us, and when White folks do it to us, us, killing and injuring us is wrong, and we’re the only ones who can correct the wrong! WI

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