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Capture the Moment Page 37 Vol. 56, No. 38 • July 8 - 14, 2021

D.C. Debates Fate of Shuttered Marriott Wardman Park Hotel Some Residents Want City to Buy Historic Landmark

James Wright WI Staff Writer

5 The UniverSoul Circus opened July 4th weekend with one-of-a-kind performances from around the world – all coming together as under a single-ring big top. (See more photos on page 36).

District leaders and residents are engaged in a lively debate over a possible purchase --by the city--of the historic Marriott Wardman Park Hotel located in Ward 3 or allow a private developer to buy it. Marriott Wardman owners filed for bankruptcy on Jan. 11. The sprawling 1,152-room facility —a stage that provided a platform for national and local Black organizations in D.C. for decades – will be auctioned July 20.

Opioid Abuse Takes its Toll in D.C.

James Wright WI Staff Writer While most of the attention for the past 16 months has been on the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, opioid abuse in the District has increased, raising concerns of city officials. “I recently had to say goodbye to my daughter because of opioid abuse,” said Sherita McBroom, ANC commissioner for district 8E01 in Ward 8, during a forum at the Secret Garden in Southeast on June 28. “I have to face the issue every day since my 17-year-old daughter Jaylen died of opioid use on June 22,” she said. “She transitioned during the night. I will play that scene over and over again for the rest of my life.” While McBroom didn’t offer details, she blames opioids as the root cause of her daughter’s death.

DC OPIOD Page 38

A group of residents wants the District to purchase the property in an effort to address the District’s housing needs. “The Wardman Hotel Strategy Team [WHST], the group that is asking the District government to buy the former Wardman Park Hotel for mixed income affordable housing, urged D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to include at least $140 million for the purchase as requested by D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, who represents Ward 5, in his Feb. 15 letter

MARRIOTT Page 14

MLK III Seeks Reprise of Tone Set in the 1963 March on Washington Hamil Harris WI Contributing Writer

5 Martin Luther King III with his daughter Yolanda and wife Arndrea in Washington, D.C. in 2019. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

In the wake of the recent Supreme Court decision and Republican controlled state legislatures further weakening the Voting Rights Act, Martin Luther King III is calling for people of conscious to come to Washington this Aug. 28 on the anniversary of the famous March on Washington. On Aug. 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a momentous speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial that the world remembers as the “I Have a

Dream” speech. preached about “Letting Freedom Ring, from the Lincoln Memorial and now, nearly 60 years later, many of the things his father fought and died for have not been achieved. “It disheartens me to say that as a country and society, we are not even close to where my father hoped we would be since delivering his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech 58 years ago,” said King’s son, who is chairman of the Board for the Drum Major Institute. "I think my father would be

FREEDOM Page 44

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wi hot topics

COMPILED BY WI SENIOR EDITOR D. KEVIN MCNEIR AND WI SENIOR WRITER STACY BROWN

Howard Hires Journalists Nikole Hannah-Jones, Ta-Nehisi Coates Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones (top) will join the faculty at Howard University, alongside award-winning author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates, the university announced Tuesday. The announcement arrives after Hannah-Jones turned down an offer of tenure from her alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which had initially offered the “1619 Project” journalist a faculty position without the same level of job security. Hannah-Jones will join the historically Black university this summer as the Knight Chair in Race and Journalism and will establish the new Center for Journalism and Democracy. “In the storied tradition of the Black press, the Center for Journalism and Democracy will help produce journalists capable of accurately and urgently covering the challenges of our democracy with a clarity, skepticism, rigor and historical dexterity that is too often missing from today’s journalism,” Hannah-Jones said in a statement. She will hold a tenured position within the Cathy Hughes School of Communications. Coates – a National Book Award winner who attended but did not graduate from Howard – will join as the Sterling Brown Chair in the Department of English “following completion of several current obligations,” the university said Tuesday. Both count as recipients of the MacArthur Foundation “genius” grant. The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill came under national scrutiny after the school walked back its initial offer for Hannah-Jones to join the faculty with tenure as its Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism. The university revoked its offer under intense pressure from conservatives and a wealthy university donor, who questioned Hannah-Jones’ teaching credentials and the historical accuracy of the “1619 Project.” Details continue to emerge about how Howard’s new journalism department will fit into the school’s existing academic programs. The university does not currently offer a degree in journalism but students can earn a Bachelor’s from the department of Media Journalism, Film and Communications. The school also operates a student-run newspaper, The Hilltop. The new Center for Journalism and Democracy plans to “work across multiple historically Black colleges and universities… that offer journalism degrees and concentrations,” according to a press release. The new hires are funded by nearly $20 million from the Knight Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Ford Foundation and an anonymous donor meant to “support Howard’s continued education of and investment in Black journalists,” said a statement from the university. WI

Norton Leads Bipartisan Group Seeking to Protect Women Drivers Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) has joined two of her House of Representatives colleagues in filing bipartisan legislation to improve the federal government's vehicle safety testing practices, specifically those involving the use of crash test dummies. The Furthering Advanced and Inclusive Research for Crash Tests Act would order a comprehensive Government Accountability Office study of current federal vehicle safety tests and how those tests impact the safety of all drivers and passengers. Norton provided statistics to show that current tests fail to use crash test dummies representing women, especially in the driver's seat, even though research suggests that women have a higher likelihood of being killed or significantly injured in a car crash. “Alarmingly, 8,500 women were killed in car crashes in the U.S. in 2018, with 61 percent of the women being in the driver's seat,” she said. The total number of traffic crashes in the District of Columbia have risen steadily since 2013 with the highest number of crashes occurring in 2016 at 26,525, after which the total number of crashes remained relatively steady, according to the most recent D.C. Traffic Safety Report. WI

D.C. Mayor Bowser Cuts Ribbon on New Affordable Senior Housing On Wednesday, July 7, Mayor Muriel Bowser, joined by D.C. officials and community members, cut the ribbon on the Todd A. Lee Senior Residences at Kennedy Street. The new, all-affordable senior community, has been named in honor of the late Todd A. Lee, who served as the executive director and CEO of the District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency. He was a champion for affordable housing throughout the District and especially recognized the need for senior housing. Bowser also announced that applications for the next round of Oramenta Newsome Predevelopment Loans are open for nonprofits and limited equity co-operatives. The loans can be used to help pay for the predevelopment soft costs of affordable housing projects. WI

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D.C. Statehood Timeline James Wright WI Staff Writer

This is a timeline on the centuries’ struggle District residents have waged for full citizenship, whether it be for a constitutional amendment allowing congressional representation, legislation for a vote in one chamber of the U.S. Congress or statehood. The Constitution received ratification by the then Articles of Confederation Congress in 1788 and became effective in 1789. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 17 stipulated the Congress essentially exercise exclusive power over the District, the seat of the federal government. The following years indicate what happened as District residents sought to become full citizens of the United States.

1790

The U.S. Congress accepts the territory ceded by Maryland and Virginia for the establishment of the seat of the federal government and declares the first Monday in December 1800 as the first date the District will operate. Congress said the president shall appoint three commissioners to survey, purchase the land and establish the new government to take up residence on the first Monday in December 1800.

1791

President George Washington issues several presidential proclamations defining and fixing the boundaries of the new district.

1790-1800

Qualified residents (property-owning white males) of the new District of Columbia vote in election of federal officers conducted in Maryland and Virginia, including members of the House of Representatives, even though Maryland and Virginia ceded the land to the federal government and the District’s boundaries had been drawn.

1800-

On the first Monday in December, the seat of the U.S. government is transferred to the District of Columbia.

1801

The Congress passes the Organic Act of 1801 divides the District into two counties—Washington County from Maryland and Alexandria County from Virginia— and creates the circuit court of D.C., authorizes the appointment of a U.S. Attorney, marshals, justice of the peace and a register of wills. D.C. residents lose the right to vote for Maryland and Virginia federal lawmakers.

1802

Congress abolishes the board of commissioners and incorporates the City of Washington (formerly in Washington County) with a presidentially appointed mayor and a popularly elected council of 12 members with two chambers, one with seven members and the other with five members. All acts of the council must be sent to the mayor for his approval. Voting is limited to “free, white male inhabitants of full age, who have resided in the District 12 months and paid taxes therein the year preceding the election’s being held.”

1820

Congress repeals the 1802 and 1804 legislation and reorganizes the City of Washington by providing a popularly elected mayor and continuing the existing elected council. The U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Loughborough vs. Blake declared it is legal for District residents to pay taxes without representation.

1846

Congress, the Virginia legislature and the City of Alexandria approve retrocession of the county and town of Alexandria back to Virginia.

1848

Congress abolishes the property requirement for voting and extends voting rights to all white males who pay a yearly $1 school tax.

1850

Congress ends the slave trade in the District.

5 President George Washington set the boundaries of the new federal district in 1790. (Courtesy photo)

5 In 1862, the District – with President Abraham Lincoln’s support – abolished slavery and compensated slaveholders becoming the only U.S. jurisdiction to do so. (Courtesy photo)

5 Walter E. Washington was selected by President Lyndon B. Johnson as the mayor of the District in 1967 after decades of the city being ruled by three commissioners. (Courtesy photo)

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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 (top) 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.

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open-heart surgery at Provident Hospital in Chicago on a man stabbed in the chest. 1941 – Iconic ragtime and jazz pianist Jelly Roll Morton dies in Los Angeles at the age of 50. 1943 – Tennis great Arthur Ashe is born in Richmond, Virginia. 1973 – The Bahamas is declared a fully independent nation.

1905 – W. E. B. Du Bois (above right) and William Monroe Trotter found the Niagara Movement, a Black civil rights organization.

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1920 – Emmy-winning actress Beah Richards is born in Vicksburg, Mississippi. 1936 – Rose McClendon, founder of the Negro People's Theatre and a leading Black Broadway actress in the 1920s, dies in New York City at the age of 51. 1937 – Famed actor and comedian Bill Cosby is born in Philadelphia.

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1966 – R&B singer Gerald Levert, son of O'Jays lead singer Eddie Levert, is born in Canton, Ohio.

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1934 – Golfer Lee Elder, who became the first African American to play in the Masters Tournament in 1975, is born in Dallas. 1941 – Professor Maulana Karenga, a major figure in the Black nationalist movement and the creator of Kwanzaa, is born in Parsonsburg, Maryland. WI

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Be clear, even before his release, she has never hidden her support for him. Her stance was clear upon her appointment as dean.

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No, she should not step down! They can voice their opinion, but she can't? The new prosecutor thought he would make a name for himself as being the person that brought down Bill Cosby. Now, because of his legal mistake and his rush to make a name for himself, Bill Cosby has been released.

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AROUND THE REGION Haiti President Jovenel Moïse Assassinated at Private Residence D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Editor

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Violence and civil unrest have reached new heights in Haiti following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, 53, Tuesday night, July 6. His wife, Martine, injured during the assault by unidentified attackers at the couple’s private residence, died shortly after being taken to a local hospital. In a statement, interim Premier Claude Joseph called the attack, a “hateful, inhumane and barbaric act.” Over the past several years, Haitian citizens have faced a precarious situation, politically, socially and economically. Frustration has mounted after the president, who had been in his fifth year in office, refused to hold elections and continued to maintain control by decree while seizing opportunities to increase his power. In recent months, members of the opposition have demanded he step down. Joseph asserted that order will be maintained. “The country’s security situation is under the control of the National Police of Haiti and the Armed Forces of Haiti,” Joseph said in a statement from his office. “Democracy and the republic will win.”

5 President Jovenel Moïse (Courtesy photo)

Haiti had been scheduled to hold elections later this year. Early Wednesday morning, the streets in the nation’s capital of Port-au-Prince remained virtually empty. However, reports indicate that some citizens have ransacked businesses. According to Joseph, police have been dispatched to the National Palace and to Pétionville, an upscale community located about four miles (or six kilometers) south of the capital. Here in the U.S., officials continue to monitor the situation and to receive specific information on the attack. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters, “We’re still assessing right now.” “We stand ready and stand by them to provide any assistance that's needed,” she said. “Of course, our embassy and State Department will be in close touch but it's a tragedy. We stand with them and it's important that the people of Haiti know that.” The U.S., Haiti’s top foreign do-

nor, has been accused of showing favoritism toward Moïse by members of the nation’s opposing party, particularly in light of his support of U.S. foreign policy. An example of that support – his administration’s decision to oppose Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro – a decision which angered many within the Caribbean community. It remains to be seen who will replace the president as the line of presidential succession in Haiti stands vague at best. Haiti's President of the Supreme Court, who would normally be next in line, recently died of COVID-19. For Joseph to assume power, he would need the approval of Haiti's parliament. But in the absence of elections over the past several years, the parliament has been rendered effectively powerless. White House officials said President Joe Biden would be making an official statement sometime Wednesday following a morning briefing. WI

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cans virtually no chance of beating Adams in the fall, which would put him in exclusive company with the late David Dinkins as New York’s only Black mayors. “While there are still some very small amounts of votes to be counted, the results are clear: a historic, diverse, five-borough coalition led by working-class New Yorkers has led us to victory in the Democratic primary for Mayor of New York City,” Adams said in a statement. “Now, we must focus on winning

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Eric Adams grew up poor. As a teenager, he was abused by the police but later decided to join New York’s Finest ranks. After serving as a police captain, and in the state Senate and as Brooklyn borough president, Adams is poised to become only the second African American to lead the biggest city in America. Adams won the Democratic primary for mayor, and political watchers in the Big Apple give Republi-

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5 Robert Contee III is the chief of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. (WI file photo)

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posed fiscal year 2021-2022 budget until July 20. The final vote should take place in early August. Meanwhile, the council has been unable to determine when the summer recess will officially begin. Eventually, they know they’ll have a few weeks for rest and recuperation. Councilmember Robert White (DAt Large) said he already has plans for the recess. “I will spend much of my time with my family,” White said. “I am overdue for a vacation. We will travel some, perhaps go to the beach.” Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) said she will take time to recuperate from surgery. “Other than resting I won’t be doing much,” she said. “I will be taking it easy and visiting relatives in other cities.” Mendelson hinted he might consider attending a conference of state legislators in August but later rejected the notion. Many vacationers read books to unwind and District leaders remain no different. White said he’ll read journalist Chris Matthews’s book “Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit,” biographer Robert Caro’s “The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York” and psychotherapist Malcolm Gladwell’s “Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking.” Additionally, he said he plans to fin-

James Wright WI Staff Writer District leaders say they plan to enjoy some much-needed downtime this summer including reading books that have grown dusty on their shelves as a means of relaxing. “I will take a few days off, maybe two days in a row, but I don’t expect to take a lot of days for a vacation,” D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee III shared during the 55th Annual Palisades Community Association’s Fourth of July Parade and Picnic. “I have a lot of stuff to do. Even when I am relaxing, I will be on call.” D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson expressed similar plans. “The chairman doesn’t get to relax,” he said. “I honestly don’t know if or when I will take time off even during the recess.” In previous years, the council would start its recess July 15 and resume business in mid-September. But in a year from far normal, the recess will be delayed because D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser didn’t submit her budget to the council until May – something which routinely occurs in March. The delayed process can be traced to when the District received federal funds provided by the American Rescue Plan in March – funds which much be approved by Congress and the president. As a result, the council won’t hold its first vote on the pro-

District’s Leaders Share Plans for Abbreviated Summer Vacation

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Marijuana Now Legal in Virginia – Here’s What the Law Means WI Staff Report As of July 1, marijuana became legal in the Commonwealth of Virginia. But confusion about the law remains. So, before you go out and celebrate the move by Gov. Ralph Northam, which upon his signature April 7, made Virginia the first Southern state to legalize marijuana, do your homework. And remember, the new law only applies to adults in Virginia, 21 years and older. • Having a maximum of an ounce of marijuana for personal use • Using marijuana while in a private residence. However, Virginia law states that there is nothing prohibiting the owner of a private residence from restricting marijuana use. This means, if you live in an apartment owned by someone else, they could restrict you from using it in your apartment. • Growing up to four marijuana plants per household as long as the plant isn’t visible to the public, people younger than 21 years of age do not have access to them, and each plant must have a legible tag attached that includes the person’s name, driver’s license or ID number • “Adult sharing,” which means you can transfer an ounce or less of marijuana between people who are 21-year-old or older as long as it is given as a gift and is not being sold to another person What remains illegal? What are the repercussions? • Having more than an ounce of marijuana at a time If you are found guilty of possessing more than an ounce but not more than a pound of marijuana, you are subject to a civil penalty of no more than $25. If you are found guilty of possessing more than a pound of marijuana, you’re subject to a felony charge. • If you are under the age of 21, you are not

AROUND THE REGION

allowed to consume, purchase or possess marijuana, or attempt to consume, purchase or possess marijuana. • Distributing or selling marijuana • Possessing any amount of marijuana with the intent to distribute or sell it • Using marijuana while operating or riding in a motor vehicle • Using marijuana while operating a school bus, a motor vehicle transporting passengers for hire (i.e. Uber, Lyft or a taxi) or a commercial vehicle • Possessing marijuana on school grounds When will marijuana sales begin in Virginia? Commercial sales of marijuana in Virginia are all dependent on the 2022 General Assembly reenacting specific regulatory sections of the bill, according to Virginia officials. Once that’s approved, retail sales can begin on January 1, 2024, but details remain fuzzy until 2022. What about those who were incarcerated for marijuana-related offenses? Northam accelerated the legalization process as he wanted to end the disproportionate treatment of people of color who are incarcerated for marijuana-related offenses. The bill allows for the resentencing of individuals currently incarcerated for marijuana-related offenses. This means that these individuals are able to have a hearing before the court that originally sentenced them and legal counsel will be provided for those who need it. Similar to marijuana sales, the portion of the bill regarding people incarcerated for marijuana-related offenses must also be reenacted by the 2022 General Assembly. Where does Virginia go from here with the marijuana legalization? In 2022, the General Assembly needs to revisit the regulatory sections of the bill. It must be approved again by the 2022 General Assembly before it can become law. If the bill is reenacted in 2022, Virginia officials said the legal sale of marijuana to adults 21 and older can begin on January 1, 2024. WI

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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY National Conference Coming to Prince George’s County William J. Ford WI Staff Writer Prince host the weekend pandemic

George’s County will first major event this since the COVID-19 affected the entire state

of Maryland since March 2020. The majority of 2,000 attendees are scheduled to attend the 86th National Association of Counties conference at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at National Harbor on July 9-12.

5 The Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center is hosting the National Association of Counties Conference this week. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

It’s unknown if this marks the first time Prince George’s hosted conference for the organization known as “NACo,” but county officials esti-

mate the four-day conference could generate revenue of $940,000. “NACo is really one of the first times of the resurgence of the busi-

Prince George’s Teens Learn Yoga, Wellness at Creative Suitland William J. Ford WI Staff Writer While thousands of D.C. area residents either slept or relaxed at home during the Fourth of July weekend, four teenagers spent about an hour outside learning yoga. Jilly Esquivia, Da’Shira McCullom, Layah Stoutamire and Zya Berlack each stood on one leg, conducted a “warrior pose” and sniffed mint and vanilla oil while laying on their backs to relax their minds. The teenagers participated in a “CreateTEENS” summer workshop on Saturday, July 3 at Creative Suitland. The yoga and wellness activity, led by instructor Shannon Martin, will run every Saturday through Sept. 4. “I definitely enjoyed myself. It was very relaxing,” said Layah, 13, who finished her eighth-grade year at Benjamin Foulois Creative and Performing Arts Academy in Morningside. “It helped me with balancing and tuning into my inner self.” Saturday’s free session connects

12 JULY 8 - 14, 2021

with two other weekly summer activities for youth ages 13 to 19, also at Creative Suitland through September. Every Thursday, starting at 5 p.m., teens can “Dance Out LOUD” learning hip-hop, African, modern and other forms of dance. On Fridays, also at 5 p.m. a session entitled “The Art of Music” will feature music and the art of songwriting as well as art and fashion. The program is sponsored by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Division. “That was the target age group . . . so they can feel there is a space that’s just for them [and] that’s rare,” said Martin, who also works as a school psychologist and manages a wellness program called Breathe & Bloom. As for Saturday’s yoga lesson, the smiles on the four girls’ faces upon its conclusion said it all. Jilly and Da’Shira, both 14, attend Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville. They, along with Layah and their instructor,

5 Shannon Martin (left) instructs teen yoga students Zya Berlack and Layah Stoutamire with various yoga positions. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

surprised Zya with well wishes. She turned 13 on July 4. Zya, who also studies dance, showcased some of her flexibility on the mat with the various yoga poses. “It was really nice to see people and have a social interaction with them,” said Zya, who added she’s ready for moving on to the eighth grade in the fall at Green-

belt Middle School. “I’m not really sure if I’m coming back again but I’m going to really try. It was easy to be friends with them,” she said. For more information, or to register for any of the remaining summer sessions, go to www.creativesuitland.org/createteens. WI @jabariwill

ness traveling public. It will have a huge effect on the restaurants and the shops at National Harbor…and the smaller hotels at National Harbor,” said David Iannucci, president and CEO of the county’s Economic Development Corp. “It is a very important step of the reopening of the Prince George’s County economy, but also regional economy in terms of a signal that people are starting to get more comfortable for business travel.” The conference will be a mix of in-person and virtual programming to discuss a myriad of topics such as county officials’ roles in COVID-19 recovery, leveraging county parks and recreation for underserved communities and how county officials can best utilize the $65.1 billion for counties from the American Rescue Plan. NACo announced Tuesday, July 6 one the main guest speakers will be Vice President Kamala Harris, who plans to give remarks Friday, July 9. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to attend on the conference’s last day Monday, July 12. The conference schedule shows former Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio), now U.S. secretary for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, will deliver a keynote address Saturday, July 10. A few hours after her remarks Saturday, the schedule notes a Prince George’s official will speak about neuroscience. George Askew, deputy chief administrative officer for health, human services and education, will

NAOC Page 13

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY Prince George’s County Seeks Economic Equity in DMV William J. Ford WI Staff Writer

An east-west divide continues to exist in the D.C. region in terms of economic development, but a group of regional leaders are pushing for equity. Connected DMV, led by Stu Solomon, a former Accenture executive, published a report, “Regional Economic Development Strategy” highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the DMV. Some of the strategies have been discussed before such as jurisdictions not competing with each other. One major example: a proposal to relocate the FBI headquarters from the District of Columbia to a site either Fairfax County in Northern Virginia, or one of two in Prince George’s County in Maryland. “Yes, we have been down this road before,” said David Iannucci, president and CEO of the Prince George’s Economic Development Corp. and part of Connected DMVs 23-member steering committee. “This initiative has struggled in the past, but from my perspective that doesn’t mean you don’t try again.” Unlike previous regional efforts, there’s more support from a wide variety of people from the public sector, nonprofit organizations, academia, business community and philanthropy. One boost in economic development, according to the report, comes from the Amazon H2Q in Arlington, Virginia, “told us that the market wanted us to compete as a region.” Some of the goals will focus on a regional branding and marketing program, form a “regional umbrella” while promoting local assets and hold regional discussions and workshops to boost education and economic opportunities east of Interstate 95 which includes D.C. and Prince George’s County. The document summarizes how the Greater Washington area and jurisdictions within the region rank amongst other regions nationwide that include the following: Number one in availability of technology jobs. More than 50 percent of people obtained bachelor’s degrees.

At least six million people ranked the sixth largest region in the nation. Out of the 53 “very large metro regions” with populations of at least one million, the D.C. area ranked 37th in population growth; 43rd in prosperity; 51st in racial inclusion; and 52nd in inclusion. The coronavirus pandemic outlined various racial, health and environmental disparities. The Connected DMV report also notes economic disparities, which Brookings noted years ago. Fairfax County in Northern Virginia ranked second and Montgomery County in Maryland ranked 12th among 150 largest counties and jurisdictions nationwide in economic mobility, defined as a person or family being able to increase their income over time. In Prince George’s County and the District of Columbia, those majority Black jurisdictions ranked 107th and 142nd, respectively. “Prince George’s County has more to gain than any other jurisdiction in the metropolitan area in addressing this equity argument,” Iannucci said. “There’s a very profound discussion going on around the nation about diversity, inclusiveness and equity. In Prince George’s County, there isn’t any location that is more of a call to action for a combined effort to address these historic inequities.” Food inequities also exist in Prince George’s with the county distributing nearly five million pounds of food since the pandemic affected the state of Maryland in March 2020. “When you make the intentional investment in communities that have been traditionally underserved, then you know that you’re starting to right the ship,” said Rosie Allen-Herring, president and CEO of the United Way of the National Capital Area and member of the Connected DMV steering committee. “Most of the time people think of equity as equality, meaning that we give everybody the same thing. If you’re starting from places where the gaps are so large [and] giving everyone the same thing…the need and the gap still exists.” wi @jabariwill

5 The University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center in Largo opened June 12. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

An east-west divide continues to exist in the D.C. region in terms of economic development, but a group of regional leaders are pushing for equity.

NAOC from Page 12 join University of Maryland professor Brenda Jones Harden to discuss how research on neuroscience and its effect on children can help shape policy decisions. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg plans to appear Sunday, July 11 before the large urban and rural action caucus. Amanda Harris, chief of services for Montgomery County, to speak about the state of Maryland’s most populous jurisdiction on lessons learned amid the COVID-19 pandemic on homelessness and emergency assistance. NACo plans to highlight some of this year’s policy priorities that include:

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

• Additional federal funding to provide COVID-19 relief for housing, public health and other services. • Improve intergovernmental partnership between counties and the federal government. • Promote county infrastructure priorities for economic development, public safety and water resources. • Advance broadband access with cooperation from federal and state governments while preserving local decision-making. Although the mask mandate in Maryland ended Thursday, July 1, hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout the resort, temperature checks each day and surgical masks for attendees as needed, according to the NACo conference schedule. Food and beverage options such

as prepacked meals and grab-and-go service will be provided for attendees. Besides the pandemic forcing to cancel last year’s conference in Orange County, Florida, a couple of changes for this year’s conference will feature smaller sessions and several informal “meetups” to hold moderated discussions on housing, the environment and other topics. “We have a lot to talk about after this pandemic,” said NACo spokesman Paul Guequierre. “These county leaders have been on the frontline of this pandemic for the last 18 months. It’s so exciting we are coming back together now.” WI @jabariwill

JULY 8 - 14, 2021 13

BUSINESS MARRIOTT from Page 1 to her,” Margaret Dwyer, convenor of the WHST, said in a July 2 news release. “Converting the Wardman into affordable housing is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that the city should not let slip away. Hotel-to-housing construction will lower costs and quickly bring online a range of mixed income affordable units, including workforce, affordable and permanent supportive housing, as McDuffie said.” The WHST’s request, supported by the group Ward 3 Housing Justice, comes as the District’s housing prices continue to lead the nation, making affordable housing units difficult to obtain. In Apartmentlist.com’s June 7 listing, the median cost of a one-bed-

room apartment in the District is $2,269 and a two-bedroom is valued at $3,357 in contrast to Apartmentguide.com’s nationwide rates of $1,711 for a one-bedroom and $1,972 for a two-bedroom. The median price of a single-family home in the District costs $809,580, according to Curbed DC while nationally a single-family house costs 296,652, the National Association of Home Builders website reported. Additionally, the Marriott Wardman has a history of African Americans working and staying there and hosting events for decades.

A BLACK HISTORY ARENA

Famed African American literary giant Langston Hughes worked at the hotel as a busboy in the 1920s. Many decades later, the hotel would name a

5 The shuttered Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.(Courtesy Photo)

presidential suite in Langston’s honor. Black real estate developer R. Donahue Peebles wrote in his autobiography that his grandfather worked as a doorman at the hotel in the 1930s. Hughes’s close friend, civil rights attorney Thurgood Marshall, and his colleagues stayed at the hotel when he prepared and tried the Brown vs. Board of Education case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1954. The

hotel welcomed Marshall and his party when other major District hotels practiced racial segregation. In 1967, Marshall stayed at the hotel during his Senate confirmation process to be an associate justice on the Supreme Court. The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, the National Association of Black Journalists, the White House Initiative on Black Colleges and Universities and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, among others held their events at the Marriott Wardman.

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In addition to the WHST, the Ward 3 Democrats, endorsed by Ward 3 Housing Justice, passed a resolution supporting the Marriott Wardman as an affordable housing site. “By a vote of support, the Ward 3 Democratic Committee, the official arm of the Democratic Party in Ward 3, Washington, D.C., voted to urge the city to buy the former Wardman Park Hotel in Woodley Park to convert it into mixed income affordable housing to meet the District’s affordable housing crisis,” a news release from WHST, said on June 29. Parisa Norouzi, executive director of Empower DC, an organization that advocates on behalf of low-income Washingtonians, agrees with WHST’s call for a city purchase of the more than 200,000-square feet of exhibit and event space. “If the District is serious about securing affordable housing in Ward 3, which has been a big talking point for the mayor, then the city absolutely would not miss the opportunity to

transform the Wardman for this purpose,” Norouzi said. “The Wardman is an excellent site for affordable housing as the location provides access to public transportation, a sought-after school district, job opportunities and recreation— many features that would contribute to quality of life for residents. Ward 3 has historically not been an option for lower-income families because of the lack of affordable housing,” he added. “We need income-restricted housing for residents at 30% of the area median income in Ward 3—and that will only be possible with bold interventions like conversion of the Wardman Park. The city must not miss this opportunity.”

CITY OFFICIAL WANTS TO STEER CLEAR OF BIDDING WAR

John Falcicchio, the District’s deputy mayor for planning and economic development, told the Informer the District won’t bid for the Marriott Wardman. “We are not going to get into a bidding war,” he said. “We are going to see who gets the property at the auction and we will work with them on building affordable housing there.” Jason Fink, the advisory neighborhood commissioner for district 3C02 in Ward 3, agrees with Falcicchio. “We should allow the process to play out,” Fink said. “It would be great to have more affordable housing in Rock Creek Park West. I think it is a good idea to have underserved residents to live in Woodley Park and in Ward 3. It would add more racial and economic diversity.” WI

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

BUSINESS Celebrating 10 years of Service Aimee D. Griffin, Esq.

5 In 1971, the Rev. Walter Fauntroy was elected as the District’s first delegate to the U.S. Congress in the 19th century. (Courtesy photo)

5 D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton has authored three D.C. statehood bills that the House has voted on, with two successfully passing. (WI File Photo/ Anthony Tilghman)

STATEHOOD from Page 5

the Constitution and make the District a state, a first.

1862

On April 16, Congress passes the “District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act” supported by President Abraham Lincoln abolishing slavery in the city and compensating the owners of the 3,100 freed slaves, and establishes a school system for Black residents.

1867

Congress grants voting rights to males without regard to color if they reside in the District for one year and in their ward three months. The census reveals Blacks constitute 33 percent of the city’s population.

1871

Congress creates the territory of the District of Columbia. A popularly-elected House of Delegates with 22 members is set up along with a non-voting delegate to the U.S. Congress. D.C. residents lose their right to elect their governor and the upper house of their legislature which becomes presidentially appointed.

1874

Congress nixes the District’s territorial government and sets up a presidentially appointed three-person commission to govern the city.

1902

Sen. Jacob Gallinger (R-N.H.) introduces a resolution to amend

1938

The District Suffrage League sets up an informal poll of residents at 38 public schools on whether they wanted a vote for president and members of Congress and locally-elected government. Participants in the poll supported both measures overwhelmingly.

1940

The Democratic National Convention includes in its platform a plank favoring District residents voting in national elections.

1960

Congress passes a resolution supporting the 23rd Amendment to the Constitution granting District residents the right to vote in presidential elections and giving the city three Electoral votes.

It was 10 years ago this month that the Griffin Firm PLLC was registered in Washington DC. There was no clarity on direction or focus, but there was clarity in the creation. However, while I truly didn’t commit until October 1, 2014, I celebrate this month as a foundational milestone. As last month we celebrated Juneteenth as well as Black Wall Street, I realize the importance of celebrating the accomplishments as well as the struggles and setbacks. As Dr. Willie Jolley always says, “A set back is a set up for a comeback”! We are able to measure growth from where we started and should celebrate each milestone as we press toward the mark! I celebrate the fact that as a Firm we have touched thousands of families and served more than 1000. As I reflected on the years I realized that the common denominator is love. Most of the people with whom we have worked came to us because they loved or were loved by someone. I made the decision when identifying practice areas to select services that would build up and bring together families. We are clear that strong families create strong communities. We know that economics is secured with strong values, education and commitment. With estate and business planning as strategic planning tools we work with individuals and families to write the vision and make it plain so that those who read it can run with it. We have been honored that people have chosen to work with us to build and secure their family’s legacy. Estate Planning and Business Planning require that an individual share their most intimate thoughts, desires and fears to bring about their greatest goals and dreams. We do not take lightly the responsibility that comes with the vulnerability. We have walked together with people who are discovering painful truths while grieving and we are committed to support each person as he or she walks the path. The Griffin Firm has embraced our FERST core values – Faith, Excellence, Relationships, Service and Trustworthiness. While we are consistently working to demonstrate these standards we keep our focus on providing the people who entrust us with their legacy the greatest service we can provide. We bring compassion with candor as we must always provide the truth through the process. Unfortunately, we have worked with families through painful struggles as well. There are too many times when plans are not made and the impact of not planning creates financial and emotional struggles. We are thankful that we bring into each situation not just our education and collective experience but also we bring faith and peace. It is our commitment to pray for those who are in distress. As we celebrate 10 years of service, we press toward the mark of excellence. We are committed to bringing our best to each individual and family that we serve. We are committed to bringing and leaving peace with each individual and family we serve. We are committed to being a blessing to each individual and family we meet, even if we aren’t afforded the opportunity to serve them. I pray that each person has been enhanced because he or she was touched by The Griffin Firm. I look forward to the next ten years to see what God has in store. Aimee D. Griffin, Esq., The Griffin Firm, PLLC http://yourestateplanningattorney.com (855) 574-8481 5335 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 440 Washington DC 20015 4041 Powder Mill Drive Suite 215 Beltsville MD 20705 100 International Drive 23rd Floor Baltimore MD 21202 4601 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 1200 Arlington, VA 22203

1961

The 23rd Amendment to the Constitution granting District residents the right to vote in presidential elections and the city three Electoral votes gets ratified by the states.

1964

District residents voted for president for the first time, giving its three Electoral votes to Lyndon Baines Johnson.

1967

President Johnson nixes the three commissioners and makes

Walter E. Washington the presidentially appointed District mayor, Thomas Fletcher, deputy mayor and nine council members with John Hechinger as the chairman.

government dissolved in 1874.

1968

1971

Congress authorizes the District electing a school board, the first elected body since the territorial

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

1970

Congress allows the District to elect a non-voting delegate, the first since 1874. The Rev. Walter Fauntroy is elected the District’s nonvoting delegate. Reps. Ronald Dellums

(D-Calif.) and Fred Schwengel (R-Iowa) introduce a District statehood bill.

1972

Rep. John McMillan (D-S.C.), longtime chairman of the House District Committee, loses re-election in the primary, giving the

TIMELINE Page 29 JULY 8 - 14, 2021 15

NATIONAL Maryland Primary Less Than a Year Away Democrats Pushed

William J. Ford WI Staff Writer If Maryland Democratic leaders continue their aggressive pursuit to obtain the governor’s office, it would mark the first time someone from the party held the position since former Gov. Martin O’Malley in January 2015. As of June 30, eight people publicly announced to seek the Democratic nomination that features former federal officials, businessmen and nonprofit executives. Former U.S. Education Secretary John King Jr. and author Wes Moore seek to become the first Black candidate to become governor and Ashwani Jain as the state’s first of Indian descent. Six of the candidates reside in Montgomery County. However, there are no women. Former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III continues to explore his options on whether to formally enter the primary election that takes place June 28, 2022. Todd Eberly, political science professor at St. Mary’s College in St. Mary’s, Md., said history rests with the Democrats as Gov. Larry Hogan represents the only Republican re-elected as Maryland governor since the 1950s. Although Hogan has received high approval ratings in various polls for his work since 2015, state law limits a person to maintain the governor’s office for two, four-year terms. Hogan’s final term expires January 2023. “It just seems unlikely that lightning will strike for a third time for the GOP,” Eberly said. “It is virtually a certainty that a Democrat will win. Why wouldn’t you want to

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throw your hat in the ring?” He said state Comptroller Peter Franchot, the first Democrat to announce his candidacy, continues to be the frontrunner. According to Franchot’s campaign filing in January, he has $2.2 million cash on hand. “He’s got the experience of winning statewide. He’s recently been on the ballot as compared to Baker or Gansler, who both failed gubernatorial campaigns,” Eberly said. “That sort of works to the advantage of Franchot.” Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly Schulz, who resides in Frederick County, became the first candidate in April to announce her intentions to seek the Republican nomination. Perennial candidate Robin Ficker also seeks the GOP nomination. Del. Daniel Cox, a Republican who represents portions of Frederick and Carroll counties and supporter of former President Donald Trump, established a gubernatorial fundraising committee June 28. There’s still an unknown on whether former Maryland Lt. Gov. and Republican National Committee chair Michael Steele will enter the GOP race. Steele can be seen as a political commentator on MSNBC. Eberly said some Maryland Republicans, especially those who vote in the primaries, resemble conservatives in the national party. “They backed Hogan twice because I think they recognized that he was going to win, but we are all aware that the fact in the conservative wings that there are a lot of Republican rank-and-file who aren’t happy with Hogan. They aren’t happy with the fact that he isn’t a supporter of Trump,” he said. “They don’t think he was conservative

5 Jon Baron (Photo courtesy of Jon Baron for Maryland)

5 Peter Franchot (Photo courtesy of Maryland.gov)

5 Doug Gansler (Photo courtesy of Gansler for Governor)

5 Ashwani Jain (Photo courtesy of Jain for Governor)

5 John King, Jr. (Photo courtesy of John King for Governor)

enough. Steele even goes a step beyond that. I just think it would be a very tough primary for him.” Here’s a summary of the Democratic candidates seeking the state’s top office. Jon Baron Age: 58 Residency: Montgomery County Major occupations: Full-time candidate; founder and president of Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy for 14 years Website: www.jonbaron.com Peter Franchot Age: 73 Residency: Montgomery County Major occupations: Maryland comptroller since January 2007; former state delegate Website: www.franchot.com

Wes Moore Age: 42 Residency: Baltimore Major occupation: Author of “The Other Wes Moore” and “Five Days: The Fiery Reckoning of an American City;” former chief executive officer for Robin Hood Foundation Website: www.wesmoore.com

Doug Gansler Age: 58 Residency: Montgomery County Major occupations: partner for Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft in Northwest; former Maryland attorney general from 2007 to 2015 Website: www.douggansler.com

Tom Perez Age: 59 Residency: Montgomery County Major occupations: Part-time partner at the law firm Venable in Northwest; former Democratic National Committee chair Website: www.tomperez.com

Ashwani Jain Age: 31 Residency: Montgomery County Major occupations: program director for the National Kidney Foundation serving the DMV; director of outreach for the “Cancer Moonshot Summit” for then Vice President Joe Biden Website: www.jainforgovernor.com

Mike Rosenbaum Age: 49 Residency: Baltimore Main occupations: founder of software firms, Catalyte and Arena; former economist under the Bill Clinton administration Website: www.mikerosenbaum.com WI Twitter: @jabariwill

John King, Jr. Age: 47 Residency: Montgomery County Major occupations: president and CEO of the Education Trust; former U.S. Education Secretary under President Barack Obama Website: www.johnkingforgovernor.com

Editor’s Note: The Washington Informer interviewed and plans to schedule future interviews of the Democratic candidates on its “WIN-TV” online program between 12-1 p.m. Fridays. You can check out the live broadcast at facebook. com/washingtoninformer. WI

5 Wes Moore (Photo courtesy of Facebook)

5 Tom Perez (Photo courtesy of Tom Perez for Maryland)

5 Mike Rosenbaum (Photo courtesy of Mike Rosenbaum for Governor)

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Cosby Conviction Overturned by Pennsylvania Supreme Court Freed after Three Years in Prison as Accusers Express Disbelief D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Editor Bill Cosby walked out a Pennsylvania prison Wednesday, June 30 after serving close to three years behind bars after the state’s highest court overturned his conviction of sexually assaulting a woman. Convicted in 2018, his case counts as one of the most high-profile trials in modern history equating that of another Black celebrity, O.J. Simpson. And while he left a state prison in Collegeville, Pa. quietly and without cameras, reporters, supporters or accusers, his exit stood in stark contrast to the tumult that accompanied his trial and conviction. However, his sudden and perhaps unexpected release caused shock and dismay among the dozens of women who have accused him of assault over the past two decades. Cosby, 83, has maintained that he did not commit any wrongdoings from the beginning. “I have never changed my stance

nor my story. I have always maintained my innocence,” he tweeted Wednesday night. “Thank you to all my fans, supporters and friends who stood by me through this ordeal. Special thanks to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for upholding the role of law.” The high court ruled a prosecutor’s decision in 2005 in which he said he would not pursue a criminal case against the comedian led Cosby to make self-incriminating statements during his civil trial – which another prosecutor used to convict him. Justice David Wecht wrote that action violated Cosby’s Fifth Amendment rights. Wecht further said that the current district attorney for Montgomery County, Pa., was obligated to stand by Bruce Castor’s promise (his predecessor) not to charge Cosby. Cosby’s trial began in April 2018 when nearly 60 women had accused him of drugging them and then sexually assaulting them. It would bring shame and disgrace

COSBY Page 28

NATIONAL

Climate Business Plan Community Meeting

Renewable Natural Gas – What is It? Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) is an innovative part of the three pillars in our plan that will enable the District to meet its carbon reduction goals of lowering greenhouse gas emissions 50 percent by 2032 and to become carbon neutral by 2050. As part of our ongoing commitment to inform the community about the plan we’ll focus on RNG and provide a general update on our progress.

Please Join Us — July 14, 2021, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. via Zoom for the meeting. Register at www.WashingtonGasCBP.com

Stay Informed! www.washingtoninformer.com

5 Bill Cosby (Courtesy photo)

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COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

South Africa: Zuma Buys Time as Constitutional Court Agrees to Examine Appeal On July 12

Sentenced to 15 months in prison for contempt of court, former South African President Jacob Zuma is not expected to be arrested until at least July 12. The Constitutional Court will now examine his appeal. Jacob Zuma had argued that at 79 years old and in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, a stay in prison would be equivalent to a death sentence. He made a brief appearance outside his home in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday, July 3, to meet his

supporters in a festive atmosphere. "South African justice system is not fair. We need to show sympathy to comrade Jacob Zuma,” said Ngryngrai Ngwenya, a Jacob Zuma supporter. “We're here to support him and enforce that he doesn't go to prison. We'll defend him." Nduna Mpanza, a Zulu warrior, said: "We are here to protect Mr. Msholozi (Jacob Zuma) because we trust Msholozi is always protecting our nation, the Zulu nation. We're here to present as a Zulu Nation called Ibotho iKa Zulu. So Msholozi is a Zulu man, always protecting the Zulu nation." The situation is expected to remain calm for now as Jacob Zuma will not be arrested in the coming days. The Constitutional Court, which sentenced him to 15 months in prison, will consider his appeal on July 12. The veterans of the former armed wing of the ANC who are guarding Zuma's house can let their guard down. WI

caribbean now Caricom Day Celebrated with Unveiling of Wax Figures

CARICOM’s role in shaping and sustaining the region has been lauded with the unveiling of six wax figures of eminent Caribbean people on Saturday, July 3, 2021, during a special ceremony to mark CARICOM Day, at the Caribbean Wax Museum in Norman Centre, Bridgetown, Barbados. The figures were of Barbados’ first female governor general, Dame Nita Barrow; winner of the Nobel Memorial Prize in economics, Sir Arthur Lewis of St. Lucia; St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ national hero, Joseph Chatoyer; Jamaican Olympic sprinter, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce; former Commonwealth secretary general, Sir Shridath Ramphal of Guyana; and Calypso Rose of Trinidad and Tobago. In his remarks at the unveiling ceremony, Barbados’ Ambassador to CARICOM, David Comissiong described the exhibition as one of “the most unique CARICOM Day celebrations there has ever been, ” adding, “I don’t know if any member state has ever celebrated CARICOM Day with a wax statue exhibition.” Giving his perspective of what was needed for the region’s growth, he said, “The future of CARICOM and our regional integration movement really belongs to our young people. It is very important that we celebrate CARICOM at this time. If we ever wondered whether the Caribbean people needed CARICOM, then we should have no doubt whatsoever after the events of the past year and a half. WI

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July 2021 Message from Department of Aging and Community Living DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

By Laura Newland, Director D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living Just two months ago, Mayor Muriel Bowser presented her Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) Budget and Financial Plan to the DC Council – a budget that is guided by equity. The Mayor’s budget is committed to investing in what we all know will be the pillars of equitable recovery from the financial impacts we all felt from the COVID-19 pandemic. The $17.5 billion budget is called the Fair Shot Budget, providing relief, recovery, and growth opportunities to all residents in all eight wards, including our city’s older residents, adults with disabilities, and caregivers. And as we continue to recover as a city, this year’s budget is committed to building a more equitable Washington, DC, giving more and more Washingtonians the fair shot needed to thrive. Mayor Bowser’s Fiscal Year 2022 Fair Shot Budget is one that honors the sacrifices of our residents during COVID-19 by setting our community up for a strong recovery. A strong economic recovery. And a strong recovery of our community’s physical and mental health. With this budget, we are doubling down on our commitment

to building back better starting with the foundation of a more equitable Washington, DC. Our response over the past year and a half has been unprecedented, and we have much to be proud of. We have worked together as a community to: • Deliver more than 2 million meals to more than 6,600 older adults since the start of the Public Health Emergency; • Launch a senior tech program providing iPads and technical support to 500 qualifying older District residents; • Launch a Call & Talk line currently engaging close to 100 residents with friendly calls and conversations throughout the public health emergency; • Host two Virtual Mayor’s Annual Senior Symposiums on Channel 16, which included special meal deliveries; and • Host the first ever Virtual Ms. Senior DC, where Ward 5 resident, Ms. Vanella Crawford was crowned queen and will represent us on the national stage in October! With this Fiscal Year 2022 budget, we will continue a robust COVID-19 response that will help us protect residents and keep our community safe. Just last month, I testified before Councilmember Anita Bonds and the Committee on Housing and Executive Administration, sharing our agency’s FY22 budgetary decisions and what this means for you. With the $4.5 million in enhancements added to our budget by the Mayor, our budget is about doing better and doing more. Here’s how the funds will be used: • $2.5 million investment in neighborhood-based socialization hubs to reach more seniors and combat senior isolation and senior hunger in all eight wards • $500,000 for senior villages to expand innovative programming and provide technical assistance to modify the membership-based village model for low-income neighborhoods • $1 million enhancement in our ConnectorCard program, allowing us to provide transportation flexibility and choice to around 1,000 more seniors • $500,000 to develop and grow citywide virtual wellness programs in FY22 With these investments, you can expect more engaging activities closer to where you are and more opportunities

to get out and engage with one another after more than a year of social distancing. We’re also making it easier for you to connect with the services and supports you need by bringing in our intake, assessment, and case management all in one place to make it easier for you to connect seamlessly to our entire portfolio of services. As the Mayor mentioned, this budget is all about setting up our communities for a strong recovery postCOVID, and these investments will push us towards building back stronger in all eight wards. For more information about the Mayor’s Fair Shot budget, please visit budget.dc.gov. To view my complete budget testimony, please visit dacl. dc.gov.

A New Queen is Here – Congratulations Ms. Vanella Crawford

Contestants L to R: Janice Talley Trent, Teresa Anne Smith, Vene’ La Gon, Ann Rollins, Annetta Hampton Nicholas, Vanella Crawford, LaVerene Adams, Elynore Hooker Herron

This year, DACL, in partnership with Seabury Resources for Aging and the DC Seniors Cameo Club, hosted the first ever virtual Ms. Senior DC pageant. Eight, talented District women competed for the title of Ms. Senior DC 2021, sharing their talents and philosophy of life with the District. On Sunday, June 27, Ward 5 resident, Ms. Vanella Crawford was crowned DC’s newest queen! Congratulations to Ms. Crawford and all of this year’s contestants. Thank you for having the courage to show all of us how you live boldly.

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JULY 8 - 14, 2021 19

HEALTH Challenging The Stigma of Food Assistance Programs

Former WIC Client Creates New Program with Arcadia Mobile Market Natalie C. Hockaday WI Staff Writer As a new mom Samantha

Pounder was navigating the new responsibilities that come with motherhood. Pounder and her husband would soon have

5 Fresh fruits and vegetables that the mobile market supplies for their customers. (Courtesy photo)

a shared experience with many around the world during the

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massive pandemic in 2020. The Ponders were laid off from their jobs during the first few months of parenthood and found themselves raising a new baby amid a life-threatening global calamity. Pounder qualified for WIC, the U.S. Agriculture Department’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program designed to ensure mothers and children have sustainable food access. “I hadn’t used government assistance before, but I ended up enrolling in the WIC program… I was approved and started receiving checks and I never actually spent a single dollar because it was so confusing for me to use… {There was} a little bit of a stigma involved… I got anxious around it,” said Pounder. Nearly a year later after being laid off from her job, Pounder was hired as food access director of the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture, an 11 year-old organization that focuses on global food insecurity issues. It was all a coincidence, but she used her experience of being on the WIC program to create a more seamless process for women to purchase food with WIC checks in her new role. “I wanted to do something about it to make it easier for moms to redeem WIC… I had the privilege to use other funds and not have to rely solely on

FOOD Page 21

20 JULY 8 - 14, 2021

5 Samantha Ponder, director of Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture. (Courtesy photo)

“I wanted to do something about it to make it easier for moms to redeem WIC…but if you’re not in that situation and have no other choice then it does require a fair amount of work to understand how the program works.”

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HEALTH

USDA Study Finds SNAP Program Continues to Fall Short for Recipients Natalie C. Hockaday WI Staff Writer

Spawned during the Great Depression of the 1930s, federal food stamps targeted hunger and malnutrition among America’s poor families. But a recent Agriculture Department study concluded that nine decades later, the recipients of SNAP, the latest version of federal food and nutrition assistance, face barriers that leave low-income Americans short. “Overall, 88 percent of SNAP participants rereported some type of barrier to achieving a healthy diet throughout the month,” according to findings from a 2018 USDA study released just before the Fourth of July. The agency found, from data collected in 2018, less than one third of households that use SNAP are food secure and that 38 percent have low food security and 35 percent have very low food security. Affordability of healthy food options have a strain on how SNAP recipients use their funds. Those who opt to use their SNAP funds for healthier food are more likely to use the majority of their funds within the first two weeks of the month and rely on using other assistance programs as well. The researchers found that most SNAP recipients reported that affordability of nutritious food was the top barrier for their household.

FOOD from Page 20 WIC but if you’re not in that situation and have no other choice then it does require a fair amount of work to understand how the program works,” said Pounder. Pounder and her team created an online form that allows women to create a cart of the goods they wanted to purchase at one of Acadia’s mobile markets around the city. Mobile Market provides sustainable organic foods to those who are on food

When Pandemic Eviction and Foreclosure Protections Lift…

WILL YOU BE ABLE TO STAY IN YOUR HOME? (Courtesy photo/modernfarmer.com)

Some of the barriers that affect SNAP recipients are nutritional food costs, proximity to a store and transportation. The study also mentioned that SNAP recipients have adapted strategies in order to limit their barriers from having harsher impacts on their lifestyle. These strategies include stretching the food budget, gaining social support, and participating in community and government food assistance programs.

Most participants in the study said that using the strategy of stretching their food budget was the most common practice. Aside from the environmental barriers there are also household/ individual barriers that the study defines as “those internal to a person’s circumstances.” This includes knowledge of nutrition, cooking skills, kitchen equipment/ cooking facilities. All of these factors can contribute to the access of healthy eating for SNAP recipients. WI

assistance programs. The form gives customers the opportunity to choose how they want their food gathered. They have the option to allow the market to make a basket full of goods or customers can pick out what they specifically want to purchase. They are then able to pick up their order at one of the markets and pay with their check without waiting in lines. Mobile Market takes many forms of payment to give the opportunity for anyone to purchase healthy foods. The market

is a produce plus vendor which allows those who are part of the produce plus program to use a total of $200 over a period of ten weeks, however, those funds can only be used on produce itself. EBT and WIC checks can also be used to purchase items at the market for double the value and Cash and Debit/Credit are also options to purchase goods. Arcadia’s mobile market schedule can be found on their website and access to the WIC shopping form is posted there, too. WI

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EDUCATION Controversial Principal Not Returning to Johnson Middle School Next Year Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer

Teachers and staff members at Johnson Middle School spent much of the 2020-2021 academic year attempting to oust Dwan Jordon, the principal they said lowered staff members’ morale with incendiary language, unilateral decision making and punitive teacher evaluations. In late June, following months of organizing and meetings with elected officials, staff members’ demands came to fruition. The controversial principal will not return to Johnson Middle School in the fall. He instead accepted a new role as principal of the D.C. Public Schools

virtual instructional program. “Serving as principal of Johnson Middle School this past year has been an honor. Together, we navigated a school year unlike any other, and we accomplished a great deal in the process,” Jordan said in a June 24 letter to the Johnson Middle School community. “We developed an exciting new vision and mission statement to guide our work and created strong systems for data driven instruction with multi-tiered student interventions. We also reestablished key relationships with our alumni ensuring that we can build and sustain support for years to come!” Since last August, when they first took their complaints to the DCPS

“Serving as principal of Johnson Middle School this past year has been an honor. Together, we navigated a school year unlike any other, and we accomplished a great deal in the process.” higher ups, staff members met with DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee, D.C. Councilmembers Trayon White (D-Ward 8) and Robert White (D-At large) and the Washington Teachers’ Union. Staff members also elicited the support of the NAACP’s D.C. chapter and Jordon’s former subordinates in the Prince George’s County public school system. Even so, concerns arose that Jordon had support among DCPS officials, despite strong opposition at Johnson Middle School and similar incidents that had taken place at

Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer? For Many, it's a COVID–Tinged Hybrid Summer

Enrich? Catch-Up? Classrooms Beckon Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer Not since June 2019 has the end of the school year signaled a summer-long break from the drudgery of classroom attendance and a respite that includes sleeping-in, dawdling and maybe even a family vacation. For the last 15 months life and learning for thousands of young people has been filtered through Zoom and Google classroom while government officials struggle to vaccinate as well as educate in hopes that the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic are past

22 JULY 8 - 14, 2021

while so many parents are skeptical about even taking a vaccine. So just what are students doing this summer and how are they feeling in a crazy masked world of vaccinations, medical mandates and socially distancing during everything from graduation programs to church. “It is not hard to find something to do if you want to do it, ” said Ashley Anderson, 14, a rising sophomore at Charles Herbert Flowers High School. “I’m thinking about checking out the UniverSoul Circus.” The pandemic, though muted, is still with us, Angela Anderson,

Ashley’s mother, pointed out to a reporter, insisting that her daughter spend her June, July and August in cautious pursuits. “Because of COVID we still have to be cautious and use wisdom. We are not completely out of the woods.” Once a week, Jason Henderson, a physical therapist in Southeast, meets with a group of autistic elementary school students to conduct martial arts training. Henderson made a documentary entitled, “I AM A Martial Autist.” “It is important for our community to reach out and share love,”

SUMMER Page 23

5 Dwan Jordon (Courtesy photo/Facebook grab)

other schools. By June staff members contacted D.C. Auditor Kathleen Patterson to acquire documentation about the circumstances of Jordon’s transfer to Johnson Middle School. Jordon, a native Washingtonian, served as head of schools and school support leader and project advisor at KIPP DC. Before then, he served on the D.C. State Board of Education High School Graduation Requirements Task Force. He also ran Friendship Collegiate Academy Public Charter School and the Parkside campus of Cesar Chavez Public Charter School for Public Policy. During his time at Chavez, the school received a Tier 1 designation. Under D.C. schools chancellor Michelle Rhee, Jordon served as principal at John Philip Sousa Middle School. While standardized test scores increased by more than 20 percentage points, dozens of teachers and staff members either left on their own accord or were fired. Later, Sousa failed to adequately meet the metrics of yearly progress, which critics said, spoke to the shortcomings of assessing teacher effectiveness solely on student progress. Johnson Middle School, a Title 1 institution receiving federal funds to assist low-income families, received a STAR rating of two, with five points being the maximum. Nearly one out of four children at the majority-Black school, located

on Burke Street in Southeast, also identify as special needs, while 1 out of 10 young people who attend the school are either in foster care or homeless. Since Jordon announced his transfer, Johnson Middle School staff in the process of resigning or transferring to another school have attempted to reverse such processes. There however has been a question of whether they would be able to secure their jobs for the 2021-2022 academic year. Toward the latter part of last month, David Pinder, instructional superintendent for DCPS’ ninth cluster, which includes Johnson Middle School, announced Latisha Coleman as the school’s interim principal. Coleman, a 21-year veteran, most recently served as director of redesign and assistant principal at Anacostia High School where she coordinated the launch of project-based learning, career academies, and the dream team. She has also been credited with Anacostia’s increased scores in the English portion of the PARCC. “I am confident that Principal Coleman will expertly lead the next phase of excellence at Johnson Middle School and our scholars' continued development and success,” Pinder said. “I look forward to supporting her and the entire Johnson family in preparation for the next school year.” wi @SamPKCollins

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EDUCATION

SUMMER from Page 22 Henderson said. “Every beautiful black child in here deserves our love. So, when we see kids being diagnosed, called dumb, called stupid, call retarded, the community has to change the way we see our babies.” At Camp WaMaVa, students from across the District, Maryland and Virginia arrive every Sunday afternoon for a five-week session of swimming, arts and crafts and religion at the Linden, Va. facility. “We are in full compliance with the COVID rules and we will be able to accommodate any kid who wants to come out here, ” said Joe Dunlap, director of the Church of Christ camp. Still, for Keith and Kevin Marks this won’t be a traditional summer. Both are students at Duke Ellington School for the Performing Arts who will spend this summer in academic enrichment, not sleep-over camp, according to their mother, Nikki Marks. “It has been a tough school year online. This is an opportunity for them to catch up, ” Marks said.

5 Marje Hines, (back right, then 19), with summer campers in 2019 all part of D.C.’s Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program. Last year, she saw her campers on a screen. (Courtesy photo/Marje Hines)

“Keith is taking art and Kevin is taking English.” “I wouldn’t say that classes were harder, but the biggest challenge was keeping on top of your work because my brother and I sat at a table at home instead of attending different classes.”

Keith, who loves to sing, plans to be a music producer. “I want to be a music producer and if that means sacrificing summer vacations and camps, it is worth it.” Nikki Marks, whose husband is a truck driver, said that it has been hard dealing with the pan-

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demic and keeping the students motivated but noted that her religious faith helps. “Since our sons were learning at home, I have seen first-hand what teachers have to go through.” “One thing we try to do is communicate, encourage and

just check in and not just the academics, looking at them as a whole person, ” said Alison Prince, a pupil personnel worker in the Montgomery County school system. “The last 15 months has been stressful for everyone. People have no idea.” WI

JULY 8 - 14, 2021 23

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

EDITORIAL

Guns for ‘Fun’ and the Absurdity of Fourth of July Follies

There’s one thing to celebrate a “birthday party” like our nation’s 245th. But why must so many Americans find it necessary to use guns to have “fun?” With restrictions lifted from the pandemic in most American cities, the Fourth of July weekend saw a rise gun violence with over 180 people killed and 516 injured in shootings across the U.S., according to data from Gun Violence Archive. In the first five days of July, there were 20 mass shootings, bringing 2021's total to 336. In May, the nation recorded 72 mass shootings while June clocked another 76, according to the archive. “The 14 mass shootings over this past holiday weekend (Friday to Sunday) are the most of any weekend in 2021,” the organization said in a tweet. In cities like “Chi-Raq,” (a name for Chicago which film maker Spike Lee coined for a movie he wrote and directed), and where gun violence is increasing this year, at least 82 people were shot – 14 fatally – over the holiday weekend. The number of shootings on Fourth of July weekend rose from 2019 when 68 people were shot, and 2020, when nearly 80 people were shot. One man, 40, was killed on Friday night after a neighbor complained about his music. After an argument, an unidentified person shot the victim several times in the torso, CBS Chicago reports. In New York City, police reported 26 victims in 21 shootings over the holiday weekend. In D.C., violence has brought to 93 (as of July 1) the number of people killed – up 18 percent from this time in 2020. The rise in shootings has placed deadly violence at the top of discussions in the District. Chicago, New York and the District reported the highest number of injuries and deaths due to shootings during the July 4th weekend. According to Gun Violence Archive, there have been 22,662 gun violence deaths in 2021. This includes all causes, such as murder, unintentional killings and suicide. There have been 336 mass shootings and 16 mass murders. Authorities had hoped that the spike in homicides last year would subside, but they remain higher than they were in pre-pandemic times. America stands at the crossroads. How many more deaths are needed before we stop talking about the problem and do something? WI

State Marijuana Laws Need Consistency

Marijuana law in this region is just confusing enough to get you in trouble. Indeed, there are certain states in which lawmakers have seen fit to revise drug laws to allow pot consumption for recreational users. While that’s okay along the Pacific coast states of Washington and Oregon or beyond the continental divide in Colorado, that’s a little far-flung from D.C., Maryland and Virginia. In the DMV sorting out a snarl of rules will drive you, well, to drink. In Maryland, if you are caught with 10 grams or less, the penalty is a small, parking-ticket level fine. Holding between 10 grams and 50 pounds? That’s a misdemeanor. But if there’s more than 50 pounds of the stuff in your possession, Maryland law eyes you as a distributor. D.C. law is more forgiving. If you’re over 21 years old, two ounces is legal without fine or prosecution. Even giving an ounce or less only risks a $25 fine. And in Virginia, where the governor crowed about decriminalizing pot a few months ago, possession of half a gram or less can still result in a hefty fine or even, under certain circumstances, jail time--especially if you don’t have a medical marijuana license. Medical researchers now assure us that pot is not as harmful as believed earlier when it carried the label of a gateway drug to much more addictive and harmful substances. What’s more, the benefits of cannabis in pain management for multiple sclerosis, glaucoma and other neurological disorders are well-documented. And pot draws praise for easing the misery of chemotherapy. Pot laws are needlessly inconsistent, resulting in the view that a reasoned stand on marijuana depends on where you sit. The public policy view on pot needs more thinking. WI

TO THE EDITOR COVID Still Worth a Shot Removing the Stigma The story “Unvaccinated Marylanders Account for Nearly All COVID Hospitalizations and Deaths” by William Ford didn't surprise me. After all, science tells us that the vaccine protects against the virus and for those that do contract it, they will still have a safer outcome than those who aren't vaccinated. I hope that those who aren't vaccinated take heed as these “new” strains of COVID come into play. Karen Fenneby Washington, D.C.

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I was so glad to see information on anxiety in the paper last week. Black people need to know about mental disorders that we suffer from, too, which often go undiagnosed. Sometimes just seeing things like your story can plant a seed in someone who's been experiencing symptoms of anxiety and may prompt them to get help. Yolande Garris Washington, D.C.

The Washington Informer welcomes letters to the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community. Write to: lsaxton@washingtoninformer. com or send to: 3117 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20032. Please note that we are unable to publish letters that do not include a full name, address and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you. JULY 8 - 14, 2021 25

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Julianne Malveaux

This Anthem Does Not Speak for Me

Frances Scott Key, author of "The Star-Spangled Banner," our "national anthem," was a dyedin-the-wool racist. He opined that "Negroes" were a "distinct and inferior race." He was a slaveholder from a family of slaveholders who influenced the odious seventh President Andrew Jackson to appoint Roger Taney, the author of the Dred Scott decision ("Blacks have no rights that whites are bound to respect") to the Supreme

Court. Aspects of the "national anthem" are derisive to Black people. Key disagreed that the formerly enslaved who fought with the British in the War of 1812 should receive their freedom due to their service. The British kept their word, settling formerly enslaved Blacks in the British Caribbean on land they provided them. How, then, does the raving of a racist become our nation's national anthem, taught in every school, played at every athletic event and assembly, and designed to stir patriotic strings when we hear it?

Guest Columnist

When I hear the words "land of the free, home of the brave," I think "land of the thief, home of the slave." As early as 1836, abolitionists were mocking the song, taking that offensive line and recasting it as "the land of the free, home of the oppressed." When you delve into the lyrics, Key's utter contempt for Black people, especially those formerly enslaved people who claimed their freedom by fighting with the Brits, was apparent. But the Daughters of the Confederacy (surprise, surprise) were among those who thought this slave-deriding song should be

our national anthem. In doing so, they ensured that generations of schoolchildren would never learn the truth about the hypocrisy of their country, fighting for freedom against the Brits while also fighting for the right to deny others freedom. When Gwen Berry, the African American athlete who has qualified for the 2020 Olympics, turned her back on the American flag while the troublesome national anthem was playing, she invited criticism for her actions and the paradox of the African American reality in this nation. Berry said, "the anthem

doesn't speak for me," giving voice to the ambivalence that so many African American people feel about this nation. We are disgusted by the injustice and hypocrisy woven into every fabric of our lives, even as we experience and enjoy aspects of progress and opportunity that distinguish our lives from those of our enslaved foremothers and fathers. She turned her back and covered her face with a T-shirt that said "activist athlete" in the spirit of Frederick Douglass, who famously asked what the Fourth of

MALVEAUX Page 45

Charles Steele, Jr.

Hit the Streets Peacefully over SCOTUS Ruling on Arizona's Voting Restrictions

Dr. Charles Steele Jr., president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), called for widespread, peaceful street protests in America for advocates of the disenfranchised to show the world how dissatisfied they are with the Supreme Court's decision to uphold some voting rights restrictions in Arizona.

"We were depending on the court, just as we did in the 1950s and 1960s to do what is right," said Dr. Steele, disheartened by the vote that might lead courts in states like Georgia to uphold laws preventing some citizens from voting. "We are always looking to the federal government to be the friends of the oppressed. My position has always been politics have never freed the oppressed, the oppressed must free politics. We

Guest Columnist

must take it to the streets in a nonviolent manner and make an impact in terms of letting the world know America is not this great country that has been embedded in the world community. It is not a nation other countries need to model to better themselves. America, in the new world order, is operating like a third world country when it comes to its treatment of the disenfranchised and people of color. We must mobilize these efforts immediately."

The SCLC, Dr. Steele said, started sounding the alarm about efforts to gut the Voting Rights Act in June of 2013 when the high court struck down sections four and five of the act, which removed some protections. But traditional strategies were push to the side as the focus shifted to celebrating other political successes. Some painful lessons, he said, are being learned from the Supreme Court's decision.

"The civil rights movement has gone full circle," Dr. Steele said. "What people must realize, especially those who have been disenfranchised, is that you can never rest on your laurels. You can never take a break and think folks will do what is right. You must always stand and advocate for the poor and those who have been left out of the system in terms of

STEELE Page 45

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

Insurance Giant Prioritizing Profits Over Patients

In the past year, a reckoning has happened across the country. What Black people and other communities of color have known for years, our white brothers and sisters are starting to learn. Our country is plagued with systemic racism that runs through industries across the nation. Most concerning is the deep roots it has within the Amer-

26 JULY 8 - 14, 2021

ican health care system. It's time that we shine a light on this and stop letting insurance companies get away with it. Health insurance companies have a long-proven pattern of exploiting and discriminating against people of color in this country. As I wrote in an op-ed in The Hill in April 2020, "Minority and low-income Americans suffer from a significant lack of access to quality health care. They are also

more likely to not have health insurance and are often hit with surprise medical bills they cannot afford." Now, insurance companies are at it again by prioritizing their own profits rather than the health and well-being of all Americans. One of the most recent acts of insurance company greed happened with UnitedHealthcare, the nation's largest insurance provider. Just recently, the insurance giant announced it would no longer

cover patients' nonurgent visits to the emergency room retroactively. Yes, you read that correctly. An American insurance company is no longer going to cover American patients who incorrectly self-diagnose and seek emergency treatment. With a year of one public health crisis after another, UnitedHealthcare is creating an extra barrier to entry for patients accessing care. As pointed out by the American

College of Emergency Physicians, there is a fear that "the change will cause patients to avoid using emergency rooms because they will be responsible for their hospital bills when UnitedHealthcare rejects them." Because many patients were already fearful of visiting the hospital during the COVID-19, there was a rise in cases of "out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and associated poor health

CHAVIS Page 45

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

Time for a New 'Good Neighbor Policy' "America is back," President Biden announced repeatedly in meeting with allies in Europe. The question, of course, is back for what? Biden has sensibly insisted that we must "build back better" at home and abroad. Our neighbors to the south in Latin America offer a clear opportunity to show that is true. Now more than ever, it is time

for a new Good Neighbor Policy toward Latin America. Donald Trump had little interest in Latin America, other than labeling its refugees as terrorists, drug dealers and rapists. He reversed the initial steps President Barack Obama took to move to better relations with Cuba. He doubled down on crippling sanctions, illegal under international law, on Venezuela, and pushed to overturn the president of the country. Biden has both an opportunity and an imperative to offer better relations. Latin America has been battered

Guest Columnist

by the economic collapse accompanying the pandemic. Poverty has soared, as has the death toll of the coronavirus — over 500,000 dead in Brazil alone. Now elections promise to bring a new generation of progressive leaders to power across the hemisphere. Peru has led the way with the election of Pedro Castillo, running on a populist agenda accusing the mining barons of "looting" and promising to tax them to invest in health care and education. In Brazil, the left is poised to take over from an incompetent and

corrupt right-wing government, now exposed for fraudulently conspiring to throw the leader of the opposition, Lula, in jail. In Chile and Colombia, the left looks to be rising in the wake of the right-wing regimes failure. At the same time, China's influence has expanded, as it has become a leading trading partner and investor in the hemisphere. The recovery of Latin American economies will depend in no small measure on the sale of commodities to China, such as beef from Uruguay, copper from Chile, oil from

Colombia and soya from Brazil. Today, Brazil sends 30 percent of all exports to China, including 80 percent of its soybean crop and 60 percent of its iron ore. Nineteen countries have already joined Xi Jinping's signature Belt and Road Initiative, a $1 trillion transcontinental network. Biden now must choose how to react to these developments. He must resist the easy course of trying to revive a new Cold War with China in the region and using that as an

JACKSON Page 46

Marian Wright Edelman

Still Watching for Weasels

Sojourner Truth was a brilliant and formidable enslaved woman and abolitionist, a great orator, and a powerful presence who possessed unbelievable courage and perseverance in standing up for justice as a Black woman. She challenged the racial and gender caste system of slavery by suing for the return of a son sold away from her. She got repeatedly thrown off Washington,

D.C., streetcars but kept getting back on until they changed the rules and let her ride. She stood up with fiery eloquence to opponents and threatening crowds who tried to stop her from speaking. When a hostile white man told her that the hall where she was scheduled to appear would be burnt down if she spoke, she replied, "Then I will speak to the ashes." In a famous speech at the 1851 Women's Rights Convention, she spoke of the back-breaking physical work she endured while en-

Askia-At-Large

slaved that made her as strong as any man. When heckled by a white man in her audience who said he didn't care any more about her antislavery talk than for an old flea bite, she snapped back, "Then the Lord willing, I'll keep you scratching." And when decrying her exclusion from America's life and professed freedoms during a religious meeting where another speaker had just praised the Constitution, she told this story: "Children, I talks to God and God talks to me. I goes out and

talks to God in de fields and de woods. Dis morning I was walking out, and I got over de fence. I saw de wheat a holding up its head, looking very big. I goes up and takes holt ob it. You b'lieve it, dere was no wheat dare? I says, God, what is de matter wid dis wheat? and he says to me, 'Sojourner, dere is a little weasel in it.' Now I hears talkin' about de Constitution and de rights of man. I comes up and I takes hold of dis Constitution. It looks mighty big, and I feels for my rights, but der aint any dare. Den

I says, God, what ails dis Constitution? He says to me, 'Sojourner, dere is a little weasel in it.'" The language captured here in an 1863 edition of the National Anti-Slavery Standard shares a flaw with a number of other accounts of her speeches: they were written down in a mock Southern dialect that many 19th-century readers identified with slavery, despite the fact that Sojourner Truth was born and raised in rural New York, en-

leased after the court vacated his 2018 conviction on sexual assault charges. "My remarks were in no way directed towards survivors of sexual assault," Rashad tweeted later. "I vehemently oppose sexual violence, find no excuse for such behavior, and I know that Howard University has a zero-tolerance policy toward interpersonal violence." The university — in what is the first line of its letter dismissing

the celebrity actor when that day rolls around eventually — wrote in a statement posted on its social media accounts, "Survivors of sexual assault will always be our first priority. While Dean Rashad has acknowledged in her follow-up tweet that victims must be heard and believed, her initial tweet lacked sensitivity towards survivors of sexual assault." So, this is all about Cosby?

EDELMAN Page 46

Askia Muhammad

Sha'Carri, Phylicia are Due an Apology

Sha'Carri Richardson is a fallen athlete who was at the top of her game. She is literally the fastest woman in the world. She dominates the 100 meters, but she won't be facing the other best sprinters at the Tokyo Olympics. Richardson was discovered to have smoked marijuana and subsequently was banned from the Olympic compe-

tition this summer. Ironically, the offense occurred during Olympic Trials in Oregon, a state where the recreational use of marijuana is perfectly legal. At the same time, renowned actress Phylicia Rashad is likely to not last long in her new position as dean of the College of Fine Arts at Howard University, her alma mater. "I offer my most sincere apology," not-long-to-be-Dean Rashad wrote in a letter to students and parents on Friday, just her second

day on the job. She had received scorn for tweeting her support for her longtime television husband Cliff Huxtable, portrayed by disgraced comedian Bill Cosby. Earlier in the week, she tweeted, along with a photo of Cosby, "FINALLY!!!! A terrible wrong is being righted- a miscarriage of justice is corrected!" Cosby had just been released from a Pennsylvania state prison after the state Supreme Court overturned his questionable conviction. "The Coz" was re-

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ASKIA Page 46 JULY 8 - 14, 2021 27

LIFESTYLE U.S. Sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson Suspended for Failing Drug Test

Vows to Return to Olympics; Promises to Rectify Her Recent Mistake D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Editor The celebration for U.S. track star Sha'Carri Richardson ended much sooner than she’d hoped after Olympics officials slapped her with a one-month suspension after testing positive for THC – the chemical in cannabis. Richardson had secured her ticket to the Tokyo Games after winning the women’s 100-meter race but then failed a drug test administered by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency [USADA] at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon, on June 19. The suspension means her qualifying results at the recent Team Trials have been disallowed. She must also forfeit any medals, points and prizes accord-

COSBY from Page 17 on the highly-popular entertainer who serves as one of the first Blacks to garner popularity on a massive scale. Cosby would be convicted, primarily based on the testimony of one woman, Andrea Constand, who said he assaulted her at his home in Cheltenham, Pa. Cosby was convicted on three counts of aggravated indecent assault. He began serving his sentence of three to 10 years in September 2018. A lower appeals court upheld the conviction in 2019, but his team then appealed to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. On Wednesday, Phylicia Ra-

28 JULY 8 - 14, 2021

ing to a USADA statement. While the suspension, which began June 28, eliminates Richardson’s running in her signature event at the Tokyo Games, she may have a chance to run in the 4x100-meter relay. Athletes who test positive for a substance of abuse, including THC – newly-classified in 2021 – usually face a three-month suspension. But they must prove that “their use of the substance occurred out of competition and was unrelated to sport performance.” Richardson “successfully completed a counseling program regarding her use of cannabis,” which decreased the period of her ineligibility to one month, based on USADA rules. She spoke about her challenges shad, the actress who played Cosby’s wife on The Cosby Show, wrote on twitter, “Finally! A terrible wrong is being righted – a miscarriage of justice is corrected!” But while Cosby, his family and those who have stood behind him in support may have cause to celebrate, the fact remains that he has lost nearly three years of his life. Additionally, dozens of women who maintain that he violated them still have the option of seeking justice through civil suits. Those cases may end in their benefit as civil suits require a lesser standard of proof than criminal cases. How he lives the remainder of his life, now that he is no longer in

5 Sha'Carri Richardson (Courtesy photo)

on July 2 with reporters on NBC’s “TODAY” show. “Right now, I’m just putting all of my energy into dealing with what I need to deal with to heal myself,” Richardson said. “I want to take responsibility for my actions – I’m not looking for an excuse.” "I would like to say to my fans and my family and my sponsorship, to the haters, too, I apologize,” she said. “As much as I’m disappointed, I know that when I step on that track, I don’t represent myself, I represent a community that has shown me great support, great love.” Richardson ran the 100 meters in 10.86 seconds, one of her

five runs under 11 seconds this season. Her impressive showing raised speculations that the U.S. might capture its first gold medal in the women's race since Gail Devers in 1996. “The rules are clear, but this is heartbreaking on many levels; hopefully, her acceptance of responsibility and apology will be an important example to us all that we can successfully overcome our regrettable decisions, despite the costly consequences of this one to her,” USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart said. During a post-race interview with NBC, Richardson shared surprising news that her biological mother had died just one week

prison, remains to be seen. Some say he will forever live under a cloud of shame while others say his release proves that system does work, certainly in his favor,

as due process remains the right of every defendant. However, what cannot be said is that his release implies that Cosby has been vindicated. WI

But while Cosby, his family and those who have stood behind him in support may have cause to celebrate, the fact remains that he has lost nearly three years of his life.

earlier, adding that the news was “triggering” and “shocking.” “In some type of way, I was trying to hide my pain,” she said.” “Don’t judge me because I am human,” she later noted in sentiments similar to a tweet she sent July 1. The Drug Policy Alliance, a national organization continues to work to end cannabis prohibition across the country, noting that drug testing often derails the opportunities for success for athletes. “Drug testing is yet another tool of the drug war and it’s a failure,” said Executive Director Kassandra Frederique in a statement. “Sha’Carri’s suspension serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder of how insidious the drug war is in our everyday lives, far beyond the carceral state. Drug testing does nothing to show current impairment. The USADA must undo this archaic, inhumane and unscientific policy.” Dallas native Richardson, known for her flamboyant lashes, wigs and nails, has been called “the Flo-Jo of our time” by Vogue magazine. “This will be the last time the Olympics don’t see Sha’Carri Richardson and this will be the last time the U.S. doesn’t come home with a gold medal in the 100,” Richardson said Friday. “After my sanction is up, I’ll be back and ready to compete. This will never happen again.” WI

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TIMELINE from Page 15 chance for African American Rep. Charles Diggs (D-Mich.) to chair the committee.

1973

Congress passes the Home Rule Act allowing District voters to elect a mayor, chairman of the D.C. Council, D.C. Councilmembers and advisory neighborhood commissioners. However, the act stipulates District laws and the city budget must be approved by Congress and the president selects the local judges with Senate approval.

1974

District voters elect Walter A. Washington as the first elected mayor since 1870 and Sterling Tucker as the first elected chairman since 1874. Councilmembers and advisory neighborhood commissioners are elected also.

1978

Congress passes a constitutional amendment granting the District two senators and one representative and full representation in the Electoral College. The states have seven years to ratify it.

1980

District voters decisively approve Initiative Measure No. 3, the District of Columbia Statehood Constitutional Convention Initiative of 1979 by a vote of 60 percent.

1982

District voters ratify the Constitution for the State of New Columbia and authorize the election of two statehood senators and one representative to promote statehood.

1985

The D.C. Voting Rights Amendment dies after getting only 16 states to ratify. D.C. Del. Walter Fauntroy and Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) introduce statehood bills in their chambers.

1988

The Democratic Party’s platform endorses D.C. statehood for the first time.

1990

Eleanor Holmes Norton is elected the District’s new non-voting delegate and the statehood senators are the Rev. Jesse Jackson and activist Florence Pendleton and the statehood representative is Charles Moreland.

1993

Norton’s statehood bill, the first-time legislation of that type reaches the House floor, fails by a 277-153 vote.

2000

The U.S. Supreme Court dismisses the case of Adams vs. Clinton saying the Congress has exclusive jurisdiction over the District according to the Constitution and no judicial remedy for the political rights of District residents exists.

2004

At the suggestion of Norton, the Democratic National Committee drops its D.C. statehood plank.

2006

The UN Human Rights Committee finds that the District’s lack of voting representation violates the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, a treaty ratified by more than 160 countries, including the U.S.

2009

The Senate passes a bill granting the District a voting representative in the House but the bill died in the House due to a pro-gun rights amendment that Norton rejects.

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2013

Norton and Carper introduce D.C. statehood bills. The two have introduced statehood bills in each session of Congress, including the present day.

2014

Carper, as chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, holds a hearing on his legislation for D.C. statehood. This is the first time a hearing is held on this subject in the Senate.

2016

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a plan to rewrite the constitution of New Columbia and have it approved for statehood in November. The voters approved the revised constitution and the city’s effort toward statehood by over 80%.

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The House approves Norton’s D.C. statehood bill for the second consecutive year. The Senate will hold its second hearing ever on Carper’s statehood bill. WI @JamesDCWrighter

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JULY 8 - 14, 2021 29

LIFESTYLE New Chair, Board Members Tapped for Fort Dupont Ice Arena James Wright WI Staff Writer

The governing body of the District’s only public indoor ice-skating arena, located east of the Anacostia River in Ward 7, announced its new board members on July 30. The Friends of the Fort Dupont Ice Arena named Murry N. Gunty, the founder and chief executive officer of Bethesda, Md.-based Black Bear Sports Group Inc., --a private enterprise that owns and manages ice rinks, youth hockey clubs and junior hockey teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions--as its new chairman of the board. New members of the board include Tarik El-Bashir, a District native who attended Howard University and worked as a sportswriter for the Washington Post and covers professional hockey for television and online platforms; Kim Weiss, the first female bench coach of a North American Junior Hockey team; business executive Ellery Roberts; criminal defense attorney

Ismail J. Ramsey; and Bob Weiss, owner/operator of Rockville Ice Rink. Gunty said he looks forward to working with the board to take the arena to another level of efficiency and productivity. “We are excited to join and continue the great work of the board, build on its success and preserve the arena’s role as a vital recreation facility for families in the District,” Gunty said. “With a mission to serve children who may lack access to skating facilities, equipment and guide them from Learn to Skate to the great sports of hockey, figure, speed and synchronized skating, Fort Dupont is a unique treasure among ice rinks in North America. Our commitment is to preserve and strengthen the role of Fort Dupont in the community and sustain the positive impact of its extraordinary programs, teams, coaches and instructors.” The arena has received national attention for serving more than 20,000 children primarily residing

NYC MAYOR from Page 9 in November so that we can deliver on the promise of this great city for those who are struggling, who are underserved, and who are committed to a safe, fair, affordable future for all New Yorkers,” he declared. Born in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn in 1960, Adams counts as the fourth of six children for his mother Dorothy, a house cleaner and cook, and his father Leroy, a butcher. The family later moved to the working-class neighborhood of South Jamaica, Queens, where New York police officers badly assaulted Adams and his brother. Adams has pointed to that encounter as a 15-year-old as motivation for a law enforcement career. He earned an Associate in Arts degree in data processing from the New York City College of Technology, a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and a Master of Public Administration degree from Marist College. According to his official bio, Adams paid his way through his col-

30 JULY 8 - 14, 2021

He graduated from the New York City Police Academy in 1984 as one of the highest-ranked students in his class. legiate studies through several jobs, including work in the mailroom of an accounting firm, as a mechanic, and as a clerk in the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. He graduated from the New York City Police Academy in 1984 as one of the highest-ranked students in his class. After initially serving with the New York City Transit Police Department, Adams was transferred to the New York City Police Department with the merging of the city’s police forces.

5 Skaters have fun at the Fort Dupont Ice Arena located in Ward 7. (Courtesy photo)

east of the river through its Kids On Ice program that introduces ice sports to youngsters 5-18 years-old. In 1995, Adams co-founded 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care, an advocacy group that rose to nationwide prominence speaking out against police brutality, racial profiling, and departmental diversity. According to his bio, Adams also served as president of the Grand Council of Guardians, a statewide fraternal society for African Americans in law enforcement. “I grew up poor in Brooklyn & Queens,” Adams wrote on Twitter. “I wore a bulletproof vest to keep my neighbors safe. I served my community as a State Senator & Brooklyn Borough President. And I’m honored to be the Democratic nominee to be the mayor of the city I’ve always called home.” Adams also put his party on alert. “If the Democratic Party fails to recognize what we did here in New York, they’re going to have a problem in the midterm elections, and they’re going to have a problem in the presidential election,” he said. WI @StacyBrownMedia

Fort Dupont works with partners such as the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, D.C. public and charter schools and summer camps to promote athleticism through ice sports as well as hosts the Special Olympics speed skating training and competitions. The arena also serves as the home for the Fort Dupont Cannons, the country’s oldest minority youth hockey club. The board comes on as it seeks to build a new ice arena, with construction set to begin next spring. The new arena will supplant the current facility with a National Hockey League-sized ice sheet plus an expanded locker room, support space and a community meeting room. Board officials said the new redone facility will open in 2023. Ted Leonsis, the lead owner of

the Washington Capitals professional hockey team and the NHL, launched a $500,000 GoFundMe campaign a few years ago which reached its funding goals for the new arena. Outgoing chairman Willem Polak will stay on the board. Polak said, “Murry brings extraordinary resources and national relationships that can ensure Fort Dupont’s sustainability and growth.” “I’ve had the honor and privilege to serve as chairman since 1996 and have seen our Kids On Ice program transform the lives of thousands of children,” Polak said. “I am proud of what I have accomplished and am excited to turn the reins over to Murry, who will lead the rink into its new home and a great future.” WI @JamesDCWrighter

Gunty said he looks forward to working with the board to take the arena to another level of efficiency and productivity.

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Recovery

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“As an addict, I lost 15 years of my life to the penal system. Today, I’m a business owner in grad school.”

TREATMENT WORKS. Connect with someone who’s been there and understands. No judgment, just help. See local stories of recovery and find a certified peer at MyRecoveryDC.org. WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

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Saving lives from the opioid epidemic

JULY 8 - 14, 2021 31

LIFESTYLE

Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum: Reaching Out to a Community Behind Bars By Andrea Jones Associate Director of Education, Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum What happens when people can’t visit a museum? Bring the museum to the people! This is the attitude our staff took in serving our audiences during the pandemic. The biggest project we undertook during this challenging year was redesigning an indoor exhibit called Men of Change so that it could live outdoors in Ward 7’s Deanwood neighborhood. Our reinvented version is called Men of Change: Taking it to the Streets. With this simple change in location came an unexpected “a-ha” moment. We discovered new audiences that may never have never visited the museum– pedestrians on their way to the Metro, students on their way to school, or neighbors picking up free meals at the Recreation Center. But the most surprising new audience was the population of local residents incarcerated at the D.C. Jail several miles away from Deanwood. The D.C. Jail houses a satellite library branch run by D.C. Public Library (DCPL) – a Deanwood partner for the installation of Men of Change. This relationship has enabled the Anacostia Community Museum is able to serve incarcerated audiences through the use of the newly issued tablets at the D.C. Jail. During pre-pandemic times, librarians provided books to jail residents who could check them out. But, as we learned from DCPL, this program was temporarily canceled. To stop the spread of COVID, incarcerated jail residents were placed on twenty-three hours per day lockdown and all enrichment programs had been canceled – including book lending. During the pandemic, people across the world felt confined in their homes – but perhaps none more so than those incarcerated in our prisons and jails. DCPL told us of one accommodation the city had given the jail residents to help alleviate tension – 1000 digital tablets loaded with education content,

32 JULY 8 - 14, 2021

e-books, and a messaging system to the outside world. This meant that DCPL was able replace their book program with digital media and serve almost every incarcerated individual in the facility. Perhaps, we thought, we could put Men of Change on these tablets to provide a sort of message in a bottle for these folks who were hurting. In some small way, we could say “We see you. We care.” The content of the exhibition was perfect – inspiring stories, quotes, and photos of Black men from all eras who found cracks in a system designed to hold them back. Maybe the exhibit could provide a bit of encouragement during an incredibly frustrating time. The exhibition (which was created by the Smithsonian Institute Traveling Exhibition Service) (space) already had a website, but we needed a product that didn’t depend on internet access. We settled on the idea of creating a video tour of the exhibit using voices from the Deanwood community. We wanted to help the jail residents go on a field trip in their minds – to imagine themselves taking a walk through the neighborhood, seeing African American strength through generations, (space) in a city that looks familiar. The existence of these tablets gave us a portal to reach men and women that we never had access to before. It was sobering to think that these indi-

viduals were incarcerated just three miles from the museum, but could not visit Just as the country is opening back up, the D.C. Jail has also lifted its lockdown – just three weeks ago. All reports seem to indicate that jail residents will not lose access to the tablets that became their lifeline during the pandemic. Likewise, the Anacostia Community Museum will not lose the inspiration to look past the walls of its building – to take the museum to the people, wherever they reside. Men of Change: Taking it to the Streets will be open in Deanwood until August 31, 2021. The starting point is 4800 Meade Street NE at the Ron Brown High School. Audio tour: https://s.si.edu/AudioTour UPDATE: The Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum reopens to the public on Friday, August 6 featuring the main gallery exhibition, “Food for the People: Eating & Activism in Greater Washington.” The gallery show is an in-depth companion to the introductory “Food for the People” outdoor exhibit currently available for viewing on the front plaza of the museum. Located at 1901 Fort Pl SE, the museum hours will be TuesSat 11 a.m.-4 p.m. More details are available at https://anacostia.si.edu. Anacostia Community Museum is able to serve incarcerated audiences through the use of newly issued tablets at the D.C. Jail.

The video tour of Men of Change: Taking it to the Streets can be viewed here: https://s.si.edu/ MOCVideo

Final Round of 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee Starts July 8 Nine of the 11 Finalists Represent Indian-Americans

D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Editor The final round of the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee takes place on Thursday, July 8, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex within Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando. The finals, which begin at 8 p.m., will air on ESPN2 and ESPNU and will last as many rounds as needed until a champion has been declared. According to the National Spelling Bee’s website, the finalists have already advanced through three levels of competition: the preliminary, the quarterfinal and the semifinal rounds. In previous years, all three rounds were held in one week called “Bee Week.” But due to the pandemic, the three levels of competition before the finals were held virtually. Nine of the 11 finalists for this year's U.S. Spelling Bee contest represent Indian-Americans reflecting the dominance youth from the small ethnic community have had on the prestigious and high-pressure endurance test for more than a decade now. Over the past 20 years, Indian-Americans have dominated the Spelling Bee contest even though they comprise only about 1 per cent of the U.S. population. “We are honored to introduce our 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee Finalists. Round after round, this group of spellers proved their mettle and we look forward to seeing them show off their knowledge and hard work as they square off against the dictionary on the national stage,” said Dr. J. Michael Durnil, executive director of the Bee. “Congratulations to all of this year's 209 national qualifiers. They’ve persevered over a year that has been challenging in many ways and our team is proud to have witnessed their journey,” he said. The 11 finalists include: Roy Seligman, 12, from Nassau, The Bahamas; Bhavana Madini, 13, from New York; Sreethan Gajula, 14, from Charlotte, North Carolina; Ashrita Gandhari, 14, from

(Courtesy photo)

Leesburg, Virginia; Avani Joshi, 13, from Illinois; Zaila Avant-garde, 14, from New Orleans; Vivinsha Veduru, 10, from Texas; Dhroov Bharatia, 12, from Dallas; Vihaan Sibal, 12, from Texas; Akshainie Kamma, 13, from Texas and Chaitra Thummala, 12, from San Francisco. In 2020, the Bee was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. But eight co-champions collectively took top honors in 2019, seven of them being Indian-Americans bringing the total number of Indian-American champions since 1999 to 26. Each year, the Scripps National Spelling Bee reaches more than 11 million students participating in spelling bees held in classrooms, schools and locally sponsored events around the country and in other parts of the world. The Scripps National Spelling Bee serves as the nation's largest and longest-running educational program with the purpose to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts and develop correct English usage that will help them all of their lives. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, “Give light and the people will find their own way.” For more information, visit spellingbee.com. WI

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JULY 8 - 14, 2021 33

LIFESTYLE

Round House Theatre Announces 2021-2022 Season

Bethesda-Based Venue Returns to Live, In-Person Shows D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Editor Artistic Director Ryan Rilette and Managing Director Ed Zakreski say they’re thrilled to announce the full six-show lineup for Bethesda-based Round House Theatre’s 44th season. Following an historic season of digital performances – including the Drama League-nominated festival “The Work of Adrienne Kennedy: Inspiration & Influence” and the world premiere of Lauren Gunderson’s “The Catastrophist” – Round House will welcome audiences back into its Bethesda theatre for live, in-person productions with a slate of shows designed to transport them around the world. “For the last year and a half, we’ve all been stuck at home, unable to travel anywhere,” Rilette

34 JULY 8 - 14, 2021

said. “But at the same time, we are connected to the entire world through the shared experience of the pandemic. That is the logic of this season: we are welcoming audiences back to live performance with a theatrical journey around the world, offering stories that combine the universal with the specific, which is one of the strengths of the theatrical form. And each of these stories does so in incredibly theatrical ways.” The season begins with the regional premiere of Quixote Nuevo (Sept. 8 – Oct. 3) by celebrated playwright Octavio Solis. The contemporary adaption of Miguel de Cervantes’s Don Quixote transports the classic character to the modern-day border between the U.S. and Mexico. Filled with lively Tejano music, bilingual wordplay and puppetry, the season opener exemplifies Round

House’s commitment to producing works that tell vital stories. Next, audiences travel from San Francisco to Beijing for the regional premiere of “The Great Leap,” (Nov. 10 – Dec. 5) by Lauren Yee. Inspired by events from her father’s life, Yee collides the historical with the personal to follow an American college basketball team that goes to post-Cultural Revolution China for a “friendship” game. The play employs the energy and rhythms of a basketball game to explore the different approaches to sports, life, and politics in China and the U.S. The U.S. premiere of “Nine Night” continues the line up (Jan. 5 – 30, 2022) by Natasha Gordon – the first Black British female playwright on the West End. The play centers on the traditional Jamaican funerary celebration of “Nine Nights,” as a British-Jamai-

can family and community unite to mark the passing of their matriarch with an extended wake full of food, music and revelry. There’s more in store including the inaugural year of an annual National Capital New Play Festival, headlined by a pair of world premieres presented in rotating repertory which opens April 2022. And following the creation of its own virtual production during the pandemic season, Round House’s Teen Performance Company, a pre-professional program for up-and-coming theatre artists, returns in 2022 with TIKTOK by Stefanie Kuo (Feb. 25 – 27). The work explores how young influencers shape and are shaped by the dominant social media platform of their generation. “We all miss live theatre deeply and we want to welcome audiences back with productions that offer

5 Round House Theatre will soon open its doors. (Courtesy photo)

ways to come together again,” said Managing Director Ed Zakreski. “By embracing music and movement, imagination and immersion, community and collaboration, the [new season] reminds us of all the things that make theatre a vital art form. We look forward to sharing those experiences with the D.C. community – in person – once again.” WI

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LIFESTYLE

wi book review "No One Succeeds Alone: Learn Everything You Can from Everyone You Can" By Robert Reffkin c.2021, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt $27 230 pages

By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer Everything you know, you learned from Mom. And Dad. And Grandma, Grandpa, six cousins, three playmates, a neighbor, 31 teachers, a coach somewhere along the line, your spouse, and a kid or two. And if you're smart, you'll keep your eyes open because everybody has something to teach you. As you'll see in "No One Succeeds Alone" by Robert Reffkin, that's the best way to get ahead. Almost from the moment he was born, Robert Reffkin was encouraged to succeed: at bedtime, rather than wishing her son "sweet dreams," Reffkin's mother told him to "have big dreams." That wasn't easy for him, though. Reffkin's Black father abandoned his family when Reffkin was young, his mother was a Jewish immigrant from Israel, and this mixed lineage caused Reffkin to feel "out of place my entire life," he says. Even his maternal grandparents spurned him but none of these things negatively affected Reffkin. He used them as inspiration to do better. He was a small-businessman in high school, first selling products on the bus to school, then launching a DJing business shortly after that. When it came time to apply for college, he used his successes and things he'd learned to strive for his dream college, despite a counselor telling him not to bother. His curiosity was strong; what he absorbed helped build his businesses, including Compass, a real estate technology company. To succeed, says Reffkin, ignore haters, naysayers, and rules that are meant to be bent. Be supportive of others, children, in particular. Thank those who support you, including your mom, because "None of us got where we are on our own." Keep in mind that "The real rules of the game are never written down." To get help, be helpful. Don't be afraid to emulate the people you admire, or to try to copy their methods for success. And finally, do what Reffkin did with this book: "Turn your story into a beautiful narrative that inspires others." The saying is this: There is no I in team. There is in "win," though, and that's what you get when you read "No One Succeeds Alone." For the entrepreneur who doesn't know where to start, author Robert Reffkin offers so much advice that you may feel overwhelmed: there's something to remember, highlighted and easy to find, just about every couple pages. These things fit seamlessly into this book, more in the way that a header for a biography might, which subtly makes the story lessons stand out better amid the chatter here. Indeed, Reffkin indulges in a small amount of righteous humble-bragging, but he also shares enough stumbles to make his story relevant; this biographical aspect will appeal to a wide variety of readers, including C-suiters, whether they're looking for business advice or not. If your office is filling up again and your staff is now returning, this book might be a great way to ease back into the swing of things. For businessfolk and staff, "No One Succeeds Alone" might underscore everything you know. WI

horoscopes

JULY 8 - 14, 2021

ARIES The street signs you see on Monday and Tuesday all seem to be upside-down and, as much as you'd like to get a lot done, you can't even tell where you are. Don't be frustrated, just focus on other people. By Wednesday, street signs will be returned to normal, and a sense of order — as well as of possibility — will be restored. Thursday brings one adventure after another. Lucky Numbers: 4, 6, 27 TAURUS Dreaming of the future consumes you on Monday and Tuesday — not just of flying saucers and teleportation technology but also, for example, what you will look like in the future, what kind of job you'll have, who you'll be spending your life with. You might want to talk this stuff over with a friend. On Wednesday and Thursday, pacing is a primary theme — are you going too fast or not fast enough? — but Friday finds you content and longing for meaningful interaction. Lucky Numbers: 17, 29, 37 GEMINI On the one hand, you're frustrated about your career and dreaming of making a change. On the other hand, everything is too blurry on Monday and Tuesday to do anything about it. Communicate your feelings another day, when you'll be able to articulate them better. For example, on Wednesday when you're surrounded by friends who'd love to be asked for advice. Lucky Numbers: 3, 12, 31 CANCER Go ahead and let the unknown surprise and delight you on Monday and Tuesday. Sometimes the best way to figure out who you are is to put yourself in new situations and see how you respond. No wonder philosophy is on your mind. Wednesday and Thursday are cerebral days as well, although they're also fairly emotional days; don't speak before thinking and don't take anything personally, if you can help it. Lucky Numbers: 8, 26, 35 LEO Sometimes pictures of products on the Internet can be deceiving. Do some more research before typing in your credit card number. Tuesday brings you more evidence that no amount of new gadgetry can solve certain problems, and Wednesday and Thursday are so full of learning you feel like you're in school again. Even the trees seem to have something to teach you. Lucky Numbers: 16, 42, 59 VIRGO The stacks of paper in your living room and bedroom are daunting that you practically need a sailboat to get from this side of the room to that. Reorganizing your life brings you solace, but it also draws your attention to how much more disorganized other people are than you. Don't feel like you have to straighten up someone else's desk — let them be messy. Is it really that important? Lucky Numbers: 7, 8, 27 LIBRA You and you-know-who are almost a circus act at this point. You have incredible chemistry. Duality is a big theme Monday and Tuesday, and flexibility is key. Wednesday and Thursday are also decidedly relationship-oriented — not just romantic relationships, but also your one-on-one relationships at home, at work and at the gym. Lucky Numbers: 33, 36, 39 SCORPIO You and your friends are birds of a feather on Monday and Tuesday, and you're the front tip of the formation. You love making decisions about which electric wires to fly to next — you truly love the flock — but you also have goals that have nothing to do with the rest of your pals. When a conflict arises on Wednesday and Thursday, make a conscious effort to support someone else's plan. It may be something of a sacrifice for you, but it will also absolve you of responsibility. Lucky Numbers: 9, 28, 31 SAGITTARIUS You're having trouble getting the engine to turn over on Monday. You have gas. You have the right keys. You're doing what you usually do, but you're not getting the results you usually get. How annoying! Tuesday will be like this, too. Don't sweat it. Wednesday and Thursday, the opposite will be true. The most impossible-seeming tasks are a snap. Crazy! Lucky Numbers: 21, 27, 28 CAPRICORN Maybe it's time to clear the sheets off the bed and create a play on your mattress. Bring in a lamp from the living room. String up some decorations. The more creative you are the first half of the week, the better. The second half of the week, your total lack of creative outlets stalls you. Your family needs you. Your boss needs you. Who doesn't need you? Lucky Numbers: 15, 26, 30 AQUARIUS Your credit card is maxed and you can only find about 15 cents between the couch cushions. Is this cause for a personal crisis? Of course not. So it's tuna sandwiches for you on Monday and Tuesday — no big deal. By Wednesday you'll have developed such a taste for tuna sandwiches (you'll have gotten it down to a technique, with capers and everything) that you won't mind. Lucky Numbers: 5, 26, 43 PISCES You are happiest when you're helping someone else out — when it's your shoulder that's absorbing huge salty drops. Not that you like your friends to be sad, it's just that, when they are sad, you like to be the one who can make them happier. Have you considered a clown costume? Wednesday and Thursday are filled with riddles and puzzles — many of them of your own devising — and Friday is about the softer side of life (it's a day full of moisturizers). Lucky Numbers: 27, 29, 40

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JULY 8 - 14, 2021 35

CAPTURE the moment

For more photos, visit www.washingtoninformer.com

UNIVER-SOUL circus All photos by Robert R. Roberts for the Washington Informer

4 Fresh the Clowns 6 Audience participation such as the Soul Train Line is one of the highlights of the circus.

5 Jorge and Katerina Pompeyo with their dogs.

5 The Caribbean Fire Dancers 4 Jhanee Mathews (left), Olivia Anderson, Mari Love and Joyce Riley enjoy the performances.

36 JULY 8 - 14, 2021

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What's July 4th without fireworks?

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

5 The Steel Dog, sitting in front of an apartment building on South Dakota Avenue in Northeast, is draped with an American Flag and a bow tie. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer) 5 A young girl with her family watches the bubbles created with a toy she held while on the deck at the Cardozo High School overlook while waiting for the July 4th fireworks. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

4 A family stakes out their spot on the National Mall for July 4th fireworks. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer) 6 A group of families and neighbors gather at the Cardoza High School overlook waiting for the July 4th fireworks. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

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65 The colorful display of fireworks on the National Mall closed out a day of enjoyment. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

JULY 8 - 14, 2021 37

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According to the D.C. Office of the Medical Examiner, 411 people died from opioid overdoses in 2020 compared to 198 homicides. In the first quarter of 2021, 87 opioid-related deaths have been recorded. The 2020 opioid death rate serves as twice the number of deaths reported in 2018.

IDENTIFYING AND BATTLING OPIOIDS

Opioids, potentially potent painkillers, include prescription drugs such as OxyContin and Percocet as well as the illegal street drug heroin. Medical experts say opioids taken properly effectively negate pain. But when abused, opioids can become addictive, adversely affecting the brain. Community activists and law enforcement officials cite heroin as a long-known dangerous street drug. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has also been identified among street drugs as another deadly narcotic. In the pamphlet, “The Dangers of Fentanyl & Counterfeit Pills,” published by Journeyworks, fentanyl has been cited as being 30 to 50 times stronger than heroin. Fentanyl slows down a person’s breathing and heart rate and can lead to death. However, naloxone can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The District government has an active campaign to combat growing opioid abuse. In June, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser launched a public education initiative, “My Recovery DC.” The program consists of signs on Metro trains and buses promoting the anti-opioid abuse effort and encourages residents to visit the website, myrecoverydc.org for information on

5 Ward 8 Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Sherita McBroom recently lost her teenage daughter to opioid abuse. (Photo courtesy WJLA)

treatment and recovery services. Dr. Shauna White, executive director of the D.C. Board of Pharmacy and program manager of the Pharmaceutical Control Division, said the city government “definitely want to create awareness about the resources that are available for individuals struggling with substance abuse disorder.” “Right now, we know we do have some issues with substance abuse in the District of Columbia, White told reporters June 15 on WUSA-TV. “They have been heightened during the pandemic.” She said during the coronavirus pandemic, users either delayed or didn’t get the appropriate treatment needed to grapple with opioid use. She also said drugs laced with fentanyl have

Stay Informed! www.washingtoninformer.com 38 JULY 8 - 14, 2021

resulted in more fatalities. “In 2015, fentanyl contributed to about 15% of overdose deaths in the District of Columbia and currently it’s involved in about 95% of those overdose deaths” she said. Dr. Nura Green Lane, a public health activist residing in Ward 7, said the community needs to take a village approach when addressing opioid addiction and abuse. “What happened to Sherita’s daughter should not have happened,” Lane said at the Secret Garden forum. “When something like this happens, everybody’s child is at risk. We have to continue to ring the alarm. You can get naloxone at different pharmacies in the city. We have to fight for our families and our children’s sake.” McBroom said if she knew the resources available to combat her daughter’s opioid problem, she would have been more proactive in helping her. She urged others to be vigilant against opioid abuse. “I had been hearing that opioid abuse was a white’s people problem – it’s not,” McBroom said. “A lot of people have a lack of knowledge about this. It’s not a color thing but involves people no matter their race, creed, religion or income level. Opioid abuse is running rampant in our community and it needs to stop.” WI @JamesDCWrighter

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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

The Negro Motorist Green Book: A Travel Guide for Blacks in America

While watching "Mahalia," the Lifetime movie about gospel legend Mahalia Jackson, for the umpteenth time this week, something happened. I heard Mahalia say "You don't stop to buy gas anywhere, you are supposed to stop at Esso!" Her son was driving their car in the state of Mississippi with the gas needle on empty as a sleeping Mahalia awakened in a strange gas station lot. This was the scene that piqued my curiosity about travel for African Americans, especially in the South. I wondered why Mahalia knew so well that Blacks are supposed to buy their gas only at Esso stations, a green sign. My research began on Esso and this Jim Crow era. Even though I'm 70 years old now, this was news to me! I thought I would share this with you all today. For nearly 30 years, a guide called "The Negro Motorist Green Book" advised Blacks on safe places

to eat and sleep when they traveled through the Jim Crow-era United States. First published in 1936 as the brainchild of a Harlem-based postal carrier Victor Hugo Green, it was treasured. Like most Africans Americans in the mid-20th century, Green had grown weary of the discrimination Blacks faced whenever they ventured outside their neighborhoods. Rates of car ownership had exploded in the years before and after World War II, but the lure of the interstate was also risky for African Americans. "Whites Only" policies meant Black travelers often couldn't find safe places to eat and sleep, and so-called "sundown towns" that banned Blacks after dark were scattered across America. As the foreword of the 1956 edition of the book noted, "The White traveler has had no difficulty in getting accommodations, but with the Negro it has been different." My research shows copies of this historic book are still available as a reference, including in the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture's Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division. "There will be a day sometime in the near future when this guide will not have to be published. That is when we as a race will have

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

equal opportunities and privileges in the United States. It will be a great day for us to suspend this publication for then we can go wherever we please, and without embarrassment." That was how its authors ended the introduction to the 1948 edition. It had up-to-date listings of hotels, guest houses, service stations, drug stores, taverns, barber shops and restaurants that were friendly stops for African American travelers — kind of like another version of the Underground Railroad. It was particularly careful to list the best places to stop in segregationist strongholds like Alabama and Mississippi, but included areas from Connecticut to California. In 1954, readers were encouraged to visit San Francisco, which was described as "fast becoming the focal point of the Negroes' future." With Jim Crow still looming over much of the country, a motto on the guide's cover also doubled as a warning: "Carry your Green Book with you—you may need it." Green developed the first edition of his book to only cover hotels and restaurants in the New York area, but he soon expanded its scope by gathering field reports from fellow postal carriers and

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

headline and photo for LIF Mount Olivet MALCOLMXDAY Lutheran Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.) Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

RELIGION Page 45

(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 8 - 14, 2021 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

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

40 JULY 8 - 14, 2021

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

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

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

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

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

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

Israel Baptist Church

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

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

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

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

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

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

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

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Commandment Baptist Church

Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

2001 Brooks Drive District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shiloh Baptist Church

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 8 - 14, 2021 41

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 192 Leon Franklin Decedent Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Carla M. Franklin, whose address is 215 Fortune Lane, Greensboro, NC 27408, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leon Franklin who died on April 25, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/24/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/24/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: June 24, 2021 Carla M. Franklin Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION 2021 NRT 000007

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

David William Rife Name of Deceased Settlor NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST

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

2021 ADM 000600

2021 ADM 000578

Michael Wanamaker Decedent

Eliza Brooks Decedent

Ethel Mitchell 8403 Colesville Road Suite 1100 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney

Julius P. Terrell 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite 400 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney

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

Brenda Sylvester Wanamaker, whose address is 3612 Bangor Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Michael Wanamaker who died on 12/29/2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/24/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/24/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Edward Nathaniel Brooks, Jr., whose address is 1330 E Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eliza Brooks who died on March 7, 2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/24/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/24/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

David William Rife, whose address was 1330 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Apt. 1013, Washington, DC 20036 created a revocable trust on March 17, 2020, which remained in existence on the date of his death on May 11, 2020, and Pawvana Pansiri, whose address is 1330 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Apartment 1013, Washington, DC 20036, is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to Edward G. Varrone at 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1150, Washington, DC 20006. The Trust is subject to claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors, costs of administratioAn of the settlor’s estate, the expense of the deceased settlor’s funeral and disposal of remains, and statutory allowances to a surviving spouse and children to the extent the deceased settlor’s residuary probate estate is inadequate to satisfy those claims, costs, expenses, and allowances. Claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors are barred as against the Trustee and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the address provided herein on or before December 24, 2021(6 months after the date of the first publication of this notice.) An action to contest the validity of this trust must be commenced by the earliest of (1) May 11, 2021 (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) (2) December 24, 2021, (6 months from the date of first publication of this notice) or (3) Ninety days after the Trustee sends the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust’s existence, of the Trustee’s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding. The Trustee may proceed to distribute the trust property in accordance with the terms of the trust before the expiration of the time within which an action must be commenced unless the Trustee knows of a pending judicial proceeding contesting the validity of the trust or the Trustee has received notice from a potential contestant who thereafter commences a judicial proceeding within sixty days after notification. This Notice must be mailed postmarked within 15 days of its first publication to each heir and qualified beneficiary of the trust and any other person who would be an interested person within the meaning of D.C. Code 20-101(d). Date of First Publication: 6/24/2021 Pawvana Pansiri Signature of Trustee TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Date of first publication: 6/24/2021 Brenda Sylvester Wanamaker Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

CLARK COUNTY, NEVADA

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

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

CASE NO.: D-21-625518-D, DEPT: X

2021 ADM 000131

2021 FEP 000056

Gerard Lacey Plaintiff, vs. Katrina Lacey Defendant.

Paul Ferdinand Salditt aka Paul F. Salditt Decedent

DISTRICT COURT

SUMMONS NOTICE! YOU HAVE BEEN SUED. THE COURT MAY DECIDE AGAINST YOU WITHOUT YOUR BEING HEARD UNLESS YOU RESPOND IN WRITING WITHIN 20 DAYS. READ THE INFORMATION BELOW CAREFULLY. To the Defendant named above: A civil complaint petition has been filed by the plaintiff against you for the relief as set forth in that document (see the complaint or petition). The object of this action is: Divorce. If you intend to defend this lawsuit, within 21 days after this summons is served on you (not counting the day of service), you must: 1. File with the Clerk of Court, whose address is shown below, a formal written answer to the complaint or petition. 2. Pay the required filing fee to the court, or file an Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis and request a waiver of the filing fee. 3. Serve a copy of your answer upon the Plaintiff whose name and address is shown below. If you fail to respond the Plaintiff can request your default. The court can then enter a judgement against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. STEVEN D. GRIERSON, CLERK OF COURT, By: Desiree Darris, Deputy Clerk, Date 4/20/2021, Family Courts and Services Center, 601 North Pecos Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89155, Issued on Behalf or Plaintiff: June Young, 1290 W. horizon Ridge Pkwy #2212, Henderson, NV 89012, In Proper Person. Published in Washington Informer June 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 2021

Gretchyn G. Meinken 616 N. Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Miriam Juliette Cutler, whose address is 2700 Calvert Street, NW #313, Washington, DC 20008, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Paul Ferdinand Salditt who died on 8/30/2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before January 1, 2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before January 1, 2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 7/1/2021 Miriam Juliette Cutler Personal Representative

June 13, 2020 Date of Death Richard F. Fisher aka Richard Frederick Fisher Jr. Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Janet E. Renfer whose address is 125 Hampden Drive, Mountville, Pennsylvania 17554 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Richard F. Fisher aka Richard Frederick Fisher Jr., deceased, by the Register of Wills Court for Lancaster County, State of Pennsylvania, on July 30, 2020. Service of process may be made upon Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW #700, Washington, DC 20015 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate. 2700 Virginia Avenue, NW #808, Washington, DC 20037. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice. Date of first publication: July 1, 2021 Janet E. Renfer Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

42 JULY 8 - 14, 2021

LEGAL NOTICES

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Date of first publication: June 24, 2021 Edward Nathaniel Brooks Jr. Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 615 Mary B. Jordan Decedent Valerie Edwards 1725 DeSales Street, NW Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Inez C. Jordan, whose address is 6001 Euclid Street, Cheverly, MD 20785, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary B. Jordan who died on February 19, 2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/1/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/1/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 7/1/2021 Inez C. Jordan Personal Representative

LEGAL NOTICES

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: " Thirkield Laron Gage© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: " GAGE, THIRKIELD LARON© ", corp.sole Dba.: " THIRKIELD LARON GAGE© ", having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: " Thirkield Laron Gage© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " thirkield laron gage el© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: State File Number 109-66-101511, " THIRKIELD LARON GAGE© ", is as a special deposit order conveyed to " Jus Reign Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " thirkield laron gage el© ", nom deguerre: " Thirkield Laron Gage© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " Jus Reign Trust© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente . Notice of Reference: 0112358-13

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 000573 Estate of Hazel V. Mayers Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Carroll S. Richie, whose address is 10203 Forestgrove Lane, Bowie, MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Hazel V. Mayers who died on December 5, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before January 1, 2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before January 1, 2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: July 1, 2021 Carroll S. Richie Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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LEGAL NOTICES

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: " Frimpong Ampadu© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: " AMPADU, FRIMPONG © ", corp.sole Dba.: " FRIMPONG AMPADU© ", having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: " Frimpong Ampadu© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " kwesi frimpong mma-nson© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: Birth And Death Registry, Ghana: A2470282, " FRIMPONG AMPADU© ", is as a special deposit order conveyed to " Frimpong Mma-Nson Private Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " kwesi frimpong mma-nson© ", nom deguerre: " Frimpong Ampadu© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " Frimpong Mma-Nson Private Trust© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente. Notice of Reference : 0112358-13

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

LEARN DC is seeking proposals for a vended meal contract for

2021 ADM 613

Proposals are due 7/26/21 to 100 Duncan Ave. SW Washington

Cleora F. Morton Decedent

DC, 20032.

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

2021 ADM 632

2021 ADM 000607

Dorothy Strong Johnson Decedent

Willard M. Berry Decedent

Deborah D. Boddie 1308 Ninth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Wanda Johnson, whose address is 802 West Orient Street, Tampa, Florida 33603, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy Strong Johnson who died on February 27, 2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/8/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/8/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Cheryl Chapman Henderson, Esq. 4920 Niagara Road, Suite 200 College Park, MD 20740 Attorney

CNS-3488998#

Date of first publication: 7/8/2021 Sheila D. Douglas Annette E. Douglas Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Michelle L. Evans, Esq. Offit Kurman, P.A. 7501 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1000W Bethesda, Maryland 20814 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Wanda Johnson Personal Representative

Date of first publication: 7/8/2021

Washington Informer

7/8/21

Sheila D. Douglas and Annette E. Douglas, whose addresses are 4877 Queens Chapel Terrace, NE, Washington, DC 20017 and 920 Sheridan Street, NW, WDC 20011, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Cleora F. Morton who died on 11/30/2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/8/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/8/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/8/2021

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Contact echatelain@sfwgroup.org.

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

Vanessa Berry Chatelain, whose address is 38 rue de la Chine, Paris, France 75020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Willard M. Berry who died on April 13, 2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/8/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/8/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

TRUE TEST COPY

NSLP meals. Contract begins 8/1/2021 and ends 7/31/2022.

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FREEDOM from Page 1 greatly disappointed in where we are at this particular moment, but he would not give up on the nation. He believed in the power of people, the power of young people, and the power of change to come, and I am proud to support March On for Voting Rights to help carry out that change and recommit ourselves to finishing my father’s unfinished work." King, along with his wife, Andrea Waters King, and daughter, Yolanda Renee King, will help lead the March on Voting Rights and he will stand on the same spot where his father stood 58 years ago. Rev. Al Sharpton, president of National Action Network, said in a statement, “I’m proud to be a part of the March On for Voting Rights because there is no democratic right more sacred than the right to vote, and it is under threat across America. We must fight to protect it.” Demonstrations are planned in Atlanta, Ga., Houston, Texas, Miami, Fla. and Phoenix, Ariz. –states where Republican controlled state legislatures have passed controversial bills to undermine voting rights laws since the 2020 elections to roll back Voting Rights laws. Sharpton and the National Action Network (NAN) condemned the recent United States Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee that also reverses voting rights legislation on the books. “This court of a six-justice conservative majority has doubled down, revering hard-fought gains that have helped make the constitutional promise of democracy a reality,” Sharpton said. “Exercising the right to vote is not a second-class right and NAN will continue to push Congress to pass the For the People Act to preserve our right to vote and provide equitable access to the ballot box; there is no more time to waste.” While some use the Fourth of July holiday to celebrate a return to some sense of normal, others around the region are finding their own ways to make a change in their communities as they talked about freedom. “Freedom to me is being able to exercise the ability to navigate systems locally and national regardless of one’s race, politics, culture or one’s social status, ” said Rev. Elwood Gray, pastor of Peace in the Valley Baptist Church in Silver Springs, Md. Gray, a Vietnam veteran who served in the 101st Airborne Division, is working with the American

Rev. Al Sharpton, president of National Action Network, said in a statement, “I’m proud to be a part of the March On for Voting Rights because there is no democratic right more sacred than the right to vote, and it is under threat across America. We must fight to protect it.” Minority Veterans Research Project to honor veterans dating back to WWII who never got their proper recognitions and awards. “My father got a bronze star in WWII but after college interns did research he was awarded the Silver Star because his battalion were the first ones to hit the soil during the Normandy Invasion. This was an all-black battalion made up of cooks and transportation personnel in a support team. “He received a head wound and suffered post traumatic syndrome until his death in 2004 at the age of 82,” Gray said. “We are trying to get what these soldiers have already earned.” Lt. Tracy Leiberman, of the Maryland-National Capital Park Police, worked for many years in Prince George’s County with members of the Negro baseball leagues. “Our mounted officers are looking forward to safeguarding our parks this Fourth of July,” Leiberman said. “It’s a good time to get together and celebrate all of our freedoms.” Charles D. Smith is a U.S. Navy veteran, who lives in Fairfax Station, Va. and said he celebrates Independence Day even though “I grew up in a town where I didn't see an African-American naval officer until I was in college, I wanted to serve and defend this country. I am grateful I was able to have my dream come through God's grace, he said. WI

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RELIGION from Page 39 offering cash payments to readers who sent in useful information. By the early 1940s, the Green Book listed thousands of establishments nationally, all, either Black-owned or verified to be non-discriminatory. The book's listings, organized by state and city, with the vast majority located in major metropolises such as Chicago and Detroit. Though it initially avoided addressing racism directly, it eventually began to reference and laud the achievements of the civil rights movement. "The Negro is only demanding what everyone else wants, what is guaranteed all citizens by the Constitution of the United States," stated an article in one edition. Victor Hugo Green published his book for more than 20 years before his death in 1960. His wife Alma took over but change in America amid the civil rights movement made the book no longer necesssary. Racial segregation was banned in restaurants, theaters, hotels, parks and other public places. After only two more years of publication, the Green Book ceased publication after nearly 30 years in print. WI

MALVEAUX from Page 26 You Lie could mean to the Negro. Generations have been taught the Star-Spangled Banner without understanding its author or the meaning of its lyrics. That the Daughters of the Confederacy championed it ought to say enough. Since their inception in 1894, those women have been determined to embrace the Southern "Lost Cause." Historically openly racist, they endorsed the Ku Klux Klan at their 1919 convention. They have supported or funded the erection of statues and memorials to Confederate leaders. They have never refuted their racist views, although they have had many opportunities to do so in contemporary times. Their headquarters in Richmond, the cradle of the confederacy, was damaged by fire last year

STEELE from Page 26 jobs and equality. It is an ongoing process, standing up and fighting for individuals. We have the right under the constitution of the United States. We must fight for our rights even though it is in the constitution. We can never take a vacation. We must fight for our rights every day." Now, it is time, Dr. Steele said, to revisit some strategies from the legendary civil rights playbook to restore the 1965 Voting Rights Act. "The street protests got us the 1965 Voting Rights Act," Dr. Steele said. "It is the Godly way

CHAVIS from Page 26 outcomes," as reported in Health Affairs by researchers from the M.I.T. Sloan School of Management and unsurprisingly, this rise was particularly seen in low-income neighborhoods. As with most corporate decisions, the effects of this policy will inevitably affect our nation's most vulnerable populations the most. In fact, according to a 2017 University of Maryland School of Medicine study, Black Americans use the emergency room more often than any other racial group. To put that simply, UnitedHealthcare's policy is directed at those who visit emergency rooms, and Black Americans are the most likely demographic group to visit the emergency room. A coinci-

Generations have been taught the Star-Spangled Banner without understanding its author or the meaning of its lyrics. as people protested the massacre of George Floyd at the knee of Derek Chauvin. Their ideology ought to be equally incinerated. While many opposed the national anthem, Woodrow Wilson, whose own racial views were questionable, embraced the anthem. Still, it was not made official until the passage of HR 14 in 1929. Before that, "America the Beauti-

ful" ("Oh beautiful, for gracious skies…") was considered the national anthem. The Ray Charles rendition, and his struggles to sing it in Georgia, are more impactful emblems of "America" than the lyrics of a slaveholder could ever be. Gwen Berry said the anthem did not speak for her, but it still seems to speak for so many of our fellow

We have the right under the constitution of the United States. We must fight for our rights even though it is in the constitution. We can never take a vacation. We must fight for our rights every day. of expressing our dissatisfaction in front of a massive audience and getting the government and all persons of concern all around the dence? I doubt it. Patients should not be expected to correctly self-diagnose their health issue before visiting the emergency room. Patients look to medical professions to diagnose and treat health problems; putting the burden back onto patients is unacceptable. While the policy was scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2021, public backlash led to UnitedHealthcare's new stance that it should not go into effect until "the end of the national public health emergency period." The reality is that for the Public Health Emergency (PHE) period is set to expire on July 20. 2021, if it is not renewed. So, the delay announcement was really just for show, and may not do anything in terms of ending this policy.

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world to know we are dissatisfied with the mindset of the country that was striving to provide justice and equality for all of God's chil-

citizens who mindlessly sing racist lyrics penned by a slaveholding man. As long as this is our international calling card, so long as this is the music that accompanies our athletic victories, we tell our Black athletes that they are valued for their athleticism, but not for their lives and for the injustices they experience. To force someone to stand up and listen to that nonsense is to shove patriotism down the throats of those who feel somewhat less than patriotic. It is entirely possible to excel in one's sport and look askance at American hypocrisy. Gwen Berry is one of a long line of activist athletes. She deserves applause, not approbation. She says "The Star-Spangled Banner" doesn't speak for her. It doesn't speak for me, either. WI dren. There is no other recourse, Dr. Steele said. "This is un-American," he said. "This is undemocratic. We, as a people, gave America too much credit. America is no different than any other country that tries to oppress and disenfranchise people who are not included and want to be included in the system. The system of racism has raised its ugly head. Now we must stand as we stood before because this is nothing new to us. And when we protest and sound the alarm again, we will set America on its rightful course." WI

While the policy was scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2021, public backlash led to UnitedHealthcare's new stance that it should not go into effect until "the end of the national public health emergency period." UnitedHealthcare should not get away with this. We must speak out and advocate for those who do not have a platform to speak for themselves. Those with chronic conditions, from low-income and

minority communities, deserve to seek emergency health care without fear of racial discrimination and indebting themselves or their families. WI

JULY 8 - 14, 2021 45

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JACKSON from Page 27 excuse to undermine progressive governments and side with the plantation and industrial oligarchs that have so dominated these countries for too long. The opportunity is to launch a new chapter of what Franklin Roosevelt termed the Good Neighbor Policy. Let's join China in a competition defined not by battleships and coups but by investments in infrastructure and by increased trade. As the region's neighbors, we have a big stake in their prosperity and their health. We should be leading the effort to provide and help distribute vaccines against the coronavirus. We should be helping governments choose their own development projects. We should be

WILLIAMS from Page 26 slaved by a Dutch-speaking family as a child, took pride in speaking correct English as an adult, and reportedly sounded like white New York peers. But even in this crude transcription, her message is still crystal clear. On July Fourth, it is helpful to return to her words again. Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth's contemporary and fellow abolitionist, was very explicit on how he saw this day: "What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your

ASKIA from Page 27 Right? "Personal positions of University leadership do not reflect Howard University's policies," the university said. Meanwhile, Howard has had its own challenges retaining celebrities in leadership positions on campus, from actor Bill Duke, who chaired the theater department, to Adam Clayton Powell III, general manager of WHUT-TV, to Tony Brown in its School of Communications. Historically Black colleges and universities, and I suppose universities in general, all seem to like to chew up celebrity educators the way missionary Baptist Church

mobilizing the region to address the deepening crisis caused by the extreme weather resulting from climate change — and aid the transition to sustainable energy. Saving the rain forests of Brazil surely is a global priority. As we've found in Central America, desperation will force people to leave their homes and seek ways to save their families. Walls will not stop them, but they have no desire to leave their homes if they can survive in them. Latin America and Canada are still leading trade partners. Our own prosperity and surely our own security are interrelated with their prosperity and security. In this regard, one clear first step would be to normalize relations with Cuba and end the illegal sanctions on Venezuela

which are now contributing to the immiseration of its population. Our policy toward Cuba has failed for decades. These policies are sustained, of course, by domestic political calculations, particularly the voting blocks of Cuban and Venezuelan expatriates — many of them affluent — congregated in the key state of Florida. But Biden and Democrats are more likely to gain support in the communities with a new generation by changing course, not by continuing what clearly has failed. Biden has said repeatedly that he understands the world has changed. Surely a good place to demonstrate that is in reviving our relations with our neighbors in this hemisphere. WI

sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciations of tyrants, brass fronted impudence; your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings, with all your religious parade, and solemnity, are, to him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy — a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages…[F]or revolting barbarity and shameless hypocrisy, America reigns without a rival." The legal barbarity of American slavery would soon end, but the struggle to make our nation live up to the lofty creeds enunciated in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution did not. Since Truth and Douglass' day, Black, Indigenous, and other excluded and marginalized women

and men have never stopped trying to root out the unjust and greedy weasels still gnawing away at the core of our Constitution, equal protections under the law, and other rights and freedoms needed to build a fairer America for ourselves and our children. The self-evident truths in our founding documents have not yet been realized for everyone. As efforts to undermine democracy and suppress voting rights are spreading in state legislatures across our nation, please stay awake and remain vigilant and ready to stop these 21st-century weasels that seek to return us to our Jim Crow past and weaken our nation's still-unfulfilled promise of equal opportunity and justice under the law for all. We must always move forward and never backward. WI

Deacon boards chew up young ministers-of-music. She would have been on a slippery slope even without the Cosby kerfuffle. Sha'Carri Richardson has not yet even begun a collegiate program. She is just an incredibly talented, very young athlete who can become a superstar, complete with "ghetto" earrings and hair color, and fingernails, and lengthy eye lashes. Clearly, she saw herself more like Cardi B than Wilma Rudolph. But that should not tarnish her career anymore than the revelation that Vanessa Williams, the first Black Miss America, was outed for having posed for nude pictures before her beauty pageant ascent.

She has outlived that scandal a dozen times over. Richardson can do the same. Richardson consumed that controlled substance, she said, to help her cope with the sudden news before a race that her mother had died. She deserves an opportunity to compete again at the elite level. SisStars like Sha'Carri and Phylicia need our support and encouragement. And Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams need our support as well. They deserve our support because they have earned it. And while we're at it, the Lords of Social Media and Thought owe them heartfelt apologies for the sad way they have been treated just for waking us up. WI

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