5
WorldPride
is Over, D.C.’s Fight Isn’t
By Jada Ingleton and Ve Wright WI Content Editor and WI Intern
From parading the streets of Pennsylvania Avenue, to marching in resilience at the Lincoln Memorial, WoldPride 2025, celebrated in alliance with D.C. Pride, culminated its three-
week series with a nod to the storied rejoice and resilience of the Pride movement of more than 50 years.
An estimated crowd of hundreds of thousands – whether atop the floats of Saturday’s
PRIDE Page 19
The Informer, DCPS Substitute Teacher Make Black History Come Alive
Ward
By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer
Tez’Ziah Ransford recently marked the end of her elementary school journey with a walk across the stage at John H. Ketcham Elementary School in Southeast and her acceptance of awards for excellence in math, music, socio-
emotional learning and soccer.
For Tez’Ziah, the road to middle school hasn’t been without its ups and down.
“It’s been a long time [with] different principals, different students, teachers leaving and a lot more,” Tez’Ziah told The Informer. “Every year I have a mentor that I can talk to and tell, and they can help me…explain my feelings.”
Tez’Ziah also reflected on another aspect of her burgeoning academic career: the random, but relevant, Black history facts she learned
FACTS Page 24
Ward 8 Special Election Profile: Salim Adofo
By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer
NOTE: This is the first of three (or four— depending on whether former D.C. Councilmember Trayon White accepts our invitation for an interview) candidate profiles to be released before the July 15 special election for the Ward 8 D.C. Council seat.
Less than a year after losing the Ward 8 D.C. Council Democratic primary to Trayon White, Advisory Neighborhood Chair Salim Adofo (8C) counts among those vying for the very seat that the former council member’s colleagues expelled him from after his federal bribery charge.
If elected to serve out the rest of White’s term, Adofo said he has his heart set on direct-
ADOFO Page 48
People marching in the International Rally + March on Washington for Freedom on June 8, a culmination of WorldPride 2025, in partnership with D.C.’s 50th Pride anniversary. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
5Ward 8 D.C. Council candidate Salim Adofo at his watch party for the Ward 8 Democratic primary in May 2024, in which he lost to Trayon White, who was then the council member. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)
5Charles Ray Barnes, Sr. (right) basks in the simple joys of fatherhood at a family reunion with his musician son and namesake. (Courtesy of Charles Barnes, Jr.)
FATHER’S DAY
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $55 per year, two years $70. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to:
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Karine Jean-Pierre Announces Departure from Democratic Party, Declares Independence in Upcoming Book
Karine Jean-Pierre, the former White House press secretary under former President Joe Biden, has announced that she is leaving the Democratic Party and will now identify as an Independent. The revelation comes as Jean-Pierre prepares for the release of her forthcoming book, “Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines,” scheduled to be published in October.
“Until January 20, I was responsible for speaking on behalf of the President of the United States. At noon on that day, I became a private citizen who, like all Americans and many of our allies around the world, had to contend with what was to come next for our country,” Jean-Pierre said in a public statement on Wednesday. “I determined that the danger we face as a country requires freeing ourselves of boxes. We need to be willing to exercise the ability to think
creatively and plan strategically.”
The announcement marks a striking shift for the veteran political strategist and commentator, who has long been a fixture within Democratic circles.
Jean-Pierre previously served under Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden and held senior roles in both administrations, including as a senior adviser on Biden’s 2020 campaign and chief of staff to then-Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris before ascending to the role of White House press secretary in 2022.
According to the book’s description on Amazon, Independent delivers a candid look at Jean-Pierre’s political evolution and outlines the events that shaped her decision to part ways with the Democratic Party. The book reportedly explores the
Trump-Musk Feud Could Distract from Authoritarian Threats, Black Communities Warned Not to Look Away
While the explosive public feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk is dominating headlines, some policy experts note the fight between the president and the tech billionaire— whether genuine or contrived— may serve as a distraction from the administration’s sweeping policies, many of which disproportionately threaten Black Americans.
Trump, reportedly “not interested” in reconciling with Musk after their public blow-up over the administration’s marquee tax and spending legislation, is leaning into the fallout.
The bill, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” encompasses the GOP’s broad domestic agenda, including massive cuts to Medicare and federal social programs— moves that have drawn criticism even within Republican ranks. Speaker Mike Johnson defended the bill and chas-
tised Musk’s reaction as “surprising and disappointing,” while Trump himself accused the Tesla CEO of ingratitude, noting Musk benefited from federal contracts and subsidies now potentially on the chopping block.
Their dispute unfolded in real-time across dueling social media platforms, with Musk accusing Trump of pushing a “disgusting abomination” of a bill that would balloon the national debt and cut support for vulnerable Americans. Trump, in turn, accused Musk of self-interest tied to electric vehicle mandates and even suggested terminating Musk’s government subsidies as a way to balance the budget.
But as this high-profile squabble dominates the political narrative, several executive orders are quietly making their way through the White House—orders that could deepen the ad-
Page 11
Sly Stone, Visionary Architect of Funk, Dies at 82
Sylvester “Sly” Stewart— known to the world as Sly Stone, frontman of the groundbreaking band Sly and the Family Stone— has died at the age of 82. His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by loved ones, after battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other health complications. He is survived by three children.
Emmy-winning entertainment publicist Danny Deraney took to social media to pay homage to the late singer.
“Rest easy Sly Stone,” Deraney posted. “You changed music (and me) forever. The time he won over Ed Sullivan’s audience in 1968. Simply magical.”
Born March 15, 1943, in Denton, Texas, Stone moved with his family to Vallejo, California, as a child. He began recording gospel music at age 8 with his siblings in a group called the Stewart Four. By his teenage years, he had mastered multiple instruments and was already pioneering racial integration in music—an ethos that would define his career.
In 1966, Sly and his brother Freddie merged their bands to form Sly and the Family Stone, complete with a revolutionary interracial, mixed-gender lineup. The band quickly became a commercial and
In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark
AROUND THE REGION
UDC Offers Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program
Wards 7 and 8 Residents Targeted as Students
By James Wright WI Staff Writer
During his high school years, Joshua Hawkins would walk by the Old Congress Heights School located on Martin Luther King Avenue SE every morning to attend Ballou Senior High School.
Hawkins never paid much attention to the building because he had no reason to. However, many years later, the Old Congress Heights School— which is now the Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning/Congress Heights Campus at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC)— is where he attends a professional cybersecurity apprenticeship program set up by the university in collaboration with Accenture and PeopleShores as the DC Tech Hub.
“I live a few blocks from here,” Hawkins, 31, told The Informer at the launch of the program on May 27. “I never imagined going to school here but that is what I am doing.”
Hawkins is joined by 49 other students studying cybersecurity within the context of the DC Tech Hub. The program started in April with 50 students.
UDC’s partnership with Accenture and PeopleShores is designed to expand career pathways into the cybersecurity industry for District residents through a paid, 12-month apprenticeship program.
As President of UDC, Dr. Maurice Edington embraces the DC Tech Hub as a means for his institution
final three weeks leading up to President Biden’s withdrawal from his reelection bid and what Jean-Pierre characterizes as a betrayal by the Democratic Party that influenced his decision.
“In a country obsessed with blind loyalty to a two-party democratic system,” the description states, “Karine Jean-Pierre… shares why Americans must step beyond party lines to embrace life as Independents.”
The book promises a “hard-hitting yet hopeful critique” of the current political system and argues for a redefinition of civic engagement. Jean-Pierre, described as a “history maker, veteran public servant, political analyst and in-
to build partnerships with corporate and nonprofit entities and the students to have a chance at promising careers.
“This partnership is much more than a training program— it is a launchpad for District residents seeking meaningful, lasting careers in a high-demand field,” said Edington. “It also reflects UDC’s strategic vision of becoming the District’s leading workforce and economic mobility engine, and we are extremely proud to work with Accenture and PeopleShores to bring this vision to life.”
SPECIFICS OF THE DC TECH HUB APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
The Tech Hub program consists of 15 weeks of technical training in cybersecurity fundamentals, delivered by Per Scholas in partnership with Accenture subject matter experts. Students get nine months of on-thejob training with Accenture teams.
“That is the best part of the program, you get one year in the field, on a job and they pay you while you learn,” said Hawkins. “You are earning and learning.”
Students are paid competitively in accordance with the market and accrue full benefits throughout the 12-month apprenticeship.
Marty Rodgers, the Accenture U.S. lead of the Health and Public Service Client Group, said the program will be a benefit for District residents who live east of the Anacostia River.
dependent thinker,” urges Americans to “think outside of the blue-and-red box” in pursuit of preserving democracy.
In “Independent,” Jean-Pierre reportedly calls on Americans to vote their values, resist political tribalism, and embrace individual conviction over party loyalty. She is expected to outline how misinformation has infected recent election cycles and to provide a path forward that prioritizes truth and individual responsibility.
Jean-Pierre’s move places her among a growing number of high-profile Americans and voters expressing frustration with the two-party system. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.
“The average Ward 8 resident earns $37,000,” said Rodgers, 58. “The starting salary for an apprentice in this program is $61,000.”
Ward 7 resident Amani Walker decided to join the program due to her interest in reading mysteries, looking at detective shows and solving various types of puzzles.
“This was a chance I knew I couldn’t pass up,” said Walker, 21. “It is rare to come across an opportunity of this magnitude. The program is very student-forward and people-forward. We have an amazing support system and a good, hands-on learning environment. I’m excited about my future.” WI
@JamesWrightJr10
5The UDC Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program celebrates its May 27 launch with students, administration and local officials present, including program members Amani Walker (at the mic) and Joshua Hawkins, Accenture’s Marty Rodgers, UDC President Dr. Maurice Edington, and U.S. Labor Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling (far left). (Courtesy of the University of the District of Columbia)
HOT TOPIC from Page 4
black facts AROUND THE REGION
TRAVEL + MAKE BIG MONEY!!!
JUNE 12
1930 – Barbara Clementine Harris, the first woman ordained a bishop in the Anglican Communion, is born.
1963 – Medgar Evers, civil rights leader and NAACP field secretary, is assassinated by a white segregationist in front of his Jackson, Mississippi, home. In the wake of the Brown v. Board of Education ruling, Evers had fought to help overturn segregation at the University of Mississippi and gain social justice and voting rights.
JUNE 13
1967 – Thurgood Marshall is nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Lyndon Johnson, becoming the first-ever Supreme Court justice upon Senate confirmation two months later.
JUNE 14
JUNE 12 - 18, 2025
SERENA WILLIAMS (ABOVE)
known as the “First Lady of Song,” “Queen of Jazz” and “Lady Ella,” dies in Beverly Hills.
JUNE 16
1942 – Eddie Levert, lead singer of the R&B group The O’Jays and father of Gerald and Sean Levert, is born in Bessemer, Alabama.
1970 – Kenneth A. Gibson is elected mayor of Newark, New Jersey, the first African American mayor of a major eastern U.S. city.
1971 – Iconic rapper and actor Tupac Shakur is born in the East Harlem section of Manhattan, New York.
1975 – Singer and actor Adam Wade becomes the first African American game show host, helming CBS’s “Musical Chairs.”
JUNE 17
1864 – Congress rules that African American soldiers must receive equal pay. Earlier that month, Pvt. Sylvester Ray of the 2nd U.S. Colored Cavalry was recommended for trial because he refused to accept pay inferior to that of white soldiers.
JUNE 15
1913 – Effie O’Neal, the first Black woman to hold an executive position in the American Medical Association, is born.
1921 – Aviator Bessie Coleman becomes the first African American woman to earn a pilot’s license and an international aviation license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.
1969 – Rapper, actor and filmmaker Ice Cube, member of seminal hip-hop group N.W.A., is born in Los Angeles.
1996 – Iconic jazz chanteuse Ella Fitzgerald, also
1871 – Author, lyricist, poet and educator James Weldon Johnson — who wrote the lyrics of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” known as the “Negro national anthem” — is born in Jacksonville, Florida.
1937 – Journalist Robert Maynard, who became the first African American owner of a major metropolitan daily newspaper in 1983 when he and his wife purchased The Oakland Tribune, is born.
1980 – Tennis great Venus Williams, the first Black American woman to be ranked No. 1 in the world during the Open era, is born.
JUNE 18
1899 – Inventor W.H. Richardson patents the “Baby Buggy,” the first reversible stroller.
1942 – Bernard W. Robinson, Harvard University medical student, becomes the Navy’s first Black officer. 1968 – The U.S. Supreme Court rules that it is a violation of the law to discriminate in selling or renting residential property. WI
In
view
P INT
BY SARAFINA WRIGHT
AROUND THE REGION
DIANE WESSINGER / BATON ROUGE, LA.
MAALIK S. / HENRICO, VA
Carefully choose the company that you keep.
Your salvation comes through Jesus Christ.
VINCENT WILLIAMS / WASHINGTON, D.C.
BUTCH THOMAS / RICHMOND, VA.
Be honest and treat people right.
If you know you have done your best, then that is all that matters.
RONALD ABRAHAM / RICHMOND, VA.
Always pay yourself first!
Our staff is made up of writers, just like you. We are dedicated to making publishing dreams come true. Trusted by authors for nearly 100 years, Dorrance has made countless authors’ dreams come true.
AROUND THE REGION
Tsehay Ethiopian Restaurant & Bar Seeks to Offer Authentic Experience
RAMMY’s Nominated Restaurant
By James Wright WI Staff Writer
Marayani Thism loves to enjoy the District’s restaurant scene and feels blessed to live in the Petworth neighborhood in Northwest so she can be close to many establishments.
On June 7, she and a friend from Baltimore, Karthik Vempati, decided to go out to eat at one of her favorite nearby restaurants, Tsehay Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar, located in the ethnically diverse, bustling Adams Morgan neighborhood in Northwest.
“This is the third time I have been here,” said Thism, 25. “This restaurant comes highly rated with its Michelin review and I like its menu that has vegetarian offerings. The food here is authentic and meets my dietary needs.”
Thism did not express shock when finding out that the eatery has been nominated for a RAMMY, the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington’s (RAMW) awards, for Casual Restaurant of the Year (for 2024).
“You get good food at a good price here and the atmosphere is pleasant,” she said.
While the winner will not be announced until Aug. 3, during the annual RAMMYS gala at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest, D.C, Tsehay co-owner Thewodros Yirdaw was also pleased at the nomination.
“We were blown away when we heard about it,” Yirdaw, 41, said. “We
are very grateful and glad that Ethiopian food is getting the recognition it deserves.”
THE STORY
BEHIND TSEHAY
Tsehay is the name of Yirdaw’s mother-in-law, mother of his wife Selam Gossa.
“Tsehay grew up in Harragie, Ethiopia and learned how to cook traditional Ethiopian food while helping her mother in the kitchen,” he said. “As she grew older and could work, she began working with Greek and Japanese immigrants to diversify and further hone her cooking skills and became passionate for food.”
Yirdaw said Tsehay married and moved to Ethiopia’s capital city, Addis Ababa, and opened a café to support her four children. He noted that his mother-in-law did not purchase spices but instead made everything they served by hand.
Yirdaw said he and his wife left Addis Ababa in 2001 to come to the U.S.
Yirdaw’s family are a part of a large contingent of Ethiopians and Ethiopian Americans that number slightly over 200,000 in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, the largest gathering of its type outside of Africa.
“We came to the United States for a better life,” he said. “We wanted financial security. We wanted to have a simple job.”
THE TSEHAY EXPERIENCE
In a nod to her mother, Gossa makes berbere, kibe and shiro (chickpea flour
stew) in the kitchen from ingredients she purchases and cobbles together instead of purchasing the food prepackaged.
“Let me say that we authentically prepare our food,” Yirdaw said. “We know there are other Ethiopian restaurants, and they do what they do, but when they say they prepare their food authentically, I think they use the term loosely.”
Yirdaw said his wife prepared teff injera— a popular bread-like food that is popular in Ethiopia— by hand and is not pre-packaged. He said other food items are also cooked by hand and done a certain way.
Another hallmark of the Tsehay experience is eating without silverware. Customers pick up the food with their fingers and consume it.
When customers new to that eating technique raise concerns, Yirdaw points out other customs at some restaurants.
“When you go to a Chinese restaurant, you use chopsticks,” he said. “Using your hands to eat is the easiest thing you can do. We have plenty of napkins if you need them.”
The tibs that consist of various meats such as beef are offered to the customer. Lamb and beef stews and the vegan combination platter—a favorite of Thism— offers six dishes to be sampled at one time.
Vempati, Thism’s friend, was impressed with his visit to Tsehay, speaking well of the service and the tastiness of the food.
“This place is awesome,” he said. “The food was filling, and it is a nice place to have a meal.” WI
@JamesWrightJr10
5Tsehay Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar is in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of the District. (Courtesy Photo/Tripadvisor)
AROUND THE REGION
Los Angeles Crackdown Raises Alarms for Black D.C. Communities
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
As National Guard troops descend on Los Angeles under President Donald Trump’s orders, Black residents in Washington, D.C., are watching a familiar scenario unfold—one that began in their own streets.
In June 2020, Trump deployed federal forces to the nation’s capital without local approval, ordering the violent removal of peaceful demonstrators— many of them Black— protesting the police killing of George Floyd.
Now, Trump has bypassed Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom to send 2,000 troops into L.A., where immigration raids and community protests have sparked federal intervention.
For Black Washingtonians who live in a city without the protection of a state government, the federal crackdown on protest in L.A. is not just distant news—it’s a renewed warning of what can happen when Black dissent meets unchecked presidential power.
Here are five specific reasons why Black Washingtonians should be watching closely:
1. D.C. Was the Stage for Trump’s First Militarized Attack on Black Protestors
During the George Floyd protests in 2020—primarily led by Black organizers—Trump ordered federal forces into D.C. and cleared peaceful demonstrators by force. The protestors were speaking out against police violence against Black Americans yet were met with military-style aggression. That response set a precedent now being repeated in Los Angeles.
2. Black D.C. Residents Are Already Disproportionately Policed D.C. has a long history of over-policing in Black neigh -
borhoods, and Black residents make up the majority of arrests and stops in the city. Federal deployment only adds another layer of militarized surveillance and force, often targeting communities already under pressure. What’s happening in L.A.—with a military presence near Black neighborhoods like Compton—reflects what D.C. communities could face again.
3. The Lack of Statehood Leaves Black Residents Politically Powerless
D.C. is nearly 45% Black, and yet its residents have no voting representation in Congress and no governor to prevent federal overreach. That means Black Washingtonians, who often lead and participate in protests for justice, remain uniquely exposed to federal crackdowns with few legal protections.
4. Project 2025 Targets Movements Led by Black Communities
The Project 2025 agenda proposes defunding diversity programs, expanding federal law enforcement authority, and granting the president greater control over law enforcement. These measures threaten Blackled movements, community protection, and access to legal recourse. If implemented, they could recreate 2020-style crackdowns at an even greater scale.
5. Trump’s Rhetoric Criminalizes Black Dissent
Trump’s repeated use of terms like “riots,” “thugs,” and “looters” when describing protests— particularly those led by Black communities—frames calls for justice as criminal behavior. In both D.C. in 2020 and L.A. today, Trump’s rhetoric has been used to justify military force against Black and brown protestors. This isn’t about public safety, it’s about suppressing dissent.
WI
5Tanks driving along K Street NW in Washington, D.C. on June 1, 2020. As National Guard troops descend on Los Angeles under President Donald Trump’s orders, Black residents in Washington, D.C., are watching a similar scenario to June 2020 unfold. (WI File Photo/Micha Green)
AROUND THE REGION
CAPTURE THE MOMENt
On Monday, June 2, the Bowser Administration and the Mayor’s Office on Caribbean Community Affairs (MOCCA) celebrated the start of Caribbean Heritage Month outside of the John A. Wilson building in Northwest, D.C. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)
Art historian and curator Jeffreen M. Hayes, Ph.D., reads an edition of The Washington Informer newspaper. (Jacques Benovil/ The Washington Informer)
DMV Fatherhood Coalition Continues Annual Tradition of Honoring Local Black Fathers, Dispelling Negative Stereotypes
By D. Kevin McNeir WI Contributing Writer
Continuing a Father’s Day tradition that began 15 years ago, the DMV Fatherhood Coalition will pay tribute to local fathers who exemplify the best about Black dads and whose lives dispel false notions about their love for support of their children and families.
As in years past, the annual program will be hosted by Southeast, D.C.’s Union Temple Baptist Church on June 15, with Dr. Franklyn Malone and Tyrone Parker, two seasoned fatherhood advocates, serving as cochairs.
Malone said their goal remains the same: to pay tribute to fathers who are living up to their family and community responsibilities.
“We are committed to changing the hearts and minds of those who say nothing good about Black fathers and who believe what is more often reported in society,” Malone said. “Despite the stereotypes, Black fathers, most of them, love their children and want to do everything they can to help them grow and become positive members
of their communities. If we don’t share the good news about us, who will?”
Parker said it’s good to put the spotlight on fathers who are contributing in positive ways to their communities and their children.
“Far too many fathers go unappreciated and undervalued in our own communities,” he said. “Further, their
contributions, while often taken for granted, add to the positive spirit and strength we need to keep our families and communities together and strong.”
Each year, the program pays tribute to fathers who represent multiple categories, from “Incarcerated Father of the Year” to the highest honor, “Father of the Year.” A committee reviews a list of potential honorees before making their decision.
This year, Dr. Chapman Cosby has been chosen as Father of the Year.
Parker explained why Cosby was a unanimous choice.
“Dr. Cosby has been married for 42 years and has lived up to all that we expect of a father – a father to his own children and to those around him who need a father figure in their lives,” Parker said. “The word that best describes him is integrity. He has always demonstrated integrity and a love for his people that has no limits. No matter the cost, he has maintained the highest of standards in every phase of his life. I know our ancestors would be proud of how he has continued to hold up the light.” WI
Trump’s Birthday Military Parade to Shut Down Reagan National Airport, Disrupt Travel and Cost Millions
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
Travelers flying in and out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on June 14 are being warned of major disruptions as the Federal Aviation Administration prepares to shut down operations for a military parade marking the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary — an event timed to coincide with President Donald Trump’s birthday.
The parade and related celebrations, described on the U.S. Army’s official site as a full-day extravaganza, are projected to cost between $25 million and $45 million. It will include more than 100 vehicles, 50 helicopters, and thousands of soldiers. Much of it will take place across six blocks in central Washington, D.C., cutting through the National Mall
and concluding near the White House, where Trump is expected to watch from a viewing stand on Constitution Avenue.
In a statement on its website, Reagan National Airport warned that airline operations will be suspended during the military flyovers and fireworks.
“Customers with flight reservations for the evening of June 14 should check the status of their flights directly with their airline,” airport officials said.
The airport also discouraged visitors from coming to view the fireworks due to limited garage parking and warned of major traffic delays from road closures and increased foot traffic.
Trump, who has repeatedly called for reduced federal spending, is facing scrutiny for celebrating with a
lavish parade funded by taxpayers, while many in his political party push for sweeping cuts to social services including Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, and federal employee rolls. Additionally, Trump’s various golf excursions have cost taxpayers an estimated $30 million in just five months.
The event’s scale, timing, and cost have sparked criticism, particularly given its alignment with Trump’s birthday and its impact on federal and civilian operations.
The thought of this makes my stomach turn,” Tara Setmayer, co-founder and CEO of The Seneca Project, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “This isn’t about celebrating our Army. It’s a dictator parade for Trump using our military as props.”
WI
5 Dr. Chapman Cosby is the DMV Fatherhood Coalition 2025 Father of the Year. (Courtesy Photo)
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY
Kilmar Abrego Garcia Returning to U.S. After Weeks Long Legal Fight
By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland father who was deported to El Salvador despite his protective legal status, has returned to the United States following a long battle between the Trump administration and advocates who sought to protect him and the powers of the U.S. Constitution.
A federal judge ruled his deportation as unconstitutional, and the Supreme Court upheld this decision in a rare unanimous verdict.
Abrego Garcia is now facing federal charges in Tennessee alleging he conspired to transport undocumented immigrants within the United States. His indictment also alleges that he is a member of the criminal gang MS-13, which his family has denied.
Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, who is serving as Abrego Garcia’s attorney, noted that his return to Tennessee is indicative that he could’ve been returned to his family previously.
“We’re not just fighting for Kilmar, we’re fighting to ensure due process rights are protected for everyone. Because tomorrow, this could be any one of us – if we let power unchecked, if we ignore our
Constitution,” said Sandoval-Moshenberg.
Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen took a widely-publicized visit to the Central American nation and attempted to visit the notorious Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), where Abrego Garcia was being held.
“After months of ignoring our Constitution, it seems the Trump administration has relented to our demands for compliance with court orders and due process for Kilmar Abrego Garcia,” said Van Hollen, who emphasized the importance of standing up on behalf of his constituents. “This has never been about the man — it’s about his constitutional rights and the rights of all.”
Like Van Hollen, Rep. Glenn Ivey (D- Md.), who also counts Abrego Garcia as one of his constituents, has been calling for the Maryland father’s release from El Salvador.
“Due process matters in America. The Supreme Court ruled 9-0 for Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s return,” Ivey told The Informer in a statement. “Finally he has been brought back for his day in court! I hope he is able to receive a fair trial.”
MARYLANDERS
WEIGH IN: ‘KILMAR DESERVES JUSTICE, NOT SLANDER’ Abrego Garcia’s return comes as a relief to countless advocates and legislators in Maryland and nationwide.
Prince George’s County Councilmember Wala Blegay spoke at an April rally demanding Abrego Garcia’s release while numerous
3Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man who was deported to El Salvador, is now back in the United States and facing federal charges in Tennessee for allegedly conspiring to transport undocumented immigrants within the United States.
(Courtesy Photo/ CASA)
legislators met with Van Hollen as he returned from El Salvador.
Jorge Benitez Perez, a Prince George’s county resident and community organizer, expressed optimism at Abrego Garcia’s return.
“Kilmar coming back home gives us hope. For immigrants it shows that we have rights. For everyday people, it shows us that the constitution is being upheld. Due process is something every human should have the right to regardless of their immigration status,” he said in a statement to The Informer.
Laurel resident Calondra Young, executive vice president of Young Democrats of Maryland, expressed concerns regarding the Trump administration’s efforts to portray Abrego-Garcia as a criminal.
“To smear Kilmar Garcia as ‘MS13’ when a judge has already ruled that the U.S. government made a mistake is not just reckless, it’s inhumane. Kilmar is a Maryland father, not a caricature. Instead of taking responsibility and correcting the injustice, this administration chooses to double down on dehumanization and fear-mongering. It’s not just a mockery, it’s a betrayal of justice and basic human dignity,” she told The Informer. She expressed the need to continue advocacy amid troubled times.
“Kilmar deserves justice, not slander. We will not stay silent while our neighbors are dehumanized,” she continued.
Montgomery County resident Cherri Branson noted that the resignation of Ben Schrader, the former chief of the criminal division for the U.S. Attorney’s mid-Tennessee district, following the an-
KILMAR
Secretary Schiraldi Resigns Juvenile Services Leadership Post
By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter
In a shakeup to Maryland Department of Juvenile Services leadership, Secretary Vincent Schiraldi resigned from his position effective on June 9. Betsy Fox Tolentino, who Schiraldi recommended to succeed him, will serve as the acting replacement.
While Schiraldi said he was ready to leave the department, he also said that public criticism regarding juvenile crime and administrative problems revealed in a recent audit was not why he was leaving.
Schiraldi was appointed by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) following a career of advocacy in New York and a brief tenure as New York City’s Department of Corrections Commissioner in the last months of Mayor Bill De Blasio’s (D) term (2014-2022).
Moore thanked Schiraldi for his service.
“Vinny Schiraldi brought decades of experience and innovative thinking to the task of running the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services,” Moore, who recently appointed Harry Coker Jr. as the new Commerce Secretary and Dr. Meena Seshamani as the new Secretary of Health, said in a statement.
Having served as DJS secretary since 2023, Schiraldi said there was more he hoped to accomplish in criminal justice reform.
“I regret we didn’t do more to roll back mass incarceration here, or too many politicians that either vilify young people, particularly Black young people, in an effort to advance their careers. And, too many other politicians that run hiding from that debate,” he said in an interview with WBAL. “So, one thing I’m looking forward to is being freed up to participate in that debate again.”
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
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Learn more at pgparks.com/blackhistory or scan the QR code.
5Vincent Schiraldi is no longer the secretary of Maryland’s Department of Juvenile Services, after resigning effective June 9, and tapping Betsy Fox Tolentino to serve as his acting replacement. (Courtesy Photo)
BUSINESS
By James Wright / WI Staff Writer
ADVENTISTS
HEALTHCARE
ENDS PURSUIT OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY
HOSPITAL
Adventist HealthCare and Howard University recently announced that talks regarding the possible acquisition of the Howard University Hospital (HUH) by Adventist HealthCare have ended.
In conjunction, Management Services Agreements (MSAs) between Adventist HealthCare and Howard University will be phased out over a transition period. The hospital’s MSA, as well as the Faculty Practice Plan’s MSA, will end in February 2026.
“The collaboration between Howard University and Adventist HealthCare over the past five years has resulted in a number of significant achievements and continued to build upon HUH’s legacy of delivering excellent care to our community and leadership in education and research,” said Howard University President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D.
Howard University Hospital,
briefs
a private nonprofit institution, is the nation’s only teaching hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university. Adventist HealthCare, based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, is one of the longest-serving health systems in the Washington, D.C. region.
In February 2020, Adventist HealthCare began providing management services for HUH.
In February of 2023, Adventist HealthCare and Howard University added a second MSA, centered on the university’s employed physician network, called the Faculty Practice Plan.
“While Howard and Adventist have mutually agreed to discontinue Adventist’s management of the Hospital and Faculty Practice Plan, the university will continue efforts to secure a future partnership,” Vinson continued.
HUH operations will transition back to the university as the MSAs wind down. During this transition Hospital physician care, patient services, student and resident academic training, and research activity will remain unchanged.
“While we were not able to find a solid path forward to a long-term agreement, the partnership successfully resulted in key improvements
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that will continue to serve all those seeking hope and healing,” said Adventist HealthCare President and CEO John Sackett. WI
OCC’S RODNEY E. HOOD DISCUSSES FINANCIAL LITERACY EDUCATION
Acting Comptroller of the Currency Rodney E. Hood recently discussed the importance of financial literacy education in remarks at the Financial Literacy and Education Commission.
He highlighted the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s (OCC) financial literacy publications and resources, while also encouraging banks to consider how they can support customers’ fiscal health.
“Financial literacy education plays a key part in driving financial inclusion and participation in our financial system,” Hood said. “Financial education empowers more people to better use financial products and services to manage their day-to-day needs; access capital to invest in themselves, their businesses, and their communities; and build wealth for themselves and future generations.”
Hood explained the OCC’s long time support of banks’ working to financial education for their customers, through such things as “our quarterly Financial Literacy Update, our Insights reports on financial capability and other financial literacy topics, and online resource directories.”
“OCC publications and resource directories point to best practices for financial literacy and education programs that emphasize the importance of evaluating the programs’ impact and effectiveness,”
3 Howard University Hospital is the nation’s only teaching hospital at a Black institution. (WI File Photo/ Anthony Tilghman)
the acting comptroller continued.
Moreover, the OCC encourages banks to consider other ways to support customers’ financial health.
“Banks may look for ways to understand their customers’ challenges; consider opportunities to provide responsive products and services; and take other steps to support customer efforts to improve their financial position,” Hood said. WI
NEFE RELEASES DATA ON MULTIGENERATIONAL HOUSEHOLDS
The National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) has collected and released data on the financial well-being of U.S. adults living in multigenerational households—generally defined as individuals who live with and/or support other adults, children, parents, grandparents etc.
Respondents say they spend an average of $500 a month in support of other adults in their life, including adult children, and 73% report their caregiving or financial responsibilities to others in their household have required them to make unexpected financial changes.
Other findings of the NEFE data include:
• Respondents who said they have a quality of life that is “worse than expected” totaled 46%. However, for respondents who received financial education in high school and found it useful, 67% found their quality of financial life to be “better than expected.”
• 49% support adult children or grandchildren. Of that group, the most common form of financial support is by providing a place to live (47%) and help with living expenses (44%).
• 73% report their caregiving or financial responsibilities to others have required them to do things they otherwise would not do, such as taking out credit card debt (20%) or other personal debt (16%), delaying a life event (19%), making an unplanned withdrawal from a retirement fund (13%) or delaying retirement (11% among those aged 50-64 years old).
• 46% rate their quality of life as “worse than expected.”
• 11% have helped raise children that were not their own.
• 14% have returned to work or taken an additional job. “Multigenerational households, because of their make-up and unique circumstances, often encounter many of the same financial issues as nuclear or single parent families, but instead of encountering these issues progressively, they are more likely to face them concurrently. This adds a level of complexity for how to properly prepare for the financial present and future,” says Billy Hensley, Ph.D., president and CEO of NEFE. “This data identifies many of the different issues and decisions that must be made within multigenerational households. Reassuringly, the data indicates that financial education, while not a single solution, is an aid to those who received it in high school.”
WI @JamesWrightJr10
6 Rodney Hood is the acting Comptroller of the Currency. (Courtesy Photo/OCC)
Black Women in D.C. Federal Jobs Among the Most Impacted by Trump’s DEI Rollback
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
In Washington, D.C.—where African Americans make up more than 30% of the labor force and Black women have historically viewed government service as a pathway to upward mobility— President Donald Trump’s purge of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs has delivered a punishing blow.
According to a December 2024 report by the D.C. Policy Center, the District’s prime working-age labor force participation rate has consistently outpaced the national average, climbing from 86.6% in 2010 to 91.5% in 2023. Despite this progress, the report also shows that Black D.C. residents continue to experience lower labor force participation rates than their white counterparts—a disparity that widened by 3.7 percentage points between 2010 and 2023.
The divide has only grown under Trump’s second presidency.
A new ProPublica investigation reveals that Black women—especially those working in stable federal jobs in the D.C. region—have been disproportionately impacted by the Trump administration’s aggressive rollback of
DEI efforts. The administration’s executive orders have resulted in sudden terminations and administrative leave for hundreds of civil servants, many of whom had no direct ties to DEI roles but were still targeted based on perceived past affiliations.
Quay Crowner, a seasoned HR executive with more than two decades in federal service, was placed on leave from her job at the Department of Education despite her work not falling under any DEI mandate.
“We are still just in utter shock that the public service we took an oath to complete … has fallen apart,” Crowner told ProPublica.
She and other affected employees, mostly Black women, had previously participated in DEI training encouraged during Trump’s first term.
The D.C.-based firings have raised legal and constitutional questions. A class-action complaint filed in March with the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board—backed by the ACLU of D.C.—alleges that the Trump administration violated the First Amendment and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by disproportionately targeting nonwhite and nonmale workers.
Attorney Kelly Dermody, who is
Protecting What Matters: Estate Planning During Alzheimer’s
Aimee D. Griffin, Esq.
June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month time dedicated to increasing understanding, advancing research, and honoring the lives touched by this devastating disease. For the Black community, where Alzheimer’s is nearly twice as prevalent as in white Americans, according to Alzheimer’s Association, the month carries an even more urgent message: we must plan ahead to protect our families, preserve our assets, and ensure that our legacies reflect our values.
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy—it is a critical act of love and protection for every Black family. It is the blueprint for what happens when we can no longer speak for ourselves due to illness like Alzheimer’s or after we pass. When done early and thoughtfully, estate planning helps ensure that our wishes are honored, our children are cared for, and our assets stay within our community.
The Alzheimer’s Connection
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of dementia that impacts memory, thinking, and behavior. It slowly robs individuals of their ability to make decisions, communicate, and recognize their loved ones. By the time many families confront the realities of Alzheimer’s, it is often too late to put legal protections in place.
This is why starting the estate planning process before there is a diagnosis—or early in the disease’s progression—is essential. Legal documents like a durable power of attorney, healthcare proxy, and living will give trusted family members the authority to make decisions on your behalf. Without them, families may face legal battles or be forced to make heartbreaking guesses about your wishes.
A Community Call to Action
The truth is, far too many of our elders die without a will or plan in place, and the consequences are serious. Homes passed down through generations are lost to probate court or tax sales. Siblings argue over money. Caregivers are left without clear guidance or financial support. These struggles are preventable with proactive estate planning.
In our community, we must break the silence and stigma around both dementia and estate planning. Talking about what will happen when we age or become ill is not morbid—it is empowering. It ensures that the values we live by today continue to guide our families tomorrow.
Planning is Power
This June, as we honor those living with Alzheimer’s and remember those we have lost, let us also commit to taking action. Make an appointment with an estate planning attorney who understands your values and community. Update your legal documents if it’s been more than five years or if your health has changed. Talk to your loved ones about your plans.
Estate planning is not just about death—it’s about living with dignity, clarity, and control. It’s about showing up for our families now so they won’t have to scramble later.
3People talking to a representative at Apprenticeship Innovation Program Fest 2025 in Largo, Maryland in April. A new investigation reveals Black women are disproportionately affected by the Trump administration’s aggressive rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. (WI File
Photo/Anthony Tilghman)
Let’s turn awareness into action. Protect your mind, your money, and your legacy. Because our community is worth planning for.
Aimee D. Griffin, Esq.
Life and Legacy Counselors
1401 Mercantile Lane, Ste 271, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 5335 Wisconsin Ave NW Ste 440 Washington, DC 20015 1100 N. Glebe Road, Ste 1010, Arlington, VA 22201 www.yourestateplanningattorney.com (855) 574-8481 connects all locations
NATIONAL
100 Percent Black, 100 Percent American: Inside the Towns That Remain Entirely Black
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
Across the United States, several towns stand out not just for their history or geography but for one defining statistic: every single resident identifies as Black or African American.
Jonestown, Mississippi, located in Coahoma County, reports a 100% Black population in 2025. The town has a total of 866 residents, a sharp drop from 956 in 2020. The median household income is $20,900, with more than 60% of residents living in poverty. The average household income stands at just under $30,000.
In Lincoln Park, Georgia, all 715 residents identify as Black. The town has a median household income of $48,006, with a poverty rate of nearly 19%. Lincoln Park has seen modest growth since 2020 but is now declining at a rate of -1.11% annually.
Unionville, Georgia, also re-
ports a 98.7% Black population. Though slightly more economically stable, Unionville has experienced a population decline of nearly 25% in the past year. The median income is $50,371, and more than a quarter of residents live in poverty.
Harlem, Florida, has a population of 3,050, all of whom identify as Black or African American. The poverty rate in Harlem is just over 5%, but incomes remain low, with a per capita income of $18,618 and a median household income of $44,960.
These towns, while small in size, represent larger questions about investment, infrastructure, and equality in places where Black Americans make up the entire community.
“Our town is still here, still standing, still ours,” one resident said of Harlem, Florida said. “But being 100% Black means 100% of the weight is on us.” Here’s are ten towns that are all Black.
1. Harlem, Florida
Population: 3,050
Median Household
Income: $44,960
Poverty Rate: 7.1%
Median Age: 33 years
Notes: Harlem has experienced an 18.4% population increase from 2022 to 2023.
2. Unionville, Georgia
Population: 1,670
Median Household
Income: $50,371
Poverty Rate: 26.2%
Median Age: 29.7 years
Notes: Unionville households earn slightly more than those in Louisville and Jonesboro, Georgia.
3. Jonestown, Mississippi
Population: 962
Median Household
Income: $20,900
Poverty Rate: 59.0%
Median Age: 35.4 years
Notes: Jonestown’s population decreased by 1.88% between 2022 and 2023.
4. Mosses, Alabama Population: 865
Median Household
Income: $26,250
Poverty Rate: 33.3%
Median Age: 32.5 years
Notes: The median household income declined by 6.58% from 2022 to 2023.
5. Lincoln Park, Georgia Population: Approximately 715
Median Household Income: $48,006
Poverty Rate: 2.4%
Median Age: 45.9 years
Notes: Lincoln Park households have a median income slightly higher than those in Washington and Zebulon, Georgia.
6. Epes, Alabama Population: 361
Median Household Income: $15,156
Poverty Rate: 55.1%
Median Age: 36.6 years
Notes: Epes has a significantly higher poverty rate compared to the national average.
7. White Oak, Mississippi Population: 533
Median Household
Income: Data not available
Poverty Rate: 58.5%
Median Age: 18.1 years
Notes: White Oak has a notably young median age.
8. Mappsville, Virginia Population: 313
Median Household
Income: $65,463
Poverty Rate: 12.8%
Median Age: 51.4 years
Notes: Mappsville’s median household income is higher than the state average.
9. Mount Carmel, South Carolina
Population: Data not available
Median Household
Income: Data not available
Poverty Rate: Data not available
Median Age: Data not available
Notes: Specific demographic and economic data for Mount Carmel is currently unavailable.
10. Siracusaville, Louisiana
Population: Data not available
Median Household Income: Data not available
Poverty Rate: Data not available
Median Age: Data not available
Notes: Specific demographic and economic data for Siracusaville is currently unavailable. WI
5 Across the United States, several towns stand out not just for their history or geography but that every single resident identifies as Black or African American. (WI File Photo/AI Generated using Fotor)
Tulsa’s First Black Mayor Unveils $105 Million Greenwood Trust to Repair Race Massacre Legacy
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
On Tulsa Race Massacre Observance Day, Mayor Monroe Nichols, the city’s first African American mayor, announced the launch of the Greenwood Trust, a $105 million private charitable fund aimed at addressing the lasting economic and social devastation caused by the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
Standing at the Greenwood Cultural Center on Sunday, June 1, Nichols introduced the Trust as part of his “Road to Repair” initiative, designed to unify Tulsa and support the recovery of survivors, descendants, and the Historic Greenwood District, which was once known as Black Wall Street.
“This is a critical step to help unify Tulsans and heal the wounds that for so long prevented generations of our neighbors from being able to recover from the Race Massacre,” Nichols said. “The Greenwood Trust is really a bridge that connects what we as a community can bring to the table and what the community needs.”
The Greenwood Trust will serve as a vehicle to spur economic development and growth in North Tulsa, the Greenwood District, and surrounding neighborhoods. Nichols said the Trust will focus on three areas: housing and homeownership benefits for survivors and descendants of the Race Massacre, cultural preservation, and economic and educational advancement.
The plan calls for $24 million to support housing in Greenwood and North Tulsa. An additional $60 million will be allocated toward revitalizing buildings, addressing blight, and implementing components of the Kirkpatrick Heights Greenwood Master Plan. A $21 million Legacy Fund will support land acquisition, provide scholarships for descendants, and offer grants to local small businesses and organizations. The city council does need to approve any land transfer, but Nichols said the lawmakers aren’t likely to object.
The mayor acknowledged that the national political climate— with President Donald Trump’s attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives—makes any
5 Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols is working on the Greenwood Trust, a $105 million private charitable fund aimed at addressing the lasting economic and social devastation caused by the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. (Courtesy Photo)
form of reparations difficult.
“The fact that this lines up with a broader national conversation is a tough environment,” Nichols said. “But it doesn’t change the work we have to do.”
Nichols said the first operational year of the Trust will serve as a planning year. Staff will be hired, fundraising will commence, and foundational programs will be established. The Trust will be managed by an executive director funded privately, along with a board of trustees and a board of advisors.
“As we seek to make this framework a reality, I am eager to work alongside my fellow Tulsans and partners across the country to create a fundamental shift in how we further establish generational wealth, housing opportunities, and repair for so many Tulsans,” said Nichols.
Many people on social media have been weighing in on the mayor’s announcement with excitement and questions.
One social media user celebrated the news of the Trust emphasizing it was “over 104 years in the making.”
TULSA Page 46
n Business Cards
n Banners
n Canvas Bags
n Color Copies
n Contracts & Vouchers
n Church Fans
n Fax & Scan n
n Tithe Envelopes
International Leaders Condemn Trump’s Travel Ban as Divisive, Unfair
New Restrictions Spark Strain on International Relations
By Mya Trujillo WI Contributing Writer
President Donald Trump has left many members of the international community in dismay after issuing a travel ban, which completely restricts entry to the United States from 12 countries and imposes partial limitations on entry from seven countries. The proclamation, which was announced and signed on June 4, went into effect on June 9.
“Today’s proclamation weaponizes and distorts immigration laws to target people that the president dislikes and disagrees with – and it does so based primarily on racial and religious animus,” said Stephanie Gee, the senior director of U.S. at the International Refugee Assistance Project in a statement. “It is yet another shameful attempt by the Trump administration to sow division, fear, and chaos.”
Per the newly instated policy, nationals from the following countries are suspended from entering the U.S.: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. One of the most common reasons for these countries to have such intense restrictions is due to the high number of visitors who have stayed in the U.S. past their visa’s expiration date.
The countries with a partial suspension include: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. Those with a B-1 visa for business purposes, a B-2 for tourism, an F or M student visa or a J visa for exchange programs are all barred from entering the United States. Consular offices have been given the green light to reduce the validity of any other nonimmigrant visas issued to the foreign citizens of the aforementioned countries.
In a video announcing the proclamation, Trump stated it is in the best interest of the U.S. citizens’ safety that he introduce a ban this extensive.
“In the 21st century, we’ve seen one terror attack after another carried out by foreign visa overstayers from dangerous places all over the world,” Trump said. “Very simply, we cannot have open migration from any coun-
5 The travel ban, titled “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,” aims to become stricter in issuing visas to nonimmigrants, completely prohibiting travel from countries with high visa overstay rates. (Courtesy Photo)
try where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States.”
Exceptions to the suspensions include: permanent U.S. residents; those with dual nationality who aren’t travelling with a passport from one of the restricted countries; travelers with visas for employees of international organizations or NATO; those with immediate family immigrant visas; adoption visas; Afghan Special Immigrant visas; Special Immigrant visas for U.S. Government employees; and immigrant visas for minorities subjected to persecution in Iran.
Gee expressed her disgust for the ban extending an exception to athletes, while excluding ordinary global citizens who have undergone ample legal action to enter the U.S., referring to the notion as “completely arbitrary.”
INTERNATIONAL LEADERS REACT
Out of the 19 countries with complete or partial restrictions against their citizens’ entry into the U.S., nine are located in Africa, which compelled the African Union Commission (AUC), based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to release a statement following the travel ban’s announcement.
In the written statement, the AUC acknowledged the U.S.’s desire to protect its borders and ensure citizens’ safety, but condemned the space such a targeted prohibition allows for intolerance of foreigners into a country
that is supposed to champion liberty and equality.
“The Commission remains concerned about the potential negative impact of such measures on people-to-people ties, educational exchange, commercial engagement, and the broader diplomatic relations that have been carefully nurtured over decades,” the AUC wrote.
The AUC expressed its hopes that the U.S. would exercise its right to take preventative measures in the name of national security in a more balanced manner that exhibits its partnership with the African continent.
In response to Trump’s proclamation, President Mahamat Idriss Déby of Chad instructed members of his government to act with reciprocity and cease issuing visas to U.S. citizens. He claimed that while his country doesn’t have planes or an excess of wealth, Chadians have “dignity and pride.”
Trump’s proclamation states that Chadian holders of B-1/B-2 visas have an overstay rate of 49.5%, and those with F, J or M visas have an overstay rate of 55.64%. According to the document, these high ratios are “unacceptable” and justify the full suspension of travel into the U.S.
“This racist and xenophobic ban will keep families apart,” Gee said. “We cannot allow this administration to erode foundational American principles and replace them with their bigoted agenda.”
WI
Pride Parade, or rallying in arms bright and early Sunday – swarmed the nation’s capital unmoved by hot temperatures, violent acts, or the Trump administration’s decisions to roll back protections for the LGBTQ+ community.
For parade attendee Marz Disco X, who uses “they/he” pronouns, the celebratory momentum was just as evident as the continuous strive for LGBTQ freedoms; though, they noted a moment of unity amid the backdrop of the June 7 tradition.
“Looking across the street, seeing people selling trans flags, it means the world,” they said. “The vibes have been off in D.C., since January, even since before that, so seeing the world come together really means everything.”
WorldPride (May 17-June 8), which hosted its first year in Washington, D.C., was held at a time of blatant attacks against the queer community, with numerous executive orders pushing for the elimination of trans and gender identity protections and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts.
Revered ‘Empress of Pride’ Rayceen Pendarvis shared how this year’s festivities underscored the mission to continue the fight, reflecting on the breadth of LGBTQ+ culture in all its unapologetic glory.
“Seeing the smiles on people’s faces, receiving the hugs from individuals who are experiencing Pride for the very first time, meeting people from all over the world, teaches me the importance of why we must continue to stand in our light,” Pendarvis told The Informer. “Pride is far greater than parades, parties and people. It’s the spirit of resilience, determination, liberation, freedom and justice.”
INAUGURAL ORGANIZER
REFLECTS ON 50 YEARS OF ‘D.C. PRIDE’
Kicking off at 2 p.m. on 14th Street & T Street, the June 7 WorldPride Parade— combining the annual Capital Pride parade with the global celebration— was double the fun, amid an all-day celebration uplifting D.C.’s LGBTQ+ residents and queer communities worldwide.
While Grand Marshals and lively music topped ornate floats reveled in rainbows, Pennsylvania Avenue transformed with more than 300 groups and causes participating in the parade. Among the marchers
5 Despite continous threats against LGBTQ freedoms, Pennsylvania Avenue lit up with queer communities and allies donning rainbow flags, festive paraphernalia, and good spirits for the 2025 WorldPride Parade, hosted in D.C. for the first time. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
advocating for queer visibility include: DC Health initiative Sex Is…, Pro-Palestininan marchers, D.C. 51st State Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department, and the Office of the Attorney General, led by D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb.
Beyond the tradition’s usual hype, this year was particularly pertinent in recognition of 50 years of D.C. Pride, which began with the inaugural Gay Pride Day organized by Deacon Maccubbin in 1975.
“It’s ironic. The goal probably hasn’t changed much,” said Maccubbin, who served as an honorary co-chair and Grand Marshall at this year’s parade. “The main focus of our original 1975 Pride was that we wanted to help the community organize, we wanted to be visible, we wanted to promote the political agenda. Those things are still high on the agenda for today.”
Maccubbin, who founded D.C.’s first LGBTQ bookstore Lambda Rising in 1974, has told the story of the inaugural block party that came into fruition when someone suggested a local Pride celebration while discussing attending New York’s Pride Day.
That June, 1724 20th Street NW – where the bookstore once stood in D.C.’s Dupont Circle neighborhood – turned into a coalition of organizers and game changers united in a mission that’s only blossomed throughout the course of the last 50 years.
Notable evolutions of the D.C. Pride celebrations include scaling from an inaugural crowd of 2,000, to regularly drawing hundreds of thousands to the heart of Washington. In addition, Freddie Lutz, proud owner of Northern Virginia’s only straight-friendly gay bar (Freddie’s
these steps, he wasn’t just speaking for one group, he was planting a seed for all of us,” said Ashley Smith, board president of Capital Pride Alliance.
“This is not just a rally, this is a beginning. We must march towards freedom together.”
The gathering came less than 24 hours after reports of a shooting and double stabbing in Dupont Circle late Saturday night, following a week of pushback over the controversial decision to initially close the historic “gayborhood” amid the weekend of Pride celebrations.
The incident hasn’t been officially linked to Pride festivities, though some attendees, such as Eli Zimmerman, spoke to how threats of violence and upheaval reveal an urgency in societal reform.
Beach Bar), pivoted from skipping the 1975 festivity out of fear of losing his job, to marrying Johnny Cervantes, his partner of 28 years, atop the 2025 WorldPride stage on June 7.
Maccubbin further commended the bout of love and joy present in the large crowds on 14th Street, noting the diversity and inclusion evident in the celebration despite continuous attacks against LGBTQ+ representation.
“There are times when it’s important to be with your own kind, so to speak, and there are times when it’s important to be out in the world with everybody else,” Maccubbin said, “and Pride gives you a chance to do that.”
A MARCH ON WASHINGTON FOR THE WORLD
Impassioned in a spirit of loud and proud, hundreds gathered on the National Mall on Sunday to commemorate the rich history of Pride and recognize the movement that was established with the New York Stonewall uprisings of 1969.
The International Rally + March on Washington for Freedom demonstrated an empowering intersection of culture, identity, and resistance, amplified through a massive resistance of rainbow flags and protest signs that surpassed the cloudy skies.
As speakers from various backgrounds, cultures and sexual orientations and identities spoke atop the Lincoln Memorial, one message rang clear: No one wins, unless everyone wins.
“When Dr. King marched on Washington in 1963, right here on
Zimmerman told The Informer, reflecting on his choice to wear a transgender flag as a cape. “Freedom would be, I get to wear this and I don’t have to think someone’s going to try to strangle me for wearing it.”
Sunday’s event featured dozens of national and international voices, with speeches from musicians, activists, organizers and politicians all gathered to highlight the need for change and solidarity on a local, global and intercontinental scale.
“I have to [use] a binder clip because if someone disagrees with me and tries to strangle me, it’ll break,”
Bianca Sprague, executive director of Trans Pride Washington D.C., touted the necessity to “strengthen our resolve” and build connections among the queer community. Other speakers addressed issues ranging from anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and racial injustice, to immigration rights and healthcare. WI
Read more on washingtoninformer.com.
HEALTH
2,300 Scientists Decry NIH’s Political Purge
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
The Trump administration’s sweeping cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are drawing sharp criticism from scientists, civil rights advocates, and health equity researchers who warn that the reductions are disproportionately harming African Americans and other historically marginalized communities.
The newly released Bethesda Declaration—signed by more than 2,300 NIH staff, Nobel laureates, and public health leaders—calls out politically motivated funding terminations and staff layoffs that have jeopardized decades of life-saving research. Signatories
accuse NIH leadership of abandoning its core mission to enhance health and reduce illness in favor of partisan interference.
“NIH has stigmatized and abruptly cut off funding for research mislabeled ‘Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI),’” the declaration states. “Achieving your stated goal to ‘solve the American chronic disease crisis’ requires research addressing the social and structural drivers of health disparities.”
A particularly striking example came in May when NIH canceled a $9 million UCSF clinical trial studying the effects of guaranteed income on 300 low-income Black young adults in the Bay Area.
The study had been offering
5The newly released Bethesda Declaration, featuring signatures from more than 2,300 NIH staff, calls out politically motivated funding terminations and staff layoffs that have jeopardized decades of life-saving research and terminated programs, such as for COVID-19. (Courtesy Photo/NIH)
$500 per month to participants to assess how economic stability could improve health and life outcomes. Its abrupt termination undermined both the research and the trust built with community participants, according to a report by the San Francisco Chronicle.
Researchers and NIH employees decried the move.
“Ending a $5 million research study when it is 80% complete does not save $1 million—it wastes $4 million,” the declaration warns.
More importantly, they note, it leaves vulnerable populations without the benefit of critical scientific findings directly relevant to their lives.
The effects extend far beyond California.
An analysis by Stat News revealed that the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities suffered funding cuts of approximately 30%—a far deeper reduction than experienced by most NIH branches. The institute is responsible for investigating conditions disproportionately affecting African Americans and other communities of color, such as hypertension, diabetes, maternal mortality, and mental health disparities.
“Broad participation in biomedical research is critical,” NIH staff wrote in the declaration. “Due to misunderstanding of its work-
force diversity programs, NIH terminated top-scoring grants to scientists from underrepresented backgrounds, while maintaining poorer-scoring grants from standard pathways.”
These actions have not only halted progress in understanding and addressing racial health disparities but also disrupted the careers of many researchers committed to equity-based science.
The declaration outlines that since January 20, the NIH has canceled 2,100 grants totaling $9.5 billion and contracts worth an additional $2.6 billion. Many of these terminated programs focused on COVID-19 and long COVID—conditions that have disproportionately impacted Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities. Others addressed the health effects of climate change, gender identity, and sexual health—fields closely tied to the experiences of marginalized groups.
The signers also warn that NIH staffing and infrastructure cuts have slowed research, jeopardized clinical trials, and undermined public trust. Layoffs targeting essential personnel, they say, have made the agency less efficient, less transparent, and more politically vulnerable.
Freeman Hrabowski, president Emeritus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and
at least 21 Nobel laureates—including Dr. Drew Weissman and Dr. Carolyn Bertozzi—are among the high-profile backers of the Bethesda Declaration.
“Each day that NIH continues to disrupt research, your ability to deliver on this duty narrows,” the signers warn NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, who has come under scrutiny for allowing political considerations to override peer review, academic freedom and ethical obligations to study participants.
Social media user Diane McGarvey took to Twitter, formerly known as X, to say she was proud to support the Bethesda Declaration.
“The Bethesda Declaration is a perfect example of the Scientific Community standing up for all Americans,” she said.
The harms of these policies are not theoretical; they are real. They are already unfolding— cutting short vital research on chronic illness, mental health, and economic justice, and widening disparities in communities that have long faced the worst outcomes and the least investment.
“We, the undersigned, stand united with these courageous and selfless public servants,” the declaration concludes. “Together, we stand up for science.”
WI
FATHER’S DAY from Page 1
doctors estimate he has less than six months to live. Yet in his quiet pain, there is no silence. His story hums with rhythm, echoes of music and love for family, often left unspoken but never unfelt.
“I haven’t always been a great communicator,” Barnes admits. “Coming up in the ‘50s, there were things a Black man didn’t speak about. Unfortunately, I took those habits into how I communicated with my children. But music has always spoken to me. So, I used it to speak to them.”
A self-taught drummer who began with pots and pans, Barnes taught his children and nephew to translate emotion into melody and creativity when words failed.
Following in his footsteps, his oldest son and nephew became drummers, his second son works as a music arts therapist, and his daughter is a baker and creative designer.
Barnes’ fight to connect with his children through music would prove to serve as both an emotional and creative lifeline.
“My father and I have an unconven-
tional relationship due to his struggles with alcohol,” revealed master lyricist and son Barnes, Jr. “He never learned to articulate deep emotions but found a way to connect with me, and indirectly say the things that he couldn’t say, though music.”
FATHERHOOD IN THE FACE OF FLAWS
At the age of 15, Barnes left North Carolina to join his older brother in Washington, D.C., where he immersed himself in the city’s live music scene. Later, after serving time in the U.S. Army, he struggled with mental health issues and alcoholism, yet the importance of keeping his family together remained significant to him.
According to the America First Policy Institute, over 18.3 million children in the U.S. live without a biological father in the home. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that this number includes nearly 64% of Black children.
As a youth who left home in his mid-teens, not wanting the cycle repeated for his own family, he fought for presence in his children’s lives.
“Being in the home with my children, I became a community father to
5Living a life centered on music and connection, Charles Barnes Sr. (left) celebrates a 90s R&B themed party with daughter Bianca Barnes (far left), Charles Barnes, Jr., and bonus nephew, singer and musician Maurice Randolph (right). (Courtesy of Charles Barnes, Jr.)
young men,” Barnes said. “Even with my own struggles, I was present, and that meant something to them. Even flawed and imperfect, children still need us.”
Self-described “bonus son” Jamahl Brown, 45, said Barnes’ presence in his life was incredibly instrumental in his success today.
“Crazily enough, even when he drank, he would give out some of the best advice,” Barnes’ bonus son con-
tinued. “From world events to street game, he would give us real-life counsel and experience that helped us to navigate the world. Despite his shortcomings, he played a major role in raising a community of young Black men.”
A LEGACY CARRIED BY FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
More than a musician and dad,
Barnes’ giving spirit, good attitude, and generally likeable nature endeared him to neighbors, the countless young men to whom he served as a bonus father, and to the community.
Barnes’ nephew, Demitrius Pannell, 45, reflected on his uncle’s legacy.
“Even though Uncle Charles had his imperfections and addictions, the thing that overrode it all was his love for people,” Pannell recounted. “I spent more time with Unc than with my own father.”
And despite challenges with expressing emotions, his nephew emphasized his uncle never stumbled on three important words.
“As kids, we need to be told, ‘I love you.’ These are words that I rarely heard as a kid or even now, except from Uncle Charles,” Pannell continued, adding that Barnes’ words matched his actions. “As children, we can sense energy. The love he showed, I knew he meant it. And that love, although not perfect, for me, and many like me, was life-changing. It saved us.”
WI
EARTH OUR
The Fight to Preserve NOAA: Scientists Rally to Save Key Climate and Ocean Research
Laid-Off Employees Hold onto Hope After Losing a “Dream Job”
By Mya Trujillo
WI Contributing Writer
Four months ago, Dr. Holden Harris was leading a team of scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC). Now, he sells frozen chocolate bananas on the beach in Florida.
Harris was one of the approximately 880 NOAA employees laid off on Feb. 27 as a result of cuts made by the Trump administration to multiple federal agencies.
The former research biologist received an email from NOAA’s Deputy Under Secretary for Operations Vice Admiral Nancy Han, at 4 p.m. that day, stating that at 5 p.m., he would be officially terminated.
“The last email I got from Vice Admiral Han was just a couple of months before that, where she congratulated me for being awarded Team Member of the Year for the Southeast Fisheries Science Center,” Harris said to a crowd of current and former NOAA employees and their allies at the Rally to Save NOAA on June 4.
Probationary workers, those with less than two years of service who are on a trial period before gaining certain employment rights, were affected by the layoffs. Departments like the agency’s satellite division, the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, the Office of Space Commerce and more took a hit after the mass firing.
The rally was presented by Fork Off Coalition, a group of recent-
ly laid-off federal employees from various agencies, and advocated for protecting NOAA from further cuts while denouncing the mass layoffs the organization has experienced.
Intentionally held outside the U.S. Department of Commerce headquarters in Northwest, D.C. during the annual NOAA Fish Fry— an event hosted in collaboration with Congressional officials to celebrate sustainable fisheries over small plates of seafood— speakers included members of Congress, former NOAA employees and other scientists.
“Right now, Trump administration officials are socializing with seafood while they decimate the very agency that they’re allegedly celebrating,” exclaimed the president of the Union of Concerned Scientists Dr. Gretchen Goldman, during the rally. “NOAA is here for the people. In every way that extreme weather and climate change affect us, NOAA protects us.”
THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION VS. NOAA
Although President Trump disavowed Project 2025 during his campaign in the 2024 election, many of his actions since his inauguration have aligned with the political initiative, including: dismantling the Department of Education, ending diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and making cuts to the NOAA in an attempt to conserve the Department of Commerce’s budget.
Chapter 21 of the 900-page manifesto justifies the downsizing and breaking down of NOAA by stating it garners $6.5 billion of the Department of Commerce’s $12 billion annual budget, and is one of the primary contributors to the “climate change alarm industry,” classifying the agency’s environmental stewardship as detrimental to the nation’s future prosperity.
“This industry’s mission emphasis on prediction and management seems designed around the fatal conceit of planning for the unplannable,” reads page 675 of the presidential transition project. “That is not to say NOAA is useless, but its current organization corrupts its useful functions.”
After another series of firings since February, the agency has lost approximately 1,000 employees, including 600 from the National Weather Service (NWS).
As NOAA has predicted a 60% chance for above-normal activity in the 2025 hurricane season, scientists are concerned about the potential risk that staff and budget cuts may pose to the public, who will need accurate weather advisories.
“Right now, because of the cuts in funding and staffing that have already happened… offices that previously operated 24/7 to keep the public informed and safe, now
don’t even have the funding to perform their daily monitoring operations,” Goldman said. “These are cuts that have already happened, and any additional cuts now are even more dangerous. Saving NOAA means saving lives.”
A BATTLE FOR CLIMATE, CONSERVATION:
‘THERE’S
A REASON WHY WORKING AT NOAA IS A DREAM JOB’
While Project 2025 and the Trump administration’s actions doubt the value of NOAA, for Harris, his work at the SEFSC was “awe-inspiring research.”
As part of the Climate, Ecosystems and Fisheries Initiative, he and other scientists were building downscale regional ocean models and applying them to ecosystem and fishery models to provide information on how climate change could affect fisheries and protected species.
He entered the marine science field after he had already spent a considerable amount of time in the water being a commercial fisherman and scuba instructor. His affinity for water fueled his desire to use science to make an impact and bridge the spiritual beauty he saw in the element and its signif-
icance in human life as a grand resource.
“There’s a reason that working at NOAA is a dream job,” Harris told The Informer. “It was relatively stable, but you had this opportunity to do impactful, meaningful work where you felt like you were serving your community.”
Former Program Analyst at the NOAA Research International Activities Office, Madyson Miller, also attended the Save NOAA rally, as she was also laid off in February. She started working at the agency to do meaningful work that served the planet and the public– an aspiration she realized after graduating with a master’s degree in invasive seagrass ecology from the University of the Virgin Islands.
She enjoyed the work she did during her graduate school matriculation, but wasn’t satisfied with its influence.
“I just wasn’t making an impact,” she told The Informer. “I felt like I wanted my work to benefit people. I wanted to serve. I wanted a purpose.”
During her time at NOAA, Miller served two different roles. She and other employees would help foster relationships between scientists worldwide to assist them in meeting their goals, deeming the cultivation of those relation-
NOAA Page 23
5 An environmentalist holds a sign at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) rally against Trump-era downsizing on June 4. (Mya Trujillo/The Washington Informer)
from Page 22
ships a crucial step toward providing better weather modeling and climate forecasting.
Miller was also part of the United Nations Ocean Decade and was tasked with helping coordinate NOAA to align with the effort. This 10-year initiative aims to gather data needed to create more effective and science-driven policies to ensure a healthy ocean by 2030 through: focusing on eradicating marine pollution, increasing resilience to ocean and coastal risks, discovering oceanbased solutions to climate change and more.
Through ocean acidification work— curating oral histories to give the ocean’s stories a voice and more— Miller and her colleagues’ work was significant in propelling the initiative toward success.
“I thought it was really neat to be able to work with people who were different from [me] and collaborate in that way, and it challenged me,” Miller told The Informer. “My beliefs, and the way I worked– to work with other people… kind of made [me] better and made the science better.”
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Although Miller and Harris
foresaw the NOAA layoffs that brought an abrupt stop to the work they’d dreamt of doing at an organization they cherished so deeply, they both have hope for the agency’s future because they believe in its value to the planet and humanity overall, and plan to continue advocating for its preservation.
“It’s sad and I miss it every day because I love the work I was doing,” Miller told The Informer. “But now that I’m unemployed, I do feel this sense of freedom now that I can advocate, and speak my mind and do what in my heart I think is right.”
While selling frozen chocolate bananas isn’t what Harris wants to do with his life, he’s finding things to bring him peace, like continuing the research he started at NOAA. He shared that the people in his life are confused as to why he continues doing the work without pay, but he boils it down to pure love for his passion, describing it as something he “can’t let go” of.
“Yeah, I had a dream. It was a full-time position to work with the best scientists that I’d ever met, and I spent my whole career working toward that,” said Harris. “I’m proud of it even though it was stripped away, so I’m here because I care. I’m here because I believe NOAA is worth fighting for… and worth saving.” WI
OUR EARTH
5 Rally’s attendees and supporters call for the protection of NOAA’s funding and denounce cuts imposed by the Trump administration. After layoffs cost the agency thousands of years of combined experience, current employees are at risk of being overworked. (Mya Trujillo/The Washington Informer)
EDUCATION
while sitting at the feet of Emma P. Ward, a substitute teacher who spent much of this school year at Ketcham Elementary.
Ward’s instruction not only came amid a revamp of citywide social studies standards that was scheduled to come into effect during the 20242025 school year, but the Washington Substitute Teachers United’s ongoing efforts to combat what leaders described as D.C. Public Schools’ (DCPS) narrowing of coverage opportunities, elimination of compensation for professional development days, and inadequate professional development.
“She’s been a great substitute, and I really like her teaching,” Tez’Ziah said about Ward. “Our teachers
don’t teach us this for real, and Black History Month is actually, actually very important. The teachers that’s teaching us about Black history are inspiring us to be a Black history fact in our future.”
A DEEPER LOOK:
EMMA P. WARD RETURNS TO KETCHAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ON A MISSION
On the morning of June 9, Tez’Ziah and 27 other 2025 graduates each received a folder from Ward enclosed with their headshot on the left side and, on the right side, nearly two dozen Black history facts relevant to their week of birth— courtesy of The Washington Informer.
Ward created each folder at the end of a year that reacclimated her to her old stomping grounds of Ketcham Elementary, where she served as a substitute teacher during the September 11, 2001 attacks that claimed the lives of Ketcham fifth grader Rodney Dickens and teacher James Debeuneure, along with four other D.C. Public Schools community members.
“The reason I came back was because I see that the history of Ketcham is not being brought forward,” Ward told The Informer. “So, we need to move forward. I’ve gotten in touch with some of the people who were here during the time that we were here. I want them to come back, and I want them to be a part of the graduation processions that they have every year.”
Until that time comes, Ward said she will continue to make history relevant to young people through The Informer’s Black Facts page.
For more than 20 years, The Informer has commemorated Black history births and other milestones each week in Black Facts— which often appears on Page 6. Ward has collected editions of Black Facts since 2019, sprinkling parts of what she read in her daily instruction, regardless of what she’s teaching or where she’s serving as a DCPS substitute.
She and second-generation Washington Informer publisher Denise Rolark Barnes promoted that tradition on Monday as they passed out folders specifically designed for each elementary school graduate before speaking with their parents and taking photos.
Rolark Barnes, who described Black Facts as part of an arsenal that also includes the annual citywide spelling bee, said that Ward’s use of the weekly column further advances her father Calvin Rolark’s mission to boost Black civic engagement.
“Black Facts is a way to provide positive information to our community about themselves and their history,” Rolark Barnes said. “So when teachers find it valuable enough to share in the classroom, and the stu-
dents value the teacher and the information, that adds to their whole educational experience. It shows that people really care about what they learn and how they learn.”
As the Trump administration takes the erasure of Black history to the next level, Ward also called The Informer’s Black Facts a tool in circumventing federal policy.
“Every time that Washington Informer is printed, you’ve got your history right there,” Ward said. “I must have over 500 issues. Every school that I’ve gone to, I’ve asked them to do it, and I’ve never given up.”
STUDENTS HIGHLIGHT HISTORY: ‘THEY NEED TO KNOW HOW WE GOT OUR FREEDOM’
Ketcham’s promotion ceremony started with a processional and greetings by LaCondria Beckwith, Ketcham’s principal.
The ceremony also recognized
valedictorian Brielle Toney and salutatorian August Tyson.
From that point on, Tez’Ziah and fellow fifth grade graduate Noah Jones served as mistress and master of ceremony during a program where graduates and community members heard remarks from: Ketcham alumna Trinity Hall, former Laurel, Maryland council member Martin Mitchell, and State Board of Education Student Representative Calique Barnes.
Graduates also sang Michaal Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” (1987) and Bruno Mars’ “Count on Me” (2010), and those filling the auditorium also listened to Lance Smith and Dior Lightfoot perform recitations of Langston Hughes’ “I Too Am America” and Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise,” respectively.
Toward the end of the program, graduates received awards and certificates of completion before valedictorian Brielle passed the torch to fourth
5Noah Jones, a 2025 graduate of Ketcham Elementary School, expanded his Black history knowledge beyond the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks and Muhammad Ali while perusing a Black Facts gift that D.C. resident and substitute teacher Emma P. Ward gave him. (Denise Rolark Barnes/The Washington Informer)
BLACK FACTS from Page 1 BLACK HISTORY Page
Education Inequality Grows in Maryland and Virginia Under Culture War Policies
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
Virginia and Maryland are among the worst states in the country when it comes to racial equality in education, according to a new WalletHub study that comes as the effects of President Donald Trump’s education policies continue to take hold.
Virginia ranked 33rd, and Maryland ranked 34th out of all 50 states in racial equity across key education metrics, including graduation rates, test scores, and degree attainment rates for Black and white students. The study revealed that school districts with mostly white students receive $23 billion more annually in funding than those mainly serving non-white populations.
Both states have large Black student populations and some of the nation’s wealthiest counties, but wide disparities remain, driven in part by property tax-based school funding and political
decisions that have blocked reforms.
“In South Carolina and elsewhere, the use of school choice policies has created more inequality,” said William McCorkle, a WalletHub expert and an education professor at the College of Charleston. “We see similar patterns in other states where race and class determine access to quality education.”
In Maryland, students in Baltimore City face underfunded schools with aging infrastructure, while wealthier counties enjoy advanced coursework and modern facilities. In Virginia, Republican leadership has prioritized culture wars over funding equity, pushing to restrict how history is taught rather than addressing the root causes of educational gaps.
Experts say that Trump’s administration worsened the situation by cutting K-12 funding, attacking the teaching of real American history, and stripping the Department of Education of resources. His allies at the state level have followed suit.
“Race and class are both tied to school spending,” said another WalletHub expert and Miami University professor of Critical Race and Ethnic Studies Rodney Coates. “Poor and majority-Black areas have less access to advanced courses, experienced teachers, and the funding needed to provide quality education.”
Another WalletHub expert Dr. Tyrone C. Howard, of the Pritzker Family endowed chair in Education to Strengthen Children and Families and director of the UCLA Pritzker Center for Strengthening Children & Families, said programs that focus on the lowest-performing schools and schools in low-income areas must continue to be a focus for educational equity.
“With so many students missing from school, intentionality on more school social workers, school counselors, mental health supports, and academic supports are vital,” Howard stated.
5 A new WalletHub study reveals Virginia and Maryland are among the worst states in the country when it comes to racial equality in education. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)
Rutgers University professor Shauna Lani Shames, also a WalletHub expert, said quality education is essential for democracy.
“We have some of the best scholars in the world who work hard to find and explain facts and truth,” Shames said. “Education must reflect that, not fear it.”
WalletHub’s findings show that
Black students continue to face obstacles that go far beyond the classroom, driven by the racial wealth gap, housing segregation and political decisions that prioritize comfort over truth.
“All students deserve the finest education we can provide,” said Dr. Kim Scipes of Purdue University Northwest.
WI
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The Power of Love: The Lovings Continues to Inspire 58 Years Later
With Pride month in full effect, much of June emphasizes the notion that all people should have the right to love who they want to love. However, this week is also the 58th anniversary of the official legalization of interracial marriage in the United States.
On June 12, 1967, in Loving v. Virginia, the U.S, Supreme Court ruled that all state laws banning interracial marriage were unconstitutional, violating the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the 14th Amendment.
The case involved Richard and Mildred Loving who were convicted under Virginia’s Racial Integrity Act for their interracial marriage. To avoid being imprisoned, they agreed to leave their home, family and friends in Caroline County, Virginia, and moved to Washington, D.C.
A further stipulation of the ruling: they could not return to Virginia for 25 years.
Facing financial hardship and despite being isolated from their family, the Lovings refused to abandon their dream of building a life together and raising children. In the end, love conquered all.
In addition, given the pain they endured and the steps they took to remain together, one thing seems
clear: for them, love was more than a noun (thing) – it was a verb (action).
The Lovings’ story continues to influence unions and culture alike, including the 2016 film “Loving,” based on the couple’s journey.
In addition, Virginia Opera recently marked its 50th anniversary with the world premiere of “Loving v. Virginia” – an opera with music by African American composer Damien Geter, directed by world-renowned mezzo soprano Denyce Graves, and featuring several gifted Black singers. Based on real people, the opera highlights the transformative power of the Lovings’ tale, joining the ranks
of some of the world’s most beloved operatic love stories – from “La Bohème” and “Madame Butterfly,” to “Aida.”
However, the Lovings’ love story is more than just a tale for arts appreciation. Their love was transformative and has left a lasting legacy.
As diversity, equity and inclusion is under federal attack, and at a divided time for the nation, it’s particularly important to uplift the Lovings’ story as a reminder of the power of love.
Further, this June and always, it’s important to celebrate all kinds of love and, moreover, spread love with others. WI
On June 12, 1967, in Loving v. Virginia, the U.S, Supreme Court ruled that all state laws banning interracial marriage were unconstitutional, violating the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the 14th Amendment.
Trump Attacks Ivy League Schools
An Unprecedented Assault on Private Institutions of Higher Education
President Donald Trump’s ongoing attacks on Harvard University and other Ivy League institutions are not only undemocratic; they also pose a direct threat to educational equity, intellectual freedom, and opportunities for minority communities and international students.
In one of his latest attacks on the institution, Trump issued a June 4 proclamation prohibiting international scholars students from entering the United States to teach at Harvard.
Harvard replied in a brief statement, saying: “This is yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the administration in violation of Harvard’s First Amendment rights. Harvard will continue to
protect its international students.
Sixteen American presidents have graduated from Ivy League schools, including Presidents John F. Kennedy, George W. Bush, and Barack H. Obama.
Harvard boasts the most presidential graduates, with eight, followed by Yale with five. President Obama has degrees from both Columbia and Harvard Universities. Trump, himself, holds an Ivy League degree in economics from University of Pennsylvania.
Indeed, these elite institutions have historically spearheaded efforts to expand educational access for underrepresented populations. Ivy League schools have created transformative opportunities for students from disadvan-
taged backgrounds in the U.S. and worldwide through scholarship programs, international collaborations, and targeted initiatives to diversify their student bodies.
By demonizing these institutions and portraying them as elitist or politically biased, Trump fuels a dangerous narrative that undermines public trust in higher education and delegitimizes the hard-earned achievements of minority and immigrant students. His attacks distract from real issues, targeting the institutions that serve as gateways to leadership, innovation, and global cooperation.
Equity in education is essential to any functioning democracy.
TO THE EDITOR
Happy Pride Month! I appreciate the continuous coverage and stories from the community. It’s refreshing to see our community represented with features and photos.
Gee Tolbert Washington, D.C.
When access to academic excellence becomes politicized, it conveys a message that diversity and inclusion are threats rather than assets.
Trump’s campaign against elite universities jeopardizes decades of progress in racial and educational justice. Defending these institutions is not about maintaining privilege. Instead, it is about protecting the promise of opportunity for everyone, regardless of race, nationality, or economic background.
Minority students, in particular, deserve the opportunity to attend Ivy League institutions be-
Congrats to State Attorney Aisha Braveboy on being elected the next Prince George’s County executive. I’m wishing her luck during her tenure!
Elaine Vance Laurel, Md.
cause access to a diverse range of academic environments broadens their perspectives, networks, and leadership pathways.
Moreover, if we do not confront Trump’s attacks on Ivy League schools, how can we be certain that he won’t next target historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs)? We can’t, especially considering his anti-diversity, equity and inclusion crusade.
Therefore, we must all work to ensure true equity is preserved and expanded across all institutions of excellence.
WI
OPINIONS/EDITORIALS
Guest Columnist
We Will Die, But How?
30 town hall shouted, “People will die,” to applause.
Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst illustrated her shortsighted myopia at a town hall meeting in Parkersburg, Iowa. She defended cuts that would remove, according to the Congressional Budget Office, about 10 million people from the program. Trump Republicans claim that these cuts will help eliminate “fraud, waste and abuse,” but a woman who attended the May
Myopically ignorant Ernst cavalierly and insensitively stated that “we are all going to die.” She clearly enjoys the taste of shoe leather, because she put her entire foot in her mouth. Then she turned around and posted a sarcastic “apology” video, strolling through what looks like a graveyard, making arrogant, offensive and crude comments.
Here’s what she said: “I made an incorrect assumption that everyone in the auditorium understood that,
Julianne Malveaux
yes, we are all going to perish from this earth. So, I apologize, and I’m really, really glad that I did not have to bring up the subject of the tooth fairy as well. For those who would like to see eternal and everlasting life, I encourage you to embrace my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
I am among the many cringing at Ernst’s gross insensitivity. Maybe she found herself amusing, but many Iowans found her “apology” video callous and crass, consistent with the callousness that emanates from our Republican near-dictatorship.
Marc H. Morial
Ernst is correct that we all will die, but the issue is how we will die and if lack of health care can hasten our deaths. In cutting Medicare, the socalled “Big Beautiful Bill” (let’s call it the Ugly Farce Bill) threatens the lives of between 35,000 and 44,000 people, according to the American Journal of Public Health. Every 12 minutes someone will die because they didn’t have health insurance. Someone without health insurance is 40% more likely to die prematurely than someone with health insurance. Cutting Medicare is a death blow for
From Opportunity to Abandonment: The Cruelty of Ending Job Corps
“We want to give every child a place to grow and learn — a chance to be proud of themselves and their country.” — President Lydon B. Johnson, on launching Job Corps in 1964
A war has been declared on our young people.
Government funding for pro-
There is no poor, working- or middle-class adult in America whose life has not been touched by either Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal or Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society. Roosevelt’s New Deal (1930s) primarily focused on economic recovery and the protection of workers from the Great Depression. While the New Deal failed to address institutionalized discrimination,
tections against epidemics has been stripped from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health and Human Services. Institutions of higher education are on pins and needles as National Institutes of Health funding cuts threaten their operations and their ability to retain faculty and staff. The U.S. Department of Education is actively undermining public schools’ ability to build inclusive, diverse teaching workforces that reflect the rich fabric of this nation.
But the latest inhumane assault is the decision to shutter a nearly 60-year-old federal program designed to house, train and empower the most vulnerable young Americans: Job Corps.
Since its founding in 1964 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty, Job Corps has served more than 2 million young people ages 16 to 24. The program provides free education and vocational training, safe housing, meals, counseling and job placement support. It has long
been a beacon of hope for youth disconnected from school and work — offering not just opportunity, but dignity and direction.
That beacon is now being extinguished.
Last week, the Trump administration directed the Department of Labor to halt new student enrollments and begin the process of shutting down Job Corps centers across the country. The decision is both abrupt and devastating. Students — many of whom are housing insecure, survivors of trauma
W. Marshall
Johnson’s Great Society (1960s) aimed to eradicate social and racial inequities and poverty and expand health care and education.
These progressive programs, while enacted during separate periods, are related because they represent the need for significant government intervention to be established and maintained on behalf of vulnerable people. These safety net programs served as a means of equity in action where we recognize and acknowledge that people of various backgrounds throughout society do not all start from the same place of wealth. Therefore,
fairness and having a level playing field calls for society to make adjustments to address the imbalances.
The Roosevelt administration gave us Social Security, workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance. Johnson’s fight against poverty included Medicare, Medicaid, the food stamp program and Head Start. For decades, these progressive initiatives by Democratic administrations profoundly impacted the lives of millions of Americans. However, they also received political wrath from conservatives who took issue with the federal
government’s expanded role, regulations and increased spending.
A signature program that is now in the budget crosshairs is Job Corps. Congress created the Job Corps program through the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. It was one of the landmark bills of the Johnson administration’s “War on Poverty.” “For generations, Job Corps has provided life-changing education and hands-on training to young people looking for a pathway to a better future,” said Donna Hay, president and CEO of the National Job Corps Association.
tens of thousands. Yes, we are all going to die, Joni Ernst, but many will have their deaths hastened by these Medicaid cuts.
Life expectancy in the United States is 78.4 years, but it differs by race and gender. Women have longer life expectancies than men, and Black men have the lowest life expectancy of every major demographic group at 66.7 years. That means many Black men don’t even live long enough to collect the Social Security they have paid into all of their working lives.
or aging out of foster care — are being cast out with no warning, no alternatives and nowhere to go. Centers in communities from Alaska to Alabama have begun closing their doors. Students have been sent away mid-training, with no guarantees of completion or transition support. For many, Job Corps was not just a lifeline — it was the only line.
Let’s be clear: This is not about fiscal responsibility. Job Corps has
These students are often overcoming significant personal and economic challenges, and Job Corps gives them the ability to gain the skills they need to build meaningful careers. Throughout its existence, Job Corps has provided education to millions of young people coming from challenging backgrounds who struggle with traditional schooling while living in poverty, foster care, experiencing homelessness or having contact with the criminal justice system.
David
MALVEAUX
MARSHALL
Guest Columnist
Guest Columnist
Guest Columnist
Making Up the Rules After the Fact
disqualify her after she won.
Clara Adams, a sophomore high school sprinter in California, was penalized by officials who changed the rules after she won a preliminary heat in the girls’ 400 meters in a CIF State Track and Field Championship meet. There’s no doubt that she won, but her victory was stripped because a rule was made up to
She won the state title and, as anyone would have done, celebrated her victory — something most winners do. Nobody had ever forbidden the way winners celebrated at her school.
She had run the fastest in the girls’ 400-meter finals. She crossed the finish line 0.28 seconds ahead of her closest rival. That was cause for celebration. She celebrated using a small fire extinguisher to spray her cleats
as if she was putting out a fire. The crowd loved it, but her action was deemed “unsportsmanlike.” She was stripped of her title and not allowed to compete further because officials who were no longer in charge of the track meet decided to make an after-game ruling without an appeal of a nonexistent rule.
The race was over. Clara had walked in front of the stands, found her father, who handed her the small fire extinguisher, and walked back across the track
into the grass, where she sprayed her cleats. Her move was one made as a tribute to former U.S. sprinter Maurice Greene, who similarly celebrated his win in the 100 at the 2004 Home Depot Invitational. He was celebrated. She was punished.
“If [the celebration was away] from everyone and not interfering with anyone, I would say reinstate her,” Greene said.
Instead of being the victorious one, Clara was stripped of a title she had won, and it was given
What RFK Knew About Violence — and What We Must Remember
The day after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, who was running for president, appeared at a Cleveland event and said instead of talking about politics he had to speak about the “mindless menace of violence in America which again stains our land and every one of our lives.”
My grandmother taught me we are all born into a great, unfinished struggle.
She meant the struggle for justice. For truth. For dignity.
Next week is Juneteenth, a time of year I always think about this lesson. I think about all the freedom fighters — famous and forgotten — who walked before us.
He said: “The victims of the violence are Black and White, rich and poor, young and old, famous and unknown. They are, most important of all, human beings whom other human beings loved and needed. No one — no matter where he lives or what he does — can be certain who will suffer from some senseless act of bloodshed. And yet it goes on and on. Why? What has violence ever accomplished? What has it ever created?
No martyr’s cause has ever been stilled by his assassin’s bullet. …
We seemingly tolerate a rising level of violence that ignores our common humanity and our claims to civilization alike.”
Of course, he was also alluding to the violence that had killed his own brother, President John F. Kennedy. At the time, our deep despair at Dr. King’s death was leavened only by the fact that we still had Robert Kennedy. But two months after giving this speech, Robert Kennedy was shot by an assassin at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. He died the following
day, June 6, 1968. This year, June 6 was also National Gun Violence Awareness Day. This day is observed on the first Friday of June, Gun Violence Awareness Month, and signals the start of Wear Orange Weekend. Wear Orange honors Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old honor student and drum majorette who was shot and killed on a Chicago playground in January 2013, days after she had performed in President Barack Obama’s second inaugural parade. Along with oth-
to someone else. Clara said she was just having fun. The crowd loved her celebration. She had just won her first state title and yes, she was excited, but it was all taken away from her.
Insensitive adults made her sit and watch others who came in behind her as they accepted what she would have received as the victor.
Clara meant no harm because
er gun violence prevention advocates, Hadiya’s friends began wearing orange in her memory because it is the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves and others from guns and signal “don’t shoot.”
The first national Wear Orange Day was held on June 2, 2015, the day that should have been Hadiya Pendleton’s 18th birthday. This past weekend, people across the country wore orange and took part
And I think about all of us who walk now, still trying to finish what they began.
Juneteenth is not just about the day the last enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free — 2½ years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is about the delay. The gap between law and justice. It is about how long freedom takes when you leave it up to power.
But most of all, Juneteenth is about the power and importance of truth.
In every generation, there are people who want to bury the truth. We are living through one of those times right now.
Recently I wrote about the Trump administration’s attempts to omit Black heroes and accomplishments from the American story — as well as those from other marginalized groups — in its scorched-earth assault on diversity, equity and inclusion.
As we fight the erasure of important heroes and history makers from our past, there are pathbreak-
ing heroes of today’s generations who have been targeted. I was recently reminded of this by Maj. Elizabeth Stephens.
“There’s a lot of focus on dead people, but a lot of us are still here,” Maj. Stephens told me.
“People don’t understand what it’s like to watch yourself be erased, watch your achievements invalidated and the recognition you’ve received for those achievements taken away.”
Among her many distinctions, Maj. Stephens is the first Black
female graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy to be selected as a naval aviator in the Marine Corps. She was the first Black woman to pilot the CH-46E and the first woman to pilot the MV-22 Osprey. For years, pictures of her and commemorations of these groundbreaking accomplishments were regular features in government buildings, naval events and on military websites.
Now, just because she is a Black
Ben Jealous
Guest Columnist
E. Faye Williams
The Truth Makes Us Free
Marian Wright Edelman
Guest Columnist
LIFESTYLE
WASHINGTON INFORMER WEEKEND CHECKLIST
WASHINGTON INFORMER'S
Things To Do, DMV!
By Trevor Johnson WI Intern
Kick off Father’s Day with fun festivities. From garden parties and pig roasts to cultural festivals and live showcases, the DMV is rich with ways to celebrate, connect, unwind, and thrive.
Whether honoring dad, soaking in live music, or exploring the region’s diverse cultures, there’s no shortage of meaningful ways to enjoy and make the most of the weekend.
Also, don’t miss out on all the other events listed in the Washington Informer Calendar.
THURSDAY, JUNE 12
Critical Effect DC ‘25
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | $103.22 Crowell & Moring LLP, 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest Washington, D.C. 20004
Check out Critical Effect DC 2025, the newly rebranded evolution of Hack the Capitol conference. Now in its eighth year, this event aims to unify technology and policy to redefine solutions regarding cybersecurity and national infrastructure issues. The conference will feature members of Congress, emergency management, top-tier media, and stake-
To Lead Fathers toward greater involvement with their children and families. We promote health and wellness, eliminating violence and inappropriate behavior in our youth by promoting values and character development
holders in water, emergency health care, power, food supply, and national security experts.
While the free Workforce Development Day— focused on training and job opportunities in integrated computer solutions/operational technology security— is at capacity, the broader conference still offers valuable insights and networking for anyone interested in the future of cybersecurity and national infrastructure.
Garden Party 6 – 8 p.m. | $35.00
Common Good City Farm, 300 V St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Tucked behind Howard Hospital, the garden comes alive as Chef Matthew Gaston serves fresh, natural dishes to satisfy the body.
DJ Kristy la rAt sets the tone with soulful, liberating sounds. Dance artist Jiamond Elizabeth will bring movement to the moment, blending performance with purpose to honor the day’s spirit.
All proceeds support the Pay-WhatYou-Can Farm Market, Youth Education Programs, and efforts to stock the Community Food Pantry and Fridge.
Enjoy a celebration that embodies community uplift.
FRIDAY,
JUNE 13
2nd Friday: June 2025
Listen in/Call in with Dr. Frank Malone & Guests. Brothers supporting Brothers & mentoring boys to men Visit (the100fathersinc.) or call (202) 361-0761. Get radio details at www.blackonblackunity.com
7 – 10 p.m. | Free Torpedo Factory Art Center,105 N. Union St. Alexandria, VA 22314
Celebrate Pride Month at the Torpedo Factory’s 2nd Friday, an evening of art, expression, and community.
Decorate a biodegradable cup and take home a plant clipping, craft a custom Pride patch, or add your touch to a growing fiber flower garden.
Enjoy a live drag performance, explore LGBTQ+ history through trivia, and learn about local resources
3The 4th Annual Taste of the DMV will feature more than 200 vendors, live performances, and a celebration of food and culture in the heart of Washington, D.C. (Courtesy Photo/Taste of the DMV, Instagram)
shotgun start playing best ball, followed by a cookout-style after-party with food, music, and fellowship. Swing for the next generation of golfers and be part of the legacy.
4th Annual A Taste of the DMV
Noon – 7:00 p.m. | Free 300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20006
from Safe Space NOVA.
With open artist studios and more creative surprises, it’s a vibrant night on the Alexandria waterfront.
2025 Home Rule Music Festival Youth Showcase: “Rooted in Rhythm”
6 – 9 p.m.| $25.00 Woolly Mammoth, 641 D Street NW Washington, D.C. 20004
Home Rule Music Festival is more than a musical event, it’s a preservation of culture and history, bringing people together to honor the legacy of Black music. The celebration opens with “Rooted in Rhythm,” a showcase where young D.C. talent will deliver high-energy performances.
Artists from Girls Rock! DC, Let’s Go-Go Band, Soul of SEED, and the Washington Youth Choir will take the stage. Behind the scenes, the glue holding the production together will be students from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, managing sound, lighting, and stage production while gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Support DC’s youth as they take charge and carry the rhythm of their generation into the future.
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
The Wright Golf Classic
7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | $87.21 Langston Golf Course & Driving Range, 2600 Benning Road Northeast Washington, D.C. 20002
The Wright Golf Classic is taking place at the historic Langston Golf Course for its third consecutive year, merging culture and competition in a celebration of community and sport.
This growing movement has raised $2,000 to support the Jack Vardaman Workforce Program, which provides internships and caddie opportunities to underserved youth in the D.C. area.
Participants will enjoy a nine-hole
Celebrate the DMV in all its flavor at the 4th Annual Taste of the DMV. This dynamic festival brings together the region’s best food, music, art, and fashion for a day full of culture and connection.
From flavorful dishes to live performances and local vendors, Taste of the DMV is a true showcase of what makes the District shine, all the while enjoying the beauty of the nation’s capital.
SUNDAY, JUNE 15
Dad Strength Father’s Day Takeover Noon – 7 p.m. | Free Dacha Navy Yard, 79 Potomac Ave SE Washington, D.C. 20003
Celebrate Father’s Day at Dacha Navy Yard with a lineup of father-themed fun.
Rock your best dad fit, swap cringe-worthy dad jokes, compete in a cornhole tournament, and test your trivia skills to find out if you’re smarter than a dad.
It’s the perfect chance for dads to prove how cool they were 20 years ago and still are to this day.
Father’s Day Pig Roast Noon – 3 p.m. | $55.20 Fair Winds Brewing Company, 7000 Newington Rd Suite K&L Lorton, VA 22079
Have you ever treated yourself to a roasted pig that is sure to make your mouth water? Well, here’s your chance. Celebrate Father’s Day at Fair Winds Brewing Company in Lorton with a flavorful pig roast featuring locally raised pork from Farmer Mike and delicious sides from Wagon Wheel Food Truck.
Each ticket comes with a refreshing craft beer, making it the perfect way to toast dad.
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of great food, cold brews, and laid-back fun. WI
Dr. Frank Malone
Southeast’s Akinola Pedro Uses His Latest Album to ‘Understand
A Woman’s Worth’
DMV Musicians Discuss Black Women
Artists, Local Influence, June 29 Songbyrd Performance
By Jada Ingleton WI Content Editor
As Southeast musician Akinola Pedro prepares to culminate his threecity tour at Songbyrd Music House, he shared with The Informer hopes to put on a show reflective of his mission as a musician: honoring his D.C. roots and the storied influence of Black women.
Performing his sophomore album on June 29, Pedro is bringing the raunchy lyricism, intercultural beats, and ethereal flows of “POMEGRANATE?” to Northeast, D.C., in a timely parable of man versus pride – illuminated in just 10 songs and 29 minutes of play time.
With Black Music Month in full swing, Pedro’s candid journey to “understanding a woman’s worth” portrays a reflection of the industry he hopes to change, backed with support from some of the artists he hopes to do it with.
“From a very, very early age, I was given the idea of [who] a Black woman is,” said Pedro, touting his mother and older sister as the blueprint. “As I got into music, the very people who’ve
been pivotal in my life, in the music business, have been Black women… that’s taught me how to be the best version [of myself], whether it’s in music or as a person. And you have to appreciate that.”
MAKING ROOM FOR BLACK WOMEN TO CREATIVELY EXPRESS
“POMEGRANATE?” was originally released in February, and is candid in a journey of self and ego and a displaced yearn for love. It is a work as vulnerable and introspective as it is diverse and enticing.
Now, following stops in Los Angeles, California, and New York, atop the June 29 bill are DMV musicians O-Slice, Cecily, Kyaira, and Melan, with the latter two also being featured collaborators on the album.
Melan’s soothing melodies on the album’s opener, “through the lookin’ glass,” set the tone for a production overcome with vulnerability and a desire to heal, something the songwriter
PEDRO Page 32
On May 7, 2025, THEARC managed by Building Bridges Across the River—marked 20 years of building community, expanding opportunity, and delivering vital resources to families East of the Anacostia River. For two decades, Building Bridges has provided access to bestin-class programs in arts and culture, education, health and well-being, economic opportunity, and recreation.
This milestone year is especially exciting:
• Breaking ground on the 11th Street Bridge Park, the nation’s first elevated park
• Opening a one-school solution for the Washington School for Girls
• Activating our floodplain, expanding outdoor access for the community
• H ighlighting twenty moments from twenty years of impact
Join us for the ultimate celebration—AfterDark@THEARC, our signature gala on Saturday, September 6, 2025. We’ll transform THEARC into an elegant celebration space to honor two decades of service and look ahead to the future.
This year’s gala highlights THEARC’s legacy of enriching lives through initiatives in arts, health, education, recreation, and workforce development—delivering $30 million in annual services. Funds raised will support the continued expansion of this vital work.
Where: THEARC – 1901 Mississippi Ave SE, Washington, DC
When: 6 PM Reception | 8 PM Dinner & Dancing
Interested in sponsoring?
Contact Sarah Shindler at sshindler@thearcdc.org
For more informationhttps://buildingbridgesdc.org/thearc-theater/after-dark-thearc-2025/
Follow along as we celebrate 20 years of community transformation—and the next 20 to come.
5 Washingtonian musician Akinola Pedro is preparing to bring his progressive soul sounds to Songbyrd Music House on June 29, joined by four Black women artists in celebration of his sophomore album “POMEGRANATE?” (Courtesy of Keith Jones)
LIFESTYLE
5 Amid Black Music Month, Prince Georgian rapper O-Slice touts hopes to see a shift in societal pressures that aim to undermine the contributions and impact of Black women in the entertainment industry. (Courtesy Photo)
TWO RIVERS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS COPIER UNITS
Two Rivers PCS is soliciting proposals from commercial copier companies to acquire four copiers. To request a copy of the RFP, email Gail Williams at procurement@tworiverspcs.org. Proposals are due by June 27, 2025.
TWO RIVERS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL INTENT
TO
AWARD A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT APPLE COMPUTING DEVICES
Two Rivers Public Charter School intends to enter into a sole source contract with Apple, Inc. to provide technology equipment consisting of Macbook Air and Pro laptops, Mac Minis and iPAD tablets. The cost of this contract will be approximately $90,000. The decision to sole source was made because Apple, Inc is uniquely qualified to provide technology equipment due to proprietary design of their equipment. Two Rivers’ existing technology is Apple-product based and we want to continue with the current infrastructure. Please contact Gail Williams with any questions at procurement@tworiverspcs.org.
PEDRO from Page 31
explores shamelessly within her own work.
As an artist who prides herself on defying genres and experimenting, Melan underscored the importance of embracing an industry resolute in redefining limitations often imposed by society.
For Black women, she pointed out, those barriers often have nothing to do with the music.
“We’re at that place where diversity [and] visibility is present, and there’s so many beautiful representations, but I do think there are still a lot of boxes,” Melan told The Informer. “Especially Black women artists…there’s just a lot of standards that kind of take up more space than the creative expression.”
O-Slice and Pedro both noted this disparity being particularly evident among the hip-hop/rap community, despite a growing presence of Black women whose bars have topped the charts and paved the industry for decades.
Evidently, Pedro believes changing the narrative starts with a different demographic.
“If anything, I would love for men, specifically, to actually be fans of women in music,” he admitted. “I feel like sometimes they’re not in tune with the music, and they’re more in tune with the image, and…we need to focus on [Black women’s] skillset.”
A Maryland-based, by way of Nigeria, rapper herself, O-Slice emphasized the positive impact that can be derived from artists that exist in a realm of freedom and authenticity. She cited the evolution of the Afrobeats genre, which has delved into distinguishing groups such as Afropop, Amapiano, Afrofusion, etc., when “just as recently as two years ago,” many were not
aware of the differing variations.
Further, the rapper shared a personal anecdote of life imitating art, referencing a line from the 2004 song “Through the Wire” by rapper Kanye West, also known as Ye.
“I remember when Kanye had his accident, and then in his song, he was like, ‘Thank God, I ain’t too cool for the seat belt.’ And ever since I heard that, I wore my seat belt,” O-Slice told The Informer.
Within her own craft of intentional lyricism and experimental music, the Prince Georgian hopes to wield a similar connection.
“I just hope that my music – especially when I’m talking about things that are really important to me – connect with people in a way that impacts their lives positively as well,” O-Slice said.
THE DMV IN ME: D.C.’S UNWAVERING MUSICAL INFLUENCE
Amid sharing excitement for the June 29 performance, each artist touted the significance of the DMV in not only the culminating performance, but their connections to music as it stands today.
Alongside the productions of fellow Washingtonian THE22FALL, Pedro told The Informer the album shares hints of D.C. in its note of go-go influence, as well as the narrative to strip the destructive forces of egotism to “appreciate the women around you” –which, the Southeast artist added, has been critical to his own journey.
Pedro lauded culture shapers like bassist Esperanza Spalding and singer-songwriter Janelle Monáe as integral aspirations of measure, while highlighting those in his circle that continue to inspire and influence his
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sound, including other DMV namesakes like Alex Vaughn, in addition to his publicist Lena Lavonn and the four women on the bill.
“D.C. is the best place in terms of culture: music, arts, fashion, style, influence. There’s [so much] rich talent…And when we talk about the lineup for Songbyrd, that’s what I mean,” he told The Informer. “I want people to experience that, experience how talented they are.”
Meanwhile, O-Slice commended the unique sound of go-go as a propellant to lead DMV artists to transform genres and amplify an appreciation for various aspects of music, particularly the use of live instruments.
“I don’t really think that there’s much music in the United States that sounds like go-go. So it’s really cool that we’re able to find unique pockets and unique patterns in the way that we create,” said O-Slice. “And I think that it leads to us having a more eclectic sound to even begin with.”
Melan, who’s debuting her set with a diverse band of women and non-binary individuals, noted the need to continue building resources for DMV artists to thrive and “boost the creative economy,” driving a motto of “collaboration and support over competition.”
“There is that other side to it, building musicality and really seeing how it can take different forms,” Melan noted. “We’re all doing different things but we can connect the dots where we can.”
For Pedro, connecting those dots is to amplify the culture of creativity in D.C., and the empowering women who continue to shape it.
“Whatever possible type of help I can be, I’m here to do that,” Pedro said. “I’m here to uplift my hometown. That’s all I care about.” WI
Star Power and Social Statements Define 25th BET Awards Ceremony
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
The BET Awards celebrated 25 years of Black culture, music, and activism on Monday night with a show that blended celebrity moments, sharp humor, and pointed political commentary.
From the stage of the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, artists used their platforms to speak directly to the moment. Doechii, accepting her first BET Award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, seized the spotlight early with a powerful speech addressing the immigration raids and protest crackdowns taking place just blocks away.
“There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order,” she said. “Trump is using military forces to stop a protest. I want you all to consider what kind of government it appears to be when every time we exercise our democratic right to protest, the military is deployed against us. What type of government is that?”
Her remarks came on the heels of President Donald Trump’s order to send an additional 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to ongoing immigration protests. The Pentagon confirmed that the deployment brought the number of Guard members under federal orders to more than 4,100. Approximately 700 Marines were also sent to the city earlier in the day.
California quickly moved to challenge the deployment. State Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a lawsuit against Trump, saying the president had “trampled” California’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, Trump endorsed threats made by border official Tom Homan, who warned that state officials obstructing federal enforcement could face arrest.
“I would do it if I were Tom. I think it’s great,” Trump said. California Governor Gavin Newsom responded, “Come after me, arrest me. Let’s just get it
5 Artist Doechii accepting an award at the 2025 BET Awards on June 9. She used her platform to speak out against immigration raids, anti-LGBTQ+ policy, and the Trump administration deploying the National Guard to address protests just blocks away from the 25th annual awards. (Courtesy Photo/Doechii, Instgaram)
over with, tough guy.”
Back inside the theater, Doechii continued: “People are being swept up and torn from their families. I feel like it’s my responsibility as an artist to use this moment to speak up for all oppressed people. … We all deserve to live in hope and not fear. I hope we stand together.”
Her words earned a standing ovation, setting the tone for a night filled with heartfelt tributes and unflinching truths.
The evening also honored Jamie Foxx, Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin with the Ultimate Icon Award, recognizing their achievements in entertainment and their ongoing impact in their communities.
Foxx, the first to accept the honor, became emotional during his speech. Reflecting on a near-fatal health scare in 2023.
“When I saw the memoriam, I was like, ‘Man, that could’ve been me,’” he told the crowd.
In a previous interview with the Associated Press, he shared that “the thing was almost a wrap. Every prayer counted.”
Having been presented the award by Stevie Wonder, Foxx’s voice broke with gratitude as he addressed the audience.
“I don’t know why I went through what I went through. But I know my second chance — I won’t turn it down,” he said. His daughters and sister looked on from the crowd, visibly moved.
Mariah Carey, receiving her first BET Award, thanked Busta Rhymes for his introduction and reflected on personal growth.
“It took me a while, but I finally realized that life is far too short to live for anyone else’s approval, which is something I always did,” she said. “I decided to own who I am.”
Snoop Dogg took the stage next, introduced by Dr. Dre. Accompanied by his wife Shante Taylor, the rapper paid respect to his fellow honorees before thanking those who supported him through his journey.
“Hip-hop gave me a voice. It gave me a purpose. It gave me a way out and a way into homes, hearts, cultures and countries I’d never thought I would even touch,” he said. “Being an icon isn’t about fame. It’s about legacy. It’s about what you build, what you leave behind and who you lift up along the way.”
Kirk Franklin, accepting the same honor, acknowledged his imperfections with humility and humor.
“I can’t even sing,” he joked. “Which makes this award so amazing, because what I do really don’t make sense. If you’re listening to this, that’s when you know it’s God.”
WI
Featuring two world premieres, and revisiting favorite choreography from 30 years of percussive performances.
Fri & Sat, June 27 & 28
LIFESTYLE
SLY from Page 4
cultural force with hits such as “Dance to the Music” (1967), “Everyday People” (1969), and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” (1970)—all penned by Stone himself. Their album ”Stand!” (1969) and live performances—most notably at Woodstock—cemented their reputation, blending soul, funk, rock, gospel, and psychedelia to reflect the optimism and turmoil of their era.
Sly Stone’s musical approach radically reshaped popular music. He transcended genre boundaries and empowered a new generation of artists. The band’s socially conscious message and infectious rhythms sparked a wave of influence, reaching artists as diverse as Miles Davis, George Clinton, Prince, Dr. Dre, and the Roots.
As the 1970s progressed, Stone
confronted personal demons. His desire to use music as a response to war, racism, and societal change culminated in the intense album “There’s a Riot Goin’ On” (1971). But drug dependency began to undermine both his health and professional life, leading to erratic behavior and band decline through the early 1980s.
Withdrawn from the public eye for much of the 1990s and early 2000s, Stone staged occasional comebacks. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys in 2017, and captured public attention following the 2023 release of his memoir ”Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”— published under Questlove’s imprint.
He also completed a biographical screenplay and was featured
in Questlove’s documentary ”Sly Lives!” earlier this year.
His influence endured across generations. Critics and historians repeatedly credit him with perfecting funk and creating a “progressive soul,” shaping a path for racial integration both onstage and in the broader culture.
“Rest in beats Sly Stone,” legendary Public Enemy frontman Chuck D posted on social media with an illustrative drawing of the artist. “We should thank Questlove of the Roots for keeping his fire blazing in this century.”
In addition, freelance music publicist and Sirius XM host Eric Alper offered a tribute.
“The funk pioneer who made the world dance, think, and get higher,” Alper wrote of Sly Stone. “His music changed everything— and it still does.” WI
Watch out! Summertime is also mosquito time. Millions of mosquitoes are out there. And they’re looking for their favorite food:
Mosquitoes can spread dangerous diseases to animals and humans. The Mosquito Abatement Team works to kill mosquitoes before they become a problem.
STAGE 1: EGG
Female mosquitoes lay about 200 eggs on the surface of water. The
Do they send out mosquito swatter teams? Do they spray poisons all over? None of the above. They take a much more scientific and safe approach.
Mosquito abatement specialists study the life cycle of a mosquito and then try to kill them before they become flying adults.
Look closely at the head. Between the eyes are the antennae.They can sense sounds and odors. Male antennae are feathery. The female mosquito has long thread-like antennae.
The best time to battle the bug is at the larva stage. Mosquito abatement teams often put mosquito-larvae-eating fish in the ponds and puddles where female
Which mosquitoes are males and which are females? It is important to know because only one sex
Do you see a tiny, straw-like tube sticking out between the antennae? That is the proboscis, or mouth. The female uses this to drink blood. Male mosquitoes feed on plant juices and flower nectar.
Mosquito _ _ _ _ _ _ produces an allergic reaction on the _ _ _ _. After a mosquito bites you, a small, itchy, _ _ _ bump may appear on your _ _ _ _. Scratching the itch spreads the _ _ _ _ _ _ and so the itch spreads, too.
A female mosquito can consume
Mosquito Math
Pretend each letter of the alphabet has points. For example, A=1, B=2, C=3, and so on. How many points would the word “mosquito” be worth! Look through the newspaper for five words worth more than “mosquito” and five words worth fewer points.
Find the words by looking up, down, backwards, forwards, sideways and diagonally.
Mosquito Message
Find a word in the newspaper that starts with “m.” Do the same for each letter in the word “mosquito.” Cut out the words and paste them onto a piece of paper from top to bottom. Standards Link: Writing: Students write acrostic poems.
review wi book
Books for Father’s Day
By Various Authors
c.2025, Various publishers
$14.99 – $30
Various page counts
Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer
Your dad is the best.
He gives great hugs, first of all. He teaches you things, fixes what’s broken, and he likes to play with you sometimes. Dad works hard, he’s really smart, and he picks great books to read before your bedtime, books like these… Who doesn’t like to go camping with Dad? In the new book, “You Make the World” by Múon Thi Văn, illustrated by Phùng Nguyȇn Quang & Huynh Kim Liên (Orchard Books, $18.99), a young child goes out in nature with their father, and learns a few things about what makes the world go ‘round — at least, in Dad’s eyes. It’s a book that sings with joy and love; but it will also help your child understand that emotions actually mean something. Just don’t be surprised if this sweet little story makes Dad tear up a bit because it’s that kind of book. “You Make the World” is perfect for bedtime, and it’s great for kids ages 3 to 7.
Another book full of love is “Love, Dad: Inspiring Notes from Fathers to Kids” by Dr. Joel Warsh and Andrew Gardner, illustrated by David Elmo Cooper (Random House, $14.99). Here, authors Warsh and Gardner asked “lots of dads” what they wished their kids knew, and what they “hoped to teach their kids.” It starts with the words, “When you grow up, I hope you …” and the rest of the sentences are warm, loving, funny, inspiring, empowering, and good for kids of any age. Read this book now to your 5-to7-year-old, then make it a tradition by reading it every year for the next five or 10 years.
And finally, if you’re looking for something your dad might love to read, or if you’re a father yourself, consider “Fatherhood: A History of Love and Power” by Augustine Sedgewick (Scribner, $30).
“By any measure, fatherhood is one of the most meaningful concepts in human culture,” the author says, but it can also be filled with aspects that today’s society might find oppressive, to one degree or another. For example, the idea that men must provide for and protect partners and offspring has been around a long time — though it’s changed and adapted with modern attitudes, feminism, and other forces. You’ll see it through Sedgewick’s portraits of influential, powerful men throughout history, men who happened to be fathers.
This is a thoughtful, aha! kind of book for the dad who wants to read something different, for an older teen who’d like a history of an unusual sort, or for Mom, who wants a peek into the other side of parenting.
Of course, there’s more to being a dad than biology, and there are more books on the subject at your favorite bookstore or library. To find them, you just need to step inside and ask for books on being a dad, being a child with a daddy, or getting to know the man who was your father. Indeed, your librarian or bookseller can help you find the Father’s Day books that are the best. WI
horoscopes
LIFESTYLE
JUNE
12 - 18, 2025
ARIES Pioneering spirit awakens as Mars energizes your exploration sector, bringing discoveries through bold ventures that balance calculated risks with intuitive leaps. Professional momentum builds when competitive instincts channel into collaborative leadership that elevates teams. Creative breakthroughs emerge midweek when artistic passion merges with practical application.. Lucky Numbers: 4, 16, 27
TAURUS Financial foundations strengthen as Venus illuminates your prosperity sector, bringing abundance through patient investment strategies that prioritize long-term stability. Sensual pleasures reach new depths when mindful engagement replaces unconscious consumption patterns. Professional relationships flourish midweek when reliable consistency demonstrates trustworthiness more effectively than grand gestures. Lucky Numbers: 9, 15, 32
GEMINI Communication mastery achieves breakthrough results as Mercury activates your expression sector, bringing success through articulating complex ideas in accessible language. Learning accelerates when multifaceted interests synthesize into comprehensive understanding. Social dynamics improve midweek when listening skills balance with verbal contributions in meaningful exchanges. Lucky Numbers: 6, 18, 35
CANCER Nurturing wisdom creates protective boundaries as lunar influences deepen your security sector, bringing peace through caring for others while maintaining emotional reserves. Family bonds strengthen when supportive actions flow from affection rather than perceived obligations. Professional intuition guides successful decisions midweek when empathetic insights inform strategic planning. Lucky Numbers: 3, 13, 28
LEO Radiant confidence inspires collective action as the Sun empowers your leadership sector, bringing recognition through generous spirit that uplifts community while showcasing talents. Creative projects gain momentum when personal expression serves meaningful purposes beyond self-promotion. Digital skills advance when technological tools amplify rather than replace authentic connection. Lucky Numbers: 1, 19, 31
VIRGO Practical service creates meaningful transformation as Earth energies ground your contribution sector, bringing fulfillment through systematic approaches that address genuine needs. Analytical precision deepens when detailed observation precedes comprehensive solution development. Health optimization flourishes midweek when personalized wellness strategies honor individual body wisdom rather than generic recommendations. Lucky Numbers: 7, 20, 33
LIBRA Diplomatic excellence achieves harmonious outcomes as Venus balances your partnership sector, bringing resolution through skillful negotiation that honors competing interests while maintaining integrity. Aesthetic sensibilities find practical application when beautiful design enhances functional efficiency. Financial cooperation thrives midweek when shared resource management respects individual preferences within collaborative frameworks. Lucky Numbers: 5, 17, 36
SCORPIO Transformative insight penetrates surface appearances as Pluto intensifies your perception sector, bringing understanding through psychological exploration that reveals hidden motivations behind apparent behaviors. Professional influence expands when quiet competence demonstrates expertise more convincingly than forceful assertions. Lucky Numbers: 8, 22, 37
SAGITTARIUS Philosophical wisdom finds practical expression as Jupiter expands your understanding sector, bringing enlightenment through cultural experiences that broaden perspectives while deepening appreciation for universal human themes. International connections create opportunities when cross-cultural exchange transcends superficial differences to reveal shared values. Lucky Numbers: 11, 23, 34
CAPRICORN Structural progress manifests through disciplined effort as Saturn supports your achievement sector, bringing advancement through consistent performance that builds reputation more effectively than self-promotional strategies. Traditional approaches gain renewed relevance when selective modernization enhances rather than replaces time-tested methods. Lucky Numbers: 12, 25, 38
AQUARIUS Innovative solutions address collective needs as Uranus activates your humanitarian sector, bringing breakthroughs through unconventional approaches that serve community interests while honoring creativity. Collaborative projects flourish when diverse perspectives receive equal consideration in democratic planning processes. Lucky Numbers: 2, 14, 29
PISCES Spiritual awareness integrates with daily reality as Neptune blesses your transcendence sector, bringing wisdom through meditative practices that enhance rather than withdraw from practical engagement. Artistic endeavors achieve emotional resonance when technical skill supports rather than overshadows authentic creative vision. Lucky Numbers: 10, 21, 30
SPORTS
D.C. Sports Heat Up In A Sizzling Week Of Action
Nascar Star William Byron Visits DMV Staple, Defenders Reach UFL Championship, Kiki Iraifen Earns WNBA Rookie of the Month
Skylar Nelson WI Contributing Writer
It’s shaping up to be an electrifying week for D.C. Sports fans.
Nascar star William Byron visited an iconic local favorite, the D.C. Defenders powered their way into the UFL Championship, rising WNBA star Kiki Iriafen earned Rookie of the Month honors, and so much more.
From championship dreams to milestone moments, here’s everything you need to know from the sizzling week in the heart of the nation’s capital.
NASCAR STAR WILLIAM BYRON MAKES A PITSTOP AT TO THE NATION’S CAPITAL
Two-time reigning DAYTONA
500 champion William Byron, driver of No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports in the Nascar Cup Series, made a pitstop to Washington D.C., as part of his promotion for the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Saturday, Aug. 16.
“D.C. is actually one of my more favorite cities so just being here is fun, getting to see different things, going to the Nationals game will be fun,” Byron said. “So I’m looking forward to it.”
Byron kicked off his visit to the nation’s capital by visiting D.C.’s most iconic culinary landmark, known as Ben’s Chili Bowl.
“I just heard it was the best place for hot dogs and I love hot dogs,” said Byron. “I liked it a lot. I definitely recommend it.”
Kamal Ben Ali, co-owner of the establishment and the middle son of
its co-founders, Ben and Virginia Ali, shared insights on their excitement to have Byron visit.
The racecar driver shared lunch and a special moment with co-founder Virginia Ali, while also interacting with fans, adding a dash of racing flair to the restaurant’s legacy and community.
“We’re happy to help the sport grow and make it popular among Washingtonians,” said Kamal Ben Ali. “The fact that anyone’s coming to Ben’s Chili Bowl, they recognize what it means to D.C., so when they’re in town, they come in and make their presence known here and it’s great fun. Mom is sitting with him so it definitely adds to both legacies.”
Prince George’s County resident and Nascar fan Edward Gonzalez said meeting Byron was a dream come true.
“It’s kinda like ‘Are you dreaming?’ like you’re still in a place with a famous athlete,” Gonzalez told The Informer. “Just to be in the same building as him is amazing. And to be at an iconic place like this [Ben’s Chili Bowl], where you know all the famous people have been, feels surreal.”
Byron headed from chowing on chili dogs to Southeast’s National’s Park for the Washington Nationals versus Chicago Cubs matchup, where he opened the game with the honorary “play ball.”
While Byron enjoyed connecting with the D.C. community, he’ll soon return to the DMV on the track, focused and ready to soar.
“Richmond’s been kind of a tough place for us, but hopefully this year we can get our luck turned around and be faster there,” said By-
KIKI IRIAFEN EARNS WNBA ROOKIE OF THE MONTH TITLE, MYSTICS BLOW OUT CONNECTICUT SUN 104-67
Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen has been named Kia WNBA Rookie of The Month for May, setting a franchise milestone.
ron. “Always looking to be quicker, more competitive there, and hopefully this year we can do that.”
D.C. DEFENDERS
TOP ST. LOUIS BATTLEHAWKS CLINCHING SPOT IN UFL CHAMPIONSHIP
The D.C. Defenders crushed the St. Louis Blackhawks 36-18 in a thrilling XFL conference championship matchup at The Dome at America’s Center, clinching their UFL championship berth.
“It came down to us, we, and ours, you know,” said Head Coach Shannon Harris. “And that’s been the motto for us the entire season. We’re going to do this together, it’s not just a one man show on any of this stuff. As a head coach you get the praise for it and you get a record put on you. But at the end of the day, it was us, we, and ours. And I’m so happy for these guys and the coaching staff that stayed together.”
Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu ignited the offense early with a 42-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Seth Williams. Running backs Deon Jackson and Abraham Smith fueled the ground attack, rushing for a combined 174 yards and three touchdowns.
Despite a late Battlehawks touchdown, the Defenders remained strong on defense, regaining control, which led to a strong finish.
With a 6-4 regular season record and blazing past the St. Louis Blackhawks, D.C. is now set to take the UFL championship stage where they will face off against the Michigan Panthers on Saturday, June 14.
“I didn’t even know this was a thing,” said Iriafen, talking to her teammates, noting she “wouldn’t have been able to do it” without them. “I just wanted to thank all of you guys [teammates].... Just being on this team I feel was perfect timing and the perfect people to be around because you guys have really helped me find the love and joy of basketball again.”
In her debut month, Iriafen made a bold impression averaging 13.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 47.4% shooting, ranking third among rookies in scoring and leading all in rebounds. Her rebounding placed her fourth overall in the league, while her second-chance scoring placed her second overall in the league.
Iriafen became the first Mystics player since 2010 to average a double-double with elite shooting, joining a prestigious group of rookies in WNBA history. From May 18-25, she notched four consecutive double-doubles, reaching a rookie milestone for the first time since 1999.
The California native scored 10+ points in every May game and is one of only six players ever to average a double-double in their first seven career games. Selected fourth overall in the 2025 WNBA draft, Iriafen currently averages 14.6 points, 10 rebounds, and 51.7% shooting, making her a top contender for Rookie of The Year.
While the Mystics broke their three-game losing streak against the Connecticut Sun (104-67), veteran guard Brittany Sykes reflected on the team’s mindset of bouncing back and how they will move forward.
“It was one of those things where what happened doesn’t define us, how we respond does. This was one of those games where we had the chance to bounce back,” said Sykes. “Especially going into this week of practice, without any games. That gives us a little bit of a high spirit, and [we’re] looking forward to correcting a lot of things that we didn’t get to correct because we had so many games in the beginning of the season.”
WI
5The Ali family of Ben’s Chili Bowl greets Nascar Driver William Byron outside of the iconic restaurant. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)
5Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Pamela A. Smith shakes hands with Miles Rawls, commissioner and lead organizer of the Goodman League, as MPD officers and others celebrate during the Goodman League’s 29th season kickoff on June 4 at Barry Farm Coliseum. The Goodman League, a staple of Southeast, D.C.’s summer basketball scene, has partnered with Events DC as the presenting sponsor for the 2025 season. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)
CAPTURE the moment
This year, in honor of the District hosting WorldPride 2025 (May 17-June 8), the iconic Capital Pride Parade transformed into the WorldPride Parade honoring LGBTQ+ people from all over the globe, on Saturday, June 7, in Northwest, D.C. The parade is a beloved tradition honoring queer history, acknowledging the evolution of LGBTQ+ rights, and uplifting the importance of taking to the streets in the fight for freedom and equality for all.
(Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
RELIGION
Transcending Duality To Redefine Spirituality: How a D.C. Artist is Encouraging Self-Actualization,
‘Finding God Within You’
By Jada Ingleton WI Content Editor
Immersed in a show of elemental colors, shattered reflections and the limitless bounds of the psyche is a pensive exhibition deeming a prevalent revelation: How does one seek God within themself, and what does that look like?
With his latest solo exhibit, “Primordial Spirit: Transcendence of Duality,”
D.C. artist Blake Pierre transforms U Street’s Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery into an exploration of self, spirituality and the realms in which they coexist, illustrating the union of divine masculine and feminine as a catalyst to self-actualization and spiritual awakening.
As Pierre touted muses and intentions, he reflected on challenging ideals that duel in society – good versus bad, love versus fear – in accordance with the potential to achieve wholesomeness and enlightenment, a mission he noted is particularly pertinent in a time
overcome with “information overload,” progressive technology, and divisiveness.
“I think the biggest thing for people now is really having wisdom and having a spirit of discernment,” Pierre explained. “Being able to listen to your inner voice and seeing what actually aligns with me, and what aligns with my truth, and how should I move about.”
Pierre told The Informer the call to spiritual alignment includes a renewed relationship with self, just as much as the powers to redefine faith within. Particularly within the Black community, this means reshaping the ancestral culture of religion and spiritual illumination.
“Religion and slavery has a huge impact on how we perceive spirituality and how we have for hundreds of years. Our people are still coming out of that and [its] effects, so we have to kind of redefine our relationship to God and
spirituality,” Pierre told The Informer, “and what that looks like for us.”
BRINGING ART AND THE PSYCHE TO LIFE
According to Pierre, an educator at Duke Ellington School of the Arts, fulfilling that mission stems from learning how to master one’s mind in conjunction with a respect for transcending duality, or recognizing the balance of opposing themes to achieve a holistic perception of reality and self.
relationship to self and how they could grow that.”
Jabari Jefferson – another local artist whose solo exhibit is currently on display at the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum – commended Pierre’s style and execution of “Primordial Spirit” in an artist talk with the creator on May 25.
After noting the artwork “feels very much alive,” he spoke of the importance of art as a tool for challenging philosophy with contemporary times.
3D.C. artist and educator at Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Blake Pierre uplifts self-actualization and the union of divine masculine and feminine with his solo exhibition “Primordial Spirit: Transcendence of Duality,” on display through July 12. (Jada Ingleton/The Washington Informer)
of the esoteric knowledge and wisdom in the Bible,” Pierre said, adding that the Bible still holds relevance in modern times. “The way that we interpret it and read it is going to have to change.”
Thus, the solo exhibition dons pieces like “Connecting to Higher Self,” a personal favorite touted by Jefferson on May 25, that portrays the distinguishing alignments between soul and spirit. In reference to the Greek interpretation of “God, the Father,” which Pierre told The Informer simply means source, the portrait outlines two women holding hands amid a symbolic ocean backdrop, where the ether masks the spiritual realm, while electromagnetic energy that comes from the earth is portrayed through the symbolism of fire.
With one woman’s complexion illuminating the spiritual being, the distinct portrait offers a nod to the Biblical tier of tapping into source through one’s higher self, which Pierre adds can look like anything from prayer and meditation to engaging in an activity.
3One of eight to nine pieces donning in the exhibit, “Black Hole Sun” explores the origins and mythologies of the universe’s creation, emphasizing Black women as the sun in counterpart with black hole cosmology. (Jada Ingleton/ The Washington Informer)
Leveraging concepts such as Hieros Gamos, Jungian psychology, and divine light, in addition to some Biblical references, “Primordial Spirit” parallels fusions of artistic crafts like shadow work (a spiritual practice), acrylics, oils, spray paint, glass, and crystals to impose a deep dive into how enlightenment can be obtained from a union of the human psyche.
While the exhibit shines a light on the psychological concept of self-actualization, the relationship that blossoms is a mastery of one’s own reality and how it can affect others, which can prompt that “inner voice” of spiritual guidance.
“When infusing spirituality and [these conversations], it’s all intentful for people to be able to really reflect on their own relationship with themselves and how they can deepen that relationship,” said the exhibit creator. “I think it’s very important for artists to make people think, and I just choose to make people think more so about their
“That inner conversation and inner voice is needed now more than ever,” said Jefferson. “It’s inspiring to see work that comes from a mindset and a philosophy but it doesn’t feel stale.”
REDEFINING FAITH VS. SPIRITUALITY
Beyond a colorful array of symbolism, “Primordial Spirit” projects another core contrast of modern society – faith versus spirituality.
Notably, duality in faith is not a foreign notion, especially in Christianity where tangible actions are measured in the guise of Christ-like behavior.
However, Pierre, who was raised on Christian values, notes how generational teachings of God’s word has led to some misinterpretations that disregard the fact that the Bible is “highly metaphysical and highly symbolic.”
“The people that taught us, they didn’t know that. They dealt with it from a historical point of view, and when you do that, you can miss a lot
“People aren’t necessarily getting away from a relationship with God, it’s just being redefined, and [they] are being more empowered and understand that God is within you,” Pierre explained. “Then you understand how to access it, instead of looking to some outside entity to serve you or to help you out. It’s not how it works.”
As “Primordial Spirit” brings visitors through July 12, Pierre hopes the exhibition will be a pivotal conversation starter where many can reflect on their own ability to deepen a relationship with self, while also serving as a boost for other artists on the cusp of chasing a dream.
Further, he added a goal to see African Americans tap into “more of their spiritual roots” and learn the deeds of –and beyond – ancestry, as opposed to doing away with religion.
“[I hope to see them] practice going within, more than looking to a God outside of themselves, or a man outside of yourself – anything outside of yourself,” Pierre told The Informer. “I would say look within first for the answers, for whatever it is you’re looking for, and really get into practices that can further that whole process along.” WI
Children’s Legacy Theatre is thrilled to share a special event you won’t want to miss: the debut of a powerful and original play of historical significance, “Until I’m Free: The Fannie Lou Hamer Story.” It will be held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ Family Theater, Washington, D.C., Thursday, June 19, 2025, starting at 6 p.m. This performance is free and open to the public.
Back in the mid-1960s, when my family had relocated to Washington, D.C., and Children’s Legacy Theatre was settling in, I had heard about the Kennedy Center. I was working and purchased tickets for me and my three sisters to go to a show. Children’s Legacy Theatre looked great, and we took photographs that are still in our family photo album many years later. This is your opportunity to go and take your family. Remember, tickets are free and open to the public. You will enjoy the play, and I promise you will enjoy watching this true story of the life of activist Fannie Lou Hamer.
This Ward 8, youth-led production brings to life the story of civil rights legend Fannie Lou Hamer, a woman whose courage and conviction helped change American democracy. Through live music, dance, moving performances and immersive storytelling, this play calls us to remember, reflect and rise.
Children’s Legacy Theatre is a youth-powered nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., that provides meaningful employment and creative opportunities for young people, using the arts to prevent violence, inspire civic leadership and promote pride in Black history and culture.
Why This Matters: Fannie Lou Hamer’s story resonates now more than ever; CLT youth are using their voices to preserve legacy and shape futures; the performance highlights the power of storytelling in community healing and action. Children’s Legacy Theatre would love for you to join
WITH LYNDIA GRANT
Let History and Hope Speak to Your Soul the religion corner
them in celebrating Juneteenth with this inspiring, intergenerational event. Please consider attending, sharing with your networks or covering the event in your community calendar.
According to their website, here is an upcoming activity that may be of interest. The 10 Minute Play Festival is coming this summer. The company will host a six-week program that leads to the 10 Minute Play Festival.
Students from the MBSYEP enroll in this program and learn the basics of theater from playwriting, acting, sound and lights, props, set design, public relations and marketing, choreography and wardrobe design.
CLT is proud to be in its third-year partnership with the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program. For six weeks each summer, more than 100 teens, ages 14 to 17, partner with CLT theater arts professionals, attending workshops to prepare for the festival, where they learn playwriting, directing, acting, costume design, set design, light/sound design, stage management and prop design. After the workshop sessions, the teens are put in charge of managing all rehearsals, including opening and closing performances.
“I have learned a lot this summer,” says MBSYEP teen Damaiya Stewart, light designer trainee. “I feel like working here has helped me develop my character, and I met a lot of new friends.”
Derrick Hawkins, Roosevelt High School senior and amateur photographer, explains, “I was hired as a supervisor, supervising a staff of four teens. I
learned to be patient, teach others what I’ve learned, and supervising isn’t easy. But the creativity I’ve been able to share made it worthwhile.”
Kayla, play director trainee, says, “I didn’t even know I could direct a play. I got a lot of support and guidance from CLT staff, and I got to use my own ideas.”
“Children’s Legacy Theatre is proud to support the work of this organization. Children’s Legacy Theatre looks forward to the community coming out to support the creative and challenging work of these incredibly talented teens,” said Phil Pannell, executive director of the Anacostia Coordinating Council and CLT sponsor.
Children’s Legacy Theatre knows you share their passion for youth in the theater arts. So they are reaching out to you now asking for your financial support to ensure teen artists can continue to make their valuable contributions to our community. Please consider sponsoring at the gold, silver or bronze level.
As Children’s Legacy Theatre prepares for their eighth annual 10 Minute Play Festival, they thank you for supporting Wards 7 and 8 teens.
For more information, visit www. childrenslegacytheatre8.org or call (202) 710-7819. Let history move you. Let Fannie Lou Hamer speak to your soul.
In purpose and performance, Jackie Carter, who serves as the executive director of Children’s Legacy Theatre. The email address and phone number: childrenslegacytheatre8@gmail.com; 202-710-7819. WI
RELIGION
RELIGION
Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 Fax : 202-338-4958
Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org
All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.
Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant
401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012 Office (202)-882-8331
Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:30 am Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331
Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Communion Every First Sunday "Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."
Website: Theplbc.org Email: churchclerk@theplbc.org
Purpose
Mt. Horeb Baptist Church
Rehoboth Baptist Church
First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
Promised Land Baptist Church
Declaration of Nationality Protocol
In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender.
Notice of Special Appearance : I am that am: “Pedro Tyri Winfrey© “, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ PEDRO TYRI WINFREY©”, corp.sole Dba.: “PEDRO T. WINFREY© “; PEDRO WINFREY, WINFREY, PEDRO T, 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, Al Maghreb Al Aqsa, Estados al Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. am that am: “Pedro Tyri Winfrey© “, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “pedro tyri kelly-orozco” . Notice of White Flag Surrender: as “hors de combat”, pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: Illinois Department of Public Health-Division of Vital Records : STATE FILE NUMBER: 112-1983 6010736, “PEDRO TYRI WINFREY©”, is as a special deposit order, conveyed to “Thrive Regardless 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: “”, nom deguerre: “Pedro Tyri Winfrey”, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : “Thrive Regardless Trust©”, an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2025 FEP 000052
October 23, 2023
Date of Death
M. Kathleen Gordon aka Kathleen Gordon Robinson Name of Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Elden Keith Robinson whose address is 104 Prospect Bay Dr. W, Grasonville, MD 21638 was appointed personal representative of the estate of M. Kathleen Gordon aka Kathleen Gordon Robinson, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Queen Anne’s County, State of Maryland, on April 28, 2025. Service of process may be made upon Andrew T. Richardson, III, Esq. 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006 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 property.
3701 9th Street, NW #4, Washington, DC 20010. 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: 5/29/2025
Elden Keith Robinson
Personal Representative
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2025 ADM 492
Gertrude Paulette Strong Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Azikiwe Strong, whose address is 624 G Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gertrude Paulette Strong who died on 3/21/2025 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 11/29/2025. 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 11/29/2025, 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: 5/29/2025
Azikiwe Strong Personal Representative
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Probate Division
Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2025 ADM 000037
Johnnie Mae Fripp Dickens Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq., whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, #400, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Johnnie Mae Fripp Dickens who died on July 27, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/29/2025. 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 11/29/2025, 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: 5/29/2025
Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. 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
2025 ADM 000493
Carl Gene Ruffin Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Tyrone G. Ruffin, whose address is 3307 Tinkers Branch Way, Fort Washington, Maryland 20744, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Carl Gene Ruffin who died on September 9, 2005 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/29/2025. 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 11/29/2025, 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: 5/29/2025
Tyrone G. Ruffin 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
2025 FEP 000035
April 27, 2023
Date of Death
Nickole C. Scott aka Nickole C. Scott-Conerly Name of Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Donn G. Scott aka Donn Scott whose address is 5 Woodstone Drive, Voorhees, NJ 08043 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Nickole C. Scott aka Nickole C. Scott-Conerly, deceased, by the Surrogates Court for Camden County, State of New Jersey, on November 6, 2023.
Service of process may be made upon Aimee D. Griffin 5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 440, 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 property.
3720 35th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20015. 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: 5/29/2025
Donn G. Scott Personal Representative
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2021 ADM 001378
Dorothy M. Sims aka Dorothy Mae Sims Decedent
Sharon Legall 1325 G Street, NW, Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Rodney L. Sims and Stacie D. Sims, whose addresses are 9275 Rollingwood Dr., Pomfret, MD 20675 / 312 Cape Dr., SE, Washington, DC 20019, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Dorothy M. Sims aka Dorothy Mae Sims who died on 6/8/2021 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 (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 11/29/2025. 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 11/29/2025, 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: 5/29/2025
Rodney L. Sims Stacie D. Sims 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
2025 ADM 000339
Walter Anderson Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Sheila Anderson, whose address is 410 Nicholson St., NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Walter Anderson who died on December 20, 2024 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 11/29/2025. 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 11/29/2025, 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: 5/29/2025
Sheila Anderson 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
2025 ADM 499
Frankie Green Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Tanya Latrice Green, whose address is 1334 Half Street, SW, Wahington, DC 20024, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Frankie Green who died on March 12, 2025 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 11/29/2025. 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 11/29/2025, 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: 5/29/2025
Tanya Latrice Green Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
1.Phase 2 Declaration of Nationality Protocol In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender.
Notice of Special Appearance : I am that am: “Eric Jevon Kenner Bey”©, formerly known as: “Eric Javon Kenner”©,”&, Eric Jovan Kenner,”© in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ERIC JEVON KENNER BEY”©, &, “ERIC JAVON KENNER”©, &, “ERIC JK BEY”©, &, “ERIC J KENNER”©, &, “ERIC KENNER”©, &, “ERIC BEY”©, “ERIC K BEY”©, & “ ERIC J BEY”© , & “ERIC KENNER BEY” ©, &”ERIC JEVON BEY” ©, & “ ERIC JOVAN KENNER”© 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 an: American Moor, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Al Maghreb Al Aqsa, Estados al Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as an: American Moor. I am that am: “Eric Jevon Kenner Bey©”, “Eric Javon Kenner” © from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “eric javon kenner bey”©, “tau dey”©. Notice of White Flag Surrender: as “hors de combat”, pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, sound, voice, names, image, & likeness, in all aforementioned property, including, Re: State Of Louisiana Vital Records Registry, Birth Number: 119-1980-039-00353, “ERIC JAVON KENNER”©, is as a special deposit order, conveyed to “The Kenner Tribe 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: “eric javon kenner bey”©, “tau dey”©, nom deguerre: “Eric Jevon Kenner Bey”©, “Eric Javon Kenner”© as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : “The Kenner Tribe Trust”©, an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2025 ADM 000546
Cherise E. Coleman aka Cherise Coleman Decedent
Law Office of Robert P. Newman
Robert P. Newman, Esq. 801 Wayne Ave., Suite 205 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Troi Coleman, whose address is 715 57th Place NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cherise E. Coleman aka Cherise Coleman who died on 6/18/2013 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 12/5/2025. 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 12/5/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 6/5/2025
Troi Coleman Personal Representative
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2024 ADM 1034
Dianna H. Braxton Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
J. Anthony Concino III, Esq., whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dianna H. Braxton who died on 6/1/2020 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 (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 12/5/2025. 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 12/5/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 6/5/2025
J. Anthony Concino III, Esq. Personal Representative
TRUE
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2025 ADM 000524
Paulette M. Crampton Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Patricia A. Wisdom whose address is 3609 Spring Beauty Court, Powder Springs, GA 30127, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Paulette M. Crampton who died on April 20, 2025 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 12/5/2025. 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 12/5/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 6/5/2025
Patricia A. Wisdom
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
2025 ADM 000526
James Watson Wood Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Claudette Avis Wood, whose address is 4244 14th Street NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James Watson Wood who died on March 3, 2025 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 12/5/2025. 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 12/5/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 6/5/2025
Claudette Avis Wood 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
2025 ADM 000537
Andrea M. Stewart Coble
Decedent
Donald Marlais, Esq 411 10th Street NE Washington, DC 20002
Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Michael E. Coble, whose address is 406 Emerson Street NW, Washington DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Andrea M. Stewart Coble who died on November 18, 2024 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 12/5/2025. 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 12/5/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 6/5/2025
Michael E. Coble 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
2025 ADM 219
Estate of Wanda Ruggiero aka Wanda Sochanski Ruggiero
NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE
Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. & Stanley Sochanski for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.
In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint unsupervised co-personal representatives
Date of first publication: 6/5/2025
Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW #400 Washington, DC 20015
Stanley Sochanski 30 Cherry Street Walnutport, PA 18088
Petitioner/Attorney:
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2024 ADM 000936
Annette D. Carver Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Ronald D. Carver, whose address is 726 Somerset Place, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Annette D. Carver who died on December 6, 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 (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 12/5/2025. 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 12/5/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 6/5/2025
Ronald D. Carver
Personal Representative TRUE
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2025 ADM 000514
Margaret Delois Brooks Decedent
Andrew T. Richardson, III, Esq. 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
April Brooks Jenkins and John F. Brooks, whose addresses are 2 Balmoral Dr. East, Oxon Hill, MD 20745 and 833 Barnaby Street, SE, Washington, DC 20032, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Margaret Delois Brooks who died on October 18, 2022 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 12/5/2025. 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 12/5/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 6/5/2025
April Brooks Jenkins John F. Brooks 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
2025 FEP 000054
December 16, 2011
Date of Death
Carolyn Williams Name of Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
James Thompson, Jr. whose address is 7812 Beechnut Road, Capitol Heights, MD 20743 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Carolyn Williams, deceased, by the Register of Wills for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on 5/8/2025.
Service of process may be made upon Jeffrey Gordon, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 400, 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 property: 4101 21st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018. 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: 6/5/2025
James Thompson, Jr. Personal Representative
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2025 ADM 000560
Barbara L. Greene Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Stephon L. Greene, whose address is 1700 40th Street SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Barbara L. Greene who died on April 13, 2025 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/12/2025. 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 12/12/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 6/12/2025
Stephon L. Greene
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
2025 ADM 000555
Paul Hampton Holland Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Maria Holland, whose address is 5205 Jay Street NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Paul Hampton Holland who died on March 3, 2025 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 12/12/2025. 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 12/12/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication:
6/12/2025
Maria Holland Personal Representative
TRUE TEST
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2025 ADM 000550
Frimpong Manso Decedent
Aaron Caruso, Esq. 2200-A University Blvd. W Wheaton, MD 20902 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Felicia Manso, whose address is 4503 39th Street, Brentwood, MD 20772, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Frimpong Manso who died on February 10, 2025 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/12/2025. 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 12/12/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 6/12/2025
Frimpong Manso 4503 39th Street Brentwood, MD 20772
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
2025 ADM 000547
William Osborne Porter Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Dwight O. Porter, whose address is 9828 Royal Commerce Place, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William Osborne Porter who died on April 11, 2022 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 12/12/2025. 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 12/12/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 6/12/2025
Dwight O. Porter 9828 Royal Commerce Place Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 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
2025 ADM 000313
Tinnie L. Cunningham Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Henry T. Bowman, whose address is 2812 Gaither Street, Temple Hills MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Tinnie L. Cunningham who died on 3/9/2024 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 12/12/2025. 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 12/12/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 6/12/2025
Henry T. Bowman 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
2025 ADM 000539
Marlene W. Beatty Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Robin Chaplin, whose address is 4146 Suitland Road, Apt. 402 Suitland Md 20746, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Marlene W. Beatty who died on March 14, 2025 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 12/12/2025. 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 12/12/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 6/12/2025
Robin Chaplin
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
2025 ADM 000538
Karen Lynn Alexander Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Jaimie Anita Winstead, whose address is 3221 6th Street, SE, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Karen Lynn Alexander who died on April 20, 2025 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 12/12/2025. 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 12/12/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 6/12/2025
Jaimie Anita Winstead Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
KILMAR from Page 12
nouncement of the indictment and his allegations of political motivations for the trial is a risk to the rule of law.
“When prosecutors resign alleging political motivations,” she said, “something is seriously wrong.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
Federal prosecutors have requested that Abrego Garcia be placed in pre-trial custody, citing him as a flight risk.
He appeared before a judge on June 6 and his next trial will be on June 13, where he will have an arraignment and detention hearing.
“I can tell you that we should all treat whatever charges that are being leveled against him with a high degree of suspicion,” said attorney Chris Newman, who represents the Abrego Garcia family. “We should make sure that he gets a fair trial in
TULSA from Page 17
“This is not nearly enough to compensate for the billions lost when Greenwood was destroyed by racists jealous of prosperous Black people,” social media user Fly Sistah wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
‘CHARTING
A NEW PATH FORWARD ROOTED IN UNITY AND TRUTH’
The Trust is expected to reach its $105 million asset goal by June 1, 2026, the 105th anniversary of the massacre. Assets may include transferred property, philanthropic contributions, and public funds if approved.
Nichols said that while Tulsa cannot undo the past, it can choose to invest in justice, opportunity, and dignity.
“At this moment in our nation’s history, this work will allow us to stand together and become a national model for how cities confront their history while charting a new path forward rooted in unity and truth,” he said. “One hundred four years after the Massacre, it is up to us to provide the framework that will build up a community that has been left out for far too long.”
Since taking office in December 2024, Nichols has built on years of advocacy and public demands for equity in Tulsa. His administration has committed to a series of actions under the Road
court because he’s clearly not getting a fair hearing in the court of public opinion.
Abrego Garcia’s lawyers have filed a court document alleging that the federal government misled the court and delayed his court hearing. His lawyers also said he may face deportation again.
Senator Cory Booker (D- NJ), while defending Senator Van Hollen as “a champion of the Constitution” for his efforts to bring Abrego Garcia home, noted that many others are currently being deprived of due process in CECOT.
“There are over 250 people that Donald Trump has sent there, 50 of whom entered our country legally,” said Senator Booker during an NBC interview, “who have not had a day in court, who we do not know the facts of their case, who have been sent to a place that advocates have called a gulag and where human rights are being violated.” WI
to Repair framework.
He established Tulsa Race Massacre Observance Day on June 1 as an annual opportunity for reflection and community engagement. More than 45,000 historical records related to the Massacre have also been made public, including a message from then-Mayor Evans to the City Commission, meeting minutes from the Board of Commissioners from 1908 to 1936, land records, and files on Interstate 244 and urban renewal.
Nichols asserted that the city remains committed to the 1921 Graves Investigation. His proposed fiscal year 2026 budget includes nearly $1 million for excavation at Oaklawn Cemetery based on expert archaeological recommendations. He said further details would be released in the coming weeks.
The Community Engagement Genealogy Project, funded in part by the Department of Justice Emmett Till Grant, continues with genealogy workshops, cold case training, and a new exhibit at the Greenwood Cultural Center.
“The massacre was hidden from history books, only to be followed by the intentional acts of redlining, a highway built to choke off economic vitality, and the perpetual underinvestment of local, state, and federal governments,” Nichols said. “Now it’s time to take the next big steps to restore.” WI
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ly and immediately addressing the issue of intra-community violence in its many facets, including but not limited to: domestic violence, elder abuse, and fraud.
He also expressed a desire to tackle some of the environmental issues— such as the quality of air, soil, and water— that set the stage for violent crime unlike what’s seen in other parts of the District.
“All of these different things have been neglected for years in our community, and so now it’s just boiling over,” Adofo told The Informer. “Gun violence, whether it’s one person or whether it’s 100 people that died, it’s always bad and will always rise to the top over a lot of those issues, but a lot of those issues lead to the gun violence because if you’re not of sound mind and body and spirit, it becomes harder for you to resolve conflict without going to the extreme.”
COMMISSIONER
ADOFO GIVES IT
ANOTHER GO
On July 15, Ward 8 voters will elect either Adofo, Mike Austin, Sheila Bunn, or former Ward 8 council member White as their voice in the John A. Wilson Building. The winner of this election will represent Ward 8 amid a period of political and economic uncertainty spurred by President Donald J. Trump.
So far, Adofo has the endorsements of Laborers’ International Union of North America, Sigma PAC 1914, and DC YIMBYs. Other endorsements have come from: Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners Juanita Beltran (8B07); Erica Brown (8D04); Anita Burrows (8E04); Dascha Cleckley (8C03); Tom Donohue, Jr. (8A01); Liam Goodwin (8F05); Marcus Hickman (8B06); Georgette Joy Johnson (8C02); Takema Keyes (8B01); Cassandra Matthews (8D03); Keith Moore, Jr. (8D04); Randell Strickland (8D08); and Gregory White (8C02) Keyes, an advisory neighborhood commissioner in her first term, said Adofo encouraged her to run for her current seat. She told The Informer that she appreciates his decisive and forward thinking nature when it comes to fulfilling his obligations to his constituents.
“He’s very strategic and that’s what I love about him,” Keyes told The Informer. “He doesn’t just think for now, [but] he plans for the future. We could be thinking about what we’re going to do tomorrow and he’d think about what we’re going to do 10 years from
now. He’s very selfless.”
Adofo also has a cloud of controversy hanging over his head. Last summer, he came second to then-council member White in a Ward 8 D.C. Council Democratic primary, during which a cadre of ANC 8C colleagues alleged the commissioner’s misuse of ANC funds for campaign activities.
The Office of the D.C. Auditor has since launched an audit, the findings of which are scheduled for a fall release.
In recent weeks, Adofo has set himself apart from the rest of the field with what some would describe as his unabashed support for Initiative 82 (a steady increase of the tipped minimum wage) and Initiative 83 (ranked-choice voting and open primaries)— both of which are in danger of exclusion or repeal during the Fiscal Year 2026 budget process, despite voter approval.
He also delved deeply into a vision where not only Ward 8 develops a workforce that can participate in the local economy, but residents can enjoy a revitalized United Medical Center campus and all that St. Elizabeths East Campus can offer.
“I think that Ward 8 has the opportunity to be reimagined into a place where we can have a town center rebuilt on St. E’s campus,” Adofo told The Informer. “We have the opportunity to create a safer community for elders who are in the twilight of their life to feel safe, where our children can feel safe when they’re going to and from school.”
While Ward 8 has been without a council member, Adofo has also stood among those who’ve led the charge for greater collaboration between Ward 8 advisory neighborhood commissions. In his role as a board member/ representative of low-income residents at United Planning Organization, Adofo has encouraged other commissioners to compile Fiscal Year 2026 budget
In 2018, after assuming leadership roles in the D.C. chapters of the NAACP and Urban League, Adofo defeated longtime incumbent Mary Cuthburt to become advisory neighborhood commissioner for Single-Member District 8C07. At recent candidate forums, Adofo has touted his years of organizing and political experience as assets in addressing crime, economic development, agency oversight, and education.
means to the same end: advancing causes of utmost importance to constituents.
recommendations.
“The budget recommendations that we came up with [have] a commissioner from 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, and 8E’s input. That’s four out of six, so I think that’s really good,” Adofo said, telling The Informer that this spirit of collaboration will happen with him in the Ward 8 council seat. “As a council member, I would not just say, ‘Hey, we’re meeting with commissioners regularly” to check off the box. I need…input on this so that we can make these decisions together collectively.”
Adofo has also set out to rectify a phenomenon that became more apparent in the absence of a Ward 8 council member.
“I don’t think that the at-large numbers do enough in this ward. I also don’t think that they are asked to do more,” Adofo said. “Whenever I hear somebody [saying] we need some help, they just mention the ward council member. They don’t mention the chairperson. They don’t mention the other four at large [council members]. They don’t even mention the congresswoman.”
A RECORD OF COLLABORATION AND IDEOLOGICAL DEXTERITY
Nearly a decade ago, as Black people across the nation took to the streets against police brutality, Adofo embraced a collaborative mindset as chairman of what was then the D.C. chapter of the National Black United Front. In that role, he organized millennials and Gen Xers of various ideologies around community programming, including monthly events at Shepherd Parkway in Congress Heights where homeless Ward 8 residents received food, clothing and toiletries.
“We know historically in our community, some of those factions don’t always work together,” Adofo told The Informer. “I’ve now been a commissioner, I’ve been involved in electoral politics, so seeing the politicos, seeing grassroots people, seeing people just from around the way all try to work together has been something that I wanted to do for the betterment of our community.”
To that point, Adofo said there’s not much difference between grassroots organizing and serving as a political leader. Both, he said, are different
BLACK FACTS from Page 24
grade scholar Malonie Speight.
Raegan Mckie, a 2025 graduate who’s on her way to a KIPP D.C. middle school, said she feels more confident in her talents as a dancer, thanks in part to the knowledge that she accumulated while in class with Ward.
“I can be myself, study about history, and learn new things about it,”
Raegan said.
On Monday, Raegan received a folder that contained a cutout of a Black Facts page highlighting the Aug. 4 birthday of former President Barack H. Obama, who, around the time of her birth, was in the middle of his second term as the nation’s first African-American president.
As she moves on to middle school, Raegan said she’s ready to make an impact in her own way, especially since, as she recalled, Ward piqued her interest in history and the process of exchanging information with peers.
“That was one of her things to do,” Raegan recounted. “She really liked history. It’s important because you get to know everything. It made me feel good because she told us that when we grow up, we’re going to know a lot of history and we could tell new people new stuff.
While perusing the page inside his folder, Noah expanded his Black history knowledge beyond icons such as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King,
“Having had experience and being a grassroots organizer, it gives you the chance to build those relationships,” the advisory neighborhood commissioner explained. “To talk to people and to see what they’re going through, so that when you’re crafting policy, when you’re putting together the budget, you keep those people in mind because those are the people who these budgets will impact.”
Burrows, an advisory neighborhood commissioner in her second term, said she can speak personally to Adofo’s collaborative nature.
“He’s out here with the seniors, the youth, and the middle-aged people,” Burrows, a lifelong Ward 8 resident, told The Informer. “We need somebody that’s gonna get the job done and do the work, not just talk about it. We need a change.” WI
Read more on washingtoninforem.com.
Jr., Rosa Parks and Muhammad Ali. That morning, he learned about Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. a pioneer of the Abyssinian Baptist Church and father of Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., with whom he shares a May 5 birthday.
Noah said that he identified more with Powell, and not others that The Informer’s Black Facts featured for that date— like Chicago Defender founder Robert S. Abbott and the Rev. Eugene Marino, the U.S.’s first Black Roman Catholic archbishop— because of Powell’s ties to Virginia.
Throughout much of the school year, Noah applied the same logic about proximity as he immersed himself in Ward’s Black history lessons.
“It was fun because she showed us pictures of different people she met that’s a part of Black history,” Noah said.
At the promotion ceremony, Noah received awards for reading, math and engagement of the school library. As he prepares for middle school, Noah is expressing plans to bring this information to light for his friends.
“It’s important [to] know where Black people come from,” he told The Informer. “I’m Black and I need to know what my ancestors did. I hope to use [these lessons] by telling people who don’t know and teaching them about it. They need to know how we got freedom.”
WI
5Advisory Neighborhood Chair Salim Adofo (right, speaking) counts among those vying for the Ward 8 D.C. Council seat in the July 15 special election. Other opponents include Mike Austin (left), Sheila Bunn (center) and former council member Trayon White (not pictured). (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)
MALVEAUX from Page 28
(Black women have a life expectancy of 74.8 years.)
Asian American women have longer life expectancies (86.1 years) than any other demographic group, while Asian men, with a life expectancy of 81.2 years, have longer life expectancies than all other men. Native American men, with a life expectancy of 63 years, have a lower life expectancy than Black men, but few demographers report that data, since the Native population is just 2% of the total population.
Many of these differences are a function of assets, access and attitudes. Differences in assets have been well-documented. Those with more income and wealth have better health
MORIAL from Page 28
long enjoyed bipartisan support because of its proven impact. According to the Department of Labor’s own data, Job Corps participants are more likely to be employed, earn higher wages and are less likely to commit crimes. The program returns more than $2 for every taxpayer dollar invested.
Ending it is not just shortsighted. It is immoral. And it is un-American.
MARSHALL from Page 28
Job Corps has long served as a cornerstone for disadvantaged young people by providing free education, vocational training, housing, meals, health care and a lifeline of support for those ages 16 to 24 to achieve their career goals. Nearly half of all Job Corps participants are Black, mostly from low-income families.
With the Trump administration now in power, conservatives are finally getting their long-awaited wish to strategically dismantle significant pieces of the New Deal and Great Society despite the immense toll on human lives. The Job Corps program is now in the Department of Government Efficiency budget crosshairs.
The U.S. Department of Labor has recently announced a “pause” of operations at an estimated 100 contractor-operated Job Corps centers nationwide by June 30. The department cited the high costs, a low graduation rate of about 38% and reports of violence and sexual assaults as the reasons for pausing operations.
While a federal judge in New York has granted a motion to temporarily block the shutting down of the voca-
care than those who do not. Access has also been well-documented. Hospitals and health care centers are often located away from the neediest populations. Additionally, environmental hazards are most often located in lower-income neighborhoods.
The attitude issue is best illustrated by Joni Ernst’s callousness, but numerous studies have, again, documented the ways that some patients are treated. The Institute of Medicine, for example, reported that a Black man with a broken bone was likely to be denied painkillers. Serena Williams nearly died giving birth to her first child because of neglectful medical attitudes. Volumes have been written about the differential way Black people are treated in health care.
A nation that claims to believe in liberty and justice for all does not shut the door on youth seeking a second chance. A country that prides itself on being the land of opportunity does not abandon its young people to the streets. The dismantling of Job Corps is not just a policy choice — it is a betrayal.
We must fight back.
The National Urban League stands in fierce opposition to the
tional schools, the damage is partly done. With the announcement comes the chaos, confusion and uncertainty surrounding the largest job training program in the U.S. for low-income youth. The immediate consequences have left many youths at risk of being homeless or returning to unstable or unsafe environments.
As Americans, we all must realize that we have become a nation living under a fascist regime and authoritarian rule. It is a hard reality that is undeniably true. In the four months since Donald Trump assumed power, we no longer have a president who abides by the U.S. Constitution he was sworn to uphold and defend. Nor do we have a president who respects the elements of democracy with its system of checks and balances. Instead, we have a dictator who believes in absolute authority while suppressing the rights and needs of marginalized communities and individuals to carry out a hard-line political agenda. The administration’s “Big Beautiful Bill” does not include funding for Job Corps in its proposed budget for 2026, which amounts to the elimination of the program.
How does living under a fascist regime impact all young people of color
Budget-conscious Republicans might try cutting tax breaks for the wealthy rather than shredding the social safety net. When Sen. Ernst said we would all die, I immediately thought of the Harlem Renaissance poet Claude McKay who wrote “If we must die let it not be like hogs, hunted and penned in this inglorious spot, while round us bark the mad and hungry dogs, making their mock at our accursed lot.” The poem ends, “Like men we’ll face the murderous cowardly pack, pressed to the wall, dying, but fighting back.”
Shame on Sen. Joni Ernst. Let us all take inspiration from Claude McKay and fight the cowardly senators who prefer to reward the wealthy rather than provide basic medical care for millions. WI
shutdown of Job Corps. We call on Congress to intervene immediately to restore funding, halt center closures and protect the future of our young people. We urge mayors, governors, educators, civil rights leaders and everyday citizens to raise their voices and demand justice.
To harm our youth is to harm the soul of this nation. And we refuse to be silent as our future is left to fend for itself. WI
and their futures, not just those who are Job Corps students? The elimination of Job Corps may have been a long-held desire of hard-core conservatives who are unwilling to invest in the people and refuse to recognize the longterm benefits of equipping students of all backgrounds with the academic and professional skills they need.
The difference between current and past administrations boils down to dictatorial rule versus a true presidency. The ideological debate in the past always came down to conservatives promoting a smaller and limited role in our government while seeking fiscal responsibility.
The fiscal responsibility argument loses its credibility with the administration’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” adding an estimated $2.4 trillion to the deficit over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office’s analysis. Like many of the job cuts involving federal government workers, the cuts were not about cutting financial waste or abuse. It was about eliminating individuals who were not likely to be loyal to the dictator and his agenda. An agenda that includes suppressing those who are not white, wealthy and male.
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WILLIAMS from Page 29
no such rule existed. Her win in the 400 marked her first state title and insensitive adults took it away from her. She didn’t do anything wrong.
Clara’s father said the officials “were really nasty” toward his daughter. They “tugged on her arm. They were screaming in her face. They had allowed no appeal before taking the title and giving
EDELMAN from Page 29
in rallies, marches and social media campaigns calling for an end to gun violence in all of its forms, including domestic violence, suicide and community gun violence. As Everytown for Gun Safety puts it simply, “Every day, 125 people in the United States are killed with guns, twice as many are shot and wounded, and countless others are impacted by acts of gun violence” — and this weekend was an opportunity to honor every person whose life has been changed forever by a gun and build community with others saying “no more.”
JEALOUS from Page 29
woman, her image and achievements are being swept into the dustbin, along with many other notable examples of Black heroism, as part of the Trump administration’s “DEI purge.”
Indeed, if you Google Elizabeth Okoreeh-Baah — Maj. Stephens’ name at the time she served — one of the top results is a link to the U.S. Department of Defense for a photo titled “Osprey Pilot” with the description, “Marine Corps Capt. Elizabeth A. Okoreeh-Baah, the first female MV-22 Osprey pilot, stands on a flightline in Iraq after a combat operation, March 12, 2008.” However, click the link and you end up on a defense.gov page with the error message “404 - Page Not Found.”
At least this was the situation last Friday when I checked. I searched her name on defense.gov just in case the page was moved. No results.
Burying the achievements and contributions of our heroes rewrites history to fit a warped narrative of America that serves no one. What does serve all our interests is remembering.
And, on Juneteenth especially,
it to the second-place winner.”
Mr. Adams said, “We were asking for the rule, the specific rule of what she did, and they didn’t really give anything.”
Wouldn’t it be a victory if Madison Mosby, who was given the award, presented what she had not really won to Clara, making both girls winners? It would show the adults who unfairly took Clara’s award the
It is a critical moment for coming together. In his speech after Dr. King’s assassination, Robert Kennedy also said: “When you teach a man to hate and fear his brother, when you teach that he is a lesser man because of his color or his beliefs or the policies he pursues, when you teach that those who differ from you threaten your freedom or your job or your family, then you also learn to confront others not as fellow citizens but as enemies — to be met not with cooperation but with conquest, to be subjugated and mastered. We learn, at the last, to look at our brothers as aliens, men with whom
that includes remembering not only that historical nail in slavery’s coffin, but the people, places and events that were part of the long fight to end that abhorrent institution.
Remembering that Harriet Tubman was not only the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad but a nurse and a spy for the Union Army and the first woman in U.S. history to lead a military raid. That raid — at Combahee Ferry in South Carolina — freed more than 700 people in a single night.
Remembering that Black churches like Quinn Chapel AME — the oldest Black church in Chicago — and Pilgrim Baptist in St. Paul were not just places of worship. They were stations on the railroad to freedom.
Remembering the story of Joshua Glover — a man who escaped slavery in Missouri, was captured in Wisconsin under the Fugitive Slave Act and then liberated from jail by a crowd of thousands of abolitionists. His rescue helped spark the creation of the Republican Party — back when it was the party of Lincoln.
These are not footnotes. They are the foundation.
meaning of fairness.
Young people have often shown adults what fairness means. Mosby has a chance now to be a real hero by presenting the award to Clara, the real winner. Both girls would forever be known as winners. Mosby doesn’t have to do it, but it would certainly be a memorable example of justice.
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we share a city, but not a community, men bound to us in common dwelling, but not in common effort. We learn to share only a common fear — only a common desire to retreat from each other — only a common impulse to meet disagreement with force.”
How deeply resonant those words are again right now. This past weekend was one more opportunity for people to stand together in solidarity with others in our nation who reject pervasive violence and hate and are determined to create a better way forward.
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They tell us something essential about who we have been, who we are and who we can still be. Now, as the Trump administration attacks anything and everything recognizing diversity, as it moves to gut staff and resources from the very departments tasked with preserving our history, we need to be worried. We need to be worried about the future of sites that are part of the National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program.
The battle to preserve our history — including the history still being made today — is not separate from the fight for our future. What we remember shapes what we do. When we tell the stories of the people who fought for freedom, we see ourselves in them — and find the courage to keep going.
Juneteenth is about facing the hardest parts of our past without flinching and celebrating the progress we have made. It is about believing that America can still become the country it claims to be. That belief is what sustained my grandmother. It is what fuels me. And it can be a source of hope for all of us.
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