WINNER OF FIVE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS D.C. AWARDS We Salute All Father Figures – Say Thanks on Father’s Day Vol. 55, No. 36 • June 18 - 24, 2020
Juneteenth Celebrations Strengthen Racial Pride By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins
5 Two young girls write “All Lives Can’t Matter Until Black Lives Do!” in chalk on a street outside the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building in Largo, Maryland on June 15. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)
The Washington Informer Makes History in the DMV
Publication Takes Five Society of Professional Journalists DC Awards By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor, @dkevinmcneir Since the founding of the Washington Informer 55 years ago by one of the District’s leading voices, Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr., our publication has sought to provide the best in local news coverage which illustrates the very best of the Black community. These stories, while noteworthy, often remain untold and omitted from mainstream publications or other media outlets. And while Dr. Rolark’s daughter, Denise Rolark Barnes, now serves as the publisher, she and her staff remain committed to the urgent promise of two men who published the first Black newspaper over a century ago. 5 Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. (Courtesy photo)
AWARDS Page 11
As much of the world embraces the mantra of “Black Lives Matter,” Juneteenth — the African-American holiday also known as Jubilee Day — has become more appealing to those within the Black community who not only want to challenge institutional racism but grow in their racial pride and knowledge. Local celebrations and discussions this year are taking place amid ongoing protests and the nascent push to institutionalize Juneteenth — the June 19, 1865, arrival of Union troops to Galveston, Texas, and the end of chattel slavery — as a federally observed holiday. In Anacostia Park, people will gather for the exchange of solution-oriented ideas and a presentation by a think tank during the Juneteenth African Resource Exchange, what lead organizer Najai Knox described as vital to the
JUNETEENTH Page 37
5 (Illustration by Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)
African-American Fathers Dispel the Persistent Myth of Absentee Dads Data Shows Blacks Lead the Way in Support of and Love for Their Children
By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor, @dkevinmcneir Black men in America tend to be blamed for all of the ills which plague their communities. But none remains more entrenched in the minds of society than their penchant and preference for ignoring the needs and desires of their children. However, data continues to illustrate that the notion of the “absentee Black father” exists more in the minds of the uninformed than in the real world. Still, this stereotype, while fab-
ricated and inaccurate, continues to impact the ways in which Americans view Black men. Many Black fathers find themselves on a slippery slope – contributing in the overall development of their children, yet viewed as “deadbeat” because of the percentage of those who do not reside in the same home as their children. Nonetheless, Black dads across the nation prove time and time again that living arrangements should not and do not serve as the basis for or evidence of “fatherlessness.”
BLACK DADS Page 38
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JOIN AARP DC FOR A TELE-TOWN HALL ON THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON AFRICAN AMERICANS Featured Panelists
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June 22, 2020 10 a.m. Phone Number: 877-229-8493 Pin Number: 116460 2 - JUNE 18 - 24, 2020
DC Councilmember Trayon White
Shelly McDonaldPinkett, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Howard University Hospital
AARP DC is hosting a live tele-town hall with District of Columbia Councilmembers Vincent Gray (Ward 7) and Trayon White (Ward 8), and Shelly McDonald-Pinkett, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Howard University Hospital. We will discuss the heavy toll COVID-19 has taken on the District’s African American community, and how these leaders and the rest of the District are responding. We will also discuss what is still needed to help those impacted stabilize themselves and move forward stronger.
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Women the Cycle of wi hotBreak topics Domestic Violence Supreme Court Rules in TV One to Spotlight Go-Go in Upcoming Documentary Favor LGBT Workers law enforcement. She said they of threat,” she said.
By Tia Carol Jones WI Staff Writer
had come together to bring a Among the programs Marlow sense of uniformity in theThe way U.S. wantsSupreme to see implemented are Courtand ruled Monday, When L.Y. Marlow's 23-year- domestic violence victims stricter restraining order policies, existing civilfor victim's families old daughter told her the father survivors are treated. June 15 thatmore rights legislation protects of her daughter threatened her “She's using her own rights personal to intervene on behalf of a vicbisexual and violence assesslife, and the life of their child, story, her own personallesbian, pain togay,tim, a domestic transgender ment people from she knew something had to be push forward,” Davis-Nickens unit coupled with further discrimination at their done. Out of her frustration said about Marlow. training for law enforcement with law enforcement's handling The agencies, court’s a6-3 Davis-Nickens said jobs. anyone Child's Life Protecof the situation, she decided to who reads Marlow's book decision onAct theand Ti-mandatory counselwill rests tion start the Saving Promise cam- “get it.” She said she “puts tle VII the theprovision ing for in batterers. paign. case in such a way, the1964 average Civil Rights thatever going to eradi“If we are “ItInseems be a D.C. viciousofficially cycle adopted a yeartowhen person go-go can getmusic it.” She said at the cate domestic violence, we must prohibits employment that mywith family and won't the city turn has dealt racial and endpolitical of thetension, day, the book will lookbased at both discrimination on sides of the coin. loose,” Marlow said. Marlow help people a dia- race, TV One will premiere “The Beat Don’t Stop,” begin an eu-to have We need to address the vic- and gena person’s religion, sexual both orientation shared her story with theabout audi-the homegrown logue aboutmusical domestic violence. phonious documentary der identity.tim and the batterer,” Marlow ence at impact the District Heights Alsoof present at the event was said.small gestures can have unexpected genre’s on the sound and culture the nation’s “Sometimes Domestic Violence Symposium Mildred Muhammad, consequences. the exMarlow would alsopractically like to seeguarantee capital. Major initiatives on May at the anticipated District Heights wife ofwhich John debuts Allen Muhammad, programs designed to inraise The 7highly documentary, them,” Justice Neil A. Gorsuch wrote the opinion Municipal Center. sympowho was sentenced consecawareness among children Sunday, June 21 atThe 8 p.m. EDT, features a collage of in- to sixfor the court. “An employer who fires aninindividual sium was video sponsored by dialogue the utive life terms withoutforparole public andorprivate schools. terviews, footage and from D.C. legends. being homosexual transgender firesShe that person Family and Youth Services a Maryland jury for his in or feels children neednot to be educat“Music is like everything for thebyBlack experience,” forrole traits actions it would have questioned in Center of the city Natalie of District the Beltway in ofed about domestic said music historian Hopkinson. “Go-go isSniper con- attacks members a different sex. Sexviolence. plays a necessary and Heights and the National Hook2002. Mildred Muhammad is “We have stop being pas-what Title nected to Africa as all music is connected to Africa.” undisguisable role in the to decision, exactly Up of Black Women. the founder of After the Trauma, sive-aggressive with poor chilThe documentary showcases go-go luminaries who VII forbids.” Marlow has written a book, an organization that helps the dren about domestic violence,” have led the way for the genre’s development, includJustice Samuel A. Alito, Jr., who voted with Jus“Color Me Butterfly,” which is a survivors of domestic violence Marlow said. ing Backyard Band, E.U., Trouble Funk, the Beat Ya tices Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanaugh, wrote story about four generations of and their children. Marlow has worked to break Feet Finest dance crew, DC organizer Ron in a dissenting opinion that Congress should make domestic violence. The Don’t book Mute is “I lived in fear for six years. Six the cycle of abuse in her family, Moten by andher music Hopkinson and Kato Hamchanges laws, not the courts. inspired ownhistorians experiences, years in fear is a long time. It isto federal and is confident the policies she mond. “The place to make . lies in Conand those of her grandmother, not an easy thing to come out is pushingnew forlegislation will start. . that “One of the problems that I have tried to address is to gress. When it comes to statutory interpretation, her mother and her daughter. of,” she said. process. get said African Americans to understand that to say Muhammad someour role totoapplying thepolicies law’s demands as She every time she reads Mildred said is limited “I plan take these to thing isfrom African probably compliment you to faithfully we can in and the cases that come before us,” excerpts herisbook, shethe stillgreatest people who want help a as Congress implore them to cannot paybelieve to anyone,” said Radio Inc. founder Cathy victim Alito wrote.change “It is easy utter such words. can the words cameOnedomestic violence must ourtolaws,” Marlow said.If only the Hughes, who also appears in “The Beat Don’t Stop.” Court would live by them.” from her. “Color Me Butterfly” be careful of how they go into “I will not stop until these poliwon the 2007 National “Best the victim's life, and understand cies are passed.” Books” Award. that she may be in “survival Tia Carol Jones can be reached “I was just 16-years-old when mode”. at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net my eye first blackened and my “Before you get to 'I'm going The Marlow Nationalsaid. Museum of African History Culture WI lips bled,” to kill American you,' it started as aand verbal (NMAAHC), the National Museum of American History and the AnaElaine Davis-Nickens, presiCommunity have formed a coalition to preserve and docudentcostia of the NationalMuseum Hook-Up ment Women, “expressions protests and hope” from the park. of Black saidofthere is no “Recognizing that the tragic killing of George Floyd has spurred a transconsistency in the way domestic violence issuestime are in dealt by the Smithsonian Institution is collecting formative U.S.with history, today so that the world, in the present and future, can understand the role that race has played in our complicated 400-year history,” the Smithsonian said. “This coalition of museums will enable Smithsonian curators to work together with activists and groups on the ground to ensure that this grassroots-led community movement and pivotal moment is accurately documented.” Items include: homemade protest signs, placards, tee shirts, photographs, audio recordings, cell phone footage and original art, said Dwandalyn Reece, associate director of curatorial affairs, NMAAHC. Curators have not determined how the objects will be used, but possibilities range from an online exhibition to a digital photo presentation paired with a round-table discussion, said Reece, who is the associate director of curatorial affairs at NMAAHC. In a recent statement, the Smithsonian said it wants to preserve items so Americans can “understand the role that race has played in our complicated 400-year history.” “How they do this—along with the social changes they inspire and the multi-racial coalitions they build—need to be documented as crucially important parts of African American history and culture,” he added.
Smithsonian Currators Collect George Floyd Signs
“
We have to stop being passive-aggressive with poor children about domestic violence. I plan to take these policies to Congress and implore them to change our laws. I will not stop until these policies are passed.
“
SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY
COMPILED BY WILLIAM J. FORD, WI STAFF WRITER, D. KEVIN MCNEIR,WI EDITOR AND LINDIWE VILAKAZI, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
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L.Y. Marlow
AROUND THE REGION
Budget Hearing Sparks Debate on ‘Defund the Police’ Movement
By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins
A recent D.C. Council committee oversight hearing became a battleground in the ongoing debate about the level of funding the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) receives, and whether defunding the department would curb claims of aggressive policing in majority-Black communities. The five-hour hearing, hosted online by the D.C. Council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, attracted 90 public witnesses, each of whom expressed arguments either in support of defunding MPD, abolishing it, or advancing Mayor Muriel Bowser’s proposed $14 million increase to the department budget. Charity Bryant, a Ward 3 resident of nearly a decade, took on what public safety stalwarts have written off as the most radical path, and for reasons she said affect her to this day. “I was sexually assaulted on D.C. streets and MPD made the situation worse by saying within earshot of me that it wasn’t bad,” Bryant told Council member Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) on Monday as more than 200 people listened and commented on a Facebook live feed. “They paraded [around me] the person who assaulted me. The reporting officer later called me to follow up and sexually harass me. This is one of several incidents I see perpetuated by MPD. “Imagine if there were trauma-informed professionals dispatched in my time of crisis,” Bryant continued. “My experience would’ve been significantly better. I demand that you abolish MPD and allocate the funds where they would be needed the most.” Whether that will happen has yet to be seen. Bowser recently doubled down in her opposition to MPD’s defunding, what has become a battle cry of sorts in the aftermath of George Floyd’s officer-related death and that of other Black women and men. This has especially been the case in the District, where activists have coalesced around the families of Ralphael Briscoe, Marqueese Alston, Jeffrey Price and others who have been killed by MPD officers. The
“Defund MPD” movement, organized by Black Lives Matter DC and other grassroots groups, intensified after Bowser’s critics decried — and later altered — the large “Black Lives Matter” mural along 16th Street in Northwest that garnered the mayor national attention as a supporter of protesters and racial justice. Throughout much of the June 15 hearing, however, activists argued that the mayor’s attempt to significantly increase MPD funding — while cutting that of the Office of Neighborhood Engagement (ONSE) by more than $800,000— affirms her allegiance to the police, not the Black residents in the eastern, less affluent parts of the District. Early in the discussion, Council member Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) also inquired about the need for 4,000 uniformed officers, revealing to her colleagues and public witnesses that MPD Chief Peter Newsham never explained the rationale when she asked. Though Council member Robert White (D- At large) touted the need for reform, he didn’t explicitly express support for defunding MPD, much to the chagrin of some viewers. For longtime D.C. resident and public witness William Leibner, the proof is in the pudding when it comes to the need to directly combat violence. As he recounted his living experiences in different parts of the District, Leibner stood firm in his belief that the judiciary and public safety committee’s budgetary recommendations to Bowser should be based on crime data, not emotions and popular trends. “Violence prevention programs might help in the long term, but daylight shootings on 14th Street and Alabama Avenue won’t stop tomorrow,” Leibner said. “We need high quality police to do that. Any program that receives taxpayer investment requires scrutiny. We need hard data for the merits of violence interruption. Now is the time for more funding for MPD. We need police to be our visible partners. [Defunding MPD] will be a knee-jerk to national events.” In Minneapolis, lawmakers unanimously pledged to dismantle the city’s police department and create a new system of public safety. In
New York City, officials eliminated its plainclothes anti-crime units, while the Baltimore City Council approved $22 million in budget cuts to the Baltimore Police Department. Monday’s hearing came days after “Defund MPD” proponents partied outside of Bowser’s house. Recent conversations have revealed some questions about what that concept would entail. While skeptics liken it to completely eliminating MPD, supporters argue that defunding means diverting funds often given to local police departments to mental health providers, educational institutions and other wraparound services. In his support for defunding police, Sean Blackmon of Stop Police Terror Project DC explored what he described as connections between MPD and American imperialism — but not before admonishing Bowser for her recent budget recommendation. “More police in the community makes us less safe, so we want a se-
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5 Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (top left) hosts a hearing on-line to explore the proposed budget for the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement. (Facebook grab/The Washington Informer)
rious reduction in police on patrol,” Blackmon said. “We want them out of schools. We also want to see an end to the relationship between D.C. police and Israeli security forces. “It’s important that we see an in-
tentional reinvestment of the money and resources in D.C. communities,” he continued. “If the D.C. government wants to say ‘Black Lives Matter,’ they have to put their money where their mouth is.” WI
JUNE 18 - 24, 2020 5
AROUND THE REGION
black facts
JUNE 18 - 24, 2020 SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB
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.
JUNE 19
1865 – Blacks in Texas are notified of the Emancipation Proclamation, issued two years earlier, marking the beginning of “Juneteenth.” 1918 – John H. Johnson, editor and publisher of Jet and Ebony magazines and founder of Johnson Publishing Company, is born. 1948 – Actress Phylicia Rashad, best known for her role as Clair Huxtable in “The Cosby Show,” is born in Houston.
JUNE 20
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1927 – Former Cleveland Mayor Carl Stokes, the first African American elected mayor of a major city, is born. 1945 – Col. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. becomes the first African American to command a U.S. Army Air Corps base.
JUNE 23
1940 – Sprinter Wilma Rudolph, winner of three gold medals at the 1960 Summer Olympics, is born. 1948 – Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who succeeded Thurgood Marshall as the second African American to serve on the court, is born in Pin Point, Georgia. 1997 – Betty Shabazz, (above) widow of Malcolm X, dies at 61 from burns suffered three weeks earlier in a house fire set by her grandson.
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JUNE 21
1949 – Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Lionel Richie (top) is born in Tuskegee, Alabama. 1960 – Harry Belafonte becomes the first African American to win an Emmy Award for his special “Tonight with Harry Belafonte.” 1967 – Muhammad Ali is convicted in federal court of violating the Selective Service Act by refusing induction JUNE 22 into the armed services. He was fined $10,000 and 1937 – Famed boxer Joe Louis knocks out James J. sentenced to five years in prison. Ali, who opposed the Braddock in the eighth round at Chicago’s Comiskey Park Vietnam War, refused to report for service on grounds of to win the heavyweight title.
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HARRY BELAFONTE 6 - JUNE 18 - 24, 2020
1936 – Mary McLeod Bethune officially joins the National Youth Administration staff as director of the Division of Negro Affairs, becoming the first Black woman to head a department of a federal agency. 1968 – Police shut down a tent city set up on the National Mall in D.C. by the Poor People’s Campaign, an anti-poverty movement organized by Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and led by Ralph Abernathy after King’s assassination. The demonstration, which had gone on for six weeks, brought tho usands to the Mall, and nearly 300 protesters, including Abernathy, were arrested once the tent city was removed. WI
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JUNE 18 - 24, 2020 7
The World According to Dominic BY D. KEVIN MCNEIR / WI EDITOR / @DKEVINMCNEIR
‘We Need a New Movement: Black Dads Matter’
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In 2017, the revolutionary intellectual and journalist Mumia Abu-Jamal released his collection of essays, “Have Black Lives Ever Mattered,” focusing on generations of people of color who have fallen to police bullets and violence. And he offered how to fight back. Even from behind prison walls serving time for the murder of a Philadelphia police officer – a crime for which he has always maintained his innocence – Abu-Jamal short meditations gave rise to Black Lives Matter, digging into America’s history. Among his thoughts, he says, “History is written by the victors.” Over the past several years, particularly in recent times following the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers, Black Lives Matter, and the organization’s mission, has gained worldwide support. Perhaps the growing influence, if not success, of Black Lives Matter lies in the fact that they have finally been given access to the telling of their own story – as Abu-Jamal asserts remains so essential. This leads me to consider that the stereotypes and tropes which have long-described African-American fathers, the majority of which have been debunked by experts in the social sciences, have continued to falsely por-
tray most Black dads because few of them possess a voice. In other words, their truth – their story – has been inaccurately shared because they are not the “victors.” Contrary to the normative caricature of Black fathers, they are the most involved with their children, no matter if they live with them or not, when compared with white and Hispanic fathers. In a study released by the Centers for Disease Control in 2018, it concludes that a greater percentage of Black fathers fed or ate meals with children daily, bathed, diapered or dressed children daily, played with and read to children daily. That same year, the Pew Research Center reported that the role of the American father continues to change – significantly so when compared to years past – and for the better. In my life, I have had two fathers: my biological dad who died shortly after my 25th birthday; and my step-father (although I never referred to or thought of him as a “step’ dad), who stood in the gap for over two decades until his death in 2014. My fathers were almost polar-opposites in many regards save one – they loved their family intensely and had no qualms in letting us and the rest of the world know it. I was fortunate – no, I was blessed to have these two men as the male stewards of my mind, heart, body and soul. Yes, C.B. (Daddy) and James (Dad) were two phenomenal, Christian men who took their roles and responsibilities seriously
– no matter how difficult and no matter what they cost. I never had to look far to determine the kinds of values and morals that should and would guide my life – and the lives of my own children. I never longed for their emotional support. I never had to be concerned about whether they’d show up for events in my life that were of great importance to me. I never had to worry at all. Recent data suggests that my experiences were not unique. Actually, whether Black fathers live in the home with their children or not, has little bearing on how they treat their kids – or how much they love them. But it’s not peaches and cream for all children, race notwithstanding. There are some fathers who just don’t have it all together. Some remain so damaged from their own formative years that they have few if any positive models whose behavior and beliefs they can ascertain and follow. But there are groups in many Black communities who have attempted to guide those lost or damaged to a place of understanding and healing. And the number of these groups continue to rise. They are helping Black fathers of all ages find a way to tell their stories – stories which must be shared so that the false narratives can be corrected. Sunday is Father’s Day. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we told every dad we know whether biological or surrogate, that Black Fathers Matter? After all, they really do. WI
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Healing Circle Near White House Channels African Ancestral Energy
AROUND THE REGION
By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins During the last eight minutes and 46 seconds of his life, with the weight of an officer’s knee on his neck, George Floyd called out for his deceased mother in a manner some practitioners of traditional African spirituality have likened to the summoning of ancestors for guidance and protection. Such vibrations, they said, can set off a series of life-changing events and boost the spiritual morale of Black people, especially those immersed in the ongoing battle against institutional racism and its various manifestations. That’s the message a large group of African spiritualists — women and men adorned in light-color gowns, lappas, shirts, pants and headwraps — had recently set out to convey with a spiritual healing restoration circle that formed in Lafayette Park — just feet from the White House amid the rancor of protesters’ chants and police sirens. The Friday night event not only attracted diverse groups of participants and observers, but unified adherents of the Akan, Ifa, Orisha, Santerria, Vodoun, and Yoruba traditions, among several others. “We feel this is the most important thing [because] you carry [your ancestors’] blood in their veins,” said Monique Stringer-Olomidun, an Orisha/Ifa adherent who traveled from Richmond, Virginia, for the spiritual healing restoration circle — referred to as an Akom and a Bembe — as a show of solidarity with Black people. She described the June 12 event near H Street and Constitution Avenue in Northwest, and ancestral remembrance in general, as critical elements for realizing change. “You see what happened when Mr. Floyd called on his mother,” Stringer-Olomidun said. “Imagine [what would’ve happened] if he called on more of his ancestors. [They] can’t keep treating us this way. If you do nothing else as a Black person, pay homage.” The spiritual healing restoration circle preceded an annual tribute to
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5 Monique Stringer-Olomidun (center) with Risegun Olomidun (right) speaks to a reporter about defunding the police at a spiritual healing restoration circle on June 12 in Northwest. (Facebook grab from Monique Stringer-Olomidun)
the ancestors that the African Diaspora Ancestral Commemoration Institute, or ADACI, hosted online Saturday. African traditional religions, many of which predate and have even influenced Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, have grown increasingly popular in recent years among people of African descent, particularly those in the Western hemisphere yearning to connect to their roots and absolve their affiliation from what they believe to be racist and sexist religious institutions. The young people behind last Friday’s restoration healing circle represent the Restoration Collective, an organization created in response to the national fervor against police brutality. They count among legions of youth in the D.C. area who’ve completed the Ankobea rites-of-passage program, through which young people of African descent have marked their transition from childhood to adolescence and adulthood. Awodele Orisabokola, a member of the Restoration Collective, said the healing restoration circle represented the fulfillment of a mandate bestowed upon him and his peers by their elders and ancestors. “It’s time for a change, [for us] to use our work, our upliftment, [and] medicine and uplift all cultures,” Orisabokola said. “A lot of people are going through mental health crises. We’re here to bring some healthy energy and well-being for our people. Our elders are giving us the powers, workings, and teachings to propel this and go forth with this decision.”
Since protests have erupted in several cities in the U.S. and across the globe, statues of controversial white figures have been torn down, while officials in Minneapolis, where Floyd died, along with Los Angeles, New York City and Boston, have either considered cutting police department budgets or enacted policies doing so. In the District, emergency legislation unanimously passed by the D.C. Council last week bans chokeholds, restricts officers’ use of force against protesters, and mandates the release of body camera footage. James Hatcher, a District resident and participant in Friday’s activities, said the ancestors who’ve fought to secure freedoms for Black people laid the foundation for the series of events that have unfolded since May 25. For him, the spiritual healing restoration circle in Lafayette Park represents African people of different spiritual backgrounds unifying in their search for peace. “We have a purpose and forget it [when we’re born] but if we listen to our ancestors and call out to them, feed them, they are guides to what we need to be,” said Hatcher, an Ifa priest also known as Ifa Obaaye. “Even if you don’t acknowledge them, they’re there. “I pray to my ancestors every day to watch over my family,” Hatcher continued. “They paved the way for us to do this. Imagine being out here doing this in the 1960s. It wouldn’t have happened but the ancestors [made] that to happen [today] and we have to acknowledge that.” WI
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AROUND THE REGION CAPTURE THE MOMENT PRAYER WALK FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE
Alfred Street Baptist Church members from Alexandria, Va., walked from the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of African American History and Culture to Black Lives Matter Plaza where Rev. Dr. Howard John Wesley led them in prayer on Sunday, June 14. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
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AROUND THE REGION PepsiCo Drops Racist Aunt Jemima Brand announcing $400 Million Initiative for African-American Communities By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia PepsiCo has finally acknowledged the racist origins of Aunt Jemima, and the company said it’s changing its name. “As we work to make progress toward racial equality through several initiatives, we also must take a hard look at our portfolio of brands and ensure they reflect our values and meet our consumers’ expectations,” Kristin Kroepfl, CEO of Quaker Foods North America, said in a statement. “We recognize Aunt Jemima’s origins are based on a racial stereotype. While work has been done over the years to update the brand
AWARDS from Page 1 “We wish to plead our own cause,” are the words spoken by John B. Russwurm and Samuel Cornish, who, on March 16, 1827, published a new weekly newspaper that appeared in New York City, Freedom’s Journal. They were the start of the Black Press – a proud heritage which we continue today. Now, the Washington Informer has reached another milestone. Recently, the Informer took top honors in 5 of 6 categories in which we submitted entries for the DC Society of Professional Journalists Dateline Awards, announced on June 9th. And the Informer found itself pitted against some of the industry’s best including: the Washington Post, the New York Times, DCist, Axios and The Wall Street Journal. The winners include: William Ford, beat reporting; Stacy Brown, series; Anthony Tilghman, photography; Sam Collins, non-breaking news; and D. Kevin McNeir, commentary & criticism. Each year the D.C. Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists joints with its sister chapters in sponsoring regional contests to honor excellence in journalism. The Washington, D.C. Chapter’s Dateline Awards recognizes print, online and broadcast journalists in the D.C. metropolitan area and parts of neighboring counties.
in a manner intended to be appropriate and respectful, we realize those changes are not enough.” Aunt Jemima first appeared more than 131 years ago. For years, African Americans have denounced the “mammy” depiction of Black women. And, for years, Quaker brands – a subsidiary of PepsiCo which distributes the product – have ignored the stereotype which features an “obese, coarse, maternal African-American figure who has great love for her white family,” according to historians at the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia in Big Rapids, Michigan. According to the museum, the founders of Aunt Jemima reportedly borrowed the name from a
popular song that often was performed in blackface. “We acknowledge the brand has not progressed enough to appropriately reflect the confidence, warmth, and dignity that we would like it to stand for today,” Kroepfl declared. “We are starting by removing the image and changing the name. We will continue the conversation by gathering diverse perspectives from both our organization and the Black community to evolve the brand further and make it one everyone can be proud to have in their pantry.” PepsiCo was built on the foundation that it thrives because of diversity, and when it embraces the full spectrum of humanity, they
The contest divisions encompass: Daily Newspapers, Weekly Newspapers, Magazines, Television, Radio Newsletters/Trade Publications and Online Publications. Within each division, there are nearly 20 categories – from Breaking News and Sports to Blogs and Feature Photography. Below are comments from the five Washington Informer staff members who share their feelings about receiving this prestigious award. Collectively, the five award recipients have contributed 95 years of service as members of the media.
D. Kevin McNeir: “I have been fortunate to receive awards in journalism in cities including Detroit, Chicago, Miami and the District for my contributions as a news and feature writer and commentary writer. But this award means more than all of the rest because I, along with my stellar staff, were recognized among a field of mainstream, well-financed, highly-touted publications within the Greater Washington Area.” “I continue to believe that quality of our work is what matters most and that it will be the crux of our continued existence and success. My writers and photographers know that and they have responded in similar fashion. There’s no other place that I’d rather be serving as the editor than here in Washington, D.C. And I have a boss who allows me to think outside of the box and try new concepts. She trusts me and she trusts my judgment. Writing has been my passion since childhood. Now, I’m granted the opportunity to live out my dreams – and
Denise Rolark Barnes, publisher: “This is an incredible honor to receive recognition for the hard w o r k and dedication each one of these members of The Washington Informer staff puts in every week. We write to make a difference and the honor confirms that. This is our first submission to SPJ, and I want to thank the members and the judges for this official acknowledgement of the great journalism we have continuously produced for more than 55 years.”
succeed together, the company stated in the release. “In that spirit, the Aunt Jemima brand will donate a minimum of $5 million over the next five years to create meaningful, ongoing support and engagement in the Black community,” Kroepfl announced. In addition to the changes in Aunt Jemima, PepsiCo officials said they are committed to making significant changes for its people, its business, and the communities in which they live and work. PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Ramon Laguarta announced the next step in PepsiCo’s journey for
racial equality: a more than $400 million set of initiatives over five years to lift up Black communities and increase Black representation at PepsiCo. “These initiatives comprise a holistic effort for PepsiCo to walk the talk of a leading corporation and help address the need for systemic change,” the company noted. The activities focus on three pillars—People, Business, and Communities. More details can be found at: https://www.pepsico.com/racial-equality-journey WI
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JUNE 18 - 24, 2020 11
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY George Floyd – Close the Wealth, Education and Health Gaps We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men (everyone) are created equal endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. The Declaration of Independence Mr. George Floyd’s brutal murder has illuminated our value contraction, everyone does not have the right of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. What cannot be lost here is that Mr. Floyd lived in a state where African Americans are barred from wealth. According to a recent article in the Washington Post, African Americans earn ½ the income of whites and make up 1/3 of homeowners. In education, Mr. George’s state has one of the largest education gaps in the nation. Based on a report card released by the state, with an overall state average in Proficiency Tests of 45% -Whites scored 52% with African Americans scoring 16%. This in a state that has been lauded for its so-called economic and educational achievements. Unfortunately, Mr. Floyd lived in a state where his prospects of owning a home and receiving a good education for his children were elusive; unfortunately, this is a microcosm of our nation. In its 2019 report, EdBuild cited a stunning reality, there was a 23-billion-dollar gap in public education funding between middle to high income Whites and middle to low income Black communities. Mostly segregated White communities have higher property values than most Black communities. The gap, which is supposed to be closed by state and federal intervention, is never realized, leaving Black children lacking resources and instruction to even compare with their counterparts. Just imagine, some school districts beginning their school year with iPads and Smart Boards and other school districts with outdated textbooks and projectors. The children in one school system are prepared for higher aspirations, the children in the other are left with uncertainty regarding what lies ahead. Persistent is the hard reality that zip code and place matters! Despite promising rhetoric, we live in segregated communities formed by insidious policies legally supported by redlining, gentrification and housing that intentionally have separated us by race and class. High property White communities have walking access to healthy grocery stores, bike trails and neighborhood clinics. Consequently, residents in these communities have favorable health outcomes, robust schools and are civically engaged. In some low-income Black communities, the data is alarming: 70% of its residents are either obese or overweight, ½ the population has heart disease or diabetes. Why? The grocery store is a packaged food haven, park construction projects are stuck in a municipal budget lacking a champion, and the only clinic in reach is the public hospital emergency room. Justifiably, for now, the protests are centered on policy brutality. Few can argue against the lengthy history of Black lives being subjected to police violence and death. Reforms are needed, but the path of justice cannot end here. Required is addressing the root basis for segregated wealth, education and healththrough a sustained campaign of closing these gaps. Not a member? Please visit our website, www.pgcoc.org or drop by for a visit to get started! Membership is good for a full calendar year, so it’s always a good time to join! David C. Harrington President & CEO
12 - JUNE 18 - 24, 2020
Prince George’s General Election Races Set By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill For the past three elections, Prince George’s County voters either mailed in or cast their ballots in person when selecting judges for the Circuit Court. But this month’s presidential primary election showcased a first-time occurrence since the county began the election and nominating processes for judges in 1970: two Black women won the Democratic nomination by running independent campaigns. The majority of incumbent candidates who run on a slate have been successful to the bench. “It signifies that people want change,” said Gladys Weatherspoon, 55, a defense attorney who received the third-most votes on the ballot with 114,459. “People want to feel they are being treated with dignity and respect when they walk in a courtroom.” The other candidate, April Ademiluyi, a 39-year-old attorney who practices real estate and intellectual property, entered her third straight judge race and garnered the fifth and final spot with 105,725 votes. “I knew it was going to happen. I wasn’t shocked. I started this in 2016. I was always focused on a grassroots campaign and talking to the people,” said Ademiluyi, adding that she ran on a $5,000 campaign budget. “I knew my time was coming.” The other three candidates who received the Democratic nomination are incumbents Wytonja Curry with 136,909 votes, ShaRon M. Grayson Kelsey with 133,149 votes and Cathy H. Serrette received 108,121. However, judge races are non-partisan and candidates can run on the Republican ballot in the primary. Serrette became the top vote-getter at 5,690 votes. Incumbents Jared Michael McCarthy placed second with 5,550 votes and incumbent Byron Seth Bereano came in third place with 4,970. Weatherspoon sat in the fourth spot with 4,150 votes and Grayson Kelsey received 4,067 votes to round out the top five.
5 Prince George’s County Circuit Court judge candidate Gladys Weatherspoon (right) and school board member Bryan Swann outside Kentland Community Center in Landover during the county’s June 2 presidential primary election (William J. Ford/The Washington Informer)
All seven candidates will appear on one ballot in the Nov. 3 general election. The top five vote-getters will serve 15-year terms. The current judges were all vetted by a lawyer’s commission and others before their names were sent to Gov. Larry Hogan, who eventually appointed them all to the Circuit Court. According to a video on the incumbents’ Facebook page called “Committee to Elect the Sitting Judges,” they received support from prominent Democratic politicians such as Reps. Anthony Brown and Steny Hoyer and several state, county and municipal officials. The next day after the June 2 primary, the judges posted a picture of themselves with a message for supporters: “The primaries are over and we’re overwhelmed with the support received. Thank you to everyone who donated their money, time, energy and general well-wishes during the campaign. Taking a break before the general election.” The judges couldn’t be reached for comment. Bruce Bereano, a prominent Maryland lobbyist and the father of Byron Bereano, who helped push for the slate to win the nominations on both ballots, wrote in a June 11 email, “My son lost the election in Prince George’s County and I am no longer interested anymore. Please under-
stand. Best wishes.” Candidates have until Aug. 4 to formally decide whether to drop out the general election race. In the meantime, voters such as Elizabeth Johnson of Temple Hills said she’s pleased with an all-women Democratic ballot, especially that four of them are Black. “Don’t you love it? It just makes me so emotional,” said Johnson, housing chair of the Maryland State NAACP State Conference and a supporter of Ademiluyi. “I just don’t see how those white guys [McCarthy and Bereano] are going to win because Black folks have finally got the message … [of ] making sure that Black people are not ignored and that the power is in the courts.” Meanwhile, two school board races are set with the top two vote-getters moving on to the general election. In District 4, Shayla Adams-Stafford received the most votes at 7,688 and will face incumbent Bryan Swan, who garnered 4,802 votes. Kenneth F. Harris II received the most votes for the District 7 seat with 9,730 votes. He will face Alexis Branch, who came in second place with 8,553. One of those political novices will replace incumbent K. Alexander Wallace, who came in third place with 3,618 votes. WI
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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Police Reform Discussed in Prince George’s By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill Similar to ongoing discussions on police reform nationwide, Prince George’s County officials proposed policy recommendations and solutions during a more than two-hour virtual briefing Tuesday. The county council briefing even offered heartfelt and blunt testimony on police accountability, or lack thereof, based on recent history of some police officers. For instance, Demante WardBlake, 24, of Hillcrest Heights was paralyzed during an altercation with police while handcuffed during an October traffic stop. In January, a jury indicted former Officer Michael Owen after he fatally shot William Greene of southeast D.C., who was handcuffed in the back of a squad car. And last month, three officers were suspended after one of them was recorded kicking a man twice while on the ground in Langley Park. The case remains under investigation. Angelo Consoli, president of the Fraternal Order Police Lodge 89, said three of the four officers most recently prosecuted were turned in by fellow officers. “When incidents pop up, the thing I’ve always asked is people don’t rush to judgment. Let the investigation play out,” he said. “This department has been very transparent. If an officer didn’t do anything right, it is going to come out and we’re going to tell you why.” County Council member Monique Anderson-Walker (D-District 8) of Fort Washington said the county still has much work to be done and that she is particularly disturbed by the video footage of the Ward-Blake incident. “We’re not light years ahead of anybody. We have issues,” she said. “There are some things we need to get in order so that we can move forward well. There are some good that we do, but if we pretend that the bad isn’t there, then we’re missing the whole point.” Council member Jolene Ivey (D-District 5) of Cheverly continues to worry about her five Black sons “when the go out into
the world here in Prince George’s County. I still have that fear. Although things have improved, they’ve certainly not improved enough.” County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, who mentioned an incident in which her sister was pulled over by a county police officer “that should not have happened,” presented two proposals before the council. One proposal was to reallocate $20 million from the police department capital budget for a safety training facility to build one to address mental health and substance. It would be presented to the county council and added to existing bond legislation for the November ballot. Alsobrooks also called for the establishment of a work group composed of residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to examine the policies and practices of the police department. “The outcomes have improved, but I think we have a lot of work to do with the culture. Those are two different things,” she said. “That’s an area we need some more work. There is a concept of cultural competency that almost can’t be taught. That’s why it’s important that we hire more individuals from the county. I just think that makes good sense.” However, Council member Mel Franklin (At-Large) of Upper Marlboro said state law prohibits residency requirement by local jurisdictions. He said financial and other incentives could be presented. Local activists Krystal Oriadha and Amity Pope agree. They also hope to be a part of the work group Alsobrooks announced Tuesday. The two women organized a “Chalk the Streets” gathering Monday in front of the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building in Largo to write down names of those who died in police custody, policy recommendations and other messages. Some county government offices are located there, including Alsobrooks’ office. “We want to make people aware that Prince George’s County isn’t immune to what’s going around the country,” said Oriadha,
co-founder of the LGBTQ Dignity Project. “We’re trying to go to the doorsteps of the people in power. That’s the police agendas. That’s elected officials. They have the power to make change. We’re trying to find the most [impactful] ways to [voice] our demands. WI 4 The words “Cut Police Funding” are written in chalk on a street outside the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building in Largo, Maryland, on June 15. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)
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BUSINESS Prince George’s Prepares for Summer School Programs By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill With the academic year for Prince George’s County Public Schools ending Monday, June 15, Maryland’s second-largest school system now prepares for summer classes. The Maryland Department of Education, coinciding with a phase-in recovery plan from Gov. Larry Hogan on allowing more businesses to reopen during the coronavirus pandemic, all 24 school systems can offer in-person summer school instruction with
groups of 10 to 15 children per classroom. But the Prince George’s public schools summer school schedule shows all programs will be conducted through distance learning and online, as the majority-Black jurisdiction continues to lead the state in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases. “Although this school year has been challenging, I’m proud of the man ways students, families and staff members have supported each other,” said public schools CEO Monica Goldson. “It’s been inspirational to see our unstoppa-
ble Class of 2020 rise above the obstacles and succeed.” The pandemic has forced Prince George’s and other school systems to use online instruction, with the county’s school buildings closed since March 16. Several indoor summer camp and academic programs aren’t available this year. However, the county will provide summer school courses for the entire month of July. Parents can enroll their children with special needs in the extended school year program that runs from July 6-30. Students enrolled in JROTC can participate in a virtual Cadet Officer Leadership Program (COLP) from June 22-26. Other enrichment programs such as college and career readiness, International Baccalaureate and CTE Careers Explorers Camp will run certain weeks in August. Other science and technology, math and other programs hosted at various schools in August can be reviewed at https://bit.ly/2YAo4xY. In terms of how education will resume in the fall, that remains undetermined. However, the school system could receive up to $30 million in federal Education
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5 The Sasscer Administration Building in Upper Marlboro (William J. Ford/The Washington Informer, File)
Stabilization Fund through the CARES Act, the economic stimulus package approved by Congress to help states with budgetary problems due to COVID-19. The money can be used to purchase items such as masks, gloves, sanitizing equipment, technology enhancements and summer programming. According to the time frame on the school system’s website, officials must apply by July 12 with the money designated to use on items between March 13 and Sept. 20, 2022. Goldson said another goal will be to purchase iPads and laptops “to ensure we become a one-to-one district” for the next school year. The school system can receive additional money from the CARES Act based on an additional $46 million for Maryland from a governor’s emergency education relief grant. However, Hogan would distribute the money for each of the state’s 24 school systems and the application process remains pending. Last week, Maryland superintendent Karen Salmon said during a briefing before two House committees the current focus statewide will be on summer education. However, she said each school
system must present a recovery plan for the next school year and post it individual websites by Aug. 14. The plans must include protocols and guidance for a person who tests positive for COVID-19, a system to track attendance, adequate technology, and the establishment of a stakeholder group that represents the community. In terms of the CARES Act money, the state plans to receive $207 million for elementary and secondary school emergency relief. Within that, another $45.5 million will go toward child care programs and its providers and assisting families below a certain income level. Salmon said it remains unclear on how much more money will be needed when the 2020-21 school year begins, especially for transportation and food. “It’s going to be really hard to figure out how to transport kids,” she said. “If we don’t go back fulltime, what do we do with meals? We’re going to have to provide meals in school. We’re also going to have to provide our meals out of school. Is there going to be enough money to keep us going?” WI
Leading Veterinarian Talks About Pets and COVID-19 By James Wright WI Staff Writer @Jamesdcwrighter As to whether a pet can transmit the coronavirus to a human and conversely emerges as an issue for scientists and medical professionals to explore a well-known
veterinarian, Dr. Devon Smith of Towson, Md., offers insight and tips for animal owners to deal with the pandemic. A great deal of attention on animals and the coronavirus arose when a tiger at a Bronx Zoo in
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PET Page 44
BUSINESS
More Businesses, Activities Opening Up in Prince George’s By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill Bobby Hand Jr. remains in awe him and his wife run a small business in Prince George’s County named after their daughter. Although Brookiegirl Bath + Body Care at National Harbor closed its doors March 15 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Blackowned operation continues to sell scented body wash, hand sanitizers and other products online. Brookiegirl welcomed customers back Saturday, June 13 to showcase and market its natural items curbside. The business established about two years ago joined dozens of others to open their doors this week as Prince George’s moved into a modified phase two operation that allows non-essential industries, personal services and more outdoor activities to resume. “We’ve been in the DMV since 2000. I’ve been here longer than I grew up in Albany, Georgia,” said Hand, chief operating officer for Brookiegirl. “We got our [place of worship] at Fort Washington Bap-
tist Church. Our kids are DMV through and through. We have great employees. We have great customers. I love it here.” County Executive Angela Alsobrooks pushes a similar mantra as the majority-Black jurisdiction’s biggest cheerleader. However, Alsobrooks warned the novel coronavirus hasn’t subsided as the county continues to record the most confirmed cases in Maryland with more than 18,000 and exceeding 600 deaths. “As we recover from this virus and adjust to our new normal, I want to remind all Prince Georgians that we must continue to take certain precautions to protect ourselves and others, including wearing face coverings and practicing physical distancing,” she said in a mass text message Friday. “Thank you so much and please continue to stay safe.” Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert and director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, talked about the ongoing coronavirus pan-
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5 BrookieGirl Bath + Body Care at National Harbor, shuttered since March 15, reopened on June 12 with curbside services handling online purchases for its customers. (Brigette Squire/The Washington Informer)
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NATIONAL AWARDS from Page 11 in technicolor. I am honored to receive this award. But I’m even more proud of the work that my staff does day in and day out. These five awards belong to everyone at The Washington Informer.” Stacy Brown: “This award is all Denise Rolark Barnes. It was Denise Rolark Barnes who gathered a group of Black publishers in Cincinnati last
summer and included me and said, ‘We should look at Black women of the suffrage movement.’ It was the forethought of Denise Rolark Barnes and her vi-
sion that led to the series, which has also served to educate me in so many ways about the strength of the Black woman. With that, I thank Denise for giving me such a great, and now award-winning, project. P.S., because it’s still ongoing, maybe we’ll win for the same series next year,” said Brown, a 25-year veteran for the Black Press. William J. Ford: “Thank you to the SPJD C chapter for recognizing the work of my colleagues in recognizing our work. We make sure to push for stories about
various situations that go in the D.C. area, specifically those in the Black community who are not often heard, recognized and provided a voice to express their feelings. Fair representation must always be a part of the journalism. Period.” Ford has worked in the journalism industry as a freelancer, correspondent and full-time reporter since September 1997, totaling 22 years. Sam Collins: “Gaining the recognition of Society of Professional Journalists has b e e n a very helpful reminder about how far I’ve come in my journalism career, and what more I have to do in my role as an information hub and conduit between Black people and the powers that be who have taken us lightly for far too long. “ “While I’m humbled to receive the mainstream spotlight, please understand that I have no one to thank but the Most High, my ancestors, the leadership and staff of The Washington Informer, and the unheard Black African people in the trenches who’ve entrusted me with the stories of their trials, tribulations, and triumphs for nearly a decade. Over the years, my increasingly Pan-African nationalist sentiments have kept me grounded in the beautiful struggle of navigating my community and working in the Black press, an entity to which I am beholden as it’s how I cultivated my authentic voice as a 20-something. As
a journalist, I’m playing a small, but significant role in securing our collective self-determination and realizing a vision that the Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey articulated a century ago at the Universal Negro Improvement Association’s inaugural convention at Madison Square Garden in New York City. It’s my hope that this will continue to be the case for decades to come, as I work in alignment with my brothers and sisters immersed in good fight. One God, One Aim, One Destiny,” Collins said. Anthony Tilghman: I am honored to be worthy of an award. This is my first award for photography and I’m happy to be a part of a great team from whom I can learn, adapt and who challenge me to perform at my best. My tagline is #PHOTOGLIFE I’m a photographer and film maker and my greatest accomplishment was photographing one of the most significant events in the world. . The Washington Informer Newspaper Co. Inc. was founded in 1964, and continues to serve metropolitan Washington DC. We are now reaching over 50,000 readers each week through our award-winning newspaper print edition; a weekly average of 35,000 unique visitors to our award-winning website; 7,500 weekly subscribers to our weekly email newsletter, along with Followers and Fans on social media. WI
“This is an incredible honor to receive recognition for the hard work and dedication each one of these members of The Washington Informer staff puts in every week. We write to make a difference, and the honor confirms that. This is our first submission to SPJ, and I want to thank the members and the judges for this official acknowledgement of the great journalism we have continuously produced for more than 55 years.” – Denise Rolark Barnes Publisher 16 - JUNE 18 - 24, 2020
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ACLU Among those Denouncing ICE Presence at George Floyd Protests By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia A major call has gone out from numerous civil rights and immigration rights organizations seeking to bar Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from protests. The American Civil Liberties Union and others have publicly expressed concerned that immigration agents have profiled and taken into custody individuals who they suspect of not having their papers in order. Democracy Now reported a viral video showing a group of ICE agents working with the New York City Police Department to detain a protester at a rally demanding justice for George
Floyd in New York City last week, and advocates said agents held the man on the ground as they pointed three guns at him and handcuffed and searched him. He was reportedly released after agents found a military veteran ID on him, showing he is a U.S. citizen of Puerto Rican descent. “One of the big concerns we have with ICE partnering with the NYPD right now is, you know, they’ve been very opportunistic in terms of policing,” Mizue Aizeki, deputy director at the Immigrant Defense Project, told Democracy Now. “Over the past 10 years, we’ve seen ICE basically attach themselves or embed themselves to local policing forces all over the country.”
“You know, now almost every fingerprint taken at a police precinct serves as like an automatic alert system to ICE and triggers a request by ICE — could trigger a request by ICE to ask cops and jails to hold someone after they’re released from criminal custody,” Aizeki said. “And in New York state, we’ve seen in the past three years under Trump a 1,700 percent increase in ICE arrests at New York state courthouses. “And this is why we have a bill — Immigrant Defense Project has a bill right now in front of the New York state Legislature, the Protect Our Courts Act, which would limit ICE’s practice of targeting people in and around courthouses,” he said. Reports of federal agents be-
5 Demonstrators protest at a rally for justice for George Floyd. (WI file photo)
ing deployed at protests come after an insidious development in Minneapolis early on in the response to the police-related death of George Floyd. Late last month, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) flew a Predator drone, which is commonly used
in overseas military operations, over Minneapolis. The ACLU sharply criticized that federal action. Forbes Magazine reported that the use of the MQ-9 Reap-
ICE Page 44
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George Floyd incident in the United States. The request was made by the nations on Friday (June 12) in a letter they all signed and addressed to council President Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger, EyeGamia reported June 13. The African group is demanding the content of the debate to center on “racially inspired human rights violations, police brutality against people of African descent and the violence against the peaceful protests that call for these injustices to stop.” The letter, reportedly written by Burkina Faso’s ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, which was accepted and signed by all. The coalition of African states requested that this debate be held immediately the council’s 43rd session resumes from the coronavirus outbreak next week. According to the proceedings of the council, a request of such nature is only considered by the house when it is backed by at least one state. A council spokesperson told reporters that, the massive support from all the 54 nations “increases the chances” of the debate taking place. WI
caribbean now Hotels Association Welcomes Tourism Task Force The Trinidad Hotels Restaurants and Tourism Association (THRTA) says it “could not agree more” with recent recommendations made by Finance Minister Colm Imbert for a Tourism Task Force. In response to Imbert, association CEO Brian Frontin said of immediate concern, however, is the Road Map Committee’s continued focus and earmarking of eight sectors to revitalize the economy of T&T, namely agriculture, construction, energy, manufacturing, services, wholesale, retail and distribution, banking and insurance, small business and credit unions. “Whilst it is plausible that the tourism industry may be subsumed within the services ambit, the THRTA again calls on the government to have courage to identify hospitality and tourism as priority sector and collaborate with the National Tourism Associations to boldly develop a shared vision and aspirational goals,” Frontin said, The Trinidad & Tobago Guardian reported. He noted that contrary to prevailing beliefs, there is a developed hospitality and tourism sector within both T&T and, as recent as 2019, the combined direct and indirect contribution of the sector to T&T’s gross domestic product (GDP) was $12.5 billion or 7.8% of total GDP. The hospitality and tourism sector also employed (directly and indirectly) over 52,500 jobs, representing 8.5% of total employment in 2019, Frontin said, citing the World Travel and Tourism Council — Economic Impact 2020 Report (T&T). Frontin said the minister’s comments on the recommendations of the Road Map Committee for the tourism sector are consistent with those provided by the association to the committee in its May 1 submission. WI
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HEALTH City Leaders Push Residents to Get Tested for COVID-19 By James Wright WI Staff Writer @Jamesdcwrighter Medical and political leaders in the District have highly recommended that residents who are experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms or suffer from diseases such as hypertension and diabetes to undergo tests to see if they have the coronavirus, and people
appear to be taking advantage of the opportunity to do that. As of June 12, the District government’s coronavirus website reports that 63,036 people have been tested for the virus, with the number of positive cases is 9,709, including 511 deaths. Those numbers are part of the national testing picture, with 23,290,724 tests being conducted overall with 2,469,684 positive results, an 11 per-
cent positivity rate. Since the onset of coronavirus in the District in March, Mayor Muriel Bowser has repeatedly stressed the importance of testing to residents. “I am an essential worker,” the mayor said on June 10 as she and Metropolitan Police Chief Peter Newsham were tested at a site on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE. “I have been exposed throughout the pandemic and I have been tested through the pandemic.” Bowser said she has been tested twice and has come up negative both times, WUSA-TV (Channel 9) reported. Bowser’s views on testing have been complimented by Trump administration officials such as Dr. Deborah Birx, the coronavirus response coordinator for the White House Coronavirus Task Force. “Testing and contact tracing has proven to be critical to helping local leaders identify cases and contain the spread of the virus within their borders,” Birx said last month, The Washington Post reported. In the District, people can be tested at the Southeast site and locations at the National Building Museum, the Judiciary Square Metro Station and at the
5 Howard University Faculty Practice Plan hosts the first day of COVID-19 testing at the Benning Road Center in Northeast. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)
University of the District of Columbia’s Community College Bertie Backus campus at specified times, according to the city’s coronavirus website. Testing also took place at the District’s fire stations in each ward from June 4-June 15 and pop-up testing has been sponsored by the Community Organized Relief Effort, a nonprofit, for demonstrators on Pennsylvania Avenue NW and at the Howard Theatre on T Street NW. Most of the District’s hospitals and some health clinics offer
tests in addition to nonprofits such as Mary’s Center, Bread for the City and Kaiser Permanente, the website said. Demonstrator Bridgett Jaspart drove her vehicle to the Southeast site to get her test on June 12. The reason she wanted to get tested had to do with the recommendation of public health officials encouraging demonstrators to do so. “I will be protesting this weekend
TESTING Page 34
COVID-19 NOTICE Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE) is operating remotely during the pandemic, but we remain committed to the needs of DC elders 60 and older. For legal assistance call LCE Legal Hotline: 202-434-2120 For long-term care issues call LCE’s Office of the DC Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 202-434-2190 For the latest on the pandemic, visit www.cdc.gov and www.coronavirus.dc.gov
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HEALTH A CONTINUING SERIES
COVID 19 UPDATE Strategies to Survive, Sustain and Succeed
Food Fight: How to Combat Viruses with a Proper Diet By Brigette Squire WI Contributing Writer @SquireBrigette Food is medicine. As the saying goes, you are what you eat, and to be fit and healthy, you need to eat good food. With that said, why is Black America so sick? Awareness of what to eat to heal the body is of utmost importance as we fight invisible enemies such as the coronavirus and chronic illnesses that are conquering the minority community. Historically we prevailed through abuse, oppression, and dehumanization because we had a healthy sense of community, love, spirituality, and knowledge of how to put soul into food. “You’re actually more susceptible to spreading the virus in the presymptomatic stages. Also known as the incubation period the time before the symptoms appear,” said health expert Micheal H. Forde. “Asymptomatic individuals have a lower rate of spreading the virus.” Forde has served both local and national communities as a health communications specialist at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health, under the Institute’s leadership of Dr. Anthony Fauci, responding to the COVID-19 outbreak as a member of the NIAID Inquiry Response Team. The stay-at-home orders across the nation has caused many people to decrease their movement and make some poor nutrition choices due to accessibility, availability, stress, depression, anxiety and isolation. All of our lives were abruptly halted, leaving the perfect setup for unhealthy weight gain. Some social media users jokingly refer to it as the “Quarantine 15.” With access to the fast-food indus-
try at our fingertips via Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Postmates, it definitely feels like the ultimate setup. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2018, African-Americans (42.4%) and whites (37.6%) ate fast food most often. “You can find success in treating your body right and to fight against future viruses and elongate your life,” Forde said. “You can invest in eating right and making sure your health is your wealth.” The biggest concern on most hearts is that we do not know when or if this pandemic will end. When will America reopen? We were all forced to adapt to this new normal way of living, which includes distancing from loved ones and increasing our reliance on technology for emotional connections and nutrition, with no guidance. Yet the silver lining to disease
prevention is as bright as the dark clouds ahead of us. If you are unsure of the current state of your immunity and whether or not your body can effectively fight diseases there are steps that you can do that vastly improve your chances of survival. There is a connection between nutrition and immunity. “Habitual intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is enough to differentiate between those who had 80% less and those who had 80% more lifetime burden of chronic disease,” said Dr. David Katz. “The power of lifestyle as medicine is such that it can refashion our fate at the very level of our genes. We can nurture nature. It’s what you do with your feet, forks, fingers, and adding more sleep, less stress, and more love that makes the difference.” There is some evidence that various micronutrient deficiencies — zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid and vitamins A, B6, C and E, for example — alter immune responses. Granted, being healthy is not just about the food on your plate; it’s about the water you drink, the air you breathe, the love in your life, the amount you exercise, whether you have a fulfilling career and spiritual practice, and environment.
COVID-19 UPDATE Page 43
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EDUCATION ‘Good Trouble’ a Reminder John Lewis Still Matters By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer
“Good trouble” is the phrase most associated with Rep. John Lewis. He flipped what his parents told him not to do into something that became his life calling,
to work toward justice for all by getting into good trouble. “John Lewis: Good Trouble” is the documentary that lays out Lewis’ life path. From preaching to chickens on the family farm to being a student activist in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s peaceful
band of justice crusaders to running for elected office against his friend Julian Bond, to leading a nonviolent sit-in on the House floor of Congress in 2016. This film covers it all, and yet one is left wanting to spend more time at Lewis’ feet. Dawn Porter, producer/director of “John Lewis: Good Trouble,” met Lewis when she interviewed him for her Netflix series “Bobby Kennedy for President.” “He was the star of the show,” Porter said of Lewis. “He then came to me and asked if I would like to do something on him. Of course, I leaped at the chance because who wouldn’t want to do something about John Lewis?” The film follows Lewis on a rigorous schedule going from speaking engagements to meeting with constituents at his Capitol Hill office. Everywhere he went, he was joined at the hip to his dedicated Chief of Staff Michael Collins. It is an easy relationship between the two with lots of joking that is built on a foundation of respect. It is a father-son relationship. The film includes interviews with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) and Reps. Ayanna Pressley, (D-Mass.) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), as well as the late Rep. Elijah Cummings. “It was important to have his contemporaries as well as these elders who not only were working in Congress with him but who also were activists,” Porter said. “They understood.” It is Cummings who said with
5 Rep. John Lewis with former Vice President Joe Biden at a Black History event during the Obama administration. (WI File Photo/Shevry Lassiter)
pride, “I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been mistaken for John Lewis in the airport.” Lewis’ siblings say their brother was always different. When they speak about Lewis one feels their love and admiration jump off the screen. “They did worry a lot about him,” Porter said of his siblings when they spoke of all the things their brother has done. The production shows Lewis on a soundstage offering his perspective on his life as seen through archival news footage from the civil rights movement. Porter said she reminded him to reflect on the young John Lewis so he could tell his own story. At one point as he is being prepared for his commentary on a scene he just viewed, Lewis says about the footage, “I’ve never seen that before.” “John Lewis: Good Trouble” is a Magnolia Pictures and Participant Media release in collaboration with CNN Films, Trilogy Films,
and Color Farm Media founded by actress/producer Erika Alexander, best known for her role as Maxine Shaw on the hit ‘90s TV show “Living Single.” Lewis appeared in the film even after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His weight loss was evident but he still moved through his schedule at a high-energy pace. The timing of this documentary is critical as weeks of peaceful protests continue. When Lewis and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser appeared together at Black Lives Matter Plaza on Sunday, June 7, the dots were connected. It felt like Lewis was endorsing this generation’s peaceful protests, because just like he did beginning in his early 20s, they were getting into ‘good trouble’. “John Lewis: Good Trouble” will be released July 3 via streaming services by Magnolia Pictures and Participant. View the movie trailer at https://youtu.be/z_oEkOdIXdo. WI
Rivera, Washington Players Engage in Social Activism Initiatives By Daniel Kucin Jr. WI Contributing Writer @danielkucin88
As an active and engaged community member, Events DC is proud to continue to support the future of non-profit organizations in Washington, DC that promote youth participation in both the arts and athletics. For more info visit: http://eventsdc.com/AboutUs/Community.aspx
22 - JUNE 18 - 24, 2020
Following the death of George Floyd, Washington Redskins quarterback Dwayne Haskins made a point to go out and peacefully protest on June 8 while spreading awareness on senseless police brutality with the support of his organization. Floyd died when Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while apprehending the 46-year-old man.
“The whole decision to go to D.C. was just — I feel like everybody in this day and age likes to just talk, and I wanted to be about action,” Haskins said. “I wanted to go down there and be a part of the difference. “It was my first protest ever,” he said. “I never thought I’d ever be able to actually go to a protest, especially in this day and age, so it was just crazy to be there. I talked to [Senior Vice President of Player Development] Doug [Williams], I talked to [Senior Director of Player Development Malcolm Blacken] about trying
to get in touch with someone that was down there and go walk up to people.” Before Haskins traveled downtown to speak on equality while interacting with protesters, running back and team leader Adrian Peterson let it be known publicly that he will be peacefully protesting before games this upcoming season by kneeling during the playing of the national anthem. Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick initially sparked the movement to bring change
ACTIVISM Page 23
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EDUCATION
5 Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson says he will carry on the cause of former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (pictured above) by kneeling before games this upcoming season. (Daniel Kucin Jr./The Washington Informer)
ACTIVISM from Page 22 through the process of kneeling before NFL games in 2016, which was met with staunch opposition. He and former 49ers safety Eric Reid were at the forefront of the kneeling movement, sending a message to the league and the world about the issues that ultimately lead to Floyd’s death. The NFL mandated that the league would monetarily fine teams that allowed kneeling or protesting during the playing of the anthem after Kaepernick’s initial peaceful protest. After numerous discussions with the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), the rule has since been revised and allows players to kneel if they wish, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently admitted on a social media video that “we were wrong” about the league’s previous actions on kneeling protests. “We, the National Football League, believe Black lives matter,” Goodell said in the video. “Protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality, and oppression of Black players, coaches, fans and staff. I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve.” Peterson said he will continue Kaepernick’s cause and resume the fight against social injustices that have spread across the nation with his head coach behind the future
Hall of Famer’s decision as well. “I was fortunate enough to have Eric Reid with me in Carolina,” said Redskins head coach Ron Rivera. “When Eric and I talked, it was an eye-opener for everyone. It also helped me to really understand what the protest was about in terms of taking a knee. It had nothing to do with our military, nothing to do with our first responders, nothing to do with the flag. It had everything to do with social injustice and brutality, police brutality, and working to get that corrected. “I was fine with it because of what I had read and because of what the Constitution said and what the Bill of Rights talked about,” he said. “The right to freedom, life, and liberty. It is there, and it talks about the rights that we have. It is their choice, their decision. I support it because it is in our Constitution. That is what our military personnel fought for...for our rights and for our safety.” Since taking the helm as head coach, Rivera has openly stated that there needs to be a “culture change” in Washington. Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has given Rivera the keys to the franchise and echoed those sentiments of a “culture change” during Rivera’s introductory press conference in January. However, when given a chance to kneel with his team in unison, Snyder has chosen not to do so up to this point. Snyder did not kneel with his
players during a nationally televised game against the Oakland Raiders on Sept. 24, 2017. He instead linked arms between former cornerbacks Josh Norman and
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Bashaud Breeland to show a sign of solidarity amid the mixed opinions and actions from the league and public on national anthem protests. With social unrest surrounding
the nation, Rivera, Haskins and Peterson appear to be setting the tone for that “culture change” in Washington, D.C. WI
JUNE 18 - 24, 2020 23
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COVID 19
IS KILLING BLACK PEOPLE. PRESIDENT TRUMP,
HELP US!
Covid-19 is killing us. Racism is our pre-existing condition. This is not hyperbole. We have a crisis within a crisis. This moment, our bodies carry the vestiges of America’s hateful past. The intergenerational trauma of slavery, hate, murder and institutional injustice is carried in our DNA. Over 400 years of exploitation and violence have literally made us sick. Food deserts, expensive healthcare, pollution, and endless microaggressions are all traumas of the mind and body — and they are killing us. Nationally, Blacks are dying from Covid-19 at a rate 3 to 4 times higher than whites. Today, Black people have higher incidences of hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, infant mortality, and strokes. Trauma after trauma, generation after generation, poverty, oppression, and violence sit in our bodies as disease. Mr. President, right now, this minute, we need you to LEAD. I grew up in a family business. I’m no expert on pandemics, but I see desperation and pain spreading in our communities. We need decisive and urgent action. There are federal actions that only you can take. Please form an urgent response team to target Black, Latinx, and Indigenous populations. This team must include the best and brightest from communities of color with expertise in: infectious disease and research; targeted marketing and communications; general expertise in hospital and institutional supply chains; retail supply chains and manufacturing operations; and, state and county healthcare coordinators. The team must give weekly updates on C-SPAN with FACTS from each discipline. Journalists from affected counties, neighborhoods, and reservations must have virtual access to these press conferences. We need mass quantities of PPE and cleaning products. In some cases, we are paying $4 EACH for disposable surgical face masks and $9 for a 16-ounce bottle of hand sanitizer if we can find them. CDC-recommended masks, sanitizer, disinfectant cleaners, and wipes are scarce and expensive. Our communities already spend more on basic household items as a percentage of income. How can we get back to work and protect our families? Must we choose between our livelihoods and our lives? Once schools reopen, there will be even more demand for virus-related supplies. How can families afford to keep children safe? This is America? Use the Defense Production Act (DPA) to get these products to our shelves urgently — within weeks, not months — at PRE-PANDEMIC PRICES. Flood the marketplace with products to save lives and end the price gouging. People of color are primarily the ones disinfecting our public spaces, cleaning hospital rooms and common areas, providing daily personal care for the sick, driving the buses, working the cash registers, harvesting and cooking our food, delivering packages, and so much more. Businesses are already passing on their costs of pandemic-related overhead. Small businesses can’t carry these additional expenses unless they increase prices. We are paying more for food and household basics. Higher prices pour salt in the wounds of disadvantaged communities.
PPE, syringes, swabs, vials, gloves, sterile wipes, and other critical items need to be produced under the DPA now! WE STILL DON’T have enough PPE. It is delusional to think demand has lessened. It’s not lower; we are rationing our supplies because we have to. And we’re compromising our healthcare workers and hospital staff in the process. Proper medical standards for PPE usage must be reinstated. Public and private healthcare systems are paying more for supplies and passing the costs on to us! DPA must control prices on medical and household virus-related goods. PREPANDEMIC PRICES must be held in check at each stage of production, distribution, and point of sale. The DPA producers must proportionally include our communities for employment opportunities and as vendor partners. This is not the time for corporate America to be greedy. We need MANY, MANY MORE TESTS for those disproportionately affected! Let me define what I mean by testing: ACCURATE with RAPID RESULTS (within hours, not days); adequate supplies to rapidly process tests; and, ACCESSIBLE and free weekly testing for frontline and essential workers to be tested in their zip code. Please don’t keep telling us that testing is not necessary for everyone; only those with symptoms. Don’t tell us “we can’t test 300 million people” and that you are tracking cases to identify hot spots. Cases are PEOPLE. We are not numbers to be “tracked” by some lag indicator. People who live in densely populated cities or work the front lines need frequent testing. PERIOD. Those with positive or undetermined results need temporary housing to selfisolate. Use federal or military housing. Allocate money to target states to pay for all test-related expenses. We need a specific, detailed plan for every type of congregate housing, their residents, staff, and vendors. This includes prisons, jails, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, shelters, and other places. It is long overdue. We need a PLAN NOW . . . today! Families are at risk. We need your leadership. If you allow this virus to hollow out essential workers and communities of color with more sickness and death, our economic recovery won’t be a “V”, it will be an “L” — and our morality will never recover.
MR. PRESIDENT, PLEASE
FOR GOD’S SAKE . . . HELP US! Prayerfully,
Terri Gardner, Elder, Wer1Tribe.org
PAID FOR BY TERRI GARDNER
24 - JUNE 18 - 24, 2020
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS
EDITORIAL
Beware, Be Smart, Be Safe – COVID-19 Has Not Left the Building
Donald Trump may still have plans to resume one of his favorite activities this weekend – campaigning where he’s guaranteed a throng of ardent supporters. But we wouldn’t advise anyone who’s concerned about their health, well-being or life to shuffle off to Tulsa on Saturday. That’s because despite the District and all 50 states in the U.S. now in various re-opening phases, coronavirus infection rates have already begun to surge in 16 states. Based on an ominous forecast just released by the University of Washington, if our habits remain the same and we insist upon the rush back to “normal,” we can expect the U.S. to exceed 200,000 deaths from COVID-19 by October. The president promises that everyone who attends his campaign rally in Tulsa will have access to free gloves, face masks and hand sanitizer – but there’s no word on whether attendees will be required to comply with these safer practices. However, it’s been announced that the 19,000-capacity arena has sold out with another venue next door prepared to take the overflow. Sounds like the kind of situation to avoid at all costs. But that’s just our opinion. Meanwhile, it seems like our patience has worn thin as more and more Americans throw caution to the wind. In New York, Tennessee and Arizona, recently-opened “water holes” have been packed with thirsty patrons, many of whom have been seen not wearing masks and jammed to the walls. Texas has seen record-number hospitalizations of those suffering from COVID-19 while others continue to ignore any recommended practices related to social distancing. And in Miami, it looks like the much-celebrated reopening of bars, bistros and beaches may have been premature as Florida just recorded over 10,000 new infections in just one week’s time. Elvis may have left the building but COVID-19 is still here, wreaking havoc as it pleases in cities large and small. We urge our readers to be smart, be safe and beware. And tell your friends, too. WI
Disparity Study Long Overdue
Small and locally-owned businesses in D.C. are facing unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19 shut-downs and the protests that followed. The District’s shutdown required more than 70 percent of small businesses to close their doors resulting in the furlough or unemployment of thousands of employees. As residents and owners look forward to stages of reopening, the fact remains that most of them will stay out of work as their employers, a disproportionate number who are African-American men and women, have shuttered their business indefinitely. At D.C. Councilmember Kenyon McDuffie’s Committee on Business and Economic Development budget oversight hearing this week, he listened to a host of small business owners and officials representing the 20-plus Main Street organizations testify about the impact of COVID-19. Many businesses rely on District tax dollars granted to Main Street organizations that provide financial and technical support to sustain some businesses during this period. Main Streets offered small grants to help pay utility bills, rent and payroll expenses that totaled upwards to $70,000 in some communities. These grants were the lifeline to help businesses survive the pandemic and, for some, the destruction which followed by protesters responding to the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. Mr. Floyd’s death alone exposes the reality that inequities exist in nearly every area of life for African Americans. Questions like the one McDuffie asked, “Why are there 21 Main Street organizations in Wards 1 through 6, and only 3 in all of Wards 7 and 8,” demonstrates the blinders that must be removed by local legislators to ensure all communities receive equitable treatment. We stand with the small and Black-owned business community by strongly encouraging Councilmember McDuffie to follow through on his pronouncement as soon as possible to conduct a Disparity Study of how, particularly, Black, minority and women-owned businesses are faring regarding government contracting. It’s been more than a year since the DC Black Business Task Force requested such a study. The significant loss of businesses in communities where the impact on employment and economic stability is notable shows why a study is needed now. WI
TO THE EDITOR What’s the Next Step?
Fathers Worthy of Praise
I look at my history as a tool, a rulebook, to help us fight for the rights of Black people. The young people are protesting, now we need our Black leaders to guide us. This is when you guys come in. Now, I am not saying that no one isn’t fighting in their own way. But protesting can do only so much. We need to sustain what we are protesting or fighting for. We need to do more — if we don’t, things will not change.
I know it’s not Father’s Day yet, but this is honestly my favorite time of the year because we get to honor the fathers and the men who stand in their place. We need to do it, especially at a time like this. Let’s honor our fathers all the time! Terri Potear Washington, D.C.
Melissa Degree Washington, D.C.
Readers' Mailbox
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The Washington Informer welcomes letters to the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community. Write to: lsaxton@washingtoninformer. com or send to: 3117 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20032. Please note that we are unable to publish letters that do not include a full name, address and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you. JUNE 18 - 24, 2020 25
OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
By Julianne Malveaux
A Silver Lining to a Slap in the Face
The president of the United States hit a new low when he used the military to clear D.C.’s Lafayette Park of citizens. They were exercising their First Amendment rights of speech and assembly while the president was exhibiting a chest-thumping use of force. He brandished a Bible, something which he seems not to have read. That was his low, and he got even
worse in his offensive rhetoric, especially about the murder of George Floyd and the protests of police brutality. He stooped even lower and illustrated his infamous racial insensitivity when his campaign announced that he would have his first rally since the coronavirus shutdown the nation in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Juneteenth. June 19, 1865, was the day when enslaved people in Texas, the last enslaved Black people in the nation, learned that they were free. The Emancipation Proclamation was on Jan. 1, 1863,
Guest Columnist
but Black folk didn’t learn of their freedom until two years later. Initially choosing to have his first campaign rally in Tulsa on Juneteenth (he eventually reversed course and changed the date — but not the location — after intense backlash) was a slap in the face to Black Americans. Juneteenth is a celebratory day, but there is nothing to celebrate when our bigoted president attempts to co-opts our holiday for a cheap political stunt. The Divider-in-Chief will supposedly deliver a message of “racial concil-
iation” in Tulsa, a site known for white hate and economic envy that left hundreds dead and thousands homeless. I’m not sure he can deliver such a message, especially when he recently said that issues of prejudice and bigotry could be solved “quickly and easily.” The Tulsa Massacre of 1921 took place when armed white people swarmed Greenwood, an affluent Black area of Tulsa. They looted houses, then burned them, dripping with economic envy. A gubernatorial commission concluded that
the cause of the massacre was “too many n-----s” having too much money. “ Money wasn’t the only thing the Black people of Tulsa had. They also had an unwavering sense of self-determination and pride. When segregation excluded Black residents from libraries, wealthy Tulsans built their own. Black people had pharmacies, hospitals, grocery and department stores, theaters, churches (one was torched in the massacre),
MALVEAUX Page 45
By J.C. Watts
The Impact of COVID-19 in Our Community: Let’s Not Put Our Health at Risk
Washington, D.C., city attorney George Valentine was Black, brilliant, and fit. But after contracting COVID-19, he became so weak, he had trouble moving and even speaking. When it got to the point where he could barely breathe, George called an ambulance and waited on the steps of his house for
it to arrive. Every second he waited must have seemed like an eternity. Two days later, George died. He was 66 and had suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure before getting sick with the coronavirus. New research seems to confirm that, across the nation, the coronavirus has disproportionately affected Black people, with death rates more than twice as high as that for any other race. Why is this happening — and can we do anything
Guest Columnist
about it? There are several explanations for the disparity, and most have to do how we live, where we work, and our underlying health conditions. There are also factors that are within our immediate control that we can all do right now to protect ourselves, but that many in our community are failing to do. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cite several possible reasons that Black Americans are more affected. One is that
many of us live in more highly populated areas where it’s more difficult to practice physical distancing from one another. Many of us also live in multi-generational households where it’s easier for younger family members to spread the virus to more vulnerable elderly members. This is especially true for lower-income households with smaller living spaces. Another reason is that a large percentage of African Americans hold front-line service industry jobs as
food servers, cleaners, and personal care providers, and in fields such as nursing that are all considered essential during the pandemic, and they bravely continue to go to work each day. One other big factor is that, sadly, our people also tend to have more underlying medical conditions — like obesity, diabetes and hypertension — that make us more vulnerable. While many of these factors are
WATTS Page 45
By Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.
Police Reform Was Never Going to be Easy — But Now’s the Time As the worldwide demonstrations continue two weeks after the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis policeman, the question is whether outrage will lead to real reforms? Fundamental reforms would begin with ending the “qualified immunity” of police, curbing the militarization of police forces, transferring funds and functions
26 - JUNE 18 - 24, 2020
to social agencies, imposing residency requirements and finally making lynching a hate crime. There is good reason to be skeptical. After the remarkable Black Lives Matter demonstrations across the country in 2014, very little changed. Police continue to kill more than 250 African Americans a year (of nearly 1,000 Americans each year). In most cities, racial profiling, constant harassment, routine brutality and mass arrests continue. Powerful police unions block reforms.
Cynical politicians — in this case, led by Donald Trump, who has been tweeting “more money for Law Enforcement — fan fears. Callous officials like Attorney General William Barr deny the existence of systemic racism in our criminal justice system. With 18,000 separate police organizations organized locally across the country, real reform is hard. There is also reason for hope. After dozens of commissions beginning with the Kerner Commission in 1967 and moving forward,
we know a lot about what needs to be done. What has been missing is will, not ideas. And now, as the demonstrations reveal, Americans — black and white, young and old — are demanding change. Earlier this month, Democrats — led by Rep. Karen Bass, chair of the CBC, and Sens. Cory Booker and Kamala Harris — introduced The Justice in Policing Act of 2020, which calls for basic reforms. It would revise the “qualified immunity,” which has protected police from liability for excessive
use of force, curb the transfer of military equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies, mandate data collection of police misconduct and a centralized registry of offenders, mandate racial training and outlaw chokeholds and no-knock warrants. It would finally make lynching a hate crime, passing legislation that has been pending for over 100 years. Many of these same reforms can and should be passed at a state lev-
JACKSON Page 45
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
By A. Peter Bailey
Brother Malcolm’s Message to ‘Sincere Whites’
Many people, Black and white, are slapping high-fives and shouting hallelujah over the sizable number of Whites marching to protest the brutal lynching of George Floyd by a White police officer. Many other people, including myself, remembering similar White participation in civil rights
protests in the 1960s and early 1970s, have a more skeptical position about that involvement which is best reflected in the statement, “Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.” We remember that many of those white participants later cut their hair, changed their dress code and eventually moved into major positions in the academic, corporate and entertainment arenas. It’s not wise to put much trust in an
Guest Columnist
ally who has the option of dropping out of the battle whenever he or she desires to do so. Black folks don’t have that option. As usual in situations around race in this country, Brother Malcolm provides sound advice on what he called “sincere Whites” can contribute to the battle against white supremacy/racism. In his autobiography, Brother Malcolm wrote that often a white person in audiences attending his speech-
es would ask “What can a sincere white person do?” [All emphasis in the following are his.] “The first thing I tell them,” he noted, “is that at least where my own particular Black Nationalist organization, the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU), is concerned they can’t join us. I have these very deep feelings that White people who want to join Black organizations are really just taking the escapist way to salve their con-
sciences. By visibly hovering near us, they are ‘proving’ that they are ‘with us’ but the hard truth is this isn’t helping to solve America’s racist problem.” Sincere Whites, he continued, “should be out on the battle line where America’s racism really is — and that’s in their own communities. … That’s where the sincere Whites who really mean to accom-
According to a Wikipedia entry: “As part of the worldwide George Floyd protests, members of the Black Lives Matter movement have also removed or defaced statues of other historical figures that were responsible for large-scale suffering of Black people. In Bristol, UK, protesters toppled a statue of slave trader Edward Colston, who played a prominent role in the Bristol slave trade, while BLM protesters in Ghent, Belgium, vandalized a statue of King Leopold II, who caused the death of tens of millions of Congolese.”
Later, I learned that NASCAR had banned the display of the Confederate flag at its events. The Marine Corps and Navy have also banned the display of the Confederate flag on their respective installations and ships. Local political leaders are planning and removing Confederate monuments while Congress has resolved to remove statues of Confederate leaders from the Capitol’s Statuary Hall and to rename military installations which honor Confederate leaders.
BAILEY Page 46
By E. Faye Williams
Bring Them Down
The aftermath and ongoing circumstances of the murder of George Floyd have given each of us reasons to give focused thought to the current state of our nation. Regardless of outlook, all have been forced to take a position on where we are and where we are going as a nation. Welcomed, yet unexpected, citizens of nations throughout the world, inspired by visuals of the brutal murder of George Floyd,
have also chosen this time to address the evils of abuse and oppression that impact them. I am pleased to see the masses gathered in cities across the world expressing, with their words and bodies, unwillingness to accept injustice for themselves and for their social/cultural neighbors. They are addressing every source of oppression — from insult to injury — as a target for change, and this change, seemingly, begins with the elimination of symbols of oppression. This is a good place to start. Few
Askia-At-Large
will deny the impact of symbolism on our social constructs and interaction. The symbols of our favorite teams, organizations, and schools are a source of inspiration and pride. The Pentagon is symbolic of our military strength, Mt. Rushmore edifies inspirational leadership, and the Lincoln Memorial symbolizes the successful rebuff of a traitorous uprising based upon a brutal system of human servitude and oppression. Recently, I have awakened to the news that symbols of oppression are being rejected worldwide.
WILLIAMS Page 46
By Askia Muhammad
Can I Trust White Folks This Time?
When I was a young journalist, fearful of trusting anyone over 30 years old, there were prolonged clashes going on in the streets over racist police brutality, just like now. The civil rights movement resisted the white law-and-order backlash and morphed into the mushrooming anti-war movement. Then, as now, some radical
Black thinkers looked at the pubescent faces of white allies who rushed to the front lines with suspicion. Can these white folks be trusted, or are they just trying to distract some of us? The Hollywood comedy “Undercover Brother” pokes fun at the notion of Blacks being betrayed after putting their trust in white folks. In 1968, I put the question on the front page of my underground campus newspaper, The Son of Jabberwock, at San
Jose State. The cover art featured a nearly full-page black panther, with the face of Marlon Brando, asking the question: “Are the Panthers Integrating?” That stunt earned me a visit from a delegation led by Bobby Seale, co-founder of the Black Panther Party for Self Defense, intent on schooling me about my editorial policies. Needless to say, The Son of Jabberwock continued to publish. Our next edition featured a full-page portrait of Dick
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Gregory at a speaker’s platform with his back to the camera. Gregory was a presidential candidate that year with the Peace & Freedom Party. He spoke at colleges all over the country, and everywhere he went, he would cheer on “you young people,” whom he said would make a difference and change the world for the better. In our Black Student Union, we were open to white allies, yet suspicious of the long-term commitment the white guys were willing to make.
“They’ll just shave and put on a suit, then go to work in Daddy’s law firm,” we would sneer about the hippies who wanted to affiliate with the BSU. And sure enough, unfolding right before our eyes was the infamous Chicago 7 conspiracy trial, which grew out of the radical disruption of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. It had originally been the Chi-
ASKIA Page 46 JUNE 18 - 24, 2020 27
LIFESTYLE Queen of Go-Go Maiesha Rashad Takes Her Groove to Heaven
Legendary Band Manager, Songstress Succumbs to Stomach Cancer By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor @dkevinmcneir After a five-month battle with stomach cancer, Maiesha Rashad, recognized for catapulting the reach
of D.C.’s go-go groove to new heights and an increasingly-diverse fan base, died on June 15. Heralded as the “Queen of GoGo” and the “First Lady of Go-Go,” she led and managed her band,
Maiesha Rashad and the Hip Huggers, infusing gospel and jazz to the go-go musical genre, topping off their songs with an old-school flavor – the grown and sexy swerve – that brought the group instant success. Donned with bell bottoms and afros, Maiesha Rashad and the Hip Huggers made their mark while inviting scores of other local musicians and vocalists to join them on the stage and in the studio In February 2020, Rashad learned that she had stage 4 stomach cancer. She would receive chemotherapy treatments before being moved to hospice care where she died Monday. Her only child, Raina, spoke with a WUSA9 reporter about her mother in May following Rashad’s diagnosis. “I’m proud that my mom was able to have her own band being a woman. That’s not even something that was heard of before her. Girl power. That’s what she was about. That’s what she is about,” Raina told the reporter. Within the annals of go-go history, Rashad has been credited with
attracting an older cadre of fans – those 35 and over – to concerts. Before she unleashed her creativity, few go-go entertainers, except for Chuck Brown, were able to expand their base of supporters beyond the traditional 18-to-25 age group. Then, in the 90s, Maiesha led a new movement, playing 70s-themed performances for fans in their 30s and older who longed to hear the music of their youth: Chaka Khan and Rufus, the Jackson 5 and Earth, Wind & Fire. A new arm of go-go would be formed – “grown and sexy” – with other D.C. entertainers joining Maiesha and her band including William “Ju Ju” House, Gregory “Sugar Bear” – both from the famed group E.U. – and Sweet Cherie Mitchell.
FRIENDS SALUTE THE QUEEN A Sugar Bear: “She was the queen of go-go. When she came around with the Hip Huggers, we merged with me and Ju Ju from E.U. contributing the rhythm. She helped us. We helped her. She revitalized the whole culture with the grown and sexy and a versatile repertoire. Folks got a double treat – old school and new school – and it shocked everyone. Maiesha had an amazing voice and she always demanded perfection. What she did for and brought to the culture will never be replaced or forgotten. She started a real movement – that’s why she’ll always be known as the queen.”
their career. The go-go community has lost a true pioneer.”
Adrienne DreDre Burkley: “She gave me my first shot at band management and then became a very close friend. She constantly expressed how proud she was of me. I had been texting with hopes she’d respond but God had other plans which included no more pain. Now Mai can sleep peacefully forever.
Charles Stephenson: “As the “First Lady of Go-Go,” Maiesha must be credited with the resurgence of go-go in the late 90s and early 2000s. Maiesha and the Hip Huggers grabbed the attention of party goers and at the same time relieved club owns of the negative connotations of go-go music during their era. Her band featured go-go luminaries such as Sugar Bear, Ju Ju and Sweet Cherie playing old school covers that got crowds jumping when they laid down go-go beats for their final set. Maiesha was one of a kind: caring, beautiful inside and out. She loved D.C. and go-go music and now her vision for go-go is coming to pass. It’s now recognized as the official music for the District. When she received the Go-Go Awards Hall of Fame honor in 2019, it warmed her heart. Even more, it served as a testament of her dedication to the music. She will always be with us.” WI
Bo Sampson CEO, Bodacious One: “The passing of Maiesha has shaken up the go-go community. But it has also inspired us to keep the music alive. She goes down in the history of the go-go community as a legend in the game. She will be missed.” ‘Shorty Corleone’ Garris: “Maiesha’s impact on go-go was strong and her stage presence and musicianship, particularly as a woman was undeniable. I had the chance to work with her and she shared her knowledge about what an artist needs to know in this industry to sustain
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5 Maiesha Rashad (Courtesy photo)
Cherish ‘Sweet Cherie’ Mitchell-Agurs: “There aren’t enough words to express my feelings about a woman who had faith in my musical abilities when I was fresh out of college. Here’s to 25 years of friendship. She was like a mother, big sister and a role model to me. I will miss our talks and her beautiful face. I wish we could’ve had one more Maiesha and the Hip Huggers tribute before she left us. But now she’s in a peaceful place. We will never forget her.”
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LIFESTYLE
Faith Leaders Hold Outdoor Prayer Vigil at Historic St. John’s Episcopal Church in D.C. By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer The leader of Episcopal Diocese of Washington hosted an ecumenical prayer vigil Sunday afternoon at historic St. John’s Episcopal Church, calling for unified action amid the ongoing national furor over racial equality and police reform As newly named Black Lives Matter Plaza buzzed with peaceful protesters, T-shirt vendors and tourists, religious leaders converged on the nearby church, where a Bible-wielding President Trump walked to earlier this month from the White House for a much-maligned photo-op. “We have an opportunity to change some things in our country and our world that have been crying out for change for a very long time,” Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde said in announcing the vigil, which brought together members of the Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh and Hindu communities. “Outrage is not enough. People of faith must unite in action to drive lasting change for justice and healing in our country.” Imam Talib M. Shareef, leader of the Nation’s Mosque Masjid Muhammad in Northwest, also prayed, saying, “we are living at a critical time and critical moment and the stakes have never higher.” Bishop LaTrelle Easterling of the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist
Church prayed about what she said is a critical time in the country’s history and the need for people to change their hearts. “We are not accountable for the racism, white supremacy oppression of nations past,” Easterling said. “But oh, Holy God, we are accountable for the racism, white supremacy and oppression perpetuated today.” The nation has been engulfed in racially charged turmoil since the May 25 death of George Floyd, a Black man who died while in police custody in Minneapolis. His death was the catalyst for massive, sometimes violent demonstrations worldwide, including in the District, calling for an end to police brutality and systematic racism. Bishop William J. Barber II, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, who spoke at the event, discounted the notion that the racial and ethnic diversity among today’s protesters is a new wrinkle. “It was Black, white and brown people, Muslims, Christians and Jews who crossed the bridge in Selma,” Barber said in his signature booming voice. The renowned pastor also pointed out that police brutality is just one of many facets of racial violence and that Floyd’s death was indicative of the work still left to combat racism. “When George Floyd cried out and said, ‘I can’t breathe,’ it was a code word for all of our pain,” he said. WI
5 Bishop William J. Barber, pastor of the Greenleaf Christian Church and leader of the Poor People’s Campaign, speaks at the National Cathedral on Sunday, June 14. (Hamil Harris/The Washington Informer)
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LIFESTYLE
Dads Share Love During Trying Times By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer As Father’s Day approaches amid a global health pandemic and worldwide unrest over racism and police brutality, patriarchs are finding new methods to keep their families — and themselves — together. Danny Hayes has a son in his 20s, a daughter in her 30s and a 4-year-old grandson. Somehow, after 31 years on the gridiron, Hayes, 62, is still lifting weights and coaching football at Gwynn Park High School in Brandywine. Greg Presbury is a network architect for a major information technology firm. Since he began working from home because of
5 (Photo courtesy Mochadad.com)
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the COVID-19 epidemic, the 52-year-old Hyattsville resident has been cooking breakfast lunch and gourmet dinners for his wife and 6-year-old daughter. Hayes, a resident of Brandywine, said he is already reading books and teaching lessons to his grandson during these challenging times. “I am going over reading and talking to him and keeping him going,” he said. “You have to start early with these kids.” To have an impact on his daughter, Presbury said he tries “to make every opportunity I share with her loving, learning and being in the moment because this is all we have right now.” “Being a dad is both rewarding and scary at the same time,” he said. “Because my actions as a father will the foundation and mold for this impressionable being.” Before Presbury and his family started sheltering in place, he was active as a deacon and leader of the youth ministry at University Park Church of Christ in Hyattsville. He and the other deacons have had to alter the usual large events held at the church for members amid the pandemic, such as the Memorial Day cookout, which was canceled since the church grills are currently locked down. Recently, Presbury and fellow deacon Tom Leibrand hosted an online program to honor the high school and college students of the Class of 2020. “For me, and I think this trait is common to fathers, being a father is partly defined by providing for my family,” he said. “I want them to be secure in as many things as possible, which is like the good soil that enables them to freely grow. The tools I use to provide for them during the pandemic are the spatula and tongs. I’ve done most of the cooking at home and I have fun doing it when I’m dropping 2030 pounds of meat in my drum smoker that I know will delight their tastebuds for a week or so.” Leibrand, who works for the Bureau of Engraving and Print-
ing, has many 14-hour days, but he always has time to cook for his wife and their two adult sons in Upper Marlboro. “My wife has done most of the cooking the last 30-plus years, so I love the fact that she is freed from this chore a bit,” Leibrand said. “But fatherhood often means doing those things that no one pays much mind to until it’s gone or doesn’t work. That’s where the satisfaction is for me — not so much getting a pat on the back but, rather just knowing, as in just knowing that the family is taken care of.” Hayes also works hard to love young people. In addition to his biological family, Hayes said each one of his football players and other students are close to his heart, including one who got into trouble with the law that he took into his home and helped get back on track. “I take everything to the man upstairs,” said Hayes, a Brandywine resident. “If I had to stop praying with my kids, they might as well fire me, because I love my kids. Everybody wants to win, but it ain’t about football — I care about lives.” When asked about what keeps him motivated, Hayes said, “I got a call from a kid who had about seven downs in his high school career. He said, ‘Coach Hayes you might not know me but I want to say thank you. You said never quit. That stuck with me and today I am a millionaire.’” Ken Roberts, a retired Giant Foods employee, has made grilling and extension of his deacon ministry at University Park Church of Christ. Since his twins are adults, he often grills for the Northwestern High School football team. “Being a dad means responsibility, whether it is my children or someone else, because today we want the best for young people,” said Roberts, a Baltimore native and resident of Ellicott City. “It is frustrating what we see going on and even though there are issues with cops, we as Black men have to [stop] killing each other.” WI
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Sometimes we have to do more. This time, a lot more. Sometimes the urgency of a better future compels you to act. We are in such a moment, when a global pandemic, a cry for racial justice and a feeling of hopelessness challenge each community. In the face of this, Bank of America has committed to investing $1 billion over the next four years to build on our long-standing work to drive economic opportunity and equality in communities of color. It will power small businesses, help connect workers to new skills and job opportunities, improve medical response capacity and access to health care, and support affordable housing. This bolsters our recent commitment of an additional $100 million to support nonprofit partners and $250 million to support Community Development Financial and Minority Depository Institutions, addressing impacts from the coronavirus that disproportionately affect black and brown communities. My teammates and I here in Greater Washington, D.C. commit to the important work that lies before all of us. We share the sense of urgency gripping the nation, and we welcome the promise of achieving great things together.
Lawrence Di Rita Greater Washington, D.C. Market President
To learn more, please visit bankofamerica.com/community.
Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. © 2020 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.
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LIFESTYLE
The Sharon Laverne Community Foundation (TSLCF) dba My name is Sharon L. Williams, Founder and CEO, The Sharon Laverne Community Foundation (TSLCF) dba
.
We are a self-development and empowerment organization with a mission to improve the lives and conditions of impoverished residents, provide free life-sustaining training, and address relevant concerns relating to urban crime and incarceration with a goal of achieving personal and community transformations for our clients in Wards 7 and 8, and returning citizens, citywide. Our first mission, “to improve the lives and conditions of impoverished residents” is a virtuous one. As you may know, Wards 7 and 8 are the most underserved and neglected communities in Washington, D.C. Our plan is to break the cycle of generational poverty through: (1) education; (2) a reading program starting in preschool to 3rd grade because if children are not reading on their grade level by the 4th grade, chances are that they will end up in prison. This explains why 1 in 3 Black males are in the correctional system either on probation, parole, or warehoused in prison; (3) mental health -- counseling is desperately needed. There is an epidemic of depression within our community which has led individuals to self-medicate with alcohol abuse and illegal drug addiction; (4) job training -this community needs GED, entry level IT, Medical Tech and CDL classes; and (5) women-focused Small Business Development -- to promote and train women to become entrepreneurs. Our second mission, “to provide free life-sustaining training,” will include: Motivational; Self-Identity and Awareness Training; and Parenting In these Days and Times – all in the form of Seminars. A few of our workshops will include Social Studies, Spanish as a second language, Employment Training and Jobs. Our third mission, “to address relevant concerns relating to urban crime and incarceration,” is in constant peril. As you all know, there is a lack of safety in our schools, on the streets, in our neighborhoods, and sadly in our homes and churches. Crime on the streets and in our neighborhoods is rampant in such a way that citizens have to get home before nightfall, and even that proves to be unsafe. There are struggles among our young Black men; conflict with police officers, who are supposed to keep us safe; and hate-filled dissonance among us. What is truly sad is the fact that we are not safe even in our homes. A stray bullet here or there puts us in harm’s way. Home is supposed to be our most humble and peaceful abode. At home, as well as church, are where our comforts lie. Instead, we are terrified and on edge. Even though our emphasis is THE SHARON LAVERNE targeted to the residents of Wards COMMUNITY FOUNDATION DBA 7 and 8, All Are Welcome! For anyone interested in empowering themselves, please complete the application on our website listed below and return it to the address located at the bottom of the application. Finally, if anyone wants to make a donation toward this worthy cause, please do so on our website as well. Thank you for your attention, and in the spirit of peace, harmony, and brotherly love, May God Bless You All! Self-Development & Empowerment for Residents and
What Defunding Police Departments Means
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia
On Friday, June 12, the Minneapolis City Council started a process that would eliminate the Police Department as a charter department and create a new public safety organization. The council also added a resolution to create the process allowing city staff to take steps toward developing what they call a “transformative new model” for public safety. According to MPR News in Minneapolis, the city is required to fund a police department under the charter. Still, if voters favor excising the police department from the charter, the council could then abolish it. A majority of council members have said they favor dismantling the police department. Lawmakers in other jurisdictions around the nation have also discussed or have moved to defund police departments. For many, such action begs the question: What does defunding the police department means? “Defunding the police is about the process of community involvement and reimagining the purpose of police, which leads to a different outcome,” activist Na’ilah Amaru said in an email to The Informer. “The phrase challenges Amer-
ican society to see fully the harm inflicted on Black and brown communities by current policies and practices that invest in a militarized police force while deliberately neglecting the needs, and divesting critical resources from communities of color.” Traditionally, Americans equate the police with public safety. Still, police brutality and the disproportionate number of deaths of African-Americans at the hand of police demonstrate all-too powerfully that is not equally true for all segments of society, said Nora V. Demleitner, a Roy L. Steinheimer Jr. Professor of Law at Washington and Lee University in Virginia. Overpolicing of African-American neighborhoods, exploitative tactics, stop-and-frisk abuses, and police brutality up to the murders of African-Americans show that the state’s power unequally — and sometimes brutally — falls upon a small and disenfranchised group in our population, Demleitner said. “African-Americans as a group was historically enslaved, then suffered during segregation, and continue to be treated unequally in every walk of life, as health, education and wealth inequities powerfully demonstrate,” she said. “Let’s also acknowledge that police encounters, even if not themselves violent, often bring an unequal
DEFUNDING Page 43
Communities of Wards 7 and 8 with a focus on returning citizens.
Sharon L. Williams Founder/CEO The Sharon Laverne Community Foundation dba LOVE (202) 832-0780 (Bus) (202) 636-3553 (Fax) www.tslcflove.org slwilliams97@verizon.net
INSPIRE MOTIVATE ENERGIZEEDUCATE TSLCF’s primary goal is to improve the lives and conditions of impoverished residents, provide free, life sustaining training, and address relevant concerns relating to urban crime and incarceration.
Fill out an application today at:
WWW.TSLCFLOVE.ORG Or call:
202-832-0780 We are an equal opportunity organization and value diversity.
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5 Police officers from the Montgomery County’s 2nd District take a knee with protesters during a peaceful demonstration against racism and police brutality in Bethesda on June 2. (Brigette Squire/The Washington Informer)
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Ready for graduation, no matter where it happens. Internet Essentials from Comcast is the nation’s largest program providing internet to low-income families, helping millions of students stay connected so they can be ready for anything. Learn more at comcast.com/internetessentials
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LIFESTYLE
Black Women Had to Overcome Voter Suppression 100 Years Ago and Today By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia
5 Black women in the suffrage movement (Courtesy of NPS)
Long lines of voters have been seen in several places, including recently in the District and Atlanta, with many people expressing difficulties in casting their ballots. While voter suppression is a real fear today, it’s nothing new. As the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th amendment draws closer, historians and others recalled the plight of women voters — particularly African Americans — even after suffrage victory. Madison Paige, CEO of Bold Blue Campaigns and the organizer behind the Mail-In Vote Task Force being operated by the People Over PACs super
Destynii’s Donations, Inc. My name is Shaniita Cole and I am the founder of Destynii’s Donations, Inc. I grew up in the Prince George’s County area where I attended Eleanor Roosevelt High School and graduated class of 2001. I started working in the federal government at the age of 18. Currently, I’m working in the federal government as a Management and Program Analyst. I’m fun, energetic and the life of the party. I love seafood and socializing with my family and friends (I can eat crabs all day, every day). Now let’s talk about the fun stuff! There are so many families in need right now and, as owner of Destynii’s Donations, Inc, I am kindly calling for gently used items, in consideration to all who are in need in the USA. My mission with Destynii’s Donations, Inc. is to provide families with the necessities of life to survive. We have a common goal to help others with the resources that we have available. Destynii, my daughter, is the name and the inspiration behind Destynii’s Donations which was established because I have a HUGE heart for giving. The ability to help people is empowering and very fulfilling to me. What’s best, is the feeling that my customers have once they receive their donated items. I love it. You may ask what makes Destynii’s Donations, Inc. different from all the other donations inc. out here? The answer is simple. It’s FREE. Yes, you read right. It’s FREE. Not only are the items FREE, but I am also currently WAIVING all shipping costs. If customers would like to receive more items, there’s a limit of 3-4 items per month to help insure the most people can be helped possible. I am pretty active on social media so please reach out to connect. I love meeting new people with like minds and hearts, from all walks of life. When you have time, please feel free to find me on Facebook at Destynii’s Donations, Inc. or Instagram at Destyniis.Donations. #letshelp #letsdonate #destyniisdonations
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PAC, noted that as one of the few Black women CEOs in the political space, she has a unique perspective. “Voting was never intended to be available to everyone living in America. It was intended to be the privilege of a small subset of men belonging to the ruling class,” said Paige, who in 2013, launched Bold Blue Campaigns, a political services firm focusing exclusively on serving Democratic state and municipal candidates nationwide. “The intent is still evident today 100 years after suffrage. Denying the franchise to those with less privilege secures the position and interests of the privileged,” Paige said. Their model has been to fight everywhere and keep costs low for candidates through grassroots support. In 2018, Bold Blue scored its most successful election cycle to date and is now launching Operation Blue Map, the only nationwide organized Democratic response to GOP gerrymandering. “Women have decided elections for better or worse ever since securing the right to vote,” Paige said. “From ‘soccer moms’ to #MeToo, women voters matter. The methods of disenfranchisement have simply become more sophisticated.” No longer are African American women alone in the struggle for Black equality in the United States, said Omar Ali, a dean and professor of the Lloyd International Honors College
at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. “Seven years before the 19th Amendment was passed in 1920, the great anti-lynching crusader and journalist Ida B. Wells-Barnett had to insert herself into the front of the March on Washington for women’s right to vote,” said Ali, the author of “In the Balance of Power: Independent Black Politics and Third Party Movements in the United States” (Ohio University Press, 2020). “Wells-Barnett and other Black women were told to march in the back,” Ali said. “Today, millions of white people have joined the Black-led anti-lynching efforts of 2020. There is a profound cultural shift underway.” Voter suppression has been consistent throughout the United States since the Compromise of 1877, said Eric Smaw, an associate professor of philosophy at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. “Before the Voting Rights Act of 1965, European-Americans prevented African-Americans from voting using racial intimidation, verbal threats, poll taxes, ‘voter literacy tests,’ and physical violence from domestic terrorist organizations like the Klu Klux Klan,” Smaw said. “Since 1965, conservative groups have used the criminal justice system to suppress the vote by engaging in false arrests, wrongful convictions and felon disenfranchisement.” WI
TESTING from Page 20
Walk-ins aren’t required to have a doctor’s order and don’t have to register to get tested, according to the coronavirus website. Later that day, a long line of people waited at the Judiciary Square testing site, also. However, by 1:10 p.m., a health department worker announced that the site had to be shut down because it was out of tests. Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, director of the D.C. Department of Health, expressed her satisfaction at the number of people being tested in the city and pointed to the Southeast site as an example of the program’s success. “I have visited the Martin Luther King site and I have been pleased with what I have seen,” Nesbitt said. “We want to get more people to participate in the walk-up site and for people to get to the site with access to public transportation. There were quite a few people getting tested the first day the site opened and I happened to be there. I think things are looking good.” WI
and I decided to come to get a test,” Jaspart said. “I decided to come here to get tested because it was convenient and I had time to do so. Besides, I like the fact that you can get tested through the drive-in.” People sat in their vehicles while medical workers administered the viral test, which consists of a swab in the mouth. Patients such as Jaspart who went through the drive-in had to have registered to go through that process. However, Phyllis Franks, a resident of Ward 8, waited in line to get to the Southeast’s walk-up site located at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Percy Battle Street SE. “I work in the medical field so I decided to go ahead and get a test,” Franks said, waiting in a line of about 30 people that stretched west on Battle Street as people practiced social distancing. “I didn’t have an appointment — I just came here.”
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LIFESTYLE
wi book review “The Business of Lovers” By Eric Jerome Dickey c.2020, Dutton $27 387 pages
By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer How is it that there’s never enough money? No matter how much comes in, more goes out, even when you work hard, scrimp, and save. You can’t keep doing this, don’t know how long you can keep your nose above water, and in the new book “The Business of Lovers” by Eric Jerome Dickey, you’ll do just about anything to make more money. Brick never did mind being Penny’s driver. He wasn’t working anyhow so when she asked for a ride to meet a “client,” he said he’d wait to be sure she was OK. She threw a few bucks at him, he made sure she was safe, and it was all good. So when Penny brought two other women back to Brick’s car after one night at a high-end hotel, he suddenly had himself a “pace” of women, a full-time bodyguard job, and three part-time lovers/sometimes roommates. He hadn’t meant to sleep with Penny in the beginning; she was in love with a cheater, though, and she needed comfort. Brick was captivated by Mocha Latte, who’d grown up on a Texas farm and wanted that life again, plus husband and kids. He was attracted to Christiana, the Cuban, who was so bruised by the past that she could only look into the future. It was Christiana who told Brick about the business; it was she who offered to set him up with rich women who wanted love on a single-night basis. It was Mocha Latte who actually pulled him in. Not that he couldn’t use the money. Some months before, Brick had fought cancer alone. He didn’t want his younger brother, André, to know about his problems; André had a career to manage. He didn’t want to tell his big brother, Dwayne, about his illness; Dwayne lost his job, had a teenage son and a baby-mama who demanded more child support. It was money that ended Brick’s last relationship. Money that put him in strange women’s beds. What else would being broke cost him? These days, there are three things you can count on for sure: The sun will rise tomorrow. It’ll rain somewhere in the world. And author Eric Jerome Dickey will tell a good story. This one is a little bit different, though. You shouldn’t be surprised that there’s plenty of sleeping around in “The Business of Lovers” or that it’s graphic, so be warned. It’s filled with grownup drama but at the risk of spoiling, you can expect a happy ending that you won’t expect. It’s got a touch of humor, the sly kind. This book’s profane, even nasty, but none of it gets out of hand, that’s the most enjoyable part of it. You’re leisurely taken through a surprisingly small community of characters on a tight number of mattresses with a mini-arsenal of plot moves, a lack of too much that’s absolutely refreshing, like a cool drink beneath hot sheets. That’s what you want this summer, right? So whether you’re stuck inside or turnt out, “The Business of Lovers” is on the money. WI
horoscopes
JUNE 18 - 24, 2020
ARIES There is quite a bit of emotional and spiritual healing taking place this week. It’s good for Aries to get some rest and have some fun. There’s a storm on the horizon but fortunately, encounters of the past few months have made you an expert sailor. Lucky Numbers: 2, 20, 35 TAURUS How you see yourself and how you want to be seen does affect your finances. This can cause you to buy “status” items even if you can’t afford them. Recognize that your fantastic Taurus ability to attract material objects requires a little patience. Try activating the Law of Attraction instead of using a credit card. Lucky Numbers: 19, 39, 45 GEMINI There is a lot of restless energy bubbling up inside you. You may have some sleepless nights or unusual dreams. But the real reason your feet are tapping and your knees are bouncing is because of a secret you’ve been keeping. In this case, the truth will set you free. Lucky Numbers: 1, 14, 29 CANCER While you can shut off the media sometimes, it’s hard to shut off your brain. Thoughts can go round and round and even invade dreams. If you been having trouble sleeping or if you’ve been waking up at night, it’s good to create a mantra or an affirmation to calm your mind. Consider saying, “even though there are difficult things going on in the world I am safe, I am well, I’m at peace.” Lucky Numbers: 9, 13, 21 LEO There’s an opportunity to gain some money through your career. This could be through asking for a raise or considering moving on to greener pastures. This positive aspect requires some action outside your normal comfort zone. Leos prefer to have things bestowed on them rather than having to ask. But making a request is what’s required this time. Lucky Numbers: 17, 23, 43 VIRGO You are torn between obligations at your job and invitations to something social. Don’t waste time trying to decide, but instead figure out a way to do both. It’s possible for you to speed through your work and get to the party on time. Lucky Numbers: 8, 28, 51 LIBRA A connection between you and a person important in your life becomes easy and pleasant again. Libras can experience healing in relationships. Toward the end of the week, you can see the winds of change are picking up speed. Fortunately, the past few months have given you the ability to sail through. Lucky Numbers: 9, 32, 36 SCORPIO Today’s a good day to find someone to help you make money more easily. This could be a connection through a network marketing company, a side job, or finding a way to automate some aspect of your current job to make it easier for you to make money. Lucky Numbers: 3, 33, 41 SAGITTARIUS You are marvelous, but sometimes you fear the judgment of others. Today is a day to overcome this concern. Ideally, you would use this energy to get yourself onstage. But if this is not possible, at least put your opinions out on social media. Risk the judgment of others and you will see that you survive, in fact, you thrive. Lucky Numbers: 7, 12, 39 CAPRICORN Past troubles at home lessen considerably. Capricorns can find some peace and joy with the family this week. Toward the end of the week, looking at the path ahead you may see debris blocking the road. Fortunately, the past few months have taught you how resourceful you truly are. Lucky Numbers: 10, 20, 25 AQUARIUS Your Guardian Angel is with you today. It is good to connect with the universe through prayer, meditation or by doing a little natural magic. Be in nature and marvel at the beauty of the trees and the flowers. Breathe in the oxygen. And make a wish. Today your angels are listening. Lucky Numbers: 10, 27, 36 PISCES There could be a little dust-up with a neighbor over the placement of trash cans or where they park their car. You might be tempted to give them a piece of your mind, but a little Feng Shui might be better. Consider placing a mirror facing their property. Tradition says they will “see” their own behaviors and change. Lucky Numbers: 11, 15, 23
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JUNE 18 - 24, 2020 35
CAPTURE the moment
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The Southwest area off of Maine Street with its hotels, music venues and restaurants is open for business as patrons social distance themselves and enjoy time on the waterfront. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
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36 - JUNE 18 - 24, 2020
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JUNETEENTH from Page 1 preservation of Black people suffering from centuries of neglect. “It is important for African people to come together as Africans on Juneteenth because we have never been released as prisoners of war. This land was stolen in an act of war and our people were ripped away from their destiny in an act of war,” said Knox, a horticulturist and proponent of deschooling. “We have been systemically kept from our story, [and] from the truth,” Knox said. “We were stolen, abused, and have been the victims of attempted genocide. This attempt to kill the largest population on Earth is seen with the slaying and 24/7 display of Black death on television and across social media. If we do not exchange with each other, we lose. We lose knowledge. We lose momentum. We lose time.
BUSINESS from Page 15 demic on ABC’s “Powerhouse and Politics.” Fauci offered a warning Friday to some state officials quick to reopen its economy must also remain cautious. Johns Hopkins University coronavirus dashboard shows the United States leads the world with the most confirmed cases at more than two million. “Whenever you loosen mitigation, you can expect you’ll see new infections. I think it would be unrealistic to think that you won’t,” he said. “The critical issue is how do you prevent those new infections that you see from all of a sudden emerging into something that is a spike. That’s the thing that we hope we’ll be able to contain, but time is going to tell in the next few weeks.” In reference to nationwide protests against police brutality after the death of George Floyd in Minnesota and President Donald Trump pledging to hold large campaign rallies, Fauci called it “risky” for people to congregate in close proximity during a health crisis. “My advice and pleading with them would be if you feel you must do that, please make sure you wear a mask at all times,” he said. The Prince George’s executive order officially went into effect Monday, June 15. It requires restaurant and retail workers to wear masks and face coverings. Residents must wear them in stores and on public transportation. Other edicts of the order:
And we do not have time to waste.” In a move that infuriated many Black people, President Donald Trump (R) announced a rally for his most ardent supporters that would take place on Juneteenth in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the southern Black-ran city that flourished during the early 20th century before falling to white mob violence. Trump would later renege on those plans, while some of his party affiliates in Congress claimed his ignorance on the matter. Those organizing events in the District and across the nation have set out to combat anti-Blackness like that which they have accused Trump and other government officials. Not far from the Juneteenth African Resource Exchange, revelers will march along Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in celebration of Ward 8 residents, businesses, and culture. A virtual Black cop discussion and town hall has also been scheduled for
Friday, along with a national work strike, and a Don’t Mute DC protest and march headlined by Sugar Bear and EU and the Backyard Band. Black Lives Matter DC has also been scheduled to launch its “Six 19: Defend Black Lives” campaign. This comes in the wak of the group’s hosting of a protest party in front of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s home and their addition of “Defund the Police” to the now world-famous mural she commissioned earlier this month. During a recent budget oversight hearing hosted by the D.C. Council’s Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, organizers within the group continued in their calls to significantly slash Metropolitan Police Department funding. For local educator and community advocate Ahmed Braxton, the merging of historical reverence and tangible action will usher in the freedom that Black people have long desired.
• Retail stores, barbershops and nail salons cannot exceed 50 percent capacity. • Restaurants can provide indoor dining with no more than six people seated at a table and each table must be separated by at least six feet. • Employees returning to work at nonessential businesses can enroll their children in child care centers. • Places of worship can host gatherings not to exceed 25 percent capacity, conduct outdoor services with no more than 250 people through social distancing measures, or continue online and “drive-in” services. The order permits outdoor youth sports activities to resume in small groups with no more than nine children and one coach and no more than 50 people in one area. The county’s Department of Parks and Recreation released a notice Friday that “athletic fields and courts remain closed until further notice for sports such as baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse, kickball, softball and soccer.” Outdoor public and private pools can open, but only at 25 percent capacity and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Indoor pools will remain closed. One of the county’s biggest businesses, MGM casino resort at National Harbor, will remain closed. Also, enclosed shopping malls, gyms, fitness centers, spas and tattoo parlors will not reopen during this modified second phase. In the meantime, Brookiegirl will “happily” accept returning and new
customers, operating with a team of about seven employees. The business with double the number of employees at its Annapolis Mall location in neighboring Anne Arundel County may reopen in a few weeks. There are plans to open a third store in Northern Virginia this year. “It’s our goal to provide the community with a community-based product. We make it a point you are going to have a good interaction with our associates,” said Hand, chief operating officer. “I want you to enjoy this experience. This may be the day you need someone to say a positive word to you, especially with what’s going on today.” WI
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While Braxton, born and raised in Southeast, hasn’t committed to any particular Juneteenth function, he said the quintessential gathering involves raw, down-to-earth discussions with friends and family about the holiday’s present-day relevance. “It’s important not to lose sight of what this means for Black liberation and divesting from this system. We should have those conversations while learning about the significance of Juneteenth,” said Braxton, 24. “This is a moment to seize working for African liberation. Explain to people at a cookout the importance of Juneteenth. If you have that knowledge, disseminate it without beating it over people’s heads.” Northeast resident Michael Newby, with memories of this year’s Ramadan fresh in his mind, echoed those sentiments, telling The Informer that he’ll spend his 10th Juneteenth away from the workplace to immerse
himself in local Black cuisine, film, music and history. He called these actions part of an effort to honor and recognize his ancestors for the sacrifices they made in laying a foundation for his generation. With the increasing popularity of Juneteenth, Newby relished the possibility of the holiday further compelling Black people to work in the fight for liberation in whichever way possible. “I’m under the understanding that Juneteenth is going to be bigger this year for the community than it’s ever been,” Newby said. “I hope that it doesn’t sheerly turn into a day of celebration and lends itself to more organization towards the freedom fight on all fronts. I hope that it leads to more honest and nuanced talks amongst the many intersections who comprise Black America to build more empathy and compassion among ourselves.” WI
5 Local businesses are now open. (Brigette Squire/The Washington Informer)
JUNE 18 - 24, 2020 37
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38 - JUNE 18 - 24, 2020
BLACK DADS from Page 1 For the record, America has witnessed the outstanding contributions of many Black men who reached unprecedented heights even though their fathers did not live in their homes including: Barack Obama, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, Dr. Ben Carson, baseball great Jackie Robinson, playwright August Wilson, Stevie Wonder and Malcolm X. Statistics from the National Fatherhood Clearing House show that close to 70 percent of all births to Black mothers are non-marital, giving rise to the stereotype that Black fathers are largely absent. However, while Black fathers are less likely than white and Hispanic fathers to marry their child’s mother, many continue to parent through cohabitation and visitation, providing caretaking and financial and in-kind support. In fact, a bastion of Black men, including several who spoke with the Washington Informer, dispel the stereotypes surrounding them each day while striving, despite the odds, to be good dads and an integral part of their children’s lives. “Fathers want to be in the lives of their children but often, because they love their children, they’re taken advantage of by the mothers who use the children as pawns,” said the Rev. Frank Malone, president/CEO, The 100 Father Inc., founded in 2005. Malone, 70, who lives in Northeast, recently accepted a seat on the Black Men for Biden national leadership team. But closer to home, he and a group of volunteers have been working with young boys in Southeast, illustrating what real fathers look like and the positive things real fathers do for children – both their own and others in need of a father figure. “We have 23 young men in the Ballou Brotherhood Program,” he said. “Until schools were closed due to COVID-19, our boys filled the room. Believe it or not, 10 of those boys, despite their young ages, serve as the heads of their households. We teach them de-escalation when involved in conflict situations, how to be smart and how to stay alive. They want to be somebody one day and we have to help them.” “It’s different when a father or a man talks to a young man who has only had women in their lives. They cling to men who show them positive ways to live and approach the world. Fatherhood cannot be bought – it’s got to be taught,” Malone said adding that only one of the boys in the program has been a victim of homicide.
5 The beauty of the Black family. (Courtesy photo)
“Things are changing,” he said. “Father support groups like ours are springing up everywhere. Black fathers want to be in their children’s lives and they’re not criminals. Character assassination has hurt us because of inaccurate perceptions and that are not our reality.” Rashad Price, 32, who lives in Prince William County, serves as a divorced father intent on being there for his children, despite the differences between him and his ex-wife. “We’re still hashing out the custody issue and that’s tough on all of us but I’ve always been heavily-involved in my children’s lives,” said Price, the father of two – Josiah and Eden, ages 6 and 5. Malone’s organization, under the umbrella of The Fatherhood Coalition, will host its 8th Annual Father’s Weekend Events entitled Fathers of Faith, via Zoom, June 19 – 21 including their highly-anticipated Fathers of the Year Program on Friday. Price has been chosen as the Young Father of the Year. “There’s not a day that goes by without me talking or reading to my children,” he said. “I want to make sure that I interact and teach them the things that I was unable to get from my father, even though I did have other male mentors in my life. Being in their lives constantly is my greatest joy. And while I’m no longer living with them, we Facetime every day. I want to keep things as normal for them as possible.” “As for the award, it’s hard to describe what it means to me. But I’ve gone through a lot in the past year so it really validates that I am a good father, even though my ex-wife and the court try to make it seem that I am not. I’m committed to fighting for the betterment of my children and other youth,” he said adding that he
also serves as a mentor for youth from D.C. with gang affiliations. Jevon Davis Rico Rush, 34, who will receive the award for Community Father of the Year, is a D.C. native who lives in Southeast and is the father of four boys, ranging in ages from two to 10. “My boys live with me but it’s still a challenge to provide for them and to do that consistently,” he said. “It’s not just about finances – it’s trying to give them the necessary tools so they can safely and successfully navigate through these tough times today and the obstacles that exist within our community.” “Seeing them perform well in school and the way they handle themselves whether I’m with them or not make me proud and happy. As for the award I’ll be receiving, it’s a blessing. I take it as showing that the work that I do for my children and other children in the community has not gone unnoticed,” he said. Chris Thomas, 33, has been chosen as the Top Soldier in Community and has been described by Malone as a “great, young father.” “I work really hard so my daughter [10-year-old Christina] can have a better life than I – so she won’t have to struggle as much to realize her dreams,” Thomas said. “She’s seen me every day of her life and that’s important. I want to be her first role model and her hero so she can see how a Black father is supposed to treat the queen in his life.” “When Rev. Malone tapped me as the ‘top soldier,’ it further solidified my belief that I have to be aware of how I present myself to the world each day. Actually not just every day but for a lifetime. I just hope I’m able to model the kind of behavior that shows a Black man at his best,” he said. WI
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT
Let Us Pray for Healing and Deliverance from Racism ness and mercy the way you did Jesus, when you became man. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Lord Jesus, You see every person as a precious stone, valuable and worthy. Today, each of are asking Lord, if you will please, use me to exemplify your truth at all times and in all ways. When I wrong someone, show me the errors of my ways. Forgive me Lord, and when I have wronged someone and racism is the root of that problem I’m having with someone, I’m asking if you will please lead me into reconciliation. Lord, I’m asking if you will please show me the errors of my own ways and shine a light on any prejudices that I might have, so I can bow down and ask for your forgiveness. I’m asking if you will please order my steps, and show me how to act in ways which will direct us to true justice. Father God, forgive me for losing sight of Truth of how you created all people equal and every one of us are made in your image. Help me to see hatred clearly — whether it is coming from me or from someone else. I’m asking Lord, if you will please show me how to love the way you love, show me how to spread kind-
There are millions who have misinterpreted the Holy Bible, falsely believing that our Lord and Savior approves of racism and slavery from one race to another, as if white is superior over all other brown and Black people. Today, we are praying for healing and deliverance in this land, Lord. In your Word, there is a collection of Scripture quotes and verses which exemplifies how God commands us to “judge not by appearance, but judge by right judgment.” Each of us have been created by God, and each of us are worthy, and He truly cares about every person, regardless of the color of our skin. It is written very clearly in the Scriptures that all human beings are made in the image of God. His Son, Jesus preached about discrimination and he warned us that judging others based on how we look, or what we are wearing, is wrong. Read about that in the Book of James 2:1-9: “My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings,
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ and say to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ or ‘Sit here at my footstool,’ Have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called? If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” You also said in your Word, II Chronicles 7:14: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” Please heal our land today, Dear God! WI
John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.
5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089
1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005
“A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org
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Mount Olivet Lutheran Church
Reverend John W. Davis Pastor
Service and Times Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.) Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
(301) 864-6070
Service and Times Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m. Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday “Friendliest Church in the City” Website: mountolivetdc.org Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com
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JUNE 18 - 24, 2020 39
RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church
Pilgrim Baptist Church
Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor
Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor
9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724
700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849
Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”
Blessed Word of Life Church
Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM 5th Sundays: 9:30 AM 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 PM www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org
Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ
Church of Living Waters
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor 4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464 Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org
St. Stephen Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., / Pastor 2498 Alabama Ave., SE - Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 / Fax: (202) 889-2198 - www.acamec.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00 AM Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30 AM 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00 AM Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30 PM Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00 AM “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”
Third Street Church of God
Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors
Rev. Dr. Alice Greene Interim Pastor
Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor
Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor
4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax
3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) / (202) 562-4219 (Fax)
5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555 Services and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45 AM Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday , 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 PM Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30 AM
1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax
Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org
Campbell AME Church Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White 2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study Wednesday: 12:00 Noon Wednesday: 7:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 PM “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address : Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020
Turning Hearts Church Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher 421 Alabama Ave. SE Washington, DC 20032 Phone: 202-746-0113 Fax: 301-843-2445 Service and Times Sunday School: 10:15 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11;15 AM Children’s Church: 11:15 AM Tuesday Bible Study: 6:30 PM Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment” Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org Email: gr8luv4u2@gmail.com
40 - JUNE 18 - 24, 2020
Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power “An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org
“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org / E-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net
Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM “Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org
Crusader Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor 800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703 Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45 AM Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”
Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax
Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6:00 AM & 6:30 PM Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church / Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org / emailus@gmchc.org
Isle of Patmos Baptist Church Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor 1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661 Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net
St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us... Dr. Raymond T. Matthews Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011 Services and Times Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service: 6:45 PM Thur. Bible Study: 7:15 PM
Twelfth Street Christian Church Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor (Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW - Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion every Sunday: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 10:00 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 12 Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday: 6:30 PM Motto: “Discover Something Wonderful” Website: 12thscc.org / Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com
Mount Carmel Baptist Church Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr. Senior Pastor 901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423 Service and Times Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10 AM themcbc.org
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RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor 7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471 Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 AM Service 11:00 AM Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Motto: “A Church Keeping It Real for Real.” Website: Shabbathcommandmentchruch.org Email: Praisebetoyhwh@gmail.com
Zion Baptist Church Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor 4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773 Service and Times 9:00 a.m. – Sunday School 10:15 a.m. – Worship Service Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study 7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org
St. Luke Baptist Church Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor 1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851 P: (202) 726-5940 Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun. Bible Institute: Wednesday - 1:30 PM Prayer Meeting: Wednesday - 12:00 Noon
All Nations Baptist Church Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor 2001 North Capitol St, N.E. - Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591 Service and Times Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education / School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards
Israel Baptist Church
Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor 2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730 Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Baptismal Service: 1st Sunday – 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday – 11:00 AM Prayer Meeting & Bible Study: Wednesday -7:30 PM “Where Jesus is the King”
Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor
2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . . 100% Forgiven!
623 Florida Ave.. NW - WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 / Study (202) 265-0836 Home Study (301) 464-8211 / Fax (202) 483-4009
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00 PM www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org
Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith
Lincoln Park United Methodist Church Rev. Richard B. Black Pastor
Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor
1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288
1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org
5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005
Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM
Mount Moriah Baptist Church Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM Motto: "Faith On The Hill"
Service and Times Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42
New Commandment Baptist Church
Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor
Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor
1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964
8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240
13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:30 AM Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM
Service and Times Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11 AM Sunday School: 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM
Rehoboth Baptist Church
Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor
Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor
2001 Brooks Drive District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074
621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032 P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112
Service and Times Sunday Worship Experience: 10:15am Sunday School: 9:00am Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Morning Noontime Bible Study: Tuesday @ 12:00pm Prayer Meeting/Bible Study: Tuesday @7:00pm Theme: "Building On A Firm Foundation"
Service and Times Sunday Service: 10:00 AM Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM 1st Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting: 7:45 PM
Email: revprbstmbc@gmail.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org
Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”
“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org
“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”
Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958
Shiloh Baptist Church
Matthews Memorial Baptist Church Dr. Joseph D. Turner / Senior Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Early Worship Service: 8:00 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM New Member’s Class: 9:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday, 11:00 AM Church School: 9:45 AM Wednesday 12:00pm Bible Study Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: 7:00 PM Saturday Bible Study: 11:00 AM Baptism 4th Sunday: 11:00 AM “Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”
Peace Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM “The Loving Church of the living lord “
4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net
Christ Embassy DC
Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator 6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Friday Evening Service: 7:00 PM ; Last Friday “…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com
Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor 3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 PM Prayer Service Bible Study
First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Mt. Horeb Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor
Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor
Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor
9th & P Street, N.W. - W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4288
602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 Fax: (202) 289-4595
2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 - Fax: (202) 529-7738 Service and Times Worship Service: 7:30 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30AM & 10:30 AM Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 PM. Wednesday 12 Noon
www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org
Service and Times First Sunday Worship Service (one service): 10:00 AM Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sunday Worship service: 7:45 AM and 10:55 AM Sunday Church School/Bible Study: 9:30 AM Thursday Prayer Service: 6:30 PM
All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.
Email: sbc@shilohbaptist.org Website: shilohbaptist.org
Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM Noonday Prayer Every Thursday
Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor
Email Address: admin@pbc712.org
Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest
Holy Trinity United Baptist Church
Florida Avenue Baptist Church
Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor
Rev. Dr. Jerryl V. Moody Pastor-Elect
Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org
St. Matthews Baptist Church
Emmanuel Baptist Church
King Emmanuel Baptist Church
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
Service and Times Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 AM Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “
Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.
JUNE 18 - 24, 2020 41
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2020 ADM 000247 Helen P. McCormick Decedent Bradley A. Thomas, Esq. 1629 K Street, NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006-1631 Attorney
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MARYLAND CAD19-39367 PATRICK ANDERSON Plaintiff v. WANDA ANDERSON Defendant
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Joseph P. McCormick, II, whose address is 6011 3rd Street, NE, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Helen P. McCormick who died on April 23, 2016 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/4/2020. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/4/2020, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 6/4/2020
ORDER Upon consideration of the Plaintiff’s Motion for Alternative Service, and the relief sought therein, it is this 26th day of May, 2020 by and through the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, ORDERED, that Plaintiff’s Motion for Alternative Service is hereby GRANTED; and it is further, ORDERED, that Plaintiff may serve process to Defendant, WANDA ANDERSON, pursuant to Maryland Rules 2-121(c), 2-122(a) (1) by posting the notice by the sheriff at the courthouse door or on a bulletin board within its immediate vicinity, and 2-122(a)(2), by publishing the notice at least once a week in each of three successive weeks in one or more newspapers of general circulation published in the country in which the action is pending.
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Washington Informer SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA FAMILY COURT ADOPTION BRANCH EX PARTE IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF D.J. FOR ADOPTION OF MINOR CHILD 2020 ADA 0025 Case No: Julie Breslow Judge NOTICE OF ADOPTION PROCEEDING UNKNOWN FATHER, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT a petition for adoption of a minor child has been filed in the above-captioned matter. The subject male child was born on March 26, 2019 and has the initials M.N. The birth mother’s name is Wykela Nolan. IF YOU WANT TO SEEK CUSTODY OR CHALLENGE THIS ADOPTION, you must file a written objection with the Court prior to the adoption hearing scheduled for July 8, 2020. This objection should be directed to the Adoption Clerk, Family Court, Superior Court of the District of Columbia, 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001. IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO SEEK CUSTODY OR CHALLENGE THIS ADOPTION, you may consent to the adoption or relinquish the child to a licensed child-placing agency. Please contact social worker, DC Danh at the Child and Family Services Agency. The agency can be contacted at 202-422-8794 (work) 202715-7797 (cell) and is located at 200 I Street SE Washington, DC 20003. PLEASE ADVISE CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES AGENCY OF YOUR INTENTIONS REGARDING THIS CHILD PRIOR TO JULY 8, 2020. YOUR COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL IN THIS MATTER IS Marco Cabezas, Esq. 4508 Van Ness Street NW Washington, DC 20016. HIS TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 202-744-4008. IF THE ADOPTION IS GRANTED, your legal rights, responsibilities and obligations with respect to this child will be forever terminated. June 5, 2020
42 - JUNE 18 - 24, 2020
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THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
DEFUNDING from Page 32 and overly punitive criminal justice response on minority communities, which creates further reluctance to rely upon the police. None of this is conducive to public safety. “Defunding and even abolishing the police was discussed in passing during the 1960s as was prison abolition,” Demleitner said. “Those terms aren’t the same as lawlessness. It is about paring police functions back to their core. Police should be narrowly focused on law enforcement, especially as they carry weapons and should be subject to robust constraints on their power and vibrant oversight and accountability. Discussions began last week about whether school resource officers (SROs) are necessary in Prince George’s County public schools. The school seeks to remove those officers from school buildings and amend the budget already passed by County Council to use $5 million to hire more mental health professionals, social workers, and counselors. Even if the school board approved to no longer have SROs, a Maryland law adopted in 2018 requires all school systems to provide adequate “law enforcement coverage.” Each school system must report any life-threatening incidents on school grounds, hire a school safe-
COVID-19 UPDATE from Page 21
THERE ARE 12 BASIC STEPS THAT MOST PEOPLE DO TO IMPROVE HEALTH:
• Increase water intake. • Practice home cooking. • Consuming whole grains. • Adding sweet vegetables such as sweet corn, sweet peppers, sweet onions, shallots and tomatoes. • Adding leafy green vegetables like kale, herbs, collards, spinach, cabbage, beet greens, watercress, lettuce, Swiss chard, arugula, edive, bok choy and turnip greens. • Consuming healthy portions of protein. • Eliminating processed foods. • Self-care, which includes baths, lighting candles, spa treatments, walks, and adequate rest.
County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said she understands the need to provide more mental health services for students, but they also deserve to be safe. ty coordinator, and assess students’ behavioral and mental health services. County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said she understands the need to provide more mental health services for students, but they also deserve to be safe. “Our children … our teachers, our administrators, and any other person in those school buildings deserve as much as we can offer them,” she said. “I don’t believe in withdrawing school resource officers would be in the best interest of our students, our teachers, administrators. [Students] deserve to be safe and secure and to have those other services that are suggested.” The police are increasingly tasked to be engaged in all kinds of problem-solving. In resolving • Cultivating healthy relationships. • Increasing physical activity. • Finding work that you love and having healthy work relationships. • Developing a spiritual practice.
issues, other entities can do better, added Demleitner, who is also a chaired law professor and lead author of the casebook on Sentencing Law and Policy. Mental health counselors, not armed police, should be sent when someone has a psychotic break, and teachers and principals, not armed police, should resolve school disputes, Demleitner said. “Traffic accidents don’t require armed police. And certainly directing traffic doesn’t demand armed police,” the professor said. “We can allocate all those tasks to where they should belong and fund those entities with the resources currently allocated to the police. Public safety would not be harmed, but the footprint of our criminal legal system would shrink dramatically. That would be a salutary development.” Demleitner noted that an additional component is the militarization of police. Police departments have generously benefited from federal grants to buy military-style equipment, some of which are now used against peaceful protesters. Removing these funds is a vital aspect of defunding, Demleitner said. “Calls to defund the police are about re-allocating resources, about shifting the focus off of criminal enforcement toward greater equality and welfare for all,” she said. WI staff writer William Ford contributed to this story. WI throughout the day can make a huge difference in the long run. For the full version of this story, go to washingtoninformer.com. WI
Choosing one of these steps to focus on and finding unique ways to translate and create new habits is the best way to guard your life and promote the boosting of the immunity system. Much like nutrition, increasing body movement contributes to healthy levels of immunity. It promotes blood circulation, hormone levels are balanced, adrenal glands secrete toxins and the gut better absorbs nutrients. A hundred crunches here, a hundred sit-ups there, and hundred squats
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
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18+ JUNE 18 - 24, 2020 43
ICE from Page 17 er drone, which took off from Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota, was first noted by Jason Paladino, a reporter at The Project on Government Oversight. The hexagonal route of the drone using flight path data
was later confirmed. It looped around the city several times at a constant altitude of 20,000 feet before it headed back north, according to Forbes. Andrea Flores, ACLU deputy director of immigration policy, led the denouncing of the presence of ICE and CBP agents at protest rallies.
Andrea Flores, ACLU deputy director of immigration policy, led the denouncing of the presence of ICE and CBP agents at protest rallies.
“ICE and CBP are rogue agencies with sordid histories of abuse, violence, and human rights violations,” Flores said. “Deploying these agents and resources into cities already suffering from over-militarization and law enforcement brutality is a mistake that imperils the lives of even more Black and Brown people. “Further, CBP shouldn’t be flying drones over American cities, period, especially given the agency’s lack of existing privacy protections and the impact that the use of military technology will have on First Amendment rights,” Flores said. “ICE and CBP should be kept off our streets — not sent into local situations that require restraint and are beyond their purpose.” WI 5 Veterinarians have not determined whether pets can develop COVID-19 a concern for pet owners. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)
PET from Page 14 New York City tested positive for the virus in April. While public health officials later concluded that a zookeeper who had COVID-19 infected the animal, the issue has since been discussed in the public discourse. Smith, who practices in the Baltimore area but has a national outreach, participated in an interview with KATU in Portland, Ore., on April 9 regarding whether pets can transfer COVID-19 to humans and inversely. “Right now, there is no good evidence, if any, to suggest a cat, if he were to develop COVID-19, could then give it to me or someone else in my household,” Smith said. “If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you could pass particles of the virus onto your animal’s fur. Then, if that animal goes and plays with your wife, girlfriend, brother, sister, boyfriend or whatever, could the virus particles be transmitted to the person. That is a potential. So, my concern would be if you and the person are social distancing and the dogs are engaging, if that person potentially an asymptomatic carrier, could they pass it on to your dog and then could your dog bring it to your household? Yes. I should think so. But I think it is a pretty unlikely scenario.” Smith owns and maintains the website For Pet’s Sake with Dr. Devon Smith, which talks about pets’ health concerns and site has
44 - JUNE 18 - 24, 2020
connections to social media and a blog. On the matter of the coronavirus, she said a lot of information and guidance on animals has come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. The CDC said while it doesn’t know the exact source of the coronavirus, research has shown that it came from an animal source. The CDC said no evidence exists suggesting animals play a significant role in spreading the coronavirus and based on limited information, the risk of spreading COVID-19 to people remains low. However, while researchers are still learning about the virus, it appears that it can spread from people to animals, the CDC says. Smith, in a May 15 post on “For Pet’s Sake,” offered advice on dealing with your pet during the pandemic. “If you suspect your pet may be infected, you should call ahead to your vet to see if they are open and whether they adhere to social distancing requirements,” she said. “If your vet offers telemedicine, take advantage of that and that avoids face-to-face contact. If you become sick with COVID-19, ask a family member or friend to take care of your pet or to take it to the vet. As much as possible, separate yourself from your pet and that includes no petting, snuggling or sharing a bed with your pet if you, the owner, is infected.” WI
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MALVEAUX from Page 26 and schools. You could find the same professionals in Greenwood as you could in “white” Tulsa — physicians, attorneys, teachers, entre-
WATTS from Page 26
to Dr. Olivia Hooker, a Tulsa survivor who died in 2018, stockpiled guns, waiting for an excuse to attack.
Despite all this, please don’t put your health at risk. We have to do all we can to protect our communities and our loved ones from being exposed to infection. First, avoid close contact with people who are sick. Being in the same enclosed room with somebody who has the virus can lead to infection. Second, keep at least six feet between you and others if you have to leave home. People can be infected even if they’re not showing symptoms. Third, wash your hands or sanitize them often and for at least 20 seconds. Also avoid touching your face, mouth, and eyes with unwashed hands. I know the advice about wearing masks is a tough one for many folks, but perspectives have changed during this pandemic. So cover your mouth and nose with a bandana or other face covering if you have to leave home. The mask provides some protection for others in case you’re infected and don’t know it. Finally, be sure to get medical help if you have any flu-like symp-
toms or have trouble breathing, persistent pain in your chest, a fever, or a dry cough. As I write this, The Heritage Foundation’s National Coronavirus Recovery Commission, of which I’m a member, is wrapping up its final report offering recommendations to help us all recover from this pandemic. The commissioners are deeply concerned that COVID-19 has hit minority communities so hard and are urging medical researchers look into how we can prevent this disproportionate impact in the future. The commission is also recommending ways that our churches and community institutions can be a positive force for encouraging people to take preventative actions to stop the spread of COVID-19. I’m hopeful that our nation will conquer this disease and that together, we will emerge from this chapter in our history stronger than before. But ultimately for that to happen, the cure must start with us. WI
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difficult to change in the near term, we can do some things immediately to reduce our risks. In my own community in Oklahoma, I’ve witnessed many Black folks not wearing masks or practicing any degree of physical distancing in public. A lot of people just plain aren’t following recommendations to keep themselves and their families safe. Let’s be real for a minute. Some of this stems from past experiences with government that make people skeptical about what they’re hearing from public officials. For some, it’s the bitter memories of government-enforced segregation and other racist policies. For others, it’s the fact the young Black men have more negative encounters with the police, and people don’t want to wear masks and give anyone an excuse for mistaking them for criminals. For others, it’s that politicians have made promises to us for decades and have failed to make good. Why trust them now?
preneurs, and more. This thriving Black community was threatening to whites, who were heavily invested in the myth of white superiority. While Greenwood thrived, envious white folks plotted and, according
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JACKSON from Page 26 el, not allowing Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump to bottle up reform. Similarly, as Campaign Zero has detailed in #8Can’tWait, local officials or city councils can simply order basic changes in police techniques: outlawing chokeholds, mandating de-escalation efforts, requiring warning before shooting, creating a duty to intervene against excessive force by other officers, banning shooting at moving vehicles and more. “Defund the police” has been added to the massive “Black Lives Matter” painted on the road leading to the White House in Washington. Trump, of course, has jumped on the slogan in an effort to discredit any reform. But the advocates of “defund the police” aren’t fools. They understand that the police will be with us — but that their role and their functions need to be dramatically rethought. “We must end policing as we know it,” stated Lisa Bender, the Minneapolis City Council President who leads a veto-proof major-
ity of the city council dedicated to “recreating a system of public safety that will actually keep us safe.” Defunding means transferring resources that now go to police into investments in communities in health care, schools, housing. It reflects the reality that in minority communities, particularly, overcriminalization has made virtually everyone a potential target. Police have gotten involved in areas better left to others, from school discipline, eviction enforcement, addiction and substance abuse. Police are soldiers in the so-called War on Drugs when it is fought in poor and minority communities while deferring to public health agencies addressing opioid and drug abuse in suburban and exurban neighborhoods. Defending would include organizing community groups to help intervene to de-escalate tense situations that can lead to violence. Mayors in Los Angeles to New York have announced plans to transfer some funds from the police budget to social services, but what’s required is a real commitment like that of the Minneapolis
City Council to rethink public safety from top to bottom. One part of this has to recreate real community policing. In Minneapolis, 92 percent of the police live outside the city. They are literally an outside occupying army, too often seeing the neighborhoods they patrol as alien, even enemy territory. Residence requirements that a far higher percentage of police come from the neighborhoods they patrol would dramatically change the tenor of the cops and the trust of the citizens. Real change won’t be easy. The resistance will be fierce. At the national level, Senate Republicans will no doubt seek to block the reforms that pass the House. Trump will enlist the police unions to posture as a law-and-order strong man. The demonstrators must build a political force able not only to defeat those who stand in the way, but to hold those promising change accountable. What is clear is that the abuses won’t stop, the police murders won’t end until fundamental reforms are made. WI
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When 19-year-old Dick Rowland jostled 17-year-old Sarah Page in an elevator, whites were ready. They threatened to lynch Rowland, and then when armed Black men said they would prevent a lynching, it was on. Whites swarmed Greenwood, burning, killing, destroying a symbol of Black pride and entrepreneurial capacity. The people who lost their property were never made whole. Those who had insurance found their claims denied. The white mob responsible for the destruction went mostly unpunished, reinforcing the notion that you could terrorize Black people, destroy their property, and suffer no consequences. We have a president who insults Black people and experiences no
BAILEY from Page 27 plish something have got to work. … I tell sincere white people ‘work in conjunction with us — each of us work among our own kind.’ Let sincere White individuals find all other White people they can who
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WILLIAMS from Page 27 These actions eliminate symbols that are deeply offensive to many Americans. To African Americans, the Confederate flag and other symbols embody the hatred and brutality of slavery and discrimination in post-Civil War America. To patriotic Americans, symbols of the Confederacy represent the edification of a traitorous and defeated enemy which, despite proximity, advocated the dissolution of the U.S Some argue that these symbols are cultural icons that only repre-
ASKIA from Page 27 cago 8, but after discovering that gagging and tying Bobby Seale to a chair in the courtroom could not prevent him from disrupting the trial, demanding a “jury of his peers,” Seale was separated from his co-defendants into a separate trial. Well, true to form, after the dust cleared, Jerry Rubin, one of the defendants and “the chief hippie,” you might say, joined his family’s stock brokerage on Wall Street. Today, tens of thousands of
consequences, a president so unabashedly racist in his words, now piles on with his Juneteenth and antics. His press secretary said Juneteenth is a “very meaningful day for him.” Really? The same president who thought, just three years ago, that Frederick Douglass was still alive, has now developed some knowledge and empathy for Black history, empathetic to instances of systemic racism? While I am repulsed by the president’s decision to go to Tulsa on Juneteenth, there is a silver lining to his cluelessness. The day after his announcement, there was massive news coverage about Trump’s disgusting decision, and accompanying robust commentary. White Americans don’t know much about Black history, but neither do many Black folks. If you didn’t
know about Juneteenth and the Tulsa Massacre before, you surely know about it now. The president’s ill-advised decision has increased awareness about a chapter in Black history that too many want to deny. The destruction of Greenwood, a thriving Black community, because of jealousy and malice is one of the many reasons the demand for reparations is a solid one. 45 walks around with his foot in his mouth; his actions and comments after the George Floyd murder protests are clear examples. But the celebration of Juneteenth and the horrors of the Tulsa Massacre are not taught in standard history books and not well known outside the Black community. Thanks to Trump, these incidents are better known. Every slap has a silver lining. WI
feel as they do-and let them form their own all-white groups to try to convert other white people who are acting so racist. Let sincere White people teach non-violence to White people.” On another occasion when speaking to young people on the
same subject, Brother Malcolm said sincere Whites can “function more intelligently and more effectively in the White community itself and this has never been done.” As always, Brother Malcolm was right on target. WI
sent Southern Heritage. I contend that symbols of the Confederacy represent an allegiance to and support for repression of African Americans and anyone non-white. Statues identified for removal are recent additions to the cultural landscape. As an example, Nathan Bedford Forrest, founder of the KKK, has a bust in the Tennessee Capitol which was placed in 1978. Rather than heritage, his bust symbolizes allegiance to the principles of white superiority. No other nation allows or endorses the edification of those who attempted the violent overthrow of their es-
tablished government. Even postWWII Germany has outlawed the use of symbols or propaganda that promote Nazism. Shouldn’t we expect as much? Dr. Carter G. Woodson said, “The oppressor has always indoctrinated the weak with his interpretation of the crimes of the strong.” The objective of this indoctrination has always been maintaining the cultural, social and economic racial disparities of the “Old South.” It is time that we bring down the symbols which provide emotional support to those who endorse those crimes. WI
young white people have participated in rallies protesting the murder of George Floyd by a white cop in Minneapolis. Some protests have even taken place in towns where there are few Black residents. Am I wrong for suspecting that the phrase “Black Lives Matter” is the modern version of a Beatles lyric that will be forgotten after the coronavirus pandemic blows over, or after a couple of Grammy Awards shows? Are these young white people today really affected by the words in their creed, “liber-
ty and justice for all”? Or are they just jivin’? Or is it too soon to tell? I can see myself being forgiven for not succumbing to the seduction that almost ruined Eddie Griffin’s character in his “undercover” movie. But it would be a bad, bad day for me to proclaim that Kumbaya is the New National Anthem, and that the Donald Trump Experience was just an ugly nightmare that is being replaced by the New Order, where mutual respect is the Order of the Day … but don’t quote me yet. WI
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