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WINNER OF THREE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS D.C. AWARDS

Juneteenth Celebrations

Capture the Moment / Page 44

Vol. 56, No. 36 • June 24 - 30, 2021

Post-Pandemic Crime Wave Plagues District and Other U.S. Cities Bowser Takes Proactive Approach to Reduce Violence in District Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

5 Throughout the District of Columbia Black men and boys were celebrated over the Father’s Day weekend. Martha’s Table hosted Fathers to the Front at their office in Southeast. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer) See photos on Page 45

In May, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Metropolitan Police Department launched the 2021 Summer Crime Prevention Initiative. According to officials, the initiative counts as a coordinated effort to reduce violent crime in specific areas in the District through strategic prevention and collaborative enforcement. “We bring the Summer Crime

Prevention Initiative back each year because the data shows us that it drives down crime in the neighborhoods we target,” Bowser said. “The reason this initiative works is that it’s not just about policing and it’s not just about what MPD is doing – it’s about engaging people, providing opportunity and working across the D.C. government to bring resources and support to residents who need them.”

CRIME Page 18

Early Childcare Advocates Organize for Greater Support, Workers Compensation

Skyland Town Center Begins Phase Two with 263 New Homes and Plenty of Retail Space

The return to normalcy after the pandemic will rely, in part, on the maintenance of a vibrant workforce, especially those taking on jobs in the hospitality and service fields during the evening hours. Many of these employees are parents who will more than likely seek adequate childcare. In response to this pressing need, Bright Beginnings, an early childcare and family learning facility for children and families experiencing housing instability, has attempted to launch programs for infants and toddlers taking place 5 Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray joined Mayor Bowser and project throughout the evening and well into the night. At this point, plans for two classrooms are in the works. developers at the ribbon-cutting of the new Skyland Town Center in Southeast

D.R. Barnes WI Staff Writer

D.C. Mayor Bowser and Developers Agree ‘There’s More to Come ’ to Wards 7 and 8

Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer

which will include 263 new homes and retail space on Monday, June 21.

CHILDCARE Page 46 (DR Barnes./The Washington Informer)

It’s been 30 years in the making for residents in Ward 7 but on June 21, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, along with Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray, cut the ribbon on Phase 1 and broke ground on Phase 2 of the new Skyland Town Center, the largest housing and commercial construction project in Ward 7.

The Crest, the first residential property at Skyland and located at the intersection of Alabama Avenue and Naylor and Good Hope roads, opened Monday. It features 263 homes, a mix of studio and oneand two-bedroom apartments, as well as a fitness center and courtyard pool and grills. Of the 263 units, 53 have been

SKYLAND Page 27

Celebrating 56 Years of Service / Serving More Than 50,000 Readers Throughout The Metropolitan Area

Our House - Keeping Homes Black-owned in D.C.’s Wards 7 and 8

Exploring Black Homeownership in D.C.’s Ward 7 and 8

Do you live in Ward 7 or 8?

Yes

Are you a homeowner?

Yes

If you are a homeowner, how long have you owned your home? Years If you are a homeowner, what resources made it possible to purchase your home? (savings, homebuyers assistance program, inheritance, tax sale, other)

What’s behind the loss of Black homeownership and displacement in D.C.? Gentrification is notably the number one cause for the displacement of low-income and Black residents in D.C. But how does gentrification happen? And, what are the examples of gentrification causing long-time District residents to be pushed or priced out of their homes? Why are some neighborhoods targeted to gentrify, and what are the long-term adverse effects of gentrification on building and sustaining wealth for Black D.C. residents? Residents in Wards 7 and 8 have watched economic and housing growth across the city, and they are bracing themselves for a shift that is storming its way to their doorsteps. They foresee a takeover of what was once an affordable community to live in despite what others have historically viewed as neighborhoods that are geographically, economically, and racially unattractive.

American families in Wards 7 and 8. The project will also examine the short-and long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic moratorium on mortgage foreclosures soon to be lifted in D.C. “I am extremely excited to engage in this work that will address a critical issue – gentrification – that has played out across the District and how it is displacing residents east of the Anacostia River,” said Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes. “This project will provide a newsletter offering a one-stop source of information about gentrification and resources available to help residents keep their homes,” Barnes added. “Data research and analyses provided by CPI will deliver added value to residents, community groups, policymakers, elected officials and financial institutions that play critical roles in the preservation and gentrification of Black neighborhoods.”

Times have changed though, and neighborhoods in Wards 7 and 8 are quickly becoming the hottest real estate markets in the city.

GENTRIFICATION IN D.C. HAS REACHED ITS LAST FRONTIER.

The Washington Informer, in partnership with the Center for Public Integrity, announces a yearlong journalism study to determine the factors causing Black and low-income residents, including seniors, in Wards 7 and 8 to lose their homes. The project will also explore the sources of information and public or private resources to help residents save their homes. Our House: Keeping Homes Black-Owned in D.C.’s Ward 7 and 8 is a year-long journalism project that will include a series of articles about gentrification, tax sales and foreclosure published in The Washington Informer, a bi-weekly e-newsletter, community events, data reports, and personal testimonies from residents to determine to what extent property tax sales – also known as the “gentrification tax” – are impacting homeownership among African

2 JUNE 24 - 30, 2021

Interested in learning more about Black homeownership? In The Washington Informer’s annual Homeownership Issue published Thursday, June 10, in recognition of Home Ownership Month in June, readers will find the project’s first survey soliciting residents’ perspectives on gentrification and its impact on their neighborhoods. The Informer has also launched the Our House landing page, where the survey and other information is posted on the Informer’s website at www.washingtoninformer.com. Readers can also sign-up for the Our House Newsletter to be delivered bi-weekly by email.

Do you live in a multigenerational household? Yes

If you’re not a homeowner, what are some of the barriers or obstacles you have faced that prevented you from buying a home?

Do you have an older relative who owns a home in Ward 7 or 8? Do they have plans for their property in the future? If so, what are they?

What changes have you seen in your community since you’ve lived there?

Have they received inquiries from individuals asking to purchase your home? Yes No If you found yourself faced with the likelihood of losing your home, do you know where to go to find help?

Are you aware of any neighbors who were on the verge of or lost their home due to unpaid property taxes? Yes No If so, how did things turn out?

Send your completed survey to: Our House, c/o The Washington Informer, 3117 ML King Jr Ave SE, Washington, DC 20032 Yes, I want to subscribe to the Our House newsletter to keep me up to date with news about what’s behind the loss of Black Homeownership and displacement in D.C. Email address:

Emails may include promotional information. You may opt-out at anytime.

You can also complete this survey online by using this QR Code

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Around the Region................4-11 Prince George's County.....12-13 Business................................14-15 National............................... 16-18 International........................... 20

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Education........................... 26-27 OpEd.................................... 29-31 Lifestyle............................. 32-43 Capture the Moment........44-45 Religion.................................... 47

5Fathers Mix at Martha's Table

3Mike Tyson

Lifestyle / Page 40

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Join The Washington Informer Digital Subscriber List Text INFORMER to 22828

In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032 Phone: 202 561-4100 Fax: 202 574-3785 news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com

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4 JUNE 24 - 30, 2021

wi hot topics Bowser Calls on U.S. Senate to Rectify Civil and Voting Rights Issues in Support of D.C. Statehood On Tuesday, June 22, Mayor Muriel Bowser testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs at a hearing on the District. Below is an excerpt of her comments. “Over the decades, arguments against DC Statehood have ranged from preposterous assertions to inaccurate legal claims . . . I appear today to petition for full equality,” Bowser said. “There is no legal or constitutional barrier to DC Statehood; the prevailing constitutional issue is the civil rights violation of 700,000 D.C. residents who fulfill all obligations of U.S. citizenship but are denied any representation in this body.” “I cannot emphasize enough: the civil rights and full democracy of DC residents are in your hands,” she said. “We will not quit until we achieve full democracy.” WI

COMPILED BY WI SENIOR EDITOR D. KEVIN MCNEIR AND WI STAFF WRITER WILLIAM J. FORD

Democrat Jon Baron Launches Maryland Gubernatorial Campaign Jon Baron, a former nonprofit executive and official under former President Bill Clinton’s administration, announced his candidacy Monday, June 21 to seek the Democratic nomination for Maryland governor. Baron, 58, who also served on boards and commissions with former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, will be (Photo courtesy of John Baron seeking his first political of- Democrat for Governor) fice. In a nearly three-minute video entitled, “A Very Different Approach,” Baron said he will use an “evidence-based approach” in efforts to develop an anti-poverty program intended to encourage and support those who have faced long-term unemployment. Other Democrats officially seeking the party’s nomination include: author Wes Moore of Baltimore; State Comptroller Peter Franchot; two former Obama officials, Ashwani Jain and John King, Jr., and both of Montgomery County; Baltimore businessman Mike Rosenbaum; and former state Attorney General Doug Gansler. The primary election will take place June 28, 2022. WI

Two Washington Mystics Players Named to U.S. Women’s Basketball Olympic Team Two Washington Mystics players were named to the 2021 U.S. Women's Basketball Olympic team, USA basketball announced June 21. Tina Charles and Ariel Atkins, named to Team USA, will compete in Tokyo this summer from July 26-Aug. 8 at the Saitama Super Arena. It will be Charles’ third Olympic appearance in this her first season with the Mystics. She expressed disappointment in COVID-19 restrictions that will limit supporters from attending the games. “Our mindset is just trying to get that gold,” she said. “But it’s definitely a difference not to be able to have your close family and friends and USA basketball not having a guest program.” Atkins, who will make her Olympic debut this summer, was in the 2019-20 USA Basketball National Team expanded training program where Team USA posted a 17-1 record. “It's kind of like on your birthday. It’s like everybody is just hitting you up. Yeah, my phone is kind of going crazy,” Atkins said. “Definitely my parents. They were just screaming the entire time and my dad was asking me if I was saying what I was saying and I was like, ‘yeah!’” “This is such a surreal moment and while I am extremely thankful, I honestly don’t think it has really hit me yet,” said Atkins, the Mystics’ first-round pick in 2018. WI

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AROUND THE REGION

Washington Native Ryan Jones Sets His Sights on D.C. Attorney General Post Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Attorney Ryan Jones grew up in the 14th Street Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C. and has watched gentrification push people of color into Maryland, Virginia and other places. He also has lent his voice to the decades-long battle for D.C. Statehood. During the protests in the aftermath of the police killing of George Floyd and other African Americans, Jones joined the demonstrations to help proclaim that Black Lives Matter. The 36-year-old, who graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Law and earned a master of laws at George Washington University Law, now hopes to become the District’s next attorney general. Incumbent Karl Racine, the city’s first-elected attorney general, has announced his decision to seek another four-year term. “Living through 2020, we watched atrocities happening to certain people and we were losing tons of lives and still saw that Black lives weren’t valued,” Jones asserted. “I protested and marched. However, to make a real difference, I decided to run.” Jones said his campaign should not be viewed as a referendum on

what Racine has or has not done. Entering the race remains more about making a difference, he insists. “I could not sit back and not do nothing,” said Jones, whose father worked at the D.C. Office of the People’s Counsel advocating for residents against utility companies. With family members, includ-

“Living through 2020, we watched atrocities happening to certain people and we were losing tons of lives and still saw that Black lives weren’t valued. I protested and marched. However, to make a real difference, I decided to run.”

He also works to protect seniors. “Seniors in D.C. oftentimes don’t have wills and that prevents them from passing their property to family members, which establishes generational wealth,” Jones said. “Seniors are viciously sought after by people who are taking advantage of their age, health and lack of support.” Currently, Jones finds himself fighting a case involving a senior citizen in the Court of Appeals. The individual has been asked to

pay an excise tax because she has an independent contractor come into her home and provide needed care. “She can’t afford this tax, so we have to look at certain provisions in the tax code on whether she should be paying out of pocket when she should not,” Jones said. “We do not need to put undue pressure on her financially. These are the types of fights that I’m taking to the highest level to protect our seniors.”

As attorney general, Jones revealed that he would create a program that would put citizens together with private law firms to handle matters outside the purview of his office. “I care about the residents of D.C. and I know there are laws that are inequitable that we need to get off the books,” Jones said. “I’m fighting for our residents to make this city better.” WI @StacyBrownMedia

ing his mother, working as real estate agents, Jones counts as a staunch advocate of homeownership for people of color.

5 Ryan Jones (Courtesy photo)

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JUNE 24 - 30, 2021 5

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1941 – The Marine Corps integrates after President Roosevelt signs Executive Order 8802 prohibiting racial discrimination in the national defense industry.

1938 – Author, lyricist, poet and educator James Weldon Johnson, who wrote the lyrics of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" — known as the Negro national anthem — dies. 1995 – Former NASA astronaut Bernard Harris, the first African American to walk in space, is born. 1992 – "My Guy" singer Mary Wells, "The Queen of Motown," dies of cancer at 49.

Nunc Wallace and is recognized as world bantamweight champion, the first Black world boxing champion in any weight class. 1991 – Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to serve on the court, announces his retirement. 2007 – Jamaican-born pilot Barrington Irving lands at the Opa-Locka Airport in Miami after 95 days of travel, becoming the first Black person — and the youngest person ever at the time — to fly around the world solo.

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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 thousands to the Mall, and nearly 300 protesters, including Abernathy, were arrested once the tent city was removed.

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1872 – Paul Laurence Dunbar, famed American poet, novelist and playwright of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is born in Dayton, Ohio. 1890 – Canadian boxer George Dixon beats

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1941 – Political activist Stokely Carmichael, also known as Kwame Ture, a key figure in the civil rights movement in the 1960s, is born in Trinidad and Tobago.

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1864 – Malcolm X announces the formation of the Organization of Afro-American Unity, six weeks after returning from his pilgrimage to Mecca. 1971 – Supreme Court overturns draft evasion conviction of boxing great Muhammad Ali.

1847 – Dred Scott (above), a slave in Missouri, loses a lawsuit for the freedom of his family in the St. Louis Circuit Court. Scott unsuccessfully argued that his temporary residence in a free territory should have made him a free man. 1917 – Grammy-winning singer/actress Lena Horne (top) is born in Brooklyn, New York. 1960 – The Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly known as Zaire, gains its independence from Belgium. 1966 – Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson is born in Brooklyn, New York. 1967 – Maj. Robert H. Lawrence Jr. is chosen as the first African American for NASA's astronaut training program. He was killed during a training flight on Dec. 8, 1967. WI

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The thing is, we didn't need them to make it a federal holiday. It's a special day without having to get the white man's approval. We asked for legislation to be passed that would protect our lives. And they give us this. It's a nice gesture but we don't need holidays and painted roads … we need

real change.

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Sign a bill that gives Black people land, resources and money. And put forth, pass and sign a reparations bill.

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Awesome! Can we please secure voting rights for the communities being waged against by Republicans who know they can't win without disenfranchisement?

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JUNE 24 - 30, 2021 7

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A Memo to the New York Times: Not All Black Dads are Dysfunctional, Disinterested Deadbeats

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Another Father’s Day has come and gone with the usual amount of tepid, lackluster attempts to convince America’s dads that we matter at least half as much as mothers are reminded on their annual day of celebration. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not sulking. I’m not angry. As the young folks say, “it’s all good.” Truth be told, my children and my two grandsons let me know in all kinds of ways how much they love and appreciate “the old man.” No, my two college-educated, gainfully-employed children did not hop a plane and come visit me. No, my phone did not ring off the hook with joyful messages from those whose noses I once wiped and who still hit me up for a few dollars when they’re in a bind. And no, nothing arrived Special Delivery to put a big smile on my face. But that’s not what’s bothering me. Not in the least. So, you wanna know what shot my blood pressure upwards toward dangerous heights and caused a glob of putrid bile to form and settle in the back of my throat?

You wanna know what almost led me to stick my head out of my bedroom and scream in typical Howard Beale style, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore?” Well, I’ll tell you, soldier. My anger and disgruntlement were fueled by a cover story shared for my “reading pleasure” by my alternative “Bible” with which I always cuddle up on the couch every Sunday morning: The New York Times. You may find this hard to believe but years ago when I was in between jobs and lived with my older sister, she eventually had two copies of the Sunday Times delivered to her door. It served as the only sensible solution to squashing the arguments that always ensued between her husband and me over who would get the newspaper first . . . and how long we’d keep it from the other. Like always, I methodically devoured every section each section until I reached the special prize inside – the New York Times Magazine. The anticipation was tantamount to a little child tearing open a box of Cracker Jacks and emptying out the contents so they could find the secret prize hidden inside. But on this Father’s Day, I was nonplussed by the “gift” that awaited me. The lead story, “Finding My Father,” with a theme that only a moron would have trouble figuring out, began with these words, prominently displayed on the front of the magazine: “My dad was a mystery to me, even more so after he vanished when I was 7 years old. For a long time, who he was – and by extension who I was – seemed to be a puzzle I would never solve.” I must say that it was a beautifully-written story. And there were some surprising nuances to the young’s man tale of discovery: his

mother was white, they had lived in several exotic places throughout his formative years, he was a gifted child and because of his father’s ethnic roots, he developed a passion for all things Black and Hispanic. But because of the degree of melanin he’d inherited, when society looked at him he was nothing more than another Black male. And he longed to understand that side of his heritage. He needed to know his father. For those who like happy endings, the story concluded with the Black child – now a man – finding his father and forming a bond – a connection, albeit fragile. And while some readers may have needed to wipe a few tears from their eyes as they reached the story’s penultimate measure, I didn’t feel like celebrating. Perhaps the editors chose this story because they figured it would garner more readers. After all, it did have a pretty good hook – father abandons mother and child, child wanders through life aimlessly, like a ship without a sail, child goes in search of and finds father. Father and son make amends. But what I wanted to know, and what I’d like to ask The New York Times’ powers that be, is why can’t we have one – just one – Father’s Day story that features Black dads who are on their job. Both my father, who died shortly after I graduated from college, and my other dad, my stepfather, were the kinds of men that made me both proud and grateful to be their son. And they weren’t exceptions to the rule. I’m just tired of reading about Black fathers who are dysfunctional, disinterested deadbeats. Maybe I need to write a story about my two dads and send it to The New York Times for their consideration next year. WI

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James Wright WI Staff Writer

President Biden’s medical adviser and best known advocate of coronavirus vaccination joined D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Juneteenth drive to encourage D.C. residents east of the Anacostia River to be vaccinated against COVID 19. Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, joined D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser June 19 to help launch from a Southeast D.C. parking lot a drive to encourage District residents east of the Anacostia River to boost D.C.’s vaccination rate. Before canvassing neighborhoods in Wards 7 and 8, Fauci addressed dozens of volunteers for the third DC COVID-19 Community Corps Day of Action in the parking lot at Kramer Middle School in Southeast. He said while the District’s vaccination rate for adults who have gotten at least one shot surpasses 70 percent, more residents need to be inoculated. “I am a national figure but it is you who are the trusted messengers,” Fauci said. “We can control this virus that has killed over 600,000 people but we need people to be vaccinated. The people know you. They trust you. Please encourage them to be vaccinated so we can get back to normal.” Despite having met President Biden’s goal of 70 percent of adults having at least one vaccination shot by July 4, the District has to deal with a stark racial disparity in terms of the coronavirus. The District’s population hovers at 46 percent Black but African Americans make up 80 percent of coronavirus deaths and cases. D.C. Department of Health statistics reveal for the months of April and May, predominantly Black Wards 5, 8 and 7 had 16, 13 and 11 virus-related deaths respectively while predominantly white Wards 3 and 2 had two deaths and one, in that order. One of Bowser’s strategies to get residents immunized consists of the Day of Action where residents encourage their neighbors to get immunized at a nearby site. Bowser praised Fauci’s work on combating the coronavirus. “Dr. Fauci is one of us, he is a Dis-

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5 District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser hosts a conversation with Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a panel discussion moderated by Denise Barnes, publisher of the Washington Informer and the paper’s staff writer, James Wright. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

Despite having met President Biden’s goal of 70 percent of adults having at least one vaccination shot by July 4, the District has to deal with a stark racial disparity in terms of the coronavirus. trict resident,” the mayor said. “He has been a willing partner with me and my team as we seek to destroy this virus.” Last week, Bowser announced anyone vaccinated at selected sites throughout the District will get a $51 Visa gift card and people inoculated at Anacostia High School on June 19 will be eligible for a pair of roundtrip tickets to anywhere in the U.S. and abroad on American Airlines. Bowser also said residents who get

vaccinated at Anacostia, the R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and the Ron Brown School for the next four weeks are eligible for such prizes as a 2021 Ford Escape Sport SE Hybrid, a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited, $10,000 for groceries for one year, a year of free Metro bus and train passes. After the speeches, Bowser and Fauci walked with several volunteers to the blocks east of Kramer for their canvassing. As they walked by, residents Laura Washington and Nina Johnson watched from a perch on their apartment building’s front steps. Johnson said she won’t get vaccinated. “I don’t plan on being America’s guinea pig,” she said. “I don’t believe in the vaccines. I have heard of people getting vaccinated and dying. I also know someone who got the Pfizer vaccine and was sick for three days. I don’t think it is worth it.” Washington said she didn’t want to get vaccinated with either but praised Bowser for her efforts. “I think it is great that she came here,” Washington said. “I wish we could have all of her people here when someone gets killed.” WI @JamesDCWrighter

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D.C. Leaders Address Importance of Statehood During Senate Hearing

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James Wright WI Staff Writer

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rights of District residents, they also demonstrate a true lack of understanding of the rapidly growing and thriving businesses, communities and culture that surround the small federal presence.” Lieberman, the Democratic candidate for vice president in 2000, scoffed at Republican claims the District would send two Democrats to the Senate and a Democratic representative to Congress indefinitely. “That was said when Alaska and Hawaii came into the union: that Alaska would be Democratic and Hawaii would be Republican,” he said. “That’s not the case now because Alaska has become a Republican state while Hawaii supports Democrats. The political rights of District residents shouldn’t be based on short range political predictions. Who can predict what will happen five, 50 or 100 years from now?” Morial said District residents have a right to representation in Congress because they are American citizens. Morial rejected Republican arguments that the District should retrocede into Maryland. “D.C. is distinct from Maryland and Maryland is distinct from D.C.,” he said. “I have heard of polls that suggest neither people in D.C. or Maryland want retrocession.” WI @JamesDCWrighter

Amendment in a way to avoid scrambling the presidential electoral process. Norton said 54 percent of Americans polled backed D.C. statehood in a recent poll saying “this is the greatest support for D.C. statehood in the nation’s history.” She urged senators to pass Carper’s bill. “Congress has a choice,” Norton said. “It can continue to exclude D.C. residents from the democratic process, forcing them to watch from the sidelines as Congress votes on federal and D.C. laws, and to treat them, in the words of Frederick Douglass, as ‘aliens, not citizens but subjects.’ Or it can live up to our nation’s founding principles and pass the D.C. statehood bill.” Bowser said many of the arguments against D.C. statehood “ranged from preposterous assertions to inaccurate legal claims.” “Just to cite a couple: in 2019, we were asked about what would happen to the parking spots for congressional staff if the District becomes a state,” the mayor said. “We were at a loss to see the correlation between full democracy for 700,000 American citizens and a few parking spaces. This past March, I was confronted with concerns that the District could not be a state because it does not have a car dealership—even though it does. Statements like these not only discount the civil

According to Primus, the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the right to admit states without any preconditions and in any way it sees fit. Plus, he said, Congress has the power to regulate the 23rd

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5 D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser testifies before a Senate committee on behalf of statehood. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

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District leaders testified in front of a Senate committee on June 22, making the case for the city to become the 51st state of the union. D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser spoke before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in support of Sen. Thomas Carper’s (D-Del.) bill granting the District statehood. Former Senator Joe Lieberman, University of Michigan School of Law scholar Richard Primus and Marc Morial, the president of the National Urban League, also testified on behalf of Carper’s statehood legislation. The hearing is the second time a Senate committee has considered Carper’s statehood legislation, with the first time being in 2014. On April 22, the House passed Norton’s statehood bill for the second consecutive year. Carper’s companion legislation, S.51, has 45 cosponsors, the most ever. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), the chairman of the Homeland Security committee, has signed on as a co-sponsor and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) backs the bill and wants to bring it to the chamber’s floor for a vote. Additionally, President Biden supports D.C. statehood. However, no Republicans are cosponsors of Carper’s bill. GOP senators on the committee and conservative legal scholars argue the District can only become a state through a constitutional amendment and the 23rd Amendment granting the District three votes in the Electoral College would have to be nullified through the state legislative process, not by congressional legislation.

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JUNE 24 - 30, 2021 11

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Prince George’s County Makes House Calls for COVID-19 Vaccinations William J. Ford WI Staff Writer Lady Caesno felt nervous waiting to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, especially after her older sister received a shot and felt slightly ill. A few minutes after receiving the first of the two-shot Pfizer vaccine, the 13-year-old rising seventh grader smiled.

“I feel fine. I didn’t feel [the needle],” said Lady, who moved to Hyattsville from Dallas in March. “My mom said we have to get the vaccine and be protected.” Lady and her mother, Irma Caesno, joined at least 50 people who registered to receive a vaccine Friday, June 18 at an outside clinic set up at Langley Terrace Apartments in Hyattsville.

Prince George’s County health and elected officials continue to seek residents in hard-to-reach communities such as the Hyattsville area, which has thousands of Spanish-speaking residents in the northern part of the county. According to county COVID-19 data, that area has the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases based on zip code not only in the county, but the entire state of Maryland (NOTE: This is as of Friday statewide. Figure could change and I’ll check again Tuesday-WJF). County Council vice chair Deni Taveras (D-District 2) of Adelphi organized the clinic in partnership with Safeway. “We’re bringing the vaccines to the people and meeting them where they’re at,” Taveras said Friday at Langley Terrace. “The vast majority of the population here is unable to drive and have very limited needs. We are here for you.” To get anyone who missed Friday and a clinic set up Saturday, June 19 at La Union Mall in Langley Park, another one will take place Saturday, June 26 from 4-8

5 Michael Smith of Oxon Hill receives a COVID-19 vaccine June 16 at a mobile vaccination clinic at his Southview Apartment complex. (William J. Ford/The Washington Informer)

p.m. at La Union Mall. A second dose will be provided at the same locations exactly three weeks later. As of Friday, more than 440,000 residents ages 12 and older received

Report Urges Elected Officials to Pass ‘Bold’ Policies Amid be implemented next month. health and family and community. COVID-19 Pandemic Eligible parents with children under With more than 149 million peo-

William J. Ford WI Staff Writer

President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan provided at least $350 million for states, counties, municipalities and tribal governments, but without additional assistance children and their families will continue to suffer after trying to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation of Baltimore released a report Monday, June 21 that outlined how states ranked in providing a child’s well-being and surveyed parents/guardians in March on various concerns they expressed during the pandemic. One major recommendation to relieve future parental stress would be making the child tax credit permanent, scheduled to

5 The Annie E. Casey Foundation released its KIDS COUNT Data Book on June 21 that includes policy recommendations to improve a child’s well-being. (Photo courtesy of The Annie E. Casey Foundation)

12 JUNE 24 - 30, 2021

age 6 would receive $300 per month, or $3,600 for a year. The amount decreases to $250 per month for each older dependent for a total of $3,000. With this approval, the foundation concludes this could lift four million children nationwide above the poverty line this year. In 2019, about 12 million children, or 17 percent lived in poverty, according to the report. “This child tax credit is such a powerful tool for addressing those long standing racial and ethnic inequities,” said Michael Cassidy, director of policy, reform and advocacy for the foundation. “That immediate monthly help for parents is incredibly important…so they can pay the power bill, get the car fixed, buy clothes for the kids, put food on the table. It is imperative for lawmakers to take action right now.” The foundation produces an annual report entitled “KIDS COUNT Data Book – State Trends in Child Well-Being.” This document not only provides a few recommendations for state and local lawmakers, but also summarizes national and state data on economic well-being, education,

ple ages 12 and older fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Americans are prepared to return to a sense of normalcy in work and personal activities. However, 18 percent of those surveyed between March 3-29 have “slight or no confidence in paying rent or mortgage on time.” In 10 states the percentage of those with slight or not confidence about paying their rent or mortgage on time was 20 percent or higher. Locally, 17 percent of those surveyed in the District, 16 percent in Maryland and eight percent in Virginia responded they have slight or no confidence. In terms of race, the concern about meeting housing costs was 30 percent for Blacks and Latinos while 11 percent of whites voiced such concerns. “The impact has been disproportionately hard on lower-income families, families of color throughout the country. These are families that were struggling before the pandemic,” Cassidy said. “This data is showing how

POLICIES Page 14

at least one dose of either Pfizer or two-shot Moderna vaccine or the single-dose administered by Johnson & Johnson. The state wants to provide incentives for residents fully vaccinated. Through the state’s GoVAX program, businesses are offering patrons discounts with proof of vaccination. Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar at National Harbor offering free jello shooters through Aug. 28. Total Recon Auto Center in neighboring Rockville in Montgomery County will offer 10% discounts on auto detailing through July 31. If people want to travel on the Eastern Shore in Worcester County, Ayers Creek Adventures will provide patrons a 10 percent discount to rent kayaks or paddle boats through July 31. Back in Prince George’s, a four-clinic vaccination clinic opened in another hard-to-reach community at Southview Apartments in Oxon Hill. After his mother experienced negative effects and became sick from her COVID-19 shot, Michael Smith didn’t want it administered to him. But the Southview resident decided to suck up his fear of needles and receive the first of two required Pfizer vaccines. “I just got back from Alabama [visiting] my son. If I’m going to keep [traveling] during the summer, I better get protected,” Smith said a few minutes after receiving a shot in his right arm. “Bringing it to me actually made me want to do it.” WI Twitter: @jabariwill

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Summer Youth and Crime Fighting Initiatives Unveiled in Prince George’s

5 Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (center) talks about the county’s new summer youth program June 21 after distributing food in Hillcrest Heights. (William J. Ford/The Washington Informer)

William J. Ford WI Staff Writer On the first full day of summer, Prince George’s County officials announced two initiatives to keep youth busy and combat violent crime. For the next few months, county-

wide activities will include officers from the police department’s COPS [Community Oriented Policing Service] unit holding regular meetings with community leaders, local sponsorship of youth tennis and soccer clinics and teenagers learning about safe driving with representatives from State

Farm and Mothers Against Drunk Driving [MADD]. “Reversing a rise in crime requires more than just police presence,” County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said Monday, June 21 during a virtual town hall with Police Chief Malik Aziz. “It requires that we provide the basic necessities that residents need, especially after a time like this [from COVID-19].” One of the programs. Summer Passport Experience, counts as a firsttime county initiative that will allow teenagers ages 12 to 18 to choose two activities from among three categories: education, entrepreneurship and experience. A few of the locations and activities include: • Brookie Girl at National Harbor will provide three sessions for those ages 14 to 16 to learn how to run and own a business. • Jacob’s Ladder Youth Foundation and The Home Team Realty Group will host financial literacy and business classes in Fort Washington the week of July 19 and week of Aug. 9 for those ages 15 to 18. • Youth ages 12 to 16 chosen will

receive a free ticket to the UniverSoul Circus on July 1 at National Harbor. An estimated 1,300 youth will be picked for at least two activities with a few scheduled to begin next week but the majority begin in July with others kicking off in August. Each youth pays for a $20 passport at https://pgcsummerpassortexp. eventbrite.com/ but must register by 5 p.m. Friday, June 25. Those chosen will pick up their passports, T-shirts and program bracelet Monday, Jun 28 at the Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Center in Landover. Youth who still haven’t received a COVID-19 vaccine can receive one while at the center. The police department will manage “Operation Heat Wave” through Sept. 7 to prevent crime in targeted areas where carjackings, burglaries and robberies have become prevalent. Those communities include: Capitol Heights, Langley Park/Lewisdale, Riverdale, Suitland, Temple Hills and other areas “leading into the District of Columbia.” Aziz, who began his role as police chief last month, said more than 13,000 crimes occurred in the county

last year. About seven fatal shootings occurred in the county this month through Friday, June 18, according to police data. Beside fighting violent crime, the police department will also organize a program called Seniors and Law Enforcement Together, or SALT. The goal will be to educate residents 55 and older, caregivers and family members on financial scams. More than 1,000 book bags with school supplies will be provided for youth who attend a back-to-school event. A specific date hasn’t been determined but the first day of school in Prince George’s will be Sept. 8. The nucleus for both summer programs remains community engagement with police, local merchants and leaders from nonprofit organizations. “My motto has always been, ‘No one gets a pass during the summer. Everyone fights crime,’” Aziz said. “The best ideas that we have can come from anywhere [but] usually they come from people who have their feet on the ground.” WI Twitter: @jabariwill

Democrats Reintroduce Legislation to Fund More Counselors in Schools

William J. Ford WI Staff Writer

When Makal Matthews served his term as Prince George’s County student government vice president during the 2020-21 school year, he focused mainly on removing school resource officers. Prince George’s not only receives public safety coverage from local police departments known as

SROs, but also dozens of school system security personnel are endowed with arrest powers. “The way to keep schools safe really starts with counselors,” Makal, 16, who will begin the 11th grade in the fall at Parkdale High School in Riverdale, said Saturday, June 19. “I’m not against law enforcement in general. I think it’s very important to have some type of order in school, but…counselors should

5 Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), bottom left, and Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), bottom center, conduct a press conference June 17 to announce plans to reintroduce legislation for funding for trauma-informed specialists in schools versus more money for police in schools. (Screen shot: Courtesy of Pressley and Murphy)

be available at any given time at school. That’s better for students.” That’s what some congressional officials propose to do this year. They want to use federal money for counselors, nurses and other trauma-informed specialists, versus constantly funding police in schools. Reps. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) and Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) held a virtual press conference last week to reintroduce the “Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act.” “If we are really committed to racial justice, to dismantling mass incarceration… The way to do undo that harm is with the power of the pen and also with the power of the purse,” Pressley said Thursday, June 17. “This is about systemic reform. This is about culture shift and that’s what this moment requires.” One aspect to bring the bill back,

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

which didn’t receive support last year, rests with a Democratic majority in the House and control of the Senate in case Vice President Kamala Harris needs to break ties. The bill seeks to create a $5 billion grant program to provide schools with additional guidance counselors, nurses, social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists. More importantly, it would restrict the use of federal dollars to pay for police in schools. The proposed legislation notes that, after more than $1 billion spent on law enforcement officers for schools since 1999, that result is the hiring of 46,000 officers “patrolling the halls of elementary and secondary public schools across the nation.” State, counties, municipalities and school districts can continue authorizing contracts with law enforcement agencies to police schools.

In Maryland, state law requires the 23 counties and Baltimore City to provide an SRO, or “adequate law enforcement coverage” at all public high schools. The 33 SROs in Prince George’s schools are compensated based on a contract between the county government and police department scheduled to expire June 2022. According to the county budget, 66 “security investigators” have arrest powers and are funded through the school system. The school system released a survey earlier this year with 13,000 respondents who overwhelmingly support SROs that included 92 percent who said an interaction with SROs “was positive.” About 45 percent of the respondents noted their role in the school community as a teacher or schoolbased staff member. Another 39

COUNSELORS Page 52 JUNE 24 - 30, 2021 13

BUSINESS Douglass Community Land Trust to Spur Housing at New Reeves Center James Wright WI Staff Writer The Douglass Community Land Trust, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. and the Reeves CMC Venture, will build affordable housing at the soon-to-be redeveloped Frank D. Reeves Center of Municipal Affairs in Northwest. The Douglass Community Land Trust (DCLT), launched in September 2019 to manage properties as a non-profit entity and to create community-based affordable housing in conjunction with the 11th Street Bridge devel-

POLICIES from Page 12 they continue to struggle to afford housing, food and health care is really challenging. That’s why it is vitally important that the federal government and state governments take actions to deliver the help and relief to these troubling families.” The report also recommended: • State lawmakers permanently extend assistance eligibility for gig workers, also labeled independent contractors such as freelancers, representing 34 percent of the nation’s workforce. • Ensure every child has broadband internet access at home and invest in tutoring programs. • Elected officials prioritize racial and ethnic diversity in policy decisions. In terms of child well-being, Maryland ranked 24th overall with its highest ranking at 20th in education where the index results were depressed by the number of children aged three and four not in school, fourth graders not proficient in reading, eight-grade students not proficient in math and high schoolers not graduating on time.

14 JUNE 24 - 30, 2021

opment along the Anacostia River. Its mission: Prevent displacement of District residents, create community-held assets and build homeownership opportunities for singles and families, according to its website. Although focused on neighborhoods east of the river—with its The Savannah Apartments in the Congress Heights area of Ward 8-DCLT now targets western parts of the city and currently works with the District government on an affordable housing project located at Lebanon Village at Langston Slater in Truxton Circle in Northwest. Two groups, the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture and Maryland Truth and Reconciliation Lynching Commission, announced a partnership Friday, June 18 to promote racial equity, healing and social justice. One of its eight police recommendations calls for state school officials to update the public school curriculum on the state’s history. “We know it’s policies that need to be changed. Teaching the truth,” said

5 The Reeves Center in Northwest is set to be redeveloped. (Courtesy photo)

The renovated Reeves Center, is to include 628 units of mixed-income affordable housing units mainly for families, a new national headquarters for the NAACP, the Alvin Ailey School, the Washington Jazz Arts Institute and space for small businesses and nonprofits. the Rev. Tamara Wilson, pastor of Nu Season Nu Day Church & Ministries of Baltimore and chair of the African American commission. “We have to acknowledge the fact that Black people weren’t just poor because they were lazy. They were poor because of the systemic problems that they have faced because of racism. Let’s find a solution to fix the problem.” For information on the report and its data, go to www.aecf.org. WI Twitter: @jabariwill

One of its eight police recommendations calls for state school officials to update the public school curriculum on the state’s history.

Vaughn Perry, a DCLT board member, said his organization wants more affordable housing in the District. “There is a major housing crisis in Washington,” Perry said. “There is no single approach to alleviate the crisis. We want to make sure that people aren’t priced out of the city. While we have been known to work east of the river, we focus on the entire Douglass Commonwealth. We like the Reeves Center project because it provides homeownership opportunities and the chance to get involved in retail, which is an area we are looking into.” Perry realizes the housing stock in the U Street area, where the Reeves Center sits, is known for being expensive. He said the goal for the housing units in the Reeves Center will be to set housing prices at 50 percent of the average median income in the Washington region, which translates roughly to $63,000. The chance to build affordable housing in a well-known development project attracted Habitat to the Reeves Center effort. “It was too delicious an opportunity to pass up,” Corrine McIntosh Douglas, a Habitat board member, said. “We see it as a chance to have arts and homeownership in the space for now and for generations to come. We are very happy to be working with the Douglass Com-

munity Land Trust on this.” McIntosh agreed with Perry that District residents should be able to live in the city with affordable housing. “We want to make sure people who make $63,000 a year aren’t relegated to living in apartments,” she said. Simone Goring Devaney, the managing principal of CSG Urban Partners and the force behind Reeves CMC, the primary re-developer of the Reeves Center, said the affordable housing units fall into the mission and purpose of the new facility. “We are redeveloping the Reeves Center the way it should be,” Devaney said. “We are looking forward to bringing arts organizations to the center and to the neighborhood. It will be great to have the Alvin Ailey School and the Washington Jazz Arts Institute. We want to bring back ‘Black Broadway’ which is what U Street was known for from the early part to the mid-20th century.” Ginger Rumph, DCLT executive director, said the organization got involved in the Reeves Center project with an eye toward the future. “We want to make sure these are affordable units into perpetuity,” she said. “We must think about the generations to come.” WI @JamesDCWrighter

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BUSINESS

D.C. Small Businesses Embark on Road to Recovery with $10 Million from Wells Fargo's 'Open for Business Fund' WI Report

Wells Fargo has selected City First Enterprises, ECDC Enterprise Development Group, Latino Economic Development Center [LEDC], National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) and Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) to receive grants from its Open for Business Fund. The initiative will bring nearly $10 million to the District to help underserved, small businesses stay open and preserve jobs. The funding will enable these organizations to provide short- and longterm COVID-19 recovery efforts, technical assistance and micro-lending programs for diverse, small business owners. The Open for Business Fund represents a roughly $420 million small business recovery effort across the U.S. to help entrepreneurs recover and rebuild. Through this initiative, Wells Fargo continues to engage Community Development Financial Institutions [CDFIs] and nonprofits to provide much-needed capital, technical expertise and long-term resiliency programs to small business owners who have been hard hit by COVID-19. Through May, the Open for Business Fund helped an estimated 35,000 minority-owned small businesses keep an estimated 90,000 jobs nationwide and will continue to announce new grants throughout 2021. “So many of our small businesses aren’t just shops and services; they’re reservoirs of wisdom and accumulated expertise – places like JC Lofton Tailors, a family-owned local tailor business that carries 80 years of a powerful legacy. The saying goes, ‘A stitch in time saves nine’ – and this is that time. We need to help them now, so they’ll be there later,” said LISC DC Executive Director Ramon Jacobson. The owner of JC Lofton Tailors in Washington D.C. applied for and received a $10,000 grant from Wells Fargo’s Open for Business Fund through LISC D.C., allowing him to catch up on some of his bills. Among the first to receive to receive funding from the Open for Business Fund announced last year, LISC DC has used the funding to

distribute grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 to small businesses like JC Lofton Tailors, as well as recoverable-backed 0% loans ranging from $15,000 to $100,000. In addition to existing small business support, the CDFIs will develop and expand programs aimed to address systemic issues and unique challenges faced by diverse entrepreneurs. “The pandemic along with natural disasters has increased the vulnerability of entrepreneurs across the region, especially those involved with longterm construction projects. Disruption is the new normal.” said Wacif CEO Harold Pettigrew, Jr. “With the launch of the National Capital Small Business Resilience Center, we are proud to build on our long-term, strategic partnership with Wells Fargo and to provide a new set of solutions to support and position underserved entrepreneurs to drive regional economic recovery,” he said. “ECDC Enterprise Development Group is extremely pleased and grateful to Wells Fargo for funding that means so much to so many small business owners impacted by COVID that desperately need support to bounce back and maintain their business.” said Fikru Abebe, managing director, ECDC Enterprise Development Group. “The Open for Business Fund enlists the care and expertise of organizations like City First Enterprises, ECDC Enterprise Development Group, NCRC, LEDC, Wacif and LISC D.C., to urgently assist the small business community and to help navigate entrepreneurs back to growth.” said Jenny Flores, head of Small Business Growth Philanthropy. “Small business owners inspire us with their resilience. It is incumbent on all of us to help enable an inclusive economic recovery for these entrepreneurs and the neighborhoods they support.” “For too long, businesses in lower-income neighborhoods have been ignored by lenders,” said John Taylor, president and founder of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition. “Wells Fargo’s grant to our Community Development Fund will allow us to continue to offer affordable loans to small business owners, with a particular emphasis on lending to minority

and/or women-owned businesses. We appreciate Wells Fargo’s continued commitment and leadership to helping communities of color and working poor communities access capital and as a result create jobs and increase economic activity,” he said. “At City First Enterprises we believe in the strength of human resilience in the face of formidable challenges,” said Oswaldo Acosta, president and executive director, City First Enterprises. “We are optimistic about a healthy recovery for our region’s economy and the continued vibrancy of our small business corridors. However, we acknowledge the path ahead will be difficult without key investments from stakeholders in the financial sector.” “Wells Fargo’s Open for Business Fund is a strong signal that our sector’s leaders are determined to play a pivotal role in an equitable recovery.

We are excited about this partnership and ready to deliver inclusive capital to our communities where it is needed the most,” Acosta said. “Wells Fargo’s support of LEDC has been invaluable over the years. We have been able to launch new initiatives and expand our reach to some of the most underserved entre-

preneurs in the country,” said Marjorie Nemes, LEDC interim executive director and CEO. “This investment will allow LEDC to finance small businesses impacted by COVID-19 in innovative ways and help to ensure the long-term sustainability of LEDC,” she said. WI

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JUNE 24 - 30, 2021 15

NATIONAL Experts Explain Why Schools Should Teach Black Lives Matter and African-American History Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Melissa Statz, a fourth-grade teacher in Kenosha, Wis., decided to create a worksheet in which she posed to her students, questions like, “What is the Black Lives Matter Movement trying to do?” and “How Do We Stop Systemic Racism?” Statz introduced the lesson shortly after police shot Jacob Blake, a Black man, in the back, leading to widespread protests. Some colleagues and administrators heavily criticized her lesson. Teachers in places like Florida, Kentucky and Texas, have all been criticized and even punished for incorporating Black history lessons in their curriculum. Lawmakers in Republican-controlled states have pushed for or have passed laws to curtail Black history lessons.

School districts have disciplined teachers for discussion Black Lives Matter and other subjects that delve into the history of African Americans. “An educator’s responsibility is to teach the whole child,” argues Monique Hamilton, vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Achieve3000 and Actively Learn. “In the process of presenting information to assist students in gaining their own opinions about the world, it is important to teach about their history,” Hamilton asserted. “Traditionally, the school curriculum includes the more notable Black history by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, or Frederick Douglass. “That curriculum does not, in most cases, include stories that explain Juneteenth or the significant contributions made by Black artists

during the Harlem Renaissance.” Historically, white Western European and American music, narratives and practices have dominated music classrooms, added Dr. Kevin Johnson, the instructional supervisor at Education Through Music. “Black musicians accounted for only 1.8 percent of the country’s orchestra players in 2014. The work of fostering the next generation of musicians and classical music audiences begins in the classroom and the truths we tell,” Johnson continued. “We cannot combat racism, inequity and injustice without facing ourselves. In engaging our students with the full breadth of Black and American music history, we can champion the next generation of musicians to engage and do the same.” The nonprofit Learning For Justice asserts that teaching about Black Lives Matter is not just about police brutality, as some may believe. The organization notes that bringing the movement into class-

“I think it is important to teach that Black history is American history and to be intentional about including all perspectives, stories and experiences in the teaching of American history,” Dr. Karsonya Wise Whitehead said. (Photo courtesy Loyola Maryland)

16 JUNE 24 - 30, 2021

“Those trying to block accurate and complete history taught in schools should acknowledge their fear of an informed and inclusive future,” added Minor, the parent of two African-American sons and an active member of the Parents Teachers Association. “Fear and lack of knowledge are the tools of division and bias. That is so old. It is time for factual and comprehensive education so that we can move forward as one indivisible nation.” Janelle Owens, the Human Resources director at the education company, Test Prep Insight, offered rooms can open the door to more that school lessons on racism, racial extensive conversations about truth, injustice and Black history are critijustice, activism, healing and recon- cal to developing a curriculum that comprehensively covers historical ciliation. Dr. Karsonya Wise Whitehead, events and continuing political inan associate professor of communi- equities. “Without such lessons, our youth cations and African American Studcannot be fully informed as to the ies at Loyola University Maryland, current state of U.S. social issues agrees. “I think it is important to teach and political happenings,” Owens that Black history is American his- submitted. “Though teachings like Critical tory and to be intentional about Race Theory can be controversial, including all perspectives, stories they are necessary to fully inform and experiences in the teaching of and comprehensively discuss socieAmerican History,” Dr. Whitehead tal structures, cultural assumptions stated. “Unfortunately, in the K-12 en- and social issues in the US. “But to have an open and honvironment, American history has been centered to focus only on the est discussion about issues, all ideas contributions of white people in must be allowed to come to light,” this country. Everyone else has been she further offered. “Restricting such lessons denies ‘othered’ -- that includes Blacks, children a chance to learn about alAsian Americans, Hispanics and Indigenous communities,” she said. ternative viewpoints, which can be a very slippery slope. No reasonable Dr. Whitehead continued: “These stories are part of the person can deny that racism exists richness of our country. By includ- and is a part of the fabric of Amering these perspectives, we work to ican culture. The lessons that are dismantle white supremacy, racism being disallowed critically examine this construct and allow school-age and ‘otherness.’” “I think it is telling that at this children to form their own opinmoment when we are wrestling ions on such matters. Openness with race relations, there is an attack and transparency should always win on the teaching of Critical Race out.” Theresa Mitchell Dudley, presiTheory and Black history. Every dent of the Prince George’s County educator and parent should push against this. We must teach all of Educators’ Association, believes race lessons should be taught as early as America’s history.” Further, according to Kimberly second grade. She said teaching race also means Lee Minor, history has been politeducating children about social jusicized and treated like the people tice and equality. who created and lived it. “We have to teach it from a so“Isn’t it by the mere fact that an event happened, history? We are cial justice perspective. This country a diverse world; our historical ed- was founded on the annihilation of ucation should include everyone races of people and culture,” stated who has contributed; our educators Dudley, who taught elementary edshould reflect all the students they ucation for 10 years. WI @StacyBrownMedia teach,” declared Minor, a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion expert and WI Staff Writer William Ford conCEO of Bumbershoot. tributed to this report.

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NATIONAL Get Covered. Stay Covered.

5 Wayne A.I. Frederick talks to Santonio Holmes. (Courtesy photo)

NFL MVP, Howard University President Relate to the Pain Sickle Cell Patients Endure

Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

Football fans often remember Santonio Holmes as the Most Valuable Player in Super Bowl XLVIII where the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver caught the game-winning touchdown . But during the 8th Annual Sickle Cell Anemia Symposium at Howard University last week Holmes took on a different role-father--as he and Howard President Wayne A.I. Frederick talked about coping with a debilitating disease that primarily affects African Americans, like Holmes’ son TJ. “I learned that a kid with sickle cell anemia may not live to the age of 30 and I wanted to learn everything in my power to help him,” said Holmes who was interviewed by Frederick at the end of a symposium where various speakers talked about the latest advances with a disease that the mortality rate has improved over the years. According to the Centers for Disease Control. the SCD mortality rate for 1999-2002 decreased by 68 percent (95 percent confidence interval [CI] = 58 percent to 75 percent) at age 0 to 3 years, by 39 percent (95 percent CI = 16 percent to 56 percent ) at age 4 to 9 years, and by 24 percent (95 percent CI = −9 percent to 47 percent ) at age 10 to 14 years. For the most recent period studied, a significant (42 percent ) reduction

in mortality at age 0 to 3 years was seen between 1995-1998 and 1999-2002, with essentially no reduction in SCD mortality at older ages. In 2009, Holmes donated the $72,000 player’s share as a Super Bowl winner to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of American and two years later he became involved with the Third and Long Foundation, named after the situation in a football game in which star wide receivers are often called upon to turn a critical into a big play, to help a non-profit group that helps children. Santonio “TJ” Holmes III, began to suffer from symptoms of the disease at an early age. Then a blood test revealed that TJ had inherited the blood disorder, and would need to combat the disease through constant hospital visits and medical treatment. The Third and Long Foundation works in partnership with local SCD organizations to provide grants that enable families to receive proper treatment and education. The foundation is dedicated to building awareness about the disease through programs, merchandise, and fundraising events. These endeavors support families and raise funding for research on SCD. When Frederick asked Holmes, what has it been like taking care of his son, he said, “He had pains that were indescribable for a three year-old. He had a blood

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what he has experienced as a lifelong sickle cell patient. Growing up in the Caribbean, he said, he loved the water, but he quickly learned that swimming in salt water wasn’t compatible with the dis-

ease and like others with the disease, he would experience a painful medical crisis several times a year. He told Holmes that the pain in

SICKLE CELL Page 52 JUNE 24 - 30, 2021 17

NATIONAL

CRIME from Page 1

5 District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the relaunch of the Summer Crime Prevention Initiative to reduce violence in high-crime communities. (Screengrab/WJLA)

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Like most mayors in U.S.cities, D.C. Mayor Bowser has expressed an eagerness to return to normal as restrictions to quell the coronavirus lift. But like many of her counterparts, she must now contend with another pandemic: a crime wave that has suddenly gripped nearly every major city in the country. Troubled officials say that while crimes like rape, robbery and theft have declined this year, homicide rates continue to skyrocket. In Chicago, from May 25, 2020, to May 25, 2021, there were reportedly 818 shooting deaths and 4,562 shootings – about 60 percent increases in both categories. Murders in Portland, Oregon, Philadelphia and New York, have also risen significantly within the past year. The New York Times reported that some police officials anticipate an even bleaker summer especially with no apparent bipartisan legislation in the works to keep an increase in both crime or gun violence from materializing. “I am very sad to say that this summer is going to be a long summer for the American people,” Art Acevedo, the Miami police chief, said on CBS’s “Face the Nation.” Some individuals have vowed to stay home because of rising crime.

The New York Times reported that some police officials anticipate an even bleaker summer especially with no apparent bipartisan legislation in the works to keep an increase in both crime or gun violence from materializing.

“For my family, we won’t be flying or traveling any time soon until,” said District tech executive Jeffrey Lee. Attorney Joseph Gutheinz, Jr. noted that he stays in well-lit and populated areas to avoid harm when he’s outside. “I avoid loud, angry and drunk individuals,” Gutheinz revealed. “The trick is not to make yourself a target or a victim. Keep your eyes open and your temper level. Based on this approach, a big city does not scare me off. But it would if I had kids,” he said. Like Mayor Bowser’s crime prevention initiative, leaders in cities across the nation continue to take a proactive approach. “We owe it to all of our residents, in every neighborhood, to bring peace and vibrancy back,” Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said. In Philadelphia, a new initiative, “All Hands-on Deck,” includes city police, the FBI, DEA and Homeland Security as a means of combating crime. In New York, the State Assembly has rolled out a “Restore Order Anti-Crime Initiative” directed at halting escalating murders in cities including Syracuse, Albany, Rochester, Buffalo and the Big Apple. Portland, Oregon’s City Council recently approved a multi-pronged, multi-bureau coordinated effort to address gun violence in that city. The initiative creates a new shooting response team and provides more than $4 million in grants to community-based organizations. Earlier this month, the first “End Gun Violence Citywide Conference” took place in the District. Organized by The TRIGGER Project, the event featured more than 80 community leaders and organizations. It included players from the Washington Mystics, the go-go group Back Yard Band and offered breakout sessions for each ward. “MPD is laser-focused on providing targeted areas with all the available resources and utilizing evidence-based and intelligence driven strategies to combat crime, while partnering with other law enforcement agencies, community organizations and advocates with a collective goal to reduce crime,” said Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert Contee III. WI @StacyBrownMedia

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africa now

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

West African Leaders Agree on New Single Currency Plan West African leaders present at a summit in Ghana on Saturday, June 19, 2021, agreed on a new road map to launch a single currency in 2027. The bloc had planned to launch a common currency this year but postponed the plan due to challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. ECOWAS Commission President Jean-Claude Kassi Brou said the pandemic had upset plans to implement the convergence pact. "We have a new road map and a new convergence pact that will cover the period between 2022-2026, and 2027 being the launch of the eco," he said. The currency, known as ECO, aims to replace the CFA Franc used in former French colonies. Proponents of the ECO say it will help countries break dependence and exploitation by on Paris. But some countries such as Nigeria and Ivory Coast have been

accused of dragging their feet on the issue. The summit also discussed Mali's political crisis. The bloc suspended Mali after a coup that toppled the country's transitional government in late May. Junta leader Col. Assimi Goita, sworn in as president along with activist Choguel Maiga as prime minister, has vowed to stick to the old transition schedule which prescribes elections and a return to civilian rule in February 2022. But the summit did not lift Bamako's suspension despite noting “positive developments.” WI

caribbean now Jamaica Prepares National Adaptation Plan Jamaica’s Ministry of Housing, Urban Renewal, Environment and Climate Change is in the process of developing Jamaica’s first National Adaptation Plan (NAP). Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., said that during this financial year, Jamaica will be able to access a US$1.1 million grant from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to begin the preparations. He spoke during a recent Facebook Live event hosted by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to discuss the measures in the works by the government of Jamaica to combat climate change. The minister noted that the NAP will include a private-sector engagement strategy, a finance strategy and an investment plan for adaptation. “It is imperative that we take the necessary actions to become climate resilient and quickly, otherwise the impacts on all sectors will be devastating and, in many cases, irreversible,” Charles said. “Without collective and concerted action, climate change could prove to be a major obstacle in achieving development goals, as well as our overarching Vision 2030 goal of making Jamaica “the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.” Charles noted that a pilot of the Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL), which seeks to strengthen the capacity of municipal corporations to integrate and finance climate action, will also be tested as part of the nation’s climate-change response. SOURCE: Jamaica Information Services (JIS) WI

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JUNE 24 - 30, 2021 21

HEALTH COVID-19 UPDATE

As Offices and Cities Reopen, Anxiety Emerges for Those Returning to Work Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer A self-described germaphobe, Shalina Wilfred struggles with being around others even as vaccination rates rise and COVID-19 restrictions lift. Like many others, Wilfred, who has worked in internet technology for 15 years, remains hesitant

22 JUNE 24 - 30, 2021

about returning to work in an office setting. “I had already left my job for health reasons at the same time the pandemic started,” Wilfred recollected. “Being a germaphobe – and a homebody at heart – and having OCD tendencies, I was more than happy to stay locked in my home without having to go out. I must

5 Returning to the office after pandemic restrictions have been lifted remains a challenge for many. (Photo courtesy NDS Wellness)

have used up over eight big tubs of Clorox wipes in a couple of months when we didn’t fully understand the virus,” he said. Now that most of the country has stabilized and vaccination rates have increased toward President Joe Biden’s July 4 goal of having 70 percent of Americans vaccinated, Wilfred and others still find it jarring even to consider returning to the office. A recent index of 10 metro areas compiled by security company Kastle Systems and published by Bloomberg revealed that about 28 percent of U.S. office workers have returned to their buildings. The report noted that employees want options. A survey of 1,000 U.S. adults showed that 39 percent would consider resigning if employers displayed a reluctance toward remote work. “COVID has inevitably drowned us in this ‘introvert zone’ which hits us like a bullet as soon as we get back to work,” said marketing strategist Nelson Joseph. “Thanks to the pandemic, we all got the chance to think about the jobs and career decisions we are making, so most of us aren’t even in the same positions or jobs anymore,” Joseph remarked. Mike Nemeroff, the founder of the custom apparel company Rush Order Trees, said his hesitancy to return to the office lies in knowing that things will not be as they were pre-pandemic. “There’s likely going to have to

be changes put in place to ensure future problems don’t occur, at least in the short term, such as minor social distancing measures and spread-out work areas,” Nemeroff said. “As an executive, I have a serious concern that this might put a limit on what teams can accomplish when it comes to in-person collaboration,” he said. “If there’s a greater potential for success and productivity in a remote setup, I certainly wouldn’t want to compromise that by forcing a return to the office too early.” For Nadia Chariff, a health advisor and registered dietitian, being at home during the pandemic proved difficult. But a return to the office appears more daunting. “Being home during COVID was hard. Managing my kids, school, work, a beat of self-care and yelling ‘get off the screen’ whenever I heard too much quiet. Still, I’m a little reluctant to go back to the office full-time,” Chariff asserted. “It is bittersweet. My kids are getting older. Between friends, sports, school, their father’s house and extracurriculars, I barely see them on my time. COVID offered an opportunity to connect with no commute and just enjoy a few more moments in the same space, however tangential it was,” she said. Still, some, like Natalie Sullivan, the co-founder of Cooler Air Today, demanded that everyone pull the band-aid off and return to the

office. “The pandemic has rewired our brains a bit. I wish that we could all snap back into pre-pandemic reality but clearly, there are going to be people who are resistant to going back to normal,” Sullivan said. “My advice to them is to get back out there. I am nervous about returning to work but I know that I have to go back to re-establish a semblance of normalcy in my life.” Sullivan continued: “I hated lockdown, and the restrictions, while necessary, were a hassle to deal with. However, if I am steadfast in my belief that we need to return to normal, I cannot let myself be ruled by fear of the pandemic and allow myself to embrace life again.” “People need to go back to work because it will symbolically put the pandemic in the past rather than it being a constant strain on the present,” she said. For Wilfred, the germaphobe, returning to the office may present too much of a challenge. “Knowing there was a virus that we were fully unaware of that seeped into this country only makes me wonder if there could be more of those situations in the near future,” Wilfred said. “Having to be in a cubicle setting where I was already wiping down everything I touched – and never touched an office door handle with my bare hands – makes me more anxious than ever” he observed. WI

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HEALTH

Calling All Black Barbershops and Beauty Salons Black-owned barber and beauty shops are being called on to use their cultural trust to help bring truth and light to the community regarding COVID-19 and getting the vaccine to keep our people safe. Shop owners are being urged to come aboard immediately to be a part of an initiative called Shots at the Shop. They will receive a $1,000 stipend to be trained so they can have fact-based conversations with their clients about the vaccines. This training will help shop owners answer questions and refer clients to resources that will assist them in making important vaccination decisions for themselves and their families – particularly since anyone 12 or above is now eligible to receive their shots. In Black-owned barber and beauty shops nationwide, there are likely to be daily conversations about whether to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the still developing variants. This initiative will give the owners the tools to contribute to the conversation using information learned from their training designed by public health and medical experts. To participate in Shots at the Shop,

shop owners must register at www. sheamoisturefund.com. The personal care brand SheaMoisture has set aside a fund of one million dollars to support the Shots at the Shop initiative. In collaboration with the University of Maryland Center for Health Equity under the direction of Stephen B. Thomas, Ph.D., and the Black Coalition Against COVID, SheaMoisture has joined the effort to dispel myths about COVID-19 vaccines and to help individuals make informed decisions – decisions for life. Dr. Thomas describes this initiative as “. . . a culturally tailored, community-based intervention … that transforms barbershops and beauty salons into . . . portals for health education and the delivery of public health and medical services.” Being undecided about taking a COVID-19 vaccine is normal. We all have questions. The good news is that there are fact-based answers to our questions. Although few restrictions remain about how we gather and where, know that COVID-19 variants are real and are highly transmissible.

You still can be infected and become dangerously ill. The sad story about the District’s recent loss of a young pregnant woman and her baby is a jolting reminder of that. Leaving two other children behind, the young mother had not been vaccinated against COVID-19. Her family now is urging all of us to become educated about the continuing danger and how to stay safe. Black-owned barber and beauty shops participating in the Shots at the Shop initiative can serve as some of the key places within our community to deliver that message. If your shop is not on board, tell them about this great opportunity to become community health advocates. The Black Coalition Against COVID (BCAC) is a community-focused group organized to help uplift and save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic and improve the health of the community. For more information visit our website at https://blackcoalitionagainstcovid.org/, or Facebook https://www. facebook.com/BCAC19/, Instagram and Twitter: @bcagainstcovid. WI

FLOOD AND WATER DAMAGE: PREVENTION, PROTECTION AND PROGRAMS YOU ARE INVITED Please join the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking for a virtual Flood and Water Damage Forum. Learn how to protect your property from water damage due to flooding. Also, learn about resources and complaint processes available if damage occurs. Topics include: w Assistance for residents affected by water damage DC Water w Public alert systems, emergency preparedness, community engagement resources DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency w Early warning systems, flood plan management and mitigation activities DC Department of Energy and the Environment w Changes to National Flood Insurance Program that lower flood insurance premiums Federal Emergency Management Agency w Role of insurance brokers/agents, claims process, policy inclusions and exclusions District of Columbia Insurance Federation WHEN Thursday, June 24 Time: 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. JOIN BY PHONE 1-650-479-3208 Access Code: 172-179-7613 JOIN BY COMPUTER/ONLINE bit.ly/3hqeloJ Phone line and website open at 3:45 p.m. on June 24 FOR MORE INFORMATION Idriys J. Abdullah 202-442-7832 idriys.abdullah@dc.gov

JUNE 21-25 IS DC FLOOD AWARENESS WEEK! Learn more about events and resources that will help YOU be prepared! Visit: ready.dc.gov/floodweek.

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JUNE 24 - 30, 2021 23

HEALTH

DCPS Plans Summer of Enrichment and Accelerated Learning Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer

This fall, teachers, staff and students will make the return to in-person learning, but not before school officials ease the transition with a summer full of academic and extracurricular activities taking place at various schools across the District. The D.C. Public Schools [DCPS] summer acceleration academies, as they have been dubbed, will launch in July. These programs will focus on a portion of the student population in need of extra support in literacy and math. Offerings also include self-expression, holistic growth, career preparedness and identity formation. “We’re focusing on acceleration [with] a math and literacy curriculum for three weeks. After lunch, students would have a socio-emotional hour [where] they are engaged in extracurricular activities,” said William Massey, principal of H.D. Woodson High School in Northeast. In total, 19,000 students citywide are expected to have similar experiences.

“Students in the 11th and 12th grades would be doing something similar with SAT support for the evidence-based reading component,” Massey continued. “We’re aiding and supporting students through credit recovery [and making sure] students have one mentor who checks in with them and speaks with them throughout summer school to motivate them and let them know the finish line is within reach.”

SUBJECT MASTERY LOST DURING PANDEMIC

Research conducted by EmpowerK12 toward the end of last year showed that, during the pandemic, District students in elementary and middle school lost four months of learning in math and one month for English. Students designated as at-risk faced even greater hurdles with four and five months of learning loss in those respective subjects. This occurred at a time when the achievement gap

significantly grew in the District at a pace similar to what other jurisdictions across the country were experiencing. The technological divide, along with other glaring racial and socioeconomic inequities, had been credited with the citywide learning loss that has even frustrated teachers on the frontline of virtual learning. An all-teachers survey conducted by the D.C. State Board of Education this spring found that teachers in Wards 7 and 8 found more difficulty engaging their students. Two out of three respondents said they couldn’t cover as much content as they would have liked, while less than 40 percent of teachers believed they had the tools to address student wellness. Such conditions compelled calls for a return to in-person learning, albeit concerns about quelling the spread of COVID and schools’ ability to follow safety protocols. In the months before the phased reopening that commenced in February, school leaders met with teachers, parents, students, and community members to create the conditions beneficial

5 Shelly Gray, Principal, LaSalle-Backus Education Campus. (Courtesy photo)

to their particular institution. In advance of the summer acceleration academies, each DCPS school had a Recovery Community Corp that similarly shaped programs taking

District Education Officials Attempt to Counter Critical Race Theory Antagonism ing around a conversation around what they’ve described as a tenSam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer

5 U.S. Congressman Glenn Grothman, a Republican from Wisconsin, recently introduced legislation banning critical race theory within the District’s public schools. (Courtesy photo)

24 JUNE 24 - 30, 2021

Much to the chagrin of social justice advocates, lawmakers across the country want to ban discussions in the classroom about the United States’ racist past, and how it has shaped, and continues to shape, the experiences of Black people and other racial groups. Meanwhile, leaders within the D.C. Public Schools [DCPS] pledge to go in another direction as it relates to what’s known as critical race theory. For them, doing so means examining curriculum and policy and determining how changes to both can be of the greatest benefit to an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse student population. “We saw the outcry from students and families last summer as we witnessed the murder of George Floyd and just an upris-

racism for us to think differently about how we can review our policies and practices to ensure our outcomes are equitable across our student poplatios including critical convos around race and the intersection of identities,” DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee told The Informer. “We started our curriculum audit to see what we’re teaching, what resources we’re using in the classroom , and how teachers are delivering that with a lens of cultural responsiveness,” Ferebee continued. “Part of the policy conversation is to think about the diversity of our student population as we hire for teacher, support, and leadership positions.” In recent months, critical race theory has been a target of Republican lawmakers who’ve blamed it as a primary cause of the social justice uprisings of 2020, and

dency to blame white people for the actions of their ancestors. Nearly half of the states have either introduced or passed legislation banning the study of critical race theory at the K-12 level. Critical race theory, an academic concept that’s been in existence for more than 40 years, centers on racism’s place in public policy and legal systems, and how such machinations affect the collective life outcomes of historically oppressed groups.

ABSENCE OF STATEHOOD HINDERS LOCAL DEFENSE

Since its inception, the tenets of critical race theory have permeated to the fields of sociology,

CRT Page 53

place throughout the months of July and August.

ACADEMIC FAIR TO CAP SUMMER SCHOOL

During a recent school leaders roundtable, Shelly Gray recounted those experiences as she delved into what students, parents, and community members should expect during the summer and fall. Gray, principal of LaSalle-Backus Education Campus in Northeast, described her goal as bringing the joy of learning back to the physical classroom environment. Part of doing so, Gray said, involved listening closely to those mostly affected by her decisions. Because of community input, LaSalle-Backus will provide students between the second and fifth grades with project-based literacy, math, science, health and physical education during a journey that will culminate in a summer academic fair. “As a school leader, it’s been humbling to learn from children. The staff and adults have leaned in to demonstrate patience, and we have had the unique opportunity to go from a virtual setting to welcoming students and families to our building,” Gray said. “We realize this has been a chance to listen to our students and family [and] value the diversity of voices, be patient and steadfast, and maintain a mindset of forward thinking.” WI

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

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JUNE 24 - 30, 2021 25

EDUCATION

DCPS

BRIEFS Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer

PREPARING FOR SCHOOL YEAR 202122

READ THE BOOKS AND JOIN JOSH FOR MONTHLY BOOK DISCUSSIONS!

NATIONALS.COM/ BOOKCLUB

DCPS recently presented an outline of its health and safety measures for students and staff returning to in-person learning for the 2021-22 school year. The updated guidance comes as DCPS prepares to fully reopen with in-person learning for all students, every day in the fall. “We know that our students thrive best in our classrooms, and that is why we are excited to open fully for all students this fall,” DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee said in a statement. “We will work with our teachers, families and community to create a safe and trusting classroom experience where we will accelerate student learning. With collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to health and safety, we will ensure our buildings remain safe and healthy spaces for engaging and joyful learning experiences.” To maintain a safe environment for in-person learning, DCPS

will continue to prioritize facility readiness, operational planning, health and safety protocols, and ongoing monitoring for issues that include enhanced cleaning protocols for high touch surfaces, and a deep cleaning completed after a suspected or reported COVID-19 cases, as well as space arrangements that will allow students to be separated as far as possible, with individual desks and tables to be facing the same direction to the extent feasible.

ACTING SUPERINTENDENT

Please join the DCPS family in welcoming Dr. Christina Grant as Acting State Superintendent of Education. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser appointed Dr. Grant -- an alumnus of the Chiefs for Change Future Chiefs leadership development program -- earlier this month to serve in her new capacity. If confirmed by the D.C. Council, Grant will be responsible for administering grants as well as overseeing standards, assessments, and accountability for D.C.’s elementary and secondary schools. Hanseul Kang held the position for five years before stepping down last October. In her former position as chief of charter schools and innovation for the School District of Philadelphia, Grant expanded new school models and implemented instructional methods designed to meet students’ diverse needs. She also oversaw 105 schools— including both district and charter schools—that collectively serve 80,000 students. WI

5 In her former position as chief of charter schools and innovation for the School District of Philadelphia, Dr. Grant oversaw 105 schools—including both district and charter schools—that collectively serve 80,000 students. (Photo courtesy DCPS)

26 JUNE 24 - 30, 2021

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EDUCATION

SKYLAND from Page 1 set aside for those earning up to 80% of Median Family Income [MFI] with 26 designated as workforce units (80 to 120% MFI). Dozens of Ward 7 residents, along with city officials and the developers, escaped from the scorching sun under a large blue tent where they celebrated the opening of Phase 1 of the project -- its completion long overdue by most accounts. “As a community, we have waited a long time for this,” said Ward 7 ANC Commissioner Tiffany Brown (7D02) whose single-member district serves as home for the new development. “Today, as we celebrate the ribbon-cutting of The Crest and the groundbreaking of Phase 2, we, the community, must hold the developers, the city and ourselves accountable for the success of this Town Center,” Brown said. Reflecting on the series of public hearings, letter writing and broken promises, Brown repeatedly proclaimed, “This is our town center and we are delighted that it is here with the many retail offerings that are coming . . . and I am especially excited about Roaming Rooster.” For decades, Skyland wallowed in disrepair. Once home to a Giant Food grocery store, post office, CVS and several locally-owned businesses, promises to revive the dilapidating commercial property went unfulfilled. And while members of the community eagerly awaited Walmart the retail giant eventually reneged and walked away. In addition, a restrictive covenant held by Safeway, located across the street, also dampened hopes of a new grocery store coming to Skyland. In well-planned negotiations, Bowser agreed to pay Safeway $900,000 per year for four years beginning in 2019 to remove the covenant and allow the project to move forward. “Some projects are hard,” Bowser said. “That’s why we’ve been at it for 20 years under Mayor Marion Barry, the city for 30 years and the community for longer than that.” “What I am proud of is that we are here to celebrate,” she added. “I am proud that this project will be an example for the rest of what we’re going to do for wards 7 and 8.” Both Bowser and John Falciccio, deputy mayor for Planning and Economic Development, used the occasion to promote the mayor’s 2021 budget which includes $58M to expand

SUMMER

BE PART OF THE

5 (DR Barnes/The Washington Informer)

access to grocery stores and sit-down restaurants in wards 7 and 8 over the next three years. It also includes $3M over two years for the D.C. Nourish Fund. With these budget proposals, the mayor wants 95% of all residents in wards 7 and 8 to be within walking distance of a grocery store. “We must call on the full council to get them to support this bill,” Falciccio said, “We need them to support the mayor’s budget and to bring more grocery stores to wards 7 and 8. We need to call on the council to get that $58 million.” Of the 93 grocery stores in D.C., only three are in wards 7 and 8 he noted. “It’s been a labor of love -- it’s been labor,” said Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray who recalled being mayor when the project began. “There were so many days we thought this would never happen,” Gray added. “It took perseverance.” Retailers slated to occupy space at Skyland include fast-casual restaurants Tropical Smoothie Café, &Pizza, Maizal, Mezeh and Roaming Rooster. A drive-thru Starbucks – the first of its kind in the District -- will complete the new retail phase. Other retailers include: CVS, Skyland Nails and Spa, Chase Bank and Like That Barber -- a neighborhood “institution” that has been serving families in wards 7 and 8 for 30 years. Lidl will anchor the new retail block with a 29,000 square-foot grocery store, the first in D.C. Slated to open in fall 2022, Lidl will be the first full-service supermarket to locate east of the Anacostia River since 2007. Eagle Bank provided the financing to develop Phase 1, along with several other local investors, including WCSmith. PNC has committed to

TEAM THAT READS NATIONALS.COM/SUMMERREADING

JOSH HARRISON | 5

finance Phase 2 that’s slated for completion by the end of 2022. “This is a considerable milestone in realizing the Skyland dream and vision of a vibrant mixed-use development

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that empowers the historically-underserved community of wards 7 and 8,” said Gary D. Rappaport, chief executive officer of the retail real estate company Rappaport.

“We are proud of the work that went into completing Phase I and excited to break ground on Phase 2 . . . and there’s more to come,” he said. WI

JUNE 24 - 30, 2021 27

Need help with rent or utilities? Mayor Bowser has your back. Apply for #STAYDC today. 833-4-STAYDC (78-2932)

stay.dc.gov

#STAYDC 28 JUNE 24 - 30, 2021

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

EDITORIAL

As Church Doors Reopen, Healing is Needed Outside

When elected leaders forced the closure of public venues in March 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, church doors were closed, as well. In fact, churches were cited as “hot spots” for the spread of the virus because, reportedly, parishioners who didn’t take the virus seriously often sat close together and many did not wear masks. It was an awkward and challenging time for those faithful church-goers who adhered to the warnings. They found themselves indefinitely without a place to worship and fellowship. And clergy leaders who were already experiencing declining church enrollment grew despondent over closing their doors to in-person services and the possibility of losses of tithes and offerings needed to sustain their sanctuaries. It didn’t take long, however, for pastors to discover the viability of online worship services. Parishioners were no longer locked out or looked down upon for attending services at home via Zoom. Some even watched from their bedsides. They used the “chat” to respond to the choir and the preacher’s sermon while paying their tithes via Paypal, CashApp, or Zelle. The Reverend Tony Lee, pastor of Community of Hope AME Church in Prince George’s County, took his services outdoors. In an interview last year, he told the Informer he didn’t believe churches would ever return to their traditional services, post-COVID-19. He and other faith leaders discovered that closing the doors to the church meant opening up services to a broader audience of faith-seekers. Online services reached more people than the church doors could let in and online giving was more profitable than passing the plate across the pews. As the spread of COVID-19 diminishes, faith leaders are especially needed to address the pandemic’s consequences. Wide-spread mental illness, increasing incidents of suicide, financial hardships leading to hunger, evictions and foreclosures, and the increase of gun-related violence and deaths require not only a government response but a faith-based response, as well. As church doors reopen, the work of faith leaders remains outside where healing is needed to mend the souls, hearts and minds of those impacted by the effects of COVID-19. WI

What Happens When Virtual Learning Doesn’t Work? School systems here in the District and those with significantly larger student populations, including both Los Angeles and New York City, have made us a promise. They say when school bells ring in the fall, we can expect to see the doors swing open and a return to education as usual with students learning in the classroom not online. Further, most public school systems indicate they will not provide virtual learning as an option, except in specific cases for a very small percentage of students with special needs. But with the delta variant of COVID-19 now in almost every state and territory in the U.S., and with many Americans still refusing to get the shot, or have their children vaccinated, it’s reasonable to conclude that a spike in infections will inevitably occur. What then? What will public school leaders do then? How will they adjust? What’s the plan? While many parents may prefer returning to “the good old days,” it’s doubtful that those days will ever return – at least not in the same configurations to which we’ve grown accustomed. In fact, recent news articles posit that some people of color want to keep remote learning because students sometimes excel in less measurable ways. Sure, we would like to see our children be able to engage once again with their teachers and classmates in the comfortable setting of their classrooms. But we must be ready . . . just in case. Virtual learning may be part of the landscape for quite some time, if not forever – even after we’ve finally turned the corner on COVID-19. We just hope that those who have made a name for themselves as educational experts have alternative plans in place to help all students learn as easily and effectively as possible – both in the classroom or through remote instruction. WI

TO THE EDITOR Recording History

Tupac Lives On

I'm happy Darnella Frazier, the teen who filmed George Floyd's murder, was honored with a special Pulitzer. What she did was pivotal for the case seen and heard around the world and bringing the Floyd family justice. Decades and decades from now, Ms. Frazier will be remembered for her role in the struggle.

Wow, I can't believe the legend Tupac Shakur would have made 50 this month if his life wasn't taken from him. It still amazes me that the young man accomplished all that he did and impacted so many with only 25 years on the earth. It's truly not the length of time that counts, but what you do with it.

Gail Michaels Washington, D.C.

Jeffrey Somer 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 24 - 30, 2021 29

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Julianne Malveauxl

Not Jumping for Juneteenth

High props go to 94-year-old Opal Lee, the Texas woman determined to make Juneteenth a national holiday. Thanks to her efforts and those of others like Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Juneteenth is now a federal holiday, the 11th national holiday and the first since Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday was made a holiday. For federal employees, it means a paid day off work. Some private employers will also make Juneteenth a paid

day off. I chuckle at the irony of Klan members getting a paid day off work to commemorate Juneteenth. Perhaps that will help them with the concept that the South lost the Civil War! While I am buoyed by the new holiday, I'm not jumping for joy nor dancing in the street. The Senate passed the holiday legislation unanimously. How come they can't do the same for the George Floyd bill or voting rights? While the Juneteenth holiday is impactful, the ease with which it got Senate passage ought to give us all pause. It is easier to support a holiday than to support the principle of

democracy, which is allegedly at the foundation of our democracy. It is easier to support a holiday than to abolish the use of the chokehold. It is easier to support a holiday than to support SB 40, the Senate's reparations bill. Juneteenth reminds me of justice and equality denied. Those Galveston enslaved people didn't find out they were free until nearly two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Their exploiters were the beneficiaries of thousands of hours of free labor. They intended to game the system and exploit Black people for as long

Guest Columnist

as they could. Fast-forward, and the exploiters are still gaming the system with prison labor, substandard wages and other forms of economic injustice. It will take something more than a holiday to right those wrongs. If Juneteenth goes the same way other American "holidays" do, it will be commercialized. Consider Dr. King's birthday and the sales that holiday motivates. I cringe to think what might be sold to commemorate Juneteenth, but capitalism is the mother of exploitation, so I'm sure the evilly creative will come up with something. No, I'm not jumping for Juneteenth. President Biden gets credit for

signing this legislation, just as he gets credit for going to Tulsa at the 100th commemoration of the destruction of Black Wall Street. While both these things are primarily symbolic, these are symbolic gestures that he did not have to make. If Biden doesn't "get" race and racism (and honestly, what white person does?), he's spent enough time with senior adviser Cedric Richmond and Vice President Kamala Harris to communicate his affinity for Black people and his commitment to some progress. It's up to us, now, to push him on what needs

Loudoun is a well-educated and enlightened community. Since, by my definition, education is an ongoing endeavor and enlightenment is the willingness to explore the full dimensions of the truth, calling Loudoun well-educated and enlightened is an arguable proposition. Sadly, Loudoun, like many other social arenas, is currently embroiled in a controversy related to the teaching of "Critical Race Theory" in the Loudoun County Public Schools. The interim school superintendent

asserts that CRT is not being taught, yet there is vigorous opposition to that type of instruction in the schools. Opponents of CRT assert that it is anti-American and that it teaches students that America is racist, American culture is inherently bad, and that America's entire system must be radically altered to make it better. Listening to a local D.C. radio news station, I heard a person identified as a Loudoun public school history teach-

MALVEAUX Page 53

E. Faye Williams

Rebirth of a Nation

Some of my "vintage" or "experienced" readers may remember or actually saw the movie "Birth of a Nation." Not the 2016 Nate Parker version — I'm referring to the 1915 silent film, originally called "The Clansman," by D. W. Griffith. In short, it glorified the KKK and denigrated civil and human rights for formerly enslaved persons using the "Black man, white

woman" paradigm. Although praised at its release, the original "Birth of a Nation" is now understood as a gross misrepresentation of reality and historical revisionism at its worst. What it did was give cover and justification for the racist social constructs of the antebellum South and the general acceptance of the theory and practice of white racial superiority in the nation. Across the Potomac River in Virginia, a mere 31 miles as the crow flies, from Washington, D.C., lies Loudoun

County, Virginia. Loudoun is the fastest-growing county in Virginia and is listed as the wealthiest county in the United States. By most measures, including the newness of housing and commercial structures, supporting infrastructure, and the quality of schools, Loudoun is a desirable place to live and raise a family. One could reasonably believe that, given the academic and technical skills necessary to command the salaries necessary for the designation of wealthiest county in the nation,

Guest Columnist Cries from the Other America

President Biden has just signed the bill making Juneteenth National Independence Day a federal holiday. Juneteenth, which is observed on June 19, marks the date in 1865 when the last Black slaves in Texas finally learned they were free from federal troops arriving in Galveston after the end of the Civil War, more than two and a half years after

30 JUNE 24 - 30, 2021

President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing all slaves in the Confederate states. Black families have celebrated this holiday for generations, but in a renewed era of national racial reckoning Juneteenth has taken on even more significance. We honor this date because, in my beloved friend and role model Fannie Lou Hamer's eternal words, nobody's free until everybody's free. As cries for equity and justice first began spilling onto streets across

WILLIAMS Page 53

Marian Wright Edelman

the country after George Floyd's murder last year, many people recalled Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s repeated warning to us that a riot is the language of the unheard. It's always useful to remember just what Dr. King taught. In one of his speeches on this message, given at Stanford University in April 1967, he explained his real topic was "The Other America." Dr. King said: "I use this subject because there are literally two Americas. One America … is overflowing with the milk of

prosperity and the honey of opportunity. This America is the habitat of millions of people who have food and material necessities for their bodies; and culture and education for their minds; and freedom and human dignity for their spirits. In this America, millions of people experience every day the opportunity of having life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in all of their dimensions. And in this America millions of young people grow up in the sunlight of opportunity."

He continued: "But tragically and unfortunately, there is another America. This other America has a daily ugliness about it that constantly transforms the ebulliency of hope into the fatigue of despair. In this America millions of work-starved men walk the streets daily in search for jobs that do not exist…In this America people are poor by the millions. They find themselves perishing on a lonely island of poverty in

EDELMAN Page 53

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Charlene Crowell

Millions Face Eviction or Foreclosure Amid Soaring Costs, Racial Wealth Gaps, Says

Each year, Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) publishes a comprehensive report on the nation's challenges and prospects in one of life's most basic needs. This year, its "State of the Nation's Housing 2021" assesses the rippling financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, while also warning that despite substantial federal government

assistance, even more support is necessary to ensure that everyone shares in an improving economy. According to the report, throughout the country, many rising housing costs are attributable to shrinking housing inventory that favors consumers wealthy enough to make cash offers on homes or those with savings substantial enough to cover both down payments and closing costs. These market forces only worsen housing options for low- to moderate-income households — those hardest hit with the pandemic's

Guest Columnist

layoffs and/or reduced working hours. "For those households with secure employment and good-quality housing, their homes provided a safe haven from the pandemic," says Chris Herbert, managing director of the Center. "But for millions struggling to cover the rent or mortgage, their housing situations have become increasingly insecure and these disparities are likely to persist even as the economy recovers, with many lower-income households slow to regain their financial footing.

"Policymakers must be attuned to the needs of those who have fallen even further behind, ensuring that they also benefit from the expanding economy," Herbert said. Black America and other communities of color already suffered from pervasive discrimination, often the result of intentional structural barriers. Higher unemployment and under-employment, as well as low levels of wealth, are long-standing results. The lengthy pandemic worsened these circumstances by imposing dual crises —

in health and personal finance. Before the onset of the pandemic, JCHS found that the median wealth for homeowners in 2019 was $254,900 — more than 40 times the $6,270 median for renters. Even excluding home equity, the median wealth of owners was $98,500, or more than 15 times that of renters. That same year, 2019, wealth also differed widely by race and ethnicity: the median wealth of white households was roughly

CROWELL Page 53

Ben Jealous

Three Urgent Steps to Defend Democracy from Cynics and Skeptics

The far-right attack on voting rights is fierce. And the unwillingness of some Senate Democrats to challenge rules that allow a Republican minority to block voting rights bills is making some question whether we can turn back the tide of voter suppression. A s the Black Voters Matter Freedom Ride Bus Tour makes its way through Southern cities including Nashville, Atlanta,

Columbia, Raleigh and Richmond with the final stop in Washington, D.C., we must redouble our efforts on three fronts on what we know will be a long road ahead to defend democracy from the cynics and the skeptics. Yes, a long road. Democracy in the U.S. has always been a work in progress. It is always under attack. It must always be defended and strengthened. When the Constitution was written and ratified, "We, the people" didn't apply to most of the people.

Guest Columnist

After a bloody civil war, the Constitution was amended so dramatically that historian Eric Foner has called it "the second founding." But without the political will to enforce those amendments, Reconstruction gave way to the brutality of Jim Crow, voter suppression, and legally enforced segregation. It took decades of struggle to defeat Jim Crow through Supreme Court rulings and passage of civil rights and voting rights laws. Like the post-Civil War amendments, the victories of the civil rights movement changed history. But they

didn't change human nature. They didn't bring an end to the struggle for justice and equality. Racism and discrimination took new forms and were institutionalized in new ways. The flood of voter suppression laws being passed this year builds on an earlier wave of voter suppression that came after the Supreme Court's conservatives did away with key provisions of the Voting Rights Act. And all those laws are part of an even broader attack on genuine democracy that includes extreme racial and partisan redistricting and laws

and court rulings that have allowed a flood of big money to overwhelm our election system. This corruption of our democracy harms us in concrete ways. It keeps power in the hands of those who resist efforts to address the systemic inequities in our society and economy. I understand why some people look at this corruption and the power devoted to upholding it and think there's just no way to defeat it.

JEALOUS Page 54

Rev. Reginald Bachus

Say Their Names in the Streets and Online to Achieve Justice

The Black experience in America has always been a story of struggle. From the plantation to the project block, from Emmett Till to Ahmaud Arbery, and from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, we have constantly fought for equality and fair treatment under the law, only to have those same laws be used against us.

The past year has been particularly challenging — with the names of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others becoming indelibly etched into our collective memory and millions of people taking to the streets to protest these crimes against the Black community. As we celebrate Juneteenth, we must look back on all the events of the past year with clear eyes to examine both the tragedies and triumphs our community has witnessed.

There have been moments of hope that the system is finally edging toward equality, like the recent conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for murdering George Floyd by kneeling on his neck for nine minutes while Floyd called out "I can't breathe." Chauvin’s conviction and sentencing marks one of the few times in the painful history of Black people in America when law enforcement was held accountable for the wanton acts of violence

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they perpetrate against our community. But for every conviction like Chauvin’s, there is a long, tragic history of innocent Black men and women being murdered — their deaths generating little more than a passing mention on the local news and their killers going unpunished. From Medgar Evers to Breonna Taylor, our country’s history is filled with these injustices that the powers that be try to sweep under the rug.

Floyd’s death, which was captured in brutal clarity on a bystander’s cellphone, along with those of Arbery, Taylor and so many more challenged the status quo of racial injustice like never before. Millions of Americans of every race, color and creed stood up, spoke out and made Black Lives Matter the largest social movement in the country's history. Starting last summer, “Say Their

BACHUS Page 54 JUNE 24 - 30, 2021 31

LIFESTYLE Black Composers Take Center Stage in New Orchestra of Washington’s Juneteenth Concert Diverse Orchestra’s Performance at Strathmore is Nothing Short of ‘Fantastic’ D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Editor A wide and impressive array of activities occurred across the U.S. this year during the nation’s first federal observance of the Juneteenth holiday. But one unique celebration, which took place on The Patio Stage at Strathmore in North

5 Grace Cho (left), executive director, New Orchestra of Washington, welcomes WI Senior Editor D. Kevin McNeir to the Lift Every Voice concert on Juneteenth, June 19, at the Strathmore in North Bethesda. (Photo courtesy Pamela Christian-Wilson)

32 JUNE 24 - 30, 2021

Bethesda on June 19, honored the contributions of four Black composers, none of whom have yet to receive the recognition and respect they’ve so long deserved. Under the direction of their capable conductor, Artistic Director Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez, the New Orchestra of Washington [NOW] presented “Juneteenth Celebration: Lift Every Voice! The hour-long concert, held on a newly-built, outdoor pavilion, marked the first live audience performance for NOW since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. For most of the audience, the evening served as an introduction to the music and stories behind some of the most talented African-American composers from the past and present, including works

5 Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez, the artistic director of the New Orchestra of Washington and the conductor for the evening, leads the orchestra in a performance of compositions written by African-American composers on Juneteenth at the Strathmore. (Photo courtesy Strathmore)

by George Walker, Jessie Montgomery, William Grant Still (often referred to as the “Dean of Black Composers”) and Florence Price. Hernandez-Valdez, spoke to The Washington Informer after the concert and shared his hopes for the future. “For some of my colleagues, this was their first time performing before a live audience in over a year – and it’s been a wonderful opportunity for them to experience,” he said. “Perhaps, now that the pandemic is hopefully behind us, others will realize what we as musicians have always known – music is as essential to humankind as water or air.” “We believe in the transformative power of music to bring us

5 Friends and Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sisters, Pamela Christian-Wilson (left) and Sabrina Mays-Diagne, receive their first taste of the stellar works of four Black, classical composers during a Juneteenth concert (June 19) featuring the New Orchestra of Washington at the Strathmore. (Photo courtesy Pamela Christian-Wilson)

closer and connect us to one another, an experience only made richer by the variety of our backgrounds. Our society is deeply hurt by racial and economic injustice, with politics and the pandemic exacerbating this pain. We hope that our Lift Every Voice concert provided a place for dialogue and

discovery, understanding and connection,” he said. Two friends and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., both Black women and professionals who live and work in the Greater Washington Area, said

5 Florence Price (Courtesy photo)

5 William Grant Still (Courtesy photo)

5 George Walker (Courtesy photo)

5 Jessie Montgomery (Courtesy photo)

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LIFESTYLE

Food 'Shereos' Observe Juneteenth in Grand Style Natalie C. Hockaday WI Staff Writer The WANDA [Women Advancing Nutrition, Dietetics and Agriculture] organization hosted a Juneteenth Sisterhood Supper honoring and celebrating the contributions of Black women in the fight for food equity. The virtual event on June 19 consisted of a panel of leading women in the community. “Food for me is life's freedom. So, for me it’s like what we nourish ourselves with, whether it be physically, mentally, spiritually, economically we have to have an economy of those systems that allow us to see the investments that are going to ultimately grow the community,” said Mary Blackford, owner of Market 7. Dominique Hazzard, an historian and researcher for the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, emphasized the importance of physical and economic access to food options in the community. Within wards 7 and 8, grocery stores are not easily accessible and having access to various food options that are also nutritious is not common. The women discussed the importance of self-care and giving back to

themselves and how that contributes to their journey with their activity with food. Many women credited their mothers for being their “sheroes” and the pioneers for their relationship with food equity. “I think a part of freedom is actually being economically and financially free . . . When we look at everything, quite frankly economics is sitting in the middle. That links to education and links to health,” said Kim R. Ford, president and CEO of Martha’s Table. Among many topics discussed during the event, the panelists addressed the roots of food inequity in

the country and stated that reparations for the Black community need to be part of the conversation. “Reparations has to be part of the conversation about food justice because this country’s food system was built on a system of slavery of Black people. In order to create freedom for us and create a more free food system,we must take steps to repair the harm that was done,” Hazzard said. WANDA continues to create conversations on the impact Black women have had within the food movement and actively advocates for nutrition and access to wholesome food options in the community. WI

Dominique Hazzard, an historian and researcher for the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, emphasized the importance of physical and economic access to food options in the community.

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they had never heard of the composers prior to attending the event. But they promised to tell as many of their friends as possible. “I’ve already reached out to my colleagues and told them about the wonderful music that I enjoyed during the concert – music written by Black composers whom I previously knew nothing about,” said Sabrina Mays-Diagne, an attorney, mother and D.C. native now living in Herndon with her husband and two of their three children. “This was my first time attending a classical music concert and what a treat for it to be one which introduced me to the works of four Black composers,” she said. “Like most people, I know the works of the more-celebrated composers like Bach and Beethoven. But their work always seemed a bit cold and distant to me.” “But with the pieces I heard, all tremendously performed by the

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orchestra, I felt something different. This music touched me. I felt connected to the composers and I loved it,” she said. “My daughter, now a junior in college, played the cello during her matriculation in both junior and senior high schools but I never knew about Florence Price, Jessie Montgomery or William Grant Still,” said Pamela Christian-Wilson, a resident of Loudon County and a member of the management team for a law firm with offices located around the world. “The orchestra played the music to perfection,” she said. “I just wish more young people could have been here to experience what I did this evening. It’s not that I have anything against the music that our youth tend to like rap. I just believe that Black youth would benefit so profoundly from being exposed to classical music, especially that written by Black men and women.” “These composers overcame significant obstacles just to do what

they felt in their minds, hearts and souls. Everyone needs to know about them, their stories and hear the beautiful works they created. The music was exquisite. I wanted more and I could have stayed there listening for hours,” she said. New Orchestra of Washington [NOW] was founded in 2012 by rising stars of the local area’s professional community including husband and wife team Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez (artistic director) and Grace Cho (executive director). They represent a one-ofa-kind, genre-bending ensemble, providing a successful framework for chamber and orchestra music in the 21st century. NOW’s mission remains to make music relevant to new generations of audiences through virtuosic performances that combine a range of genres with fresh interpretations of classic works. For more information visit www.neworchestraofwashington. org. WI

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LIFESTYLE How I Found a Special Place in National and Family History

A Juneteenth Surprise for Me Hamil Harris WI Contributing Writer Journalists are used to being witnesses to history. After all, we chronicle the first draft of most notable events. But last week I found surprise amid the joy of the nation’s first celebration of the Juneteenth holiday. As Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) spoke in the shadow of the African American Civil War Monument, I noticed the sense of pride that graced the faces of a crowd that included members of the Masonic Grand Lodge at 10th and U Sts., N.W. and former D.C. Council member Frank Smith, a longtime supporter for national recognition of the day Texas slaves became the last to learn that they were free. Green, one of the original congressional advocates for a national Juneteenth holiday, was the main

speaker at the event that program place at the African American Civil War Monument that came after a Peace Walk by the Mason and Eastern Stars part of the Grand Lodge. “Let’s hear it for Juneteenth, now a national holiday!” said Green. “It’s time for great jubilation but we should also remember this: The Emancipation Proclamation sought to free those who were slaves at the time of its enactment. But there were many who died who didn’t make it to Juneteenth.” Then came the surprise. Green mentioned the name of Al Edwards, the Texas lawmaker who in 1979 was the architect of the Juneteenth holiday in Texas, the first state make June 19 a paid state holiday. He was also founder of Juneteenth U.S.A., a non-profit dedicated to remembering the day. I had no idea that the Edwards,

my cousin, was instrumental in memorializing that date. At that moment my heart was filled with pride and emotion. I couldn’t call my father because he died in 2016. But the only thing I have is the memory of meeting Edwards with my father at the Los Angeles Democratic Convention where I was able to get a press pass for Henry Harris. My dad was doing volunteer work at the convention for Sheridan Broadcasting Network. He worked as an NBC editor and actor in Los Angeles. He died in 2016. Every day at the convention, the Democratic National Committee would hold a press availability and I would make a point of attending and greeting Edwards, who responded with a cheerful “Hey, cuz. ” Edwards served in the Tex-

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5 Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) (Courtesy photo)

as legislature between 1978 and 2011, representing District 146. During his 30-year tenure he led three powerful committees. He became chairman of the Rules and Resolutions Committee, the Budget and Oversight of the Ways and Means Committee and the Appropriations Committee. “I was so proud of Al being elected and all of his accomplishments, ” said cousin Sylvia Edwards Ward. “He fought so many years for the date to be a holiday in Texas. He would have loved to see this day come for the entire country. I never saw Edwards after that

convention in Los Angeles. I never attended family reunions and I knew little about my father until the final years of his life. I have never seen my grandparents and only a few cousins in Los Angeles, mainly Sylvia, Edith, Oscar, Naomi, Gwen, Lois and Allen and their chidren. “It was a historic moment because Texas led the country at one time in establishing the holiday, ” Smith said. “Maybe the nation will be reminded of the role the soldiers played to keep this country united under one flag.” And I was mighty proud. WI

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Reflecting on Juneteenth, ‘Independence Day’ for All African-American Texans

LIFESTYLE

James Wright WI Staff Writer As I watched President Biden sign the Juneteenth federal holiday bill into law at the White House on June 17, I quietly reflected on my years as a youngster and teenager in Austin, Texas celebrating what we Black Texans quietly call “our Independence Day.” Before Juneteenth became a state holiday in 1980, African American Texans celebrated it by taking the day off work. Most employers in the state knew about Juneteenth, so they excused absences as a matter of tradition. In the James Wright Sr., household, my dad would get up early in the morning and start grilling. He bought steaks, hotdogs, hamburger meat and ribs the night before. My mother, Helen Wright, would get up early also and started preparing cakes, cookies and pies. My sister Janet and I would get up later but we tended to go our separate ways in the morning. While Janet would join her female friends to spend the day with, I walked or took the bus to Rosewood Park with buddies James Stevens and Lark Sidle. We would later see Janet and her friends Toni Martin, Cheryl Brown, Jennifer Neal and Sharian Brown at Rosewood but we would just speak and go about our business. At 11 a.m., activities would start at Rosewood. On the stage, a program consisting of Black politicians such as State Rep. Wilhelmina Delco (D-Austin), City Councilmembers Jimmy Snell and later Charles Urdy and School Board Trustee the Rev. Marvin Griffin delivered remarks on Juneteenth and the importance of registering to vote. After the program, my friends and I played pick up football and basketball while hundreds of people visited clothing, merchandise and food booths. Toddlers got their faces painted and rode ponies. Some families had picnics while others played cards. Musical groups performed on the stage

5 Washington Informer staff writer James Wright, Jr. is a native of Austin, Texas. (James Wright Jr./The Washington Informer)

while people danced. When the early evening set in, people would leave Rosewood Park to go home. My friends and I managed to get a ride home every year. At home, my family would sit around the table filled with barbecued steak, ribs, chicken, sausage, vegetables, cake, pecan pie and lemonade. We talked about Juneteenth but mainly we gossiped about the neighbors and local “notables” and their dimwitted children as we ate. After Republican Gov. Bill Clements signed the Juneteenth State Holiday bill into law in 1980, thanks to the efforts of State Rep. Al Edwards (D-Houston), nothing changed. We basically had the same routine for years at Rosewood Park until everyone I grew up with moved on. Watching Biden sign the Juneteenth bill didn’t produce thoughts of Union Gen. Gordon Granger’s actions in 1865. However, because of Granger, I hold fond memories of “our Independence Day.” WI @JamesDCWrighter

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LIFESTYLE

Howard-Trained Physician Dr. Yolanda LewisRagland Brings Light to ‘Triple Pandemic’

New Book Shares Tales of Trauma, Triumph Faced by Healthcare Workers of Color D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Editor If you’ve ever questioned the intellectual and academic astuteness or the commitment to communities of people of color both in the U.S. or abroad collectively instilled within those who graduate from Howard University’s College of Medicine, one need look no further than Dr. Yolanda Lewis-Ragland. Dr. Lewis-Ragland, a double-board certified physician in pediatrics and obesity medicine, owner and CEO of Family Fitness and Wellness for Community Health and Founder and president of her non-profit organization that focuses on reducing health disparities in at-risk communities, continues to lead by example. She recently published “Navigating a Triple Pandemic: Black and Brown Health-

care Workers Confront Racism in America, Health Disparities in Medicine and the Trauma of COVID-19,” a collection of provocative tales shared by 15 healthcare workers of color – heroes who serve as advocates for vulnerable communities in the backdrop of COVID-19. These stories that would often remain untold, illustrate the efforts of men and women on the frontline who refuse to be deterred as they address underlying and comorbid diseases that disproportionately burden communities of color. Further, as Dr. Lewis-Ragland posits in her book, the featured healthcare workers continue to tackle the added challenges brought on by a health pandemic which often appears to have a specific appetite for people who look like them and in communities where they have chosen to serve. Dr. Lewis-Ragland began her post-doctorate education in public health as a PEACE CORPS Health Extensionist in West Africa and completed her training at Howard University College of Medicine and Howard University Hospital in Northwest. The mentor and mother of three serves as a community advocate through frequent medical missions and in numerous health fairs in countries throughout the Caribbean. She says her life’s work has long been to provide quality health-

care service in efforts to reduce, if not close, the gap of healthcare disparities and to promote health equity in vulnerable populations and communities. Her latest book, the top new release on Amazon in two categories for consecutive weeks, has underscored her reputation as an expert on self-care strategies which maximize health and minimize stress in children and adults who experience trauma while addressing the burden of burnout faced by healthcare professionals of color. Dr. Lewis-Ragland has received several awards and honors for her work as a community advocate, educator and researcher. Recently, the District’s Mayor’s Office, The City of Baltimore and the Maryland House of Delegates each issued proclamations to recognize the efforts she champions through her foundation. One proclamation saluted the noted physician for her “tireless and comprehensive work in vulnerable communities of color to improve the quality of health and decrease health disparities.” Editor’s Note: The Washington Informer salute Dr. Lewis-Ragland and highly recommend her book for the edification of those who support our publication and for the greater awareness of the subjects addressed in her text which its readers will assuredly achieve. WI

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LIFESTYLE

Herbie Hancock Partners to Provide Learning Tools for Kindergarteners Jazz Legend Gives Voice to Innovative Animated Videos Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer Kindergarteners have no idea that a 14-time Grammy and Academy award winner helps them better understand numbers. Pianist and composer Herbie Hancock has joined animators from Atomic Kid Studios to create videos in a fresh approach for educating young children. The first video, “Treble Leads the Class,” is part of a supplemental curriculum developed by Young Academic Research Group (YAM) at the Touro Graduate School of

Education in New York City. YAM is an early phase education and research program led by professors Susan Courey, Timothy Bellavia and Roslyn Haber. Atomic Kid Studios is an award-winning team and is a part of YAM. This learning development program is funded through a $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. In addition to learning to work with numbers, the animated video series will help kindergartners develop other skills. The goal is to use

music to help kids learn problem solving and sequence thinking. “I’m thrilled to be able to create new ways for children to learn about music,” said Hancock who narrates the video. “I hope this video and the others to come will help instill a sense of fun and musical inspiration for kids around the world.”

SHAPING A TALE FOR KIDS

“Treble Leads the Class” is the tale of characters Treble Clef and his best friend Four-Four Signature. Treble,

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like many young children, battles nerves and anxiety when talking with others. When he is chosen to lead his classmates during a day at school, Treble is challenged with facing those fears. Thankfully, his friend Four-Four is there to keep him calm. Much of the video’s dialogue relies on the language of music to enlighten kids about notes, rhythm and the process of making music. The story for “Treble Leads the Class” was co-written by Courey and Bellavia. “Young children will learn rhythm and music notation, while fun and creative activities will provide structured opportunities for students to connect math skills to music and computational thinking at an early age,” said Courey. Several musicians give their talents to this project. All characters in the video are voiced by CJ Emmons, a singer/songwriter/producer who also serves as the principal singer on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” The video also features original compositions from Nick Vayenas, a graduate of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance master’s program. “Developing distinct personalities for each note while maintaining the integrity of each symbol was an exciting challenge,” says Stephen Barrante, co-founder with Ben Miller of Atomic Kid Studios’ animation and video production studio. “We made very conscious decisions about how each note looks and acts. While notes in sheet music are written in black and white, these notes have

color and expression. The concept of diversity was important in their representation.” Barrante has a special personal connection to jazz and this project. “My father was a college professor and jazz pianist, exposing me at a young age to artists and legends like Herbie Hancock,” says Barrante. “Working with YAM and Mr. Hancock has been an honor and a career highlight for all of us at Atomic Kid.”

GLOBAL PREMIERE FOR THE SERIES

In honor of the collaboration with Hancock, “Treble Leads the Class” premiered during this year’s International Jazz Day. Hancock has been committed to educating young musicians through his work as chairman of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz. In his career he has been appointed an adjunct professor at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music and as a United Nations and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Goodwill Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue. On embarking this news approach to learning, Hancock referred to something he has said before. “I think risk-taking is a great adventure. And life should be full of adventures.” Watch “Treble Leads the Class” on the Atomic Kid Studio website. https:// atomickidstudios.com WI

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LIFESTYLE

Fathers, Finance Mix at Martha’s Table Gathering James Wright WI Staff Writer

Celebrating fatherhood and the economic development of Ward 8 emerged as the main themes at Martha’s Table “Fathers to the Front” festival on June 19 in the District. Hundreds of people came to Martha’s Table’s main campus on Elvans Road, Southeast, to listen to music, ride horses and ponies, view art and visit booths from vendors such as the Digital Pioneers Academy, the MedStar Washington Center and the Alpha Omega chapter of Omega Psi Phi. However, the booth from the Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL), with the assistance of the Ward 8 Community Economic Development Planning Process (W8CED), received a great deal of attention.

“Fathers matter,” Dr. Laverne Adams, a member of W8CED, said. “Fathers have a powerful influence on their families and in the community. When you have a father in the home, there tends to be economic stability and the chance for more economic growth.” Adams’ assertion that the lack of a sustained presence of fathers hurts the economic prospects of low-income or working-class families can be proved by 2019 statistics from the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count Data Center. That year, 48 percent of all District children lived in a single-parent household. In Ward 8, where Fathers to the Front event took place, Kids Count revealed 79 percent of children lived in a single parent household, second in the city only to neighboring Ward 7, which stood at 80 percent. In con-

5 People mix and mingle at the Fathers to the Front event at Martha’s Table on June 19, Juneteenth. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

trast, only 13 percent of children reside in single-parent households in predominantly white, upper-class Ward 3. Fatherhood advocates such as Franklyn Malone, president and CEO of 100 Fathers Inc., argue fathers active in the lives of their immediate kin have more economically secure families. Eldridge R. Allen, the senior consultant for business development & strategic partnerships for the GWUL, said his organization’s presence at the event alongside W8CED made sense. “We are on the steering comAUTO BODY AUTO BODYmittee of the economic development committee,” Allen said. “We SHOP WASHINGTON DC at the Greater Washington Urban AUTOIN BODY SHOP IN WASHINGTON DC League want to be more proactive Authorized Direct repair facility for Authorized Direct repair facility for SHOP IN WASHINGTON DC Major Insurance Companies Authorized Direct repair facility for Major Insurance Companies Authorized Direct repair facility for 10% off Body Repair Labor with Insurance Claim Major Insurance 10% Companies off Body Repair Labor with Insurance Claim Major Insurance Companies Rental Car Available/Anacostia Rental Lease & Sales Rentalwith Car Available/Anacostia Rental Lease & Sales 10% Body Labor Insurance Claim 10% offoff Body RepairRepair Labor with Insurance Claim TOWING AVAILABLE Rental Car Available/Anacostia Rental Lease & SalesTOWING AVAILABLE Rental Car Available/Anacostia Rental Lease & Sales 1710 Good Hope Road SE 1710 Good Hope Road SE TOWING AVAILABLE Washington DC 20020 TOWING AVAILABLE Washington DC 20020 1710 Good Hope Road SE Ph:202-678-0100 1710 Good Hope Road SE Ph:202-678-0100 Washington DC 20020 www.murphysautobodyshopdc.com Ph:202-678-0100 Washington DC www.murphysautobodyshopdc.com 20020

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parts of the city get,” she said. “Too many Ward 8 organizations work in silos and don’t work together. When we work together, we produce results.” Adams said she also wanted to promote a new initiative to help economically struggling fathers get trained for jobs. “The Bainum Family Foundation has a program we have access to that will pay unemployed or under-employed fathers to get paid job training,” she said. “People who participate in this will be trained, paid and have easier access to good jobs. This program is for Ward 8 residents.” Martha’s Table is an active resource in the W8CED. Kim Ford, the president and CEO of Martha’s Table, serves as a co-chair of the committee. Ford said strengthening the father’s role in establishing an economic foundation in Ward 8 families remains a priority of hers. “When I took this job three years ago, I said I wanted one of the largest Father’s Day celebrations in the city and I think we have done that,” Ford said. “I wanted it to be big and nice because males often don’t get the credit they deserve in raising their children. When males are around raising their children, the community tends to thrive and people stay in their homes.” WI @JamesDCWrighter

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How to Sign Up for ACA Health Insurance in D.C. By Catherine Maddux, AARP Writer & Editor

Most D.C. residents are eligible to buy health insurance through DC Health Link, the District of Columbia’s Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. And you might be able to save money on premiums, thanks to expanded federal tax credits in the March coronavirus relief bill. Because of the pandemic, DC Health Link’s enrollment window is open until the end of 2021. Most people already enrolled in ACA marketplace plans will also see their premiums go down this year because the recently enacted American Rescue Plan increases tax credits for insurance premiums and expands the number of households that qualify for them. Every household that pays more than 8.5 percent of its household income now qualifies for federal tax credits to help it afford health insurance. Prior to the new law, such tax credits were only available to people making up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level (around $51,000 for one person).  The average American with a marketplace plan can save $50 per month with the new assistance, the federal government says. As of now, this additional federal financial assistance will only be available in 2021 and 2022.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:

• Most District of Columbia residents, including non-U.S. citizens with work or student visas, are eligible to buy health insurance through DC Health Link regardless of whether they are currently insured.  • You may also qualify for Medicaid, which offers free or low-cost coverage to low-income people and families and to those who live in skilled nursing facilities or have certain disabilities. Pregnant women and chil-

dren under age 21 are also eligible for Medicaid coverage. Emergency Medicaid is available for low-income individuals who are ineligible for standard Medicaid due to citizenship and/or immigration status. This program covers health care costs for those who’ve experienced a medical emergency as determined by a doctor. • You may also be eligible for other subsidized plans via the DC Healthcare Alliance, a program designed for low-income District residents and immigrants who have no other health insurance and are ineligible for either Medicaid or Medicare. Cover All DC offers plans to people whose income makes them ineligible for coverage under the DC Healthcare Alliance (for example, your income may be too high), DC Health Link plans and Medicaid or Medicare.

WHEN CAN I ENROLL?

• Open enrollment has been extended through the end of the year because of the coronavirus pandemic. • If you enroll under the District’s special enrollment period (SEP), your health coverage can be applied retroactively to the beginning of the calendar month during which you enrolled.

HOW DO I SIGN UP?  You apply for coverage and choose your plan at the same time. You must make your premium payment by the due date indicated on the invoice provided by your insurance company. To apply and enroll: • Online: Go to the DC Health Link website and click on the plan category that applies to you (Individual and Family, Small Business or Employee). You will have to create an account to begin the enrollment process. You can email info@ dchealthlink.com if you have questions about getting started. • By phone:  Call the DC Health Link customer service center at 855-532-5465, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. If you’re hearing-impaired, dial 711 for assistance. • In person:  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DC

Health Link has set up virtual enrollment via Zoom, called the One Touch Enrollment, in which certified assistors offer free one-on-one enrollment support. Schedule an appointment online. Language translators and legal counsel are also available.

WHAT IS COVERED, AND HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

Coverage and cost depend on where you live, the type of plan you choose, your household income and the age and disability status of you and your family. If you qualify for Medicaid, you will be able to get free or low-cost coverage and may not need to worry about premiums or copays, depending on your level of income.  All DC Health Link plans cover 10 “essential” benefits, including:  • Emergency services and hospitalization

• Pregnancy, maternity and newborn care  • Mental health services (including counseling)  • Chronic disease management and pediatric care  • Prescription drugs  Insurance companies cannot deny coverage because of preexisting conditions. When you apply, you can identify your medical needs and choose a plan that makes financial sense for you and

your family.  All DC Health Link plans cover basic dental services for children, including cleanings and exams. But adults who want dental coverage must add it to their policy. DC Health Link’s comparison tool allows you to estimate costs and benefits of various plans and check whether you might qualify for financial assistance. Visit www.aarp.org/dc for updates

Most D.C. residents are eligible to buy health insurance through DC Health Link, the District of Columbia’s Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace.

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JUNE 24 - 30, 2021 41

LIFESTYLE

Dick Gregory Documentary Reveals a Series of Multiple Layers Comic Remained Committed to Helping His People Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer Dick Gregory took on a lot of challenges. The respected comic used humor to deliver messages about injustice. Then Gregory turned into a focused civil rights activist working closely with Medgar Evers and Martin Luther King, Jr. Then he became an evangelist for healthy eating. It is all there in “The One and Only Dick Gregory” a documentary premiering July 4 on the Showtime network. “Dick was the person that stepped in and made political and social issues the subject of his humor,” said Harry Belafonte, fellow entertainer who also is an activist. Belafonte and Myrlie Evers-Williams, widow of Medgar Evers,

contribute perspectives on Gregory’s significant role in the civil rights movement. A six-year labor of love, the film was directed, produced and written by Andre Gaines. Clips from Gregory’s appearances from late-night television are woven between comments from his wife Lillian and four of his ten children. He was a loving husband and father but was constantly on the road. There were times when Gregory’s activism resulted in him losing work. He went to jail 100 times. He was shot in the leg while trying to break up an altercation. He always fought for justice. At his core he kept the humor going to deliver a message of how people should be treated. “For him, making people laugh

was not enough. Being out there on the front lines of the civil rights movement, he made a huge sacrifice,” said Wanda Sykes, one of the comedians who appeared in the documentary. Other admirers featured in the film include fellow comedians Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, W. Kamau Bell, Rob Schneider and Kevin Hart. They respected Gregory’s in-your-face and adventurous humor. Actress, producer and writer Lena Waithe noted the risks taken by Gregory in blending his comic talent with activism. In addition to on-camera interviews Hart and Waithe were film executive producers along with Christian Gregory, one of Gregory’s sons,. Schneider served as a producer.

5 Dick Gregory (WI File Photo)

‘TURTLE’ PHILOSOPHY

Gaines blends footage from 1960s and 2020 protests. A statement is being made about how the struggle continues. At times in the film, watercolor paintings of Gregory are used where there is only an audio of his voice. The director allows the viewer to hear Gregory describe his activist persona. “I got turtle philosophy. Hard on the outside, soft on the inside and willing to stick your neck out. That’s what it’s about,” shouts Gregory. With Gregory missing performances due to his activist role, little money was coming in for the family. When paid gigs were booked, more than likely Gregory gave a lot of that money away for causes and people he felt needed it more. Ensuring he kept it together was Gregory’s wife Lillian. “Lillian was in the truest sense, Dick Gregory’s foundation,” said Rock Newman, Washington, DC area businessman, talk show host

and close family friend. “If you called Greg and asked him where he was going, he never knew. He would say ‘Call Lil.’” Other Washington, D.C. area notables appearing in the documentary were Dr. E. Faye Williams, president and CEO of the National Congress of Black Women, media CEO Cathy Hughes and talk show host and producer Joe Madison. Gregory’s approach to protest moved to long periods of fasting and running great distances. Again, he knew his purpose. Gregory wanted to bring attention to the Vietnam war, apartheid and mistreatment of Native Americans and women. “Young people would ask me what distinguished him. I’d say the fact he shook the body politic, and he enjoyed flirting with the establishment on his terms,” said Belafonte. “I just fell in love with him all the time. He was my man.” View the official movie trailer for “The One and Only Dick Gregory” https://youtu.be/QZjZ1VbhgvM WI

Stay Informed! www.washingtoninformer.com 42 JUNE 24 - 30, 2021

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LIFESTYLE

wi book review "My Remarkable Journey: A Memoir" By Katherine Johnson with Joylette Hylick and Katherine Moor c.2021, Amistad $25.99 235 pages

By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer One, two, buckle my shoe. We Three Kings, cheaper by the dozen, it's a Catch-22 and double jeopardy, then we're back to square one. In every corner of our lives, we use numbers, we count, we cypher. And in the new book "My Remarkable Journey" by Katherine Johnson (with Joylette Hylick and Katherine Moore), we know a career takes true calculations. When Katherine Coleman was born in 1918, Model T cars were selling for $350, fresh off the assemby line. Women couldn't vote, TV hadn't been invented, and Black Americans lived under strict Jim Crow laws. Knowing that schooling was the best way to survive the latter, Coleman's parents, who owned a farm near the town of White Sulpher Springs, West Virginia, insisted that their children all get educations. Precocious Coleman was the youngest, but by the time she graduated high school at age 15, she was old enough to see that success would require more classwork and that teaching at a Black school was the likeliest goal. College spoke to Coleman's innate curiosity and she loved it; she planned to major in French until "the math professors had their say." One of them challenged her to become a "research mathematician." Unsure what, exactly, that was, Coleman stepped off the career track to marry and raise three daughters before heading back to work as a teacher, then landing a position at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (the "predecessor to NASA") at Langley Field (now Langley Air Force Base) in Virginia. Her job, at first, was as a "computer" — literally, one who computes so that the program's engineers didn't have to do it. Coleman (then Goble, later Johnson) quickly worked her way into the research division involved in the Space Race, and when the Soviets launched Sputnik, she felt "that competitive American spirit" deep inside herself. "We've got to do something," she remembered thinking. "Little did I know then that 'we' soon would include me." So you saw the movie "Hidden Figures" and you loved it. So did author Katherine Johnson, on whom the movie is modeled, and here, she explains what parts were right and what Hollywood got wrong. Moreover, she takes you back to the beginning in "My Remarkable Journey." Lively and with great detail, Johnson tells her story in a way that frames her accomplishments in humble neon, never letting readers forget who she was or what she did, but not bragging on it without giving ample credit to others. The warmth and grace of that is impressive; so is the fact that she admits to having endured racism, patriarchy and Jim Crow laws, but she waves them away like a fly on a June afternoon, as if they weren't even a part of her equation. "My Remarkable Journey" puts the movie about Johnson into keener perspective, bringing the full story, as Dr. Yvonne Cagle says in her introduction, to a new generation of young women. Find it, share it with your daughter. Or catch it on an audiobook. That counts, too. WI

horoscopes

JUNE 24 - 30, 2021

ARIES If you take every little detail into consideration, your head will explode, and no one wants that. On Monday and Tuesday, take things slowly, but don't take them so slowly that you obsess over matters that may turn out to be inconsequential. Your intentions are good, and you genuinely care about the other people involved, as you will demonstrate midweek. Lucky Numbers: 13, 17, 19 TAURUS Everything goes better with a side of romance, doesn't it? Music sounds better. Art is more interesting. Cash presents so many more possibilities. Wednesday through Friday return you to dry land, delirious and nostalgic and more excited about life — even its drab, everyday aspects — than you have been in a while. Laziness figures somewhat this week but try not to let it get the best of you. Lucky Numbers: 6, 21, 36 GEMINI Try as you might, communication doesn't come easily on Monday and Tuesday — especially with your family. Sending an email might go off better than making a phone call. Wednesday, when you can turn your attention to the romantic interest in your life, you're much more successful in the forming-words-toexpress-what-you-mean department. You're downright poetic. Lucky Numbers: 8, 11, 47 CANCER If you narrow your gaze at the start of the week, the important clues will stand out. The risk of being analytical is that you'll overthink things. Cleaning could be good. You might discover something under the couch. Home issues dominate, not just house chores but also to neighbors, roommates, landlords, pets, etc. Your domestic bliss may be challenged. Think of excuses to spend time outside. Lucky Numbers: 3, 12, 48 LEO You are devoted to straightening out your finances at the beginning of the week. Keep the profligate adventures to a minimum. You know all too well the sayings about what money can and can't buy. Wednesday is as good an illustration as ever — your friends are not for sale, and they are what you love most about your life. Lucky Numbers: 13, 16, 34 VIRGO Tidying up your desk, your car or your house on Monday will give your brain some time to put things in order. It may be a more productive task than you realize. Tuesday is a fine day to marshal the troops for a new operation, but watch unnecessary expenditures on Wednesday and Thursday. At this stage, you want every expenditure to be necessary. Lucky Numbers: 21, 40, 56 LIBRA Your magic quality this week (especially at the beginning of the week) is your utter inability to hold a grudge. You just don't care enough to carry that kind of energy around. There are too many important things to think about. Plus, on Tuesday especially, you're a wonderful listener. Wednesday through Friday, use those listening skills to be a better flirt. Lucky Numbers: 4, 9, 41 SCORPIO The information you receive on Monday helps you immensely. Now you can plan. Get on the phone and make sure your friends have your back. On Tuesday, if you have to make a detour to cover a friend's back, you certainly should. You never know when you'll need to collect a favor. The second half of the week, decisions come less easily than you may have anticipated. Lucky Numbers: 6, 18, 40 SAGITTARIUS Others may drive you crazy on Monday and Tuesday, but why let on? Save your lectures for situations that matter. There is enough to do that you don't need to egg on the let's-stir-up-drama contingent. Your reserve will pay off nicely. By Wednesday, you will be heralded as everyone's favorite person to be around. Thursday and Friday bring still more compliments on the social front. Nevertheless, something deep down is bugging you. Spend the weekend sorting it out. Lucky Numbers: 11, 37, 49 CAPRICORN A long-distance phone call brings you more relevant news at the beginning of the week than you ever expected. And, if the person on the other end is an old pal, the interaction will leave you feeling grounded and content. Thursday and Friday are all work and almost no direct payoff. Yet. Practice patience. Lucky Numbers: 6, 7, 25 AQUARIUS You might as well take care of the details from the outset because you'll have to take care of them at some point. Not everyone may be on the same page as you, and the fault may be your own. Clear your throat and spell it out. Wednesday, a chance interaction with someone you barely know will lead to a revelation — you love it when that happens — and Thursday and Friday, as your mind spins, you may reflexively go into an aloof mode. Resist doing this, as connections are key right now. Lucky Numbers: 14, 26, 27 PISCES Your analytical mind can be too much for a friend seeking solace. Sometimes the best course of action is to listen intently. If advice is solicited, follow your intuition. The full blast of your true opinion isn't necessarily what's needed (especially if your true opinion is somewhat critical of the person seeking the advice). The second half of the week, you'll be collecting favors — and maybe even money — from others. If a problem arises in a friendship, consider what you can do to smooth things over. Lucky Numbers: 6, 11, 24

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JUNE 24 - 30, 2021 43

CAPTURE the moment Juneteenth Celebrations

For more photos, visit www.washingtoninformer.com

5 Abdul Malik of Conscious Chess Moves, plays two games of chess with both Gwen Melchoir (left) and Brian Evans (right) at the Expo. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

5 Covenant House DC in Southeast held a Black Paradigm Business Expo for Juneteenth. Pictured are vendors selling various items. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

5 Kelly Michal, producer of web program Black Politics Today, broadcasts from the Covenant House during the Expo. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

D.C. STATEHOOD RALLY

5 Covenant House CEO, Angela Jones Hackley, greets the crowd during the organization’s first National Juneteenth Day celebration, Black Paradigm Business Expo in Southeast. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

44 JUNE 24 - 30, 2021

D.C. Statehood advocates Lucy Murphy and Anise Jenkins pause after a rally calling on the Senate to support D.C. Statehood blocks away from the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, June 22. (DR Barnes/The Washington Informer)

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CAPTURE THE MOMENT

5 Cash,18, Rhemdawg, 18, NCU Robbie, 21, and Kaay, 20, were excited to have a photo taken at the celebration of Black men and boys during the Fathers to the Front event hosted by Martha’s Table in Southeast on Saturday, June 19. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

5 Zyah Brown, a 5th grade student at Friendship Online Academy, performs with EU at Martha’s Table Fathers to the Front event. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

5 Go-Go band members including ColeNic of N2L reunited in 2019 and gained a stronger fan base after their performance at Moechella at the Rise Center in Southeast on June 20. (Brigette Squire/The Washington Informer) 5 Go-Go band members including 2DollarNoWashingtons of N2L reunited in 2019 and gained a stronger fan base after their performance at Moechella at the Rise Center in Southeast on June 20. (Brigette Squire/The Washington Informer)

Chuck Hicks, organizer of the Black Fathers Matter caravan, kicks-off the journey through several District of Columbia wards with (L-R) ANC Commissioner Robert Vinson Brannum (Ward 5), Frank Smith, executive director of the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum, and Stuart Anderson, co-organizer of the. Black Fathers Matter caravan. (DR Barnes/The Washington Informer)

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JUNE 24 - 30, 2021 45

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However, without adequate funding, full staffing the Southeast facility at that time wouldn’t be possible. “Having a lot of options is imperative for people being able to sustain their families and come back into the workforce,’ said Dr. Marla Dean, Bright Beginnings’ executive director. Dean recently counted among a group of early childcare education providers who spoke to D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8) during a virtual town hall about the state of the industry in Ward 8. This event of more than an hour on June 16 took place during a budget season where many providers, including Dean, are appealing for the full funding of the Birth to Three for All DC Act, through which early childcare centers can adequately staff their facilities. While other early childcare facilities struggled to stay afloat during the pandemic, Dean appealed to her donor base and secured more than $3.5 million in funds to continue providing childcare and wraparound services free of charge to families. Those funds have also allowed Bright Beginnings to raise staff members’ annual salaries by $20,000. Realizing Bright Beginnings’ goal of opening classrooms in the evening hours would require additional funds for staff, security, and the amenities similar to what children receive during the daytime. “Ideally, we want 13 classrooms for evening care if we could, but we won’t jump out there and staff those classrooms because we can’t afford it and it takes time for us to see if it economically adds up,” Dean told The Informer. “The regulatory environment is complicated so that kind of increases the cost of childcare. You need a staff person to make sure you’re keeping up, but there are no dollars for that.”

FOCUS ON THE LEGISLATION

Data shows the average salary of an early childcare worker in the District standing at less than $36,000 annually, or $17.64 per hour. During the pandemic, many of the more than 400 early childcare facilities in the District faced financial ruin, due in part to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education [OSSE]’s policy that awarded subsidies based on attendance rather than enrollment. Advocates said this arrangement

46 JUNE 24 - 30, 2021

5 Bright Beginnings, an early childcare and family learning facility for children and families experiencing housing instability, has attempted to launch programs for infants and toddlers taking place throughout the evening and well into the night. (Courtesy photo)

proved detrimental to fully staffed childcare facilities running a hybrid model. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s FY 2022 budget proposal, revealed in late May, includes a $6 million pilot program that, for the upcoming fiscal year and next, would provide up to $1,500 in bonuses to early childcare educators who stay in the profession or gain a credential over the course of a year. The budget also includes a temporary $10 million investment in the childcare subsidy program, but it remains unclear about whether that would directly go to compensation. Such allocations however don’t suffice for members of the DC Under 3 Coalition, a group that has espoused support for fully funding the Birth to Three All DC Act, which the D.C. Council approved in 2018. A provision of the legislation that has caught the coalition’s attention as of late involves compensation of early childhood educators, and a study that OSSE would conduct to create a system where educators receive adequate compensation according to their level of education, credentials, and experience. This portion of the legislation would cost $60 million. “As they’re thinking about the budget, [we would like all councilmembers] to think about their constituents who are childcare educators or families dependent on childcare,” said Ruqiyyah Anbar-Shaheen, director of early childhood policy at DC Action and leader of the DC Under 3 Coalition. “We know that childcare is an economic force in the District. It helps children build the foundation they need from a young age,” Anbar-Sha-

heen continued. “Councilmember White demonstrated that he knows the value of childcare in his ward. We hope that translates into an investment in the budget.”

SMALL BUSINESSES TRY TO STAY AFLOAT

Some Southeast-based legacy business owners, like Bridget Hall of Big Mama’s Children’s Center, said they stand to benefit from the D.C. Council’s allocation of funds that would help early childcare centers better compensate their workers. Hall, whose mother opened Big Mama’s Children Center nearly 40 years ago, said that, without a competitive benefits package, she has struggled to attract and retain topnotch talent. In the age of COVID, following regulations and making payroll has become quite the undertaking, especially after spending money on cleaning supplies and staff, and creating care packages for affected families. Despite her best efforts, and a grant from OSSE, Hall couldn’t stop two staff members from seeking employment somewhere else. She told The Informer that this setback threatens her ability to serve families that may turn to Big Mama’s Children’s Center for safe, reliable childcare coming out of the pandemic. “The funding would benefit us as far as supporting our staff and giving them what they deserve,” Hall said. “Our staff members are our sheroes. They didn’t have to come back. They’ve been working in the trenches since Day 1. They clean up two times a day so they’re our first line of defense.” WI

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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Two Historic Milestones in America "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." What an interesting predicament we find ourselves in, as we witness the signing of a new federal holiday, Juneteenth, a holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in America. As I write this column, only days away after the Supreme Court voting to save Affordable Care Act for the third time, it is truly an historic time! Let's take a look back in order to go forward. One hundred and fifty-four years ago, African-Americans waited for midnight so that freedom would come. It was during this era that Blacks were considered lower than animals. Slave owners often fed the animals before they fed the slaves. Freedom came slowly over the next 50 years. We rose from fullblown slaves to become sharecroppers. I know about sharecroppers, because my father was one of them. Our entire family worked in order to live in some old, run-down house that stood on the land, and was owned by the landowner. As I visited my family near Goldsboro, North Carolina, a few

years ago, I saw one of those homes that my family lived in while our father was a sharecropper. It still stands there today, barns and everything identical. It was never torn down. When I saw that house, I made a U-turn so that my sister and I could drive up that long path to look more closely. But the road was closed off. If we wanted to get close, we would have to park our car and walk. But it was a reminder of where my family has come from and what hundreds of thousands of other Black families have experienced. After the Civil War, thousands of former slaves and white farmers forced off their land by the bad economy lacked the money to purchase the farmland, seeds, livestock and equipment they needed to begin farming. Former slave owners were so deeply in debt that they could not hire workers. They needed workers who would not have to be paid until they harvested a crop — usually cotton or tobacco, the two labor-intensive cash crops that still promised to make money. Many of these landowners divided their lands into smaller plots and turned to a tenant system. During the Gilded Age, many African Americans and whites lacked the money to buy farmland and farm supplies, so they became tenant farmers and sharecroppers.

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Tenant farmers usually paid the landowner rent for farmland and a house. They owned the crops they planted and made their own decisions about them. After harvesting the crop, the tenant sold it and received income from it. From that income, he paid the landowner the amount of rent owed. Sharecroppers seldom owned anything. Instead, they borrowed practically everything — not only the land and a house but also supplies, draft animals, tools, equipment and seeds. The sharecropper contributed his and the labor of his family. Sharecroppers had no control over which crops were planted or how they were sold. After harvesting the crop, the landowner sold it and applied its income toward settling the sharecropper's account. As we go through the final stages of the coronavirus pandemic here in the United States, this is a year none of us could have ever anticipated, a time when we must remember from whence we've come. We cannot and will not allow ourselves to be victims of the same racism that we as a people experienced 100 years ago, or even 50 years ago. It is with this history in mind that we must remember from whence we've come. We will not be driven back to that menial lifestyle again. WI

John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.

5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089

1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005

“A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org

www.jmlaw.net

(301) 864-6070

jmccollum@jmlaw.net

headline and photo for LIF Mount Olivet MALCOLMXDAY Lutheran Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

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

(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 24 - 30, 2021 47

RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724

700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849

Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

Blessed Word of Life Church

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

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

Church of Living Waters

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor 4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464 Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., / Pastor 2498 Alabama Ave., SE - Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 / Fax: (202) 889-2198 - www.acamec.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00 AM Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30 AM 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00 AM Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30 PM Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00 AM “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”

Third Street Church of God

Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org

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

Turning Hearts Church Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher 421 Alabama Ave. SE Washington, DC 20032 Phone: 202-746-0113 Fax: 301-843-2445 Service and Times Sunday School: 10:15 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11;15 AM Children’s Church: 11:15 AM Tuesday Bible Study: 6:30 PM Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment” Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org Email: gr8luv4u2@gmail.com

48 JUNE 24 - 30, 2021

Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power “An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org

“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org / E-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net

Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM “Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org

Crusader Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor 800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703 Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45 AM Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax

Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6:00 AM & 6:30 PM Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church / Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org / emailus@gmchc.org

Isle of Patmos Baptist Church Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor 1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661 Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net

St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us... Dr. Raymond T. Matthews Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011 Services and Times Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service: 6:45 PM Thur. Bible Study: 7:15 PM

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

Mount Carmel Baptist Church Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr. Senior Pastor 901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423 Service and Times Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10 AM themcbc.org

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

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

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

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

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

Israel Baptist Church

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

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

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

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

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

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

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

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Commandment Baptist Church

Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

2001 Brooks Drive District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shiloh Baptist Church

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

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

4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

Christ Embassy DC

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

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

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor

Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

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

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

Rev. Dr. Jerryl V. Moody Pastor-Elect

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

St. Matthews Baptist Church

Emmanuel Baptist Church

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

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

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

JUNE 24 - 30, 2021 49

LEGAL NOTICES

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: " Jessica Maria Lewis© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: " LEWIS, JESSICA MARIA© ", corp.sole Dba.: " JESSICA MARIA LEWIS© ", having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: " Jessica Maria Lewis© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " ablaa fawziya bayyacht© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: State File Number 0109260-1982, " JESSICA MARIA LEWIS© ", is as a special deposit order conveyed to " Freedom Lineage Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " ablaa fawziya bayyacht© ", nom deguerre: " Jessica Maria Lewis© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " Freedom Lineage Trust© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

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

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

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: " JAMAAL ANTHONY JACKSON© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: " JACKSON, JAMAAL ANTHONY© ", corp.sole Dba.: " JAMAAL ANTHONY JACKSON© ", having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: " JAMAAL ANTHONY JACKSON© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " jamaal anthony jackson © ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as " hors de combat ", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of: The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: Public Health, Illinois Department Of, ILLINOIS STATE FILE NUMBER: 112-92-036757, " JAMAAL ANTHONY JACKSON© ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to: " JJ&J Holdings Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: "jamaal jackson© ", nom deguerre: " JAMAAL ANTHONY JACKSON© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " JJ&J HoldingsTrust© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

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

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

2021 ADM 509

2021 ADM 000483

2020 ADM 000578

2021 FEP 54

Eugenia Diener Decedent

Mary J. Thomas Decedent

Valerie Edwards 1725 DeSales Street, NW Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Gloria Johnson, whose address is 3235 Beech Street, NW, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eugenia Diener who died on December 26, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/10/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/10/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 6/10/2021 Gloria Johnson Personal Representative

Peggy A. Miller 5130 7th Street, NE Washington, DC 20011-2625 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Marlo Thomas, whose address is 838 Buchanan St., NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary J. Thomas who died on 11/17/2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/10/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/10/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 6/10/2021 Marlo Thomas Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Constance T. Laws Decedent Aimee D. Griffin, Esq. The Griffin Firm PLLC 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Lauren J. Laws, whose address is 1925 Cradock Street, Silver Spring, Maryland 20905, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Constance T. Laws who died on December 22, 2019 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/10/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/10/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 6/10/2021 Lauren J. Laws Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

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Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

50 JUNE 24 - 30, 2021

LEGAL NOTICES

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LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 000572 Estate of Hattie Norris NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Nailani Norris for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative Date of first publication: 6/10/2021 Nailani Norris 15 Valley Lake Place, Apt. K Timonium, MD 21030 Petitioner/Attorney:

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July 26, 2008 Date of Death Arjan Dev Kwatra Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Michael Williams whose address is 4 More London Riverside, Greater London, UK SE1 2AU was appointed personal representative of the estate of Arjan Dev Kwatra, deceased, by the High Court of Justice, The District Probate Registry at Winchester, Winchester, UK, on February 3. 2010. Service of process may be made upon Kerri M. Castellini. Esq., 409 Seventh Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20004 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned District of Columbia personal property. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice. Date of first publication: 6/10/2021 Michael Williams Personal Representative Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 000545 William Lumpkin Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS William Lumpkin, whose address is 60 O Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William Lumpkin who died on September 7, 2019 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/10/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/10/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 6/10/2021 William Lumpkin Personal Representative

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LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 000563 Juette Johnson Day Decedent Maria K. Day-Marshall 6329 Joslyn Place Cheverly, Maryland 20785 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Maria K. Day-Marshall, whose address is 6329 Joslyn Place, Cheverly, Maryland 20785, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Juette Johnson Day who died on February 7, 2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/10/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/10/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 6/10/2021 Maria K. Day-Marshall Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 192 Leon Franklin Decedent Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Carla M. Franklin, whose address is 215 Fortune Lane, Greensboro, NC 27408, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leon Franklin who died on April 25, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/24/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/24/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: June 24, 2021 Carla M. Franklin Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: "Mustafa Khan©", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: "KHAN, MUSTAFA©", corp.sole Dba: "MUSTAFA KHAN©," having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: "Mustafa Khan©", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: "mustafa khan bey©". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: State File Number 048793, " MUSTAFA KHAN© ", is as a special deposit order conveyed to "Garden Of Life Trust©". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: "mustafa khan bey©", nom deguerre: "Mustafa Khan©", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : "Garden Of Life Trust©", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente. Notice of Reference : 0112358-13

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2021 ADM 000577

2021 ADM 554

2021 ADM 000578

Joseph Carter Tidline Decedent

Albert Holley Decedent

Eliza Brooks Decedent

Kathy Brissette-Minus, Esq. Law Office of Kathy Brissette-Minus, LLC 9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 230 Largo, MD 20774 Attorney

Tina Smith Nelson Legal Counsel for the Elderly 601 E Street, NW Washington, DC 20049 Attorney

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

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

Sterling X. Tidline and Ava M. Tidline, whose addresses are 8106 Thornfield Terr., Forestville, MD 20747 & 4226 H Street, SE, Washington, DC 20019, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Joseph Carter Tidline who died on 2/2/2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/17/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/17/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Jacqueline Holley Perry, whose address is 240 11th Street SE, WDC 20003, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Albert Holley who died on 2/26/2008 with a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/17/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/17/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

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

Date of first publication: June 17, 2021

Date of first publication: June 24, 2021

Sterling X. Tidline Ava M. Tidline Personal Representatives

Jacqueline Holley Perry Personal Representative

Edward Nathaniel Brooks Jr. Personal Representative

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Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

DISTRICT COURT

2021 ADM 000600

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

Michael Wanamaker Decedent

Gerard Lacey Plaintiff, vs. Katrina Lacey Defendant.

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: 2021 NRT 000007 " Thirkield Laron Gage© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary David William Rife and heir of: " GAGE, THIRKIELD LARON© ", corp.sole Dba.: " Name of Deceased Settlor THIRKIELD LARON GAGE© ", having reached the age of maNOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST jority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern David William Rife, whose address was 1330 New Hampshire Ave., shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, NW, Apt. 1013, Washington, DC 20036 created a revocable trust on being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intenMarch 17, 2020, which remained in existence on the date of his death tion to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, on May 11, 2020, and Pawvana Pansiri, whose address is 1330 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Apartment 1013, Washington, DC 20036, is the but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas the Trust should be mailed or directed to Edward G. Varrone at 1825 K Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the Street, NW, Suite 1150, Washington, DC 20006. united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, The Trust is subject to claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors, costs of administration of the settlor’s estate, the expense of the deceased [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous settlor’s funeral and disposal of remains, and statutory allowances to Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby a surviving spouse and children to the extent the deceased settlor’s declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: residuary probate estate is inadequate to satisfy those claims, costs, Moorish American. I am that I am: " Thirkield Laron Gage© expenses, and allowances. ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors are barred as against the Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " thirkield laron gage Trustee and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the el© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", address provided herein on or before December 24, 2021(6 months pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister after the date of the first publication of this notice.) An action to contest of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. the validity of this trust must be commenced by the earliest of (1) Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, May 11, 2021 (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) (2) IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public December 24, 2021, (6 months from the date of first publication of Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of this notice) or (3) Ninety days after the Trustee sends the person a copy Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust’s and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, existence, of the Trustee’s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding. in the property, Re: State File Number 109-66-101511, " THIRKIELD LARON GAGE© ", is as a special deposit order The Trustee may proceed to distribute the trust property in accordance conveyed to " Jus Reign Trust© ". All property of the same issue with the terms of the trust before the expiration of the time within and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully which an action must be commenced unless the Trustee knows of a intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary pending judicial proceeding contesting the validity of the trust or the Trustee has received notice from a potential contestant who thereafter / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " thirkield laron gage commences a judicial proceeding within sixty days after notification. el© ", nom deguerre: " Thirkield Laron Gage© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be This Notice must be mailed postmarked within 15 days of its first used exclusively for the benefit of : " Jus Reign Trust© ", an publication to each heir and qualified beneficiary of the trust and any Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit other person who would be an interested person within the meaning of D.C. Code 20-101(d). is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This Date of First Publication: deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, 6/24/2021 of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Pawvana Pansiri Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente . Signature of Trustee Notice of Reference: 0112358-13 TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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Ethel Mitchell 8403 Colesville Road Suite 1100 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Brenda Sylvester Wanamaker, whose address is 3612 Bangor Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Michael Wanamaker who died on 12/29/2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/24/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/24/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 6/24/2021

CLARK COUNTY, NEVADA

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

Brenda Sylvester Wanamaker Personal Representative

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JUNE 24 - 30, 2021 51

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SICKLE CELL from Page 17 his extremities were so painful, “I used to ask my mother to amputate my legs. When I had a crisis it was extremely debilitating.” Sickle cell’s toll on African American children helped spur the origin of the Sickle Anemia Center at Howard University. Dr. Roland B. Scott, a pediatrician and allergy expert, gained international prominence as an authority on sickle cell disease and was hailed as a champion in the fight against it. Scott was a driving force behind the Sickle Cell Anemia Control Act of 1971, which established comprehensive research and treatment centers around the country for the disease. Because of the efforts of Scott and others, the federal government now spends about $45 million a year on sickle cell disease and sponsors the operation of 10 comprehensive treatment and research centers. WI

COUNSELORS from Page 13 percent either a parent or guardian and 13 percent as students. Others claim the role is inappropriate. Mo Canady, executive director of the National Association of School Resource Officers, says SROs save lives. “Policy makers and the communities they represent would be unwise, however, to ignore abundant anecdotal evidence of the value of carefully selected, specifically trained and properly equipped school resource officers in responding to and averting school violence while building positive relationships with students of all backgrounds,” Canady wrote. However, some high school students such as Econia Mandefero of Nevada said officers aren’t necessary. She described an event when a classmate experienced “a terrible day” after her mother got into a car crash. He got into “a minor conflict” with another student and later handcuffed by officers who “put a knee on his back.” “The police inappropriately intervened and escalated the whole situation. I know that police officers in my school do not make me feel safe,” said Mandefero, who spoke during the press briefing Thursday. “What we need in our school are more counselors, nurses [and] therapists. These supports are virtually non-existent.” WI @jabariwill

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CRT from Page 24

literacy, social sciences, and teacher education. The District, perhaps because of its lack of statehood, stands to be affected by the ongoing battle around critical race theory. U.S. Congressman Glenn Grothman, (R-Wisc.) recently introduced legislation banning critical race theory within the District’s public schools. The bill has four Republican co-sponsors and support from four conservative organizations. This legislation has also drawn the ire of the D.C State Board of Education [DCSBOE], which as of press time, expressed plans to write an open letter to Congressman Grothman. “We need our students to be able to look at the events of American history through a critical lens,” said Jessica Sutter, SBOE’s Ward 6 representative who’s currently directing a committee of more than two dozen in revamping citywide K-12 social studies standards. “I don’t think it’s appropriate for our social studies standards to talk about the greatness of America without also teaching our students about the deeply flawed pieces of our American history.” The District’s current social studies standards, which are more than 15 years old, have no mention of President Barack Obama, marriage equality, or the ways that the world has changed since the mid-to-late 20th century. SBOE’s technical writing committee, formed by the Office of the State Superintendent for Education, will soon break into writing groups responsible for drafting new elementary, middle, and high school standards with the goal of completing a draft by the end of the summer. Sutter told The Informer that she expects that the draft will be open to public comment by September. She anticipated the process wrapping up at some point before the start of the 2022-2023 academic year. “We can’t teach Black children Black history without teaching about the institutionalized forms of oppression, including the 13th Amendment that allow people to remain under an oppressive regime where they can’t vote or hold democratic rights,” Sutter said. “That’s really important stuff to teach.” WI

CROWELL from Page 31

MALVEAUX from Page 30

eight times that of Black households and over five times that of Latino households. But by early 2021, the Blackwhite homeownership gap of 28.1% represented only an incremental improvement from that of 2019 when the gap was 30.8%. Much of that disparity is attributed to the racial differences in median incomes. While $71,000 was the median income of white households, the same data point for Black households was only $43,000, even lower than that of Latino households at $55,000. In rental housing, housing affordability is so acute that even consumers with annual incomes as high as $49,999 paid more than 30% of their monies on housing in 2019. When the pandemic hit, one in five renters were in arrears, with Black households again suffering greater rates in late payments of 29% — more than double that of white households at 11%. "Housing cost burdens have also moved up the income ladder," says Alexander Hermann, a JCHS senior research analyst. "Seventy percent of renter households earning between $25,000 and $34,999 and nearly 50 percent of renters earning between $35,000 and $49,999 were cost-burdened in 2019." JCHS' survey of renters found that an estimated 25% with coronavirus-related job losses had substantially depleted their savings. About the same number borrowed from families and friends, and 10% turned to predatory payday or personal loans. For these and other households, the American Dream of homeownership is a distant one at best. Every available dollar is needed for food, utilities, and other essential life needs. Struggling to get out of debt looms largest for those facing a near-term eviction or foreclosure when current suspensions end. The federal moratorium on evictions will end in July. Similarly, troubled homeowners who received loan forbearance and a ban on foreclosures have only 18 months to defer or reduce their monthly payments. In mortgage lending, forbearance is a temporary agreement between lenders and borrowers to delay a foreclosure. As of March, 7.3 million

to happen next. We aren't likely to get the John Lewis Voting Rights Act passed unless the filibuster is eliminated. Still, President Biden has shillyshallied about getting rid of the filibuster, and West Virginia's DINO (Democrat in Name Only) Sen. Joe Manchin is no help. He says he values bipartisanship, but he seems to appreciate nothing more than the attention he gets by "negotiating" with recalcitrant Republicans who love the former president more than they value justice. Sure, they voted unanimously to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Still, several in Congress voted against it, and several others voted to withhold the Congressional Medal of Honor from the Capitol

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WILLIAMS from Page 30 er claim that CRT imposed feelings of guilt on white students and a sense of inferiority upon African American students. It is open to argument, but my assessment of that teacher and others who protest against CRT is that "their" misunderstanding of historical truths and personal feelings of guilt inspire their opposition. My reality informs me that, just as America has made great accomplishments and led innovation to the benefit of the world, it has a history of violence, brutality and ruthlessness that has been encoded in its genetic profile.

EDELMAN from Page 30 the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity." Dr. King explained that riots were the cries of this other America: "[I]n the final analysis, a riot is the language of the unheard. And what is it that America has failed to hear? It has failed to hear that the plight of the Negro poor has worsened over the last few years. It has failed to hear that the promises of freedom and justice have not been met. And it has failed to hear that large segments of White society are more concerned about tranquility and the status quo than about justice, equality and humanity. And so in a real sense our nation's summers of riots are caused by our nation's winters of delay. And as long as America postpones justice, we stand in the position of having these recurrences of violence and riots over and over again. Social justice and

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Police officers who bravely defended them on Jan. 6. Some of them still adhere to the Big Lie that the previous president won the election. But they voted to make Juneteenth a holiday. I'm not jumping. Juneteenth represents more than symbolic progress, though. While most of white America had never heard of Juneteenth, now they have. They now have the opportunity to reflect on our nation's history in ways they haven't reflected on it before. Annually, there will be a flurry of newspaper articles and television specials focusing on Juneteenth. The ignorant can change the channel or flip the pages of their newspapers, but commemorating Juneteenth begins the process of fully embracing our flawed history.

So while I won't jump, I'll pause for a minute to thank the Juneteenth warriors who made this holiday happen. And I'll ask President Biden not to rest on his laurels. We need the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to be passed yesterday, and by whatever means necessary. Melvin Van Peebles wrote a play in the 1970s, "Ain't Supposed to Die A Natural Death." One of the lines that stuck with me through these many years is from a woman folks assume is suicidal because she is standing on a ledge. She says, "I ain't leaping. I'm just learning." That's how I feel about the Juneteenth holiday — not leaping for joy but leaning in gratitude and progress. WI

To reject the truth of CRT (America's racism) is to ignore and deny: - The dispossession of Native America lands and the "Indian Wars" which eradicated generations of native people. - The establishment of "Indian Schools" which had the expressed purpose of destroying Native American language and culture. - The brutal, more than 200-year enslavement of Africans kidnapped from their homeland. - The denial of full participation in the American lifestyle (Jim Crow laws). - The innumerable rapes, lynchings and murders of people of color.

- The "documented" systemic exclusion of people of color from educational, employment and housing opportunities. - The duplicitous pattern of policing in communities of color. - A myriad of other racially inspired physical and emotional indignities and assaults. To those who oppose CRT, I will not allow your embarrassment or guilt to erase the truths of our collective histories. I will not sit quietly while you ignore our past and continue with your opportunistic patterns of discrimination. My voice will ring loudly! As for your guilt, get over it! WI

progress are the absolute guarantors of riot prevention." Even while some leaders claim to be much more concerned about "law and order" and the status quo than justice, equality and humanity, large segments of white society and all society have come to see and understand what is at stake when Black Americans say over and over we can't breathe. There is a new clarity about how many deaths have been caused by winters of delay in accountability for police brutality and racialized violence, and the result has been a transforming universal movement for change. Those of us who lived through the Civil Rights Movement and marched with Dr. King can sense the tides of history turning again. We must keep going. To achieve a just future for our children and our nation we must confront and dismantle the systems and structures that perpetuate racism. This means not only reforming policing and

the criminal justice system, but also confronting our unjust economic and political systems that create deep disparities in income, housing, education, health and well-being and harm our children and families of color. The COVID-19 crisis and George Floyd's death were both stark reminders that many Black Americans still live in another America with different risks and different rules. As Dr. King also said: "In a sense, the greatest tragedy of this other America is what it does to little children. Little children in this other America are forced to grow up with clouds of inferiority forming every day in their little mental skies. As we look at this other America, we see it as an arena of blasted hopes and shattered dreams." Our mission is to keep fighting the daily ugliness of this America until every child grows up in the sunlight of opportunity and all of our children can fully breathe. WI

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CROWELL from Page 53 had left this status but 2.3 million more mortgagees were still in forbearance. America's growing housing insecurity was also the focus of a June 9 hearing held by the House Financial Services Committee. The forum, titled "Ending Homelessness and Expanding Economic Opportunity in America," offered expert testimony that supported many of the findings in the new JCHS report.

JEALOUS from Page 31 But our country's history, and specifically the history of Black people in America, is a history of struggle against impossible odds, a history of overcoming resistance and backlash. We have proven that we can win when we fight strategically and make progress whenever we have the opportunity. Right now, with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in the White House, and Democrats holding majority power in the House and Senate, we have an opportunity we cannot afford to waste. There are three urgently important steps Congress must take this year to defend voting rights and strengthen democracy. The late Rep. John Lewis, for decades the conscience of the Congress, had his

BACHUS from Page 31 Names” became a rallying cry for millions of Americans across the country tired of police brutality and racial injustice. From Minneapolis to Manhattan, Atlanta to Los Angeles, we took to the streets of America’s biggest cities and smallest towns under a blazing summer sun to voice our anger. All races, colors and creeds marched on Washington, D.C., to let leaders know that it was time to stop fanning the flames of racism and to declare that we would remember who was guilty. We will continue to organize. We will continue to march. We will continue to “say their names” until their justice — not just for Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, but for every Black and brown person in America who has experienced systemic racism, police brutality and political indifference to these injustices.

While the JCHS report included a recommendation to build more housing to address the nation's shortage of housing inventory, California's Rep. Maxine Waters, Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, proposed expanded housing vouchers to help low-to-moderate income families. "Today's hearing has highlighted the need to move forward urgently on legislation to make Housing Choice Vouchers universally available," Waters said.

"First, if we had this in place prior to the pandemic, so that a housing safety net kicked in automatically like it does with food stamps, we wouldn't have had to scramble to put together the emergency relief packages we did. We don't reinvent FEMA and disaster assistance every time there is a natural disaster… It takes nearly three times the federal minimum wage to be able to afford a modest apartment nationally. Many people who are experiencing homelessness are in fact working." WI

heart and hands in all three of them. The first is to pass the For the People Act. It would overturn new state voter suppression laws and eliminate the worst abuses of redistricting and big money in our elections. Lewis authored its voting rights provisions. It is urgently important to pass the For the People Act now to prevent massive voter suppression in the 2022 and 2024 elections. The second is to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would protect against future voting rights abuses by restoring its enforcement mechanisms. The third is to grant statehood to the District of Columbia and give its 700,000 residents full voting rights and voting representation in Congress. The District of Columbia has a higher percentage of Black res-

idents than any other state, which makes their disenfranchisement a fundamental civil rights violation and a betrayal of basic democratic principles. John Lewis was a champion of D.C. statehood. He saw the disenfranchisement of D.C. citizens as a moral wrong. The For the People Act, John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and D.C. statehood are a pro-democracy trinity. To keep faith with the voters who put them in power, especially Black voters, President Biden and congressional Democrats must seize the moment to turn back attacks on voting and democracy. And to honor the voting rights legacy of John Lewis, we must all continue to make our voices heard and make "good trouble" on behalf of voting rights and democracy. WI

While our voices were seen on television sets and computer screens across the world, and we applaud the tireless work on the ground of leaders like Rev. Al Sharpton and National Action Network, our voices were also heard through our online activism — which for many was the only way to speak out during the COVID-19 pandemic — as we demanded politicians take notice and take action at both the state and local level. A new report released earlier this year by The 400 Foundation, The BLK+Cross and Marathon Strategies reveals how our new era of digital demonstrations and online organization is driving real change on social justice issues. The analysis found that states with the most online conversations about social justice in 2020 also saw the most legislative action on police reform. In fact, the four jurisdictions most mentioned in social justice con-

versations — Minnesota, Georgia, New York and Washington, D.C. — saw 110 police reform measures introduced. Overall, our report found that the names Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd were shared online nearly 50 million times from last June to September — making it clear that saying the names of the victims of racial injustice was essential for political action. In the coming weeks and months, we must say their names again as we remember their lives and the injustices they suffered. We must say their names during public demonstrations in city streets. We must say them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and throughout the digital universe. And we must keep saying them until we achieve justice for them, their families, and the countless Black lives lost to racial violence. WI

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