The Washington Informer - March 11, 2021

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MPD Seeks Causes for Spike in Youth Carjackings Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer

5 The first high-capacity COVID-19 vaccination site in the District of Columbia opened at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for appointments on Saturday, March 6. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

In the months before an unidentified man broke into her car and stole her Maltese-Yorkie, Ashley, a young medical professional, recalled hearing reports about carjackings occurring throughout the D.C. region, many of which involved youth who had ambushed unsuspecting drivers.

After she herself would be added to a list of victims last July, Ashley learned from the police that her assailant, prior to stealing her vehicle from a CVS Pharmacy parking lot in Northwest, had just exited a Mercedes Benz that had presumably also been stolen.

Fortunately, Ashley would be

Popular Gospel Song Recalls His Lifelong Mission: ‘If I Can Help Somebody’

Friends, family of Vernon E. Jordan, Jr., Esq., along with hundreds of admirers, attended a livestream tribute and memorial service for the late civil rights leader, businessman and advisor to several U.S. presidents on Tuesday, March 9.

Jordan, 85, died peacefully at

home surrounded by his wife and family on March 1.

The program, held at Rankin Chapel on the campus of Howard University [HU], and hosted by HU and WHUT-TV, included a repeat viewing of the recent documentary, “Vernon Jordan: Make It Plain,” tributes from Jordan’s daughter, Vickee Jordan Adams

JORDAN Page 40

CARJACKING Page 34

‘Everything Legendary’ Cashes in on Shark Tank

Unforgettable: Legacy of Vernon Jordan, Jr. Showcased in Final Memorial Service D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor

reunited with her dog about a month after the crime. However, the entire scenario has since compelled her to exercise extreme caution at all times.

“I’m a lot more alert about what’s going on and my dog hasn’t gone anywhere,” she said. “I’m just terrified that someone will break into my car [again] and steal her.

It was a scary moment [especially] not knowing if this was a random attack or if someone had watched me leaving my boyfriend’s house.”

Since then, she’s retreated to the suburbs.

“I just moved out of the city [and] I don’t leave my car running anymore,” she said. anymore.”

Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

5 Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. Esq., chats with Howard University President Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick following worship service at Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel at Howard University. Jordan preached for the service on Sunday, April 28, 2019.

(Brenda C. Siler/The Washington Informer)

Everything Legendary, a new-tothe-market, plant-based meat company located in Maryland, recently scored a big deal with Mark Cuban on ABC-TV’s “Shark Tank.”

Cuban offered the company $300,000 for a 22 percent stake.

“So many people watch Shark Tank all the time. But very rarely

SHARK Page 15

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Seeks to be Virginia’s First Meghan and Prince Harry She said they law enforcement. threat,” she said. had come together to bring a Among the programs Marlow Black Woman Governor Drops Plenty of Bombshells sense of uniformity in the way wants to see implemented are

By Tia Carol Jones WI Staff Writer

When L.Y. Marlow's 23-year- domestic violence victims and stricter restraining order policies, Millions told tuned in father survivors are treated.

The goverold daughter her the more rights for victim's families for the highly-anticirace in the of her daughter threatened her “She's using her own personal to intervene on behalf ofnor’s a vicpated life, and Oprah the life Winfrey of their child, story, her own personal pain to tim, a domestic violenceCommonwealth assessinterview with Britshe knew something had to be push forward,” Davis-Nickens ment unit coupled with grows furthermore inain’s Prince teresting and done.

Out ofHarry her and frustration said about Marlow. training for law enforcement Meghan Markle Sunwith with law enforcement's handling Davis-Nickens said anyone agencies, a Child's Life crowded ProtecMarch 7 she anddecided as ofday, the situation, to who reads Marlow's book will tion Act and mandatory counselthe recent anpromised, the Promise Duke cam- “get it.” She said she “puts the ing for batterers. start the Saving nouncement and Duchess of Sussex paign. case in such a way, the average “If we are ever going tothat eradi-a former spilled the to beans their cycle former life as part “It seems be aon vicious person can of getthe it.”RoyShe said at Roanoke the catesheriff has joined six other Republicans domestic violence, we must al Family theirmy transition of royal life.day, Meghan that won'tand turn family outend of the the book will lookher at party’s both sides of the But coin.if Octavia in seeking nomination. loose,” Marlow dominated mostsaid. of theMarlow two-hourhelp interview as to onehave a diapeopleand begin Weisneed to address thethe vic-first Black Johnson successful, she both will be shared storyOprah with the audi-littlelogue wouldher expect, wasted time about gettingdomestic down toviolence. and tothe batterer,” womantim elected lead a state. Marlow ence at the District Heights business.

Among the topics discussed were did Meghan Also present at the event wasOn said.

March 4, Johnson, who served as sheriff Domestic Violence Symposium Mildred Muhammad, ex- 2006 really bully staff members who provide service in Buck- the from Marlow would also running like to seeunsuccessto 2013 before oningham May 7 Palace at the District wifealleged of John Allen Muhammad, programs designed to raise as someHeights workers have and are rufully in 2014 in a special election for a House Municipal who was to six consecawareness in with the mors of anCenter. ongoingThe fuelsympobetween Harry andsentenced Meghan and of Delegates seat, among said she’schildren dissatisfied sium was family sponsored by asthe terms without parole public and has private schools. She the royal as vicious some utive reportslifesuggest? direction the state taken.

Family and the Youth Services by a Maryland jury for his role in“There’s feels achildren needfortochange be educatHowever, elephant in the room remains whether great need and it’s time Center of the city of District the Beltway Sniper attacks in ed about domestic violence.

Meghan was a determined gold digger who seized an opfor the whole state to thrive,” she said in a video Heights andto thegain National Hook- by2002.

Mildred Muhammadwhich is was“We havelasttoweek stop on being pas-news sites. portunity the spotlight marrying into royalty posted several Up of ifBlack Women. the founder of After the Trauma, sive-aggressive with poor chiland she was mistreated or maligned by members of the The Republican Party is slated to select its candiMarlow has and written book,because an organization that helps date the fordren about2,domestic violence,” royal family othera Brits she’s an American the Nov. 2021 election on May 8 at a “Color Me Butterfly,” which is a survivors of domestic violence Marlow said. woman with a white father and a Black mother? In other convention but the details of the gathering have story about generations of and their children.

Marlow has worked to break words, did four or does race matter? yet to be finalized. domestic violence. The book is lived individed fear foron six years. Six the cycle of abuse in her family, Brits and Americans alike remain “I strongly Democrats are seeking the nomination inspired by her own experiences, years in fear is a long time. It isFiveand is confident the policies she either their support or criticism of Meghan and Harry in a primary election set on June 8 and there’s and those of her grandmother, not an easy thing to come out is pushing for will start that but social media fans have been busy sharing their views one third-party candidate also seeking the her mother and her daughter. of,” she said. process. andsaid getting in their the Duke and Duchess as well seat. Governor Northam She every time digs she atreads Mildred Muhammad said “I plan toRalph take these policies(D) to cannot as the royal family. reelection as the state’s constitution excerpts from her book, she still people who want to helprun a forCongress and implore them to in the analysis, entire brouhaha is just prohibits a governor from serving can Maybe, not believe thefinal words camethe domestic violence victim must change our laws,” Marlow said.two conanother addition to the popular genre known as reality secutive terms. from her. “Color Me Butterfly” be careful of how they go into “I will not stop until these poliTV. the WI 2007 National “Best the victim's life, and understandWI cies are passed.” won Books” Award. that she may be in “survival Tia Carol Jones can be reached “I was just 16-years-old when mode”. at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net my eye first blackened and my “Before you get to 'I'm going lips bled,” Marlow said. to kill you,' it started as a verbal WI Elaine Davis-Nickens, president of the National Hook-Up TheWomen, District’ssaid Union Station, of Black there is no which opened in 1907, where many large consistency the way serves as ainmajor traindomestic station, transportation hub and cities are increasing violence are dealt with leisureissues destination as well as by Amtrak's headquarters and the role of buses, the railroad's second-busiest station with annual rider- the plan, as it now ship of just under 5 million. It’s also the ninth-busiest in stands, would deoverall passengers served in the U.S. crease bus space by In addition, it serves MARC and VRE commuter rail as much as 72 percent. Bus advocates and groups have services, the Washington Metro, the D.C. Streetcar, in- called for Amtrak and the Union Station Redevelopment tercity bus lines and local Metrobus buses.

Corporation to take another look at the proposal and reAnd it’s had its high and low points – from once store more space for buses which are used at a far greater boasting as many as 200,000 passengers in a single day clip by low-income riders. during World War II to being a venue known as a haven Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D), who counts among a for illegal and unscrupulous activities and the homeless. group of city leaders who successfully secured the integraBut as the Federal Railroad Administration [FRA] tion of buses into Union Station about 10 years ago, said continues to evaluate a proposal to take Union Station having buses is critically important. And Greyhound, who firmly into the 21st century for decades to come, some represents one of the largest operators of intercity buses industry groups have expressed concern that plans to ex- at Union Station, has asked the FRA to either expand or pand the center’s rail and retail capacity leave little room at least maintain the 61 slips currently located on the bus for intercity and charter bus services. Further, in a time decks. WI

“

Union Station Overhaul Faced by Stiff Criticism from Industry Groups

We have to stop being passive-aggressive with poor children about domestic violence. I plan to take these policies to Congress and implore them to change our laws. I will not stop until these policies are passed.

“

SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY

Women the Cycle of wi hotBreak topics Domestic Violence Republican Octavia Johnson Oprah’s Interview with

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L.Y. Marlow

AROUND THE REGION

McDuffie Wants to See Fiscal Incentives in D.C.

Calls for a Baby Bond for Newborns James Wright WI Staff Writer In his push for racial equity in the District, D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie recently proposed to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser--as she makes up the fiscal year 2021-2022 budget--a $120 million pilot program which consists of a $100 million guaranteed minimum income for extremely poor residents and a proposal for up to $2,000 for each baby born in the city to a low-income family.

“Centuries of slavery, segregation and government-sanctioned discrimination have prevented Black Washingtonians from building wealth and becoming financially secure,” McDuffie said in a March 1 letter to the mayor. “We must be bold and intentional about closing the racial wealth gap and investing in historically underserved communities.”

Studies by such think-tanks as the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute (DCFPI) have consistently shown whites in the District having substantial wealth advantages over Black residents due to systemic racial practices and McDuffie would like to start the process of closing that gap by extending financial incentives to impoverished residents with the help of the city government.

A BABY BOND?

The councilmember wants $100 million for the District government to study and craft a guaranteed minimum income program for city households whose incomes fall below 100 percent of the federal poverty level.

McDuffie also wants Bowser to create and fund a Baby Bond initiative. This program will give families who earn below 500% of the federal poverty line would receive at least $1,000 at birth and up to $2,000 annually based on family income, according to the councilmember.

Lower-income families will get larger endowments, he said.

Funds would become available once the child turns 18 and may be used for education, business ownership, homeownership and retirement.

He said prosects are good that a child may have $50,000 with a Baby Bond when they turn 18, depending on the economy and the stock market.

When the leaders of the Fair Budget Coalition, an organization seeking to ensure the District’s budget prioritizes

the needs of economically-challenged residents, heard about McDuffie’s proposals, they responded with glee.

“At the FBC, we are a part of the Universal Basic Income coalition and we support economic stipends, guaranteed income and reparations for Black individuals,” the statement said.

“Combating poverty is one of the most impactful ways to combat violence, health concerns and other issues low-income individuals face. This is an unexpected proposal for McDuffie since he has opposed legislation that will likely result in a tax increase on the rich, but he has been looking to directly impact Black D.C. residents progressively lately and the change of heart is encouraged,” the FBC said.

lieve McDuffie’s proposals have promise and don’t share the view that they disincentivize work.

“I was excited to see McDuffie request substantial investments in two initiatives that could help close the racial wealth gap here in D.C.,” Doni Crawford, policy analyst at DCFPI. “Early research and pilots show that guaranteed income programs immediately help families pay for basic needs and achieve economic stability. Baby Bonds are a longer-term solution to closing the racial wealth gap and would be the most effective at doing so when program is de-

signed—as proposed in this request.”

Tarza Mitchell, the policy director at DCFPI, said the District “has one of the largest Black-to-white wealth and income gaps in the nation and the median racial wealth gap actually grows with higher education levels.”

“This shows that Black people cannot work harder to close the wealth gap—that’s a lie Americans have been sold by capitalism and dog whistle politics,” Mitchell said. “We need to fix our broken economic model that stacks the deck against Black and low-income residents, and the anti-poverty initiatives that McDuffie is calling for would be a step in that direction.”

WI @JamesDCWrighter

5 Kenyan McDuffie represents Ward 5 on the D.C. Council. (WI File Photo)

AGES 4–18

GOP SLAMS IDEA AS ‘BAD SOCIAL ENGINEERING’

McDuffie’s proposals have drawn the ire of some D.C. residents who see it as a handout for people who don’t want to work.

“This is really bad social engineering,” Ralph J. Chittams, Sr., a former vice chairman of the D.C. Republican Party, said. “McDuffie’s proposals don’t give people any incentive to get off welfare. I think it is a slap in the face to people who get out of bed everyday to go earn a living.”

Chittams said the proposals could have the affect of some residents opting out of the workforce to participate in the programs.

“I can see a struggling Washingtonian looking around and seeing a non-working resident getting a check for not having a job and they are thinking, ‘Why can’t I do that, too?’” he said.

“As far as the Baby Bond is concerned, people’s behavior doesn’t change easily. If people don’t save and invest at an early age, I doubt they will do so when they reach 18. Basically, they will spend the money any way they see fit and I doubt some will use it for something useful like a college education.”

CLOSING THE INCOME GAP APPEALS TO POLICY ANALYSTS

While residents like Chittams have their doubts, some policy analysts be-

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black facts

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

MAR 11 - 17, 2021

MARCH 11

1959 – African American playwright Lorraine Hansberry (below right) opens "A Raisin in the Sun" at Barrymore Theatre in New York.

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1791 – Benjamin Banneker is commissioned

by President George Washington as part of a team to survey the District of Columbia.

1955 – Influential bebop saxophonist Charlie "Bird" Parker dies in New York City of complications from lobar pneumonia and other health issues at 34.

1964 – Malcolm X announced the establishment of Muslim Mosque, Inc., four days after his departure from the Nation of Islam.

1982 – Playwright Charles Fuller wins the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "A Soldier's Play," a story of a Black captain's search for the murderer of a Black sergeant on a Louisiana army base during World War II.

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MARCH 14

1794 – Eli Whitney receives a patent for the cotton gin.

1933 – Famous music producer and composer Quincy Jones (top) is born in Chicago.

1977 – Fannie Lou Hamer, voting rights activist, civil rights leader and philanthropist, dies in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, of complications from hypertension and breast cancer at 59.

1999 – Chess player Maurice Ashley beat Adrian Negulescu to become the first Black International Grandmaster.

MARCH 15

1988 – Eugene Antonio Marino is named Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta, becoming the first Black Catholic archbishop in the United States.

MARCH 16

1869 – Hiram R. Revels makes his first speech in the Senate, opposing the readmission of Georgia without adequate safeguards for Black citizens. This was the first official speech by a Black in Congress.

1956 – Hall of Fame tight end Ozzie Newsome, the first African American to serve as general manager of an NFL franchise, is born in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

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6 MARCH 11 - 17, 2021

1806 – Inventor Norbert Rillieux, widely considered to be one of the earliest chemical engineers, is born in New Orleans.

1877 – President Hayes appoints Frederick Douglass marshal of District of Columbia.

1919 – Famed singer Nat King Cole is born in Montgomery, Alabama.

1946 – Jackie Robinson makes his professional debut as a member of the Montreal Royals, the Brooklyn Dodgers' AAA minor league team, in the Daytona Beach ballpark that now bears his name.

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After formally breaking away from the British royal family, Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle gave a chilling account in an exclusive interview with Oprah Winfrey about the stressors and mistreatment Meghan endured while at the palace.

Markle’s revelations sent shockwaves around the globe. What are your thoughts?

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A woman of color entering an establishment which is known for its pursuit of preserving its pure-bred continuity was always going to be difficult. I feel sorry for her husband who only wanted to find happiness and be happy, and yet his wife was not accepted. It takes a lot of courage to express hurt and anger regarding people who feel you have no place in their world.

CHRIS V. / WASHINGTON, DC

Poor girl had no idea what she was getting into. She should have done her research before walking into that snake pit. She would have been prepared for the cruelty coming her way.

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I think where Megan dropped the ball in not researching the monarchy prior to marrying into it. If she had, she'd known that her whole life was going to change. Everyone in that family has gone thru hell except the queen herself.

Everyone must conform to what she wants. And she has advisors. If they don't like you, you're screwed.

JASON KING /

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

She’s in her late 30’s and she got married without doing any research? Really? Who in their late 30’s isn’t doing their research on almost every move they make today?

Come on. She knew what she was getting into. Next.

SHIRLEY MOORE / NEW ORLEANS, LOUSIANNA

I'm glad they did what they felt was best for their marriage, family and sanity. No kind of title or position is worth putting your family at risk. Maybe now they can have something close to a normal life.

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MARCH 11 - 17, 2021 7

AROUND THE REGION Colin Byrd Announces Run for U.S. Senate

By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer

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After announcing several months ago to challenge longtime House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer for Maryland’s 5th Congressional district, Greenbelt Mayor Colin Byrd changed his mind and wants to represent the entire state as a U.S. senator.

Byrd, 28, seeks to challenge Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) in next year’s Democratic primary.

What change Byrd’s mind to seek the Senate seat happened after Saturday’s 50-49 Senate vote on the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan.

“What I saw was a willingness to compromise…and that was completely unacceptable,” Byrd said in an interview Monday. “There are some things that are just non-negotiables.”

He said Van Hollen didn’t fight to include these items in the package: • The $15 per hour minimum wage and not make it an amendment.

• Keep the $400 weekly unemployment benefits passed by the House.

• Payment checks should include undocumented immigrants.

• Make the checks $2,000 and not $1,4,00 based on a campaign promise from President Joe Biden.

“Through all of those changes in the bill, it helped to shed light…

5 Colin Byrd (Courtesy photo)

to be mindful who represents us in the U.S. Senate,” Byrd said. “There could be good things proposed or even passed in the U.S. House of Representatives that could be completely undone by the U.S. Senate if you have the wrong people representing.”

Byrd said he will lend his support for progressive Democrat Mckayla Wilkes, 30, to challenge Hoyer. This will be Wilkes second attempt against Hoyer, who defeated her in the June 2020 primary.

Hoyer, who turns 81 in June, has been on Capitol Hill since 1981.

Byrd hasn’t been shy in criticisms of how federal and state officials govern.

In December, he posted a letter on his Facebook page with a direct attack against Del. Jazz Lewis (D-District 24) of Glenarden.

Byrd called Lewis “a total cornball brother who has no business representing Prince George’s County or Black people at all.”

Byrd confirmed Monday said he no longer works as chief of staff for Del. Julian Ivey (D-District 47A) of Cheverly.

In terms of the Senate race, Byrd said he respects Van Hollen but has a “respectful disagreement” on certain topics such as the need to implement Medicare for All, legislation on climate change and “vocal” opposition against the Maglev high-speed train project proposed along the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.

“My commentary is nowhere near as strong as any ordinary Marylander who knows what is happening from the people who are representing them is unacceptable,” he said. “There have been times with my rhetoric I would have probably done things different. I am apologetic about that.

At the same time, the people have an opportunity to elect a champion…and would do that with the upmost energy, fervor, zealousness and advocacy they deserve.”

A Van Hollen campaign spokesperson released a statement Monday evening.

“Sen. Van Hollen has secured bold relief for our state in the American Rescue Plan and will continue to focus on fighting for every Marylander.” WI @jabariwill

‘The World According to Dominic’ will return next week.

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AROUND THE REGION

Shalanda Young Getting Strong, Bipartisan Support for Top OMB Post Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Shalanda Young, a native of Baton Rouge, La., who serves as clerk and staff director for the House Appropriations Committee, appears the likely choice to replace Neera Tanden as President Joe Biden’s choice to lead the Office of Management and Budget [OMB].

Reportedly, multiple Congressional Black Caucus members continue to push for the experienced Young to get the job. Several Republicans, who have otherwise shredded, demeaned and denigrated some of the president’s minority picks, have indicated they would confirm Young.

As staff director, Young already oversees $1.3 trillion in annual appropriations bills.

She moved to Washington 20 years ago to serve as a Presidential Management Fellow at the National Institute of Health. Young, who holds a master’s degree from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Loyola University in New Orleans, had voiced support for Tanden.

Tanden came under repeated

“You’ll get my support. Maybe for both jobs,” Sen. Graham declared.

“I think our country would be served well by Shalanda Young,” offered Congresswoman Rashida Talib (D-Mich.).

After removing Tanden from consideration, the White House said the president was still considering his options.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) have thrown their support behind Young for OMB’s top job.

In a joint statement released on March 3, Pelosi and Clyburn noted that they take great pride in recommending Young as OMB director as longtime members of the Appropriations Committee.

“We have worked closely with

5 Shalanda Young (Screenshot from CNN)

fire over controversial tweets she’s posted in the past.

“You saw Neera Tanden apologize profusely about the tweets. I think what you also saw is an expansive knowledge of various policy areas,” Young told lawmakers.

“I do think we both bring some

skill sets in different areas where we’d make a great team if both of us were confirmed,” she continued.

During Young’s confirmation hearing as OMB deputy director, Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.) vowed his support.

With Senate as Main Focus, District Prepares for Arduous Statehood Fight James Wright WI Staff Writer Even though the House Oversight and Reform Committee’s hearing on D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton’s bill to make the District the 51st state of the union has been changed from March 11 to March 22, statehood activists are gearing up for a fight that may ultimately be decided on the floor of the U.S. Senate.

Norton said she learned of the change in the hearing date from Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), chair of the House Oversight and Reform Committee. The change didn’t trouble her.

“With Democrats in control of the White House, the House and the Senate, we have never been closer to D.C. statehood,” the delegate said. “This hearing will inform

the many Americans who still do not know that the 712,000 D.C. residents pay full federal taxes but have no voting representation in Congress, and that Congress has the final say on all local D.C. matters. “ Following the House passage of the bill in June, some national polls have found that support for D.C. statehood has increased to around 50 percent. It is long past time for Congress to act.”

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson are among the witnesses for statehood at the hearing.

Statehood advocates expect Norton’s bill to ultimately pass the House like it did last year but now that Democrats hold slim control of the Senate, the fight takes on different dimensions.

The District scored a victory

on March 6 in the Senate when it treated the District as a state over the matter of federal funds from the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 Relief Act that passed the chamber, 50-49.

The House passed the COVID-19 Relief Act fully vesting the District with its federal funds a few days before the Senate took action.

Norton praised the Senate for the adjustment from last year, reversing congressional action to treat the District as a territory in the CARES Act. That measure shortchanged the city hundreds of millions of dollars.

“Last year at this time, D.C. endured a gut punch when, during the beginning of the catastrophic, unpredictable pandemic, Senate Republicans deliberately withheld funds from the District categoriz-

STATEHOOD Page 11

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her for several years and highly recommend her for her intellect, her deep expertise on the federal budget and her determination to ensure that our budget reflects our values as a nation,” the pair wrote.

“Her legislative prowess, extensive knowledge of federal agencies, incisive strategic mind and proven track record will be a tremendous asset to the Biden-Harris administration.”

The statement continued: “Her leadership at OMB would be historic and would send a strong message that this administration is eager to work in close coordination with Members of Congress to craft budgets that meet the challenges of our time and can secure broad, bipartisan support.”

WI @StacyBrownMedia

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WORDS TO LIVE BY “I am America. Only, I’m the part you won’t recognize. But get used to me.

Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own – get used to me!

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“The Greatest” [1975] Fifty years ago, on March 8, 1971, in New York City, the first meeting between Ali and then undefeated world heavyweight champion Joe Frazier captured the world’s attention in the “Fight of the Century.” Spectators at Madison Square Garden were stunned when Frazier knocked out Ali for the win.

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5 Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) (WI File Photo)

STATEHOOD from Page 9 ing it as a territory instead of a state for fiscal relief in the CARES Act,” Norton said.

“Since March 27, 2020 when the CARES Act was enacted, over 40,000 residents have tested positive for COVID-19, and over 1,000 have died,” she said.

But the new law treats D.C. differently, she said. “The American Rescue Plan arms the District with the tools to fight the coronavirus,” she said.

“It will save lives by increasing the breadth of D.C.’s coronavirus response efforts, it will save jobs by increasing the number of small businesses that will survive this pandemic, and it will provide much needed relief to D.C. families.”

Bowser also praised the Senate.

“My federal and regional affairs staff under the leadership of Beverly Perry worked very hard with the Biden administration, Congress and of course, our delegate,” Bowser said at a news conference on March 8. “I really praise President Biden for making it clear to the senators that D.C. is to be made whole.”

Making the District treated as a state, through statehood, has become the mission of 51 for 51, an organization dedicated to eliminating the filibuster in the Senate so a D.C. statehood bill can have a chance to pass. The group’s lead organizer, Jamal Holtz, said expects the House to pass Norton’s bill but the real fight will be in the Senate.

“Our organization’s position is

that if the Senate can pass a Supreme Court Justice because of a rule change initiated by Sen. Mitch McConnell eliminating the filibuster then they can do the same for a D.C. statehood bill,” Holtz said.

“Sen. Thomas Carper’s D.C. statehood bill has 40 co-sponsors, the most ever, and we are working on getting all Democrats on board.”

Holtz said when his organization began its work to change the rules eliminating the filibuster in the Senate, particularly for statehood legislation, people didn’t take them seriously.

Holtz said educating through social media has become a chief mode of operation due to the pandemic.

He said virtual lobbying days have taken place and well as traditional modes such as writing and sending emails and phone calls to senators’ staffers.

Holtz said his organization has made progress and wants it to translate to a supportive Senate.

“Through hard work and engaging people throughout the country and the Democratic presidential candidates, we made a lot of progress,” he said. “We have spent a great deal of time educating people about statehood and we have found when they hear the full story that Washington, D.C. doesn’t just consist of the White House and the Capitol and there are real live human beings there who live in neighborhoods, they change their minds and support statehood.”

WI @JamesDCWrighter

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MARCH 11 - 17, 2021 11

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Prince George’s County Targets More Residents for COVID-19 Vaccinations William J. Ford WI Staff Writer Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks sent a text message for residents Saturday, March 6 with a simple message: vaccines are safe.

The three vaccines available – Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson –

show a high effectiveness rate against COVID-19 and keep people out of the hospital, based on clinical trials from each company.

Moderna and Pfizer require two doses and must be stored in critically low temperatures. Vaccine recipients only need one dose of the Johnson & Johnson formula which can be stored

5 Brigadier Gen. Janeen Birckhead with the Maryland National Guard speaks at a press briefing March 4 in Annapolis. Gov. Larry Hogan, left, and Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford, listen. (William J. Ford/The Washington Informer)

in conventional refrigeration.

Although the efficacy rate for Johnson & Johnson stood at 65 percent and Moderna and Pfizer at 95 percent, health and county officials said all three are safe.

“The county has three very safe and

Maryland Expands Age Limit to Vaccine Roll Out to Address Racial Disparities William J. Ford WI Staff Writer In order to address racial inequity in Maryland’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution, the state health department expanded eligibility priority in January for those 65 and older.

Acting Health Secretary Dennis Schrader said during a Senate work group session Monday, March 8 most seniors who received vaccines tended to be white.

“One of the things we learned that 75 and older tends to be more dominated by Caucasians. In order to get equity, we moved to 65

5 Six Flags America in Bowie is seeing a high number of cars in the appointment area although Prince George’s County has the lowest rate of vaccinated residents in the state with only 11 percent of vaccines being given to Prince George’s County residents according to County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. (Courtesy photo/MV Lassiter)

12 MARCH 11 - 17, 2021

and older,” he said. “We vaccinated almost 47 percent of 65 and older residents. Even though we are focused on 75-plus, we moved to that 65-plus. From an equity perspective, it’s an important thing. Although it did add more people and it made it more harder for us, but we felt it was worth it because of that.”

The work group held its seventh weekly briefing with Schrader who has been criticized about the efficiency of the state’s vaccine roll out in certain jurisdictions.

Although Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) said he was pleased that seniors are vaccinated, there remains a discrepancy in the majority Black jurisdictions of Baltimore and Prince George’s County.

He said about 62 percent of seniors age 75 to 84 still haven’t received a shot in the arm. The figure stands nearly the same for residents 85 and older.

Schrader reiterated the state continues to urge residents to call (1-855-634-6829) for vaccination support.

effective life-saving vaccine available,” according to the text message from the county. “The Health Department does not recommend one vaccine brand over another. Due to limited vaccine availability, you cannot select which vaccine you receive.”

A pre-registration portal is to open this month to schedule appointments at the mass vaccination sites.

Schrader attributed technology and transportation as a part of the problem in reaching older residents.

Sen. Clarence Lam, a Democrat and physician who represents portions of Baltimore and Howard counties, said Republican Gov. Larry Hogan first attributed low vaccine distribution to vaccine hesitancy among Black and Latino residents.

A chart shows more doses went to four of the biggest counties and Baltimore City, but Prince George’s accounts for the lowest number of vaccines administered at 14 percent. In Carroll County, which is smaller than Prince George’s, 28 percent of its population has been vaccinated, as of Monday, March 8.

In terms of vaccine distribution among race in the last several weeks, the percentage of doses for Blacks increased from 15 percent to 17 percent, according to state data.

Lam mentioned a Goucher College poll at https://bit.ly/3c-

VACCINE Page 13

The Maryland Vaccine Equity Task Force will lead an effort to make sure residents of underserved communities are treated, especially in Prince George’s County and Baltimore City, where officials stressed not enough vaccines have been distributed.

The goal will be to partner with nonprofit organizations, faithed-based community groups and others to ensure vaccines are administered.

“My hope is that we get more vaccine so it could 100 percent,” said Brig. Gen. Janeen Birckhead of the Maryland National Guard, who will help lead the statewide effort. “We can get together with partners and address that immediately.”

PROCESS SET FOR EXPANDING NUMBER OF CLINICS

The statewide initiative will go through a seven-step process for community leaders to submit a proposal to open a vaccine clinic in a particular area.

The task force members that include Birckhead and Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford will analyze each proposal for distribution disparities, lack of transportation and other data.

“It is not a one-size-fits all” approach, Birckhead said.

A vaccination clinic will open at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, the biggest church in Prince George’s and one of the largest in the D.C. area.

For recipients of the Moderna and Pfizer formulas, Birckhead said, an appointment will be scheduled for a second shot before a person leaves the

POLICE Page 39

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Educator Linda Thornton Thomas: A Woman Everyone Should Know

William J. Ford WI Staff Writer

Linda Thornton Thomas’ educational footprint in Prince George’s County started more than 20 years ago as an elementary school principal, school board member and education chair for the county’s NAACP branch.

Now the Temple Hills resident wants to promote education as one of her top agenda items as the new president of the county’s NAACP branch.

According to the Maryland Department of Education, last year’s graduation rate of 76 percent for Prince George’s public schools ranked the second lowest in the state ahead of Baltimore City.

“We need to move [up in the rankings],” Thornton Thomas said.

“There are ways we can do that.”

There’s been a slight delay formulating a plan.

Although members elected Thornton Thomas in November, she didn’t officially begin her presidency until last month.

That’s because former branch President Bob Ross challenged the results. Without a regional director

VACCINE from Page 12 f7I4l released Monday, which stated about 62 percent of Black residents already received at least one dose of the vaccine, or plan to get it “as soon as they can.” The figure increases to 68% for white residents.

The poll surveyed 725 Maryland adults from Feb. 23-28, with a 3.6-point margin of error.

“I think there needs to be a lot more to address root causes why Black Marylanders are being vaccinated less than white Maryland-

to assess them a few weeks after the election, the votes couldn’t be official until the national board held its first meeting Feb. 20.

“We lost a little time in getting the transition,” said Thornton Thomas, who’s resided in Prince George’s since 1985 after moving from Virginia’s Northern Neck region. “We were still working, but working in a quiet zone.”

When Thornton Thomas isn’t conducting NAACP business, she writes grants, conducts workforce development training and other programs as chief executive officer of National Coalition of Resources. She has four children and nine grandchildren.

At the top of her plans for the branch’s education committee, Thornton Thomas is finding ways for the school system to incorporate what she calls “senior knowledge” into the curriculum.

“That knowledge from those individuals who are retired scientists, mathematicians, philosophers and other disciplines,” she said. “If we got those individuals in there and just spend a couple of days a week.

That would truly help us be more competitive.” ers,” Lam said. “I’m not hearing many answers here.”

Then Lam had a few direct questions for Schrader.

“So, you will take full responsibility when we have more vaccines present to be able to ensure that all Marylanders will have equal opportunity to be vaccinated?”

“Sen. Lam, I’m a military officer. I’ve served this country for 26 years. I’ve been all over the world,” Schrader responded. “The buck stops with me.”

WI Twitter: @jabariwill

Although Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) said he was pleased that seniors are vaccinated, there remains a discrepancy in the majority Black jurisdictions of Baltimore and Prince George’s County.

The branch will use its 11 atlarge members to work alongside mayors in municipalities, especially those in economically distressed areas, to assess the number of businesses in that location because “we don’t have enough businesses in the county.”

With 1,100 members in the branch, Thornton Thomas said she’s wants to obtain status under Internal Revenue Service section 501(c)3 as a nonprofit for educational and charity purposes. It would allow the group to apply for grants and receive donations that are tax deductible.

Currently it has section 501(c)4 status. Groups with that designation are regard ed by the Internal Revenue Service as a social welfare unit that cannot apply for grants, but can receive unlimited donations that are not tax deductible for the donor.

5 Linda Thornton Thomas (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

“That’s one of the things I hope we may be able to change…so we can get the funds to help people,” Thornton Thomas said. “We want to connect with individuals who are not members of the NAACP. We certainly want to encourage them

to become members, but even if they’re not, we still want to support them. There’s so much more we can do in the county and make it better.”

WI Twitter: @jabariwill

Money Cometh!

The Pandemic has wreaked havoc on small and minority owned businesses. Whether many of these businesses had to shut down or have lost considerable revenue, times have been historically difficult. Restrictions on dining out, supply chain limitations, and reduction in operating hours all have caused an attack on business like we’ve never seen.

Despite these tough times, local, state, and federal governments have stepped up to provide needed assistance. Emergency Loans, Payroll Protection and other grants provide much needed aid to business. The current round of stimulus will conclude on March 31st and, presently, Congress is working on a new 1.9 Trillion-dollar package that includes these same programs.

When the first round of this package was unfolded, the first come first serve distribution method left many small and minority businesses out in the cold. Large businesses who were able to quickly grab the money, were given a first shot with small businesses left trying to fill out the paperwork. The result, small and minority businesses were too late in capturing these funds.

Fortunately, the next round of stimulus has small business set asides that will allow for more equitable distribution.

The Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce through its Capital Accelerator Program and in partnership with the University of Maryland Small Business Development Council is providing technical assistance on accessing these funds. So far, the Chamber has conducted five webinars and in the next few weeks businesses will be able to receive more assistance. The Chamber is fortunate to have connections with banks and experts that provide tax and other bookkeeping assistance that will help get businesses ready to receive these stimulus packages.

Please look out for Webinar Zoom dates for technical assistance! Gear up and go after this money!

Not a member? Please visit our website, www.pgcoc.org to get started!

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David C. Harrington President & CEO

MARCH 11 - 17, 2021 13

BUSINESS Pamela Smith Named First Black Woman Chief of U.S. Park Police Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Pamela A. Smith, a 23-year veteran of the United States Park Police [USPP], has been chosen to lead the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency as its chief.

Smith, who becomes the first African-American woman to lead the 230-year-old agency, immediately remarked that she would establish a body-worn camera program for USPP within 90 days.

The program will initially begin in San Francisco and be implemented across the country by the end of the year, Smith stated.

“Body-worn cameras are good for the public and good for our officers which is why I am prioritizing im-

plementing a body-worn camera program within my first 90 days,” Chief Smith offered in a statement. “This is one of the many steps we must take to continue to build trust and credibility with the public we have been entrusted to serve.”

Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and then graduated from the FBI National Academy.

She is a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

During her law enforcement career, the proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has served as a patrol officer, field training officer, canine handler and academy instructor at the Federal Law En-

forcement Training Center.

According to a news release, Smith also served as executive lieutenant to the chief of police, assistant commander of the San Francisco Field Office, commander of the New York Field Office, acting deputy chief of the Homeland Security Division and deputy chief for the Field Operations Division.

Smith counts as the first woman to lead the New York Field Office as its major.

At the United States Park Police, she will lead a 560-member workforce that protects the public, parks and the nation’s most iconic landmarks in the District, New York City and San Francisco metropolitan areas.

“Chief Smith’s commitment to policing as public service and her willingness to listen and collaborate make her the right person to lead the U.S. Park Police at this pivotal moment in our country,” Shawn Benge, deputy director exercising the delegated authority of the National Park Service [NPS] director, noted in a statement.

“Over the coming months, leadership of the NPS will explore opportunities with Chief Smith designed to strengthen our organization’s commitment to transparency. Her personal and professional experience make her acutely aware of and ready to meet the challenges and responsibilities that face U.S. Park Police and law enforcement agencies across the nation.”

Jennifer Flynn, the National Park

5 Chief Pamela A. Smith (Photo courtesy U.S. Park Police)

Service associate director for Visitor Resource Protection, added that she’s looking forward to Smith’s leadership.

“Chief Smith’s experience serving in leadership roles in every U.S. Park Police field office has provided her with an unmatched foundation to lead the diverse agency,” said Flynn, who oversees the Park Service’s law enforcement programs.

“As federal law enforcement officers, the U.S. Park Police officers have a new opportunity each day to give their best to the American people. Chief Smith exemplifies that approach as a colleague and mentor and she will be instrumental in refining

and shaping the future of the organization,” she said.

Smith promised that she will lead by example and expects all officers to display integrity.

“I have dedicated my career to the professionalism of law enforcement and it is my highest honor and privilege to serve as chief of police,” Smith said. “Today’s officers face many challenges and I firmly believe challenges present opportunities. I look forward to leading this exemplary team as we carry out our mission with honesty and integrity.”

WI @StacyBrownMedia

winners of the prestigious award.

Comcast has committed to playing an integral role in driving lasting reform and developing a comprehensive, multi-year plan to allocate $100 million to fight injustice and inequality.

Arion Long started her company, Femly, after being diagnosed with a cervical tumor linked to chemicals in popular feminine products. However, she survived and her business continues to survive the current health pandemic.

Bianca Jackson, a visionary and trailblazer, has long possessed a drive to do more than what her career as a tech journalist allowed. The Philadelphia-born entrepreneur who owns and operates BrickRose Exchange, like Long, has also remained competitive despite the challenges of the pandemic – in fact, business is booming.

Both Long and Jackson count among more than 28 winners in the D.C., and Baltimore area.

Femly and BrickRose Exchange

stand as two of 15 Comcast RISE award recipients in the Baltimore metropolitan area.

The Baltimore Times also join the group of award recipients.

“We are grateful to Comcast and salute their continued mission to effect real change,” The Baltimore Times Publisher Joy Bramble stated.

Each of the businesses has detailed their stories about the pandemic’s impact, how they pivoted and how the services they are receiving from Comcast RISE will help them move forward.

“The biggest thing that this award from Comcast means is accessibility and access as a Black female in business,” said Long whose comprehensive list of available feminine products includes panty liners, day and night pads and a unique menstrual cup.

“I think that as a Black female in business, access to capital and market-

Innovative Local Business Leaders Receive Comcast RISE Awards Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

5 Arion Long of Femly. (Photo courtesy Comcast)

14 MARCH 11 - 17, 2021

5 Bianca Jackson of BrickRose Exchange. (Photo courtesy Comcast)

Center Stage Hair on H, Comprehensive Wound Care Services, Dcity Smokehouse, Ditch the Wait and Health Resources Service Intake Center, count among the first round of Comcast RISE award recipients.

Comcast officials said more than 700 businesses will receive consulting, media, and creative production services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable or technology upgrades from Comcast Business.

RISE – Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment stands as part of a more extensive $100 million Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative that Comcast launched in 2020.

Jordan LP Law, K-12 Coders, LPJ Legal PLLC, Nailbed & Bar, Nutech Solutions LLC, Park Road Studios and The Balance Sports Alliance Group, were also named

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RISE Page 39

BUSINESS

There is Safety in the Multitude of Counsel – Proverbs 11:14

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq

5 The braintrust behind Everything Legendary scored big on Shark Tank.

(Courtesy photo/Heavy.com)

SHARK from Page 1 do people take that next step,” said Duane “Myko” Cheers, the CEO of Everything Legendary – an innovative business launched by a team of African-American entrepreneurs.

Along with Cheers and his partners, Danita Claytor and D.C.-area chef Jumoke Jackson, the company has touted plans “to disrupt the plant-based meat industry with high-quality, great-tasting product presented in brightly-colored packaging that features an edgy, urban vibe.”

“We took that next step and applied [to appear on Shark Tank],” Cheers said. “It was a long process and we kept going, and, you know, the dream came true and we went on Shark Tank. Just to get on was a dream.”

While Cheers graduated from Morgan State University, Claytor matriculated from both Howard University and Bowie State University.

With Chef Jackson, the trio has shared their collective HBCU education and experience in finance, education, multi-media production and hospitality to create the business model that fuels Everything Legendary.

Launched two years ago, Everything Legendary is sold to grocery stores and restaurants in the Greater Washington Area. The entrepreneurs expressed their desire to “make the world a healthier place and educate everyone on the benefits of going vegan.”

Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, is also a vegan and the group’s soy and gluten-free Legendary Burger helped win him over.

“The burgers are amazing,” Cuban tweeted. “The entrepreneurs are legendary, too.”

A news release noted that the plant-based market counts as one of the hottest categories in the food industry and Everything Legendary has added to that growth, having sold $250,000 worth of burgers within 24 hours of the Shark Tank broadcast on the east coast.

The entrepreneurs also strongly target Black millennial consumers because they believe the demographic will help drive their success.

“This is a purpose-driven company,” Cheers said. “My mom has battled Lupus for the past 35 years and it’s affected her lungs. She’s on oxygen 24/7 and she’s been a strict vegan.”

“One of the reasons why she has survived so long is because of her healthy diet. She just celebrated her 71st birthday last December,” he said.

Cheers admits that his mother takes medication for her condition but she’s discovered the need for just a limited amount because of her healthy lifestyle.

“That’s where it started. My ‘ah-ha’ moment to get into the industry was when I was in the grocery store with my mother and we were walking around and tried all the plant-based burgers that were there. But none of them had flavor, though,” he said.

That’s when he says he began to develop the idea for Everything Legendary.

“My two partners stepped in. I called Danita and then from there, I called Jumoke who I had known for years. We put it together and the

The full scripture says “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety”. In this age where we can google everything there is information to be found. There is a deluge of information to be found. However, information is not counsel.

I have been raised by parents who lived their lives demonstrating the value of community. From Civil Rights activism to community gatherings, it was clear to me that together we are better. The amazing brain trust that is available when you are in the right space with the right people could solve so many issues and answer so many questions.

As I have grown up and lived long enough to see that all counsel isn’t good counsel. I see that is why the Bible speaks to the safety in the multitude! I know that we all have that friend who knows a little bit of everything.

Sometimes that little bit is enough to get us into trouble. I encourage you to not just find the person who talks the most but the person who is truly a subject matter expert.

At The Griffin Firm we have developed a collaborative model of service. We know that our lane of estate planning is deep but narrow. We are quite thrilled to have the opportunity to work with people who have lanes that are equally deep and equally narrow. We work with financial advisors, real estate professionals and accountants to build strategies that enhance and support the dreams and visions of legacy building. Collectively we have capacity to create a multilane thorough fare that provides support and direction.

I encourage you to be thoughtful about the counsel you receive. First, beware of the free offerings that you receive from friends and loved ones who “heard” the best way to do something like pass on assets upon death.

I know far too many people who add their children’s names to the deeds for their houses to avoid the operation of probate. While I am a great proponent of probate avoidance, I know that there are better ways to avoid the probate process.

I am also aware of people seeking legal advice from professionals who are not legal professionals. We have quite a few people who walk into our office with “Do it yourself” Will and Trust kits from financial professionals.

I am not going to begin to discuss the downfalls of the documents you download from the internet as a legal source.

I will not make the blanket statement to suggest that you have to get a lawyer or a subject matter expert for everything but I will ask how important is the goal. If you are deciding whether to wear brown shoes or black shoes the answer will not have lasting impact. If you are deciding on a medical procedure that could potentially extend or limit your life or your capacity during your lifetime, you would want to get multiple opinions. In addition, you would want the person providing the opinion to be a certified medical professional in the practice area that is most relevant. Do not seek information regarding open heart surgery from a dentist.

I know that many people are reluctant to spend money for lawyers, financial advisors or accountants. Yet, if it is important to build for your future, or your family’s future you should consider investing in the future of your family. Time is the one thing we cannot create and what is lost is lost.

I share the Amplified version of Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no [wise, intelligent] guidance, the people fall [and go off course like a ship without a helm], But in the abundance of [wise and godly] counselors there is victory.

The Griffin Firm, PLLC www.yourestateplanningattorney.com (202)379-4738 5335 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 440 Washington DC 20015 1401 Mercantile Lane Suite 383 Upper Marlboro MD 20774 100 International Drive 23rd Floor Baltimore MD 21202 1100 Peachtree ST NE Suite 200 Atlanta GA 30309 2530 Meridian Parkway Suite 300 Durham NC 27713

product is just amazing.”

Cheers proclaimed that Cuban’s investment was “an absolute game-changer” for their brand, allowing them to increase product capacity and assure seamless national distribution.

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

“This gives us the resources that allow us to position our brand against any competitor where I know we will win on the flavor and quality,” Cheers stated in a release following the Feb. 26 broadcast.

“For me, this investment is ex-

tremely personal. It is a validation of my ‘never give up’ philosophy.

I heard ‘no’ 1,000,001 times over the years but this one ‘yes’ moment changes everything.”

WI @StacyBrownMedia

MARCH 11 - 17, 2021 15

NATIONAL House Passes Police Reform Bill Named in Honor of George Floyd Stacy Brown WI Senior Writer The House passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act on March 4 – an ambitious police reform bill that would ban chokeholds and overhaul qualified immunity protections for officers.

The legislation passed 220-212, though Republican Rep. Lance Gooden (R-Texas) said he’d voted yes by mistake and changed the official record to reflect his opposition.

The bill now heads to the Sen-

ate, where Democrats still need 10 Republicans to vote for passage.

Democrats hold a slight majority in the Senate – 51-50, counting Vice President Kamala Harris as a tie-breaking vote – but 60 votes are required for the bill’s passage.

Rep. Karen Bass, California Democrat and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said she is confident that enough Senate Republicans will support the measure.

Others agreed while applauding the action in the House.

“For too long, we have endured

5 The family of George Floyd celebrate the George Floyd Bill passed by the House on March 4. (Courtesy photo)

the pain of watching or seeing the deaths of people of color, particularly Black men and women, at the hands of rogue police officers who operate with impunity and take it upon themselves to be the arbiters of life and death,” said Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.). “The trauma that our communities feel is only made worse by the ways in which we are forced to reckon with the reality that Black people are over 3.5 times more likely to be killed by police than white people, and Black teenagers are 21 times more likely to be killed by police

than white teenagers.”

Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes. The officer, Derek Chauvin, was subsequently fired and charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter. His trial and jury selection began Monday.

Civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, in a joint statement on behalf of the Floyd family of George Floyd, lauded the House vote.

“We are deeply gratified and

grateful for the leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives in passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, responding to the mandate issued by thousands of Americans who took to the streets last summer to raise their voices for change,” the lawyers wrote.

“This represents a major step forward to reform the relationship between police officers and communities of color and impose accountability on law enforcement officers whose conscious decisions preserve the life or cause the death of Americans, including so many people of color,” they said.

“Now we urge the Senate to follow suit and send this important legislation to President Biden.”

The bill would ban neck restraints and no-knock warrants in drug cases at the federal level.

It would also reform qualified immunity, a tenet that makes it difficult to sue officers.

“America’s standing in the world as a beacon for justice demands that we live up to the principles of justice in everything we stand for,” said Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.). “The passage of this bill pushes us further along the path toward realizing justice for all.”

WI @StacyBrownMedia

CDC: Fully Vaccinated People Can Safely Gather Without Masks Millions Continue Being Vaccinated Around the Nation Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer Now that the ranks of those fully vaccinated against COVID 19

(Photo courtesy of Pexels.)

16 MARCH 11 - 17, 2021

is growing steadily, the Centers for Disease and Prevention has news for you—but it still involves masks.

The good news? You don’t have to wear one –or keep social distance-around close family, even if they haven’t been vaccinated, “if they are at low-risk for severe disease.”

But, the agency warns, the pandemic is not under control yet and so, it recommended March 8, to continue precautions including wearing “a well-fitted mask” and maintaining a six-foot social distance to others.

The CDC said, “fully vaccinated people should continue to follow guidance to protect themselves and others, including wearing a well-fitted mask, physical distancing (at least 6 feet), avoiding crowds, avoiding poorly ventilated spaces, covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands often, and following any applicable workplace or school guid-

ance. A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the last required dose of the vaccine says the agency.”

The new guidance reflects the agency’s judgement of how the U.S. can get back to life before coronavirus hit last year as the number of vaccinated Americans approaches 10 percent of the nation’s population and the pace of shots reaches upward of TK,000 a day.

“We know that people want to get vaccinated so they can get back to doing the things they enjoy with the people they love,” CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky said. “There are some activities that fully vaccinated people can begin to resume now in their own homes.

“Everyone – even those who are vaccinated – should continue with all mitigation strategies when in public settings. As the science evolves and more people get vaccinated, we will

continue to provide more guidance to help fully vaccinated people safely resume more activities,” she said.

Since Jan. 20, the White House has labeled controlling the COVID-19 pandemic its number one priority.

The administration’s strategy to achieve 100 million vaccination shots in 100 days, has resulted in 441 federal community vaccination centers in 37 states, territories and the District of Columbia in community centers, schools and stadiums.

The administration says they have deployed 2,225 federal workers as expert logisticians, vaccinators, non-medical operational staff, clerks and other critical support roles from multiple federal agencies.

The administration adds ensuring access is a priority. Federal officials say they are using churches and community-based organizations as well as mobile vaccination sites.

“However, the benefits of reducing social isolation and relaxing

some measures such as quarantine requirements may outweigh the residual risk of fully vaccinated people becoming ill with COVID-19 or transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to others,” the agency says.

In other words, the vaccinated need to protect themselves from the unvaccinated. That means “fully vaccinated grandparents can visit indoors with their unvaccinated healthy daughter and her healthy children without wearing masks or physical distancing, provided none of the unvaccinated family members are at risk of severe COVID-19,” it says.

“If the unvaccinated people come from multiple households, there is a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission among them. Therefore, all people involved should take precautions including wearing a well-fitted mask, staying at least 6 feet away from others, and visiting outdoors or in a well-ventilated space,” it says.

WI

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NATIONAL

Trillions of Dollars Needed to Mend Nation’s Rapidly Declining Infrastructure Engineers Give America a 'C-' Grade for First Time in Twenty Years Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer America’s roads, interstates, water systems and other key infrastructure systems are deteriorating and declining due to factors such as aging, climate change and passivity from the federal government.

The American Society of Civil Engineers [ASCE] released its 2021 Report Card for America's Infrastructure, giving the nation an overall C- grade, up from a D+ in 2017.

The study, conducted every four years, evaluates17 categories of infrastructure, with grades ranging from a B for rail to a D- for transit.

Eleven of the 17 categories in the report card received a grade in the D range including aviation, dams, hazardous waste, inland waterways, levees, public parks, roads, schools, stormwater, transit and sewage treatment.

“This not a report card anyone would be proud to take home. We have not made significant enough investments to maintain infrastructure that in some cases was built more than 50 years ago,” said ASCE Executive Director Thomas Smith.

“As this study shows, we risk significant economic losses, higher costs to consumers, businesses and manufacturers - and our quality of life - if we don't act urgently. When we fail to invest in infrastructure, we pay the price.”

The ASCE says over the past four years, the U.S. made some incremental gains due to increased investment in aviation, drinking water, energy,

inland waterways, and ports, but big obstacles remain like public transit, which received the lowest grade in the report of a D-.

Some 45 percent of Americans lack access to rapid transit and the existing infrastructure is aging, says the group.

In 2016, the ASCE rated Washington, D.C. an overall C- receiving poor grades in rapid transit, roads and levees.

On the upside, the District was rated a B-, or “good,” for its bridges — on par with its neighboring state Maryland.

In 2020, the ASCE gave Maryland a grade of C with overall condition of roads and bridges being among the best in the nation, but aging systems and dense population posing challenges.

“Maryland's surface transportation network, particularly bridges, has seen improvements since the 2011 report card,” said the ASCE. “Bridges received the highest grade of B among the 12 infrastructure categories included in the report.”

In 2015, the ASCE gave Virginia an infrastructure grade of C- up from D+ in 2009. The group says while Virginia has seen a slight improvement the state is barely keeping pace with maintaining aging infrastructure.

The report found that Virginia's water systems require nearly a $6.1 billion investment over the next 20 years as many of the systems are approaching 70 years old. The waste-

ROADS Page 29

Girls’ nights IN are gonna take COVID-19 OUT. We don’t get enough laughs these days.

But, wherever they are, our friends are as close as a click. Vaccines are coming.

But until enough of us are vaccinated, we still need to slow the spread. We can watch our distance, and not let COVID-19 keep us apart.

Learn more about vaccines and slowing the spread at cdc.gov/coronavirus Brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Stay Informed! www.washingtoninformer.com

(Photo courtesy of Pexels)

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MARCH 11 - 17, 2021 17

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africa now

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN

West Africa Readies for Ebola Battle At least five people are known to have died of Ebola in Guinea since an outbreak in February. As the World Health Organization rolls out a vaccination, neighboring Sierra Leone and Liberia are preparing for the disease to cross the borders, the Johannesburg-based Mail & Guardian reported on March 7.

About 225 people have been vaccinated in Guinea, since the virus broke out on 14 February in the N’Zerekore region, the United Nations says. This is the first time in five years that Ebola has been detected in West Africa. The last outbreak, which lasted from 2014 to 2016, devastated Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, killing more than 11,000 people.

Health workers are hoping it will be different this time. They have a new weapon in their arsenal — a vaccine that was released in late 2019.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has already sent 11,000 doses of the rVSV-ZEBOV Ebola vaccine, to Guinea, with an additional 8,500 expected to arrive soon.

The initial vaccination drive is targeted at people in high risk areas, especially health workers and those who have been in direct contact with a patient. About 65 WHO professionals are on the ground to help the Guinean government respond to the outbreak.

The Ebola vaccine has proved its effectiveness — it was instrumental in bringing the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) under control.

In Guinea, the WHO is supporting health officials to identify contacts, set up a treatment system, enhance surveillance and involve citizens in containing the virus. So far, 276 contacts are under surveillance, Guinea’s National Agency for Health says. It is also ramping up infection prevention and control of health facilities and reaching out to residents to improve response.

There has been no confirmation of cases in Sierra Leone and Liberia, but the two countries are on high alert because they share very porous borders with Guinea. WI

caribbean now Trinidad Government to Decide on Removing Super Gasoline The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is expected to decide by the end of the year if it will phase out the use of super gasoline as a fuel in T&T and only allow the use of premium gasoline.

Energy Minister Franklin Khan has admitted that the matter has gone to the cabinet but said no final decision has been taken.

In a wide-ranging interview with the Trinidad Guardian, Khan said that option has been presented him as the minister of energy, but “no decision has been taken on that as yet."

Asked if it had gone to the cabinet already, Khan said, "Yes, it went to the cabinet. The cabinet has not taken a decision on it. It reserved its decision to the liberalization of the price."

Asked if it is fair to say the cabinet will decide once it sees how the liberalization of the fuels market works, Khan simply added, "Yes, that is fair

to say."

If the Government decides on phasing out super gasoline it is likely to have a significant impact on motorists, the vast majority of whom use super gasoline because it is less expensive than premium.

It could potentially have the knock-on effect of higher taxi fares and cause inflationary pressure.

Khan admitted that natural gas production was a major challenge facing the country and that this year would be bad. But he posited that better days are coming. WI

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

March 2021 Message from Department of Aging and Community Living Laura Newland Director, DC Department of Aging and Community Living In celebration of Black History Month, my team highlighted your stories the entire month of February. Stories like Robert “Bob” King, our city’s longest serving ANC Commissioner; or like Sandra Bears, member of the DC Senior’s Cameo Club and a founding member of the Jewels, a 1960’s music group that toured with James Brown. Their stories and so many others are among the many ways our oldest residents make Washington, DC the great city it is.

As we enter Women’s History Month, I’m excited for us to share even more stories of how DC women like Virginia Ali of Ben’s Chili Bowl and Vanilla Beane of Bené Millinery & Bridal Supplies have paved the way. But business owners, political leaders, and famous singers aren’t the only people who’ve made history in the District.

Many of you are making history today. You’re making history by stepping up during a difficult time, reaching out to a neighbor just to check-in and say hello. You’re connecting with others in any way that you can, while keeping you and your neighbors and family safe. During challenging times, being a good neighbor is an extraordinary act, just as important to the community, as being the first, the best, or the greatest. Checking in on an old friend you haven’t heard from in a while, stopping by to say hello to a neighbor you usually wave to from afar, sending a note, making a call, or delivering a meal are all extraordinary acts that will become a part of our stories when we look back on this time period in our city.

Today, we are all bearing witness to history and in our own way, we’re contributing our own stories for generations to come. Stories about the ways in

which we serve and love one another, even when we can’t be together in person. While we celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of so many who came before us, and those who continue to pave the way today, let’s also celebrate the incredible contributions you’re making in our community with your families, your friends, and your neighbors.

You’re keeping these connections strong during a time when it’s so easy to lose touch.

If you’re feeling alone and disconnected during this time, reach out to my office at 202-724-5626.

We can help you get involved in activities, or connect you to someone just to chat.

At DACL, we celebrate history every day by celebrating you! And we want to keep sharing your stories.

Tell us how you live boldly and how you’re helping all of us thrive together. If you’re interested in sharing your story, please email my team at dacl.communications@dc.gov.

I can’t wait to hear from you!

Laura

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Vacancies on D.C. Commission on Aging Are you interested in serving your community as an aging advocate? The District of Columbia Commission on Aging is a citizen's advisory group to the Mayor, Council of the District of Columbia, Department of Office Aging and Community Living, and the general public on the needs and concerns of older Washingtonians. The Commissioners serve as advocates on behalf of the District's more than 120,000 seniors and accomplish their responsibilities through outreach to individuals and institutions, as well as to groups and governments.

The Commission's 15 members are appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Council of the District of Columbia.

To apply to become a member, visit the Mayor's Office of Talents and Appointments website http://motaboards.theresumator.com.

MARCH 11 - 17, 2021 19

HEALTH COVID-19 UPDATE

Senate Passes $1.9 Trillion American Rescue Plan Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer After a marathon session of debate known as “vote-a-rama” and some dissension within the Democratic ranks – particularly Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia – the U.S. Senate finally passed President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan on Saturday, March 6.

“We’re not going to make the same mistake we made after the last economic downtown when Congress did too little to help the nation rebound, locking us into a long, slow, painful

recovery,” Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said just before the vote.

“We are not going to be timid in the face of big challenges.”

The vote serves as the first significant coup for the Biden Administration – a litmus test of how united Democrats would be after four years of enduring a series of debilitating, Donald Trumpled legislation rammed through a favorable Senate.

During the four years of Republican control, a host of Democrat-proposed bills stalled in the upper chamber in what became known as former Senate

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5 The COVID-19 Relief Bill will provide much needed assistance to those suffering losses due to the pandemic. (Courtesy photo)

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s graveyard.

Manchin, who has discovered new, swing-vote power, has wielded it mightily, forcing changes to the bill that was passed by the House a week earlier.

The West Virginia moderate objected to the president and other Democrats who fought to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour. Although that portion of the bill had to be removed to permit it through the reconciliation process, Manchin held up the vote for hours wanting and receiving a change from $400 to $300 in the federal unemployment insurance addition to the bill.

Ultimately, the bill passed along party lines, 50-49 with one Republican senator absent. Therefore, Democrats didn’t need Vice President Kamala Harris’ potential tie-breaking vote. The bill still must be returned to the House for final approval before it heads to President Biden’s desk for signature.

Once the bill becomes law, it’s believed that the IRS will quickly begin sending out a new round of stimulus payments. Single tax filers making $75,000 or less would receive $1,400, while married couples who file jointly and make less than $150,000 would receive $2,800.

Families will also receive $1,400 per child and adult children claimed as dependents would also receive $1,400.

Unlike previous stimulus payments, single tax filers making at least $80,000, or couples earning more than $160,000, will not receive a check.

It’s also important to know that the IRS will determine eligibility based on either a 2019 or 2020 tax return.

If you have not filed your 2020 taxes,

Manchin, who has discovered new, swing-vote power, has wielded it mightily, forcing changes to the bill that was passed by the House a week earlier. the government will use 2019 income.

Individuals who may have lost their jobs or whose incomes decreased in 2020 should file as soon as possible.

Otherwise, the IRS will use your 2019 income.

Like the previous stimulus, you are not required to pay taxes on the payments and those owing child support or student debt to the federal government will be protected from garnishment.

However, lawmakers did not make provisions to protect anyone from garnishment who might have private debt.

The bill allows for the first $10,200 of unemployment payments tax-free and those who receive food stamps will see a 15 percent increase in those benefits through September. Families whose children’s schools have remained

closed are also in line to receive EBT benefits through the summer.

The legislation sends about $20 billion to state and local governments to help low-income households cover back rent and utility bills. It also contains a provision that allows families with minor children to claim a larger tax credit this year.

Those who qualify would receive a child tax credit of $3,600 for each child under six. Families will also receive $3,000 for each under age 18, up from the current credit of up to $2,000 per child under age 17.

The American Rescue Plan also provides $15 billion to the Emergency Injury Disaster Loan Program which provides long-term, low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration.

Severely impacted small businesses with fewer than 10 workers will be given priority for some of the money.

Additionally, more people will qualify for higher premium subsidies through the Affordable Care Act. “Today’s passage of bold relief legislation is exactly what Georgians had in mind when they sent me to the Senate to help our state recover from the devastation of this once-in-a-century pandemic and corresponding economic downturn,” Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) said.

“For months, families and communities across the nation have been waiting for the substantive federal assistance they need to pay their rent, buy food and medicine, safely reopen all our schools and keep essential workers on the job – and because of Georgia, that help is finally just around the corner.” WI @StacyBrownMedia

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

EDUCATION Study: Americans Hopeful About Future of Their Careers Despite COVID-19

University of Phoenix Career Institute Releases Results of Career Optimism Index

WI Staff Report As the U.S. approaches the one-year mark of COVID-19 lockdowns, the University of Phoenix Career Institute has released the results of its first annual Career Optimism IndexTM, a comprehensive study measuring working Americans’ attitudes toward their careers to help identify barriers to career advancement and highlight solutions that can help all American workers accelerate their careers.

The study found that despite facing unprecedented challenges and a turbulent economy amidst COVID-19, Americans remain overwhelmingly optimistic and hopeful about their careers. However, persistent barriers that keep them from advancing their careers have been intensified by the pandemic and workers need concrete support to translate their optimism into future career outcomes.

Despite one-in-three Americans saying COVID-19 has taken their career off course and 43 percent living paycheck to paycheck, 78 percent remain hopeful about the future of their careers and 70 percent say that hope is what got them through the past year.

Americans believe in themselves: eight-in-10 say they are highly employable, adapt easily to new work situations and are resilient in facing new career challenges; seven-in-10 feel prepared in the short-term to search for another job if necessary.

However, despite optimism and confidence in themselves, 42 percent don’t see a clear path forward for advancing their careers over the long-term and more than half need help connecting with others in their current or desired field, finding a mentor or advo-

cate, or seeking out training programs.

“The pandemic has only exacerbated the career challenges of American workers – the increase of automation, the widening skills gap, financial insecurity, mental wellness, and balancing parenting and home life – yet despite this, there is optimism,” said University of Phoenix President Peter Cohen.

“At University of Phoenix, we’ve been dedicated to helping students and alumni achieve their career goals for the past four decades. We formed the University of Phoenix Career Institute to help solve for broad, systemic issues for all American workers and that starts with a greater understanding of what they are facing in the workplace. The Index has provided that insight,” Cohen said.

Housed within the University’s College of Doctoral Studies, the University of Phoenix Career Institute conducts research to inform problem-solving and will partner with leading organizations to break down barriers that Americans face in their careers.

The Institute has committed to fielding the Career Optimism Index every year, sharing the results broadly to help inform societal solutions to career advancement.

DESPITE OPTIMISM, AMERICANS FACE SIGNIFICANT CAREER CHALLENGES Both emotional and structural barriers impact career progression. When asked to identify barriers that impact American careers, low self-confidence and fear of change (25 percent each), not having enough education (24 percent) and lack of opportunities for upskilling and development (24 percent) rose to the top.

Automation remains central in many Americans’ minds. One-in-five (22 percent) Americans say their job has become automated due to the pandemic specifically and a full 42 percent of Americans say they are worried that their job skills will become outdated because of advancements in technology.

Many Americans are worried about losing their jobs and are stressed about their careers. Forty-four percent of employed Americans are worried about losing their job due to the economy – with higher rates among women (46 percent), Blacks, Latinx and Asians (48 percent each) and Gen Z (56 percent).

More broadly, one-in-four Americans describe being stressed about their own careers (25 percent), with higher rates among Latinx (27 percent), women (29 percent), Asians (30 percent) and Gen Z (30 percent).

A significant percentage of American workers say they need additional support and resources to translate their optimism into future career outcomes: Despite confidence in finding another job in the immediate term if they needed to, 42 percent of Americans don’t see a clear path forward to advance their careers and 43 percent want to expand their skillset but don’t know where to begin.

American workers rank professional networking and skill development as top needs for advancing their careers.

Fifty-five percent need help connecting with others in their current or desired field, 54 percent need help

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concerns, their challenges and the degree to which they are optimistic about core aspects of their careers and their advancement in the future.

The study was conducted among a diverse, nationally representative, sample of U.S. adults among a robust sample to allow for gender, generational, racial and socioeconomic differences and includes additional analysis of workers in the top 20 media markets across the country to uncover geographic nuances.

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finding a mentor or advocate and 52 percent need support in seeking out training programs.

The Career Optimism Index™ study is one of the most comprehensive studies of Americans’ personal career perceptions todate. The University of Phoenix Career Institute will conduct this research annually to provide insights on current workforce trends and to help identify solutions to support and advance American careers. For the first annual study, more than 5,000 U.S adults were surveyed about how they feel about their careers at this moment in time, including their

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The automatic payment and paperless billing discount is for a period of 24 months and will appear on the bill within 30 days of enrolling. If either automatic payments or paperless billing are subsequently cancelled during the 24-month term, or services are reduced to Xfinity TV Limited Basic service only, the $10 monthly discount will be removed automatically. Offer ends 6/20/21. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New residential customers only. Limited to Performance Pro Internet. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees extra, and subject to change. After promo. period, regular rates apply.

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MARCH 2021 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT

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In 2004, director Morgan Spurlock undertook a study to determine the impact of fast food on the overall health of Americans. Consuming a diet of only McDonald’s food for a month, Spurlock captured the slow metabolic changes our vital organs 5 Dr. Shantella Sherman (Photo by India Kea) go through to process foods high in sodium, sugar, fillers, and unnatural additives. Spurlock gained 24 pounds, and showed signs of both kidney and liver distress, in addition to mood swings and a loss of sex drive.

In one critical scene, Spurlock’s physicians warn that his liver function tests suggested NASH – or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, a condition commonly called “fatty liver,” which does as much damage to the liver as alcohol-induced cirrhosis.

Super Size Me followed the tenacity of programming like the BBC4 show, You Are What You Eat (also broadcasting in 2004-2007), that used science – blood panels, food absorption tests, and stool samples to chart the impact foods had on the body’s major organs. Host Gillian McKeith impressed upon different guests each week the importance of eating healthy to avoid trauma to organs – especially the kidneys.

More importantly, recent studies, including the 2011 Perceived Discrimination and Hypertension Among African Americans in the Jackson Heart Study conclude that racism may play as much a part in the development of kidney ailments as diet.

“Although traditional biobehavioral risk factors might explain some of the African American---White disparity in hypertension, differences in exposure to discrimination by race might also contribute. African Americans’ exposure to discrimination could influence their risk for hypertension through various mechanisms,” its authors Mario Sims, Ana V. Diez-Roux (et.al) noted. “These include negative coping behaviors, such as unhealthy eating, sedentary lifestyles, and tobacco and alcohol intake. The experience of discrimination could also cause emotional distress, which can trigger physiological responses involving the hypothalamic---pituitary---adrenal axis and the sympathetic---parasympathetic systems, which play an important role in the pathophysiology of hypertension.”

In short, racism is linked to the development of hypertension – and kidney disease. So, whether kidney disease and kidney failure are related to food intake or outside stressors, the reality is that its prevalence among African Americans show few signs of improving. Millions now face life with impaired kidneys or the need for a transplant.

Despite its prevalence, few fully understand the functions of the kidneys or the importance of their proper operation. For instance, legendary performer Tina Turner recently underwent both dialysis and a kidney transplant after ignoring admonishments from her physician to manage her hypertension. In fact, Turner decided to disregard the diagnosis and discontinue taking prescribed blood pressure medication.

“I tried to understand my kidney’s purpose, and why it was important. Something, to be honest, I’d never thought about before,” she writes in her memoir, My Love Story. “The consequences of my ignorance ended up being a matter of life or death. If I hadn’t discontinued the medication, if, if, if… A small decision but one that would continue to haunt me.”

Understanding kidney function, dialysis and kidney transplants immediately brought Quandra Lee to mind. I met Lee more than 20 years ago. Then, as now, the first thing that stands out and sticks with you when you meet Lee is her infectious laugh. Always the optimist, she became a transplant recipient, first as a teen – and a second time, as an adult, some twenty years later. For this Washington Informer Supplement, writer Lindi Vilakazi sat down with Lee to discuss life post-transplant and the importance of living fully. Additionally, our writers penned works on maintaining kidney health, including insight from dialysis leaders DaVita Integrated Kidney Care – all to offer readers a better understanding of how kidney health works toward overall good health. HS

Tina Turner recently underwent both dialysis and a kidney transplant after ignoring admonishments from her physician to manage her hypertension.

www.washingtoninformer.com / MARCH 2021 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT

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Fast Failure

Examining the Impact of Fast Food on Kidney Health Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Staff Writer Kidney disease continues to strike the Black community at startling rates, as many across the District face a health crisis brought on by their daily eating habits. Currently, Washington, D.C. reports the most prevalent rate of chronic kidney disease in the nation – 44 times the national average -- that in most cases, developed from a bevy of underlying illnesses directly linked to dietary and lifestyle choices.

“The vast majority of people who have chronic kidney disease and kidney failure have some general medical condition that affects the kidneys, as well as the rest of the body,” said Dr. Raymond Bass, M.D. with Montgomery Renal Associates, in Maryland. “The very two at the top of that list are diabetes and high blood pressure.”

In addition to fast-paced lifestyles that rely on eating quick, pre-packaged meals teens and young adults have made fast food eateries like McDonalds, Popeyes, and Taco Bell a regular option for nourishment. The results of the high intake of saturated fats, sodium, and fillers in most menu items, kidney function becomes compromised.

“Dietitians push fresh food and home cooking, but in reality, patients are going to eat fast food. It is important for registered dietitians to help steer patients to better choices that will allow patients to feel less restricted in eating while keeping their phosphorus and potassium in control,” registered dietician Christina Arquette notes in The Journal of Renal Nutrition.

“Looking at Burger King, McDonald’s, and Wendy’s, the regular plain hamburger looks like the best choice with the lowest phosphorus and potassium.”

Arquette said that Taco Bell and KFC had few ideal options for optimal kidney health as items like tacos, drumsticks and wings were rarely eaten at the recommended proportion size of 1 taco or 1 wing.

This results easily in exceeding maximum healthy numbers.

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Avoiding foods with heavy sodium content often proves difficult for those living in food deserts or with food insecurities. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines a food desert as an area where people have limited access to a variety of healthful foods.

This may be due to having a limited income or living more than a mile from a major grocery chain. The USDA also found that more than 35 million Americans were either unable to acquire enough food to meet their needs, or uncertain of where their next meal might come from in 2019.

“The issue is less obesity and chronic conditions than the quality of the foods being consumed.

When we consider that a large portion of Americans who are classified as overweight are also malnourished, it speaks to the consumption of cheap, processed foods with no nutritional value,” dietician Taylor Andreas told the Informer. “The food fills you up but also poisons your system, throwing kidneys, liver, and digestive tracts out of whack. In order to address kidney issues, we have to also address our over-reliance on ‘fake foods.’”

Wholistic practitioner Dr. Kokayi Patterson has spent years facilitating local food donations, and health consultations to those most vulnerable demographics. Patterson speaks to the importance of diet as it pertains to preventative habits to combat potential kidney disorders, and additional health maladies.

“The food choices necessary for the Black community to address, should be sustainable foods. It should be foods that will nourish their bodies, that have in it healing capabilities, and are supplemented with herbs and other nutritional elements. The diet is key,” said Patterson. “When you are eating from God’s health food basket -- fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains, as well as good spring water, plenty of sunlight, meditation, and exercise – your kidneys function properly. These are the dietary things needed for the spirit, mind, and body.”

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The American Heart Association cordially invites you to the

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2021 7:00 PM ET

Here in the Greater Washington Region, 1 in 10 residents is nutrition insecure, lacking reliable access to healthy food. Our digital Heart Ball will bring together our supporters and partners to raise funds to support the mission of the AHA and our work to ensure all our neighbors have the same access to healthy, affordable food.

Visit dcheartball.heart.org to learn more.

Sponsorship inquiries: Jordan.Silverman@heart.org

Thank You to Our Local Sponsors: The Bender Foundation | Linda Gooden & Laird Lott | Patti & Rob Franklin Barbara & David Humpton | Sheehy Auto Stores

MARCH 2021 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com

AARP Volunteer Helps Others in her Community Make Vaccine Appointments Emily Pickren Communications Director AARP DC On January 11, when the District of Columbia opened Covid-19 vaccine appointments to people age 65 years and older, Pamela McKee was at her computer, ready to go. She was able to secure an appointment for her first dose of the vaccine for January 16.

To learn more about who is currently eligible to receive the vaccine in the District and to sign up to receive updates on when vaccine appointments become available, visit coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccine.

Ms. McKee considers herself lucky to have gotten an appointment so quickly, but also attributes it to her comfort with technology and her ability to move quickly. She jokes that she “would like to find a computer that can keep up with my impatient fingers.” In this case her comfort and

speed were aided by preparation.

Registration for appointments began at 9:00 a.m. but she went to the webpage early to make sure she was familiar with how to log in and that she had all the information on hand that she would need. Based on her experience, she recommends that when people go to schedule their vaccine they use a desktop computer or a laptop rather than their phone, if possible, to get through the process faster.

Ms. McKee, who exited the workforce as a Vice President of Operations and Development for a national nonprofit, has lived in her current home since 1977 and is well acquainted with many of her neighbors, some of whom do not have computers or do not use technology as often as she does.

Since making her own appointment, she has used her comfort and skill with technology to help several of neighbors and friends

who are eligible for the vaccine to sign up for an appointment. She believes strongly in helping others, which is why she volunteers with AARP and even served on AARP DC’s Executive Committee from April 2007 to December 2011. Since the pandemic began, she has also been helping a friend in the public health field to distribute masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer to her community.

She got her vaccine at the Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center, which is located just a few blocks from her home in Ward 4.

She reports that the site was well organized; approximately 20 people were there to receive their first dose and people were asked to line up according to the time of their appointment, so that someone who arrived early for an 10:00 a.m. appointment would not receive their vaccine before someone with a 9:30 a.m. slot, for example.

She arrived ten minutes before her

scheduled appointment at 10:00 a.m. and received her first vaccine dose 30 minutes later. That time frame included completing the intake form. Note: The Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center is no longer a vaccine site — the city has moved its operations to the nearby and larger Lamond Recreation Center.

After she received her shot, she was given a card with the date that she would be eligible for her next vaccine—with instructions that she had to make an appointment to receive her second dose. Now however, DC Health has made changes so that people no longer

have to make an appointment for their second shot. Individuals are simply asked to return to the same location on the assigned date and time on their card. The card also notes the type of vaccine received and serves as proof that a person received the vaccine, should they need it.

AARP is working to ensure every older American who wants the vaccine can get it. Check out aarp.org/DCVaccine for information on the District’s Covid-19 distribution plan and how and where eligible residents can make an appointment to receive the vaccine.

We may be apart, but we're not alone Someone who cares is just a phone call away.

The AARP Friendly Voice program is a group of trained, caring volunteers standing by ready to chat, listen, or just say hello.

It's easy. Request a call by dialing AARP at 1-888-281-0145 for English or 1-888-497-4108 for Spanish, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. local time.  /aarpdc  @AARPDC

5 Pamela McKee (Photo courtesy of Pamela McKee)

www.washingtoninformer.com / MARCH 2021 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT

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Get the facts about the COVID-19 vaccine.

AARP has the latest information.

AARP District of Columbia is working to protect Americans 50+ by making sure you have the latest information you need about the COVID-19 vaccines and the distribution plans in the District of Columbia.

Find out who’s eligible for the vaccine, when and where vaccines will be available and what you need to discuss with your doctor before you decide.

Just visit our website to get the most up-to-date information available about your vaccine options.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccine availability and distribution at

aarp.org/DCVaccine

facebook.com/AARPDC | @AARPDC | aarp.org/washington-dc

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MARCH 2021 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com

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Healthy Eating Tips and Tricks for People with Diabetes or Pre-Diabetes

By Elaine Magee, MPH, RD Wellness Corporate Dietitian If you are one of the 26 million people in the U.S. with diabetes or the estimated 79 million American adults with pre-diabetes, this diagnosis can be the beginning of your new journey into a higher level of health.

It isn’t that carbohydrates are bad.

It’s just that you need to know the amount of carbohydrates your body can tolerate (at different times of the day) given your body, medication, and exercise schedule. Work with your doctor or dietitian to figure out what your carb budget is per meal.

Many dietitians and diabetes educators believe it is actually more important to know your carbohydrate budget per meal or snack than it is to know what it is per day.

Knowing your personal carbohydrate meal budget and the following tips and tricks, along with the Perfect Plate Diabetes Edition on page __, will hopefully bring you one giant step closer to feeling better, having normal blood sugars,

and living a longer, healthier life.

TIP — BEST WAYS TO EAT FRUIT

Fruits are nature’s candy because they are naturally sweet. But since they do contribute carbs, your best bet is to eat fruit in its whole form.

This gives you all the fiber, water and nutrients naturally in the fruit and whole fruit takes longer to eat than juice or dried fruit. 15 grams of carb generally computes to 1 cup of whole fruit, 4 ounces of fruit juice or 2 tablespoons of dried fruit. That cup of whole fruit is going to be a lot more satisfying!

• There are a few fruits that tend to have a bit more carbohydrate and for them 15 grams of carbohydrate is more like 1/2 cup. Keep this in mind when enjoying these fruits: passion-fruit, bananas, mango, kiwi, pears and pomegranate.

Get up to

TIP — SWITCH TO WHOLE GRAINS EVERY CHANCE YOU GET!

Want to statistically reduce your risk of death from all causes while also improve your blood sugars, weight control and risk of heart disease and stroke? Instead of processed grains, choose whole grains and whole grain products whenever possible! This has never been easier with all of the options now available in your supermarket. Here are some ways you can make the switch starting today: • Choose intact whole grains, such as quinoa, oats, amaranth, barley, buckwheat, along with wild and brown rice, many of which you can cook in your rice cooker • Choose 100% whole wheat breads, buns, English muffins, and bagels

• Choose 100% whole wheat tortillas and use them for sandwich wraps as well as burritos and quesadillas • Choose whole grain or whole wheat pasta—now available in most shapes!

• Choose breakfast cereals, hot or cold, made with whole grains like oats • Use whole wheat flour for most of the flour called for in your favorite baking recipes

even easier to make salads or add them to eggs, soups, casseroles and sandwiches!

• Adding a little smart fat (like avocado, nuts or extra virgin olive oil) to your dark green leafy salad will enhance the body’s absorption of many of the plant compounds and vitamin K.

TRICK — A DARK GREEN LEAFY-A-DAY MAY KEEP DIABETES AT BAY

The total amount of carbohydrates you eat at each meal is the biggest predictor of what you’re your blood sugar levels will be after the meal, but the type of carbohydrates and what you eat them with matters too.

New research is suggesting that eating vegetables and protein-rich foods BEFORE the carbohydrate-rich foods in a meal, may help lower blood sugar levels following the meal, probably because by the time those carbohydrates hit the stomach, there is already some protein getting digested and some fiber adding bulk.

Getting in the habit of having a nice big serving of a dark green leafy veggie every day is one of the best things you can do for your health and diabetes. They are loaded with key vitamins, minerals, fiber, plus powerful plant compounds which equal added protection from heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.

• Buy dark leafy greens in ready to use bags in your supermarket. It’s

TRICK — PUT PROTEIN AND VEGGIES TO WORK FOR YOU

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www.washingtoninformer.com / MARCH 2021 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT

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Two-Time Kidney Transplant Survivor Stands Tall Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Staff Writer Quandra Lee was only seventeen years old when she underwent her very first kidney transplant. The native Washingtonian was fortunate to have her mother donate a kidney in 1991, which allowed her to embark on a successful career as a professional makeup artist and esthetician. A decade later Lee experienced complications to the transplant -- forcing her back into the emergency room faced with kidney failure. The saving grace of a second kidney donor and a renewed sense of purpose has catapulted Lee into her wildest dreams.

The Informer sat down with Lee to discuss life post-transplant and how she lives her best life.

How are you doing today? How is life amid COVID-19, and post second transplant?

“Life is crazy! Just getting used to the [new] norm is really the challenge. Knowing what to do, and how to do it, especially when concerning

my health. I got sick at seventeen, so I’m kind of like an O.G. in the situation now *laughs*. I’m a very clean person, I know what works, and what doesn’t work for me, so when this [COVID] came about, wearing a mask [and taking other precautions] was like, “okay, what else”, because I’m always making sure I’m okay.”

When did it become apparent to you that you were having recurring kidney issues?

Well, I actually got sick on my honeymoon. So, my kidney failed in 2001. Eventually, I was on hemodialysis. I didn’t know how it would go, but I just felt that this wasn’t the way I wanted to live. I knew that wasn’t it, so I didn’t do very well with it. I was constantly sick, and frail. It just wasn’t me. I’m a very lively person, and I like to enjoy life to the fullest.

Tell me what that journey was like when you were in need of a second transplant. How did you stay positive throughout it?

“My brother-in-law had actually inquired on how someone can become a donor. I thought he was asking for informational purposes because I’m often sharing my story, so I was just casually talking to him [about the process]. So, when he came back [to me] he said, “Guess what? I’m a match!” I didn’t even know he had gone through the process. [At that point] I said, “Okay, God, I know that you really have something else for me.” It’s one thing when your mom does it, and I don’t take that for granted either because that’s my mother, but for someone not blood related to me, [I see it as] for them to love someone so much that they wanted to give that much to my situation. It is such a blessing, and I don’t take that lightly. To this day I don’t know how I can fully express my gratitude. I’m so well, and happy, and able to be my regular self because of his grace.”

How have your dietary habits changed since? What is your eating regimen like now, and how

important is dietary health to you post-transplant?

“So, you do want to eat as clean as possible, because now with me having had the kidney transplant, I have [been susceptible] to having several other conditions. Most people have other things that cause their kidneys to fail, but I just have kidney failure.

Because of that, I’m more prone to

DYK: Did You Know…?

Lee Ross WI Staff Writer

KIDNEY FAILURE, DIALYSIS, AND CARE COSTS

Kidney failure affects almost 750,000 people per year in the United States. The disease disproportionately affects the nation’s minority and low-income patients. Compared to whites: Mortality rates vary depending on the kidney failure treatment. After one year of treatment, those on dialysis have a 15-20 percent mortality rate, with a 5-year survival rate of under 50 percent. Persons who receive transplants have a survival rate of about 80 percent after 5 years.

The best current treatment for kidney failure is kidney transplantation, which requires a donor match, major surgery, and a lifetime regimen of immunosuppressant medications to prevent rejection. For those kidney failure patients able to receive a kidney transplant, the outlook is positive; the five-year survival rate for transplant recipients is over 80 percent.

There is an acute shortage of donor organs for kidney failure patients. There are more than 100,000 kidney failure patients on the U.S. transplant wait list. In 2016, 20,161 kidney transplants were performed in the United States.

DIALYSIS

The only alternative today to kidney transplantation is dialysis.

Hemodialysis involves pumping a patient’s blood through an external circuit for filtration before it is pumped back into the body. A typical hemodialysis schedule is three sessions per week, for 3-5 hours per session at a medical facility.

Peritoneal dialysis uses the patient’s own abdomen across which waste is exchanged from the blood and flushed out regularly through a permanent tube in the abdomen. Peritoneal dialysis does not require regular trips to a medical facility but still requires regular treatment at home.

Hemodialysis is the far more common type of dialysis—about 90 percent of all dialysis patients.

COSTS

Medicare coverage is extended to a person of any age who requires either dialysis or transplantation to maintain life. The almost 750,000 people who live with kidney failure are 1 percent of the U.S. Medicare population but account for roughly 7 percent of the Medicare budget.

Medicare spending for kidney failure patients is at $35 billion in 2016.

Hemodialysis care costs the Medicare system an average of $90,000 per patient annually in the United States, for a total of $28 billion.

Spending for transplant patient care is $3.4 billion.

the other illnesses. I’ve had Bell’s Palsy, I’ve had gout in my foot, I’ve been anemic while I’ve been sick, [and for a period of time] I was diabetic. All the other things that cause your kidneys to fail, at times I get those issues.

And it won’t even be that I am doing things to cause those illnesses. They restricted me from fried foods for example, but I don’t eat fried foods.

I don’t drink beer, I don’t do all of those things, it’s just a byproduct of [the kidney failure]. Because I’m mindful of those things and I keep my diet balanced, I eat as if I am a diabetic. I eat a clean diet.”

What lessons or jewels of life have become more apparent to you in the process of your kidney transplants?

“Emotionally, I always choose peace. I often go to the gym, and I even started practicing meditation. It can be difficult because I do think a lot, I am just a thinker. But what has also worked for me are e-books. I listen to the books if I cannot meditate, just to get my mind in a different space. I do have to say, my salvation, my family [has also been a key part].

I come from a very strong built family that taught me if you fall, you get back up and keep pushing forward.

Don’t sit there and ‘woulda, coulda, shoulda,’ instead, get back up and do something about it. It’s kind of like failing forward and just allowing ourselves to fail. It will be okay. I’ve even had strangers say to me, ‘You don’t look like you have a care in the world,’ because I try not to carry the bag. I don’t try to be perfect I just try to be the best version of myself every day.” HS

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Finding Social Support Online Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia For many people, the support of friends and family helps during challenging times. We might find comfort and perspective in our talks with them. But sometimes, our loved ones may not understand our experiences or have enough time to talk. Support groups help fill this gap.

Support groups offer a safe space for understanding. People gather to share their stories and often find in doing so that they are not alone. They may find supportive connections, for a short time or a lifetime. And they may hear about helpful coping strategies.1 Support groups may be led by peers or mental health professionals.

Group members usually focus on one area, like depression or living with a medical condition. If you’re interested in joining a support group, take some time to find the right group for you. Don’t hesitate to try a few

groups to find where you feel most comfortable.1 You can also follow social distancing practices while getting support! Many groups now offer online support meetups. Mental Health America lists many resources to help you find support, including online groups. They also list toll-free, 24-hour hotlines. For details, visit www.mhanational.org/ find-support-groups.

Sources: 1. “Find Support Groups,” Mental Health America, https://www. mhanational.org/find-support-groups.

2. “5 Things You Should Know About Stress,” National Institute of Mental Health, https://www.nimh.nih. gov/health/publications/stress/index.shtml.

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

#BestMe GET THE FACTS ON STRESS Experiencing stress is part of being human. But what is stress? How does it impact us and how can we manage it?

Stress is our reaction to any demand. Both our mind and body respond to stress. Hard day at work? Sick with a cold? Baby up all night? All these events can give us stress.2

HERE ARE A FEW FACTS ABOUT STRESS:2 1. Stress may help us get moving when we need it.

When we feel stress, our body responds by readying us for action. Our breath and pulse may quicken and our muscles tense. If we are facing physical danger, stress helps our body move quickly to get out of the way. If we need to get something done soon, stress may help us find the energy to finish the task.

2. Long-lasting stress may hurt our health. Our bodies are pretty good at handling short-term stress. But stress that continues over a long time can disrupt our healthy functioning. We may develop headaches or digestive problems. We may have trouble sleeping or feel

angry or sad. If we don’t ease our stress, we may even develop high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, or anxiety.

3. We can learn to manage stress. Try these steps to help reduce stress’s harmful effects: a. Notice what you’re feeling and why b. Exercise regularly to help burn off any excess energy and improve your mood c. Relax regularly, too. Set aside time for meditation or deep breathing. d. Decide what needs to be done now and what can wait e. Talk with your loved ones about what you feel. You can also talk with your primary care provider (PCP).

If stress has you feeling overwhelmed, talk with your PCP. They may be able to help. If you are having thoughts about suicide, call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) right away. You can call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. * Standard messaging and data fees may apply.

Find us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/amerihealthdc. • Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/amerihealthcaritasdc. • ind us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/amerihealthcaritasdc.

#BestMe

Rewards Program

I got a gift card for getting my annual physical. You can too.

You can get a $25 gift card if you: • Are an AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia enrollee • Are 12 – 21 years old • Get an annual physical exam

Visit www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com/member/eng/ healthy-living/reward-program.aspx to learn more.

Note: An enrollee cannot get more than $75 in incentives each year.

Certain limitations and restrictions may apply.

ACDC-201001070-4

www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

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MARCH 2021 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com

All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only.

Any individual depicted is a model.

Recent & Recommended Books on Kidney Health Lee Ross WI Staff Writer Your kidneys are organs that play several important roles in your health. They help filter your blood, remove waste products, produce

hormones, keep your bones strong, regulate fluid balance, and regulate your blood pressure. Prolonged high blood sugar levels may damage your blood vessels, including those in your kidneys. While diets high in sodium, sugar, and pro-

cessed ingredients promote kidney disease, nine in 10 American kids go to a McDonald’s restaurant each month, and 80 percent of Americans dine in a fast-food restaurant at least once each month. In fact, roughly 50 million Americans con-

sume fast food on any given day.

The books chosen by the Informer for this supplement promote a greater understanding of how processed and fast-food consumption impact overall kidney health.

Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal

By Eric Schlosser The fastfood industry has become a staple of a fast-paced nation that wants foods quick, cheap, and tasty.

Fast food has hastened of our landscape, widened the chasm between rich and poor, fueled an epidemic of chronic health conditions that attack vital organs – most notably, the kidneys. Eric Schlosser unearths a trove of fascinating, unsettling truths -- from the alliance between fast food and Hollywood to the seismic changes the industry has wrought in food production, popular culture, and even real estate.

Fast Food Genocide: How Processed Food is Killing Us and What We Can Do About It

By Joel Fuhrman, M.D., Robert Phillips From the same authors who produced the bestselling books, Eat to Live and The End of Diabetes, comes this work Fast Food Genocide. An unflinching, provocative exploration of how our food is compromising the health of millions of Americans, the book explores how its low costs and convenience contribute to an unprecedented health crisis. The authors tackle fast food, in addition to toxic, human-engineered products found in every grocery store across America, like cold breakfast cereals; commercial and preserved (deli) meats and cheeses, sandwich breads and buns, chips, and fried foods.

Fast foods have become the primary source of calories in the United

States and consequently the most far-reaching and destructive influence on our population, making this book a ‘must read.’

Hattie’s Journey: A Child’s Second Chance at Life After a Kidney Transplant

By Felicia Williams-McGowan Hattie’s Journey is a story of a little girl who loved school, cheerleading and all things fun, but finds herself feeling very ill one day. Hattie’s life changes when she finds that she has kidney failure. This story provides an intimate look at kidney disease from the perspective of a young child. While it is informative and caring in its presentation, it also offers encouragement to young readers. Ultimately, Hattie’s struggle with kidney failure highlights support, love, and encouragement from family.

The Kidney Donor’s Journey: 100 Questions I Asked Before Donating My Kidney

By Ari Sytner After an unexpected yearlong journey of exploring kidney donation, Ari Sytner became a kidney donor to save the life of a single mother of three children. The experience was so inspirational and transformative, that Sytner revealed the entire journey in this first-ever question and answer book, outlining the 100 questions he struggled with before deciding to proceed with his transplant and give the gift of life. The Kidney Donor’s Journey walks readers through each stage of Sytner’s process, from researching and telling his family, to testing, surgery, and recovery. The book inspires readers to weigh the personal and ethical values of kindness and human life, while sharing a moving and uplifting tale of one man’s journey to make a difference in the world. HS

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One on One with DaVita Integrated Kidney Care mental health counseling as a component of dialysis?

Lee Ross WI Staff Writer The Washington Informer recently chatted with Dr. Bryan Becker, Chief Medical Officer, DaVita Integrated Kidney Care to find out all we could about how to improve overall kidney health.

Becker stressed the importance of good overall health in both the prevention and treatment of kidney disease – and our staff encourages you to read the complete conversation at www.washingtoninformer.com.

WI: Particularly within the D.C. metropolitan area and the Black community, unchecked hypertension has created a vacuum into which children and young adults are faced with renal failure. Has your client base shifted in recent years to younger patients and has diet been a contributory factor?

BB / DaVITA: Minority populations have been shown to have higher rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, all of which are associated with an increased risk for kidney disease. Unfortunately, we have seen significant disparity in the number of Black individuals with kidney disease as they are 3.8 times more likely than white individuals to develop kidney disease.

Screening and early detection can help slow down the progression of CKD. Additionally, education can help patients who are at-risk better manage their kidney health.

WI: While there are some congenital conditions that retard kidney function, what are some habits or environmental agents that can compromise kidney function?

BB / DaVITA: Maintaining a kidney-friendly diet, exercising regularly and staying informed about your health are a few of the many ways to slow the progression of CKD. For example, the Western diet is high in processed and fast foods. Many processed foods have little nutritional value and often contain high amounts of fat and sodium. DaVita recommends

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taking actions to help prevent diabetes and high blood pressure by eating a low-fat, low-salt diet; exercising regularly; limiting alcohol consumption; and stopping or not starting smoking.

WI: How long does an average DaVita client remain on dialysis?

BB / DaVITA: A patient can be on dialysis for many years. In fact, we recently celebrated a DaVita patient who had been living a healthy and fulfilled life on dialysis for more than 40 years. The length of time someone can sustain life through dialysis depends on a variety of factors, such as age, gender, and other factors, such as social support, additional health problems and how well they follow their care plan.

salt intake is an important dietary step that can help patients lower their blood pressure, an important factor to limit the potential damage of high blood pressure on kidney function. For people who are diabetic, controlling blood sugar can help slow the progression of kidney disease. In addition, regular exercise, weight loss if indicated, avoiding smoking, and routine checkups from physicians are recommended wellness approaches.

WI: Does DaVita offer wellness support -- lifestyle coaching,

WI: Dialysis, we understand, must be combined with lifestyle changes -- including a reduction in salt intake. What are some of the other wellness approaches that complement dialysis care?

BB / DaVITA: That’s true. We recommend that people at risk of or living with kidney disease first educate themselves on their condition and treatment options. Our care teams work with our patients to determine a kidney-friendly diet that is right for them. Reducing

MARCH 2021 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com

BB / DaVITA: Adjusting to life with kidney failure can be hard for many patients. At DaVita, we’re committed to caring for the whole patient, which includes addressing both their physical and mental health needs. In addition to providing dialysis, we have a holistic care team supporting patients in our centers and those who choose to treat at home. For example, our dietitians provide valuable diet and nutrition information to help patients stay as healthy as possible.

The dietitian’s goal is to help patients understand the connection between what they eat and drink can directly affect health outcomes.

Dialysis social workers support patients both before and after they start dialysis. Our social workers are highly educated and trained to help patients and their families by providing support in all areas of their lives, including emotional, financial, career, lifestyle adjustment and more.

WI: What are some of the challenges your clients face when dialysis becomes necessary?

BB / DaVITA: For many patients who are new to dialysis, it can feel overwhelming—even for those who prepared for it. It’s a big change to their day-to-day lives.

We encourage patients to focus on working dialysis into their lives, not their lives into dialysis. Maintaining regular routines may help them feel healthier and happier.

WI: What are some things you would like our readers to know about DaVita and the services it offers?

BB / DaVITA: At DaVita, we help people better manage their kidney health. That’s why we’re a kidney care company, not just a dialysis company. Today more than ever, we’re helping people prevent or slow the progress of kidney disease. By reaching people in the earlier stages of CKD, DaVita and the physicians we work with can help change the trajectory of millions of people’s lives. Additionally, we’re striving to help more patients get transplanted—both preemptively and after they begin dialysis—by empowering living donor conversations and helping every patient who wants a transplant be referred to a transplant center for evaluation. In 2020, we celebrated more than 100,000 DaVita patients receiving a transplant since 2000. More than 7,000 DaVita patients received a transplant last year, despite the challenges posed

by COVID-19. We will continue to be a champion and passionate advocate of removing barriers and expanding access to transplants for all patients. HS

www.washingtoninformer.com / MARCH 2021 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

EDITORIAL

Battling COVID-19 and Other Viral Human Threats

This week marks the first anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic lock-down across the U.S. Across the country, businesses, churches, government facilities and even households were closed to customers and outsiders. Strict instructions to social distance, wear masks, sanitize and wash our hands regularly became a daily mantra from the media as other local and state officials stressed the rules, as well. Soon after, while President Trump attempted to discredit the severity of the crisis, long lines began to form for Americans to get the nasal swab to test for the disease, and still, hospitalizations rose. At the same time, thousands lost their lives to the deadliest virus the world has seen in decades.

No doubt it’s been a heck of a year, and still, the pandemic continues. Hope is high that as Americans seek and receive one of the three vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson – that the pandemic will subside. But variants represent a new threat among a population already resistant to practicing safety procedures to prevent furthering the spread of the disease.

It’s all wishful thinking. However, as governors of Texas and Florida, and other states, lift restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of the virus, and begin to open businesses that weren’t shuttered due to the pandemic, the risk of another spike in COVID-19 infections is predicted. Will residents follow, or will they wait for the vaccine and continue to double-mask and exercise other safety cautions?

What appears to be real is that SARS, the thousands-year old virus that caused COVID-19, will most likely be with us forever. And that even the most effective vaccines available today will never end nor stop the spread of its most recent offspring called COVID-19. More importantly, humans must become more aware of the practices, lifestyles, and habits that prevent the spread of viruses or exacerbate them. HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, MERS, Ebola, and Influenza are just a few of several viruses that persistently threaten human life. As we become more aware of these viruses, our greatest challenge em, safely stay away from them, and keep from dying because of them.

WI

Not all Youth Who Commit Carjacking are Bad – Some May Simply Feel Hopeless As our front-page story for this week indicates, local police and other city officials realize that the District and its surrounding communities face a serious problem: a troubling rise in the number of carjackings.

In many instances, the alleged perpetrators of these crimes are young adults – mostly young men.

And while we cannot say with certainty if the majority of these youth are Black or not, we don’t really find that color matters. Even if the data bears out, we still remain unconvinced that this is an issue about race.

Our concern is that our youth are living in a time where more and more young men are finding themselves lost in a swirling storm of hopelessness. As one songwriter put it, “like a ship without a sail.”

Of course, Black youth in D.C. often face more formidable obstacles than their white counterparts. But we’ve known that for a very long time.

Black youth face higher levels of unemployment, food insecurity, homelessness and acts of violence or potential acts of violence which they face not only on the streets but in their homes.

If anything, the last year that all Americans have experienced, with shutdowns, sickness and death – each related to the coronavirus health pandemic – may have resulted in a perfect storm.

But what is the solution? Certainly, not adding more young bodies to the prison industrial complex.

Children, boys in particular, have a lot of energy. And they need ways to release that youthful energy through positive and healthy means.

We hear that some of these youths have taken to carjacking because they are seeking

TO THE EDITOR Rest In Power

Keep the Faith

Rest in peace to the great Vernon Jordan, Jr. What a life. I suggest for those who don't know much about him to read and research the great civil rights icon and political force. It’s hard to reckon with the fact that it seems we are losing all our heroes, but we all must go one day. Ase!

I can't believe it's been a year since the pandemic madness began. I must say, since the vaccinations have started, I have renewed hope in the health care system and humanity.

We will beat this together, one day at a time.

Umi Johnson Washington, D.C.

thrills. To that excuse, we wonder what kinds of lessons and examples they are receiving from home. However, we cannot allow the blame to be placed solely on parents who they themselves are struggling to maintain a modicum of positive life and existence for their families.

With the days of spring upon us, and summer to come in short order, we wonder what the city has planned for our youth. Will there be summer jobs? Will parks and recreation

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Larry Goddard Washington, D.C.

centers reopen so that children can have positive ways to release their frustrations and energy as well as make a few dollars to put into their pockets?

The vast majority of young people are not evil – they’re not criminals in training.

They just want to fit in, they want to feel like they matter and that we’re listening to them. They want to know that we care.

Are we listening?

WI

MARCH 11 - 17, 2021 23

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Julianne Malveaux

A Step in the Right Direction

Exhale. Relief is on the way.

President Biden's COVID-19 relief bill cleared the Senate with the narrowest of margins. It was a grueling process. As a delaying tactic, Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson (R) demanded that the entire 600-plus-page bill be read aloud. It took more than 10 hours for Senate clerks to read. The ridiculous demand imposed no hardship on any senator. Most, including Johnson himself, drifted in and out of

the reading, which lasted until 2 a.m. on Friday, March 5. The senators were not inconvenienced — they were under no obligation to be seated as the legislation was read. The inconvenience, instead, was on the clerks who read for several hours, and to what end?

No matter. The delay did not prevent the legislation from passing, although it passed on strictly party lines. Do any Republicans represent the poor people who hunger for relief? And what about Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), who dug in his heels to limit relief checks to the "wealthy," reduce unemployment

Guest Columnist

benefits from a proposed $400 per week down to $300. West Virginia is one of our nation's poorest states.

Their "moderate" senator turned his back on his constituents, watering down the House plan to provide more.

Still, essential components of the legislation remained. The amended bill may pass Congress as early as March 10, retained help to cities and states, support COVID-19 vaccinations, and a child credit that will put money in people's pockets.

The legislation is, in some ways, disappointing. In many other ways, it is a step in the right direction.

At moments like this, I think of folks like Elder Betty Shabazz, who always says, "find the good and praise it." So we must praise the legislation that has passed and what it will mean to those struggling in the face of this pandemic. We must praise the money that poor people with children will get. And we must praise the relief that will come to small businesses, which have a two-week window to get ahead of the capitalist exploiters who have manipulated the system.

We must also embrace our disappointment as motivation to move forward. Thanks, Sen. Bernie

Sanders, for continuing your passionate fight for a $15 minimum wage. Why have so many settled at $11 or raised the issue of differential minimum wages based on the cost of living? No matter where you go, a McDonald's or Burger King sandwich costs about the same unless there are sales. So does food. Housing costs may differ, and that's worth consideration. Here's the other question — how much poverty are we prepared to accept?

Are we prepared to accept its consequences?

saving water and increasing farmer profits.

I am writing this article as a form of protest against the enduring legacy of white supremacy. I am also writing this article as a plea for consideration. My company has developed an integrated farming system to reinvent agriculture. It offers a tangible, testable, practical solution to several of the most pressing problems of our time including climate change. I have put this solution before many of

my fellow Americans, Black and white, in search of support. Their response is the same: they feign their support, then stop returning my calls and finally they ignore me.

Given my academic credentials, they are unable to dismiss me out of hand and I believe I present a paradox they cannot reconcile because it challenges their belief system at its very core. If the notion

ments of peace-building … and building strong partnerships."

It was the president of Cape Verde, Jorge Carlos Fonseca, as an African leader respected throughout the continent of Africa, who made a direct response and applicable observation that was aligned with the enduring legacy and memory of Martin Luther King Jr. Fonseca emphasized, "More than just the mere absence of war, peace, as a value and as an asset, is a blessing that is achieved through

tolerance, solidarity, and respect for people's differences. … I believe that in order to build a better world, to strengthen democracy and encourage citizenship, it is not only the economy that is important, values are also fundamental and … change must begin now."

Amid the continuing international spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was important that global leaders did join together

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Robert E. Harding

The Dismantling of Institutionalized Racism

Institutionalized racism is a sickness based on the dogma of white supremacy. It’s a sickness that cannot be cured. It is eating America alive. The only way get rid of institutionalized racism is to get rid of the institution, to tear it down and recreate it based on principals of social, environmental and economic justice.

Agriculture, the greatest innovation in the history of mankind, allowed us to become civilized. In the U.S. about 400 years ago, agriculture was thoroughly corrupted to create an institutional framework that would support slavery.

The dogma of white supremacy was critical for the control of the slave and conducive to the normalization of slavery in general. It demanded that the slave be constantly reminded of the supremacy of whites. Since most slaves spent

Guest Columnist

their days working the fields, reminders of white superiority had to be integrated into the institution of agriculture wherever possible.

Our current version of agriculture is damaging our atmosphere, terrestrial biodiversity, soil and the nutrient density of our food.

Over the last 10 years, my company developed farming system that will mitigate or even repair much of this damage by capturing atmospheric carbon, eliminating waste,

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Benjamin F. Chavis

Universal Peace Requires Universal Justice

I believe the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s words from the past are still true and relevant today: "Peace is not the absence of war, but it is the presence of justice." The recent international 5th Rally of Hope was sponsored by the Universal Peace Federation, an NGO organization with consultative status with Economic

24 MARCH 11 - 17, 2021

and Social Council of the United Nations.

The global virtual Rally of Hope reached over 320 million people on more than 400 digital platforms in addition to print, TV and radio media coverage on Feb. 27, 2021.

World leaders from Asia, Africa, Europe, North America and South America issued a united call for peace throughout the world.

Dr. Hak Ja Jan Moon, co-founder of the Universal Peace Foundation, delivered a major address

at the Rally of Hope under the theme "Building Partnerships for Peace based on Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity, and Universal Values."

Mark Phillips, the prime minister of Guyana, in his address, asked and answered a pertinent question: "What does a future build on peace look like?" It is when "World leaders, decision-makers, and even religious leaders joining to collectively plan and develop ways to respond to the require-

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THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

E. Faye Williams

Black Women, My Sisters

Like most people, I enjoy peace and tranquility in my life. I find that I sometimes experience profound frustration with the need for continuous social unrest to move us forward. I erroneously assumed that when Trump left, the discord that followed daily in his wake would gradually vanish. To the contrary, Trump's numerous disciples of evil maintain the type of social disruption I had not en-

visioned.

Earlier today, I was in that type of mood of frustration, that is until I read the subject line of an NAACP email which read, "Change comes when Black women lead." That was enough to snatch me out of my funk and fill me with brighter thoughts of the achievements of women of color and the impact of Black women on the story of this nation.

Without reservation or shame, I proudly acknowledge the obstacles which Black women had to overcome while providing a nurturing and protective envi-

Guest Columnist

ronment in the face of hostilities intent on physical and psychological destruction. The courage and fortitude of the women I choose to emulate bring great admiration, yet at the same time regret for the inhumane horrors they had to endure to maintain a sense of dignity and personal integrity, and to set the example for those who follow.

The names of these women include my predecessors — Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and Dr. C. Delores Tucker. Others are Rosa Parks, Betty Shabazz, Fannie Lou Hamer, Cicely Tyson, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tub-

man, Diane Nash, Ella Baker, Ida B. Wells-Barnett and more.

If you are unfamiliar with the biographies and contributions of any of the aforementioned women, I strongly encourage you to take the opportunity to enrich your life with a brief examination of theirs.

To digress a bit, people are quite possessive and attentive to their money. That is why I was thrilled when the (Biden) Treasury Department announced that it was resuming the process to put the image of Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill. In addition to replacing

Andrew Jackson, a well-known racist and slaveholder, Ms. Tubman will serve as a constant reminder of the "real truth" of this nation and confront each holder of a $20 bill to finally acknowledge basic flaws in the character of this nation.

I am also pleased to see truthful depictions of the lives of brilliant Black women, which had been held in obscurity, hitting or in preparation to hit both large and small screens. I have not yet seen it, but singer/actress Andra Day

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Ben Jealous

Women's History Month Is the Right Time to Raise the Minimum Wage

It is time for a maximum push for a new minimum wage.

The federal minimum wage has not budged for more than a decade. But the cost of living keeps rising. So, low-income people fall further and further behind. Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour would lift millions of working people out of poverty. This is especially true

for families headed by women, especially Black women, who are disproportionately clustered in minimum-wage jobs.

It would make a big dent in the income and wealth gaps that make Black Americans poorer and their families more vulnerable. And it would help right something that is seriously wrong with our economy, which keeps pushing a greater share of the country's overall wealth to the tiny percentage of the most ridiculously rich people at the

Askia-At-Large

very top.

This is a moral question as well as an economic one.

If the minimum wage had kept up with the rise in workers' productivity over the years, it would now be closer to $25 an hour.

But it didn't.

In other words, as a society, we have been effectively stealing from the people who already have the least.

So this is about justice. And it is specifically about racial justice.

According to congressio-

nal testimony from the Economic Policy Institute last month, “Due to the impacts of structural racism and sexism, women and Black and Hispanic men are concentrated in low-wage jobs” and would greatly benefit from a higher minimum wage.

A higher percentage of Black women are full-time minimum wage workers than any other racial group. More than one-third of Black women have been in front-line jobs during the pandemic, where they are still paid

less than white men.

This is about the health of our children and families.

About 80% of Black women are sole, primary or co-breadwinners for their households. Bringing home a few thousand more dollars per year could be transformative for low-income families.

When he was campaigning, President Joe Biden told voters that he supported a $15 minimum wage. House Democrats

supremacist) politicians are hellbent on maintaining power and control by any means necessary.

They slipped and let the rising Black Tide overtake the ballot box in 2020 and Trump — as unfit a human being as ever sought to be president — was turned out of office, and the U.S. Senate was flipped from red to blue with two unprecedented defeats of White Power incumbents in Georgia.

All over the country, literally hundreds of voter suppression

laws have been introduced in GOP-dominated state legislatures, so that a slip-up like that of 2020 never happens again. It's clear that because white folks are hell-bent on maintaining white governing power, there is no interest in seeing full voter participation by the entire electorate in the U.S. governing experience. No. They even say so in some of their legislative and judicial argu-

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Askia Muhammad

White America Falling Like Roman Empire

Despite anything the politicians today are saying, the white supremacy form of government which rules the United States, is doomed. They may have all the guns. They may appear all powerful with their voter suppression, their gerrymandering, their Electoral College, their filibuster, but their system is doomed.

A century and a half ago, as they prosecuted the Civil War, then beat back the Reconstruction, at least white folks knew enough about the "Peculiar Institution" of slavery the Confederates were fighting to maintain, to call it the "Lost Cause." Today they are no better off with "Trumpism," only they won't admit it openly.

And let's be honest, Trumpism now defines the Republican Party.

White supremacy theology now defines the Christian Church,

though much of the Black Church does not buy into that racist way of thinking. Indeed, Black Liberation Theology maintains that The Lord will deliver His Children from the hands of these oppressors, and not that the Second Coming will ratify a wicked leader like Donald J. Trump on The Throne.

Despite the changing racial demographics in the United States today — perhaps because of the changing racial demographics today — Republican (i.e. white

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LIFESTYLE

Davis, in describing his friend, said, “What I remember most about her was the majesty of her authenticity. She would always say that she was up to the challenge of building on the capacity of what was given to Black actors – whatever was offered.”

Hamilton, who played Richards’ daughter in the film “Beloved,” recalled that while working on the movie, she said very little to Beah D. Kevin McNeir trayal as the mother of a distinguished because she felt so Black doctor, John Prentice (Sidney WI Editor “intimidated by her Poitier), engaged to the daughter of mere presence.”

Actress Beah Richards, born Beu- a crusading white publisher, would 5 The incomparable Beah Richards. (Courtesy photo) Tragically, two lah Elizabeth Richardson – also a confirm the depths of her theatrical weeks after Hamilton respected poet and political activ- prowess.

The documentary, written and diconcluded filming her friend, Beah Ironically, as we learn in a 2003 rected by actress LisaGay Hamilton, ist – will forever be remembered for Richards died (Sept. 14, 2000) at the her Oscar-nominated role in “Guess award-winning film now stream- chronicles the life of Richards – long age of 80 in her beloved birthplace of Who’s Coming to Dinner” – the ing on HBO Max, “Beah: A Black remembered as one destined to sucVicksburg. landmark 1967 film about interracial Woman Speaks,” when the film de- ceed in the arts by all who knew her But Beah’s light would not be exbuted, theaters in her hometown of – from those who met her as a youth marriage. tinguished – at least not that quickly.

And while she would be cast as Vicksburg, Mississippi, refused to to actors with whom she eventually Following its completion, the docthe family matriarch several times show it because of its controversial worked including Ossie Davis and umentary, brilliantly written, masthroughout her long career, her por- subject matter.

Ruby Dee. terfully directed and infused with beautiful imagery, eventually went on to win the Documentary Award at the AFI Los Angeles International rk Gary Clagton Film Festival in 2003 and a Peabody in Wash am riguez otball Te d Award in 2004. o o F R e li Ash ABC7 ur Side As a writer, Richards wrote the On Yo verse performance piece “A Black Woman Speaks” – a collection of 14 poems in which she suggests that while white women were enslaved by white men, they played an important role in oppressing women of color.

The play's first performance was in 1950 for the organization Women for Peace, a white women's organization in Chicago.

Throughout her life, Richards would find formidable strength and power in her dark skin, through the spirits of her African ancestors as explained by her father and in the love and support of her family and comJoin Safeway Foundation, the Washington Football Team, ABC7, munity.

The Washington Informer, El Tiempo Latino, El Zol 107.9, WPGC 95.5, The She said that as a child, hers was Drive 94.7, The Fan 106.7, and Team 980 to support the Capital Area Food the only family who referred to themBank and help feed local families in need. selves as Black. It would have a lasting This campaign is managed by Albertsons Companies Foundation, doing business as Safeway Foundation, a 501c3 organization. effect on her life.

“Everyone else was mostly ‘colored’ – some called themselves ‘Negroes.’ But my father, who was a talented preacher with the gift to speak and sing his messages in ways that I’ve never come close, made us proud to be Black,” she said.

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women's history month

Beah: A Black Woman Speaks

Film by LisaGay Hamilton Honors Legendary Career of Black Actress, Poet, Activist

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Included below are some of her lasting thoughts which remain with us forever as shared by Richards in the documentary.

“What then is Black that it should be redefined? It is the womb of infinity out of which all things come and to which all things return . . . from its deep down comes healing sleep . . . from its infinite reach comes the light of day – black plague, black list, black market, notwithstanding.”

“An amazing thing happened in Mississippi,” said Richards who matriculated at Dillard University but left before graduating – dissatisfied by the way her instructors wanted their students to embrace the ways of the dominant society while forsaking their own culture.

“I learned love. And we must reintroduce that kind of love in our families so we can see our history without the lies. We’ve seen it through Charlie’s point of view – now we need to see it through ours.”

“I refused to give up. In the end, I always won – always. Only this illness [emphysema] got me. But before this, I never had a battle that I hadn’t won.”

“As an actor, we must make the most of the opportunity that we’re given – the opportunity to catch the conscience of the audience no matter what the role. As long as we’re playing a human being, we have the opportunity to make [the audience] remember.”

“The world needs us [that is Blacks] too. The world needs us to create it and needs our input. It needs to hear what we have to say. And I know that the last word has not been spoken.”

Beah Richards wore many hats: actress, poet, writer, director, musician, teacher, activist. Yet, whatever hat she wore, she never gave up on herself or her heritage and her people.

The documentary stands as a poignant testimony of love from Hamilton, an actress-turned-director, to her instructor and friend.

Hamilton, who scattered Beah’s ashes on the Confederate Battlefield per Richards’ request, said her greatest regret remained not telling her mentor how much she meant to her.

“I never told her how much I loved her – my great African teacher,” Hamilton said. “And yet, even in death, she still teaches me – reminding me that I am perfect. Perhaps not realized but perfect. And so, while I scattered her ashes on that field, I wept with joy.”

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women's history month

Global Scholars Foundation Virtual Gala Honors Executive, Exceeds Fundraising Goal Meta Williams Chief of Communications & External Affairs H Street Community Development Corp

5 A.J. Andrews plays professional softball with the Akron Racers.

(Courtesy Photo/Google)

A.J. Andrews: Softball Icon Offers Encouragement to Female Athletes James Wright WI Staff Writer

A.J. Andrews, one of the top professional softball players in the country, recently encouraged younger female participants in her sport who reside in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area to pursue their dreams with determination and hard work.

“Go out and achieve your dreams,” Andrews said to 30 high school and college softball players on Feb. 28 at the Ivy City Smokehouse in Northeast. “Be willing to put in the work, the time and the effort and in the end, you will be a winner in this sport and in life.”

Andrews, who plays for the Akron Racers of the National Pro Fastpitch League, made history in 2016 when she became the first woman to win the prestigious Rawlings Gold Glove Award, given for years exclusively to Major League Baseball players and now those playing professional softball, for their play in various positions.

Before turning pro, Andrews excelled at Louisiana State University by twice participating in the Women’s College Series and receiving her bachelor’s degree in 2015.

She emerged as a standout softball player at Countryside High School in Clearwater, Fla., leading the state in stolen bases and batting average as

a senior. The Tampa Bay Times honored her as the “Pinellas Player of the Year” for the sport of softball.

Andrews said getting the scholarship to LSU came as a result of persistence and diligence.

“When I was a child, I dreamed of being an amazing athlete,” she said. “I wanted to win a Division I scholarship. I told my father what I wanted to do and he listened and said to remember that there is always somebody better than you. I used that as motivation to be the best that I could. I studied my craft. I studied those who played softball and tried to emulate their best, winning qualities.

“Plus, I worked out harder than my teammates by doing the extra reps and putting in the extra hours. I made sure I was the first person to practice and the last to leave. When I started doing this I noticed my desire to be the best translated into the classroom and in life. I wanted to be the best student, player and person I could be.”

Andrews said, “A good attitude and a healthy view of failure will help you go a long way.”

“If you play softball long enough you will fail, whether it is losing a game or not doing as well as you wanted on the team,” she said. “Many people believe failure is the end and

Anita Cooke Wells, a senior executive for RLJ Lodging Trust, was recently honored at the Global Scholars Foundation (GSF) first-ever Virtual Gala and presented with the 2021 Impact for Life Award.

Hosted by Delia Goncalves anchor for WUSA-TV, the well-attended virtual event included a video tribute from family and close friends that completely surprised the honoree Cooke Wells. Raising more than $100,000, GSF exceeded the fundraising goal and supporters continue 5 GSF students with Ken Brewer GSF Dr Marcia Brown, GSF to stay connected and provide support. Chairman and Executive Director World-renowned STEP AFRIKA! provided an energetic performance created just for GSF. More than 60 participants participated to segments of the online, virtual event with the majority staying engaged through the Virtual After-Party.

“Washington Gas commends GSF for developing future leaders who will shape the world with their talents and contributions” said Tracye Funn, Manager, Corporate Contributions & Supplier Diversity of Washington Gas. “I was inspired to see that GSF leaders realize the importance of preparing students for glob5 Anita Cook Wells al engagement with programs that enhance financial literacy, college readiness, language and culture. GSF is providing training tools that will greatly benefit students and communities both here and abroad.”

Since 2006, GSF has worked to cultivate a community of globally competent DC public and public charter school students. cultural and language immersion, college readiness, financial literacy programs. Serving 20 students each year, GSF immerses scholars in an 18-month intensive study program – delving deeply into the history and culture of select cities and countries. During the course of the program, students travel to other states within the U.S. and internationally to absorb foreign cultures first hand.

GSF’s goal is to introduce teens in urban areas to global experiences through language and cultural studies as they prepare for college and the workplace. A select group of teens are chosen for this competitive program from all public and public charter schools in the District of Columbia. GSF concentrates on finding a diverse group of DC teenagers who are interested in building their cultural competency, as defined by the National Education Association, through international awareness, appreciation of cultural diversity, proficiency in foreign languages, and competitive skills.

GSF is the only organization of its kind in DC that offers teens a comprehensive program of cultural immersion, coupled with college readiness and financial literacy. Since its establishment in 2006, GSF has sought to increase communication and global competency skills among DC teens, particularly those from low-income and minority communities. The Gala success can be also be attributed to expert production and coordination by Hutchinson Design Group.

The Virtual Gala was presented in 3 segments that were accessible through Zoom links and opened at 6:30 pm with a Virtual Cocktail Reception with music by DJ “Mr. E”. One of the segments was a panel discussion that allowed donors to hear directly from young people about the impact the program has had on their lives and to learn more about the program.

In addition to RLJ Lodging Trust, other event sponsors included H Street Investment Corp., Anthony Bolling Group, Spectrum Management, U Street Parking, Deidre & Kenneth Brewer and members of the GSF board of directors. For more information contact Dr. Marcia Brown, 202-544-8353 or marcia.brown@hstreetcdc.org. GSF looks forward to making the “Save-the-Date” announcement of the Gala in 2022 .

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women's history month

Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum: Taking Power and Truth to the Streets S. Marquette Folley, Content Director, Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service Write if you will: but write about the world as it is and as you think it ought to be ...

Write about our people: tell their story. You have something glorious to draw on, begging for attention.

- LORRAINE HANSBERY, TO BE YOUNG, GIFTED, AND BLACK, 1969 The Smithsonian tells American stories.

When the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) convened a group of thinkers over five years ago to help us conceptualize an exhibition called “Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth,” we could not have imagined where we are today.

The exhibition was born before the Covid-19 pandemic changed everything. Before George Floyd asked to breathe. Before the significant movement against systemic racism in 2020.

What we did know, was that it was imperative to reveal the full landscape of stories that incorporate the ideals of America. And, for this exhibition, illuminate the Black men who embody those stories and have found inspiration from their community and those who have come before them.

If we would show the full landscape of heroes and leaders that reside truthfully on the American landscape, we would reveal stories that embody the ideas of America and they reside within Black male bodies. If we could do that, we could be part of the dialogue that situates Black men as human; not to be feared but to be understood as part of the hope and aspirations of all of us. Human. And, the stories would always be true. We wanted visitors to encounter African American men—some known, others less familiar—who exemplify the positive qualities that have allowed them to succeed in the face of daunting societal odds. At a time when authentic stories about African American men seemed missing from contemporary narratives, the idea seemed timely and important.

“Men of Change” was born out the

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discussions with an array of African American scholars and intellectuals from academia and the arts to media and cultural organizations. The advisors insisted on one organizing fact: don’t be in dialogue with the stereotypes of Black bodies and Black presence in America; offer the authentic voice of the African American journey – just offer the truth. Through multiple discussions, we found an ideal cross-section of 20th and 21st century men who have influenced American history and culture in various fields, including business, religion, activism, athletics, science, and the arts.

The exhibition is organized around seven themes: storytellers, myth-breakers, fathering, community, imagining, loving, and catalysts.

The men were chosen not just for their success in any one field, but for their commitment to altering society, community, and culture in affirming ways. Many men were discussed, and it was difficult to finalize the list of who would be featured in the exhibition. Twenty-seven men are spotlighted as Men of Change, and—because we all stand on the shoulders of those who came before—an additional 60 are reflected through images and quotes.

Developed to tour to cultural organizations around the country, the exhibition incorporates language reflecting an African American aesthetic and embraces an idea of exhibition as art. The cadence borrows from hip hop. It uses a call and response style

with a collage of language and image to present these narratives.

The challenges of last year have led to new thinking and, for the exhibition, exciting innovation in the time of pandemic. As the Anacostia Community Museum remains closed, SITES and the museum present a new iteration of “Men of Change.”

“Men of Change: Taking it to the Streets” is reinterpreted and designed to be outside. Placed in the environs around the Deanwood Recreation Center and Ron Brown High School, “Men of Change” in an opportunity to experience the Smithsonian in the neighborhood. And, it is a perfect idea for an exhibition whose primary point of view is to open the landscape.

See the community of voices who are American ideals. Now those ideals are in the community. In them we see a lesson for us all, no matter our gender, age, or ethnicity.

The Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum exhibition, Men of Change: Taking it to the Streets is on view through May 31, 2021 on the campus of the Deanwood Community Center and Ron Brown H.S. (4800 Meade Street NE). Visit anacostia.si.edu for more details and map. Now available is the just-released audio tour (https://s.si.edu/audiotour) for Men of Change created by Ron Brown H.S. students and local residents wherever podcasts are available. The Washington Informer Newspaper is the media sponsor for this exhibition.

5 Men of change are shaped by the streets, blocks, churches, mosques, neighborhoods and support networks that surround them. Their success is a shared experience and represents a community.

(Coming Into Montgomery, 1965. Spider Martin. © 1965 Spider Martin. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.)

The Rev. Ianther Mills: District's Social Justice Minister

By James Wright WI Staff Writer Rev. Ianther Mills, senior pastor of the Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Washington, D.C., has emerged as one of the most passionate ministers for social justice in the city by openly embracing the Black Lives Matter Movement and strategizing on how to deal with gentrification.

Mills received national attention Dec. 12 when marauders from a proTrump gathering, most of them white men, tore up Asbury’s Black Lives Matter sign that stood in the front of the church. A strong believer that churches should embrace social causes and advocate for the poor and powerless, Mills insisted on a calm, measured response instead of fighting back with a broadcast or social media blast.

“When the sign was torn down, I wanted to express my outrage and disappointment,” she said. “But I really wanted others to express a desire for people to join us in this witness and move toward a beloved community.

While I was outraged, I didn’t want to engage in a lot of rhetoric. I didn’t want to talk just to be talking. I wanted to move to a better place. I didn’t want to get stuck in the wrong note, but work to change it.”

About a week later, Mills, Asbury church leaders, faith leaders from neighboring churches and United Methodist Church Baltimore-Washington Conference Bishop LaTrelle Easterling unveiled a new Black Lives Matter sign and held a prayer vigil for the church, the District and the country.

The sign incident reflects her embrace of becoming a minister committed to social change and justice. She received her doctor of ministry degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in 2003 with a concentration in “Race, Ethnicity, and Ministry in the Wesleyan Perspective.”

“For me, it is a matter of what it means to be a Holy Christian and a Methodist,” she said. “It is my belief in God and Wesleyan theology. That calls for the love of God and having a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is social holiness, love and treating our neighbor right. All of that goes hand in hand. This squares with Asbury’s mission statement of loving, serving

5 The Rev. Ianther Mills, senior pastor of Asbury UMC. (Courtesy Photo/ Asbury UMC)

and transforming lives.”

Asbury, founded in 1836 at the corner of 11th and K Streets., N.W. where it still sits. Until forced by the pandemic to suspend, the church served breakfast to the homeless and tutored students at nearby Thompson Elementary School. Mills expressed her pride in the church’s role in the community but said more can be done.

“We are doing what we are supposed to be doing, but we can do more,” she said. “I feel Asbury could be more active and take more of a leading role.”

Mills realizes that her church’s downtown location has become a gentrification hot spot as more whites move into the area. There has been discussion inside and outside of Asbury leaving its site and moving elsewhere but Mills rejects that notion.

Instead, she focuses on what the church should do to accommodate the evolving demography of the area.

“Asbury is a traditional Black church and that is who we are and what we do,” she said. “If you look at things the way they are going in this area right now, gentrification is scary for us given we are increasingly in a space where the African American presence is few. But God has called us to minister this community. As this community changes, we have an obligation to change. This is why we started The Bridge, the ministry for young adults that is designed to cross racial lines and be multi-cultural and multi-ethnic.” WI @JamesDCWrighter

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CAPTURE the moment

For more photos, visit www.washingtoninformer.com

5 A new mural created by muralist London Kaye out of crochet, located at the Wharf, celebrates International Women's Day and Vice President Kamala Harris. The mural will be featured through Memorial Day. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

5 Prince George’s County held a memorial to honor the 1,300 residents who lost their lives to coronavirus with a tribute video shown at National Harbor on Friday, March 5. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

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LIFESTYLE

water systems require an even larger investment of $6.8 billion.

Additionally, more than 60 percent of the state’s school facilities are older than 40 years old and estimated renovation costs have more than doubled in recent years, exceeding $18 billion.

There’s also the issue of climate change and its impact on the country’s infrastructure. There were 22 weather and climate disasters in the U.S. last year that cost at least $1 billion, the most in history, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Experts say climate change affects infrastructure which in turn affects the economy.

The ASCE said if the U.S. does not pay its overdue infrastructure bill by 2039 the economy will lose $10 trillion in growth and exports will decline by $2.4 trillion.

They also estimate more than three million jobs will be lost and each American household will bear

$3,300 in hidden costs per year.

“America's infrastructure bill is overdue, and we have been ignoring it for years,” said ASCE President Jean-Louis Briaud. “The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbates the funding challenge because state and local governments have had to prioritize public health over everything else for the past year.”

The long-term infrastructure investment gap continues to grow, rising to $2.59 trillion in the latest study, according to the ASCE. The group has called on congress and the Biden administration to take “big and bold action” on infrastructure quickly, while applauding the president’s choice for Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

“Infrastructure is an issue that everyone agrees needs action and doing so will help the U.S. now and in the future,” said Emily Feenstra, ASCE's managing director of government relations and infrastructure initiatives.

“Delaying only increases the costs.”

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MARCH 11 - 17, 2021 29

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in review Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Contributing Writer Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes hosted another episode of WIN-TV on Friday, March 5, honoring Women’s History Month examining influential women and women-run organizations throughout the region.

Rolark Barnes opened the first half of the show with Lysa Ratliff, new chief executive officer of KABOOM!, who talked about the non-profit’s efforts to provide safe playgrounds for children, particularly in Black and Brown communities. She was followed by energy justice advocate Demali Rhett Harding, and District of Columbia’s First

ANDREWS from Page 27 one cannot come out of it. That’s not true. Change your mindset. Failure is a stepping stone to success. It is important that you ladies understand that failure is a part of success.”

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Andrews has encountered a lot of success since becoming a professional.

Before playing for Akron, she started her professional career with the Chicago Bandits, taken in the second round of the 2015 National Pro Fastpitch league draft.

In addition to winning the Gold Glove Award, she co-won the Rally Spike Award as the league’s stolen base leader in 2016. The following year, she received national attention for being

Lady for Life, Cora Masters Barry.

Curtis Knowles provided a brief news recap before Rolark Barnes introduced Ratliff to discuss her organizational role in ensuring children’s equitable access to safe playgrounds located in their own neighborhoods.

“There are communities and cities across this country that are celebrated for having wonderful public space, and yet, when you dig into it, it’s wonderful public space for who? It’s not Black and Brown communities,” said Ratliff. “There are cities and school systems where all of the schools, where you have [probably] 85 percent people of color, and there are no playgrounds in our kid’s schools. And so we exist to focus on that and address it, making sure that every single kid has equita-

ble access to amazing places to play.”

The growing national non-profit utilizes localized data, and partnerships to build equitable play spaces across the District where the need exists, as communities are always welcome to submit applications to KABOOM!, for suggested collaborative developments.

Next, Damali Rhett Harding joined the WIN-TV conversation to discuss climate change and its impact on our households, additionally welcoming Cora Masters Barry, wife of the late Mayor Marion Barry, to discuss his legacy on his birthday weekend March 6.

“Marion will always be remembered. Before he died he said to me one day, “I don’t want to be forgotten,” and I said to him, “That’s

impossible. You have impacted generations of people, your name will always be in their hearts, in their minds, and prayers, but we will see to it also that other people know your works,” said Masters.

Lastly, WIN-TV concluded the show with guests Lyn Dyson and Toni Manago of the Multi-Media Training Institute, who presented their honorary award to Dr. Calvin Rolark for excellence in social activism in journalism, community development, and philanthropy in October of 2020, also sharing information on their East of The River workshops through the D.C. Commission on the Arts & Humanities, teaching youth in digital marketing.

The Bridge news followed suit with a Friday news segment hosted

by The Media Prince, and another weekly segment of, “Sounds of the

5 Cora Masters Barry (Courtesy photo)

DMV,” this week showcasing local rapper, “Payroll.”

Remember to subscribe, and become a member of the Washington Informer family on our digital portal www.washingtoninformer.com!

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featured in ESPN’s 2017 The Magazine’s Body Issue in revealing poses.

After the talk, former D.C. Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr., the head softball coach at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md., presented Andrews with a council resolution sponsored by D.C. Councilmember Anita Bonds (D-At Large) praising her achievements. Jacqueline Manning, the chair of the 5C advisory neighborhood commission, also presented Andrews with a complimentary resolution.

Madison Moon, a sophomore at Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria, Va., who plays softball in-school and out of school, said Andrews inspired her.

“Her message really touched me,” Moon said. “I didn’t feel like she was preaching but encouraging us to be the best we can be.” WI @JamesDCWrighter

Madison Moon, a sophomore at Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria, Va., who plays softball in-school and out of school, said Andrews inspired her.

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LIFESTYLE

wi book review "Blood Grove: An Easy Rawlins Novel"

By Walter Mosley c.2021, Mulholland Books $27.00 / $34.00 Canada 309 pages

horoscopes

MAR 11 - 17, 2021

ARIES Have you considered that what's going down may have nothing to do with you? Reflect on the size and style of another person's shoes. Relax into the idea of your smallness in the world — not as any comment on your influence, but just to enjoy a healthy and productive instance of modesty. Like most emotions, this will pass. Lucky Numbers: 6, 10, 40 TAURUS The world is made up of the same shapes as always, but everything has been colored in with bright markers. Everything looks snazzier. For the subtlest reasons, your day-to-day life seems more exciting to you, and, on Tuesday and Wednesday, more dramatic. Dramatic turns to daunting on Thursday, and what daunts you is likely a financial question. Be conservative about the financial risks you take at the end of the week. Lucky Numbers: 18, 30, 32 GEMINI If you have siblings, they figure strongly into your life on Monday, or else it's a partner of some other kind whom you feel deeply connected to. You have a lot of energy at the beginning of the week, but it will burn off quickly. Don't commit to social plans on Tuesday or Wednesday, because you will likely end up canceling them. Thursday is a fine day for friends, but something one-on-one is better than dinner for a party of 10. Lucky Numbers: 5, 10, 37

By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer Keep your eyes open. Don't blink.

Sometimes, that fraction of a second is all you need to miss something.

Blink, and you may wonder if it really happened, or if you just think it did. Blink again, and you just don't know. So keep them peepers open because, as in the new novel "Blood Grove" by Walter Mosley, bad things can happen in a...

From the hollow look in his eyes, it was obvious that the skinny, nervous white man standing before Easy Rawlins was a veteran. The guy, Craig Kilian, sported a bruise on his left temple and a bunch of Franklins in his hand, and claimed that another veteran sent him to WRENS-L Detective Agency because Easy Rawlins was trustworthy.

The story he told Easy probably wasn't.

Sometime before, Kilian said, he was camping in the mountains around Los Angeles, dealing with his demons in the moonlight when he heard a woman scream outside a cabin nearby. He ran to her and found her tied to a tree, then he wrestled with a bear of a Black man, stabbing him in the chest before Kilian was hit in the head and knocked out.

When he woke up, there was no woman, no man and no blood. Did he kill a man, or just think he did?

Finding a ghost or a dead man, neither is simple. Easy started by going to the veteran's hang-out where Kilian said he first heard Easy's name.

He took Christmas Black to the mountains, where Black said that there were more than three people at the cabin. Kilian's mother got a visit, so did a beautiful escort, a stripper and so did a corpse named Alonzo. The case could've gone in any direction, but when the owner of a "talent agency" came looking for him with two goons and guns, Easy Rawlins knew that the next step was his...

You know how it is: you get to the end of a chapter in a book you're reading, and you sense that that's a good place to slip in a bookmark and stop for the night. But author Walter Mosley won't let you do that.

Get "Blood Grove," and you might as well just put that bookmark in a drawer.

Set in 1969, in a Los Angeles that resembles a small town, this book is full of everything you want in a mystery – foremost, a smart private detective with an attitudinally-matching name, a California-sized heart, and what seems like three extra sets of eyes so he never misses a thing, even if you do. Wrapped up in a dark atmosphere and more murders than you can almost keep track of, that's the ultimate delight.

For fans, Mosley goes the extra step, offering a chance to catch up with the dark characters that Rawlins has called "friends" in past novels. If you're not a fan, grab this book and you will be quick. Just don't grab it after dark: "Blood Grove" will keep your eyes open all night.

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CANCER The road you're driving on abruptly transitions from smooth pavement to jolting cobblestones. And you'll be aware of (and wary of ) other cars more than ever before. On Tuesday and Wednesday, you'll see exit signs but will have no clue which off-ramp to take. By Thursday, you'll be resigned to the idea of getting lost, and you'll opt for an exit that takes you to a serene and comfortable place. A field of corn, perhaps? Lucky Numbers: 14, 19, 20 LEO Who knows whether you're right, but everyone's agreeing with you at the start of the week.

Your confidence is up, and confidence is attractive. Before you know it you're taking everything super seriously and digging deep. Follow your intuition — that's the way to go deep in an honest way. Lucky Numbers: 4, 6, 21 VIRGO A magical object from the outside world captures your eye today, but is it worth the purchase? Tuesday and Wednesday, spend some time indulging an intellectual interest of yours (you're in for a trip to the library or, saving that, a couple hours of web surfing). Toward the end of the week, you snap out of it and show up for a family obligation. Good for you! Lucky Numbers: 24, 32, 54 LIBRA This time of year is crisp and beautiful, and on Monday you can't stop thinking about it.

Also, you're lucky in love right now. Midweek, you're wrapped up in thinking about material possessions — maybe the looming holiday season, with its expectations of presents, is on your mind — but week's end return you to a sense of happy balance. Lucky Numbers: 13, 36, 39 SCORPIO You and a couple comrades are tossing them back and forth, for fun, to see what comes of them. You are radiant. The larger issues of the day — current events, that is — are on your mind on Thursday, and your thoughtfulness leads you into philosophical terrain. Philosophy figures strongly on Friday as well. Lucky Numbers: 12, 16, 50 SAGITTARIUS You're trying to figure out why your life is going in certain directions. Just out of curiosity. It interests you, your life. Friendship is king and a compliment is going to lift your spirits even more. (It's true. You love to be adored. But who doesn't?) Lucky Numbers: 6, 31, 35 CAPRICORN Here's a good analogy for Monday: If you were a video game character, suddenly you'd have the power to shoot fireballs. On Tuesday and Wednesday, spend some time honing your skills. Practice. Take your time. And don't proceed until you have a plan about where you're going. The end of the week is also about discipline (even things that seem impossible are possible, so long as you stick to your guns). Lucky Numbers: 10, 21, 59 AQUARIUS Have lunch at that lunch place right next to the place you usually go. Or talk to that one person in the crowd who looks like they have the least in common with you. Toward the middle of the week, your career is all you can think about, but someone reminds you that the universe is full of opportunities. Lucky Numbers: 9, 19, 20 PISCES You're in a spring-cleaning mood at the start of the week. Your wardrobe, your bad habits — everything is on the chopping block. The idea of change doesn't bother you at all. What bothers you is the sneaking suspicion that someone is taking you to the cleaners. Obviously you shouldn't stand for that. Lucky Numbers: 2, 15, 32

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MARCH 11 - 17, 2021 31

Biden Looks Like Lincoln as D.C. Statehood Looms Large

By Charles J. Moreland Washington, D.C's First Elected U.S. Representative There are many parallels between the 46th president of the United States and the 16th. Both presidents were elected to Congress while they were in their twenties. President Biden, like President Lincoln, was elected to lead a fiercely divided nation in a time of great crisis; Biden, like Lincoln, was supported by African Americans on the front lines, helping him win decisive victories in

South Carolina and Georgia, and so on.

Our country is slightly less divided now than it was during Lincoln's first 100 days. Yet, Congress is once again debating ending the unjust disenfranchisement of Americans who deserve equality. Facing similar circumstances, the last American President to experience an insurrection issued the "Emancipation Proclamation." Despite its noble intentions, though, President Lincoln's historic executive order had one glaring flaw: it left the citizens of

Washington, D.C., disenfranchised and deprived of rights and privileges that other American Citizens inherit at birth.

When the Civil War was over, the brave Union Soldiers from Washington, D.C. returned home to "the national shame" of political slavery: D.C.'s Civil War veterans did not have two Senators like every other American. They had no U. S. Representative. There was no one to petition to address their grievances or go to for help with veterans' problems.

So, understandably, disenfranchised

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY ALL YEAR LONG Let’s elevate Black History by celebrating black achievement whenever our history will inspire, motivate, and guide us -- as other communities do. Not just one month. The following story of black pioneers will inspire all who want to help end taxation without representation in our nation’s capital.

WASHINGTON D.C.'S FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION Be it Known, That the people of the District of Columbia, reposing special trust and confidence in the integrity and ability of Senator Jesse L. Jackson, Senator Florence Pendleton, and U.S. Representative Charles J. Moreland did on the sixth day of November 1990 elect them to be Washington, D.C.'s first elected Congressional Delegation, making them the first African Americans elected to petition the U.S. Congress for admission of a state, and making the Honorable Florence Pendleton the first black female elected to the U.S. Senate.

FIRST VOTE ON D.C. STATEHOOD BILL Tennessee was the first territory to begin the statehood process by electing a Congressional Delegation in advance. In 1795 Tennessee voters sent their Statehood Delegation to Washington, D.C. to lobby Congress for admission, and President George Washington endorsed statehood for the territory. Congress agreed, and in five months, Tennessee was admitted to the Union. Every state admitted since has followed "The Tennessee Plan.“

The path to D.C. Statehood has not been so easy. On the twenty-first day of November 1993, D.C.s Congressional Delegation, along with Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, D.C.s first female Congressional Delegate, and U.S. Representative Ronald Dellums, only the second African American to chair the House District Committee (Representative Charles Diggs was the first), led the U.S. House of Representatives to take its first-ever vote on a D.C. Statehood Bill, the "District of Columbia Statehood Act" (HR-51). The Bill was defeated, 277-153. The efforts of those pioneers laid the foundation to the path forward for D.C. Statehood.

32 MARCH 11 - 17, 2021

Washingtonians could not earnestly join the celebration that ensued in 1865 when the war ended. Likewise, residents of "America's Last Plantation" were left on the sidelines, so to speak, after Biden's victory in November.

One would think that every Congress member would support a bill to end taxation without representation. Over 714,000 disenfranchised U.S. Citizens reside in the nation's capital. How can America expect to inspire liberation movements around the world while our government refuses to grant even a pretense of real democracy to the residents of Washington, D.C.?

Like Lincoln's Congress, the legislative branch inherited by President Biden is incapable of repairing this glaring blemish on our American Democracy. Faced with what he believed was "Congress's inability to abolish slavery," Abraham Lincoln emancipated the slaves by Presidential Decree. The New York Times (September 23, 1862) called Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation "the most far-reaching document ever issued by the government," adding, "its wisdom was unquestionable, its necessity indisputable."

Like Lincoln's civil war, Biden's war on homegrown terror would be shortened by a forceful demonstration of his uncompromising commitment to democracy. He could achieve a brilliant victory by issuing a "No Taxation Without Representation Proclamation." No Taxation Without Representation was the rallying cry of the Founding Mothers and Fathers of our great nation. Yet, by historical accident, this "crack in the Liberty Bell" still exists. The elimination of the last vestige of colonialism in our country is the American Revolution's unfinished business.

Admitting Washington, D.C. into the Union as a State would make ours a more perfect Union.

If President Biden made it a priority for Congress to pass the D.C. Statehood Bill during his first 100 days in office, history would write him down as one of America's greatest presidents. Pending statehood, the President could issue his own Emancipation Proclamation, forever liberating D.C. residents from Congressional tyranny. Short, brief,

5 Art by Mary B

and reflecting the tone and tenor of President Lincoln's proclamation, it should read as follows: "Now, Therefore, I, Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 46th President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim that taxation without representation shall be and is illegal in the United States of America and that all persons living within every state, and the District Of Columbia, shall from henceforward, and forever, be free from taxation without representation; and the Executive Government of the United States will purchase no goods or services from individuals or merchants who support taxation without representation; and the Justice Department and the Internal Revenue Service and every agency shall recognize and maintain the freedom of all American Citizens from taxation without representation, and shall do no act or acts to oppose such persons, or any one of them, in any lawful and peaceful efforts they may make to maintain and preserve such freedom. And by virtue of the power vested in me, and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare that all persons residing in the Fifty States of the United States of America, and Washington, D.C., are, and henceforward shall be emancipated and free from taxation without representation."

Paid for by D.C. Statehood Mobilization Action Committee, Inc

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

SPORTS Wizards Enter All-Star Break with Optimism Daniel Kucin, Jr. WI Sports Writer danielkucin88 Washington polished off the Minnesota Timberwolves by 16 points in a blowout win on Feb. 27 while looking to control the Southeast Division. However, the Wizards couldn't find any answers against the Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies the following two games.

Despite Wizards star shooting guard Bradley Beal scoring 46

points against Boston, Washington struggled to find any rhythm offensively, shooting 45.2 percent from the floor and only 28.1 percent from beyond the arc.

The next loss came at home on March 2 against the Grizzlies, 125111, in a match where Memphis took control from start to finish.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant put on a scoring clinic pouring in 35 points and also accounted for 10 assists in a double-double performance.

Westbrook scored 23 points and

SPORTS HEADLINES

dished out 15 assists, but Washington was its own worst enemy by committing 22 turnovers. Memphis was the aggressor throughout, scoring 11 second-chance points and broke out to a 23-point advantage in the third quarter.

"We kind of let them dictate the game with their defensive energy," Beal said. "They were handsy, got into passing lanes ... we were sometimes careless with the ball.

Washington was riding high, posting seven wins in eight games (since Feb. 14) backed by high effort and defensive play before losing two straight. That was a setback, but the Wizards made a statement before the All-Star break, taking down the Los Angeles Clippers 119-117 on March 4.

The Wizards dispatched the Clippers in comeback fashion, overcoming a 16-point deficit where Washington went on a 24-4 run heading into the second half and held the Clippers scoreless for nearly four minutes in the fourth quarter.

"I thought we came out in the third quarter and made a little bit of adjustments," said Washington Wizards Head Coach Scott Brooks.

"One was getting our mind right.

Hot off the Press

DANIEL KUCIN, JR. / WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER / @DANIELKUCIN88

Bison's Spectacular Season Howard University's Women's Basketball Team had a season to remember. The squad went 14-3, lost only one game at home and dominated their conference (10-2) to earn the No. 1 seed in the MEAC women's basketball tournament.

The Bison reeled off five consecutive wins to finish the season and did it with the support of some key contributors to their success. On March 5, the conference named Howard University Head Coach Ty Grace

Coach of the Year, Jayla Thornton the MEAC Player of the Year and Anzhane' Hutton Rookie of the Year.

Grace led a tight-knit unit that refused to lose with championship ambitions still intact. Thornton averaged 14.1 points per game, and her senior leadership surfaced in challenging moments throughout the season while Hutton led the team in rebounds and blocks as a defensive specialist.

Howard looks to keep the winning momentum going as they take on the winner of No. 2 Norfolk State/No. 3 Coppin State during the quarterfinal match in the 2021 Air Force Reserve MEAC Basketball Tournament. The tourney begins on March 11 and runs through Saturday, March 13, at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Va. "It's great! It's great! I am proud of these kids," said Grace after winning the season finale over Delaware State.

"They have been resilient, they stuck through, it's been a wild season, and I am just happy they get to see this type of success, and I am happy for the team." WI

Alex Smith Released

by The Washington Football Team Alex Smith had one of the most memorable comeback seasons of alltime for the Washington Football Team in 2020, returning from a leg injury that could have taken away his career and life.

The former pro bowler didn't suit up since 2018, but when he did, he helped lead the Burgundy and Gold to the playoffs, including an inspirational victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on the road in the season finale in a win or go home scenario.

The team went 5-1 last season on the playoff push and Washington's

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

5 Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal, the catalyst of the team's recent success, shined in the 2021 NBA All-Star Game. (Courtesy photo/Washington Wizards)

We gotta play well, but we're playing much better."

Beal secured his league-leading 22nd game of at least 30 points after he accounted for 33. Westbrook scored 27 points, pulled down nine rebounds, had 11 assists, and record was 11-5 with Smith in charge.

However, all good things come to an end, as the team announced they released him on March 5.

"I had a chance to meet with Alex Smith this week, and we had a very honest and real discussion," Washington Football Team Head Coach Ron Rivera said. "We had the chance to reflect on the 2020 season and talk about moving forward into next year.

After the conclusion of that meeting, we decided that it would be best for both parties to move on, and we will be granting Alex his request to be released.

I want to thank Alex for his contributions this past year. He made such an impact on our young roster, and his leadership was one of the key factors in our late-season success and in making the playoffs for the first time since 2015. Everyone here in Washington wishes Alex and his family the best going forward and appreciates all that he gave to our organization."

Smith has openly stated that he still wants to play in the league, and the release comes after Washington signed quarterback Taylor Heinicke on a two-year deal in February.

SPORTS Page 39

posted a season-high mark of four steals.

The Wizards have served up home cooking well as of late, winning five of its last six games in the nation's capital and improved to 9-6 against the Western Conference while posting the second-best winning percentage (.600) of any Eastern Conference team behind the Brooklyn Nets.

Washington is still in the No. 12 spot in the Eastern Conference Standings, but only three games back from the Toronto Raptors (as of March 7). The Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks are all tied with 16 wins apiece, though Indiana has one less loss than its counterparts.

"We're playing better and we got to take a break," said Washington Wizards Head Coach Scott Brooks. "We deserve the break ... the whole league deserves a break.

We gotta enjoy it and relax and embrace what's in front of us. Our goal is to make the playoffs and challenge each other to get better and help each other get better and fight for that spot."

Beal Shines in All-Star Game Start On March 7, Beal shined, starting for Team Durant in the 2021 NBA All-Star Game in defeat, 170150. He played 31 minutes and scored a team-high 26 points, accounted for four assists and pulled down two rebounds.

WI

MARCH 11 - 17, 2021 33

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34 MARCH 11 - 17, 2021

CARJACKING from Page 1

OFFICIALS RESPOND TO INEXPLICABLE RISE IN CRIME

Data compiled by the Metropolitan Police Department [MPD] shows that as of March 5, 556 motor vehicle thefts have been reported in the District. The figure represents an increase of more than 40 percent from what had been recorded around the same time last year.

And while law enforcement officials have reported an uptick in this type of property crime since the start of the pandemic, they said the frequency has increased over the last several months, particularly at the hands of perpetrators under the age of 25.

In February, acting MPD Chief Robert Contee announced the launch of a task force to tackle carjackings, auto thefts and the unauthorized use of vehicle offenses taking place across the District.

MPD also established a partnership with the Department of ForHire Vehicles and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development to better encourage food delivery drivers to take precautionary measures.

In terms of the aforementioned task force, a group of detectives, in conjunction with the FBI, ATF and U.S. Attorney’s office have dedicated their combined resources to reduce the frequency of car thefts.

Other partners in the endeavor include police departments from Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, along with the Metro Transit Police, the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services [DYRS], the Department of Forensic Sciences and Court Services & Offender Supervision Agency.

MPD Spokesperson Dustin

(Courtesy photo/NBC4)

Sternbeck likened the task force to a similar group formed to address robberies less than a decade ago.

“This task force allows these detectives to focus on similar cases to see if there are any patterns and trends,” Sternbeck said. “We’re talking about some of the same suspects [being] involved. This brings everything into a smaller group of folks dedicated to this particular issue. And DYRS is involved with our folks which is key [for] anytime we can share information that deters some of the behavior among youth.”

CONSIDERING THE BIGGER PICTURE

Since the pandemic’s start, youth carjackings have skyrocketed in major U.S. cities including Minneapolis, Chicago, Kansas City (Missouri) and Louisville.

Officials in those cities said the majority of crimes have involved youth between the ages of 12 and 20 who have capitalized on recent mask mandates.

In the District, MPD officers arrested a 12-year-old on March 4 who has been implicated in one

In February, acting MPD Chief Robert Contee announced the launch of a task force to tackle carjackings, auto thefts and the unauthorized use of vehicle offenses taking place across the District.

carjacking and three attempted others all of which took place in Northeast. According to reports, the youngster and another suspect approached each driver and brandished a handgun.

On March 5, police officers reportedly arrested a 13-year-old youngster who would be charged in three incidents which occurred several months earlier. One alleged car theft happened in November on Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue in Northeast with the others reported on Gault Place in Northeast in December and Anacostia Road in Southeast in January.

Throughout the pandemic, private investigator Henderson Long has spread the word among his networks about District-based carjackings in efforts to gather information about possible suspects.

Though he commended Contee’s efforts and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s appointment of Contee, Long told The Informer that there remain bigger forces at play that have fueled the surge of carjackings across the D.C. metropolitan region.

In noting that not all crimes are committed by impoverished people, Long acknowledged that solving this issue still requires getting at the root of the social, economic and historic challenges facing the Black family. “[Carjacking is] exciting to some young people – there’s no one reason why,” Long said. “But if you get into the family unit and dynamics, we have a lot of problems with generational wealth gaps. When you have people living in poverty, crime is [sometimes] all they know. Most of their friends are doing it, so we have a culture.”

WI

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Happy 30th Anniversary, Congresswoman Maxine Waters

After calling and reaching out to make an effort to confirm Auntie Maxine as my radio show guest for more than seven years, the day finally came! This Friday, tune in to hear my interview with Rep. Maxine Waters, who represents California's 43rd District.

A few years ago, it was my pleasure to meet the congresswoman during the Congressional Black Caucus Breakfast — in fact, she took a photograph with me.

Let's talk about her life just a bit for Women's History Month. She has served 48 years in the world of politics since her start in 1973, including the 30 years that Waters has been congresswoman for her district after her election in 1991.

It has also been 30 years since the Los Angeles riots in the aftermath of the acquittal of four police officers for the beating of Black motorist Rodney King. Waters remembers it like it was just yesterday.

The California Democrat told

HuffPost that she was traveling on business when King was brutally beaten by LAPD officers on March 3, 1991. She remembers watching the footage from her hotel bed.

"I sat straight up and all I could say was, 'Oh, my god! Oh, my god! Look at this,'" Waters said.

She and Black Americans across the country shared the same outrage.

The residents of Los Angeles reached their boiling point on April 29, 1992, however, when a mostly white jury acquitted the four white officers who assaulted King. That is when the city rebelled.

A few years ago, it was my pleasure to meet the congresswoman during the Congressional Black Caucus Breakfast — in fact, she took a photograph with me.

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

America continues to witness similar scenes as they play out in the streets, as seen in Baltimore, Ferguson, Missouri, and Charlotte, North Carolina, in recent years, with a similar narrative. The reality of Black Americans being denied justice when brutalized by the state continues.

Waters said the L.A. uprisings were a milestone in the history of Black people demanding justice.

"These were people who had been basically forgotten," Waters told HuffPost. "And because of Rodney King's beating and the current emotion that was stirring in that, it was like people were saying, 'We're here. You can't do this to us. Look what you're doing. Not only have you been with this consistent police abuse but the same people don't have access to opportunities and jobs and health care and on and on.' So it was a defining moment in this country and I think a defining moment in the way that Black people resisted."

Though much of her area went up in smoke, in addition to sending disaster relief supplies like food and diapers, Waters pounded the pavement to bring peace to South Central. Thirty years later, she is a still force to be reckoned with.

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

EMPLOYMENT LAWYERS MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC ADA, Age Discrimination, Benefits, Civil Rights, COBRA, Contracts, Deaf Law, Defamation, Disability Law, Discipline, Discrimination, FMLA, FLSA, FOIA, Family Responsibility, Harassment, HIPPA, OSHA, National Origin Discrimination, Non-Compete, Race Discrimination, Rehabilitation Act, Retaliation, Severance Agreements, Sexual Harassment, Torts, Whistleblowing, Wage-and-Hour, Wrongful Discharge SERVING MARYLAND, DC, & NORTH CAROLINA

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Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.)

Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

(301) 864-6070

Service and Times Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m.

Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday “Friendliest Church in the City” Website: mountolivetdc.org Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

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MARCH 11 - 17, 2021 35

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

36 MARCH 11 - 17, 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.

MARCH 11 - 17, 2021 37

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

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

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

2020 ADM 000728

2020 ADM 833

2021 ADM 000013

Julia Williams Decedent

Bernard Burford Decedent

S. Saunders aka Shirley Blackman Saunders Decedent

Deborah Cason Daniel, Esq. 503 D Street, NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney

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

Nigel L. Scott 7306 Georgia Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20012 Attorney

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

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

Lelia Ross-Jones, whose address is 1008 31st Street, SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bernard Burford who died on 1/16/2019 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/25/2021. 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 8/25/2021, 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.

Anthony J. Thorne, whose address is 5422 13th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of S. Saunders aka Shirley Blackman Saunders who died on August 19, 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/25/2021. 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 8/25/2021, 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.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Elmore Manuel Williams and Deborah Cason Daniel, whose addresses are 51 Hamilton St., NW, WDC 20011 and 503 D St., NW #200 WDC 20001, respectively, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Julia Williams who died on October 25, 2011 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/4/2021. 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 9/4/2021, 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: 3/4/2021

Date of first publication: 2/25/2021

Elmore Manuel Williams Deborah Cason Daniel Personal Representative

Lelia Ross-Jones Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

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 000032

2021 ADM 000016

Addie Cooke aka Addie C. Cooke Decedent

Gregory Jerome Janrhett Decedent

Aimee D. Griffin 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Matthew Bonner, whose address is 912 Dryden Court, Silver Spring, MD 20901, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Addie Cooke aka Addie C. Cooke who died on 9/9/2020 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/11/2021. 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 9/11/2021, 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: 3/11/2021 Matthew Bonner Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

38 MARCH 11 - 17, 2021

Lashunna Briana Grier, whose address is 112A Rhode Island Ct., Frederick, MD 21701, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gregory Jerome Janrhett who died on January 3, 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before September 11, 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 September 11, 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: March 11, 2021 Lashunna Briana Grier Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Date of first publication: 2/25/2021 Anthony J. Thorne Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

In God We Trust Declaration of Nationality Notice of White Flag Surrender Notice of Reference: 0112358-13 Notice Of Special Appearance: I am that I am: Christian Stephone Chavers ", in full life, in propria persona. sui juris. in solo proprio. Haqdar by natural issue. the beneficiary and heir Of: CHAVERS, CHRISTIAN STEPHONE corp.sole Dba.: CHRISTIAN STEPHONE CHAVERS 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 subscribe, 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 Ill Section 2. The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, I United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples l. 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: Christian Stephone Chavers from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: stephone amoorica bey Notice Of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article Ill, 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 Il, 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: Office of Vital Records / Bureau of Vital Statistics / New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, CERTIFICATE NUMBER: 13187125288, " CHAVERS, CHRISTIAN STEPHONE is as a special deposit order conveyed to Amoorica Divine 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: stephone amoorica bey (Copyrights); nom deguerre: Christian Stephone Chavers (copyrights) as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit Of : “Amoorica Divine 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: procurement and appropriation. as well as discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved.

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION 2021 NRT 000002 Mary Alice Sohngen Name of Deceased Settlor NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST Mary Alice Sohngen, whose address was 1680 Spring Creek Road, Macungle, PA 18062, created a revocable trust on September 20, 2001, which remained in existence on the date of her death on August 6, 2012, and Maura DeNoia, aka Maura Sohngen DeNoia, whose address is 4 Cedarwood Drive, Fairmouth, DE 04105, is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to Edward G. Varrone, Esq. at 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1150, Washington, DC 20006 (202) 861-3150 edv@varronelaw.com 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 settlor’s funeral and disposal of remains, and statutory allowances to a surviving spouse and children to the extent the deceased settlor’s residuary probate estate is inadequate to satisfy those claims, costs, expenses, and allowances.

Claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors are barred as against the Trustee and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the address provided herein on or before 8/25/2021 (6 months after the date of the first publication of this notice.) An action to contest the validity of this trust must be commenced by the earliest of (1), 8/6/2013 (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) (2), 8/25/2021 (6 months from the date of first publication of this notice) or (3) Ninety days after the Trustee sends the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust’s existence, of the Trustee’s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding.

The Trustee may proceed to distribute the trust property in accordance with the terms of the trust before the expiration of the time within which an action must be commenced unless the Trustee knows of a pending judicial proceeding contesting the validity of the trust or the Trustee has received notice from a potential contestant who thereafter commences a judicial proceeding within sixty days after notification.

This Notice must be mailed postmarked within 15 days of its first publication to each heir and qualified beneficiary of the trust and any other person who would be an interested person within the meaning of D.C. Code 20-101(d).

Date of First Publication: 2/25/2021 Maura DeNoia Signature of Trustee TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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SPORTS from Page 33

ly on when Nationals catcher Alex Avila stroked a three-run home run to get the party started. After Scherzer surrendered two runs in the second, both teams traded runs in the third when Cardinals catcher Andrew Knizer hit an RBI single in the top of the third and Nationals infielder Josh Bell hit an RBI double to tie the game 3-3.

The Cardinals scored two more runs in the sixth, but the Nationals got back into the swing of things in the seventh when outfielder Yadiel

Hernandez hit an RBI single to take the first lead of the game.

The contest came down to the wire in the ninth when Cardinals infielder Max Moroff hit a sacrifice fly to score outfielder Austin Dean, but it was Nationals infielder Luis Garcia who won the game with a walk-off run after Cardinals catcher Ali Sanchez committed a throwing error to win 7-6.

Washington then took down Miami 5-3 with Washington Nationals pitcher Daniel Hudson winning his first game of the year despite allowing a two-run homer in the third.

Nationals pitcher Yan Gomes hit an RBI single first, and outfielder Andrew Stevenson drove in Ryan Zimmerman (DH) to go up by two.

Miami infielder Jesus Aguilar hit an RBI single to split the difference in the bottom of the first inning, but the Marlins were held scoreless the rest of the way. Washington tacked on three more insurance runs to cruise to victory. WI

Department administered thousands of innoculations occurred there, including vaccinations of public school employees.

In the center’s place, vaccination sites opened at the Kentland Community Center starting Monday, March 8 and Cedar Heights Community Center in Seat Pleasant on March 15.

Alsobrooks held a press briefing Thursday with suggestions for the state on inequitable distribution of vaccines.

Because only 11 percent of county residents received the vaccines administered at the mass vaccination site at Six Flags America in Upper Marlboro, Alsobrooks said at least 50 percent should go to county residents.

They are considering designating certain days for residents to go there,

she said.

As of Saturday, the county continues to lead the state with the most confirmed coronavirus cases with more than 74,000.

Although the county’s health department receives an average of 1,800 doses per day, it registered the lowest COVID-19 percentage of vaccines administered at 14 percent, according to https://coronavirus.maryland.gov.

Three mobile clinics will travel to administer doses with a focus on senior citizens.

“The main issue is lack of access to vaccines. It is not the hesitancy,” Alsobrooks said. “We still have nearly 118,000 people on our pre-registration list. These are people who want the vaccine.” WI @jabariwill

“The name itself has some great significance,” Jackson explained about BrickRose Exchange. “Brick represents culture and tradition, spaces and cities.

Rose is like innovation and when you look at cities like Baltimore, sometimes, when innovation comes in, it erases culture and tradition. So, the name is a space where both can meet.”

According to a news release, Comcast RISE consists of several components.

They include a media technology resources program, consulting, a linear television media campaign, creative production, technology makeovers, business resources and grants of up to $10,000 for U.S.-based small and diverse businesses that have been operating for at least three years.

“We created Comcast RISE to partner with Black, Indigenous and People of Color-owned small businesses and give them access to tools that will help them survive the pandemic and thrive,” Dan Carr, vice president, Comcast Business, Comcast’s Beltway Region, said in a statement.

“As we’ve gone through the selection process, it’s been so powerful to hear these business owners’ stories and see the tangible ways that we can help grow their businesses and positively impact their communities. I could not be more pleased to open this program to the entire BIPOC community and continue this positive momentum.”

For more details about Comcast RISE, visit https://www.comcastrise.com/ WI @StacyBrownMedia

Nationals Heat Up The Washington Nationals won two of their last five games during spring training play (as of March 7) after stringing together a pair of consecutive victories against the St. Louis Cardinals on March 6 and the Miami Marlins the following day.

Nationals ace Max Scherzer made his first start of the year but struggled in one and two-thirds innings, allowing a hit, two earned runs, two walks, but also fanned two batters as well. Nationals pitcher Steven Fuentes earned his first win of the season, striking out a batter in one inning of work.

"I am more worried about my arm than actually my ankle," said Scherzer, who is recovering from injury.

"Just trying to get a feel for what I do.

From here, it's just ramping up ... I kind of like where I'm at right now."

Washington jumped out front ear-

PG COVID from Page 12 church.

If a Johnson & Johnson vaccine is available, then that person would require only one dose.

The church will partner with the University of Maryland Medical System, which said in a statement the clinic will open March 16. More information such as registration and operation hours will be made at https:// www.umms.org/capital/coronavirus/ get-vaccine.

The goal will be to administer up to 900 doses per day.

Alsobrooks announced Thursday, March 4 the Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Center in Landover will be closed March 13-28 for scheduled maintenance. The county’s Health

RISE from Page 14 ing are often barriers to success,” Long added.

She said the creative production services she received from Comcast will allow her to accomplish more.

“It’s been an amazing opportunity to be able to craft commercials that will be shown to women in our target markets,” Long said.

Jackson said the Comcast RISE award could not have arrived at a more opportune time.

“They gave us laptops and iPads and I’m just so grateful and humbled to be a recipient of this grant,” said Jackson who noted that her BrickRose Exchange was “born from love and appreciation for connecting people.”

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MARCH 11 - 17, 2021 39

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and several of his closest friends including former President Bill Clinton.

Vice President Kamala Harris, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Kenneth Chenault, former CEO and chairman of American Express, Ursula Burns, former CEO and chairwoman of Xerox and Howard University President Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick also shared reflections about Jordan who rose from humble beginnings in the segregated South to America’s corporate boardrooms.

Born August 15, 1935 in Atlanta, Jordan excelled academically, matriculating at DePauw University in Indiana where he graduated in 1957 – the only Black student in his class – and then studying law at Howard University.

In related news, the Howard University Board of Trustees recently announced its unanimous decision, upon the recommendation of Dr. Frederick, to name the Law School Library as the Vernon E. Jordan, Jr., Esq. Law Library in honor of the Howard alumnus.

Dr. Bernard Richardson, Dean of Howard University Rankin Chapel, began the memorial service for Jordan by saying, “A mighty oak has fallen but what he left us will live forever.”

Jordan’s daughter Vickee mounted the podium first to talk about her father.

“He and my mother raised me to be best friends and much to the chagrin of my cousins and friends, I told them everything,” she said.

“Everyone loved him but no one owned him. He belonged to God, to the struggle and to ordinary people.”

“He was an American original – one of those giants on whose shoulders we stood. I’ve heard that growing up, his mother would tell him time and time again, ‘don’t get too big for your britches.’ He never forgot that and even after becoming a fixture on Wall Street, he never stopping working to open doors for those like him who had been shut out for so long.”

“One of my favorite gospel songs is ‘I Can Only Imagine.’

And I wonder, what would the world be like if my dad had not only been the president of Black folks – which is what some called him because of his work with the National Urban League – but president of all the people. I can only

5 Vernon Jordan, Jr. (Courtesy photo)

imagine how more beautiful our country would be,” she said.

MORE MEMORIES ABOUT VERNON JORDAN

Other speakers featured during the memorial service shared their own memories of Jordan and the impact he had on their lives and the nation.

“He helped persuade me to become president of Howard University. We have to pick up his torch and carry it forward. He gave our alma mater shape and purpose,” Dr. Frederick said.

“I called him Mr. Jordan. We have been challenged to produce a sense of hope. He was a man who provided us with hope – he was a man of principles,” Bowser said.

National Urban League President Marc Morial described Jordan as “bold, blunt, funny, wise and authentically Black – that’s why we loved him so much,” Morial said.

“And he could cuss but he did so with harmony and rhythm. He created the State of Black America report in1976 after former President Ford released a similar document that failed to include anything about the challenges faced in urban America. Vernon was so angry, that he said, ‘I will create my own damned report.’”

“While Vernon may sometimes have been the first, he never went alone. And whenever he was the first, he made sure to hold that the door did not close. He must be remembered as a man for others,” Morial said.

Both Chenault and Burns said,

“he was the best friend you could ever have.”

Finally, Clinton, clearly emotional, talked about his very good friend – one who he said was an integral part of his life as well as the lives of his wife, Hillary and daughter Chelsea.

“I’m supposed to stand here and talk about a man I love and be presidential and grave, whatever that means,” he said. “I woke up around 3 a.m. this morning and finally got out of denial and began grieving and celebrating.

More than anyone I think I’ve ever known, he was a man who fully maximized his achievements.”

“Vernon was worthy of our love and admiration because he was a man in full. In the end, he was in the freedom business. And like Nelson Mandela, he realized that he hated other people, he would never be free. He realized that reconciliation was better than resentment. Vernon’s life is a story of one man using his unique gifts to help us all become ‘more free’ – for him it was natural, like breathing.”

“And he did it with the beauty of a classical artist or athlete, with the theories of an Einstein. God, we were lucky he was here and lucky that he was our friend. As they closed that coffin earlier, I just didn’t want to let him go. But I realize that there’s a season for everything.”

“My friend, finally you are free.

I will miss you, and I will always love you. But now, you are free,” Clinton concluded.

WI Hamil R. Harris, WI Contributing Writer, contributed to this report.

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

MALVEAUX from Page 24 We are also disappointed that President Biden has backed off student loan forgiveness, suggesting that it might be limited to $10,000 per borrower. The backbone of Biden support, Black women, carry the most enormous student loan debt. Biden and his team need to target student loan relief and ensure that those who shouldered the most debt get the most help. While there are certainly flaws to the Biden-Warren plan for total student loan debt forgiveness, the Biden proposal does not deal with the racial wealth gap and how Black stu-

HARDING from Page 24 of white supremacy is based on facts, how can a Black man figure out a solution to a problem that all the smart white people on Earth seem to be unable to solve?

As the realization comes that my proposal could actually, what comes after is the shut down and poof, I’m gone. Invisible.

To quote Ralph Ellison in his ground breaking book “Invisible Man,” “I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me.”

The Rev. Ed Smalls from the MLK Center in Houston would characterize it as a case of 32 degrees.

“The white man thinks his ice is colder than the Black man’s, and a lot of times the Black man thinks that too,” Smalls said. “It is however a scientifically proven fact that ice freezes at 32 degrees.

Thank God I know this to be fact.

If I didn’t know this, I might be seduced by the lie of white supremacy. If I let this slip into my psyche and believe the lie, I too

CHAVIS from Page 24 virtually to commit leadership, resources, and a focus of social justice, health justice, economic justice and global partnerships to strive for peace throughout the world.

Speaking on behalf of the Black Press of America, via the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), I know that the Rally of Hope was timely and a much-needed event. Now the work of peacemaking and jus-

dents often pay more to get less in higher education.

I am not complaining. It would be unseemly in the face of this victory. I am merely saying there is so much work to do. If we are tempted to take a victory lap around the passage of COVID-19 relief, we must also be ready for the next steps. The House of Representatives passed HR1, which is an election protection measure that guarantees voting rights.

Already, there are more than 200 voter suppression proposed legislation that comes from more than 40 states. In Georgia, the state legislature has crafted a bill that directly attacks the efforts of voter organiz-

ers. It limits Sunday voting, negating the efforts of "All Souls to the Polls." It forbids the distribution of food and water to those who have been standing in line for hours.

Georgia legislators know the power of the Black vote. They want to diminish it.

Since the mid-1990s, the Black church has called for "all souls to the polls." Some folks don't want our souls there. They want to continue their autocratic nonsense, and unless we vote, despite obstacles, they'll have their way. Passing COVID-19 relief is a step in the right direction. But it must be the first step, not the last.

WI

will cease to see me and the lie will have done its work. It will have killed me.”

Slavery’s contribution to creating America is well documented in historical fact. The damage done to Black people by slavery and the institutionalized racism it left behind is so great that some believe it is impossible to repair. I beg to differ.

There is a fair and elegant solution to repaying the debt owed the descendants of slaves for 400 years of oppression and exclusion.

An explosive economic disruption in agriculture created by slave labor changed the American economic landscape and created generational wealth for countless white American families. Climate change, a pandemic and the reintroduction of cannabis into the American economy have converged to create another explosive economic disruption in agriculture. This disruption is creating great opportunity.

However, the descendants of slaves find that they are being systematically excluded from these

opportunities. America now has an opportunity to do right by Black folk but institutionalized racism continues to block justice.

Justice could be delivered in the form of providing African Americans a license to grow as much marijuana, hemp and food in this country as they want, without restriction, limitation or taxation for the next 400 years.

This is what we should be demanding. This is what is owed. It is not only cannabis that’s on the table. All of agriculture – a trillion-dollar-a-year industry – is on the table. We put the current administration in office. Now they need to stand up for us.

The U.S. became a global economic powerhouse when it transitioned from subsistence farming to producing commodities with slave labor. It is only fair that the descendants of those kidnapped Africans use agriculture as a vehicle for establishing complete communities with a solid tax base, thriving business community and the opportunity so long denied, to lead a normal American life. WI

tice-seeking should accelerate in all the nations that participated in the Rally of Hope.

The pendulum of history is now swinging steadily in the direction of millions of people throughout the world who are crying out for freedom, justice, equality, equity, empowerment and peace. It is strategically wise, therefore, for world leaders not only to hear the cries of their people, but also to respond in a manner that ensures both justice and peace.

I remain optimistic hopeful be-

cause here in the United States, millions of people at the grassroots level are organizing and building effective movements and engagements for equality, justice and peace. Dr. King's concept of a "beloved community" is more relevant today than back in the 1960s.

Let's continue to rally. Let's continue to pray. Let's continue to mobilize peacefully and internationally. Let's continue stand up and speak truth to power.

WI

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won the Golden Globe for best actress in a drama for her portrayal of Billie Holliday. I also look forward to viewing both the limited television series and the film dedicated to the life of Fannie Lou Hamer.

Contemporarily, we must look to our current vice president of the United States as an exemplar.

My personal familiarity with the obstacles in the game of politics

JEALOUS from Page 25 included it in their most recent COVID-19 relief bill. But because of an interpretation of Senate rules, the minimum wage may not be included in the final bill.

That cannot be the final word.

The administration must put its weight behind the Raise the Wage Act of 2021, which would get us to a $15 minimum by 2025.

ASKIA from Page 25

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WILLIAMS from Page 25

ments. Their aim is to see to it that like-minded, white Republicans win elections, otherwise the elections aren't "fair."

White Americans today, like the ancient Romans were a "very religious," pious people who believed in honoring their ancestors and tradition, Dr. Kenneth Calvert, director of the Oxford Study Abroad Program at Hillsdale College, wrote in a 2018 article. The Romans also "cherished courage, honesty and duty," he says, and their convictions were key to their rise as a culture.

These virtues sound particularly like the cruel slave owner George Washington, whom contemporaries regularly compared to ancient Roman leaders, and today remains the American ideal of a leader, according to Calvert. Now, it's MAGA, Make America Great Again, the Trump mantra.

Sadly, white folks will not face the folly of their reckless way of thinking. They believe that by sheer force of will, they will make the entire world continue to come to "heel" at their command. Never mind the presence of a pandemic which swept across the country, taking more than 500,000 lives in its wake, a pandemic which whiteness was unable to stem. At the

affords me some insight into the strength and perseverance necessary to participate in a successful political campaign. I was a candidate in a congressional district.

VP Harris successfully participated in a national election which was infinitely more challenging.

Finally, no discussion of the strength of Black women would be complete without the inclusion of my mother. She raised 9 children alone and gave each of us a spirit of pride in accomplishment

and the will to apply our potential to the maximum extent. The life that she, my siblings and I shared was not always easy or pleasant, but through my mother's example and strength, we learned to face future challenges uprightly and without fear.

There's an African proverb which states, "It is the women who hold the sky up." I dare anyone to challenge the truth of that!

WI

For congressional Democrats and the Biden-Harris administration, fighting for a $15 minimum wage is a place where moral obligation and political interests intersect.

Biden and Democrats campaigned on a $15 minimum.

And they are in the White House with a Senate majority because Black women organized and turned out the vote.

Rev. William Barber recent-

ly reminded us that Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. called for a $2 an hour minimum wage almost 60 years ago. That would be over $15 today if it kept up with inflation.

King talked about racial equality as an unfulfilled promise from the nation's Founding Fathers. Democrats cannot let a living wage remain an unfulfilled promise to Black Americans.

WI

The United States has been in a perpetual state of war, somewhere on earth for the past 70 years, and has not won — and will not win — a war since World War II.

The United States has been in a perpetual state of war, somewhere on earth for the past 70 years, and has not won — and will not win — a war since World War II. And yet the Repugnikkkans (as I call them) are content with spending more than $2 billion per day on the military killing machine ($750 billion annually), but believe the mega-rich corporations, which pay fewer and fewer taxes, cannot afford to pay its workers a living wage (a subsistence wage really) of $15 per hour.

The Waltons — the wealthiest family in this country — maintains its Walmart empire because thousands of its full-time employees earn so little, they are eligible for food stamps and welfare relief.

"We call that bribes and corruption but among Romans this was the way business was done," Calvert writes.

"The political rot also extended to the Roman Senate," he continues, "which failed to temper the excesses of the emperors due to its own widespread corruption and incompetence. As the situation worsened, civic pride waned and many Roman citizens lost trust in their leadership."

It's like a mirror from ancient Rome held up in front of the U.S. white society today.

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same time unprecedented winter storms and hurricanes and out-ofcontrol wildfires battered the U.S. countryside. And yet these myopic, white supremacist-thinking politicians would have us believe that "voter fraud" and "stolen elections," the "cancel culture" that would suppress former Confederate traitors and the racist drawings of Dr. Seuss are the major crimes and not massive wealth inequality and systemic racism in all walks of life in this country.

Dr. Calvert writes that as its collapse approached, Rome experienced a severe financial crisis.

Romans were engaged in constant wars and overspending. Oppressive taxation and inflation widened the gap between the rich and the poor.

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