The Washington Informer - March 19, 2015

I N S I D E

See the WI Bridge Inside

VOL. 1, NO. 2

MARCH 2015

FOR THE SISTAS

Bowser’s Budget Gets Mixed Review, Pg. 4

PHOTO BY DEJAH GREENE

Howard University QB headed for CFL, Pg. 10

Vol. 50, No. 23 Mar. 19 - Mar. 25 2015

I N S I D E

County Exec: Tax Increase, Layoffs, Pg. 12

My Brother’s Keeper Exceeding Goals, Pg. 17

Nirmal Choradia runs in the Rock and Roll Half-Marathon through the Adams Morgan community on Saturday, March 14. The popular event attracted thousands of runners to the District. /Photo by Nancy Shia

Maryland Senate, House Races Heat Up Brown, Edwards, Ivey Vie for Vacated Seats

By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer

Like musical chairs, there’s a merry-go-round for Senate and House seats in Maryland after longtime senator Barbara Mikulski decided not to seek a sixth term in 2016 and after Rep. Donna Edwards announced

she’s bolting her chair in an attempt to gain a Senate seat.

And, as Edwards looks to grab the Senate’s chair, a familiar face is seeking to snag her seat in the House.

“I still have something to give back to our community,” said former Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown in an email pub-

lished first by The Baltimore Sun. Brown, who had been the favorite to win the governor’s office in the fall but ultimately lost to Republican Larry Hogan, entered the race for Edwards’ seat one day after former State’s Attorney Glenn Ivey said he, too, would jump into a race that

could be one of Maryland’s most closely watched Democratic primaries in the 2016 election.

“I know this isn’t going to be easy, but nothing worth fighting for ever is,” Brown said.

For Ivey, the Princeton grad and partner at the Northwest law firm of K&L Gates, it’s his second bite at the apple that is

Congress.

In 2012, the Democratic candidate withdrew from the race because of fundraising and other issues. Ivey, who was state’s attorney for Prince George’s County from 2002 to 2012, said that this time he’s got a good feel-

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We believe the proposed merger of Pepco and Exelon will benefit the District’s residents, communities, civic life and business environment.

If approved, this merger will create savings that will be passed on in customers’ utility bills, saving families and businesses more of their hard-earned money every month. It means honoring and maintaining Pepco’s strong commitment to workforce-and supplier-diversity programs. It means more jobs for District workers.

That’s good for families, local businesses, and the District’s workforce.

It means millions of dollars more that could be used for programs such as bill credits, low-income assistance and energy efficiency programs through a $33.75 million Customer Investment Fund.

It also means continued annual charitable contributions and local community support – exceeding Pepco’s 2013 level of $1.6 million for 10 years following the merger. And it means $168 million to $260 million in economic benefits to the District. That’s good for communities and those most in need.

It also means enhanced reliability of our electric grid and additional resources to speed storm restoration.

It means a commitment to sustainability and corporate citizenship. It means continued local presence and local leadership. And it means millions of dollars more invested in our local economy. That’s good for all of us.

WE SUPPORT THE PROPOSED PEPCO AND EXELON MERGER.

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Mark S. Tillman, general president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., pays tribute to D.C. born Edward William Brooke during the Omega Service in the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel on the campus of Howard University, Monday, March 9. Brooke, 95, who died on January 3, 2015, was the first black popularly elected to the U.S. Senate where he served for two terms. /Photo by Roy Lewis

3/19/2015 – 3/25//2015 PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY Pages 12 – 13

COMMENTARIES Pages 24 – 26

LIFESTYLE Pages 27 – 28

SPORTS Pages 29 – 30

YOUR FUTURE STARTS NOW

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around the region

SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY

Women Break the Cycle of Domestic Violence

AROUND THE REGION

By Tia Carol Jones

law enforcement. She said they threat,” she said. had come together to bring a Among the programs Marlow sense of uniformity in the way wants to see implemented are When L.Y. Marlow's 23-year- domestic violence victims and stricter restraining order policies, Visit our updated Web site old daughter told her the father survivors are treated. more rights for victim's families and give us your comments of her daughter threatened her “She's using her own personal to intervene on behalf of a vicfor a chance to win a gift from life, and the life of their child, story, her own personal pain to tim, a domestic violence assessThe Washington Informer she knew something had to be push forward,” Davis-Nickens ment unit coupled with further done. Out of her frustration said about Marlow. training for law enforcement with law enforcement's handling Davis-Nickens said anyone agencies, a Child's Life ProtecEmail comments to: of the situation, she decided to who reads Marlow's book will tion Act and mandatory counselrburke@ start the Saving Promise cam- “get it.” She said she “puts the ing for batterers.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser held a press confront at Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. in Southeast last paign. caseintersections in such a in way, the 7average we are Lassiter ever going to eradiwashingtoninformer.com week to promote her plan to renovate several Wards and 8. /Photo“If

by Shevry “It seems to be a vicious cycle person can get it.” She said at the cate domestic violence, we must that won't turn my family end of the day, the book will look at both sides of the coin. loose,” Marlow said. Marlow help people begin to have a dia- We need to address both the vicshared her story with the audi- logue about domestic violence. tim and the batterer,” Marlow ence at the District Heights Also present at the event was said. residents before putting to- community that we would be By GlynnViolence A. Hill Symposium to Domestic Mildred Muhammad, the exMarlow would also like to see budget,” said Markus transparent about what we do WI Intern on May 7 at the District Heights gether wife ofthe John Allen Muhammad, programs designed to raise 22, a Ward Advisory that weamong would children seek input Municipal Center. The sympo- Batchelor, who was sentenced to8six consec- and awareness in Neighborhood Commissioner.

Forty-five empty tables guidance into decisions sium was sponsored by disthe utive life terms without parole and public and private schools. that She some jury residents were Family and Youth Services byStill, tinguished by signs highlighting a Maryland for his role in have feels to children need to be educatbe made.

What we’re trymore skeptical about the foCenter of the city of District the Beltway Sniper attacks in ing community issues ranging from ed about to do isdomestic get fromviolence. the commuHeights and National appreciat-is nity“We 2002.although Mildred many Muhammad to stop being paseducation to the public safetyHookcov- rum, an have understanding of their Up ofthe Black Women. floor at ed the the founder of After the Trauma, sive-aggressive with poor chileffort to communicate ered gymnasium priorities,” he said.

MarlowHigh has School writteninaSouthbook, with an organization that helpsin the longtime residents a dren about domestic violence,” Anacostia Youngsaid. says the purpose of “Color Me Butterfly,” is a fast-changing survivors of city. domestic violence Marlow east Washington on which Saturday, hosting multiple forumstowas to story about four generations of and theircould children.

Marlow has worked break “This all be a big show,” March 14. get as much input from different domestic violence. The book is said“I lived fear for six Six the cycle of abuse in her family, Ted in Freeman, 58,years. an inThe scene was set as residents inspired by her own experiences, years in fear is a long time. It is parts the city asthe possible. and isofconfident policies she formation technology manager and and community those of herrepresentatives grandmother, not an easy thing to come out is “Like pushing for will start that most cities across the Ward 5. “You have to trust gradually filledand the gym for May- from her mother her daughter. of,” she said. process. we have more need than country, you canMuhammad influence things. or third fi- thatMildred SheMuriel said Bowser’s every time sheand reads said resources, “I plan to to sotake we these have policies to prioriThey’re taking older toneighbornal budget engagement forum excerpts from her book, she still people who want help a Congress and implore them to In Memoriam heour said.laws,” “The Marlow mayor has a and violence turning them out,must but tize,” to and educate the comDr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. caninvolve not believe the words came hoods domestic victim change said.

Wilhelmina J. Rolark of priorities, but shethese wants to much ofarehow theythey integrating munity on“Color the administration’s from her.

Me Butterfly” how be careful go into set “I will not stop until poliThe Washington Informer Newspaper these neighborhoods.” from the community what won the with 2007 the National priorities budget “Best due with the victim's life, and understand hear cies are passed.”

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER InPUBLISHER Memoriam Books”the Award.

Freeman, who sat at a table lathat she may be in “survival their priorities they before city council in April.

Tia Carol Jonesare, canwhat be reached NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414)Dr.isCalvin Denise Rolark Sr. Barnes W. Rolark, “I wasusjust 16-years-old when beled “Neighborhood Develop- want mode”. at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net “Tell what we can’t touch,” us to spend money on, published weekly on each Thursday.

Wilhelmina J. Rolark my eye said first as blackened and the my ment,” “Before get to going what they want us to invest in, so saidyou he has no'I'm problems Bowser she stressed Periodicals postage paid at WashingSTAFF WASHINGTON INFORMER lips bled,” Marlow said. needs with to kill you,' it started as a as verbal ton,THE D.C. and additional mailing of- NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published gentrification as long the weWI importance of prioritizing can make that a part of our weekly Thursday.

Periodicals paidW. at Barnes, Washington, D.C. and additional Denise Editor Elaine Davis-Nickens, presifices.

Newsonand advertising deadlinepostage economic growth is consistent as the District’s revenues are mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. spending plan.” is Monday prior to publication. Andent of the National Hook-Up Kevin McNeir, Managing Editor Announcements must be received twoD.weeks prior to event.

Copyright 2000 by The expected to be less than its ex- for everyone in the neighborCouncil member Vincent Ornouncements must be received two of Black Women, said there is no Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POST MASTER: Send change of addresshood. He wants new residents penses.

Ron Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director weeks event. Copyright 2015 ange said Bowser appears to be consistency in the way domestic es toprior The to Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, She compared process

by D.C. The 20032.

Washington Informer.

All No part of this publication may be Barnes, reproduced written violence issues arethe dealt with to by and businesses to blend with the in tune with what residents in Lafayette IV,without Assistant PhotopermisEditor rights POSTMASTER: sionreserved. from the publisher. TheSend Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of budgeting in one’s own home, history of those already there inthe District want. He said fundchange of addresses to The rates WashJohn E. De Sports Photo photographs.

Subscription are $30 per year, twoFreitas, years $45.

Papers willEditor be received where there are many desires as stead of overtaking it. not more than 3117 a weekMartin after publication.

Make checks payable to: ington Informer, Luther Taunya Everett, 43, a Ward 7 ing for education and housing is some sacrifices may have to be Dorothy Rowley, Online Editor King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. essential, in addition to support THE WASHINGTON INFORMER made. Overall, the top priorities resident, echoed his sentiments.

20032. No part of this publication may Brian Young, Design & Layout 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. • Washington, D.C. 20032 “I want to have faith that the for local businesses in order to for residents who attended the be reproduced without written permisPhone: 202 561-4100 • Fax: 202 Bookkeeper 574-3785 Mable Neville, sion from the publisher. The Informer forum were education and eco- input is being used, but I’m 50- keep money circulating in D.C. E-mail: news@washingtoninformer.com Newspaper cannot guarantee the return “Education is the key to life Mickey Thompson, Social Sightings columnist 50,” she said. nomic opportunity. www.washingtoninformer.com of photographs. Subscription rates are and is connected to everything Everett also attended the secEducation is an administration Stacey Palmer, Social Media Specialist $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will priority as well. On Thursday, ond budget forum at Dunbar else,” he said. “Housing is big PUBLISHER be received not more than a week after Angie Denise RolarkJohnson, Barnes Circulation March 12, Bowser announced High School last week. Prior to because it’s hard to access anypublication. Make checks payable to: STAFF REPORTERS increases to the District of Co- that, she was focused on hearing thing without the basics, includTHE WASHINGTON Brooke N. Garner INFORMER Managing REPORTERS Editor Tia C. Jones, Ed Laiscell, lumbia Public Schools’ budget about education and public safe- ing a good education.”

Carla Peay Assistant Managing Editor Odell B. Ruffin, Larry Saxton, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Stacy Brown, Sam P.K. Collins, Eve Ferguson, to “support equity and strength- ty. Now, she’s equally concerned Ron Burke Advertising and Marketing Mary Wells, Joseph Young Cecil Byrd, 67, of Ward 7, who Washington, D.C. 20032 Elton Hayes, D. Kevin McNeir, Dorothy Mable Whittaker Bookkeeper en high schools.” According to about how the administration has lived in D.C. since 1978, said Phone: 202 561-4100 Rowley, Barrington Salmon LaNita Wrenn Administration PHOTOGRAPHERS Fax:John 202 574-3785 a news release from the mayor’s will approach affordable housing funding for veterans programs is E. De Freitas Sports Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, news@washingtoninformer.com Victor Holt Photo Editor John E. De Freitas, Maurice Fitzgerald, office, this will enable the cre- and job opportunities too. most important to him. He said www.washingtoninformer.com Zebra Designs, Inc. Layout & Graphic Design Joanne Jackson, Roy Lewis, Robert ation of 200 new school-based Rashad Young, recently apPHOTOGRAPHERS Ken Harris /www.scsworks.com Webmaster Ridley, Victor Holt he’s both skeptical and hopeful positions, providing targeted pointed the city administraJohn E. DeFreitas, Shevry Lassiter, L.Y.residents’ Marlow about the impact that Roy Lewis,CIRCULATION Travis Riddick , Nancy Shia resources and opportunities to tor under Bowser, presented Paul Trantham voices will have on the budget. male students of color. This calls a breakdown of the city’s cur“If you don’t build it, they will INTERNS for an increase in local funds of rent financial state in addition go.

If we don’t have programs, Glynn Hill, Marc Rivers, Sarafina Wright $25 million, or just over 3.5 per- to some of the challenges that those who need it will go,” Byrd cent more than the 2015 fiscal come with balancing a budget said. “[But] if you’re not a part of year funding level of $701 mil- for a new administration.

4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com lion.

“This mayor has been com- the process, you can’t complain “I think it’s important to speak mitted to and has promised the whether you like it or not.” WI

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WI Staff Writer

Bowser’s Budget Forum Draws Mixed Emotions

“

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.

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AROUND THE REGION

You Can Say It Like A Pro! Let us help you develop the communication skills to compete and win!

■ Executive Presentation Coaching ■ Media Training ■ Image Branding

Sandra Seegars/ Photo by Nancy Shia

May and mom Mary. To the extent that I’m owned, it would be to my mother and father,” she said. “We had a plan that took us from December 8; we believe in that plan and we’ll win.”

May, a former Bowser campaign worker and executive director of Vision of Victory Child Development Center, said Ward 8 residents want her to win and then deliver on some of Ward 8’s varied needs.

“Public safety is a big issue, as is economic growth which encompasses jobs and employment opportunities for residents and business people,” she said. “Other issues are housing and “taking care of our seniors.”

Candidates like Marion Christopher Barry, Sandra Seegars, Jaubar Abraham and Stuart Anderson are depending heavily on name recognition, work they’ve done in the past and their ties and connections to the community to secure the voted needed to win the coveted Ward 8 Council seat.

One of his greatest concerns, Abraham said, is that a candidate who doesn’t really know the community might end up representing Ward 8.

“My belief and commitment to public service made me decide to run,” said Abraham, a cofounder of Peaceaholics, a group devoted to eliminating teen violence. “Too many politicians and potential politicians are tied to special interests.

We have to shift from development, jobs and housing because the most important things are the people.”

Abraham said representing Ward 8 residents effectively is almost impossible “if you don’t have people who can meet residents where there are.”

“I run my platform on public safety – through strengthening families, helping men and women – providing incentives to help the family stay together,” he said. “I’m the one candidate who talks about strengthening the family. For more than 25 years, I got more than 180 young people off the streets and into college and where I came from included

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Doris McMillon President

om

By Barrington M. Salmon WI Staff Writer@bsalmondc

More and more, the Ward 8 council race is shaping up as the battle of the “bigs,” “the middles” and the “littles” financially.

Candidates with ties to Mayor Muriel Bowser and former Mayor Vincent C. Gray – LaRuby May and Sheila Bunn – have comfortable financial advantages. May raised $60,000 over the last two months, according to the candidate, while Ward 8 Dems Chairman Natalie Williams and former radio talk show host and political activist Eugene D. Kinlow have held their own. Kinlow raised more than $71,000 over the last few months.

“We couldn’t be more thankful for the support from everyone who has donated to our grassroots effort,” said Kinlow. “We set out in this campaign to connect with voters personally, and after knocking on thousands of doors and making thousands more phone calls, it is clear that my strong record of fighting for Ward 8 has left an impression on residents and convinced them I should be their next council member. Whether it is fighting to prevent a private prison from being built in the Ward at a time when there wasn’t even a grocery store, or working to bring a community college east of the River, I have a record in this community and I am committed to doing what’s right to make Ward 8 strong.”

Williams, who has been using the #8forward8 grassroots fundraising initiative to raise money for her campaign, has been critical of other candidates who she said are relying on almost 200 developers and outside donors who, if allowed, will infiltrate Ward 8 with mixed agendas for profit.

May, often the target of such opinions, hit back at the characterization.

“We appreciate the support of the mayor and friends of the campaign for their support and for what they’ve given to our campaign but I belong to the late Rev. Theophalis

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Candidates Doubling Down in Ward 8 Race

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LaRuby May/Photo by Nancy Shia

disarming young men of their AK47s.”

C O M M U N I C AT I O N S Abraham conceded that there are 301.292.9141/FAX 301.292.9142/Mobile 703.819.0920 a couple of people in the race who doris@mcmilloncommunications.com/www.mcmilloncommunications.com really know the community.

“But many of them don’t know how to move the community forward,” he explained.

Longtime activist Sandra S. Seegars is a perennial candidate who said she’s confident she’ll win the April 28 election now that political powerhouse, the late Ward 8 Councilmember and former four-time Mayor isn’t on the ballot.

“I ran often but I wasn’t going to beat Barry,” she said. “I got it this time. I don’t have the money but I have name recognition. I’m a hard worker, I tell the truth and take it from there. With the truth you don’t have to remember what you said.”

Denise Rolark Barnes Seegars said she expects to nab 56 Independent Beauty Consultant percent of the vote. www.marykay/drolark-barnes.com 202-236-8831 “I believe that I can bring the Ward forward and up to par because we’ve been last in everything,” said Seegars, who has lived in the same house in the Ward since 1969. “They need to put money in the budget to help new employees go back and forth to work. A lot of people can’t get there.”

“I have ideas for new business where (the council) provides money for fees and start-up costs. We also need to build schools using money from capital funding. We need to be (301) 864-6070 there at the table when the budget is being negotiated to make sure Ward 8 gets money due to it. It’s taxpayers’ money.”

MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC “We’re not getting what we deserve.”

ADA, Age Discrimination, Benefits, Civil Rights, Seegars, a Ballou Senior High COBRA, Contracts, Deaf Law, Defamation, Disability Law, school grad, said the Ward needs a Discipline, Discrimination, FMLA, FLSA, FOIA, high-tech school similar to McKinley Family Responsibility, Harassment, HIPPA, OSHA, Tech High School and she advocates National Origin Discrimination, Non-Compete, a moratorium on charter schools. She ‡ Please set all copy in upper and lowercase, flush left as indicated on artwork at these point sizes: Consultant name in 11-point Helvetica Neue Bo said as a councilmember, she’dintry to Helvetica Neue Beauty Consultant 9-point Light;Discrimination, Web site or e-mail address in 9-point HelveticaAct, Neue Retaliation, Light; phone number in 9-point Helvetica Race Rehabilitation Independent Beauty Consultant: Only Company-approved Web sites obtained through the Mary Kay® Personal Web Site program may bring membersToofthethe military into Severance Agreements, Sexual Harassment, Torts, schools to mentor students.

Whistleblowing, Wage-and-Hour, Wrongful Discharge “They’re not used to seeing people in uniform. We have to change what SERVING MARYLAND, DC, & NORTH CAROLINA they know. They need to see somewww.jmlaw.net (301) 864-6070 jmccollum@jmlaw.net thing different,” she said. WI

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Black Facts

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March 19 1619 - Birthday of William Tucker, the first African child born in the colonies. Tucker was baptized in Jamestown, Virginia. There are unconfirmed reports that he lived to be 108 yrs. old.

1872 – T. J. Boyd, inventor, is awarded a patent for an apparatus for detaching horses from carriages.

1883 - The shoe-lasting machine invented by Jan Matzeliger not only revolutionized the shoe industry but also made Lynn, Massachusetts, the “shoe capital of the world.”

1968 - Howard University students seized administration building.

Students were demanding campus reform and Black-oriented curriculum. Civil rights forces mobilized in support of striking hospital workers in Charleston, South Carolina.

1975 – James B. Parsons becomes the first African American chief judge of a federal court, the U.S. District Court of Chicago. In 1961, Parsons became the first African American district court judge March 20 1915 Born Rosetta Tharpe is born on this day in Cotton Plant, Arkanas. Featured in LIFE magazine, Tharpe received a contract with Decca Records and was propelled into national prominence when she performed “Rock Me” with Cab Calloway and the Cotton Club Revue.

1916 An African native once kept in a Bronx zoo, Ota Benga, commits suicide. In 1906 the crowds thronged the monkey house exhibit at the Bronx Zoo (New York Zoological Park). Here were man’s “evolutionary ancestors” – monkeys, chimpanzees, a gorilla named Dinah, an orangutan named Dohung and an African of short stature.

1950 Ralph Bunche receives the Nobel Peace Prize for his work as a mediator in the Palestinian crisis. He is the first African-American to be so honored.

1970 Students strike at the University of Michigan and demand increased black enrollment. The strike ended April 2, after the administration agreed to meet their demands.

March 21 1947 - James Baskett (19041948) is given a special Oscar for his part in Disney’s “Song of the South”. He was the second American of African descent to receive an Oscar. Baskett was also the first American of African descent hired

by Disney. Baskett was unable to attend the premiere in Atlanta after being refused hotel accommodations.

March 22 1943 - George Benson, Grammy award winning singer, is born.

1968 - State troopers mobilize to put down student rebellion on campus of Cheney State College.

March 23 1916 - Marcus Mosiah Garvey arrives in America from Jamaica.

1954 - National Basketball Association star Moses “The Mailman” Malone is born in Petersburg, Virginia.

1968 – The Rev. Walter Fauntroy, a former aide of Martin Luther King Jr., becomes the first nonvoting congressional delegate from the District of Columbia since the Reconstruction period.

1985 - Patricia Roberts Harris, Housing and Urban Development secretary and, in 1965, ambassador to Luxembourg during the Carter Administration, dies in Washington, D.C. March 24 1912 - Birthday of Dorothy Irene Height in Richmond, Virginia. Height became president of the National Council of Negro Women for more than three decades.

2002 - Halle Berry becomes the first black woman to win an Oscar for best actress for her performance in the movie “Monster’s Ball.”

March 25 1931 - Death of Ida B. Wells-Barnett - July 16, 1862 - March 25, 1931 born Holy Springs, Mississippi, to slave parents. Pen name “Iola,” led national campaign against lynching, her Memphis newspaper, office was mobbed and destroyed 1892, lectured and

organized clubs, protested exclusion of blacks from World’s Columbian Exposition 1894, married lawyer, four children, founded Alpha Suffrage Club of Chicago with Black suffragists, marched in Washington, D.C., 1913 and Chicago 1916 suffrage parades.

1931 - The Scottsboro Boys, nine young African-Americans, are falsely charged with rape and collectively served more than 100 years in prison. The right of African-Americans to serve on juries was established by their case.

1942 – Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin is born in Detroit.

1967 - Debi Thomas, the 1988 Olympic bronze medalist in figure skating, is born.

March 26 1831 – The founder of the AME Church, Richard Allen, dies at age 71 in Philadelphia. As its first bishop, Allen set the African Methodist Episcopal Church on the path to becoming the first black religious denomination in America to be fully independent of white control. He, in effect, chartered a separate religious identity for African-Americans. He also founded schools throughout the nation to teach blacks. This includes Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina.

1944 – Singer/Actress Diana Ross is born in Detroit. She headed the most popular female signing group of the 1960s, the Supremes.

1950 – Singer Teddy Pendergrass is born in Philadelphia. For a period, Pendergrass was the leading sex symbol in R&B music. However, an automobile accident on March 18, 1982, left him paralyzed from the chest down. Pendergrass died Jan. 13, 2010.

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AROUND THE REGION INTERVIEWS AND PHOTOS BY ELTON HAYES

VIEWP INT

Lisa Johnson

Silver Spring, Maryland I think they need to bring in someone who is big on safety and who has a good safety track record. To me, that’s the number one concern. Also, they need someone who is big on efficiency and service. They need someone who will be proactive in checking the rail systems and who will make sure that trains are running on time. The person they hire also needs to be someone who has experience running a large subway system.

Andrea Simms

Washington, D.C. I definitely think the person they bring in should investigate the rail’s infrastructure to make sure that it’s solid and safe. I think the new person should look at possibly exploring flat rates, like New York City’s system. I would also like for them to consider adding another Metro station off of Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast. That would be great. I would like someone who has dealt with previous expansion in their city.

THE WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY ANNOUNCED IT IS HALTING ITS SEARCH FOR A NEW CHIEF. BEFORE IT RESUMES ITS SEARCH, WHAT DO YOU THINK OFFICIALS SHOULD LOOK FOR IN A NEW CEO?

Edwin Washington

Washington, D.C. Safety should be the first thing officials consider when hiring a new chief. I’d like for the new person to look for ways to make Metro more financially efficient for the system itself, but also for the riders. I think ridership will increase if there is more safety and efficiency. The person should also do more Metro outreach in the community and look for ways to attract more people to work for the system.

Karl Johnson

Washington, D.C. Safety is a big issue, and I know it’s become an even bigger one over the years. I think the safety of Metro riders should be considered. I know they have added more security cameras at Metro stations, but more can be done. The new Metro head should also look at ways to keep prices from rising so often. Public transportation is a good alternative way to get around, but it’s becoming almost as expensive as driving. Rates are increasing exponentially, and they keep getting higher. It’s getting to the point that traveling by Metro is almost expensive as having to buy gas for your car.

Brian Ginyard

Silver Spring, Maryland Safety and security needs to be considered above all, as those are things that might prevent people from using the Metro. I know it may sound small, but they need to bring in someone who will ensure the cleanliness of the trains and buses is maintained. I’d like them to bring in someone who has led expansion of their Metro system, because there are certain lines that could use growth. And it seems like it’s taking forever for this to happen. I also think the person they hire should have a business background.

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Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2015

7

AROUND THE REGION

Donna Edwards’ announcement that she’s running for the Senate has heated up the Democratic race in Maryland. /Photo courtesy of the Edwards Campaign.

MARYLAND from Page 1 ing about his chances in the race for Maryland’s 4th Congressional District, which stretches from the shores of the Potomac River in Prince George’s County to Stoney Creek in Anne Arundel County.

“For seven years, Congresswoman Donna Edwards has served this district with distinction. She’s been a real fighter for working families, I applaud her service, and I wish her well in her race for U.S. Senate,” Ivey said.

“I had the honor of serving Marylanders in the past, when the people of Prince George’s County elected me state’s attorney in 2002 and again in 2006.

Working with law enforcement, we fought hard for safe streets, safe schools and safe neighborhoods,” he continued. “We locked up killers, sex offenders and fraudsters. Crime dropped, and those declines continue today.”

Ivey noted that while he left public office in 2010, he never left public service, as he volunteered to chair the Maryland office that provides free legal services to low-income clients, and he’s remained active in the community.

Edwards, the former D.C. Superior Court judge, she was first elected to the House in a 2008 special election following the resignation of Rep. Al Wynn.

8 Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2015

The Washington Informer

She’s now serving her fourth straight term and is looking to move into the Senate.

Political writer John Nichols of the politics-themed Web publication The Nation noted that it isn’t often that a serious contender for a U.S. Senate seat announces her candidacy with talk of grassroots environmental activism, fighting for union jobs and “protecting women’s reproductive rights from tea party attacks” or with a pledge to answer proposals to “compromise away Social Security and Medicare” with absolute opposition —“no ‘ifs,’ ‘ands,’ ‘buts’ or ‘willing to considers.’”

Then again, Nichols said, it’s not often that Senate races feature candidates like Edwards, the Maryland Democratic congresswoman who entered politics only after a long career as an activist on the outside demanding that Congress act on behalf of women, people of color, workers and abandoned communities.

In a video message posted to her new campaign website, Edwards, 56, highlighted her progressive record as a defender of unions and the middle class, entitlement programs, and women’s and minority rights.

“See, I’ve lived the American dream, a middle-class dream, the one you have to work hard for just to hold on to, the one that’s slipping away for far too many Maryland families,” she said.

“These are the people I fight

for.”

Serious and issue-focused, Nichols said Edwards has a record of getting out front on behalf of bold positions, even when her party is going slowly.

She was elected to Congress the hard way in 2008, by mounting a successful antiwar, economic-populist primary challenge to an entrenched Democratic incumbent.

But her entry into electoral politics came after years of grassroots and policy activism, Nichols continued.

The first executive director of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, which she co-founded, Edwards played an important role in advocating for passage of the 1994 Violence Against Women Act. She also worked with Public Citizen and served as executive director of the Center for a New Democracy before becoming executive director of the progressive Arca Foundation, where she was a champion of media reform and efforts to clean up American politics.

“As Democrats, we’ve been too timid in terms of what our expectations are,” Edwards said.

“I think a lot of us have come to realize that it’s important to be on the inside. Years ago, Paul Wellstone used to ask me to work in his Senate office. I would say, ‘No, no, I’m much more comfortable on the outside.’ Now,

MARYLAND Page 9

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AROUND THE REGION Comments?

Comments?

Email us at:

Opinions?

Ideas?

We like to hear from you!

news@washingtoninformer.com

Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown has jumped right back into the campaign circuit, announcing a run for the House. /Photo Courtesy of CNSMaryland.

REGISTER NOW! JOB FAIR for EDUCATORS Wednesday, March 25, 2015 Howard University School of Education WHERE: Armour J. Blackburn Ctr.

WHEN: 10:00am-2:00pm

2400 6th Street, N.W. Former State’s Attorney Glenn Ivey said he, too, will jump into a race that could be one of Maryland’s most closely watched Democratic primaries in the 2016 election. /Photo courtesy of WUSA.

MARYLAND from Page 8 like a lot of progressives, I’ve realized that Paul was right. The work progressives do on the outside is essential, but more of us have to be on the inside if we’re going to make the Democratic Party the ally we need to change the Congress and the country.”

Brown, 53, ran an unsuccessful campaign for governor last year, but performed better in Prince George’s County than any other in the state and likely has high name recognition after spending millions on television advertising in the Washington

media market.

He served as lieutenant governor to Martin O’Malley from 2007 until last year.

Ivey, 53, called his campaign a grassroots effort that will listen carefully to what Maryland residents have to say.

“The people of this district deserve a Congress that works for them – that spends less time fighting with each other and more time fighting for you,” Ivey said.

“I would like to get back in the ring and continue the fight to help people improve their lives and achieve their dreams.” WI

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AROUND THE REGION

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MEnus, postErs BannErs & signs McGhee scrambles in Howard’s homecoming game against Florida A&M last October. /Photo courtesy of Howard University Sports Information Department

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By Glynn A. Hill WI Intern He wasn’t even supposed to be in college, now he’s about to play professionally.

Former Howard University quarterback Greg McGhee has made a habit of beating the odds throughout his life and football career. After a record-breaking career as the signal caller for the Bison the past four years, McGhee is now getting ready to tackle his next big challenge after forgoing the NFL draft to sign with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

“Growing up the NFL was the first thought. I never really thought about playing in the CFL but when the opportunity presented itself I had to take it,” McGhee said.

The decision to go to the CFL was a “no brainer” for McGhee, despite receiving interest from NFL teams throughout this past season. He mentions Lions’ head coach Jeff Tedford as a reason for the move, saying that Tedford offered great coaching and the opportunity for him to earn his playing time.

Tedford was the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year, after developing a reputation for rearing quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers as the head coach at the University of California -Berkeley.

“It was a great opportunity for me not being on the radar too much for NFL teams,” McGhee said. “Coach Tedford came down and worked me out personally and he liked me.”

McGhee’s move comes as a surprise to some, but the Pittsburgh native has thrived on flyThe Washington Informer

ing under the radar and overcoming odds throughout his life.

He says he was the only player from his high school throughout his career to play Division I football. With such little collegiate talent around him, McGhee still garnered interest from a few bigger schools who demanded he play another position. He came to Howard for the opportunity to leave his mark as a quarterback, beating out three upperclassmen to start as a true freshman.

McGhee was suspended early in his sophomore season, leading some to believe his freshman success was a fluke. Still, he finished his collegiate career as the all-time leader in total offense (10,168 yards) in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) after being named two-time MEAC Offensive Player of the Year.

“I love being challenged, I love that I’m going up to Canada and there’s already three or four other quarterbacks up there,” McGhee said. “I’m going to be the new guy on the team but I’ve always started from behind, so it’s something that makes me push myself more.”

Of those four quarterbacks, three have past NFL experience including former Redskins’ signal caller, John Beck. Still, that’s the type of competition that will make McGhee great according to Gary “Flea” Harrell, his coach at Howard.

“This is a wonderful opportunity that will open many doors for Greg,” Harrell said. “It’s a great beginning. I’ll always support his decisions because I believe in him. He is a winner.”

Part of winning in the CFL is

understanding its rules, some of which differ from the NFL. “[In Canada] the play clock is a lot faster and the downs are different,” McGhee said. “I’m reading up on it and getting to know all the rule changes now, so by the time I get up there I’m caught up to speed with the different rules.”

He’s also been working to assure he can keep pace physically, while interning at the Sports and Speed Institute in Virginia.

There, he had been preparing for Howard’s Pro Day with quarterbacks coach Paul Troth as well as working to better understand the Canadian game with Howard offensive coordinator Ted White who, like Harrell, played in the NFL and the CFL. “After this year, I want to keep progressing and actually show people that I can play on Sundays because that’s the goal, everything is just a stepping stone,” McGhee said.

The Lions kick off their first game on June 12 in a preseason matchup against the Calgary Stampeders. Prior to that, McGhee plans on visiting Vancouver in April before officially settling down when training camp begins in May after he graduates.

“I always think of my family counting on me and how far I’ve come and that motivates me to keep going,” McGhee said. “I sit back and realize that I could be in a totally different place right now, but I’m blessed so I have to make the most out of this and leave my legacy.”WI

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Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2015

11

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY EDUCATION BRIEFS

County Executive Proposes Tax Increase, Layoffs

By William J. Ford WI Contributing Writer @ jabariwill Prince George’s County could experience its first tax increase in more than 30 years and incorporate layoffs and furlough employees.

County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D) said an increase in the county’s proposed $3.63 billion fiscal year 2016 budget provides an incentive to boost education. The overall spending plan would increase by 5.7 percent, or $197 million, over the current budget.

“I am confident that this investment will make a difference because we will deliver resources to our schools in every neighborhood throughout this county,” Baker said March 13 during a news conference at the county’s administration building in Upper Marlboro. “If we are to rapidly improve our school system, we have to make sacrifices.”

Baker’s proposal would increase the property tax rate from 96 cents to $1.11 per $100 of assessed value, a 15.6 percent increase. Homeowners with income not exceeding $60,000 would receive a tax credit to help offset some of the costs.

The rate adjustment could generate about $105 million for the county school system, according to budget documents.

The budget proposal includes the entire $1.93 billion in education funding, an increase of $135.7 million, or 7.6 percent from the current budget.

Baker said a 2012 state law permits the county to raise property tax rates above the cap as long as the money

pays for education.

For instance, the budget bestows $82.7 million to build a new Fairmont Heights High School in Capitol Heights, $47.9 million in renovations at Eugene Burroughs Middle School in Accokeek and $26.2 million renovation work at Glenarden Woods Elementary School in Glenarden.

Baker said the budget also allocates $21 million to recruit new teachers and retain current ones, $6 million towards a digital literacy program and $2 million to expand pre-kindergarten.

County schools CEO Kevin Maxwell praised Baker for being proactive toward education.

“He’s a fantastic leader and someone I have a lot of confidence in,” Maxwell said. “I know he believes in the children of this county. Providing us with the resources to make that happen is a very natural next step.”

One budget proposal to save money may be eliminating110 positions and about 6,000 employees taking five furlough days. Baker said he would include himself in the furloughs.

Thomas Himler, deputy chief administrative officer in Baker’s office, said no decisions have been made on specifically which positions are being assessed. He also said the layoffs and furloughs would save the county $15 million.

The spending plan also bolsters public safety, which includes hiring 100 police officers to replace those retiring and expanding the force.

There’s also money earmarked to build three new police stations and $200,000 in additional overtime to support crime reduction initiatives.

After the police department received resources previously, Police Chief Mark A. Magaw said, overall crime decreased by 36 percent in the last four years.

Magaw said that between 2000 and 2010, the county averaged 126 homicides a year. That average decreased to 58 over the last three years.

“All these things increase the capabilities of the police department to bring services to the community we serve,” he said.

In line with public safety, the county allocated $163,400 to create a Domestic Violence/Human Trafficking Division. The spending plan includes $37,500 with an additional $7,500 in fringe benefits to hire a program administrator.

The unit would be managed by the Family Services Department and provide advocacy, case management, housing and other needs for victims.

“It’s necessary based on the numbers we had last year. Nineteen out of 54 homicides were domestic in nature; 35 percent of our homicides last year were domestic. So this is geared toward prevention rather than just reacting to crime,” said Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks. “So this is an intelligent response to that, and I really applaud the county executive. It is sorely needed, and I believe it will make a big difference.”

County Council has until June 1 to approve a new fiscal year budget that would go into effect July 1.

Before that happens, Baker said, information sessions will be scheduled for residents to ask questions and comment on the proposed budget. WI

Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D) discusses the proposed $3.63 billion fiscal year 2016 budget during a news conference March 13 at the county administration building in Upper Marlboro. Photo

by Travis Riddick

Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks says a new section that focuses on Domestic Violence within the county’s Family Services Department would help save lives. Photo by Travis Riddick

Prince George’s County Police Chief Mark A. Magaw praised County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D) for wanting to improve public safety within the proposed fiscal year 2016 budget. Photo by Travis Riddick

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Nihinlolu Fatinikun plans to major in biological sciences to become a cardiothoracic surgeon./ Photo courtesy PGCPS

Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer

Maxwell Praises Budget Proposal Schools CEO Kevin Maxwell has commended County Executive Rushern Baker’s budget proposal, saying he’s grateful for Baker’s bold commitment to public education.

“We are a district on the rise and this historic funding proposal puts us on a rapid path to becoming a top-10 school district in Maryland by the year 2020,” Maxwell said in a statement. “It means we can dra-

matically move the needle in implementing our comprehensive strategic plan that provides a high-quality education at every school for every child,” he said. “The benefits of this investment are significantly multiplied for taxpayers, because it creates generations of future residents who contribute to our economy, our workforce, and ultimately raise the wealth and value of Prince George’s County.”

“Scholar of the Week.”

Nihinlolu, who has a 3.9 grade point average, excels in advanced placement courses that include English, history, literature and calculus.

His extracurricular activities include participation on the soccer and tennis teams and membership in the National Honor Society and Youth Leadership Greater Washington.

In addition to being on the Principal’s Honor Roll, Nihinlolu has won various essay contests, been chosen as a “Student of the Month,” and volunteered at Southern Maryland Hospital.

Nihinlolu, who plans on majoring in biological sciences to become a cardiothoracic surgeon, has applied to Yale University, Johns Hopkins University, and the United States Naval Academy.

‘Citizens of the Week’

Staff at Bond Mill Elementary School in south Laurel, Maryland, recently announced their latest student “Citizens of the Week.

“Citizens of the Week” are chosen on criteria that includes academic achievement and exemplary behavior.Honorees for the weeks of Feb. 16 and March 2 include: Eric Chea; Kristopher Marin; Mikayla Olivas; Ashley Garcia Morales; Manal Irfan; Aysia Davis; Austin Mills-Gobbel; Josephine Williams; Thara Pillai; Kevin Nnabuenyi; Madison Millwood; Brody Hilbun; Dedric Griffin; Hailey Smith; Mikhaela Hablero; Rashad Hill; Paul Herring; Ayanna Agyekum; Mirana Sooklal; Dylan Aviles; Lila Stulberger; Mariah Yates; Taylor Baker; Neyla Carr; Giselle Martinez-Morales; Ian Gregory; Ricardo Myles; Myanna Nash; Bethel Olashege; Simeon Uruejoma; Olivia Hardy; Harley Davis; Madilyn Magno; Temi Makinde; Nathan Richards; Jermaine Head; Julia Knisley; and Caroline Lehman.

Principal, Student Mourned The Prince George’s County Public Schools community extends its condolences to the

families of Bernard Hogans, an assistant principal at Fairmont Heights High School in Capitol Heights, Maryland, and Dominick Hopkins, a senior at Bowie High School in Bowie, Maryland, – both of whom passed away last week.

According to schools spokeswoman Sherrie Johnson, officials announced Hogans’ death on March 13 in an email to parents.

Hogans, who worked for the school system for nearly 30 years, also served as an assistant principal at Friendly High School in Fort Washington, Maryland, for four years prior to assuming his post in 2013 at Farimont Heights.

Johnson said in a statement that the school community has been “stunned and saddened” by both losses, and that the entire school system has been rallying around the students and the teachers in a unified show of support.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of these individuals,” said Johnson.WI

‘Scholar of the Week’

Nihinlolu Fatinikun, a senior at Forestville High School in Forestville, Maryland, has been named a

National Black Memorabilia, Fine Art & Crafts Show April 11-12, 2015

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CODE: EW40

The Washington Informer

Most Black Americans are downright giddy over the success of Fox’s “Empire” drama television series and its success.

The plot centers on a unique Black family in the world of a hip-hop empire. But, with all its “mainstream” adulation and ratings, the question Blacks should be asking is: “what would C. Delores Tucker say about “Empire” and its connotations of imperialism and colonialism?”

In the 1990s, Cynthia Delores Tucker gained fame accusing America’s Blacks of participating in their own disparagement. C. Delores Tucker was an antagonist of profanity-laced rap music lyrics that denigrated women and Blacks. Mrs. Tucker should be remembered and revered as role model, renowned civil rights activist and public servant. Conscious of her race and its needs, Tucker was the original organizer of the Black and Women’s Caucuses who worked to ensure that Blacks, women and minorities got fair representation within the Democratic Party.

Tucker’s last years were dedicated to condemning sexually explicit lyrics in rap and hiphop tracks, citing concern that the misogynistic lyrics threatened the moral foundation of African Americans. She fought against the NAACP’s decision to nominate the late rapper Tupac Shakur for one of its Image Awards and filed a $10 million lawsuit against his estate for comments that Shakur had made against her.

As Tucker sounded the alarm on Gangsta Rap’s impact on Blacks, she was lambasted and harassed as being “narrow-minded.” At the height of her campaign in 1994, Congressional hearings were held. When Tucker set her sights on Time Warner’s media empire she focused on Interscope, whose rap subsidiary, Death Row Records, put out the most popular gangsta artists’ recordings. Tucker purchased stock in Time Warner, and went to the 1995 shareholders’ meeting to ask the company executives there to read aloud the lyrics through which their company reaped such profits.

Of course they refused.

“Empire” has a sound ground.

Over the past generation gangsta

By William Reed

rap has become the most commercially lucrative subgenre of hip-hop. “Rap” is a style of popular music, developed by urban Blacks and disc jockeys in the 1970s, in which an insistent, recurring beat pattern provides the background and counterpoint for rapid, slangy, and often boastful rhyming patterns. Hiphop is a genre consisting of stylized rhythmic music commonly accompanying rapping (or emceeing).

JayZ, Ice-T, N.W.A. Dr. Dre and other Blacks have accumulated billions of dollars performing the genre but the subject matter inherent in gangsta rap has caused great controversy.

The genre’s critics accuse it of promoting crime, violence, racism, promiscuity, misogyny, materialism and self-importance.

In his eulogy, Jesse Jackson proclaimed Tucker had been “a woman regal and royal and rare non-negotiable dignity.” Tucker espoused the belief that if people want others to respect them, they have to respect themselves.

Tucker reminds us to stand strong and to be responsible for our people and history. And, understand that if a derogatory phrase is used against you, you’re not open to repeat it. The people who perform and sponsor this music should reconsider what they say.

As she founded the Bethune-DuBois Institute in 1991, Dr. Tucker began her personal crusade against “gangsta” rap in earnest and rallied against record companies to halt distribution of music she believed derogatory toward women and minorities. Tucker called gangsta rap “the unholy alliance of gangstas in the suites and gangstas in the streets.”

REED Page 15

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BUSINESS

Youth like these will be featured in a new TV show with a STEM theme./Photo courtesy TonyRegusters

Producer Pitches Quiz Show for Youth TV Show to Focus on STEM-related Education

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Managing Editor Educational pursuits in the 21st century continue to evolve with an ever-increasing focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics [STEM].

And to test the knowledge of middle school students, one local producer hopes to bring a television show to the District that will showcase the intellect of urban youth while also illustrating their interest in science.

“We have a lot of work to do in terms of helping our children find a place for themselves, particularly given the advancements and opportunities in STEM-related jobs,” said Tony Regusters, a lifelong science buff who served as the producer of the now defunct but highly popular Teen Summit quiz show.

Regusters has been busy preparing a pilot for a show he calls “The 21st Century Crew,” a new PBS-style television program that will allow area youth to illustrate how much they know about information germane to STEM. “Tomorrow is already here and we must arm urban youth in America to be ready to take their place in the information age,” he said. “The TV show’s target

REED from Page 14 Surely Tucker started to get Blacks to stand by “sets of standards,” “principles” and “values.” That work must go on. Joe Madison is BDI’s current president. An influential broadcaster, Madison is known

audience is elementary and middle school children, ages 8 to 14.

My hope is that we can begin to build a workforce for the future.

The kinds of jobs that are being created today require proficiency in technology and America’s isn’t preparing minority youth the way it should,” said Regusters, 67, who lives in Annapolis, Maryland.

The seasoned television producer and advertising exec said he hopes to launch the show in the coming months – either in April or May. And while he understands that the costs related to producing the program, he remains optimistic.

“I’m confident that once people get a look at this show and see what our children can do, they’ll want us to take this from local programming so it can be aired nationally,” Regusters added. “Howard University’s channel 32 [WHUT] will be the station of record but with a bit of hard work and luck, we want to put this on the PBS network and air it every Saturday,” he said.

Regusters and his crew are looking for young actors in the D.C. area to audition for the scripted television show. Children who make the cut will take part in a one-hour pilot and par-

ticipate in a weekly 30-minute series. They will act as brilliant science students who attend a fictitious middle school, the Albert Einstein STEM Academy.

“The format of the show is a combination of science with science fiction – it will be Teen Summit meets Doctor Who. But there won’t be a host. It will be more like a primetime show, episodic with actors and scripts.

And the crew – those who really drive the show and who I believe will make it extremely popular – will be the kids on the show,” Regusters said.

Can a STEM-related TV show for urban youth secure committed sponsors and a devoted audience? Regusters believes it can.

“By 2050, minorities will be the majority in the U.S.,” he said.

“America has fallen behind the rest of the world. Our college students now rank # 25 in mathematics and # 17 in science. We have to move our youth forward so that they can compete with the global community. We must create a passion for STEM just like we did for the civil rights movement. And it must begin with our youth,” he said. WI For more information, send a note to Regusters at tony_regusters@msn. com

as “the Black Eagle.” A former member of the NAACP’s national board, Madison also served as executive director of the NAACP’s Detroit Branch from 1974-77. Rosa Whitaker, a member of BDI’s board of directors, is CEO and President of the Whitaker Group, a Washington, D.C.-based consultancy on

trade and investment in Africa.

“They have been deeply involved in missions advocated by my wife,” said BDI Chair William Tucker. WI

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William Reed is publisher of “Who’s Who in Black Corporate America” and available for projects via Busxchng@his.com.

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ABOUT DC TRUST DC Trust empowers youth to use their talents in creating successful lives through aligning resources, building systems and connecting partners. Since 1999, DC Trust has invested over $100 million in high-outcome programs and youth development worker capacity building with measurable impact to unlock the intrinsic potential of every DC youth.

As a non-profit partner to DC government, DC Trust is the only organization that brings together city agencies, public schools, employers and community groups to expand services and opportunities for youth in the District. Our work combines thought leadership, capacity building and effective grants management to help create and support the most effective programs for the District’s youth. Learn more at dctrustforyouth.org “ I believe in the power of narrative to change perspectives, drive empathy and motivate people towards action for change.”

ED DAVIES/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DC TRUST

SHOPTALK STORYTELLING SERIES For decades, the barbershop has served as a cultural hub for communities of color. It's a safe space to convene, fellowship and dialogue about issues of importance, as well as to share personal insights, experiences and challenges in a raw and unfettered manner.

DC Trust is now capturing many of these conversations through ShopTalk, a transmedia storytelling series that uses the barbershop as both a springboard and muse for exploring the multifaceted lives of young men of color growing up in Washington, DC. Topical episodes on juvenile justice, health, school readiness and education reform will continue to paint a localized portrait of the state of young men of color in the nation’s capital. Join the conversation #ShopTalkDC

‘cme4me’ YOUTH PERCEPTION CAMPAIGN For our youth in DC to truly thrive, we must create a narrative that helps young people - especially youth of color - to be viewed differently by adults who can create pathways to opportunities for success, and also to view themselves differently in order to feel worthy enough to pursue those opportunities.

That's why DC Trust created cme4me (pronounced “see me for me”), a citywide youth perception campaign designed to create an environment that recognizes and celebrates the creativity of DC youth, while linking them to 21st century workforce development opportunities that lead to internships and real paying jobs in the creative economy.

The power to change resides in our youth’s voices, in their words and in their images. cme4me amplifies young people’s voices by helping them to create and share a glimpse of their reality so that we can see them for who they really are. Follow the movement at cme4me.org 16 Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2015

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NATIONAL

My Brother’s Keeper Exceeding Goals President’s Initiative Rakes in $300 Million in Grants, Resources

By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer Some called it a day when President Barack Obama showed America that being the first black commander in chief meant that individuals of color had more than just an ideal; instead, they had someone who had their backs.

On Feb. 27, 2014, five young District of Columbia Higher Education Readiness Opportunity Scholars joined the president for the launch of his My Brother’s Keeper initiative, an effort to create opportunities for young men and boys of color.

Today, a little more than a year later, White House officials are giving a thumbs-up to the initiative, and cities and businesses have bought in at a rate that’s exceeded even Obama’s expectations.

“More than $300 million in grants and in-kind resources have been inde-

pendently committed to the initiative,” said Broderick Johnson, chair of the My Brother’s Keeper task force.

The original foundations and private groups who allied with the My Brother’s Keeper program back in February 2014 had pledged $200 million, with the additional money coming from newer allies like AT&T and the National Basketball Association, the Associated Press reported.

Under the initiative, businesses, foundations and community groups coordinate investments to come up with or support programs that help young men of color.

Administration officials said nearly 200 mayors, tribal leaders and county executives across 43 states and the District of Columbia are participating in My Brother’s Keeper programs.

“We’ve got to make sure that every American shares in that [economic] growth, not just a few, and that means guaranteeing every child in America has access to a world-class education,”

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President Barack Obama delivers remarks at an event to highlight My Brother’s Keeper, an initiative to expand opportunity for young men and boys of color, in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 27, 2014. / Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

Obama said in a news release.

“It means creating more jobs and empowering more workers with the skills they need to do those jobs. It means making sure that hard work pays off with wages you can live on and savings you can retire on and health care that you can count on,”

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he said.

“It means building more ladders of opportunity and the middle class for anybody who is willing to work hard to climb it. Those are national issues.

They have an impact on everybody.”

The one-year report shows the progress since the launch of the initiative.

“But to make a lasting difference, successful interventions must be taken to scale, that is, replicated and expanded successfully across more places and settings,” White House officials said in a release.

Under the initiative, businesses, organizations and community groups coordinate investments to come up with or support programs that help young men of color and address the problems that they face.

The program also laid out plans to enforce federal civil rights laws, promote job-training programs, support the president’s policing task force and expand broadband access in schools and libraries.

“The president has been very clear throughout his administration that we need to look at evidence-based programs and efforts that make a real difference that we identify and then scale,” Johnson said.

In working with the Department of Education and the Department of Justice, the program is also helping to provide high-quality education for incarcerated boys and young men, Johnson noted. Their work helped ensure that incarcerated youth had the full protection of existing laws and benefits. The success of My Brother’s Keeper will be measured in part by the individual triumphs of the boys, he said.

Obama’s initiative has been viewed as the impetus for the proposed all-boys school in the District. The school, part of a $20 million initiative announced by Mayor Muriel Bowser and city schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson, aims to boost academic achievement and graduation rates among black and Latino boys.

The online publication Education Week said dozens of big-city districts

are ramping up an array of similar new programs that focus specifically on improving the academic and social-emotional outcomes for boys of color.

The District plans to partner with Urban Prep Academies, a nonprofit that runs three highly regarded allboys high schools in Chicago, to operate its new high school for boys.

Bowser and Henderson each have said they believe that the initiative will prove to be important and will help young male students of color.

Education Week reported that black and Latino boys lag other student groups in multiple measures of performance.

The rates at which black and Latino boys graduate from high school in four years are 48 percent and 57 percent.

Black and Latino girls in the District of Columbia performed better than their male peers last year, at 62 percent and 66 percent.

Officials said the Department of Education has pitched in to do its part by improving existing programs to better serve students and by creating new and better public-private partnerships that best serve the needs of youth.

“In December, the Department of Education convened the White House Summit on Early Education, where we announced $750 million in new federal grant awards from the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, to support early learning for over 63,000 additional children across the country,” said U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan.

“Great efforts are underway in communities across the country, but our young people still face great challenges. To truly change the face of opportunity in this country, to truly make the bounty of America available to the many – and not just the few – we must replicate and expand what’s working,” Duncan said. “Our work is far from over. Let’s move forward, together, to do right by all of our nation’s young people.”WI Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2015

17

HEALTH

Officials Unveil New Suicide Prevention Tool

Telephone App Alerts Providers to Potential Risk

By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer Suicide accounts for more than 1 percent of all deaths in the United States, which makes it the eighth-leading cause of fatalities in the county.

Also, more years of life are lost to suicide than to any other single cause except heart disease and cancer, according to statistics from the Alexandria, Virginia-based advocacy group Mental Health America.

Although the District has the

lowest suicide rate in the country, 30,000 U.S. residents die by suicide each year, while an additional 500,000 attempt to end their lives.

Mental health officials have said repeatedly that people considering suicide usually do seek help; for example, nearly threefourths of all suicide victims visit a doctor in the four months before their deaths, and half do in the month before.

Now, professionals at the Rockville, Maryland-based Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Services Administration have developed a new tool that they hope will help prevent suicides.

It’s a free mobile app called Suicide Safe, which shows behavioral health care providers how to better evaluate patients at risk.

“Suicide devastates lives throughout all parts of our nation, but it is a public health issue that is preventable, and SAMHSA is working to provide people on the front lines with resources they need to save lives,” said Pamela S. Hyde, the administrator for the SAMHSA, a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Southwest.

“Suicide Safe is a major step forward in suicide prevention.

The app gives behavioral and

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has introduced a new suicide prevention app that can be downloaded to a mobile device or computer. /Photo Courtesy of SAMHSA.

primary care providers an essential and modern prevention tool at their fingertips to help address suicide risk with their patients,” said Hyde as she announced the new app at the National Press Club in Northwest on Wednesday, March 11.

Suicide Safe is based on the suicide assessment five-step evaluation and triage (SAFE-T) practice guidelines, according to mobilehealthnews.com.

Providers can use the app to learn the five steps in the SAFE-T practice guidelines, download the guidelines to work in offline mode, learn how other providers have used the SAFE-T approach through case studies and access conversation starters as well as other tips for speaking with patients about suicide.

The app also lists crisis line phone numbers and offers a location finder feature so that physicians can refer patients to the appropriate behavioral treatment center.

In addition, it provides tips for professionals on how to communicate effectively with patients, SAMHSA officials said.

Unveiled to mark the 10th anniversary of the National Sui-

cide Prevention Lifeline, which has answered more than 7 million calls since 2005, the app is available on Apple and Android phones, as well as Google Play.

“I think the interesting thing is that people kind of underestimate just how isolating depression can be,” said Misha Kessler, the project director of D.C. Recovery Network in Northeast and an attempted-suicide survivor who attended and spoke at the unveiling of the new app.

“I do believe it will save more lives because there are actually statistics about the amount of people that visit clinicians in the time before suicide attempts,” said Kessler, who also reflected on his own suicide attempt, which he said was the result of self-hatred.

He said anyone who experiences such feelings or thoughts of suicide shouldn’t be afraid to speak out and talk to someone.

“The possibility that you’re experiencing something that you can get help for – I think that’s what’s most important,” he said. WI For more information about the app, visit www.store.samhsa.gov/ apps/suicidesafe.

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18 Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2015

John Draper, director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, addresses the audience during the unveiling of a new suicide prevention app as Pamela S. Hyde, the administrator for the SAMHSA, looks on. /Photo Courtesy of SAMHSA.

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Protect Your Loved Ones from Household Poisons Submitted by AmeriHealth District of Columbia

Many products around the house keep us safe. We use cleaning supplies to kill germs. We take medicine directed by our doctors to stay well. These are items found in almost every home. But household cleaning products, medicines and other chemicals in your house can be unsafe. You may also have other dangers in your home and not know it. That’s why it’s so important to take steps to prevent poisoning.

Other Dangers If you live in an older building, you may have lead in your home and not know it. Lead can come from painted surfaces, old pipes and dust. Lead poisoning is a common condition caused by swallowing or inhaling lead. All children need to be tested for lead before age 2. Ask your children’s doctor about a lead screening test.

Household Products Household products, like bug killers can be poisonous if swallowed. Lock them up where your children cannot see or reach them. Put safety latches on drawers and cabinets where the items are stored. This way, it’s harder for children to get ahold of them. It’s also important to keep your household products in their original containers. You don’t want them mistaken for something else.

Keep these products stored out of reach of children: • Cleaning products • Bathroom supplies • Bleach and laundry detergents • Hair care products • Bug killers • Cosmetics (makeup) • Products with alcohol, like mouthwash and hand sanitizer Medicines Many people need medicine to help with medical conditions or pain. When taken as told by your doctor, medicines can be an important part of good health. But if people take too much or use medicine they don’t need, it can be harmful.

Use these safety tips to keep you and your family safe: • Always take medicines as told by a doctor. Do not take medicines that are not approved for you. Talk to the doctor first.

• Monitor your children’s medicines. Do not give children medicines that are not approved for them. Talk to the doctor first. It is a good idea to help your children take their medicine. You want to be sure they are taking the right amount.

• Keep medicines in their original containers. Colorful pills can look like candy to children.

• Get rid of unused, unneeded or expired medicines. To learn how to get rid of medicines safely, visit www.dc.gov. Type “Safe Disposal of Medications” in the search bar.

• Never sell or share your medicines. This includes prescription drugs, overthe-counter medicines and vitamins.

You can help prevent lead poisoning by: • Cleaning your home every week • Having your family wash their hands before eating • Running water for 15 to 30 seconds before drinking it • Washing your children’s toys, bottles and pacifiers often • Trying to keep your children from putting things in their mouths • Having everyone take their shoes off before going into the house Another danger in homes may be carbon monoxide (CO). This is a dangerous gas that can’t be seen, tasted or smelled. Help prevent CO poisoning in your home by: • Installing a CO detector in your house • Having your appliances, such as your heater, checked by a technician every year • Never running your car or other motor-powered items in a garage or inside any building • Never heating your house with the oven • Not burning anything on a stove or fireplace without an open vent Be Prepared There can be many dangers in and around the house. But there are also many ways to keep you and your family safe. If you or someone you know has been poisoned, call the Poison Help right away at 1-800-222-1222. If that person is having trouble breathing or is unconscious, call 9-1-1. Always be prepared and have a plan in case of an emergency.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model.

2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020

At the AmeriHealth District of Columbia (DC) Member Wellness Center, members can: • Get one-on-one advice on how to get and stay healthy • Take healthy cooking and fitness classes • Ask questions about their AmeriHealth DC benefits Visit www.amerihealthdc.com or scan the QR code to see the wellness classes we offer.

Classes change each month. Free transportation can be provided to all members.

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Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2015

19

“Is Everywhere!�

The CoLumn

By “Mickey� Thompson Vincent

Washington DC Chapter Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Celebrated 75 Years The Washington DC Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. celebrated 75 years of empowering children, families and the community. The elegant affair was held at the Ritz Carlton in DC. Gina Adams (Atty. & Corporate VP for Govt. Affairs at FedEx Corp. & also the current and 37th president of the chapter) presented gifts of $20,00 to the DC Chapter and $50,000 gifted to THEARC. Tammy King (24th National President) attended and a proclamation from DC Mayor Muriel Bowser was read. Andrea Roane (Anchor, WUSA Channel 9) was Mistress of Ceremonies.

Grace Speights and Joigie Tolson were the Co-Chairs. Adele Sadler Johnson who’s late Mother (Adele Adams Sadler) was one of the Founding Mothers of the the Tammy King (24th National President) with Gina Adams (37th President, DC Chapter Jack & Jill of America, Inc.)

original & founding Jack & Jill Chapter in Philadelphia PA in 1938. Mrs. Johnson is

Beverly Perry presents Proclamation to Pres. Gina Adams

a former VP of the DC Chapter (1988-1990) & her daughter Mrs. Stephanie Adele Johnson Moore was President of the Senior Teens (1988-89).

Some of the DC Chapter of Jack & Jill of America Current & Past Presidents

Marilyn Charity (Presenter) Grace Speights & Joigie Tolson (Events Co-Chairs) & Gina Adams (Current President)

(Right Photo) Mrs. Adele Sadler Johnson (Who’s Mother, Mrs. Adele Adams Sadler was one of the Founding Mothers in Philadelphia, PA)

7KH *UHHQHÂśV %UHWW 7LIÂżQL 1LQD =RH Gina Adams escorted to podium by her son

The Ali Family

The Drew & Jarvis Family

The Kebedes and their newest infant

Dr. Leila Batties (36th Past President) & her sons

www.SocialSightings.com Thedore Rice (Photographer) & Kurt Pommonths, Sr, Photographer * Photo Enhancer* Graphic Designer Social Sightings - The CoLumn is published in the Washington Informer, the Hill Rag, DC Mid-City & the East of the River 2003 Š SOCIAL SIGHTINGS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED — DUPLICATION IN ANY FORM REQUIRES WRITTEN PERMISSION | E-mail SocialSightings@aol.com

20 Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2015

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VOL. 1, NO. 2

MARCH 2015

FOR THE SISTAS PHOTO BY DEJAH GREENE

CONTENTS

EDITOR’S LETTER

PUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes

N.O.B.E.L. Women Exposes Local Girls To STEM Field 2 Finding Collegiate Love in The District 3 Reesa Renee’s Melodic Vocals Provide More Than Music 4 Cookie Lyons 5 Yeezy Season Is Over 6 WI Viewpoints 7

ON THE COVER

Hi WI Bridge reader, Black novelist Toni Morrison once said that if the soul of a nation is to be saved, then women must become its soul. No quote, in my opinion, demonstrates the importance of the black woman to our long-lasting struggle for human rights and black self-determination than that of this award-winning author.

Since the beginning of time, the black woman has served as the consciousness and spiritual leader of the black family, supporting her mate and nurturing her children. As a man of color with a loving mother and girlfriend, I too can attest to the power that the sista holds – whether she’s selling goods at a market somewhere in the Motherland or making ends meet for her family in the big city.

In short, our women have done more for progress of the black diaspora than the history books, and many of our brother honestly, would like to disclose. However, fear not millennial readers! This issue of the WI Bridge, themed “For the Sistas” shows love to our black women of all ages by shedding light on how they’re

advancing in many spaces while showing the work that’s left to be done in uniting members of this demographic and addressing the pertinent issues that affect them.

In this edition, we look back on a recent STEM conference for girls between the ages of 8 and 18 that took place in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Southeast. We also look at hurdles that women face in finding their perfect mate in college. Readers can also check out our writers’ musings about Empire’s own Cookie Lyons and Kanye West’s treatment of black women.

STAFF Sam P.K. Collins Editor-in-Chief

Chelsea Fuller Editor

REPORTERS

As you can clearly see, we cover a lot of ground in this issue. Please read and enjoy. If any thoughts come to your mind about what you saw, please send an email to wibridge@washingtoninformer.com.

You might see your letter in the next edition.

Melvin Graham

Sean Hoggard

Until next time, Sam P.K. Collins Editor-in-Chief WI Bridge

Loren Saxton

MISSION STATEMENT The WI Bridge sets out to highlight contemporary issues through the experiences of youth and capture the progressive, entrepreneurial spirit of the Millennial generation other publications gloss over. Writers will take to streets and feature people, programs, initiatives, and movements that uniquely address prominent youth issues. This hardhitting coverage will lay to rest misconceptions of Generation Y and bring all to an understanding of diverse youth experiences.

Cand’ace Burrell, youth minister at New Creations Christian Church and Ministries in Bowie, Maryland and mother of two, graces the cover of this month’s issue of WI Bridge. Burrell, 23, takes care of her children and congregation members while serving as a medical assistant at J. Richard Lilly MD ABFP and Associates in Hyattsville, Maryland. She said she considers motherhood to be rewarding and hopes to spread her love to others as head of a child care center in the future./ Photo by Dejah Greene

1 | WI BRIDGE

Ambre Tomlinson

PHOTOGRAPHER Dejah Greene

LAYOUT Kelcey Abney

N.O.B.E.L. WOMEN EXPOSES LOCAL GIRLS TO STEM FIELD

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Bridge Editor-in-Chief @SamPKCollins A crash course in web development, conversations with movers and shakers in the tech industry, and computer games made for a fun-filled and informative morning at a local community center during the latter part of last month.

color, particularly those from lowincome communities. Locations of other gatherings included Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia. Clanton said plans for “Girls, Gigabytes, * Gadgets” gelled in December 2014.

More than 100 young women explored the STEM industry and chatted those who work in various career fields during “Girls, Gigabytes, & Gadgets,” an event that exposed girls of color between the ages of 8-18 to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“Our national chaplain and national president [hosted] one event,” said Clanton. “We wanted to show the girls something new and inspire them to be creators in this space. The older girls and making apps and the younger girls are learning coding. Our concentration has been in the District of Columbia and getting the girls exposed.”

“These young ladies use social media and technology but many of them don’t understand the back end,” said Waikinya Clanton, national executive director of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women (NOBEL Women), the sponsor of the five-hour gathering at the R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center in Southeast.

how to handle themselves in a maledominated environment,” said Whitney Parker, a media specialist. Parker, 27, attended “Girls, Gigabytes, & Gadgets” with a student who attends a local high school that has a technology-focused curriculum.

“I hope that my mentee becomes informed of how important it is as a woman go be involved in the STEM field. I also want

Since 1987, NOBEL Women, a coalition of more than 200 black women legislators, has worked to increase the presence of women in public policy and other career fields by addressing policy issues in the field of health, telecommunications, education, economic development and financial policies. Laura Hall, an Alabama legislator and NOBEL Women’s president, said “Girls, Gadgets, & Gigabytes” served as part of that mission.

While women’s presence in the STEM field has increased since the 1970s, this demographic remains largely underrepresented, particularly in engineering and computer science. Men gain employment in the industry two times the rate of their female counterparts, according to data recently collected by the U.S. Census Bureau.

More than 100 girls attended “Girls, Gadgets, & Gigabytes” at the RISE Demonstration Center in February. / Photo courtesy of Garrett James of www.CMediaUSA.com

(L-R) Alabama State Rep. Laura Hall and Waikinya Clanton, national executive director of N.O.B.E.L. Women, presented a young woman with a laptop during “Girls, Gadgets, & Gigabytes” at the RISE Demonstration Center in February. /Photo courtesy of Garrett James of www.CMediaUSA.com

Guests spent much of the morning attending workshops that touched on responsible use of social media and app development. During the event, youngsters took to social media and wrote about their experiences, using the hashtags #GirlsinTechnology, #GirlsShould, and #techmatters. The girls also frolicked through the venue, played video games and chatted with members of information technology organizations.

The Feb. 28 session counted among four events that took place across the country as part of NOBEL Women’s effort to spark interest in science and technology among young women of

In recent years, the Obama administration and other leaders have tried to spur interest in the STEM field in marginalized populations, citing that members of this demographic need the skills to compete in an increasingly globalized, informationbased economy. Hurdles to breaking into the industry remain, however. According to the National Science Foundation, less than 10 percent of college educated black women who declared a STEM major obtained a bachelor’s degree in that field.

“We need to empower our young ladies at a young age so as they move up in their careers, they’re able to comfortably hold leadership positions and know

her to network and figure what she needs to do to become more involved in the industry, in terms of what she needs to do and who she needs to know,” said Parker who lives in Silver Spring, Maryland.

For Leila Khademian, “Girls, Gadgets, & Gigbabytes” provided an opportunity to break out of her shell and make new friends. Leila said she spent much of the morning playing computer games with other children and learning the basics of coding.

“The group of girls I was with made me feel like I belonged,” said Leila, 8. “We taught our robot how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and we later played a game where we had to come up with the right things to bring on a trip.

I liked that game because when we got the answers right, we learned a lot about technology,’ said Leila, a Germantown, Maryland resident.

“The idea is to create an environment that positions women to become leaders whether they’re at a corporation, in the political world, or in the classroom,” said Hall (D-Dist. 19), who also attended the event. “We want to help them explore areas that could spark an interest. This event was a wonderful opportunity. The majority of people in the STEM field don’t look like us so it’s important that we look at this at an early age and help the young girls understand that if a man can do it, they can do it too.”

WI BRIDGE | 2

FINDING COLLEGIATE LOVE IN THE DISTRICT

By Brianna Williams WI Bridge Contributing Writer @BriannaMone

Washington, D.C. is the second best city for single young professionals looking for love, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, ranking below Boston. However, the love life of many black women -particularly those studying and living on the city’s college campuses-- may not have a fairytale ending.

Just ask Kenya Barnes*, a young woman who says she has been single her entire college career.

“It’s hard [to date in D.C.] because there are a lot of these white, preppy, Georgetown-y couples and everyone thinks they’re cute” said Barnes, a senior at American University in Northwest. “You never see a black girl in a relationship like that, so it feels like it’s so easy for [white women] to find boyfriends.”

Barnes -- who counts among the 44.4 percent of black women older than the age of 15 who are single in the District -- said that she often hears criticism of single black women’s focus on career and their high standards for men similar to those given to characters of popular shows like BET’s “Being Mary Jane.

said that her relationship allowed her to discover what she desired in a mate.

“Being single is much easier now than during freshman year,” said Jones, a junior who studies film and tv production at Howard University in Northwest.

“Initially, you want to get a college sweetheart, then you get a feel for the guys. There aren’t that many guys at Howard who have that potential that I’m looking for. I still want a relationship but not with any of the guys at my school.”

Low enrollment numbers among black men might play a part in dating issues for women of color. According to The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, black women account for more than 60 percent of black students in colleges across the country, which often causes problems for women who want to date black men exclusively and feel they have few choices.

she prefers old-fashioned, casual dating.

“I don’t want to be in a relationship; it’s a lot of commitment that I’m not ready for, emotional commitment,” said Noel.

Noel’s not alone. Heather Fishel, a writer at Campus Explorer says that many college students seek short-term relationships that allow them to focus on their career and academic goals.

This sentiment has become the norm in the D.C. yuppie culture, becoming the aesthetic of the “typical” D.C. college student.

Laing said she finds it easier to stay focused on academic and career goals because she has someone there to support and motivate her. Ud Nnamdi, a junior political science major at Howard University, shares Laing’s sentiments.

Local college students Tatiana Laing and Daniel Nnaji have been in a committed relationship for a year. / Courtesy photo

Madeleine Noel*, a single sophomore broadcast journalism student at American University (AU) said she’s not looking for a relationship at the moment, believing that college men are informal with their intentions, shy from commitment and lack any sense of chivalry. She said that’s why she decided to take a step back from dating and better herself.

Another reason that some college-aged women remain single centers on previous experiences they say show that the men on campus don’t fulfill their needs. Aliya Jones, a student who broke up with her significant more than five months ago, 3 | WI BRIDGE

“I think it’s interesting to be in a relationship as a 21-year-old because it’s expected that you’re not,” said Tatiana Laing, a junior who studies Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics and Government at American University. She has been in a committed relationship for one year.

“When you go out into a social setting, guys will still come up to you. I think it’s weird, actually. I enjoy it but in terms of being a young woman in a city, it is confusing for other people. It’s not very common,” said Laing.

But some people like J.J. Smith, BlackNews.com’s dating and relationship expert, supports this point, saying that many young women of color are making a conscious decision to be single, preferring to work on themselves.

“I feel like college is where you really explore who you are,” said Noel, who has gone on numerous dates while in college, recounted an instance when a young man offered her food stamps in exchange for her paying for their meal. “I don’t want to be in a relationship. I think I won’t find love here because this is the time for me to fall in love with myself.”

On the other side, college women in the District who enjoy committed relationships are far and few between.

Finding “the one,” let alone finding love in college may be a thing of the past for some but those who are in a relationship still believe there is still hope for marrying their current significant other.

Farah Saunders, a student at American University in Northwest/ Courtesy photo

“I feel like most the guys here are gay,” said Farah Saunders, a junior broadcast journalism major at AU. “Two, I don’t find white boys attractive. I like my black men and I think there’s nothing wrong with that. The black men at AU don’t like the black women at AU.” Regardless of campus limitations, some women say they are open to exploring alternatives,such as hooking up and situationships -- relationships with unresolved conflicts which students may confuse as legitimate dating. But Noel said

“When you’re in a relationship, you have to make time to commit to those other responsibilities that you have [outside of your relationship],” said Noel. “I feel like being in a relationship will take away from the time that I have to focus on me. I don’t want to say I’m not the relationship type but just not right now.”

It may seem as though being single, without anything else, isn’t enough for college women in D.C. but most see this time as a time for exploration and living life.

“Being single is not a bad thing,” said Jones. “It’s actually beautiful. Once you fully embrace it, it can really be something great and one of the greatest moments in your life. You don’t start living once you get in a relationship, you’re living now in your singleness and you should learn to live in your singleness.”

Nnamdi, who had been in three relationships in college, prior to her current boyfriend believes that she has finally found the one. “I know we’re going to get married,” said Nnamdi. “We complement each other. In the areas I’m weak, he’s strong and vice versa.”

Contrary to Fishel’s observation about causal relationships, Laing believes the purpose of dating someone is that you see yourself with them in the future, not just for hookups and romantic gestures.

“I wouldn’t have gotten into a relationship unless I thought [marriage] was a possibility,” said Laing. “The way I look at life in mind, then the answer would be ‘yes.’ Is there a date and time on that, ‘no.’ It’s not an absolute but that’s my point of dating someone because you assume that it is possible.” *This name is a pseudonym.

REESA RENEE’S MELODIC VOCALS PROVIDE MORE THAN MUSIC

By Ambre Tomlinson WI Bridge Contributing Writer @Missgreeneyez

Every now and then, an artist comes with a voice of a sultry siren that soothes like a balm, the face of an angel and a warm personality that connects with supporters.

Prince George’s County, Maryland’s own Reesa Renee fits the profile and with a sophomore album in the works, she has chosen to share the highs and lows of her life and musical journey.

“There is no cookie cutter plan to achieving your dreams, but one strong key to success is being comfortable with yourself,” said Reesa Renee, who says she’s no stranger to discomfort. Her life hit a low point in 2008 when two friends died in a car accident.

She said depression loomed over her like a gray cloud, leaving her feeling empty, without purpose, and in need of an emotional outlet.

Reesa didn’t always sing to ease her pain.

She fondly recalled spending countless hours journaling in her younger days: “I would go through the house writing down everything I saw and how I felt about it”, Reesa said, noting that the practice often brought her peace.

While she loved music, Reesa said she enjoyed it as a listener more than an artist. But some friends and family who heard Reesa’s voice encouraged her to put it to use. .

Reesa’s brother, PKay the Producer, created several ballads that would help her create songs of her own and pull herself through dark periods in her life. “Bringing the pain to the surface while writing lyrics made me truly look at myself,” Reesa said.

Reesa realized she needed help.

Removing herself from the darkness she’d fallen into became increasingly difficult. Though she battled with these feelings privately, her music started to gain positive attention from listeners in the D.C. metropolitan area, many of whom grew inspired by her lyrics. As her popularity grew, Reesa knew she had to close old chapters in her proverbial book of life before opening new ones.

While recording her first album, Reelease, Reesa discovered that she had bipolar disorder. All of a sudden, the tribulations she struggled with most of her life began to make sense. She finally gained control of the emotions that had held her captive for so long.

“Controversial” on WPGC 95.5 FM. Reesa’s independent success has encouraged her to break into the entertainment industry in other ways, one of which being a flourishing modeling career. She recently finalized

In 2011, the Sam Bone Group discovered Reesa during her performance at a small North Carolina club. Sam Bone began an official artist launch for her shortly after.

“Unlike many overbearing managers, Sam teaches me while still giving me the freedom and encouragement to be myself and develop naturally,” Reesa stated.

In addition to her community service efforts, Reesa wants her music to serve as an escape for those who feel trapped by negative energy.

She often includes a “breakdown” section in her songs which she affectionately calls “The Jam-Out Section.” Reesa said she wants her audience to get lost in this section, and feel a small sense of freedom in it. “I want my music to embody what the feeling of discovering my voice did for me.”

Reesa added, “I want my audience to feel that empowerment and that peace of mind.”

Photo courtesy of Brian James

a sponsorship deal with SportsZone Elite, retaining full creative control over monthly photo shoots for the brand showcasing her favorite items. Reesa

In April 2014, Reesa Renee performed before hundreds of people on the grounds of St. Elizabeths East Campus in Congress Heights during the Broccoli City Festival. / Photo courtesy of Mogul Malik

Now Reesa Renee is busy learning the rules of the music business. She is quite eager to share the new songs she has been diligently working on. Her music has taken a funky, eclectic turn while still retaining its original soulful sound.

“Recording this second album has challenged me vocally,” Reesa said. She then added, “I am now taking chances I would not have previously and that is helping me discover what qualities resonate best.” Fans who can’t wait for her new album to drop in the late summer can hear her singles “Invisible” -- a tribute to her deceased friends -- and

she often advises her mentees to “work hard as if no one is watching and carry yourself like everyone is [watching you].” Reesa strives to inform them of all the opportunities available to them. She inspires her mentees with the faith and fortification to overcome prior circumstance and persevere.

had a photo shoot and studio session at Converse-owned Rubber Tracks studio in Brooklyn, New York.

Identifying with those who struggle, Reesa says she feels a personal responsibility to her listeners, especially those who suffer from an undiagnosed mental illness . She also expressed her hopes to connect with the people dealing with societal pressures and expectations and expectations of others through The Reelease Foundation, a support system that provides help for those suffering from mental illness similar to what she endured.

Reesa also works with the East of the River Police Community Partnership in its effort to mentor formerly incarcerated youth who live in group homes. She said

Each accomplishment pushes her further toward her dream of being an internationally recognized recording artist, but she remains humble and patient. Reesa Renee reminds herself of a quote by one of her inspirations, famed drummer Travis Barker, “Nobody cares, go harder.” The irony is while she continuously improves herself the fans continue to care every step of the way.

They always have.

WI BRIDGE | 4

COOKIE LYONS: CONVERSATIONS AND CRITIQUES OF REPRESENTATIONS OF BLACK WOMEN ON PRIMETIME TELEVISION Loren B. Saxton, Ph.D. WI Bridge Contributing Writer @Ms_LorenS For all the reasons I should hate Fox’s Empire, I absolutely love it, and I specifically love Cookie Lyons, Empire’s leading black female character. Cookie, played by Taraji P. Henson, captivates audiences with her slick words, sharp wardrobe and unwavering love for her family and family’s hustle. As Empire’s ratings increase each week, so does the bewilderment of how a primetime television show with a predominantly black cast and leading black female character continue to break viewership records.

Enterprise, Luscious’ music production business. After her release from prison, Cookie is fighting to regain trust from her and Luscious’ three sons, and also claim economic and political power as part owner of Empire Enterprise.

Cookie owns her vulnerabilities and flaws. She is unapologetic about her disdain for Luscious’ new fiancé, as she willingly shares details about her sexual affairs with Luscious. Cookie is not bashful about demanding respect from her ill-mannered youngest son, as she whoops him with a broom handle.

Photo courtesy of Slate

indeed conditioned, not wholly liberating.

As her fans on Twitter recognize, Cookie is not one-dimensional, and neither are black women, which is why I argue black households, specifically black women, tune in to Fox each Wednesday to watch Empire. I identify with Cookie. I identify with her sometimes, inappropriate outward display of raw emotion, and the simultaneous innovative, creative and strategic black female music producer.

“Cookie is flawed but embodies many of the characteristics that we know to be true of black women: she’s a hustler, she’s driven, she’s loyal, and she’s willing to do whatever necessary for her family.

That speaks to black women on so many levels,” said Dr. Harris.

Photo courtesy of Essence

While Fox’s Empire taps into the strength of the black audience, the power of black Twitter and the popularity of Hip-Hop on television, Cookie’s character speaks to a particular demographic that has historically been absent from primetime television—black women.

Kerry Washington, as Olivia Pope on ABC’s Scandal, is the first show on primetime television in thirty years with a leading black female character. Since Scandal, Viola Davis, as Annalise Keating on ABC’s How to Get Away with Murder, and now Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyons on Fox’s Empire, contribute to the current representations of black women on primetime television.

In Empire’s premiere, Cookie Lyons, the ex-wife of Luscious Lyons, played

by Terrence Howard, served 17 years in prison for drug charges. We later learn that it was Cookie and Luscious’ drug sales that helped build Empire 5 | WI BRIDGE

She is street smart and business savvy.

Cookie’s character seamlessly exists and thrives in her old neighborhoods of Philadelphia and in the boardroom of Empire Enterprise.

“I appreciate Cookie as one representation of black women, and it is one that I love,” said Dr. Felicia Harris, 26, a cultural and media studies scholar at The University of Georgia.

Cookie is located in what feminist scholar and activist bell hooks, identifies as the margins. In the margins, hooks argues that black women have a unique position and vantage point that enable us to critique discriminatory and hegemonic practices, and help create practices of resistance. Empire’s Cookie portrays some of the simultaneous struggles and advantages of living in these margins, and also conveys how counter-hegemonic practices or practices of resistance are

Empire is not without its critics. Some criticize Cookie for her perpetuation of stereotypes of black women, and struggle with making the decision to support the show. Cookie is overly aggressive and fits into many of the stereotypes perpetuated by other Black female characters, such as Mary Jane and Olivia Pope, said Ka’Lyn Banks, who is 24, of Sacramento, Ca., and an assistant teacher in primary education in KIPP schools in Washington, D.C. While Empire features a black-owned music company, built on drug money and sustained by violence and deceit, the show also grapples with and critiques various aspects of black culture, specifically black women. And, cultural critiques should be embraced in pop culture and black communities.

“Cookie is what you expect from a black mother. There are some Cookies in my family, but I am not Cookie,” said Banks, co-host of The Link Up podcast, which

focuses on social, cultural, political and economic issues from an unapologetic black female millennial perspective. “I feel like black women are boxed in, and I guess I need to just accept that.”

However, if viewed as a cultural critique, Empire challenges us to engage in more critical conversations about black cultures and representations of black cultures on television. It creates space for discourse on how Cookie both limits and empowers black women. Many polarized and uni-dimensional critiques of television shows that depict Black cultures call into question damaging stereotypes, and fail to explore how characters on primetime television are just a representation, not the representation of black cultures, or black women on television.

As a critique, we can appreciate Empire and Cookie as both entertaining and intellectual texts that serve as call-toactions for black women, and black communities. As television networks finally recognize and begin to take advantage of the power in black television audiences, we must continue to the fight for more diverse representations of black women and black cultures on primetime television.

YEEZY SEASON IS OVER

By Tia Dolet WI Bridge Contributing Columnist @TiatheDiva

With a new album in the works and the release of an exclusive ADIDAS urban sportswear line, “Yeezy season” is approaching. However, I will not be taking part in any of the seasonal festivities. Hailing from Chicago’s south side, and the son of an English professor, Kanye West was once categorized as one of the more socially conscious rappers of our generation. But lately, the visions of this self-proclaimed visionary no longer seem to support black people—and especially not black women.

My teetering relationship with Kanye has reached a morbid ending. As a teenager, I fell in love with West’s artistry. College Dropout helped me understand how the world still viewed black people and yet made me feel immensely proud of my heritage. Late Registration ironically eased me through the college application process and Graduation kept my head held high during my freshman year at a predominately white institution. Four years ago, when I became an educator, “We Don’t Care” quickly became the most played song in my iTunes. The lyrics served as a daily affirmation of our children’s brilliance and tenacity.

Then came Kim Kardashian. This should have been a complete deal breaker, but after all the heartbreak he had endured after his mother’s passing, I tried to find the silver lining in his newfound love interest. Upon the arrival of the couple’s first child, Kim shared a blog post alleging that she didn’t know racism still existed.

“To be honest, before I had North, I never really gave racism or discrimination a lot of thought,” Kardashian stated in the essay.

To me, Kim’s statement proved that she had looked at black men as novelties— these stereotypical hyper-masculine and hypersexual beings—rather than focused on their rich history and resilience, which, to me, is the essence of their beauty. I could not believe that Kanye would choose a life partner who knew nothing about the key messages of his life’s work.

Now week after week we are bombarded with photos of them portraying this modern day interracial Barbie & Ken power couple, dragging poor baby North along for the ride as an accessory.

But I am not buying it. And from many conversations I have had with my black

peers, they aren’t either. So we let him be.

We let him keep up with the Kardashians.

I was starting to accept that the Kanye West, who said what so many of us had been thinking on live television after the Hurricane Katrina devastation, was gone.

In 2014, rallied, marched, protested, and spoke out against the injustices of our slain unarmed brothers and sisters…where was Kanye?

“broke Black men.” I don’t know how they do it in the Chi, but the broke black men in my neighborhood don’t seem to have a problem finding these “rare” equal-opportunity-brother-dating white women.

Then, given the context of Kim’s 2013

I waited for him to release a statement, make an outburst at an awards ceremony, write a verse— but nothing. Nevertheless, after blatantly turning his back on the black community he once stood by through literal hell and high waters, it now seems like he is on a national campaign to get us to accept his white wife.

First came his Breakfast Club interview, which got worse as it progressed, but started with a gunsblazing attack on his exgirlfriend Amber Rose.

West said he had to take “thirty showers”, having been with Rose, before he could get with Kardashian.

Now, I am not one for slut-shaming, but I felt like it was an insult to our Photo courtesy of PopSugar intelligence to hold Kim up as this high-standard of purity when “wow, life sucks for black people” none of us have forgotten the fact that her dissertation, Kanye’s address took yet career, and her family’s, stems from her another weird turn. He retold a story he sex tape. claimed Kim shared with him where her father, Robert Kardashian, had “nigger Kanye’s crusade for Kim Acceptance lover” written on his Bentley after was just getting started. The first topic of defending O.J. Simpson in the infamous his BET Honors speech was not about his 1995 murder trial. The late Kardashian creative process, or his inspiration/s of was quoted saying to young Kimberly all the many visions he so freely shares, that “one day, you may have a black but rather about how thrilled he was that child—a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Minister Louis Farrakhan did not shun black child. And it’s gonna be hard. him for not marrying a woman of color. You’re gonna see how hard it is.” And The statement felt a little out of place what do you know—now she has a Black for the occasion, but the awkwardness baby and has seen the light! did not stop there. He went on to say that people used to tell him that when Now, if I were to believe that story he got famous, he would start dating was true, what was Kanye’s purpose white women because white women of retelling it a Black Entertainment love rich black men. Kanye wanted to Television program? I think he honestly make it clear that his wife was not one of believes that the opposition some people those women because she has also dated in the black community have towards

their Kimye union is because she is white—I disagree. It is because she is Kim Kardashian. I don’t know Kim personally, but having seen enough of her extensive catalog of reality show footage, and the fact that she has an actual published book of Instagram selfies, so I feel confident in making this conclusion—Kim Kardashian is the very “corporation” Kanye once warned people about. She does not stand for social justice and in fact, knew nothing of it. Her industry is built on materialism, vanity and exploitation. We all know Kanye loves himself, so I can understand that aspect of their relationship, but he also used to love his people.

My departed Kanye, never forget that it was a black woman who held you down when you were trying to get discovered, a black woman who helped nursed you back to health after a neardeath car accident, and a black woman who comforted you in your time of grief after losing the beautiful black woman you sang an ode to on every album. We have been here--even the black women like me who felt uplifted and valued in your (non-mainstream) songs. And now, you have a black daughter. She is no less immune from the systemic racism that fuels this country.

A husband should put his wife on a pedestal, but to hear this conscious black man continuously make statements to elevate the race of his non-black wife is unsettling to my black womanist spirit.

In numerous interviews and songs, he states the frustrations he experiences while pitching new ideas and having companies not take him seriously ---looking at him as “the black guy”.

But now, he so often makes references to being a black man with “a white woman” .

Kanye has always been an offbeat and unapologetic guy, which to me, used to be some of his best qualities. So now after all these proclamations glorifying his white wife, why is he seeking out black approval to validate their relationship?

It’s 2015—we don’t care that you have a white wife, Kanye. We care that you have an oblivious and superficial wife. We care that you are no longer defending our rights and our communities. We care that you called a predator “smart”… but that’s a whole different topic. I am tired and can no longer “Stan” for an artist who does not stand for me.

WI BRIDGE | 6

WI BRIDGE VIEWPOINTS

Each month, a WI Bridge reporter hits the streets, asks the questions that matter, and compiles the best responses for readers to see. Do you have a suggestion for a Viewpoint question? Email wibridge@washingtoninformer.com and you might see your inquiry in a future issue.

Answers compiled by Brianna Williams

What’s one life lesson that you would pass down to your daughter?

How do you feel about women in the entertainment industry negatively speaking about each other? How does this affect women’s morale in society?

“God loves you; His love is all you’ll ever need. Do everything in your power to make sure you never forget that.”

Jamella Vanegas, 31, Northeast

“This affects women in society negatively, especially women of color, because it makes them feel like they aren’t worth anything. It’s like in order for them to be worth something, they have to be white.”

Zuliana Burnett, 19, Northwest

“If it’s one thing you can guarantee, it’s your honor and your name. Always be mindful of that and always remember your values because those are the things that stick with you when people don’t.”

Mariatu Santiago, 21, Northwest

“I think it’s reductive, especially that certain situation. Entertainment and media feeds off that. [When it comes to the Amber Rose/Kim Kardashian issue], you don’t have any blame being put on Kanye who said some degrading things about Amber Rose.

It’s degrading and We should support each other.”

Elisha Brown, 19, Northwest

“The bad things that happen to you as a child may shape who you are, but they are nothing compared to who you will become.”

Janicia Moore, 24, Northwest

“I think that it needs to stop especially when it comes to women. We have to be supporters of each other. We need to be helping each other to get to where we need to be to fulfill our potential and own who we are.”

Ashley Williams, 26, Tyson’s Corner, Virginia

YOUR BUSINESS COULD BE ADVERTISED ON THIS PAGE. For more information, send inquiries to WIBridge@washingtoninformer.com

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from the Jack & Jill of America, Inc. 75th Anniversary Celebration

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22 Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2015

The Washington Informer

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EDUCATION

Educating the Kids Nobody Wants

By Kevin P. Chavous Executive Counsel, American Federation for Children After giving a recent education reform speech in Georgia, a 30-something man approached me to discuss my views on the increasing school expulsion rate for kids, particularly boys of color. He told me that his wife was a special education teacher; that she worked with troubled kids and she had developed a close relationship with a young boy who had been expelled several times from his school. The man’s wife said that she had been asked to work with the boy because his classroom teacher suspected that the boy had Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Apparently, the boy had been having fits and would, on occasion, throw chairs around the classroom. The teacher reportedly was fearful for her safety and the safety of the other children in the class. The man then told me that his wife found out that the boy was consistently abused at home and had no outlet to get the counseling help that he needed. As she began to work with the boy, his behavior improved and his attitude toward school improved. When I asked the man about the boy’s grade, he smiled and said, “Mr. Chavous that is why I wanted to talk with you.

The boy is only 4 years old and he does not have ADD. My wife can’t believe that she keeps getting more and more of these intervention calls from preschools. What can be done about this?”

Good question.

In 2005, Yale professor Walter Gilliam shocked the nation with the first research showing that preschoolers are expelled at three times the rate of children in kindergarten through 12th grade. He showed that young African-American boys like

the boy referenced above are most vulnerable to what he calls “the capital punishment of schools.”

And while preschooler’s expulsion rates continue to outpace their K-12 school counterparts, the fact is that all school expulsion rates are growing along with the high school dropout rate. All of which begs another question, “Who will educate the kids that nobody wants?”

In answering both questions, we must be honest about who will not educate these kids: most local school districts. It is increasingly clear that the vast majority of local school districts – especially in urban America – are either unwilling or unable to educate the growing number of kids coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. And since our teaching core has begun to feel the pressure of having their students do well on standardized tests, they do not have the energy or often the skill set to address the needs of our most challenged school population group. As a result, the average local school district resorts to easy special needs labels as a way to get these troubled kids out of the classroom so they won’t affect the other students. As the saying goes, ‘one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch.’ So, they kick these kids out of school.

Fortunately, around the country, there are a number of schools who take pride in educating the kids that nobody wants – schools like the Hope Academy Charter School in Kansas City, Maya Angelou Charter School in Washington, D.C. and the Legacy Charter School in Green-

ville, S.C. Each of these schools, and several others like them, make it their mission to value all of the kids they serve and they refuse to write kids off based on their background, home life or previous school experience. Knowing that schools like these exist, wouldn’t it make sense for our most challenged school districts to eagerly embrace these alternative programs?

Apparently not.

Recently, charter school authorizers in Philadelphia rejected the application of Liguori Academy, who made that city the same offer that Hope Academy, Maya Angelou and Legacy made to their cities: let us teach the kids who are the kids toughest to educate. Ligouri, through its founders Mike Marrone and Pat Wright, planned on using a model that included a personalized and individualized curriculum which has been proven as an effective strategy for all students but especially critical for disengaged learners. The proposed Liguori model has yielded impressive results for the most challenged students in places like Fresno, CA, Buffalo, NY and Chester, PA. Still, the authorizers in Philadelphia denied Liguori’s application – even though, according to research conducted by the National Center for Dropout Prevention Network, 5000 9th grade students within the School District of Philadelphia have a less than 1 percent chance of graduating high school.

At some point, our education elite will wake up to the fact that one size does not fit all. And that having a menu of education offerings available to educate kids with different needs helps not just those kids, but all kids. WI

emails, I got several emails from resScheduling Conflict idents saying they wanted to go to Causes Bruised Feelings both events. There was some discusBy Barrington M. Salmon WI Staff Writer@bsalmondc

A scheduling decision by Mayor Muriel Bowser recently to hold her State of the District address on the same night as a Ward 8 candidates’ forum has caused dissension in the planning group and among candidates.

The Ward 8 City Council Collaborative Candidate Forum and Straw Poll was originally slated for March 31 at Ballou Senior High School in Southeast, but Bowser announced a little more than a week ago that her first State of the District speech would take place that same evening.

Rev. Anthony J. Motley, who serves on the candidate forum planning committee, said Bowser’s announcement caused consternation.

“We had been planning this since January,” said Motley, a Ward 8 resident and social justice activist. “It had been widely communicated since then and her personnel aware of it. I know that some of her staff people had it on their schedule when it was announced that she was having the State of the District the same time as the forum.”

There was some pushback from candidates who chafed at the idea of Bowser setting the agenda and some candidates and their representatives ascribed ulterior motives to Bowser’s decision but Motley said the explanation appeared to be simpler.

“I’m getting to believe, and I’m hearing that the mayor has some scheduling issues, period. What we’re dealing with is a dysfunctional scheduling apparatus,” he said. “I’m hearing that there are other events that have bumped up against each other and that schedules have had to be moved around. I don’t think it was anything intentional.”

Planning committee chairman Charles Wilson agreed.

“We started mass advertising last week, the same day the mayor did,” he said. “When I sent out my mass

sion because we thought we wanted Ward 8 citizens to be front and center to see the State of the District as well as attend the candidate forum.”

“There was no problem, only changing the date.”

In an email sent to sponsors, candidates and their representatives, Wilson reiterated his position.

“Whether we agree with the Mayor’s decision or not, I think we all agree it is in the best interest of our Ward to allow our neighbors an opportunity to attend both events,” he said.

Motley, a Bellevue resident and senior advisor to the pastor of the Cathedral of Church Baptist Church in Maryland, said the scheduling conflict ruffled some feathers.

“We had a very harmonious relationship but it created dissension within the group,” he said. “We had intense discussions, the group spoke about the pros and cons and we decided to poll candidates to decide the date they wanted to have the forum. Ninety-nine percent of the candidates said they were onboard for 31st and our sponsors also said they too so were going to stay with the 31st.”

“It wasn’t until the next day that Charles Wilson decided to change the date. That was suspect because until then, we thought the 31st was still a go. Then we had some people who initially agreed to the 31st who changed their minds. Some of us who’re part of the planning committee no longer trust the process. We had an agreement on Monday morning and it changed on Wednesday. It boils down to typical politics.”

When asked if he planned to attend the State of the District Motley said no.

“I had not planned to go because I don’t know what she can tell us that we don’t already know. I don’t see where anything significant has changed. A year out maybe,” he said. WI

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EDITORIAL

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

No Room in DC

The issue of affordable housing isn’t a new one.

To those who live and work in the District of Columbia, a report released last week by the DC Fiscal Policy Institute offers in graphic and troubling detail the scope and depth of the housing crisis that has enveloped the city.

The report tells us what many of us already know: that if you happen to be or want to be a D.C. resident, and you have a modest or middle-class income, chances of finding suitable low-cost rentals are almost nil.

Over the last decade, D.C.’s high cost of living and out-ofcontrol rents continuing to eat away at household budgets even as people’s wages remain stagnant. For example, analysis census records show that the number of available rental apartments costing $800 or less fell by 42 percent or from 57,700 in 2002 to 33,400 in 2013, the think tank notes. Housing is out of reach for most low-wage and moderate-income earners.

Perhaps most troubling about the report are the litany of sometimes overlooked issues triggered by losing a place to live.

These include the increased risk of unemployment, which in turn has a ripple effect of instability affecting children at school; and circumstances that can deeply affect the mental and physical well-being of families. Currently more than 6,000 people are homeless, living at the old D.C. General Hospital, in motels and on the street.

One aspect of the study the report’s author says is a big surprise “is the gaping discrepancy between income and rent growth.” To that end, Wes Rivers says, the lowest-income 40 percent of renters saw no statistically significant income growth over the past decade, but saw large rent increases.

“Rising rents on their own aren’t necessarily alarming, since they can simply reflect higher incomes. But when rents outpace incomes so significantly, it suggests that demand for D.C. housing is outstripping supply at nearly every income level,” Rivers said.

Both former Mayor Vincent C. Gray and Mayor Muriel Bowser have affordable housing high on their list of priorities, but it’s clear that they’ll need to spend the $100 million a year wisely, while developing public-private partnerships and go way out of the box to find new, different yet viable solutions.

Machen Steps Down

US Attorney Ron Machen, Jr., announced on March 16 that he’s leaving office and returning to private practice after more than five years serving as the Justice Department’s top man in the city.

In the press release, Machen details his successes: bringing down spies, people he describes as terrorists, drug dealers and an assortment of other criminals. We commend Machen for his service to our community and his country, but he walks away with one major piece of business unfinished: the Gray investigation.

To walk away after a more than three-year investigation into a Jeff Thompson-financed shadow campaign and trying but failing to implicate former Mayor Vincent Gray, Machen should either indict Gray if he has a case, or admit that he got it all wrong.

Machen did the District of Columbia a disservice when he chose a month before the April 2014 primary to announce a Thompson plea agreement. As former Gray campaign manager Chuck Thies and cross-section of other residents and supporters point out, Machen injected himself into the race which led to Gray’s loss in a race he was well-positioned to win.

Gray has steadfastly proclaimed his innocence and refused a plea deal. If Machen had the goods on Gray, he would have indicted him already, which leads many to believe that the whole investigation was either a miscarriage of justice or a witch hunt.

The question hanging over Machen’s departure is, if his office doesn’t return an indictment, how does Vincent Gray regain his good name?

24 Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2015

An Ideal Number 2

It’s that time of the year again, and you have once again given us a wonderful Health, Wellness and Nutrition Supplement, “Breath of Life,” in the March 12, 2015 edition.

I so much look forward to this supplement, with all of the great articles that we can use to help us live better and healthier lives. In this year’s supplement the most important article I read was, “An Ideal Number 2 May Not Be A Number 2: What Your Bathroom Habits Might Be Telling You.” The article was about how to measure the consistency of your bowel movements; it was so informative. I have to admit, I don’t ever recall reading anything about BMs. But after reading the article, I now feel that if I need to talk to my doctor about mine, which I never have, I can without feeling embarrassed.

Information really is empowering.

Thank you, Washington Informer for a great supplement, it is so timely.

Jackie Conrad Alexandria, VA

Congrats HU Prexy

Congratulations to Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick on his appointment as Howard University’s 17th president, “Frederick Takes Reins of Howard University” [front-page article, March 12, 2015 by Barrington M. Salmon]. There seems to be something special when a proud and historical university like HowThe Washington Informer

ard University selects one of its own to lead them. Dr. Frederick has a vision, and his vision fits the 21st century mold of what a top-notch university should be about. He is young, gifted and black, all of which students and faculty alike will be able to look up to and relate to. I would like to wish him nothing but success in every endeavor as he begins this new and exciting chapter in the long and magnificent history of Howard University.

Cameron Roy Washington, DC

Online News

I enjoy reading The Washington Informer online. What I have discovered is there so much more news on the online version than the print issue. I have been a longtime subscriber, and I will continue to be, but I seem to read more news on the website.

It requires me to say ‘thank you’ to the staff for staying on top of the news as it pertains to the African American community.

The publication becomes more valuable to me every day, and my only hope is that the community continues to support you for the work you do to keep us informed.

Jonathan Goody Capitol Heights, MD

Mother Lange a Saint Thank you for sharing the story of the “Oblate Sisters of Providence: A District-Area Staple” in the March 12 issue. It caused me to look further into the religious organization’s 200 year history and to learn that this African-American group of nuns has an impressive and powerful story to share. Their focus on education continues to exist today. For instance, I was fascinated to learn that St. Frances Academy in Baltimore opened in 1828 by Elizabeth Clarisse Lange, known as Mother Lange, one of the four sisters that founded the OSP, and it is the oldest continuously operating, predominately African American High School in the world. Mother Lange and her sisters’ legacy of working within the Catholic Church, teaching black children, survived the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s position of condoning slavery and the ownership of human beings, up to the present time of the devastating impact of drugs and crime in the communities they serve.

These women are real “Soldiers of the Cross.” There story needs to be told, even a documentary film is fitting, and every Black Catholic across America should support the effort to canonize Mother Lange who was clearly a saint.

Felicia Durant Takoma Park, MD

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

By Walter Fields

#BlackGirlsMatter Right Here in America Every morning, when I fix my teenage daughter breakfast and drop her off to school, she reminds me that #BlackGirlsMatter. Her journey has not been easy, made all the more difficult by an experience, beginning in middle school and persisting to high school, that threatened to crush her dreams by denying her access to classes education professionals deem critical to demonstrate college readiness.

Had it not been for the advocacy of her parents and the threat of litigation, my daughter would have been cast aside and surrendered to a curriculum that was not simply less challenging, but inadequate by the standards of competitive colleges and an increasingly analytical and technical workforce. Today, in her junior year, she remains one of only a handful of black girls enrolled in advanced honors and advanced placement classes in her public high school, Columbia Senior High School in subur-

ban Maplewood, New Jersey.

My daughter’s story is neither unique or an aberrant. It is the reality facing black girls in America. This is what the recently released report “Black Girls Matter: Pushed Out, Overpoliced and Underprotected” confirms.

The Center for Intersectional and Social Policy Studies at Columbia University and the African American Policy Forum, authors of the report, have provided the nation with a powerful narrative of the dilemma of black girls in our country. The

Guest Columnist

report describes the disproportionate punishment meted out to black girls in school, with data showing that they are suspended six times the rate of white girls as ‘zero tolerance’ policies hit with racial precision. Black girls also receive more severe sentences than other girls when they enter the juvenile justice system and are the fastest-growing population in the criminal justice system. They are also victims of bullying, sexual harassment and violence in school. Our girls are being pushed out, but there is lit-

tle public alarm, policy focus or media attention to their marginalization. Unlike our understandable focus on black boys, as seen in President Barack Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative, our girls are being left to fend for themselves. And we are losing them.

Black girls suffer the discriminatory equivalent of hypertension. Racially based gender bias is a silent killer. It infests the spirits of girls with self-doubt

FIELDS Page 41

By Marian Wright Edelman

Continuing the Selma-to-Montgomery March Fifty years ago, I traveled from Mississippi to Selma, Alabama, on March 21, 1965, to join Martin Luther King Jr. and thousands of fellow citizens marching the 54 miles to the steps of the state’s capitol in Montgomery.

Millions of Americans now know about this march thanks to the movie “Selma” and the recent 50th anniversary celebration. Selma was the site of a cou-

rageous voting rights campaign by black citizens that was met by brutal Southern Jim Crow law enforcement and citizen violence. The nation was shocked two weeks earlier when John Lewis and Hosea Williams set out on a nonviolent march with a group of 600 people toward Montgomery to demand their right to vote and were brutally attacked by lawless state and local law enforcement officials at the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

The televised images of

“Bloody Sunday” and the savage beatings of the marchers – including Lewis, whose skull was fractured – were a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights movement and in America’s struggle to become America. It provoked the thousands of us (ultimately about 25,000) who came together later to finish the march, safer thanks to U.S. District Court Judge Frank M. Johnson Jr.’s order that we had a right to peaceful protest and with federalized Alabama National Guard

Guest Columnist

protection. And we were buoyed

by President Lyndon Johnson’s March 15, 1965, address calling on Congress to pass what became the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

In that speech – “The American Promise” – Johnson said: “This was the first nation in the history of the world to be founded with a purpose. The great phrases of that purpose still sound in every American heart, North and South: ‘All men are created equal’—‘government by

consent of the governed’—‘give me liberty or give me death.’”

President Johnson also said: “Should we defeat every enemy, should we double our wealth and conquer the stars, and still be unequal to this issue, then we will have failed as a people and as a nation.”

Fifty years later, speaking at the Edmund Pettus Bridge, President Barack Obama echoed the same themes: “[Selma is] the

EDELMAN Page 41

By Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

188 Years of Black Press Excellence in USA In recognition of the 75th Anniversary of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, I believe it is important to emphasize both the historical and contemporary mission, value and success of the black press in America. For the past 188 years, black Americans have labored diligently and responsibly to publish and distribute black-owned newspapers in the interests of millions of black

Americans and others who cry out for freedom, justice, equality and empowerment.

What the first black American publishers and editors of Freedom’s Journal, Samuel Cornish and John Brown Russwurm, worked hard to accomplish began a long and vibrant legacy that still continues today across the United States by publishers who are members of the NNPA. In the first edition of Freedom’s Journal published on March 16, 1827 in New York City, Cornish and Russwurm clearly stated,

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“We wish to plead our own cause … Too long have others spoken for us. Too long has the public been deceived by misrepresentations, in things which concern us dearly.”

Freedom’s Journal was widely read in the Northeast of the U.S. and secretly read and admired throughout the South among those who were fighting the oppression and brutality of the slavery of African people in America. Thereafter, over the next 188 years, wherever black Americans were concentrated The Washington Informer

across the nation, black-owned newspapers came forward with a firm commitment to excellence in journalism and the empowerment of the black American community.

From the very beginning of the black press in America, publishers and editors asserted their constitutional rights of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, as well as the fundamental human right of self-determination. “Pleading our own cause” and speaking for the rights, news, aspirations and dreams of

black America all continue today to be the undergirding foundation of the Black Press.

Frederick Douglass was one our greatest orators and leaders who exemplified the audacity and genius to challenge all who would seek to oppress and deny freedom and equality. Yet Frederick Douglass was also a freedom-fighting newspaper owner and publisher of The North Star. The first edition of The North Star was published on

CHAVIS Page 41 Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2015

25

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

By George E. Curry

Below-the-Belt Attacks on the Obamas No United States president or first family has been more disrespected than the Obamas.

The hatred for the nation’s first African-American president is so deep that all but seven Republicans in the U.S. Senate were willing to write a letter to Iran that amounted to treason on a grand scale.

In an effort to derail talks that would limit Iran’s nuclear weapons, 47 Republican sena-

tors signed an “open letter” to Iran’s leaders claiming any deal they reached with the administration wouldn’t last after Barack Obama left office.

This caused the Republican senators to be labeled traitors in a New York Daily News headline.

An editorial said, “Regardless of President Obama’s fecklessness in negotiating a nuclear deal with Iran, 47 Republican U.S. senators engaged in treachery by sending a letter to the mullahs aimed at cutting the legs out from under America’s commander in chief.

We join GOP signatories in opposing the pact as outlined, but we strenuously condemn their betrayal of the U.S. constitutional system.”

In case there is any doubt, the liberal political website PoliticusUSA stated, “According to the dictionary definition, a traitor is one who betrays a person, a principle, or especially their country.

It is of no consequence why someone, or a group, chooses to work in opposition to their nation, or fellow citizens’ well-being, because if their intent and

Guest Columnist

result of their actions is to deliberately damage or cause harm to their country or fellow citizens, they are by definition traitors.”

It wasn’t all that long ago that Democrats and Republicans observed the rule that while we might have our internal debates, when it comes for foreign policy, we speak with one voice – that of the president.

House Republicans ignored that long-standing custom by inviting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress, knowing he would be

critical of ongoing negotiations by the U.S. and its allies to freeze Iran’s nuclear weapons. The White House was not consulted on the invitation, a sharp departure from established protocol.

The disrespect for Obama and the presidency itself has reached such a low point that a headline in The Washington Post summed it up this way: “Republicans are beginning to act as though Barack Obama isn’t even the president.”

CURRY Page 42

By Lee A. Daniels

When the GOP Had Integrity One of the many questions provoked by the “open letter” 47 Republican Senators published last week to try to wreck the multinational effort led by the Obama administration to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons is this: Do they understand their obligation to the rule of law?

As scholar Daniel W. Drezner of Tufts University and other commentators quickly pointed

out in an article in The Washington Post, the administration is the lead negotiator of a coalition involving the four other members of the United Nations Security Council — Britain, China, France, and Russia — as well as Germany. So, Drezner wrote, “If a deal is reached, it’s a deal that has the support of all the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany.”

That means Congress could not alter any resulting agreement in any way without violating international law by committing

“a material breach of U.S. obligations.”

Of course, the real purpose of the letter was to further pander to the deranged anti-Obama passions of the GOP base and to be the political coming-out of the letter cabal’s ringleader, frosh Sen. Tom Cotton, of Arkansas.

Indeed, no sooner had it appeared than Cotton supporters let it be known he’s eyeing a run for the presidency in 2020.

Pardon me, but haven’t we seen this “reality show” in the Senate before — with Ken-

Askia-At-Large

tucky’s Rand Paul and then Texas’ Ted Cruz in the starring role?

What does it say about the GOP that it’s now continually producing these new-kid-on-the-block types for Congress’ once-hallowed upper chamber who ostentatiously smash protocol and tradition in order to alert the farright of their goal of running for president?

Against that tawdry backdrop, the March 10 memorial service in Washington, D.C., for former U.S. Sen. Edward W. Brooke of Massachusetts, who died in Jan-

uary, was like a flash of lightning illuminating a nighttime landscape. Brooke’s two terms in the Senate, from 1967 to 1979, marked a time when it wasn’t rare for Republicans inside and outside of Congress to show that political conservatism and political integrity weren’t mutually exclusive elements and that there was room in the party for centrist-conservatives like Brooke.

Indeed, Brooke’s life and his

DANIELS Page 42

By Askia Muhammad

Frat boys, Fraternity men, True brotherhood?

By way of full disclosure, it was just a little more than 50 years ago, after my second “pledging” attempt, when I was initiated into Lambda Chapter in Los Angeles—only the 11th of more than 250 chapters—of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. I was oblivious to the major historical developments which were taking place at that hour— the assassination of Malcolm X, the Selma-to-Montgomery,

26 Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2015

Alabama marches for voting rights—because I was lost in the bacchanal that followed after I “crossed the burning sands.”

But there were higher values, as well. The fraternity’s cardinal principles are “Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.” I embraced those principles and the motto: “Friendship is essential to the soul.” After all, I made common cause with all those lofty goals.

I had begun my “manhood” quest the way so many ghetto boys reared by single mothers

do, working a full time job loading trucks while I was still in high school so I could purchase my own “stylish” clothes.

I served time in pool halls and following floating poker and Tonk games in dormitory rooms all over L.A. when I should have been studying, “flunking up a breeze” in my first attempt at college life, relatively free from my mother’s apron strings I changed churches. I joined the U.S. Naval Reserve, all in my search for that lasting, bonding experience that would teach me The Washington Informer

to be a man, and give me the camaraderie I sought…I needed.

Then, as I rehabilitated my college career, I found the Omegas—the “Ques”—and the fit was just fine. There was social prestige and friendship, and the sense of belonging to something great, something lasting, something eternal even.

When I chose to matriculate from Los Angeles City College (LACC) to San Jose State University, I was delighted to know that there was an Omega House, right on the campuses Fraterni-

ty Row. More prestige. Though I lived off campus with a wife, I threw myself into campus and fraternity activities—almost singlehandedly remodeling the then squalid domicile into a respectable social gathering place, and organizing a tutoring program for Black children who lived in San Jose’s tiny “Hood.”

I also got a chance to see just a glimpse up close, of some of the White “Greek life,” among this country’s storied fraternities and

MUHAMMAD Page 42

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LIFESTYLE

cross fingers fight global warming.com

Chuck Brown surrounded by his musical crew paved the way for go-go music here in the District and around the world. /Photo courtesy James Hilsdon

Chuck Brown’s Legacy Continues to Shine

By Timothy Cox WI Special Correspondent The recent annual Chuck Brown tribute, a go-go music affair at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club, evoked the days when D.C. proudly proclaimed itself the nation’s Chocolate City and go-go music dominated the airwaves and sound-boxes throughout the narrow city streets within our nation’s capital.

While D.C. is no longer the “CC” that George Clinton boasted about on his epic 1975 album release, which was aptly titled “Chocolate City,” the go-go music of that era has managed to thrive – now being created and enjoyed by a new generation of enthusiasts. And those vanilla suburbs that Clinton once referenced have seen great numbers of those white residents move into city boundary lines as many of the inner-city dilapidated dwellings have been renovated into high-priced residential and commercial properties no longer affordable to the once predominantly black residential structure. Welcome to the new Washington.

Though residential lines have transformed, go-go music has remained a constant among D.C.’s prideful natives.

Gaston, North Carolina-born blues guitarist Charles Louis “Chuck” Brown is considered the “Godfather of Go-Go.” Influenced by the funk innovations of James Brown, Chuck Brown (no relation to James) was also inspired by the Latin bands that pervaded the D.C. region during the early 1970s. Brown creatively blended the conga-laden, cowbell-based Latin sounds with his

funk-driven, blues-oriented compositions. Hence, the birth of go-go.

On the evening of Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014, a throng of fans attended a tribute to Brown staged by their hero’s actual backing band, which was fronted by a couple of his children, lead singer Takesa “KK” Brown and singer/rapper Wylie Brown, who both did a wonderful job that holiday weekend.

A 2,000-strong crowd turned out to support the 10-piece, horn-based band, keeping Brown’s name alive in D.C.’s highly competitive live music market.

The set list consisted of Brown’s hits such as “Bustin Loose” from 1978, “Wind Me Up Chuck,” “Chuck Baby,” “Run Joe” and “Still Crankin.”

These days go-go is still a viable music form in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia region, even though its popularity never went global like reggae or even hip-hop. Other D.C. bands that gained popularity in the early 1980s were Trouble Funk, which featured lead singer and bassist Big Tony Fisher, and Experience Unlimited, which is more commonly known as EU and features lead singer Gregory “Sugar Bear” Elliot.

EU gained national acclaim upon releasing “Da Butt” on the soundtrack of Spike Lee’s “School Daze” feature film. Another go-go band, Rare Essence, once featured Anthony “Little Benny” Harley and internationally acclaimed bassist and recording artist Meshell Ndegeocello.

Aside from the Chuck Brown Band, other bands continuing to carry on the go-go swing include an all-female touring group known as Bel’a-Dona. The current Chuck

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Brown Band often includes its keyboardist/vocalist, “Sweet” Cheri Mitchell-Angur, on special dates.

Another hot go-go entity is Familiar Faces, featuring former Brown hype-man and band member Donnell Floyd on saxophone. Familiar Faces ex-drummer Kenny “Kwick Foot” Gross now keeps the groove with the Chuck Brown Band in addition to the polyrhythmic percussive conga beats of Go-Go Mickey and Maurice “Mighty Mo” Haggins.

The call-and-response activity that pervades the crowds is a major stalwart of the go-go party scene, which harks back to its connection with gospel music. The continuous flow from one tune to another, to keep the dancers on the floor, is very similar to the rock band’s “Jam Band” scenario, where bands string various songs together while varying rhythms and melodies creatively emerge from within and throughout one song. That same attitude makes rock ‘n’ roll jam bands very similar to the soulful funk of go-go music. And the continuous pulsating groove-like rhythms are a direct take from the reggae rhythms formulated

by Bob Marley and The Wailers in the early 1960s.

The Chuck Brown Band will appear at Maryland Live Casino at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club on Friday, April 10. For more information contact, Tom Goldfogle at Full Circle Entertainment, 301879-9811.WI For the rest of the story, go to washingtoninformer.com.

The Washington Informer

The National Endowment for the Humanities presents

“On the Road: A Search for American Character” Anna Deavere Smith

Actress, Playwright, Professor, and the 2015 Jefferson Lecturer in the Humanities Followed by a Q & A with Jeffrey Brown of PBS NewsHour.

Monday, April 6, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall 2700 F Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.

EVENT IS FREE; tickets are required.Visit www.neh.gov

@NEHgov | #jefflec15

National Endowment for the Humanities

Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2015

27

LIFESTYLE

Horoscopes

Griot

ARIES Wear your smile as if it were your favorite fashion accessory this week. You’re sure to feel better when you see how many times your smile is returned to you this week. Do what makes you happy this week. Soul Affirmation: The slowness of my week gives me time to refresh my energy Lucky Numbers: 20, 40, and 55

“Family Business 3: The Return of Vegas”

TAURUS You may feel restless this week because you have an excess of mental energy. You can channel that into productivity by applying your fine mind to tasks that you have been putting off for a while. You’ll feel great at the end of the week. Soul Affirmation: I let myself adapt to the flow of life around me. Lucky Numbers: 16, 29, 33

by Carl Weber with Treasure Hernandez c.2015, Urban Books $23.95 / $26.95 Canada 264 pages, plus extras Family comes first.

That was a tenet you grew up with: Nobody better come between you, your siblings or your parents. Fam’ forever; sticking together.

Is blood really thicker than water? In the new book “Family Business 3” by Carl Weber with Treasure Hernandez, both spill just as easily.

Junior Duncan was a man in love.

He never thought he could feel this way, but Sonya made him crazy-happy. She was beautiful, smart, sexy, and although he didn’t know it at first, she was also the wife of Brother Xavier, murderous leader of the Duncan family’s biggest rivals. So on the day that Junior’s proposal to Sonya led to death threats, the Duncans circled the wagons.

Sonya tried hard to stay away from Junior, to protect him and his family, but it wasn’t possible; she knew that Xavier would kill the entire Duncan family in a heartbeat, but she loved Junior too much. When he vowed to protect her, she ran away with him, hoping their escape wouldn’t lead to harm (or worse!) for everyone they loved.

Brother X was insane with jealousy and anger. If he couldn’t have Sonya, then nobody could, and he’d start looking for her by doing as much damage as he could to Junior Duncan’s family. But first, he had to break out of prison and then he had to try to broker a deal with Bernie Goldman and his men.

Gathering warriors was important now.

What Junior did with X’s wife meant war.

Paris Duncan had always been Daddy’s Girl. Patriarch LC had taught his baby girl how to shoot, fight and kill, and now Paris was one of the Duncan Family’s best soldiers. She’d even assassinated the man she loved because it needed doing. But it prac-

MAR 19 - MAR 25, 2015

GEMINI You wake up feeling as good as you want to feel! Affirm your right to a healthy, happy, joy-filled life, and that’s what you’ll find that you have this week! Lucky! Treat yourself to a lottery ticket!

Soul Affirmation: I master life by mastering myself. Lucky Numbers: 5, 6, and 11

tically killed Paris when someone he knew shot LC in the chest.

It was widely known on the streets that nobody messed with Vegas Duncan. Fresh out of prison, Vegas was ready to take his usual position of security in the Duncan Family but the growing war with Brother X… it concerned him. There could be a lot of bloodshed with this kind of street fighting. Vegas’ mentor offered to help quiet troubled waters, but would Minister Farah’s intercession be enough?

Action, sex, drugs and violence – this book has all that packed between its covers.

It’s gangsta gone gang-busters. And, it’s kind of ho-hum.

In “The Family Business 3,” the women are beautiful, scantily clad and oversexed.

The men are tall, handsome sure-shots, and oversexed. There’s the usual gay brother who crushes on a thug, violent twins, baby-daddy drama, a “dirty cop” on the dole, and ethnic mafias everywhere.

Sigh.

Yes, author Carl Weber (with Treasure Hernandez) includes just what you’d expect in a book like this. And yes, it’s tired.

Having said that, though, if you’ve read the first two “Family Business” novels, you’ll undoubtedly want to know what happens next. You’re probably wondering now, so go ahead. Put “Family Business 3” on your shelf. But I wouldn’t be grabbing it first…WI

CANCER Watch for petty arguments at your workplace this week. Sail past any grumbling co-workers with a smile, and think about how your soul vibration radiates your happiness. You’ll look and feel very attractive to positive vibrations. Soul Affirmation: I send words like music to the ears of those around me.

Lucky Numbers: 3, 10, 13 LEO A compromise may be in order; luckily, it’s easy for you to be flexible. That special other person will be very appreciative of your ability to go with the flow when necessary. You are truly one of a kind!

Soul Affirmation: I will actually write a love letter to the universe this week. Lucky Numbers: 10, 20, 48 VIRGO Peace is flowing all around you this week. Soak up the harmony as if it were sunshine, and smile, smile, smile. You’ll be in sync with partners, family, friends and even co-workers. Enjoy!

Soul Affirmation: I find a source of strength in someone I love. Lucky Numbers: 4, 9, and 36 LIBRA Your multitasking abilities will kick into high gear this week.

While it’s sometimes difficult for you to know how to handle a particular situation, this week you’ll know the perfect answer. Everything good is unfolding! Soul Affirmation: Facing down challenges makes me feel good about myself.

Lucky Numbers: 10, 50, 52 SCORPIO Sociable, lovable you! You can have a wonderful week this week if you hook up with like-minded friends. You’ll find that many are on your wavelength this week. Appreciate your ability to bring people together. Soul Affirmation: Cheerfully handling what comes at me is the test of who I am.

Lucky Numbers: 4, 14, 40 SAGITTARIUS Your intuition is showing, and you may surprise yourself as much as you surprise another by making a sudden intuitive leap and saying what you feel. You may feel as if you can read a certain someone’s mind. Use your gift for good. Soul Affirmation: I face each day with a smile, and the day smiles back at me. Lucky Numbers: 16, 28, 43 CAPRICORN Happiness is where you find it this week. How hard are you looking? It’s easy for you to pull your thoughts away from any negative emotions and flow with your inner harmony. Let yourself be very happy this week. Soul Affirmation: Emptiness inside creates the space that I can fill with love.

Lucky Numbers: 5, 12, 27 AQUARIUS Someone close to you may be acting up or acting out. Try to respond with patience and love. If that seems impossible, turn it over to your higher power and get on with your own joyful life.

Soul Affirmation: I go along to get along. Lucky Numbers: 23, 34, 41 PISCES You look as lovely as can be this week, as you breeze through the week like a butterfly. All communications are effective, and even more to your liking, they are fun! Enjoy some verbal soul vibrations with good friends later in the week. Soul Affirmation: I let my friendships guide my way.

Lucky Numbers: 7, 49, 52

28 Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2015

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SPORTS Georgetown Visitation (Girls) defeat St. John’s

St. John’s College High School defeat Gonzaga

College High School 51-47

College High School 74-66

St. John’s freshman Amira Collins heads to the basket while being defended by Georgetown Visitation sophomore Maeve Carroll during a District of Columbia State Athletic Association (DSAAA) girls game on Tuesday, March 10 at the University of the District of Columbia Sports Complex (UDC) in Northwest. Georgetown Visitation defeated St. John’s 51-47. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

Georgetown Visitation junior Alexis Gray shoots a three-pointer over St. John’s defenders on Tuesday, March 10 at the UDC Sports Complex in Northwest. Georgetown Visitation defeated St. John’s 51-47. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

St. John’s junior Dejuan Clayton slashes through two Gonzaga opponents during a DCSAA boys game on Tuesday, March 10 at the UDC Sports Complex in Northwest. St. John’s defeated Gonzaga 74-66. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

St. John’s junior Jeffrey Dowtin, Jr. attempts a layup while his Gonzaga opponents watch on Tuesday, March 10 at the UDC Sports Complex in Northwest. St. John’s defeated Gonzaga 74-66. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

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Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2015

29

SPORTS Wizards guard John Wall heads to the basket during the first quarter of National Basketball Association (NBA) action on Saturday, March 14 at the Verizon Center in Northwest. The Wizards defeated the Kings 113-97. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

Washington Wizards Defeat Sacramento Kings 113-97 Wizards guard Bradley Beal shoots above his opponents during the first half of NBA action on Saturday, March 14 at the Verizon Center in Northwest. The Wizards defeated the Kings 113-97. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

Wizards center Marcin Gortat is pressured by Sacramento defenders during the first quarter of NBA action on Saturday, March 14 at the Verizon Center in Northwest. The Wizards defeated the Kings 113-97. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

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RELIGION

The Religion Corner

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This is a critical time when we all must take a look back at how things “used to be.”

On March 7, 1965, state troopers attacked peaceful marchers who were crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, en route to the capitol in Montgomery.

On March 7, 2015, the world watched an African-American U.S. president, Barack Obama, speak during the 50th anniversary of Selma at the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where Bloody Sunday happened.

The Dream Marches On website reports that it was on March 7, 1965, that the Rev. Hosea Williams and future congressman John Lewis led 600 people from Brown Chapel Church. After six blocks, the sheriff and the governor agreed to attack the group with nightsticks and tear gas, but the marchers would not be deterred.

This became Bloody Sunday. Two weeks later, under the protection of Alabama National Guardsmen and Army troops, Martin Luther King Jr. set off again from Selma and marched along

U.S. Highway 80 to the capital city.

Afterward, President Lyndon Johnson and Congress were persuaded to enact the Voting Rights Act, which Johnson signed on Aug. 6, 2015. Section 2 prohibited the denial or abridgment of voting rights nationwide.

Alabama is the birthplace of leaders with dreams.

Thousands of leaders came together for the paramount victory in the fight for equality – the right to vote.

Though nearly 50 years later, a new Census Bureau report showed, a higher percentage of African-Americans than whites voted in a presidential election for the first time in 2012, breaking the black voting record.

We ought to look back at how things “used to be,” remember Bloody Sunday and honor King, Lewis and all the marchers. In the next election, vote, take someone who may not have transportation, and help register someone new. Then remind them how others sacrificed their lives for the right to vote.

with Lyndia Grant

Finally, cite this scripture to help nonvoters understand how remarkable it was for the marchers to sacrifice for us.

Scripture says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.WI ”Lyndia Grant is a speaker, radio talk show host and columnist; visit her new website at www.lyndiagrant.com and call 202-2634621. Listen Friday, 6 p.m., to the talk show, 1340 AM, WYCB, a Radio One Station. Address 1250 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 200, Washington, D.C. 20036.

(301) 864-6070

CHURCH LAWYERS MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC

Organizational Formation, Governance Issues, First Ammendment, Church Employment, Ministerial Exception, Maintenance Issues, Risk Management, Safety and Security Issues, and Real Property Law SERVING MARYLAND, DC, & NORTH CAROLINA

www.jmlaw.net

(301) 864-6070

jmccollum@jmlaw.net

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2015

31

RELIGION BAPTIST

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church

The Reverend Lyndon Shakespeare Interim Priest Foggy Bottom • Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW • Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 • Fax : 202-338-4958 Worship Services Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

Schedule of Services: 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

Worship Sundays @ 7:30 & 11:00 A.M. 5th Sundays @ 9:30 A.M. 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 P.M.

Schedule of Service Sunday Service: 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ Drs. Dennis W. and Christine Y. Wiley, Pastors 3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) (202) 562-4219 (Fax) SERVICES AND TIMES: SUNDAYS: 10:00 am AM 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.covenantbaptistdc.org

Twelfth Street Christian Church

Campbell AME Church Reverend Daryl K. Kearney, Pastor

(Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340

2562 MLK Jr. Ave., S E Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email:Campbell@mycame.org Sunday Worship Service 10: am Sunday Church School 8: 45 am Bible Study Wednesday 12:00 Noon Wednesday 7:00 pm Thursday 7: pm “Reaching Up To Reach Out”

Sunday Worship Service 8:00am and 11:00am Sunday School 9:15am Holy Communion 4th Sunday 10:00am Prayer and Bible Study Wednesday 7;00pm TV Ministry –Channel 6 Wednesday 10:00pm gsccm.administration@verizon.net

Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Bishop 5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555 Sunday Early Morning Worship - 7:45 a.m.

Church School - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship – 10:45 a.m.

Tuesday – Thursday - Kingdom Building Bible Institute – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday – Prayer/Praise/Bible Study – 7:30 p.m.

Baptism & Communion Service- 4th Sunday – 10:30am Radio Broadcast WYCB -1340 AM-Sunday -6:00pm T.V. Broadcast - Channel 190 – Sunday -4:00pm/Tuesday 7:00am

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

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 2008: The Year of New Beginnings “Expect the Extraordinary”

Crusader Baptist Church

Sunday Morning Worship 11:00am Holy Communion – 1st Sunday Sunday School-9:45am Men’s Monday Bible Study – 7:00pm Wednesday Night Bible Study – 7:00pm Women’s Ministry Bible Study 3rd Friday -7:00pm Computer Classes- Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org

“The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”

“God is Love”

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor 1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202.347.5889 office 202.638.1803 fax Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m.

Prayer Meeting and Bible Study: Wed. 7:30 p.m.

“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews • Senior Pastor 1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 Fax: (202) 526-1661

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan, Pastor 800 I Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 Fax No. 202-548-0703

Sunday Worship Services: 8:00a.m. and 11:00a.m.

Sunday Church School - 9:15a.m. & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30a.m.

2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m.

Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study - 10:00a.m.

Tuesday Topical Bible Study - 6:30p.m.

Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study - 6:30p.m.

Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study - 6:30p.m.

Wednesday Children’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m.

Thursday Men’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m.

Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service - 6:30p.m.

Saturday Adult Bible Study - 10:00a.m.

Third Street Church of God

Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Church School: 9:20 a.m.

Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!”

Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net

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 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 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

ST Marks Baptist Come Worship with us...

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

We are proud to provide the trophies for the Washington Informer Spelling Bee

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service 11:00 a.m.

Communion every Sunday 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Bible Study Tuesday 12Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday 6:30 p.m.

Motto; “Discover Something Wonderful.”

Website: 12thscc.org Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

5101 14th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20011 202-726-2220/ 202-726-9089

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor

Mailing Address Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE Washington, DC 20020

Rev. John W. Davis, Pastor

4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464

Blessed Word of Life Church

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

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew, Assistant Pastor

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

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

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

Church of Living Waters

52 Years of Expert Engraving Services

Joseph N. Evans, Ph.D Senior Pastor 901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423 Sunday Church School : 9: 30am Sunday Morning Worship: 10: 45am Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00pm Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00pm Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10: 45am themcbc.org

32 Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2015

The Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com

RELIGION BAPTIST

Advertise Your Church services here: call Ron Burke at

202-561-4100 or email rburke@washingtoninformer.com Zion Baptist Church

All Nations Baptist Church

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

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

Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards

“Where Jesus is the King”

Israel Baptist Church

4850 Blagdon Ave, NW • Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 • Fax (202) 291-3773

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

Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor 1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851 P: (202) 726-5940 Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:15 a.m.

Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun. Bible Institute Wednesday - 1:30 pm Prayer Meeting Wednesday - 12:00 Noon

Rev. Dr. Maxwell M. Washington Pastor Worshiping Location Knights of Columbus - 1633 Tucker Road Fort Washington, MD 20744 (240) 838-7074 Order of Services Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 am Sunday School: 9:00 am Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer / Bible Study: 6:15 pm - 7:20 pm (Tuesday)

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church Rev. Dr. Diane Dixon Proctor, Pastor 1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 lpumconthegrow@gmail.com

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 A.M. Sunday School: 8:30 A.M. Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:00 A.M. Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 P.M. Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 P.M.

Mount Moriah Baptist Church

www.lpumcdc.org Sunday worship 10: am Holy Communion first Sunday 10: am Sunday school 9: am Bible Study each Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30pm Motto: “A CHURCH ON THE GROW”.

ChurCh Printing

20% Off PrOgrams & BOOklets

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton, Senior Pastor 1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 Fax: 202-544-2964

l l

Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 am and 10:45 am Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 am and 10:45 am Sunday School: 9:30 am Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon and 6:30 pm Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 pm Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 pm Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

St. Matthews Baptist Church

2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730

2001 North Capitol St, N.E. • Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591

Rev. Dr. Morris L Shearin, Sr. Pastor

St. Luke Baptist Church

Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

Sunday Worship Service 10:15AM- Praise and Worship Services Sunday School 9:00am Monday: Noon Bible School Wednesday: Noon & 7PM: Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission Zion Baptist Church Shall; Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, and Exalt Our Savior. (Acts 2:41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

Rehoboth Baptist Church

l l l l

Copies Color Copies fax services tee shirts scan & email service lamination

Quality Printers 301 kennedy street, nW Washington, DC 20011

tel: 202-291-6565 Salem Baptist Church

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Clinton W. Austin Pastor 2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Come Grow With Us and Establish a Blessed Family” Sunday Worship 7:30am & 10:45am Baptism/Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30pm Prayer Service Tuesdays – 8:00pm www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert SR. Pastor

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

4504 Gault Place, N.E. Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184

Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 a.m.

Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 p.m.

Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 p.m.

Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

9:30AM. Sunday Church School 11:00 Am. Sunday Worship Service The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Wednesday 7:00pm Prayer & Praise Services 7:30pm. Bible Study Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries 10:30am A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Christ Embassy DC

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

Dr. C. Matthew Hudson, Jr, Pastor

6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065

Elder Herman L. Simms, Pastor

2616 MLK Ave., SE • Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 • Fax 202-678-3304

Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator

Early Worship Service 7:30a.m Worship Service 10:45a.m.

New Members Class 9:30a.m.

Holy Communion : 1st Sunday -10:45a.m Church School 9:30a.m.

Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: Wednesday 7p.m Bible Study : Saturday: 11a.m.

Baptism: 4th Sunday – 10:45a.m “Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”

Sunday Worship Service 10:00 A.M.

Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 P.M Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 P.M Prayer/Seeking Wednesday at 8:00 P.M. 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

Peace Baptist Church

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836

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

Sunday Morning Worship Service 7:15 am & 10:50 am Sunday School 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship Service 10:50am Wednesday Prayer & Testimonies Service 7:30pm Wednesday School of the Bible 8:00pm Wednesday - Midweek Prayer Service 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Services: Sunday Worship 11 AM Sunday School 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study - Wed. 7 PM “A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”

“The Loving Church of the living lord “ Email Address pbcexec@verizon.net

Shiloh Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

1864-2014

Rev. Alonzo Hart Pastor

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

Rev. Reginald M. Green, Sr., Interim Pastor

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

917 N St. NW • Washington, DC 20001 (202) 232-4294

9th & P Street, N.W. • W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4200

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

The Church Where GOD Is Working....

And We Are Working With GOD

Sunrise Prayer Services - Sunday 7:00 a.m.

Sunday Morning Prayer Service: 8:00 a.m.

Sunday Church School: 9:15 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:40 a.m.

Third Sunday Baptismal & Holy Communion:10:30 a.m.

Tuesday Church At Study Prayer & Praise: 6:30 p.m.

Morning Worship: 8:00 a.m Church School : 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship: 10:55 a.m.

Bible Study, Thursday: 6:30 p.m.

Prayer Meeting,Thursday : 7:30 p.m.

150 Years of Service

Theme: “The Kingdom Focused Church” Matthew 6:33 and Mathew 28:18-20, KJV

Sunday Service: 10 am Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 am 1st Sunday Baptism: 10: am 2nd Sunday Holy Communion: 10 am Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 pm Prayer Meeting: 7:45 pm

Email: stmatthewsbaptist@msn.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

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

Sunday Worship Services: 7:45am & 11:00am Sunday school For All Ages 9:30am Prayer Services Wednesday 11:30am & 6:45pm Bible Institute Wednesday at Noon & 7:45pm “Changing Lives On Purpose “ Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 P.M. Friday Evening Service 7:00 P.M. ; 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 Sunday Church School: 9:30 A.M. Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 A.M. Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 P.M. Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 P.M. Prayer Service Bible Study

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor 2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 Fax: (202) 529-7738 Order of Services Worship Service: 7:30 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:00 a.m.

Worship Service: 10:30 a.m.

Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30 a.m. & 10:30a.m.

Prayer Services: Tuesday 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday 12 Noon Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.

Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2015

33

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Probate Division

PROBATE DIVISION

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Administration No. 2014 ADM 757

Administration No. 2015 ADM 193

Administration No. 2015 ADM 168

Foreign No. 2015 FEP 21

Administration No. 2015 ADM 190

Mary Alsonia Blount

Estate of Betty Kramer aka Beatriz Paez Cardenas

Decedent

Decedent

Vivian Patricia Minor

January 2, 2014

Michael David Simms

Decedent

Date of Death

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Norma L. Saunders

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Name of Decedent

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Paule G. Lavadas 1629 K Street, NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Gloristine B. Joyner, whose address is 4268 S. West Avenue, Ayden, NC 28513, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Alsonia Blount, who died on June 13, 2014 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before September 5, 2015. 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 5, 2015, 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 5, 2015 Gloristine B. Joyner Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

Law Office Muhammad & Associates c/o Leonard GP Muhammad, Esquire 7306 Georgia Ave., NW Washington, DC 20012 Attorney

Dennis Minor, whose address is 1012 Lamont Street,

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL

Denise T. McCoy, whose address is 9130 Stebbing

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NW, Washington, DC 20010, was appointed Personal

REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Way #D, Laurel, MD 20723, was appointed Personal

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Representative of the estate of Vivian Patricia Minor,

Representative of the estate of Michael David Simms,

who died on November 18, 2013 with a Will, and

will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs

Kings Valley Drive, Bowie, MD 20721 was appointed

will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs

and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter

personal representative of the estate of Norma L.

and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter

Beatrix Paez Cardenas, who died on January 11, 2015

their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such

Saunders, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince

their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such

without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision.

appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall

George’s County, State of Maryland, on March 19,

appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills,

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are

be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street,

2014.

D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor

unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001,

on or before September 5, 2015. Claims against the

Andrew T. Richardson, III, Esq. 1629 K Street, NW, Suite

2015. Claims against the decedent shall be presented

decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a

300, Washington, DC 20006 whose designation as

to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills

copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register

District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register

or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the

presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register

of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before

of Wills, D.C.

undersigned, on or before September 5, 2015, or be

of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to

September 5, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons

the undersigned, on or before September 5, 2015, or be

believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do

District of Columbia real property: 125 36th Street, NE,

forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees

of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice

not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days

Washington, DC 20019.

by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so

of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills,

inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and

including name, address and relationship.

presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register

Keith Raymond Kramer, whose address is 4304 Westover Place, NW Washington, DC 20016, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Betty Kramer aka

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before September 5, 2015. Claims against the decedent shall be

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:

Vernetta Lindsey whose address is 1508

Service of process may be made upon

The decedent owned the following

Claims against the decedent may be

who died on February 1, 2015 without a Will, and

Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before September 5,

forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees

relationship.

of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Date of first publication:

Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months

Date of first publication:

March 5, 2015

from the date of first publication of this notice.

March 5, 2015

Dennis Minor

Date of first publication:

Denise T. McCoy

Personal Representative

March 5, 2015

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Vernetta Lindsey

TRUE TEST COPY

March 5, 2015 Keith Raymond Kramer Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

Personal Representative Anne Meister

Anne Meister

Register of Wills

Anne Meister

Register of Wills

Register of Wills

Anne Meister Anne Meister

Register of Wills

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

Washington Informer Washington Informer

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Probate Division

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Administration No. 2015 ADM 213

Administration No. 2015 ADM 228

Mariah T. Outen Smith

Geraldine M. Harris

Decedent

Decedent

2009 18th Street, SE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

c/o Robinson Kirlew & Associates, PC

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Washington, DC 20020-4201

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

7731 Belle Point Dr.

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Attorney

Administration No. 2015 ADM 218

Charles E. Hall, whose address is 518 M Street, NE,

Patricia Peterson, whose address is 205 Jennifer

Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal

Drive, Accokeek, MD 20607, was appointed Personal

Representative of the estate of Mariah T. Outen Smith,

Representative of the estate of Geraldine M. Harris,

who died on December 10, 2014 with a Will, and

who died on December 7, 2014 without a Will, and

will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs

will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs

and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter

Evelyn G. Stephens aka Evelyn Louise Greene Stephens Decedent

Administration No. 2013 ADM 741

Administration No. 2015 ADM 204 Wilhelmina P. Burdette aka Wilhelmina Phyllis Burdette Decedent

Bernard A. Gray, Sr.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Stephanie D. Stephens, whose address is 1221 Decature Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011-4413

Catherine Stancil aka Catherine Rone Stancil Decedent Colline Silvera

Greenbelt, MD 20770 April J. Nickens, whose address is 5401 Stephen Pettko Court, Temple Hills, MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Wilhelmina P. Burdette aka Wilhelmina Phyllis Burdette, who died on January 6, 2015 with a Will, and will serve without

Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Joe T. Winston, whose address is 3318 Ames Street,

was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of

Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose

and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter

Evelyn G. Stephens aka Evelyn Louise Greene Stephens,

whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in

Representative of the estate of Catherine Stancil aka

their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such

their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such

who died on October 8, 2014 with a Will, and will

this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the

Catherine Rone Stancil, who died on February 26, 2013

appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall

appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills,

serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and

probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register

without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision.

be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street,

D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor

heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their

of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are

N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001,

Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before September 12,

on or before September 12, 2015. Claims against the

2015. Claims against the decedent shall be presented

decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a

to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills

copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register

or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the

of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before

undersigned, on or before September 12, 2015, or be

appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before September 12, 2015. Claims against the

Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before September 12, 2015. 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

NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal

unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before September 19, 2015. Claims against the decedent

decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a

undersigned, on or before September 12, 2015, or be

Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with

shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the

September 12, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons

forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees

copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register

forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees

believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do

of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice

of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before

of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice

a copy to the undersigned, on or before September 19,

not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days

by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so

September 12, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons

by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so

2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs

of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills,

inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and

believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do

inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and

or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of

including name, address and relationship.

relationship.

Date of first publication:

Date of first publication:

March 12, 2015

March 12, 2015

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 12, 2015

Charles E. Hall

Patricia Peterson

Personal Representative

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY

Stephanie D. Stephens

Date of first publication: March 12, 2015 April J. Nickens Personal Representative

Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister

Anne Meister

Anne Meister

Register of Wills

Register of Wills

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

34 Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2015

relationship.

Washington Informer

The Washington Informer

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 19, 2015 Joe T. Winston Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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35

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FIELDS from Page 22 and feelings of inadequacy and early on narrows their possibilities. Black girls mostly suffer in silence, absorbing the blows, but incurring significant psychological damage along the way. Bright lights are extinguished early as black girls encounter institutional bias in school buildings where their uniqueness, in everything from hair to dress to personality, is deemed anti-social, and popular culture bombards them with stereotypes of black females ranging from helplessness to raging anger or being overly sexualized. The intelligent, inquisitive, creative, caring and beautiful black girl is virtually an urban myth in America when the imagery of them on the cultural landscape is surveyed.

Making matters worse is a nation that hides the suffering of black girls

EDELMAN from Page 22 manifestation of a creed written into our founding documents. … These are not just words. They’re a living thing, a call to action, a roadmap for citizenship and an insistence in the capacity of free men and women to shape our own destiny.”

The first Selma march was planned not only to gain the right to vote but to protest the tragic death of Jimmie Lee Jackson, a 26-yearold black church deacon and Vietnam veteran killed in Marion, Alabama, when he, his mother, sister, and 82-year-old grandfather attended another nonviolent voting rights demonstration where marchers were brutally attacked by racist Alabama law enforcement officials who broke it up.

Jimmie Lee Jackson was shot and beaten while trying to shield his grandfather from a police nightstick.

What a terrible irony that in this year of celebration of the Selma marches we are witnessing the resurgence

CHAVIS from Page 22 December 3, 1847, in Rochester, New York. Douglass believed that “owning” The North Star gave him a strategic advantage to effectively articulate in the interests of black American liberation from slavery and poverty.

Concerning The North Star, Douglass emphatically stated, “We are now about to assume the management of the editorial department of a newspaper, devoted to the cause of Liberty, Humanity and Progress. The position is one which, with the purest motives, we have long desired to occupy. It has long been our anxious wish to see,

from public view. Perhaps that is why I find Obama’s recently announced Let the Girls Learn initiative so disappointing. The White House looked beyond the shores of this nation to launch a global offensive for girls when if they simply Googled a zip code in Washington, D.C., they would find black girls deserving of its attention and policy focus. This might simply be the result of an African-American father who has not had to wrestle with his daughters feeling inadequate or has not experienced seeing pained expressions of silent suffering given that his children have been fortunate to be shielded by much, given the president’s privilege and position. It is, however, a glaring omission by the Obama administration that defies what we know to be the experiences of black girls in America. We need not search the world for girls in need when our children stand before us broken,

rejected and yearning for recognition.

What I desire for our community of black girls is what I wish for my daughter. I want us to embrace their individuality and celebrate their expressiveness and cultural dynamism.

We must recognize their intelligence and support their intellectual curiosity while also encouraging their socializing and affirming their right to be different from boys, yet equal in standing. It is our responsibility to root out gender bias and make certain that our institutions are not simply diverse but gender-inclusive, which means opportunity is rooted in equity and not guided by male-dominated definitions of worth and success. And we must hold accountable those who trade in misogynist imagery that limits black girls’ imaginations to the stripper pole, video vixen or reality TV villains.

There is a Black is Beautiful canvas for black girlhood that we must paint so

of overt law enforcement brutality and injustice in Ferguson, Missouri, Cleveland, New York City, and elsewhere, which reminds us how far we still have to go.

Each of us has a responsibility to root it out and stop it in its tracks.

Each American must remember and help America remember that the fellowship of human beings is more important than the fellowship of race, class and gender in a democratic society. Each of us has a personal responsibility to be decent and fair and insist that others be so in our presence.

Don’t tell, laugh at, or tolerate racial, ethnic, religious or gender jokes — or any practices intended to demean rather than enhance another human being. Walk away from them. Stare them down. Make them unacceptable in our presence and in our institutions. Through daily moral consciousness each of us has a responsibility to counter the proliferating voices of racial and moral and ethnic and religious division that are regaining respectability over

our land. Let’s face up to rather than ignore our growing racial problems that are America’s historical and future Achilles’ heel unless they are addressed firmly and courageously.

Let us all stand up right now to all those in our Congress, statehouses, and across our country who are trying to take away and suppress the right to vote and who are refusing to honor the sacrifice of all those who died to gain this fundamental American right. Shame on them, and shame on us if we don’t act to insist that Congress renew the Voting Rights Act without a minute’s more delay.

And shame on us if we do not stand up to all those who seek to turn the clock of racial progress backwards by denying equal justice under the law for all. We still have so far to go in our march to make America America — but we must march forward and never backwards.WI

in this slave-holding, slave-trading, and Negro-hating land, a printing-press and paper, permanently established, under the complete control and direction of the immediate victims of slavery and oppression.” This quote from Frederick Douglass certainly applies to some of the challenges that black Americans still face in 2015.

The mission and purpose of the NNPA in part states “To promote the interests of the Black Press by securing unity and action and all matters relative to the profession of journalism and the business of publishing …To advance the highest and best interest of all people of African descent.”

Today in a growing multiracial, multilingual and multicultural society, it remains a critical necessity for all black-owned businesses, in particular black-owned newspapers and other media businesses, to be conscious of how the marketplace is changing and transforming. The point here is that black Americans cannot afford to understate the value and market impact of our businesses, institutions and communities. The fact that we are trillion-dollar annual consumers in the American economy should translate more effectively and efficiently into strengthening black-owned businesses.

I am optimistic about the Black Press in the USA be-

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our daughters can see the full expression of God’s intent for their lives.

It is with this conviction that we must embrace the mantra #BlackGirlsMatter because they do, and without the benefit of the full expression of their humanity, we suffer as a people. There is no ‘better day’ for black America if we persist on wearing gender blinders and if black men,

fathers or not, do not come to terms with the reality of shared suffering and become champions for gender equity.

When I look in the mirror, I have to see my daughter and make certain the reflection is one of strength, hope, faith and confidence that her life will have meaning and she will be given the opportunity to direct and fulfill her purpose in life. WI

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cause I see greater business development opportunities today than ever before this period of time. Yet we must all learn the lessons from our history and from the shining examples of excellence and determination of freedom-fighting publishers like Cornish, Russwurm and Douglass. From Selma to Ferguson,

our struggle for freedom and empowerment continues. WI Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association and can be reached at dr.bchavis@ nnpa.org and for lectures and other professional consultations at http:// drbenjaminfchavisjr.wix.com/drbfc.

Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2015

37

CURRY from Page 23 The story explained, “It’s safe to say that no president in modern times has had his legitimacy questioned by the opposition party as much as Barack Obama. But as his term in office enters its final phase, Republicans are embarking on an entirely new enterprise: They have decided that as long as he holds the office of the presiden-

cy, it’s no longer necessary to respect the office itself.”

And many argue that the hatred extends well beyond partisan politics.

PolitcusUSA stated, “It is likely that throughout America’s short history, except for the traitorous Confederacy, no group of individuals has exhibited the characteristic betrayal of a traitor more than conservatives in general, and Republicans in particular. What makes their actions all the more de-

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spicable is that their traitorous actions are founded on racial animus for one man; and allegiance to foreigners and one tiny segment of the population.”

The attacks on Obama began when he first ran for president, with some conservatives openly questioning whether he was a U.S. citizen.

Marilyn Davenport, a member of the Orange County Republican Party in California, emailed a cartoon in 2010 with the face of Obama superimposed on a chimpanzee. Also pictured were two older chimpanzees described as “parents.” The inscription on the cartoon read: “Now you know why – No birth certificate.”

The New York Post went well over the line of respectability by publishing a cartoon in 2009, in the wake

of Connecticut police shooting a pet chimpanzee, depicting the authors of the stimulus bill as a dead chimpanzee.

And who could forget Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), interrupting a 2009 presidential address on health care to Congress by shouting, “You, lie!”

The personal attacks have not been limited to Obama – his entire family has been attacked.

Last week, Emmy-winning Univision host Rodner Figueroa was fired for saying, “Michelle Obama looks like she’s part of the cast of ‘Planet of the Apes.’”

Michael O’Neal, Speaker of the Kansas House, circulated an email referring to the first lady as “Mrs. Yo’ Mama.”

Even Sasha and Malia have been

targets of conservatives. They have been upbraided from everything from taking their spring break in the Bahamas to the clothes they wore when their father pardoned a Thanksgiving turkey.

As Media Matters, the watchdog group, stated, “On May 27, [2010] President Obama explained at a press conference that he was reminded daily about the consequences of the oil spill by his daughter Malia who asked him did you plug the hole yet? while he was shaving.”

Both Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh saw fit to imitate Malia on air.

No stunt is too low or too vile for conservatives who hate everything about Obama, including his race. WI

DANIELS from Page 23

gate at that time, black Washingtonians would have been denied their voting rights by the racist code Congress then followed for the jurisdiction.

Brooke’s achievements before and during his Senate career are a testament not only to his value, but also to the immense loss white America imposed on the nation by the regime of official and de facto racism it followed until the 1960s. From the beginning, he made it quite clear he was proud to be a Republican and was not in politics to represent exclusively “black interests,” but the interests of all the people of his state and the United States. But those beliefs also never prevented him from criticizing his party when he felt it necessary.

For example, in 1964, two

years before his Senate victory, Brooke refused to endorse Republican Sen. Barry Goldwater’s presidential candidacy (Goldwater had voted against the Civil Rights Act of 1964), commenting later, “You can’t say the Negro left the Republican Party; the Negro feels he was evicted from the Republican Party.”

ty life, disguised as noble “heritage,” and “traditions.” Can there be any wonder that a busload of members of SAE were video-recorded on a bus outing singing a disgusting song? It was sung to the tune of “If you’re Happy and You Know It.” “There will never be a nigger SAE. “There will never be a nigger SAE. “You can hang them from a tree, “But they’ll never sign with me.

“There will never be a nigger SAE.” I find two things to be extraordinary about this scenario: that a Black person would ever want to keep company with people who have held such views, generation after generation, for 160 years; and that two different video recordings of the ugly incident surfaced, the first showing the back of the song organizer, the other showing his face.

The fact of the matter is that SAE was founded in 1855. When the Civil War broke out, the fraternity had about 400 members, 390 of them joined the Confederate Army, six or seven went to fight for the Union side.

Let’s be clear about the Confederacy

here. They were a traitorous band, who rose up in treason against the United States of America, in order to preserve their “peculiar institution,” slavery. There was no such thing as “Northern aggression” against the Southern states.

The hateful views in the 2015 SAE song were not originated by some 20-year-old University of Oklahoma chapter members. Those words and others have been passed down for decades.

I’ll concede that all of the fraternities (and sororities Black and White) espouse honorable values. But as I matured at San Jose State, I drifted away from the Omegas because I wondered why shouldn’t our noble principles be shared with all people, not just with those “in the frat.”

I believe we should all love our brother and sister human beings, the same way that we love for ourselves.

Everyone should “do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”

That, I believe is the true “Brotherhood of Man. The Fatherhood of God.” WI

climb up the political ladder in a state with a minuscule black population to become the first black American popularly elected to the U.S. Senate and the first to sit there in nearly a century said something remarkable about him, as well as the state and the nation he represented.

As Eleanor Holmes Norton, the District of Columbia’s non-voting delegate to Congress, pointedly noted in her remarks at the Washington National Cathedral, Brooke, a native Washingtonian, grew up in a time when the District — then as now — did not have the voting rights other American citizens enjoyed. Even if Washington, D.C., had a voting dele-

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Four decades later, in a 2007 interview for the just-released book, “Memorable Quotations from Edward W. Brooke,” he declared, “Unfortunately the Republican Party has not fared well — it has disintegrated to an extent. Not demised, but certainly has not lived up to its responsibilities to the electorate.”

What would Edward W. Brooke say of the Republican Party now? WI

sororities. There was Sigma Chi, their house was down the street, there was Tau Kappa Epsilon—the “Tekes”—their house was across the street, and of course there was SAE, Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

Curiously, many of the major White fraternities began in the Antebellum South. There was something chivalrous-faux-aristocratic about all the frats—crests, and shields, club ties, and secret initiation rituals, and songs, you know.

The most gallant of those is the mythology surrounding the virtue of White womanhood. One song celebrates the blueness of her eyes, and the gold of her hair, comparing them to the beautiful sky, which makes for the lyric’s rhyme, in the song “The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi.” But there is darker side which was only whispered in public, like the secret oaths. White supremacy philosophy was woven into fraterniThe Washington Informer

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