WINNER OF FIVE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS D.C. AWARDS Don't Miss This Month's WI Bridge Center Section Vol. 56, No. 23 • March 25 -31, 2021
Democrats Push for D.C. Statehood During Tense U.S. House Hearing
Fear, Cultural Mores Keep Many Asian Americans Silent Following Atlanta Murders
GOP Says Constitutional Amendment Essential for Ratification
Nation Confronts Recent Rise in Attacks Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
James Wright WI Staff Writer
Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer For some Americans, the shocking attacks and murders over a week ago by a white man in Atlanta that took the lives of eight people, six of them Asian women, provide further credence for more stringent gun control laws in the U.S. despite objections from those who point to the Second Amendment. But even before the March 16 shootings at three massage parlors in the Atlanta area, many who identify as Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders [AAPI] had already become aware of and concerned about an increase in “hate crimes” in which they or others from their community had been victims. Some assert that the rise in attacks, whether physical or verbal, began to escalate after former President Trump took office. Not only did Trump refer to COVID-19 as the “Chinese virus” or the “Wuhan flu” and support anti-Asian hashtags but the Biden Administration says his “damaging rhetoric” both fueled anti-Asian dis-
ASIAN Page 5
5 The 51-star flags lined Pennsylvania Avenue to bring attention to the District of Columbia’s quest to become the 51st state. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
During a tense three-hour hearing on March 22, District leaders and Democrats on the House Oversight and Reform Committee spoke in favor of Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton’s (D-D.C.) bill [The Washington D.C. Admission Act of 2021] which would make D.C. the 51st state of the Union.
The consideration of Norton’s bill early in the 117th session on Congress reflects the growing attention that the statehood issue has received both locally and nationally. Monday’s hearing has emerged as the first step toward the House approving the statehood bill which has garnered the support of President Biden but
STATEHOOD Page 5
D.C. Set to Probe White Power Ties Among Police Ranks James Wright WI Staff Writer In the aftermath of the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection, the D.C. Council has been among the leading voices calling for investigation into –and summary purging of—D.C. Metropolitan Police Department officers who are linked to white supremacist groups. On Feb. 13, D.C. acting Police Chief Robert J. Contee III echoed that approach to white supremacist influence on the force to the Washington Post, saying he wants the department investigated for ties to extremist groups, particularly those that advocate white supremacy. What’s more, he said, he would endorse Bowser administration pol-
5 Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (Courtesy photo/Janeese Lewis George)
icy curtailing officers’ interactions with white supremacist groups and supports hiring an outside firm to check for such links. “We have to do a top-to-bottom look for everything,” Contee said to
POLICE Page 34
5 The No. 22 will forever be remembered by fans and players of the Los Angeles Lakers as the jersey worn by NBA Hall of Famer and Laker legend Elgin Baylor who died March 22 at the age of 86. See the full story on page 33. (Courtesy photo)
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Newspaper ‘The EmanciRoundtable Set for law March enforcement.25 She said they threat,” she said. had come together to bring a Among the programs Marlow pator’ to be Resurrected Acting D.C. Police sense of uniformity in the way wants to see implemented are
By Tia Carol Jones WI Staff Writer
Chief J. Contee23-year- domestic violence victims andThe Boston WhenRobert L.Y. Marlow's University Center for Antiracist Restricter restraining order policies, IIIdaughter will be told the her subject old the father survivors are treated. search and Opinion has announced moreBoston rightsGlobe for victim's families public roundtable ofofhera daughter threatened her “She's using her own personal to intervene on behalfEmancipator,” of a vic- a new a collaboration to launch “The on and his the confirmation to child, story, her own personal painmedia life, life of their to platform tim, a domestic violence assessthat will aim to reframe the national permanently lead had the to be push forward,” Davis-Nickens she knew something ment on unit coupled with conversation race. Building on further the tradition and Metropolitan done. Out ofPolice her Defrustration said about Marlow. for law enforcement impact training of 19th-century antislavery newspapers that with law enforcement's handling partment on March 25, Davis-Nickens said anyone agencies, a Child's Life Protec-will be rehastened abolition, “The Emancipator” ofD.C. the situation, she decided to who reads Marlow's book will Councilmember tionforAct andto mandatory counselimagined today amplify critical voices, ideas, start the Saving Promise cam- “get it.” She said she “puts debates Charles Allen (D-Ward the ing for batterers. and evidence-based opinion in an effort to D.C. Police Chief paign. in such a way, the average 6), the chairman of the 5 Acting case “If justice. we are ever going to eradihasten racial Robert J. Contee III. (WI File “It seems toonbethe a vicious cate‘The domestic violence,was wefirst must Committee Judi- cycle person can get it.” She said at the“When Emancipator’ founded in Photo) that turn Safety, my family end of the day, the book will sidesforofpeople the coin. ciarywon't and Public 1820, itlook was at veryboth difficult to believe that loose,” Marlow said.17.Marlow help people begin to have a dia- We need to address both the vicannounced on March slavery, 45 years later, would be no more, just as I shared storywill with audilogue aboutatdomestic tim are andmany the people batterer,” Theher hearing taketheplace virtually starting 9:30 a.m.violence. think there todayMarlow who can't imagence at theabout District Heights Also presentwill at offer the event was said. and ending 6 p.m., Allen said. The nominee ine that there could be a nation without racism and Domestic Symposium Muhammad, exMarlow would also like toco-founder see testimonyViolence and answer questions fromMildred the Council before the the inequality,” said Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, of onCouncilmembers May 7 at the District Heights from wife John Allen Muhammad, programs designed to raise hear testimony theof public. The Emancipator and founding director of the BosMunicipal The sympowhoContee was sentenced to six consec- awareness among children in D.C. Center. Mayor Muriel Bowser selected as the acting ton University Center for Antiracist Research. sium was the utive life Peter termsNewshwithout parole public and private schools. She chief to latesponsored last year afterby the departure of chief reimagined marry the best of Family and William Youth County, Services by abecoming Marylandthe jury for his role in“Thisfeels childrenplatform need towill be educatam to Prince Va. Since acting scholarship and journalism to analyze, Center of the city of District the Beltway Sniper attacks in ed about domestic violence. comment and chief on Jan. 2, Contee has had to deal with the U.S. Capitol abouthave the racial problems our time,” he Heights and the National Hook- 2002. Mildred Muhammadseek is truth“We to stop beingofpasinsurrection and a growing homicide rate in the District but said. Up of Black Women. the founder of After the Trauma, sive-aggressive with poor chilhas held several high-profile chats with community leaders Marlow has written a book, an organization that helps theWI dren about domestic violence,” and residents. “Color Me Butterfly,” which is a survivors of domestic violence Marlow said. March 18,generations at a Facebookofhearing, Allen expressed opstoryOn about four and their children. Marlow has worked to break timism on Contee’sThe prospects but nevdomestic violence. book of is being“Iconfirmed lived in fear for six years. Six the cycle of abuse in her family, erthelessbysaid chief will face questions on time. It is inspired herthe ownacting experiences, yearstough in fear is a long and is confident the policies she police tactics, crime fighting strategies and priorities with and those of her grandmother, not an easy thing toa come out is pushing for will start that tight Districtand budget his councilof,” colleagues. Ward 8 resiher mother herfrom daughter. she said. process. dentsaid Sandra “S.S.” Seegars only testimony at the She every time she provided reads theMildred Muhammad said “I plan to take these policies to Facebook hearing, sayingshe shestill wholeheartedly supported excerpts from her book, people who wanthisto help a Congress and implore them to confirmation. will offerdomestic testimonyviolence and answer can not believeThe the nominee words came victim must change our laws,” Marlow said. questions from the Council before the Councilmembers from her. “Color Me Butterfly” be careful of howhear they go into “I will not stop until these politestimony from the public. “Best Contee isthe currently serving as theunderstand cies are passed.” won the 2007 National victim's life, and ActingAward. Chief of the Metropolitan Police Books” thatDepartment. she may be in “survival Tia Carol Jones can be reached “IWI was just 16-years-old when mode”. at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net my eye first blackened and my “Before you get to 'I'm going lips bled,” Marlow said. to kill you,' it started asmaximize a verbal mediaWI and online attention, while limiting the Elaine Davis-Nickens, presirisk of individual exposure, negative media coverage, ardent of the National Hook-Up rests and public backlash that often accompanies more of Black Women, said there is no public events,” said Doron F. Ezickson, VP of the Mid-Atconsistency in the way domestic lantic/Midwest. violence issues are dealt with by “The 2020 data in the D.C. region shows a huge inWhite supremacist propaganda distribution surged crease from the previous year where white supremacist across the United States in 2020, with a total 5,125 propaganda reports nearly doubled. This is an alarming cases of racist, anti-Semitic and other hateful messages number of incidents, which overwhelmingly features according to the Anti-Defamation League [ADL]. Last veiled white supremacist language with a patriotic slant year marked the highest level of incidents reported since that is used to bolster recruitment efforts while targeting ADL began tracking such data – an average of about minority groups including the Jewish, Black, Muslim 14 incidents per day and nearly double the 2,724 cases and LGBTQ+ communities, as well as non-white immigrants.” reported in 2019. Some key data points from the report and examples The ADL said from 2019 to 2020, the D.C. region saw a dramatic increase and a more than doubling of in the D.C. region include: the majority of the incidents incidents reported. D.C. increased from 19 incidents in in the District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina 2019 to 30 in 2020; Maryland increased from 59 inci- and Virginia were from Patriot Front or the Loyal White dents in 2019 to 163 in 2020; North Carolina increased Knights [a Klan Group]. The ADL recorded 283 incidents that included anti-Sefrom 53 incidents in 2019 to 195 in 2020; and Virginia mitic language or specifically targeted Jewish institutions, increased from 138 incidents in 2019 to 249 in 2020. “Propaganda gives white supremacist the ability to marking a 68 percent increase from 2019. WI
“
White Supremacist Propaganda Spikes in 2020; D.C. Region Sees Dramatic Rise
We have to stop being passive-aggressive with poor children about domestic violence. I plan to take these policies to Congress and implore them to change our laws. I will not stop until these policies are passed.
“
SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY
Women the Cycle of wi hotBreak topics Domestic Violence 19th Century Abolitionist Contee Confirmation
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L.Y. Marlow
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STATEHOOD from Page 1 faces significant obstacles in the U.S. Senate. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said Norton’s bill will likely appear on the chamber floor before the end of summer. But among the opposition, Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), the ranking Republican on the House Oversight and Reform Committee, characterized statehood for the District as a left-wing power grab. “This is all about two new Senate seats,” he said. “This is a power grab by [House Speaker] Nancy Pelosi. D.C. statehood is about eliminating the filibuster in the Senate and stacking the Supreme Court to accomplish a liberal agenda. No Republican in the House and the Senate supports this bill. This is a partisan political grab.” The hearing, which took place in the Rayburn House Office Building, included many speakers and witnesses weighing-in both sides of the bill. Speakers included: Norton; Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), the chairwoman of the Committee; D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and several members of her staff; D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson; Interim D.C. Chief Financial Officer Fitzroy Lee; Interim President and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights Wade Henderson; Harry Wingo, a native Washingtonian and military
ASIAN from Page 1 crimination and “elevated threats” to the community. Meanwhile, retail corridors around the D.C. region have been promised greater police protection and surveillance in efforts by law enforcement to keep those who own or frequent the local restaurants, hair and beauty outlets and nail salons free from attacks. Many of these businesses are owned or operated by members of the AAPI community. At the House of China, a Chinese restaurant in Riverdale, Md., when one female clerk was asked to share her views about the recent shootings in Atlanta, she ignored this reporter and continued to take food orders. However, she did briefly say, “I don’t speak English.” But another person at the restaurant, unwilling to share their name,
5 Mayor Muriel Bowser testifies before the House Oversight Committee hearing on statehood for the District of Columbia. (Courtesy photo/
veteran; and Zack Smith, a legal fellow with the D.C.-based non-profit, conservative think tank, the Heritage Foundation, Inc. Because of security issues and coronavirus pandemic restrictions, members of the committee questioned the witnesses virtually. The hearing was streamed live for the public. Republicans stand firm in their assertion that for the District to become a state, a constitutional amendment must be ratified by a two-thirds majority among the 50 states and Congress. Rep. Jody Hice (R-Ga.), who at times challenged Bowser, said the District shouldn’t qualify as a state because it lacks a landfill, an airport or a car dealership. He later retracted his statement.
Charles Wilson, chairman of the D.C. Democratic Party, believed the hearing had a significant role in moving Norton's bill forward and fueling the push for statehood. “This is an historic day not only for D.C. but the nation as a whole,” Wilson said. “We are one step closer to getting what we deserve which is full representation in the House and the Senate.” Bo Shuff, executive director of DC Vote, a pro-statehood organization based in the District, agreed. “We took an important step forward today,” Shuff said. “Despite the petty issues that Republicans raised about landfills, airports and car dealerships not being in D.C., I think the case was made that the city should become the 51st state of the union.” WI
said that in recent months, he’s experienced frequent harassment by local police leading him to wonder, “What should I do?” But rather than lay the blame at Trump’s feet, consider the data compiled by national coalitions like Stop AAPI Hate, an organization which addresses anti-Asian discrimination among its goals as cited in a report March 23 in The Washington Post. According to the organization, 3,795 self-reported incidents were filed by AAPIs between March 19, 2020 and Feb. 28, 2021 in the U.S. The incidents, which ranged from name-calling and verbal assaults to physical altercations like being punched, kicked or spit upon, have inevitably been underreported, experts say. Those familiar with the AAPI community point to cultural mores which influence their members to often remain silent rather
than speaking out about such violations. “Unfortunately, the reality is Asian Americans are now scared to go outside,” said John Yang, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, a D.C.-based nonprofit. “You have community members who are literally thinking about whether they should appear in public at all.” But one local politician said he refuses to be silent including Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan who met with local Asian business owners, along with his wife, Yumi, an immigrant from Korea, in Howard County on Monday, March 22. The Hogans, along with Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, toured Asian-owned businesses that are part of “Korean Way” – a state-designated five-mile stretch
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ASIAN Page 30
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1931 – Nine Black teenagers are arrested in Scottsboro, Alabama, and accused of raping two white women on a train, a landmark case in the fight against racism and unfairness in the U.S. legal system. 1942 – Legendary singer Aretha Franklin, known as the "Queen of Soul," is born in Memphis, Tennessee. 1965 – The Selma to Montgomery marches, held in protest of segregation and voter obstruction against Blacks in the South, end after 18 days. 2009 – Historian John Hope Franklin, author of "From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African Americans," dies in Durham, North Carolina, at age 94.
MARCH 26
1831 – Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), the first independent Black denomination in the United States, dies in Philadelphia at age 71. 1937 – William Hastie is appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to the U.S. District Court for the Virgin Islands, making him the first African American federal judge. 1944 – Famed singer and actress Diana Ross is born in Detroit. 1962 – Augusta Savage, a famed Black sculptor from the Harlem Renaissance era, dies of cancer in New York City at age 70.
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1924 – Renowned jazz singer Sarah Vaughan is born in Newark, New Jersey. 1934 – Acclaimed dancer and choreographer Arthur Mitchell, founder of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, is born in New York City.
MARCH 28
1866 – George Alexander McGuire, founder and first Bishop of the African Orthodox Church, is born in Swetes, Antigua. 1939 – The New York Renaissance Big Five, one of the most successful all-Black professional basketball teams in the 1920s and 1930s, becomes the first all-Black pro team to win a world championship.
MARCH 29
1904 – Granville T. Woods patents the first of two improvements on railroad brakes. 1918 – Award-winning actress and singer Pearl Bailey is born in Southampton County, Virginia.
MARCH 30
1870 – The 15th Amendment, which granted African American men the right to vote, is formally adopted into the U.S. Constitution.
MARCH 31
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6 MARCH 25 - 31, 2021
1797 – Gustavus Vassa, a freed slave whose autobiography, "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano," is regarded as one of history's most influential literary works, dies in southeast England. 1870 – Thomas Mundy Peterson of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, becomes the first African American to vote in an election, a day after the 15th Amendment is ratified. 1980 – Track and field star and four-time Olympic gold medalist Jesse Owens (above) dies in Tucson, Arizona, of lung cancer at 66. 1988 – Toni Morrison's "Beloved," a novel about the remembrances of a former slave in post-Civil War Ohio, wins the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. WI
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The fight for D.C. statehood is back on Capitol Hill with a House committee hearing this week. What are your thoughts about the District possibly becoming the 51st state of the union?
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WILLIAM TRAVIS / FREDERICK, MD.
I'm against it. The whole point of creating the District of Columbia was so the location would be run solely by the federal government and that no state would be able to control the U.S. Capitol. Comprising only 60 square miles, it would be only about 1/10th the size of Guam, which is not a state. How would one separate the state and federal governments in such a tiny area? What happens when the 'state' of Columbia is run by a party in opposition to the party running the federal government? It's a terrible idea.
TONDELAYO GAMBLE / WASHINGTON, DC
Yassss! Let's get this done, D.C.!
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WASHINGTON, D.C.
Absolutely not. Read the Constitution.
DAN PARKER / WASHINGTON, D.C.
Long overdue!
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MARCH 25 - 31, 2021 7
AROUND THE REGION Allergies, Cold, Flu or COVID-19? – Here’s How You Can Tell the Difference
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D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor
ing allergy shots, can typically help patients find long-term relief.
With the devastating impact, physically, emotionally, socially and economically, that the global community has endured since the health pandemic known as COVID-19 invaded our lives, it’s easy to understand why every sneeze, cough or tickle in the throat causes even greater concern than in years prior to the pandemic. Questions like “Is it COVID-19” or “Have my worst fears come to pass?” now haunt millions of allergy suffers around the country. Seeking an answer becomes even more complex as one attempts to self-diagnose to determine if they or someone around them, is suffering from allergies, a cold, the flu or COVID-19. To be certain, it’s best to consult a physician. However, there are several ways to determine what may – or may not – be ailing you. Allergy symptoms range from mild to severe and can occur seasonally or be present year-long. In patients with asthma, allergies can cause a cough, wheeze and shortness of breath. Allergies are caused by your immune system overreacting to normal things in your environment — such as pollen, dust, mold, pet dander — and are not contagious. Medications, includ-
COMMON ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
• Sneezing • Runny or stuffy nose • Itchy or watery eyes • Itchy nose or ears • Post-nasal drip (which can sometimes cause a mild sore throat) • Mild fatigue
COVID-19 AND COMMON SYMPTOMS
The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a viral illness spread through droplets via coughing, sneezing and close personal contact. Symptoms typically start between 2-14 days after exposure and will typically resolve within around 14 days after onset, whether the symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. While you may have received the COVID-19 vaccine, it is still possible to get COVID-19. But if you’ve been vaccinated and then test positive for COVID-19, your symptoms are expected to be milder. • Fever • Dry cough • Shortness of breath • Intense fatigue, body aches • Loss of smell
KEY POINTS TO DETERMINE ALLERGIES OR COVID-19 INFECTION
1) Time line and a person’s history. • Often people with allergies have a history of seasonal allergies. • Allergy symptoms tend to be more long-lasting than viral symptoms. 2) Allergy symptoms often respond to allergy medications. 3) Allergies typically make people itchy. Itchiness is not a symptom of viral illness. 4) Patients with allergies do not develop a fever. Often people with COVID-19 do. 5) Patients with allergies may also have asthma, which can cause coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheezing. COVID-19 typically does not cause wheezing. Coronavirus symptoms can resemble symptoms associated with seasonal allergies but often include fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. Some patients may complain of not being able to taste or smell, or experience diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. What is the difference between seasonal allergies and COVID-19? COVID-19 is a contagious
HEALTH Page 20
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Virginia Governor Ralph Northam Restores Voting Rights for Felons He Also Oversaw Easing Marijuana Laws; Death Penalty Repealed Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has restored the voting rights of more than 69,000 Virginians under a new change to the state’s constitution, which automatically restores voting rights to individuals upon completion of their sentence of incarceration. From now on any Virginian released from incarceration will qualify to have their rights restored, even if they remain on community supervision. The governor’s office says this change builds on bipartisan reforms that have been made to the restoration of rights process over the last decade. “Too many of our laws were written during a time of open racism and discrimination, and they still bear the traces of inequity,” said Northam. “We are a Commonwealth that believes in moving forward, not being tied down by the mistakes of our past. If we want people to return to our communities and participate in society, we must welcome them back fully—and this policy does just that.” Under current law, anyone convicted of a felony in Virginia loses civil rights, including the right to vote, serve on a jury, run for office, become a notary public and carry a firearm.
Virginia remains one of the three states in the nation whose constitution permanently disenfranchises citizens with past felony convictions, but gives the governor the sole discretion to restore civil rights, excluding firearm rights. “Restoring the rights of Virginians who have served their time makes it easier for these men and women to move forward with their lives,” said Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Thomasson. During the state’s 2021 General Assembly session, legislators approved a constitutional amendment that affirms the fundamental right to vote and automatically restores the civil rights of any individual, upon completion of their sentence of incarceration. The constitutional amendment must be passed again by the body in 2022 before going to a voter referendum. This comes as Virginia readies for gubernatorial and legislative elections over the next three months with primary voting on June 8. Under Northam’s leadership, Virginia has set out to make many changes in a way that reckons with its racial past. In 2020, Virginia eliminated the state holiday Lee-Jackson Day which honored Confederate generals replacing it with Election
Day in April. The Commonwealth also remained the leader throughout the nation in removing Confederate symbols with 71 down to date, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center [SPLC]. “We must recognize states like Virginia who not only had the courage to discontinue its preservation law, but also led by example after removing 71 Confederate symbols from their public spaces in 2020,” SPLC Chief of Staff Lecia Brooks said. In February, Virginia lawmakers signed off on making recreational marijuana legal.The same month legislators voted to repeal the death penalty due to its disproportionate impact on Black residents making it the first southern state to do so. Northam has restored voting rights to more than 111,000 individuals since taking office. “This change will have a tremendous impact on the people we serve, enabling more Virginians to have their rights restored sooner,” Sara Dimick, executive director of OAR of Richmond said. “OAR is committed to removing barriers for those who seek to be contributing members of their communities, and we look forward to working with newly eligible individuals to ensure they can exercise their civil rights.” WI
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AROUND THE REGION CAPTURE THE MOMENT GON' FISHIN
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John E. De Freitas, former Informer Sports Editor and survivor of COVID-19 now resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado with his daughter and son-in-law. John enjoys living in Colorado and reading the Informer each week on-line and collecting it in the mail. He says it is still his favorite publication. (Courtesy photo/John E. De Freitas)
WORDS TO LIVE BY “Black Power is a doctrine about Black people, for Black people, preached by Black people . . . Under different circumstances, it would have been nice to be color blind, to choose my friends solely because their social interests coincided with mine – but no conscious Black man can allow himself such luxuries in the contemporary world.”
– Walter Rodney
“The Groundings with My Brothers,” [1969] was a prominent Guyanese historian, political activist and academic, born March 23, 1942. He was assassinated in Georgetown at the age of 38 – one after returning from celebrations during the independence in Zimbabwe.
10 MARCH 25 - 31, 2021
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AROUND THE REGION BID INVITATION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Restroom Improvements - Phase 1 Project
5 A poster for the 'Born Again' video. (Courtesy photo)
‘Born Again’ Video Celebrates District's African Spirit Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer With the upcoming release of Crank LuKongo’s “Born Again” music video comes an opportunity for the Afro go-go roots group to remind the world, and District residents, too, what’s truly at stake amid a pandemic that has pushed legions of young people further into the margins. In this five-minute production, Black women, men, children, and families are smiling, dancing, and basking in the sun with some of the District’s most culturally significant landmarks as their backdrop. All the while, Crank LuKongo’s lead songstress I’la Vibez coolly walks through various D.C. neighborhoods belting lyrics about the rise of the youth and how they’re bringing the nation’s capital back to its roots. It’s what Crank LuKongo founder and percussionist/producer Matt “Swamp Guinee” Miller says is the ideal metaphor for evolution of the town once known as Chocolate City that, despite gentrification and displacement of its residents still contains the elements of a unique culture and sound deserving of global recognition. “Given all the obstacles we have been facing in the D.C. metro area, we have been resilient to overcome them,” Swamp Guinee told The Informer. A few years ago, the idea for “Born Again” came to fruition during a rehearsal in what’s now a shuttered music venue standing along H Street in Northeast. I’la Vibez played a rough draft of a song she recorded. Seconds into her showcase,
Swamp Guinee placed a go-go beat over it which sparked laughter and discussion about including the song on Crank LuKongo’s debut album. For Swamp Guinee, a teacher, community activator and father of two, I’la Vibez’s lyrics inspired deep thought about what’s possible when children and families are held in high regard. It also compelled him to also name the entire album “Born Again,” in recognition of the fighting spirit of African people, and especially African youth. “We have important people in the community who are out there on the frontlines being part of the evolution of our youth,” Swamp Guinee told The Informer. “I couldn’t have picked a better song and title track. Everything else follows that, and the video shows the global community who and what we are and what we strive to be.” On the evening of April 4, the “Born Again” video will premiere during a showcase and discussion that will livestream on Crank Lukongo’s online platform, along with that of the D.C. chapter of the Pan-African Federalist Movement, a global effort to unite the African diaspora within a decade. Crank LuKongo, composed of I’la Vibez, Dave Blackwell, Keith “Lazy K” Lofton, Warren Pedersen II, Izaballa Sparrow, and Junior Marvin of Bob Marley & The Wailers, among others, represents Swamp Guinee’s latest effort to bring the go-go sound closer to its African roots. Crank LuKongo’s debut LP, re-
BORN AGAIN Page 34
Your bid is due to us on or before April 27th, 2021 @ 2:00PM (EST) Project Description: The proposed project is a program at Baltimore/ Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport to update and improve the restroom facilities. Package 1 comprises renovations to six sets of existing airside restrooms: two on Concourse B, two on Concourse C, and two on Concourse D. Each restroom’s scope involves demolition of the existing restroom as well as renovation work and extension of the building envelope. Each set of restrooms includes a men’s restroom, women’s restroom, and ancillary spaces (family assist restroom, adult change restroom, and lactation room). Alternate No. 1 will be the net cost deduction for providing all labor, materials, equipment and supervision for Alternate Finishes and toilet compartments instead of Base Bid Finishes and toilet compartments in the renovation of the restrooms: • Restroom B.R1 on Concourse B adjacent to Gate B3 (in the location of decommissioned Gate B1). • Restroom B.R2 on Concourse B between Gates B8 and B10. • Restroom C.R2 on Concourse C between Gates C2 and C4. • Restroom C.R3 on Concourse C between Gates C7 and C9. • Restroom DX.R2 on Concourse DX, between Gates D7 and D9. • Restroom DY.R2 on Concourse DY between Gates D23 and D25 For the following Trade Packages contact – Trevor @ 301-272-5746, trevor.mccarney@clarkfoundationsllc.com Package 1.1: 3rd Party Testing and Inspection Services Package 3.1: CIP Concrete Package 1.2: Field Engineering Package 3.2: Ready Mix Supplier Package 1.3: Commissioning Coordinator Package 3.3: Rebar (F&I) Package 1.4: AOA Site Security Package 4.1: Masonry For the following Trade Packages contact – Robbie @ 843-343-3143, robert.mcdowell@clarkfoundationsllc.com Package 1.5: Dumpsters Package 6.1: Rough Carpentry Package 1.7: Site Investigations/Test Pitting Package 6.2: Millwork Package 1.8: Utility Locating Package 8.1: Swinging Doors Package 1.9: Security Guards Package 8.5: Fixed Louvers Package 1.11: Final Clean For the following Trade Packages contact – Alissa @ 301-957-5746, alissa.varghese@clarkconstruction.com Package 1.09: CQA Staff Package 1.12: Pest Control Package 1.10: Portable Toilets and Handwashing Stations
For the following Trade Packages contact – Greg @ 410-598-6995, gregory.jonesjr@clarkfoundationsllc.com Package 5.3: Ornamental Metals ackage 7.6: Waterproofing Package 2.1: Selective Demolition Package 5.4: Interior Column Covers Package 8.2: Glass Wall Panels & Cladding Package 2.2: HAZMAT Remediation Package 7.3: Roofing Package 8.3: Glazed Aluminum Curtain Walls Package 5.1: Structural Steel Package 7.4: Metal Wall Panel Systems Package 9.1: Drywall & Framing Package 5.2: Miscellaneous Metals Package 7.5: Air Barriers Package 9.3: Ceilings For the following Trade Packages contact – Melecio @ 484-988-0215, melecio.quintanavergara@clarkfoundationsllc.com Package 7.1: Joint Sealants & Expansion Control Package 12.1: Furnishings Package 7.2: Fireproofing Package 13.1: Liquid Storage Building Package 10.1: Bathroom Accessories Package 32.3: Fencing Package 10.2: Identifying Devices
For the following Trade Packages contact – Tori @ 302-670-4846, victoria.barros@clarkfoundationsllc.com Package 8.4: Fixed Louvers Package 9.7: Painting Package 9.5: Resinous Terazzo Flooring Package 9.2: Ceramic Tiling Package 10.3: Glass Toilet Compartments Package 9.6: Resinous Flooring Package 9.4: Resilient Flooring & Carpeting For the following Trade Packages contact – Sean@ 301-518-6710, sean.fitzpatrick@clarkconstruction.com Package 26.1: Electrical, Comm, Security, Fire Alarm, Systems
For the following Trade Packages contact – Will @ 240-565-3774, william.richardson@clarkconstruction.com Package 23.1: Plumbing & HVAC Package 21.1: Fire Suppression For the following Trade Packages contact – Sayed @ 202-683-0809, sayed.sadat@clarkfoundationsllc.com Package 32.2: Pavement Markings Package 31.1: Earthwork Package 33.1: Site Utilities Package 32.1: Paving
INFORMATION ABOUT PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS This notification kicks off solicitation for the BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Restroom Improvements - Phase 1 Project. Important dates:April14th,2021: Bid submission deadline • lease contact the appropriate Clark team members,noted in the RFP,with any questions.
Drawings and Specifications May Be Obtained From: PLEASE CONTACT A TRADE ESTIMATOR LISTED ABOVE FOR ACCESS. Bid documents can be viewed via: Building ConnectedTM as of March 9th, 2021 BID DATE: Your bid is due to us on or before April 14th, 2021 @ 5:00PM EST PRIOR TO BID DAY : Contact the trade estimators listed above ON BID DAY ONLY: Contact our bid room directly at Phone: 301-272-6901 Fax: 301-272-6987 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER • We request bids from small, disadvantaged, minority and Women-owned subcontractors and suppliers.
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MARCH 25 - 31, 2021 11
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Protection for Maryland Workers Still Under Review William J. Ford WI Staff Writer Jeffrey Reid said he fears for his life every time he leaves his Mount Rainier home traveling for his meat department job at Giant Food Store. “This was my job. I knew this
is what I had to do,” said Reid, a 13-year shop steward for UFCW Local 400. “I know the bills had to be paid but in the back of my mind, I’m going out here every day saying, ‘Would this [be] the day I contract this virus or someone would give it to me?’” Reid spoke in support of Mary-
land legislation to provide safety and financial support for grocery store workers, nurses and other essential employees during emergencies such as the coronavirus pandemic. Other workers spoke during a virtual ceremony Thursday, March 18 on the bill labeled the Maryland Essential Workers’ Protection Act. Part of the proposed legislation includes hazard pay at $3 per hour, employer-provided personal protective equipment and 14 days of paid health leave. The paid health leave would be in addition to paid sick leave. Other parts of the legislation would require an employer to pay for any testing “for a contagious illness or disease” if an employee’s health insurance doesn’t cover the cost. A company that doesn’t provide worker protection would receive a financial penalty up to $1,000. “We are the ones who make this world go round,” said Sherri Howard, a labor and delivery nurse at the University of Maryland Prince
George’s Hospital Center in Cheverly. “We expect our legislators would make sure they actually walk with us so they can know what it’s like to work during the pandemic . . . and reusing their PPE. I had to reuse my N-95 [mask]. Nobody should work in subpar environments.” Two Prince George’s County
Need Help with Rent, Utilities in Maryland? Here’s Some Information WI Staff Report Although the coronavirus pandemic remains in effect, some laws in Maryland either remain unclear or residents don’t know what services they remain eligible to receive. In terms of housing, the federal eviction moratorium remains in effect until March 31. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan approved orders protecting tenants affected by COVID-19 from evictions that include both residential and commercial properties. According to Maryland District Court, which oversees and hears housing cases, “tenants can raise this as a defense in both failure-to-pay rent and breach of leases cases.” But housing advocates have said landlords are using tenant holding over cases as a legal loophole to evict tenants. A tenant holding over case allows a landlord to file paperwork in court when a tenant’s lease has expired. In addition, a land-
12 MARCH 25 - 31, 2021
lord isn’t required to provide an explanation as long as the tenant receives a notice first. Meanwhile, state lawmakers in the House of Delegates approved legislation last week that would eliminate tenant holding over cases until April 30, 2022. The bill’s https://bit.ly/3cXgUuH now over in the Senate for review by the Judicial Proceedings Committee. For residents in need of assistance, the following information may be of benefit. • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – https://bit. ly/3rbSXVJ; 1-855-411-2372 • Maryland Courts – https:// bit.ly/3f6l0n4; court help center at 410-260-1392 from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday For utility assistance, residents can apply for funds toward heat and other utilities can go through the state Department of Human Services. The state Office of Energy Programs allow residents to apply based on income. For instance, the maximum gross monthly income
cannot exceed $1,861 and remain in effect through June 30. The information needed includes photo ID; proof of residency; copies of social security cards for adults and children; household gross income for the last 30-day period; a recent utility bill or termination notice; and the most recent heating bill or receipt. To apply for an application online, go to http://mydhrbenefits. dhr.state.md.us, or https://bit.ly/ 395jOfS. Residents can also call 1-800-332-6347. Locally, Prince George’s County opened an emergency assistance program March 4 based on its third round of “Emergency Rental Assistance Program” for residents affected by COVID-19. On behalf of tenants, landlords may apply for funding for each tenant’s delinquent payments starting April 1. The county’s Department of Housing and Community Development would provide funding for rent up to 12 months. If a landlord doesn’t apply for a tenant, then eligible tenants can receive up to six months of rental
assistant and/or utility payments. Residents may contact the following organizations to schedule an appointment: • Casa de Maryland in Langley Park – 240-491-5763 • Housing Initiative Partnership Inc. in Hyattsville – 667-2607728 • Centro De Apoyo Familiar in Riverdale – 301-328-3292 • Sowing Empowerment & Economic Development Inc. (SEED) of Riverdale – 301-4589808 • Mission of Love in Capitol Heights – 301-333-4440 • Housing Options & Planning Enterprises Inc. in Oxon Hill – 301-567-3330 • United Communities Against Poverty Inc. in Capitol Heights – 301-322-5700 (call to drop off application package) For more information on the county’s housing and utility assistance program, go to https://bit. ly/39naS5N. WI
lawmakers, Sen. Malcolm Augustine (D-District 47) of Cheverly and Del. Dereck E. Davis (D-District 25) of Mitchellville, sponsored the bill in their respective chambers that includes three days of bereavement leave for a family member who died from an emergency. The General Assembly held “crossover day” Monday, March 22 – the deadline for bills passed in the Senate or House chambers to be reviewed in the opposite chamber. The final day of the session is scheduled for April 12. Public hearings already took place last month before the Senate’s Finance Committee and the House’s Economic Matters Committee. Although the essential workers bill has not been approved, Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) said during a media briefing work on the bill will continue beyond that deadline. A key to the legislation, he said, will be striking a balance to help essential workers and business owners. “We have to make sure to balance the interests and the importance of our essential workers with the economic vitality and re-emergence of our business community post-pandemic,” he said. “[The bill] probably doesn’t look the same as it was introduced.” The fiscal and policy note from the state Department of Legislative Services highlights the bill would cost $241,000 to implement this fiscal year and jump to $647,500 in fiscal year 2022. The department’s analysis states the small business impact as “meaningful.” WI @jabariwill
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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Governor Hogan Adds New Cohort to COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility List
William J. Ford WI Staff Writer
Alexandria Briggs-Blake remains patient awaiting her turn to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The Oxon Hill resident said she has no preference for which vaccine a health care worker would administer: the two-shot doses from Moderna or Pfizer, or the one-shot manufactured by Johnson & Johnson. “My husband got the Pfizer [and] works for [Prince George’s County] as an essential employee. He is doing fine,” said BriggsBlake, who conducts finance work for underserved communities in the D.C. region. “I also like the idea of not going twice with the one shot and be done with it.” She represents thousands of county residents who pre-registered through the county’s Health Department website but eligibility depends on the schedule released by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan. The first group under Phase 2A will be for those ages 60 and older starting Tuesday, March 23. They must pre-register for appointments at one of the state’s mass vaccinations sites. A sixth site will open in Hagerstown on Thursday, March 25. Marylanders 16 and older with underlying medical conditions in Phase 2B become eligible March 30. Gov. Larry Hogan announced Tuesday that phase will also include those with disabilities. “The individuals included in today’s announcement represent some of the poorest and hardest to reach in our disability community,” Carol Beatty, secretary of the state Department of Disabilities, said during a press conference alongside Hogan in Annapolis. “I thank you, Gov. Hogan, for ensuring all Marylanders, including those of us with disabilities, have critical access to vaccinations.” April 13 marks the eligibility for those in Phase 2C who are 55 and older. Workers in this group include those in financial
services, transportation and construction. Two weeks later, on April 27, all Marylanders ages 16 and older become eligible to receive a vaccine. As of Tuesday, more than 2.2 million Marylanders received one or two doses. Approximately 801,385 people have been fully vaccinated. An estimated two million Marylanders are eligible in the first phase of vaccine roll out divided into three parts. Hogan also announced Tuesday six additional mass vaccination sites will open next month that include one April 5 in Montgomery County at Montgomery College in Germantown. The other five sites will be in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Frederick, Harford and Howard counties. Meanwhile, Acting Health Secretary Dennis Schrader said Monday during a weekly briefing with a Senate work group the state could receive between 300,000 to 400,000 doses at the end of this month from the federal government. He said the state has “plenty of capacity” to administer up to 500,000 per week at the six mass vaccination sites, hospitals, mobile clinics and other providers. Residents currently ineligible can still pre-register through these outlets: • (Maryland’s mass vaccination sites) https://coronavirus. marylannd.gov/pages/vaccine • (Prince George’s County) https://covid19vaccination. princegeorgescountymd.gov • 1-855-634-6892 Vaccinations are also available at participating pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS, Safeway and Giant. The state recently began a pilot program with 37 health care providers to help administer the vaccine with a focus on demographic and geographic equity. Some of the providers include county health departments, hospitals and primary care physicians. “I would prefer to go to my primary care doctor,” BriggsBlake said. “That would be ide-
al. I can always call and get a copy of immunization and other health records. “More importantly, I want the 80-year-olds and 70 years old and teachers and grocery store workers and health care workers to go before me,” she continued. “I just want to be cognizant of that and just be patient and wait my turn. Howard Haft, executive director of the Maryland Primary Care Program, said community providers provide a special relationship with their patients and address issues of vaccine hesitancy. “They’re in the communities,” he said. “They have the ability to directly reach out to their patients in an equitable way and identify those who are in most need.”WI @jabariwill
5 A look inside a community vaccination clinic March 16 at First Baptist Church of Glenarden’s Family Life Center in Upper Marlboro. (Robert Roberts/The Washington Informer)
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MARCH 25 - 31, 2021 13
BUSINESS D.C. Leaders Praise Child Tax Credit Changes James Wright WI Staff Writer The expansion of the child tax credit for one year under the American Rescue Plan excites District leaders who view the measure as a way to improve life for the city’s indigent children and provide a tax break for parents that will help reduce tax liability and possibly increase tax refunds for 2021 returns. “I really think President Biden
and the Congress did the right thing by supporting the bill,” Robin McKinney, the advisory neighborhood commissioner for district 8A06 in Ward 8, told the Informer. “This will help mothers and parents throughout the city raise their children and pay their bills.” McKinney lives the ward with the highest percentage of children in the District. Ward 8 also has the highest child poverty rate, 43%, according to 2019 statistics from DC Action for Children.
TWO RIVERS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT Apple Macbook Airs, iPads, and Peripherals Two Rivers Public Charter School intends to enter into a sole source contract with Apple, Inc., to provide technology equipment consisting of Macbook Air laptops, iPad tablets, and peripherals. The cost of this contract will be approximately $96,000 to $130,000. The decision to sole source was made because Apple, Inc., is uniquely qualified to provide technology equipment due to the proprietary design of their equipment. Two Rivers’ existing technology is Apple-product based and we want to continue with the current infrastructure. Please contact Gail Williams with any questions at procurement@tworiverspcs.org.
TWO RIVERS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT Swivl Robot Two Rivers Public Charter School intends to enter into a sole-source contract with Swivl to provide technology equipment consisting of CX-5 Swivl Robot, license, and peripherals. The cost of this contract will be approximately $50,000 to $80,000. The decision to sole source was made because Swivl is uniquely qualified to provide technology equipment due to the proprietary design of their equipment. Two Rivers’ existing technology is Swivl-based and we want to continue with the current infrastructure. Please contact Gail Williams with any questions at procurement@tworiverspcs.org.
14 MARCH 25 - 31, 2021
Experts speculate the new child tax credit under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) can aid struggling families fight poverty, benefitting single parents such as McKinney.
THE TAX CREDIT
The provisions of the American Rescue Plan, signed into law by President Biden, temporarily increases the $2,000 credit taxpayers can claim for children under the age of 17 to $3,000 for the 2021 tax year. The credit begins to phase out, Kiplinger.com says, when the adjusted gross income exceeds $400,000 on a joint return or over $200,000 on a single head of household. Up to $1,400 of the child credit becomes refundable for some lower-income people with children, but those who are eligible for that must at least earn $2,500 to receive a refund. Kiplinger.com revealed the ARP expands the child tax credit for 2021 for the short term. Seventeenyear- old dependents can qualify and the credit has been increased to $3,000 per child ($3,600 per child under six) for many families. The $2,500 earning level has been removed and the credit has become fully refundable. Half of the credit can be received in advance by requesting the IRS send periodic payments to families from July to December 2021, according to Kiplinger.com. However, the enhanced tax relief phases out starting with average gross incomes of $75,000 on single returns, $112,500 on head-ofhousehold returns and $150,000 on joint returns. Nevertheless, families who don’t qualify for the higher child credit could still claim the normal credit of $2,000 per child, less the amount of any monthly
5 The Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, president of the D.C.-based Children’s Defense Fund. (Courtesy Photo/Google)
payments they got, subject to the $400,000/$200,000 adjusted gross income threshold limits.
CHILD CREDIT MEASURE PRAISED
The Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, president of the Children’s Defense Fund in Northeast, praised the credit “as a valuable step forward along the path to end child poverty in America.” “The bill’s [ARP] inclusion of a one-year expansion of the child tax credit will change the lives of 23 million children who previously did not benefit from the program because—oddly—their families earned too little,” Wilson said. “The bill could also go a long way in reducing racial and economic inequity. If enacted and implemented well, the cash benefit will cut child poverty in half and more than half for Black children. Increasing the benefit for children and providing it on a monthly basis during the
year makes it easier for all families to meet the everyday expenses of raising children and increases family income security. It will help to meet our obligation to make sure our children flourish no matter their color or zip code.” While applauding the new law, he said the guaranteed monthly child allowance must become permanent to financially stabilize struggling families. McKinney also applauded the ARP, stressing it will help her as a working mother. “This is good for me because I don’t qualify for a housing voucher and I don’t get benefits such as food stamps,” she said. “My children are really costing me money now. They aren’t in school but they eat a lot of food and being at home, they are using a lot of electricity. I want to be able to feed my children healthy food, not just fried chicken and French fries with mumbo sauce on a regular basis, but I need money to do that. This tax credit will make things easier for me.” WI
Many Men and Women Often Still Feel Behind Bars After Being Released 'It is an Uphill Struggle to be Completely Free' Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer A former convict and his lady applied for an apartment. The building manager told the couple that even though the male had a stable job, he also had a record. The rental company would turn down the application. His advice to the
couple, take the male co-renter’s name off the application and re-submit under the name of only the female occupant. This is one of many challenges formerly incarcerated men and women must face according to Reuben Jonathan Miller, a professor at the University of Chicago School of Social Service and author of “Halfway
Home: Race, Punishment, and the Afterlife of Mass Incarceration.” Miller’s book is based on research from three studies and 250 interviews he conducted over 10 years. Sixty percent of those interviewed were Black, 20 percent were White, and 20 percent were
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JAIL Page 15
JAIL from Page 14 Latino. Principal cities for the research were Chicago, Detroit and New York. “One in two Americans have a loved one who has been to jail or prison, but it is not something we talk about,” said Miller. In his book, Miller says 19.6 million Americans live with a felony record. Almost all lived in dire poverty before they were incarcerated. They usually go back to the same environment upon release. Black men and women are ranked high in the statistics, but all races are impacted. There are those who have the opinion that Black people in this country have been incarcerated since brought to America. “We’ve been wrestling with confinement since we got here,” said Miller. “We’ve also been wrestling with the labels of violence, crime, and criminal since we got here. It relates to hesitancy to reform the criminal justice system and it relates to the way we view prison now.”
THE ODDS ARE AGAINST US
Why are so many people incarcerated? Miller shared an astonishing statistic that 95 percent of court cases are resolved with a plea deal. Eighty percent of those incarcerated qualify as indigent for the purposes of legal defense. “This rules the relationship between incarceration and things that people do. We never get to the truth of what happens,” continued Miller. “There is an agreement between the person accused of a crime and the prosecutor so we can’t know if that person locked up is actually locked up for the crime, we say they committed. That is not to say people don’t commit crime. We just don’t know what most people did.” Once a man or woman serves time, there is an asterisk next to his or her name showing a criminal record. The range of denials include securing a job, finding a place to live, establishing voting rights, and accessing court-required drug treatment. There are 45,000 feder-
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al and state laws that regulate the lives of men and woman who have been accused according to the research Miller shares. “These are decisions that our policymakers have made that lock people’s criminal records,” said Miller. “They are already excluded from the political economy and culture.” Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam recently signed an executive action where 69,000 felons will recover their voting and other civil rights upon release from prison.
HE KNOWS THE PATH
Miller understands is intimately connected to what his study covers. In addition to being a professor, he is a former chaplain at Cook County Jail in Chicago. Another qualifier is his father was incarcerated as were two of his brothers. In his book, Miller writes about the stress of trying to make a call to his incarcerated brother. He shared that when sending money to his brother, all the money was
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not getting to his brother. How did Miller, who was in the foster care system, avoid the same fate as his father and brother? “I escaped the attention of those who could do me harm. I escaped the attention of the police in my neighborhood. Teachers did not kick me out of the classroom too often. Adults made places for me. Maybe I looked different than my brother,” said Miller. That building manager who helped the couple with their apartment lease was a rare occurrence. The couple who was White, was helped by a sympathetic individual. Miller understands this is how the pendulum constantly swings for those teetering on living a life behind bars or for those trying to make it outside of jail or prison. That is how Miller explains the difference between his life and that of one of his brothers. “I got more favor than my brother,” Miller clearly understanding. “When you make it, your wellbeing is based on the whim of somebody else, not my hard work. This is the insidiousness of it all.” WI
5 Reuben Jonathan Miller, is a professor at the University of Chicago School of Social Service and author of “Halfway Home: Race, Punishment, and the Afterlife of Mass Incarceration.” (Photo Credit Hachette Book Group).
Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE) is operating remotely during the pandemic, and remains committed to the legal needs of DC elders 60 and older. For information about our services visit aarp.org/LCE or call the LCE Legal Hotline at 202-434-2120. LCEinDC
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MARCH 25 - 31, 2021 15
NATIONAL The Racist Past of the Filibuster and Why it Should End Now Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and a voting and ethics bill passed the Democrat-controlled U.S. House of Representatives, but neither stands a chance in the evenly divided Senate. President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan faced fierce opposition in the Senate, but ultimately a slim-down version passed using the reconciliation procedure. Reconciliation is used only in rare cases.
Lawmakers cannot use it for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, the voting rights and ethics measure, D.C. Statehood and other causes near and dear to some Democrats and most African Americans. But Democrats do have a rare opportunity to get rid of the filibuster, a Senate cloture rule requiring 60 members to end debate on a topic and move to a vote. The Washington Informer has reached out to all 50 Senate Democrats and Independents seeking their position on the filibuster.
Republicans Push Back against D.C. Statehood Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer With the push for D.C. Statehood as strong as it has ever been, Republican lawmakers are doing what they have become accustomed to when legislation could enfranchise voters – particularly those of color. They push back. Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota has introduced a bill to repeal the 23rd amendment, a move that would effectively end the hope for D.C. Statehood. Nine other Republicans have joined Congressman Johnson in his effort, which would prohibit District residents from voting for President. With GOP-led statehouses in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and other places advancing voter restriction laws, Congressman Johnson’s bill targets Washing-
16 MARCH 25 - 31, 2021
ton, D.C. He is pushing for the District of Columbia-Maryland Reunion Act, which would leave just federal buildings and the National Mall as the only remaining structures in D.C. proper. Maryland would claim D.C. neighborhoods as its own, and the District could no longer vote for presidential electors. “It removes the need for D.C. statehood while also providing representation to individuals living in the District by merging the suburbs with Maryland,” Congressman Johnson remarked in a news release. The congressman’s push ignores the rights and will of the more than 712,000 D.C. residents – 49 percent of whom are Black – who pay more federal taxes per capita than any state but still has no Senate representation.
FILIBUSTER Page 41
5 Ending the filibuster could lead to D.C. Statehood. (WI File Photo)
While some responded, others have held their positions close to the vest. “If we want to get things done in the Senate, then we must abolish the filibuster,” declared Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.). “It is an antiquated, Jim Crow rule that overrides the majority and halts progress. It’s got to go.” Nora Keefe, a spokesperson for Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), wrote in an email that Warren “is a long supporter of getting rid of the filibuster.” Warren tweeted that the ‘For The People Act’ includes critical parts of her bill to end corruption. “It’s a good first step for protecting voting rights and restoring trust in our government,” Warren noted. “We can’t let [Sen. Minority Leader] Mitch McConnell [R-Ky.] veto this critical bill for our democracy with the filibuster. If the Senate is going to do the things the American people expect us to do, we must abolish the filibuster.” Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) voiced support for ending the filibuster. “The Senate needs to abolish the filibuster,” Smith tweeted over the weekend. “It’s undemocratic, and we need to move this country forward.” Noting that any significant voting rights legislation would need unlikely Republican support, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) admitted she had changed course on the filibuster. “I’ve gone from a ‘maybe’ to a ‘yes,’” Klobuchar said. Sen. John Tester (D-Mont.) also is reportedly leaning toward approving any attempts to end the filibuster while Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) remains a “yes.” Democrats Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona both have opposed efforts to eliminate the filibuster.
However, after the marathon session to pass President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, Machin hedged slightly in a nationally televised interview with NBC News. “I’m not going to change my mind,” he insisted. Manchin noted he would support establishing a “talking filibuster” that might require any senator objecting to ending debate to remain on the floor and speak for the entire time. “If you want to make it a little bit more painful, make him stand there and talk, I’m willing to look at any way we can,” Manchin remarked. “But I’m not willing to take away the involvement of the minority.” President Joe Biden has refused to public discuss whether he would seek an end to the filibuster. Professor Jared Carter, a constitutional law expert at Vermont Law School, said it’s time to end the filibuster. He noted that the first filibuster occurred in 1837 and was used infrequently until after the Civil War when minority parties employed the measure to stop civil rights efforts. “It is a relic of reconstruction and Jim Crow South. It was regularly used to oppress racial minorities and oppose civil rights laws,” Carter wrote in an email. “Last year, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) threatened a filibuster over an anti-lynching law,” Carter noted. “It’s anti-democratic in that it gives the minority party veto power over popular legislation.” Rashad Robinson, president of Color of Change, noted the filibuster has always stood in the way of racial progress. “Whether employed by Southern Democrats of the Jim Crow era or the Republican Party today after a major shift in the party’s stance on racial equality,” Robinson wrote
in an op-ed for USA Today. “When you understand the filibuster’s racist past, it becomes clear that it has a racist present as well — and that we need to get rid of it.” His argument is as sound as any and dates well beyond Jim Crow. In 1922 the House passed a vital anti-lynching bill to combat the Ku Klux Klan’s worst violence, but it was filibustered in the Senate by southern Senate Democrats, Robinson noted. Congress tried again in 1935, but Georgia Democrat Richard Russell organized a six-day filibuster to oppose it. Russell once said he was “willing to go as far and make as great a sacrifice to preserve and ensure white supremacy in the social, economic, and political life of our state as any man who lives within her borders.” As Robinson wrote, the Senate’s grandest office building is now named in Russell’s honor, and Congress has never – to this day – passed an anti-lynching bill. Lawmakers used the filibuster attempting to stop the 1957 Civil Rights Act, and, most recently, Republicans have asserted it in attempts to thwart the DREAM Act, the Affordable Care Act and other bills that benefit communities of color. Many have posed what David Leonhardt of the New York Times raised recently when he asked, “if forced to choose between the protection of voting rights and the protection of the filibuster, what will Democrats do?” Leonhardt characterized his position by declaring that “it’s shaping up to be the most significant question about the new Democratic Senate.” He noted that Republican legislators in states throughout the nation are on a mission to make voting more difficult because they believe that lower turnout helps their party win elections. The Supreme Court – with six Republican appointees among the nine justices – has generally allowed voter restriction laws to stand. “The filibuster hurts all of us, not just the Black community,” Robinson, of Color of Change, noted. “Anyone who needs real change or help loses out to the Republican obsession with power.” Leonhardt concluded that “there does not appear to be a compromise path on this issue. Democrats can overhaul the filibuster — and, by extension, transform the Senate, ushering in an uncertain era in which both parties would be able to pass more of the legislation they favor. Or Democrats can effectively surrender on voting rights. It’s one or the other.” WI @StacyBrownMedia
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NATIONAL Disney+ Restricts ‘Dumbo,’ ‘Peter Pan,’ ‘Aristocats’ From Streaming Service Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer DISNEY+ has announced they are restricting the viewing of “Dumbo,” “The Aristocats” and “Peter Pan” from its platform because of their racist stereotypes. The network will set its app to prevent children under seven from watching those shows. “The crows and musical numbers pay homage to racist minstrel shows, where white performers with blackened faces and tattered clothing imitated and ridiculed enslaved Africans on Southern plantations,” Disney officials noted about “Dumbo” on its streaming platform. “The leader of the group in Dumbo is Jim Crow, which shares the name of laws that enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States,” the statement continued. As for Peter Pan, the once-beloved character whom the late Michael Jackson mimicked, Disney+ officials noted, “the film portrays Native people in a stereotypical manner that reflects neither the diversity of Native peoples nor their authentic cultural traditions.
“It shows them speaking in an unintelligible language and repeatedly refers to them as ‘redskins,’ an offensive term.” They added that “Peter and the Lost Boys engage in dancing, wearing headdresses and other exaggerated tropes.” Finally, as for the Aristocats, Disney+ officials said, “The Siamese cat Shun Gon is depicted as a racist caricature of East Asian peoples with ex-
future together,” the company wrote. Warnings will also tag other shows like “The Lady and the Tramp,” and “Swiss Family Robinson.” Disney+ joins a host of other companies that have acknowledged a racial and cultural awakening since the May 2020 murder of George Floyd, a Black man killed by a white police officer in Minnesota. The owners of the Dr. Seuss books announced earlier this month that
The owners of the Dr. Seuss books announced earlier this month that it would no longer publish six of its books because of racist imagery. aggerated stereotypical traits such as slanted eyes and buck teeth.” “He sings in poorly accented English voiced by a white actor and plays the piano with chopsticks.” While the programming is restricted to small children, others will still be able to watch after viewing a new disclaimer that notes that the program includes “negative depic-
tions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures. These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now.” Disney+ officials also defended their decision not to remove the “offensive” films altogether. “Rather than remove this content, we want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversation to create a more inclusive
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5 Disney has restricted viewership of the Aristocats and Peter Pan DisneyPlus (Courtesy photo)
it would no longer publish six of its books because of racist imagery. The company noted that the books “portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong.” New York Times columnist Charles Blow also highlighted what he viewed as the insensitive Looney Tunes character “Pepe La Pew.” Blow tweeted that the character was indicative to young boys that non-consensual behavior toward women was ok. “Let’s see. 1. He grabs/kisses a girl/stranger repeatedly, w/o consent
and against her will. 2. She struggles mightily to get away from him, but he won’t release her 3. He locks a door to prevent her from escaping,” Blow tweeted. In a column preceding his tweet, Blow wrote that “racism must be exorcised from culture, including, or maybe especially, from children’s culture. Teaching a child to hate or be ashamed of themselves is a sin against their innocence and a weight against their possibilities.” WI @StacyBrownMedia
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Tanzanian President Urges Citizens to Unite After Magufuli’s Death Tanzania’s new president Samia Suluhu Hassan said on Friday, March 19, that the country should unite and avoid pointing fingers after the death of John Magufuli, her COVID-19 sceptic predecessor, urging the east African country to look forward with hope and confidence. Wearing a red hijab, she took her oath of office on the Koran in a ceremony at State House in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam. She is the first female head of state in the country of 58 million. Vice president since 2015, Hassan gave a brief and somber address after she was sworn in, addressing a heavily male crowd that included two former presidents and uniformed officers. “This is a time to bury our differences, and be one as a nation,” she said. “This is not a time for finger pointing, but it is a time to hold hands and move forward together.” The remarks appeared aimed at dispelling a national mood of uncertainty that developed after Magufuli, criticized by opponents as a divisive and authoritarian figure, disappeared from public view for 18 days before his death was announced. His absence from national life drew speculation he was critically ill with COVID-19. Magufuli died of heart disease, Hassan said when announcing his death on Wednesday. Among the first challenges facing Hassan, 61, will be a decision on whether to procure COVID-19 vaccines. Under her predecessor, the government said it would not obtain any vaccines until the country’s own experts had reviewed them. World Health Organization (WHO) head, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, tweeted congratulations to Hassan and said he looked forward to working with her to keep people safe from COVID-19. Tanzania stopped reporting coronavirus data in May last year, frustrating the WHO. WI
caribbean now Royal Caribbean to Use Nassau as New Home Port for Summer Cruises Starting in June Bahamas Prime Minister Dr. Hubert A. Minnis has described the announcement by Royal Caribbean International that it will begin a summer lineup of seven-night cruises on board Adventure of the Seas this June using Nassau as its new home port as “truly a new day for tourism” in The Bahamas. “Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of passengers will experience Nassau or Grand Bahama in ways they never had the opportunity to before,” Minnis said. “I am especially pleased that Royal Caribbean, with whom we have had a long and mutually beneficial relationship for more than 50 years, selected The Bahamas as a home port when sailing resumes.” Making the announcement in the press release on Friday, March 19, Royal Caribbean said, “Vacationers now have the chance to island-hop and relish the adventures they have missed, including the first series of two back-to-back days on Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s game-changing private island destination in The Bahamas, and quality time exploring Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas and Cozumel, Mexico.” Bahamas Minister of Tourism and Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar noted that Royal Caribbean “has long been a valued partner to The Bahamas, and we are thrilled to work with them on making Nassau their newest home port.” “Cruising is a vital part of The Bahamas’ economy and having Royal Caribbean and their guests return to our shores will contribute greatly to restoring and reactivating tourism,” D’Aguilar said. “We have been preparing diligently for the last many months to ensure an experience that is equally safe and enjoyable. We are confident that cruise goers will receive the warm, friendly hospitality The Bahamas is famous for. We cannot wait to remind guests that it is still Better in The Bahamas.” WI
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HEALTH COVID-19 UPDATE
HEALTH from Page 8 respiratory illness caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19). Seasonal allergies triggered by airborne pollen can lead to seasonal allergic rhinitis, which affects the nose and sinuses, and seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, which affects the eyes. But while COVID-19 can cause fever, fever is not a common symptom of seasonal allergies. Similarities in symptoms for both allergies and COVID-19 include: cough, fatigue, headache, sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, congestion or runny nose. However, there is not enough
scientific information to know whether having seasonal allergies puts you at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 or having more severe symptoms if you do contract COVID-19. COVID-19 is an acute illness while allergies are more of a chronic issue which generally manifest as mild symptoms and last for the allergy season – typically from April to mid-June. Compared to COVID-19, seasonal allergies, as well as allergies that occur perennially, have a much longer time course. In addition, patients will often be familiar with their typical seasonal allergy symptoms, as they often will be similar each spring. WI
(Courtesy photo)
Allergies, Cold, Flu, Or Covid-19 Checklist Here’s a chart that will help you identify your symptoms and determine from what health issue you may be suffering.
SYMPTOMS
ALLERGIES COLD FLU
COVID-19
BODY ACHES
Rarely
√
√
√
CHILLS
No
No
√
√
FEVER
No
Rarely
√
√
HEADACHE
Sometimes
Sometimes √
NASAL CONGESTION
√
√
Sometimes Sometimes
RUNNY NOSE
√
√
Sometimes Rarely
SNEEZING
√
√
Sometimes Rarely
ITCHY/WATERY EYES
√
No
No
No
DRY COUGH
Sometimes
√
√
√
SHORTNESS OF BREATH
Sometimes
Sometimes Sometimes √
WHEEZING
Sometimes
Sometimes Sometimes Sometimes
LOSS OF SMELL
Mild
Rarely
Rarely
√
SORE THROAT
Sometimes
√
√
Sometimes
NAUSEA, VOMITING, DIARRHEA
No
Sometimes Sometimes Sometimes
Sometimes
Chart courtesy Emerson Hospital, Concord, Mass.
20 MARCH 25 - 31, 2021
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EDUCATION Tuition Costs Amid COVID Pose Opportunities and Obstacles
Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer
Though India Gerald acknowledged that her journey to Temple University came wasn’t without uncertainty, she said the COVID pandemic created the economic conditions that allowed her to live on campus at the school of her choice for much less than expected. Last fall, Gerald left Philadelphia, three weeks into her freshman year, after a spike in COVID cases compelled her to continue learning virtually from the confines of her Northeast home. As part of an effort to fill up dorm rooms, Temple University had since made several overtures to Gerald and other students. “They had all these discounts [because] a lot of people didn’t want to come [to campus] with the restrictions,” said Gerald, a freshman studying biology on the pre-med track. During Gerald’s senior year of high school, after the public health emergency started, the scholarship search grew difficult for her, so much so that she zeroed in on scholarships from local chapters of Black Greek letter alumni organizations and assistance from the DC College Access Program. Though she ended up receiving a full scholarship from the University of Massachusetts, Gerald said the urban atmosphere surrounding Temple caught her eye, along with the cost savings that accumulated before and amid the pandemic. “They gave a certain percentage cut on tuition, housing and food,” Gerald told The Informer as she recounted her experiences applying for schools and scholarships last year. “It was kind of difficult searching for scholarships,” she said.
“I didn’t know the possibilities. When the pandemic arrived, I didn’t want to go to a school that was too far just in case something happened.”
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES ATTEMPT TO KEEP THE MOMENTUM
As pressure mounts for colleges and universities to retain students, some of these institutions have either frozen or slashed tuition costs, or expanded scholarship programs. Even so, the average cost of tuition increased during the pandemic, albeit at a lower rate than in previous years. The College Board’s Trends in College Pricing report, released last fall, showed that figure rising to more than $36,000, what had been described as an increase of less than $1,000. In the District, officials at Howard University said that though they’ve continued to modestly raise tuition, they’ve doled out special grants to Pell Grant recipients and others who met the financial need qualifications. Anthony E. Jones, the university’s associate provost and assistant vice president for enrollment management, told The Informer that the exodus to virtual learning, and accompanying cost savings, has helped more families afford the expense of a Howard education than in years past. “We have seen an increase in our new student population. The total enrollment grew as well,” Jones said. “We know that part of it was that when we went online, it actually allowed students to save on costs because they paid for no housing or meal charges,” he continued. “Students who might have had a [financial] challenge paying for the higher expense were able to remain at
5 Anthony E. Jones, the associate provost and assistant vice president for enrollment management at Howard University. (Courtesy photo)
Howard,” said Jones. The reduced bill helped solve their financial problem causing them to stay in school. Add this to the fact that we had an increasingly larger and larger new student class since Fall 2018, and it partially explains the growing enrollment.”
WORK-STUDY WOES
For some students, no grants or cost savings have sufficed in a world where few, if any, work-study opportunities exist. In years past, the $1.2 billion federally funded college program has allowed hundreds of thousands of students to work part-time minimum-wage jobs while attending school. Since the start of the pandemic however, colleges and universities have either limited that financial aid option or scrapped it altogether. In many cases, a primary reason for this development involves departments’ movement to the virtual realm. That’s why College Bound, Inc. launched a program last fall connecting college students with high school seniors navigating the college application process. This counts among the latest offerings for the local nonprofit that, for more than 30 years, has provided academic enrichment and resources to prepare students in the public and public charter school systems for college. As part of College Bound, Inc.’s newest endeavor, these college students, all of whom are alumni of College Bound’s academic mentoring
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program, help current students with college applications, essays, and other aspects of the college application process, all for wages like what they would’ve received at their work-study job. Kenneth Ward, executive director of the program, said he saw the ongoing dilemma as an opportunity to not only help former College Bound youth succeed during an unprecedented time, but allow them to pay it forward to those who are working to finance their college education. “We’re paying our College Bound
alumni an hourly wage to supplement what they would have gotten, but that’s just for a small group of students,” Ward told The Informer. “I’d like to do more of that,” he continued. “Tuition hasn’t changed, so students are [still] on the hook for that. This year, we’ve had a larger percentage of [high school] students being proactive. The pandemic has sort of shown them the need to apply for more scholarships and create other pathways.” WI @SamPKCollins
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March 2021. Volume 7. Issue 3
DC Fashion in Continuum
BRIDGE
@WIBRIDGEDC info@wibridgedc.com Advertise with us. Email us.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF : Lafayette Barnes IV CREATIVE DIRECTOR : Tyrous Morris MANAGING EDITOR : Claudia M. Watts COPY EDITOR : Sam P.K. Collins PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR : Lafayette Barnes IV LAYOUT DESIGN : Tyrous Morris COVER ART : Tyrous Morris CONTRIBUTING WRITERS : Claudia M. Watts, Marcus K. Dowling, Saba Tshibaka
Letter from the EDitor Local, eclectic, timeless, and underappreciated are all words used by D.C. natives when asked to describe the city’s sense of style. For these residents, fashion is an expression of a culture rooted in the tradition of cultivating one’s uniqueness. Across the city, styles and brands vary from ward to ward. Some influenced internally and deemed D.C. to the core, while others blend inspiration from beyond city limits. This month, we pay tribute to the Continuum of D.C. style. It would be impossible to encompass 41-years of fashion history in our 12-page spread. So, I chose to feature two stories as bookends to a visual stroll through the decades. The editorial concept was brought to life by Chloë Chada Van (@Quirkn_Chloe_) and our Creative Director, Tyrous Morris (@Care.of), who styled and shot for the issue, respectively. From the 1980s to the present day, we’ll discuss the origin brands that birthed streetwear and flow into the front runners of today. What started with Universal Madness showed us that We are One, and if Shooters take the shot, we realize our goals on Alldayz. Some might call us HOBOs but, if we think Avi8td Thoughts, we can find our Fortune. Until then, we’ll remain Entràprenuers because Rent is Due. Sincerely, Claudia M. Watts
BRANDS THAT BIRTHED
brands that birthed dc streetwear culture
D.c. STREETWEAR
CULTURE
By Saba Tshibaka @sabaspeaking
Clothing Top to bottom: Headband ALL DAZ Leather Jacket HOBO Two Piece HOBO Jacket MADNESS
Clothing Left to right: HOODIE Aja Imani SWEATSUIT & BEANIE AllDaz HEADBAND & VASRITY JACKET HOBO T-SHIRT Shooters Sports SWEATSUIT AllDaz
1980s Madness As the originator of D.C.’s urban streetwear scene, Universal Madness is best known for its multicolored woven letters and triangle logo. In 1983, Eddie Van and Tyrone Johnson opened a beauty and barber supply store at 3119 Georgia Avenue in Northwest near Howard University. Two years later, that venue became Universal Madness. Universal Madness served as a blueprint for a multimillion-dollar network of D.C. fashion storefronts that sold go-go mixtapes and concert tickets. It later moved across the street to 3120 Georgia Avenue. Solidified as an industry staple, @themadnessshop is recognized as the forefather of urban couture and apparel. It’s also hailed as a Black-owned business and premiere streetwear company. Madness carries with it a brand, history and a lifestyle deeply embedded into the urban culture of the D.C. metropolitan area. Celebrating more than 35 years of existence, @themadnessshop stands out among the competition because of its unique cultural roots.
1990s We Are One | Shooters We Are One has a mission to inspire global unity and social empowerment through cutting-edge fashion. Kenny Westray, 53, created the brand after suffering a gunshot to the mouth at the age of 24 and seven stab wounds a year later. “I was pronounced dead twice,” Kenny said. “After the stabbing, I thought I saw my grandmother and mother say, ‘That’s two strikes.’ That’s when I put down the drugs and picked up the
t-shirts.” Two decades later, we’ve seen more than 200 athletes sporting We Are One, including Lebron James and Prince George’s County’s own Kevin Durant. That’s a momentous milestone for an independent operation. The brand entered professional athlete circles through Westray’s connections, primarily his friend and former NBA star Sam Cassell who helped spread the word. In 2014, Clippers coach Doc Rivers wrote “We Are One” on the locker room chalkboard as a rallying cry for his mostly Black players. In no time, NBA athletes started rocking the brand. Shooters, a D.C. metro area streetwear brand currently located in District Heights, Maryland, was founded in 1997 by “Shooter-Rob.” Shooters Sports Apparel Team is dedicated to developing and delivering new and exciting high quality fashion products, and helping individuals express their active lifestyles in an increasingly trendy world.
toward young men and women of the X and Y generation. Marlon Clark founded Aja Imani in 1997 and opened his first store in D.C. Aja Imani stands out from the other streetwear brands on this list because Marlon and his team create their items by hand. That means each piece is one of a kind! In the early 1990s, Marlon got his first artrelated job while working as a janitor at Children’s Hospital. He told The Bridge that the director of the visual arts department saw his drawings and hired him immediately. In 1998, D.C. native Curtbone launched highend streetwear brand Alld�z out of a small storefront in the heart of D.C. It has since secured its spot at the front of the clothing circuit in style and quality gear. Alld�z has also been on the national scene, lacing boxer Paul Williams and former NBA star Allen Iverson in its duds.
This brand has also expressed a commitment to offering excellent customer service from highly trained staff members dedicated to addressing consumers’ needs.
Curtbone, born Curtis Chambers, developed Alld�z out of a desire to create a brand that stood as the beginning and end of all fashion. Alld�z would capture the simplicity of fashion. The brand garnered immediate attention with recognition as classy yet sporty urban wear.
Staff members say that Shooters Sports is more than a clothing line, it’s a way of life. That’s why they encourage supporters to never stop shooting for their goals. A large selection of men, women, and children’s apparel can be found at www.shooterssports. com and on instagram @ShootersSports and @ShooterSportsdmv.
HOBO, which stands for Helping Our Brothers Out, is a streetwear brand dedicated to keeping the big guys looking sharp! This also works well for anyone looking for that signature baggy look. Some D.C. natives say most people who wore HOBO hailed from the south side of the city, while Madness and We Are One attracted people from the north.
2000s HOBO | Alldaz | Aja Imani
-These stores, among several other Blackowned and operated clothing shops in D.C., maintain mutual respect and support for one another. The entrepreneurial mindset of these founders has been rewarded by the continuous support of their devoted patrons.
Aja Imani, which means “joyous faith”, is a unique, unisex clothing label that incorporates interactive art and fashion. It is geared
THE
CONTINUUM styled by Chloë Chada Van photography by Tyrous Morris
Clothing Top to bottom:
Clothing Top to bottom:
Leather Shirt & Pants Versace
Bucket Hat Madness
Purse MCM
Sweatsuit Madness
Shoes FILA
Purse MCM
80’s
Clothing Top to bottom: Pink Hoodie HOBO Black Pants HOBO Blue Top HOBO
Clothing Top to bottom: Hat Madness Hoodie, Sweatpants, & Socks Shooters Sports Beanie Madness Jacket & Hoodie Madness
Clothing Top to bottom: Hat Madness Sweatsuit We R One
90’s CONTINUUM THE
NOW
Clothing Top to bottom:
Clothing Top to bottom:
Military Sweatsuit & Bucket Hat Zelle Fermani
Yellow Hat & Coat Art C Lou
Blue Puff Jacket Ricardo DSean
Green Trucker Hat Pyrate Beach
Striped Headband Paradyce
Pink Flower Long Sleeve Chris Pyrate
Camo T-Shirt, Hat, & Blue Sweatpants Bumswag Millionaire
Pink Pants Color University
Blue Puffer Jacket Art C Lou
Triangle Headband Madness
Clothing L-R; Top to bottom: Black Varsity Jacket Madness Red Varsity Jacket Paradyce Baklave/Beanie Madness Grey Hoodie Rent is Due Grey Pants Zelle Fermani Yellow Bucket Hat Art C Lou B/W Varsity Jacket Fortune Purple Cap The Color University Blue/Orange Puffer Art C Lou Black Bucket Hat Madness Orange Hooded Puffer Madness Orange T-Shirt Shooters Sports
Clothing Top to bottom:
Clothing Top to bottom:
Hat Bumswag Millionaire
Hoodie UUV
Smiley Face T-Shirt Art C Lou
Pants Fortune
Tech Pants Zelle Fermani Beanie Fortune Hoodie Entrapreneur Pants Avi8ted Thoughts
Thank you to all the brands that contributed to this shoot. To learn more about these brands visit us online www.wibridgedc.com
FAME&
FORTUNE Only Real Streetwear w/ Abu Timbo By Marcus k. Dowling @MarcuskDowling
Still Trappin’ the next wave of D.C. Fashion As the nation’s capital emerges post-COVID, it’s essential to consider the reestablishment of local and ethnic urban culture and precisely what that means. More than ever, the District’s penchant for using fashion industry entrepreneurship as a link to selfexpression will be critical. Before 2020, the city -- amid its second wave of mass gentrification in a half-century -- saw its population grow as its one-time core African-American demographic declined. Even so, Black youth retained who and what defines D.C. by continuing to wear clothing designed by and marketed to a population composed mainly of people who share zip codes as much as they do racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. This isn’t to say this process is simple. With fewer Black people than ever occupying fewer -- but more socioeconomically diverse -- Black spaces in D.C., it’s difficult to create clothing inspired solely by a monolithic African-American experience. Madness Connection’s iron-on decal decorated bucket hats and monogrammed sweatshirts lent themselves well to peak hour at Uptown go-gos. HOBO and Shooters’ sweatsuits and tracksuits were ideal for flossy street hustling, leaving just enough legroom to highlight New Balance’s 993 edition sneakers and bloused slouching sweatsocks. “D.C.’s culture was in its clothes,” says Abu Timbo, the creator of locally significant modern-era cutand-sew fashion brand Fortune and umbrella brand Mad In America. “The style of brands like Madness Connection defined [D.C.’s] street culture,” he adds. These days in the urban environment, D.C.’s African-American youth and adult cultures are as much baked in the traditions of club life and street politics as they are in more white-collar pursuits. As well, D.C.’s one-time solid entrenchment as a city can exist within the top-tier of America’s Black cultural hierarchy, but no longer sheltered from its influence.
Still Trappin’ the next wave of D.C. Fashion “As for myself, I’m a believer that we’re looking at an environment where blending gritty, raw streetwear with quality, polished high fashion is the best scenario for D.C.’s fashion future,” Timbo notes. “We’re talking everything from selling cut-and-sew clothing to offering clothing as [bitcoin-only] clothing as non-fungible tokens.” Timbo’s Mad In America brand name comes from a mistake made on the tagging of one of their initial shipment orders that read “Mad in America” instead of “Made in America.” Instead of looking at the misprint as a slight, Timbo and his colleagues embraced the problem, as it also reflects D.C. fashion’s evolving sense of merging capitalism with progressive social responsibility. “As [young Black entrepreneurs] in America, we don’t like some of the systems in place here, so ‘Mad In America’ actually was a great fit,” Timbo says. The shrinking of the city’s African-American population has had a fascinating impact on the city’s Black fashion entrepreneurs and their inspiration. They’ve grown in number, and because of the digital age, the inspiration behind D.C.’s expanding fashion footprint has grown exponentially. “There are so many young designers out here now. There are more than ever before. However, newer brands reflect less of the city’s culture but are internet-popular and gaining nationwide recognition,” Timbo says. It is essential to consider how this affects a city where urban real estate and communal space that is predominantly Black Washingtonian owned or defined exist in lessening amounts than before. The impact of D.C.’s culture is in its clothes and fashion sense, and those clothes and that sense defining the streets has waned. Now, the drive to define space as Black and D.C.’s own has emerged in importance in the digital realm. Thus, on the one hand, it allowed for D.C. designers to have global points of impact and inspiration. While beneficial, there is still a street-level, classic core to D.C. fashion that remains, though it’s not immensely as potent. “I remember the days when our culture wasn’t accessible by cell phones or defined by social media. You had to hit the streets and see your stuff always on people’s backs -- certain artists, people who defined what the city was about -- to feel like it was popular,” says Timbo. His comment reflects the past, present, and future of D.C.’s Black entrepreneurial urban fashion industry. “Now, while getting co-signs from tagged photos and likes on pictures is cool, there’s still no better feeling than seeing a D.C. native, face to face, know -- maybe without having ever seen your brand before -- that [your brand] is it, that’s still the feeling you’re [chasing after]. “Ultimately, the internet is important so that people from other areas can engage with and potentially purchase your product,” Timbo offers. However, he adds an emphatic point. “In D.C., though, the streets will always be the streets, and the streets will always define our culture.”
CONTROL THE NARRATIVE. SAVE THE CITY.
OPINIONS/EDITORIALS
EDITORIAL
The Affordable Care Act 11 Years Later Let’s wind the clock back 14 years and remember how a recession, loss of jobs and a lack of healthcare were ravaging nearly every American household. These were the issues upon which Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama campaigned. His vision for a “full and vibrant economy” is what won the American electorates’ votes that carried him into office. Months after his inauguration, President Obama went to Congress to deliver a message about health care. He said, “We came to build a future. So tonight, I return to speak to all of you about an issue that is central to that future – and that is the issue of health care. I am not the first president to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last.” It took months for Obama to outline his plan to the American people and for the politics to play out in Congress. On March 10, 2010, the House passed the Senate version of the bill despite all Republicans and 34 Democrats that voted against it. On March 23, 2010, the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as “Obamacare,” was signed into law two days later. The ACA aimed to ensure that all Americans – people on welfare, the middle class, the self-employed, and people with pre-existing conditions – could and would be medically-insured. Since its passage, efforts to abolish Obamacare have been ongoing. President Trump waged war against it, promising to repeal it while offering no alternative plans to replace it. He did, however, eliminate the individual mandate that ended the requirement that individuals pay the penalty for not having health insurance. As the nation paused this week to acknowledge the ACA’s anniversary, Americans’ physical health is declining, and mental health is at an all-time low. A pandemic opened the wounds of economic insecurity, homelessness and a health care crisis that was unimaginable a decade ago. Research shows that unemployment makes people sick. The Obama Administration and Congress deserve credit for moving beyond talking to quantifiable action in making health care accessible and affordable. However, the best intentions have not resulted in a healthier population. Health care must remain a priority for every local and state legislature, and Congress must focus on making the health care system better to save American lives. WI
TO THE
The Obama EDITOR Administration and Hoya Nation When Did the loved seeing the Georgetown Hoyas on Pandemic End? Congress deserve theI cover of The Washington Informer and Am I the only one confused, or is the panI loved the story even more. It really took demic over? I'm still trying to stay safe by to the '80s when Georgetown was staying home and social distancing, but when credit for moving mea truebackpowerhouse and super influential I look at the news and social media, people culturally. Shout out to Coach Ewing for are out enjoying their life. It's not fair that the work he's doing. some of us follow guidelines, begrudgingly beyond talking to Lemond Gaines so, while others seem to do what they want, with little to any consequences. Just my two Washington, D.C. cents. quantifiable action Yvette Chalmers Washington, D.C. in making health care accessible and Readers' Mailbox The Washington Informer welcomes letters to the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community. Write to: lsaxaffordable. However, ton@washingtoninformer. com or send to: 3117 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., the best intentions SE, Washington, D.C. 20032. Please note that we are unable to publish letters that do not include a full name, address have not resulted in a and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you. healthier population.
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MARCH 25 - 31, 2021 23
OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
Julianne Malveaux
A Very Bad Day
I have bad days, even very bad days, as we all do. Example. I woke up late on a day when I had an 8 a.m. meeting. Most days, I'm up before 6, but this day I just blew it. So I'm in a rush, and the new pair of pantyhose runs at the touch of my unmanicured nail. Gotta find a new pair. Go out to my car. No gas. Call an Uber. They late. When I get to my appointment, a scant five minutes late, I am met by the assistant of an anal-retentive man who says he has to reschedule because
I am too late (five minutes!) to accommodate. So I decide to get a coffee at Starbucks and meander to my lunch meeting, a few blocks away. But when I check my cell, I realize that my lunch meeting is canceled. I make my way home, frustrated and annoyed. A very bad day. I don’t go buy myself a 9-millimeter gun or drive by a bunch of places where the white men who have frustrated me are employed. I don't kill a bunch of people. I don't tell anyone there is some sexual obsession that drove me to insanity. Instead, I do what I often do when I am frustrated. I get some ice cream, preferably butter pecan, and take a
small spoon to the big pint. Maybe I have a unique cognac. Or, I call out for some BBQ brisket and fried Brussel sprouts. Worst-case scenario, I sit in front of my fireplace and shed a few tears for my man, recently departed, who always talked me out of frustration. I cannot understand why Cherokee County Capt. Jay Baker, the spokesperson for the law enforcement group that captured the depraved murderer, would describe his actions as "a very bad day." Of course, he has since apologized and was removed from his spokesperson duties. And of course, his boss has described his words as the
Guest Columnists
source of "much debate and anger." I guess Jay Baker just had “a very bad day." But not as bad a day as Delania Ashley Young, 33, Xiaojie Tanm 49, Do you Feng, 44, Paul Michels, 54, and four others experienced. It was a white-boy bad day that left eight people dead. This rude recounting of a massacre is the essence of White supremacy. You make it all about you. Eight people are dead, six of the Asian American women. And you had a bad day! Let me tell you about bad days. Vincent Chin, a Chinese American engineer, ran into some depraved white Chrystler employees on June 22, 1982. They
blamed him, and folks like him, for the job cuts that Chrystler imposed due to Japanese imports (Chinese, Japanese — not the same thing). Chin was beaten to death, and his murderers got a $3,000 fine and 3 years probation. The message: Asian lives don't matter. Or, more intersectionally, “other” lives don’t matter. Racist hate has racial dehumanization as its roots. You can't lynch Black people unless you think they are something less than human. You couldn't do that to your mother or brother or sister. You can't sexualize
MALVEAUX Page 41
Larry Rice and Lamell Morris
Creating Wealth—a Critical Step for Black America
The COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the recent attack on the U.S. Capitol in which domestic terrorists with Confederate flags and white nationalist symbols, has shook America to its core. This is the moment to confront America’s racist past and present. Though we are not denying America’s achievement as the first constitutional democracy, we must also acknowledge
that centuries of slavery and racist policies have not yet been resolved. Last year, after the tragic and publicized killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmadu Arbery and countless more, Americans began to reckon not only with police brutality but the glaring racial inequities in economic prosperity, interactions with the criminal justice system and access to the voting booth. Now, with COVID-19 disproportionately devastating the Black community, the systemic inequities
Guest Columnist
are clear and people are motivated for change. We need to build on this momentum and pass sweeping legislative policies that uproot the deeply embedded racism in our country. First, the racial wealth and home ownership gap needs to be deliberately corrected. The median net worth of Black households in 2016 was just $17,150, compared to $171,000 for White households. Home ownership, a key step in creating generational wealth, is still skewed, as the racial homeownership gap is today wider
than it was in the 1940s. The devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated this economic inequality. In addition to the disparate health impacts, COVID has also had much worse effects on Black businesses. A recent report by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that 41 percent of Black-owned businesses—about 440,000 enterprises— have been shuttered by COVID-19, compared to just 17 percent of whiteowned businesses. It is critical to focus on growing and supporting Black
owned businesses through providing access to business loans, promoting widespread financial literacy (including stock market and real estate investment education) and financing entrepreneurial incubators that develop community businesses. It is also critical to provide financial support to historically Black colleges and universities that are educating future Black leaders. Indeed, rather than investing in education, states spend
RICE Page 41
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
The Right to Vote is the Foundation of Democracy
The right to vote is the essential foundation of democracy. Yet today, across America, there is a systematic campaign by one party to curtail the right to vote, targeted particularly at minorities and the young. As the Brennan Center for Justice reports, Republicans have introduced more than 250 legislative bills in 43 states that would make voting more diffi-
24 MARCH 25 - 31, 2021
cult. The campaign is propelled by the big lie spread by Donald Trump that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him. Republicans claim to be intent on restoring people’s confidence in the election system. In fact, Trump’s lies were refuted by state Republican election officials, by federal courts, many presided over by Trump-appointed judges, and by Trump’s own attorney general. Republican senators and legislators and elected state officials do not question
the legitimacy of their victories. Yet they are now using Trump’s big lie as the rationale for suppressing the right to vote. Many of the legislative changes are surgically targeted to impact Black and minority voters. In Georgia, for example, Republicans are pushing legislation to limit early inperson voting days, to end no-excuse mail voting (except for voters over 65, who tend to vote Republican), and to limit the hours that mail ballot drop boxes will be open. They even seek to end Sunday
in-person voting in the weeks leading up to the election, to curtail the “souls to the polls” efforts by Black churches to encourage civic participation. Georgia election officials notoriously cut the number of polling stations, particularly in Fulton County, where Black voters are concentrated. That forced voters to wait for hours in long lines to cast a vote. That, of course, made it more difficult for workers and those who were ailing to vote. Now to make it
even harder, Republican legislators seek to prohibit volunteers from giving water and food to those waiting in line. Lines themselves are a national disgrace. The ban on water and food is an offense against basic decency. Sadly, in America, the right to vote has always been contested. The Founders limited the right to vote to male property owners; neither women nor, needless to say, slaves could vote. It took massive
JACKSON Page 41
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
Marc H. Morial
Racism, Misogyny and Easy Access to Guns Are a Deadly Combination
“I can't remember ever having experienced racism separate from sexism. When I turn into a lane too slowly on the streets of Los Angeles, I am not surprised if someone rolls down the window to call me a ‘c---- b-----.’ When I reject or ignore sexual propositions from white men, some come back at me with racial slurs and even threats. Even the perception that I will not fight back if I am attacked racially is a form of racism intersecting with
sexism. This is the lived reality for too many Asian American women.” — Sociologist and author Nancy Wang Yuen This week our nation suffered another deadly shooting spree inspired by misogyny and racism, enabled by irresponsibly lax firearm regulation. A self-described “sex addict” seeking to rid himself of “temptation” fatally shot eight people at Atlanta-area massage parlors, six of them women of Asian descent. The initial response of investigators, who downplayed the role of race in the killings, revealed a disturbing ignorance of the nation’s history of sexualized racism and vio-
lence. Even the agency investigating the shootings appears to be steeped in anti-Asian sentiment. Not only did its spokesman express empathy for the shooter, saying he was “at the end of his rope” and was having “a really bad day,” but that same sheriff’s deputy has made anti-Asian social media posts and promoted a racist T-shirt. The suspect purchased a gun just hours before the killings; Georgia requires no waiting period for firearms sales. The state has earned an “F” from the Giffords Law Center on its on their annual scorecard of gun laws in all 50 states. Easy access to firearms — most
Guest Columnist
background checks take about 100 seconds, according to Giffords’ executive director — is especially deadly in a climate of rising hate crimes and record levels of white supremacist propaganda. Just last week, Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University reported that hate crimes targeting Asian people rose by nearly 150 percent over the last year, stoked by former President Trump cynically seeking a scapegoat for his tragic mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic. White supremacist propaganda in the form of flyers, stickers, banners
and graffiti doubled in 2020, reaching the highest level ever recorded by the Anti-Defamation League. Stop AAPI Hate, a national coalition addressing anti-Asian discrimination during the pandemic, received nearly 3,800 reports of hate incidents over the last year, ranging from verbal harassment to workplace discrimination to physical assault. When women are the targets, racial slurs are often accompanied by crude references to sex. "Killing Asian American women to eliminate a man's temptation speaks to the history of the objectification of
Land was taken and given to white farmers. Senate Democrats reported recently that Black farmers in the South have lost more than 12 million acres of farmland since the 1950s. In 1982, the U.S. Civil Rights Commission said that the Farmers Home Administration’s unresponsiveness “hindered the efforts of Black small farmers to remain a viable force in agriculture.” During the 1990s, many farmers were cut out of meaningful help they should have gotten from lawsuit settlements.
Official neglect and mistreatment of Black farmers continued into the 21st century: one study found that from 2006 to 2016, the federal government was six times as likely to foreclose on a Black farmer as on a white one. Money handed out by the Trump administration to survive the trade war he started, and to help farmers deal with the pandemic, mostly bypassed Black farmers. Last fall, Sens. Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand
they could declare a telephone boot to be a state. It's just that simple! D.C. advocates have long argued that D.C. should be a state because "taxation without representation" is tyranny. That's true, just as the colonists who declared the U.S. free from British rule did in 1776 — even though there was an unspoken reason, the preservation of slavery in the colonies, which England was sure to outlaw, long before the Civil War settled the issue the 1860s. Back when Democrat Bill Clinton
was in the White House, D.C. Home Rule authorities put the expression "taxation without representataion" as the motto on all auto license tags. Clinton and the Congressional leadership demanded that a special series of tags without the inscription be struck for their vehicles. That's when statehood was just about Black Power. But the fact remains, D.C. residents do pay more taxes than the residents in a half-dozen states. The population in
MORIAL Page 42
Ben Jealous
Black Farmers and COVID Relief
If you ever begin to doubt that elections matter, think about Black farmers. The new COVID relief law takes significant steps to address decades of shameful discrimination against Black farmers by the federal government. And that would not have happened without voters putting Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the White House and giving Democrats a majority in
the Senate. The discrimination is well-documented. So is its devastating impact on Black farming families. Consider a few statistics. One hundred years ago, there were more than 925,000 Black-run farms. By 2017, that number had dropped by more than 95 percent. Today, less than two percent of farmers in the U.S. are Black, and 98 percent of farmland is owned by white landowners. Part of the problem is state laws that often force the sale of inherited farmland for pennies on the dollar.
Askia-At-Large
But this is not a problem confined to the Confederate states or the Jim Crow era. This is largely a problem of intentional discrimination by employees of the federal government. Bigoted bureaucrats and discriminatory policies at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and its Farmers Home Administration lending agency abused Black farmers for decades. Black farms were falsely classified as unproductive. Farmers were unfairly denied loans that they were entitled to receive. The government stalled and buried their complaints about discrimination.
JEALOUS Page 42
Askia Muhammad
D.C. Statehood Would Save America From Itself
U.S. statehood for the Douglass Commonwealth — Washington, D.C. — is the only thing which can save the United States of America from itself. When I first came to support the idea of D.C. statehood, it was 40-plus years ago, the District population was 70 percent Black, and I viewed it as a Black Power, civil rights issue. A lot
has changed since then, including the population which is now 49 percent Black. Now, I realize that if this country is to peacefully transition into its future, it must grant statehood to Washington, D.C. The reasons why D.C. statehood is the only thing which can peacefully preserve this country's democracy, are precisely the reasons why the white supremacists, holding on to their "Lost Cause" of apartheid America oppose statehood for the District. They are
misguided (to say the least) and their life choices spell death. They make a number of weak arguments that D.C. does not have any agricultural or industrial land base, that the Constitution would have to be amended, what else? Those are all specious conjectures. The fact of the matter is, the Constitution defines new states as any territory so designated by a majority of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and signed by the president. They could declare a parking lot to be a state. If any remain,
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ASKIA Page 42 MARCH 25 - 31, 2021 25
LIFESTYLE Activists Call for the Release of Mumia Abu-Jamal Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer As Mumia Abu-Jamal fights for his life inside a Pennsylvania state prison, his comrades have coalesced around a movement to secure his release and that of other political prisoners from the Black Power Era who’ve entered their twilight years while incarcerated. According to history professor Johanna Fernandez, one of Abu-Jamal’s closest confidants, Pennsylvania state officials should allow Abu-Jamal, 66, to seek medical treatment as a free man.
z odrigue Ashlie R 7 C B A Side On Your
She told The Informer, Abu-Jamal, while chained to his bed during an emergency visit to a local hospital in February, learned he contracted COVID and developed congestive heart failure. Those ailments followed the manifestation of liver cirrhosis amid the delayed treatment of hepatitis C two years ago that has since precipitated a severe skin condition. “It shocks the conscience. It’s abuse and torture,” according to Fernandez, a history professor at Baruch College (City University of New York) who produced the 2010 film, “Justice on Trial: The Case of Mumia Abu-Ja-
rk Gary Clagton Washin Team Football
5 Mumia Abu-Jamal (Courtesy photo)
mal'' and edited written works of Abu-Jamal’s over the last decade. In recent weeks, Fernandez and other members of the “Movement to Free Mumia” coalition have circulated photographs that show the de-
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velopment of open sores around the political prisoner’s ankle and discoloration in his face. They have also embarked on a letter-writing campaign aimed at Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D), Pennsylvania Secretary of Corrections John Wetszel, and Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner. Fernandez, along with Pam Africa of the MOVE organization and other political advocates, continue to maintain contact with Abu-Jamal. Fernandez told The Informer that Abu-Jamal shuddered at the thought of having to receive treatment while shackled for 24 hours out of the day. She likened Abu-Jamal’s situation to the medical attention he received five years ago when, in response to the open sores, prison doctors wrapped Abu-Jamal’s body with gauze. “This is happening to people across the country who are in prison and have to be hospitalized,” Fernandez said. “We have to expose the barbarism of a system that echoes of slavery. From what we can see in the case of Mumia and other Black prisoners, the past is really in the present.” A spokesperson for Wolf didn’t respond to The Informer’s inquiry about Abu-Jamal’s release, given his current health condition.
COVID AND THE POSSIBILITY OF REFORM
During the first seven months of the pandemic, the U.S. state prison population decreased by more than 170,000 because of the COVID-related release of inmates. The rapid spread of COVID also compelled local and state officials across the country to release defendants without bail, divert low-level offenders to other programs, and shut down some small correctional facilities. Political and social activists and global observers watching this phenomenon see it as a turning point in the fight against mass incarceration. Last April, Michele Bachelet, the United Nations’ high commissioner for human rights, implored governments to release those detained without sufficient legal basis, including political prisoners and people with dissenting views. Around that time, Iran, Indonesia and Turkey had reportedly taken steps to do so. Because of the circumstances of his incarceration, and his prison writings condemning mass incarceration and other societal ills, Abu-Jamal has been
designated by Amnesty International and other organizations as a political prisoner. Even so, state and federal officials over the last 40 years have resisted releasing him.
FORTY YEARS AND COUNTING
In 1982, Abu-Jamal, a journalist, founding member of the Philadelphia chapter of the Black Panther Party and supporter of the MOVE organization, was convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of Philadelphia police officer Daniel Faulkner. While driving a cab, Abu-Jamal saw Faulkner and his brother involved in a scuffle during a traffic stop. His attempt to intervene turned into an exchange of gunfire with the police officer. Abu-Jamal suffered a gunshot wound to the stomach and Faulkner took several shots, including one to the head that ended his life. Despite criticisms of constitutional inconsistencies in Abu-Jamal’s murder trial, and the accumulation of evidence in subsequent years highlighting collusion between the judge and prosecution to suppress key evidence and coerce witness statements, state and federal judicial officials have declined to revisit Abu-Jamal’s case. In 2011 however, Abu-Jamal was taken off death row. He has since been in the general prison population. For some people like Dr. Phile' Chionesu, often referred to as Empress Chi, however, the time has come for the Pennsylvania state government to release Abu-Jamal. Given the circumstances of his incarceration and the shift in power in the legislative and executive branches of the federal government, Empress Chi, organizer of the Million Woman March and the Black Human Rights Movement, said that the U.S. must show a commitment to advancing human rights. “This would show an indication of goodwill given the fact that the country has come out of clear and blatant application of white supremacist programming and actions,” said Empress Chi. “This would demonstrate that things are trying to move in a direction that represents so-called American democracy or what have you,” Empress Chi added. “This would give a clearer indication for there to be further discussion and the possibility of what needs to happen in bringing about change. The system must have a change with the Black human rights movement.” WI
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MARCH 25 - 31, 2021 27
LIFESTYLE NNPA Fund Enshrines Carter Walter Wesley into Black Press Archives and Gallery Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
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The National Newspaper Publishers Association Fund [NNPAF] paid tribute to one of the legends of the Black Press – celebrating the legacy of and inducting the late Carter Walter Wesley into the Black Press Archives and Gallery of Distinguished Black Publishers. The Archives and Gallery are housed at the Moreland Spingarn Research Center at Howard University. “We acknowledge and salute the historic contributions to the Black Press of America by Carter Walter Wesley,” NNPAF Chair and Marshall Broadcasting Group CEO Pluria Marshall, Jr. exclaimed during the virtual ceremony that took place as part of the recent Black Press Week. “We will always hold dear in our hearts not only our memories of the outstanding contributions of Carter Walter Wesley. We also know that today, it is important to remain vigilant and committed to his example of leadership and courage to be the trusted voice of Black America,” Marshall proclaimed. “We are honored to install Carter Walter Wesley into the Black Press Archives and Gallery of Distinguished Black Publishers.” Born in Houston in 1892, Wesley earned a bachelor’s degree from Fisk University in Nashville in 1917. He later joined the United States Army, becoming one of the nation’s
first African-American military officers. After leaving the Army, Wesley earned a law degree from Northwestern University in Illinois. He practiced law in Oklahoma and Texas but faced significant discrimination before purchasing a stake in the Houston Informer, a 45,000-circulation publication. Wesley boldly used the Houston Informer and the Dallas Express to fight white supremacy and tout political candidates who backed equal rights legislation. Wesley also pushed for voting rights and weighed a campaign against systemic racism. He married Dorris Wooten and the couple had three children. Wesley died in 1969 at the age of 87. “Thank you for honoring my father, the publisher of the Houston Informer and Dallas Express,” Kathy Wesley Ennix, Wesley’s daughter, stated during her father’s virtual enshrinement ceremony on Friday, March 19. The ceremony included a touching
video about Wesley’s inspiring life and career. “My father used the newspaper as a voice to win more rights for African Americans,” Ennix remarked. “His biographer describes him as a political and social power, far beyond the measure allotted most Black men of his time.” Ennix recalled that Wesley wrote a column called “Ram’s Horn” in which he often mused about family and friends. She remembered on one occasion arriving at her father’s office and hearing him engaged in a screaming match. “It was so loud,” Ennix recalled. “I asked his secretary, ‘who is he talking to so ugly?’ She said, ‘Oh, honey, it’s just LBJ (Lyndon B. Johnson). They get into it every time he comes.’ That was before Johnson was president. My dad was a man of integrity and character. He fought for what he believed. Not only was he a businessman but he was also a loving and caring dad.” WI @StacyBrownMedia
Born in Houston in 1892, Wesley earned a bachelor’s degree from Fisk University in Nashville in 1917.
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LIFESTYLE
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It’s after midnight and while its bedtime for most people around the Washington DC area, Angela Stribling is just warming up her smooth, silky voice to get lovers in the mood until 2 a.m. her show five nights a week called Pillow Talk on 96.3 WHUR FM. While Stribling, a native of Buffalo, N.Y. has been a singer, actor and celebrity show host decades, she is best known as a voice at WHUR, where she uses her voice to soothe and encourage wounded hearts. “I feel blessed to do what I love, ”Stribling said in an interview. “I really care for people genuinely and I want to help them with their relationships on my show, Pillow Talk with Angela. I am trying to help them in their relationships to be happy wherever they are in their lives.” Stribling is part of a long line of women at WHUR who used the Howard University station as a stepping stone to successful careers at the station started by Radio One CEO Kathy Hughes. “With all of the other things that I do in my career from doing voiceovers, singing and acting what resonates most is giving back to the community,” said Stribling, who along with others at the station will be presented the National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Heritage Award next month for its consistent commitment to community service. The recognition will take place during the 34th Annual NAB Crystal Awards on Tuesday, April 13. Renea Nash, news director of WHUR, said, “It is a honor to work at a radio station where the leadership believes in service. We are able to do things that are important to the community whether it is feeding the needy or giving coats to disadvantaged children or building shelters for women and children facing domestic violence, our general manager believes in
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5 Angela Stribling (Courtesy photo)
that and it comes under the Howard University motto and that is giving service.” There is a long list of women who make WHUR what it is today. Stribling said that every Wednesday, “We have ladies night.” It is a time, she said, when “we just can be ourselves and talk about what is going in the community and to love on each other.’” Stribling perfected her musical skills in New York City at various venues that included The Rainbow Room, The Supper Club, and The Soul Cafe. Her performances earned her the honor of sharing the stage with names like Stevie Wonder, Chaka Kahn, Najee, guitarist Mark Whitfield and bassist Victor Bailey. Stribling has built a career as a multimedia broadcaster and com-
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municator. Stribling has appeared in several films and television shows and she one of the most sought after voices in the country. Her professional credits include doing ad voiceovers in national radio and television campaigns for Mercedes-Benz, Prudential Life Insurance, Time Life, Colgate Simply White Toothpaste and Folgers Coffee. Stribling said a high point in her career was appearing as a vocalist at a tribute for former Congressman Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.). She has also hosted "Screen Scene" on BET. Her personal life is bland, she said. “I am single, I don’t have any children, but I am in a relationship and I am in a very happy place. I believe that my real mission as a public figure is to serve people.” WI
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MARCH 25 - 31, 2021 29
LIFESTYLE
in review Lindiwe Vilakazi W.I. Contributing Writer D.C. Statehood and life after kidney donation dominated the March 19 episode of WIN-TV as Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes closed out winter with a lively interview with D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton. The non-voting delegate appeared Anise Jenkins of Standup for Democracy in D.C., W.I. staff writer James Wright, Kim Dickens, founder of the Barry-Dickens Kidney Foundation, and emergency medicine physician Valda Crowder. Norton has high expectations for the statehood bill which she
introduced in the House and now has overwhelming support of Democrats in the Senate. “Remember, we passed this bill in June, but it takes more than one session to pass a bill, even bills not as enormous as this. The mere hearing and passage in the House elevated the D.C. statehood bill to the public to where much of the polls show that 50 percent of the American people now support D.C. statehood,” said Holmes Norton. Jenkins underscored the need for the bill’s passage. “ I think it’s very important that people learn. Why does this exist?” said Jenkins. “I consider the lack of our rights as political slavery. People need to be angry and realize they are paying their taxes for rights that they will
not get.” Kim Dickens, founder of the Barry-Dickens Kidney Foundation, talked her health after donating a kidney to former Mayor Marion Barry. “My health has not changed post kidney donation. My kidney function is still as healthy as it was when I had two,” said Dickens. “I am not on any medications, and no changes to my health. My kidney function and health is still the same post kidney donation as it was prior to.” Dr. Valda Crowder joined the discussion to add her sentiments and knowledge on kidney health, and life after transplant. “I think it’s important for people to realize that there are roughly 40,000 kidney transplants done a
year in the United States - so it is really life to these folks,” said Dr. Crowder. “For some people they have been on dialysis for a long time, which is very constraining and limiting to their lives, so getting a kidney transplant can be like getting a new lease on life.” Still, she pointed out, African Americans are disproportionately represented in those who actually receive the transplants. WIN-TV’s March 19 episode closed out with an appearance by The Media Prince, and The Bridge’s weekly segment, “Sounds of the DMV,” featuring District rapper and Washington Informer family member, DB Bantino. Remember to subscribe, and become a member of the Washington Informer family on our digital portal www. washingtoninformer.com! WI
5 Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)
ASIAN from Page 5 along Route 40 that serves as home for about 166 Korean businesses. One day earlier, Hogan said on CNN that he has witnessed the effects of discrimination against Asian Americans escalate during the coronavirus pandemic. He referred to the recent murders in Atlanta as “outrageous” and “unacceptable.” In the District, Ben de Guzman, Director of the Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, issued a statement strongly condemning the March 16 shootings “and the senseless murder of eight people, including six Asian-American women.” And in social media posts immediately after the attacks and then later during a press briefing, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser reaffirmed the city’s commitment to opposing violence against the AAPI community throughout the District. “Our office is connecting with District residents, business owners, city agencies, law enforcement, organizations, our government, and our colleagues around the country towards a common cause,” she said. “We know that the attacks against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are a national phenomenon. Here in the nation’s capital, we are committed to addressing anti-Asian violence, racism and xe-
30 MARCH 25 - 31, 2021
One day earlier, Hogan said on CNN that he has witnessed the effects of discrimination against Asian Americans escalate during the coronavirus pandemic. nophobia.” “My wife, my three daughters and my grandkids are all Asian, and they – they have felt some discrimination personally,” he said. “We feel it personally with my daughter, who is sometimes afraid to come to visit us, with people who had best friends that were being harassed at the grocery store, or being called names and people yelling about the China virus, even though they’re from Korea and born in America.” WI WI Editor D. Kevin McNeir contributed to this report.
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LIFESTYLE
wi book review "This is the Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism" By Don Lemon c.2021, Little, Brown $28.00 / $35.00 Canada 224 pages
By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer This really makes your blood boil. This: Racism running amok, discrimination, protests that don't seem to work, nobody's listening. You're hot under the collar over it all, totally inflamed, ready for real action, and in "This Is the Fire" by Don Lemon, you'll find some sometimes-warm, sometimes-scorching thoughts to sit with first. Coincidentally or not, as a trial begins soon in Minnesota over an extrajudicial police killing, this book opens with a poignant letter from Lemon to his young nephew on the evening of George Floyd's death. Lemon writes of the legacy he got from his parents, his grandmother, and his beloved older sister, and he tells his nephew that the boy is "old enough to know what's going on…." There's been enough complacency: "Silence is no longer an option." Once was a time, though, when things were kept quiet. "My life has been blessed..." says Lemon, "but let's be real: I grew up gay and Black in the South in the 1970s." Raised by an extended family of women, he heard stories of voter suppression, the denial of education and too many hard times. Several years ago, Lemon went to Africa with his mother, to a fortress where slaves left that continent. He grew up in Louisiana and knew about the area's dark past. He acknowledges that things have changed, that some things are “different this time." But they're still the same, whether you live in poverty you've been manipulated to be in, or you live in a well-to-do enclave and try to Shop While Black. Racism, he points out, is so endemic that we don't always see it sometimes, or know its entire history. We condemn white supremacy without understanding how it ever existed in the first place, we march to "defund the police" but forget that many Black families likewise fear a neighborhood without them. "Racism... is a contagious assailant," he says. "Healing is you and me standing on the John Lewis Bridge. We can get there... if we're willing to do the work." As today's books go, "This is the Fire" is pretty thin. It doesn't look like much, but dive inside for ten minutes and you'll see that it's thick with hope. And yet, one might argue that, despite that the words here are fresh and current, author and CNN Tonight anchor Don Lemon doesn't tell readers much that's new. George, Breonna, Jacob, Stephon, Sandra, their names are familiar, and absolutely no one has forgotten the last White House administration. Readers get a bit of biography and that delicious Lemon sense of wry humor, but what else? Perspective. Lemon's thoughts are the kind that make you gasp. Their I-never-saw-it-thatway avowals that leave room for self-education, reparation with wisdom, honest reflection and fixing what's so deeply and wrongly embedded in this country. They demand that you think. Now. And so, whether you're up for a heated argument, a fiery debate, or just a warm talk with someone, this is the perfect time to read those words. "This is the Fire" will spark a discussion. WI
horoscopes
MAR 25 - 31, 2021
ARIES You like obstacles. Obstacles give you something to work around. They give you something to do. At least that's your viewpoint at the outset of the week. Absolute force may not be the best way forward; sheer charm may be a lot more potent. Wednesday and Thursday, when all the barriers before you suddenly lift, you and your comrades march toward victory in a shower of confetti. Lucky Numbers: 13, 38, 49 TAURUS Your entire life seems oriented toward the prospect of love. Flattery and sex appeal figure strongly on Tuesday as well. Wednesday you're too busy thinking about your wallet to spend much time thinking about your heart, and Thursday finds you crippled with indecision about your work life. But worry not: The weekend returns you to the realm of red roses and boxes of chocolate. Lucky Numbers: 3, 7, 19 GEMINI You have more strength than you realize, and you're a lot farther ahead than you think. Wednesday and Thursday will have you seeing things more clearly than you have in a while. You will also meet more new friends in the span of a few hours than you've met over the last few months. The tide is finally going your way — if only some cash would float by. Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 9 CANCER There was a time when most people thought Columbus was nuts. The lesson: The wildest notions are sometimes also the wisest. Not that you have any broad theories about the Earth to impart on Monday or Tuesday. (Although you do feel a bit like the captain of a ship.) Wednesday finds you overwhelmed and irritable, but you don't have to let anyone else know that. It's all about how you come across. Put your best foot forward on Thursday: be alert and communicate clearly. Lucky Numbers: 6, 9, 13 LEO How do you feel about what you're doing? That's the big question on Monday and Tuesday, and it stays in the back of your mind all week. When someone asks casually about your life goals on Wednesday or Thursday, don't be shy. Modesty and pride are major themes on Friday — as personal qualities go, they are not as contradictory as they seem — and Saturday finds you feeling happy and in control. Lucky Numbers: 11, 23, 29 VIRGO It's healthy to have the jitters before traveling; the prospect of unfamiliar territory provokes that response in many people. An open, philosophical approach — rather than a strictly practical approach — is the way to go during the first half of this week. You are the master of your destiny. Thursday in particular has the potential to be a great or terrible day, depending, in large measure, on you. On Friday, if your energy is flagging, ask your friends to rile you up (they'll be happy to oblige). Lucky Numbers: 4, 8, 37 LIBRA A diplomatic tete-a-tete may be necessary to smooth things over between you and an important (if volatile) ally early this week. If you two have been at each other's throats lately, it may be because you have so much in common; find something to laugh about. Midweek, you and your friends are laughing nonstop about an inside joke, but on Friday there's really not much time to do anything except work. Find a way to appreciate beauty and harmony while getting things done. Lucky Numbers: 11, 23, 33 SCORPIO The push and pull at the start of the week isn't a fight per se, it's just several people trying to establish interpersonal boundaries. Take a stand and be upfront, but if a compromise here or there will make things easier, you can handle that. You'll need as many people on your side as possible on Wednesday and Thursday, when stressful money matters require immediate attention. Lucky Numbers: 6, 15, 54 SAGITTARIUS Don't be so concerned with how you're going to harvest apples from a tree you haven't planted yet. Get the tree planted and worry about how to make apple pie after you're surrounded by buckets of apples. Worrying in advance isn't a good use of your time, especially on Wednesday and Thursday, when you already won't have enough time to get done all the things you need to. Lucky Numbers: 4, 21, 48 CAPRICORN Indulge in several hours of doing nothing at all. By Wednesday, you won't have a spare second to yourself — friends are talking your ear off, strangers are introducing themselves to you. Thursday promises to be zany, too. Energy levels surge on Friday, and by Saturday, all the havoc in the rest of your world seeps into your home life. Lucky Numbers: 3, 17, 25 AQUARIUS The start of the week is defined by strange discoveries made in strange places, and the middle of the week is defined by — lucky you — love. A sizzling affair: strawberries, whipped cream, the works. Wednesday is pure bliss and Thursday is the sequel. It only follows that Friday will be something of a letdown. Try not to let it drag your entire weekend down. Lucky Numbers: 4, 6, 30 PISCES Monday and Tuesday are cozy days — hot dinners, soft music, maybe some poetry. On Thursday, try your hand at being creative, but don't be too specific about what you do. Clarity of thought isn't as important as fullness of feeling. Friday is a romantic day — again, poetry figures strongly — and the mystery of this other person in your life is endlessly thrilling. Lucky Numbers: 10, 18, 29
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MARCH 25 - 31, 2021 31
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32 MARCH 25 - 31, 2021
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SPORTS NBA Legend, Native Washingtonian, Elgin Baylor Dead at 86
Overcame Racism’s Hurdles; Paved Way for Future High-fliers from Dr. J to Michael Jordan D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor The high-flying, multi-talented Elgin Baylor, who led the Minneapolis and Los Angeles Lakers to eight NBA Finals, died Monday, March 22 in Los Angeles at the age of 86. The Lakers announced the news of his death in a statement which
did not verify the cause Meanwhile, scores of tributes to the NBA Hall of Famer continue to pour in from former players and longtime fans of the sport who acknowledged his many achievements. Baylor, who wore the No. 22 on his jersey, spent his entire 14-season career with the Lakers after being drafted as the first pick in
1958 when the team was then based in Minneapolis. He served in the league as a player, coach and executive and in 1996, was chosen as one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history. Long before players like Julius “Dr. J.” Erving or Michael Jordan entered the league and became superstars, Baylor had already made his mark as a forward who could soar high above the rim, defying the limits of gravity and astonishing anyone who had the great fortune to witness his skills as a shooter, rebounder and passer. Born September 16, 1934 in the District, Baylor faced the hardships of racism but due to his athletic prowess, found a way to overcome the hurdles and succeed far beyond anyone’s expectations. He grew up near a recreation center in D.C. but had limited opportunities to local basketball courts because at that time, Blacks could not use the facilities. So, he, like two of his brothers, honed his skills at the Southwest Boys Club and Brown Jr. High before playing at Phelps Vocational High School for two years (1951 and 1952). Segregation within D.C. public schools would only allow Black
5 Elgin Baylor (Courtesy photo)
youth to play against other Black high schools during Baylor’s formative years. Still, he would set his first scoring record – 44 points in a game against Cardozo High School. He dropped out of school (1952-1953) because of a poor
Colorado Ends Georgetown's March Madness Cinderella Run Daniel Kucin, Jr. WI Sports Writer Georgetown University put together a Cinderella run during the 2021 Big East Basketball Tournament that captured the hearts and minds of the DMV. It had been six years since the Hoyas punched a ticket into the big dance, but head coach Patrick Ewing led a youthful and talent-rich squad to the first round of the NCAA tournament against No. 5 Colorado on March 20 in Indianapolis. Despite riding on a four-game win streak during the Big East tourney, Georgetown couldn't survive and advance, falling to the Buffaloes, 96-73. "Disappointed with the outcome," Ewing said. "We've had a very good run, we picked the first game of the NCAA tournament not to play our best game, and I'm very disappointed about that." Ewing opted to have leading scorer Jahvon Blair come off the bench to start this one, with
Georgetown boasting a 5-1 record when the junior guard came off the pine to produce this season. However, the Hoyas could have utilized his services as Colorado jumped out to a 10-0 run early on during the contest, holding Georgetown scoreless from the field for more than six minutes. The Hoyas were ice cold from range and couldn't buy a bucket in the first half, shooting a putrid 30.8 percent from the floor. Colorado extended its lead to 13 points, with 8:24 remaining after forward Jabari Walker knocked down a corner 3-pointer. He poured in 14 points during the first half. The Hoyas struggled to switch defensively against Colorado shooters on the perimeter, allowing wide-open looks that the Buffaloes capitalized on, leading to Colorado converting on more shots from beyond the arc (11) than Georgetown had field goals by halftime. "We didn't defend the three well," said Upper Marlboro native
and Georgetown guard Donald Carey who scored 17 points in the loss. "We didn't execute on the defensive end guarding the threepoint line." Georgetown trailed by double-digits going into the second half after Colorado went on a 24-0 run and could not withstand the offensive onslaught the rest of the way as Colorado cruised to victory as Georgetown only attained the lead once on the game's opening basket. Colorado stretched its largest lead of the game to 32 in the second half, mainly due to Walker's contagious shooting stroke that prompted his team to hit 64 percent from beyond the arc. "Everybody had us losing this game," Walker said. "Tonight, we had several guys get hot. We are a dangerous team, and a lot of teams can't run with us. "I just found myself getting wide open. I was a little confused ... maybe that was a part of the scouting report. It is my job to knock them down, and I've been
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able to do a good job at that." The son of former NBA firstround pick Samaki Walker had a game-high 24 points, going 5-of5 from long distance and only missed one field goal. Big East Tournament MVP and freshman point guard Dante Harris was held in check, scoring only seven points, while center Qudus Wahab led the way with 20 points and pulled down 12 rebounds. It was a memorable run for Georgetown, but Colorado made the most of its opportunity. Despite the early exit, Ewing is optimistic about what his team can accomplish moving forward next season and made a bold prediction. "I think our book is still being written," said Ewing. "We have accomplished a lot this year. A lot of people didn't think we were going to be here ... our future is bright, we still have a lot of work that we have to do, but I believe in my team, I believe in my university, and I think we'll be back next year." WI danielkucin88
academic record but continued to play basketball in city recreation leagues. However, he returned for his senior year in 1954 with the then-recently opened Spingarn High School – another allBlack school – where he would be named first-team Washington All-Metropolitan – the first Black player to garner the distinction. Baylor set a D.C.-area record on Feb. 3, 1954 of 63 points while playing against his former Phelps team. But once again because of racism, Baylor’s accomplishment drew limited attention in the media because he had broken the point record of 52 set one year earlier by a white youth. Upon his arrival with the Lakers, Baylor, along with point guard Jerry West, served as the foundation for the team’s future dynasty. Upon his retirement in 1971, the Lakers’ roster included players like Wilt Chamberlain and Gail Goodrich. Basketball aficionados often count Baylor among players like Karl Malone and Charles Barkley as examples of the greatest players in the league who never won an NBA championship. But that never seemed to matter to Baylor. What remained tantamount for him, would be to continue to serve as an advocate for equality and justice – one who never stopped fighting to rid the league and the nation of the inequities associated with racism. WI
MARCH 25 - 31, 2021 33
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34 MARCH 25 - 31, 2021
POLICE from Page 1 the Post. “MPD is a microcosm of the society that we live in. We have to identify those things and root them out immediately.” Contee made his comments amid increasing wariness among African Americans who suspect that police-involved violence often seems racially motivated and that a culture among law enforcement agencies seems to tolerate such behavior. Suspicion was compounded by video evidence that some participants in the Capitol insurrection where have been found to have been police officers belonging to or strongly identifying with white power groups.
D.C. POLICE, WHITE SUPREMACY TIES
Retired Metropolitan Police Officer Ronald Hampton told the Informer that, while serving on the force, he encountered white officers who sympathized with groups such as the Ku Klux Klan. “They were there,” he said. “Sometimes they would wear their paraphernalia coming to work and the language they would use talking about D.C. residents made it clear where they stood when it came to race. Sometimes relationships between Black officers and white officers really got bad, nasty. I was of the view that we were here to serve and protect the public, regardless of whatever color someone was, but some of the white officers didn’t think that way.” Charles P. Wilson, the national chairman of the National Association of Black Law Enforcement
BORN AGAIN from Page 11 leased in 2019, featured songs celebrating the late D.C. Mayor Marion Barry, the indigenous tribe for which the Anacostia neighborhood is named and themes of love and family. The “Born Again'' video, produced by I’la Vibez son’s Jalaw Benjamin, includes cameos from Swamp Guinee, members of I’la Vibez’s family, Regg’go pioneer Ras Lidj, Monica Utsey of the Sankofa Homeschool Collective and her sons, along with some other familiar faces in D.C.’s African-centered community. The visual production takes viewers through some of the District’s hidden treasures, including several murals along Martin Luther King Avenue in Southeast and Blue Nile Botanicals in Northwest.
5 A protest at the 4th District Police Station in Northwest in October 2020. (WI File Photo/Anthony Tilghman)
Officers, Inc. based in Newark, N.J., agrees with Hampton’s sentiments and with what Contee seeks to do. “White supremacists or their sympathizers have been in this profession for a long time and they need to be removed,” Wilson said. “This problem really became clear after the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol when some of the rioters were treated well by some people in law enforcement. The fact that there are white supremacists in law enforcement is no surprise to any Black officer.” Wilson said when police officer candidates apply for positions, they should be vetted and possibly have their social media accounts monitored.
LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES
On Feb. 25, D.C. Councilmem-
“We’re highlighting foundational Black art and spaces. We’re talking about Black family, Black joy, Black excellence, and Black sustainability,” said I’la Vibez. “We’re honoring those who came before us [like] Chuck Brown and Petey Greene. We have our elders and our babies,” she continued. “We’re trying to show them something to feel good. A lot of people [outside of this area] don’t know that there’s Black and indigenous history and culture. The song and video makes you feel good about being from here.” For more information about Crank Lukongo and the April 4 livestream, visit cranklukongo.com or @cranklukongo on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. WI @SamPKCollins
ber Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) introduced as the primary sponsor the “White Supremacy in Policing Prevention Act of 2021” which would require District auditor scrutiny of possible ties between MPD officers and white supremacist or other hate groups. George said D.C. police officers who sympathize with white power groups need to be confronted. “We cannot confront the bias and discrimination in policing without rooting out explicit racism,” she said. “Investigating links to hate groups within MPD and identifying reforms to prevent and detect these ties is critical to protect our communities and move us closer to equal justice under the law.” Lewis George applauded her colleagues—D.C. councilmembers Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1), Christina Henderson (I-At Large), Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5), Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), Trayon White (D-Ward 8) and Anita Bonds (D-At Large)-- for co-sponsoring the legislation. The bill has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety by D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) with no hearing date set. McDuffie, a former chairman of the Judiciary committee, said “As we saw during the Jan. 6, Trump-supported Capitol insurrection, white supremacy within the ranks of law enforcement is a problem for police departments across the country.” “This legislation would require an assessment of any potential connections between MPD officers and hate groups as well as identify reforms that improve public safety and increase public trust in the department,” he said. WI @JamesDCWrighter
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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT
Spring Cleaning and the Passover Season
Spring cleaning seemed to always come on a Saturday, because even if it came on Tuesday, rest assured, Mother Fannie Estelle Grant would put every child to work on that first weekend of spring. We had to rake the yard, wash windows (inside and out), wash fingerprints off the walls and doors — you name it, and every man who had a hand, had a right. We did it as a family. Yet, when it was all over, we could breathe a sigh of relief. It felt good for everything to be so clean! The clean smell of furniture polish, window-washing fluid and scented detergents, including bleach. Everything was spotless. You know the saying, "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." When we grow up cleaning for spring, we pretty much will keep that tradition going in our own lives, I know I do. In fact, a couple weeks ago, I found myself washing windows, inside and out and I started throwing out junk from closets and drawers. There is still more to go, but things are looking better. So I'm thankful for my mother for instilling this sense of cleanliness in me. She would say often, "Cleanli-
ness is next to godliness." This reminds me of the Bible story of when Jesus was cleansing the temple. Let us compare and contrast the spring cleaning of our home to the cleansing of the temple. Jesus made everyone get out of the house of God, and cleansed it of its corruption and disorder. He stood against the sinful trappings which worked their way into the House of Worship. The practices of the people of His day were under attack, and in order to make the temple pure and holy once more, Jesus cleansed the temple. In this article, this week, allow that story to speak to your soul, take a moment to look more closely at that story, paying special attention to how it speaks to us today. The story begins, "The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem …" (John. 2:13). During Passover, they were celebrating how so many homes that had a blood stain over the door had been spared. These were Jews who felt thankful for being saved, however, the crowds would enlarge double and triple of what was normal. We can compare Passover to the Christmas season, people busy shopping, lots of activities everywhere! But somehow, they lost control at the space inside the temple. In the new testaments of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus accuses the
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
merchants of cheating the people. He says, "My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of thieves." (Matthew 21:13) Perhaps there were some merchants who were raising their prices, but this is not the focus of Jesus' anger, according to John. As far as John is concerned, Jesus is upset because all this buying and selling intruded upon the sacred space for worship. In John's gospel, Jesus says, "Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father's house a marketplace (a house of commerce)." (John 2:16) This is a good example of how good intentions often get out of hand, when one merchant with pure intentions sets up a table a small corner of the temple, hoping that a few worshipers might stop by on their way home and maybe buy a couple items. Then another businessman does the same thing, then another and another, until, before you know it, the temple has turned into a small shopping mall. The Passover season comes during March and April, leading up to Easter and warmer weather. Remember as you clean your home, be sure to include cleansing your temple — your body is indeed a temple. Fast, pray and think of God and all of His goodness. Maintain control. We have all been indoors, for the most part, for an entire year! WI
John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.
5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089
1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005
“A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org
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Mount Olivet Lutheran Church
Reverend John W. Davis Pastor
Service and Times Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.) Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
(301) 864-6070
Service and Times Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m. Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday “Friendliest Church in the City” Website: mountolivetdc.org Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com
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MARCH 25 - 31, 2021 35
RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church
Pilgrim Baptist Church
Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor
Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor
9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724
700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849
Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”
Blessed Word of Life Church
Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM 5th Sundays: 9:30 AM 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 PM www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org
Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ
Church of Living Waters
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor 4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464 Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org
St. Stephen Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., / Pastor 2498 Alabama Ave., SE - Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 / Fax: (202) 889-2198 - www.acamec.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00 AM Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30 AM 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00 AM Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30 PM Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00 AM “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”
Third Street Church of God
Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors
Reverend William Young IV Pastor
Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor
Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor
4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax
3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) / (202) 562-4219 (Fax)
5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555 Services and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45 AM Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday , 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 PM Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30 AM
1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax
Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org
Campbell AME Church Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White 2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study Wednesday: 12:00 Noon Wednesday: 7:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 PM “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address : Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020
Turning Hearts Church Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher 421 Alabama Ave. SE Washington, DC 20032 Phone: 202-746-0113 Fax: 301-843-2445 Service and Times Sunday School: 10:15 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11;15 AM Children’s Church: 11:15 AM Tuesday Bible Study: 6:30 PM Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment” Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org Email: gr8luv4u2@gmail.com
36 MARCH 25 - 31, 2021
Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power “An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org
“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org / E-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net
Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM “Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org
Crusader Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor 800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703 Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45 AM Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”
Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax
Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6:00 AM & 6:30 PM Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church / Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org / emailus@gmchc.org
Isle of Patmos Baptist Church Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor 1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661 Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net
St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us... Dr. Raymond T. Matthews Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011 Services and Times Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service: 6:45 PM Thur. Bible Study: 7:15 PM
Twelfth Street Christian Church Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor (Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW - Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion every Sunday: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 10:00 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 12 Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday: 6:30 PM Motto: “Discover Something Wonderful” Website: 12thscc.org / Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com
Mount Carmel Baptist Church Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr. Senior Pastor 901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423 Service and Times Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10 AM themcbc.org
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RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor 7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471 Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 AM Service 11:00 AM Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Motto: “A Church Keeping It Real for Real.” Website: Shabbathcommandmentchruch.org Email: Praisebetoyhwh@gmail.com
Zion Baptist Church Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor 4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773 Service and Times 9:00 a.m. – Sunday School 10:15 a.m. – Worship Service Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study 7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org
St. Luke Baptist Church Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor 1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851 P: (202) 726-5940 Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun. Bible Institute: Wednesday - 1:30 PM Prayer Meeting: Wednesday - 12:00 Noon
All Nations Baptist Church Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor 2001 North Capitol St, N.E. - Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591 Service and Times Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education / School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards
Israel Baptist Church
Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor 2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730 Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Baptismal Service: 1st Sunday – 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday – 11:00 AM Prayer Meeting & Bible Study: Wednesday -7:30 PM “Where Jesus is the King”
Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor
2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . . 100% Forgiven!
623 Florida Ave.. NW - WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 / Study (202) 265-0836 Home Study (301) 464-8211 / Fax (202) 483-4009
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00 PM www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org
Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith
Lincoln Park United Methodist Church Rev. Richard B. Black Pastor
Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor
1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288
1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org
5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005
Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM
Mount Moriah Baptist Church Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM Motto: "Faith On The Hill"
Service and Times Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42
New Commandment Baptist Church
Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor
Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor
1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964
8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240
13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:30 AM Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM
Service and Times Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11 AM Sunday School: 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM
Rehoboth Baptist Church
Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor
Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor
2001 Brooks Drive District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074
621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032 P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112
Service and Times Sunday Worship Experience: 10:15am Sunday School: 9:00am Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Morning Noontime Bible Study: Tuesday @ 12:00pm Prayer Meeting/Bible Study: Tuesday @7:00pm Theme: "Building On A Firm Foundation"
Service and Times Sunday Service: 10:00 AM Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM 1st Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting: 7:45 PM
Email: revprbstmbc@gmail.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org
Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”
“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org
“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”
Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958
Shiloh Baptist Church
Matthews Memorial Baptist Church Dr. Joseph D. Turner / Senior Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Early Worship Service: 8:00 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM New Member’s Class: 9:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday, 11:00 AM Church School: 9:45 AM Wednesday 12:00pm Bible Study Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: 7:00 PM Saturday Bible Study: 11:00 AM Baptism 4th Sunday: 11:00 AM “Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”
Peace Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM “The Loving Church of the living lord “
4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net
Christ Embassy DC
Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator 6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Friday Evening Service: 7:00 PM ; Last Friday “…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com
Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor 3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 PM Prayer Service Bible Study
First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Mt. Horeb Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor
Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor
Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor
9th & P Street, N.W. - W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4288
602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 Fax: (202) 289-4595
2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 - Fax: (202) 529-7738 Service and Times Worship Service: 7:30 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30AM & 10:30 AM Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 PM. Wednesday 12 Noon
www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org
Service and Times First Sunday Worship Service (one service): 10:00 AM Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sunday Worship service: 7:45 AM and 10:55 AM Sunday Church School/Bible Study: 9:30 AM Thursday Prayer Service: 6:30 PM
All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.
Email: sbc@shilohbaptist.org Website: shilohbaptist.org
Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM Noonday Prayer Every Thursday
Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor
Email Address: admin@pbc712.org
Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest
Holy Trinity United Baptist Church
Florida Avenue Baptist Church
Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor
Rev. Dr. Jerryl V. Moody Pastor-Elect
Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org
St. Matthews Baptist Church
Emmanuel Baptist Church
King Emmanuel Baptist Church
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
Service and Times Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 AM Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “
Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.
MARCH 25 - 31, 2021 37
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
In God We Trust Declaration of Nationality Notice of White Flag Surrender Notice of Reference: 0112358-13 Notice Of Special Appearance: I am that I am: Christian Stephone Chavers ", in full life, in propria persona. sui juris. in solo proprio. Haqdar by natural issue. the beneficiary and heir Of: CHAVERS, CHRISTIAN STEPHONE corp.sole Dba.: CHRISTIAN STEPHONE CHAVERS having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores Of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas. being duly certified. hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribe, as a: Moorish American. but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent. and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire. Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article Ill Section 2. The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, I United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples l. and all natural laws governing moors. and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: Christian Stephone Chavers from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: stephone amoorica bey Notice Of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article Ill, as a minister Of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND (HAGUE. IV). ARTICLE: 45. 46. & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846. TITLE Il, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title . and to reserve all rights. title. and interest. in the property. Re: Office of Vital Records / Bureau of Vital Statistics / New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, CERTIFICATE NUMBER: 13187125288, " CHAVERS, CHRISTIAN STEPHONE is as a special deposit order conveyed to Amoorica Divine Trust All property of the same issue and amount. in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order Of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: stephone amoorica bey (Copyrights); nom deguerre: Christian Stephone Chavers (copyrights) as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit Of : “Amoorica Divine Trust” an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank. nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: procurement and appropriation. as well as discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved.
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2021 ADM 000049
2004 ADM 001163
Voyce J. Mack aka Voyce J. Mack, Jr. Decedent
Martha L. Matthews Decedent
Kerri M. Castellini, Esq. Price Benowitz LLP 409 Seventh St., NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney
Tabitha R. Brown Law Offices of Tabitha R. Brown 1200 G Street, SE, Suite A Washington, DC 20003 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Terrence J. Mack, whose address is 507 Roosevelt Boulevard, Apt. C617, Falls Church, VA 22044, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Voyce J. Mack aka Voyce J. Mack, Jr. who died on April 3, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/18/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/18/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Mary Matthews, whose address is 2002 Ridge Place, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Martha L. Matthews who died on March 5, 2004 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/18/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/18/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 3/18/2021
Date of first publication: 3/18/2021
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2021 FEP 000010
2021 ADM 000037
April 19, 2020 Date of Death Bernard D. Whitsett Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Dora H. Whitsett whose address is 10207 Green Forest Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20903 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Bernard D. Whitsett, deceased, by the Circuit Court for Brevard County, State of Florida, on September 22, 2020. Service of process may be made upon Antonoplos & Associates, Attorneys at Law c/o Valerie Edwards, 1725 DeSales St., NW, Ste. 600, Washington, DC 20036 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate. 78 Underwood Place, NW, Washington, DC 20012. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice. Date of first publication: 3/18/2021
Andre Norman Bender Decedent Nakia Gray, Esq. 800 Maine Ave., SW Suite 200 Washington, DC 20024 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Hazel Bender, whose address is 523 Powell St., Brooklyn, NY 11212, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Andre Norman Bender who died on July 28, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/18/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/18/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 3/18/2021
Terrence J. Mack Personal Representative
Mary Matthews Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2021 ADM 000032
2021 ADM 000016
2021 ADM 000100
2021 ADM 000043
2020 ADM 000765
Addie Cooke aka Addie C. Cooke Decedent
Gregory Jerome Janrhett Decedent
Dwight Ackley Gopaul Decedent
Brooks Robert Platt Decedent
George L. Garrow, Jr. Garrow Law Firm, PLLC 300 New Jersey Avenue, NW Suite 900 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney
James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney
Aimee D. Griffin 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney
James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Matthew Bonner, whose address is 912 Dryden Court, Silver Spring, MD 20901, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Addie Cooke aka Addie C. Cooke who died on 9/9/2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/11/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/11/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 3/11/2021 Matthew Bonner Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
38 MARCH 25 - 31, 2021
Lashunna Briana Grier, whose address is 112A Rhode Island Ct., Frederick, MD 21701, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gregory Jerome Janrhett who died on January 3, 2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before September 11, 2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before September 11, 2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: March 11, 2021 Lashunna Briana Grier Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
Levi D. Baisden Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Marcia Baisden, whose address is 5036 10th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017-2844, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Levi D. Baisden who died on June 28, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/18/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/18/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 3/18/2021 Marcia Baisden Personal Representative
Dora H. Whitsett Personal Representative Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Ivone Gopaul, whose address is 147 U Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dwight Ackley Gopaul who died on 12/25/2018 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/18/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/18/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 3/18/2021 Ivone Gopaul Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
Hazel Bender Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Carol Beane Platt, whose address is 1468 Chapin Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Brooks Robert Platt who died on September 15, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/18/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/18/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 3/18/2021 Carol Beane Platt Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2021 ADM 000104
2021 ADM 000038
2021 ADM 000105
2020 ADM 000324
2021 ADM 000070
Caroline Washington-Bennett Decedent
Waverly Mason Jr. aka Waverly Mason Junior Decedent
Diane Jones Decedent
Estate of Jewell J. Saunders
Ralph Eugene Salter, Jr. Decedent
Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney
Iris McCollum Green 1730 M Street, NW Suite 609 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney
Deborah Cason Daniel, Esq. 503 D Street, NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney
Aimee D. Griffin 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Marcus W. Witowski, whose address is 9102 Kittery Lane, Bethesda, MD 20817, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Caroline Washington-Bennett who died on October 14, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/18/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/18/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Toni Marie Felder, whose address is 1803 Kearney St., NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Waverly Mason Jr. aka Waverly Mason Junior who died on August 24, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before September 25, 2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before September 25, 2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Barbara Redd and Vivian Harriday, whose addresses are 1448 Primrose Rd., NW, WDC 20012 and 1205 Rustan St., Silver Spring, MD 20903, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Diane Jones who died on August 12, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/25/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/25/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 3/18/2021
Date of first publication: March 25, 2021
Marcus W. Witowski Personal Representative
Toni Marie Felder Personal Representative
Barbara Redd Vivian Harriday Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2021 ADM 000057
2020 ADM 000665
2019 ADM 0001343
Charles E. Ware aka Charles Edward Ware Decedent
Mildred R. Rowland Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Juanita D. Jackson Decedent James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney
Jennifer C. Concino, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, #700 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Keith L. Jackson, Sr., whose address is 2910 O Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Juanita D. Jackson who died on January 11, 2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/18/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/18/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 3/18/2021 Keith L. Jackson, Sr. Personal Representative
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Jennifer C. Concino, Esq., whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, #700, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charles E Ware aka Charles Edward Ware who died on 12/29/2017 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/18/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/18/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 3/25/2021
Iris McCollum Green, Esq. 1730 M Street, NW Suite 609 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Cristi Purnell, whose address is 3462 Dix Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mildred R. Rowland who died on May 16, 2019 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/25/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/25/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Washington Informer
Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Mary Hewlett for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. Admit to probate the will dated May 9, 2013 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise Date of first publication: 3/25/2021 Aimee Griffin, Esq. 4041 Powder Mill Road Suite 215 Beltsville, MD 20705 Petitioner/Attorney: TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 000121 Pearl B. Thompson Estate of NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Ruby Clayborne, Deborah Clayborne-Faison & Robin Marie Reid for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. Admit to probate the will dated April 7, 2009 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise
Date of first publication: 3/25/2021 Gilda Sherrod-Ali 1775 Eye Street, NW Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Petitioner/Attorney:
Date of first publication: 3/18/2021
Date of first publication: 3/25/2021
Jennifer C. Concino, Esq. Personal Representative
Cristi Purnell Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE
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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Maya Salter, whose address is 1211 Marlboro Ridge Rd., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ralph Eugene Salter, Jr. who died on July 29, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/25/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/25/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 3/25/2021 Maya Salter Personal Representative
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 000061 Jumell Sterling Gibson Decedent James Larry Frazier 918 Maryland Ave., NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Darnell Deno Gibson, Jr., whose address is 1206 Palmer Rd., #1, Fort Washington, MD 20744, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jumell Sterling Gibson who died on May 20, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/25/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/25/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 3/25/2021 Darnell Deno Gibson, Jr. Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
MARCH 25 - 31, 2021 39
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2021 ADM 00094
2021 ADM 000107
2021 ADM 000113
Eulalio Maldonado Decedent
Corressa Johnson Decedent
Valerie Edwards 1725 DeSales Street, NW Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney
Jeffrey K. Gordon 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, #700 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney
Leslie Demus Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Leslie Darnell Demus, whose address is 1815 23rd St. SE, Apt. 202B, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leslie Demus who died on 2/3/2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/25/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/25/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 3/25/2021 Leslie Darnell Demus Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Frolian Ortiz, whose address is 1458 Park Road, Washington, DC 20010, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eulalio Maldonado who died on July 19, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/25/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/25/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 3/25/2021 Frolian Ortiz Personal Representative
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Nicelma Johnson King, whose address is 4318 Vista Way, Davis, California 95616, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Corressa Johnson who died on May 29, 2017 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/25/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/25/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 3/25/2021 Nicelma Johnson King Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2021 ADM 000089
2021 ADM 000119
2021 ADM 000102
Bernice G. Underwood Decedent
Constantine P. Kalpaxis Decedent
Christine Williams Decedent
Anthony V. Grimes, Pro Se 2001 Rosewood Drive Waldorf, MD 20601 Attorney
Kerri M. Castellini, Esq. Price Benowitz LLP 409 Seventh St., NW Ste. 200 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney
Murray D. Scheel Whitman-Walker Legal Services 1377 R Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 Attorney
Date of first publication: 3/25/2021 Anthony V. Grimes Personal Representative
Britney N. Williams, whose address is 213 12th Street, Buther, NC 27509, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Christine Williams who died on 6/28/2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/25/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/25/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 3/25/2021
Date of first publication: 3/25/2021
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
40 MARCH 25 - 31, 2021
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Karen J. Hughes, whose address is 4300 Montgomery Ave., #203, Bethesda, MD 20814, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Constantine P. Kalpaxis who died on August 28, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/25/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/25/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Karen J. Hughes Personal Representative
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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
Anthony V. Grimes, whose address is 2001 Rosewood Drive, Waldorf, MD 20601, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bernice Underwood who died on February 14, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/25/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/25/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the following classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it s illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. 800 numbers may or may not reach Canada.
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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
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Britney N. Williams Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
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FILIBUSTER from Page 16
MALVEAUX from Page 24
It attempts to usurp the gallant decades-long effort led by non-voting Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) for statehood. With a Democrat in the White House, the party controlling the House, and the Senate’s slimmest of majorities, Johnson’s bill stands little chance of passing. However, unless Democrats agree to abolish the filibuster, statehood also stands almost no chance of getting through the Senate. This week, the House Oversight and Reform Committee is scheduled to hear presentations on D.C. statehood. In 2020, the committee passed and sent Congresswoman Norton’s statehood bill to the House floor for the first time in nearly 30 years. With Republicans then holding the majority in the Senate, the bill stalled. Congresswoman Norton reintroduced the bill earlier this year at the beginning of the 117th Congress, and she now has well over 200 co-sponsors. President Joe Biden has said he supports D.C. statehood. “He believes [the residents of D.C.] deserve representation,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said about the President. WI @StacyBrownMedia
and shoot Asian American women unless you think they are less than human. Would you shoot your aunt or cousin to satisfy your sexual dysfunction? George Floyd had a "very bad day" when Derek Chauvin killed him with a nearly 9-minute knee to the neck. Sandra Bland had a "very bad day" when a rabid Brian Encina decided to arrest her for both a minor traffic of-
RICE from Page 24 exorbitant amounts of money on our mass incarceration system – some states have spent as much on prisons as on universities. Far too many people are incarcerated (we have less than five percent of the world’s population but nearly 25 percent of its prisoners), many for non-violent crimes and resulting in unnecessary costs to the state. This money needs to be redistributed, particularly due to the fact that African Americans continue to be disproportionately targeted by the prison system – African Americans are incarcerated at more than five times the rate of whites. This also exacerbates the racial wealth gap. Our broken criminal justice system is more likely to imprison poor people who then are passed over for jobs once they are released due to their past crimi-
JACKSON from Page 24 struggles — and eventually a Civil War — to end slavery and gain the right to vote for African Americans. But almost immediately, across the South, the Confederate establishment erected Jim Crow laws to enforce segregation and devised a range of tactics — from poll taxes, to rigged exams to plain violent intimidation — to keep African Americans from voting. One of the first objectives of the civil rights movement was passage of the Voting Rights Act, mandating federal protection of the right to vote, and prior federal review of changes that would discriminate against African Americans. Today’s Republicans — the modern-day Confederates — are brazen in their efforts to ensure that only the “right” people vote. The gang of five rightwing justices on the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act, opening the floodgates to discriminatory state restrictions. The election in 2022 will be the first post-census election since the
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fense and for her unwillingness to bow down in front of him. Twelve-year-old Tamir Rice had a very bad day when, just seconds after sighting him, the much-maligned Timothy Loehmann (fired from another Ohio police department) executed him. Dylann Roof, the deranged white man who shot up Emanuel African Episcopal Church in Carolina church and killed nine people, had such a bad day that the men who arrested him took him to Burger King to get
a sandwich. In other words, your bad day can result in my murder. Your sexual dysfunction becomes my problem. Your gross ignorance puts me at risk because I am a woman — Black, brown, Asian, Native American. There is a genderized component to American racism, and this genderized component makes it OK for an intellectually vacuous law enforcement official to describe a vicious massacre as "a very bad day." Bad for who? WI
nal history so they remain unable to achieve financial stability, continuing the cycle of poverty. Of course, an important way to exert legislative change is through voting. However, the criminal justice system connects to the disenfranchisement of Black Americans. Millions of Americans are barred from voting due to past criminal convictions, an injustice that is a relic of our Jim Crow past as Black Americans are disproportionately targeted by the criminal justice system. Racial inequity in voting doesn’t stop there – after the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act in 2013, laws have sprung up across the country that suppress turnout of Black Americans and other racial minority groups. The federal government needs to pass a comprehensive voting rights bill that addresses racially targeted voter suppression. These problems are
all intertwined and difficult to parse through, yet the only way to progress towards solving them is through dramatic legislative action that confronts systemic racism in its many forms. We are at an inflection point when it comes to racial justice. After a traumatizing year, we have the opportunity now to recognize the deeper work that needs to happen to confront systemic racism. We are at a point where we need to realize that, despite the various accomplishments of America, we are a deeply flawed nation stained by centuries of slavery, Jim Crow laws, banking discrimination, red-lining segregation and mass incarceration which have yet to be resolved. To be clear, we can certainly celebrate America’s history of achievements, but we must also honestly assess our past and confront, through legislative action, the lingering obstacles placed on Black Americans. WI
gutting of the Voting Rights Act. And Republicans are once more intent on making it harder for minorities to vote. The U.S. House of Representatives passed essential legislation — H.R. 1, the For the People Act — to provide federal standards to elections to federal office. H.R. 1 (labeled S1 in the Senate) would provide for automatic voter registration and same-day voter registration. It would mandate a minimum of 15 days for early voting, with polls open at least 10 hours per day so that workers might have a chance to vote. It would limit purges of voting rolls. The new law would require nonpartisan citizen commissions to do redistricting after a new census. It would require super PACs and “dark money” operations to disclose their donors. It would provide matching grants for small donations, reducing the force of big money in our elections. These are simply common-sense standards for a clean election system. Yet Republicans furiously denounce them, and Senate Republicans promise to filibuster against
the act, blocking its passage unless Democrats can unify around suspending the filibuster in order to allow the majority to pass it. Over the last years, America has become increasingly polarized politically. But democracy — and the right to vote — must be above partisanship. There ought to be universal support for creating an election system that makes voting easy, limits big money and requires nonpartisan redistricting. It is shameful that the efforts to suppress the vote of African Americans and others that were perfected under segregation are being revived in a new guise in the 21st century. Americans must mobilize to demand that the Senate pass H.R. 1 to protect the right to vote. And whether it passes or not, African Americans, Latinos, the young should see the efforts to suppress their vote as the insult that it is. And we should mobilize to vote in large numbers — overcoming whatever barriers are put in our way — to reaffirm our democratic rights, and to hold accountable those who would try to trample them. WI
MARCH 25 - 31, 2021 41
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42 MARCH 25 - 31, 2021
MORIAL from Page 25 Asian and Asian American women as variations of the Asian temptress, the dragon ladies and the lotus blossoms, whose value is only in relation to men's fantasies and desires," said Sung Yeon Choimorrow, executive director of the nonprofit National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum. The National Urban League rejects the objectification, fetishization and stereotyping of women of color. Our hearts are with the families who lost their loved ones, including Delaina Yaun, mother of a 13-year-old boy and an 8-monthold baby girl; Paul Andre Michels, an Army veteran and business owner; Xiaojie Yan, owner of the spa where she was shot; and Daoyou Feng. Police have not released the names of the other four victims, but our prayers are also with them
JEALOUS from Page 25 introduced the Justice for Black Farmers Act. It was designed to address and correct the discrimination that “caused Black farmers to lose millions of acres of farmland and robbed Black farmers and their families of hundreds of billions of dollars of inter-generational wealth.” And then the 2020 elections created powerful opportunities for Black farmers. During the first week of the Biden-Harris administration, the Department of Agriculture halted debt collection and foreclosure for thousands of farmers behind in federal loan payments, many of them Black.
ASKIA from Page 25 D.C. is larger than that of Wyoming, Vermont, Alaska and North Dakota, and more D.C. residents fought and died in this country's most recent wars than the residents of several states. All of those states have two members representing them in the Senate, and one voting member of the House. D.C. has no senators and one, nonvoting Delegate in the House, just like Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam — none of which pay federal income taxes as D.C. does. It's taxation without representation. But now that the country is being cleaved by the doctrine of Republican white supremacists into provinces made up of White Lords, ruling over everyone else, the only thing that can peacefully save the country's Constitutional form of government is, statehood for D.C., with its two additional members in the Senate, enabling the
and Elcias R. Hernandez-Ortiz, who was wounded. Last month, the National Urban League and other civil rights and social justice groups outlined a comprehensive set of actions to combat anti-Asian hate and violence. These include: • Enacting comprehensive hate crime laws at both the state and local levels and ensuring that law enforcement agencies fully implement and enforce them. • Uniform Crime Reporting agencies need to standardize and include more details in their documentation of hate crimes. • Local law enforcement and state agencies should fully comply with the Hate Crimes Statistics Act, and efforts should be made to include detailed data on the Asian American and Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander communities.
• A public campaign to push back on hate speech promoted by government officials and those running for office. • Greater investment in linguistically and culturally competent community resources. After four years of policy, rhetoric and messaging at the highest levels of government that fanned the flames of bigotry and inspired acts of violence against communities of color, the pandemic has brought us to a crossroads. It exposed America’s racial fault lines in nearly every indicator — health care, economic stability, justice, and democracy — and forced the nation to confront its legacy of white supremacy. We must seize the opportunity to create lasting change by emerging from this crisis a stronger nation determined to achieve a more perfect union for all its people. WI
Newly elected Sen. Raphael Warnock — thank you, Georgia voters! — introduced the Emergency Relief for Farmers of Color Act, which became part of the COVID relief legislation known as the American Rescue Plan. That measure, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden includes $10 billion to support agriculture. About half of that is set aside to help Black farmers through debt relief, education, training, and land acquisition. The law includes $4 billion in direct aid to get farmers out of debt. And it includes $1 billion to create and fund a commission to deal with the longstanding discrimination and inequity in USDA programs.
And Sen. Booker has reintroduced last year’s bill, which would include a program for getting land into the hands of Black farmers, other farmers of color, and other “underserved producers.” These long-overdue steps toward reversing generations of wrongdoing are not just the result of a single election. They are the fruit of decades of organizing by Black farmers and their advocates to document and challenge racist discrimination and injustice. And to get Black people and their allies to vote. Organizing and elections can change the world. Together we are making — and remaking — history. Let’s keep it up! WI
political forces which would peacefully coexist with the majority of the world's population, and adjust its reckless environmental policies before greed and wanton consumption — led by the gluttonous United States — into a steaming petri dish of tropical diseases and violent weather events, and war over dwindling natural resources. D.C. statehood means the reclamation of the society's politics from the brink of destruction. The GOP (Grand Old Party), which became the GQP (Grand QAnon Party) under Donald J. Trump, could continue to metastasize into a cancerous clot of deranged shooters and Ku Kluxers, they just would not be in control of the entire national apparatus, as they were under The Donald who was taking the country to hell on a rocket. The political act of courage required to make D.C. a state would wrest the control of the government from the toxic Oath Keepers, Three Percenters,
Freedom Caucus, Liberty Caucus, Proud Boys and Tea Party, and then with the new votes in the Senate from D.C., could hold off the surge of rabid white nationalism and attempted voter suppression long enough until the demographic "browning" of the country renders the white supremacists who would destroy the United States and the rest of the world with it, renders those fellows in a minority they will not be able to cheat themselves out of and back into political dominance. I once thought D.C. statehood was a Black Power cause — which it is — but now I realize that the literal future of the United States of America depends on enough people coming to their senses in 2021, or 2022, or 2023 to make D.C. the 51st state of the Union. The other, dystopian scenario for this country's future is full of smoke and blood and disaster. WI
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