The Washington Informer - May 18, 2023

Bowser Proposes Legislation to Strengthen Response to Violent Crime

Residents Express Apprehension about Detaining Alleged Offenders

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Less than a week after her public safety summit, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) announced the introduction of legislation intended to address public safety concerns and increase penalties for adult and youth-involved crimes.

5 D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) submitted the Safer, Stronger DC legislation on Tuesday, May 16, after the D.C. Council’s first vote on the fiscal year 2024 budget. The legislation increases penalties for unlawful gun possession and better allows judges to detain convicted violent offenders who receive new charges, among other provisions.

(Shedrick Pelt/ The Washington Informer)

Talbert Street

Homeowners Who Become Renters

By Austin R. Cooper, Jr. Managing Editor, Our House

Grandview Condominium homeowners who purchased properties at 1652 Talbert in Southeast are stressed out, angry, disappointed, and tired. They want justice from the D.C. government, which determined their homes were uninhabitable and required them to look for places to live elsewhere.

Most of the 46 owners are now renters, yet

TALBERT Page 52

The legislation, dubbed “Safer, Stronger DC,” increases penalties for unlawful gun possession and better allows judges to detain convicted violent offenders who receive new charges. It also includes victims' families in decisions about offenders’ early prison release.

Bowser revealed Safer, Stronger DC on Monday in

BOND Page 48

D.C.’s HBCUs Hold Graduations Spanning Generations

Howard U. Hosts Octogenarian Biden, UDC Hears from Gen Z Frost

vention Center in Northwest.

Staff Writers

Washington, D.C. 's two HBCUs sponsored graduation ceremonies were blocks apart on May 13, but their keynote speakers reflected the generations of political leadership in the country.

President Joseph Biden, 80, addressed a record 1,852 graduating class at Howard University’s commencement exercises at Capital One Arena in Northwest. Simultaneously, the University of the District of Columbia’s (UDC) 796 graduates heard from U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), the first member of Generation Z to serve in the U.S. Congress at the Walter E. Washington Con-

The Howard ceremony was originally scheduled to take place on the campus but was changed due to concerns about inclement weather.

Both Biden and Frost received honorary doctorate degrees and talked about the importance of fighting white supremacy and urged African Americans and other people of color to get involved in the political process.

HU GRADUATION Page 27

Sam Collins and James Wright WI

5Resident Norika Hill in front of her uninhabitable home. (Ja’Mon Jackson/ The Washington Informer)

5 President Biden addresses the Howard University Class of 2023 in front of a packed Capital One Arena in Northwest. (Rob Roberts/The Washington Informer)

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wi hot topics

White Ex-Marine Charged in Death of Unhoused Black Man Jordan Neely

Soon after the White House demanded a “thorough investigation” into the murder of Jordan Neely, an unhoused Black man, earlier this month on a subway car in New York, the suspect, an ex-Marine, learned he will face second degree manslaughter charges.

“We can confirm that Daniel Penny will be arrested on a charge of manslaughter in the second degree,” the Manhattan District Attorney’s office announced in a statement late Thursday, May 11. He was arraigned and criminally charged in a Manhattan court the following day.

Witnesses claim, while riding the F train on May 1, Neely appeared agitated as he sought food. Penny proceeded to place Neely in a chokehold for nearly 15 minutes.

Neely, who had been celebrated for his subway performances impersonating the late pop star Michael Jackson, died shortly after the incident, and while police questioned Penny, they released him without charges.

“Jordan Neely’s killing was tragic and deeply disturbing,” a White House spokesman said last week. “Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones. We firmly believe that the events surrounding his death demand a thorough investigation.”

The White House wasn’t the only entity demanding further action. Neely’s death sparked protests and a national debate and brought attention to the occasionally harsh and violent treatment of homeless people, particularly those with mental illness.

WI

Read the full story on washingtoninformer.com.

IRS Creating Software to ‘Shake up’ Tax Prep Business

Three current and former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees say that the IRS has quietly built a prototype system to let Americans file their tax returns digitally and for free.

According to a published report, the move amounts to government software that could shake up the tax-prep business.

The IRS and the U.S. Digital Service, a technology advisory arm of the White House, created the software.

A small group of taxpayers will have access through a trial program by January 2024, when the 2023 filing season starts, according to people who were briefed on the matter, but asked to remain anonymous to talk about internal agency conversations.

IBIS World, a research company, reported the paid tax preparation services market will be worth $14.4 billion this year.

A free filing system from the federal government could upset that market.

Through secure online portals, taxpayers could also ask for help from customer service agents under the plan. This could cut into another way that tax prep companies try to be different from the IRS by offering premium services that include lawyers and accountants.

Disclosures show that Intuit spent more than $1 million lobbying the House and Senate from January to March on topics like "tax system integrity" and "protecting intellectual property."

According to its disclosure papers, H&R Block spent $720,000 on lobbying for anti-poverty tax credits, "tax administration," and "Internal Revenue Service funding" during the same period. WI

Read the full story on washingtoninformer.com.

Even CNN Employees and Republicans Panned Trump’s Disastrous Town Hall

For some Republicans, Democrats, and journalists, CNN’s disastrous 70-minute town hall with Donald Trump on Wednesday, May 10 proved what everyone thought it would be: a desperate network featuring a twice-impeached, criminally indicted wannabe despot.

The Trump presidential campaign rally, poorly disguised as a town hall, even received criticism from CNN’s own journalists.

“It was an interesting night,” longtime CNN anchor Jake Tapper observed. “Trump’s first lie was told just seconds into the night with his false, familiar claim that the 2020 election was, quote, a rigged election.’”

Some Republicans also criticized the town hall.

Republican Matt Whitlock, who worked for the late Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), said in a tweet that “Trump’s performance tonight had plenty of fun fodder for his biggest

fans," but it was “toxic nuclear waste for the moderates and independents he (and Republicans everywhere) should be winning as Biden collapses.”

According to Mediaite.com, Republican political consultant Ryan Girdusky predicted that Trump would lose the 2024 election.

“Ten minutes into the CNN town hall, and it’s all January 6 and the stolen election,” Girdusky wrote on Twitter. “This election is gonna be all about Trump and he’s gonna lose… again.”

“If Kaitlan Collins wanted to actually embarrass Trump in front of his voters she would talk about him never building the wall, shutting down the economy, and rising crime while he was president,” Girdusky added.

WI

Read the full story on washingtoninformer.com

In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark

5 Jordan Neely, (Courtesy Photo)

AROUND THE REGION

Mayor’s Public Safety Summit Focuses on Illegal Guns

Community Members Make Their Voices Heard

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

During D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser's public safety summit, members of the local public safety and justice ecosystem assessed local crime and various means of addressing it -- albeit without much input from District residents, public defenders and social justice advocates.

On Wednesday, May 10, dozens of elected officials, law enforcement and court officials, and even some organizers who pushed their way into the meeting, weighed in on the severity of crime and its impact on District residents.

One question that weighed on the minds of some, including Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Robert J. Contee and Chief Judge Anita M. Josey-Herring, was how to stop the influx of illegal guns, ghost guns, and switches that, once attached to semi-automatic weapons, make them even more powerful killing machines.

"There's a proliferation of guns coming from various places and we have no indication that's going to stop," Josey-Herring said on Wednesday during a panel discussion segment at the public safety that WAMU’s Tom Sherwood hosted.

Other members of the panel were D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, U.S. Attorney General Matt Graves, D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), and Lindsey Appiah, the District's interim deputy mayor for public safety and justice.

"The District has to decide what policy is good for the citizens of the District who's bearing the brunt of [violent crime]," Josey-Herring said. "I don't believe anyone is interested in over-incarcerating individuals, but we must deal with violent crime differently and I think the law provides for that."

A GROWING, AND INCREASINGLY DEADLY, PROBLEM

As of May 4, homicides increased by 10% from the same

time last year, according to data compiled by MPD. So far this year, MPD has recorded more than 200 incidents where someone was wounded by a gunshot. Nearly 20% of those cases resulted in a fatality.

In 2022, MPD recovered 3,153 guns -- a portion of which were unregistered. Ghost guns, which are guns that are made privately, have also been recovered more frequently. More than 500 ghost guns had been recovered in 2022. Meanwhile, glock switches are also increasingly making a presence in the District, with the number recovered by MPD nearly doubling from 66 to 127 in 2022.

During a briefing by MPD’s Investigative Services Bureau at the summit, Ramey Kyle, who serves as MPD’s violent crime suppression division commander, spoke at length about the search of a residence on 6th Street in Southeast where officers found a semi-automatic handgun attached to a rifle converter.

In that situation, Travis Wicks, 47, was charged with possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of ammunition, and possession of a large-capacity ammunition feeding device, in addition to other charges related to a call about a domestic dispute. He’s currently behind bars awaiting trial.

Another incident, Kyle said, involved William Snyder, who was arrested by the Violent Crime Impact Team, a unit dedicated to removing illegal firearms. Snyder, 32, was charged with possession of an illegal firearm, possession of ammunition, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding machine.

Earlier this year, Schwalb discussed illegal guns when he demanded that Virginia law enforcement officials curb the trafficking of illegal guns from the commonwealth to the District, in response to Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyere’s assertion that lax policies in the District fueled crime.

The Office of the D.C. Attorney General has not responded for further comment to the Informer on the matter.

According to data compiled by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, also known as the ATF, the top outside source states for guns recovered in D.C. are Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and West Virginia.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia has secured indictments, and continues to do so, through MPD’s collaboration with the ATF’s anti-firearms trafficking task force. Ashan Benedict, MPD’s executive assistant chief of police, told the Informer that interviews conducted under federal authority have unearthed firearms trafficking rings in some of the aforementioned states, and even Ohio.

"It's sometimes 20, 30 or even four guns at a time,” said Benedict, who has 26 years of experience in federal law enforcement. “We've

seen people go to parts of Virginia [before the one gun a month law] or Georgia where a middle man will enlist the help of people with no criminal history to buy guns

legally and turn the guns over to them to drive to D.C."

Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI @SamPKCollins

5 Chief Judge Anita M. Josey-Herring, a panelist at D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s public safety summit on May 10, acknowledged the difficulty of stopping the influx of illegal guns, ghost guns, and switches that, once attached to semi-automatic weapons, make them even more powerful killing machines. (Shedrick Pelt/ The Washington Informer)

black facts

MAY 18

1896 – The United States Supreme Court issues its infamous ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson. The decision declared the doctrine of "separate but equal" was constitutional. By doing so it, in effect, approved all Jim Crow or segregationist laws designed to degrade Blacks or keep them separate from whites. The ruling would stand until the Brown v. Board of Education decision of 1954.

MAY 19

1925 – Black revolutionary Malcolm X is born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska. 1930 – Lorraine Hansberry, playwright best known for "A Raisin in the Sun," is born in Chicago. 1952 – Eccentric model and singer in Spanish Town, Jamaica.

MAY 20

1743 – Touissant L'Ouver ture, the father Haitian inde pendence, is born.

MAY 21

1862 – Mary Patterson comes the first Black woman in U.S. history to be awarded a master's degree. She earned it from Oberlin College in Ohio.

1969 – Police and National Guardsmen open fire on stu dent demonstrators at pre dominantly Black North Car

MAY 18-24, 2023

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

olina A&T University, leaving one student dead. Five policemen were injured.

2009 – A Black man — James Young — is elected mayor of Philadelphia, Mississippi — a town that, during the 1960s, had the nation's most racist reputation. Ku Klux Klan members dominated the town and it was known for the mistreatment and unpunished killings of Blacks. One of the most brutal events in the city was the 1964 murder of three civil rights workers. In his 2009 election victory, Young captured 30 percent of the white vote.

MAY 22

1863 – The War Department establishes the Bureau of Colored Troops and begins to aggressively recruit Blacks for the Civil War. The Black troops would play a major role in turning the tide of battle against the rebellious Southern slave states. 1966 – Entertainer Bill Cosby becomes the first African American to receive an Emmy for Best Actor in a dramatic series for his role in the 1960s television series "I Spy."

MAY 23

1921 – "Shuffle Along," the first of a succession of widely popular Black musicals performed for white audiences, opens at the 63rd Street Theatre in New York City becoming the first African American Broadway musical. The musical comedy combined the talents of the legendary team of Euboea Blake and Noble Sizzle.

MAY 24

1854 – Anthony Burns, one of the most celebrated fugitive slaves in American history, is captured by deputy U.S. marshals in Boston.

Legendary singer is born Patricia Louise Holte in

GRACE JONES

PATTI LABELLE

Innovative Signage Solutions to help you grow your business

Innovative Signage Solutions to help you grow your business

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

For the second time in two months, NBA star Ja Morant was seen on social media flashing a handgun. As a result, the NBA announced it has suspended Morant from team activities, with a possible harsher punishment to come. What are your thoughts?

RICHARD BROWN / VALLEJO, CALIF.

If gun ownership is legit and legal, why does everybody have their panties in a bunch about him showing a gun?

ANN JOHNSON / WASHINGTON, DC

Oh my, where is his family? Someone needs to help guide this young man.

ISA MUJAHID / BRIDGEPORT, CONN.

This makes no sense. He’s fumbling his bag (potentially hundreds of millions). And his friends, instead of protecting him (and their own bag), are hyping him up and posting it. For what? I really don’t get it.

JAMES MINOR / LAWRENCE, KANSAS

There is stupid, and there is really stupid. Unfortunately, so many impressionable people may use his stupidity to carry guns. What may help Ja is to be required to clean up a crime scene or two. Hopefully, the smell and the appearance will make him think differently.

JEROME DANIELS / CHICAGO, ILL.

Why has he been suspended for exercising his 2nd amendment right to bear arms? What a double standard. Where are all the NRA folks at to protest this constitutional infringement?

D.C. Residents, Leaders go to Capitol Hill to Fight for City

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

More than 100 District residents went to Capitol Hill on May 16 to let members of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Accountability know that they support the city’s leadership and can manage their hometown without federal interference.

The committee held a hearing convened by U.S. Rep. James Comer (R-Kentucky) to ask questions about the state of the District in regard to public safety primarily at the Rayburn House Office Building in the U.S. Capitol complex. Testifying on behalf of the District were D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Matthew Graves, D.C. City Administrator Kevin Donahue and D.C. Police Chief Robert J. Contee III.

Adrianne Mickens, a Navy Yard resident in Southeast, came to the hearing to show her support for the city and its leaders.

“I am here for D.C. statehood,” Mickens, 36, said, sitting outside of the hearing room, waiting to get in to observe the proceedings. “I am here to support Mayor Bowser in person.”

On March 29, Comer brought in D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, D.C. Council member Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), Greggory Pemberton, chairman of the D.C. Police Union and D.C. Chief Financial Officer Glenn Lee to explain to the

committee their rationale on supporting the District’s newly enacted criminal code update as he had reservations about some of its provisions. The exchanges got testy at times between Mendelson and Allen versus the Republican members of Congress as the council members refuted accusations of being soft on crime. The House eventually passed a disapproval resolution nixing the criminal code revision. Both the Senate and President Biden supported the disapproval resolution. While Bowser didn’t sign the criminal code revision, she spoke out against federal interference in the D.C. Council’s lawmaking. Recently, the House passed a disapproval resolution nullifying a bill reforming policing in the District but Biden has said he would not sign it.

THE HEARING: CORDIAL YET POINTED

The Bowser hearing didn’t have the fierce exchanges that occurred on March 29. Comer, who has publicly indicated he didn’t support D.C. statehood but has stopped short of advocating the revoking of Home Rule, delivered his opening remarks in an even tone. He cited crime statistics compiled by the District’s police department as proof that the crime has gripped the city.”

Washington, D.C. has a crime crisis,” he said. “The two D.C. bills that the D.C. City Council passed, the one on the criminal code and the other one on police reform, are soft on crime bills.”

Maryland’s Jamie Raskin, the ranking Democrat on the committee, denounced the purpose of the hearing and criticized Comer for the subject matter.

“This Oversight Committee has not had one single hearing on gun violence or the how to deal with the debt limit,” Raskin, 60, said. “We have had no hearing on the war on freedom or the

CORRECTION

5 D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser testified before a congressional committee on public safety in the District. content of textbooks or the problems LGBTQ people face. We have not had a hearing on the Dobbs decision. This is the second hearing we have had to micromanage D.C. I expect some of the people up here to run for Ward 6 council member or serve as an advisory neighborhood commissioner.”

D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) spoke about the need for District statehood. Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Maryland) noted that he is the only member of the panel, other than Norton, who voted for a D.C. statehood bill in 1993 and in 2021.

Throughout the hearing, Bowser and Contee responded to questions calmly and did not appear to be irritated by GOP lawmakers. Graves spoke passionately about his role in fighting crime in the city, pointedly refuting Republican claims that his office did not take his responsibilities seriously.

The hearing lasted three and half hours and Makia Green, a resident of Ward 7, waited it out.

“I wanted to come here to support my city and try to stop the lies and misinformation that has been spread about D.C.,” Green, 31, said.WI @JamesWrightJr10

Last week in our article “Twenty-Three Years Later, Two Mothers Carry on Healing Journey,” we mistakenly printed in a caption that the Easter Monday shooting of April 2000 was in April 2020. We sincerely apologize and have corrected the error on all of our digital platforms.

CORNER

By Nicole Peppe

Celebrating a Century of Ellsworth Kelly A Transformative Exhibit Lands at Glenstone Museum

You know that moment when you find something so astounding that you can’t help but share it with your mates? Well, this is that moment. We’re all about celebrating legends in the art world, and this time it’s about the iconic Ellsworth Kelly, who’s turning 100 this year. Yep, you heard right. And to mark this centennial milestone, the Glenstone Museum in Washington, D.C., is doing it big.

In the words of Emily Wei Rales, Glenstone Director and Co-Founder, “Ellsworth Kelly’s vision for art can teach us so much about looking deeply at the world and translating what we see into its immediate visual components.” With his affinity for nature and a quiet yet observant eye, Kelly crafted paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, and collages that will hit you differently, whichever way you view them. It’s like re-watching your favorite movie and discovering a new detail on the fiftieth watch; it’s that rewarding and challenging.

In one of the most extensive retrospectives of Kelly’s work, Glenstone is curating an expansive exhibition to commemorate the artist’s seven-decade-long career. Imagine over 70 works of art from the museum’s collection and other international contributors, all under one roof. And by the way, these aren’t just any random pieces. They’re key works from pivotal periods in Kelly’s career, revealing his artistic journey of exploring the relationship between form, color, line, and space.

But here’s the game-changer – the exhibit will feature Kelly’s massive “Yellow Curve” from 1990, the first work in his series of large-scale floor-based paintings. Picture a custom-designed space made just for this painting, covering over 600 square feet of floor space. Get this – it’s the first time “Yellow Curve” has been exhibited since the artist conceived it in 1990 for an exhibition at Portikus in Frankfurt am Main. Talk about exclusivity!

Oh, and did we mention that this is a traveling exhibition? Yep, after its stint in DC, the exhibit will go to Paris and, later, Doha. You know you’re onto something big when it’s Glenstone’s first-ever traveling exhibition.

Read the full story on wibridgedc.com or scan the QR code.

5 In one of the most extensive retrospectives of Kelly’s work, Glenstone Museum is curating an expansive exhibition to commemorate the artist Ellsowrth Kelly’s seven-decade-long career. (Courtesy Photos)

AROUND THE REGION

The Newsletter

Who’s Reading the Informer?

Students from Archbishop Carroll High School’s Jim Vance Media Program pose with WI Managing Editor Micha Green and copies of The Washington Informer.

Lorraine Hansberry

“There is always something left to love. And if you ain't learned that, you ain't learned nothing.”

A ribbon cutting during the Frederick Douglass Hall dedication, as part of commencement week at Howard University on Thursday, May 11. (Shedrick Pelt/ The Washington Informer)

H Street Representative Weighs In on Safer, Stronger DC Legislation Saleem

Says Smoke Shops are

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

In addition to the Safer, Stronger DC legislation, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has issued a mayoral order directing deputy mayors and District agencies to submit recommendations for a holistic approach to violent crime.

She hinted at further investing in violence intervention programs, revisiting school disciplinary policies, providing alternatives for families of potential crime victims, and facilitating second chance employment via the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Operations and Infrastructure.

Anwar Saleem, in his 17th year as executive director of H Street Main Street, continues to request that District officials place a cap on the number of smoke shops that are allowed to open up along the H Street corridor -- a hotbed of violent crime.

"I testified to the council about this with no response," Saleem said.

There are currently 22 smoke shops operating along H Street, from the H Street bridge all the way to 13th Street.

Saleem told the Informer that advisory neighborhood commissions, in their eagerness to fill vacant buildings, often pressure the Department of Buildings to cite landlords who own vacant commercial properties.

In turn, many landlords accept vendors of smoke products as tenants to avoid paying higher property taxes on vacant buildings. Saleem said offenders gravitate toward areas with a high concentration of Initiative 71 stores to harm patrons who are likely carrying cash.

That’s why Saleem has set his sights on working with building owners on H Street to secure long-term leasing contracts. However, he said the District doesn't allow H Street Main Street enough time to produce results.

"The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration is taking too long to deal with the gray area. The judiciary system is also taking too long," Saleem said. "This should be a priority while we're waiting on crime to drop. H Street is a case study."

a Major Safety Concern

Hours after introducing Bowser at Atlas on Monday, Saleem led an emergency meeting with dozens of business and property owners. At the meeting, participants discussed violent crime and other pressing issues with representatives of the Office of the Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development, the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services, Department of Behavioral Health, the Department of Human Services and MPD.

eem said that Bowser is taking the steps necessary to hold offenders accountable.

“When we allow young people to do simple things, like jumping over Metro [turnstiles], it sends the wrong message,” he added. “They are smart enough to listen to what legislators are doing. They understand they can get away with things. There’s not enough accountability for young people in the judiciary system and household.” WI @SamPKCollins

In espousing his support for the Safer, Stronger DC legislation, SalARE

URGENT NOTICE:

5 Anwar Saleem is in his 17th year as executive director of H Street Main Street. (Courtesy Photo)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Proposed Prince George’s Townhouse Pause Raises Some Concerns

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Townhouse communities have sprung up across Prince George’s in recent years, leading local leaders divided on how to proceed in addressing challenges in the county. While the Council is considering a pause on townhouse developments in particular areas, some activists and leaders are raising concerns about what impact this legislation could have on the local housing market and long-term fiscal health of Prince George’s County.

“We’re developing sprawl and the sprawl is hurting us,” said Prince George’s County Vice Wala Blegay (D-District 6). "It's really time that we control our development.”

Sponsored by Blegay and Council President Tom Dernoga, CB-52 would limit townhouse development for two years primarily to high-density areas and near transit hubs. The goal of the legislation is limiting the uncontrolled housing expansion and bringing development to the Blue Line Corridor.

“To bring true economic development to the county will be build-

ing in transit-oriented areas because that’s where you’re going to bring the jobs, that’s where the offices are gonna come, that’s where the employers want to be,” Blegay said in an April interview.

County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) worries about losing investment and the housing crisis.

“Townhomes for first-time homebuyers, for young homebuyers and for many of our homebuyers of color are an entry point,” Alsobrooks explained. “It is because they are affordable for so many of us including me. I started out in a townhome. They are affordable.”

Lori Graf of the Maryland Building Industry Association said she is con-

College Park Elects New Mayor, 5K for Traumatic Brain Injuries

COUNCILMEMBER

KABIR WINS COLLEGE PARK MAYORAL SPECIAL ELECTION

College Park District 1 City Councilmember Fazlul Kabir was elected Mayor in a special election held on May 6. Kabir will be the first male immigrant to serve as Mayor of College Park, and possibly the first Muslim Mayor in Maryland’s history.

Results were delayed as mail-in ballots were counted following the election. In the election, Kabir received 1,008 votes while District 1 Councilmember Kate Kennedy received 469 votes, Mayor Pro Tem Denise Mitchell received 354 votes and local businessman Bryan Haddad received 19 votes.

“It is really, really exciting, so much trust the community has put in me. I didn’t expect that I would be getting so much support. This is fantastic.”, the 12-year Councilmember and incoming Mayor told The Diamondback.

Some of the accomplishments Kabir touted during his campaign were his

role in the founding of College Park Day, restarting the College Park parade and starting a local newspaper, farmer’s market and community garden. He also advocated for additional funding for local schools and lowered the city’s property tax rates.

Kabir has operated a blog since 2009, which several residents cited as a useful source of information during the mayoral race.

Mitchell served as interim mayor following the resignation of former Mayor Patrick Wojahn for child pornography charges. Mitchell was College Park’s first Black Mayor and despite the loss, she retained her seat on the City Council. She will also continue to serve as the President of the Maryland Municipal League, a non-partisan advocacy group with a goal of strengthening and supporting 157 municipalities across Maryland.

“The best man that the voters chose won,” Mitchell said. “He will do a great job and I look forward to working with him,” Mitchell said.

BOWIE NON-PROFIT RAISES AWARENESS OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES

On May 13, Tahjai Ward held the annual “Go Gray in May 5K” at the Glenn Dale Community Center.

“My goal is for attendees to learn what traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are and how many of us are affected by it,” she said. Ward survived a brain tumor in 2012 and now teaches in PGCPS.

After stretching while the 2006 Unk hit “Walk It Out” played on speakers, attendees walked and biked from Glenn Dale Community Center to Highbridge Road and back.

The funds raised were for the Maryland Brain Injury Association, with one of the organization’s leaders explaining Ward’s effort is one of few Black-led organizations in Maryland raising awareness of the impact of brain injuries.

Over 50 attendees joined the 5K walk, including Prince George’s County Sheriff John D.B. Carr (D), District 22 Delegate Nicole Williams (D), Dis-

cerned about disincentivizing investment in Prince George’s and reducing access to affordable housing.

“They’re already deciding not to do deals in Prince George’s County. People are just very nervous about investing in the county, where there’s just so much uncertainty about if they’re going to be able to move forward,” Graf said.

In a recent article, Dan Reed of Greater Greater Washington gave four examples of planned housing developments that would’ve been prevented by this bill. Reed’s family first moved into Prince George’s in 1984, buying a townhome in Suitland before the townhouse boom of the 1980s as Prince George’s became a majority-Black County. Reed explained he believes that this legislation will further raise the price of single-family homes, making it harder to live in Prince George’s and forcing more County residents to move to Charles and Montgomery Counties.

The County Council has implemented county-wide rent stabilization measures and will soon be holding hearings over planned developments at Freeway Airport and Frank’s Nursery, both near Bowie. WI

trict 24 Delegate Andrea Harrison (D), former County Councilwoman Leslie Johnson and former NAACP national board member Charnell Ferguson. State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy (D) made the walk in her Howard University shirt and Pumas, and offered a story of how a brain injury from an accident has drastically affected the life of a personal friend.

District 4 County Councilwoman Ingrid Harrison was a platinum sponsor of the event.

“My father unfortunately had a seizure in 2003, and doctors found a cancerous brain tumor despite a lack of symptoms,” she said. “I learned so much during his two years of treatment. It’s important to raise awareness of brain injuries, and this is an issue I plan to remain involved in.”

Harrison encouraged regular medical checkups, especially if you feel your equilibrium is off.

The Prince George’s Office of Community Relations was also in attendance. This office serves as the outreach arm for the County Executive, with the

goal of connecting citizens to county information and resources.

Pizzas from El Jefe were provided for walkers to enjoy after the walk. WI

5 Prince George’s Councilmember Wala Blegay is supporting legislation to pause the building of townhomes in certain areas of the County. (Anthony Tilghman/ The Washington Informer)

PGCPS UPDATE

5 Tahjai Ward, who survived a traumatic brain injury over a decade ago, hosted the annual walk. She now teaches in PGCPS.

(Courtesy Photo/ Andria Stafford, Tomorrow’s Portraits)

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Alsobrooks Announces Senate Bid at New Carrollton Rally

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

With the backdrop of newly-built housing and an entrance to the Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers’ 2002 gospel hit “The Best Is Yet To Come,” Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) held a rally officially announcing her bid for the U.S. Senate on May 10. She told the crowd of roughly 150 supporters that she was proud to have the opportunity to represent not just her County, but the entire State of Maryland in the U.S. Senate.

“Maryland, are you in the house! I’m thanking God for his grace and the

opportunity, my family: my daughter, my parents, my sister, and all of my friends,” she said. “I am standing before you to announce my candidacy for the Senate. I am running for the Senate because you know I’ll fight for you, but I think like you and look like you. I recognize I am on this stage and regard it as a great honor, and I’m proud to celebrate the women who made this possible.”

The Senate seat will be vacant, as Senator Ben Cardin (D) is officially retiring at the end of his term.

Just before the event began, Baltimore Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D) announced his endorsement and support for Alsobrooks on Twitter. Mfume previously ran for Senate in 2006 and narrowly lost to Cardin. Mfume also served as the introductory speaker for Alsobrooks. He emphasized the rigors of the campaign from his personal experience, and called on those present to put efforts in to ease those rigors.

“Work, work, work, sleep, work, work. I’m not kidding. Maryland is the biggest small state. 23 counties, every nook and cranny, it’s a lot of work. That’s why I explained that her supporters must be her eyes and ears for her,” the Maryland Congressman said.

Susie Turnbull, the 2018 Lieutenant Governor nominee, spoke on the mic as Alsobrooks arrived. “I have a lot of former in my titles, but I have Angela in our future,” she said. “It’s time that we have a woman in the U.S. Senate, and it’s more than time that this Black woman is in the Senate.”

Gloria Lawlah, retired District 26 Senator, emphasized she is confident Alsobrooks will win.

“We are going to put a Maryland

woman back on the Hill. Don’t forget Barbara back in 1986,” she said. “We want a woman who is strong, and will chose right over might. We want a woman that cares, that cares deeply about our families and last but certainly not least, our seniors.”

Lawlah, who also served as Maryland’s Secretary of Aging, believes that Alsobrooks will be a strong voice on Capitol Hill to protect Social Security.

Former Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, the first African-American to serve in that role, said he applauds Alsobrooks’ work thus far and knows she will be a strong senator.

“As a law professor from Howard Law, I would give her an A for her performance,” said Leggett. “She knows what she’s doing and she’s coming from a community that has given her the skills to be a Senator. She’s destined for higher heights: let’s make it happen.”

Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman said Alsobrooks is a “fierce advocate for Prince George’s County people, and she tells it like it is. Always.” He is supporting her because of the care and the compassion she has shown in her Executive tenure, and he pledges to do everything in his power to support her for Senate.

During the rally, Alsobrooks touted her accomplishments of reducing crime as State’s Attorney, fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding homeownership and job opportunities and building a new mental healthcare facility in the County. Her Senate pledges include protecting reproductive rights and voting rights and reducing gun violence.

“The future vision of Maryland is bright, and it’s only getting brighter,” she said. WI

3 Entering to the tune, “The Best Is Yet To Come”, Alsobrooks stepped on stage and announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate. (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

5 Senators Melony Griffith (D), Malcom Augustine (D) and Arthur Ellis (D) and County Councilman At Large Calvin Hawkins (D) are all supporting Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks in her bid to be Maryland’s first Black woman Senator. (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

I do my part by raising environmental awareness in Spanish-speaking communities. Let’s work together to keep Prince George’s County green!

Ruby Stemmle, Founder & CEO of EcoLatinos

James Wright / WI Staff Writer

BUSINESS briefs

CAAB RECEIVES $50K FOR CLOSING RACIAL GAP WORK

The Capital Area Asset Builders announced on May 10 that $50,000 has been received from The Bank of America Charitable Foundation for its work in seeking to close the District’s racial wealth gap.

The money is in the form of general operating funds.

“We are honored to receive this grant from Bank of America,” said Joseph Leitmann-Santa Cruz, CAAB’s CEO and executive director. “We are fully committed to advance CAAB’s mission for the benefit of low-and-moderate income Black, Latinx and immigrant families in Washington, D.C. We

are proudly focusing on creating financial stability and long-term prosperity opportunities for Black, Latinx and Immigrant community members. This grant from Bank of America will assist us to advance this objective.”

In other news, Leitmann-Santa Cruz has been appointed to the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s Community Investment Council for a four-year term. The CIC was established in 2011. The main purpose of the CIC is to inform the Bank about emerging issues and trends in communities across the Fifth District which encompasses low-and-moderate income neighborhoods in Washington.

Members of the CIC represent unique perspectives on communi-

HOWARD UNIVERSITY PUBLIC CHARTER MIDDLE SCHOOL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Career and Technical Education Consulting & Curriulum Services

Howard University Public Charter School, located in Washington, DC solicits proposals for Career and Technical Education Consulting & Curriculum Services. Submission deadline is 4:00 PM Eastern time on Thursday, May 25th, 2023. No phone calls please.

To request full scope and/or seek additional information, please email:

Ms. Leslie Boler, Director of Finance & Compliance info@hu-ms2.org

HOWARD UNIVERSITY PUBLIC CHARTER MIDDLE SCHOOL

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Administrative Oversight of Employee Transit and Parking Benefits

Howard University Public Charter School, located in Washington, DC solicits proposals for Administrative Oversight of Employee Transit and Parking Benefits. Submission deadline is 4:00 PM Eastern time on Thursday, May 25th, 2023. No phone calls please.

To request full scope and/or seek additional information, please email: Ms. Leslie Boler, Director of Finance & Compliance info@hu-ms2.org

ty investment and local economic growth from across the Fifth District.

“I am honored to be appointed to the Richmond Fed’s CIC,” said Leitmann-Santa Cruz. “I look forward to informing and advising the leadership of the Richmond Fed on key economic matters impacting low-and-moderate income community members, and to advocate for the development of strategies to create financial stability and long-term prosperity opportunities for Black, Latinx and Immigrant community members.”

MARSHALL HEIGHTS HOLDS A BUSINESS NETWORKING BREAKFAST

The Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, based in Northeast, will hold a business networking breakfast, “The Power of the Purse,” on May 25 from 9-11:30 a.m. Speakers for the event include Kristi Whitfield, director of the D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development; Justina Wilkins, owner of Justina’s Hair Gallery; Ayanna Howard of the Earl Howard Studio; Latoya Liles-Walker, owner of Tsuna-

mi Hair Studio; Jhavon Khasif of Nailbad & Bar; and Rahama Wright of Yeleen Beauty. Steve Glaude of the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing & Economic Development.

D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (I-At Large) will serve as a guest speaker.

For more information, call 202396-1200.

Employment Opportunity

PARALEGAL (Washington DC), Law firm is seeking a highly skilled & motivated Paralegal fluent in Portuguese, both written & spoken, incl the meaning & spelling of words. Must have a Bach's deg in Legal Studies, Public Admin, or a related field or foreign equip, as well as strong organizational skills & attn to detail. Duties incl: Conduct legal research & analysis in Portuguese; Draft legal docs & correspondence; Present info & explaining avail services to prospective & current Brazilian clients of the Co; Communicate w/Brazilian clients, witnesses, & other legal professionals, who only speak Portuguese; Manage case files & organize docs & evidence; Assist attorneys in preparing for trials, hearings, & other legal proceedings; Maintain confidentiality of client info & adhere to ethical standards; Perform other duties as assigned; Reqs: Bach's of Law (LLB) from Brazil. Be a licensed member of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) in good standing; time-mgmt skills; ability to work independently & as part of a team; knowledge of legal terminology & procedures & proficiency in Microsoft Office & legal research databases. Salary: $45,885/yr. Send CV to Leetoledo PLLC at: kris@leetoledolaw.com until 6/14/2023.

DOWNTOWN BID’S OLIVER PICKED FOR FELLOWSHIP

The International Downtown Association has selected Nabavi Oliver, the DowntownDC Business Improvement District’s chief operating officer, as one of the urban district management industry’s brightest professionals for the 2023 Emerging Leader Fellowship program.

Oliver joins 29 fellowship recipients from cities around the country. The ELF program is a week-long experimental curriculum that brings together a cohort of professionals from within the place-management industry. The fellows learn essential leadership and place-management skills and gain practical tools in the areas of place-based economic development, the live-work-play experience, and public-private partnerships.

“I am honored to be selected to participate in this year’s Emerging Leaders Fellowship program alongside esteemed place management professionals,” Oliver said. “I plan to utilize tools from the program across the DowntownDC BID organization in HR, IT, and other departments under my leadership. Additionally, I understand from other previous ELF members that the knowledge shared, and the relationships made, extend far beyond just the program, and create lifelong partnerships.”

The program will take place from June 4-6 in New York City. WI @JamesWrightJr10

5 Nabavi Oliver is the chief operating officer of the DowntownDC Business Improvement District. (Courtesy Photo)

Johnson Set to Hold Major Share of Washington Commanders

By James Wright WI Contributing Writer

NBA Hall of Famer and entrepreneur Magic Johnson is set to be a partial owner in the new ownership group purchasing the Washington Commanders– a barrier breaking as he is the first Black man to own a significant stake in team history.

Johnson is the owner of the $700 million Magic Johnson Enterprises of Beverly Hills, California. He officially obtained a four percent stake in the reportedly $6.05 billion price tag for the NFL franchise on May 12. when Dan and Tanya Snyder agreed to sell the Commanders to a group led by Chevy Chase, Maryland resident Josh Harris, the co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Harris, 58, is the lead owner of the Commanders with Potomac, Mary-

land billionaire Mitchell Rales, the co-founder of the Danaher Company, possessing a significant share of the franchise.

Johnson, 63, said he looks forward to being a part-owner of the team.

“I could not be more excited to be a partner in the proposed new ownership group for the Washington Commanders,” Johnson tweeted.

“Josh Harris has assembled an amazing group who share a commitment to not only great things on the field but to making a real impact in the (Washington-area) community. I’m so excited to get to work on executing our vision for the Commanders and our loyal fan base.”

Johnson also has a major stake in the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Los Angeles Sparks, and the Los Angeles Football Club. In 1990, Johnson teamed with Black Enterprise Publish-

5 NBA Hall of Famer and entrepreneur Magic Johnson has a large stake in the new Washington Commanders ownership. (Courtesy Photo)

er Earl Graves Sr., and Pepsi to create Pepsi-Cola of Washington, D.C. L.P., the largest minority-controlled Pepsi bottling franchise in the nation priced at $60 million. WI @JamesWrightJr10

Gina Nisbeth: Increasing Opportunities for Better Communities

By Andrew S. Jacobson WI Contributing Writer

Gina Nisbeth grew up on 9th Street NW in Washington, D.C. and Clinton Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. At the time, both areas were within low income census tracts. Nisbeth is now a leading expert in the New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) financing industry, while revitalizing neighborhoods similar to those in which she was raised.

The New Market Tax Credit was established by Congress in 2000 during the Clinton Administration. Investors fund community development entities (CDE) and are awarded tax credits against the federal taxes owed.

These CDEs use the monies provided by investors to make loans or investments in projects within qualifying low income census tracts. Some examples of projects using this funding in the District are Columbia Heights’ Tivoli Square, Walter Reed’s Children’s National Research and Innovation Center and Martha’s Table. The general rule is that these projects require “gap funding,” meaning they wouldn’t be financially feasible without the NMTC funding.

Post-George Floyd, Nisbeth’s work

became a beacon for social justice. As Citi seized the opportunity to launch a $1 billion dollar strategic initiative to close the racial wealth gap, Nisbeth was at the helm of a $200 million private equity capital deployment to affordable and workforce housing projects with Black investment managers.

“My work allowed Citi to quickly respond to a national cry for racial equity,” Nisbeth, who worked more than 25 years at Citibank (formerly SmithBarney).

Now, Nisbeth, founder of 9th & Clinton, spends her time working as a strategic advisor on projects. She leverages the nearly 30 years spent in finance and working in low income communities to help her clients source capital for projects, whether it be for real estate development or for operating businesses. Nisbeth’s incredible capital network reaches far beyond the District, extending her clients’ access to Wall Street and beyond.

New Markets Tax Credits can be used by non-profits or for profits, but they are truly centered around economic and community building benefits which the project proposes. The job creation resultant from this

program helps distinguish the preferable deals.

“For New Markets, we're not just creating jobs, we're creating quality jobs. Jobs with promotional opportunities, with pension or or savings options, with healthcare paid days off, and paid training,” Nisbeth explained.

The NMTC expert’s new venture, 9th and Clinton, seeks to bridge these gaps for the benefit of the District.

Recently, the firm enjoyed its first New Market Tax Credit deal closing with Allied Media Projects, in Detroit, Michigan.

While the economy still feels uncertain for District residents contending with high inflation and slow wage growth, what’s certain is Nisbeth’s commitment to being a community change agent. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority, t/a Events DC Bid Announcement

Events DC is seeking a qualified contractor to perform on a as needed basis, Banquet Chairs, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center meeting the specifications/scope of work identified in this solicitation. Located at 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW, Washington, DC 20001 and at any of its Facilities owned and operated by Events DC.

To respond online, you need your company's username and login ID. Go to the Events DC (Washington Convention and Sports Authority) site at https://www.wcsapex.com/bso/login.jsp. Enter your login and password information to sign into the system. Once logged in, open formal bids are listed in the Open Bids section of the home page. All formal bids can be accessed by clicking on Bids, then Open Bids.

The information from the request is below:

Bid Header

Requesting Department: Events DC (Washington Convention and Sports Authority)

Buyer Name: Kaila Turner

Buyer Phone: (202) 249-3215

Buyer Email: Kturner@eventsdc.com

Bid Number: 22-S-011-821

Description: Banquet Chairs

Proposal Due Date: 9:00 AM EST, Friday, June 9, 2023

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority, t/a Events DC Bid Announcement

ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS ARENA FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICES OPERATOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

RFP Release Date: May 10, 2023

Site Visit:  Monday, May 22, 2023 10:00 AM EST

Question & Answer Ends:   Wednesday, May 24, 2023 5:00 PM EST

Proposal Due Date:  June 12, 2023 5:00 PM EST

To access Solicitation: www.wcsapex.com.

Contact:

Terrence Stafford, Deputy Director Office of Contracts & Procurement. tstafford@eventsdc.com

5 New Market Tax Credit expert Gina Nisebth is founder of 9th and Clinton. (Courtesy Photo)

Mainstream Media’s Unconscious Bias Against Kamala Harris Poses Challenges for Biden Administration

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

During a December 2021 trip to Paris, Vice President Kamala Harris purchased a $375 cooking pot. America’s mainstream media didn’t approve.

The media lamented high inflation in the United States and said that her purchase came as American residents barely made ends meet.

“After a very significant and highly successful bilateral meeting in France on issues that are about national security, on issues that are about climate,

on issues that are about what we are doing in terms of international norms and rules on everything from cyber to space. Come on,” Harris retorted.

Despite Harris’ impressive list of accomplishments as vice president and her stellar political track record,

The Department of Energy and Environment is developing a restoration plan for the Anacostia River Corridor to improve water quality and habitat, increase equitable access to recreational activities, and enhance resiliency to climate change.

Join us for an interactive online community meeting!

Thursday, June 8th | 6:30 pm Register today at: arcrp.eventbrite.com

For more info & to provide feedback: bit.ly/AnacostiaRiverSurvey

Dr. Bre Haizlip, a retired psychology professor, observed that the most devastating impact of unconscious racial bias in political media “is the ability to make one of the highest-ranking officials in our nation invisible.”

The media’s bias against the vice president has surfaced in many ways, including intermittent headlines and articles suggesting a split as to whether she should be on the re-election ticket with President Biden.

During an infamous March 2023 Zoom gathering of high-profile Democratic donors in Hollywood, suggestions abounded that Harris’ alleged lack of popularity would doom Biden. Those in attendance included former U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, actress Helen Hunt, and Ron Livingston.

The negative coverage of Harris included a 2021 Newsweek headline that blared, “How Left-Wing Media Turned on Kamala Harris.”

“CNN, Politico, and The Washington Post have all published articles over the past few weeks citing anonymous sources such as aides and Democratic officials who have described apparent chaos in Harris’ office,” the article declared.

“Harris has frequently been a target of criticism from conservatives, particularly for her role in dealing with immigration and the southern border, but it now appears that left-leaning news sources are painting a picture of a struggling vice president,” Newsweek continued.

But often ignored are Harris’s many accomplishments during her two-plus years as second in command.

She spent much of her first two

years breaking an unprecedented 29 ties in an evenly divided Senate while ushering through administration appointees.

Harris proved vital in getting the American Rescue Plan through Congress, providing a $2 trillion stimulus relief bill that kept America’s businesses and residents afloat during the pandemic.

Harris also ensured maternal health for women before and after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

“Unconscious racial bias in political media may include an inadvertent assumption that Black politicians’ accomplishments are less newsworthy or the propensity for the media to focus on negative or controversial aspects of a Black politician’s career, rather than highlighting their successes,” Haizlip explained.

Pew found that about 55% of adults in these countries have confidence in Harris’ handling of world affairs, including half or more who hold that view in 14 countries.

Confidence in Harris is exceptionally high in Sweden, where 77% of adults view her positively.

“It’s unfair how narratives become so powerful and take on a life of their own. These lies threaten to affect the discourse around the 2024 Presidential Race and even Vice President Harris’s political future as she remains a key contender for the Democratic Nomination for President in the future,” Randall Barnes wrote in a March 2023 editorial for HBCU Pulse.

Read the full story on washingtoninformer.com. WI

@StacyBrownMedia

5 The media’s bias against the vice president has surfaced in many ways, including intermittent headlines and articles suggesting a split as to whether she should be on the re-election ticket with President Biden./Wikimedia Commons

The New Moral Dilemma: Should You Tip at the Self-Checkout Line?

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Recently, consumers have been forced to confront the revelation that having zero interaction with employees during a transaction no longer exempts customers from the moral dilemma of tipping.

Customers say they’ve noticed that they’re increasingly asked to tip at self-checkout terminals, despite having no contact with an employee.

Reportedly, cash registers in airports, stadiums, stores, and cafes are prompting customers to add up to 20 percent tips.

Tipping culture has expanded from pubs and restaurants to coffee shops and takeout establishments due to what one publication called “tipflation.”

“This new trend of being prompted to leave a tip does nothing but frustrate consumers. It’s one thing to tip your server personally; it’s another

to be asked to leave a tip on a screen where you’ve done all the work at a self-checkout,” said Corey Donovan, president of Alta Technologies.

“It’s an option to have it turned on or off within the payment gateway software, so businesses are consciously choosing to have it turned on.”

Donovan said the best-case scenario is that the business gives those tips to their employees.

“The worst-case scenario: they’re hoping that customers will just absent-mindedly keep hitting next to get to the final payment screen to generate additional revenue. Either way, it’s not something that makes customers happy and could have a negative impact on customer experience and satisfaction,” Donovan remarked.

Tom Golubovich, the head of marketing at Ninja Transfers, offered that businesses placing a tipping option at self-checkout machines appears to be just another way for companies to pad their bottom line.

“I ordered a smoothie online and went to pick it up myself, and it automatically added a tip to the checkout. Rather than the default being no tip, it was set to 15 percent,” Golubovich stated.

“I didn’t even notice this until after I’d already paid. I think that this is a sneaky practice for companies to take in additional revenue. I hope that the employees working got my tip, but I can’t be so sure of that. It also just feels wrong to have a tip added to something where there wasn’t any personal interaction.”

Mark Pierce, the CEO of Cloud Peak Law Group, added that it’s becoming more evident that employers are attempting to put the onus for employee pay on customers.

“It’s not justified by any means, but employers saw the opportunity and went for it,” Pierce said.

“Tipping has always been a part of employees’ wages in the service industry, but it was attached to giving an

actual person the tip,” he continued.

“Now it seems like it’s an option on every transaction, regardless of whether there was human interaction or not. While employers could argue that at the end of the day, the employees are still getting the tips, there’s no reason to tip if the transaction happened without a person’s help.”

In some states, employers can pay below the minimum wage due to the presumption that workers will earn enough in tips.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5 Customers have noticed that they’re increasingly being asked to tip at self-checkout terminals, despite having no contact with an employee. (Courtesy Photo, Shutterstock)

5 The M23 rebel group handing over Kibumba territory to the EAC force in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. DR Congo's Deputy Prime Minister Christophe Lutundula, has said the EAC force country's conflict-ridden east failed to deliver expected results. (Courtesy Photo)

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

EAC Troops ‘Failed,’ DR Congo’s Foreign Minister Says

Christophe Lutundula, Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DR Congo or DRC) deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, has said the East African Community regional force sent to the country's conflict-ridden east failed to deliver "expected results," signaling that it might have to exit by the end of June, The New Times, Rwanda’s largest daily newspaper, reported on Sunday, May 14, 2023.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, May 13, in the capital Kinshasa, Lutundula said the EAC troops failed to engage the M23 rebels militarily.

"It's simple, they [EAC troops] have not delivered the expected results," said Lutundula. "I'm speaking plainly. It is as clear as water in a clear glass. Otherwise, we would no longer be talking about the M23. It doesn't require any particular demonstration."

The EAC regional force was deployed in November 2022, with a mandate of supporting a peace process that would see the M23 withdraw. The regional force comprising troops from Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, and South Sudan has secured some positions vacated by the rebels in their gradual withdrawal.

According to a peace deal signed on November 23 in Luanda, the capital of Angola, the regional force would use force against the rebels if they refused to withdraw and the offensive mandate would be authorized by the heads of state.

But Kinshasa maintained that the EAC force's mandate was “unequivocally offensive,” which led to disagreements throughout more than five months the force has been in eastern DR Congo.

Lutundula's comments came after President Felix Tshisekedi said on May 9 in Botswana that the EAC regional force would have to leave the Congolese territory in June.

Tshisekedi said it after the Southern African Development Community (SADC) approved the deployment of a joint force to eastern DR Congo to combat militias ahead of national elections later in 2023.

"The EAC troops, who came to restore security in eastern DRC, failed. SADC is to send troops pending the fixing of the modalities by June 15," Lutundula said, adding that EAC force's mandate expires in June.

Eastern DR Congo is home to more than 120 foreign and local armed groups, which are responsible for various atrocities.

Multiple interventions, including one of the United Nations’ largest peacekeeping missions (MONUSCO), have failed to end decades of violence in the country. WI

Bahamas Ambassador to Guatemala Sebastian Bastian Presents Credentials

The Hon. Sebastian Bastian, Bahamas Ambassador to the Republic of Guatemala, presented his credentials to Guatemala’s President Alejandro Falla during the Ninth Summit of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) that concluded on Friday, May 12, in Guatemala with a final declaration agreed by the more than 60 participating delegations.

5 Bahamas Ambassador to Guatemala Sebastian Bastian presented his credentials to Guatemala’s President Alejandro Falla during the Ninth Summit of the Association of Caribbean States. (Courtesy Photo)

Addressing the Summit on Friday, Bahamas Prime Minister Philip E. Davis urged leaders to unite in support of the Bridgetown Initiative, a revolutionary plan that would transform how lending is extended to developing nations in a climate crisis.

While also tackling the issues of inflation, food security and climate-smart investments, Prime Minister Davis reminded leaders of the imperative to take action.

“The time to act is now, and we must act together,” Davis said. “As we exchange proposals and debate policies, we ought to be mindful of our commitment to improve the quality of life for the people we serve; the people who ought always to remain at the centre of our deliberations.”

The host Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mario Búcaro, on Thursday highlighted the representation of nations at the Summit, an expression of the road traveled, the current global challenges and the importance of integration to overcome them. The foreign ministers and observers reaffirmed their support for the meeting, while Saudi Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud indicated that his country will strengthen relations in the areas of trade, climate change and sustainable development. WI

The Power of Meditation On Mental, Physical and Spiritual Health

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

When met with any physical, mental or emotional stressors, a common practice is to reach out to doctors and potentially consume some form of medication to alleviate ailments. However, spiritual leaders and students of Eastern traditional practices across the world are testi-

fying to the formidable practice of meditation, or mindful breathing to remedy imbalances within the body.

The practice of meditation refers to a host of mental and breathing exercises that focus on mind and body integration to calm the mind and maintain a balance in overall well-being. There are various types of meditation practices including: mental focus on a specific sensa-

tion, most typically breathing, or a sound, visual image, or mantra; or the practice of mindfulness which

WATCH • LEARN • DISCUSS

requires maintaining full awareness or attention on the present moment without interfering thoughts and judgments.

“When we sit with sincerity and love in our hearts for God, we become receptive to receive what God sends us from within,” said Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, spiritual leader and head of the Science of Spirituality,.

In efforts to provide concrete evidence of the mental and physical benefits of meditational practices, the National Library of Medicine conducted a study to investigate the use of teacher cueing– such as “compassion cueing”-- with the integration of neuroscience education into a meditation program. The study hypothesized the participants would gain enhanced neuropsychological outcomes.

The results proved the practice to be a beneficial technique for the betterment of one’s health.

“Participants demonstrated significant benefits over time, including increased mindfulness and self-compassion, decreased depression, and gains in neuroscience content,” according to the report.

Zelma Chamberlain, National Women’s Retreat coordinator for the Science of Spirituality, explained the meditation center’s choice of an ancillary method that encourages concentration on what is known as the “third, or single eye” in front of us. While many mediational practices

use the breath, the Science of Spirituality believes in shutting down all five senses and focusing attention on the “third, single eye,” which cultivates what is explained as an inner realm experience of consciousness.

Approaching her 40th year devoutly practicing meditation, Chamberlain still sits in the lifestyle practice, enjoying the process even more now than when she started. Beyond her mental, and spiritual gains, Chamberlain said she attributes her rather quick, and peaceful recovery process after knee replacement surgery eight years ago to consistent meditation over the years.

“Each time I went through the rehabilitation, and even the surgery itself, I centered myself and I asked that God power that sits within me to manifest itself and heal me as it saw fit. So it's really about surrender for me, it was about surrender, and I moved through that journey very, very easily,” Chamberlain explained. “I can tell you right now that if anyone were to take my blood pressure– another [challenge] that many in the African American community [battle with]-- my blood pressure is always very low. Here again, I sit and focus myself daily. It’s a part of my routine. I meditate in the morning when the world is quiet.”

The Science of Spirituality has over 3,000 meditation centers around the world. The teaching collective believes in spirituality and using focused meditation as a tool to bring about a peacefulness with ourselves.

Chamberlain will accompany the organization during their upcoming event entitled, “Detox the Mind for Lasting Happiness,” slated for May 19, in Arlington, Virginia at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel. The event will feature an open talk conversation with Singh Ji Maharaj, teaching individuals an in-depth experience of meditation directly from the teacher who is a world-renowned spiritual leader and coach.

Chamberlain encourages residents to be sure to join the event in hopes to spread awareness of the practice that many believe to be life-changing.

“Meditation has been the core of knowing myself, and finding an inner peace and way of life that brings about peace for me,” Chamberlain said. WI @LV_Writes_

5 Zelma Chamberlain, National Women’s Retreat coordinator for the Science of Spirituality, talks about the importance of meditation in healing, peace and knowing oneself. (Courtesy Photo)

A community conversation about helping D.C. children, families, and ourwhole community thrive

Black Men Grapple with Mental Health Challenges

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Black men are less likely to seek mental health treatment than others due to perceptions of masculinity and the lack of viable treatment options available to them.

“We don’t get help even though we are suffering from mental health illnesses,” said Thomas Davis, the owner of Limitless Possibilities LLC, based in the District and has clients in the city, Maryland and Virginia. “There is the idea that I, as a Black man, is strong enough to handle a problem. There are, however, some Black men who won’t seek a therapist because they don’t think they can handle it.”

Davis said statistics reveal 40% of white males will seek the health of a mental health professional while only 25% of Black males will do the same. Plus, Davis noted a study from the National Library of Medicine that says Black men continue to underutilize mental health treatment and have the highest all-cause mortality rates of any racial ethnic group in the country. When Black men do seek help and would prefer a same-race provider, it can be difficult finding Black psychologists, since they still make up only about 4% of the doctoral-level psychology workforce, according to the American Psychological Association’s website in a January 24, 2023, article “Black Men’s Health Matters.”

In general, according to the statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health, Black adults living below the poverty line are more than twice as likely to report serious psychological distress as U.S. adults who enjoy great financial security.

Howard C. Stevenson, director of the Racial Empowerment Collaborative at the University of Pennsylvania said in the “Black Men’s Mental Health Matters” article that discussing African American males’ reluctance to seek help is not the issue.

“We should place less emphasis on whether Black men are resistant to therapy and more on understanding the contexts in which they already feel comfortable talking about their feelings and traumas,” Stevenson said. “If a Black man can find a treatment that is culturally responsive, that he understands, and that embraces the uniqueness of his difference, he is more likely to use that service.”

Wizdom Powell, an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Connecticut and director of the university’s Health Disparities Institute said society will benefit if it produces programs that promote Black men’s mental health.

“Interventions shouldn’t be just about healing and restoring Black men, though that would be enough,” she said, according to the “Black Men’s Mental Health Matters” article. “We also need to think about how much talent we’re hemorrhaging by not providing Black men with the proper support. Think of all the innovators, entrepreneurs, scientists, and physicians there would be if Black men weren’t being killed with impunity by police officers and if we were creating spaces for them to heal, grow, and thrive.”

Davis said there are solutions for Black men who are dealing with mental health problems.

“I have an affirmation that people of color have a right to a healthy and full life, and they have the right to feel valued and affirmed,” he said. “We need to talk out our problems, whether it is at the barbershop or at the gym while we are working out, talking with our pastor or just meditating.”

Davis added that Black men have different personalities and life experiences, so a one-size fits all model for dealing with mental health challenges is not the best way for professionals to help those who need it.

WI

@JamesWrightJr10

5 Thomas Davis, owner of the District-based Limitless Possibilities LLC, believes that people of color have a right to feel valued and affirmed, and encourages promotion of prioritizing mental health. (Courtesy Photo)

Washington Union Station Expansion Project Public Hearings

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) invites you to comment on the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) for the Washington Union Station Expansion project.

To view or obtain a copy of the SDEIS, please visit: www.WUSstationexpansion.com

Comments can be submitted at: info@wusstationexpansion.com Or by calling: (800) 892-3297

PUBLIC HEARINGS

In-Person:

June 27, 2023 | 5 to 8 pm

(open house from 5 to 6 pm)

Washington Union Station (East Hall)

Virtual:

June 28, 2023 | 5 to 7 pm

https://bit.ly/wus-sdeis-mtg or

(301) 715-8592

Meeting ID: 817 4039 4141

Passcode: 368015

Union Station Redevelopment Corporation, in coordination with Amtrak, is proposing to expand Washington Union Station (Project). FRA prepared a SDEIS that analyzes the impacts of the Project’s new Preferred Alternative (Alternative F) on the natural and human environment in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Alternative F was developed in response to comments received on the 2020 DEIS for the Project. FRA is coordinating NEPA review with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act. The SDEIS includes a Draft Programmatic Agreement (PA) that FRA proposes to execute to resolve the adverse effects of the Project on historic properties, and a Draft 4(f) Evaluation. FRA encourages review and comment on the SDEIS, Draft PA, and Draft 4(f) Evaluation.

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact the project team at info@ WUSstationexpansion.com at least seven days prior to the meeting.

““There is the idea that I, as a Black man, is strong enough to handle a problem. There are, however, some Black men who won’t seek a therapist because they don’t think they can handle it.”

Hogan's Environment Agency was Underfunded and Underperformed, Experts Say

By Hunter Savery and Jon Meltzer Capital News Service

Funding cuts and staffing shortages at the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) over the past decade have coincided with a decline in the state’s ecological health.

MDE’s water-related enforcement actions and identification of major polluters plummeted during former Gov. Larry Hogan’s time in office. During this same period, water quality standards in the Chesapeake Bay declined significantly, falling to the same levels as those observed in the early 1990s, according to data from Chesapeake Progress.

Over two decades, MDE lost one out of every seven employees and those positions went unfilled as environmental challenges increased.

“What we saw in 2021 and in prior years was just a really dramatic cut-off (in resources) and Hogan’s initiatives to make sure that state agencies weren’t fully enforcing the law,” Katlynn Schmitt, a senior analyst at the Center for Progressive Reform, told Capital News Service. She is one of the authors of the 2022 Chesapeake Accountability Project scorecard - an evaluation of “water-related enforcement trends over the last two decades,” according to its website.

Ben Grumbles, Secretary of the Environment under Hogan from 2015 until March 2022, disputed allegations of lax water quality enforcement.

“The administration absolutely put an emphasis on compliance and enforcement,” he said.

“We imposed and recovered many

record setting penalties. We also had to deal with COVID - we were not able to have on-site inspections because they put our employees at risk.

“When you get much below 1% (funding), that's when you start to see a lot of pollution problems…It kind of sends a signal to polluters that you're not going to get caught,” said Doug Myers, Maryland senior scientist for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

More than 18 million people live within the Chesapeake watershed and over 3,600 species of plants and animals call the bay home. The bay is an integral part of the regional economy, providing upwards of 500 million pounds of seafood each year. However, commercial fishery stocks in the region have plummeted in recent years.

The Chesapeake Bay is America’s largest estuary, and its watershed encompasses six states and the District of Columbia. Among these, Maryland provided its environmental protection agency with one of the lowest funding levels in 2020. Only West Virginia allocated a smaller percentage of its general fund to its environmental department.

This low funding has observable results. The 2022 CAP scorecard said that “there has been a dramatic decline in the number of enforcement actions taken by the Water & Science Administration (WSA) (a subsidiary of MDE), the number of sites inspected, and the number of significant violations identified involving environmental or health impacts.”

Although the scorecard says that the MDE situation has been degrading since the early 2000s, many of

the identified changes became more severe during Hogan’s tenure, beginning in 2015.

From 2010 to 2015, the WSA took 1,280 enforcement actions against water policy violators; from 2016 to 2021, that number plummeted to less than a third of that to 422. The number of total site inspections by the WSA also fell from almost 29,000 to less than 18,000 in those same time periods.

“So if your political philosophy is to shrink the size of government, and do as little as possible with it, that works great in your favor,” Myers told CNS. “But then when you get to the point where you're no longer producing the services the government is supposed to provide - for example, protecting water quality - then it's really hard to get that funding back.”

The decline in regulatory capacity at MDE coincided with new challenges for the Chesapeake Bay.

In 2022, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation gave the bay’s health a D+ rating. The current score of 32/100 is only a marginal improvement over 1998’s inaugural score of 27/100.

Chesapeake Progress found that only 27% of the Chesapeake Bay by surface area had acceptable levels of dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll alpha and water clarity in 2020. This represents a precipitous drop from the monitoring program’s highs in the mid-2010s.

Phosphorus and nitrogen fuel the growth of algae species that thrive

at the expense of other marine life. The Choptank River in Eastern Maryland in particular was determined to have “degrading” phosphorus and nitrogen load trends, according to Chesapeake Progress, as was the Susquehanna River’s overall long-term sediment trend.

Qian Zhang, an assistant research scientist at the Chesapeake Bay Program who worked on the Chesapeake Progress report, said that the primary source of these nutrient loads are “generally” agricultural facilities and farms.

A May report from Scientific American highlighted the Eastern Shore, home to the Choptank, as a region with many soy and corn farms, as well as chicken farms. According to river conservationist Elle Bassett, these farms can contribute extreme loads of problematic nutrients to water sources during heavy rains - and many are mere miles from the bay itself.

“A lot of pollution slips through the cracks, even with adequate enforcement of the laws,” Schmitt said. “There are far more polluters than there are regulators. So right now, for instance, in Maryland, every waterway inspector is given approximately 600 facilities that they are accountable for.”

In 2022, there were 53 MDE inspectors tasked with managing 31,000 permits, according to Schmitt.

There are other emerging challenges beyond nutrient loads that

the MDE needs to tackle, according to experts.

Peter Tango, Chesapeake Bay monitoring coordinator for CBP, said that new working groups are being created to keep tabs on new hydrological threats.

“We recognize that there are new pollutants that are out in the bay that we may not necessarily understand as well as we do with nutrient and sediment pollution,” he said, such as plastics and even toxic chemicals. Compounding all of this is the looming threat of climate change. Warmer waters hold less of the vital oxygen that marine life needs to survive. CBF’s Interim Maryland Executive Director Erik Fisher told CNS in February that increased water temperatures mean that the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution that needs to be reduced to hit healthy oxygen targets is higher now. Warmer water combined with rising sea levels reducing available freshwater wetlands makes bay restoration a steeper climb.

Gov. Wes Moore’s 2024 budget includes over $5 million in funding for the MDE in support of “environmental conservation efforts,” as well as dozens of new positions. Moore’s administration has also increased the general fund allocation to the MDE by almost $30 million for 2024.

“We face an historic challenge,” Moore said of his administration’s climate goals in April, “and we will tackle it with an all-of-government, an all-of-community, and an all-ofstate approach.” WI

5 Georgetown students and faculty working on projects through the Environmental Impact Data Collaborative. (Photo courtesy of the Massive Data Institute)

HBCUs Partner With Georgetown to Turn Environmental Data into Solutions

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

Howard University and Morgan State University have partnered with the Massive Data Institute at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy for an initiative that aims to make environmental data accessible and usable for a wider range of researchers. After launching a year and a half ago, the Environmental Impact Data Collaborative created an interactive platform that hosts more than 145 datasets alongside digital tools that make it faster and easier to combine and analyze them.

“People can use our platform for data science tools, using programming languages to transform the data, merge the data and analyze and visualize the data,” said Michael Bailey, the collaborative’s director and an American government professor at Georgetown. “But we really are focused on having impact—we want to avoid just having data for data's sake.”

To that end, the collaborative supports more than 10 different data science projects examining environmental justice and climate change. Researchers at Howard lead five of those projects, which focus on environmental justice issues related to air pollution, health, transportation and homelessness.

Dr. Legand Burge, a Howard computer science professor, currently works on a project that collects and organizes community-level air quality data in D.C. and Baltimore. He also serves as the coordinator for Howard’s partnership within the Environmental Impact Data Collaborative.

“Georgetown is one of those sites where you can actually get access to census data and all these various kinds of data, and they're responsible for managing and governing it, making it accessible to folks,” Burge said. “What [Howard] brings to the table I think is the fact that a lot of our projects are looking at marginalized communities dealing with underrepresented populations.”

Part of Burge’s project involves collecting air quality data from residential properties, and his team has been experimenting with new ways to give individuals more control and ownership of the data they share with researchers.

Burge said that Howard’s and Morgan State’s partnerships within the collaborative can make it easier to reach vulnerable communities that may otherwise feel more reluctant to engage with academic institutions.

“If anyone wants to do research and they want to get real, real-time data, especially from vulnerable communities, there is a level of trust that needs to be established,” he said. “Working with churches or local organizations that are grassroots organizations already in the community is the best way to go.”

TACKLING THE PROBLEM WITH BIG DATASETS

Huge databases are often unwieldy and difficult to work with. Moreover, different sources organize information differently, and even within a single dataset, inconsistencies can significantly slow down the research process. Data analysts sometimes cite an “80/20 rule”—80% of their time is spent getting information cleaned up and prepared and 20% is spent on actual

analysis.

Bailey said that the platform created by EIDC will speed things up and widen the range of people who can do meaningful analysis of environmental data beyond those with specialized data skills.

“For high-end users, we might save hours or a couple of days, but then, for middle or more novice users, we could save months,” he said. “A high-end user who's a sophisticated data scientist with experience in the environmental field could do a lot of this without us. We're trying to expand that set of folks.”

At Morgan State, the collaborative supports a small team of computer scientists developing machine learning processes that would assist with pulling data from the internet and making it usable for researchers. Dr. Paul Wang, the university’s chair of computer science, said that making more information both available and usable is a key part of solving climate and environmental justice issues.

“How are you going to meet a goal without knowing where the key areas to address are?” Wang said.

5 Georgetown students and faculty working on projects through the Environmental Impact Data Collaborative. (Photo courtesy of the Massive Data Institute)

In addition to the three universities involved, the collaborative includes five other entities spanning the private, public and nonprofit sectors. Some partnered with university researchers and students to produce specific projects and others helped provide new data that hadn’t previously been made public, according to an annual report on the collaborative released by the Massive Data Institute earlier this year.

Most of the data housed within the Environmental Impact Data Collaborative’s platform is public information from sources such as the federal government’s Justice 40 initiative, EPA data

on air, water and landfill toxics, and weather data. The collection includes local, state and national datasets, but currently does not have international data.

Funding for the initiative comes from the Bezos Earth Fund, which Amazon founder Jeff Bezos launched in 2020 to support projects addressing climate change and nature. The Massive Data Institute at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy received a $3.2 million grant from the fund in 2021 in order to launch the collaborative. WI

EDUCATION

Teacher Compensation a Key Element of Council Budget Deliberations

Public School Teachers Perturbed by Delay in Back Pay

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

During its first budget vote on Tuesday, May 16, the D.C. Council unanimously approved a fiscal year 2024 budget proposal that allocated an additional $15 million to the charter sector.

That amount, on top of what D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) initially earmarked in her proposal, provided the charter sector a total of $73 million for teacher and staff compensation.

While a far cry from what charter sector advocates rallied for on the front steps of the John A. Wilson Building last week, some people, like Jacque Patterson, remain hopeful that District teachers will be recognized and rewarded for their work, regardless of whether they’re employed by a public school or public charter school.

Patterson, an At-large State Board of Education (SBOE) member and KIPP DC’s chief community engagement & growth officer, counted among those who took part in the

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“Stop the Shortchange Rally” on the morning of May 10.

This event, coordinated by the DC Charter School Alliance and Education Reform Now D.C., centered not only on the allocation of educator pay raises through the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula, but the expansion of those pay raises to instructional coaches, social workers and other staff members.

“Teachers [in the public and public charter sectors] recognize they want a fair salary that allows for a comfortable life in D.C. As a whole, they should be appreciated for their work,” said Patterson, who spoke to the Informer in his capacity as an SBOE representative.

“Families and students don’t distinguish between charters and D.C. public schools,” Patterson continued. “They don’t want to be penalized because their child is in a charter school losing a health practitioner because of a different funding model that doesn’t pay as well. It becomes political, but it’s [about] families and educators.”

Other speakers at the “Stop the Change” Rally included D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D), SBOE Representative Brandon Best (Ward 6), parent Latiya Loring and Jessica Giles, executive director of Educator Reform Now D.C.

The rally took place weeks after charter sector leaders pushed back against Bowser’s budget proposal, which only provided matching Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) contract funds to public charter schools applying for grants requiring the online release of

especially with another round of contract negotiations coming around the corner.

“If we would have contracts done on time, we wouldn't have to worry about retroactive pay,” Pogue-Lyons said. “One of the things we need to do is make sure we’re never in the rear with contracts so you don’t have to apologize for not giving people money. I’m worried about making sure that what they promised [during Teacher Appreciation Week] actually happens.”

On the morning of May 18, the DC Caucus of Rank and File Educators (DC CORE), a WTU caucus, is scheduled to set up shop at Waterfront, Benning Road, Anacostia and Columbia Heights metro stations in demand of a timely retroactive payment.

teacher salary and retention data.

Other stipulations that incited fury among charter sector leaders included back pay for charter sector teachers going back two years, instead of four years as outlined in the WTU contract, along with the 12.5% pay bump not closing pay disparities between the two sectors.

In speaking about the pay equity conundrum, D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8) said that he supports equal funding for all schools, especially as it concerns his constituents who often rank education and public safety among their top concerns.

For four years, WTU leaders worked to solidify what would ultimately become a retroactive contract with Bowser and D.C. Public Schools (DCPS). That process culminated during the latter part of last year with the ratification of a contract, and later some agreement that public school teachers would receive their back pay by May.

During Teacher Appreciation Week however, District public school teachers found out that the District could only secure only a tiny portion of their back pay by May 19. Earlier this year, the Office of Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining designated that date for the full receipt of public school teachers’ retroactive payments.

WTU President Jacqueline Pogue-Lyons told the Informer that she learned that teachers would receive the rest of their back pay by mid-June. She said such an outcome doesn’t give her much reassurance about District officials’ ability to stick to a deadline,

Laura Fuchs, a teacher at H.D. Woodson High School and DCCORE member, told the Informer that DC-CORE isn’t collaborating with WTU leadership for the protest.

The D.C. Council’s fiscal year 2024 budget proposal included $23.9 million in additional funding to fulfill the tenets of the Schools First in Budgeting Act, which requires District public schools to receive funding equal to what had been allocated during the previous fiscal year. Other education--related features of the budget include $3.9 million for flexible teacher scheduling and $6.3 million over the next four years to subsidize a social worker new degree program pipeline. Proposed cuts to DCPS central office incited concern among some people, including D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5) who said that he hopes that council members and central office could find a middle ground.

Earlier this week, Mendelson not only espoused support for public and public charter sector pay equity, but charter school teachers’ ability to unionize. In regard to the DCPS back pay situation, the council chairman said he didn’t expect any foul play on the part of Bowser and DCPS officials. He only acknowledged the complexity of ensuring that teachers receive their long-awaited funds.

“I get that teachers wait[ed] four years for their contract,” Mendelson said. “The government should move quickly. I know it’s a time-consuming process. It’s complicated to get those payments done. There’s thousands of employees getting checks. It’s complicated since it goes back several years.”

WI @SamPKCollins

5 The D.C. Council unanimously approved a fiscal year 2024 budget proposal that allocated an additional $15 million to the charter sector. Jacque Patterson (pictured) remains hopeful that D.C. teachers will be rewarded for their work, regardless of whether they’re employed by a public school or public charter school. (Courtesy Photo)

HU GRADUATION from Page

BIDEN CALLS HOWARD ‘THE SOUL OF THE NATION’

Biden sparked excitement among the graduates and their families when he recognized Howard’s legacy of excellence and called the historically Black university “the soul of the nation.”

His charge to graduates on Saturday was to follow in the footsteps of their fellow alumni to advance the cause of racial equity and tackle the issues that, several decades after Howard’s founding, continue to affect Black people’s quality of life in the United States.

“What is the soul of the nation? Biden asked rhetorically. “The essence of who we are. The soul makes us, us. The soul of America, which makes us unique among all nations. The only nation founded on an idea, not geography, religion, or ethnicity. The single prophecy in the Declaration of Independence that we’re all created equal. We never totally lived up to that promise but never walked away from it.”

Biden continued: “America hasn’t been a fairy tale. It’s been a constant push and pull for more than 240 years. It’s a battle that’s never really over. To stand up to white supremacy, the domestic terrorist threat to our homeland.”

Not all students embraced Biden’s message. As Biden spoke, some graduates stood up and turned their back to the president. Some of them held up signs that said, “Black people stand up, fight back.”

For many graduates, the road to the Howard commencement had its ebbs and flows. Just months into their freshman year, Howard’s Class of 2023 counted among those who quickly pivoted to virtual learning amid a pandemic that has killed over a million people. Throughout it all, they also witnessed a renaissance in which, amid a growing racial consciousness, HBCUs experienced record enrollment and increased federal government support.

In his opening remarks at the commencement, Howard University President Dr. Wayne I. Frederick reflected on the university’s financial situation, this time acknowledging the Biden-Harris administration’s

investments in HBCUs.

“President Biden has been instrumental in making these lofty goals a reality [with] investments, including for postsecondary education, including historically Black colleges and universities,” said Frederick, who is stepping down as president. “This is crucial to our future and Biden and his administration understand and are doing something about it.”

Other honorary doctorate recipients were U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), Bruce A. Karsh and Marsha L. Karsh, founders of the Karsh Family Foundation, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Christopher Rowley, clinical investigator and health policy scholar Dr. Eugene Washington, and Benaree Pratt Wiley, a corporate director and trustee.

Severna Medor, a graduate of the College of Pharmacy, reflected on her journey as a student.

“Once I… saw students with the same desire to excel, I knew I was on the right path,” Medor said. “Coming to Howard University allowed me to find me. I found my voice and passion.”

FROST TELLS UDC TO FIGHT FOR WHAT IS RIGHT

In his keynote address, Frost said UDC graduates are beginning a new chapter in their lives, including President Roger Mason, who is stepping down from his post.

“We are living in dangerous times and exciting times,” Frost, 26, said. “We are seeing a rise in fascism and white supremacy. But we are also seeing a rise in the power of young people. The reason we are seeing a rise in the right wing is the rise of Black people.”

Frost encouraged the graduates to look at public service as something worthy to pursue. Troubled by the gun violence plagued the country in recent years, Frost initially rejected running for public office, as late as 2021, because he viewed politicians in a negative light.

“When you think of a politician, what do you think of,” asked Frost rhetorically. “You think of an old white guy that is corrupt. So did I when I decided to run for Congress in 2022. I lacked confidence. I didn’t see myself as a politician.”

Frost said he changed his mind

with an intent on changing the nation’s gun laws and improving the lives of struggling Americans. He advised the graduates to do the same.

“When we are younger, we focus on who we want to be,” he said. “When you get older, you focus on what you want to do. I wanted to help people through music and politics. My message to you is to step into your power and if you make a mistake, give yourself grace.”

Frost said Generation Z is different from past age groups in that it supports economic inclusivity.

“Young people reject the notion that if I have something, you cannot have anything,” he said. “We embrace abundance. Everyone can have something.”

Salim Adofo, the Ward 8 advisory neighborhood commission chair for 8C and a 2024 candidate for the Democratic nomination for the D.C. Council, was one of the UDC graduates.

Adofo, 45, said Frost’s message should resonate with his classmates that ranged from age 73 to 19.

“Our class will have a lot to deal with in the world,” Adofo, who received a bachelor’s degree in political science, said. “Frost spoke about the issues young people will have to grapple with such as affordable housing and making diversity a serious pursuit. We have a lot of work to do.”

WI

@JamesWrightJr10 @SamPKCollins.

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Justin Weaks Michael Kevin Darnall

5 Howard University class of 2023 graduates celebrate at their commencement on Saturday, May 13.

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Through Project UP, Comcast is committing one billion dollars to reach millions of people with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed in a digital world and build a future of unlimited possibilities.

Why We All Should Embrace Graduation Season

Graduation season is upon us. Scholars throughout the area can be spotted donning caps, gowns and stoles as they celebrate completing academic requirements; proud parents, families and friends are honoring loved ones for their achievements; and important, influential people encourage graduates in keynote addresses that are delivered to offer hope and a charge for the future.

It’s a feel-good, empowering time.

Even if you aren’t or haven’t been graduation-adjacent this year, remember the times you have been. Graduations are more than formal ceremonies, they are a symbol of completion and progress, and offer cheer for all those who take part in the commencement activities.

Merriam Webster defines the verb “graduate” as: “to pass from one stage of experience, proficiency, or prestige to a usually higher one.”

Of course, graduates should get high praise. From pre-kindergarten graduates to those getting doctorates, it’s important to acknowledge the hard work and long hours put in. However, graduate or not, you’ve put in time as well.

We’re about two weeks away from the halfway-point of 2023 and if you’re reading this, you’ve made it through what has already been an eventful year. From the 15 ballots it took Republicans to name Kevin McCarthy (California) as House Speaker earlier this year; to the storms that ripped through and decimated parts of Mississippi; to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ actions to erase conversations about race and sexuality in schools and defund diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts at the state’s public colleges; and more than 200 mass shootings, it's been a long 24 weeks or so. There’s also the further conversations after the overturning of Roe V. Wade and attempted attacks at birth control and other reproductive rights; gun violence and rights discussions; Black people grappling with racism and being murdered by police and civilians alike; and locally– Congress’ February decision to overturn the D.C. Council’s Revised Criminal Code Act (RCCA).

Notwithstanding what’s happening in the world and Washington metro area, there’s also personal pains and trials you’ve had to overcome.

Now is the time to celebrate all you’ve been through while also making plans to begin the “higher” stage as noted in the definition of graduation. After completing the tasks, gaining the skills and getting the rewards, we’re expected to take those lessons and implement them in the next chapter of our lives. Whether it be advancing to the next grade, getting a new job or promotion, completing a task or goal, or simply finishing that thick book you’ve been working to get through, congratulations. Now get to work on that next objective or dream.WI

Parks: One More Reason to Fight for Statehood

The District has a lot of parks, and D.C. regularly scores the top spot on rankings of the best U.S. urban park systems. But most of that parkland—which makes up almost a quarter of the city’s total land—isn’t owned or managed by our own city government. Instead, the National Park Service operates 90% of our green space, from the National Mall to the littlest of triangle parks.

A report from George Washington University, released May 11, examined the many problems with NPS control over our city’s parks. Its authors argue that our green spaces would be better suited to D.C. residents’ needs, more equitably managed and easier to improve if the District government operated them.

One of the most interesting and compelling arguments in the report focused on a larger issue that hangs over every single interaction District residents’ have with government services.

“Lacking statehood, District residents do not elect representatives who oversee NPS,” it reads. “The agency’s lack of engagement with and disconnect from local voters means that NPS is not accountable to DC residents and elected officials.”

When I think about the fight for statehood, the first issues that come to mind are marijuana legalization (because we can all get a “gift” of weed but can’t just buy it) and crime (because of the recent move by Congress to overturn the D.C. Council criminal code reform bill). But parks are a visually obvious and direct way that citizens interact with government management.

It matters that the National Park Service has little incentive to make D.C.’s parks the best they can be for the communities who actually live near them. The underfunded national agency has a maintenance backlog of almost $2 billion in the District alone. And the funding it does spend on D.C. parks is spread unequally—the NPS division that includes Rock Creek Park gets four times more funding per acre than the division covering parks east of the Anacostia.

There’s no guarantee that D.C.’s Department of Parks and Recreation would do a stellar job, especially given the city’s current budget woes. But if DPR took years to fix a bench or neglected to maintain our trails, at least we could vote to change it.

WI

Wow! What a story by James Wright about Michelle Roberts, a single mother of six who went to work and college while raising her children. That takes a special kind of strength to pull those things off individually let alone simultaneously. We need to see more positive stories like this in the media. I appreciate the Washington Informer’s hard work!

Lettie Sears Washington, DC

TO THE EDITOR

I’m just stopping by to say I thoroughly enjoyed the Washington Informer’s Mother’s Day issue. I can’t remember the last time a newspaper left me feeling warm and fuzzy. You all brilliantly captured the nuances of motherhood and all its forms, from foster, single, to step. Every type of mom plays a part in our development and community. Let’s salute them today and everyday.

Eric

Mayfield

Washington, DC

Readers' Mailbox The Washington Informer welcomes letters to the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community. Write to: lsaxton@washingtoninformer. com or send to: 3117 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20032. Please note that we are unable to publish letters that do not include a full name, address and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you.

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Julianne Malveaux

Haitian Awareness is the Spirit of Rebellion

My maternal grandfather was Haitian. I didn't know him well — he died when I was about 6. I don't remember whether he smoked a pipe or a cigar, but I remember the smell of smoke clinging to him on the few occasions I sat in his lap. I remember him trying to teach my siblings and me a few patois words. I don't know

anything about my Haitian relatives — Pappa Jimmy, as we called him, never spoke of them. But whenever I hear news of Haiti, I feel an affinity, a connection, and I revel in Haitian history.

When I told a friend about my Haitian grandfather, he said, "That explains it." What? I asked. He said that Haitians are fighters, reminding me of the formerly enslaved Haitians who beat the stuffing out of the so-called "great" general Napoleon Bonaparte, repelling his "mighty" armies. That

Guest Columnist

victory has shaped US land acquisition and foreign policy even now. The slaveholding President Thomas Jefferson doubled the size of the United States with his Louisiana Purchase when the United States acquired 828,000 miles of land west of the Mississippi River for a mere $15 million. Why was France so willing to sell? Self-emancipated Black folks were kicking the stuffing out of the "great" Napoleon in an uprising that lasted decades. Napoleon needed money, Jefferson needed land, and both wanted

Rosie Allen-Herring

to contain Black rebels and ensure their rebellion did not spread to the United States.

Haiti paid the price for its self-determination, ordered to pay France "reparations" for its independence. The payments crippled the Haitian economy and set the tone for the continuous exploitation of the island. France extracted $30 billion from Haiti, and we can hardly project how Haiti might be different if it had never had to make those predatory payments.

Most people don’t know about

How We Can Do More for ALICE in Washington, D.C.

A new United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) report on D.C. sheds light on the financial hardship of those who are working yet cannot afford the basics in the communities where they live. Of the 319,565 households in D.C., 135,314 — 42% — had income below the ALICE Threshold of Financial Survival in 2021.

ALICE, a United Way NCA acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, represents the number of individuals and families working but unable to afford basic necessities, such as food, health care, child care, transportation expenses and more.

While the Federal Poverty Line (FPL) is updated yearly, the Census Bureau determines poverty status using Thresholds dating back to 1963. The antiquated FPL, the

Guest Columnist

fact that ALICE households may not qualify for federal benefits or safety nets, and the increased cost of living over time, all contribute to the growing number of ALICE households.

To illustrate, a family of four with two parents working full time in two of the most common occupations (retail salesperson and cashier) earning a combined $58,500 annually could not afford D.C.'s Household Survival Budget of $92,736 in 2021, even with the

Winning the Fights that Matter

news that day.

by 2030.

$20,800 in assistance through the expanded Child Tax Credit, the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, and the Economic Impact Payments.

ALICE is our district's child care workers, home health aides and cashiers – those with little or no savings and one emergency from poverty. The gap between wages and the cost of living is a structural economic problem that has worsened since the COVID-19 outbreak. As such, Wednesday, May

Ben Jealous

I thought last week about the psalm that describes how the most exalted pays closest attention to the smallest, the most in need among us.

I was at the White House Thursday marking a major step that the Biden administration took to protect the Earth. The interesting part was it wasn't related to the major

Earlier, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had proposed the tightest limits ever on coal- and gas-fueled power plants' pollution. Those plants are the second largest source of planet-warming gases in the country.

The rules would require power companies to reduce their air pollution. Along with unprecedented federal spending to build clean energy, it's a key step toward meeting the President's pledge to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in half

It's a monumental step in a fight I've been part of for more than a decade, since we launched the NAACP's climate justice program and reported on the disproportionate harm to Black communities from coal-fired power plants.

But we were on the White House lawn with Indigenous Alaskans and their allies in environmental groups celebrating the end to a decades-long fight to protect Bristol Bay from a proposed open pit gold and cooper mine that would

dump into the watersheds of two rivers emptying into the bay.

The EPA earlier this year made a final ruling under the Clean Water Act to prohibit the pollution. It was only the third such decision in the last 30 years.

Bristol Bay is a place where native culture and commerce both thrive. It's home to one of the world's last sustainable, salmon-based cultures in more than two dozen Native Alaskan villages and communities surrounding it.

The bay also is the world's largest

the role France paid in the political instability and violence Haiti experiences today. Even fewer know of the role the United States played in the exploitation of Haiti or in the ways that the Haitian Revolution (which lasted from 1791-1804) played in the restrictive and exploitive laws the United States imposed on enslaved people, as they were fearful that enslaved people in the United States might emulate their Haitian brothers and sisters,

MALVEAUX Page 53

17, United Way NCA will host its annual Do More 24 For ALICE.

Do More 24 is a social movement that convenes nonprofits, private companies, and people of all ages committed to making a difference in their community. This year during this 24-hour online day of giving, we ask our friends and neighbors to imagine for a moment what life would be like if you were unsure of how you

sockeye salmon fishery, producing half the wild sockeye consumed annually and creating 15,000 jobs. The rivers and streams that run through Bristol Bay are vital spawning grounds for coho and chum as well as sockeye salmon and favorites for sport fishermen. In all, the pollution would have risked $2.2 billion in economic impact.

"Salmon have sustained our indigenous ways of life and support

Faye Williams

Power

I almost find it uncanny that a long-dead individual can provide such an accurate analysis of current times. Or maybe it's the predictable nature of humans? However we reason it, the abuse of power is a recurring theme in

human history that only portends tragedy for the less powerful. By their nature, democracies are governments which are supposed to function in accordance with and express the will of the (majority of the) people. For that very reason, democracies are antithetical to those who value power over all else. As with the contemporary Republican Party and American Democracy, when the majority will of the people conflicts with the desires of those in power, chaos reigns.

Any secondary school civics

textbook will explain that, in a democracy, the role of a political party is to explain proposed policy(ies) and convince a majority of the populace to agree. This agreement is usually formed when the populace realizes a personal stake in the presented policy(ies), and, through the election process, expresses its will and accepts the proposed political direction.

In our contemporary American Democracy, lies and misrepresentation, wealthy influencers, voter suppression, gerrymandered voting districts, archaic laws and/

or the passage of laws favoring partisan interests are among the bases upon which the distribution of political power hinges. Looking objectively, we see this demonstrated in issues which are in the forefront of our daily news reports.

The carnage of American gun violence is at a record pace. According to the NAACP, Americans are 25 times more likely to be killed in a gun homicide than people in other high-income countries. Black Americans are 10 times more likely than white

Americans to die by gun homicide. And, in 2022 and 2023, gun violence has surpassed car accidents as the number one cause of death among American youth. Yet, while a majority of Americans clamor for tangible gun reform in the face of these appalling numbers, Republican lawmakers only offer us "thoughts and prayers."

In a June 2021 Forbes magazine poll, 57% of respondents believe abortion should be legal overall in all or most cases — with 23% WILLIAMS Page 54

America Must Not Descend Into a New Feudalism Where Money Rules and People Suffer

Crown is not only fabulously rich; it owns much of the land in the world.

The pomp and circumstance of the crowning of King Charles III filled TV sets.

The British crown is ceremonial; King Charles will take part in rituals, but not rule — that is in the hands of the British prime minister and the Parliament. Yet, beneath the vast spectacle of the Crown is another reality: the

The death of Queen Elizabeth II sparked many investigations into the wealth of the royal family.

Forbes put the royal family's wealth at $28 billion, including fabulous castles, jewels, invaluable art, and extensive land ownings across Wales and England. The royal family also enjoys exemption not just from inheritance tax, but from taxes in general.

But the actual holdings of the

Crown are far greater than that.

Kevin Cahill was a researcher on the London Sunday Times "Rich List." He has written a stunning book — Who Owns the World — that details who owns land across the world.

He reports that the British Crown is the legal owner of about 6.6 billion acres of land — onesixth of the earth's land surface.

Charles III will be the king of 32 countries, and the head of the Commonwealth of 54 countries in which a quarter of the world's

population lives. In many of these countries — including Australia, which with its territories is the second largest country on earth, and Canada — the feudal land laws that were created under the British Empire still govern. The British Crown owns the land. The users of it are essentially lease-holders, some for specific terms, some in perpetuity. If King Charles could sell all the land for which the Crown holds the title, he would be, by far, the richest person who ever lived.

The Obesity Crisis Is Not a Hopeless Fight for Black America

Whether we accept it or not, obesity continues to be a complex, chronic disease that kills thousands of Black Americans every year. Indeed, nearly half of Black Americans live with obesity, so we cannot afford to ignore this national emergency any longer.

The public discourse around weight loss that has taken over re-

cent headlines has entirely missed the mark. Our mainstream media, social media, and content providers are all either dissecting whether a movie star used weight loss medication or analyzing whether these medications are safe to take, even though they're FDA approved.

The fact of the matter is that we are squandering a critical moment to focus on the deadly disease of obesity, and missing the opportunity to save thousands of lives, particularly Black lives. Within the next seven years, researchers anticipate

that half of American adults will live with obesity. This is a personal health burden and a public health crisis, and we should talk about it as such. Turning the narrative around on this disease, and on Black wellness overall, is critical to stemming obesity's growth. The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), a trade association of more than 250 Black-owned community newspapers and media companies from across the United States, has consistently been the voice of the Black community since its founding 83

years ago.

I serve as the organization's president and CEO and right now, we're calling on our members to elevate the conversation on the obesity crisis to one that clarifies the facts, shares reliable resources, and advocates for impactful changes for the benefit of our community's health and longevity. We can address obesity in a way that gives hope, because this is not a hopeless fight.

To start, it's vital that we correct the misinformation. Too often, people don't know that obesity is

Much of the land is held in a tax haven — what Cahill calls the modern equivalent of a "bandit's lair." Of the world's 24 largest tax havens, King Charles will become sovereign of no fewer than 13. Most of the land that the crown holds title over is governed in fact by government agencies — who lease or dispose of it on behalf of the Crown. The Crown is not active in its governance — other than the extensive estates it owns

a chronic disease and a long-term illness, with multiple contributing factors outside of a person's control: environmental circumstances, inherently racist healthcare programs, poverty, and genetics. In cities across the country, like Washington, D.C., where nearly half the population is Black, food deserts and food swamps have become the norm in Black communities. This makes it nearly impossible for many Black residents to eat well even if they wanted to.

CHAVIS Page 54

"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."Lord John Acton

Guest Columnist

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist

E.

JACKSON Page 54

LIFESTYLE

New Children’s Book, ‘I Love My Daddy,’ Further Dispels Myths about Black Fathers

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

For centuries, there’s been a false assumption that Black fathers are absent, apathetic, and uninvolved in their children’s lives.

The stereotype of the absent Black dad remains quite ubiquitous in popular culture.

It often takes the form of a dysfunctional family unit, but in recent years, studies have prov-

en that the stereotype is nothing more than a myth.

That legend is further vaporized in the new children’s book, “I Love My Daddy,” by Maryland social worker and military veteran Juanita Banks Whittington.

The 27-page book, complete with fascinating illustrations by Ananta Mohanta, celebrates what Whittington calls “the unique and special bond between a father and his little girl.”

and the doting dad reads bedtime stories each night to his beloved daughter.

For Whittington, the book opens her home to readers.

It reveals the camaraderie between her and her husband, Ian, and his routine of doting on their daughter, Zuri.

“My husband reads to my daughter every night,” Whittington said on the National Newspaper Publishers Association digital show “Let It Be Known.”

She said her husband helped inspire her to write a children’s book about the relationship between a Black father and his child.

“He kept telling me he wasn’t seeing Black fathers in children’s books,” Whittington said.

“There was always the grandmother and child, or the mother and the child.

“So, I went to friends and family members, and they said they liked the idea, and I went forward and found an illustrator that I liked.”

She noted that it was a must that the illustrator could relate.

“And he was everything I was looking for, especially in the illustration to portray all the things that go on in my household,” Whittington said.

A military veteran and social worker, Whittington is the founder of Nehi Cares, a consulting, foundation, and wellness business

that focuses on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion and helps individuals understand the foundations of wellness by practicing healthy habits daily to attain better physical, social, emotional, and mental health outcomes.

Whittington holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Baltimore and a master’s in social work from the University of Maryland Baltimore.

Her friends and loved ones said Whittington has always displayed a passion for helping, which comes across in “I Love My Daddy.”

“I wanted to make sure that I did [the book] right,” Whittington explained. “I wanted to make sure that it was something that other families could relate to. So many people have said they wanted to write a children’s book after seeing and talking with me, so I wanted to portray something positive.”

“Many times, in our community, there’s this negativity about Black fathers, so I wanted to make sure that, regardless of their race, people could pick this book up and say, ‘It’s awesome. I could relate to this, and I want this for my child.’”

“I Love My Daddy” retails on Amazon.com for $14.99. Click here for more information and to purchase the book. WI

@StacyBrownMedia

It follows a father and his baby girl, who play together in parks,

5 Juanita Banks Whittington’s new book, “I Love My Daddy,” reveals the routine of a doting dad and his daughter. (Courtesy Photo)

D.C. Dominates eSports Adoption: NBA2K League at District E

By Andrew S. Jacobson WI Contributing Writer

The National Basketball Association (NBA), EventsDC, and Monumental Sports upped the ante on showcasing eSports with the launch of the “NBA 2K League 3v3 Tournament.” Hosted at District E, the new venue that boasts an eSports experience for gamers and fans, just steps away from Capital One Arena, the NBA 2K League 3v3 Tournament

The NBA 2K series is one of the most popular games in eSports. Some years ago, the NBA realized that merely a fraction of its 1.6 billion person global fan base would ultimately access an arena for the full NBA experience. With 30 million NBA 2K video-game downloads per year, the NBA quickly realized that a joint venture with the 2K video-game series was in order. In 2018, the NBA 2K League (League) commenced and 17 teams, representing cities in existing NBA markets, competed for an inaugural championship and cash prize.

THE LEAGUE

Today, the League features 25 teams, with non-NBA market teams in Australia, Mexico City and Shanghai. This past weekend, the District had the privilege of hosting the NBA 2K League 3v3 Tournament, with 14 teams and a prize pool of $600,000.

“We did an extensive RFP (request for proposals) to decide where we wanted to make our home, and D.C. did a great job,” said NBA 2K League President Brendan Donohoe.

Events DC, now led by Angie Gates, former director of the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME), is a powerhouse in attracting entertainment to the District. Holding themselves out as, “the premier host of conventions, entertainment, sporting and cultural events in the nation’s capital,” Events DC evinces tremendous foresight with the adoption of eSporting events like the NBA 2K League.

CAPITAL OF ESPORTS

The popularity of eSports has grown tremendously since the pandemic, leading the District to another prospective boon for tourism.

“Frankly, COVID was gasoline on the fire in terms of the amount of gaming that was going on,” Donohoe shared. “D.C. is very convenient for a lot of our teams here on the East Coast. I mean, we have this brand new state-of-theart facility and they were announcing us a week later,” he elaborated.

The League and the city can share in this excitement. Between the tax revenue, to the 70-person crew working on the production of the event, to the players, and the fans, who may travel from other markets to attend these events, being the capital of eSports could have a tremendous impact on the District.

GROWTH AND JOBS

Moreover, there are workforce development opportunities for District residents within the industry. While many children now dream of being professional YouTubers and streamers, there are many jobs emerging in this rapidly growing industry. Accordingly, the NBA 2K League hosted youth from the DC Boys & Girls Club of America as well as young people from the Department of Employ-

ment Service’s Youth Services programming.

Because eSports are a relatively new branch of the sports industry, there are many ways for District residents to obtain jobs.

“Yes, there are six players competing on that stage, which is awesome, but there are another 70 people working on this event tonight. That’s the broadcast team or people creating content, social media, and selling sponsorships,” Donohoe explained.

Inspired by the visionary leadership of Gates, Donohoe, and Zach Leonsis of Monumental Sports, the District has an incredible new venue to bolster our national visibility, create jobs, and for all to enjoy the game of basketball. WI

“We did an extensive RFP (request for proposals) to decide where we wanted to make our home, and D.C. did a great job,” said NBA 2K League President Brendan Donohoe.

5 (Courtesy Photo)

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

The String Queens sold out two performances last Friday at AMP, Strathmore Hall’s performance venue in the Pike and Rose complex. Violinist Kendall Isadore, Cellist Élise Sharp, and Violist Dawn Johnson, dressed in different styles of emerald green attire, played a setlist that did not disappoint. They included their arrangements of songs by the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind and Fire, Michael Jackson, a 90s R&B medley, ending with a faith medley.

Coming out strong, the ladies started with a patriotic medley of “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “Lift Every Voice,” and “America the Beautiful.” A tribute to the late pianist Chick Corea came when his jazz standard “Spain” was played. The range shown by The String Queens deserves respect.

The String Queens Play Any Music

METHOD TO THE RHYTHM

Not unlike what they do full time as school teachers, The String Queens took the time to explain their song selections and approach between each song.

Their popular mash-up of “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley and “In the Deep,” by Adele blended perfectly with upbeat rhythms. Why did they put those two songs together? The answer was simple.

“They both were in the same key,” said Isadore receiving a laugh from the audience.

THE MORE, THE MERRIER

While most of the set consisted of The String Queens, the group was then joined by some of their collaborators.

Everybody goes down well with beer

Pianist and composer Anthony “Tony” Walker, like the ladies, per- forms many music genres. During the concert, he arranged and performed a well-known classical piece, Frédéric Chopin’s “Prelude in E Minor.” That was followed by a cool, outstanding intersection of classical and jazz music called “Neo Mozart.”

Following Walker, the ladies introduced their band, including: drummer Charles Wilson, bassist Mike Mooney and pianist Chris Lewis, who also produced The String Queens’ last album “RISE.” This set opened with the

beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein song, “My Favorite Things,” from the soundtrack of “The Sound of Music.”

INSTRUMENTS CAN DO ‘A LOT OF THINGS’

“For those of you who have not been to our concerts before, you see, we love all the music,” said Isadore. “We realized early in life that there’s a lot of things these instruments can

do, not just in the traditional sense.”

The evening ended with songs of praise and worship. A medley with an opening solo by cellist Sharp, was followed by “Amazing Grace,” “I Love the Lord, He Heard My Cry” and “Total Praise.”

Isadore sang a powerful opening for “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child,” a rendition that seemed to connect to what society has gone through during the past few years. WI

5 (L-R) Violinist Kendall Isadore, Cellist Élise Sharp, and Violist Dawn Johnson performed two sold-out shows recently at AMP by Strathmore. (Courtesy photo/ Jim Saah)

Photo of Jonathan Feuer by Christopher Mueller

5 (L-R) Violinist Kendall Isadore, Cellist Élise Sharp, and Violist Dawn Johnson performed two sold-out shows recently at AMP by Strathmore. (Courtesy photo/ Jim Saah)

‘Monty Python’s Spamalot’ is Irreverent and Hilarious

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Within the first few minutes of the Tony Award-winning musical “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” true fans of the Broadway production were quickly revealed. They were the ones who immediately reacted to familiar jokes from the 1975 film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” from which “Spamalot” was created. With liberties, the film was based on the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table as they searched for the Holy Grail. Like the film, the stage adaptation is edgy and funny, with nods to current events thrown in. The current Kennedy Center production runs until May 21.

BEING “SPAMALOT”

Eric Idle, one of the original Pythons, wrote the book and lyrics for “Spamalot.” John Du Prez is co-composer. The songs are smart with funny lyrics. The most well-known song in the production, “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” is still an idea worth grasping.

Without giving any “spoilers,” the dialogue puts the actors in the position of “breaking the fourth wall,” meaning they sometimes make side comments for the audience while staying on script and in character. With “Spamalot,” actors are letting the audience in on the jokes.

The script is topical by inserting names of political figures that received uproarious laughter from the audience.

You must remain alert because at times, the dialogue is so fast and slick you could miss something.

TALENT IN ABUNDANCE

This cast is over-the-top fantastic. Several actors are Broadway award winners and nominees.

King Arthur is played by James Monroe Iglehart, who received a Tony Award for the role of Genie in “Aladdin.” He was recently in the Kennedy Center’s production of “Guys and Dolls.” In the role of Sir Lancelot is two-time Tony Award nominee Alex Brightman who was in “Beetlejuice” and “School of Rock.” Two-time Tony Award nominee Rob McClure for “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Beetlejuice” plays seven roles, but primarily tackles the role of The Historian/ Prince Herbert. Everyone is in top form.

The character of Lady of the Lake is portrayed by Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, a Drama Desk and Drama League Awards nominee for “Beetlejuice.” Kritzer has one of the strongest singing voices that I have heard in a long time. She blew me away every time she said.

The audience couldn’t hold back the laughter. Blending the medieval setting with modern touches, like the use of a cell phone, happened easily and seemed to work well with the craziness on stage.

Director and choreographer Josh Rhodes had everyone moving non-stop. Dance numbers covered the range, from couples dancing, to a line of dancers crossing the stage, to synchronized galloping horse moves by the cast.

Scenic and projection design by Paul Tate dePoo III, plus costume design by Jen Caprio, brought beautiful light and color to the stage.

Tickets are going fast for “Spamalot.” Due to popular demand, an 11th performance on Thursday, May 18, at 2:00 p.m. has been added. For ticket information, visit the Kennedy Center website at www.kennedy-center.org. WI

5 James Monroe Iglehart is King Arthur and the cast of “Spamalot” at the Kennedy Center until May 21. (Courtesy photo/Jeremy Daniel)

Rest In Peace Tanyna Belle Saxton You Are Missed!!!

Tanyna Belle Saxton was born Tanyna Belle Rachel Chichester on March 25, 1947 at Freedman’s Hospital in Washington, DC to her loving parents, Belle and Arthur Chichester. They, along with oldest son Howard, and eventually younger sister Judy, lived in the Brookland neighborhood of Northeast Washington, but soon the family moved a few blocks away to 20th Street Northeast, and younger brother Robert (Bobby) was born to make the family unit complete. The house on 20th Street was always full of family, but Tanyna also spent time with her many, many cousins on H Street Northeast which was the Chichester family hub.

Tanyna went from Slowe Elementary School to Taft Junior High School, and then to McKinley High School. She went on to study at DC Teachers’ College, majoring in Communication, and then earned a Master’s degree from Howard University in Educational Technology. While at DC Teachers’ she joined the Beta Lambda chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

She began her work in DC Public Schools and, 38 years later, retired from DCPS as a speech pathologist, working all over the city at schools on all levels: elementary, junior high, and high schools. Early in her career, she met a young classroom aide who had been in the Navy, and was aspiring to attend art school. Larry Saxton, that aide, finally got her to agree to go on a date with him, and the rest was history. That date began a love story that would span close to five decades. From the 1981 marriage of Larry and Tanyna came a daughter Monica, and, two years later, a daughter Loren. Tanyna loved her family fiercely and loved to champion them in all of their endeavors. Her support, enthusiasm, and loyalty extended to her siblings, her nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and, most recently, her grandson, Malachi.

Tanyna grew up as a member of Shiloh Baptist Church, joining the church officially and being baptized under the pastorship of Rev. Earl L Harrison. Her real love was singing in the choirs there. She and her sister Judy sang in the Youth Ensemble, then the Mary Ellen Lofton Volunteer Chorus, and they were the youngest members of that group. Tanyna, Judy, and their mother Belle were also all founding members of the Shiloh Gospel choir. She and Judy also sang excerpts from Handel’s Messiah with the Senior Choir under former director Charles “Papa Charles” Fleming for many years. She served at Shiloh as a deaconess for several years, was a life member of ASALH, and worked as a dedicated member of Faith-Friendly Circle, hosting meetings and meals over the years.

Tanyna was an avid reader, NBA basketball fan, and baker. More than anything, she loved to laugh. She was a woman of deep faith, trusting God to guide and protect her and her loved ones, and was one of the family’s fiercest prayer warriors.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Larry Saxton, daughters Monica Saxton and Loren Saxton Coleman (Marcus), and grandson Malachi Coleman; brother Howard Chichester, sister Judy Williams (Stanley), and brother Robert Chichester (Carol); nieces and nephews: Mark Chichester (Colette), Naya Gilmore (John), Lanita Williams, Malik Williams (Yerlina), Jeremy Chichester, and Taryn Montano (Eduardo); great-nephews and great-nieces: Jamar Chichester, Mark A. Chichester, Megan Chichester, Jasmyn Gilmore, Sydni Gilmore, Alyssa Gilmore, Amir Williams, Robert Montano, Giovanni Montano, and Sophia Chichester; and a host of cousins, in-law relations, and beloved friends.

Dynamic Musical Duo Perform at The Phillips Collection

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

An eclectic array of sounds and artists filled the Music Room at The Phillips Collection in Northwest, D.C, when pianist Pallavi Mahidhara and violinist Melissa White recently performed a diverse repertoire for the current Phillips Music season finale. Both women have enjoyed global acclaim for their performances and proactive advocacy to enlighten traditional institutions about varied musical composers.

I particularly focused on composers unfamiliar to me. Amy Beach’s (1867-1944) “Romance” was a composition specifically for violin and piano. Beginning slow, then moving in and out of heightened strokes, I wondered what prompted the emotions I heard in this composition.

“The Bishop’s Processional” was composed by Nokuthula Ngwenyama (B.1976), a South African/Japanese woman who now lives in Phoenix, Arizona. This piece sounded like a segment in a movie soundtrack. I envisioned a travel scene against a vast landscape for a Western genre film.

Mahidhara and White also performed the three movements from “Suite for Violin and Piano” composed by William Grant Still (18951978). The first movement, “African Dancer,” said to me, “Ta-dah, here it is!” Next was “Mother and Child,” setting a serene feeling of a loving, satisfying connection with touches of a little anxiousness. The final movement, “Garmin,” was rapid with intent, then it was done.

Mahidhara made her orchestral debut at age 10, performing at the Ravinia Festival in Chicago. She is one of a few classically trained East Asian pianists in the world. African American Grammy Award-winning violinist White has performed with some of our country’s most renowned orchestras. Most recently, White was the featured soloist with the National Philharmonic at Strathmore. She then performed with the Harlem Quartet in an event presented by the Library of Congress.

Visit the website of The Phillips Collection, a museum of modern art, for information about their exhibitions and other programs. https://www. phillipscollection.org

5 (L-R) Violinist Melissa White and Pianist Pallavi Mahidhara recently performed a diverse repertoire at The Phillips Collection. (Courtesy photo/The Phillips Collection)

AN UPDATED COVID-19 VACCINE HELPS SAVE LIVES

Vaccinated people* who received an updated COVID-19 vaccine were

14X less likely to die compared with those who received no vaccine

3X less likely to die compared with those who received only the original COVID-19 vaccine(s)

People ages 12+ who got their last COVID-19 vaccine dose before September 2022 should get an updated vaccine

To find your nearest vaccination site, visit vaccines.gov

Program Spotlight: Leaders of Tomorrow

Submitted by DC Black MBA

The future is available and accessible for those who are ready to lead. Leadership is a noun and a verb. The DC Chapter of the National Black MBA Association made a commitment to create a pipeline to contribute to the leadership of the future through the NBMBAA® Leaders of Tomorrow® Program (LOT) in 1994. Nearly, three decades later, the DC Chapter of LOT has celebrated major wins including most recently the 2018 3rd place winners in the annual national LOT Case Competition.

LOT was created by the National Black MBA Association in 1991 as a youth development and mentoring program designed to expose and aspire talented youth. The program is built on five developmental areas Leadership, Financial Literacy, College Preparation, Career Preparation and Life Skills. In addition to participating in national programs, the DC Chapter hosts regular meetings for LOT from October – June, an Oratorical Competition, an end of the year celebration, and provides scholarships to active members.

The annual LOT Oratorical Competition serves as a culminating event to highlight the public speaking skills of members. This year, the competition was on March 25 in the University of the District of Columbia Student Center Ballroom. The theme for this year was Unsung Heroes in STEM, Education, Politics, or Sports. Participants selected anyone they felt was an unsung hero and their speech showcased why they should be celebrated.

The event was a wonderful lesson on some phenomenal women who have made an impact in Education, STEM (Fashion), and STEM (Medicine). The distinguished panel of judges charged with selecting the winners were – Warren Wright of Raymond James; Joya Robinson, former LOT President and Case Team Winner; and Dr. Lemar White, DC Black MBA Board Member.

The winners of the competition were Arian A.

Risper (1st Place), Jahnai Williams (2nd Place), and Aniya Stevenson (3rd Place). There were also two honorable mentions to Wes Robinson and Naijah McDonald for outstanding speeches. Surprisingly, each of the selected Unsung Hereos were women and selected by the students based on their individual interests. “I feel it’s my responsibility to uplift and highlight those women who aren’t seen,” shared Arian on her selection of Dr. Virginia Apgar. “I felt like women are not represented enough in STEM and the number of contributions they have made to society that have impacted millions of people and touched the lives of many women in my generation.”

The Oratorical Competition is one of many programs conducted by the DC Chapter to support their youth program. This scholarship competition allows members to build public speaking skills while earning money for college. For more information about Leaders of Tomorrow, visit the website at www.dcblackmbaa.org.

Hughes Offers Advice to Spelman College Community

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Cathy Hughes, the founder and chair of Urban One, Inc., based in Silver Spring, Maryland offered advice on going into business and life on May 8 to Atlanta’s Spelman College community in its digital series, “Courageous Conversations” on the topic “Entrepreneurship & the Power of One Woman.”

Urban One, Inc., founded in 1980 by Hughes, is the largest Black owned broadcasting company in the nation, operating 70 radio stations in 18 markets and owning a majority stake in Reach Media and possessing outright Interactive One and the cable network TV One. Urban One, Inc., is one of the few Black businesses traded on the Nasdaq system.

Hughes, interviewed by Spelman President Dr. Helen Gayle for one hour, said she ultimately went into business to control her professional destiny and to be socially conscious about how she made her money.

“You have to know when it feels right,” she said. “If you do good, you will do well financially.”

Hughes, 76, told the Spelman community to zealously pursue their interests in business.

“Follow your heart,” she said. “Follow your dream. Research is so very important.”

Hughes also warned against worrying.

“You should not ever worry,” she said. “It doesn’t change anything. We all face challenges. Whatever challenge I had; I came through it.”

WI

@JamesWrightJr10

5 Cathy Hughes, founder and chair of Urban One, Inc., offered advice to the Spelman College Community in the digital series: Courageous Conversations: Entrepreneurship & the Power of One Woman.” (Courtesy Photo)

5 LOT Oratorical Competition participants and judges. (L to R): Joya Robinson, Warren Wright, Wes Robinson, Naijah McDonald, Aniya Stevenson, Arian Risper, Jahnai Williams, and Lemar White.

emorial Day was called Decoration Day when it started as a day to honor the nation’s Civil War dead by decorating their graves.

After the Civil War, people across America started a tradition of setting one day a year aside to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers.

On May 30, 1868, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery. After the speech, thousands of people who came to hear him decorated the graves of more than 20,000 Union and

Confederate soldiers buried there.

After World War I, Decoration Day was expanded to remember those who had died in all American wars.

In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May.

oday a flag is placed on each grave at Arlington National Cemetery. The president or the vice president gives a speech and lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

a talk given to an audience monument to the dead a long established custom for special or future use

Paper poppies are made by unemployed and disabled veterans and sold to raise money for veterans and their widows, widowers and orphans. Look at each row of poppies. Draw the one that should come next to continue each pattern.

nal resting places to retain an idea in the memory ground where dead are buried someone who serves in the military the rst day of the working week to make something more attractive great respect and admiration a day set aside sometimes to commemorate something

OBSERVING

A GREAT CLASSROOM

CRAFT: Paint terra-cotta flower pots, coffee cans, jars and other containers in stars and stripes. Then, plant some flowers in them and deliver them to a local veterans hospital or to neighbors who have lost a family member serving our country.

Where is your ad?

What categories of ads (other than classified) appear in only one section of the newspaper? Chart the ad categories and sections. Why do you think this is? If you were advertising toys, in what section would you place your ad?

Standards Link: Students identify the different kinds of advertising in a newspaper and use categories to oranize data.

Color the two flags at right.

Cut along the dotted line.

Fold the little flag around the top of your pencil and use glue to fasten the folded flag.

What will you remember most from this school year?

1. 2. 3.

review wi book

"King: A Life"

by Jonathan Eig

c.2023, Farrar, Straus and Giroux

$35

671 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer

WI Contributing Writer

The life of the hero you most admire has been an open book. For much of your life, you've read about him, watched him on television, and heard epic stories about him. Sometimes, your hero almost feels like a close personal friend; absolutely, he's someone you want to be like. So read the new book, "King: A Life" by Jonathan Eig and find out all the things you don't know.

Head to your local bookstore or library, and you'll find thousands of "excellent biographies" about Martin Luther King Jr. You'll find books on his work, beliefs, and his activism. Still, says Jonathan Eig, "the literature remains incomplete" — in part, because those books don't tell much about King as a flawed, irritated, exhausted human.

Says Eig, "King was a man, not a saint, not a symbol. He chewed his fingernails. He shouted at the TV during quiz shows." He cheated on his wife for so many years that "friends referred to [one] woman as his second wife."

By the time he was a year old, young King had three names: Michael, Marvin and Martin; his father adopted the name Martin Luther "after a few years," and the younger King was then called M.L. As the middle child and older son, young Martin was close to his sister but tussled with his younger brother, sometimes violently. The elder Martin was a preacher, and M.L. said that God had called him to do the same — though he later claimed that he "tried to escape" the "responsibility on [his] shoulders, and grew frustrated.

King was a ladies' man who fell in love with a white woman before meeting Coretta Scott. He often felt insecure and had a "tendency to depression." He "found strength in words," vowing in a fiery speech in December 1955 that "the world would change."

Their time had come. He promised.

Since his activism as a young man and his assassination more than a half-century ago, surely everything there is to know about Martin Luther King Jr. has been told, right?

Surprisingly, no, as author Jonathan Eig shows. In "King: A Life," readers are given a glimpse of a man who was more complicated and flawed than we've seen before.

Part of the revelation lies in the stories Eig tells about King and the many people in King's circle, friends, family and colleagues. It's in these tales that we see a King that contemporary accounts generally didn't reveal, but that "thousands of recently released FBI documents and tens of thousands of other new items..." have shed light on.

In that, we learn much about the turbulent relationships that King had, broadly and specifically with politics and presidents. There's a fair amount of edginess and intrigue in that and, given the time frame, a sense of doom.

The size of "King: A Life" may be daunting, but don't let it scare you. It's a surprisingly fast read that includes things you know and things you don't know. Truly, you're going to want to open this book. WI

horoscopes

ARIES Look for any emotional outlet you can find as the week begins. You need to clear the air on Monday, and friends and family (especially women) will gladly oblige. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, you'll have a thirst for adventure. Use a burst of bravado to seek out an appropriate challenge and aim high! You've got the stamina and energy to take on almost anything. Lucky Numbers: 2, 5, 37

TAURUS Start your week by taking a risk, especially a romantic risk, if you're single. You'll feel like baring your soul on Monday, and others will respond well to your emotional bravery. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, try to be patient and reasonable. Those are two of your greatest strengths, after all, and you could use them right now because others are looking to pick a (pointless) fight. Lucky Numbers: 27, 28, 43

GEMINI Is your mind on your money? As the week begins, you might find yourself obsessed with the material world, but that's okay. Monday is an excellent day for reassessing priorities and budgets. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, have fun at one of your favorite sports: verbal jousting and intellectual repartee. Just make sure you keep it lighthearted. You're a clever enough conversationalist that others might take your witty quips too seriously. Be careful and considerate. Lucky Numbers: 7, 16, 36

CANCER What a great way to start a week! You're full of enthusiasm and emotional energy on Monday, so don't be bashful when it comes to going after what you want. Your intuition is spot-on, and your assertiveness will be rewarded. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, that same gusto could earn you some welcome applause and attention. Show off with confidence and make an extravagant splash. Lucky Numbers: 13, 33, 58

LEO You might be lost in thought as the week begins, but in a good way! You've been doing some deep thinking, and that will be reflected on Monday in the way you radiate warmth and contentment. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, all eyes are on you. Your reputation (excellent, of course) has been getting around, and others will want to bask in your confidence and charisma. Lucky Numbers: 7, 16, 19

VIRGO Get organized! Start the week by getting your world in order, preferably in the company of like-minded others. Socializing will be energizing on Monday. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, you might feel overwhelmed by too much going on, but don't despair. You've got the smarts to juggle all these details -- and the flexibility to recover from anything unexpected. Lucky Numbers: 20, 35, 45

LIBRA Keep your head down as the week begins. You'll face of flurry of distractions and demands on Monday, and you'll need some help from your friends to see you through. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, others will look to you to take the lead, so don't be bashful about making plans and pointing the way. (And don't sweat the details.) Lucky Numbers: 15, 28, 32

SCORPIO As the week begins, it's a great time to go after what you want. Monday finds you full of confidence and charisma, and a deep conversation could lead you where you need to go. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, watch out for a power struggle. Your ego could get you dragged into a conflict that you weren't counting on and don't want. Lucky Numbers: 3, 10, 29

SAGITTARIUS Follow your mood as the week begins. You might not be on the same page as everyone else on Monday, but that mix in energies and perspectives could generate some interesting (and challenging!) new ideas. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, take every chance to take a gamble. Luck is on your side right now, and risk-taking is the fastest route to rewards, whether that's material gains, intellectual advances, or just having some fun. Lucky Numbers: 7, 21, 30

CAPRICORN Don't avoid the issues at hand as the week begins. You need to nip matters in the bud quickly, and Monday should provide the perfect opportunity for fulfilling your responsibilities. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, things aren't what they seem. Use your excellent analytical skills to exercise some caution. You should be able to see what others are really after right now. Lucky Numbers: 2, 8, 33

AQUARIUS The beginning of this week could be difficult if you're not at your patient and flexible best. You'll have nothing to worry about, though, if you can stop thinking and just forge ahead on Monday, even if the task at hand isn't that exciting. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, expect a sudden surge of creativity. An intellectual insight could lead to a startling (and fun!) discovery, provided you have the courage to experiment. Lucky Numbers: 2, 9, 14

PISCES If only every week could start this way! Expect your Monday to kick off with some fun and flirtation, and don't be bashful. People can't get enough of your company right now. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, you might feel like you've got too much going on, but you just need to take a deep breath and show some patience (and steer clear of other people's drama). Lucky Numbers: 7, 28, 57

Tee-Ballers Have Fun While Learning About Sportsmanship

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

Sports and athletics have become a way of life in American culture. Whether it is baseball, football, basketball, boxing, soccer, tennis or more, it is hard to find someone who is not in some way a fan of a sport or team; but what often is at the forefront is who wins or loses.

For those looking for a sport where neither skill level, the score, or who is victorious is important, then consider attending a tee-ball game.

A recent game between the Joe Cole Recreation team and the Turkey Thicket team at Turkey Thicket in Northeast, D.C. provided much unscripted entertainment. The teams were made up of 5- to 7- year olds with a few 4-year olds

in the mix for good measure.

The players gathered before the game and appeared to be excited about the chance to display their "skills" to their parents and gathering of fans.

The first batter for Joe Cole went to bat and with the instruction of the coach, was finally able to hit the ball off the tee. The ball dribbled about four feet from home plate to the third base side. Suddenly the infield of five Turkey Thicket players all converged on the ball, but no one was able to retrieve it so the entire group scrambled around on an attempt to secure the ball to make a play at first base.

Meanwhile the batter appeared confused as to what to do next.

First she sought out her mother, who was behind the backstop cheering her on. Then she found

her coach who was imploring her to run to first base. Then after about a minute of indecision, she began the trek to the first base bag.

Finally one of the Turkey Thicket players secured the ball and raced toward the first base to get the runner out. Along the way, his teammates joined in the fray and followed him before there was a domino of them falling on the ground after tripping each other.

Even with some of the clumsy confusion, witnessing the young tee-ballers was truly entertaining.

"We don't keep scores," explained Turkey Thicket’s Al “Coach Al” Code, a recreation specialist and roving leader for District of Columbia Parks and Recreation for the past 15 years. "Some of the parents do but the object is to make sure that they all play and learn from the experience and have fun.”

Code has coached tee-ball, basketball and other sports for the past eight years. He admits that there is something special about tee-ball.

“This is their introduction to baseball if they choose to pursue it,” Code told the Informer.

He went on to explain that the games are three innings and everyone gets a chance to get at-bat

and a chance to play in the field. He carries as many as 20 players on the roster to accommodate the younger players and those with special needs.

One of the players who is the veteran of the team is Elle Mecca Hill. She has the longest tenure on the team, having started at the age of 5.

"When I first started, I didn't know what I was doing," declared the second grader at nearby Mundo Verde School. "But Coach Al showed me things that made me better. I didn't know that you could raise your leg (when batting). He told me it would make me hit better.”

Muhammad Hill, Elle’s father, said he has witnessed his daughter’s progress since she began playing tee ball a couple years ago.

"Coach Al does a great job with this age group," Hill said. "There is a lot going on as you can imagine at this age. Elle has really improved during the past two years and she is now more competitive. She started out as a five-year old, playing with 6- and 7-year olds. Now she is the senior. She has taken on the role of big sister for the younger players, showing them things like how to run bases and where to go."

Silas Grant's daughter, Mollie, 4, is in her first year of the sport and said that he has seen her benefit from the experience.

"She became interested in baseball through ‘Take Me Out to the

Ballgame’ on YouTube, so I decided to get her involved in tee-ball," Grant said. "She was reluctant at first but she befriended Elle and ultimately became more comfortable to see another girl older who was an example."

Grant added that there are other benefits from Mollie's participation.

"Since I am not able to see how she acts in a social setting at school, I was curious about how this would play out. She is growing from the social interaction with the players on the team."

During the game, the team chants, "Hit the ball, "hit the ball" to teammates at bat. During the first inning of this game, the team innocently did the chant for the opposing team to which Elle Mecca, told them that they should only do it when their team was at bat.

It is a labor of love for Code. He maintains discipline and structure while at the same time, creates a fun experience. He has a method of making sure they pay attention when he calls on them to go to bat or send them out in the field.

"I love this," he said with a bright smile. "They come from different backgrounds. This community is diverse. We have whites, Blacks and Hispanics on the team. But when they are out there or in the dugout, there is no difference. They are just learning and having fun.'

During a break between innings, as Code was on his way out of the dugout, one of the players asked him, "Coach Al, do you know how to spell,” and then quickly declared, “I know how to spell, Coach Al."

This prompted Coach Al to say, laughingly, "You can't make this up."

At the end of the game, the players line up and proceed to shake hands. They then group together in the dugout and partake in a post game ritual taught to them by Code, which is called breakdown.

As they leave with their parents, there is no conversation on who won, or what was the final score; Rather It is "Daddy or Mommy, can we go get pizza or go to McDonalds?".

"That was fun," declared Elle to her parents as she high fived them.

Elle Mecca Hill and Muhammad Hill are reporter Ed Hill’s granddaughter and son. WI

3 Elle Mecca Hill has played tee-ball with Turkey Thicket for two years.

(Abdullah Konte/ The Washington Informer)

5 Tee-ball (Abdullah Konte/ The Washington Informer)

CAPTURE

the moment

The District’s two HBCUs hosted graduation ceremonies blocks apart on May 13, with keynote speakers that reflected generations of U.S. leadership.

President Joseph Biden, 80, addressed a record 1,852 graduates at Howard University’s (HU) commencement at Capital One Arena in Northwest. At the same time, U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), the first member of Generation Z to serve in the U.S. Congress, addressed the University of the District of Columbia’s (UDC) 796 graduates at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, also in Northwest. Both Biden and Frost received honorary doctorates, discussed the importance of fighting white supremacy, and urged African Americans and other people of color to get involved in the political process.

HU

3 Graduating members of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity pose at Howard University’s commencement. (Rob Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

6 Students pose at Howard University’s commencement on Saturday, May 13. (Rob Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

4 Rep. James Clyburne (D-South Carolina) received an honorary doctorate from Howard University.

4 Actress, Howard University alumna and Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts Dean Phylicia Rashad processes into HU’s graduation at the Capital One Arena on May 13.

5 UDC President Ronald Mason Jr. and U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) pose after the Florida Congressman receives his honorary doctorate. (Marckell Williams/ The Washington Informer)

5 UDC conducted commencement exercises Saturday, May 13 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. (Marckell Williams/ The Washington Informer)

4 The David A. Clarke School of Law processes. (Marckell Williams/ The Washington Informer)

Remembering and Learning from Moms Long Gone

By Hamil Harris WI Contributing Writer

Across the country, people celebrated Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14 with flowers and dinners and various tributes dedicated to the women who brought them into the world, raised them or nurtured them throughout life. But outside the gates of cemeteries around the D.C. metropolitan area were people buying flowers and teddy bears; for these people, tears were inadequate to wash away a lifetime of memories of mama.

“When mothers pass, no matter

how old you get, you always miss your mom,” said the Rev. Wanda K. Thompson, pastor of the Ambassador Baptist Church in Southeast, D.C. Thompson, whose mother died in 2007, said on Sunday she preached a message entitled,”When Mothers Pray.”

“When we talk to children or grandchildren, I encourage them to cherish the memories and to keep the spirit of mom alive,” the Ambassador Baptist Church pastor continued. “We need to celebrate women more often because they are the backbone of

the church.”

Kevin Bethea, senior minister of the East Baltimore Church of Christ, is also founder of the Maryland Christian Counseling Ministry Institute. Bethea highlighted the need for “What I am finding is that we

are living in an age where unlike the past, the children of mothers from the 70s and 80s are very sensitive to loss and having a hard time coping with the loss of their mothers,” Bethea said. “In terms of dealing with grief there has never been a better time for churches to

have counseling ministry.”

Bethea further explained that the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the need for church-based counseling ministries.

“COVID interrupted people’s lives,” Bethea said. “We had a lot of deaths that we couldn’t funeralize. Only 10 people could be seated in empty cold funeral homes with nobody to comfort them.”

The Rev. Nathaniel Thomas, pastor of Forestville New Redeemer Baptist Church, said that while his church honored mothers on Sunday, he also had a special word for those who lost their moms.

“This is a rough time for many because this is the first Mother’s Day without mom,” said Thomas, who has been the pastor of the church for 30 years.

“Despite the loss they still have the memory of her love, her sharing and caring” the New Redeemer Baptist Church pastor added.

Thomas called his mother an “encourager,” and exhorted his congregation to consider cherishing precious memories of moms who have died.

“She never gave up on me. She put you on the right path,” Thomas said.“When we deal with memories of our mothers… we hold onto them long after they are gone and that will be with us forever.”

WI

5 Pastor Wanda K. Thompson of Ambassador Baptist Church in Southeast, D.C., preached a Mother’s Day sermon entitled, “When Mothers Pray.” (Courtesy Photo)

“When mothers pass, no matter how old you get, you always miss your mom,” said the Rev. Wanda K. Thompson, pastor of the Ambassador Baptist Church in Southeast, D.C.

If we fail to plan, we plan to fail.

We've been teaching the 13 principles to success, researched for 20 years by the late Napoleon Hill, author of the bestselling book "Think and Grow Rich." Hill reminds us, "Richness is whatever it is you happen to want." This week, we talk about the need to move toward your goal with "organized planning." Every man needs a plan to get to his goal. Once you have a plan you will know what steps are next. You've heard the cliché: If we fail to plan, we plan to fail.

This, a weekly series given to me by God, teaches success principles found in the bible, interwoven with these principles researched by Hill. Let's talk about your plans now.

When God gave you the idea of your dreams, it was just for you. How can anyone know what God has said to you? Stay away from wondering 'how' your plans will materialize. That is the province of God." Write carefully those thoughts given to you by the Holy Spirit. Make organized plans. Then tweak those plans with the help of your role-model or mentor, someone you're sure who knows. You'd better ask somebody!

As you work your plan, go into action out in the world where God can inspire and put needed resources in your path, and watch miracles begin to happen. Belief/faith will have such a strong effect on manifesting those dreams into reality. According to God in Neale Donald Walsch's "Conversations With God," there are no "dues to pay" for miracles. After

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Planning

all, in the Word, The Savior tells us to seek and we shall find, knock and the door shall be opened to us, ask, and it shall be given.

As you move toward your seemingly impossible goal, keep your mind stayed on Jesus, pray without ceasing, and renew your mind daily. Don't allow negativity to get in. Never mind what you think if those upstream thoughts do come along occasionally; never mind what "they" say — those hideous comments from others that anger or hurt. Keep right on working your plans, and go with the flow. The stream of life will take you down the river with ease!

Let's say you want to start a nonprofit business. Plan first things first:

(1) Do you have a burning desire, faith, and do you utilize your imagination? If so, (2) write your business plan; (3) file your articles of incorporation; (4) ask IRS for your EIN number; (5) open a business bank account; and (6) file for your 501c-3 status. It must be done orderly, one step after the other.

It was 40 years ago when my journey began, with me following these steps discovered by Napoleon Hill. Because of my diligence, determination as I followed and continue to follow my organized plans; my life's achievement have been many, and your life will change for the better too!

Shiloh Church of God 7th Day

The Bible has many instances where planning was of value. The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25: 1-13) shows how planning and preparation made the difference. This lesson involves a strange marriage custom, where the message rings loud and clear: The wise servant of God is the one who cares enough to plan and prepare. The wise virgins were prepared for the unexpected delay of the Groom.

As you travel along life's journey, I'd love to tell you that once you know where you want to go, the flow of traffic will be smooth. Unfortunately in the real world, even with a good road map, the road is often bumpy and potholes abound, and without disciplined planning, you may not last. Please go the distance by including in your plans to keep going when the times get rough!

Stay inspired! Here are some affirmations to repeat daily: "I feel good now; my worthiness is not in question; the Word says anything I desire, can be mine; I am eager, full of life; I feel clear minded, adventurous, steady, confident, ready, fantastic, sure, unlimited, never finished, always unfolding, and I'm led by The Holy Spirit." Therefore, anything I want to know the Holy Spirit will answer.

Only three more weeks, with two plans per week — stay tuned! WI

Adams Inspirational A.M.E. Church

RELIGION

The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor

9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743

Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724

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

4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011

(202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/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

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

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

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

School: 10:00 AM

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

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

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Street

St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us...

Bishop

Sr. Senior Pastor 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

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

Mt.

Zion

Baptist Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

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

Fax: 202-726-9089

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.

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

Th.D. Senior Pastor 1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax

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

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

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

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

headline and photo for LIF - MALCOLMXDAY

John F. Johnson Reverend Dr. 1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005

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

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders,

Third

Church of God

Lanier C. Twyman,

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

Covenant Baptist United Church  of Christ

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

Zion Baptist Church

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

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

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

St. Matthews Baptist Church

Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor 2001 Brooks Drive  District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074

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"

Email: revprbstmbc@gmail.com

Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

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

Pastor

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

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

Interim Pastor

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

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"

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax

“Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . 100% Forgiven!

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

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

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 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

Pastor

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

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

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 11 AM

Sunday School: 10 AM

Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM

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

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Curtis l. Staley Pastor 621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032

P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112

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

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

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Priest

Foggy Bottom Founded in 1867

728 23rd Street, NW Washington, DC 20037

Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958

Service and Times

Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns

Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org

Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

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

Promised Land Baptist Church

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012 Office (202)-882-8331

Service and Times

Sunday Worship 10:30 am Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Communion Every First Sunday "Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."

Website: Theplbc.org Email: churchclerk@theplbc.org

Senior Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 9:30 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 9:30 AM

Sunday School: 8:15 AM

Bible Study: Wednesdays at Noon

Baptism: 4th Sunday 9:30 AM

Website address: www.mmbcdc.org

“Where God is Praised, Christ is Obeyed, and People are Loved”

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 “

Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor 602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480

Fax: (202) 289-4595

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 “

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

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

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org

Website:www.mthoreb.org

For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.

Rev.

Rev. Lance Aubert Imterim

Elder Herman L. Simms

Rev. Richard B. Black

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church

Dr. Joseph D. Turner

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Christ Embassy DC

Rev.

Mount

Rev.

Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson

front of Atlas Performing Arts Center on H Street, just feet away from where a returning citizen stabbed a congressional staffer in March.

Those who accompanied Bowser included City Administrator Kevin Donahue, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Lindsey Appiah, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Robert J. Contee III, Natasha Dupee, executive director of the Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives, and Anwar Saleem, executive director of H Street Main Street.

"We are focused on public safety and places where we think there are gaps and [how] filling the gaps would make the city safer,” Bowser said. "We know that we need to make some changes that require us to be introspective and pivot toward resources to direct crime trends,” she added. “I'm introducing a proposal to move us in the right direction and build a safer, stronger D.C. It's common sense."

SOME RESIDENTS QUESTION BOWSER’S APPROACH

As of Monday, D.C. has experienced a 13% increase in violent crime from the same time in the previous year. Last weekend, five shootings took place in the District within 24 hours. MPD also responded to the shooting of a 10-year-old girl in Northeast on Mother’s Day.

Bowser is scheduled to submit the Safer, Stronger DC legislation on Tuesday after the D.C. Council’s first vote on the fiscal year 2024 budget. She and Contee are also expected to appear before the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability to discuss local criminal justice issues.

If passed, Safer, Stronger DC would also enhance penalties for violent crimes that target and victimize vulnerable residents, expand protections for transit and for-hire vehicle employees, eliminate the possibility of civil penalties for gun trafficking,

require supervision agencies to to provide MPD with access to GPS data of those under court supervision, and include the police chief, District mayor, and deputy mayor for public safety and justice on the D.C. Sentencing Commission.

Safer, Stronger DC also makes strangulation a felony assault and expands the definition of “significant relationships” in abuse cases to include coaches.

Another important element increases the reimbursement for private security systems that District residents, businesses and nonprofits purchase for their homes and venues. Right now, Ward 8 accounts for the jurisdiction with the smallest share of the more than 11,000 residents, businesses, religious institutions and nonprofits that are participating in the program. The funds allocated via the Safer, Stronger DC legislation would fund the purchase, repair and upgrade of security equipment.

Bowser administration officials

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speaking on background described Safer, Stronger DC as a response to violent crimes, the proliferation of illegal guns and a negative perception about how the local courts handle criminal defendants.

At the public safety summit, Bowser, speaking about people who’ve offended while awaiting trial, expressed her desire to keep criminal defendants with a violent history detained at D.C. Jail if charged with a crime again.

Residents and advocates who tuned in virtually last week raised concerns about whether defendants would be provided a speedy trial. On Monday, the issue came up once again, this time from a passerby.

After Bowser announced Safer, Stronger DC, Northeast resident Kevin Condray questioned whether

detaining alleged offenders, especially those under the age of 18, was an ideal strategy. Condray, a returning citizen and contractor, implored city officials to address young people’s educational and mental health needs.

“The defendants they’re holding are young, uneducated youth,” said Condray, 44.

“They don’t have [any] idea of what’s going on. I guarantee none of them can read at the fifth grade level,” he added. “Young people get provoked to do bad things when they go to jail. If they can learn how to read and write, they wouldn’t be focused on this. They’re doing it out of low self-esteem.”

Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI @SamPKCollins

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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000468

Effie R. Woody Decedent

Edward G. Varrone, Esq.

1825 K Street, NW Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Tia Barnes, whose address is 8446 South Marquette Avenue, Apartment 1, Chicago, IL 60617, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Effie R. Woody who died on November 24, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/04/2023. 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 11/04/2023, 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:

5/4/2023

Tia Barnes

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000475

Elizabeth Tart Finley aka Elizabeth T. Finley Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Lori Myers, whose address is 13112 Falling Water Court, Bowie, MD 20720, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elizabeth Tart Finley aka Elizabeth T. Finley who died on May 12, 2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/4/2023. 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 11/4/2023, 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: 5/4/2023

Lori Myers Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 FEP 38

8/4/2022

Date of Death

Lunita Slaughter-Stevens Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Sherri Stevens and Wilmatine Slaughter whose addresses are 1409 Peartree Lane Bowie MD, 20721 and 601 Hudson Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912 were appointed personal representatives of the estate of Lunita Slaughter-Stevens, deceased, by the Register of Wills Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on 9/5/2022.

Service of process may be made upon Kenneth Slaughter 4012 Illinois Ave., NW Washington, DC 20011 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.

721 Olgethrope Street NE, Washington, DC 20011. 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: 5/4/2023

Sherri Stevens Wilmatine Slaughter Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001431

Elbert Whiting Decedent

Louvenia W. Williams, Esq. 9701 Apollo Drive, #301 Largo, MD 20774

Attorney

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

Joseph E. Whiting, whose address is 12474 Hatton Creek Road, Newburg, MD 20664, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elbert Whiting who died on November 13, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/5/2023. 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 11/5/2023, 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: 5/4/2023

Joseph E. Whiting Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 414

Arlene Mary Martin

Decedent

Colline Silvera

Robinson Kirlew and Associates, PC 7731 Belle Point Dr. Greenbelt. MD 20770

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Jack Bernard Martin, whose address is 2822 27th St., NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Arlene Mary Martin who died on 4/28/2004 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., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/5/2023. 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 11/5/2023, 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: 5/4/2023

Jack Bernard Martin

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000272

Leo Randall Decedent

Aimee D. Griffin

5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW Suite 440

Washington, DC 20015

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Johnnie D. Randall, whose address is 4546 Eads Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal

Representative of the estate of Leo Randall who died on July 23, 2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/4/2023. 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 11/4/2023, 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: 5/4/2023

Johnnie D. Randall

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000482

Veronica S. Longstreth Decedent

Maria K. Day-Marshall

6329 Joslyn Place

Cheverly, Maryland 20785

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Joy Bellamy Lofton, whose address is 3487 Hunters Hill Drive, Stonecrest, Dekalb County, GA 30038, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Veronica S. Longstreth who died on June 20, 2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/4/2023. 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 11/4/2023, 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: 5/4/2023

Joy Bellamy Lofton

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 000540

Virginia B. Zanner Decedent

Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006

Attorney

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

Heather Moors Johnson, whose address is 29 Lang Road West, Stuyvesant, NY 12173, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Virginia B. Zanner who died on February 28, 2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/11/2023. 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 11/11/2023, 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: 5/11/2023

Heather Moors Johnson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000374

Jesse Thomas Skidmore Decedent

Brian L. Kass, Esq. 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 434 Washington, DC 20008 Attorney

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

Natalie Jean Arena Skidmore, whose address is 323 Virginia Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jesse Thomas Skidmore who died on January 9, 2023 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/11/2023. 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 11/11/2023, 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: 5/11/2023

Natalie Jean Arena Skidmore Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000500

Gerald E. Jacks, Jr.

Decedent

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

Myra B. Waul, whose address is 163 Mason Rd., Prince Frederick, MD 20678, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gerald E. Jacks, Jr. who died on June 20, 2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/11/2023. 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 11/11/2023, 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: 5/11/2023

Myra B. Waul Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000425

Benjamin J. Jackson Decedent

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

Nichelle D. Lighty, whose address is 607 Mace Drive, Fort Washington, MD 20744, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Benjamin J. Jackson who died on August 6, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/11/2023. 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 11/11/2023, 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:

5/11/2023

Nichelle D. Lighty

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 524

Lois Ann Jameson

Decedent

Theodora H. Brown, Esq.

Law Office of Theodora H. Brown

3127 Cherry Road, NE Washington, DC 20018

Attorney

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

Robert Jameson, whose address is 21927 143rd Road, Springfield Gardens, New York 11413, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lois Ann Jameson who died on January 2, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/11/2023. 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 11/11/2023, 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: 5/11/2023

Robert Jameson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001194

Estate of Haile Tesfamariam

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Tekie Sium for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative

Date of first publication: 5/11/2023

Karen J. Malachi 1101 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite #300 Washington, DC 20004 Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 398

Myrthel E. Hargrove Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Michael R. Hargrove, whose address is 10705 Bayview Court Fort Washington, MD 20744, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Myrthel E. Hargrove who died on November 26, 2018 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/11/2023. 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 11/11/2023, 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: 5/11/2023

Michael R. Hargrove Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 476

William N. Cooper

Decedent

Aaron E. Price

Law Offices of Aaron E. Price 717 D Street, NW #300 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney

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

Bobbie J. Cooper, whose address is 5051 Kimi Gray Court, SE Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William N. Cooper who died on 1/21/2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/11/2023. 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 11/11/2023, 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:

5/11/2023

Bobbie J. Cooper

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

x SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 1181

Mary Elizabeth Martin Decedent

Colline Silvera Robinson Kirlew Associates

7731 Belle Point Dr., Greenbelt, MD 20770

Attorney

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

Jack Bernard Martin, whose address is 2822 27th St., NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Elizabeth Martin who died on 12/28/1985 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/11/2023. 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 11/11/2023, 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:

5/11/2023

Jack Bernard Martin Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000548

Garrett E. Coble Decedent

Donald Marlais, Esq. 411 10th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002

Attorney

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

Danielle A.C. Singh, whose address is 1029 Cook Drive SE, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Garrett E. Coble who died on March 4, 2023 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., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/18/2023. 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 11/18/2023, 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: 5/18/2023

Danielle A.C. Singh

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 000549

Yvonne P. Colston Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Ladd G. Colston, whose address is 1004 North Schumaker Dr., Salisbury MD 21804, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Yvonne P. Colston who died on 2/6/2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/18/2023. 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 11/18/2023, 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: 5/18/2023

Ladd G. Colston Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001081

Mary Alice Tucker

Decedent

Caren M. Webb, Esq. 1308 Ninth Street, NW Suite 250 Washington, DC 20001

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Ann E. Tucker and Michael Tucker, whose addresses are 2038 Fort Davis St., SE, WDC 20020 & 304 Nalley Road, Landover, MD 20785, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Mary Alice Tucker who died on 6/12/2014 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/18/2023. 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 11/18/2023, 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: 5/18/2023

Ann E. Tucker

Michael Tucker Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000529

Andrew P. Corley Jr. aka Andrew Pickens Corley, Jr. Decedent

Ethel Mitchell 8403 Colesville Road, Suite 1100 Silver Spring, MD 20910

Attorney

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

Richard Steven Corley, whose address is 3839 26th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Andrew P. Corley Jr. aka Andrew Pickens Corley, Jr. who died on 3/7/2023 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/18/2023. 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 11/18/2023, 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: 5/18/2023

Richard Steven Corley Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000538

William E. Sledge aka William Edward Sledge Decedent

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Odell M. Allen, whose address is 12908 Fox Bow Drive, #201, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William E. Sledge aka William Edward Sledge who died on February 18, 2023 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/18/2023. 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 11/18/2023, 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:

5/18/2023

Odell M. Allen

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000553

Janice F. Jackson Decedent

Andre O. McDonald, Esq. 10500 Little Patuxent Parkway Suite 420 Columbia, Maryland 21044 Attorney

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

Tanya J. Latson, whose address is 29770 Eldorado Farm Drive, Mechanicsville, Maryland 20659, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Janice F. Jackson who died on 2/7/2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/18/2023. 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 11/18/2023, 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: 5/18/2023

Tanya J. Latson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

they continue to pay mortgages and condo fees for units they may never be able to return to.

Tragically, their lifelong dreams of homeownership have been deferred but they plan to ensure their voices are heard by holding a protest rally on Wednesday, May 24, at 1 PM on the grounds of the nearly abandoned condominium.

For close to two years, they have resided with their families in apartments, with assistance from the District Government.

These former residents are not happy overall with the response by the D.C. Government since they were forced to vacate their homes with less than two weeks’ notice in September 2021. They question the thoroughness of the local government’s approval process for selecting developers. Others vow to never try and purchase another home again in the District, even with the homeownership assistance available to them.

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000465

Raymond F. Fennell aka Raymond Fountaine Fennell Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Jeffrey Tyrone Fennell and Roderick Ashley Fennell, whose addresses are 4207 Monroe St., Colmar Manor, MD 20722 and 4207 Monroe St., Colmar Manor, MD 20722, were appointed

Personal Representatives of the estate of Raymond F. Fennell aka Raymond Fountaine Fennell who died on 5/14/2020 with a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/18/2023. 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 11/18/2023, 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:

5/18/2023

Jeffrey Tyrone Fennell

Roderick Ashley Fennell

Personal Representative

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Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 000032

Gregory Daniel Decedent

Iris McCollum Green, Esquire 1714 15th Street, NW Suite B Washington, DC 20009 Attorney

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

Janet Mitchell, whose address is 8447 South Bennett Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gregory Daniel who died on April 14, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/18/2023. 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 11/18/2023, 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: 5/18/2023

Janet Mitchell Personal Representative

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Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

And while Mayor Muriel Bowser’s (D) office, via the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DCHCD), has been engaged in efforts to resolve these issues associated with Grandview Condominiums, some are questioning why she herself has not made a site visit, or met with them in person. Last summer, Mayor Bowser participated in a Zoom with them.

Former Homeowners in Pain

The average mortgage on Talbert Street for the dislocated homeowners is $1200, plus $280 in condominium fees.

When you visit the home of Norika Hill, 33, you immediately see the real impact of what “uninhabitable” and “dreams deferred” has meant to her and her son. As you walk around, the carpeting is soaked, and the smell of mold and mildew are prominent. Yet, you can visualize that it was once a happy home environment.

Hill is concerned with how much longer the District will offer rent assistance: “We were recently told [it will end in] December and that we’re not going to pay your rent forever. That statement by a city official was hurtful.”

Shannon Thomas said her son feels the sting of being removed from his home.

“My son took his first steps in his bedroom. Every time we drive past our home, he shares how

much he misses his bedroom. And it just breaks my heart. In fact, it was in his bedroom that we first noticed a problem. He told me his floor, which was carpeted, was wet. My first inclination was that he had spilled something. Unfortunately, he had not.”

“I bought a condo for myself and daughter,” stated Yvonne Lawson, 32. “What exactly is the city’s process for approving developers and inspectors? The mayor, once we had that meeting with her last summer, said it was her goal to make us whole.”

RESPONSE OF D.C. GOVERNMENT

DCHCD has offered to:

Buy out or otherwise assume the first trust mortgage of each owner and assume responsibility of the site to bring a resolution and fresh start to Grandview homeowners.

Forgive current Housing Production Trust Fund (HPTF) and Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) combined loans of approximately $6.4 million ($4 million HPTF and $2.4 million HPAP), and reinstate HPAP eligibility to all homeowners, regardless of current income.

Allow homeowners to utilize HPAP for their next home purchase without having to go

through the initial steps of the program again.

Provide comprehensive housing counseling support through one of its community-based organization partners that specialize in homeownership programs.

Offer the first right of purchase of any homeownership opportunities that result in redevelopment of the property.

Stabilize the property retaining wall and work to determine the feasibility of redeveloping it. Introduce legislation to “undertake these actions in support of the residents.”

WHAT DO THEY WANT?

Hill, Thomas, and Lawson are tired of renting and want to move and become homeowners again, and not continue to rent.

While living on Talbert Street, each met their financial obligations as homeowners while living under structurally unsafe and environmentally hazardous conditions. They also want the local government to pay them at current market value, and not the original prices of purchase. There is a collective sense that the District has failed each of them.

In short, these young women want their lives made whole. WI

5 Norika Hill walks through her uninhabitable home. (Ja’Mon Jackson/ The Washington Informer)

rebelling against their oppressors much as Haitian revolutionaries did.

May is Haitian Heritage Month, but the mainstream media seems to have ignored this salient fact. Instead, there is a celebration in one town or another, a parade hidden in the back pages of the local press. May should be the month when we are reminded of our role in the violence on that turbulent island. Gangs have taken over the urban streets, but where did the gangs get guns? Guns are not manufactured in Haiti, so they must come from somewhere, probably the United States. Our nation's gun manufacturers are profiting from Haiti's pain, just as they are profiting from the pain victims of mass shootings are experiencing. While I hesitate to throw a "pity

ALLEN-HERRING from Page 30 would pay your rent, mortgage, or utility bills next month.

As the region's convener, collaborator, and catalyst, United Way NCA's goal is to create a more equitable society where everyone in our community has fair and equal access to health, education, and economic opportunity. We cannot do this work alone, so we're call-

JEALOUS from Page 30

thousands of American jobs. But for the past 20 years, the Pebble Mine has threatened to take all of that away — but our people stood up and fought back to protect what we hold sacred," Alanna Hurley, who leads United Tribes of

party" to compare suffering in one country to suffering in another, I cannot help but contrast the overwhelming support for Ukraine with the minimal support for the Haitian people. Even when our nation rushed to support Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, when millions sent dollars, there were questions about who administered them and where they were directed. It is doubtful that even half of those dollars trickled down to the Haitian people.

Ibi Zoboi, a Haitian American New York Times bestselling author (her most recent book is Nigeria Jones, Harper Collins, 2023), reminds me that there are triumphant stories in Haiti that transcend the ever-present headlines around violence and disruption. She speaks of the energy and spirit of those in rural Haiti who never make the headlines. She reminds

ing on the community to Do More for ALICE. We know that collectively we can make great strides to reduce ALICE households in our region. When none are ignored, all will thrive. For more information, please visit http://domore24.org/ uwnca. WI

Bristol, told us.

President Biden noted that the commercial salmon season begins on June 1. Fishermen will “head out on the water at dawn, cast their nets, and fish the most abundant wild salmon on the planet. Just like fishermen have done for generations." He added, “Just like they will do for generations to

me of former Haitian Ambassador to the United States, Paul Altidor, who often regaled me with stunning descriptions of Haiti outside Port-au-Prince, where much of the violence is concentrated.

If no one else in the United States celebrates Haitian Heritage Month, African Americans must.

The Haitian revolution sowed the seeds for our own uprisings and slave rebellion. It also reminds us of the power of predatory capitalism, a power we must consistently resist. And it must tap into the spirit of the Haitian rebellion that took France down, defeating its most powerful general. If our foremothers and forefathers could do that, what might we do? I am grateful for my Haitian heritage and for the brother who reminded me of where I get some of my rebellious spirit from. WI

come thanks to all of you."

It was a reminder that local fights turn into significant victories, that diverse groups from native peoples to sport fishermen can find something they all care about and protect it together. It's how we will save the planet, keep it livable, and keep this democracy strong. WI

We know that collectively we can make great strides to reduce ALICE households in our region. When none are ignored, all will thrive.

WILLIAMS from Page 31

saying it should be legal in all cases and 33% saying only in most cases — including 76% of Democrats and 36% of Republicans. That percentage was even higher when asked whether abortion should be legal during the first trimester specifically, with 61% saying it should be legal in all or most cases. Yet an unwavering national minority with influence in the courts and upon the reins of power are waging a ceaseless war against a woman's autonomy over her own body and medical decisions.

JACKSON from Page 31

in England. From most, it does not receive direct rents.

Its ownership, however, is a reminder of the force and impact of empire. In the days when the sun literally never set on the British Empire — with colonies stretching from North America to India to Hong Kong — the Crown and its agents collected rents, jewels, gold, minerals and more from the world. Needless to say, even after independence, this booty was never returned or repaid.

The American Revolution helped free the former colonies from this feudal arrangement. Under free market rules, America's land is privately owned, not owned by feudal lords. And America's populist tradition helped ensure that land ownings — particularly outside the South — were initially small in size. Under Abra-

CHAVIS from Page 31

That is to say, many people cannot access one of the key tools for combating obesity — a healthy diet — because of factors outside of their control.

It's also important to note that obesity is a complex disease that may require more than diet and exercise. Our understanding of the disease has changed drastically over the years thanks to scientific research and advances. Where diet and exercise are not enough, some people may need the extra support of anti-obesity medications to fight the disease. Just as many of us take medications to manage hypertension, diabetes, or cholesterol — conditions you may

In the aftermath of the elections in 2020 and 2022, those factions which, with their votes, were instrumental in denying a greater political foothold to the MAGA crowd, and who paved the way for the unexpected retention of progressive power in the Senate have become targets of draconian legislation to restrict their future votes. Blacks, LGBTQ, young, and collegiate voters now find themselves in the crosshairs of conservative Republicans who are actively working to create legislative impediments to their voting rights.

Maybe it was our faith in the

ham Lincoln, the Homestead Act distributed the lands in the west to settlers in small claims. Slaves had no right to be part of that distribution.

Today, with inequality reaching new heights, America's small-d democratic distribution of lands and property is under pressure. Billionaires are accumulating massive tracts of land and massive holdings of buildings. Private equity investors have transformed the housing market, turning more and more Americans into renters, while they own homes by the thousands. Billionaires are also finding ways to avoid inheritance taxes, and to use tax havens and tax dodges to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.

The crowning of King Charles III was a captivating, antiquated spectacle. It was literally a throwback to a bygone age. Yet the ermine and the jewels, the crowns and scepters contain a caution.

have inherited — medications for chronic weight management may be needed as well.

Further, combating severe obesity may even require bariatric surgery. Chronic diseases are treated with a range of treatment options, and obesity is no different.

To be clear, the perception that people who live with obesity just need to take better care of themselves is false and dangerous, as it prevents thousands from receiving or seeking the care they need. Societal weight biases strain the mental health of people living by obesity, prevent people from living their healthiest lives, and contribute to our country's stagnant healthcare policies that exacerbate obesity's disproportionate impact on Black

strength of the past American Democracy. We may have underestimated the tyrannical and despotic dispositions of conservatives and how, once they got power, they would lie, cheat, and steal to retain it. Republicans clawed and scratched for 50 years to gain the control they now enjoy. We can reverse their ill-gotten control, but we must first commit to another struggle and remember the admonishment of Frederick Douglass when he told us: "Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will."

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Democracy thrives on opportunity, on a broad middle class, not a ruling elite with massive, accumulated fortunes and lands. America's democracy thrived by distributing the land, making public education available to all, and extending the right to vote. When wealth got too concentrated, we taxed the rich and invested in what made the country strong. Now, wealth is once more concentrated. Big money dominates elections; corruption undermines our institutions from the Supreme Court to the local city councils. Let's enjoy the ceremony of the British Crown, but let's act to ensure that America does not descend into a new feudalism where money rules, and people suffer.

In the end, for all its flaws, I choose a bottom-up democracy — of, by and for the people — over a top-down monarchy.

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communities.

From less access to quality healthcare, to the exclusion of anti-obesity medications from Medicare, and most Medicaid and general insurance coverage, our healthcare systems under-prioritizes the well-being of Black Americans. And we've learned from history that until we make our voices heard, this crisis will continue to be brushed aside.

Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an expert on obesity, noted that we have been living through three pandemics: COVID-19, racism, and obesity. We must prioritize combating the obesity pandemic with the same energy we use to combat COVID-19 and racial injustice. Our lives depend on it. WI

Quality ENT CARE in the Heart of D.C.

Hearing our favorite music. Getting a good night’s sleep. Telling our friends a great story. Ear, nose and throat (ENT) conditions can affect the simple joys of everyday life. Let GW Hospital provide the advanced care you need.

Our ENT services include the diagnosis, treatment and management of:

• Cancers affecting the ears, nose, throat, head and neck

• Eye-related disorders

• Facial deformities and trauma

• Hearing disorders (including cochlear implants)

• Nasal and sinus disorders

• Sleep disorders (like sleep apnea)

• Thyroid and parathyroid disorders (like hyperand hypothyroidism)

• Voice-altering disorders (GW Voice Treatment Center)

• And more

Patients have access to nonsurgical treatments like speech therapy and medication, as well as surgical treatments like cochlear implantation and rhinoplasty. We also offer clinical trials for patients who qualify.

REGAINING HIS VOICE

Joel Hinzman, a devoted husband and father, talked for a living as a lobbyist in D.C. After a diagnosis of Stage 4 tonsil cancer, he underwent a low-dose radiation clinical trial at GW Cancer Center, which restored his voice and saved his life.

To schedule an in-person or virtual appointment, call 888-4GW-DOCS (449-3627).

 Learn more at gwhospital.com/ENT

Find us in the heart of D.C., steps away from buses, Metro stops and parking garages.

 View his story