Issuu

I N S I D E

Clingman Makes Case for Forgiving Student Loans, Pg. 23

I N S I D E

LaRuby, Todd, Take Their Council Seats, Pg. 4

County Councilman Critical of Tax Proposal, Pg. 12

District Bids Adieu to Junk Yard Band Member, Pg. 9

Horton’s Kids Brings Hope to Anacostia Youth, Pg. 25

Vol. 50, No. 32 May 21 - May 27, 2015

Marking 150 years since the end of the Civil War, the Grand Review Parade held Sunday, May 16 on Pennsylvania Avenue in Northwest, featured participants dressed as Union Soldiers to pay tribute to the United States Colored Troops of 1865. /Photo by Roy Lewis

Amtrak Resumes Service, Focus on Safety Authorities Continue to Ascertain Facts of Deadly Crash By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer As Northeast Regional 188 left Union Station on Tuesday, May 12, the safe assumption was that no one on board gave any thought to a system federal regulators had put into place to slow speeding trains.

However, as service along the Northeast Corridor resumed on Monday, May 18, following the derailment that claimed eight lives and injured more than 200, Amtrak officials said they had begun to implement steps to improve safety, including assessing the risk of all curves where the approach speed is significant-

ly higher than curve speed and increasing speed limit signage throughout the Northeast. “Our infrastructure repairs have been made with the utmost care and emphasis on infrastructure integrity including complete compliance with Federal Railroad Administration directives,” Amtrak President Joseph Board-

man said in a statement. “Amtrak staff and crew have been working around the clock to repair the infrastructure necessary to restore service for all the passengers who travel along the Northeast Corridor.” The train that crashed did so along the curve at Frankford Junction near Philadelphia as it

headed toward New York City. It’s been reported that, although the speed limit for the curve was 50 miles per hour, the train had been traveling at speeds of more than twice that. Automatic Train Controls are in place at the curve for south-

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ROASA’S 3rd Annual Unconditional Love Retreat! “My Children’s Keeper”

The purpose of the Unconditional Love Retreat was to start a dialogue between professional business owners and today’s unsung heroes who are currently working in the community to improve our children’s lives! The goal was to identify solutions on what each one of us can do to be a child’s mentor. The theme for this year’s retreat was “My Children’s Keeper. ROSA brought together speakers, pastors, coaches, authors, community activists, and other non-profit organizations (i.e. Innocence at Risk) who deal with human trafficing and at risk issues! for more information www.roasalives.org or (202) 365-8277

Sharon Parker President of ROASA (Remembering Our Ancestors Synergistic Association Deborah Sigmund (Community Supporter) shopping at Charity Davis & Antoinette Faltz-McQueen “It Works “Global

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5/21/2015 – 5/27//2015 Prince George’s County Pages 12 – 13

BUSINESS Pages 14 – 15

COMMENTARIES Pages 22 – 24

LIFESTYLE Pages 25 – 27 Frederick Douglass Sr. High in Prince George’s County is the first to hold 2015 commencement exercises at Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland on Tues., May 19. /Photo by Shevry Lassiter

SPORTS Page 28

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SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY

Women Break the Cycle of Domestic Violence

AROUND THE REGION

By Tia Carol Jones

law enforcement. She said they threat,” she said. had come together to bring a Among the programs Marlow sense of uniformity in the way wants to see implemented are When L.Y. Marlow's 23-year- domestic violence victims and stricter restraining order policies, Visit our updated Web site old daughter told her the father survivors are treated. more rights for victim's families and give us your comments of her daughter threatened her “She's using her own personal to intervene on behalf of a vicfor a chance to win a gift from life, and the life of their child, story, her own personal pain to tim, a domestic violence assessThe Washington Informer she knew something had to be push forward,” Davis-Nickens ment unit coupled with further done. Out of her frustration said about Marlow. training for law enforcement with law enforcement's handling Davis-Nickens said anyone agencies, a Child's Life ProtecEmail comments to: of the situation, she decided to who reads Marlow's book will tion Act and mandatory counselrburke@ start the Saving Promise cam- “get it.” She said she “puts the ing for batterers. paign. case in such a way, the average “If we are ever going to eradiwashingtoninformer.com “It seems to be a vicious cycle person can get it.” She said at the cate domestic violence, we must that won't turn my family end of the day, the book will look at both sides of the coin. loose,” Marlow said. Marlow help people begin to have a dia- We need to address both the vicshared her story with the audi- logue about domestic violence. tim and the batterer,” Marlow ence at the District Heights Also present at the event was said. Domestic Violence Symposium Mildred Muhammad, the exMarlow would also like to see on May 7 at the District Heights wife of John Allen Muhammad, programs designed to raise Brandon Todd is sworn-in Ward 4 Councilmember by D.C.toSuperior Court Judge Thomasamong J. Motleychildren at the in Municipal Center. The assympowho was sentenced six consecawareness John Wilson Building onby Thurs., 14 inlife Northwest. /Photo byparole Roy Lewispublic and private schools. She siumA.was sponsored the May utive terms without Family and Youth Services by a Maryland jury for his role in feels children need to be educatCenter of the city of District the Beltway Sniper attacks in ed about domestic violence. Heights and the National Hook- 2002. Mildred Muhammad is “We have to stop being pasUp of Black Women. the founder of After the Trauma, sive-aggressive with poor chilMarlow has written a book, an organization that helps the dren about domestic violence,” By Barrington M. Salmon “Color Me Butterfly,” which is a survivors of domestic violence Marlow said. WI Staff Writer@ story about four generations of and their children. Marlow has worked to break domestic violence. The book is bsalmondc “I lived in fear for six years. Six the cycle of abuse in her family, inspired by her own experiences, years in fear is a long time. It is and is confident the policies she and those of grandmother, Boosted by her ebullient cheers, not an easy thing to come out is pushing for will start that her mother and her daughter. process. chants and sustained applause of,” she said. She said time she reads Mildred Muhammad said “I plan to take these policies to from a every standing-room only excerptsoffrom her book, she and still people who want to help a Congress and implore them to In Memoriam crowd friends, family Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. can not believe Brandon the words Todd came domestic violence victim must change our laws,” Marlow said. well-wishers, Wilhelmina J. Rolark from her. “Color Me Butterfly” and LaRuby May recently took be careful of how they go into “I will not stop until these poliThe Washington Informer Newspaper won places the 2007 National “Best the victim's life, and understand cies are passed.” their on the D.C. CounTHE WASHINGTON INFORMER InPUBLISHER Memoriam Books” Award. that she may be in “survival Tia Carol Jones can be reached cil. NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414)Dr.isCalvin Denise Rolark Sr. Barnes W. Rolark, “I was just hundred 16-years-oldpeople when mode”. at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net Several published weekly on each Thursday. Wilhelmina J. Rolark my eye the firstD.C. blackened my “Before you get to 'I'm going Periodicals postage paid at Washingpacked Counciland chamSTAFF THE WASHINGTON INFORMER lips bled,” Marlow said. to kill you,' it started as a verbal WI ton, D.C. and additional mailing of- NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published ber on the evening of May 14 weekly Thursday. Periodicals paidW. at Barnes, Washington, D.C. and additional Denise Editor Elaine Davis-Nickens, presifices. Newsonand advertising deadlinepostage to show their support for the mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. is Monday prior to publication. Andent of the National Hook-Up Kevin McNeir, Managing Editor Announcements must be received twoD.weeks prior to event. Copyright 2000 by The duo who won the right to repnouncements must be received two of Black Women, said there is no LaRuby May is sworn-in as Ward 8 Council member by D.C. Court of ApWashington Informer. All rights reserved. POST MASTER: Send change of addressresent Ward 4 and Ward 8, reRon Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director weeks event. Copyright 2015 consistency in the way domestic es toprior The to Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, spectively. Todd, who served as peals Judge William C. Pryor at the John A. Wilson Building in Northwest by D.C. The 20032. Washington Informer. All No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permisviolence issues are dealt with by Lafayette Barnes, IV, Assistant Photo Editor rights POSTMASTER: Bowser’s constituent services on Thurs., May 14. /Photo by Roy Lewis sionreserved. from the publisher. TheSend Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of change of addresses to The rates WashJohn E. De Sports Photo photographs. Subscription are $30 per year, twoFreitas, years $45. Papers willEditor be received director for more than 7 years, not more than 3117 a weekMartin after publication. Make checks payable to: ington Informer, Luther swept into office by overDorothy Rowley, Online Editor King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. ing in Northwest, oftentimes whelming his rivals, garnering invested in hope.” THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 20032. No part of this publication may Brian Young, Design & Layout overshadowed by the hum of “This truly is a celebration,” 42 percent of the vote, while 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. • Washington, D.C. 20032 be reproduced without written permisconversation of those guests he said. Phone: 202 561-4100 • Fax: 202 Bookkeeper 574-3785 Mable Neville, May eked out a win over rival sion from the publisher. The Informer E-mail: news@washingtoninformer.com After the swearing-in, Men- unable to get inside. From Trayon White by a mere 1.09 Newspaper cannot guarantee the return Mickey Thompson, Social Sightings columnist www.washingtoninformer.com time-to-time, the campaign delson elaborated. of photographs. Subscription rates are percent of 7,200 votes cast. Stacey Palmer, Social Media Specialist $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will “(Swearing-ins) are usually chant by May supporters, “So May and Todd’s triumphs in PUBLISHER be received not more than a week after the April 28 special elections this hyped up because it’s just 8 may rise,” cut into the proAngie Denise RolarkJohnson, Barnes Circulation publication. Make checks payable to: allowed them to replace the late after their campaigns,” he said. ceedings. STAFF REPORTERS May and Todd each worked Ward 8 Councilmember Mari- “Ward 8 has been grieving. ResTHE WASHINGTON Brooke N. Garner INFORMER Managing REPORTERS Editor Tia C. Jones, Ed Laiscell, on Bowser’s mayoral campaign, idents in the wards have elected Carla Peay Assistant Managing Editor Odell B. Ruffin, Larry Saxton, on S. Barry, Jr., who died last 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Stacy Brown, Sam P.K. Collins, Eve Ferguson, Ron BurkeD.C. 20032 Advertising and Marketing Mary Wells, Joseph Young fearless fighters for them. Even and in return, she threw her Washington, November, and Muriel Bowser Elton Hayes, D. Kevin McNeir, Dorothy Mable Whittaker Bookkeeper Phone: 202 561-4100 who gave up her seat to run to though seven members are rel- support behind them, camRowley, Barrington Salmon LaNita Wrenn Administration PHOTOGRAPHERS Fax:John 202 574-3785 E. De Freitas Sports Editor become the city’s chief execu- atively new, everyone has an paigned for them and offered Lafayette Barnes, IV, news@washingtoninformer.com Victor Holt Photo Editor John E. De Freitas, Maurice Fitzgerald, the considerable weight of her idea of what the council is.” tive. www.washingtoninformer.com Zebra Designs, Inc. Layout & Graphic Design Joanne Jackson, Roy Lewis, Robert campaign machine. Bowser sat “This is a part of democracy PHOTOGRAPHERS Council Chairman Phil MenKen Harris /www.scsworks.com Webmaster Ridley, Victor Holt broad smile John E. DeFreitas, Shevry Lassiter, delson spoke of the event’s sig- – the transitions,” Mendelson up front wearing aL.Y. Marlow Roy Lewis,CIRCULATION Travis Riddick , Nancy Shia said. “It represents a great op- and rose several times to apnificance. Paul Trantham “This is a day filled with hope portunity. I’m looking forward plaud as the councilmembers INTERNS and celebration,” he said in to working with them. I hope made their remarks. Glynn Hill, Marc Rivers, Sarafina Wright The crowd included scores opening remarks. “Three other we work well together.” The swearing in proved to of administration staffers, pocouncilmembers were sworn in five and a half months ago. be celebratory with the hubbub litical allies of May and Todd 4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com There’s been enormous turn- inside the fifth-floor chamber SWEARING-IN Page 16 over in city hall. Residents have of the John A. Wilson Build-

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May, Todd Newly-Minted Councilmembers

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

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By Barrington M. Salmon WI Staff Writer@bsalmondc White House Correspondent and life-long Baltimore resident April Ryan said she still gets depressed when she thinks about parts of her beloved city burning and being looted following the police-involved killing of Freddie Gray. Ryan, of the American Urban Radio Networks, said she closely followed cable television’s wall-to- wall coverage and left unimpressed. “It’s fair to say the media fanned the flames,” said Ryan during a panel discussion comprised of media representatives and influencers. “I was depressed as a Baltimore resident … I’ve hosted and been on media roundtables and talked about issues affecting black women but this one was personal. I’m Baltimore throughand-through. I was really depressed.” “I stayed home Thursday and there were some other things happening in the county. You didn’t hear this in the media but there were some people with flags in Owings Mills – the Confederate Flag and the flag with the motto “Don’t Tread on Me.” Ryan said the timing of the civil unrest surprised her because she expected it to happen shortly after Gray died on April 19. Baltimore Police officers arrested Gray without a discernible reason. It’s unclear exactly what happened but Gray was left severely injured with a partially severed spine. He died a week after his arrest. “There was so much peace when he died but after the funeral, all hell broke loose. I was shocked but if there’s a bright spot, it’s that it lasted a few hours,” she said. “What will happen after the next police-involved shooting of black people? People seeing this understand that this is a problem and people won’t take it anymore. We need long-and short-term solutions.” Ryan moderated the May 13 panel comprised of Tanya Thorpe, Ph.D., Nicki Mayo, Joia Jefferson Nuri and

Marc Steiner to discuss the topic, “Fair and Balanced: A Reporters’ Roundtable,” which was simulcast on the Internet. The topic of the discussion sparked intense, candid but civil exchanges with the participants skewering major national networks like CNN, ABC and Fox News. The quintet had kind words for Baltimore broadcasters and media outlets which they agreed had superb and accurate coverage. “The world saw Jane Miller,” said Ryan, author of a new book, The President in Black and White. “And WBAL owned it totally for Baltimore,” Mayo chimed in. Nuri, a human rights activist and founder and CEO of In The Public Eye Communications, said she too, was disconsolate. “I followed a long line of stories and the national media totally blew it. When I watched, the young men and women, I held my breath on whether Mayor (Stephanie Rawlings) Blake would unleash the police on those young people,” she said. “I know the frustration of these kids. But Baltimore could be that Selma. There are lots of different races, incomes and communities. ” In a post-event interview, Nuri said everyone has a role to play in Baltimore’s revival. “We need to involve the voices of the dispossessed. We need to sit down with people we think are agitators on CNN too,” she asserted. “Elected officials need to take risks, even those that seem counter-intuitive to getting reelected. Baltimore is in a perfect, ripe place with crime increasing and unrest doing the same in a low-income community. I thought it would not be the verdict that triggered the unrest but it was bound to happen.” Mayo, a multimedia journalist who writes for the Associated Press and has worked as a reporter and producer, shared her colleague’s frustration. “I was very disappointed as I went back-and-forth between local and national coverage,” said Mayo, president

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April Ryan (right) moderates a Reporter’s Roundtable with (L-R) Nicki Mayo, Mark Steiner, Joia Jefferson Nuri and Tanya Sharpe in Baltimore, Maryland discussing news coverage of the Freddie Gray protests on Wednesday, May 13. /Photo by Nancy Shia

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of the Baltimore Association of Black Journalists. “It was a heartbreaking moment. Local media skirted around whether these were kids. I heard so many different things.” Steiner, host of the Marc Steiner Show on WEAA 88.9-FM, said there were critical questions that most in the media or public failed to ask. “With regards to ‘the Purge,’ who closed down schools? And the rumor that the Crips, Bloods and the Black Guerrilla Family were going to (mess) up the police was false,” he said. “Who were these young people?” He also faulted the national media for missing the story of white Denise Rolark Barnes patrons of bars near Camden Yards Independent Beauty Consultant who confronted demonstrators www.marykay/drolark-barnes.com who marched to the ball yard and 202-236-8831 tossed bottles and invectives from the patrons. Meanwhile, the group dissected some of the many issues that have plagued the Charm City: deep-rooted structural inequities; a sub-standard educational system; the closure of Bethlehem Steel, one the city’s largest employer and middle-class jobs shipped overseas; and a police department that has served more of an occupying force than an organization that protects and serves. “They didn’t talk about the trauma, the homicides, the underbelly (301) 864-6070 of what was going on,” said Thorpe, a researcher and academic at who’s been studying the effects of systematic racism and violence on blacks for more than two decades. “There needs MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC to be a conversation to build trust and ADA, Age Discrimination, Benefits, Civil Rights, rebuild the community.” COBRA, Contracts, Deaf Law, Defamation, Disability Law, Thorpe used the analogy of miners using canaries to warn them of gas Discipline, Discrimination, FMLA, FLSA, FOIA, leaks. Family Responsibility, Harassment, HIPPA, OSHA, “We’ve created these socially toxic National Origin Discrimination, Non-Compete, environments‡ in Detroit, Ferguson, Please set all copy in upper and lowercase, flush left as indicated on artwork at these point sizes: Consultant name in 11-point Helvetica Neue Bo Beauty Consultant in 9-point Helvetica Neue Light; Web site or e-mail address in 9-point HelveticaAct, Neue Retaliation, Light; phone number in 9-point Helvetica Race Discrimination, Rehabilitation Baltimore, and To we’ve placed our chilthe Independent Beauty Consultant: Only Company-approved Web sites obtained through the Mary Kay® Personal Web Site program may dren in tunnels and expect them to Severance Agreements, Sexual Harassment, Torts, come out flying. Until individuals are Whistleblowing, Wage-and-Hour, Wrongful Discharge able to breathe in and realize they’re SERVING MARYLAND, DC, & NORTH CAROLINA affected by social toxicity, they’ll not be invested in a solution,” Thorpe www.jmlaw.net (301) 864-6070 jmccollum@jmlaw.net said. WI The Washington Informer May 21 - May 27, 2015 5

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Black Facts May 21 1862 – Mary Patterson becomes the first black woman in U.S. History to be awarded a Masters Degree. She earned it from Oberlin College in Ohio. 1969 – Police and National Guardsmen open fire on student demonstrators at predominantly black North Carolina 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.

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May 22 1863 – The War Department establishes the Bureau of Colored Troops and began 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.”

not to obey the Fugitive Slave Act – a federal law that required even those opposed to slavery to help slave owners capture run-away slaves. For fear that Boston residents would help Burns escape to Canada, the U.S. government sent 2,000 troops to Boston to assist in returning Burns to Virginia. Thousands lined the streets as Burns was marched to a ship on June 3rd for a trip back South. However, a black Boston church raised the money to purchase Burns and within a year of his capture, he was back in Boston a free man. 1944 – Legendary singer Patti LaBelle is born Patricia Louise Holte in Philadelphia. May 25 1878 – World-renowned dancer Bill Bojangles Robinson is born in Richmond, Virginia. Robinson was one of the best and best-known dancers in America up until the 1940’s. He was known for his sensational footwork and speed. He once set a world record running the 75-yard-dash in backwards in 8.2 seconds. But his “Bojangles” style – designed to please white audiences – angered some blacks. However, he became a wealthy man, appearing in

15 motion pictures after the 1930’s. 1926 – Famed Jazz trumpeter and composer Miles Davis was born on this day in 1926. May 26 1799 – The famous black Russian writer Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin is born in Moscow. Pushkin was of Russian and Ethiopian parentage. He was well-educated and went on to become a prolific writer. Indeed, he is generally credited with being the “father of Russian Literature.” 1949 – Pamela Suzette Grier is born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Pam Grier becomes one of the premier black actresses and one of the top sex symbols of the 1970s, playing in a host of so-called “black exploitation movies.” May 27 1958 – Ernest Green graduates from Little Rock, Arkansas’ Central High School, becoming the first black to do so. Green was a member of the “Little Rock Nine” – the group of black students who first integrated the high school with the aid of federal troops. WI

May 23 1921 – “Shuffle Along” – the first of a succession of widely popular black musicals performed for white audiences – opened 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. But at the time anti-slavery feeling was running high in Boston and it was one of the cities that had vowed

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VIEWP INT Dianne Buchanan Hyattsville, Maryland It means the world to me, especially because nearly every male member in my family has served [in the armed forces]. My father served, back when, as a cook in Navy. African-American men back then wanted to serve their country but they were considered to be boys by some people. But they served anyway. My brother also served. I want to just thank them all for serving their country.

Joey Alzamora Washington, D.C. To me, Memorial Day is a day that means a lot, because of the men and women who were not lucky enough to make it back home from combat. There are service members who are actively making that sacrifice now in Iraq and Afghanistan. Memorial Day is a day of reflection. I can think of a friend of mine who lost a limb, and that was a big sacrifice he made so that we could freely and safely walk around here back at home.

NEXT MONDAY WILL MARK THE MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY, ONE THAT HONORS THE MEMORY OF THOSE SERVICE MEMBERS WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES. WHAT DOES THE HOLIDAY MEAN TO YOU?

Jay Williams Silver Spring, Maryland Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to sit back and reflect on those soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we today can enjoy the freedoms and liberties that we currently have in this country. It doesn’t come easy. I have not served, but I have had family members who have. I think the holiday is a time, whether we served or not, to reflect, honor and appreciate those who did serve their country and ultimately paid that full measure of devotion.

Sesyle Moorhead Takoma Park, Maryland Memorial Day is a time for me to be thankful for our freedom. It’s a day for all of us to reflect on how lucky we are to have that freedom, especially when looking at everything that is going on around the world today. We are very fortunate and lucky to enjoy the freedoms we have here in this country, and there are a lot of people, who are not here today because of that, who we need to thank.

Rhonda Reives Takoma Park, Maryland I recognize that there are people who risked their lives for us to be able to have the Memorial Day holiday and for us to have a sense of freedom in this country. Memorial Day is a time for us to take a minute to recognize those people who left their families and gave their lives to go to war so that we today can have the lives that we currently have.

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Walter E. Fauntroy Family Fund Those who wish to help the Walter Fauntroy Family can write checks payable to the to the fund’s fiduciary agent National Congress of Black Women in Memo Section write: “Walter E. Fauntroy Family Fund” mail to: 1250 Fourth St. SW, Suite WG-1, Washington, D.C., 20024

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Amtrak engineer Brandon Bostian reportedly said he has no recollection of the crash that killed eight and injured more than 200 on Tuesday, May 12. /Photo Courtesy of si.wsj.net

AMTRAK from Page 1 bound trains, which enter the 50 mph curve from a maximum speed of 110 mph, according to Amtrak officials. However, they are not in place for northbound trains, which enter from a maximum speed of 80 mph. “Had the train been operating at max authorized speed heading into the curve, it would not have come off the tracks,” Amtrak officials acknowledged in a news release. The incident has led Democratic Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey Jr. to request that lawmakers increase the tax dollars available to Amtrak to help secure safer rides for passengers. “We should not – the Congress should not put Amtrak in the position of choosing between positive train controls and fixing crumbling bridges,” Casey said. “We have to do both, and we’ve got to make sure they have the resources to do that,” he said. “We don’t know the connection between funding and this incident, but regardless Amtrak needs more funding.” Still, an investigation continues into why the train derailed. The ill-fated train’s engineer, Brandon Bostian reportedly, told authorities that he has no recollection of the crash ,and law enforcement officials were still waiting to conduct a full interview of Bostian as of press time. CNN reported this week that the National Transportation Safety Board and the FBI were investigating reports that the Amtrak locomotive and two other trains were hit by objects The Washington Informer

just before the crash in the same vicinity, just north of the 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. Much of the Amtrak locomotive’s windshield was shattered in the derailment, but National Transportation Safety Board member Robert Sumwalt said the FBI is examining particular damage to the lower portion. The assistant conductor on the Amtrak train told investigators she overheard Bostian say in a radio transmission that the train had been struck by something, according to Sumwalt. A regional train passing through the same area also suffered windshield damage from an unknown object and had to make an emergency stop. Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority police responding to the incident said in radio transmissions, “It is a train that had a foreign or unknown object make contact, shattering the windshield.” The Amtrak train’s assistant conductor said she overheard the SEPTA train’s engineer say the windshield was either hit by a rock or shot at. A passenger on the SEPTA train told CNN he heard a loud boom before the train came to a stop, and the engineer, who appeared shaken, told passengers something had hit the train. However, Sumwalt said on Sunday, May 17, that the only way a normally operating train would accelerate as Train 188 did as it approached the curve would be if the conductor pushed the throttle forward. A data-recording box recovered from the train could shed light on whether that occurred, Sumwalt said. “Although our current focus is

on the passengers and employees affected by this incident and the resulting service disruption along the Northeast Corridor, we must also take time to learn from this event,” Boardman said. “Passenger railroading is at its core about people; the safety of our passengers and employees was, is and always will be our number one priority. Our goal is to fully understand what happened and how we can prevent a similar tragedy from occurring in the future,” he said. “We will also continue to focus on completing positive train control implementation in the Northeast Corridor by December of 2015.” The positive train control implementation has the backing of Casey, the two-term senator who continues to be among the more popular lawmakers in the Keystone State and in Washington. “It’s a technology that allows the train engineer, if he or she is not slowing the train down appropriately, it can override that human error if the train’s moving too fast,” Casey said. “So if you’re a member of Congress and the law says, as it does, that by the end of the year, positive train control has to be implemented and deployed, we have to make sure we do everything possible to support Amtrak in completing that assignment.” Casey also noted that Congress could begin its own investigation into the crash. “I would guess that the Congress, in its oversight role, would have some sort of investigation beyond the routine appropriations debates,” Casey said.WI

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Community Says Farewell to Beloved “House”

AROUND THE REGION

Popular Musician Derek Colquitt Remembered by Friends, Family By D. Kevin McNeir WI Managing Editor Hundreds of people from the Greater Washington Area and beyond, filled The Howard Theatre in Northwest to capacity on Tuesday, May 12. But this time it wasn’t to see an entertainer or to attend a conference – instead the friends and family of Derek Anthony “House” Colquitt gathered for a home going service for Colquitt, 37, who died on May 3 after a tragic motorcycle accident. And two men who knew him well said it was the kind of celebration that he would have wanted. “He touched so many people and had a real passion for youth – it showed in the work he did with his nonprofit organization that was based in Southeast, it showed in his years of coaching Little League Football in Montgomery County and it showed with his own 13 children,” said Damon Gorham, a resident of Southeast who said his friendship with the Colquitt spanned over 20 years. “I think what I’ll miss the most about him is the companionship – the bond that we shared,” Gorham said. “People, especially in the music industry, rarely mentioned one of us without talking about the other. We were that close. Whether it was the good or the bad, he and I would always check each other. He would encourage me and when necessary, he would challenge me. We did that for one another. Our friendship was rare and special and we trusted each other,” said Gorham, who performed beside Colquitt for over a decade as members of the District’s popular Junk Yard Band. The go-go band, formed in 1980 by children 13 years and younger living in the Barry Farm housing project, first appeared to be a novelty act with the youth utilizing objects like hubcaps, plastic buckets, crates, cans, pots and pans because they lacked the resources to purchase traditional instruments. But with the encouragement of their community, a lot of hard work and after an encounter with DJ Run, part of the hip-hop group Run-D.M.C., the Junk Yard Band eventually secured its place as one of the country’s most popular go-go bands. Both Gorham and Colquitt,

playing the drums and the bass, respectively, were key components to the band since the late 1990s. “We’re still performing and actually did a show last Saturday (May 16),” Gorham noted. “House joined the band in 1998 and he pulled me in one year later. There were times that we both stepped away but since 2001 we’ve been pretty consistent. Music has been a major part of my life and it was that way for House too. He loved performing.” Colquitt’s brother, Jerald Graham, 46, an ordained minister, officiated the “celebration of life.” “We started forming bands when we were very young. In fact, our Uncle James taught my brother how to play the guitar. I did my thing on percussion,” Graham said. “He was the oldest of seven grandchildren and was beloved by everyone. Even our cousins considered him their big brother. And yes, since he was just a teen, he’s been called ‘House’ because he was as big as house.” Graham described the memorial service for Colquitt as an “unforgettable experience.” “Everyone showed up – musicians, club owners, childhood friends, folks connected to the music industry, community leaders and of course our family,” Graham said. “It wasn’t a sad day at all. We had a party and the music got things going. One person told me that the service was simply awesome – something she’d never witnessed before. I’d agree with her. I know House had a great time.” Graham said that while music was one of his brother’s first loves, family was what really mattered most to him. “He really loved his mother and his children. He worked hard to make sure his kids all knew each other and in the last few years he tried to help them mend some broken relationships. That was important to him. I admired him for that – and the way he treated all of his children. Besides the music and family, I guess I’d say he had a passion for motorcycles. In many ways he was larger than life,” Graham said. “It was like a big music fest and no one practiced for it. But things just fell into place. I think it was a fitting way to say goodbye to House,” Gorham added. WI

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The mother of Derrick Anthony Colquitt, Victoria Johnson (right), and Patsy Richards at the home going celebration of his life held at the Howard Theatre on Tuesday, May 12 in Northwest. /Photo by Travis Riddick

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While people are often distinguished according to their place of origin and ethnicity, some things remain the same – no matter what color, country or creed you may claim. One of those things common among all human is the joy that comes when sitting down with friends and family and having a sumptuous meal. And one woman who hails from the Republic of Chad in Central Africa hopes that she can bridge the gap between her culture and black Americans by sharing her traditional dishes with people in the District. “As a child, it was mandatory that we learn how to cook traditional Chadian cuisine as we often marry when we are quite young,” said Fatima Williams, born Fatima N’garkime in N’Djamena, Chad. Williams, 44, moved to the District at the age of nine with her family – quickly learning English and attending public school “I found cooking as an art to be therapeutic. I loved creating new dishes and mixing different cultural foods. I found out early in life that there’s a huge gap between Africans and African Americans. We seemed to be divided. But I really enjoyed cooking and discovered that whenever I did, it brought us together. After my sister [Daradja Ramat] and I began getting a lot of requests to make traditional foods from Chads, we decided to start our own catering company.” Williams launched Taste of Chad in May 2014 which she and her sister operate on a part-time basis. She said while it’s what she The Washington Informer

always wanted, there have been challenges. “Like any small business, we had some difficulties securing capital – it’s not easy to get a loan as a start-up restaurant from banks or from the SBA. That’s why we’re focusing on getting more catering gigs and vending opportunities to increase our exposure and to build up our clientele,” Williams said. But Williams remains determined to make her business a success – one meal at a time. Chadian cuisine consists of stews, roasted meats and specialty breads. Williams said she follows the slow-cooking method that she learned as a child, and uses only fresh meats and vegetables to cook in their natural juices that gives “a savory flavor to our cuisine.” “Chad’s culture consists of Islamic beliefs,” she said. “From hearing the prayers being recited to let everyone know that it’s prayer time, to everyone sitting down for a meal shared from the same tray, we always have a sense

of togetherness. We have tea time together, we pray together and we eat together.” Williams has a hectic schedule, finishing her nine-to-five job and then hurrying into the kitchen before going to clients’ homes and businesses with her tantalizing treats in tow. She shared some of her favorite dishes recently with a few new friends: curry chicken, pumpkin couscous with shrimp, yucca and yautia root vegetable medley, cabbage, fried okra, fried rice with yams basmati rice and beignets. Only one sound could be heard in the room – the jingling of silverware. “I love cooking but I really hope that the dialogue during a nice meal will break the gap that exists between our two cultures so that we get to know each other better,” Williams added. For more about the Taste of Chad, go to tasteofchad.com or call 202-2002536. WI

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May 21 - May 27, 2015

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Patterson: Baker’s Tax Increase Slap in Face

Councilman Says County Executive Should Let Voters Decide By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III has proposed a controversial measure that would undo a 30-plus-year freeze on property taxes. And, while Baker said the move would bring in more cash for the county’s struggling school system, his proposal has angered many, including some on the County Council, who will ultimately have to approve Baker’s bid.

“I think there’s a better way that could be more appropriate because we’re still trying to deal with foreclosures, and in my district, Ft. Washington and Oxon Hill, we were the highest in the county as it pertained to foreclosures,” said Prince George’s County Council Vice Chair Obie Patterson. “I’m having difficulty seeing the rationale, and I’m still concerned about [foreclosures],” Patterson said. Baker is proposing to raise property tax rates by 15.6 percent over

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Prince George’s County Council Vice Chair Obie Patterson opposes circumventing voters to hike property taxes. /Photo courtesy of www.gazette.net

the next three years. He said the money would go toward restructuring county schools, which have been underperforming in recent years as compared with those in neighboring counties such as Montgomery. While the council is expected to decide whether to approve Baker’s proposal on May 28, the county executive’s request may have taken a hit because Gov. Larry Hogan apparently has reneged on a promise to release $20 million in state-appropriated funds to the county’s 125,000 public school students. That funding, which had been supported by Republicans and Democrats alike in the General Assembly, would not require tax or fee increases and is earmarked just for education spending. “The failure to release $68 million in [total] Geographical Cost of Education Index funds set aside by the General Assembly in the state budget to support Maryland’s costliest school system will result in significant cuts in desperately needed programs for our schoolchildren and increased taxes on working families,” said Council Chairman Mel Franklin (D-Upper Marlboro). Baker’s proposal to increase taxes has some caught off guard. It also has angered others. “I’ve had citizens, two citizens, recently attack me about it,” Patterson said. One problem with the proposal is that county voters successfully supported a resolution 35 years ago to put a cap – or freeze – on property tax hikes. Patterson said a referendum should be used again if Baker or anyone else wants to remove the freeze. “It’s backdoor politics. The citizens through a referendum deThe Washington Informer

cided to put the cap on, and this is almost a slap in the face,” he said. Reportedly, some on the council members have said they’re willing to consider a small increase in property taxes but will not support the 15.6 percent hike Baker is seeking. Patterson said Baker needs five votes on the nine-member council,l and while there’s been talk that the county executive may have enough support, Patterson isn’t among the backers. “He doesn’t have mine,” Patterson said. For his part, Baker said a stronger school system is a key to attracting better businesses to the county and is tantamount to a prosperous region that would include families with higher-wage earners and more spending ability. He said he’s only doing what the public has asked of him, although reportedly he’s at least kicking the tires and testing the waters for a run at the governor’s mansion in three years. However, Patterson said Baker’s

property tax hike isn’t a popular or prudent move. Baker’s proposal, as spelled out by the website watchdog.org, includes a $1.9 billion education budget request – the largest in the county’s history. The tax rate remains 23 cents higher per $100 of assessed value than in Montgomery County, which has a different cap in place. Once other taxes and fees are added in, residents of Prince George’s County also pay more than their neighbors in Charles and Howard counties. Finally, in order to pay for increased education funding, Baker’s new budget would also increase residents’ county telecommunications tax on wireless, cable, and home phone bills by 50 percent. “I’m concerned about the longterm damage here,” Patterson said. “I also don’t want to hear from those who say if you’re concerned about education, you’ll do this. They need to stop doing this in a backdoor way because there are other ways to find funding, and hopefully they will find them.”WI

Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker III said his proposed budget would increase education funding and attract businesses and higher-wage earners. /Photo courtesy www.rushernbaker.com.

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY EDUCATION BRIEFS

Kayla Catlett looks forward to attending the University of Maryland College Park in the fall./ Photo courtesy PGCPS

Education Funding Cut Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced recently that he won’t restore $68 million in education funds in accordance with his fiscal year 2016 budget. Although the governor refused to restore the funding – which will also impact public schools in Prince George’s County – the General Assembly had worked tirelessly this past session to earmark allocations that would have ensured increased extracurricular activities, teaching positions and class sizes. Scholar of the Week Kayla Catlett, a senior at Friendly High School in Fort Washington, Maryland, has been named a Scholar of the Week. Kayla, who has a 3.0 grade point average, excels in several Advanced Placement courses, including government, statistics, chemistry and studio art. Her extracurricular activities include membership in the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, and National Art Honor Society, of which she serves as president. Kayla, a recipient of the Banneker Key Scholarship Award, will attend the University of Maryland College Park, where she plans to major in elementary education, on a full scholarship. Officials’ Statement on Bus Behavior “Prince George’s County Public Schools does not tolerate the type of behavior exhibited earlier this month by several Highland Park Elementary School students.

Comments? Opinions? Email us at:

Consequences of this type of behavior are outlined in our “Student Rights & Responsibilities” handbook. Prince George’s County Public Schools is addressing the incident; however, we cannot share specific disciplinary action that has been taken against individual students or employees due to confidentiality laws. The safety of students remains a top priority for Prince George’s County Public Schools.” Environmental Literacy Program School officials recently hosted a celebration where nearly 50 buildings named as Maryland Green Schools were lauded as “unsung” heroes, in support of the district’s environmental literacy efforts. Businesses and individuals who have donated their time and efforts by serving on the Environmental Literacy Committee were also cited during the May 15 ceremony at the Comfort Inn Conference Center in Bowie, Maryland. Sylvester Conyers, supervisor of the William S. Schmidt Center, joined schools CEO Kevin Maxwell and Carolyn M. Boston, Board of Education vice chair, for the event, which included an update on environmental literacy among the county’s schools. School-to-Work Success Lovie Simmons, 18, a senior in the School-to-Work Training program at Crossland High School in Temple Hills, Maryland, excels in both her grades and job at the TGI Fridays restaurant, where she works full time. The year-old program, which be-

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gan as a pilot, is part of the county’s Evening School curriculum and offers work training for nearly 30 nontraditional students. In order to participate in the Evening School – which is held af-

ter regular school hours, both online and in person, from 5:50 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays at Crossland and Northwestern High School in Hyattsville, Maryland – students must maintain at least a 2.0

grade point average, according to the Prince George’s County Public Schools’ website. Overall, there are currently more than 400 students enrolled in the county’s Evening School classes. WI

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Lovie Simmons poses with John Hatib, manager at the TGI Fridays in District Heights, Maryland, where she works while attending school./ Photo courtesy PGCPS

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BUSINESS BUSINESS EXCHANGE

Blacks Making Business

“Political power without economic power is empty.” – Booker T. Washington “After all, the chief business of the American people is business. They are profoundly concerned with producing, buying, selling, investing and prospering in the world. I am strongly of opinion that the great majority of people will always find these are moving impulses of our life.” – President Calvin Coolidge What is Capitalism? Capitalism is an economic system and a mode of production in which trade, industries, and the means of production are largely or entirely privately owned. Such private firms and proprietorships are usually operated for profit, but may be operated as private nonprofit organizations. Capitalism is a social system based on the principle of individual rights. Politically, it is the system of laissez-faire (freedom). Legally, it is a system of objective laws (rule of law as opposed to rule of man). Economically, when such freedom is applied to the sphere of production, its result is the free market. There are really only two basic approaches to a modern (non-barterbased) economic system, although you’ll find endless variations on these two approaches throughout the world. One type of economy is the free market economy. That’s capitalism. The other is the planned economy, which some people call a command economy or a Marxist economy. The essence of capitalism is economic freedom. It is a system that revolves around the individual’s right to pursue financial goals without the government getting involved. Later, Washington created the Negro Business League, with the intent of creating a black capitalist class. At a Business League conference in 1910, Washington called league members to be missionaries “in teaching the masses to get property, to be more thrifty, more economical, and resolved to establish an industrial enterprise wherever a possibility presents itself.” Washington’s strategy argued for blacks to reject political action in favor of building capitalism within the black community. In the context of the late 19th century, this strategy meant acquiescing to Jim Crow – the systematic stripping of political rights The Washington Informer

By William Reed from blacks coupled with racist terror, which swept the South after the post-Civil War Reconstruction era. The teachings and philosophy of Booker T. Washington are timeless and apply today, as they did decades ago. Washington’s strategy – accommodation to racism in the South – brought a powerful response from W.E.B. DuBois, a leading black intellectual and activist of the early 1900s. In 1903, DuBois said of Washington, “So far as Mr. Washington apologizes for injustice, North or South, we must oppose [him].” Booker T. Washington’s autobiography, Up from Slavery, is as inspiring a work as one will read. While capitalists and Republicans applauded the merits of Booker T. Washington’s Negro initiative, white liberals up North were threatened and enraged. They plotted against this positive initiative. Income inequality has been on the rise in the United States for the past four decades. The share of total income earned by the top 1 percent of families was less than 10 percent in the late 1970s but now exceeds 20 percent as of the end of 2012. A large portion of this increase is due to an upsurge in the labor incomes earned by senior company executives and successful entrepreneurs. But is the rise in U.S. economic inequality purely a matter of rising labor compensation at the top, or did wealth inequality rise as well? The vast majority of American families — 94.5 percent, the latest Federal Reserve survey data makes clear — hold one sort of financial asset or another, from savings and checking accounts to stocks and cash-value life insurance policies. But the overall ownership of these financial assets has become stunningly concentrated. America’s richest 10 percent now hold nearly 85 percent of these assets. In 1989, the nation’s richest tenth of families held 79 percent of them. Wealth inequality, it turns out, has followed a spectacular U-shape evolu-

tion over the past 100 years. From the Great Depression in the 1930s through the late 1970s, there was a substantial democratization of wealth. The trend then inverted, with the share of total household wealth owned by the top 0.1 percent increasing to 22 percent in 2012 from 7 percent in the late 1970s. The top 0.1 percent included 160,000 families with total net assets of more than $20 million in 2012. Rather than the typical “wringing of hands,” blacks need to cease “I Can’t Breathe” demonstrations and move en masse to embrace and employ a well-coordinated political, cultural, and economic movement. This includes wealth creation, financial literacy and community development. Blacks’ building wealth is simple and doesn’t require luck, genius or special connections. Just make more than you spend, and invest the difference wisely. Develop simple daily habits that result in wealth accumulation. Blacks must develop habits to “buy black,” “bank black” and use political power collectively to promote blackbased and -oriented issues and legislation. First and foremost, blacks’ habits and mindsets must change. According to a 2007 study performed by the Selig Center for Economic Growth, African-American buying power totals $1.1 trillion. Factor in our income, and American blacks are the 20th” richest nation” on the planet. So, why doesn’t each of us make a resolution to “buy black”? Each Black household should make at least a monthly commitment to make a $100 or more purchase of gasoline, groceries, liquor, clothing, dry-cleaning, furniture, recreation, dining, etc., from a black merchant. Step two is to “Bank Black.” America has 40 million African-Americans, but less than 1 percent of federally chartered banks are black-owned. The number of black-owned banks also lags behind the number of financial institutions owned by Asian-Americans, who made up 5.1 percent of the population. Asian-Americans own 40 banks nationwide and do well in the American system of capitalism. History shows that American blacks have always been in competition with one another. Blacks were divided by skin complexion as house and field slaves. Through hundreds of generations, blacks still illustrate tendencies to compete with one another and tear one another down. Other ethnicities continuously support their own, but blacks constantly separate within their race. The most dysfunctional element of blacks’ lives is that our consumers spend just 3 percent of their incomes with black businesses. Too often, Blacks want to be part and parcel of where Whites are, and what they are doing. Independent

REED Page 15

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BUSINESS

Inmates Make, Design Quilts for a Cause By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer Sirlilar Stokes, an inmate at the Patuxent Institution in Jessup, first started trying her hand at quilting about three months ago. After all, it was another way to pass the time, and because cutting, sewing and putting together quilts would benefit some local charities, Stokes warmed quickly to the idea while she sat inside what could probably described as a cold and sterile environment. “I needed something to do,” she said. “And, once I got started, I saw it as a means to obtain peace and calmness.” Stokes was among the dozen female inmates who worked for months on crafting the 150 quilts that will be donated to the St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families in Hyattsville and the St. Vincent Villa, which is part of the Catholic Charities of Baltimore. “This is just one of many restorative justice programs at the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services,” said department spokeswoman Renata Seergae. “Many men and women only realize the pain they have caused once they have spent some time behind bars. This program is a way to give back to those they have harmed in the past,” Seergae said. “Even if they are not directly giving back to their victims, the hope is they are giving something back to society and trying to help right the wrongs they have done.” The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services opened up the Patuxent facility to the media on Friday, May 8, as the women busily stitched together the last of the quilts. Stokes offered her thoughts about the program and the charities it benefits. She said she found delight in knowing that her work would assist children.

REED from Page 14 economic development is the key to community revitalization and political success in a capitalist society. To be more a part of America’s capitalistic society, more Blacks need to gain a sense of community. A sense of community is a feeling that members

cials at St. Ann’s are delighted to receive such special gifts from the incarcerated women. “Of course, we are all grateful for the volunteer quilting instructors who give so generously of their love and time,” she said. “You need to know that your labor of love is being carried back to St. Ann’s, and your life is being changed, and you’re also changing the lives of our teen moms.” WI

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Sirlilar Stokes, an inmate at the Patuxent Institution in Jessup, first started trying her hand at quilting about three months ago./ Photo Courtesy of Maryland DPSCS

“[It’s with] great pleasure that it will put a smile on a child’s face,” she said. “A child, who doesn’t have much, but a child who will know that the quilt that I’m making is his or hers.” The quilt program is the brainchild of Erin Shaffer, the director of Behavioral Sciences at Patuxent Institution who took a period quilt to a local shop to have it repaired. As shop owner Inge Stocklin decided to close her local quilt business, Shaffer asked Stocklin to restore one of her quilts. To her credit, officials said, Shaffer recognized great potential value in creating a quilting program for female inmates. Also, they said Stocklin didn’t appear fazed or put off by the thought of coming into prison. “A lot of the quilters who come in here [to her shop] have never even threaded a needle,” Stocklin told officials, according to a news release. Seergae and other prison officials said the quilting program has served to help boost morale by allowing inmates to participate in a social activity. It also has allowed those incarcerated to learn a new skill and understand the meaning of giving back to the community, officials said. This year marked the 15th time that prison officials staged a quilt

show. To date, inmates at the facility have donated about 850 quilts to various charities Two years ago, quilts that were made by the inmates were among those displayed and judged for their beauty at the Howard County Fair. Without knowing the source of the quilts, judges awarded ribbons to two of them. Sister Mary Bader, the director of St. Ann’s Infant and Maternity Home in Hyattsville and a previous quilt recipient, told correction officials how much the quilts meant to the young mothers and children at St. Ann’s. “For more than a decade, the [inmates] have shared the quilts they make with the residents of St. Ann’s. Each year, I attend their annual Quilt Show, where I meet the resident quilters and their volunteer quilting teachers,” Bader said. “The residents speak of the thought and love that goes into each stitch of each quilt that they make. Instead of keeping the beautiful masterpieces for themselves or a family member, they share their quilts with the young mothers, babies, and children of St. Ann’s. I’m always touched by this tender exchange.” Bader said one group of women facing great challenges gives to another group of women facing equally great challenges, and offi-

have of belonging, and that members matter to one another, and a shared. A strong sense of community enhances commitment among members, mutual support. Too many blacks attribute limited access to capital to racism. The real reason blacks have limited access to capital is that the whole of us sends capital out as fast as we get it. It’s

important that black youth grow up patronizing black-owned businesses. Parents must emphasize to children the importance of supporting their communities by purchasing products and services from people who look like them. What’s wrong with the black culture these days is that we don’t try to help one another.WI

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May 21 - May 27, 2015

NATIONAL

the road

On May 14, 1951, Mother’s Day, in Anniston, Alabama, a mob of Ku Klux Klansmen, some still in church attire, attacked the first of two buses (the Greyhound). As the bus burned, with Freedom Riders inside who were protesting segregation laws in the South, the mob held the doors shut, When they escaped, the mob beat they riders. Only warning shots fired into the air by highway patrolmen prevented the riders, black and white, from being lynched. /Courtesy photo

SWEARING-IN from Page 4

Let’s admit it. It’s hard not to notice a 9 feet wide, 12 feet tall, red and yellow streetcar that weighs 33 tons. These modern, large and ultra-cool vehicles are the latest addition to the District’s roads. Whether you’re a motorist, pedestrian or cyclist, welcome them by paying attention and sharing the road.

dcstreetcar.com 16 May 21 - May 27, 2015

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and an assortment of others. Among those in the audience were politicos, community activists and former-elected officials, including Bowser, Christopher Barry, Phinis Jones, Lorraine Green, Sandy Allen, E. Faye Williams, Mary Cuthbert, Sekou Biddle, Arrington Dixon, Al-Malik Farrakhan, Elwood “Yango” Sawyer and Eydie Whittington. Williams and Greene, who each served as chiefs of staff for Mayor Barry, stood steps from a seated May. “LaRuby was an intern when I was Marion Barry’s chief of staff and she was one of the best,” said Williams, president and CEO of the National Congress of Black Women. “She was very prompt, was really great at doing research and was very reliable. I’ve been following her since she left the council. I’m excited she won and she’s jumped right in.” The euphoric crowd of several hundred – standing six and seven deep in some places – roared, cheered, whooped and hollered, so much so that it prompted Council Chairman Phil Mendelson to react. “Okay, we’re getting a little rowdy in here,” he joked. Todd, sworn in by D.C. Superior Court Associate Judge Thomas J. Mobley, said he was

proud to be elected the fifth council member to represent Ward 4. “I would like to thank my mentor, my friend, and my former boss, our mayor Muriel Bowser,” said Todd, who said Bowser helped him hone his vision and skills. “Friends in labor and business, your support was pivotal and your agenda will guide me,” he said. “I’m reminded of certain ideals, not from a place of ambition but a desire to represent Ward 4. I’m proud to follow Arrington Dixon, Charlene Drew-Jarvis, Adrian Fenty and Muriel Bowser. I’m ready for the challenge of continuing the progress we’ve made and chart new courses.” Todd said he’s committed to spurring great economic growth, to being a steward of educational reform and focusing on innovative solutions to help seniors remain in place in their homes. “We must remain a flourishing community where people can live. I will be putting pressure on the government to help the middle class and working families economically. You have my promise that I will fight for you every single day,” he said. May, accompanied to the dais by almost two dozen family members and thanked God,

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SWEARING-IN from Page 16

NATIONAL her parents, her seven siblings, campaign staff and her fervent and vocal supporters. She promised that no one on the Council will outwork her. “I’m so thankful for my life and humbled by the steps I’ve taken,” said May, executive director of the Vision of Victory Child Development Center. “I appreciate Mayor Bowser for her support, vision and commitment to Team LaRuby and to the residents of Ward 8. I look forward to creating a pathway to the middle class.” May said the election is evidence that there are people committed to serving their community. “I’m proud to be part of a class of such passionate people,” she said. “I’m often told of the big shoes I have to fill. I will not replace Marion Barry because his commitment to the city and Ward 8 is irreplaceable.” “Our ward is not often highlighted as a gem but to those who live there, we see the greatness. Even through struggle new life begins ... you must live it to understand it, but you only have to care to help change it,” she said. WI

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May 21 - May 27, 2015

HEALTH

Children among Focus of Mental Health Month By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer For the rising number of individuals who experience a mental illness, it’s no longer about the stigma. Sure, some say, there’s still a measure of embarrassment in admitting that one has a sort of malfunction that’s make some tasks more daunting. But, mental health experts said for this annual Mental Health Awareness Month – observed each May – there’s an emphasis on managing specific illnesses and bringing more attention to treatment. “I didn’t want to believe that I had a serious problem at first, but it was obvious to everyone that I was in such a dark place,” said Michael Walker, a Springfield, Virginia construction worker who was diagnosed more

than 20 years ago with depression. Walker said other family members had been diagnosed before him, so he knew it would be prudent for him to become proactive. “I couldn’t shake the images of my brother and my other family members wilt away and my mind let me wander why I wasn’t on my dying bed like they were,” he said. Thomas Insel, the director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in Rockville, Maryland said the agency has a number of activities planned to increase awareness. He said mental health is much more than absence of a mental illness; it’s a useful moment to raise awareness of the toll of mental illness in the country. “Our best estimate of the number of adults with any diag-

nosable mental disorder within the past year is nearly one in five or roughly 43 million Americans,” Insel noted on his blog on the NIMH website. At least 10,000 individuals in the District of Columbia suffer with a mental illness, based on statistics previously provided by the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Fairfax, Virginia. Those include children, in which focus this month have also been on. The District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health announced earlier this month put on display posters by students in 12 public and public charter schools that portray mental well-being in the atrium of the John A. Wilson building. Across the country, young people have been participating in activities during the month to call attention to the importance

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the focus is moving away from stigma to the young and for securing help for all./ Photo Courtesy of bet.com.

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of paying attention to the mental health of young individuals, and to emphasize that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development, department officials said. While most children and youth manage well daily challenges and stresses with the support of families, friends and other adults, some children who suffer a personal loss or have a traumatic experience may be at greater risk for severe reactions. Health officials said that half of all lifetime cases of mental disorders begin by age 14 but there are often years before people seek and receive treatment. “Early identification can lead to timely treatment, and make a lifetime difference. Children and youth with mental health need and their families thrive when they have the right treatment and supports,” said Barbara J. Bazron, interim director of the Department of Behavioral Health. “An emotional or mental illness should not be a barrier to a child reaching his or her full potential.” Congress currently is considering the Helping Families with Mental Health Crisis Act, a bill that would increase access to psychiatric beds, allow patients to get medications they need more easily, and create account-

ability services to make sure care is delivered as it should be, among other measures. “This bill is the most comprehensive federal mental health legislation in more than half a century,” Doris A. Fuller, executive director of the Treatment Advocacy Center, said in a statement. “It would improve the lives of at-risk individuals with untreated mental illness dramatically.” Insel said Mental illnesses are real disorders with real treatments, but too few receive optimal care. Families of individuals with serious mental illness live with a patchwork of care and support services and they fear for their loved one’s safety and wellbeing, he said. “Many people with these disorders refuse the treatments available, either because they deny their illness or because part of their illness [like paranoia, hopelessness, or phobias] precludes seeking care. And for too many, the treatments we have today are not good enough,” he said. “While the numbers alone are compelling, the personal stories of families and individuals affected by mental illness complete the picture of why finding ways to prevent and treat mental illness is such an urgent need.”WI

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HEALTH

Poverty Still Major Affliction for Blacks By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer Black America is in a state of emergency, and what’s happened in Baltimore; Ferguson, Missouri; and other places isn’t solely about police misconduct, according to members of the Congressional Black Caucus. The demonstrations and civil unrest are mostly about poverty, unemployment, a lack of opportunity, hopelessness and despair, the organization said. CBC Chair G.K. Butterfield said Democratic proposals to fix these problems stand in stark contrast to the Republican budget, which he considers a recipe for national decline. Federal government statistics revealed that the median income of African-American households stands at $34,600, or nearly $24,000 less than the median income of white households. Also, the median net worth of white households is 13 times the level for black households, and blacks are almost three times more likely to live in poverty than white Americans. Further, at 10.1 percent, the current unemployment rate for black Americans is double the rate for white Americans, and blacks currently face an unemployment rate higher than the national unemployment rate during the peak of the recession. “In my home state of North Carolina, the unemployment rate for African-Americans is 9.9 percent while the unemployment rate of whites is 3.2 percent,” Butterfield said. Also, the poverty rate for African-Americans currently stands at 27.5 percent, while its just 12.6 percent for whites. For District residents, the median household income for African-Americans is $38,300, while it stands at a whopping $115,900 for whites. “Yes, that’s right; that is a gap of $77,600, and the poverty rate here in the nation’s capital is 27.4 percent for African-Americans compared to 7.6 percent for whites,” Butterfield said. And while, on the surface, there’s a smaller gender pay gaps within the black community, it’s really not all that rosy, based on an analysis this month by The Philadelphia Tribune. “The problem is that a smaller black gender wage gap is an advanced indicator of much more se-

rious economic and financial hemorrhaging within the larger black community. Baltimore just snapped the entire nation back into that conversation,” the newspaper wrote. African-American females, when compared with other populations, are almost level with their male counterparts in average income, but this comes amid significant economic decline for black men, their traditional community partners. WI

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news@ washingtoninformer.com Congressional Black Caucus Chair G.K. Butterfield said Republicans must help Democrats fight poverty in African-American communities. /Photo Courtesy of PBS

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May 21 - May 27, 2015

AROUND THE REGION

The Missing Link in Baltimore: Education

while I was visiting his school in far northeast D.C. one day and asked me, “Mr. Chavous, can I ask you a question? Can you tell me exactly what Martin Luther King did?” How can we change the destructive dynamic borne out of ignorance and oppression? What is the missing link? The answer, without question, is education and learning. Like Michael Singleton, as a teenager growing up in Indianapolis during the 1970’s, I had a negative view of the police. At the time, the city also had a curfew that was used by some police officers to hassle African-American teenage boys. I played basketball at a suburban school but lived in the city. For a two-year period, I was stopped at least 10 times, mostly by the same white officers, while driving from my high school to my home following our basketball games. At various times, the officers taunted me, called me the N-word, threatened to plant drugs in my car and pushed me around. But I was lucky. Never did I talk back, try to run away or respond in a sarcastic way. Every answer to their taunting questions was delivered in a calm

By Kevin P. Chavous On a recent episode of “The View,” Whoopi Goldberg asked 16-year-old Michael Singleton why he was throwing rocks and rioting in the streets of Baltimore over the death of Freddie Gray before being famously slapped and pulled from the rioters by his mother, Toya Graham. Within hours of the incident, Toya became an instant celebrity, and both she and young Michael appeared on the popular talk show to discuss Toya’s tough love approach seen by millions. In a soft spoken, shy voice, Michael replied, “I went because in the past a lot of my friends have been beaten and killed. I went down there just to fight for what I stand for … my black people.” Singleton added that he was initially embarrassed by the public smack down at his moth-

er’s hand, but eventually realized that she was looking out for him. Anyone watching the broadcast could tell that Michael as basically a good kid. Unfortunately, like many young African-American men and boys living in our cities, he is confused, lost and uninformed. And his mother, despite the best of intentions, also doesn’t know what she doesn’t know. So everyone in that environment lashes out viscerally with little direction, focus or context. A recipe for disaster. Such is the state of our cities. Hearing Michael speak reminded me of the young high schooler who pulled me aside

DEEPER

voice and laced with a respectful ‘sir’ at the end of each sentence. My father had more than prepped me as to how to handle being stopped by the police. He even went through a little role-playing for me. My younger brother, Edwin, used to watch us with his eyes open really wide. Dad made sure I understood how to pull the car immediately to the shoulder as soon as I saw the police lights. As he instructed, I didn’t want to give any indication of possible flight. Once the car was stopped, I was told to stay in the car, with both hands holding the top of the steering wheel. Very important. Both hands had to visible at all times. Finally, I was told to never, ever show attitude or anger, no matter how much I was pushed. Beyond the instructions, my father took the time to educate me and my brother about the history of racism in America and the ignorance resulting there from. I was so well-armed with the history and knowledge of our people’s struggle that I came to view the officers hassling me with pity. My father helped me understand that their ignorance stunted their growth. With each police stop, I felt more empow-

DCPS BRIEFS McKinley and Phelps Sr. High students race the electric cars they designed for the Electric Vehicle Grand Prix held at RFK Stadium in Southeast on Saturday, May 16. /Photo by Marshall Duer-Balkind / District Department of the Environment

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20 May 21 - May 27, 2015

ered and in an odd way, intellectually superior to those officers. Knowing who I was and being educated about my history transcended the petty racism associated with those misdirected traffic stops. My identity was secure within me and it served as the ultimate weapon against ignorance. Today, most of the television commentators and even activists offering opinions on the state of our cities are missing the real solution. In providing these kids immediate access to a high-quality education, we give them the tools to navigate around the ignorance of others because of the confidence and knowledge gained through education. Instead of talking incessantly about how and why are cities are exploding, let’s develop a sense of urgency around getting as many kids as possible in better schools – now. We can’t wait for the traditional school system to fix itself to save our kids. It needs to happen today. Once done, we will have provided the critical missing link to curing what ails our cities.WI

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Chancellor Kaya Henderson, along with Mayor Muriel Bowser, Police Chief Cathy Lanier, and a group of private sector partners, recently united to announce two new “career academies” for the city’s public high school students. While the academies will connect residents with well-paying jobs, they will prepare students for high-wage, high-demand careers through real-life, workbased learning experiences. Bowser stressed that in just a few years, nearly 75 percent of jobs in the District will require some form of postsecondary education. She added that as a result, her administration has partnered

with leaders in both the public and private sectors to invest in [programs] that give students the tools they need to succeed in a highly competitive workforce.”

2015 Vehicle Competition

Twenty-three single-passenger electric vehicles built by high school students from the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia competed on May 16 in the 2015 Washington, D.C. Electric Vehicle Grand Prix at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. During the innovative, handson educational project – which serves as the District’s only such student-based competition – student teams applied engineer-

DCPS BRIEFS Page 21

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DCPS BRIEFS from Page 20 ing, science, and math principles and strategy to construct and race battery-powered electric cars. The project also helped improve their understanding of renewable energy technologies and project management as they worked in a team environment. The District Department of the Environment and Pepco sponsored the event, which was organized by Global EEE (Education, Energy, and Environment). “We [were] thrilled to host the third annual DC EV Grand Prix, said Tommy Wells, Department of Energy director. “This program exposes students to energy conservation and technology and provides important educational and training opportunities,” he said. “The DC EV Grand Prix engages our youth in the innovation economy, preparing them for the future by providing a green pathway to the middle class.”

Put your leadership to work. Like Damion. ~ DAMION ANGLIN A l l s t a t e A g e n c y O w n e r s i n c e 2 0 07

OSSE Pre-K Report Officials for the District of Columbia’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education have released their 2014 “State of Pre-K in the District of Columbia” report. The report, which highlights D.C.s’ continued growth in access to pre-K, also reveals that for the first time, a common tool was used to measure classroom quality for traditional public and public charter schools and community-based organizations. In all three sectors, there were classrooms that met or exceeded the threshold for pre-K classroom quality as measured by the Classroom Assessment Scoring System Pre-K evaluation tool. “We are pleased that the District of Columbia continues to lead the nation in access to pre-K education, as evidenced by the 2014 pre-K report,” said Hanseul Kang, acting state superintendent. “From launching the Early Learning Quality Improvement Network earlier this year to improve the quality of services for infants and toddlers to sustaining the availability of quality pre-K slots as our population grows, we continue to be committed to working with our partners in DCPS, PCSB, and community-based organizations to ensure our youngest learners are ready for kindergarten.”WI

Ten years in the military taught Damion leadership. The kind he uses today to run his own successful Allstate agency and to help protect his customers. Taking the lead in looking out for others is why people look up to Damion. Learn how your leadership skills can help you build a good life with Allstate. TALK TO YOUR LOCAL ALLSTATE RECRUITER IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA TODAY. Tanya Blake, Executive Recruiter 703-653-3515 tblak@allstate.com

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May 21 - May 27, 2015

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

EDITORIAL As America’s Infrastructure Crumbles, Congress Diddles We do not yet know the specific reason or reasons why the Amtrak commuter train heading to New York last week crashed. It may have been human error, the result of a projectile hitting the train, speed or none of the above. Yet what the crash just north of Philadelphia has done is cast light on another problem that has much wider implications: the deteriorating state of this country’s infrastructure. Generally, infrastructure refers to bridges, tunnels, roads and highways, the water supply, sewers, telecommunications and electrical power grids. In several studies and reports issued over the years, the American Society of Engineers, scientists and others have been highlighting the severity of the problem. Despite aged and rusty bridges and worn-out rails, there has been unwillingness on the part of our national leaders to invest in our public rail system, a system best characterized as obsolete and decaying. Most experts give the U.S. a D or an F. While many politicians are usually quick to thump their chests about American exceptionalism and being No. 1, the U.S. is way behind countries such as China, Turkey, Japan and Brazil, all of which have significantly more sophisticated railway infrastructures. Japan’s bullet trains have dedicated tracks that aren’t crossed by cars, trucks and other vehicles. In France, the TVG bullet train is able to travel at the astounding speed of 357 miles an hour, while Amtrak’s trains have to slow to 50 miles an hour when approaching a curve. And funding levels overseas far outpace the U.S. Decades of neglect by the federal government have left roads, bridges and tunnels in an appalling state of disrepair. A recent CBS documentary, “Falling Apart,” said 70,000 bridges across the U.S. need to be repaired or replaced and that slow and inefficient railway networks must be upgraded and soon. The Washington metropolitan area has its share of woes. A recent Fox 5 investigation revealed that the H Street Bridge is falling apart, with the heavily traveled structure corroding, rusted sections flaking off, the undercarriage exposed and other parts missing. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton said the entire bridge needs to be taken down and rebuilt, but repairs aren’t likely until Congress fully funds the repair project. With a $75 million shortfall, Norton said, the delay threatens a plan to redevelop Union Station. Congress has, for the last decade, been unwilling or unable to find ways to pay for infrastructure repair, and while they fiddle, America crumbles. Those with knowledge of the problems are sounding the alarm. So, what does Congress see that we don’t?

No More Vacancies on the D.C. Council

The two special elections held to elect new members to the D.C. Council are history. Both officials have been sworn in, and for most residents, over the next year and a half or so, elections will not be at the forefront of their minds. Hundreds of campaign workers, supporters, friends, families and elected officials witnessed the May 14 swearing in of Ward 4’s Brandon Todd and Ward 8’s LaRuby May. Their addition fills out the Council Period of 21, and now a full complement of council members can concentrate on finding consensus and solutions to the myriad challenges facing the city. Council members have a full plate, including balancing disparate budget priorities, attacking homelessness, blunting the negative effects of gentrification on seniors and the middle and working classes, attracting more businesses to the city, lowering the high school dropout rate, and ensuring that our children aren’t discriminated against by zip code. We hope the council will closely examine the state of police-community relations, consider developing a citizens’ review board with real teeth and pressure the Metropolitan Police Department to stop D.C.’s version of “stop-and-frisk.” Politics watchers will be paying a close eye to the alliances and coalitions formed, whether and how the chemistry of the body is affected by the shift in the ethnic balance of the body and who will gain ascendency over time. Council Chair Phil Mendelson said the swearing-in represents hope and celebration. We look forward to what comes after.

22 May 21 - May 27, 2015

Buy Us, For Us

Thank you for your article by Sam P.K. Collins, “Online Directory Highlights Black-Owned Businesses,” in the May 14, 2015 edition of the Washington Informer. As the owner of a small business here in Washington, DC, this is a much-needed resource for us as well as the customers we are trying to reach. With the cost of advertising being as high as it is, a lot of businesses like the one I have find it hard to let the people we want to reach know that we even exist. I have heard all of the stories about black-owned businesses, and why our own people wouldn’t do business with us, but I am here to tell you that there are a lot of good, hard working, black business owners who will give you good services for a good and fair price. Those sayings are as untrue as the saying that “Black people are always late.” It is a mindset, a saying handed down from the streets, and we can’t let those types of sayings prevent us from doing business with those in our own community. Mr. Vernon Davis is right to focus on the economics of blacks doing business with black-owned businesses. Every other ethnic group has done it and all of them have surpassed us, and that is because we don’t economically support our black owned businesses. I am not advocating that all black people should only buy and do business with black-owned businesses, but I am saying give us a try and then rely on your own experience to make a decision about doing business with black-owned businesses. Carl Moore Washington, DC

Come Together Ward 8

The turn out numbers in the frontpage article, “May Prepares to Join D.C. Council,” [Barrington M. Salmon, May 14, 2015] should show us that our votes do matter. As a Ward 8 resident and a supporter of Trayon White in the Ward 8 Special Election, I am very disappointed in the outcome. Eighty votes, is that all; just eighty votes? But you know what is even more disappointing? The turnout total! For the entire ward only 7,200 votes cast. Come on, really, in the entire ward only 7,200 felt it important enough to vote for someone who will represent our ward for the next four years on the city council. All residents in Ward 8 must take voting seriously. Our votes do matter. Our votes allow us to take action, rather than always re-acting. I am hoping Ms. May represents our interest on the council, because she is now our representative whether we like it or not. In my heart I know Trayon would have made a great councilman, but that’s neither here nor there; it’s over. I hope he doesn’t challenge the outcome and I hope he allows Ms. May to get on with the business of the ward on the council. I think Trayon White’s campaign chair, Wanda Lockridge, said it best as quoted at the end of the article: “In order for the ward to move forward, we have to come together as one. That is the bigger picture.” Stephanie Wilson Washington, DC (Councilmember Laruby May was elected to fulfill the unfinished term of Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry who died in November, 2014. Ms. May, among other

councilmembers, will face a reelection bid in April 2016.)

Refuse to Blame ‘Whitey’ As I prepare myself for another day of grinding out products for my home-based business, I decided to write to express my disagreement with Mr. Bill Reed recent article [“Is it All Whitey’s Fault?”. May 7, 2014]. I agree that the source of the issues impacting the African American community is sometimes our own fault, no doubt. But I don’t agree that my generation “pins all of our hopes and dreams on government.” I am one of dozens of young African Americans who is pinning my dreams on business. I have a college degree but never have I even considered “getting a good government job” as so many of my elders did. My generation was taught the idea of entrepreneurship, and most of us still believe, despite the fact that our pockets are not as full as we would like, that entrepreneurship is the way to go. If I am not successful, I don’t believe I will blame it on “whitey.” Instead of looking for someone to blame, I am striving to look for opportunities wherever they may be. Joshua Grant Washington, DC

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

By Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.

Michelle Obama Resists Taking the Easy Way Out More than any other first lady of the United States of America, Michelle Obama continues to stand above those who would attempt to distort her leadership. Obama’s recent commencement address at the Tuskegee University in Alabama exemplified her courage to speak truth to the world without fear of repercussions. Obama’s resilient optimism is refreshing as well as sobering. I

am certain the class of 2015 at Tuskegee will always remember the strong and poignant words of wisdom that they were given during their graduation ceremonies. But we all can learn from her timely remarks. We live today in an increased atmosphere of racial polarization in America since the election and re-election of President Barack Obama. We therefore should welcome public utterances that transcend the prevalent negativity surrounding any attempt to address the question of

race in the United States. Michele Obama is perfectly qualified and strategically positioned to use her leadership in a constructive manner to advance the interests of black America and all those who struggle and cry out for freedom, justice and equality. As a talented Harvard Law School graduate, devoted mother, and loyal spouse to the president, the first lady has risen to become one of the most admired persons in the world. The first lady eloquently stated, “But here’s the thing – our

Guest Columnist

history provides us with a better story, a better blueprint for how we can win. It teaches us that when we pull ourselves out of those lowest emotional depths and we channel our frustrations into studying and organizing and banding together, then we can build ourselves and our communities up. We can take on those deep-rooted problems, and together – together – we can overcome anything that stands in our way.” In other words, we should strive to avoid complacency

and the cynicism of hopelessness. The history and the centuries-old legacy of African people in America and throughout the world prove our ability to overcome the hardships of oppression and injustice. It was also good to hear Obama call for black American unity and “banding together.” Our families and communities across the nation are certainly in critical need of greater unity and collective resolve to stand up to-

CHAVIS Page 37

By Julianne Malveaux

The Legalized Torture of Prisoners Freddie Gray is neither the first nor the last person to die in police custody. According to a 2011 report from the Department of Justice, 4,813 people died in police custody between 2003 and 2009 (the most recent data, reported in 2011). However, not every state reports its data, so the number is probably higher. A new report is scheduled to be released this year or next.

Many of those who die in police custody are bipolar or have other mental health challenges. Too many officers of the law have not been trained to deal with people with mental health problems. The mentally ill need help, not a fatal bullet. Tanisha Anderson had a heart condition and bipolar disorder. When she was detained in Cleveland, she was pushed and forced into a prone position, which led to her death. Anthony Hall, unarmed and bipolar, was an Air

Force veteran. He was running through an Atlanta street. Instead of being calmed down and clothed, he was killed. Robert Saylor had Down syndrome. He was killed at the Regal Cinema Westview Stadium in Frederick, Maryland, over a $13 movie ticket. He was handcuffed, made to lie face down on the ground and asphyxiated. Police officers need more training to deal with the mentally ill and those with Down syndrome. Unless these “viola-

Guest Columnist

tors” are flashing a weapon, they should be talked down, not shot down. Instead, those officers think they have a license to shoot and kill harmless and helpless people? These deaths should be classified as police misconduct, but these “officers of the law” rarely pay a price for their behavior. There are exceptions. In Chatham County, Georgia, Matthew Ajebade, 21, had bipolar disorder. He was placed in a restraining chair and held in isolation.

After being put in the restraining chair, he was hit with a stun gun; that action ultimately led to his death. All nine of the sheriff ’s deputies who detained him were fired. In Oakland, California, Johannes Mehserle spent a few months in jail before he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Oscar Grant. He was sentenced to two years in jail, but served only 11 months because he received time

MALVEAUX Page 37

By James Clingman

The Case for Student Loan Forgiveness By the time you read this article, millions of college students will have graduated and will be looking for jobs. Many will be going on to grad school, and millions will suddenly be faced with paying off college loans or contemplating obtaining a loan for graduate studies. Neither option is attractive. Even if students are fortunate enough to have a job when they graduate, if they are laden with

tens of thousands of dollars in debt, it will be very difficult to save money for their futures, pay living expenses and costs associated with the jobs they accept, and make $300-600 in monthly payments for college loans. For those moving on to grad school, unless they have a fellowship or some other kind of grant, they will have a tough decision to make when the loan officers at their schools or the banks say, “No problem; here’s a $30,000 check to pay for your degree.” I hate to think what it

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costs for a medical degree these days. At more than $1 trillion, having surpassed credit card debt, college loan debt is an albatross around the necks of students, some of whom had no idea of what they were getting into and some of whom did know but refused to do anything about it until now, when it was too late. With the job market the way it is and has been for black people for decades, some graduates will have an overpriced college degree without a commensurate The Washington Informer

job prospect. They will be faced with the challenge of paying back their loans while looking for a job that does not exist. Or they will have to accept the prospect of joining the ranks of the “underemployed.” This is indeed a sad state of affairs for our best and brightest, the grandchildren of the baby boomers. It is said that “millennials,” as they are called, are the first generation that will be worse off than their parents. Most parents want their children to do better than they did,

and most parents participate in that aspiration by putting a little money aside to help their children get off to a reasonable start in life. However, in today’s economic climate, there is very little of that kind of help available from parents who are struggling just to pay the rent and keep the lights on. What can we do? High on our agenda should be a demand made to Congress and whoever is running for president

CLINGMAN Page 37 May 21 - May 27, 2015

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

By Marc H. Morial

A Message for the Class of 2015 “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. / It’s had tacks in it, /And splinters, / And boards torn up, / And places with no carpet on the floor—Bare. / But all the time / I’se been a-climbin’ on, / And reachin’ landin’s, / And turnin’ corners, / And sometimes goin’ in the dark / Where there ain’t been no light. / So, boy, don’t you turn back.” – Langston Hughes, “Mother to Son,” 1922

If you are disposed to using the Internet as your guide, a diploma will generally be described as the proof of your successful completion of a course of study, or the bestowal of an academic degree. Speaking from personal experience, I can tell you that diploma in your grasp, occupying a prominent space on a wall or waiting to be pressed into your eager hand is so much more than the sum of your years-long efforts to be where you are today. Your degree is a key that opens a new door, a new phase of life

and a new set of challenges. Your life’s journey – and its achievements – do not end here. Celebrate because you’ve earned it; bask in your well-earned feeling of accomplishment today because tomorrow you will find that there is much work to be done. On the other side of that new door is a staircase, and that staircase may not be the kind fashioned from crystal with smooth, reliable, clear-cut steps. Obstacles may slow or impede your climb. There may be tacks,

Guest Columnist

broken floorboards and tornup carpet that would trip or, at worst, defeat someone without the training you have been so fortunate to attain. There is no shortcut here, no elevator, or bypassing of these difficult steps and turns. There is, however, the choice to apply the perseverance and commitment to excellence you have already shown in your higher-education journey. On the one hand, there is much to celebrate in our country when it comes to academic achievement in African-Amer-

ican communities. Today, we enjoy the highest high school graduation rates in history. More students of color are in college, and dropout rates are at historic lows. But the wealth and unemployment gap between blacks and whites remains wide. While the black unemployment rate has finally dipped into the single digits, it stubbornly remains more than twice as high as the jobless rate for whites. As our country’s

MORIAL Page 38

By Marian Wright Edelman

Taking Care of Students Without Insurance It’s always very challenging for a parent when a child has a serious health condition. It’s even more challenging when a child has a serious condition but has no health insurance to cover it. Both were true for one Texas mother whose 12-year-old daughter, Evelyn, was diagnosed with a heart defect. Evelyn often ended up at her school nurse’s office complaining of shortness of breath.

When the nurse encouraged her mother to take her in to the doctor, Evelyn’s mother, who bakes cakes for a living, explained that Evelyn was uninsured and she couldn’t afford the specialist fees that ran into the hundreds of dollars per visit. But the nurse knew she could put Evelyn’s family in touch with an outreach worker from the Children’s Defense Fund-Texas office to help her apply for insurance. CDF-Texas helped Evelyn’s mother with her application, which was approved, provid-

ing Evelyn the health care she desperately needed. Soon after, she had open heart surgery to replace a non-functional heart valve. Specialists at the Pediatric Heart Clinic told Evelyn’s family she was very lucky to have had the surgery when she did. Her mother said, “It was not about luck, it was a blessing!” Evelyn is one of millions of children whose story now has a happier ending. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Medicaid program, which together with the Children’s Health Insur-

Askia-At-Large

ance Program, has brought the number of uninsured children to an historic low. Medicaid and CHIP provide comprehensive and affordable health coverage to more than 44 million children — 57 percent of all children in America. With the new coverage options offered by the Affordable Care Act, 93 percent of all children now have health coverage. But we can never stop working to reach children like Evelyn, who haven’t yet been connected to coverage. More than 5.2

million children under age 18 were uninsured in 2013. The overwhelming majority live with working parents and are citizens. More than a third live in three states – California, Texas, and Florida. Uninsured children are more likely to be children of color, children ages 13-18, and children who live in rural areas. More than half – 3.7 million – are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP but are not yet enrolled.

EDELMAN Page 38

By Askia Muhammad

Farewell, Dear Friend, B.B. King I’ve been a dedicated B.B. King fan for more than 60 years. Before I knew anything about the blues or about any kind of music really, I was admired this name because he was a hometown hero who had made good. In the Mississippi Delta in the 1950s, where I would spend my boyhood summers —away from the mean streets of South Central Los Angeles — there was an anonymity that surrounded

24 May 21 - May 27, 2015

black people. Not B.B. King though. In fact, most of the little towns I was familiar with around my hometown were pretty invisible to the outside world. Inverness, Itta Bena, Ruleville, Sunflower, Leland, Mound Bayou and Money, are towns surrounding Indianola, which is a small country town that was put on the map in the 1960s by courageous sheroes and heroes like Fannie Lou Hamer and Lawrence Guyot, who waged epic voting rights battle there because Indianola is

the Sunflower County Seat. Today, Indianola has three traffic signals in town, all along the main drag — U.S. Highway 82, which leads 30 miles to the west to sprawling Greenville, a major trading center on the “Big Muddy,” the Mississippi River; and 30 miles to the east to Greenwood, “the Cotton Capital of the World.” But “at home” I was trained to know about B.B. King because he was a famous somebody. My Uncle Forrest Canteberry — known around town as The Washington Informer

“Cannonball” —would walk me around the corner past this jook joint called The Club Ebony. And almost by osmosis, I came to know that was where B.B. King got his start, even though I didn’t know much else about him. Ray Charles, Count Basie, James Brown and Ike Turner all performed in the club; it was an important stop on the Mississippi Delta Blues Trail. When my grandmother, Ollie Lee Canteberry — Big Mama — would send me around the corner to Miss Ada’s grocery

store on Hanna Avenue at Mill Street for this, that or the other, I would peek in the front window of The Club Ebony right across the street. Two things stood out for me: There was a classic jukebox surrounded by brightly colored lights with bubbles, and then there was this woman who appeared to be white. She was clearly the boss. If I ever saw B.B. King there, I wouldn’t have known him; he was just another black guy, and besides I only went

MUHAMMAD Page 38

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The National’s Racing President Teddy greets kids participating in the 7th Annual Horton’s Kids Fundraiser at Nationals Stadium on Wednesday, May 13. /Photo by Travis Riddick

Horton’s Kids Event Raises Hope and Funds Nationals Park Hosts Anacostia Children By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer District youth Janali proudly displayed her pony balloon animal for everyone to see. Meanwhile, other children like Taniyah and Victoria joined in the exciting race against President Teddy Roosevelt on the field at Nationals Park. With a celebrity chef, members of Congress and a number of photographers and media personnel gathering to record the event, hundreds of area youth enjoyed a fun-filled day at the home of the Washington Nationals during the annual Home Run for Horton’s Kids fundraiser. “Home Runs for Horton’s Kids is a fun way for us to raise the funds necessary to continue the academic programs, enrichment activities and health and basic needs supports to make sure that every child can succeed,” said Robin Berkley, Horton’s Kids’ executive director. The event at Nationals Park drew hundreds of individuals and organizers said it usually helps to raise a significant portion of the organization’s annual budget. Berkley said Horton’s Kids’ counts on the support of the community, honorary host committee and sponsors, including Direct TV and the Nuclear Energy Institute. The honorary host committee is made up of more than 140 members

of Congress. Those in attendance for the May 13 fundraiser received an opportunity of a lifetime. They were invited to participate in baseball activities on a top Major League Baseball field, including hitting and catching fly balls where such stars as Bryce Harper, Stephen Strasburg and Denard Span ply their trade at the highest of levels. The children were also provided the opportunity to play the Microsoft Kinect for Xbox One, carnival games and to participate in a number of kid-friendly activities. Youth also participated in what’s become a tradition at Nationals’ baseball games –they joined in the race from the outfield to the infield with “Teddy Roosevelt.”

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“It’s wonderful to see the children having a great time and to see everyone come to support them tonight,” Berkley said. “The work we do is possible because of the commitment and dedication of our volunteers, donors and supporters.” Officials said Horton’s Kids serves more than 500 children from Anacostia and has over 500 volunteers, many of whom work on Capitol Hill and at the U.S. Department of Education. Founded in 1989 by Karin Walser, then a Capitol Hill staffer, Horton’s Kids’ influence on the Ward 8 community has been tremendous, officials said, noting that the graduation rate for a Horton’s Kid is twice the neighborhood average and last year, nearly three quarters of tutoring participants increased their reading scores. The Washington Informer

“Horton’s Kids has truly been like a second family,” said Tyrec Grooms, a Horton’s Kids alumni who recently graduated from the University of Virginia. “They have been there every step of the way,” said Grooms, who now has a full time job providing support to local District Charter Schools and who also serves as a Horton’s Kids tutor. Grooms isn’t the only success story the Horton’s Kids organization boasts. Nathan, a Syracuse University graduate who now serves as a Teach for America corps member in San Antonio, Texas, persevered after the loss of his brother to gang violence. He said Horton’s Kids provided him with a real chance at success. “Horton’s Kids showed me that you can become anything that you want,” Nathan said. Fayth joined Horton’s Kids while in kindergarten. Since then, the fourth grader has developed a love of reading and learning and now counts as an honor roll student reading at an advanced level. “My Horton’s Kids tutor taught me a lot of things that I didn’t really know,” Fayth said. D.J. rose above neighborhood peer pressures and is already planning for college with hopes of studying engineering and music. “I know some people who didn’t go to Horton’s Kids that are now in bad situations. I want to show people that I’m a leader, not a follower, and

that without drug dealing or other illegal activities, you can be a great person,” D.J. said. The organization’s comprehensive services include a variety of academic, enrichment and basic needs all of which begin in kindergarten and sustain youth through high school. Horton’s Kids’ cornerstone is a one-on-one tutoring program that takes place three times a week in the Rayburn House Office Building and the U.S. Department of Education. The organization has been recognized by several outlets as being the best or being among the best nonprofits in the Greater Washington Area. Its academic programming helps children overcome deficits, improve literacy and math skills, stay on track to graduate high school and become ready for college and careers. In addition, the organization provides a diverse selection of activities that allow children to cultivate grit, self-control and optimism. Also, for many children, Horton’s Kids Community Resource Center is the only safe, consistent and accessible source of healthy food and other critical resources within walking distance of their homes. “Horton’s Kids has helped me and my friends by providing a safe and productive environment for us to thrive and become scholars,” said Dana, who overcame neighborhood violence and academic struggles to graduate from high school. WI May 21 - May 27, 2015

LIFESTYLE

Comedian Dick Gregory Still on His Game

Wows Audience during District Fundraiser By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins When the Hollywood Walk of Fame inducted Dick Gregory in February, many of the fans who propelled the veteran comedian and social activist to stardom could only take part in the celebratory activities from their living rooms. For some people, however, the festivities continued during a gathering at a local hair salon where Gregory kept the laughs coming, raised money for his foundation and weighed in on recent events that have made national headlines. Once he hit the stage, one of black America’s seasoned funny men didn’t mince words, lambasting the mainstream media and blacks who unwittingly believe everything newscasters tell them. “Why do black people get so embarrassed when white folk [in the news] tell you what’s happening,” Dick Gregory, 82, told more than 100 people seated throughout Wan-

da’s on 7th in Northwest during the Fundraiser and Comedian Spotlight, co-hosted by the Dick Gregory Foundation and the National Congress of Black Women (NCBW), a nonprofit and advocacy organization. During his 30-minute set, Gregory, sporting a red ball cap, dark blue blazer and white collar shirt, commented on the civil unrest that broke out in Baltimore shortly after the death of Freddie Gray, imploring guests to question the news accounts of what happened during the melee. The laughs continued as the comedian jokingly dwelled on the lengths that some black people will go to live like white socialites. Later, Gregory harped on elected officials’ efforts to marginalize people of color, even mentioning the possibility of them passing a law banning consumption of chicken wings in public, a comment that elicited light chuckles. “Someone can tell you white folks are crazy and you would say they aren’t,” Gregory said as he recounted the events that sparked the melee between Baltimore youth and police

Comedian and social activist Dick Gregory performed before more than 100 people during a comedian showcase and fundraiser on Sunday at Wanda’s on 7th. / Courtesy photo

officers in late April. “Where did the bricks come from? The children didn’t bring them to school. Also, some of y’all had sense enough to think that that sister was doing the right thing by slapping her son. Had she done that three weeks earlier, she would have been arrested. Why didn’t she just take him out of the riot area?” Gregory asked. Sunday’s event also included musical performances by T. Sharron who serenaded the audience with her

rendition of Common and John Legend’s “Glory.” Comedians and self-professed Dick Gregory admirers Lazy Lamont and Eddie Bryant also showcased their skills on the mic, tickling audience members’ funny bones with stories about their coming of age, rowdy adolescents on the Metro, U.S. politics and church. DJ Stan B kept guests grooving to oldies that resonated throughout the salon while Wanda Henderson,

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MusicIs Life Join Us For A Soulful Musical Celebration

CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF THE HONORABLE WAYNE K. CURRY Saturday, June 27, 2015 • 6PM

Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center • Kay Theater • University of Maryland College Park

26 May 21 - May 27, 2015

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Host: Tony Richards

Presented by: Prince George's County Council Chairman, Mel Franklin, District 9 Prince George's County Council Vice-Chairman, Derrick Leon Davis, District 6 Prince George's County Council Members: Deni Taveras, District 2 Todd M. Turner, District 4 Andrea Harrison, District 5 Karen R. Toles, District 7

Tickets & Info: http://theclarice.umd.edu/ www.fameorg.org 301.805.5358 • Donation $50 All proceeds to benefit The Wayne K. Curry Lung Cancer Disparity Awareness Fund and FAME- Foundation for the Advancement of Music & Education, Inc. (FAME), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

owner of Wanda’s on 7th, served as mistress of ceremonies. Later in the program, NCBW auctioned off two original paintings of Gregory created by artists Andrea McKenzie and Demont Pinder that they completed during the program. Copies of Variety Magazine that commemorated the comedic legend’s induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame also counted among the items for sale that evening. Later, Gregory took photos with guests. Dr. E. Faye Williams, NCBW’s national president, said that the May 17th charity showcase had the makings of an ideal community gathering. “Dick Gregory hasn’t had an opportunity to show the community his Hollywood star and we wanted people to come out and see it,” said Williams. “We also want to continue raising money for the foundation and carry out his work. This will help young artists and activists work toward social causes.” Business owner David Polk, who learned about the event through Henderson, said he enjoyed learning from Gregory, someone he considers an elder. “Ms. Wanda [Henderson] is a pillar of the community and it was great to see her unite with a legend,” said Polk, owner of Changing Image Barbershop in Louisville, Kentucky. “This made for an iconic evening that supported our culture. His presence speaks volumes. I liked what he discussed, especially about how we should think more positively than negatively,” said Polk, 37, who moved to Alexandria, Virginia last year. Through his foundation, Dick Gregory has advocated for the education, physical wellness and cultural development of African Americans of all ages. In recent years, the nonprofit’s focus has shifted to HIV-positive children in parts of Africa with ongoing support of community projects in Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda. For Russell Price, Sunday’s fundraiser served as another opportunity to see someone he considers a good friend. Russell, a 30-year Air Force veteran and former Prince George’s County police officer said that since meeting Gregory in the 1960s, he has grown to admire the comedian, particularly because of his penchant to speak fiercely about the issues of the day. “There’s not one icon that’s still alive who doesn’t appreciate Dick Gregory,” Russell, 67, said. “He’s an institution of black history. He was the first comedian to speak flat footed on television to white audiences. To this day, he’s a visionary and analyzes things in a way that people can’t see. It was important to hear his perspective on current events,” said Russell, a Northwest resident. WI

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Horoscopes

Griot

ARIES Take the lead, especially in romantic matters. Throw modesty out the window. Be in shameless pursuit. You know that your need is great this week. Seek to satisfy it. Your lover might be surprised, but you can make the surprise a pleasant one. Soul Affirmation: I hunt for love in all the right places. Lucky Numbers: 29, 34, 51

“Corruption Officer”

TAURUS Heads or tails! Go or stay! What to do? This week you’ll find yourself pulled in two exactly opposite directions. There is no way to satisfy both pulls. Let your friends decide. Take whatever suggestion comes first. Soul Affirmation: I let my friendships guide my way. Lucky Numbers: 41, 47, 50

by Gary L. Heyward c.2015, Atria $16.00 / $18.99 Canada 276 pages

Sometimes you have to choose sides. Republican or Democrat? For something or against it? Grateful for what you have or irritated by what you don’t? And you want fries with that? Sometimes you choose your sides, and sometimes they’re chosen for you. In the new book “Corruption Officer” by Gary L. Heyward, the preferred option is outside. “Big Hey” had “the shakes.” Evenings, he spent almost all his paycheck shaking dice, winning some nights and some nights, not. He still lived with his Moms, which was shameful – he was 29 years old, a Gulf War veteran – and, though a good friend urged him to job-search, Heyward figured that better employment was out of reach. When he learned that his application to Corrections Academy was accepted, he grabbed his mother and danced in their kitchen. “Hello, pension,” he says. Hello, Rikers Island. In the first days of Academy, Heyward had plenty to learn: inmates knew how to intimidate, which Corrections Officers were taught to ignore. Counting “mates” was essential, avoiding “undue familiarity” was important, the hours were lousy, but the money was good. Heyward was flush with cash for the first time in a long time. He bought a car. Then his Baby Mama took him to court for child support. Weeks later, shortly after his paycheck amounted to $68 post-deductions, after the “hood booga” said she was pregnant and his car was repo’ed, Heyward started hearing temptation. Inmates had been bugging him to smuggle in cash, drugs and smokes. He’d done it once; the money was there and he knew it was easy. Other COs got away with bending the rules, and just about every

MAY 21 - MAY 27, 2015

GEMINI Don’t waste time thinking about the past. Sure they were wrong, but what does it matter now. Enjoy the present. Find something good to do for the rest of the week. Avoid conflict. Nothing is so important that it needs to be resolved this week. Soul Affirmation: This week I forgive myself for everything that has happened. Lucky Numbers: 23, 28, 49 CANCER Stop thinking about work. Sure there are pressing matters, but they’ll wait. Tap into the fun side of your personality. Get deep into that side and stay there. Don’t keep pulling back to think about things that need to be fixed. Soul Affirmation: I give my mind a big vacation this week. Lucky Numbers: 30, 37, 42

male guard was doing whatever he could to pay child support. If they did it, why couldn’t Heyward do it, too? “I begin to panic,” Heyward says. “I got to get this money up.” And so, he went in search of someone to introduce him to an inside partner, a move that would prove dangerously, devastatingly risky… At first, I was quite unimpressed with “Corruption Officer.” There’s a lot of profanity, and what’s left after that is mostly sophomoric. I kept waiting for this book to grow up. And then it hit me: it didn’t need to. This memoir of jail from both sides of the bars is really better suited for a young audience anyhow, since it’s ultimately more cautionary tale than not. In the end of his story, author Gary L. Heyward even writes, “Prison should be feared at all times. [It] should be thought about every time a person thinks about doing something wrong.” Doesn’t that put a different spin on what, in its first many pages, felt like a jokey book? That sure seemed the case to me, as I read “Corruption Officer” in one sitting, alternately horrified and fascinated. Grandma isn’t the targeted audience for this book. Young people are; they’ll like reading it and it may scare some straight. They’ll find that “Corruption Officer” has very powerful words inside.WI

LEO Let the pleasure principal win the battle with your sense of duty. Give yourself up to the sunshine, the fresh air, the outdoors. Stop talking and get moving. Your own motion will clear your mind of things that have been hanging on. Soul Affirmation: I celebrate freedom of mind this week. Lucky Numbers: 12, 38, 39 VIRGO There are so many good things to do that the challenge will be in deciding what to do and what to not do. Great place to be. Count your blessings -all of them and flip a coin. What a time to be alive. Call someone. Let them decide what you should enjoy first. Soul Affirmation: I know that my life is full of good things. I enjoy! Lucky Numbers: 4, 29, 38 LIBRA Give yourself a chance to know yourself better. Let others reflect the beauty that is you and that will give you added knowledge of yourself this week. Ask for opinions and listen closely, making something good out of whatever is said. Soul Affirmation: I spend the week celebrating me. Lucky Numbers: 22, 27, 41 SCORPIO You’ll meet someone that you could come to adore. Make sure you’ve laid the groundwork because they might not be ready for all the adoration that you are ready to give. Make sure that you don’t adore a bird in the bush while neglecting a bird in hand. Soul Affirmation: I enjoy the act of adoring. Lucky Numbers: 16, 23, 40 SAGITTARIUS Being an artist doesn’t always mean painting a picture. This week apply your artistry to anything that you do. Look at life as an empty canvas upon which you have the skill to paint almost any wonderful thing that you want. Soul Affirmation: My life itself is my greatest creation. Lucky Numbers: 19, 20, 27 CAPRICORN This week is better than last week for career goals. Think deeply about what you really want for a career. Clarity is easy to come by. Charm is an extremely effective tool for you this week. The smile is needed more than at any recent time. Soul Affirmation: I keep my smile shining, especially at home. Lucky Numbers: 3, 20, 30 AQUARIUS Believe that it is true when a friend or family member praises you this week. There is something good happening with you that you cannot see. Expect good news about a publishing, educational or legal venture. Romance is in the air, revel in it. Soul Affirmation: All the good things said about me this week are absolutely true. Lucky Numbers: 1, 43, 50 PISCES This week let your nurturing spirit shines through. Your tremendous adaptability will make it possible for you to show kindness even where it is not deserved. Know that you kindness is appreciated. All week long you’ll find yourself in helpful conversations with friends or family members. Heed what is said. Soul Affirmation: Everyone deserves kindness this week. Lucky Numbers: 11, 32, 39

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The Washington Informer

May 21 - May 27, 2015

SPORTS

Wizards 2015 Season Ends With 94-91 Loss to Atlanta Pierce’s three-point shot to tie comes after the buzzer

Wizards guard John Wall is double-teamed by his Atlanta opponents in the second half of the NBA Eastern Conference semi-finals on Friday, May, 16 at the Verizon Center in Northwest. Atlanta defeated the Wizards 94-91 to move on to the finals against Cleveland Cavaliers. Wall reflecting over the loss said, “It’s tough. In the third quarter where we gave them easy baskets. Guys came out and made some big plays. They were a great team and better in the series.” /Photo by John E. De Freitas

Atlanta forward DeMarre Carroll takes on Wizards guard John Wall in the first quarter of NBA action on Friday, May 16 at the Verizon Center in Northwest. Atlanta defeated the Wizards 94-91. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

Wizards guard Bradley Beal is stopped by two Hawks in the second half of the Eastern Conference semi-finals on Friday, May, 16 at the Verizon Center in Northwest. Beal said, “We had the opportunity to win, and it was a great shot by Paul [Pierce] . . . a few more tenths of second. It’s definitely heart-breaking because this is two years in a row but we laid our effort on the line.”/Photo by John E. De Freitas

Atlanta forward Paul Millsap shoots after being defended by Wizards center Marcin Gortat in the second quarter of NBA action on Friday, May 16 at the Verizon Center in Northwest. Atlanta defeated the Wizards 94-91. Millsap said, “We got it done. We are just glad that last shot didn’t count. Glad the guys were able to hold their composure during crunch time.” /Photo by John E. De Freitas

28 May 21 - May 27, 2015

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ABOUT DC TRUST DC Trust empowers youth to use their talents in creating successful lives through aligning resources, building systems and connecting partners. Since 1999, DC Trust has invested over $100 million in high-outcome programs and youth development worker capacity building with measurable impact to unlock the intrinsic potential of every DC youth. As a non-profit partner to DC government, DC Trust is the only organization that brings together city agencies, public schools, employers and community groups to expand services and opportunities for youth in the District. Our work combines thought leadership, capacity building and effective grants management to help create and support the most effective programs for the District’s youth. Learn more at dctrustforyouth.org “ I believe in the power of narrative to change perspectives, drive empathy and motivate people towards action for change.” ED DAVIES/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DC TRUST

SHOPTALK STORYTELLING SERIES For decades, the barbershop has served as a cultural hub for communities of color. It's a safe space to convene, fellowship and dialogue about issues of importance, as well as to share personal insights, experiences and challenges in a raw and unfettered manner. DC Trust is now capturing many of these conversations through ShopTalk, a transmedia storytelling series that uses the barbershop as both a springboard and muse for exploring the multifaceted lives of young men of color growing up in Washington, DC. Topical episodes on juvenile justice, health, school readiness and education reform will continue to paint a localized portrait of the state of young men of color in the nation’s capital. Join the conversation #ShopTalkDC

‘cme4me’ YOUTH PERCEPTION CAMPAIGN For our youth in DC to truly thrive, we must create a narrative that helps young people - especially youth of color - to be viewed differently by adults who can create pathways to opportunities for success, and also to view themselves differently in order to feel worthy enough to pursue those opportunities. That's why DC Trust created cme4me (pronounced “see me for me”), a citywide youth perception campaign designed to create an environment that recognizes and celebrates the creativity of DC youth, while linking them to 21st century workforce development opportunities that lead to internships and real paying jobs in the creative economy. The power to change resides in our youth’s voices, in their words and in their images. cme4me amplifies young people’s voices by helping them to create and share a glimpse of their reality so that we can see them for who they really are. Follow the movement at cme4me.org www.washingtoninformer.com

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May 21 - May 27, 2015

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DC JAZZFESTIVAL JUNE 10–16, 2015 14 Meet the Artist: A Conversation with

sunday

2:00 PM Billy Hart of the Cookers

The Cookers feat. George Cables,

8:00 PM Billy Harper, Donald Harrison,

Billy Hart, Eddie Henderson, Cecil McBeebe & David Weiss

Post Concert Q&A with The Cookers 9:30 PM Sixth & I Historic Synagogue

600 I Street, NW

Events DC Presents:

For tickets visit Ticketmaster.com

DC JAZZFESTAT THEYARDS 355 Water Street, SE

friday

Musi: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM The Soul Rebels gates open at

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Cubano Groove

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saturday

Music: Femi Kuti & The Positive Force 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM gates open at

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Esperanza Spalding Presents: Emily’s D+Evolution

COMMON For tickets, artists, and complete schedule visit DCJAZZFEST.ORG Marshall Keys PLATINUM, GOLD & SILVER SPONSORS

The DC Jazz Festival Roberta Flack Education Program is made possible through major grants from the Anne and Ronald J. Abramson Family Foundation, Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, The Mayo Charitable Foundation, Venable Foundation, NEA Foundation, CrossCurrents Foundation, New Music USA, and the PNC Foundation; and, in part, with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.; and by the City Fund administered by The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region The Roberta Flack Music Education Program is a project of the DC Jazz Festival, a 501©3 non-profit service organization. © 2015 DC Jazz Festival. All rights reserved

30 May 21 - May 27, 2015

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Jack DeJohnette Trio

Jenkins Invigorates

DC Jazz Festival By Steve Monroe

The DC Jazz Festival looks even more diverse this year, with hip-hop, soul and pop influences certain to attract millennials as well as the middle-aged, seniors and the casual music fan tourists by the busload – and all that would be great for Willard Jenkins, who was named earlier this year as the artistic director for the June 10-16 festival. On this year’s diverse lineup, with artists like Common being presented as well as traditionalists like The Cookers, Jenkins said, “As far as our incorporating other forms in our festival lineup, I liken that to different related branches of the same tree. Jazz is not one style or approach to playing; I’ve always viewed jazz as an aesthetic umbrella, under which are a number of different styles or ways of expressing jazz. So I think it’s natural to try and present a diverse event like DCJF, particularly when you’re trying to attract such a diverse populace as we enjoy here in the DMV.” A presenter of jazz festivals elsewhere, a jazz journalist and radio programmer with WPFW-FM (89.3) here in D.C., and someone who has been familiar with jazz artists far and wide for decades, Jenkins has been there and done that, but admits that his role with DCJF pushes the envelope. “The biggest difference … is the DCJF has a wider scope … DCJF has evolved into a real Big Tent kind of event, literally encompassing all four quadrants of the city (NE, NW, SE, SW) with our partner venues,” says Jenkins. “This is truly a city jazz festival … whereas other festivals representative of their locale are city festivals, they mostly present in a designated venue or corner of their city.” All over the city, from The Hamilton Live downtown to the Kennedy Center, the Atlas, Anacostia Arts Center and many other venues, as of early June, music fans can enjoy artists including The Bad Plus Joshua Redman, Snarky Puppy, The Cookers, Common, Esperanza Spalding, Jack DeJohnette

with Ravi Coltrane, John Scofield, Paquito D’Rivera, Sharon Clark, Marshall Keys, Thundercat, Warren Wolf and many more. DCJF events actually begin with a June 5 preview event at Westminster Church with drummer Lennie Robinson and Friends and the Jazz ‘n’ Families Fun Days events June 6-7 with music, talks, displays and more at the Phillips Collection (see www. dcjazzfest.org for complete information). Jenkins, originally from Cleveland, has experience as an artistic director for festivals in Ohio and New York City. Said DCJF Executive Director Sunny Sumter of Jenkins: “Willard has a proven track record of delivering innovative and visionary jazz programming. He is recognized internationally as a brilliant champion of jazz, and we are confident that his in-depth understanding of jazz both here in our region, nationally and abroad, will take the DC Jazz Festival to new heights.” For this year’s DC Jazz Festival, the 11th one, one venue brought back due to popular acclaim is the Capital Riverfront at Yards Park in Southeast. “From an artistic perspective,” Jenkins said, “and in terms of introducing a new, outdoor venue to the festival, last year on the Capital Riverfront (Yards Park) was a major undertaking and an unqualified success.” Jenkins, an educator on jazz at seminars, forums and other special events, is also the co-author of the Randy Weston autobiography “African Rhythms” and was named a 2013 Jazz Hero by the Jazz Journalists Association. “The most interesting thing about my work,” he said, “relates to what I continually refer to about this festival – DCJF has a lot of moving parts. Working with, coordinating, and maintaining strong collegial relationships with those partner venues and artists in this community, all the while striving to bring exceptional visiting artists into our community to perform during the festival are endlessly refreshing aspects of this work.”WI

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RELIGION

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Balancing Your Life: Mental, Physical and Spiritual Life This article is about our health mentally, physically and spiritually. The Bible says it is in 1 Corinthians: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” It’s that time of the year again; my third radio show anniversary is in June. This year, my health fair will be held in Baltimore. Yep, and that was scheduled well before the big hoopla. It is the third anniversary of my radio show. I had the first one in D.C. and the second in Dallas, and now this year it will be in Baltimore. ‘Your body is a temple’ is what it’s called. Though your temple may not be in great condition, it is still your temple. Mentally, nothing matters when you’re not in your right mind. It is important to keep our minds sharp and in tiptop shape. Work on projects that challenge your thinking process. It will help you during your senior years. Physically, you’re still here, aren’t you? Your spiritual side, though, is your key! Our Heavenly Father is your best doctor! Hear His voice, and do what He says. We get into so much trouble when we decide to do things our way. Recently, as I walked briskly, caring for my temple and my mental and physical self, my late mother came to mind. I thought how difficult life had become for her. She had Type 2 Diabetes and both her legs still, the doctor would insist she walk up-and-down the hallway of our home several times daily, and he said “It will help her blood sugar levels go down.” Type 2 Diabetes wasn’t familiar

to us at all, but because of what the doctor said to mother, I would go outside and walk around our home, circling. Afterward, I checked my blood sugar to see if it had improved; always, that number had gone down. Exercise is key! Other than exercise, we must watch the quality of food we eat. For those of you reading this column, sickness is all over the land, my friends, partially because of MSG foods. This true story about MSG and weight gain is also about how bad Type 2 Diabetes really is and why. “John Erb was a research assistant at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, and spent years working for the government. He made an amazing discovery while going through scientific journals for a book he was writing called “The Slow Poisoning of America.” He discovered how MSG is in so many of our foods, yet it is poisonous. In hundreds of studies around the world, scientists were creating obese mice and rats to use in diet or diabetes test studies. These morbidly obese creatures were injected with MSG at birth. The MSG triples the amount of insulin the pancreas creates, causing rats (and humans?) to become obese. According to several reports by Dr. Andrew Wilson, who grew up in New York state, MSG is in most every processed food product. Finally, for your spiritual well-being, just continue to ask the Lord to order your steps. Lean not to your own understanding, and in all of your ways, acknowledge Him. And He will direct your path. This one can be very hard. One day last

with Lyndia Grant week, I went outside for my morning time with the Lord and said my prayers as I looked into the heavens, asking for His blessing over life. Then, less than an hour later, boom! Car accident. All I could do was remind myself of my favorite scripture. “All things work together for good to them who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.” In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will surely direct your path. Amen!WI Lyndia Grant is an author, inspirational and motivational speaker, radio talk show host and columnist; visit her new website at www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrant@ gmail.com, or call 202-263-4621. Tune in Fridays at 6 p.m. to the radio talk show, 1340 AM, WYCB, a Radio One Station.

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May 21 - May 27, 2015

RELIGION BAPTIST

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church

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

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

Schedule of Services: Sunday School – 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service – 11:00 AM Communion Service – First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study – Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org e-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org

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

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

www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ Drs. Dennis W. and Christine Y. Wiley, Pastors 3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) (202) 562-4219 (Fax) SERVICES AND TIMES: SUNDAYS: 10:00 am AM Worship Services BIBLE STUDY: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power “An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantbaptistdc.org

Dr. Henry Y. White

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

5101 14th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20011 202-726-2220/ 202-726-9089 Sunday Worship Service 8:00am and 11:00am Sunday School 9:15am Holy Communion 4th Sunday 10:00am Prayer and Bible Study Wednesday 7;00pm TV Ministry –Channel 6 Wednesday 10:00pm gsccm.administration@verizon.net

Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Bishop 5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555 Sunday Early Morning Worship - 7:45 a.m. Church School - 9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship – 10:45 a.m. Tuesday – Thursday - Kingdom Building Bible Institute – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday – Prayer/Praise/Bible Study – 7:30 p.m. Baptism & Communion Service- 4th Sunday – 10:30am Radio Broadcast WYCB -1340 AM-Sunday -6:00pm T.V. Broadcast - Channel 190 – Sunday -4:00pm/Tuesday 7:00am

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

Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., • Pastor 2498 Alabama Ave., SE • Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 Fax: (202) 889-2198 • www.acamec.org 2008: The Year of New Beginnings “Expect the Extraordinary”

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

Sunday Worship Services: 8:00a.m. and 11:00a.m. Sunday Church School - 9:15a.m. & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30a.m. 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study - 10:00a.m. Tuesday Topical Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Wednesday Children’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Thursday Men’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service - 6:30p.m. Saturday Adult Bible Study - 10:00a.m.

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

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

“God is Love”

Third Street Church of God Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor 1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202.347.5889 office 202.638.1803 fax Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m. Prayer Meeting and Bible Study: Wed. 7:30 p.m. “Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax Sunday Worship Service: 8 AM and 10:45 AM Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6 AM & 6:30 PM Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org emailus@gmchc.org

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

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

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

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Mt. Zion Baptist Church Rev. John W. Davis, Pastor

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Twelfth Street Christian Church

Campbell AME Church

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

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

Blessed Word of Life Church

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

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew, Assistant Pastor

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

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

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

Church of Living Waters

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

32 May 21 - May 27, 2015

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RELIGION BAPTIST

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

Zion Baptist Church

All Nations Baptist Church

Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration

Sunday School – 9:30 am Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 am Baptismal Service – 1st Sunday – 9:30 am Holy Communion – 1st Sunday – 11:00 am Prayer Meeting & Bible Study – Wednesday -7:30 pm

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

“Where Jesus is the King”

Israel Baptist Church

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mount Moriah Baptist Church

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

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

l l

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

St. Matthews Baptist Church

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

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

Rev. Dr. Morris L Shearin, Sr. Pastor

St. Luke Baptist Church

Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

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

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

Rehoboth Baptist Church

l l l l

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

Quality Printers 301 kennedy street, nW Washington, DC 20011

tel: 202-291-6565 Salem Baptist Church

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

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

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert SR. Pastor

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

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

Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 a.m. Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 p.m. Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 p.m. Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 p.m. Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

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

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Christ Embassy DC

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

Dr. C. Matthew Hudson, Jr, Pastor

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

Elder Herman L. Simms, Pastor

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

Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator

Early Worship Service 7:30a.m Worship Service 10:45a.m. New Members Class 9:30a.m. Holy Communion : 1st Sunday -10:45a.m Church School 9:30a.m. Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: Wednesday 7p.m Bible Study : Saturday: 11a.m. Baptism: 4th Sunday – 10:45a.m “Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”

Sunday Worship Service 10:00 A.M.

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

New Commandment Baptist Church

Peace Baptist Church

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

Shiloh Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

1864-2014

Rev. Alonzo Hart Pastor

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

The Church Where GOD Is Working.... And We Are Working With GOD

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

Sunday Morning Prayer Service: 8:00 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 10:40 a.m. Third Sunday Baptismal & Holy Communion:10:30 a.m. Tuesday Church At Study Prayer & Praise: 6:30 p.m.

Morning Worship: 8:00 a.m Church School : 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship: 10:55 a.m. Bible Study, Thursday: 6:30 p.m. Prayer Meeting,Thursday : 7:30 p.m.

150 Years of Service

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

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

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

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

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

www.washingtoninformer.com

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

The Washington Informer

Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 P.M. Friday Evening Service 7:00 P.M. ; Last Friday “…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com

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

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor 2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 Fax: (202) 529-7738 Order of Services Worship Service: 7:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30 a.m. & 10:30a.m. Prayer Services: Tuesday 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 12 Noon Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.

May 21 - May 27, 2015

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Administration No. 2015 ADM 484

Administration No. 2015 ADM 450

Mable F. Gaskins aka Mable Forte Gaskins

Geraldine H. Hackett

Decedent

1725 DeSales Street, NW, Suite 600

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Washington, DC 20036

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Regina Ward Offer aka Regina W. Offer, whose address

Tonya T. Rodgers, whose address is 1000 Donington

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2015 ADM 483 Sandra Harrington Decedent

Administration No. 2015 ADM 155 Ammie Koontz

Administration No. 2015 ADM 334 Elliod Dent Decedent

Decedent Aimee D. Griffin, Esq. 1353 Sheridan St., NW Washington, DC 20011 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Peter Antonoplos NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Gloria D. Snowden, whose address is 11624 Tuscany Drive, Laurel, MD 20708-2865, was appointed Personal

Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

is 7101 Goblet Way, Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Personal Representative of the estate of Mable F. Gaskins

Representative of the estate of Ammie Koontz, who died Phillip Harrington, whose address is 2661 Stanton

on November 25, 2014 with a Will. All unknown heirs

Carolyn Portia Dent, whose address is 7830 Hanover

Road, SE, Apt. 306, Washington, DC 20020, was

and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter

Parkway, Apt. 302, Greenbelt, MD 20770, was

appointed Personal Representative of the estate of

their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such

appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elliod

Sandra Harrington, who died on December 14, 2012 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.

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,

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

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

2015. Claims against the decedent shall be presented

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

to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills

copy to the undersigned, on or before June 13, 2015,

on or before November 14, 2015. Claims against the

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

decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a

undersigned, on or before November 14, 2015, or be

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

this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication

and relationship.

copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before November 14, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days

shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name,

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

address and relationship.

including name, address and relationship.

May 14, 2015 Phillip Harrington

Date of first publication: May 14, 2015 Gloria D. Snowden Personal Representative

Personal Representative

Washington Informer

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Oliver Tyrone Hillman

Administration No. 2015 ADM 516 Bernice E. Powell Decedent

Decedent Matthew F. Shannon, Esquire NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Ella A. Hillman, whose address is 3728 Burnham Place, NE, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate

1420 N Street, NW #102 Washington, DC 20005 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

of Oliver Tyrone Hillman, who died on February 3, 2015 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision.

Jacqueline D. DeSouza, whose address is 67 Bennington

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are

Street, Springfield, MA 01108, was appointed Personal

unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Representative of the estate of Bernice E. Powell, who died

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 November 7, 2015. Claims against the decedent shall be

on April 11, 2015 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

presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register

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

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

Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before November

the undersigned, on or before November 7, 2015, or be

14, 2015. Claims against the decedent shall be presented

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.

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 November 14, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and

Date of first publication: May 7, 2015 Ella A. Hillman Personal Representative

relationship. Date of first publication: May 14, 2015 Jacqueline D. DeSouza Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

34 May 21 - May 27, 2015

by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

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 November 7, 2015. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before November 7, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication:

Date of first publication:

May 7, 2015

Regina W. Offer

Tonya T. Rodgers

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

May 14, 2015 Carolyn Portia Dent

TRUE TEST COPY

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Administration No. 2015 ADM 473

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

died on April 3, 2015 with a Will, and will serve without

May 14, 2015

Date of first publication:

TRUE TEST COPY

forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees

Representative of the estate of Geraldine H. Hackett, who

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister

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

shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the

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

Date of first publication:

Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of

Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before November 14,

A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before

a copy to the undersigned, on or before November 14,

unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

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

and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are

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

on or before June 13, 2015. Claims against the decedent

shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the

will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs

with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision.

their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the

November 14, 2015. Claims against the decedent

Dent, who died on December 14, 2014 with a Will, and

aka Mable Forte Gaskins, who died on February 2, 2013

Court, Bowie, MD 20721, was appointed Personal

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Administration No. 2014 ADM 000945 William Carl Taylor, Jr. Decedent

Administration No. 2015 ADM 467

Administration No. 2015 ADM 477

W. Bickford Huber aka William Bickford Huber

Mattie Wall

Decedent

Decedent James S. Bubar, Esquire

Peter D. Antonoplos, Esq. 1725 DeSales Street, NW, Suite 600

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Washington, DC 20036

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

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

Verna M. Fields, whose address is 3112 Q Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mattie Wall, who died

1776 K Street, NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

on January 1, 2015 with a Will, and will serve without

James Davis Huber, whose address is 1916 De Hoyos

Road, Charleston, WV 25314, was appointed Personal

Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose

Pl. The Villages, Lady Lake, FL 32159, was appointed

Representative of the estate of William Carl Taylor, Jr.,

whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance

Personal Representative of the estate of W. Bickford Huber

who died on December 17, 2013 without a Will, and

in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or

will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs

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

and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter

Beverly Young-Luby, whose address is 404 Rock Holly

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 November 7, 2015. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a

A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before

D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before November 7,

the undersigned, on or before November 7, 2015, or be

2015. Claims against the decedent shall be presented

November7, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons

by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so

believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do

inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and

May 7, 2015 Beverly Young-Luby

Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of

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

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

Date of first publication:

unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills,

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

including name, address and relationship.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are

presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register

forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees

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

with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision.

November 7, 2015. Claims against the decedent shall be

copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register

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

aka William Bickford Huber, who died on April 10, 2015

relationship.

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 November 7, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and

Date of first publication: May 7, 2015 Verna M. Fields Personal Representative

Personal Representative

relationship. Date of first publication: May 7, 2015 James Davis Huber Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

The Washington Informer

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Administration No. 2015 ADM 372

Administration No. 2015 ADM 482

Administration No. 2015 ADM 547

Ella M. Rosamont-Morgan

Phyllis S. Wells aka Phyllis Wells

Sheila Parker Myers

Decedent

Peter D. Antonoplos, Esq.

Aimee Griffin

Paule G. Leveadas, Esq.

1725 DeSales Street, NW, Suite 600

1353 Sheridan St., NW

Washington, DC 20036

Washington, DC 20011

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Christophe J. Rosamont, whose address is 6521 13th

Toni Wells, whose address is 312 Madison St., NW,

Street, NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed

Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal

Personal Representative of the estate of Ella M. Rosamont-

Representative of the estate of Phyllis S. Wells aka Phyllis

Morgan, who died on August 20, 2014 with a Will,

Wells, who died on October 14, 2013 with a Will, and

and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown

will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs

heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall

and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter

enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to

their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such

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

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

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

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

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

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

20001, on or before November 7, 2015. Claims against

on or before November 14, 2015. Claims against the

the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with

decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a

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

copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register

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

November 7, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons

November 14, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons

believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do

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

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

including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication:

May 7, 2015

May 14, 2015

Christophe J. Rosamont

Toni Wells

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister

1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006

Aaron Myers and Cynthia Shabazz-Spur, whose addresses are, 21717 Seneca Ayr Dr., Boyds, MD 20841 and 12107 Grandview Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20902 were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Sheila Parker Myers, who died on November 23, 2014 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 November 21, 2015. Claims against the decedent Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before November 21, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication:

Cynthia Shabazz-Spur Personal Representative

Anne Meister

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Administration No. 2015 ADM 493

Administration No. 2015 ADM 544

Administration No. 2015 ADM 472

Nelson Washington, Jr.

Irma Walker Brown aka Irma W. Brown

Joan SH Coleman aka Joan Coleman-Horton

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Gwendolyn Bonita Franklin, whose address is 1732

Eric Duwayne Brown, whose address is 1921 Ridge

Tawanda Anderson, whose address is 13107 Currano

Nelson Washington, Jr., who died on March 14, 2015 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 November 14, 2015. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before November 14, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication:

Brown aka Irma W. Brown, who died on January 26, 2015 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 November 21, 2015. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before November 21, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication:

May 14, 2015

******

Aaron Myers

Washington Informer

Personal Representative of the estate of Irma Walker

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May 21, 2015

Washington Informer

appointed Personal Representative of the estate of

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shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the

Place, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed

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AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

TRUE TEST COPY

30th Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was

CLASSIFIEDS

Court, Brandywine, MD 20613, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joan SH Coleman aka Joan Cole-Horton, who died on March 13, 2015 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 November 7, 2015. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before November 7, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication:

May 21, 2015

May 7, 2015

Gwendolyn Bonita Franklin

Eric Duwayne Brown

Tawanda Anderson

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister

Washington Informer

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CHAVIS from Page 23

gether to provide leadership and direction in particular for our youth and young emerging leaders. We cannot afford to permit the evolution of an ahistorical generation of young people who have not been given the truth of our history or the encouragement that they need to excel and make their mark on history today. In fact, over the next weeks, we will witness numerous graduation ceremonies in particular at other historically black colleges and universities. The good news is that thousands of black

MALVEAUX from Page 23 off for good behavior. There is other abuse that too frequently goes unpunished – rape. In fact, inmates are so frequently raped when they are imprisoned that Congress passed the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003. This legislation mandated that the Department of Justice collect data on sexual victimization. They measured more than 80,000 reports of sexual activity in the 2011-2012 year. Some of these sexual encounters were described as “consensual,” but an imprisoned person hardly has the means to withhold sex from a jailer. Some trade sex for more food, a blanket, or a better cell. Whether consensual or not, it is illegal for guards to engage in sexual activity with prisoners. These guards are often neither disciplined nor fired. What are prisoners to do? Report the violation and

CLINGMAN from Page 23 for student loan debt forgiveness. A strong, independent bloc of voters must go to candidates in both parties and make this demand. Keep in mind, however, as I have said before, a demand without power backing it up is just rhetoric. I think we have heard enough and had enough of empty words by some of our leaders to know that it will take more than just asking for what we want. We must be willing to withhold our votes in order to get what we want —and that goes for both parties. The banks and other financial entities got their $780 billion bailout. Where is ours? Why not bail the students out, and why not bail the homeowners out rather than merely “adjusting” their loans? The bankers were given billions that they used to make even more

American college graduates from HBCUs and from other institutions of higher learning will be pushing forward to demand greater access to wealth-building careers with the intent on giving more back to the communities from which they have emerged. Like the first lady, I am optimistic about the future to the extent that we continue to stand up to injustice while pressing forth to economically empower our families and communities. Education and empowerment are both goals that must be attained, and each generation has to rise to the occasion with persistence and focus. There will be setbacks and sometimes dis-

appointments in everyone’s life. Yet the enduring lesson from Obama’s magnificent address was that when those life challenges happen, do not let your problems or critics define who you are. We have to have faith in our own capacity to rebound and to stand for truth even when it might not be the popular or politically expedient. We are a resilient people. We resist oppression. We are against inequality and injustice. We stand for liberation and freedom for ourselves and for all people. The more we stand together, the more we make progress. We are grateful that in our lifetime we are privileged to witness how

subject themselves to additional abuse? In addition to sexual abuse, prisoners are subject to the loss of their dignity and their physical safety in many instances. Prisoners in San Francisco were forced to fight one another (as if they were Mandingos during slavery) for the entertainment of deputy sheriffs. According to the San Francisco Examiner, these fights were described by some as “little more than horseplay.” But who wants to be thrashed in the name of horseplay?” Further, this so-called horseplay reduces inmates to gladiators, to people who are perceived as less than human. Many “law enforcement officers” in San Francisco; Ferguson, Missouri; and other places reveal their attitudes through text messages they send to one another. They refer to African-Americans, Latinos, and Asian Americans with crude language to show contempt for these populations. They treat people of color as far less than hu-

man, and their text messages reflect that. These killings, rapes, arranged fights and other forms of oppressive harassment are just the tip of the iceberg. Few officers will tell the truth about legalized human rights violations because they are protecting their colleagues. In covering up these violations, they contribute to the erosion of trust in some communities. To be sure, only a small percentage of police officers violate the human rights of prisoners. A far greater number are silent in the face of evil. Inhumane attacks on the lives and liberties of prisoners will stop when silent officers open their mouths and put an end to the legalized killing and torture of prisoners.WI Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist based economist in Washington, D.C. She can be contacted at www.juliannemalveaux.com.

money from the taxpayers (That be us, y’all) who paid their bills. Contrary to what we were told, lending was curtailed rather than expanded, and hundreds of thousands of folks are still homeless because there was no real bailout program for them. The so-called American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, as of January 1, 2014, had paid out $816.3 billion in tax benefits, grants, contracts, loans and entitlements. Who got that money? In my neck of the woods, the folks who got the most were those who worked on the roads and expressways; of those contractors and workers, few if any were black. Georgia recently embarked on a $1 billion-plus road improvement project, and even with 3.2 million black folks in that state, the fourth highest in the nation, black contractors and workers will not benefit as much as they should.

Department of Transportation inclusion rules are based on Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Programs, in which white female businesses get a significant share of the contracts, and “front” companies rule the day. So with all of the barriers facing our 2015 graduates and the bleak outlook for improvement of their lot, the least we could do is bail them out of their student loans. Politicians said the banks were “too big to fail,” and I guess the bankers were “too big to jail.” They caught a huge break from Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. It’s time for a break for black and poor people now. Hey, politicians, forgive student loans.WI

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the first lady epitomizes what it means to be a freedom fighter with courage and grace but, most of all, a glowing resilience that motivates and inspires others to excel.WI Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association and can be reached at: dr.bchavis@nnpa. org and http://drbenjaminfchavisjr. wix.com/drbfc

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That’s why CDF continues to work, in partnership with AASA, The School Superintendents Association, to encourage school districts to help get all students the health coverage they need to learn and succeed in school. The model is built around a basic question districts add to their school registration materials: “Does your child have health insurance?” Parents who answer “no” or “don’t know” are flagged and receive information from school district staff on Medicaid, CHIP, or other health coverage options. But it doesn’t stop there. Parents also can receive application assistance and often are introduced to community partners to help them successfully navigate the enrollment process the way Evelyn’s mother was connected in Texas. CDF-Texas, with its partners, pi-

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by the place during the daytime, never at night when the joint would be jumping. I later learned that she was Miss Ruby Edwards, the club owner. I’m sure she wasn’t Caucasian, but there were very, few folks who were that fair-skinned in our part of town. After starting his career as a busker, three blocks away at the corner of Second and Church streets, King made his way to Memphis, where he got a job at radio station WDIA and eventually got a gig singing and playing blues music in a club on Beale Street. When Riley B. King (middle initial just an initial, with no name) returned to Indianola and The Club Ebony, he had become known as the “Beale Street Blues Boy.” There he met Edwards’ daughter Sue Carol Hall, his first love. They were married. He wrote the song “Sweet 16” about The Washington Informer

his or her own. You have parents, grandparents, friends and family members who invested in your future success, put you on this path and made sure you stayed the course. How will you repay their commitment to you? Whether your ancestors came here by plane, by train, by ship or in shackles underneath the hull of a ship, whether the continent they called home was Asia, Europe or Africa, what they did when they reached the shores of our nation, what they sacrificed — all of it is debt incurred. How will you choose to compensate them for their struggles? Among you are the teachers who will lift the standard of education in poor communities and begin to close the achievement gap. Among you are the preachers who will heal the wounds of communities torn apart by violence. Among you are the elected

officials who will institute laws and policies that promote social and economic fairness for all of America’s citizens. Herein lies the answer. The answer our nation has been searching for is you and your talent put to a higher purpose. I cannot promise you that your climb to success in this life will be a crystal stair. You may very well encounter dark corners and obstacles. What I can promise you is that you have been prepared to meet these challenges head on. And more than meet these challenges, you have also been prepared to be an actor in solving so many of the long-standing issues and inequities facing our nation, so “don’t you turn back.”WI Marc H. Morial, former mayor of New Orleans, is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

oneered this technique in the Houston Independent School District almost a decade ago, and since then CDF and AASA have partnered with districts in California, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi, including small, large, urban, rural, and suburban school systems, serving elementary through high schools with a rainbow of black, Latino, Asian, and white students. Dr. Kavin Dotson, director of Student Services for the Lynwood Unified School District in California, said at a recent convening at CDF Haley Farm in Tennessee, “We were unaware of the fact that there were so many students in our district that did not have health insurance.” He now believes that “every school in our country is going to make a 100 percent commitment to ensure that all students are enrolled in some type of health insurance that will meet their health needs.” How frustrating it is that at the very same time we are celebrating

Medicaid’s long and successful history and the recent bipartisan twoyear CHIP funding extension and building on successful outreach and enrollment strategies, these critical child health programs are under attack in Congress. The fiscal year 2016 budget resolution proposes deep cuts in Medicaid and structural changes in both Medicaid and CHIP that would jeopardize their reach and make it even more difficult for many more children like Evelyn to get the coverage and care they desperately need. But there’s still time to demand that Congress stop the cuts and efforts to dismantle the structure of Medicaid and CHIP. Why would they fool around with something that is working so well for parents and children? All of us must work together to move forward, not backward, to make sure all children get the health care they need to live, learn and thrive. WI

Hall. Later, Mary and Willie Shepard bought the club, and in 1988, when he was mega-prosperous, King bought the club himself. In 2008, King dedicated the museum he built, the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, just four blocks away on Second Street and Depot Avenue. I was blessed to be there. He also instituted a custom I often attended, which was a “Homecoming Concert” around Memorial Day each year. Last year was the 34th annual and final homecoming. So, The Club Ebony and B.B. King are virtually in my DNA, that is, my grandmother’s house was one block from the Club, and whenever I heard B.B. King’s name mentioned with songs on the Hit Parade, I always thought of him as a neighbor. We don’t ordinarily think of blues musicians as black “militants,” but I would submit the lyrics to his hit song “Why I Sing the Blues” as evidence that B.B. King belongs there too.

“Everybody wants to know Why I sing the blues Yes, I say everybody wanna know Why I sing the blues Well, I’ve been around a long time I really have paid my dues When I first got the blues They brought me over on a ship Men were standing over me And a lot more with a whip. And everybody wanna know Why I sing the blues Well, I’ve been around a long time I’ve really paid my dues I’ve laid in a ghetto flat Cold and numb I heard the rats tell the bedbugs To give the roaches some Everybody wanna know Why I sing the blues Yes, I’ve been around a long time People, I’ve paid my dues …” So, one last time I say, “Bye, bye, Blues Boy. We love you. We love your music, my hometown neighbor.”WI

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MEMORIAL DAY SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 5/20-5/25/2015. ‡HOW IT WORKS: For any single in-store transaction* of $50 or more you make from 5/20-5/31/15, we’ll give you a $10 (spend $50-74.99), $15 (spend $75-99.99), $20 (spend $100-149.99), $30 (spend $150-199.99) or $40 (spend $200 or more) Macy’s Money Reward Card at the register. *EXCLUDES THE FOLLOWING PURCHASES: gift cards, macys.com, Buy Online Pick up in-Store, services & fees, sales tax, macybed, furniture phone sales, lease depts, Espot, restaurants. USE YOUR MACY’S MONEY REWARD CARD from 6/3-6/7/15. May not be: redeemed for cash, used to purchase Macy’s gift cards or applied as payment or credit to your credit card account. If a purchase used to accumulate Macy’s Money is returned, Macy’s reserves the right to void the Macy’s Money Reward card or reduce the corresponding value. For more information, go to macys.com/macysmoney 50683_N5040205T.indd 1

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May 21 - May 27, 2015

40 May 21 - May 27, 2015

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