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Vol. 56, No. 32 • May 27 -June 2, 2021

Protests Against Liquor Stores Licenses Continue in Ward 8 James Wright WI Staff Writer

5 Asa Gordon, Sec. Gen. Sons & Daughters of the United States Colored Troops, salutes re-enactor Private Marquett Milton after the wreath laying in honor of U.S.C.T. Freedom Fighters Founders Day on Saturday, May 22 in Northwest. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

Programs Established to Reduce Disproportionate Number of Youth Offenders

Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer

ATHELETICS Page 16

PROTEST Page 34

Regional Task Force Seeks Solutions to Disturbing Rise in Area Carjackings

Post-Quarantine, College Recruitment Top Priority for HS Basketball Coaches In the months preceding the pandemic, William Langford entered his role as the girls basketball coach at Bard High School Early College DC eager to shed light on the talented athletes coming out of the District’s public schools that don’t often catch the attention of recruiters from prominent college athletics programs. Much to Langford’s chagrin, and that of other D.C. Public Schools [DCPS] coaches, doing so during a cancelled season and the District-mandated shutter of schools’ athletics facilities has proven difficult. Langford said the circumstances, and the lack of com-

Ward 8 Advisory Neighborhood Commission 8C Chairman Salim Adofo continued his quest to limit the number of liquor stores in the ward with a recent demonstration in front of a wellknown retail outlet two blocks south of the St. Elizabeth’s East campus. The Informer reported in its Nov. 18, 2020 editions Adofo’s work in rallying residents to deny liquor licenses to corner stores in the ward. Adofo continued his efforts on May 19 by holding a roughly four-hour protest in front of the Mart Liquor

Store, located at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X Avenues, S.E. “The protest went extremely well,” Adofo said. “We had 268 people sign a petition to deny The Mart a renewal of their liquor license. As a matter of fact, we closed them down for a while but we didn’t intend to do that.” Adofo said efforts to curtail the number of liquor licenses in Ward 8 are based on data and conclusions of the D.C. Health Equity Report issued in 2018. Additionally, a number of studies have been conducted by various organizations and think

William J. Ford WI Staff Writer

5 Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy addresses the community. (Courtesy photo)

A regional task force composed of federal and state prosecutors and law enforcement agencies has been established to combat the surge of carjacking which has been reported in the D.C. region. Jonathan Lenzer, acting U.S. attorney for Maryland, said the criminal offense occurred more than double last year from what the region experienced in 2019 in

Prince George’s and Montgomery counties in Maryland and the District of Columbia. If the current trend continues, the number of carjackings this year could match or exceed the total reported in 2020. “One challenge we are facing is the transient nature of these crimes,” Lenzer said during a press conference outside of the U.S. District Court in Greenbelt. “Criminals are committing a series of

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Around the Region................4-11 Prince George's County.....12-13 Business................................14-15

3Freddie Adu

National................................16-17

Black Facts / Page 6

International............................ 18 Health...................................... 20 Education................................. 21 WI Bridge........................ Center

5Truluck’s Brings Upscale Seafood Dining

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Capture the Moment..............26 Lifestyle..............................27-33 Religion.................................... 35

4Memorial for Ella-Mae Neal

Around the Region / Page 5

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wi hot topics

COMPILED BY STACY BROWN, WI SENIOR WRITER AND D. KEVIN MCNEIR, WI SENIOR EDITOR

Norton Requests HUD Permit Marijuana in Public Housing

Nicole Elam Appointed National Bankers Association President, CEO

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (DDC) wrote Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge on May 25 asking her to use executive discretion to not enforce rules against marijuana use in federally assisted housing in compliance with the marijuana laws of the state where the property is located. “Individuals should not be denied admission to or fear eviction from federally assisted housing simply for treating their medical conditions or using a substance legal under state law,” Norton said. “Increasingly, Americans are changing their views on marijuana. Marijuana is legal in 36 states and the District of Columbia and nobody should fear being thrown out of their home for using a product legalized by their state." Norton serves as the sponsor of the Marijuana in Federally Assisted Housing Parity Act of 2021, which would permit the use of marijuana in federally assisted housing in compliance with the marijuana laws of the state where the property is located. In the letter, Norton concludes, “Smoking marijuana in federally assisted housing should be treated in the same manner as smoking tobacco in federally assisted housing. I ask that you respond in writing by June 21.” WI

A former official with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the NAACP Washington Bureau has been selected as president and CEO for the National Bankers Association which serves as the regulatory voice for minority banking. Nicole Elam, who was appointed earlier this month, now joins the National Bankers Association from JPMorgan Chase & Co. where she served as vice president and government relations manager, according to an NBA press release. Prior to her new appointment, Elam who started her career in civil rights as communications director at the Black Leadership Forum, also led government and external affairs strategy as vice president for ITT Educational Services. “I am honored to lead the National Bankers Association toward its 100th Anniversary and to strengthen its member banks and the communities they serve,” Elam said in the press release. “Minority banks have an unprecedented opportunity to grow and level the economic playing field for minorities and women,” she said, adding that we want to expand access to capital to drive inclusive economic recovery and help NBA member banks better leverage technology to achieve an economic multiplier effect.” WI

Kristen Clarke Becomes First Black Woman to Head DOJ’s Civil Rights Division The Senate voted 51-48 on Tuesday, May 25, to confirm civil rights attorney Kristen Clarke to lead the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. The confirmation makes Clarke the first Black woman confirmed by the Senate to lead the division where she’ll be responsible for enforcing federal statutes prohibiting discrimination based on race, color and sex. Republicans opposed the nomination but Clarke won confirmation because Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) used the chamber’s “Discharge Petition” to move her candidacy forward and vote. “As we continue to pursue strong policing reform legislation, the fight for racial justice by confirming Kristen Clarke on the anniversary of George Floyd’s murder is particularly poignant and appropriate,” Schumer said. Wade Henderson, interim president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, counted as one of the first to applaud the confirmation. “This is an historic, important moment for our nation as Kristen Clarke becomes the first woman and notably, the first Black woman, confirmed to lead the Civil Rights Division,” Henderson said in a statement.

In February, The Leadership Conference released a letter signed by more than 100 civil and human rights organizations supporting Clarke’s nomination. A wide range of leaders and organizations have also submitted letters of support. “In this crucial role, Clarke will no doubt continue her lifelong commitment fighting tirelessly for equal justice under the law for every individual in this country, including people of color facing racial and sex discrimination, LGBTQ people, and religious minorities targeted because of their faith,” Henderson continued. “The Justice Department is in superb hands as it continues to restore its role as chief enforcer of our civil rights.” WI

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Shooting Death of Ella-Mae Neal Fuels Rage About D.C. Homicide Rate James Wright WI Staff Writer The shooting death of 65-yearold grandmother Ella-Mae Neal on May 19 has ignited a discussion in the District on the increasing homicide rate and what must be done to control it. On May 19, a D.C. Metropolitan Police report revealed Mrs. Neal stood outside of her home on the 1800 block of Q Street., S.E., when a car pulled close to her and shot her in the leg around 10 p.m. A police officer patrolling the neighborhood heard the shots and responded. Mrs. Neal, grandmother of 30, was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Police are actively seeking the killers; in the latest development the vehicle of interest in the investigation found to be on fire on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway Thursday. Mrs. Neal’s killing comes as the MPD reported as of May 21 the city’s homicide rate for the year to date increased 35 percent over this time last year. As of May 21, 74 people have been killed compared to 55 individuals the same time year. The MPD also reports assault with a dangerous weapon has increased one percent and all violent crime has gone up two percent . Charlene Coleman visited the makeshift memorial outside of the building Mrs. Neal resided in on May 22. On the sidewalk in front of the building the words “Ella Mae Neal: Mother of the Hood” were etched in pink chalk. Coleman, speaking through tears, talked about Mrs. Neal whom she

considered a close friend. “She was a loving, caring person,” Coleman said. “She would do anything for anybody. Who would want to hurt my friend? We need to put the guns down. This needs to stop. I know that Black Lives Matter but everybody’s life matters, too.” Mary Hopkins resides in Mrs. Neal’s building. She agreed with Coleman “that violence has gotten out of control in this city.” “People are just riding around and just shooting at anybody,” Hopkins said. “The criminals doing this are angry and upset and they are taking it out on anybody. Ella-Mae was a strong woman. I happened to be around when she got shot and I saw her laying on the sidewalk before the policeman came. I tried to comfort her, saying ‘You are not going to leave us.’ The policeman came by and he did his best to help her.” While D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser hasn’t specifically commented on the Neal shooting death, she said the uptick in homicides are the result of “defund the police” efforts of the D.C. Council, WJLA-TV reported Thursday. Bowser said more police officers are needed and the city hasn’t been able to hire more due to council budget cuts, WJLA reported. Former Ward 5 advisory neighborhood commissioner and pro-law enforcement activist Kathy Henderson, who has disagreed with Bowser in the past, concurs with the mayor. “Ella-Mae’s killing was senseless,” Henderson said. “There are some people who feel embolden to kill people. Most homicide victims in this city are Black, as are the

Mrs. Neal’s killing comes as the MPD reported as of May 21 the city’s homicide rate for the year to date increased 35 percent over this time last year. As of May 21, 74 people have been killed compared to 55 individuals the

perpetuators. Angry people tend to lash out at people who look like them. No shootings like this takes place in Cleveland Park or on Kalorama Road. That wouldn’t be tolerated. The city council needs to step up and fully fund the police department.” Henderson said the mayor’s initiative, Building Blocks DC, designed to offer social services and life skills to criminals and their victims are admirable but not the solution to combating the increasing homicide rate. “We don’t need more services, we need enforcement,” she said. “We need our police officers to be able to protect the city. These criminals have no fear and they have no internal control in their lives.” WI @JamesDCWrighter

5 The makeshift memorial for the late Ella Mae Neal. (WI File Photo)

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SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021

MAY 27

1958 – Ernest Green graduates from Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, 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.

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2010 – The book "The Unspoken Alliance: Israel's Secret Relationship with Apartheid South Africa" is released, revealing that Israel aided the racist regime of South Africa and supported providing chemical and nuclear weapons to them for possible use against the country's majority-Black population. The documents were discovered by American scholar Sasha Polakow-Suransky.

MAY 29

1851 – Sojourner Truth delivers her "Ain't I A Woman?" speech to the Ohio Women's Rights Convention. 1865 – President Andrew Johnson announces his program of Reconstruction. It required ratification of the 13th Amendment, but did not guarantee Black suffrage. 1980 – Vernon Jordan, then-president of the National Urban League, is critically injured in attempted assassination in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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and opened the Northern territories to slavery. More specifically, it allowed Whites in Kansas and Nebraska to decide whether or not slavery would be allowed in the territories. 1903 – Countee Cullen, one of the most outstanding poets in the history of Black America, is born.

MAY 31

1921 – The Tulsa Riots begin in Oklahoma. Whites go on a violent rampage lasting several days. When the rioting was over, an estimated 21 whites and 60 Blacks were dead. In addition, as many as 15,000 Blacks were left homeless as hundreds of homes and businesses were burned to the ground. The area bearing the brunt of the destruction was known as the "Black Wall Street" because of its large number of African American-owned businesses.

JUNE 1

1864 – Solomon George Washington Dill, a poor white Southern man who supported an end to slavery and Black demands for social justice, is murdered by angry whites for giving what some whites considered an "incendiary speech" to a group of South Carolina Blacks. 1973 – Detroit's WGPR receives a license to become the nation's first Black-owned television station.

JUNE 2

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6 MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021

1875 – James Augustine Healy is consecrated as Bishop of Portland, becoming the first African American consecrated a Catholic bishop. 1951 – Kenneth Chenault, CEO and chairman of American Express, is born in Mineola, New York. He is the third Black CEO of a Fortune 500 company. 1989 – Freddie Adu, soccer player and former member of D.C. United, is born in Tema, Ghana. In January 2004, he became the youngest American ever to sign a professional sports contract after be was selected by the United in the Major League Soccer draft. WI

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Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison Special to The Washington Informer George Floyd loved people and had the love of people all around him — especially the love of his family that was always there for him. Everyone who knew and loved him misses him to this day, and always will. None of the people who stopped and raised their voices one year ago — people of all backgrounds — even knew George Floyd but they knew in their bones that what they were seeing was wrong. They knew it was their duty to care for Floyd in any way they could and bear witness to his death, even though they didn’t know him. Floyd’s death one year ago today sparked a worldwide movement because it didn’t happen in the flash of an instant: it took place over nine-and-a-half excruciating minutes before people armed only with cell phones who made sure it played out in front of the world. African-American communities have been gas lit by people in authority for 100 years: they have been repeatedly told that state-sanctioned violence in their

The moment for lawenforcement leaders to finally demand true accountability of their staff — and for officers to finally demand true accountability of each other — is now. communities is their fault and that they are the criminals, not the ones committing the crimes against them. But this time, the witnesses to George Floyd’s death and everyone in the world who watched their videos refused to be gas lit. They believed their eyes. After 100 years of tragic incidents of police-involved deaths of African Americans and others, all fair-minded people want to fix the problem. But as James Baldwin said, ‘Nothing can be changed until it is faced.’ We must face that for 100 years, we have been caught in a cycle of state-sponsored violence that leads to uprising and protest, that leads to commissions and studies, that dead-ends in inaction, that leads to more state-sponsored violence. Noted African-American psychologist Dr. Kenneth Clark made exactly this point to the Kerner Commission in 1968, more than 50 years ago. We can break this cycle. The moment for making meaningful change is now. The moment for law-enforcement leaders to finally demand true accountability of their staff — and for officers to finally demand true accountability of each other — is now. The time for legislators at every level — federal, state, and municipal — to act is now. As the person

who is leading the prosecution in the death of George Floyd, I know that guilty verdicts are important but are not the total change that we need. I call on Congress to pass the best version of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act that can be passed, as soon as possible. Lives are depending on it. The time for prosecutors to commit themselves to equal justice for anyone who commits a crime whether they wear a badge or not, and to the proposition that no one is above the law and no one is beneath it, is now. And the time for all Americans of all backgrounds to do the hard work of ending racism and white supremacy once and for all is now. For a century, and despite the best efforts of many, America has chosen inaction over climbing this mountain. But the other side of this mountain is better — not only for African Americans but for everyone. On the other side of this mountain, no one fears those who are sworn to protect them, so all communities are safer. On the other side of this mountain, safety and security in all communities lead to jobs, investment and prosperity for everyone. On the other side of this mountain, all people live with dignity and respect, and liberty and justice are truly for all. Finally, my thoughts today are with the Floyd family as they mourn their beloved ‘Perry.’ Every day during the recent trial, they came to the courthouse to bear witness in the spirit of justice and accountability. They stood not with vengefulness but with dignity and respect for each other and all people. They faced their worst fears and have turned their loss into hope and optimism for a better society. When we all become more like the Floyd family, we will find the courage to climb the mountain and make the change we all need. WI

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‘Baby Bonds’ Legislation Introduced as Tool in Closing Racial Wealth Gap

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Some Question Immediate Impact of Councilmember McDuffie’s Bill Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer Over the last few years, and particularly during the pandemic, D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5) has espoused a desire to address the racial wealth gap in the District and what has been described as the underlying causes of displacement. McDuffie’s latest attempt has manifested in the introduction of legislation based on a “baby bonds” program piloted in the United Kingdom and heralded by onetime presidential candidate Senator Cory Booker (D-New Jersey). If it passes, this bill, titled the “Child Wealth Building Act,” would create a government-subsidized trust fund for District-born babies to eventually be used for the pursuit of a college education, business venture, property ownership or financial investments. “I made a request to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) to fund the initial cost of this program to the tune of $20 million which I think is a fraction of the costs of not making investments directly in the children of D.C.,” McDuffie told The Informer just days after introducing the Child Wealth Building Act. Under this act, babies born in the District would be automatically enrolled into a program through which their trust fund would receive an initial deposit of $1,000 followed by annual payments of no more than $2,000, depending on household income. Those qualifying for the program would have to come from households whose income doesn’t exceed five times the federal poverty level. In the course of shaping this legislation, McDuffie’s office consulted Darrick Hamilton, one of two economists who more than a decade ago heralded baby bonds as a means of closing the racial wealth gap in the U.S. He said that the passage of the bill would position the District as an exemplar juris-

diction in the fight against institutionalized racism. “What we’re up against is structural and systemic,” McDuffie said. “The harm started well before anybody [in] government today [got here] but it’s going to take big, bold ideas like the baby bonds bill to begin to chip away at the vestiges of slavery, Jim Crow, segregation and government-sanctioned policies like redlining that have prevented people of color and Black people in particular from accessing opportunities to generate wealth.” Addressing Structural Racism In February, McDuffie sent Bowser a letter with budget requests totaling in the hundreds of millions for displacement prevention and the acquisition of the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Northwest for its conversion to a workforce development permanent supportive housing site. Other funding requests centered on investments addressing the lack of home ownership opportunities for D.C. residents and the economic challenges faced by legacy business owners.

In years past, D.C. residents and organizations have espoused goals similar to McDuffie’s in addressing the remnants of chattel slavery and Jim Crow through other means. For instance, a measure that the United States Citizens Recovery Initiative Alliance [USCRIA] attempted to place on the 2020 ballot would’ve provided District residents who descended from enslaved Africans with more than 200 years of tax abatements and payments of lost wages. Last June, the D.C. Board of Elections prevented that measure’s appearance, much to the chagrin of USCRIA members. USCRIA leadership didn’t respond to The Informer’s request for comment on the Child Wealth Building Act Addressing the Here and Now The pandemic, which has raged on for more than a year, has exacerbated the economic issues plaguing D.C. residents. Data from the D.C. Policy Center showed that following Mayor Bowser’s public health emergency declaration, unemployment rose by more than 11 percentage points. In Southeast,

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lic Health at George Washington University, said troublesome outcomes deepened during the spread of the coronavirus. “In terms of the pandemic, we know that nationally when children presented with a concern for child abuse, their symptoms were much more severe amid COVID. Teachers and primary care providers [who normally] discover marks were not in place because children were at home,” Hancock said. Rev. Jo-Ann Browning, co-pastor of the Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, has two children and several grandchildren. She had a special message and opportunity for mothers. “Do not dismiss the legacy that has been passed down from generations because it is a foundation to build upon,” Browning said. “We are living in a time when generations look to social media as their means to get information, and that is why we have been hosting spiritual retreats and a restoration conference. We will be having a retreat this year entitled God is a wonder to build up the spiritual woman.” WI

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home, a lot of stressors on top of normal stressors and you can feel overwhelmed. We have mental health services, we have visiting programs to help you become a parent, we have mentoring programs…and we have programs where parents can share and be part of a community.” For parents in need of help can call the child abuse hotline, 202671-7233. Across the Washington area children are dying at the hands of adults and, according to physicians, lawyers and pastors a primary culprit is COVID-19 and the stress it causes. “Everybody is not a mother and doesn’t want to be one, “said Bishop Sybil Davis Williams, pastor of the Faith Outreach Center and daycare in Hyattsville. This Mother’s Day, her sermon was entitled, “A house doesn’t make a home without communications and love.” She said, “A mother is a person who makes a happy home, a healthy home, and a whole home.” Dr. Yolandra Hancock, pediatrician and professor at the Milken Institute School of Pub-

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When they come upon the scene of a dead child or a teenager, even the most hard-edged police officer turns ashen. When the deceased is an infant or toddler, the reaction is often bitter tears. So, when D.C. Metropolitan Police initially arrested and charged a 37-year-old D.C mother of a missing 2-month-old, they charged her with felony murder on Friday, May 14. Then the charges were dropped when they learned she was addicted to drugs. Three days later, a dead infant was found inside a plastic bag in a trash can at a doctor's office building adjacent to the Washington Hospital Center around 7:45 am, officers at the scene choked back emotion. That’s why police eagerly invoke the infant Safe Haven Law, enacted in 1999 as an incentive for mothers in crisis to safely relinquish their babies to designated locations in D.C. Last Friday on WIN TV with Washington Informer publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, Brenda Donald, director of the D.C. Department of Child and Family Services, talked about the range of services her agency offers and she talked about how “safe havens” are managed in the District. “In a couple of those situations, the mothers decided that they made a mistake and they really wanted to be able to take care of their kids,” Donald said. “We connected them to resources to make sure that they were able to care for their kids. In the other two situations the babies were surrendered and were adopted.” For those contemplating giving up their children, Donald said, “You don't have to answer questions, you can go to any hospital, it's called a safe haven. We have all sorts of resources. In the last 14 to 15 months, we have had people with all sorts of issues, unemployment issues, multiple children at

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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Malik Aziz Focuses on ‘Community’ as Prince George’s Police Chief William J. Ford WI Staff Writer Malik Aziz started his new job as Prince George’s County police chief meeting with community leaders, traveling around the nearly 500-square-mile jurisdiction and even assessing the budget. The 29-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department began his

PG HELP from Page 1 carjackings and robberies spread out among different jurisdictions which can frustrate efforts to prosecute these criminals to the full extent of the law. We are tearing down the borders that carjackers use to conceal their trails of violence.” The goal will be for state prosecutors to share information and resources and collaborate on cases within various jurisdictions. A quarterly report at https://bit. ly/3yCegEA from the Major Cities Chiefs Association highlights four crimes – homicides, rape, robbery and aggravated assault – that increased in certain jurisdictions between January and March of this year. Approximately 63 of 70 law enforcement agencies reported 54,025 aggravated assaults in the first three months of this year. In comparison, during the same timeframe last year, officials reported 49,388. Homicides nationwide also increased from 1,337 last year to 1,721 in the first three months of this year. The report listed data from the District of Columbia, Prince George’s and Montgomery counties in Maryland and Fairfax County in Virginia. According to the report, the figures are: D.C. – homicides: 44 in 2021 and 36 in 2020; rape: 33 in 2021 and 39

12 MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021

leadership post in Prince George’s on May 9 coming into a department with a pending lawsuit from Black and Latino officers while seeking to implement nearly 50 recommendations from a police reform work group and increasing trust within the community. As of May 20, some of the crime statistics in Prince George’s include: 93 homicides last year in 2020; robbery: 429 in 2021 and 408 in 2020; aggravated assault: 318 in 2021 and 360 in 2020. Fairfax County – homicides: three in 2021 and two in 2020; rape: 15 in 2021 and 15 in 2020; robbery: 71 in 2021 and 84 in 2020; aggravated assault: 49 in 2021 and 37 in 2020. Montgomery County – homicides: 12 in 2021 and three in 2020; rape: 69 in 2021 and 115 in 2020; robbery: 118 in 2021 and 94 in 2020; aggravated assault: 222 in 2021 and 177 in 2020. Prince George’s – homicides: 27 in 2021 and 23 in 2020; rape: 72 in 2021 and 48 in 2020; robbery: 281 in 2021 and 217 in 2020; aggravated assault: 262 in 2021 and 211 in 2020 As for carjackings, Channing Jennings, acting U.S. attorney for the District, said May 19 that 129 had occurred in the District which represents more than double during the same timeframe last year. In Montgomery County, State’s Attorney John McCarthy said 50 carjackings took place between July 2020 and January of this year. He said of the 18 arrests made from those crimes, 13 involved those younger than 21. In neighboring Prince George’s, 102 carjackings have been reported so far this year, compared to 263 during all of last year. Prince George’s police chief Ma-

versus 52 so far this year; 738 robberies last year and 234 this year; and 1,165 burglaries last year and 330 this year. “What I’m looking at now is finding out what we’re doing and how we’re doing it,” Aziz said during a one-on-one interview at police headquarters in Upper Marlboro. “I’m formulating that now on paper and in my mind how it’s going to look and what I want to see. What is real engagement? What is engagement that immerses us into different segments of the community because every community requires something different?” Aziz arrived in his new Prince George’s home with his sister and two adult children, ages 28 and 24, back in Texas. He’s also a grandfather to a grandson who calls him “Papa.” He already knows some individuals from the law enforcement community but said he’s made connections such as signing up for membership at a local establishment. He declined to say which one but noted, “now I’m part of lik Aziz said they are labeled aggravated robberies and a “serious felony crime that we have to address.”

TAKING A ‘HOLISTIC APPROACH’

Prosecutors said the offenses do not appear to be part of an organized criminal initiative. Instead, they represent the actions of those out to “joy ride” with most of the [vehicles] “later found abandoned.” The offenses increased when the coronavirus pandemic affected the region in March 2020 when schools closed and some businesses shut down. One proposal deals with a “holistic approach” with state’s attorney offices working with local social service agencies, schools and parks and planning departments. Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy will hold a gun prevention and call-to-action rally Tuesday, June 1 at the City of Praise Family Ministries in Landover. “We are going to hold our young people accountable because this behavior is not only a danger to the victims but also a danger to them,” she said. “If they confront the wrong person, it can end very badly for our young people as well. We want them to value their lives. We want them to

5 Prince George’s County Police Chief Malik Aziz chats with reporters after a May 19 press conference outside U.S. District Court in Greenbelt. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

the fabric of the community. It shows I want to be part of the solution.” He’s an avid sports fan, specifically the Dallas Cowboys (look out for value their future.” One of the county’s most popular programs, Summer Youth Enrichment Program, will offer a few in-person sessions that include outdoor conversations and restoration activities for 14- and 15-year-old teens and food packing and distribution for those ages 16 and 17. With COVID-19 vaccines more readily available and confirmed cases decreasing, 12 community centers reopened Monday, May 24 with outdoor pools scheduled to reopen Saturday, May 29. In addition, employment opportunities should be available for youth in the coming weeks for jobs that include lifeguards, camp counselors and community service hours for middle and high school students. “We know that safe, supervised and fun recreational activities are an integral part of keeping our youth active and safe,” Angel Waldron, spokesperson for the county’s Department of Parks and Recreation, said in an email. “Our work speaks to the value of play and the importance of having recreational activities for all ages to thrive. We are anxious to welcome our young people back to our facilities once again – and offer activities to live more and play more.” WI @jabariwill

a possible community watch party in the fall between the Washington Football Team and Cowboys). Aziz spoke about hiring Blacks into the profession, reaching those who still don’t trust the police and being a father.

ATTRACTING MORE BLACKS INTO THE PUBLIC SAFETY PROFESSION

“I think that is incumbent upon all of us. It’s not just the police chief ’s job,” he said. “I was talking to a roll call this morning [May 20] and I told them, ‘Each of you are the best recruiters that we have.’ They’re recruiters. They have to go out and get people to join the Prince George’s County Police Department. That means talking about this noble profession, accepting the challenges at hand and wanting to continue to evolve policing.” “I’m talking to citizens. I’m talking to influential people. You have to say, ‘Why don’t you join the police department? It will be rewarding for you. You are the type of person with the mindset that we need in policing.’ In order for that to happen, all of us have to be in it together.” “I accept my role. I accept my responsibility for it but I ask you to give me some partnership and responsibility when we are talking about professions. So often we say

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AZIZ Page 13

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Mambo Sauce Business, Capital City LLC, Moving to Prince George’s By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer The sweet, tangy mambo sauce that’s a staple in the D.C. region and sold nationwide will make its headquarters in Prince George’s County. Plans continue for Capital City LLC to open its warehouse, distribution center and office in July at the Melford Town Center in Bowie. The company will relocate from its current warehouse in Annapolis in neighboring Anne Arundel County, said owner Arsha Jones. “My husband was raised in Prince George’s County and I graduated from Suitland High School, so it’s kind of a full circle moment to be able to get such a great warehouse space,” she said. Jones and her husband, Charles, who died a few years ago, established the business in 2011 during the period of being pregnant with her fourth son. Arsha said she’d grown tired of driving to a carryout to get wings and mambo sauce and decided to experiment with various recipes and make the sauce at home.

AZIZ from Page 12 go be an engineer, an attorney, a doctor. I want people to say, ‘You should be a Prince George’s County police officer.’ That would be great for you to give back to the community.” “Policing, on a whole, has been better than it was 30 years ago. It has continued to adapt and evolve. Every recruit class that graduates becomes the best trained, best disciplined…every class [in the police academy] gets the latest information and latest tools: de-escalation training, implicit bias, sensitivity training. That wasn’t the mindset 30 years ago. It wasn’t there,” hes said

INCREASING THE COMMUNITY’S TRUST OF POLICE

“It takes conversations,” he said. “We have to meet people on their own ground, territory and

Some people pronounce and spell the sauce “mumbo” while others opt for “mambo.” Either way, it has a taste similar to barbecue sauce, albeit slightly sweeter. Some variations of the sauce give a spicier flavor. She eventually marketed the product which can now be found online at www.capitalcity.com as well as on shelves at various local stores including Giant, Shoppers and Harris Teeter. Customers who order products online and don’t want to pay for shipping and handling can now pick them up at the nearly 8,300-square-foot warehouse in Bowie and purchase items in bulk. Besides mild and sweet hot sauces, people can also buy T-shirts, key chains and gift cards. This year, Jones marked Capital City’s expansion into an additional 750 Walmart and 350 Target stores nationwide. Internationally, the company has a partnership with U.S. military commissaries “that allow our product to go overseas to military bases.” David Harrington, president and CEO of the county’s Cham-

ber of Commerce, said the jurisdiction continues to grow as a place for businesses to thrive. “As we move out of the pandemic, people will see Prince George’s County as a destination which I think is outstanding,” he said. “Before the pandemic, we were the number one job creator in the state of Maryland. We hope with the reopening, we can return to that status.” Jones said the company will seek at least two people to work in the Bowie warehouse. The company currently has eight employees with four working at the warehouse and the other half online. “One of the most important things about running a small business is our ability to show what is possible to others, especially when it comes to creating a food product that goes on store shelves,” she said. “I am hoping that trend continues. There are tons of small businesses with a great product that deserve the same visibility as a large corporation like Hines or Kraft.” WI @jabariwill

terrain. Too often we ask people to meet us on our side. It’s really important to understand where people have been and why they feel a certain way. It’s not so different from anything I’ve seen when I was growing up. I’ve had people tell me they hate the police but like me. That speaks volume.” “You are in a uniform and people have no good things to say, but they like you. We don’t think that

the gap has lessened? We have to believe that when someone makes a comment like that. How do we get there? Make basic conversations with people.” “We don’t always have to talk about crime and negative or bad stuff. We should be talking about things that make life go around. Things we have in common. Since I’ve been here, I’ve been really geared on the greatest football team in history and that’s the Dal-

“We don’t always have to talk about crime and negative or bad stuff. We should be talking about things that make life go around. Things we have in common."

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

5 Arsha Jones, Owner, Capital City LLC (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

las Cowboys. We get to talk about the five-time Super Bowl champions.” “I don’t think I’ve had a conversation where that hasn’t come up. That’s an ice-breaker. We chip away at that outer core because I want people to know they can talk to me. We have to break down those barriers that exist between police and community. In between that time, we can emphasize something that helps the community. We could have a watch party and get a chance to interact with each other,” he said.

‘I’M PAPA’

“My son is the oldest -- he’s 28 and my daughter is 24 and I have a grandson,” he said. “My grandson is looking for me. ‘Where’s Papa. Why do you have to go so far away?’ My daughter said she’ll come see me if I get the ticket. I joke about her. My son’s ok and says, ‘I miss you, dad.’”

“It was a cry-fest [back in Texas]. The reality set in when all those boxes [were] stacking up and I was moving. She’s a yearand-a-half older. I call her my twin because we look so much alike. She misses me. She was crying like a baby. I miss them, too but I’m so busy up here that my missing comes in spurts. It’s hard to miss somebody when you’re busy all day.” “I’m developing new extensions of the family. A lot of people here have made it feel like home. You get to talk to different people and you realize it’s not that much different. My extended family is growing and I’m meeting some really great people. The officers here remind me of the ones from Dallas. They are highly productive. All of this comes back [to] home and makes me feel good to be here,” Aziz said. WI @jabariwill

MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021 13

BUSINESS

Bass go out during an evening,” said chef Laurence Cohen about one of the most popular items on the menu. “No matter what location of Truluck’s that someone goes to in the country, they will get the same flavors.”

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Truluck’s Brings Upscale Seafood Dining to Mt. Vernon Square

2020 Opening Postponed by Pandemic

5 The ribbon is cut officially opening Truluck’s, the new seafood restaurant in the Mt. Vernon Square area. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Truluck’s layout has seating on two levels. The space is open and bright with tall windows, striking light fixtures and plenty of room to accommodate up to 400 patrons. A private dining room upstairs is available for group functions. There is a fami-

“Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood and Crab” opened on May 22, 2021 coinciding with the District’s lifting of capacity guidelines for restaurants.

Located at 700 K Street, NW, the restaurant is across the street from the historic Carnegie Library between the Gallery Place and Mt. Vernon/ Convention Center Metro stations. Truluck’s District location is the 12th for the national restaurant group.

DC Housing Authority Public Hearing and Public Comment Notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE PROPOSED 2022 MOVING TO WORK (MTW) PLAN The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) is providing notice of a Public Hearing and Comment Period to solicit comments on the agency’s proposed 2022 Moving to Work (MTW) Plan. MTW is a HUD program that allows select public housing authorities to design and implement innovative programs and policies with the intent to: 1) reduce costs and improve efficiencies; 2) encourage residents to obtain employment and become economically self-sufficient; and 3) increase housing choices for low-income families. The Public Hearing will take place online on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 6 p.m. at https://www.facebook.com/dchousing. Comments Written comments will be accepted through Tuesday, June 22, 2021. Email your comments to MTW@dchousing.org. Alternatively, you can mail comments to: Hanna Koerner c/o DCHA 1133 North Capitol Street NE, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20002 To request a copy of the MTW plan, please call (202) 854-8660; send an email to MTW@dchousing.org; or download from the DCHA website at www.dchousing.org/mtw2. Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation DCHA is committed to providing equal access to this event for all participants & residents with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter service, please contact our ADA/504/Language Department at 202-535-2737 or ADA504@dchousing.org with your complete request. Please allow at least 3 business days to make the necessary arrangements. If you need a foreign language translator, please contact our ADA/504/Language Department at 202-535-2737 or email LA@dchousing.org. Please allow at least 5 business days to make the necessary arrangements.

14 MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021

ly vibe among the staff. After a few days of practice serving and trying out menu items on one another, staff were anxious to take care of restaurant guests. “We were supposed to open April 1, 2020,” said General Manager Bond Davis, acknowledging that the coronavirus surge brought that idea to a screeching halt. The team is now more than ready. “We were able to bring back about 40 percent of the staff hired for last year’s opening. We also have two chefs and four managers who have worked in the District for a long time.”

SEAFOOD PREPARED JUST RIGHT

The dining experience was one of taking a taste, then closing your eyes to hold on to the flavors for as long as possible. The meal began with fluffy yeast rolls that glistened, sprinkled with a touch of grated parmesan and rock salt. The texture of the rolls reminded me of a holiday meal with homemade rolls that only a grandmother could make. The appetizer was the Salt and Pepper Calamari with stir-fried vegetables, specialty mustard and Vietnamese chili sauce. Those sauces were divine. Main courses were a succulent Miso-Glazed Sea Bass with crab rice and chilled cucumber slaw. We also had North Atlantic Salmon with crispy skin, prepared at the properly cooked temperature with asparagus. The portions were mighty! “When I worked at Truluck’s location in Naples, Fla. it was not unusual to have 80-90 of the Miso Sea

In addition to bringing delicious meals to the Washington, DC area, Truluck’s has made a commitment to the future of the hospitality industry with a $2,500.00 donation to the American Experience Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity affiliated with Destination DC. Truluck’s donation goes towards the foundation’s scholarship and travel/field trips program. Several schools within D.C. Public Schools have hospitality programs that benefit from the American Experience Foundation. “The American Experience Foundation finds people that need a little help and who have a vision of where they want to go,” said Davis. “We are a very inclusive restaurant and Truluck’s supports that. In a dream world, the money will go to a kid who wants to be a chef then ten years down the road he or she walks in my front door looking for a chef job. That would be a full circle of the whole thing.” Truluck’s is open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday. Reservations can be made on OpenTable. WI Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/TrulucksRestaurantGroup Instagram: @ trulucksrestaurant Twitter: @Trulucks

5 The team at Truluck’s gathers on the stairs inside the Mt. Vernon Square location on May 20. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

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BUSINESS Wells Fargo Fulfills Commitment to Invest $50 Million in Thirteen Black-Owned Banks Equity Investment Pledge Made in 2020 Includes Locally-Owned

Industrial Bank

communities they serve.” As part of the investment, Wells Fargo is offering access to a dedicatWells Fargo announced Monday ed relationship team that can work its final investments in two-of-13 with each Black-owned bank on fiAfrican-American Minority De- nancial, technological and product pository Institutions (MDIs): In- development strategies to help each dustrial Bank of Washington, D.C. institution strengthen and grow. In and The Harbor Bank of Mayland. addition, Wells Fargo will be makBy making these last two equity ing its nationwide ATM network capital investments, the company available for customers of these 13 has fulfilled its March 10, 2020, MDIs to use without incurring fees. “Several of these banks have been announcement to commit $50 million to Black-owned banks in around for a very long time, some over 100 years,” Dixon said, “and communities across the country. “It means a lot for these institu- they were established at a time, tions that represent legacy in the quite frankly, when Black people Black community,” said Gigi Dix- didn’t have access to banking. So, on, head of External Engagement when we look across the landscape, for Diverse Segments, Representa- and we understand that disproportion and Inclusion at Wells Fargo. tionately Black Americans in Black “Our goal is to help drive them communities have a lack of access forward very significantly so that to capital, and small and minority there is a long-term impact in the small businesses disproportionately D.R. Barnes WI Staf f Writer

lack access to capital, these Black banks serve as another platform for providing that access in a responsible and meaningful way.” Doyle Mitchell, Jr., president and CEO of Industrial Bank, follows in the footsteps of his father and grandfather who founded the bank in 1934 with just six employees and $192,000 in assets. Eighty-six years later, Industrial Bank has six locations, over 140 employees and more than $550 million in assets. “Industrial Bank is excited to partner with Wells Fargo in expanding these efforts,” Mitchell said. “Being one of only 20 African-American banks in the country, this partnership will enhance our ability to grow and create more opportunities to provide capital to those communities we support. We appreciate Wells Fargo for its commitment to invest in minority insti-

(Courtesy photo)

tutions and partnering to alleviate the negative impact of financial inequalities on communities of color and closing the racial wealth gap.” Wells Fargo also made investments in the following MDIs: City First Bank, in Los Angeles, California; Carver Federal Savings Bank, in New York, New York; Carver State Bank, in Savannah, Georgia; Citizens Trust Bank, in Atlanta, Georgia; Citizens Savings Bank & Trust, in Nashville, Tennessee; Commonwealth National

Bank, in Mobile, Alabama; First Independence Bank, in Detroit, Michigan; Liberty Bank, in New Orleans, Louisiana; M&F Bank, in Durham, North Carolina; Optus Bank, in Columbia, South Carolina; and Unity National Bank, in Houston, Texas. Dixon said the bank’s new leadership clearly understood that the institution needed to find a way to “get it right” following the back-

WELLS FARGO Page 17

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MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021 15 5/11/2021 3:21:46 PM

NATIONAL Republicans Seeking to Block Bill to Form January 6 Commission Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Jan. 6, 2021, will live in infamy as much as any date in American history. Still, even those directly threatened and affected by the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol have taken a stand against creating an independent commission to investigate the deadly attack.

ATHLETICS from Page 1 munication from the District of Columbia Interscholastic Athletic Association [DCIAA], have left many of his senior players discouraged about their prospects of college recruitment just weeks before graduation. “I’m having to battle with seniors who are good ball players but have thrown in the towel. They don’t think they can get a scholarship in two months,” said Langford, who also coaches the Easy Street Family AAU basketball team where he fo-

16 MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021

With the U.S. Senate preparing to vote on the House-passed legislation, Republican leaders in the upper chamber have displayed a remarkable unwillingness to back the bill. “It’s not necessary because strong existing investigations are ongoing [in Congress and the U.S. Department of Justice],” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky). cuses recruiting efforts within DCPS and works with student-athletes attending schools in the D.C. metropolitan area. “Not only is that time window short but everyone is desperate for opportunities,” Langford continued. “Because of the NCAA’s extra year of eligibility [for seniors], there are less scholarships, so the programs wouldn’t have them. It’s a two-way sewer. DCPS [facilities] have been on complete lockdown while [private] schools have had the privilege of having some semblance of a season.”

5 Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. (WI FILE)

While all 50 Democrats in the evenly-divided Senate appear ready to vote in favor of a bill creating an independent commission, there’s little evidence that enough Republicans will support the measure. The bill needs at least 10 Republicans to vote

ATHLETICS PROGRAMS REACT TO LIFTING OF RESTRICTIONS

On Friday, upon D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s announcement that high-contact sports were no longer prohibited, the D.C. State Athletic Association (DCSAA), an organ of the Office of the State Superintendent of Education for public, charter and private schools, permitted high

ATHLETICS Page 21

yes to reach the 60-vote threshold required for passage. Thirty-five House Republicans supported the measure which passed that chamber, 252-175. Democrats say their Republicans live in the shadow of former President Donald Trump whose actions, based on overwhelming evidence, fueled the riot that led to the death of five people including a Capitol Police officer. The New York Times reported that the Capitol assault resulted in one of the worst days of injuries for law enforcement in the United States since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. “About 140 officers — 73 from the Capitol Police and 65 from the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington — were injured,” the Times reported. The newspaper noted that the injuries ranged from bruises and lacerations to more severe damage such as concussions, rib fractures, burns and even a mild heart attack. Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick died during the attack. The number of those injured “does not account for the dozens, if not hundreds, of officers who law enforcement officials estimate will suffer in years to come with post-traumatic stress disorder and the dozens who most likely contracted the coronavirus from unmasked Trump supporters who overran the Capitol,” the Times reported, quoting experts and officials. The U.S. House impeached Trump a second time for his role in

the insurrection, while the Senate acquitted him. “My Senate Republican colleagues must now ask themselves: Are they going to join us in pursuing the truth, or are they going to cover for Donald Trump and his big lie?” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York). The GOP also appears to ignore that there have already been over 150 commissions formed by congressional vote since 1989. Five Democrats and five Republicans would comprise the currently proposed commission which would enjoy the ability to subpoena testimony about the Jan. 6 insurrection on the agreement of a Democrat chair and a Republican vice-chair. Based on the legislation proposed, the committee would issue a final report of its findings by Dec. 31. D.C. Democratic Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton said lawmakers modeled the bill after bipartisan legislation that created a national commission to investigate the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. “The country needed the 9/11 bill when foreign enemies attacked us,” Norton wrote in a statement. “This bill, focusing on an attack from within – an insurrection – is just as necessary. The bipartisan commission created by the bill would be above the fray of politics and give clear, unbiased answers on what actually happened on Jan. 6 and how to prevent such attacks in the future.” WI @StacyBrownMedia

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NATIONAL

Frenzied Sellers Markets Leave D.C. Buyers Scrambling cessful buyers include in their offers to get them accepted in today's crazy market with never-ending bidding For years, the D.C. housing market wars is a rent-back period for the sellhas left many searching endlessly for ers,” offered Michele Harrington, the homes, often leading buyers outside CEO of First Team Real Estate. “Sellers have the upper hand when the city. Like most places around the coun- they place their property on the martry, buyers seeking homes in the na- ket but finding a replacement home as tion's capital remain increasingly at a buyer themselves is tough. No one has been accepting contingent offers, the mercy of the seller. Simply put, America’s witnessing so savvy buyers will include a rentone of the most heated seller's markets back period of 30 to 60 days to their sellers so that they can shop for a new in decades. The most recent statistics from the home without having to move twice. Harrington continued: firm McEnearney Associates show “Once the sale goes through, and contract activity in April up 109 percent over last year. Sellers who put their they are no longer contingent, the sellhomes on the market are averaging just ers have the time to house hunt and make a strong offer of their own to be a 30-day stay on the “for sale” list. The number of new listings coming accepted on their next house. Some on the market increased 91 percent buyers even make the first 30 days compared to last April – and much of the rent-back free because the first of that was condos, the report noted. month's mortgage is already paid.” Maceo Clark, a senior mortgage The increase in contract activity more than offset the rise in inventory, lower- banker at EagleBank in Bethesda, said ing overall supply to 1.5 months from buyers must pre-qualify with a lender and have all their paperwork together 2.6 months at the end of April 2020. And sellers continue to make a even before looking at a home to purwindfall. The average sale price for a chase. “Have extra cash on hand in case home in the District in April stood at $799,024, more than $65,000 over you have to overbid to make the offer more appealing. Agents like when you the April 2020 median. The District also enjoys the region's have a larger down payment on the highest average and median sales pric- pre-approval letter,” Clark said. He also concurred that buyers es by more than $79,000. “The real estate market for home should offer rent-backs. “People are selling and cannot find buyers is on fire right now,” said Sunny Mills, the design and project direc- a new place to buy, so they need to stay in the home until they find a new one. tor of YogaClub. Mills said the question everyone Offer up a 25-30 settlement period,” keeps proposing: when will the mar- Clark concluded. Finally, Bill Samuel of Blue Ladket slow down and is it too late to buy? “Right now, I do not see the mar- der Development advised that buyers ket slowing down anytime soon. If present offers that clearly document you see a deal and you are ready to their qualifications. “There is no chance you will win a buy, I suggest you do just that,” Mills said. “Everything looks as if it is going bidding war without a pre-approval to continue to trend up. What most attached to your offer. I would submit people will have to get over is the idea every document your lender of choice of potentially buying a property at a asks for to get the pre-approval,” Samhigher price. There is still time to get uel expressed. “It is important to understand a great deal that will pay dividends that the strength of financing is a key down the road.” Others offered similar advice to consideration a seller considers when those desperately trying to buy in a selecting an offer. Of course, a cash offer would rate the strongest in this challenging market. “One of the crucial things our suc- category,” he continued. Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

(Photo Courtesy Urban Institute)

“Then a high down payment conventional loan being next in line and desirability with a conventional loan decreases as the down payment does. The FHA and VA financing would be the least desirable type of financing for

this category. Cash is preferred because there is no risk of the buyer not qualifying for a third-party approval. “If you really like the property, then you should sit down with your agent the same day to go through the comp

research for 1 to 2 hours and work on putting together an offer. If you are interested in a property, you must act quickly, or you risk losing it to another offer.” WI @StacyBrownMedia

BONDS from Page 9

Maurice Cook, founder and program director for Serve Your City, has been a familiar in the Ward 6 cohort of that movement. While he supported the idea of a baby bonds program, Cook questioned its effectiveness at a time when the District’s cost of living has shown no signs of slowing down. He likened the legislation to a second coming of the DC College Access Program – something he said will ultimately benefit white families, and not struggling Black families.

“It won’t address the scarcity of what just occurred. If we’re talking about a benefit that will come 18 years from now, how many people will be eligible for that?” Cook said. “I would like someone to see how many Black people will be able to afford to live here in 18 years,” he added. “What would it take [to get] Black people to stay here so they could benefit? I would like to see how we take care of families now.” WI @SamPKCollins

examples of efforts “not to make amends but efforts to be a responsible banking institution that is serving it’s community and its constituents in meaningful gives people the means to have financial success.” Dixon said Wells Fargo worked closely with the National Bankers Association to make the opportunity available to its members. The NBA, founded in 1927, and recognized as the voice of minority banking, is chaired by Robert E. James, II, who said, “Wells Fargo has honored their commitment to make meaningful capital investments in Black banks, and they have further

extended their resources to help the banks effectively deploy this new capital to the benefit of historically underserved communities “ Wells Fargo’s investments, primarily non-voting positions, are designed to enable the banks to maintain their MDI status through a banking relationship in the form of a single touchpoint coverage model that will help them access Wells Fargo’s expertise and pursue strategic priorities like entering new markets, expanding locations, designing new products and hiring staff to support loan growth. WI

that figure rose by 20 percentage points. Black and Latino residents took on the fair share of the struggle which often included a dearth of technological resources. During that time, grassroots organizations have coalesced around bridging that resource gap through what has been called Mutual Aid – a mechanism where people depend on one another for help and not the government.

WELLS FARGO from Page 15 lash from scandals and other legal troubles over the years. “Our goal is not to necessarily do something to make-up for what was done but to provide excellent financial services for the communities we serve.” The incidents of last year including the COVID-19 pandemic and the killing of George Floyd, Dixon said, “meant we needed to double down even more.” She named the Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund for minority-owned businesses and the Our Money Matters initiative launched at HBCUs as

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MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021 17

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africa now

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Benin’s President Patrice Talon Sworn In

Benin's President Patrice Talon, re-elected last month amid controversy, was sworn in for a second term on Sunday, May 23. The investiture ceremony took place at the Charles De Gaulle Stadium in the capital of Porto Novo. On Friday, Talon said he saw no need for a pardon or amnesty for opponents arrested following violence during the electoral campaign. Talon won 86.3 percent in the April 11 ballot, which critics said was biased in his favour after a crackdown on opposition leaders left most of them exiled or disqualified from running. Several opposition representatives, including two candidates who were barred, were detained before or just after the vote in the West African state. "I am not considering impunity, I am not considering turning a blind eye to what happened, or pardoning or giving any amnesty," Talon said during an interview with broadcaster France 24 when asked about possible gestures of appeasement. In March, opposition leader Reckya Madougou was detained, accused of plotting assassinations to prevent the election taking place, a charge her lawyer dismissed as politically motivated. Soon after Talon's victory, another opponent, Joel Aivo, was arrested and accused of "undermining the security of the state". In the lead-up to the election, two people were killed when troops opened fire with live rounds to clear an opposition protest blockading a major highway in the centre of the country. Government officials say security forces responded after they came under fire. "They planned, recruited people and commissioned young people to burn down the country... if they were arrested it is because there is evidence," Talon said of the opposition figures. Once praised for its vibrant multi-party democracy, critics say Benin has veered into authoritarian rule under Talon with a steady campaign against his opponents. Some have fled Benin, while others were disqualified from running after election law reforms, or targeted for investigation by a special court critics say Talon used against his rivals. WI (SOURCE: Africanews and AFP)

caribbean now Biden Administration Honors Pledge to Restore TPS for Haiti

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced a new 18-month designation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) on Saturday, May 22. This new TPS designation enables Haitian nationals (and individuals without nationality who last resided in Haiti) currently residing in the United States as of May 21, 2021 to file initial applications for TPS, so long as they meet eligibility requirements, according to a press release. “Haiti is currently experiencing serious security concerns, social unrest, an increase in human rights abuses, crippling poverty, and lack of basic resources, which are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “After careful consideration, we determined that we must do what we can to support Haitian nationals in the United States until conditions in Haiti improve so they may safely return home.” Scores of Haitian-Americans capped off a week of Haitian Flag celebrations with welcoming news Saturday that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians has been renewed and expanded, a decision that stands to affect more than 100,000 compatriots, according to The Haitian Times on Sunday, May 23. “It’s been a long time coming, we’ve been fighting for it,” said Rose Tilus, a TPS holder who works as a nurse practitioner in Rhode Island. “I’m happy that decision came in. Knowing that I have the next 18 months, it gives me peace of mind. Just to know that I can continue to take care of my patients is great.” WI

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MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021 19 4/20/21 2:45 PM

HEALTH Higher Birth Complications Impact Women of Color Regardless of Age BlueCross BlueShield Association's New Report Reveals Startling Findings Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer Black women under the age of 24 are more likely to experience severe childbirth complications than white women over the age of 35 – an age group usually considered high risk, according to new data from the BlueCross BlueShield Association [BCBSA]. Data shows the rates of childbirth complications have steadily

20 MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021

increased for women of color. In the last two years, the rate of hispanic women with severe childbirth complications increased 19 percent. “There is an urgent maternal health crisis in our country,” said Kim Keck, president and CEO of BCBSA. “It is unconscionable that women of color face a greater risk of childbirth complications compared to white women. We must

confront health disparities across the board to change the trajectory.” The recent study examines the rate of childbirth complications as measured by the CDC's Severe Maternal Morbidity Measure [SMM]—21 different adverse events or unexpected outcomes from labor and delivery with significant short or long-term consequences to a woman's health, and in some cases, may lead to death. SMM rates are 63 percent higher for women in majority Black communities and 32 percent higher for women in majority hispanic communities when compared to majority white communities. In addition, BCBSA says they surveyed approximately 750 women about their pregnancy and childbirth care experience in the last year, representing commercial, Medicaid, Medicare and uninsured individuals. The survey found 62 percent of Black mothers were able to complete all recommended prenatal visits, citing transportation barriers or scheduling conflicts. Compared to white women, Black and hispanic women reported feeling less confident they would receive the care they need. Fewer Black mothers reported feeling they can speak openly with their provider, or felt that their provider spent enough time with them. “The disparities we see in maternal health care are the result of a complex fabric of social, racial and economic injustice – and require a new system of health caring, not just health care," said Keck. “Every mother deserves to have the best care at every stage of their pregnancy. This is why Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies have committed to reducing racial disparities in maternal health by 50 percent in five years.” BCBS companies have started the work to reduce these disparities and prevent dangerous and tragic outcomes for women of color, says the organization. This includes identifying women at risk of SMM and providing one-on-one coaching to manage chronic conditions during pregnancy, addressing underlying social needs and providing community support, such as doulas, to mothers throughout their pre- and postnatal journeys. They say they’re also actively leaning into new and longstanding

(Courtesy photo/Pexels)

relationships with community organizations to address root causes of inequities. As well as advocating for public policies at the state and federal levels including the Momnibus Act of 2021 — a set of bills they say will save the lives of new and expecting moms. Introduced by Reps. Alma Adams [D-N.C.], Lauren Underwood [D-Ill.] and Sen. Cory Booker [D-N.J.] the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 builds on existing legislation to address the maternal health crisis the nation is facing. Along with investing in telehealth in underserved areas, providing funding for community-based organizations and improved support for incarcerated moms, congressional leaders are also calling for new policies like

12-month postpartum Medicaid coverage. It would ensure moms have access to care and support for the full postpartum period. “For me – like countless others who are dedicated to this effort – this issue is deeply personal. My focus on Black maternal health began when my daughter survived a complicated pregnancy that almost claimed her life and the lives of my grandchildren. I knew when I got to Congress, I had to make this a priority,” said Adams. “Black mothers are needlessly dying during what should be one of the most joyous times of their lives. So it’s absolutely critical that we provide mothers and birthing persons the support they need – before, during and after pregnancy.” WI

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EDUCATION ATHLETICS from Page 16 school student athletes of all sports to engage in practice, drills and skills development. The DCPS central office also expressed plans to conduct a competitive spring season for low-contact sports, including baseball, golf, outdoor track, tennis and softball. Months earlier, at the start of the 2020-2021 academic year, COVID-19-related restrictions still had not been lifted. Per the DCSAA, student-athletes in the fall and winter sports wouldn’t be able to play or practice on campus until December. Through the new schedule, the shortened basketball season, along with that for indoor track and field and cheerleading, started on Jan. 4 and ended on Feb. 28. For two days in June, public school student athletes will join their charter and private school peers on the courts at Sidwell Friends School for a series of scrimmages taking place in front of college recruiters. However, in the months since the pandemic started, Langford said he and coaching colleagues didn’t receive information from DCSAA and DCIAA about a contingency plan for senior student-athletes, even as their counterparts in the local private schools and AAU leagues were practicing under covid-related safety protocols.

PROGRAMS, LOCALLY AND NATIONALLY, ADJUST TO CHANGES

The Informer attempted to establish contact with DCSAA Executive Director Clark Ray to no avail. Across the country, some school districts are meeting this dilemma head on with the passage of special legislation. In Kentucky for instance, students could apply for what’s referred to as a “do-over” year -- a mechanism through which student-athletes who didn’t get much playing time during the pandemic could extend their eligibility.

Even with these changes, there has still been some concern about the ripple effect, not only for high school athletes struggling to enter some of the fewer spaces at the collegiate level but the underclassmen behind them who may get fewer opportunities to play. With few alternatives, some coaches soldiered on through the storm to get their seniors some semblance of recognition. In the District, Roosevelt High School Boys Basketball Coach Robert Nickens said he used his rapport with college coaches and his school’s DCSAA contact to stay abreast of COVID-19-related athletics updates and get his players exposure during one of the most difficult recruiting seasons in recent history. For Nickens, getting his five senior student-athletes into the best possible college or prep program under these circumstances required making a bevy of phone calls and, with his counterpart at Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter School in Southeast, creating a youth team that competed against college and adult male players in Waldorf during scrimmages earlier this year that were recorded and sent to scouts. All in all, Nickens prioritized student safety and remained indebted to DCSAA and DCIAA for keeping the athletics facilities closed throughout the pandemic. He said his creativity during this period yielded acceptances to college teams for two seniors, and that of two other seniors to prep programs. “My job was to put my students in the best situation, even if it wasn’t the first or second [choice],” Nickens said. “It was about getting communication with college coaches [even] with guys we thought would’ve gotten offers. We still worked to put them in a college or prep situation. We gave our guys a platform to play to see if they could get some good footage. They wanted to get that footage.” WI

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Creativity & Creative Spaces in the DMV May 2021. Volume 7. Issue 5.

Creative Space ART SPACES | UNIONIZING BLACK MILLENNIAL VOICES | MEET KAHIMI

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editor-in-chief & creative director :

Lafayette Barnes IV Claudia M. Watts copy Editor : Sam P.K. Collins Photography Editor : Lafayette Barnes IV Layout Design : Lafayette Barnes IV cover art : Kahimii Vanzego Contributing Writers : Priscilla Ward, Sam P.K. Collins, Claudia M. Watts managing Editor :

illustrated by : Nathaniel Grey | @nategski

letter from the editor Creation scores our lived experience. Flowing through the motions, where art imitates life and life imitates art in a constant exchange of inspiration. Every vision has a point of origin, some are actualized, others serve as breadcrumbs to a space of even greater invention. This month, the cover is ﬁttingly graced by the work of Chris Pyrate as we consider the breadth of creation happening across the D.C. area. From Sounds of the DMV to the quirky retail curation of Lauren Gay and 3D renderings of Kahimii Vanzego, it’s safe to say the city's cup of creation overﬂoweth. Mighty as it is, creation is still bound to a cyclical nature. Earlier I mentioned a point of origin, there is also a point where every cycle ends, where what once was, is cleared away to create space for something new. That time has come for me. I hope the work I've done with WI Bridge over these last 4.5 years has added to the exchange of inspiration in D. My time on the team has been full of highs and D.C. lows, friendships, and lessons I'll carry as I continue my journey. Excitement is on the horizon. Wishing you all the best, Claudia M. Watts

unionizing the black millennial voice written by : Sam P.K. Collins | @sampkcollins

Throughout the pandemic, the basement level of The Washington Informer headquarters has been the epicenter of a movement that not only strives to continue the Black oral tradition, but do so with Black millennials in the District metropolitan area and beyond at the forefront.

The Bridge Podcast Network represents the newest stage in the development of The Bridge, a platform that launched out The Washington Informer, a Black woman-owned publication that’s three generations strong. As has been the case with The Bridge, this new platform aims to represent millennials in the District.

The Bridge Podcast Network, named for this millennial lifestyle media platform, currently features six independently launched media programs touching on a bevy of topics, including politics, entertainment, and marijuana legalization.

BeMo and Bridge Publisher Lafayette Barnes IV collaborated on this project at a critical juncture in Black-owned media history, and that of the nation.

However, with the multitude to Black perspectives in the cyber realm that have yet to be highlighted, the minds behind this network said they see the potential for a lucrative expansion that beneﬁts those who provide original content. “I want this to be a Black-centric podcast backed by The Informer and The Bridge, [so that it can] become a bridge for more Black voices,” said Bryant Brown, also known as BeMo. Be Before the pandemic, BeMo, a media maven who likens his marketing strategy for The Bridge Podcast Network to that of Steve Stoute, produced his podcast on Full Service Radio, based in LINE DC Hotel in Adams Morgan. Once the economic downturn forced the venue to shutter, he set his sights on creating an all-Black platform he said would follow in the footsteps of the Black Eﬀect Podcast Network. Since February, three shows have launched on The Bridge Podcast Network, including BeMo’s morning podcast “Wake and Bake with BeMo” and “Over the Shoulder.” BeMo also mentioned an up-and-coming political program by Markus Batchelor titled “What’s Next?” and a music show with DJ Geena Marie on the ones and twos.

In the wake of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor’s police-involved deaths, attention has pivoted to issues facing Black people, which has led to the proliferation of media programs, whether they be podcasts, or radio and television shows, about aspects of the Black experience. A concern among Black people in the media space however centers on the degree to which Black entities are telling the narratives and ﬁnancing culturally centric projects. Ab Above all else, some people like DJ Geena Marie describe the quintessential podcast as one that fosters a sense of community among its listeners. Geena Marie, who hails from Silver Spring, Md, said she hopes to achieve that goal through her program that features a mix of R&B, hip-hop, and house music centered on themes of relevance to Black people. Geena Marie, a DJ for seven years, likened this up-and-coming program Geen on The Bridge Podcast Network to online functions she facilitated throughout the pandemic that have allowed her to form relationships with people living far beyond the Beltway.

Those who join The Bridge Podcast Network either record their programs at The Washington Informer or produce their content oﬀsite.

“I’ve “I’ [connected with people] that I would not have been able to see in diﬀerent parts of the country who can see me play,” Geena Marie told The Bridge. “People heard my mixes and [I was able to] build with them through that. Just being online and sharing talents either by releasing music and being able to DJ.”

“We're oral people,” BeMo said. “How can we translate that into physical media and make money? Imagine if we can get 80 diverse Black voices, pulling our demographics and marketing money, doing all of this in a Black way straight out of Southeast.”

To check out the Bridge Podcast Network visit: www.wibridgedc.com/podcast

Art Space written by : Sam P.K. Collins | @sampkcollins

Kids at The Creative School working on a podcast.

Long before the start of the pandemic, many young people in the District had expressed, and showed significant displeasure with the subject matter in their schools and their quality of life in communities where bullets, without warning, often claimed the lives of their peers. In response to these harrowing conditions, social entrepreneurs Marshall Pollard and Kirk Keys combined their community-oriented ventures into what’s today known as The Creative School, an organization striving to immerse the youth of Wards 7 and 8 into lucrative and expressive hands-on activities. Through The Creative School, dozens of young people have not only channeled their grief for lost ones into grassroots political action, but launched the Southside D.R.I.P. juice brand as a show of their health consciousness and business acumen. In the latest juncture of the program’s existence, these middle and high school participants are learning photography and preparing for a trip to Birmingham in celebration of Juneteenth. “We feel that schools are stifling kids’ creativity and preparing them to work at desks and for corporations, either outside or inside the prison system,” said Keys, The Creative School’s co-founder and community connector who’s known to many young people as Coach K. Earlier this year, Keys and Marshall, who’s known as Mr. P., joined EASY1.23 and Effective Action to Save our Youth along with other community organizations, clergy, and mental health groups to help youth in The Creative School commemorate honor the lives of Stormiyah Jones, a charter school youth who committed suicide in 2018, and Karon Brown, a young man who, several months later, was gunned down in his community. In honor of Black History Month and Women’s History Month, the youth conducted a photo shoot at The Dojo Photo Studio and well-known spots throughout the District, including the Big Chair, their stomping grounds of Emmanuel Baptist Church, and the Congress Heights Arts & Culture Center, where they learned to run a pop-up shop, and make apparel and “love and light candles.” “We want The Creative School to tap into our kings’ and queens’ creativity and passion at a young age so they’re getting experience and exposure, and grasping what they might want to do in life,” Keys told The Bridge. “Things are happening in life so we [also] want to keep [alive] the legacies of the youth we’re losing too soon. Instead of our kings and queens grieving and coping on their own, we want them to tap into healthy and communal ways to grieve with each other.”

“...Instead of our kings and queens grieving and coping on their own, we want them to tap into healthy and communal ways to grieve with each other. - Marshall Pollard The Creative School

Amplifying The Voices of the Youth

Creating the Premier Artistic Hub

Research conducted by the Pew Research Center showed that the youth of Generation Z are becoming more left leaning than their older counterparts who identify as Millennials and Gen-Xers. When it comes to race, a signiﬁcant number of those polled said they believed Black people in the U.S. are treated worse than white people. Respondents also appeared more welcoming of cultural and societal changes, while also expressing more of a desire for the government to tackle big-ticket issues such as income inequality and increasing living costs.

Apprehension about relaxed COVID restrictions notwithstanding, this summer promises a bevy of opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs in the D.C. metropolitan area hoping to take advantage of the public’s fervor for the sun and face-to-face interactions.

In the District, the Shaw community in Northwest has become a poster child for the rampant gentriﬁcation that, throughout much of the 2000s, has pushed out legions of Black people to the eastern parts of the city and D.C. suburbs.

In the months and years before the pandemic struck, the Gateway Media Arts Lab, located in the quaint suburb of Mt. Rainier, Maryland, has been an incubator for artists, writers, producers, photographers, and designers to create, collaborate on, and showcase their work. Currently, this space on the 3100 block of Rhode Island Avenue has 10 employees who provide services for seven artistic enterprises.

In 2019, Shaw served as the epicenter of the globally renowned “Don’t Mute DC” movement through which the go-go genre has found a following even among even the city’s political elites. However, as youth advocate Sudi West told The Bridge, an often overlooked aspect of the “Don’t Mute DC” story involves the hundreds of young people in the Shaw community who stood up for Don Campbell’s Central Communications/MetroPCS storefront in 2016 when developers and transplants initially attempted to silence the go-go sound resonating from the store.

“Go-go is not just entertainment,” said West. “It’s a live, participatory place-making genre, an organizing practice of active self-determination that our youth and city need now more than ever.” West, the director of the Shaw Community Center, recounted dozens of youth from the center, located in the Lincoln Temple United Church of Christ on 11th Street, marching alongside members of their family to the corner of 7th Street and Florida Avenue in Northwest during a 2016 evening.

This has especially been the case for the people behind what’s known as the Gateway Media Arts Lab.

With the input of producer and creative professional Brian Burns III, the Gateway Media Arts Lab has executed a mission that promises to fulfill the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council’s vision for not only the arts districts of Mt. Rainier, Hyattsville, Brentwood, and North Brentwood, but production houses along the east coast. For decades, the council has coordinated financial support for the arts in Prince George’s County, and promoted creative expression and artistic education designed to bridge racial, generational, and cultural gaps. This has manifested in the launch of arts-focused storefronts and events along specifically designated corridors in the four aforementioned towns. As a member of the Gateway Media Arts Lab and Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council, Burns has greatly benefitted. For instance, his team Dem Gibsons Films recently conducted pre-production meetings for the show Double Cross, which is going into its third season on Bob Johnson’s streaming network ALLBLK.

He said the group, in solidarity with displaced migrant children around the world, publicly displayed their art of clay boats. This culminated in a series that the Shaw youth choreographed with performance artist Tsedaye Makonnen. Photojournalist Kiah Lewis captured the moment and her clips of the youth beating their feet outside of Campbell’s MetroPCS store would accompany the #DontMuteDC hashtag on Twitter in 2018.

As a testament to the Gateway Media Arts Lab’s purpose, the artwork of creatives aﬃliated with the DMV League of Artists appeared in episodes of Double Cross, and participants in Burns’ workshops also contributed to the show.

In the years since the youth stood up against the developers, they’ve made impromptu appearances at the annual “Art All Night” functions that take place on the streets of District neighborhoods designated as Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).

All of this has taken place on the cusp of The Gateway Media Arts Lab’s soon-to-come writers club, and production curricula geared speciﬁcally for virtual production and the creation of an ecosystem, named BE Creative, in which people learn how to obtain funding for their projects.

In Shaw, one of the more prominent BIDs, the young people under West’s lead, including the late student-activist Malachi Lukes, performed their original play “The Wizard of Shaw.” At one point, they’ve done this with the support of artists like Shaw native YPF Poppy, Davey Yarborough of the Washington Jazz Arts Institute, Juju House who played for Experience Unlimited and Matt “Swamp Guinee” Miller of the Afro go-go roots band Crank LuKongo.

Gi Given the changes in the industry he described as favorable to artists, Burns said that he anticipates other creatives ﬂocking to the Gateway Media Arts Lab to take advantage of its arts gallery, conference area, video and audio recording spaces, and seamstress studio. Over time, this synergy, Burns told The Bridge, would position Mt.Rainier as a model for arts-based entrepreneurial collaboration.

More than a year after a bullet ended Malachi's life, members of the Shaw Mo community have attempted to weather a pandemic and keep alive “The Real News Program, “ a project born in the aftermath of a stop-and-frisk incident involving Malachi and Metro transit police oﬃcers. The youth at the Shaw Community Center have facilitated that program at Lincoln Temple.

“For us the term ‘Real News’ means news that is local, and rooted in the lived experience of community members” West said as he expressed his hope that

this will continue to be the case amid all the gentriﬁcation surrounding the community.

“We use go-go to make sure we don’t get pushed out [of Lincoln Temple and the Shaw community],” West told The Bridge. “We want more production support for The Real News Program. I hope that our youth get to bless that space with their energy. Shaw is one of the most gentriﬁed communities in the nation. If we don’t get to tell our story, then Lincoln Temple will be condos.”

“We’ve seen the evolution of the Prince George’s Art District,” said Burns, the

associate producer at Dem Gibsons.

“There are more businesses, growth in membership, and creatives that have projects on the table with opportunities and budget,” he continued. “This would be an opportunity to catch the true essence of development. This has been ongoing for the last three years. The pandemic has thrown a wrench in things, but the summer is looking promising.”

Meet Kahimi

The 3D Artist Dreaming Up An Alternative Universe written by : Priscilla Ward | @macaronifro

Repositioning creative thinking in ways that aren’t adjacent to Black trauma can feel like an out-of-body experience, a separation that’s almost incapable. However, Kahimii Vanzego, a 3D artist, is managing to do just that by imagining and manifesting the future. She does this all while masterfully adding another angle to the D.C’s creative landscape. Her work is reminiscent of popular childhood anime like Sailor Moon, yet bonded to her identity as a Black and Japanese woman. Born in Japan and raised in Fort Washington, Md, just right outside of the Nation’s Capital. She pulls from her varied upbringings. Vanzego has worked with local brands like groun.ded, a D.C. plant company, as well as artists like k.eye.d. “I love that I’m able to curate new ideas and show people a somewhat “new” art form in the area and that I get to work with other artists from here too,” Vanzego told the Washington Informer Bridge during a recent phone interview. Beyond her solo art she also works with Vega Studio, a 3D design house founded by Charles Johnson, with whom she has collaborated since the beginning of this year aaer the two met on Instagram. “He definitely pushes me to further expand my ideas so I can be the best I can be, every time we work on a new project I learn something new because of that extra push,” she said, speaking to how she’s continuing to grow as an artist. “I was a big fan of everything he was doing in the area, as well as beyond. He supported me from the very beginning of my career by believing in me and asking me to assist on a few 3D projects he was working on, then brought me along as a 3D artist for his company, Vega Studio,” she continued. However, even before her dynamic 3D portfolio began offering an intriguing portal of escape, her creativity was fueled much earlier on in life. “I first got into Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty, and then Sailor Moon while living in Japan. There were all of these different types of characters and I loved it,” Vanzego said, as she recounts being exposed to anime around the age of 6 or 7, and the images that first sparked her desire to explore the craa.

“I love that I’m able to curate new ideas and show people a somewhat “new” art form in the area and that I get to work with other artists from here...,” “I always knew whatever I was going to do in life was going to involve art and computers,” Vanzego said. The seeds were planted while she was a student at Bishop McNamara High School, where she took a web design class. “I took a web design class and my teacher’s name was Miss Stanley. She pretty much sparked my whole computer design career and I wanted to take it seriously,” she said. AAer high school, she went on to enroll in Prince George's Community College where she declared Computer Science as her major until she decided there was nothing “artsy” about computer science. She eventually dropped out and enrolled back into where she shiied her focus to animation and motion graphics, but eventually, she decided to leave and drive her education forward. Committed to her vision, and the tools needed to shape it, she began teaching herself 3D design. “I started going on Skillshare and YouTube and pretty much teaching myself all the different sooware. I realized if I want to take this seriously I need to get a gaming desktop, or a gaming laptop, so as soon as I did that I started to take things a lot more seriously,” she said. Findin Finding the necessary tools and resources to deliver on the vision for her work, and moving with intention took Vanzego to where she is today. Like so many others, the pandemic forced Vanzego to take time to consider her journey and how to future-proof it. “Just by taking the time to take a step back from a busy world to figure out what it is that genuinely inspires and motivates me mentally, which then allows me to have a clear mind, focus on the vision, then deliver the work,” she said. She continues to find deep inspiration through music as she is creating, “I like listening to a lot of Jhené Aiko, a lot of her beats are very mystical, as well as a lot of Kali Uchis. I also listen to a lot of old R&B, the slower stuff calms me down and helps put me in a better place,” she said. Th Through this inspired place she creates from a point of view that’s all her own. “I kind of just tap in and try to create different vantage points and work with different angles that don’t really make sense, but are going to make sense,” she said. As the world continues to shii post-Covid-19, she encourages artists to introduce people to new things, because art is always evolving. “People want to see new things. Especially if you like it and it fulfills you, then the right people will come around and support you,” she said. Pushing past the realm of what has already been done continues to inspire her work and those who encounter it through its various dimensions. Further expanding on her work, includes working with more D.C. artists, as well as those in Japan. Additional Additionally, she’d love to see her work land in video games.

CONTROL THE NARRATIVE. SAVE THE CITY.

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

EDITORIAL

Where Streets Intersect in Honor of King and Malcolm

Two streets that intersect in the Nation’s Capitol in Southeast are named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. These cross streets were renamed decades ago in honor of both men who were assassinated by a gunman’s bullet in separate incidents while they were in the prime of their lives – Malcolm at age 45 in 1965 and Dr. King at age 36 in 1968. Nichols Avenue was renamed after Dr. King on his birthday, on January 15, 1971, and later on, Portland Street was renamed Malcolm X Avenue in 1982. While it is commonly noted that both men vehemently fought for civil and human rights, their approaches were quite different. Dr. King consistently and steadfastly maintained peace and non-violence as he fought for equal rights for Black people. At the same time, Malcolm X, on the other hand, was aggressive in his call for Black empowerment “by any means necessary.” Two movements were happening simultaneously by two Black leaders who only met once. And, so it is today at this intersection where the dream and the hope of King and Malcolm remain deferred by the reality of men like George Floyd whose life was lost in Minneapolis due to a system that devalues Black lives. It is an intersection that Panama Jackson, a local blogger, referred to as possibly “The Blackest Intersection in America.” Besides the names, he asserts it may qualify because of a liquor store on one corner, a fast-food restaurant on another and a park where “at any given time, you can find games of chess, checkers, Wake the Dope Fiend or spades happening from people who clearly have nowhere to be at any time ever, mixed with weekly health fairs testing folks for the pressure, the sugar and the ‘ritis.” Honor, blinded by frustration, has a growing legion of community activists coming together to reclaim King’s dream and Malcolm’s hope. They want to remove the liquor stores and the check cashers, clean up the park, welcome businesses that offer fresh and healthy foods and invite providers of services for the homeless and the hopeless to remove them from the storefronts and street corners into places where they can get help. The community and the government must work together to bring new life to the intersection of MLK and Malcolm X and to honor two men whose paths only crossed once and whose single purpose was to chart a course towards achieving a better life for their people. WI

Cam Anthony’s Win on ‘The Voice’ Illustrates the Best in Young, Black Males Watching Philadelphia native Cam Anthony use his God-given talents on stage Tuesday night, May 25, counts as a scene which all Americans, particularly Black children, should witness, dispelling the myth that all Black males have a preponderance toward being dropouts, baby-makers, dope dealers and criminals. In the most unlikely of pairings, the 19-year-old Black youth, under the tutelage of his vocal coach, veteran country music singer Blake Shelton, Cam took the crown on “The Voice” for the popular TV show’s 20th season. Cam grew up in North Philadelphia and turned to music as an escape from the violence and crime he faced in the city. He learned at an early age how to control his voice and honed his skills in the church choir. At 11, his life underwent an unprecedented paradigm shift after a video of him singing a Bruno Mars song went viral. From there, he went on to open for Patti LaBelle, sing on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and showcase his musical prowess at the White House for the annual Easter Egg Roll. Prior to turning 13, Dr. Dre signed the youth, guiding him during his teen years while he continued to perform and record. During the finale of “The Voice” earlier this week, Cam took full control of the stage, flashing his contagious smile and a peace sign while effortlessly moving up and down the musical scale. His performances over the pandemic-interrupted season harkened back to the accomplishments of other Black male prodigies including Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. But his life could have taken a quite different path had he not been allowed to move outside of the normal box of conformity that remains the norm in public education. Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu, taking aim at the challenge of Black male achievement, served as one of the first educators to describe the problem with his 1983 book “The Conspiracy to Destroy Black Males.” Forty years later, Kunjufu’s approach to teaching Black children,

TO THE EDITOR Giving It a Shot

Mayor’s Race is No Joke

I’m not sure how I feel about talks of mandating the COVID-19 vaccine for minors. On one hand, I feel as though people shouldn't be forced to take it, especially not children. But on the other hand, almost all of us have taken vaccines as children and we are fine with no real adverse effects. If I had to choose, I think we should listen to the medical experts.

I think it’s cute comedian Red Grant is running for mayor in 2022. While I won’t knock the brother for his political ambitions, this is no time for games. Mayor Bowser has done a lot of good work and we need the same level of competence for whoever takes office next. For those who think, “Oh, Red won’t be elected,” take a look at history and do not assume.

Barbara Feely Washington, D.C.

DaWanda Parker Washington, D.

tragically, remains just as relevant today as it was then. Kunjufu’s central argument asserts that school systems lack the personnel and cultural understanding needed to educate Black males. Their teachers don’t look like them and the curriculum doesn’t celebrate their differences. Because schools can’t engage and reach Black boys, they recommend them for special education until they drop out. Kunjufu says schools place Black boys they don’t know how to teach in special education. With the recent focus on racial awareness, many educators and city leaders have finally started to discuss what Kunjufu and others claimed for de-

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cades: the school system prioritizes white students over others. While Kunjufu’s ideas may still cause some adults to pause, few can argue with his sense of urgency. For Cam, being allowed to follow his dream and being given the support to develop his talents and interests have shown us the success that can be garnered when we do not insist upon the notion of one size fits all. Cam is one of the fortunate ones. But there are scores of other equally-talented Black boys and girls who deserve the same opportunity. We must ensure that they have that chance. WI

MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021 23

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

E. Faye Williams

The Groundhog Effect

I have always been amazed by the immediate, long-lasting impact of the media on cultural/ current events. This is the case with the 1993 movie "Groundhog Day." Since its release, people have discussed the problem of being trapped in a metaphorical loop of activities from which they cannot escape. Even those who didn't see the film are familiar with this theme. Viewing the news, I was intro-

duced to the case of Ronald Greene, which occurred in my home state of Louisiana in 2019. Greene was a 49-year-old Black male who was brought into the Glenwood Regional Medical Center emergency room by members of the Louisiana State Highway Patrol. He was reported as the DOA victim of a single-car collision between his automobile and a tree. Injuries from his "accident" were fatal. The attending ER found this suspicious since, in addition to his bruised and broken body, there were found the two prongs of a police taser. For two years, Louisiana State

Guest Columnist

Police authorities withheld the body-camera videos of the event from public view. The Associated Press was able to obtain these videos, which disclosed another vicious, extra-legal attack on a Black man. The minimal damage to Greene's vehicle belied the excuse of fatal injuries suffered in a crash. Axios reports that the following statements can be heard: Greene (after being tasered in his vehicle): "I'm your brother! I'm scared! I'm scared!" Trooper: "Look, you're going to get it again if you don't put your f----- hands behind your back!"

Trooper (referring to Greene): "Stupid motherf---er." The trooper can be heard saying that he "beat the ever-living f--- out of him. … Choked him and everything else trying to get him under control. He was spitting blood everywhere, and all of a sudden he just went limp." The arrest of Greene is now the subject of a federal civil rights investigation. The refusal of the LSP to release body-camera footage for two years and inconsistencies in police reporting of events suggest cover-up. According to AP, body-camera footage from in-custody deaths

is typically released immediately. Troopers on the scene of the arrest first claimed that Greene died on impact after crashing his vehicle into a tree during a chase. State police later released a statement saying Greene struggled with troopers and died on the way to the hospital. Footage shows Greene raising his hands and surrendering to officers after crashing his SUV and apologizing for leading them on the chase. After a two-year cover-up, there has been no justice for Mr. Greene's

WILLIAMS Page 41

Ben Jealous

It's Time for a Black Woman on the Supreme Court

I am eager to see a brilliant Black woman serving as a U.S. Supreme Court justice. I hope to celebrate her swearing-in later this year. If you're thinking, "Did I miss something?" the answer is no, there is no vacancy on the court right now. But there has been talk that Justice Stephen Breyer, who is 82 years

old, might step down after the current Supreme Court term ends in June. Some activists and legal scholars are encouraging Breyer to step down now. That would give President Joe Biden a chance to fulfill his campaign promise to name a Black woman to the high court. And it would let a Biden nominee be considered by a Senate that is not controlled by Republicans. Never forget that when Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell was

Guest Columnist

majority leader, he abused his power to slow-walk President Barack Obama's judicial nominees. And he refused to allow the Senate to even consider Obama's Supreme Court nomination of Merrick Garland, leaving a seat vacant for more than a year. That same Sen. McConnell did everything he could to pack the courts with right-wing judges during the Trump administration — including a third Trump Supreme Court justice who was rammed through the

Senate just days before voters turned Trump out of office. Those Trump judges threaten the legal legacy of the first Black person to serve on the Supreme Court, the brilliant Justice Thurgood Marshall. And that threatens all of us. As a Marylander with deep roots in Baltimore, I am proud that a native son of that great city was the first Black justice on our country's highest court. As a lifelong civil rights activist, I am grateful that a strategist for the civil rights movement was

given the opportunity to advance equality under law as a Supreme Court justice. As a Black man and father of Black children, I am thankful for the ways that Marshall changed history. And I am deeply committed to defending those changes at a time when they are under attack. The threat to our lives, and to a multiracial, multiethnic democratic society, does not just come from violent white supremacists or abusive

JEALOUS Page 41

Marc H. Morial

NBA's New Social Justice Award Honors the Extraordinary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

In addition to being one of our greatest players, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has devoted much of his life to advocating for equality and social justice. With this new award, we are proud to recognize and celebrate NBA players who are using their influence to make an impact on their communities and our broader society." -- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver

24 MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021

Three decades after retiring from the NBA, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remains the league's all-time leading scorer and still holds the record for the most MVP awards, the most field goals, most All-Star selections, and the most minutes played. In the years since, he has found success in a variety of pursuits: coach, cultural ambassador, even reality television contestant. But his greatest achievements off the

court have been as a writer and civil rights activist. Now, the NBA has honored him by creating a new award to recognize the player who best embodies his pursuit of social justice and racial equality. The first Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award will be announced during the playoffs. The winner will receive $100,000 to donate to an organization of his choosing. Four additional finalists will receive $25,000.

It is my honor to serve on the committee that will select the winner. Throughout his impressive career, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been an uncompromising example of leadership, excellence and integrity. Abdul-Jabbar — then known as Lew Alcindor — emerged as a basketball phenomenon as a student at Power Memorial Academy in New York City in the early 1960s as the civil rights movement was reaching a crescendo. The 16th

Street Baptist Church bombing in 1963, when he was 16, awoke a deep anger within him. "As I watched the ineffectual moral outrage of the black southern preachers, the cold coverage of the white media, and the posturings of the John F. Kennedy White House, my whole view of the world fell into place," he wrote in his 1983 autobiography, Giant Steps. "My faith was exploded

MORIAL Page 41

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Delman Coates

Demanding Jobs Over Jails: Black Faith Leaders Speak Out

As the Biden administration and Congress debate the next round of spending to spur economic recovery, there is no doubt that the recent Job Guarantee Resolution by Rep. Ayanna Pressley is the best way to provide longterm economic stability for the American people. A federal job guarantee provides a legal guarantee to a dignified job with benefits at a livable wage for every

American who wants one. It eliminates involuntary unemployment in America by providing federal funding for state and local priorities related to infrastructure and transitioning to a green economy, creating tens of millions of jobs in the process. Amidst a global health pandemic, a job guarantee helps to reduce societal tension due to perceived and real labor competition, strengthen our families and make our communities safer due to reduced crime. Another key benefit of a job guarantee is that the spending is automatic, freeing us from the political whims of Washington and its ability to

Guest Columnist

act in an appropriate and timely manner in a crisis. Lastly, a job guarantee liberates us from the failed economic assumptions that link unemployment and inflation. Having a full employment economy should be a permanent feature of our economy rather than sacrificing the unemployed on the altar of outdated economic assumptions that claim the federal government cannot afford such a plan. Against such a claim, we affirm that available resources not revenue are the only constraint on federal government spending, and as long as there is no inflation problem, there is no reve-

nue problem. As faith leaders committed to social and economic justice, it is important to note that a job guarantee is the unfinished policy objective of the civil rights movement. It has antecedents in the 1940's with the work of Sadie Alexander, the nation's first Black economist, continuing through the policy objectives of Dr. King's "March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom" in 1963, and culminating in the advocacy of voices in the 1970's such as the late Congressman Gus Hawkins, Vernon Jordan and Coretta Scott King. It is all too widely forgotten today that in the

mid-1970s, Scott King carried on this advocacy after her husband's assassination, mobilizing demonstrations in favor of a federal job guarantee. This effort culminated in the passage of the Humphrey-Hawkins Full Employment Act, a bill that initially included a job guarantee before it was watered down over concerns about inflation and affordability. Yielding to these unfounded concerns has proven to be a tragic and brutal betrayal to the Black community, as the nation's policymakers proceeded

COATES Page 42

Marian Wright Edelman

Helping Hunger Take a Summer Break

Summer is right around the corner, marking the end of another school year. But summer break this year has been disrupted for millions of children and positive alternatives to the streets may be lacking. Many children unable to return to school or full-time child care face long hot summer days ahead without enough to look forward to. The struggle of many families has

been exacerbated by the pandemic. Food pantries face long lines across our nation. As of March 2021, one in seven households with children reported they lacked enough to eat. Mercifully, the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program has been extended through the summer months to help alleviate hunger for 30 million children. More than half of all public school students — nearly 22 million — rely on free or reduced-price school meals for their daily nutritional needs. Times out of school — from

Askia-At-Large

snow days to spring break — can mean missed meals and empty stomachs. The wave of school closures paired with spikes in unemployment and food prices posed an even greater and longer threat to hungry children. In March 2020, Congress created the P-EBT program, providing money to replace free or reduced-price meals children would otherwise have received at school. The Biden administration and Congress have since made several important improvements. In December, Congress expanded

P-EBT to cover young children who lost access to meals through child care providers. Children younger than 6 enrolled in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and a child care facility that is closed, operating at reduced capacity or located near a school fully or partially closed can receive help. With many schools and child care centers still operating on a hybrid basis, Congress and the USDA loosened restrictions to ensure children receiving a mix of in-person and virtual instruction still get benefits on

days they can’t access meals in-person. President Biden also used his executive authority to boost P-EBT benefits 15% for qualifying families to $6.82 per day. Under the recent American Rescue Plan Act, Congress expanded P-EBT to cover summer months and to continue until our public health emergency ends, ensuring children will be fed until schools can fully and safely reopen. The COVID-19 pandemic has

Israeli politicians became more and more hawkish. Begin, who led the terror bombing of Jerusalem's King David Hotel, which broke the back of the Palestinian and world resistance in 1948, became prime minister; as did Ariel Sharon, who in the 1980s led the brutal siege of Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, which left hundreds dead; as did the current Israeli leader (though his tenure is in jeopardy, and he's under investigation, pending indictment when he leaves office for corruption) Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Palestinians saw their ancestral land confiscated, their farms, homes crops destroyed, as they were beaten down again and again by aggressive Israeli military actions, and their meager defenses — rocket attacks launched at Israeli cities — were labeled as terrorism. Over the years, I've watched and heard the Palestinians bemoan their plight, fearing that the Israelis want to drive them into the sea and confiscate

EDELMAN Page 42

Askia Muhammad

The Long, Torturous Palestinian-Israeli Struggle

I have a 47-year history of solidarity with the Palestinian struggle for freedom, justice and equality. It was in the spring of 1974, I was editor of the Muhammad Speaks newspaper when I first met Yasser Arafat, then-leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization, when he addressed the United Nations General Assembly. As with all things involving the

beleaguered Palestinian people since 1948 — when tens of thousands of them were expelled from their homes by terrorists led by Menahem Begin to make way for European Jews to usurp Palestinian land for what was to become the State of Israel — the U.N. meeting was controversial. Arafat, who was unflinching in his advocacy for Palestinian statehood, was called the terrorist. Support for the Palestinian cause was so toxic, that years later, when Andrew Young, the U.S. ambassador to

the United Nations, simply attended a reception at which Arafat was in the room (the two men never even met), Young was forced to hand in his resignation to President Jimmy Carter. As the Israelis illegally confiscated more and more Palestinian land, beginning with the 1967 Six Day War, the Palestinians became more and more desperate and resorted to all manner of violent measures to gain their liberty from what they and even the U.N. considered to be their illegal oppression, to no avail.

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ASKIA Page 42 MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021 25

CAPTURE the moment

For more photos, visit www.washingtoninformer.com

THE CLASS OF 2021 Commencement speaker and voting rights champion Stacey Abrams delivers a virtual address during the Bowie State University commencement on Saturday, May 22. (Anthony Tilghman/ The Washington Informer) #Classof2021

COMING TO A D.C. NEIGHBORHOOD

Officials visiting the U.S. from Liberia in West Africa toured the Martin Luther King, Jr., Avenue corridor in Southeast, Saturday, May 22 with community activist Kymone Freeman (right) to get a brief view of the Black experience. At the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X avenues, they learned of the struggle for more fresh food and grocery stores and the fight to rid the area of the preponderance of liquor stores and fast food restaurants. At the 24/7 Mellon Market, a sparse bin of vegetables was on display. (D.R. Barnes /The Washington Informer)

26 MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021

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LIFESTYLE African Author Pens Children’s Book About Diversity in Skin Tones Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Nonkululeko Kunene Adumentey was born in the Kingdom of Eswatini, a landlocked African nation that the world once knew as Swaziland. A wife and mother of two young children, Adumentey calls her late father, Themba Micah Kunene, her hero. He inspired Adumentey’s passion for children and her will to celebrate children for their strength, voices, and diversity. “My father was a man of humble beginnings who worked hard to provide for eight children,” stated Adumentey, adding that it was his unconditional love, wisdom and work ethic that inspired the core of her principles and life motto. He also inspired her to appreciate the various skin tones found in Africans throughout the world. That inspiration has led to Adumentey’s new children’s book, “I Celebrate My Skin,” a 38-page hardcover book that teaches young ones about the beauty of different skin colors. It also teaches children why diversity matters. “We must teach young people to have a true appreciation for themselves and their skin color,” Adumentey said. “People of color are introduced to negative images of men and women of color, which affects how they perceive themselves.” Adumentey, whose name means “Freedom,” left Africa for Canada at the age of 16. She eventually migrated to the U.S. where she earned a master’s degree in Public Health at St. Louis University. After moving to Chicago, Adumentey earned a second master’s degree in Geographic Information

Systems at Chicago State University. She said she witnessed much growing up, including how the lack of diversity and understanding of race harms children. “So, my book is about celebrating kids and embracing who they are,” Adumentey said. “I wanted to inspire children from my village that they can do so much more. We have to love each other and embrace who we are.” Known by her friends and loved ones as Nonku, Adumentey said she enjoys one of her father’s favorite mottos: “umtsentse uhlaba usamila,” which counts as a saying about a strong grass that gets deeply rooted during its early stages of development. “The essence of this saying embodies the core of early intervention and teaching young minds early so that they grow up strong and informed about the world,” she said. “That’s why I wrote the book. To inspire young ones toward a greater future.” The book provides positive images and anecdotes about the various skin tones found throughout the diaspora and teaches lessons on the importance of diversity. One critic at amazon.com noted that the book is “a beautiful representation of all of the different skin colors in the world. It teaches kids that no matter what color your skin is, we are all the same.” Another noted that the book “offers a simple but powerful message about the beauty of diversity. The text flows naturally, and the vibrant, charming illustrations engage little ones and adults alike. This would be an excellent addition to any children’s library.” Adumentey said, “I Celebrate My Skin” is the first in a trilogy of

books that she is writing to encourage children and others about the importance of diversity. She underscores that life was not easy growing up. “I grew up in a very small village and I faced a lot of childhood trauma, some sexual abuse and other things,” Adumentey said. “I could not celebrate who I was. I always felt like I was not fully myself but I covered everything up, and I was always ‘okay.’” “When I was 16, I left home alone to go finish high school in Canada. From that point, I traveled to the United States, got a scholarship and now I’m a mom of two, and life is different. I rediscovered myself, and I realized that my voice matters. I want my children to get this message at an early age, and that’s where my book came into the mix,” she said. “I Celebrate My Skin” can be purchased at www.amazon.com/Celebrate-Skin-Nonku-Kunene-Adumetey/dp/1735738212. WI @StacyBrownMedia

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5 Nonkululeko Kunene Adumentey (Courtesy photo)

MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021 27

LIFESTYLE

Memorial Day 2021 in the District: Fireworks, Parades and Musical and Motorcycle Tributes D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Editor

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On Memorial Day, (Monday, May 31), Americans will once again pay tribute to our nation’s heroes – men and women who have given their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. However, the Memorial Day Weekend also marks the beginning of summer with a host of other ways to celebrate the holiday, with both in-person and virtual events. The District celebrates Memorial Day Weekend in ways that few other cities can match. And with most restrictions having been eased or lifted as COVID-19 infections and deaths finally begin to decline, many anticipate that this year we’ll experience a semblance of normality. Besides a plethora of events, there are plenty of monuments, museums and memorials to visit which put the spotlight on the selfless service of our active duty military and veterans. Here are just a few of the events you may want to enjoy: An annual tradition returns to Washington, DC in a new version: The National Memorial Day Parade: Our Sacred Honor. Stories of sacrifice, from the American Revolution to today, will be told along Constitution Avenue through live, on site historical re-enactors, veterans and active duty military personnel, joined by musical performances and celebrity appearances. It will “live” in the District, filmed for a television special airing from Memorial Day through July 4 on ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox stations nationwide. The always-anticipated holiday tradition will include special remote celebrity tributes and musical performances from across the U.S., from Philadelphia’s Independence Hall to New York City, Nashville and Los Angeles. Rolling to Remember also provides another way for Americans

to honor our veterans. The motorcycle rally on May 30 counts as another way to raise awareness of critical issues faced by veterans every day, as well as in tribute to those missing in action and prisoners of war. Rolling to Remember aims to deliver a message to Congress and the American people that veterans still need our help as the group struggles with a suicide crisis. Visit the event website for scheduling updates, registration and attendance info for this year's procession. The National Memorial Day Concert salutes the sacrifice made by the men and women in uniform, as well as their families. The free annual concert will be aired on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, May 30 at 8 p.m. Actors Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna will host the proceedings, which will feature numerous other celebrity performers including Gladys Knight and the Four Tops. The event will also be live-streamed online and will be available on-demand for two weeks after the performance. Finally, there’s the National Mall which features plenty of ways to honor American servicemen and women. Visit the magnificent National World War II Memorial and its famous effervescent fountain. Stop to pay your respects at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial. Look upon the steadfast visages of the 19 servicemen depicted in the Field of Service at the Korean War Veterans Memorial. And by taking in the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, you will be reminded of the tragic, human cost of war. WI @mcneirdk

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Virginia Gubernatorial Candidates Highlight Policy Stances in May Forum William J. Ford WI Staff Writer

In less than two weeks, on Tuesday, June 8, Virginia voters will go to the polls and choose one of five candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for governor. The five candidates participated in a candidate’s forum Thursday, May 20 to address topics ranging from education and the economy to COVID-19 vaccines and police reform. The one-hour forum televised on NBC-4 featured former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, state Sen. Jennifer McClellan, state Del. Lee J. Carter and former state Del. Jennifer Carroll Roy. Fairfax, McClellan and Roy seek to become the state’s second Black

5 Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax. (Courtesy of Commonwealth of Virginia)

5 State Sen. Jennifer McClellan. (Courtesy of McClellan for Governor)

5 Former Gov. Terry McAuliffe. (Courtesy of Terry for Virginia)

governor elected in Virginia since Douglas Wilder in 1990. If either Carroll Roy or McClellan win in the Nov. 2 general election, they would become the state’s first Black woman elected to the Commonwealth’s top position. “I came to the General Assembly as a 32-year-old Black woman from the most Democratic district in the state [and] operating in a body that was mostly white Republican men over 50 . . . and bringing perspectives that were not represented in the General Assembly,” said McClellan, 47, a state senator since 2017 who served 11 years in the House of Delegates from 2006. In terms of police reform, McClellan and Carroll Roy said they would end qualified immunity, a U.S. Supreme Court doctrine to ensure officers aren’t held liable unless another officer has been found guilty in a similar situation. Carroll Roy, 39, a former state delegate from 2018-20 now working as a court-appointed attorney, said law enforcement agencies must be held more accountable for police wrongdoings such as the controversial traffic stop by Windsor Police against U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Caron Nazario, who’s Black and Latino. Authorities released body camera

5 Jennifer Carroll Roy. (Courtesy of Jennifer Carroll Foy for Governor)

5 Del. Lee J. Carter. (Courtesy of Carter for Governor)

footage of the incident last month. As for body cameras, she said, “I can tell you, the cameras are not on.” All five candidates support paid sick leave and paid family leave for Virginia workers. Carroll Roy would also incorporate a prescription drug affordability board, which the neighboring state of Maryland approved two years ago to recommend ways to make drugs more affordable. Some of the most intense dialogue came from Carter, 36, elected in 2017 as a delegate. Carter, a self-proclaimed socialist, criticized McAuliffe when he said he would bring companies such as Amazon and Nestle Corp. to reignite the state’s economy. “I’ll tell you what I’m not going to do. I’m not going to give millions of dollars of our public money to massive corporations like Amazon and Nestle,” Carter said. “When the Amazon H2Q was announced, the rent in my building went up 18% in a month before a single shovel hit the ground. Before a single person was hired. It made people’s lives worse and we had to pay for the privilege.” Polls in the state show McAuliffe ahead in the Democratic race. Some of his responses to questions focused ahead on the general election for voters not to select Republican candidate Glenn Youngkin, a 54-year-old businessman and former executive of the Carlyle Group who received the GOP nomination last week. “Glenn Youngkin opposed Medicaid expansion. He said it was wrong,” McAuliffe, 64, said. “For 500,000 Virginians who had health care because of Medicaid expansion, Glenn Youngkin is against it.” Fairfax, 42, said he believes his time as second-in-command helped the state bring health insurance for Virginians and the state being the first in the south to legalize marijuana. He said he’s served as “part of the most progressive administration in the history of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Something that has resonated with millions of voters around the Commonwealth.” WI @jabariwill

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LIFESTYLE Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum: Asian Pacific American Businesses Anchor Our Communities By Miriam Doutriaux, Supervisory Collections Manager, Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum This spring feels like no other. As we shake off the winter blues, we are also emerging from a year that kept many of us at home, distanced from others with whom we usually spend time—family, friends, but also the many familiar faces we see at neighborhood coffee shops, local restaurants, or the nearest corner store. The places where we get our food, it turns out, are also places where we gather, cross paths, seek support and stay connected. This is the idea underlying a year-long project of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum that is documenting Asian Pacific American food and foodways in the District and surrounding areas. The project broadens the scope of the museum’s collection by preserving artifacts and stories that have not previously been recorded. It builds on research about local food and foodways that is featured in the museum’s current exhibition, Food for the People, and asks local residents for help identifying food businesses that anchor our communities. Do you have a favorite Asian Pacific American take-out, restaurant, corner store or supermarket? If you are a member of the APA community, do you have a food memory to share, or a place to recommend? Some are well-known, others less so; some occupy busy intersections, others are tucked away on residential streets; most serve a diverse clientele, while some also act as gathering places for specific cultural groups. The distribution of these businesses across the region reflects a rich history of (im) migration from many parts of Asia and America, as well as the variable availability of food offerings and access across our different neighborhoods. The stories of the shopkeepers, restaurateurs, and their customers create a valuable portrait

of the ways Asian American foods and businesses have enriched our communities. The stories collected to date are wide ranging and diverse. Richard Nguyen’s Nam Viet is one of the last remaining Vietnamese restaurants in what used to be known as “Little Saigon” in Clarendon, VA. Nguyen proudly serves the traditional Vietnamese Pho or noodle soups first prepared by his parents for the restaurant, but he has also introduced new dishes and put a new spin on traditional dishes in response to a changing neighborhood. What has not changed is the family tradition of support to the community, including outreach to veterans and first responders. In Washington, DC’s Ward 6, many residents rely on Seven River Mart when they have a last-minute need for milk, a craving for a snack, or a small fix-it project that requires supplies. Owner Samuel Ko is responsive to his customers’ needs, adjusting his inventory according to requests he has received. He is also known for spon-

soring local schools and youth baseball leagues, which he sees as contributing to the sense of community and camaraderie he feels among his neighbors. In Wheaton, MD, Janet Yu’s popular Hollywood East Café is a gathering spot for the Chinese American diaspora, many of whom seek out the specialties she cooks from her parents’ native Toisan in Guandong province. The weekend dimsum service, with its dumplings and tea, draws multiple generations to the table. The Café has pivoted to take-out during the pandemic, enabling the community to continue to enjoy the dishes from home. Asian Pacific American food businesses are a mainstay of our neighborhoods and communities. Help us document the many ways they sustain and support us. To share your favorite restaurant, take-out, or store, please email ACMCollections@ si.edu with the name, location, and a brief comment. We will select some to include as part of this project.

IN MEMORIAM Comedic Genius and Actor Paul Mooney Dead at 79 WI Staff Report Comedian and actor Paul Mooney, who collaborated with comedic stars including Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, Eddie Murphy and Dave Chappelle, died from a heart attack on Wednesday, May 19 at the age of 79. His publicist, Cassandra Williams, confirmed his death. Mooney remains best known for his work in comedic circles, including his comedy albums and time as head writer on "The Richard Pryor" show. He’s also credited as a major writer on many influential Black sitcoms and comedies, including “Sanford and Son,” “Good Times,” “In Living Color,” “Pryor's Place,” “Chappelle's Show” and the faux reality television parody the “Real Husbands of Hollywood.” In addition to his comedy writing, Mooney also starred in several films, most recently the 2016 film “Meet the Blacks.” Mooney also appeared in “The Buddy Holly Story,” where he played Sam

Cooke, “Bustin' Loose,” “Hollywood Shuffle” and “Bamboozled.” Born Paul Gladney in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1941, Mooney moved to Hollywood after discovering he had a knack for comedy and writing. He would never look back. After news of his death broke, fans and friends took to social media to celebrate the life of the comic, thanking the "Godfather of comedy" for his iconic roles and bits. "You were both funny and poignant," tweeted Actress Viola Davis Wednesday. "So happy to have witnessed your genius live. Rest well!!! Pour down some laughter here. We need it." Filmmaker Ava Duvernay called Mooney a comedic genius, thanking him for how he let his personal experiences shine through his work. "He spoke freely and fearlessly about feelings and experiences others found difficult to express," Duvernay said. "May he be truly free now." WI

5 The Hung Phat Asian Grocery in Wheaton, MD, sells groceries and hot foods to a broad clientele, including specialty ingredients for Thai, Vietnamese, and other Asian cuisines. Image by Katherine Benz. 5 Paul Mooney (Courtesy photo)

30 MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021

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Kinyumba Mutakabbir Releases Documentary on First Anniversary of George Floyd’s Death Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer As an actor and an African American, Kinyumba Mutakabbir says he felt obligated to create a film to extend the conversation of racial inequities and the injustice experienced in the Black community, particularly at the hands of law enforcement. Mutakabbir, who has more than 30 television and film credits, has created a 10-minute short film documentary titled “Nguvu Kwa Watu” – or “Power to the People.” But its release date, May 25, bears worldwide significance as the first anniversary of the death of George Floyd. “Seeing and participating in many protests over the past year, my heart pours out to all those who have suffered under our nation’s seemingly timeless challenge: racial inequities,” Mutakabbir, who has starred alongside such A-list actors as Robert Downey, Jr., Queen Latifah, and Vivica A. Fox, said during a live interview on the National News-

paper Publishers Association’s morning breaking news program “Let It Be Known.” “Nguvu Kwa Watu is Swahili. I chose that title for a reason,” noted Mutakabbir, a New York native who now lives in Baltimore. “It means power to the people. I’m a huge fan of [activist] Bobby Seale and his book ‘Seize the Time: [The Story of Black of the Black Panty Party and Huey P. Newton],” Mutakabbir said. “[The book] stuck with me about how important it is to keep the power within those who are on the ground and those who are on the frontlines [of the movement].” Mutakabbir, a Qigong master and CEO of Moments of Alignment who describes himself as an activist disguised as an actor, noted that the goal of his new documentary also includes encouraging people on their selection of the words they use. “I wanted to create more of a conversation around what we are

using as far as our words,” he said. “As an actor, it is very important to be cognizant of the words you are speaking. You have a script that you are given and you are asked to create emotions and feelings behind those words.” He continued: “We don’t always realize how much those words affect us on the other side. When we were brought here [from Africa], we were robbed of many things, including our language. I think it is very important to have some sort of connectivity back to that [original] language, that dialect. “It helps you in various ways. I wanted to challenge the status quo in Hollywood and offer a title that you don’t normally see. I’m excited,” he said. Click here to learn more about the film. Click here to watch the entire interview with Kinyumba Mutakabbir. WI @StacyBrownMedia

5 Actor Kinyumba Mutakabbir. (Courtesy photo)

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LIFESTYLE

Former NBA Player Kwame Brown Dishes Out the Unadulterated Truth Jon Jeter Special to The Washington Informer Punctuated by a fusillade of racial epithets, sexual innuendo and enough profanity to make a rapper blush, the eruption on social media last week of a feud between three African-American, ex-professional basketball players could easily be dismissed as a banal –albeit entertaining –barroom brawl between retired jocks with too much time on their hands, yet nothing to say. But underlying the debate over Kwame Brown’s 12-year-career in the National Basketball Association is a far more substantive meditation on the racial storytelling that is at the heart of the corporate news me-

dia and the role that African-American journalists and pundits play in a white settler project that shapes the narrative to qualify its exploitation of Black athletes. At issue – comments made last month by former NBA players Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes on their popular podcast, All the Smoke, while interviewing Los Angeles Lakers President Jeanie Buss. When Buss recalled the 2009 trade that sent Brown and Marc Gasol to the Memphis Grizzlies, Jackson joked that Gasol was the only player involved in the deal. He disparaged Brown further in a later interview with Brown’s former Washington Wizards’ teammate, Gilbert Arenas, who said Brown’s confidence was destroyed by the team’s general man-

ager at the time, Michael Jordan. That seemed to set off the 39-year-old Brown who has become the punchline of a running joke after the Washington Wizards drafted him first overall in the 2001 NBA draft. Taking to Instagram to release a series of posts challenging oft-repeated descriptions of him as a “bust,” Brown has repeatedly questioned the news media’s motives for consistently portraying Black athletes in a negative light. By turns profane and prophetic, he has been nothing short of a revelation, in no small part because he has largely maintained an almost monk-like silence over the past 20 years. In summary, Brown provided a clear rebuke of a sports media that monopolizes the public discourse

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Apply Now. Take Classes In-person or Online If you’re a DC resident, have a son or daughter 26 or younger with a high school diploma or GED and meet a few other requirements, the DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) can help by providing up to $10,000 a year to participating colleges and universities, nationwide. Apply by September 17, 2021 to begin classes this fall. TEXT DCTAG @ 474747 to get started. dconeapp.dc.gov 32 MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021

5 Kwame Brown (Courtesy photo)

with its declassified dossier of Black dysfunction. Why, for example, Brown asked, is the media preoccupied with Black athletes such as Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and James Harden, yet says virtually nothing about white professionals like Chad Wheeler, the NFL player charged with assault for strangling his African-American girlfriend? For their part, Jackson and Barnes have said that their criticism of Brown has been limited to his performance on the court during a playing career in which he averaged a pedestrian 7 points and 6 rebounds per-game on 49 percent shooting. Brown says the description of him as a “bust” doesn’t tell the full story. According to Brown, a resentful Jordan bullied him and took great pains to criticize him to the press, going so far as to say that his hands were too small to consistently catch the ball. That description is inconsistent with the size of his hands displayed on camera during his Instagram videos. Moreover, Brown says, the myopic view of his on-court performance is detached from the broader reality of 42 million African Americans who, combined, own only 1 percent of all assets in the nation, roughly the same as during slavery. Brown was the last of eight children born to a dirt-poor Black family in South Carolina. Over the course of his career, however, he made more than $63 million which he uses to give back to his family and community. In addition to Jackson and Barnes, he is especially critical of ES-

PN’s Stephen A. Smith who Brown accuses of cheerleading at the behest of his white bosses. Brown’s broadside against the media has struck a nerve with Blacks on social media who are tuning in to his YouTube posts in droves, applauding his candor, laughing at his folksy humor and even comparing him to Muhammad Ali, the “People’s Champ.” Whatever the theoretical source of his argument, Brown is clear in his admonition of Black journalists for doing the bidding of white billionaires, going so far as to say that the characterization of him as a flop was part of an effort to discourage young Black athletes from turning pro straight out of high school which depletes the NCAA’s supply of cheap labor. “I never lost sight of mothafu---s that was struggling,” he said. “To this day. I’m feeding the kids in Brunswick, the football team, on Monday. But now I know my true purpose. It ain’t to give back during a turkey drive or a holiday. Nig---s go back where you from and stop talking on camera. Go back and make an impact every day.” “A young man that was homeless bought his mother a house, a young man that was in the free lunch program has an action figure . . . a young man that by every statistical category, I wasn’t supposed to make it to college, I was supposed to go to prison . . . I got the key to the city and I’m in the Hall of Fame.” “And you call that a bust?” Brown asked. WI

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LIFESTYLE

wi book review "Footnotes: The Black Artists Who Rewrote the Rules of the Great White Way" By Caseen Gaines c.2021, Sourcebooks $26.99 448 page By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer You can't see where the roar is coming from. But you can hear it, and that's what matters. The role was made for you, you hit every line and note, the audience loved you — and now the roar of cheers and applause is yours. How long does the standing ovation last? How hard do they clap? As in the new book "Footnotes" by Caseen Gaines, how long will your star stay aloft? Growing up in an affluent Black neighborhood in Columbia, Tennessee, Flournoy Miller had everything he could ever want — and when he was 9 years old, he wanted to be onstage. It was 1894, and his parents had taken him to see Sissieretta Jones, a famous soprano and "one of the highest-paid Black entertainers of the day." "Miller," says Gaines, "was captivated." And yet, growing up, Miller knew that fame was a dangerous reach. Every Black entertainer seemed to know someone who was killed by white folks for no reason, but once Miller met Aubrey Lyles in 1903 and "the two hit it off right away," the danger was ignored. Miller, in fact, was more determined than ever for fame, and the two developed a popular comedy act. From the time he was a child, Noble Sissle loved to sing. Few things pleased him more than a chance to perform in church and, while it was expected that he would become a minister like his father, he grew more passionate about music. When Sissle took a job in Baltimore, he met Eubie Blake, a talented pianist who grew up in a Godly house as a child and honed his talents at brothels as a teenager. They, too, became fast friends and eventual collaborators. It's a small world, and because they worked in the same industry, Miller and Lyles knew Sissle and Blake and there was mutual respect all around. They had kicked around the idea of working together on a show but the idea didn't coalesce until early 1921. And "with nothing but a handshake agreement …" says Gaines, "the quartet agreed to give it a shot." The nicest thing about "Footnotes" is this: you don't have to be a Broadway-goer to enjoy it. You don't ever have to have even seen a play. You can love this lively, sparkling book for no reason but just because. Though it takes awhile to get there and though it may not seem like it, the main subject of this book is the musical "Shuffle Along." Author Caseen Gaines seems to use this main feature as a backdrop, as he wraps biographies, history, and everyday life around that century-old show to show how it came to be and why it was so important to Black culture. There's racism in this tale, of course, but also determination and a sense of opulence and grandeur, at times. It can be a feel-good story, but one that hurts, too. Shakespeare said, "The play's the thing" and so is "Footnotes." If you love Broadway, history, or books on culture, it'll make you roar. WI

horoscopes

MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021

ARIES Monday is a great day — on the romance front, at home, out in the world, in every realm. You are unstoppable. Creativity and healthy competition keep you on your toes. Tuesday and Wednesday are less ideal — mundane responsibilities and conflicts between friends threaten to drive you nuts — but Thursday and Friday you're back in the game and better than ever. Lucky Numbers: 34, 36, 50 TAURUS Monday sees you settling a dispute between two of your friends — not the most fun thing in the world. But Tuesday is appropriately romantic and fun. The affection, the feeling of lightness, the sudden abundance of beauty all around you — all this lasts through the rest of the week. The work you have to do on Thursday is so much more palatable when love is in the back of your mind. Lucky Numbers: 12, 15, 17 GEMINI After a light debate with a friend, you feel stimulated and on your toes. Engage as many friends as you can in conversations. Practice your communication skills; you'll need them Wednesday, when an interaction with a family member will prove difficult. Thursday and Friday are more purely enjoyable — and if you're single, a romantic prospect might present itself. Lucky Numbers: 13, 24, 49 CANCER You don't need to settle. Whether the matter is financial or professional or romantic, you can afford to hold out. You go into the week with confidence, which is what makes everything go your way Tuesday and Wednesday. Also, you're not afraid to do what you need to do to be happy. Friday you should do something actively self-improving as well. Lucky Numbers: 6, 19, 26 LEO Check you out! You are on top of the world. The magnificence and warmth of Monday are evidence that you're on the right track. Use this positive reinforcement to propel you to still greater heights. Tuesday and Wednesday, put your mind on money matters, as some reassessment may be in order. Thursday and Friday, shove that stack of bills aside and go out and do something with friends. Lucky Numbers: 3, 14, 29 VIRGO You know the drill. The more crazy things get, the more flexible you have to become — otherwise you'll snap. And no one wants that. Your seeming nonchalance pays off as soon as Tuesday. It's like you were born to juggle, you make it look so easy. Wednesday is a good time to start a new project and Thursday is right for making a big purchase with a partner. Lucky Numbers: 12, 20, 53 LIBRA A bunch of questioning faces turn toward you on Monday, as if you have the answers. (You have many of the answers, but you don't have all of them — make sure everyone knows that. Still, they see you as a leader, and that's totally flattering.) Tuesday and Wednesday, do the best you can do with the resources you have, and make sure everyone's getting along. Relationships are key right now — and relationships of another kind, the love kind, figure in on Thursday and Friday. Lucky Numbers: 7, 13, 28 SCORPIO Work is a bit of an obstacle course on Monday. If you were thinking of asking for a raise, Monday isn't the day to bring it up. If a coworker has steam pouring out of his or her ears, stay out of the way. Tuesday and Wednesday are good days on almost every level. You're feeling especially close to a friend right now. This is the person you should go to on Thursday for help making a decision. The two of you will spend the second half of the week tossing ideas back and forth. Lucky Numbers: 17, 39, 42 SAGITTARIUS Any traveling you do on Monday will be a grand experience. If you're flying somewhere, you might get unexpectedly upgraded to first class. If you're staying in town, the good luck will come in other forms, but it will come, and you should be prepared for a boost in optimism. Midweek, the worst thing you'll face is an authority figure in a cranky mood. Lucky Numbers: 23, 29, 48 CAPRICORN Resources are tight on Monday, and no one's in the mood to share. Needless to say, Monday isn't a banner day. But Tuesday, an unexpected phone call from a long-distance friend changes your whole attitude, and a breakthrough on Wednesday allows you to achieve a whole lot in a single afternoon. You'll try to build on these achievements Thursday and Friday, but your energy will be off. Or maybe it's everyone else's energy that's off? Lucky Numbers: 7, 8, 18 AQUARIUS Sometimes the most improbable experiments lead to the most extraordinary discoveries; the history of science has borne this out, but the principle applies equally to social experiments. Monday sees you trying new things in your relationships with other people. Tuesday and Wednesday, you are still trying to get a handle on what these people may want from you, but by Thursday your interactions are a lot more intuitive and comfortable. Lucky Numbers: 3, 30, 35 PISCES Your imagination tends toward the fantasy realm on Monday, but there are some very real (and no less fascinating) storylines unfolding right before your eyes. Rather than being critical of a friend consider how you might be able to help them. You have a yen to clean on Thursday, and tidying up the house gets you in the mood to tidy up other aspects of your life as well. Lucky Numbers: 16, 21, 25

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MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021 33

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tanks revealing liquor stores located in poor and predominantly Black neighborhoods as opposed to white areas. In addition to The Mart, Adofo posted on Facebook on May 20 stores such as the Fort Carroll Delicatessen, Holiday Liquor and King Avenue Liquor will be challenged on getting their liquor licenses renewed by the D.C. Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration. He said the May 19 protest reinvigorated the discussion among community activists and noted his support among fellow commissioners and organizations such as the National Black United Front, Black social workers and the District’s branch of the NAACP. “We want the community to

be engaged with this process,” Adofo said. “These businesses shouldn’t get their liquor licenses renewed without community input.” However, there are some residents who don’t agree with Adofo’s actions. Jay Cerr, a customer of The Mart, believes the store should have its liquor license renewed. “This is a good store,” Cerr said. “The people who run it are good. They hire people from the neighborhood to clean up at night. They have also agreed to look into giving some money to the D.C. Boys and Girls Club. The people who own this store treat people in the community right. I disagree with Salim. We need to keep these stores. If they go away, you know what will happen. High-rise apartments

Stay Informed!

www.washingtoninformer.com 34 MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021

will be built in their place and that won’t help anybody around here.” Larry Booker patronizes The Mart but candidly admits a problem exists when liquor stores are common in Black neighborhoods. “I don’t think it is good,” he said. “The number of liquor stores in the Black community needs to be reduced.” Adofo said the high number of liquor stores becomes a problem when so few alternatives are available to Ward 8 residents when that is not the case for dwellers west of the Anacostia River. “We have these liquor stores here but there are no banks and no food and vegetable stands,” he said. “Plus, in the immediate area of The Mart, are schools and a homeless shelter. That is not good for the community.” The Informer sought comment from the owners of The Mart but they didn’t respond in a visit to the store and phone calls. Adofo said he and his supporters will monitor developments with the liquor license renewals and will offer testimony to the alcoholic beverage agency when asked to do so. He said his efforts to curtail liquor stores licenses will continue outside of Ward 8. “We are making plans to take this movement across the city,” he said. “We are looking at Max Liquor in Ward 7 as our next protest target.” WI @JamesDCWrighter

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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Life Is Like the Seasons

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born… — Ecclesiastes 3:3 Spring comes right after winter. It will come every year at the same time, it doesn't switch places. It is the opportunity time — take advantage of springtime, you must do something with it. Learn what must be done during the springtime of your life. You must plant in the spring or beg in the fall when it is time to harvest. Plant in the spring, because winter is sure to come again. Life is short — don't let days and seasons past without you doing your work on yourself. Spring is your opportunity to plant new seeds of knowledge in your mind. Have you finally decided what you want to do with the rest of your life? There is a saying, "It's better to be prepared and not have an opportunity than to have an opportunity and not be prepared." Scripture tells us to "study to show thyself approved." Here is where you must study, learn your craft and allow yourself to perfect it.

Recently, while watching Tyler Perry on YouTube, I witnessed him recite the entire Psalm 91 without missing a beat! I could not believe how he recited the entire chapter, just as easily as most of us can recite the 23rd Psalm. During my days of training to become a successful motivational speaker, we would be in the classes learning from Les Brown during the time of my life when I needed it most. My mother had just died and I had started to work closely with Les Brown and the other speakers in training. After the funeral, I came back home to D.C., and grieved for a few months. Then I got back up again, went back to my training classes — the best thing I could have done for myself. To hear the positive messages from Les Brown, Willie Jolley and the other speakers just lifted my grieving spirits. That period of time was my springtime. It gave me a chance to learn something new and different. He also suggested I memorize one of the poems written by Maya Angelou. His suggestion for me was "the Monday poem," "Still I Rise." I have studied that poem, and have learned it, can recite it, but I've never been brave enough to throw it in during one of my messages. This message is to me, just as it is to you. I have quotes, scriptures and poetry that as a

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

speaker, they must be memorized. This is my spring season too, as I speak anywhere, anytime the way Tyler Perry did. During summertime, you must nourish what's good and defend yourself against what's bad. The season brings the possibility of threats, and bugs will come to take over your crop if you don't prevent them. Deal with the weeds and kill them. Do your work. You cannot change the seasons, but you can change yourself. When you do these things, just know that the best is yet to come! When you work hard at your job, you can make a living, but as you become more valuable to the marketplace, your earnings possibilities will increase. Galatians 6:9 reminds us this way: "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Work hard and develop the skill, develop your graces, work on the right thing. Learn how to handle the winters. Winter comes right after fall, every year for millions of years. Winters are the down times when it all goes wrong, like this pandemic when folks around the world lost jobs, businesses and, even worse, family members and loved ones. Divorces; loss of jobs, eviction from the home you loved — winter. Life is like the seasons. WI

John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.

5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089

1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005

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

www.jmlaw.net

(301) 864-6070

jmccollum@jmlaw.net

headline and photo for LIF Mount Olivet MALCOLMXDAY Lutheran Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.) Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

(301) 864-6070

Service and Times Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m. Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday “Friendliest Church in the City” Website: mountolivetdc.org Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

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MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021 35

RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM

Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM 5th Sundays: 9:30 AM 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 PM

Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

Blessed Word of Life Church

Church of Living Waters

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor 4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464 Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., / Pastor 2498 Alabama Ave., SE - Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 / Fax: (202) 889-2198 - www.acamec.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00 AM Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30 AM 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00 AM Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30 PM Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00 AM “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”

Third Street Church of God

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

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor

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

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

5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555 Services and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45 AM Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday , 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 PM Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30 AM

1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax

Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM

Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power “An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org

www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Campbell AME Church

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study Wednesday: 12:00 Noon Wednesday: 7:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 PM “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address : Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020

“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor 800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703 Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45 AM Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax

Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6:00 AM & 6:30 PM Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church / Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org / emailus@gmchc.org

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

St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us... Dr. Raymond T. Matthews Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011 Services and Times Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service: 6:45 PM Thur. Bible Study: 7:15 PM

Twelfth Street Christian Church

Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White 2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org

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

Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM

Crusader Baptist Church

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

Turning Hearts Church Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher 421 Alabama Ave. SE Washington, DC 20032 Phone: 202-746-0113 Fax: 301-843-2445 Service and Times Sunday School: 10:15 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11;15 AM Children’s Church: 11:15 AM Tuesday Bible Study: 6:30 PM Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment” Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org Email: gr8luv4u2@gmail.com

36 MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021

Mount Carmel Baptist Church Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr. Senior Pastor 901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423 Service and Times Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10 AM themcbc.org

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

Zion Baptist Church Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor 4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773 Service and Times 9:00 a.m. – Sunday School 10:15 a.m. – Worship Service Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study 7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org

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

All Nations Baptist Church Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor 2001 North Capitol St, N.E. - Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591 Service and Times Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education / School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards

Israel Baptist Church

Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor 2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730 Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Baptismal Service: 1st Sunday – 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday – 11:00 AM Prayer Meeting & Bible Study: Wednesday -7:30 PM “Where Jesus is the King”

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . . 100% Forgiven!

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00 PM www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church Rev. Richard B. Black Pastor

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

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

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

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

Mount Moriah Baptist Church Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

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

New Commandment Baptist Church

Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964

8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:30 AM Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM

Service and Times Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11 AM Sunday School: 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

2001 Brooks Drive District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Experience: 10:15am Sunday School: 9:00am Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Morning Noontime Bible Study: Tuesday @ 12:00pm Prayer Meeting/Bible Study: Tuesday @7:00pm Theme: "Building On A Firm Foundation"

Service and Times Sunday Service: 10:00 AM Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM 1st Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting: 7:45 PM

Email: revprbstmbc@gmail.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

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

“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org

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

Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958

Shiloh Baptist Church

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

Christ Embassy DC

Dr. Joseph D. Turner / Senior Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Early Worship Service: 8:00 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM New Member’s Class: 9:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday, 11:00 AM Church School: 9:45 AM Wednesday 12:00pm Bible Study Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: 7:00 PM Saturday Bible Study: 11:00 AM Baptism 4th Sunday: 11:00 AM “Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”

Peace Baptist Church

Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator 6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Friday Evening Service: 7:00 PM ; Last Friday “…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM “The Loving Church of the living lord “

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

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor

9th & P Street, N.W. - W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4288

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

2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 - Fax: (202) 529-7738 Service and Times Worship Service: 7:30 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30AM & 10:30 AM Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 PM. Wednesday 12 Noon

www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

Service and Times First Sunday Worship Service (one service): 10:00 AM Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sunday Worship service: 7:45 AM and 10:55 AM Sunday Church School/Bible Study: 9:30 AM Thursday Prayer Service: 6:30 PM

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

Email: sbc@shilohbaptist.org Website: shilohbaptist.org

Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor

Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

Rev. Dr. Jerryl V. Moody Pastor-Elect

Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

St. Matthews Baptist Church

Emmanuel Baptist Church

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Service and Times Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 AM Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “

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

MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021 37

LEGAL NOTICES In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance: I am that I am: " Cynthia Marie Smith El© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: " SMITH EL, CYNTHIA MARIE© ", corp.sole Dba.: "CYNTHIA MARIE SMITH EL© ", &, " SMITH, CYNTHIA MARIE© ", corp. sole Dba.: " CYNTHIA MARIE SMITH© ", having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: " Cynthia Marie Smith El© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: "cynthia marie smith el© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title: This order is to preserve legal and equitable title and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: State File Number 141-63-30493, "CYNTHIA MARIE SMITH © ", is as a special deposit order conveyed to " Harmonies Of Life Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " cynthia marie smith el© ", nom deguerre: " Cynthia Marie Smith El© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: " Harmonies Of Life Trust© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary /trustee /agent/ bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo Favente

LEGAL NOTICES In God We Trust. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of

LEGAL NOTICES

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

juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary

2021 ADM 000388

2021 ADM 000123

2021 ADM 000416

James Louis Stover Decedent

Louis J. Brenner Decedent

Clifford Thomas Decedent

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

Valerie Edwards 1725 DeSales Street, NW Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney

Cheryl Chapman Henderson 4920 Niagara Road, Suite 200 College Park, MD 20740 Attorney

Special Appearance: I am that I am: “beatriz bey©”, nom deguerre:“ vasquez, beatriz©”, in full life, in propria persona, sui

VASQUEZ © ’’. I being Trustee of ‘‘ VASQUEZ, BREAILY© ’’, corp. sole Dba.: ‘‘ BREAILY VASQUEZ© ’’ having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms the following: Notice of White Flag Surrender: as “hors de combat”, pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, and Lieber Code, as

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

Geneva Jackson Byrd, whose address is 1041 West First Street, Newton, NC 28658, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James Louis Stover who died on February 11, 2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/13/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/13/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Derelys Brenner, whose address is 4220 Jennings Ridge Drive, Cleveland, OH 44109, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Louis J. Brenner who died on October 5, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/13/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/13/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 5/13/2021

Date of first publication: May 13, 2021

Geneva Jackson Byrd Personal Representative

Derelys Brenner Personal Representative

and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

Empire, and Internationally Protected Persons. Notice of LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND (HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: [1] THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH REGISTRY OF VITAL RECORDS AND STATISTICS, REGISTERED NUMBER: 001986, ‘‘ BEATRIZ VASQUEZ© ’’, [2] The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Registry of Vital Records and Statistics, REGISTERED NUMBER:1095 , STATE FILE NUMBER: 026542, ‘‘ BREAILY VASQUEZ© ’’ is as a special deposit order conveyed to “ Beatriz Bey Trust ”. Individual Trust being an Unincorporated Divine Grantor Inter Vivos Trust. Inter alia. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary/ trustee/ agent/ bailee/ donee/ debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

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

2012 FEP 000115

2021 ADM 000047

2021 ADM 000429

2021 ADM 000378

Avery Arnell Harris Decedent

Altamese Gilmore Decedent

Mildred E. Turner Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS William Elmer Turner and Joseph H. Turner whose addresses are 5320 Black Oak Drive, Fairfax, VA 22032 were appointed personal representatives of the estate of Mildred E. Turner, deceased, by the Circuit Court for Arlington County, State of Virginia, on 4/30/12. Service of process may be made upon James Larry Frazier, Esq., 918 Maryland Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate: Town Square Towers Condominium, 700 7th Street, SW, Unit No. 610 and P-210, Washington, DC 22204. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Kenneth Scott Reynolds aka Scott Reynolds Decedent Michelle L Evans, Esq. Offit Kurman, PA 7501 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1000W Bethesda, MD 20814 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

William Elmer Turner Joseph H. Turner Personal Representative

Elizabeth Reynolds Agather, whose address is 11909 Shavenrock Place, Raleigh, North Carolina 27613, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kenneth Scott Reynolds aka Scott Reynolds who died on 11/2/2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/13/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/13/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Date of first publication: 5/13/2021

Washington Informer

Elizabeth Reynolds Agather Personal Representative

Date of first publication: 5/13/2021

38 MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021

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

Taino moorish Americans, and ministers of The Moorish

Notice of Reference : 0112358-13

March 10, 2012 Date of Death

LEGAL NOTICES

Angela D. Minor, Esq. Minor & Willcox, LLC PO Box 7181 Largo, MD 20792-7181 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Warnica Sharmaine Green, whose address is 404 Delafield Place, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Avery Arnell Harris who died on 9/14/2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/13/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/13/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 5/13/2021 Warnica Sharmaine Green Personal Representative

Meauvell Tate and Nashid Saadiq, whose addresses are 7413 9th St., NW, Washington, DC 20012 & 1114 Trinidad Ave., NE, Washington, DC 20002, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Clifford Thomas who died on December 2, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/13/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/13/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 5/13/2021 Meauvell Tate Nashid Saadiq Personal Representative

2021 ADM 000433 Lessie Bell Thomas Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Dovel Clarence Gilmore, whose address is 4503 Kentland Dr., Dale City, VA 22193, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Altamese Gilmore who died on July 7, 2019 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/13/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/13/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 5/13/2021 Dovel Clarence Gilmore Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Angela M. Thomas and Brenda T Wright, whose addresses are 1218 Randolph St., NE, Washington, DC 20017 and 15111 Plumtree Way, Bowie, MD 20721, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Lessie Bell Thomas who died on October 2, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/13/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/13/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 5/13/2021 Angela M. Thomas Brenda T. Wright Personal Representative

Washington Informer TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2021 ADM 000467

2021 ADM 000145

2021 ADM 000324

2021 ADM 000451

2021 ADM 000442

Ruth Williams Decedent

Franklin Ellsworth Scott Decedent

Terunesh Zeamanuel Decedent

David William Rife Decedent

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

Tina Smith Nelson, Esq. Legal Counsel for the Elderly 601 E Street, NW Washington, DC 20049 Attorney

Johnny H. Butler, Jr. Decedent Iris McCollum Green, Esq. 1730 M Street, NW, Ste., 609 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Johnny H. Butler, III, whose address is 2701 Q Street, SE, Apt. 101, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Johnny H. Butler, Jr. who died on December 17, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/13/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/13/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 5/13/2021 Johnny H. Butler, III Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CABARRUS COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA File No. 21 SP 118 ARLENE THOMPSON Petitioner, vs. SHARON COLLIER, et al. Respondents.

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION TO: SHARON COLLIER the above named Respondent: TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above- entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Partition of Real Property. You are required to make defense no later than June 15, 2021, said date being 30 days from the first publication of this notice and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought. This the 16th day of May, 2021 Andrew D. Phillips Kraus & Phillips, PLLC 285 Church Street NE Concord, NC 28025 704-707-4224 Telephone 704-943-9166 Facsimile

Carlette Prince, whose address is 1926 4th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ruth Williams who died on August 1, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/20/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/20/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

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

Date of first publication: 5/20/2021

Rosalie Elaine Scott, whose address is 1816 Kenyon Street, NW, Washington, DC 20010, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Franklin Ellsworth Scott who died on October 8, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/20/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/20/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Carlette Prince Personal Representative

Date of first publication: 5/20/2021

TRUE TEST COPY

Rosalie Elaine Scott Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

TRUE TEST COPY

Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: " Harrison Le Mon III© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: " LE MON III, HARRISON© ", corp.sole Dba.: " HARRISON LE MON III© “, &, " LEMON III, HARRISON© ", corp.sole Dba.: " HARRISON LEMON III© “, having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: " Harrison Le Mon III© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " harrison le mon bey© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: State File Number 107-81-000384, " HARRISON LE MON III© ", is as a special deposit order conveyed to " House Of Le Mon Bey Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " harrison le mon bey© ", nom deguerre: " Harrison Le Mon III© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " House Of Le Mon Bey Trust© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo Favente. Notice of Reference: 0112358-13

Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Jingo Jingo, whose address is 12122 Turnstone Ct., Silver Spring, MD 20904, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Terunesh Zeamanuel who died on May 29, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/20/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/20/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 5/20/2021 Jingo Jingo Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Pawvana Pansiri, whose address is 1330 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Apt. 1013, Washington, DC 20036, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of David William Rife who died on May 11, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/20/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/20/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 5/20/2021 Pawvana Pansiri Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2020 ADM 889

2021 ADM 000518

2021 ADM 488

Wallace Holland aka Wallace W. Holland aka Wallace William Holland Decedent

Dolores E. Brown Decedent

Melvin Burnley Decedent

Frederick D. Cooke, Jr. 1250 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 700 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney

Howard Haley, Esq. The Haley Firm, PC 7600 Georgia Ave, NW #405 Washington, DC 20012 Attorney

Joan M. Wilbon 1120 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 1020 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Karen Holland, whose address is 1417 Primrose Street, NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Wallace Holland aka Wallace W. Holland aka Wallace William Holland who died on 3/6/2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/27/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/27/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Kenneth A. Brown, whose address is 1813 Kearney Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dolores E. Brown who died on July 22, 2019 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/27/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/27/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 5/27/2021 Kenneth A. Brown Personal Representative

Date of first publication: 5/27/2021 Karen Holland Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Debra Reid, whose address is 1216 Holbrook St., NE, Apt. #2, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Melvin Burnley who died on June 23, 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/27/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/27/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 5/27/2021 Debra Reid Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Washington Informer

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021 39

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2021 ADM 000513

2021 ADM 508

2021 ADM 489

Curtis Williams Decedent

Julia Lenes Decedent

Patricia Donelson aka Patricia Ann Donelson Decedent

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

Mary Elizabeth Williams, whose address is 1314 Shady Glen Dr., District Heights, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Curtis Williams who died on April 27, 1999 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/27/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/27/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Anita Claudia Custodio, whose address is 4908 Arkansas Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Julia Lenes who died on June 17, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/27/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/27/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 5/27/2021

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Felicia Donelson, whose address is 223 17th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Patricia Donelson aka Patricia Ann Donelson who died on January 9, 2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/27/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/27/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 5/27/2021 Felicia Donelson Personal Representative

Mary Elizabeth Williams Personal Representative

Anita Claudia Custodio Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2021 ADM 000428

2021 ADM 000452

2021 ADM 485

Mary F. McKinney Decedent

Calvin Murray Decedent

Gloria Maxiene Goodwin Decedent

Matthew F. Shannon, Esquire 1420 N Street, NW, #203 Washington, DC 20005 Attorney

Shari G. Kleiner 5614 Connecticut Ave., NW #107 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Maurice McKinney, whose address is 3042 Nash Place, NE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary F. McKinney who died on January 30, 2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/27/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/27/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 5/27/2021

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Ronald Murray and Shirley Ann Murray, whose addresses are 2137 Kingsley Lane, Chesapeake, VA 23323 and 3400 Commodore Barney Dr., NE, 300W, WDC 20018, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Calvin Murray who died on 1/25/2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/27/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/27/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Aimee D. Griffin 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Renee Goodwin, whose address is 2510 Pomeroy Road SE, #202, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gloria Maxiene Goodwin who died on November 2, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/27/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/27/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: May 27, 2021

Date of first publication: 5/27/2021

TRUE TEST COPY

Ronald Murray Shirley Ann Murray Personal Representative

Renee Goodwin Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

TRUE TEST COPY

Maurice McKinney Personal Representative

Washington Informer

40 MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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WILLIAMS from Page 24 family. According to the AP, the trooper in question died in a single-vehicle crash hours after learning he would be fired over the Greene case. Two other troopers remain, one awaiting administrative action. In an overview, we should be reminded that the LSP motto is: "Courtesy, Loyalty, Service!" with a commitment to ensure the safety and security of the people in the state through enforcement, education and providing of other essential public safety services. Although Mr. Greene's event preceded George Floyd's, like Bill Murray in the film, we continue to wake up to a series of events that

JEALOUS from Page 24 cops. It comes from Republican politicians whose response to high Black voter turnout in 2020 is to

result in the deaths of Black men and women. The response of the administrators who are otherwise expected to render impartial judgments regarding the propriety of conduct or the fitness of officers to objectively enforce the laws seems, in many cases, to be turning the blind eye. As their psychopathic subordinates in the case of Andrew Brown Jr., when dealing with persons of color, they likewise consider complexion as a weapon, and no measure is too extreme in physically controlling these animals of color. After all, who but a psychopath would treat another HUMAN BEING with the brutality we have recently witnessed? WI make it harder for many of us to vote. And it comes from judges who dismiss evidence of systemic racism and uphold voter suppression. What better time to have a pow-

I am looking forward to working with President Biden to confirm to the Supreme Court a phenomenal Black woman who will champion the values of freedom, justice, opportunity and equality at a time when they urgently need champions. MORIAL from Page 24 like church rubble, my anger was shrapnel." A few months later during a game, he was devastated to hear his trusted coach use the N-word when berating his playing. Determined not to return to the coach's basketball camp in the summer of 1964, he accepted a summer job as a reporter in the Harlem Youth Action Project's journalism workshop. Though he later relented and attended the camp in August, he began his summer working out of the 135th Street YMCA Annex and devouring the collections of the Schomburg Center for Research In Black Culture on Lenox Avenue. On July 18, Harlem erupted in rioting in response to the shooting death of a Black teen-

ager by an off-duty police officer. "We interviewed people all over the Harlem streets and got exactly the angry, ghetto-dialect, eyewitness reports that white journalists and newscasters have such a hard time accepting at face value," he wrote. "Newspapers and TV broadcasts focused on property damage and police injuries, not Harlem's powerlessness." As a student at UCLA, he was among a group of prominent Black athletes inspired by Muhammad Ali who supported a boycott of the 1968 Olympic games to protest racial discrimination. Though no formal boycott was announced, he declined to participate and spent the summer teaching basketball and mentoring children as part of New York City's Operation Sports Rescue.

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In an overview, we should be reminded that the LSP motto is: "Courtesy, Loyalty, Service!" with a commitment to ensure the safety and security of the people in the state through enforcement, education and providing of other essential public safety services. erful Black woman on the high court as a voice for truth and accountability? That is especially true now that another civil rights champion, the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, has left the court, and been replaced by a justice who does not share her values. We need someone to fill the shoes of both Marshall and Ginsburg, two of the most transformative lawyers in our nation's history. Fortunately, there are plenty of Black women who represent the values of the civil rights community and are ready to serve. Black women lawyers are fighting for civil rights every day. Black women scholars are expanding our understanding of systemic racism and its impact on all of us. Black women strategists are defending voting rights. Black women activists are building

coalitions and electing politicians who are committed to defending our rights and our communities. Candidate Joe Biden demonstrated his recognition of the importance of Black women when he chose Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate. And he excited many of us with his promise to name a Black woman to the Supreme Court. The American people made Biden president and made Harris the first woman, first Black person, and first Asian American to serve as vice president. I am looking forward to working with President Biden to confirm to the Supreme Court a phenomenal Black woman who will champion the values of freedom, justice, opportunity and equality at a time when they urgently need champions. It will be a relief to see her take her seat. And it will be glorious. WI

"I thought then and think now that the pride I instilled in those hundreds of inner city black kids by teaching and paying attention to them was ultimately worth more than whatever I could have contributed to the national morale in the way of an Olympic gold medal," he wrote. In addition to several autobiographies and mystery novels, Abdul-Jabbar has published books about the Harlem Renaissance, Black inventors and forgotten Black heroes like the 761st Tank Battalion, belatedly awarded the Presidential Unit Citation in 1978 for extraordinary heroism in World War II, and Bass Reeves, first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. As racial justice protest swept the nation last year, he wrote in

the Los Angeles Times, "Racism in America is like dust in the air. It seems invisible — even if you're choking on it — until you let the sun in. Then you see it's everywhere. As long as we keep shining that light, we have a chance of cleaning it wherever it lands." WI

As long as we keep shining that light, we have a chance of cleaning it wherever it lands." MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2021 41

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COATES from Page 25 to choose to guarantee jails in the face of an intensified "War on Drugs" over guaranteeing jobs in the face of rising deindustrialization. The consequences of choosing jails over jobs can hardly be overstated. Rather than extending full inclusion in our economy to the Black community, policymakers codified the tragically misguided notion that our central bank must actively raise interest rates, thereby enforcing a policy of mass unemployment in the name of fighting inflation. This may sound hyperbolic, but up until recently, the Federal Reserve's formally stated policy has been to intentionally take steps to increase unemployment whenever it got "too low." Today, over 40 years later, though the economic rationale for the rejection of the job guarantee has been discredited, we still have yet to reverse this fateful decision. This policy systemically ensures that there could never be enough decent, good paying jobs to go around, making our economy a lot like a game of musical chairs in which mostly Black and brown communities would be disproportionately left without "chairs" or a means of providing for their families. Unemployment leads to drug abuse, violence and other crimes that have fed mass incarceration. According to a Brookings report,

EDELMAN from Page 25 highlighted the importance of school meals to protect every child from hunger during the summer and beyond. Congress must es-

ASKIA from Page 25 all their land. The Israeli immigrants from the United States and Europe consider the Arab-owned land to be part of what they call "Ersatz Israel" — Greater Israel — or "Judea and Samaria," all the land from the Jordan River to Mediterranean Sea … a land with no Arab sovereignty, what literally already is, and what would be made permanent into an apartheid state. In the wake of the World War II holocaust, the League of Nations-turned United Nations and the United Kingdom usurped land which never even belonged to them in the first place in what was and is Palestine and gave it to the Zionist European refugees, and Israel was born. Zionist pioneer Golda Meir coined the phrase: "A land without a people, for a people without a land." The theft was made complete.

1. Rev. Jamal Bryant — New Birth Missionary Baptist Church (Atlanta) 2. Bishop Dwayne Debnam — Morning Star Baptist Church (Gwynn Oak, Md.) 3. Rev. Dr. John Faison — Watson Grove Baptist Church (Nashville, Tenn..)

4. Rev. Willie Francois — Mount Zion Baptist Church (Pleasantville, N.J.) 5. Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale — Ray of Hope Christian Church (Decatur, Ga.) 6. Rev. Dr. Frederick Haynes — Friendship-West Baptist Church (Dallas) 7. Bishop Donté Hickman — Southern Baptist Church (Baltimore) 8. Rev. Dr. David Jefferson — Metropolitan Baptist Church (Newark, N.J.) 9. Rev. Courtney Clayton Jenkins — South Euclid United Church of Christ (Cleveland) 10. Rev. Dr. Kevin Johnson — Dare to Imagine Church (Philadelphia) 11. Rev. Shane Scott — Macedonia Baptist Church (Los Angeles) 12. Rev. Dr. Gina Stewart — Christ Missionary Baptist Church (Memphis, Tenn.) 13. Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Thompson — Allen Temple Baptist Church (Oakland, Calif.) 14. Rev. Dr. J. Lawrence Turner — Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church (Memphis, Tenn.) 15. Bishop Joseph Walker III — Mt. Zion Baptist Church (Nashville, Tenn.) 16. Rev. Dr. Lance Watson — Saint Paul's Baptist Church (Richmond, Virginia) WI

tablish a permanent out-of-school P-EBT program for children whenever school is closed. And we must expand our school lunch and breakfast programs to provide universal free school meals for all children

after the COVID-19 crisis ends. It should not take a global pandemic to implement these common-sense solutions to keep our children fed year-round. WI

The Jews had their "Promised Land," albeit at the bloody expense of the now-stateless Palestinians. Now, American and United Nations leaders keep their after-the-fact, phony "diplomatic" efforts alive with talk now of a "two-state solution," a sovereign Palestinian entity — albeit with no military forces — alongside the Israeli state. But in reality, the Israelis are simply stalling for time, indulging the faux diplomatic efforts, while they confiscate more and more Arab land. They have no intention of permitting any kind of Palestinian "entity" which might have anything even resembling the Israeli state. Lost in this diplomatic brew is the notion of antisemitism, which once meant hatred or discrimination against any of the Semitic people — originally defined as people who spoke Hebrew, Arabic and Aramaic and certain other

ancient languages such as Phoenician and Akkadian, constituting the main subgroup of the Afro-Asiatic family. Those are the true Semites. That definition morphed into only including Jewish people — hatred or discrimination against Jewish people, not the others in the Semitic family. Now it's seen as any simple criticism of the unjust, racist policies of the Jewish apartheid state of Israel. In fact, some will read this article and label it and its author as antisemitic. The "antisemitic" label effectively silences the critics of racist, oppression practiced by Israel, giving them literally a license to steal and kill. Thus, we've seen over the decades brutal oppression by a nuclear-armed Zionist entity in the name of Israel's "right to defend itself." What a racket. WI

97.2% of imprisoned people had less than $15k in reported income the year before they were locked up, and 84% had earnings under $500. As Los Angeles Police Deputy Chief Jesse Brewer said with laudable prescience in 1981, "We are right now creating criminals" by failing to provide employment opportunities for the unemployed. If Black America is to have any hope that the country can move towards a more just future with economic opportunity and the end of mass incarceration, we must reverse course by choosing to prioritize jobs over jails. Today, the job guarantee presents a decisive solution to the economic injustices created in the past. While some may claim that we did not realize the stakes of our decision to shun the job guarantee in the late 1970's, today we can claim no such alibi. In an economy that plays a game of musical chairs with our livelihoods, it is not the unemployed who refuse to contribute to society, but society that refuses the contributions of the unemployed.

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