The Washington Informer - November 23, 2023 by The Washington Informer

RECIPIENT OF THE DC BLACK MBA ASSOCIATION 2023 LEGACY AWARD

Serving Our Community in the DMV

Marion Barry Avenue: A Newly Named Road with a Long Legacy By Kayla Benjamin, Sam P.K. Collins and James Wright, Jr. WI Climate & Environment Writer and WI Staff Writers District officials, business magnates, artists, organizers and residents recently ushered in the renaming of Southeast’s Good Hope Road with a ceremony honoring the life and legacy of former D.C. Mayor and Ward 8 D.C. Councilmember Marion S. Barry, Jr., the man whose name will now emanate from street signs along the nearly twomile corridor. “Marion Barry did a lot of good for people in the community,” said Ann Fields, co-owner of LaThreadz Couture, a variety store along the corridor.

“He gave a lot of people their first job. He put a lot of work into Ward 8. Renaming the street? He earned it.” In the years since Barry’s death, the former Good Hope Road experienced incremental, but significant, economic and infrastructural development, somewhat similar to District neighborhoods west of the Anacostia River. For instance, new Black-owned eateries and businesses are peppered throughout the corridor. D.C. government employees also make their daily commute to the D.C Department of Housing and Community Development, located on Marion Barry Avenue SE near Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE.

BARRY Page 52

African Americans with Native American Ancestry Discuss Heritage By James Wright WI Staff Writer Sam Ford is known throughout the Washington metropolitan area as the local news reporter for Channel 7, WJLA-TV who asks the right questions, gets answers, and is responsive to the African American community. What is not as well known about Ford, 70, is that he is a voting member of the Cherokee Nation, one of the Native American groups classified by the U.S. government early in the country’s history as what is now known as the “Five Tribes.” These tribes (Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek

HERITAGE Page 48 4 Terace Garnier is a U.S. Air Force veteran, a member of the D.C. National Guard, Miss International World 2023, a journalist, author and member of a Chippewa council in Grand Rapids, Michigan. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

Vol 59 No 6..., November 23 - 29, 2023

Go-Go Museum Breaks Ground

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5 Cora Masters Barry dons a coat celebrating her late husband Marion S. Barry, at the street renaming ceremony in his honor on Nov. 18. ( /The Washington Informer)

Local Organizations Help Families During the Holidays By Lindiwe Vilakazi and Sam P.K. Collins WI Health Reporter and WI Staff Writer The pandemic may have come to an end, but individuals and families alike are still struggling to keep afloat. That’s why Alan Kamara plans to pass out healthy food and winter essentials for the third consecutive time under his nonprofit Raising Aware5 Organizations throughout the DMV are providing meals ness 4 Innocent Prisoners (RAIP). for families in need. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer) Kamara, a returning citizen, founded the nonprofit in 2021 to advocate for those forgotten about in the prison system. Other programs conducted by RAIP include community basketball games and fitness sessions. As it relates

FOOD Page 48

Celebrating 59 years. Your credible and trusted source for Black news and information.

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COMPILED BY STACY M. BROWN, WI SENIOR WRITER

Reactions Differ on Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Settling Sexual Assault, Trafficking Lawsuit The reaction to Sean “Diddy” Combs settling his multi-million-dollar sexual assault and trafficking suit with Cassie Ventura has ranged from shade thrown by hip-hop legend 50 Cent and Danity Kane member Aubrey O’Day, to those like rapper Peter Gunz, who suggested the settlement indicated the Bad Boy founder was innocent. Then there’s pop star Kesha, whose 2009 hit song, Tik Tok, featured the lyrics, “Wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy.” During a performance over the weekend, Kesha changed the lyrics to “Wake up in the morning feeling like me,” an apparent attempt to distance herself from Combs. 50 Cent, however, was blunter. “He paid that money real quick, should have done that before the sharks saw the blood in the water and here they come in 5,4,3,2,1

every woman he put his hand on,” Fifty wrote on X. Aubrey O’Day, who fronted the Diddy-managed group, “Danity Kane,” doubled down. “Money > accountability. Every time,” O’Day, 39, wrote via her Instagram Story, sharing a New York Times link to the settlement news. “Welcome to another chapter of the system that is well in place,” she continued, adding a broken heart emoji at the end. Ventura accused Combs of subjecting her to a traumatic, years-long relationship characterized by beatings and rape. The allegations painted a disturbing picture of Combs’ alleged actions and his extravagant and alleged drug-fueled lifestyle. Ventura, now 37, claimed that Combs initiated the pattern of abuse shortly after their relationship began in 2005, when she was 19 and he was 37. Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

Federal Appeals Court Deals Major Blow to Voting Rights

In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $55 per year, two years $70. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032 Phone: 202 561-4100 Fax: 202 574-3785 news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com

PUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes STAFF Micha Green, Managing Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/Marketing Director Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, Editor, WI Bridge DC Austin Cooper, Our House Editor Desmond Barnes, Social Media Stategist ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Angie Johnson, Office Mgr./Circulation REPORTERS Kayla Benjamin, (Environmental Justice Reporter) Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Curtis Knowles, Brenda Siler, Lindiwe Vilakazi, Sarafina Wright, James Wright PHOTOGRAPHERS Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor, Roy Lewis, Jr., Robert R. Roberts, Anthony Tilghman, Abdula Konte, Ja'Mon Jackson

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A federal appeals court issued a ruling on Monday that could have serious consequences for the Voting Rights Act. The ruling suggests that the enforcement measures of the Act, which have historically supported minority representation in American politics, may be reduced. The 8th Circuit's decision states that only the federal government has the right to sue under an important part of this civil rights law. It excludes private citizens and civil rights groups from this authority. This decision focuses on Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and is expected to be challenged and appealed to the Supreme Court. Experts said Section 2 is critical in preventing discriminatory voting practices based on race. The 8th Circuit's decision says that Section 2 does not have a "private right of action." This means that private groups cannot effectively challenge actions that might violate the voting

rights of minorities. If this decision remains valid, it may lead to a significant reduction in the protections provided by the Voting Rights Act. Private parties, civil rights groups, voters, and political entities have used Section 2 over the years to challenge issues like redistricting and voter ID requirements. The practical implication of this decision is a significant constriction of the safeguards embedded in the Voting Rights Act. Private entities have played a significant role in holding states accountable for discriminatory practices. Section 2 has been particularly effective for them in this regard. The U.S. Supreme Court recently emphasized the significance of Section 2 in an important case about redistricting in Alabama. This required the state to change its congressional map in order to give Black voters more political power. WI

Reactions Pour in Following the Passing of Rosalynn Carter, Former First Lady and Global Humanitarian In a wave of condolences, political leaders and public “He had this great integrity figures expressed their grief and admiration for the late Ro- and still does. And she did too,” salynn Carter, former first lady and tireless advocate for var- Biden remarked. “God bless ious social issues. President Joe Biden, visibly moved, shared them.” After speaking with the his sentiments with reporters as he boarded Air Force One family, Biden learned that the in Norfolk, Virginia, on Sunday night. Carter’s children and grandchilHabitat For Humanity, the Georgia-based charity closely dren were by her side during associated with the Carters, expressed sadness at the news. her final moments. The White The organization described Carter as a “compassionate and House later issued an official committed champion” who worked tirelessly to help fam- joint statement from President ilies worldwide. Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, The Carter Center, co-founded by the late first lady and lauding Rosalynn Carter’s inspi- 5 Rosalynn Carter her husband former President Jimmy Carter, conveyed its rational impact on the nation. (Courtesy photo) grief in a statement, noting their global efforts to strengthFormer President George W. en democracy, resolve conflicts, advance human rights, Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush also paid their reand eliminate debilitating diseases. The center announced spects, praising Carter’s dignity and strength. “There was no that, instead of flowers, contributions to the co-founder’s greater advocate of President Carter, and their partnership memory could be made to the Carter Center’s Mental set a wonderful example of loyalty and fidelity,” Bush stated. Health Program or the Rosalynn Carter Institute for WI Caregivers. Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

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Infrastructure Academy to Continue Mission at Spingarn High School By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

The historic Spingarn High School in Northeast will soon serve as DC Infrastructure Academy’s (DCIA) training center, all as part of an effort to prepare D.C. residents for an increasingly technological society. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) announced the $64 million transformation of the campus on Nov. 16 with Department of General Services director, and Spingarn alumnus Delano Hunter by her side. Once completed, the facility will support DCIA’s mission of training D.C. residents for in-demand infrastructure careers. Since 2018, DCIA has connected D.C. government entities,universities, and private sector partners to provide training and create a pipeline to construction, energy and telecommunications jobs.

It has done so for more than 4,600 D.C. residents. As explained in previous reporting, D.C. residents depended on DCIA at the height of the pandemic when national unemployment skyrocketed. Amid the shifts, DCIA graduated cohorts who acquired skill sets for various fields of relevance in the D.C. metropolitan area. The new state-of-the-art facility will include a 2,700 square foot mechanical auto training lab for vehicle maintenance and training, a new exterior training yard to provide training on power and connection repair, along with outdoor training and social spaces. The existing school building will also be stabilized with various upgrades to the exterior and infusion of solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations. Future Informer reporting will delve deeper into DCIA’s plans for Spingarn High School. WI

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Register today at walktoendhiv.org 5 District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser and officials recently broke ground on a new $64M facility for the DC Infrastructure Academy. (Courtesy photo)

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black facts

NOV 23 - 29, 2023 SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

tionist, author and human rights activist Sojourner Truth dies in her Battle Creek, Michigan, home at age 86. 1895 – The National Negro Medical Association is founded. 1907 – Rudolph Dunbar, the first Black man to conduct the London Philharmonic Orchestra, is born in Nabacalis, British Guiana. 1939 – Music icon Tina Turner is born in Nutbush, Tennessee.

NOV. 27

1928 – Marjorie Joyner is issued a patent for a hair wave machine. 1942 – Rock legend and guitar virtuoso Jimi Hendrix is born in Seattle.

NOV. 28

1929 – Berry Gordy, record producer and songwriter best known as the founder of the Motown record label and its subsidiaries, is born in Detroit. 1960 – North African nation Mauritania gains its independence from France. 1960 – Author Richard Wright, whose best-known works include "Native Son" and "Black Boy," dies of a heart attack in Paris at 52. 1961 – Ernie Davis, a halfback at Syracuse University, becomes the first Black Heisman Trophy winner.

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1897 – Inventor Andrew J. Beard patents the jenny coupler, used to connect railroad cars. 1897 – Inventor John Lee Love patents a portable pencil sharpener known as the "Love Sharpener."

NOV. 29

1908 – Politician Adam Clayton Powell Jr., New York's first Black congressman, is born in New Haven, Connecticut. 1919 – Pearl Primus, noted 20th-century choreographer, dancer and anthropologist, is born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. WI

NOV. 24

1775 – The Continental Congress of the United States issues the order to bar Blacks from the army. 1868 – Famed composer and pianist Scott Joplin, the "King of Ragtime," is born in Northeast Texas. 1870 – Robert Sengstacke Abbott, founder of the Black-owned Chicago Defender newspaper, is born in Chicago.

NOV. 25

1949 – Famed tap dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson dies of heart failure in New York City at 71. 1955 – The Interstate Commerce Commission bans racial segregation on interstate buses, train lines and in waiting rooms. 1975 – South American nation Suriname gains its independence from the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

NOV. 26

1883 – Famed aboli-

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Recently, Good Hope Road in Southeast was renamed after former mayor Marion Barry, who served for four terms in Washington, to much fanfare and celebration. Celebrities, local politicians, and community members alike attended the event to celebrate Barry’s “Mayor for Life” legacy. What are your thoughts?

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It was a wonderful event! Everything about it was in the spirit and essence of Marion Barry!

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I was at the event, and it was awesome—salute to Marion Barry Avenue in Southeast.

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It is much deserved. He did much for many. Thanks, Marion, for all you did for me.

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ROSALIND EDWARDS / WASHINGTON, D.C.

I am so grateful to see and thankful for all that had a part in renaming Good Hope Road to reflect the impact he had on us here in D.C.

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He was the best mayor. He wasn’t perfect, but he looked after his people, especially the elderly. Rest in peace.

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Free Legal Aid Helps Prevent Evictions in the District

Legal Aid DC Relaunches Anti-Eviction Program By James Wright WI Staff Writer Latricia Jones faced being evicted from her subsidized apartment where she lived for more than a decade despite having paid her rent. Instead of accepting her fate, she decided to fight. Jones sought legal assistance and managed to stay in the apartment. It was revealed that the landlord had made a mistake through the discovery process and agreed to dismiss the case, forgive past debt and make much needed repairs in her home. She complimented the attorneys who worked pro bono on her case and are employed by the Steptoe law firm. “That case was my first time in landlord-tenant court,” she said in a statement. “Without them, I would not have known what legal steps to take by myself. It wasn’t just me who would have been harmed if things didn’t go well in that case. I have a family. My lawyers fought for me every step of the way. I had some great attorneys on my side.” Jones was a client of the Housing Right to Counsel Project, an effort on behalf of lawyers and other professionals in organizations to cut down on the District’s eviction rate. The program was recently relaunched by Legal Aid DC with a coalition of legal service providers

5 A tenant talks to a legal aid counselor before meeting a judge in landlord-tenant court. (Courtesy photo)

and law firms to provide free legal services for low-income residents with housing subsidies facing eviction in the District. The Evictions Problem in D.C. Scheduled evictions in the District increased 250% between January 2022 and January 2023, according to data from the U.S. Marshals Service. Further, D.C. government statistics show that the number of people experiencing homelessness in the city is up, according to the point-in-time count, which found a 12% increase from the previous year. In a study released on August 2, 2021, the Brookings Institute, located in Northwest, D.C., reported that between 2012-2016, about 78% of evictions occurred in Black-majority neighborhoods. Plus, data collected by the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel, revealed landlords show up to eviction proceedings with a lawyer 80% of the time, while tenants enter court legally represented only 4%. Vikram Swaruup serves as the executive director of Legal Aid DC. He said evictions are on the rise and stressed the importance of legal representation. “Compared to a year ago, Legal Aid has seen a 50% increase in calls for eviction cases, with low-income Black and Brown residents bearing the brunt of the District’s affordability crisis,” Swaruup, 35, said. “Legal service providers across the

District have drastically increased our efforts to help low-income residents, but we know that there is a large unmet need.” Swaruup said there was a need for tenant legal assistance before the pandemic and it is now more pronounced due to the lapse of rental moratoriums. He noted that many people assumed that nonpayment of rent meant that back rent would not be due, and clarified that was not the case in most situations. The Legal Aid DC executive director said his organization, and their partners, will work with clients when they seek legal assistance. If the case is accepted, essentially, they will work pro bono to resolve the tenant's issues. Nancy Drane, executive director of the District of Columbia Access to Justice Commission, supports Legal Aid’s effort to help those in the eviction process. “The harmful ripple effects of eviction are devastating and can cascade into other challenges, causing residents to lose their possessions, their jobs, access to their children’s schools, and their community and support networks in their neighborhoods,” Drane said. “The impacts are particularly severe for residents who receive housing subsidies—one of the few tools in place to help address the affordability crisis. If residents using subsidies are evicted, it becomes functional-

EVICTIONS Page 27

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Go-Go Museum Holds Ribbon Cutting with Support from Mayor Bowser and Spike Lee

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Museum Unveils Mobile Exhibits, Rooftop Stage By Ra-Jah Kelly WI Contributing Writer Ronald Moten saw his dream move one step closer to reality on Nov. 15., as he celebrated the groundbreaking for the construction of the Go-Go Museum, located at 1920 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, in the building that houses his Check It Enterprises. Surrounded by friends, family, and political, business and artistic leaders including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and celebrated film director Spike Lee, Moten, the museum’s founder and CEO, could not help but reflect on the impact that Go-Go music has had on D.C. “Most people don’t know that Trouble Funk was sampled over 250 times, that one band. Our [children] don’t know that because over 14 years ago it was criminalized,” said Moten, referring to past police policies targeting Go-Go music in D.C. and its suburbs. Keyonna Jones, founder and executive director of Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center, recalled Moten’s #DontMuteDC campaign, which worked to combat attempts to silence Go-Go music at a store that sits at the intersection of Florida Avenue NW and 7th Street NW. "There’s a lot of history," Jones said. "They said it was too loud... We said Go-Go isn’t going anywhere." In 2020 Go-Go was declared the official music of D.C. However, the genre’s advocates still work to bring more attention to the importance of the music to the District’s culture today. Efforts like #DontMuteDC and Long Live GoGo’s Moechella have aimed to solidify the genre’s legacy, and Moten's museum stands out as another example of working to celebrate the history, present and future of Go-Go. Moten speculated that the historic lack of support for Go-Go, could be partially to blame for the spike in youth violence that D.C. has experienced since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We took it out of the schools, we took it out of the clubs, so our young people can’t do what we used to do,” said Moten. “They used to have somewhere to go. We can make places safe for our children and give them the same culture and history that we had.” During the groundbreaking ceremony, Mayor Bowser emphasized that for many Washingtonians Go-Go music is more than music, it’s culture. “To most of us assembled here and many people watching, GoGo is not just great music, but it is our childhood, it was the soundtrack to parties we went to after school or on Georgia Avenue or Martin Luther King Avenue, you name it,” said Bowser. “People met each other and became lifelong friends or lifelong lovers at the Go-Go.” In addition to celebrating the groundbreaking, the mayor recognized Lee with a proclamation. His inclusion of the song “Da But” by Sugar Bear and EU in his critically acclaimed movie “School Daze” (1988) sent that song to number one on the charts and made a whole new audience aware of Go-Go music. Sugar Bear was also present for the event. Until the official Go-Go Museum opens, a mobile museum will go around the city educating people on the music and its history. The mobile museum was on full display at the Nov. 15 opening, and the legendary Backyard Band performed on top of the history-filled bus. Nabeeh Bilal co-founder of CreativeJunkFood and his partner Candice Taylor conceptualized and designed exhibits that will be showcased in the upcoming museum and the mobile museum. “This is incredibly humbling. I’m honored,” said Bilal. “I think [the Go-Go Museum] is going to take Go-Go to even higher heights and we’re going to see a whole new renaissance with D.C. culture in general.” WI Managing Editor Micha Green contributed to this article. WI

4 Politicians, business leaders, and celebrities gathered for the groundbreaking of the Go-Go Museum, including Del. Eleanor Holmes-Norton, the museum’s Founder Ron Moten, D.C. OCTFME Director LaToya Foster, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, D.C. Councilmembers Trayon White and Kenyan McDuffie, and director Spike Lee. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer

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5 Politicians, business leaders, and celebrities gathered for the groundbreaking of the Go-Go Museum, including Del. Eleanor Holmes-Norton, the museum’s Founder Ron Moten, D.C. OCTFME Director LaToya Foster, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, D.C. Councilmembers Trayon White and Kenyan McDuffie, and director Spike Lee. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023 9

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The DC Chapter of Concerned Black Men (CBM) celebrated its 40th Anniversary in Northeast on Nov. 15. Members have mentored, provided scholarships, and produced programs and events for youth in the District of Columbia. The organization’s past presidents pictured: (L-R) Dedan Bruner, Robert Smith, Eddie Fisher, Byron Browder, Kelvin Glymph, Lafayette Barnes, Warner Sessions, Anthony Williams, and Donald Temple. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

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DJ QuickSilva reads The Washington Informer at the groundbreaking for The Go-Go Museum on Nov. 15. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

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National Cherry Blossom Festival Unveils 2024 Plans, Artwork

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Festival to Celebrate U.S.-Japan Friendship, Sugar Hill Gang to Perform By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

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5 The National Cherry Blossom Festival rolled out plans for the 2024 festival March 20-April 14 and unveiled the official 2024 artwork by Nicolas Shi. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

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As in years past, in 2024, there will be performances and events, highlighting Japanese arts, history and culture, and opportunities for cross-cultural engagement. Although the month of programming expands across all four District quadrants, the Ronald Reagan International Trade Building, exclusively managed by Trade Center Management Associates (TCMA), serves as a host for many of the National Cherry Blossom Festival events. With a mission of fostering international dialogues and trade, TCMA takes pride in, yet again, serving as a festival host. “For the past quarter century as the World Trade Center Washington, D.C., and a venue hosting some of D.C.’s most powerful and prestigious events, our team has created a forum where nations and cultures connect,” said Allyson Browne McKithen, vice president of International Programs of TCMA and executive director of the World Trade Center, Washington, D.C. “The festival is surely one of the nation’s greatest celebrations, honoring the cultural ties between the United States and Japan. We are indeed proud to be hosting the 2024 celebration.” For more information on the 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org. WI

“As a Washington, D.C., resident, I am aware of the significance and importance of the cherry blossoms to the city. I tried to portray the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms in a bright, fun and colorful way,” Shi said in a statement. “By breaking down the complex architectural details of the Washington monument and the delicate beauty of the cherry blossoms into geometric forms, I was able to create a contemporary and fun interpretation of these iconic figures.” While the annual programming incorporates all eights Wards of the District, promotes local businesses, and incorporates D.C. culture, a key component of the festival commemorates an important moment in Japanese and American history, and honors the continued relationship between both countries. “[The cherry blossoms] were presented as a gift from the city of Tokyo as a symbol of friendship between Japan and the United States in 1912. That is the same year New Mexico and Arizona became the 47th and 48th states, an important moment as the map of the continental United States from the Atlantic to the Pacific was now complete,” said Minister Koichi Ai, deputy chief of Mission for the Embassy of Japan.

While the fall season continues to naturally decorate District trees and streets with big, beautiful colorful leaves, the people behind the National Cherry Blossom Festival are already gearing up for spring 2024. With blush décor and cherry blossom displays filling the Pavillion Room at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Building on Nov. 15, guests were transported from a fall evening to a beautiful spring day when the National Cherry Blossom Festival announced the major plans in store for 2024. “Every year, thousands of visitors come to the nation’s capital to welcome spring in the most joyous way through the National Cherry Blossom Festival,” said Diana Mayhew, president, and CEO of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. “Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the blooming cherry trees, the 2024 Festival will be one to remember, as we celebrate the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan through art, culture, performances, and more. Let’s paint Washington, D.C., pink once again!” This 2024 festival will run from March 20 through April 14 and include staple events such as the opening ceremony (featuring Japanese artists Kaoru Watanabe, Jo Kanamori and Naotaro Morigama), the Pink Tie Party, Petalpalooza and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April. 13. The Nov. 15, announcement event, which also featured fantastic fare from Casta’s Rum Bar, Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab and BUDDY’s D.C., teased a performance from the legendary Sugar Hill Gang as part of the 2024 celebration. Nicolas Shi was announced as the official artist for the 2024 festival. As a longtime D.C. resident, Shi, who is of Chinese heritage and born in El Salvador, said he was inspired by the beautiful but brief nature of the blossoms, when creating the 2024 artwork.

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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Prince George’s County Updates By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

STATE’S ATTORNEY BRAVEBOY MEETS WITH GEORGIA’S FULTON COUNTY DA FANI WILLIS

Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy (D) hosted a discussion and press conference with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) on Wednesday, Nov. 15 in Upper Marlboro, Maryland near the County Administration Building. Willis is widely known for prosecuting former President Donald Trump and rapper Young Thug. “I have been looking at the initiatives she’s been doing in Prince George’s. Our populations are not very different. We are similar in dealing with urban communities, we both have the privilege of serving diverse communities with many different needs,” said Willis. “We want to make sure that we are keeping our communities safe, and we want to have creative ideas and keep the best of old ideas.” “We’re real prosecutors,” Willis continued. “We boast a 93% conviction rate in Fulton County. But I’ve said many times: we can’t prosecute our community out of the problems we face. Some of Braveboy’s brilliant programs will be implemented in Fulton County, Georgia as soon as this upcoming January.” Willis lauded Braveboy’s re-entry program and cited it as a key tool in the strategy to prevent crime and improve communities. The two plan to continue this dialogue, and have signed a memorandum of understanding to

12 NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023

make future action. Both Willis and Braveboy are alums of Howard University, a fact lauded by the state’s attorney during the conference. “I am truly glad to be standing side by side with one of the best warriors in the fight for justice for our democracy, Fulton County District Attorney (DA) Fani Willis, " said Braveboy. “DA Willis is bold, a fearless leader and masterful in her work. I consider us sisters in the field of law, and pursuing justice for our communities.” Concerns about carjacking, youth crime and other offenses led them to dialogue and discuss ways to address crime. "Her strategic use of RICO extends to high-profile cases involving prominent rap figures, where she has established significant cases against them, marking a new chapter in legal approaches to entertainment industry rivalries or ‘beefs,’" said a news release to announce the conference. Braveboy seeks to expand Maryland’s RICO statute to improve her ability to go after organized crime. WI

CHILDREN’S SALON EXPANDS TO OFFER ENTREPRENEURIAL OPPORTUNITIES IN MARLBORO PIKE CORRIDOR

Glam Suites at BRAT Box Salon 4 Kids, a private endeavor to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Marlboro Pike corridor, opened its doors on Nov. 11. Geneva and Howard “Chip”

5 Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (left) was invited by State’s Attorney Aisha Bravboy (right) to a discussion about future plans for collaboration and new ideas to prevent crime and recidivism. (Rob R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

Coleman operated the BRAT Box for over 25 years, providing small business opportunities for licensed stylists. Their Prince George’s County salon is now expanding its 8,000 square-foot facility to facilitate connections with new local entrepreneurs and small business owners and offers modern, affordable space for lease by exclusive retail stores. The Glam Suites are designed to give new business owners essential knowledge, skills and abilities to function. “Glam Suites is an exciting undertaking in the community,” said Chip Coleman. “It is especially designed with their success in mind, whether for barbers, beauticians, or braiders.” Master cosmetologist and co-owner Geneva Coleman emphasized the safety procedures taken at Glam Suites. “As children and business owners continue to reemerge socially from the COVID-19 pandemic for professional styling and grooming, we will continue to ensure they are safe at Glam Suites by total adherence to CDC cleaning and disinfecting standards,” she told The Informer. “This will give local stylists and hair enthusiasts tools for their success and enable them to conduct business with clients in a safe environment,” the master cosmetologist continued. “Knowing this, we have designed a space that’s appealing to the senses and imagination that is designed to maximize success for everyone.”

In addition to their entrepreneurial ventures, the Colemans co-authored the book “Foster Parenting: A Road Less Traveled.” Together, they have fostered 75 children over 18 years and adopted two sons. WI

MARYLAND DELEGATION ANNOUNCES PLANS IN SPENDING, LEGISLATION

Members of Maryland’s congressional delegation declared funding to support maternal healthcare, introduced legislation to extend Social Security benefits, and announced $42 million in federal spending. On Nov. 2, Maryland congressmen announced over $5 million to support maternal health care on Nov. 2. Morgan State University was awarded $483,4000 to help establish a multi-institutional research network. This network will be created in order to conduct research surrounding disparities in maternal health outcomes and to find community-based solutions to address these disparities. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D–Md.) introduced legislation to extend Social Security benefits to age 26 for students who are survivors, children of disabled workers, and eligible grandchildren of retired workers. These benefits were available from the expansion of Social Security in 1965 until they were repealed by the Reagan administration in 1982.

“Children who receive Social Security benefits have been dealt challenging hardships – like the loss of a parent – through no fault of their own. These young people face real financial burdens that often require them to work to make up for limited family income, which can cause them to fall behind in school,” said Van Hollen. “This legislation will provide the support these students and their families need to overcome barriers to educational success and future economic stability.” Van Hollen, who serves on the Appropriations Committee, also announced nearly $42 million in appropriations for Maryland including $5 million for a highspeed rail in Southern Maryland and $500,000 for the Baltimore NAACP on Nov. 14. The appropriations package also includes funding for WMATA, veteran’s homelessness programs and HBCUs including the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore. WI

OUTGOING SENATOR CARDIN RECEIVES CANCER-FIGHTING AWARD

United States Senator Ben Cardin (D-Maryland) joined a community roundtable on Nov. 3 with organizations including the Maryland Black Mayors, American Cancer Society (ACS) and Maryland Rural Health Association to discuss the need for early detection of cancer. The ACS Cancer Action Network Maryland presented the retiring Senator with an award for his commitment during the roundtable. As in previous years, he is sponsoring legislation to expand Medicare to cover cancer-screening technologies. “Sen. Cardin is a lead sponsor of legislation that will break down these barriers,” said North Brentwood Mayor Petrella Robinson in an op-ed supporting Cardin’s legislation. Robinson is also the President of Maryland Black Mayors Inc. “Ensuring Medicare beneficiaries are able to access the latest screening technology would comprise an enduring part of his remarkable legacy, offering hope to countless individuals affected by cancer.” WI

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Prince George’s Municipal Elections Roundup By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Writer Kofie Bryant Sr., senior pastor of Inspired Life Ministries, stressed the importance of voting in local elections and people knowing the issues affecting their communities. “Local elections are critically important to my everyday life because decisions made by local elected officials often directly and more immediately impact my day-to-day life compared to decisions made at the federal level,” said Bryant. “Concerned citizens should remain politically active because decision-makers need to know what issues you are passionate about and where you stand on legislation they are considering enacting,” the pastor continued. “Elected officials often weigh whether or not they will vote for or against legislation based on the amount of citizen's participation around a pending piece of legislation.”

g COLLEGE PARK

In College Park, recently elected Mayor S.M. Fazlul Kabir and Councilmembers Llatetra Brown Esters, Maria Mackie, Denise Mitchell and Susan Whitney went unchallenged. Councilmembers Jacob Hernandez, Alan Yew, Stuart Adams and John Riggs all retained their seats. Yew was appointed in June following Kabir’s victory in the special election to replace Mayor Patrick Wojahn.

g LAUREL

For the first time in Laurel’s history, an African-American has been elected as Mayor. Ward Two Councilmember Keith Sydnor defeated four competitors, including Councilmember At Large Martin Mitchell and Councilmember Brencis Smith. Syndor will now lead one of Prince George’s largest towns. Councilmembers James Kole and Carl DeWalt were re-elected. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory administrator Christine Johnson was elected as the At-Large Councilmember. Communications specialist Kyla Clark and driving coach Jeffrey Mills will represent Ward Two on the Council.

g UPPER MARLBORO

In Upper Marlboro, circuit court employee Derrick Brooks and Alma Prevatte defeated incumbents Linda Pennoyer and Thomas Hanchett. Pennoyer was first elected in a special election held in May of this year. Commissioners Sarah Franklin, Charles Colbert and Karen Lott were re-elected. The Town Commission picks a president from among their members. Franklin, who received the most votes in the municipal election, is currently serving as president.

g GREENBELT

Greenbelt has an unusual voting structure; the top seven candidates to receive votes are elected to the City Council, with the top two being elected as mayor and vice mayor. Mayor Emmett Jordan and Mayor Pro Tempore Kristen Weaver, who were elected in 2021, will again serve in those roles. Incumbent Councilmember Ric Gordon, Silke I. Pope and Rodney Roberts came in third, fifth, and seventh respectively. New Councilmembers Danielle McKinney and Jenni Pompi came in fourth and sixth. McKinney is the first African-American woman to ever serve on the Greenbelt City Council. Longtime Councilmember Judith Davis and former Mayor Colin Byrd did not seek re-election.

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Ndemadabu were all re-elected. “The city of Bowie is very fortunate to have a list of candidates that ran for office, all of which showed themselves prepared to serve us admirably. All of the candidates in their families deserve credit for making a sacrifice to put their name on the ballot to serve others. I believe the voters in Bowie sent a clear message that they would like to see the city continue its progress, be fiscally conservative, and continue providing the services that our residents have come to expect,” Bowie-based lobbyist Darrell Carrington told The Informer. “I believe the City of Bowie stands out as a gem throughout the state of Maryland and throughout the country, as a city with purpose, a diverse community, and a city that is in a strong position to continue improving our economic development.” WI

5 A board displaying the vote count at Laurel’s voting site on Nov. 7. (Anthony Tilghman/Washington Informer)

g BOWIE

In Bowie, incumbents won most of their races and Mayor Tim Adams, the first African-American mayor in the history of Prince George’s County’s largest town, was re-elected with 71.79% of the vote. All of Bowie’s district-based Council members were re-elected. Former Bowie Councilmember Dennis Brady and Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce President Wanda Rogers, will serve as the AtLarge representatives on the Bowie Council. Councilmember Jarryd Hawkins, who was appointed to the Bowie City Council, was defeated and Henri Gardner, the other At-Large Councilmember, did not file for re-election. Incumbent Councilmembers Michael Esteve, Dufour Woolfley, Clinton Truesdale and Roxy

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NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023 13

BUSINESS ir efs By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

HOPE INSIDE CENTER

Wells Fargo and Operation HOPE, Inc., a national nonprofit dedicated to financial empowerment for underserved communities, announced on Nov. 9 the opening of their HOPE Inside center in the District. The Hope Inside centers are located inside a Wells Fargo branch in each market, and feature Operation HOPE coaches who help empower community members to achieve their monetary goals through free financial education workshops and one-on-one coaching. In the District, the HOPE Inside coach is located within the Shops at Park Village branch, located at 1545 Alabama Avenue, SE in Ward 8’s Congress Heights neighborhood. “We know from our outreach and work with national and community stakeholders that financial education and guidance, and an individual’s sense of inclusion and trust, are all important factors in bringing more people who are unbanked into the formal banking system,” said Darlene Goins, head of Wells Fargo’s Banking Inclusion Initiative. “Working with Operation HOPE is one important way that we can remove barriers to financial inclusion and empower

people with education, resources, and tools to manage their money, improve their credit, and achieve their financial goals. It’s exciting to see this collaboration grow and make a great impact in even more communities.” The goal of the collaboration is to make financial education and guidance more accessible to those who need it the most. By opening Inside centers in 20 low-to-moderate-income communities by the end of 2023. “The Wells Fargo HOPE Inside centers mark a significant step forward in addressing barriers to financial wealth in diverse communities by offering a welcoming space, access to financial coaches, and expanded resources that support financial goals of individuals with the greatest needs,” said John Hope Bryant, chairman and CEO of Operation HOPE, Inc. The HOPE Inside center program is part of Wells Fargo’s Banking Inclusion Initiative to help more people who are unbanked gain access to affordable, mainstream banking products, and help remove barriers to financial inclusion for people of color, who account for more than half of unbanked households. Additional information may be found at www.wellsfargo.com. WI

5 Courtney Johnson Rose is the president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers.

BLACK HOMEOWNERSHIP STILL ELUSIVE FOR BLACKS: STUDY

The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) released a study on Nov. 9 stating that major barriers impeded Black homeownership despite record-low joblessness and a higher labor participation rate than that of white Americans. “The 2023 State of Housing in Black America report” was released at NAREB’s Black Wealth Summit at Miles College near Birmingham, Alabama. The study found that an inadequate supply of new homes significantly contributes to the growing housing crisis, particularly for potential Black buyers. A nearly 10,000-unit shortfall and the lack of housing stock contributing to the high cost of shelter despite high interest rates are factors negatively affecting African American homeownership, according to the study. “Families can’t buy homes if they aren’t available or if the market is so tight that prices are artificially high,” said Courtney Johnson Rose, NAREB president. “Clearly, there is a connection between the lack of inventory and the inability to increase Black homeownership substantially. It’s time for key components of the housing finance industry, such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, to facilitate new home construction or even rehabilitation of existing homes.” The study said that the Black homeownership rate was 45% in 2022, nearly 30% lower than white households, noting that the gap is wider than 50 years ago. It was also reported that the “Black-White wealth gap” is so expansive that the 400 wealthiest Americans control the same amount of wealth as the 48 million Blacks living in the U.S. “Narrowing the Black-White racial gaps in homeownership and wealth will require strong action at the federal level,” said Rose. She said President Biden is taking steps in the right direction to correct the problem. WI

MENDELSON BLASTS CONGRESS FOR D.C. DOWNGRADE

The Wall Street credit agency Moody recently downgraded the District’s financial rating and D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) laid the blame on the U.S. Congress. “[The decision] by Moody’s to change its rating outlook from ‘stable to negative’ is further evidence of how congressional oversight and lack of statehood actually hurts the District,” Mendelson said. “Only a few months ago, House members criticized the District for alleged fiscal mismanagement, but Moody’s actually lauds the District, while wholly faulting Congress for the negative change.” Mendelson said the District lacking full voting rights in the U.S. Congress is a hindrance noting “none of us can vote for congressional members.” “But the District government is well-managed fiscally—better than most states, which Moody acknowledges,” he said. “Moody’s notes that our financial challenges are whimsical federal government shutdowns and the congressional imposed commuter-tax prohibition. I would add that congressional riders such as prohibiting us from regulating cannabis, cutting MPD’s request for federal reimbursement, and proposing to prohibit traffic cameras, create further instability and economic harm.” Mendelson said the Congress hurts the District and it is their fault for the downgrade, not city leaders.WI

14 NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023

MORGAN STANLEY SMALL BUSINESS ACADEMY

The Morgan Stanley Small Business Academy is an educational program that seeks to promote equity and empower diverse-owned small business leaders with the knowledge, tools, and mentorship opportunities to help them work with leading financial services firms. The Academy focuses on helping small businesses leverage their competitive advantage, differentiate themselves in the procurement process, strengthen their business knowledge, and build their professional network. The Academy consists of a 12-week virtual, instructor-facilitated learning experience, followed by a yearlong mentorship program. The Academy is a partnership between the Supplier Diversity Program and the firm’s Institute for Inclusion as part of its commitment to advancing economic outcomes in underserved communities through the bank’s products, services and thought leadership. For more information, visit Morganstanley.com. WI

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Black Friday Discounts Signal Retailer Concerns Over Holiday Demand By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Early Black Friday discounts in October were higher than in previous years, suggesting that retailers are worried about the upcoming holiday shopping season. Promotions for items like clothing, appliances, and computers were significantly higher last month compared to 2021 and 2022, according to data from Adobe Analytics. According to CNBC, Adobe found discounts have significantly increased, especially in the online clothing industry. In October, prices dropped by 9%, much higher than the 2% and 5% decreases in 2021 and 2022. Adobe’s analysis of eight popular holiday categories revealed that only electronics and toys had fewer discounts in October compared to previous years, despite the overall trend, the network reported. Forecasters said it’s worth noting that Adobe’s data focuses on online promotions, encompassing over one trillion visits to U.S. retail websites, 100 million stock-keeping units (SKUs), and 18 product categories—making it one of the most comprehensive analyses in the industry. Companies have been starting Black Friday discounts earlier each year, known as “holiday creep.” They do it to make the shopping season longer and suit consumers who like to buy gifts over a longer period of time. According to Adobe, promotions are expected to peak from Black Friday to Cyber Monday. Despite a decrease in consumer spending in October, the CNBC/ National Retail Federation Retail Monitor reported that the significant discounts during the month encouraged online shopping. Online sales increased by almost 6% to $76.8 billion compared to last year. Adobe explained that its sales growth is due to offering big discounts and the rising popularity of “buy now, pay later” services, which let customers divide their payments into four installments. Last year, approximately 30% of

overall holiday sales occurred online or through non-store channels, according to the NRF. Corroborating Adobe’s findings, research firm GlobalData noted that the depth of discounts and the overall number of items on sale in October exceeded the figures of the past four years, signaling a robust promotional environment. On average, discounts in October reached as high as 24.1% for various categories, compared to 16.7% in 2019 and 12.9% in 2021. The percentage of items on sale also increased, with an average of 7.8% in October, up from 4.9% in 2019 and 3.3% in 2021. According to Adobe’s digital price index, prices in October were more than 6% lower than the previous year. This goes against the slight increase of 7% of the prior year. There was a decrease of 1.9% in October 2022, following a 1.9% increase in October 2021. Still, the personal finance website WalletHub has compiled a list of the best places to shop based on the average discount consumers can get. The report reviewed more than 3,500 deals in Black Friday ads from 13 of the biggest U.S. retailers. According to WalletHub, JCPenney was the best place to shop on Black Friday because it is offering an average discount of 59.1%. Macy’s, Belk, Kohl’s, and Target rounded out the top five on WalletHub’s best places to shop on Black Friday list. At the bottom of the list was Costco, which WalletHub found was offering just a 17.1% discount. It’s the fifth time that JCPenney has topped the list since 2014. Ishani Banerji, a WalletHub expert and clinical assistant professor at the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business at Clemson University, said it’s important to distinguish between real Black Friday deals and marketing traps? “Retailers will typically try and signal that a particular price is a good deal by showing a ‘reference price’ on their website,” Banerji stated. “The reference price is what the retailer claims the product is usually sold for and this is con-

trasted with the sale price. For example, Amazon will show the ‘list price’ for a pair of headphones as $199.95 and then claim that the sale price of $99.95 is a 50% discount.” Meanwhile, as the retail landscape undergoes transformation, the annual Downtown Holiday Market in D.C., opened in Penn Quarter on Nov. 17 and will remain open until Dec. 23. Officials said the market offers a vibrant showcase of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and diverse exhibitors. Featuring over 70 exhibitors, including Black-owned and minority-owned businesses, the market serves as a festive kickoff to the holiday season, complete with food vendors, live performances, and a “celebration of community spirit.” WI @StacyBrownMedia

BUSINESS

5 Higher discounts and the best places for Black Friday shopping revealed. (Courtesy Photo/Wikimedia Commons)

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY INVITATION FOR BID (IFB) SOLICITATION NO.: 0008-2024 MOTOR POOL REPLACEMENT OFFICE TRAILER The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) requires qualified Contractor to remove an existing trailer, complete site preparation, deliver and install a new office trailer at the DCHA Motorpool. SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available beginning Monday, November 20, 2023, on DCHA’s website at www.dchousing.org under “Business” and “Solicitations”. SITE VISITS ARE TO BE SCHEDULED UPON REQUEST by contacting Lolita Washington, Contract Specialist via email at lwashing@dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org SEALED BID RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 11:00 AM. A BID OPENING IS TO BE CONDUCTED ON Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 11:30 AM via WebEx. Email Lolita Washington, Contract Specialist lwashing@dchousing.org with copy to business@ dchousing.org for additional information.

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NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023 15

NATIONAL Thanksgiving Travel Soars: AAA Predicts Third-Highest Numbers Since 2000 By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer The American Automobile Association (AAA) projects that a whopping 55.4 million Americans will embark on journeys of 50 miles or more from home this holiday season. The forecast, a 2.3% increase from last year, is the third highest since AAA began tracking holiday travel trends in 2000. Surpassed only by 2005 and 2019, the

2023 Thanksgiving period promises to be a bustling affair. “For many Americans, Thanksgiving and travel go hand in hand, and this holiday, we expect more people on the roads, skies, and seas compared to 2022,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, noted on the association’s website. “Travel demand has been strong all year, and AAA’s Thanksgiving forecast reflects that continued desire to get away and

5 Travel during the Thanksgiving holiday is expected to top records. (Courtesy Photo/ iStockPhoto)

spend time with loved ones.” On the Road: Driving Dominates Most Thanksgiving travelers, a staggering 49.1 million, will opt for the open road, marking a 1.7% increase from 2022, AAA predicted. The association said drivers

THE REAL STORY ABOUT HOSPICE CARE FOR THE CARTERS On November 16th it was announced that Rosalynn Carter entered hospice care along with her husband who remarkably is now in his tenth month of hospice. We all mourn the news of Mrs. Carters passing and what a remarkable life both have shared. It is also true they both have shared hospice care beginning this past February when Jimmy Carter announced his decision to be in hospice. Yes, they both became part of the hospice experience at that time- it is inaccurate reporting that she only began receiving hospice care this past week. That is because hospice support is provided by a team who focus not just on the patient but the immediate family as well. What makes hospice so special is in addition to a doctor and several nurses a social worker and chaplain are also key team members. Together, in addition to medical attention for the patient, they care for the emotional stress that loved ones are going through – in most cases the most stressful situation they have ever experienced. We in the hospice movement applaud the Carters for showing America the amazing benefit available for everyone in their end- of life- journey—and for their family.

Stephen Cone Chief of Communications & Philanthropy Capital Caring Health/Advanced Home Care & Hospice https://www.capitalcaring.org/ 16 NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023

might find solace in potentially lower gas prices compared to last Thanksgiving when the national average was $3.58. Despite global tensions causing ripples in the oil market, this year’s national average peaked at $3.87 in mid-August and has steadily decreased. In the Skies: Soaring to New Heights Taking to the skies, AAA said it anticipates 4.7 million Americans will fly over Thanksgiving, a notable 6.6% increase from the previous year and the highest number since 2005. The days leading up to Thanksgiving, especially Tuesday and Wednesday, are expected to be the busiest and most expensive for air travel. Surprisingly, AAA data reveals Monday as an increasingly popular day for returning home after the holiday. Seas and More: A Multimodal Thanksgiving Other modes of transportation, including cruises, buses, and trains, have experienced an impressive 11% surge in Thanksgiving travel compared to last year. AAA predicts 1.55 million travelers will choose these alternative means, showcasing a significant rebound from the pandemic’s impact. “The cruise industry, in particular, has made a remarkable comeback,” Twidale noted. “Thanksgiving cruises are mostly sold out, with many travelers looking to spend the holiday at sea.” On the Roads: INRIX Warns of Congestion Transportation data and insights provider INRIX forecasts Wednesday, Nov. 22, as the busiest day on the roads during the Thanksgiving

travel period. Average travel times may spike by as much as 80% in some metro areas. To navigate the congestion, INRIX told AAA that it advises travelers to hit the road in the morning or after 6 p.m. to minimize holiday traffic frustrations. “The day before Thanksgiving is notoriously one of the most congested days on our roadways,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, cautioned. “Travelers should be prepared for long delays, especially in and around major metros. Knowing when and where congestion will build can help minimize holiday traffic frustrations. We advise drivers to use traffic apps, local DOT notifications, and 511 services for real-time updates.” Through the Security Gates: TSA Alerts Travelers As Thanksgiving unfolds, travelers should brace themselves for potentially longer and slower Transportation Security Administration (TSA) lines. Gary Renfrow, the agency’s assistant administrator for international operations, issued the warning during the 2023 World Travel & Tourism Council Summit. The TSA anticipates screening 30 million passengers through November 28, marking what they term the busiest holiday season ever. Renfrow advises travelers to plan accordingly and recommends utilizing traffic apps, local DOT notifications, and 511 services for real-time updates considering potential delays. WI

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NATIONAL

Funeral Services Planned for Wilmington Ten Member, James ‘Bun’ McKoy By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

The cause of death was not immediately disclosed. McKoy’s life was forever changed on Feb. 1, 1971, when Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. arrived in Wilmington. Chavis made the journey at the invitation of a local preacher who wanted a disciple of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to lead a boycott of the desegregated high schools that refused to acknowledge the civil rights leader, who had been slain just three years earlier. By 1969, the city had only three high schools: all-white New Hanover and Hoggard, and all-Black Williston Senior High School. Officials eventually relocated Black students and teachers to New Hanover and Hoggard and closed Williston, and African Americans faced increased racially motivated name-calling, physical attacks, and threats in the schools. Riots occurred virtually daily. Chavis, McKoy, Connie Tindall, Marvin “Chilly” Patrick, Wayne Moore, Reginald Epps, Jerry Jacobs, Willie Earl Vereen, William “Joe” Wright, Jr., and Ann Shepard became known as the “Wilmington Ten.” The group advocated for equality, Black history classes, and demanded respect for King’s legacy, and all Black people. However, tensions reached a boil in Wilmington, with the Ku Klux Klan and other white nationalists firebombing buildings and shooting at Black pupils. Then, on a cold February night, the popular Mike’s Grocery Store was firebombed, leading to more chaos. As police and firefighters approached, a sniper fired at members of the Wilmington Ten, but hit one of the officers. Patrick, a member of the Wilmington Ten, stood in front of a sniper’s bullets to save Chavis. Police ultimately arrested the group and falsely charged them with firebombing the grocery store. Racist prosecutors forced witnesses to go against their court-appoint-

ed lawyers during the trial and give false testimony accusing McKoy and others of arson and violence towards law enforcement. When it became clear that 10 African Americans would be seated for jury duty, prosecutor Jay Stroud pretended to be ill during jury selection. A second trial included only two African Americans, and, in turn, the Wilmington Ten were convicted. McKoy and the other defendants received a total of 282 years in prison. At the age of 19, McKoy’s 29year sentence was the third-longest handed down to any of the members. Chavis, the then-24-year-old commander, was sentenced to 34 years in prison, while Tindall got 31 years. The 10 freedom fighters, consisting of nine Black males and one white woman, spent nearly a decade in jail before their convictions were overturned by federal appellate courts because of prosecutorial misconduct. In 1976, Amnesty International took over the group’s defense. The London-based human rights organization declared the Wilmington Ten to be “prisoners of conscience,” meaning they were arrested not for the crimes they were charged with, but because of their political activities. Amnesty International’s proclamation about the Wilmington Ten upset some and embarrassed others, especially when they were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize that year, as reported by The New York Times. “Soon the charge was repeated and amplified by the American Ambassador to the United Nations, Andrew Young, who contended in an interview with a French newspaper that the United States harbored ‘hundreds, perhaps thousands of political prisoners,’” according to the newspaper. “The Wilmington Ten, for example, are innocent,” Young stated. He later reiterated that the charges against the group were “trumped up,” according to the Times. In December 1980, the convictions of the Wilmington Ten were finally overturned.

Timothy Tyson, a North Carolina history, and Duke University visiting professor, told CNN that he was handed Stroud’s handwritten notes before 2012, when the NNPA and NAACP called for pardons of innocence for the Wilmington Ten. “It was pretty shocking stuff,” Tyson said of the incident. He mentioned at least six potential jurors who had “KKK Good!!” scribbled next to their names. It said next to a woman’s name, “NO, she associates with Negroes.” The prosecutor had written the benefits and drawbacks of a mistrial on the back of the legal pad, according to Tyson. One of the benefits was a new jury and a fresh start. In 2012, 40 years after they were wrongfully convicted, the 10 activists were pardoned by then North Carolina DemocraticGov. Beverly Perdue. “These convictions were tainted by naked racism and represent an ugly stain on North Carolina’s criminal justice system that cannot be allowed to stand any longer,” the state’s governor stated at the time. “Justice demands that this stain finally be removed.” Responding to McKoy’s death, Chavis reflected on the group and his fallen comrades. “Once again, I am saddened at the passing of another freedom fighting member of the Wilmington Ten,” Chavis remarked. He said McKoy was dedicated to the freedom movement in Wilmington and globally. “He was also a master bass guitarist who would always play the right beat with the inspiring music of freedom,” Chavis recalled. “May James

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‘Bun’ McKoy rest in power and in peace, and may his memory and uplifting spirit live on for generations to come.” WI @StacyBrownMedia

5“Bun” McKoy (second row, standing third from right), a member of the civil rights and political prisoner group the Wilmington Ten died on Nov. 10 at the age of 69. (Courtesy Photo)

INVITATION TO BID Project: EYA Townhomes at Reservoir District DC General Contractor: EYA Construction, LLC Brief Description of the Project: Residential Townhouse Construction work for a 146 Unit Townhome Project located at 2603 First St. NW in Washington, DC. EYA Construction, Inc. is seeking bids for work at our new project known as EYA Townhomes at Reservoir District DC. The project goals are 35% CBE participation for District of Columbia businesses and compliance with the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services First Source Agreement. We are seeking proposals by 5 PM on Friday, December 8th that are inclusive of all General Contract and Scope of Work requirements including all Fees, Taxes and Insurance for the specific bid opportunities listed below. Bid Packages: Appliances, Cabinets, Ceramic Tile, Cleaning, Concrete, Countertops, Decks & Rails, Doors & Windows, Drywall, Electric Labor, Electric Fixtures, Exterior Metal Cladding, Exterior Metal Railing, Exterior Trim, Fabric Awnings, Fire Sprinkler, Fireplaces, Flooring, Framing Material & Labor, Garage Doors, Gutters & Downspouts, Hardware & Shower Enclosures, House Wrap, HVAC, Insulation & Air Sealing, Interior Railing, Interior Stairs, Interior Trim Labor, Interior Trim Material, Landscaping, Masonry, Masonry Caulking, Multimedia, Painting, Party Wall Supply & Install, Plumbing, Roofing, Siding, Structural Steel, Termite Treatment, Terrace Pavers, Third Party Inspection Services (DCRA Approved), Third Party Framing Inspections, Third Party Green Building Inspector Please contact tbrick@eya.com or cclark@eya.com to inquire further about obtaining the documents for your submission of a bid meeting the project qualifications and requirements.

NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023 17

NATIONAL

President Biden Signs Stopgap Funding Bill to Avert Government Shutdown By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

5 Lawmakers have again avoided a government shutdown, at least temporarily (Courtesy Photo/ Wikimedia Commons)

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The “Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024” (H.R. 6363), which President Joe Biden signed, provides federal agencies with funding for the fiscal year 2024 and ensures that they have funds available until Jan. 19 for projects and activities that are already underway and covered by four appropriations bills. The Continuing Resolution (C.R.) temporarily avoids a government shutdown and extends funding until Feb. 2 for the remaining eight appropriations bills. Earlier, the Senate swiftly passed the C.R., securing government funding into the early months of the coming year. The decisive vote followed approval in the House. Facing a tight deadline, Congress had until 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 18 to avert a government shutdown, making the bill's swift journey through the legislative process imperative. The C.R., crafted by newly appointed House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), gained bipartisan support as it extended federal funding without the significant cuts sought by conservative factions of the GOP. Notably, the legislation divides government funding into two periods: some departments will receive funding until Jan. 19, while others will continue until Feb. 2, setting the stage for two additional government shutdown deadlines in early 2024. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) emphasized the need for bipartisan collaboration beyond averting an immediate shutdown. “Keeping the government is a good outcome, of course, but we have a lot more work to do after Thanksgiving,” Schumer stated, expressing hopes for an agreement on critical matters like aid to Israel, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific. However, not all members

of Congress were satisfied with the clean C.R. Some far-right hardliners pushed for budget cuts, urging Speaker Johnson to incorporate them into the twotiered resolution plan. GOP Representative Chip Roy of Texas denounced the bill, stating his strong opposition on Twitter. Meanwhile, Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) highlighted the potential consequences of a government shutdown, underscoring the importance of avoiding disruptions to federal workers, military personnel, and critical programs like SNAP. Many federal entities rely on annual funding appropriations, necessitating the passage of 12 appropriations bills for the next fiscal year. As of now, none of the 12 bills for F.Y. 2024 have been enacted. In the event of a shutdown, federal agencies must halt nonessential discretionary functions until new funding legislation passes. While essential services related to public safety continue, the public could still feel the impact in various ways. Activities such as border protection, in-hospital medical care, air traffic control, law enforcement, and power grid maintenance during previous shutdowns were deemed essential. Social Security and Medicare processes also could face disruptions during a shutdown, while environmental and food inspections face delays and national parks are affected. Air travel also faces challenges during a shutdown because of strained resources, and health and human services, including the National Institutes of Health, could experience limitations. Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could encounter disruptions, affecting tax operations and food assistance benefits. wi @StacyBrownMedia

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In Your Community

Ready for your next mission in life? We Want to Hear Your Story

AARP DC brings together valuable online resources and community programs to help veterans and military families navigate their options in civilian life. We want to hear directly from you about how the programs and services offered by the District to assist Veterans have impacted your life. Sharing your experience will help us advocate for more effective services – and give valuable insights that can help others.

District Veterans, we want to hear from you! Scan the QR code with your phone

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Liberia Has a New President

Liberia’s president, George Weah, conceded defeat on Friday night in his bid for a second term, after a tight runoff against Joseph Boakai and in an election that was considered a test of democracy in the West African nation. Mr. Boakai, a 78-year-old political veteran who had served as vice president for 12 years under the former president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, defeated Mr. Weah, a 57-yearold former soccer star, by a razor-thin margin. The country’s national election commission stopped short of declaring a winner on Friday afternoon, but an5 President-elect Joseph Boakai, left, and outgoing President George Weah. (Courtesy Photo) nounced that with more than 99% of the ballots counted, Mr. Boakai held 50.89% of the votes, and Mr. Weah 49.1%. It was the nation’s tightest election in two decades, and a rematch of the election in 2017, when Mr. Weah handily beat Mr. Boakai. President Weah said in a radio address broadcast late on Friday night: “Tonight, the CDC has lost the election, but Liberia has won. This is a time for graciousness in defeat, a time to place our country above party, and patriotism above personal interest . . . Let us heal the divisions caused by the campaign and come together as one nation and one united people.” In a statement on the election results, the U.S. Department of State said, “The United States congratulates the people of Liberia on holding a peaceful presidential runoff election. We note the broad participation of Liberians across the country and applaud the commitment and dedication of Liberian citizens in exercising their right to vote and in engaging in the electoral process peacefully. “Liberians deserve and expect free and fair, peaceful elections,” the State Department statement continued. “We call on all citizens to follow President Weah’s example and accept the results. We congratulate Liberia’s institutions on a successful electoral process, especially the dedicated work of the National Elections Commission and the thousands of Liberians who worked the polls.” WI

caribbean now Jevon Sands from the Bahamas Choses as Rhodes Scholar Jervon Sands, a 21-year-old from The Bahamas was chosen as a Rhodes Scholar to represent the Commonwealth Caribbean during a presentation by Barbados President Dame Sandra Mason at the State House in Barbados on Tuesday, Nov. 14. Based at England’s University of Oxford since 1903, the Rhodes Scholarship is not only the world’s oldest graduate fellowship, but is also con5 President of Barbados Dame sidered to be among the most preeminent. Its recipients include former Sandra Mason congratulates Jervon Sands, the 2024 Rhodes Scholar for the President Bill Clinton, author Naomi Wolf and current Secretary of TransCommonwealth Caribbean. Looking on portation Pete Buttigieg, as well as winners of the Nobel Prize. is Bertha Pilgrim, Secretary of the ComEach year, one Rhodes Scholarship is available for the Commonwealth Caribbean, which covers Anguilla, Antigua, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Montserrat, St Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Jamaican citizens are not eligible for the Scholarship for the Commonwealth Caribbean but may apply instead for the Scholarship for Jamaica. Sands, who graduated summa cum laude from St. John’s University Collegeville, Minnesota and the College of Saint Benedict, will study for the Master of Sciences (MSc) in Environmental Change and Management, and MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment beginning in October 2024 at Oxford. Sands is the fourth Bahamian Rhodes Scholar. Dr. Desiree Cox was awarded the scholarship in 1987, Dr. Christian Campbell became a Rhodes Scholar in 2002, and Dr. Myron Rolle became the country’s third Rhodes Scholar in 2009. Dr. Rolle, a former professional football player in the NFL, currently is a neurosurgery resident at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. WI

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Pepco Prepares Energy Grid for Winter Weather and Encourages Customers to Prepare Too

Providing safe, reliable energy service remains top priority as colder weather approaches As winter approaches, Pepco is readying the local energy grid by performing essential work to help meet increased customer demand and keep homes and businesses warm and bright all season long. The company is working to harden the system and increase reliability and performing maintenance and inspections ahead of potential severe winter storms. On the electric grid, this work includes inspecting nearly 850 miles of overhead power lines and 200 underground manholes, upgrading equipment, trimming trees, installing new underground equipment, and installing stronger, tree-resistant aerial cable. Pepco also continues to install smart technologies to improve system reliability, such as specialized equipment that can automatically restore service faster or isolate damage. “Our customers count on us every day for dependable energy that can power a safe, comfortable environment for their homes and businesses,”

said Tamla Olivier, chief operating officer for Pepco Holdings, which includes Pepco. “Our teams are working diligently to prepare and strengthen the local energy grid, making it more resilient against harsh weather conditions, so that we can meet that need throughout the colder winter season. We also urge our customers to take proactive measures to prepare for potential winter storms and have a plan should adverse weather impact our region."

JUST AS PEPCO PREPARES, THE COMPANY ENCOURAGES CUSTOMERS TO ALSO BE READY FOR SEVERE WEATHER AND OFFERS THE FOLLOWING TIPS:

• Assemble an emergency storm kit. Include battery-powered radio, flashlight, a first-aid kit, blankets, battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, medications, multi-purpose tool and list of important/emergency phone numbers. • Have a supply of bottled water and easy-to-prepare, non-perishable foods available to last at least 72 hours. • Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home. • Identify an alternate location for you and/or your family in case of an extended outage. • Review the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation of your generator. Do not connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring. Never use a generator indoors or in any enclosed area. In addition, customers can visit pepco.com/alerts before winter weather grips the region and sign up to receive updates on their energy usage and information regarding power outages via

The company is working to harden the system and increase reliability and performing maintenance and inspections ahead of potential severe winter storms. text, email, or phone, including when power is out, when service is expected to be restored, or when power is restored. Customers can also text “ADD OUTAGE” to 48710 to enroll in the

company’s two-way texting program to report outages and check the status of their outage. More tips and storm preparedness information is available at pepco.com/StormPrep.

More support for our community.

More possibilities for the future. At Pepco, we’re committed to supporting local non-profits as they open more doors for people in our community. It’s another way we’re delivering more than energy. Learn more at pepco.com/PowerOfCommunity

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NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023 21

HEALTH DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH

Childhood Obesity Closely Linked To Alarming Rise Of Type 2 Diabetes In Children By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter Rising childhood obesity rates are becoming a growing issue affecting young people. Endocrinologists and extensive medical research have linked significant connections between obesity and an increase in diabetes diagnoses, making obesity a public health concern for children and adolescents alike. According to the National Library of Medicine, 17% of U.S. children are presenting with obesity, which has a strong link to comorbidities in children including psychological distress and cardiovascular disorders. In January of 2023, the American Academy of Pediatrics released its first comprehensive “Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Obesity,” examining obesity treatment in children while further highlighting the value of observing family and community dynamics to best correct challenges of unhealthy weight increases in children. “Research tells us that we need to take a close look at families – where they live, their access to nutritious food, health care, and opportunities for physical activity,” stated Dr. Sarah E. Hampl, chair of the Clinical Practice Guideline Subcommittee on Obesity and a lead author of the guideline. “Our kids need the medical support, understanding, and resources we can provide within a treatment plan that involves the whole family.”

22 NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023

Youth residing in some of the most underserved communities of Washington, D.C. are highly susceptible to unhealthy outcomes in the long run. These youth often live in areas scarce of full-service grocers offering healthy food, and an overwhelming number of fast food options, sugary snacks. Combining a lack of physical activity in these modern times is a recipe for youth facing obesity and other health challenges. Healthy examples of lifestyle and diet lead the blueprint for children early on. Research suggests the chances of a heavier child remaining overweight or obese is in the upward 95th percentile. The high chances of facing a lifelong struggle with obesity makes for an incredibly critical time to ensure healthy habits are established during a child’s pubescent years.

AN UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLE LEADS TO DANGEROUS HEALTH OUTCOMES

Dr. Gail Nunlee-Bland, a pediatric endocrinologist who is the director of the Diabetes Center at Howard University (HU) Hospital, and Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at HU’s College of Medicine, emphasized the importance of addressing factors influencing childhood obesity early on. She highlighted the increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, and offered suggestions for parents to avoid a potentially harmful path. Nunlee-Bland explained the challenges parents who reside in

5(Research is showing rising childhood obesity rates linked with Type 2 diabetes diagnosis in adolescents.

violence-ridden communities face– they fear letting their children enjoy the outdoors. However, she encourages parents to take part in leading examples of healthy lifestyles, using alternative methods

The long-term health implications can turn severe when a child’s increasing weight gain and poor dietary habits are not corrected early on. like: indoor exercise routines, family walks during warmer seasons, and shopping together for healthy food options with their children. “That is a time when intensifying a healthy diet, and intensifying their exercise is important. If they do nothing, in about five years they

could go on to develop Type 2 diabetes,” Nunlee-Bland told The Informer. “I always recommend that this is a time that you really can make a difference and keep them from regressing to that.” She also emphasized the importance of paying close attention to glaring symptoms of pre-diabetes, or diabetic conditions in their kids outside of the doctors office, namely acanthosis nigricans, a darkening around the child's neck, which many parents mistake for dirt that can be washed off of the skin. Elevated blood pressure, which in severe cases can present itself through headaches, dizziness, nausea, or blurry vision, high cholesterol, or raised triglyceride levels are also alarming indications that a child may be on their way to developing atherosclerosis or cardiac disease. It is imperative to seek pediatric care if any of these circumstances appear. The long-term health implications can turn severe when a child’s increasing weight gain and poor dietary habits are not corrected early on. Years of obesity or increased weight gain into adulthood often wreak havoc on the body, manifesting in various conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome, where women will see increased hair growth on their bodies and face, irregular periods, gallbladder disease, or even cirrhosis of the liver or liver failure. In some of the worst cases Nun-

lee-Bland has witnessed of her longtime pediatric patients, many children who develop Type 2 diabetes at a young age die by the time they are in their late 20s or early 30s. These fatal cases are often preventable when parents take the proper measures to steer their children’s lifestyle and dietary habits in the right direction for success. Statistics show that the obesity rates have worsened over time, particularly for Black women. In the early 70s, merely 5% of the population was obese, in comparison to today where the country is averaging a 40 to 50% rate of obesity in adults. Nunlee-Bland said that the increase in fast food serving sizes in conjunction with a lack of physical activity are major contributing factors to the massive shift in weight change across the country. “I just remember when I was a child, even though we had sodas, they were small. Maybe 8 ounces, and you often only had them for special occasions. But now, they are at 20 ounces, about two and a half times the amount that you should be drinking,” said Nunlee-Bland. “We have to look at what has changed in those 50 years. We have video games, computers, sedentary lifestyles, fast food, and less cooking at home,” she said. “Multiple things have happened that are contributing to a health burden.” WI

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Family Caregiving

It takes more than love to care for a loved one. We want to hear your story.

Most caregivers will feel unprepared. But it’s a role you and 74,000 others in the District play every day. No matter how much you love the person you’re caring for, being a caregiver can be a lot to manage, especially when the role is to care for grandchildren. In the District, over 7,000 children under 18 live in a grandparent-led household. DC’s Grandparent and Kinship Caregiver Program provides a subsidy to eligible residents raising their grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, great-nieces or nephews, to help offset the costs of caring for those who may otherwise end up in foster care. Are you, or someone close to you, a District grandparent caring for grandkids? We want to hear from you! Scan the QR code with your phone and share your story! Your stories are powerful—showing your struggle, illustrating your love, and making the case for action. To learn more, visit aarp.org/dc.

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NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 10/31/23 2023 9:42 23AM

OUR

EARTH

Meet Angela Crenshaw, the First Black Woman to Lead Maryland’s Park Service By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate and Environment Reporter After leading the agency as acting superintendent since April, Angela Crenshaw officially became the Maryland Park Service’s first Black woman director Nov. 6. She told the Informer that she plans to give 137% to the role: 87% heart, 13% hair, and 37% grit and determination. “I wanted it to be that awkward 137% because it shows that I thought about it, and that number matters—that grit and determination comes from knowing exactly where I come from,” she said. “I think it would blow my ancestors’ minds to think that I am the full time Director of the Maryland Park Service.” Crenshaw takes on the position after a decade with the park service, where she first began as park ranger at Elk Neck State Park in 2013. She helped get the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park up and running, serving as assistant manager in 2017, the same year it opened. While there, she created a Junior Rangers program, which allows kids to earn a badge for completing a booklet of activities about Tubman’s story and being officially sworn in by a park ranger. Crenshaw said the program is one of her proudest accomplishments so far. “We've had over 15,000 Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Junior Rangers, and they [each] have a personal experience with Harriet Tubman and then of course with a park ranger,” she said. “And it warms my heart to see how it has connected people with our history.”

24 NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023

PLANS FOR CHANGE

Crenshaw takes the reins during a turbulent time for the agency. Earlier this year, Michael J. Browning, then manager of Gunpowder Falls State Park, was convicted of a fourth-degree sexual offense after two former park employees—whose on-site lodging he had helped secure—accused him of rape. Though Browning was acquitted on the most serious of the charges, a Baltimore Banner investigation revealed a widespread lack of oversight and toxic workplace culture at the park service. Many park employees said they had submitted reports about harassment to higher-ups and saw nothing done about it. Browning, who couldn’t be fired because of his status as a law enforcement officer, retired in December. Several other top leaders, including the former head of the agency, were terminated. In recent months, Crenshaw has worked to break down the “toxic culture of the old boys club” in her role as acting superintendent (the top job at the Maryland Park Service used to be ‘superintendent,’ but the title is now ‘director’). She and Josh Kurtz, Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources, held town halls to hear from employees about their experience. Crenshaw said she plans to make systemic changes, including adding more supervisory positions and breaking down massive park complexes into smaller ones. That move, she said, would both improve oversight and provide more opportunities for career growth within the agency. In her most recent role managing Susquehanna, Rocks and Palmer State Parks, Crenshaw oversaw more than 4,000 acres of parkland. “I think having so much land under so few people allows for a lot

5 Ranger Angela Crenshaw with Governor Moore at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park in February 2023. (Courtesy Photo/ Gregg Bortz, Maryland Department of Natural Resources)

of freedom,” she said. “That much freedom comes at a cost, and I think we saw that when everything broke a little over a year ago.” The Maryland Park Service now includes more than 140,000 acres, looked after by around 260 full-time employees and 600 seasonal workers. However, the state legislature last year passed the Great Maryland Outdoors Act, which provides much-needed funding and 100 new full-time positions for the agency. “We've not had a substantial increase in staff in over 30 years, but we've had a substantial increase in the amount of land that we manage,” Crenshaw said. “We've been doing more with less my entire park service career, and much longer than that — and I'm ready for us to do more with more.”

DIVERSE PARK SERVICE AND DIVERSE PARK STORIES

Crenshaw, who remains one of only a few Black park rangers in the state, also said that she wants to improve diversity “across races and abilities” in the park service’s hiring. She identified two strategies: making the government application process more accessible and providing more people with nature-based opportunities so that they can “feel comfortable in the woods.” “This isn't easy — it is a struggle

to stand up and put on a uniform and put on a smile and to fight every day not just for natural resources, but for basic rights, and for people to feel comfortable in these outdoors,” she said. “But I think it is more than worth the effort.” As acting superintendent, Crenshaw oversaw the Maryland Park Service’s first Pride month celebration and coordinated a hiking and kayaking tour with members of the organization Outdoor Afro in honor of Juneteenth. In addition to hiring a more diverse workforce, Crenshaw said she wants to prioritize telling more types of stories within Maryland’s parks. “I also want to highlight different aspects of history,” she said. “Of course we have Harriet Tubman, we have a few other African American parks, but we don't have parks that tell the story of the LGBTQI+ community. We don't have parks that tell the story of the blind, the deaf community in Maryland… So I think it would be amazing to tell those stories.” The position comes after a decade with the Maryland Park Service,

where she began as park ranger at Elk Neck State Park. More recently, she spent several years as assistant manager at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park, teaching visitors about Tubman’s story and legacy. Crenshaw takes the reins at the Maryland Park Service during a turbulent time for the agency. The manager of Gunpowder Falls State Park, one of Maryland’s largest parks, was convicted of a fourth-degree sexual offense earlier this year after two former park employees—whose on-site lodging he had helped secure—accused him of rape. A Baltimore Banner investigation revealed a widespread lack of oversight and toxic workplace culture at the Park Service, and several other high-up park leaders have since been terminated. The Informer spoke with Crenshaw about her experience and her plans for the Maryland Park Service. This interview has been edited for conciseness. WI: You’ve been with the park

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Do You Know What Climate Justice Is? By Willy Blackmore Word In Black This article was originally published online with Word In Black, a collaboration of the nation's leading Black news publishers (of which the Informer is a member). After a record-breaking storm, a river floods a waterfront neighborhood. Some parts of the town, even along the water’s edge, are spared because they sit on higher ground or are protected by flood walls and other infrastructure. Other parts of the town experience relatively minor damage. The low-lying neighborhood not only floods routinely, but it’s also poor and predominantly Black. The flooding itself is a climate change issue, but the flooding in the Black neighborhood — and there are many such neighborhoods across the country — is one of climate justice. A study conducted this year provides a glimpse of how the country views climate justice, and for the most part, we don’t. The annual survey, titled Climate Change in the American Mind: Climate Justice, which hasn’t previously asked questions about climate justice, found that 65% of Americans had never heard the term, while just over a third have heard of it or read a little bit about it. Researchers at Yale and George Mason Universities published the annual climate survey in September, but a more detailed analysis published last week suggests that unfamiliarity

EARTH from Page 24 service for ten years, and with the state Department of Natural Resources even longer. What are you most excited about working on as Director? AC: I'm most excited about the future of the Maryland Park Service. Working for the Maryland Park Service changed my life… So [I’m excited about] being able to give back to that Maryland Park Service, being able to make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe not just visiting our public lands but working in our public lands. In my personal time, I visit national parks, national wildlands;

with the topic is an issue of language, not understanding. “One major reason people are unfamiliar with climate justice is that they simply haven’t heard the term. ‘Climate change’ is already an abstract concept to most people, and ‘climate justice’ even more so,” coauthor Jennifer Carman, deputy research manager at the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, wrote in an email. “If you use the term ‘climate justice’ by itself, most people don’t really know what to think,” Carman said. But that changed after survey respondents were given a definition, which reads in part: “Climate justice refers to the idea that global warming affects everyone, but certain communities are harmed more than others, especially low-income communities and communities of color. The goals of climate justice are to reduce these unequal harms, include these communities in decision-making, and ensure they receive a fair share of the benefits of climate action (such as good jobs, cleaner air and water, better health, etc.).” Given that context, support skyrocketed, and that was particularly true for groups who have the most at stake in matters of climate justice, including Black and brown Americans who are already disproportionately affected by climate change. The survey found that just 12% of Black adults were familiar with the concept of climate justice, and I've been made to feel uncomfortable because of the way I look. And so it's important that while I'm working for the Maryland Park Service and now that I'm their director, that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy our public lands and feel comfortable and experience everything natural, cultural, historical and recreational that the state of Maryland has to offer. I also want to move us forward when it comes to diversity in our workforce. That is across races and across abilities. And I also want to highlight different aspects of history that we've yet to highlight. Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

but after reading a description of the concept, 70% said they supported it — the highest of any group. As Carman said, “many people don’t realize there’s a connection between their own experiences and climate injustice, but once they do, then they can and do start to understand and support climate justice.” It’s one thing to know what climate justice is, but it’s another altogether to fight for and achieve that justice. Drawing connections between personal experiences of climate change and climate justice as a concept has proven effective at starting that process. “The organizers I talked to do this a lot, where they start with a specific local event and explain why it is part of this larger issue of climate injustice,” Carman said, “and the idea starts to take hold.” According to the survey, 43% of adults said they would vote for a climate justice candidate over one

5 Demonstrators protest for Climate Justice and to bring awareness to the term itself. (Courtesy photo)

who does not support such a concept or policies that reflect it. Black Americans were the demographic group most likely to think about climate justice at the ballot box, with 62% saying they would vote for a candidate with a climate justice platform. Conversely, 21%

said they would be “less likely” to vote for such a candidate. “Even when people live with the reality of climate injustice every day, they don’t make the connection between their experience and the broader concept automatically,” Carman said. WI

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EDUCATION Students at Rocketship Rise Academy Demand End to Gun Violence Peace Walk Launches Campaign to Address Damage to School Building from Stray Bullets By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer Since the beginning of the school year, stray bullets have struck the walls and shattered the windows of Rocketship Rise Academy in Southeast on three occasions. Over time, school officials reported seeing nearly a dozen shell cases inside the school building. Though each incident took place at nighttime, with no students, faculty and staff in sight, community members are becoming increasingly concerned about --- and frustrated with -- a situation that many fear could turn deadly. That’s why dozens of Rocketship Rise Academy teachers, parents, and staff members, along with government officials, recently took to the streets as a show of solidarity with the nearby Wood-

land Terrace Public Housing community. They didn’t do so, however, without hearing from three young people growing up amid the gun violence. Chasity Thurston, River Jones and Armani Green stood in front of Rocketship Rise Academy on Raynolds Place on Tuesday afternoon and read monologues they prepared under the tutelage of Britney Ayala, their arts and drama teacher. Each monologue touched on themes of violence and how young people use their voices to compel change. Chasity, a fourth grader at Rocketship Rise Academy, said it was necessary for her and her peers to speak up to ensure they can travel safely throughout their community. “Innocent people dying makes me disappointed and angry,” Chasity said. “People in my age group

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26 NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023

5 Chasity Thurston, Armani Green and River Jones stood in front of Rocketship Rise Academy on Raynolds Place SE on Tuesday afternoon and read monologues they prepared under the tutelage of Britney Ayala, their arts and drama teacher. Each monologue touched on themes of violence and how young people use their voices to compel change. (Courtesy Photo/ Glen Gordon, Jr.)

feel the same way, especially when it’s their friends and relatives who died. Safety makes us feel comfortable in our community to not think about danger. I want to stand up for our community and tell adults when I see something. If we don’t stand up, people will die.” An All-Hand-on-Deck Effort The community walk, which took place amid preparations for student dismissal on Tuesday, happened less than two weeks after Rocketship Rise Academy’s most recent incident. It also followed Ward 8 D.C. Councilmember Trayon White’s (D) visit to the school and dialogue with administrators. On the day of the walk, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) converged on Raynolds Place. They along with White, Ward 8 representatives of the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services and school personnel slowly walked along Raynolds Place and around Woodland Terrace Public Housing, located on Ainger Place. In his remarks before the walk, White called violence prevention an all-hands-on-deck effort. Though he spoke about efforts to address the underlying causes of gun violence, such as violence interruption programs and recreation centers, White touted the need for punitive measures for those who continue to endanger

school communities. “We have a duty and responsibility to make sure our kids are safe,” White said. “This is an overflow from what happens in the community every day. It’s about us believing in our young people and giving them an opportunity. We have to keep chipping away at it, but it’s also about accountability. We don’t know what [the trauma young people feel] will do in 10, 15 years.”

STUDENTS EMBRACE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY

For years, Woodland Terrace, a community with a significant youth population, has garnered a reputation for violence and openair drug markets. In 2016, the D.C. Housing Authority installed rooftop lights around the complex after people continuously broke street lights. Soon after, Rocketship Rise Academy opened its doors amid criticism from community members about violence in the surrounding community. Of particular concern was the school’s proximity to Hope Village, which was then a halfway house for men returning from the Federal Bureau of Prisons. As of Nov. 15, Police Service Area 702, which includes Woodland Terrace, suffered 287 incidents of violent crime this year, according to data compiled by

MPD. That includes eight homicides, four incidents of sexual abuse, 38 assaults with a deadly weapon, and 47 robberies. In speaking about local violence, River, a third grader at Rocketship Rise Academy, said young people desire an environment that will help them grow well into old age. In February, she and her peers will participate in an arts showcase. “We want to live beautiful lives over a long time, try new things, and grow up to have beautiful families,” she told The Informer. “Young people should get to share their thoughts and their voices so people can hear what we have to say. I do my part to let people know how we don’t like the violence.” Armani, standing next to his mother on Tuesday, spoke passionately about his responsibility as a young person. He emphasized what he described as the importance of using his voice to change people’s actions. “I get to influence people and help them stand up,” said Armani, a fourth grader whose monologue vividly conveyed a person’s thoughts at the scene of a shooting. “Gun violence will continue and the population will decrease if we don’t do something. I feel safe at school when I have my amazing teachers, principal and security that ensures my safety.” WI @SamPKCollins

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EDUCATION

Black Girls Can Be Engineers Too By Aziah Slid Word in Black This article was originally published online with Word In Black, a collaboration of the nation's leading Black news publishers (of which the Informer is a member). In the 2016 film “Hidden Figures,” the world watched Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae portray three talented mathematicians who were vital to NASA’s space missions during the 1960s. And in the “Black Panther” film series, Letitia Wright plays Shuri, an innovator and scientist tasked with saving her brother and her home countless times without failure. In more ways than one, the arts, literature, and film have reflected Black women as valuable assets in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. But organizations like Black Girls Do Engineer (BGDE) are making representation a reality for young women. Only 20% of all engineering bachelor’s degree holders are women, and for women of color, the numbers are even smaller. Less than 4% of engineering bachelor’s degrees are awarded to African American, Hispanic, and Native American women combined, and “for African American women that percentage is declining,” according to the Society of Women Engineers. Kara Branch, founder and CEO of BGDE, said the goal of her nonprofit is to provide girls with access,

EVICTION from Page 8 ly impossible for them to access a subsidy again, forcing them into homelessness. But this project will work to change that trajectory for many residents by providing free attorneys who can help tenants assert their rights and access tools to stay in their homes.” Salim Adofo, the chairman of the 8C advisory neighborhood commission who works for an advocacy organization, said he deals with tenants’ problems with landlords “a lot.” “Things have not really gotten better since the coronavirus public health emergency ended,” Adofo, 45, said. “Families were at the margins due to the high cost of living in

awareness, and exposure to the world of STEM as early as 6-years-old. “We started in 2019. A lot of the girls who started with us are still in this program, so we’ve watched girls grow up, go into college, and are going into these spaces,” Branch told Word In Black. “So we are not just popping up and offering them a service. We are staying with them throughout the whole process.” Branch, who received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Prairie View A&M, said throughout her time in the aerospace and tech areas, she’s always been the only Black woman in the room, and ultimately, she wants to increase the population of future Black women who’d occupy the space.

Headquartered in Houston, BDGE also has chapters in Los Angeles and New Orleans and advocates for two million Black American girls to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math careers by the year 2050. One way they hope to reach that goal is to present parents and communities with an opportunity to enroll their daughters in an immersive experience. “A lot of times my mom [would] come up to the school, they [would] always say to my mom, ‘your daughter is very smart,’ but no one ever told my mom what to do with her smart daughter,” Branch said. The young women in the program are introduced to artificial intelligence (AI), coding, robotics, all things energy, medical programs, aerospace, production, and all branches of engineering. In addition, students are offered enrichment programs like financial literacy, mentorship, and college prep training. Participants are taught by STEM

5 Black Girls Do Engineer is working to make the STEM fields and engineering more accessible to young Black women. (Courtesy Photo)

professionals like dentist Dr. Adeola Moore, and computer engineer Freddie Sherrill Jr. BGDE also offers an annual $10,000 scholarship to parents with financial hardships.

“I want to serve as a mentor to many girls that look like me in my community and give them what no one has given me,” Branch said. WI

5 Kara Branch is founder and CEO of Black Girls Do Engineer. (Courtesy Photo/LinkedIn)

the city and people were living paycheck to paycheck even before the pandemic came. COVID turned everything upside down. People lose jobs and are not able to pay their rent. Now, with the emergency rental assistance program being overloaded, more people are facing eviction.” Adofo said if people are facing eviction, seek legal representation. “In court, many tenants don’t show up,” he said. “If you don’t show up, the judge will rule in favor of the other party.” He also emphasized that tenants should work to pay their rent on time if possible. “You don’t want nonpayment on your credit report,” he said. WI @JamesWrightJr10

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EDITORIAL

So What, I’m Still Thankful Happy Thanksgiving! Despite the trials of war, systemic racism, inflation, crime and individual stressors, the Thanksgiving season offers an opportunity for people to reflect on the people and things in their lives for which they are grateful. With life’s challenges so often in the forefront, it’s important to be reminded of life’s for which we give thanks. Try it now. Consider something or you’re thankful for and truly have a moment of gratitude. Personally acknowledging appreciation for the things in your life that you value, can go a long way. Perhaps health, housing, family members, a job, cuddly pets, fun friends or simply life is what you’re thankful for this holiday season. Maybe all things aren’t going your way, but even if you can find appreciation for the smallest thing, you’ll find yourself focusing on the positive aspects of life as opposed to the negative. If you’ve ever heard the religious saying “Hallelujah Anyhow,” or several gospel songs with the same phrase as its title, then you know that the song is about praising God despite life’s challenges. Even if you’re not at all religious I encourage you to adapt that same spirit when considering gratitude this holiday season and beyond. Instead of “Hallelujah Anyhow,” try, “Still Thankful,” even in hard times. Remember, that first Thanksgiving was a moment to find gratitude and come together, despite the complications surrounding settlers and land before and after, and the challenges of sickness and hunger. During that fall 1621, there was peace between the Wampanoag and Puritans, and a three-day feast to celebrate health and the bountiful harvests with the help of the Native American people. While peace was not permanent when it came to relations with settlers and Native Americans, and though peace might not be permanent in your life, finding tiny moments of gratitude will help you remain thankful in times of trial and fight negativity with positivity. So, try it. Even when bad news or tough moments get you down, dig deep to find a little appreciation for the gifts in your life. Say, “I’m still thankful.” It can change your whole outlook. WI

Age and Competence vs. Age and the End of American Democracy Lyndon B. Johnson was the last sitting U.S. President to decide against running for reelection. On March 31, 1968, President Johnson, in an address to the nation from the Oval Office, and after reflecting on the divisiveness of the Vietnam War, uttered words that would change the American and global political landscape forever: Accordingly, I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your president.” Today, polls show that most Americans do not want either President Joseph R. Biden or former President Donald J. Trump on the ballot, a repeat of the contentious 2020 election. Biden turned 80 on Nov. 20 and Trump will turn 78 next year on June 14. Democratic and Republican pollsters offer a portrait of an American electorate united in pessimism, with a lackluster interest in their prospects for the White House, the state of the economy, and overall direction of the country. David Axelrod, former advisor to President Barack Obama, recently said of Biden, “I think he has a 50-50 shot here, but no better than that, maybe a little worse. They’ve got a real problem if they’re counting on Trump to win it for them. I remember Hillary doing that too.” The twice-impeached Trump has all but sewn up the GOP nomination. Despite facing 91 criminal charges in four jurisdictions, he is leading his GOP opponents by an average of 35 points. In some polls, he is also ahead of President Biden. These numbers are a wakeup call for America! We cannot afford any independent or third-party, no chance of winning, candidates handing the White House to Trump again. President Biden is running for reelection. As he often says, “Don’t compare me to the Almighty, compare me to the alternative.” WI

TO THE EDITOR Rest in heavenly peace to Maudine Cooper. She was an incredible force in civil rights and education, fighting for the best interests of all. Well done! Juanita Thomas Washington, D.C.

What a great story on the Anacostia High School students who co-authored an environmental book poetry book. I’m sure it was an incredible and enriching experience for them and one they won’t forget. Amy Walters Washington, D.C.

Readers' Mailbox The Washington Informer welcomes letters to

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Dr. Alveda King

Thanksgiving 2023 Reflections — Planting Gratitude and Harvesting a Bounty

"Thank God for what we have left." — Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. For many people, the Thanksgiving season is a time for expressing gratitude to God for our many blessings. I have been spending time this season reflecting on how grateful I am to have been raised by my parents, Rev. A.D. King and

Dr. Naomi King. My father's legacy lives on in his powerful sermons, and writings, and in the work and lives of his children. While my mother Naomi, also known by her fans as "the Butterfly Queen," is 92, years old now, she continues to advocate globally for peace and justice. I recently traveled to Amsterdam as her stand-in as she was slated to share her longearned wisdom with the world. While the world seems to be crumbling around us, we must take heart in the lessons of our fathers

Guest Columnist

and mothers who survived during much darker days than these. In those dark hours, their lips did not drip with hate; rather they turned to the wisdom of the Scriptures to guide their actions. Matthew 5:44 tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This is one of the cornerstones of my parents' teaching. While I constantly pray to make sense of today's chaos from the streets of Atlanta to the kibbutz of Israel, I remain determined to maintain a posture of gratitude.

Again I return to the Scriptures for guidance. Psalms 122:6 says, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." So I continue to pray. Some will argue that in a world consumed by strife and division, these principles are impractical; mere platitudes in the face of real challenges. For me, embracing a posture of gratitude becomes not just an act of defiance but a revolutionary stance as powerful as my family's commitment to nonviolence in the face of injustice and brutality.

Oddly enough, a recent manifestation of gratitude has taken me by surprise in a most unexpected manner. In the spirit of love for the land of my birth, ingrained in my upbringing, I've taken steps to become a community farmer. Truly, following many years of being grateful for the bounty that comes from my home garden, I am now a resource farmer. I may not be the proverbial "farmer in the Dell", but I did

KING Page 53

Marian Wright Edelman

Finishing Unfinished Work

"It should be clear by now that a nation can be no stronger abroad than she is at home. Only an America which practices what it preaches about equal rights and social justice will be respected by those whose choice affects our future. Only an America which has fully educated its citizens is fully capable of tackling the complex problems and perceiving the hidden dangers of the world

in which we live." This passage is from President John F. Kennedy's "Unspoken Speech," the speech he was on his way to deliver at the Dallas Citizens Council's annual meeting when he was assassinated on Nov. 22, 1963. I was a brand-new law school graduate in my first months of work with the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund on that fateful November day 60 years ago. I had begun the day in a rural Georgia prison visiting a young Black male death row client accused of killing

Guest Columnist

a white farmer, and then returned to Atlanta, where I was sitting in a courthouse library researching how many Blacks and whites had been executed in Georgia's history when a white man burst in grinning and shouting loudly, "Hot damn, they got him!" It took me a moment to realize he was talking about President Kennedy. I rushed with others to the nearest television set to see the news and could barely get away quickly enough from the hateful glee of some of the white citizens surrounding me. The memory of

their celebration still makes me sick. I met President Kennedy only once, in the summer of 1961 after my first year of law school, when I and many other young leaders participating in Crossroads Africa, a precursor to the Peace Corps, gathered on the White House lawn to hear him and Crossroads Africa's visionary leader Rev. James Robinson give us a sendoff to a summer of service in Africa. So much of the deep lingering sadness over President Kennedy's assassination is about the unfinished promise

— unspoken speeches, unfulfilled hopes, the wondering about what might have been. So many Americans felt inspired to do more and be better by the youthful optimism and challenges of the young president's words, only to find him so incomprehensibly and suddenly silenced by violence and hate. Although the kind of venom I witnessed in Atlanta surrounding his death was stunning, many Black Americans felt his loss espe-

EDELMAN Page 53

Rep. James E. Clyburn

Honoring Our Promise to Our Black Veterans

The original government-issued posters publicizing the G.I. Bill of 1944 were designed to inspire. Oversized red and white letters urged, "Veterans — prepare for your future through EDUCATIONAL TRAINING. Consult your nearest Office of the VETERANS ADMINISTRATION." Another read, "VETERANS — if buying a

farm, home, or business, learn about GUARANTEED LOANS." A third showed a young man with his hand on his chin, deep in thought, with the following text above: "Shall I go back to school?" What's notable about these posters is that every person pictured is white. These posters sent a message to Black veterans that they need not apply — that these life-changing programs were not meant for them. This message was reinforced by the blatant discrimination perpetrated by Veterans Affairs (VA) offices

30 NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023

around the country and the abysmal benefits provided to veterans of color. In 1947, only two of more than 3,200 home loans administered by the VA in Mississippi cities went to Black borrowers. Similarly, less than 1% of VA mortgages went to Black borrowers in New York and New Jersey suburbs. These disparities in homeownership opportunities have grown with time. The Consumer Federation of America estimates that homeownership rates for white and Black Americans stood at 74.50% and 44.10%

respectively in 2020, and 65% and 38% in 1960. This homeownership disparity helps explain the difference in net worth for white families ($171,000) compared to that of Black families ($17,150). After signing the G.I. Bill into law in June 1944, President Truman remarked that it would give "emphatic notice to the men and women in our armed forces that the American people do not intend to let them down." Nearly 80 years later, I've teamed up with Congressman Seth Moulton (Mass.-06) and U.S. Sen. Rev.

Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) to ensure President Truman's words ring true. We have reintroduced Sgt. Isaac Woodard Jr. and Sgt. Joseph H. Maddox G.I. Bill Restoration Act in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. It would provide critical housing and education benefits to Black World War II veterans and their descendants, honoring our long overdue promise to the nation's heroes. It would also require that the Government Ac-

CLYBURN Page 53

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. (Ret.)

Good Things Do Happen!

After being glued to the television these days praying that Israel will cease fire and stop the killing because it won't bring back those who were killed in Israel or the many Palestinians. We must recognize that the thousands of innocent civilians in Gaza or those civilians who died in Israel are tragedies we won't soon forget. It's time to concentrate on looking for solutions to heal the

problems between not only the warring sides but also among ourselves. Having our people in the U.S. fighting with each other won't solve the problems either. I pray that we can take a forward look at war, and as we grieve the tragedies we are experiencing, let us find the good and praise it. As a writer and a radio host, I regularly find people who are doing extraordinary things to help others. That's what gets me through these worrisome days of how cruel some can be to others. This past week, I was introduced

Guest Columnist

to someone who does so many good things for so many in need. If you've never heard of Rdevia, I'd like to introduce you to the group through Michelle Hollinger and Marquise McGriff. Rdevia was founded as a student organization on March 5, 2015. Today, they have members and friends, leaders, donors, partners and sponsors all over the world — including in at least 20 states and in China and Ghana. Here's what they do. Rdevia provides opportunities and resources to historically Black colleges and universities. Among the recipients are:

• Current high school seniors who want to go to an HBCU. • Current students who attend an HBCU. • Someone who graduated with an associate, bachelor, or advanced degree from an HBCU. They do this because they want HBCUs to keep rising and thriving. They want us to join them in making it happen. Like many who attended HBCUs, I attended two Historically Black Colleges and Universities. I attended Grambling State University and Howard University School of Law. I did graduate work

at several other universities. That was nothing like the experiences I had at HBCUs. You will hear that from many others. Rdevia understands the power of HBCUs. Their mission is to empower marginalized communities through an education that embraces who they are and who they can become. Their vision includes dreaming of a learned society of people who value one another and the roles they all play in making the world a better place.

WILLIAMS Page 54

Marc H. Morial

Supreme Court's So-Called Ethics Code Is Worse Than Nothing of everyone's time." — Elie Mystal

"There's no clearer indication that these rules are useless than the fact that they end up codifying Thomas's outrageous behavior as ethically within bounds. According to the rules, not a single thing Thomas has done is a problem. Putting out a code of conduct that doesn't restrain Thomas is like erecting a dam that doesn't restrain water. It's just a gigantic waste

The so-called Code of Conduct the U.S. Supreme Court issued on Monday won't put a stop to corruption and wasn't intended to do so. Quite the opposite: it is intended to justify corruption. The Code's most glaringly obvious failing is the lack of any enforcement mechanism. But it's clear the justices don't intend their feeble code to be enforced: In "adapting" the federal judiciary's code of conduct, the word "enforce" is dropped

Guest Columnist

from the opening section. Other federal judges are expected to "maintain and enforce high standards of conduct." Supreme Court justices are called upon merely to "maintain and observe" such standards. Lower court judges should not "lend the prestige of the judicial office" to advance their own private interests or permit others "to convey the impression that they are in a special position to influence the judge." The Supreme Court justices gave themselves considerable wiggle room by inserting the word "knowingly."

Lower court judges are directed to "take appropriate action" if they have reason to believe that a judge, a judicial employee, or a lawyer has violated the code of conduct. Supreme Court justices are expected to act only in response to employee misconduct. Lower court judges "should make required financial disclosures … in compliance with applicable statutes …" Supreme Court justices "have agreed to comply with the statute governing financial disclosure," sending a strong signal that they

consider their compliance voluntary, and that the statute does not apply to them. Lower court judges are urged to "divest investments and other financial interests that might require frequent disqualification." The Supreme Court justices threw that standard out the window, along with a discouragement against accepting outside compensation that exceeds "what a person who is not a judge would receive for the same

MORIAL Page 54

Ben Jealous

Environmental Sacrifice Zones Can Be Beacons of Clean Energy Investment

Lower Richland County, South Carolina is a place with rich history. The region, which sits on wetlands and a floodplain forest fed by the Congaree River, was an established agricultural center dating back more than 300 years. It's home to Congaree National Park and other important sites that are central to the experiences of the

African Americans and Indigenous people who have lived on the land over the centuries. Despite Congress's establishment of the Congaree Swamp National Monument in 1976 and that land's subsequent designation as a national park in 2003, much of Lower Richland has been treated as an environmental sacrifice zone. Sacrifice zones are populated areas that are exposed to especially high pollution levels and other environmental and health hazards, usually due to close proximity to

industrial plants and other polluting facilities. According to the Climate Reality Project, "these areas are called 'sacrifice zones' because the health and safety of people in these communities is being effectively sacrificed for the economic gains and prosperity of others." And it is no coincidence that sacrifice zones are typically in minority and/or low-income communities. With unregulated dumpsites, a superfund site, and industrial plants, Lower Richland — with a history of redlining and a low-in-

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come, predominantly Black population — fits the definition. The International Processing Plants and Equipment Corporation (IPPE) sits on the former site of a steel mill that had been closed due to cancer-causing pollution. The International Paper Sylvamo facility, the Wateree Station coal power plant, and a Westinghouse nuclear fuel plant (that, even with a track record of sick workers and radioactive leaks, just received a 40-year permit renewal) are also packed into the Lower Richland.

As if the area was not already burdened with more than its fair share of pollution, Lower Richland sits just down river from Columbia, South Carolina's capital and largest city. Overdevelopment in the metro area and along its waterways threatens Lower Richland, including Congaree National Park, with increased flooding and additional pollution. Lower Richland is a prime ex-

JEALOUS Page 54 NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023 31

LIFESTYLE These are a Few of Our Favorite Foods: Celebrating Classic Thanksgiving Dishes By WI Staff

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

The Washington Informer is incredibly thankful for your support over the past 59 years. We also thank you for entrusting us with sharing your stories and important information about Black communities in the DMV, nationwide and internationally. As we reflect on what we’re thankful for this holiday season, The Washington Informer’s staff also took a moment to consider some of our favorite Thanksgiving dishes. Though a feast is part of the complicated and controversial history of what is widely acknowledged as the first Thanksgiving in 1621, and has become a main part of the American tradition, The Informer acknowledges that food is not the reason for the season. Beyond the history of harvest, reconciliation and coming together for a meal, the national holiday is about being thankful and giving back to others. We’d also like to emphasize how thankful we are to be able to gather for food and fellowship this Thanksgiving. Between challenges of food insecurity, inflation, mental and physical health and employment responsibilities, not all people are able to celebrate Thanksgiving with traditional food or family gatherings. Even with challenges of food insecurity and health disparities affecting Black communities– some of which have been tied to soul food— there is classic African American fare that goes back

32 NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023

centuries and is rooted in Africa. Moreover, gathering around food is a major part of Black culture– from Sunday dinners, to cookouts and fish fries. “Historically foodways have played an important role in the process of Black identity construction in the United States,” according to Jennifer Jensen Wallach’s “Food and African American Culture,” via Oxford Bibliographies. “During the era of slavery, captives used food practices to maintain a cultural connection with Africa. After emancipation, foodways provided many with a cultural link of solidarity to enslaved ancestors,” according to Wallach’s introduction. “Not only have food practices been used as a means of performing a distinctive African American identity, but also people of African descent have played a significant role in shaping a unique American style of eating.” The diverse dishes reflected on this list reveal traditions, tell stories and continue to create memories for members of The Informer family. From classic Thanksgiving sides such as stuffing, macaroni and cheese and cranberry sauce, to traditional South African food, and delectable dishes that have become people’s family staples, check out some of the fare that will have our team members’ mouths watering on Thanksgiving day. Finally, remember, no matter what you do, or eat, this Thanksgiving, and despite difficulties in the world and life, reflect on the people and things you’re thankful for and, in the spirit of the holiday, consider finding ways to serve others. WI

DENISE ROLARK BARNES WI PUBLISHER Favorite Thanksgiving Food: Macaroni and Cheese and Fish with Crab Stuffing “My favorite is macaroni and cheese, but my husband has begun making a stuffed fish, maybe a blue fish, salmon or rockfish, with a crab stuffing. It’s a perfect compliment, especially for the pescatarians who join us at our Thanksgiving feast."

MICHA GREEN WI MANAGING EDITOR Favorite Thanksgiving Food: Corn Pudding “Every Thanksgiving I look forward to my mommy’s delicious corn pudding, which is baked to perfection: slightly crispy on top, and just the right amount of sweet, creamy, corn goodness on the inside. It’s a family recipe and I hope to watch her prepare it this year. While I don’t think mine will ever be as good as hers, I’d love to be able to prepare the dish for children of my own one day.”

KAYLA BENJAMIN WI CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT WRITER Favorite Thanksgiving Food: Cranberry Sauce “My mom’s homemade cranberry sauce basically follows the recipe on the back of the bag: just cranberries and sugar in a pot. But she always adds a little something extra — cinnamon one year, orange zest another. It’s sweet and tart at the same time. I make it myself every year around this time, but my batch is never quite as yummy.”

SAM P.K. COLLINS WI STAFF WRITER Favorite Thanksgiving Food: Stuffing and Sweet Potato Pie “Since stepping into the Rastafari faith, the only animal I eat is fish with scales and bones. My wife Tyisha and I are preparing for ‘Africans-giving’ by picking out a couple red snappers at the market and docking them up with some flavor before she cooks them to perfection. Depending on how I’m feeling, I might hit the grill this year.”

RICHARD ELLIOTT WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Favorite Thanksgiving Food: Stuffing “Stuffing is my favorite because you can use it for chicken casserole after Thanksgiving festivities are over. Like James, I personally find Turkey rather tasteless even when prepared by a stellar chef.”

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LIFESTYLE JACQUELINE FULLER WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Favorite Thanksgiving Food: Collard Greens “My maternal great aunt cooked collard greens for Thanksgiving dinner and I always look forward to having it with my meal. It was also my favorite vegetable when I was little because I did not like broccoli. The change I made is using smoked turkey instead of pork fat back as a healthier version of her recipe.”

SHEVRY LASSITER WI PHOTO EDITOR WIN-TV PRODUCER Favorite Thanksgiving Food: Stuffed Salmon “My favorite dish – Salmon stuffed with shrimp and crabmeat and with spinach on the side. Hmm hmm good! Seasoned properly, it only takes a few minutes to prepare. You definitely can’t miss on this one and it tastes so good. Always a hit! "

BRENDA C. SILER WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Favorite Thanksgiving Food: Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie "I found this recipe in the Washington Post Sunday Magazine. It’s a “no fail” recipe to be served with a scoop of Vanilla Bean ice cream."

LINDIWE VILAKAZI WI HEALTH REPORTER & STAFF WRITER Favorite Thanksgiving Food: South African Biryani (Rice and Chicken or Lamb Dish) “Every Thanksgiving my mother cooks a big pot of South African Biryani. It’s by far my favorite rice dish, and special to my heart, as only she has known her special recipe for years. This Thanksgiving, I plan on making this alongside my mother so I can continue to carry on the tradition as well.”

JAMES WRIGHT WI STAFF WRITER Favorite Thanksgiving Food: Barbecue Chicken "Barbecue chicken serves as a good substitute for turkey, which I find somewhat tasteless."

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NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023 33

LIFESTYLE WASHINGTON INFORMER WEEKEND CHECKLIST WASHINGTON INFORMER'S

Things To Do, DMV!

By Ra-Jah Kelly WI Contributing Writer

Check out a handful of the many events happening in the DMV this weekend. To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar. Keep your outlook vibrant and remember, there’s always something happening in the DMV to keep your spirit-- and social life-lit.

THURSDAY, NOV. 23

Be Thankful with The Washington Informer Time: All Day | Donations strongly suggested The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20032 Join us in being Thankful and supporting The Washington Informer, a beacon of news and community empowerment. Your generous donation can help us continue to deliver insightful stories, uplift underrepresented voices, and strengthen our community ties. Donate on our Washington In-

former Charities website, or by mailing a tax deductible check out to The Washington Informer Charities. Happy Holidays from the Informer Team!

FRIDAY, NOV. 24

Black Friday at Manor Hill Farm Time: 2 p.m. | Free to attend Manor Hill Brewing, 4411 Manor Lane, Ellicott City, Maryland, 21042 How about skipping the frenzied lines at Best Buy and Walmart and taking a short drive to Maryland’s largest Farm Brewery instead? The Tasting Room at Manor Hill Farm will have 13 farm-brewed beers (+ hard seltzer) on draught and multiple options in cans available to go! This annual event will feature Beer Releases (TBD), Achiotes Food Truck, and appointment-only Santa Photo Sessions in the Barn for children and adults who still believe. Donnell Rawlings at DC Improv Time: 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. | $45+

4 DMV native and Chappelle show alum Donnell Rawlings takes the stage at DC Improv for the holiday.

DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20036 Donnell Rawlings is a DMV native and “Chappelle’s Show” legend. Enjoy some hearty laughs, if you can get tickets in time.

SATURDAY, NOV. 25

CityCenter DC Tenth Annual Tree Lighting Celebration Time: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. | Free CityCenterDC, 825 10th Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20001 The chic shopping center will transform into a winter wonderland where visitors can experience free treats, face paintings, balloon art, and fun for all. The largerthan-life tree lighting will feature live performances, a curated holiday art tree installation, sweet surprises, and a limited edition charitable commemorative ornament. Preservation Hall Jazz Band Time: 8 p.m. | $55 Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

5 Chef Ramin Coles of The (NMAAHC) brings a special holiday menu to the Museum’s Sweet Home Café.

34 NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023

Charlie Gabriel has been a musician for over 75 years and is by far the oldest member of The Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Their newest album “89” refers to Gabriel’s age at the time of its recording during the pandemic. In his eight-plus decades as a musician, Gabriel has played with Charles Mingus, Lionel Hampton, and Aretha Franklin just to name a few.

5 Long-time hip-hop artist Benny the Butcher celebrates his birthday with a concert at The Howard Theater.

SUNDAY, NOV. 26

Executive Chef Ramin Coles' Sweet Home Café Harvest Menu Time: Noon - 3 p.m. | à la carte National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20560 Enjoy Chef Ramin Coles' roast honey glazed ham, herb roast turkey with southern oyster dressing, and delicious sides, including green bean casserole and brown sugar mashed potatoes. In addition to the menu, you'll find Sweet Home Café's nine-inch sweet

potato and pecan pies available to take home during the entire month of November at the Market Table. Benny the Butcher Time: 8 p.m. | $35+ The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20001 Benny the Butcher and the whole Griselda team have been on an incredible run, so they have a lot to celebrate. Plus it’s “Benny the Butcher's Birthday Concert,” so it should be extra live! WI

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Milk & Honey Founder Sammy Davis Jr.: A Journey of Challenges Learn What’s Next on the Menu for Davis and his Work with Thompson Restaurants By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer When Reston, Virginia-based Thompson Restaurants entered the Washington metropolitan area’s food market, the D.C. area’s already budding food industry further expanded. One of the company’s acquisitions in 2020 was Milk & Honey restaurants in the D.C. area only– not to be confused with the Atlanta-based establishment that has been in the middle of social media chatter for the past few weeks.

Sammy Davis, Jr., the founder and co-owner of the original iteration of Milk & Honey restaurants, spoke exclusively to the Washington Informer about his challenges with the restaurant business. His first iteration of Milk & Honey, created in 2006, did include those sites in Atlanta. Davis said they failed miserably, so he shut them down. “They didn't fail because of the food. It was because I was bad at business,” Davis said. The chef and entrepreneur came to Maryland, but hard luck con-

5 Sammy Davis, Jr., chef consultant with Thompson Hospitality, in the kitchen at Milk & Honey, SW Wharf location, preparing vegetables for serving. (Ja’Mon Jackson/ The Washington Informer)

tinued– he was unhoused sleeping in his car at rest stops. Davis then connected with his cousin, who was opening a restaurant in Baltimore and agreed to help with that project. At the same time, he was approached by the Food Channel show “Chopped.” “Oh no,” he told them. “I don’t do reality shows.” Davis agreed to do it anyway. He did not win but gained a lot of positive visibility, which opened doors for Davis to be a food service consultant in the DMV. Due to an overwhelming flood of emails, “Chopped” called Davis again to participate in a redemption competition because his fans felt he should have won the first time. Davis won the second time around on “Chopped.” With confidence and a bet from a friend, he revisited the Milk & Honey concept in the D.C. area. You can’t open a successful restaurant serving breakfast,” Davis’s friend told him. With a $5,000 investment from that friend, Davis flipped it, making $3 million in the first month. His friend and investor could not believe it. Davis opened more locations only in the DMV. Thompson Restaurants, part of the larger Thompson Hospitality group, liked what they saw, so Davis decided on the 2020 sale of all the Milk & Honey restaurants in the DMV area. With that sale, Davis was asked to come to Thompson as a chef consultant to

LIFESTYLE

oversee the food operations for the company’s restaurant group. That also includes the company’s headquarters in Reston. Thompson Restaurants has 15 brands and operates more than seventy restaurants in Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, Ohio, and South Florida. The company’s brands are Big Buns, Cut 132, The Delegate, Hen Quarter, Locals Tacos, Makers Union, Matchbox, Ralph Sampson’s American Tap Room, The Ridley, The Rub, Social House, Velocity Wings, Willie T's. and Wiseguy Pizza. The Milk

& Honey brand has 11 locations in the metro area. As a chef consultant for Thompson, Davis literally and figuratively has his hands in rolling out new menu items, coaching kitchen staff at the various restaurant brands, and assisting with the opening of Thompson-owned restaurants. The bottom line is Davis has a quality control responsibility to ensure brand food is top tier. He has a mantra for a restaurant to be successful, which is something Davis is a stickler about. “We have to be able to give

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NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023 35

LIFESTYLE Winter Harris of LAMDC Feeds the Body and the Spirit in Her New Cookbook By Dr. Patrise Holden WI Contributing Writer For Winter Harris, a self-described Southern Belle, cooking is not only part of who she is, but one of the ways in which she finds peace and nourishes those she loves, both physically and psychologically. Author, recording artist, and star of Love and Marriage, DC, Harris, 42, learned to cook as a young girl growing up in Arkansas. She credits being intentional about what she feeds her body and her mind as pivotal components of good mental and physical health. Her ninth book, The Single Housewife Affirmation Cookbook, filled with original recipes and affirmations, is scheduled to be released this week on Black Friday.

JOURNEY TO REALITY TV

A popular favorite on the OWN Network, Love and Marriage DC, Harris stated, “the experience of being on reality TV was an unexpected opportunity for me. Suddenly becoming subject to the court of pub-

lic opinion, television editing, and varied interpretations of my words and actions was a very difficult transition.” Despite the drama that comes with being on reality television, Harris told the Informer she finds a way to stay grounded. “Relying on my faith and being intentional about maintaining a sense of normalcy were critical in helping me get through that initial period,” said Harris. “Cooking, which brings me great joy, was also a large part of how I coped.” Although the initial adjustment proved challenging, Harris is extremely grateful for the opportunity that Love and Marriage DC afforded her. “As people have seen me struggle, face obstacles, and come out triumphant, others who were also struggling have found renewed hope and inspiration. That has been the beautiful part of reality TV for me, letting people know that they too can make it to the other side of life challenges,” she continued. Licensed Professional Counselor Candice McKinney credits Harris’

5 Reality star Winter Harris in a scene from Love and Marriage DC. (Courtesy Photo/Winter Harris)

focus on family, community, and “those good home cooked meals” as key components in her ability to successfully navigate the stress and scrutiny of reality TV stardom.

A CREATIVE MECCA

While she proudly hails from Arkansas, Harris said that she finds the Washington, D.C. region as a transformative place for entrepreneurs and creatives. “D.C. has been a beacon of light for African Americans for so long. It is one of the few places that you can go in the world and see successful

African Americans in every sphere of influence. As a little girl in Arkansas, I didn’t see a lot of people that looked like me in places of leadership, power, and influence.” She emphasized that with a burgeoning creative network, the District is, in many ways, the ideal place for creative entrepreneurs. “You can literally have endless creative pursuits in D.C. and find a community that supports each one. It has been empowering to have so much support for my goals and dreams; whether as a songstress, motivational speaker, author, or en-

Harris stated, “the experience of being on reality TV was an unexpected opportunity for me. Suddenly becoming subject to the court of public opinion, television editing, and varied interpretations of my words and actions was a very difficult transition.”

5 Love and Marriage DC star, author and songstress Winter Harris on set of the Gutter Barbies music video.

36 NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023

tertainer,” she stated. A recent divorcee, Harris stressed the importance of taking time for personal and spiritual reflection. A staunch supporter of mental health therapy, she said: “we must take the time to reflect on decisions that we’ve made and contemplate decisions that we should make.” She said therapy has been significant in offering a safe space to grow. “I’ve watched Winter go through what I call ‘The Joy of the Coming.’ She is a woman of faith who knows the value of establishing a village that holds you up. People who when you’re around you can take off the mask and just be,” said longtime friend LeKisha Middleton, 47. Teaching people to develop the habit of affirming themselves is central to Harris’ mission of motivation and self-empowerment. “Our mental and emotional well being directly reflects our health. There are so many people who are challenged in health because they haven’t worked on their emotional wellbeing,” Harris told the Informer. “ I am excited to publish this book which embodies so much of who I am,” the author continued. “I am in a place where I am truly grateful. Everything in my life is not perfect but it’s peaceful and I have true joy. Joy resonates from the inside while happiness can be fleeting based on outside circumstances. I am at peace and I am filled with gratitude for the life and legacy that I am creating for myself and my children.” WI

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Washington Gas: Lighting the Way to the Future One of our most valuable lessons from 175 years as an energy leader? Innovation paves the way to the future. This past July, you might have read about the 175th anniversary of Washington Gas. Our celebrations have continued throughout the summer and fall as we look toward an exciting future of serving our many communities. “This year has been dedicated to everyone who calls the DMV home,” said Blue Jenkins, President of Washington Gas. “Washington Gas is honored to pursue technologies that will continue making energy safe, affordable and reliable for our region.” As the first federally chartered natural gas company in our nation’s capital, Washington Gas began lighting the way in 1848. Some of our proudest roles include illuminating the first gas lights at the White House and maintaining the Eternal Flame at President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery. Today, we are honored to serve 1.2 million customers throughout the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Along with advancing energy services, supporting our local communities has always been a priority. This past year has provided some especially bright moments, such as the “Party With a Purpose” at the Washington National Cathedral on Sept. 27. Hosted by Washington Gas, the event benefitted our signature heating assistance program, the Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF). Numerous companies and individuals gathered to help WAFF reach $750,000 in fundraising so far in 2023. WAFF is open to qualified local residents who need help heating their homes, regardless of their heating method. Washing-

ton Gas covers all administrative fees so that 100% of donations go directly to families in need. The program has assisted more than 3,800 people across Washington, Maryland and Virginia in the past year. The Washington Area Fuel Fund is just one example of our multi-faceted assistance programs to help make reliable energy available to everyone. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/washgascares. As part of our anniversary year, Washington Gas designated October as “Washington Gas Cares Month” to support food-awareness initiatives such as World Hunger Day, Tackling Hunger Month and Farm-to-School Month. On each of the four Thursdays in October, more than 140 employee volunteers donated 400 total hours to serve local communities throughout the DMV. Our partnering nonprofit organizations included the Capital Area Food Bank, the SHARE Food Network, A Wider Circle, the Arlington Food Assistance Center and Bright Futures. Volunteer teams sorted and packed thousands of pounds of food into hundreds of food boxes, including weekend meal packs for children. They organized household and clothing items and assisted with distributing donated mattresses to residents in need. Washington Gas also teamed up again with WUSA9 on Oct. 28 for the latest in a series of regional Recycle Days. For these events, area residents are encouraged to bring recyclables such as old paper, electronics, clothing and books to convenient drop-off locations. The cumulative results of the

four Washington Gas-sponsored Recycling Days have been staggering, with more than 100 tons of paper and almost 60 tons of electronics diverted from landfills. Considering this, these totals can potentially save more than 1,600 trees, 144,00 gallons of water, 928,000 kilowatts of electricity and 328 cubic yards of landfill space. While we all intuitively understand that recycling supports the environment, the benefits cascade beyond the immediate wins listed above. The 2020 Recycling Economic Information Study (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) found that in a single year,

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recycling and reuse activities in the United States accounted for 681,000 jobs and $37.8 billion in wages. That equates to 1.17 jobs per 1,000 tons of recycled materials and $65.23 in wages. Recycling also helps reduce the higher energy demands of creating paper and other materials from virgin resources. For example, aluminum can be recycled using less than five percent of the energy used to make the original product. Since natural gas is often used to power furnaces during refining, recycling already-produced aluminum can help conserve natural gas and contribute toward a steady, reliable supply.

2023 has been a fast-paced year. However, President Blue Jenkins sees it as a natural springboard into an even busier future. “One of our most valuable lessons from 175 years as an energy leader is that innovation paves the way to the future,” he said. “For example, consider renewable natural gas and hydrogen. Fifty years ago, we identified these as future energies, and we’re now pursuing these technologies as vital components of the near-term energy industry.” From everyone at Washington Gas, thank you for your

NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023 37

LIFESTYLE

‘A Winter’s Tale’ Welcomes Audiences Back to Folger Theater

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Folger Theatre comes back strong after several years under renovation with “A Winter’s Tale,” considered one of Shakespeare’s lesser-known plays. It’s a story of imagined infidelity, a king who refuses to listen to reason, and colleagues who try to manage through the unimaginable. “A Winter’s Tale” is brought to the stage in a contemporary setting, retaining Shakespeare’s words. Don’t shy away from seeing this play for fear of being unable to keep up with the dialogue. Outstanding acting brings you in and keeps you engaged in the storyline. Hadi Tabbal, who portrays King Leontes of Sicilia, thinks his wife, Queen Hermione, played by Antionette Crowe-Legacy, has been in an affair with and bore the child of his good friend, Polixenes, King of Bohemia. As things unravel in the first half of “A Winter’s Tale,” the King becomes completely unhinged. Those around him, that include his friends and staff, are astonished at the King’s accusations about the Queen. Crowe-Legacy plays a powerful, focused Hermoine who remains strong responding to her husband’s misguided rants. Leontes is committed to this suspicion and puts his pregnant wife in prison. There, she gives birth to their child, then the baby is taken away.

5 Queen Hermione, played by Antoinette Crowe-Legacy, charms her husband’s close friend, King Polixenes played by Drew Kopas, into extending his stay in Sicilia. (Courtesy photo/Brittany Diliberto)

In a post-opening night interview, director Tamilla Woodard interpreted the King’s rage. “When he thinks that someone else has taken possession of his wife and son. he would rather destroy it,” Woodard said. “A tiny thing gets into his brain and destroys his entire household. We know people like that who have been infected by an idea.” The second half of the play takes place 16 years later, where the tone is much lighter, indicating a changing world. This pivot in the production may take audience members a few beats to get into the play’s new scenario. It’s a time-lapse that brings new characters that interact with existing characters creating strange encoun-

ters. There are surprises that will surely cause head-scratching amongst the audience. Woodard steered the cast through a high-energy first half. The second half of “A Winter’s Tale” brought several comic relief moments. Tight performances from the cast were, at times, emotionally draining. The audience caught all the feelings from Shakespeare’s words. A Winter’s Tale” runs until Dec. 17 at the Folger Theatre, located in the Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E Capitol Street SE. Tickets are available online at folger. edu or the Folger Box Office at (202) 544-7077. WI @bcscomm

Phylicia Rashad Honored for Supporting Howard University Jazz Program By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

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“Return to Glory,” held at Arena Stage, celebrated Fred Irby III, retiring professor of music at Howard University and director of the Howard University Jazz Ensemble (HUJE). Before the band started the concert, Phylicia Rashad, dean of the Howard University’s Chadwick Boseman College of Fine Arts, was given the Benny Golson Jazz Master Award. Rashad was recognized for her support of HUJE. Presenting the award to the dean were Denise Saunders Thompson, assistant dean of Fine Arts and Howard University alumna Sunny Sumter, president and CEO of the DC Jazz Festival, which received the Golson Award in 2015. “Dean Rashad has been an extraordinary champion of the 5 Phylicia Rashad, Dean of the Chadwick Boseman College of Fine Arts receives the Benny Golson Jazz Master Award in a presen- arts working tirelessly for our college and the Howard Univertation held at Arena Stage on Wednesday, Nov. 15. (L-R) Rashad, sity jazz studies program,” said Thompson, a past U.S. Medal Denise Saunders Thompson, assistant dean of Fine Arts and Sunny of Arts recipient. Read more on www.washingtoninformer. Sumter, president and CEO of the DC Jazz Festival. com WI @bcscomm

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NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023 39

Popping Ears

If you have traveled into the mountains, or taken an airplane ride you may have noticed your ears feeling plugged up or even hurting.

There are ways we can try to avoid catching a cold and the flu, like washing our hands and getting vaccinated.

START

Animals Yawn, Too!

Many animals also yawn. And some animals “catch” yawning from each other. Some people say when they yawn, their dog will often yawn, too. W I

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Amazing Facts About Yawns How long does the average human yawn last? 8 18 3

4 22 13 7

14 18 13 6

7 19 9 22 22 7 22 8

13 = N 12 = O 11 = P 10 = Q 9 =R 8 =S 7 =T 6 =U 5 =V 4 =W 3 =X 2 =Y 1 =Z

24 19 26 8 14 12 15 12 20 2

Standards Link: Life Science: Understand that humans and animals have structures that aid in survival.

P O E U B A D T R A

R W L A H J S V E C E F E D R Z W T T T S D R O W S Y Q N S

S V O L N L E A I R

U C X G T O A P W Y R S L A C U R J

E G Y S I D A T L P

Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognize identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.

Large and Loud Large and Loud both

start with the letter ‘L’. When more than one word in a sentence starts with the same letter, that is called an alliteration. Look through the newspaper for words that start with the same letter. Use these words to write a new sentence. Standards Link: Language Arts: Identify alliteration in text.

In a news article, circle all the one syllable words in red, two syllable words in blue, three syllable words in green and four syllable words in orange. Next, create a bar graph showing the number of one, two, three, and four syllable words in the article. Standards Link: Language Arts: Apply syllabication rules.

Yawn!

One day, I yawned REALLY big and … Finish this story.

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40 NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023

I N

Syllable Search

What is the study of yawning called?

Do giraffes yawn? So far, they’ve never been observed yawning by scientists.

C L B A L A N C E F

END

8 22 24 12 13 23 8

The longest known yawn was made by a small Pomeranian dog named Belle. How long did her yawn last? 7

4 18 13 7 22 9

26 = A 25 = B 24 = C 23 = D 22 = E 21 = F 20 = G 19 = H 18 = I 17 = J 16 = K 15 = L 14 = M

AIR BALANCE COLD DOG DROWSY EARS FACTS FLU LAST LOUD PRESSURE WINTER WORDS YAWN YEAR

Scientists t helps the m relaxed, m yawn bigg

What time of year do people yawn the most?

Use the secret code to reveal these facts!

By forcing opens, you slow down

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Understand informational text.

How many differences can you find between these two pictures?

Your eyes squint duri bigger the tightly you

What can help balance the inside and outside pressure? The letters along the correct path reveal the answer.

What is it? It’s YAWNING!

Are you a Circle t article b the ar th

Do you when

The air pressure in higher altitudes is lower than the air pressure in lower altitudes. When the pressure of the air inside your ears and outside are different, you feel a bit plugged up.

But, there is something you can’t stop yourself from catching.

Give it a try! Start yawning and watch to see if people around you start to yawn. Even reading about yawning can sometimes cause a person to yawn. Are you starting to yawn yet?

Number the paragraph parts in order to reveal facts about hippopotamus yawns.

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With hund Kid Scoop features six high-intere activities fo school! Get sample tod

wi book review "Iconic Home: Interiors, Advice, and Stories from 50 Amazing Black Designers" By June Reese, BID, foreword by Amy Astley c.2023, Abrams $50 / 255 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer The sofa will go over there. Sitting slightly forward from the edge of a rug, flanked by two chairs at an angle to the fireplace, it'll be the focal point of the room. Add the right paint and that plushy blanket you bought on vacation last year, and you'll never want to leave. Making your home a welcoming retreat is always a goal and in the new book "Iconic Home" by June Reese, BID, you'll welcome some fresh ideas. As a young girl growing up in Texas, June Reese wished for a way to make her passion for art into a career. Few opportunities existed, "not many career paths," but she saw design school as a way to her dreams. Still, it was hard and she thought about picking a different career until she met designer Kimberly Ward, founder of the Black Interior Designers Network, and everything fell together. Reese began to meet and collaborate with other Black designers, 50 of whom she profiles in this book. Designer Leah Alexander says scale and size are of the utmost importance when decorating a room. Alvin Wayne adds: take it easy with throw pillows. Arianne Bellizaire decides the color of a room after she notes "any historical and geographical parameters that are integral to the design." Elaine Griffin says that "color reigns supreme..." Christopher Charles believes that "paint samples are a homeowner's best friend." What you hang on a wall is important, and Danielle Colding recommends "dynamic art!" Layer the room, say several designers here. Some advocate having a focal point, while others say it's unimportant. Choose lighting carefully and bring nature inside. Mix texture, but remember functionality. Catasha Singleton says that accessories should be the "very best" part of any room. Justina Blakeney reminds readers to "have an open mind." Byron Risdon says, "Don't overthink it." Amhad Freeman says, "Don't overdo it." Delia Kenza says, "Have fun, don't be afraid to try, and make sure the space tells a story." To paraphrase designer Linda Hayslett here, for many decades, the assumption has been that Black homeowners didn't have taste, sophistication, or need for interior design. Absolutely, "Iconic Home" proves the opposite. The feature you'll notice first about this book is the abundance of gorgeous pictures. Author and compiler June Reese includes many elegant examples of her subjects' work in full-color photos that will satisfy anyone looking for ideas, wishing for their own special room, or merely hoping to satisfy home voyeurism. Beware, they're addicting. When you're done with the photos, turn back to the beginning and start reading about design as a career and the legacies these designers hope to leave. It's here where you'll find plenty of hints on deciding what to add or subtract from your space, and tips to make any room in your home a place you'll want to be. This is the kind of book for dreaming, the kind in which you'll find something different every time you open it. Get "Iconic Home" and take it to the sofa over there. WI

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE NOV 23 - 29, 2023

ARIES You've been fighting your way through a thicket recently, but at the beginning of the week you come to a clearing. You can see into your future. You can communicate across vast distances with the greatest of ease. Communication with others is key to getting the most of your week, even if it's a bit difficult (and it might be with family on Wednesday) or the words just don't come out right (as may be the case on Thursday). Lucky Numbers: 24, 34, 42 TAURUS Whatever pressures are on you to buy or sign or decide or race ahead, ignore them. The start of the week is not the time to buy or sign or decide or race ahead. It's a time to dart into the space between two cute buildings on your way somewhere else and notice the flower boxes and moss and birds. It's a time to, well, waste time. Wednesday and Thursday are similarly fanciful. Lucky Numbers: 1, 9, 32 GEMINI There are so many people around you with so many ideas that the sheer possibility of life overwhelms you. Where should you commit your energy? Which project is the most pressing? To complicate things even more, romance (or at least flirtation) is a theme at the start of the week. Lucky Numbers: 23, 38, 55 CANCER There are so many people around you with so many ideas that the sheer possibility of life overwhelms you. Where should you commit your energy? Which project is the most pressing? To complicate things even more, romance (or at least flirtation) is a theme at the start of the week. On Wednesday and Thursday, your financial situation acts as a check on all that you want to do with your life right now, but solutions to this dilemma (start to reveal themselves on Friday and Saturday. Lucky Numbers: 3, 7, 11 LEO A party can be a place to get things done, because teamwork takes many different forms. Your friends are some of the most competent people you know, and a brainstorming session on Monday or Tuesday, over pizza or even during a commercial break, might yield some surprisingly helpful ideas. On Wednesday and Thursday, your thoughts are golden. Lucky Numbers: 15, 26, 45 VIRGO Monday and Tuesday are seesaw days. They could tip either way: really great or really a drag. It depends a lot on you. Be careful when communicating, and make sure the details are given the attention they need. On Wednesday and Thursday, details are crucial as well. Your organizational prowess will be called upon, most likely in reference to a family gathering. Get out the calendar. Lucky Numbers: 6, 14, 23 LIBRA The right person at the right time is more exciting to you at the start of the week than anything else. You and you-know-who will get involved in the kind of conversation that seems to last for days. Talk about doing new things together. Lucky Numbers: 13, 17, 44 SCORPIO The fine print will get you every time. Or at least it will get you at the start of the week if you're not careful. Tuesday is a day for details too. No shortcuts. On Wednesday, you can rely more on your intuition, which is your comfort zone. That's how you like to operate. Dinner in a foreign restaurant on Thursday will put you in the path of a beautiful accident of timing. Relinquish control and you will be delighted by what comes your way. . Lucky Numbers: 12, 39, 58 SAGITTARIUS You are attracted to philosophical ideas at the beginning of the week, but nothing seems to be sticking. Nothing seems to apply to you. You're distracted. You're anything but bored. On Wednesday and Thursday, when those distractions fade into the distance and you have nothing but your own thoughts to keep you company, a philosophical mode of thinking will once again figure fairly strongly. On Friday and Saturday, your pleasures are tangible (a bonus, a travel upgrade, something like that), but Sunday is super low-key. Lucky Numbers: 15, 16, 45 CAPRICORN You are not a flake. If you say you're going to be somewhere, you'll be there, with your shoes shined. Sadly, as Monday and Tuesday amply demonstrate, not everyone else is as conscientious as you. Certain people might have to be crossed off the list of all-stars in your life. It happens sometimes. Lucky Numbers: 25, 47, 58 AQUARIUS Whenever you're alone with you-know-who, sparks fly. Lots of sparks. And Monday and Tuesday offer you lots of time to be alone together, so put on some goggles. Wednesday throws you back into the daily grind (at work, at school, wherever your responsibilities currently lie), and the only way to get your blood pumping on Thursday will be to take a jog around the block. Lucky Numbers: 16, 34, 36 PISCES On Monday, you'll want to dive into a box of packing peanuts and stay there. You won't feel like moving. Tuesday isn't a good day for doing anything specific either. Your brain is on creative matters. You're effectively useless to the rest of the world. Embrace this. On Wednesday and Thursday, create something. If you have a special someone in your life, create something together. Lucky Numbers: 40, 41, 49

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NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023 41

SPORTS HOWARD UNIVERSITY WINS 2023 MEAC CHAMPIONSHIP

Bison End Regular Football Season Victorious Against Morgan State Bears in 14-7 Win By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer When Larry Scott was hired as the new head football coach at Howard University in February 2020, he brought excellent credentials, having served at some Power 5 schools as an assistant and even a short stint as interim head coach at the University of Miami. So, while mulling over some other considerations as top assistant, Scott opted to take the Howard offer to head up the program. It would not be an easy task. The previous head coach was relieved of duties midway through the season and the interim coach kept it together during the five games. It was a disastrous season as the team finished. As if that was not enough, 26 players transferred and then along came COVID-19. But Scott was not discouraged and was determined to rebuild the program. During his first full season, he essentially laid the groundwork by implementing his philosophy of resiliency and accountability. Then during last season, there was the turnaround he had been working toward. Howard finished 5-6 but more importantly, 4-1 in conference play, which helped the program finish in a tie with North Carolina Central for the co-championship. The loss to North Carolina Central prevented the Bison from reaching the ultimate goal: the Celebration Bowl between the Mid-Eastern Athletic Confer-

42 NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023

ence (MEAC) champions and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) champion. Players and coaches alike were determined to make that dream a reality, and on Saturday, Nov. 18, Howard finally accomplished that goal, defeating Beltway rival, Morgan State, 14-7, at Greene Stadium to capture the regular season title and a trip to the Bowl, which will be played before a national television audience in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on ABC. Ironically enough, the tables were turned as last year, it was North Carolina Central who got the nod in the tie by handing the Bison their only defeat. “When I took this job, I have been saying all along that here at Howard, we are not just building a winning team; we are building a program,” declared Scott in his football ministry. “It’s all about being resilient and being accountable.” The game against the program was symbolic of Howard’s journey to this point. The season started out with one of the most challenging schedules in recent history, with games against NCAA Football Subdivision schools, Eastern Michigan and Northwestern and nationally ranked Harvard. With the exception of the Harvard game, the Bison were in a position to win those two important games but fell just short each time. Then came the gauntlet of highly competitive games within the MEAC. The conference opener

5 Howard Bisons claim their second straight MEAC crown. (Courtesy photo/HU-David Sierra)

against Norfolk State at Howard and the game at Delaware State were both decided at the end of the game with interceptions that preserved the victories and allowed the Bison to stay in the hunt for their quest. Then came what could have been a serious setback to their hopes when they dropped a 27-21 decision at South Carolina State. It added even more pressure to the task at hand when they faced the North Carolina Central Eagles, reigning MEAC and Celebration champion and seventh-ranked team in the NCAA’s Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). But to the surprise of many except Coach Scott and his coaches and athletes, the Bison won convincingly with a 50-20 win that was never in question. That victory put them where they wanted to be. With a win against Morgan State, the mission would be accomplished. But it would not be an easy task. The Bears were a formidable force, sharing the same 3-1 conference mark, boasting one of the top defenses in the FCS and a chance to finish as co-champions. Howard set the tone early, taking their first possession and embarking on one of its patented long scoring drives, this time taking 11 plays to go 71 yards and using seven minutes off the clock. But the Bears’ vaunted defense then put the clamps on the Howard offense and held them scoreless the rest of the half in a 7-0 lead.

Feeling a sense of responsibility, the Bison defense began to contribute, holding Morgan State in check the rest of the way. The offense got yet another touchdown that appeared to be a comfortable lead in a defensive affair where points did not come easily. Howard had a chance to make it a three-score game early in the fourth quarter, but the Morgan State defense stood tall and stopped the Bison on a fourth and one in Morgan territory. Buoyed by the success on defense, the Bears put together a short, quick drive of 89 yards that took only five plays and less than two minutes off the clock to make things interesting at 14-7 with ample time left. But the Bison clamped down on defense and used its powerful and balanced running game to put the game away and earn the hardearned trip to Atlanta. The 6-5 record gives Howard its first winning season since 2017. The back-to-back championships are the first in Howard's history. This marks the third time that Howard has made postseason play. The first was in 1993 in the 1-AA (FCS) playoffs at Marshall, and the second came in 1996 when the Bison defeated Southern University in the Heritage Bowl. Both times, Howard was crowned Black National champions.

‘NEVER LOSSES, ONLY LESSONS’

On the accountability side, the majority of the players who contributed to this special journey are upperclassmen who have been around to see and experience Howard’s trek to victory. Graduate quarterback Quinton Williams (Wise High School) led the offense and had his best season in a Howard uniform. Graduate running back/kick return specialist Ian Wheeler, senior running back Jarett Hunter, senior wide receiver/running back/quarterback Kasey Hawthorne and senior offensive tackle Anim Dankwah helped the balanced offense, which ranks among the best in the MEAC. On the defensive side, senior All-American safety Kenny Gallop, Jr., graduate defensive linemen Darren Brokenburr and Jevin Jackson, and Christian White all made the defense efficient. “I am extremely proud of this group,” said Coach Scott. “In order to win championships, you need quality people who are dedicated and committed to success. My coaching staff and support staff and the university all contributed to this success with a team effort. That’s what makes this so rewarding.” Williams, one of the team captains, also weighed in on what it took for the Bison to be successful. “Coach always stressed that there are never losses, only lessons. We all bought into that and you see the results.” WI

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CAPTURE

3 Marion Barry Avenue street sign unveiled at the Marion Barry Street Renaming in Southeast on Saturday, Nov. 18. (Shedrick Pelt @sdotpdotmedia/The Washington Informer)

the moment

6 Sugar Bear of EU performs on stage and is joined by Cora Masters Barry at the Marion Barry Street Renaming in Southeast on Saturday, Nov. 18. (Shedrick Pelt @sdotpdotmedia/ The Washington Informer)

5 Jumbotron with Marion Barry during the Street Renaming in Southeast on Saturday, Nov. 18. (Shedrick Pelt @sdotpdotmedia/The Washington Informer)

3 Mayor Bowser issued a proclamation for Marion Barry Avenue Day during the Marion Barry Street Renaming in Southeast on Saturday, Nov. 18. (Shedrick Pelt @ sdotpdotmedia/The Washington Informer) 3 A crowd gathered at the intersection of Martin Luther King and Good Hope Road to witness the unveiling of the street name to Marion Barry Avenue on Saturday, Nov. 18. (Shedrick Pelt @sdotpdotmedia/The Washington Informer)

5 Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White and other Council officials enjoy the festivities during the Marion Barry Street Renaming event in Southeast on Saturday, Nov. 18. (Shedrick Pelt @ sdotpdotmedia/The Washington Informer)

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NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023 43

RELIGION Hundreds Gather at Kennedy Center to Celebrate the Rev. Sandra Butler-Truesdale By Hamil Harris WI Contributing Writer The sounds of jazz, gospel and the blues filled the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ Terrace Theater on Wednesday Nov. 15, to honor the life and legacy of the Rev. Sandra Butler-Truesdale, who died on Oct. 28. As founder and chair of DC Legendary Musicians (DCLM), Butler-Truesdale committed much of her life to preserving and promoting musical artists from many genres. After dedicating decades to the local music scene, there were few open spaces in the 500-seat venue, where guests remembered Butler-Truesdale for her bravery, boldness and advocacy. “Tonight we experienced what true love attracts and what selflessness looks like,” said Aaron Myers, executive director of the District of Columbia Commission on Arts and Humanities. Myers and recording artist Kim Jordan served as Master and Mistress of Ceremonies during the program. “It’s not often that we have roy-

alty in music and the arts,” Myers added, “but tonight we paid tribute to a royal woman.” From the opening prayer and Libation Ceremony by Ile Imole’s Baba Ogunsotito and Elder Ifabunmi Akua Barbar, to the rhythms of the West African drummers, to Zeb Harrison’s brass ensemble, the program was as eclectic as the life Butler-Truesdale lived. The late legend’s daughter and grandson, Tonya Butler-Truesdale and Logan Butler Henderson accepted a proclamation and letter of acknowledgement from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), and resolution from At-Large D.C. Councilmember Robert White (D). She was recognized as a D.C. music historian, who worked alongside iconic musicians, including Ray Charles and James Brown, and for her unwavering commitment to documenting the history of music in the DMV area. Butler-Truesdale’s family held the Kennedy Center celebration of life on the eve of what would have been her 84th birthday. Guests were asked to wear white. Performances included: Ivy

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5 At-Large Councilmember Robert White presents a resolution in honor of Sandra Butler-Truesdale’s service to the District, to her daughter and grandson Tonya Butler-Truesdale and Logan Butler Henderson. Hundreds gathered in the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater for the celebration of life for D.C. musical historian the Rev. Sandra Butler-Truesdale on Nov. 15. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

Hylton, accompanied by pianist Carlton Harrison, DCLIM Gospel Quartet, Melvin Caldwell, Adam Morton, Carlton Harrison, Gary Spencer, Mary House and the Sounds of Praise. Other musical tributes were from George V. Johnson, Nasar Abadey, Paul Carr, Allyn Johnson, James King, Believers in Christ Ministries, Lady Mary and the Indahouse Band. A highlight of the event was a lyrical eulogy delivered by the Rev. William H. Lamar, IV, pastor of Metropolitan AME Church, where Butler-Truesdale often attended. “She is a song, she is beauty,” Lamar told the Informer. “ I say that because whenever people draw into loving care, whenever people do the work of social Justice, whenever people organize they will remember this extraordinary artist and author.” Chuck Hicks, co-host of WPFW’s (channel 89.3 on FM radio) “DC Healing,” said the celebration and musical performances, particularly the gospel, “lifted” his spirits. “People were waving their hands like they were back in an old, Black Baptist church and the music just filled my soul,” Hicks told the Informer.

FROM AN AFTER HOURS BARTENDER TO A D.C. MUSIC HISTORIAN

Butler-Truesdale was introduced

44 NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023

“Tonight we experienced what true love attracts and what selflessness looks like,” said Aaron Myers, executive director of the District of Columbia Commission on Arts and Humanities. to D.C.’s music scene at an early age. “She started in the arts community because she was the bartender in my grandmother's after hours joint that was owned by her uncle,” Tonya Butler-Truesdale told the Informer. Among Butler-Truesdale’s friends and associates were artists and activists like Lloyd Price, Wilson Pickett, Jerry Butler and the Rev. Jesse Jackson. “After every performance in Howard, the Lincoln, and other venues, they came to my grandmother's home,” the D.C. legend’s daughter explained. “She went from being a bartender, to being elected to the D.C. School Board.” Among her many accomplishments, Butler-Truesdale co-authored the notable book, “Washington, DC, Jazz,” and was the host of WPFW’s “Don’t Forget the Blues.” “Sandra was a shining star in the

D.C. community and we are going to make sure that her light will continue to shine all over the community,” said WPFW’s Joni Eisenberg, co-host of “DC Healing.” Tonya Butler-Truesdale said that the work to preserve D.C. culture and history, and the fight for equity in the arts, education and beyond cannot end with her mother’s death. “[My son and I] appreciated the fact that she is loved, but at the same time, in this city the Black female population is being decimated,” said Tonya Butler Truesdale. “We honored my mother, but who will be our cultural matriarchs 30 years from now?” Keeping her mother’s memory alive is “just one step in a continued struggle for a melanated presence in the District of Columbia,” explained Tonya Butler Truesdale. “Moving forward we must arduously support engaged legislators and connected executives.” WI

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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Eat Healthy for Thanksgiving

Your body is a temple. — 1st Corinthians 6:19 In keeping with the monthly theme, and as a reminder of how Type 2 diabetes works, I thought it wise to remind everyone during this Thanksgiving week to proceed with caution. November is National Diabetes Month — let this column be your reminder. Pay close attention to your diet and exercise. My concern about what happened to my mother is why I won't stop talking about this matter. Losing my mother in such a brutal manner reshaped my future. It was like a causeand-effect movement for me. I felt compelled to begin to teach masses of people by newspaper and radio about the causes and effects of Type 2 diabetes. Mom's story has gone around the world. In searching Google, I found her story online in many countries around the world, and in different languages. After studying, learning and teaching about Type 2 diabetes from as far back as 24 years ago, and becoming an official "ambassador" for the National Diabetes Association, and helping others via mass media, my life has not been the same. My mother suffered for 12 years with Type 2 diabetes and with many complications as a result of her having had this disease. None of her family knew what was happening, nor did we understand, not even a tiny bit. Both legs amputated, several major strokes,

high blood pressure, kidney failure. We finally lost Mother Fannie Estelle Grant on Christmas Day 2000, the year I graduated with my B.A. degree in the field of communications. It felt like what David Ruffin's song says: "My whole world had ended, the moment you left me!" Five years later, it was graduation time for me from my graduate school, Trinity University in Washington, D.C. "Your Body Is Indeed a Temple" was the topic of my master's thesis, which talked about creating a teaching campaign on this very subject and my plans to take this campaign national. When I graduated, my national campaign topic was to be called "Stop Fanning the Flames of the Diabetes Epidemic." Dr. Mello, chairman of the first graduating group in the field of communications at Trinity University, told us, "I expect each of you to create campaigns that are real, and they can someday become national!" Dr. Mello, I'm proud to tell you that my campaign is now national, published by the National Newspaper Publishers Association and Black Press USA! Plus, prior to COVID-19, my company hosted Wellness Circles in the O'Conner Auditorium at Trinity University on Michigan Avenue, and in my church, All Nations Baptist Church here in Washington, D.C. These workshops were for low-income residents who have diabetes and high blood pressure. I'm proud to have been selected by AmeriHealth Caritas DC. This exciting training ended for me and a few others due to COVID several years ago. However, I continue to utilize my radio show and this newspaper column to keep this message going. As the song says, "If I can help somebody, along the way, then my living shall not be in vain." Mother lost both of her legs to amputations and suffered kidney failure and several strokes, with the first major stroke leaving her paralyzed. She ended up in Howard University Hospital, and that's when they discovered she

had Type 2 diabetes. Our family lived together, we worked together in business, and now we were going through this battle for life with our mother together. Throughout our lives, we had been blessed, becoming successful business women, doing exactly what mother encouraged us to do. We'd had lots of success in the mass media, publicizing several major events such as Georgia Avenue Day, with 100,000 people, corporate sponsors and celebrities; two presidential inaugurations, Republican and Democrat; two D.C. mayoral inaugurations and three D.C. Council member campaigns. We became close to several D.C. politicians, all of whom we will love forever! Now, though, it was time to spread this message to the masses, and this, my friend, is what I will continue to do for the rest of my life! Not understanding what happened to Mother, we wondered if we could have done something differently. We didn't know how an improved diet with extremely limited amounts of sugar with major reductions in eating carbohydrates and getting regular physical exercise could have made a difference in her life. Now that I've learned from her doctor, from research, from the National Institute of Health, from Johns Hopkins and American Diabetes Association and others, I have shared this good news with you! For those of you who refuse to follow the rules, Type 2 diabetes can be associated with serious complications such as losing toes, a foot, legs and more. Plus it brings on premature death, as in the case of my mom. On the other hand, by taking measures to reduce the likelihood of such devastating effects, you will be the winner! Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal, as you utilize recipes that are healthy and tasty! WI

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NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023 45

RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor 9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724 Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

Blessed Word

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Church of Living Waters

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor

700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849 Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM 5th Sundays: 9:30 AM 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 PM www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

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

Reverend William Young IV 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)

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

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

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

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

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

“Friendliest Church in the City” Website: mountolivetdc.org Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness - Senior Pastor Rev. Ali Gail Holness-Roland Assistant & Youth Pastor

46 NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023

12801 Old Fort Road • Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Office (301) 292.6323 • FAX (301) 292.2164 Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:15 am Sunday Church School 11:00 am Youth Sunday every 4th Sunday Prayer Call @ Noon every Tuesday & Thursday 978.990.5166 code: 6166047# Virtual Bible Study Wednesday Facebook & Zoom 7:00 pm “A Growing Church for a Coming Christ” www.adamsinspirationalamec.org

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”

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Third Street Church of God

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. / Senior Pastor 5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301.899.8885 – Fax 301.899.2555 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship 8:00 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 AM Tuesday: 7:00 PM – Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday: 12:30 PM – Mid-Day Bible Study Wednesday: 7:00 PM – Evening Bible Study Baptism - 3rd Sunday – Communion 4th Sunday Free Food Giveaway – Every Tuesday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm “We are One in the Spirit” www.ssbcmd.org | secretary@ssbcmd.org

Campbell AME Church

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

Service and Times Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m. Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday

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

www.livingwatersmd.org

1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

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

Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday

Rev. Terrance M. McKinley Senior Pastor

Adams Inspirational A.M.E. Church

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

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

John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.

All Nations Baptist Church

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

Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor

Crusader Baptist 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

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor 1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM “Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor 5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.) Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m. “A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

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

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

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

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

Shiloh Church of God 7th Day Elder Jonathan M. Carson Senior Pastor

5701 Eastern Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20782 Phone: 301 559-5262 Service and Times Sabbath Worship @ 1:00 pm in-person/FB/Zoom Tuesday - Prayer@ 7:30 pm on Zoom Wednesday - Bible Study@ 7:30 pm on Zoom Friday - Sabbath School@ 7:30 pm on Zoom Web: shiloh7thday.org Email: shiloh7thdaycomm@gmail.com "A culturally diverse church of edification, deliverance and transformation"

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor 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

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RELIGION 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

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Rev. Lance Aubert Imterim Pastor 1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

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"

Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor

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

Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42

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

New Commandment Baptist Church

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

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

Promised Land Baptist Church

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

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

Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958 Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist

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

401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012 Office (202)-882-8331 Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:30 am Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331 Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Communion Every First Sunday

"Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."

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

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

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

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

Dr. Joseph D. Turner Senior Pastor

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

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

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

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 9:30 AM Sunday School: 8:15 AM Bible Study: Wednesdays at Noon Baptism: 4th Sunday 9:30 AM

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

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

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

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

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

Rev. Richard B. Black Interim Pastor

Mount Moriah Baptist Church

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

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

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church

Israel Baptist Church

Website address: www.mmbcdc.org

Peace Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM “The Loving Church of the living lord “ Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

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

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

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

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

Join us for our live broadcast every Friday at Noon!

facebook.com/WashingtonInformer youtube.com/WashingtonInformerTV X: @WashInformer

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Denise Rolark Barnes - Publisher of The Washington Informer NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023 47

HERITAGE from Page 1 and Seminole) were labeled that way because, as Ford told the Informer, they sanctioned slavery of African Americans and embraced white lifestyles and mentalities. “I am the descendant of slaves of the Cherokee,” Ford said. “I did a series in 1990 on that, ‘Black Slaves and Red Masters.’ The series opened a lot of people’s eyes. People realized that not only did whites enslave Blacks, but so did some of the Indians.” November is recognized as Native American Heritage Month, a time when the culture and history are celebrated. While their narratives aren’t as frequently heralded, people like Ford work to ensure that the stories of those enslaved by the Five Tribes are remembered in November and year round. Further, Ford works to celebrate and empower people like him– descendants of those enslaved by the Five Tribes– and other African Americans with Native American roots and lineage.

FORD’S ROOTS TRACK BACK TO THE ‘TRAIL OF TEARS’

Ford said his family roots go as far back as the “Trail of Tears” that was imposed by President Andrew Jackson who facilitated the forced removal of Native Americans from their ancestral

FOOD from Page 1 to food insecurity, Kamara connected that issue to mass incarceration, telling The Informer that children always end up suffering from a lack of stability. That’s why unhoused families converging on the American Legion Freedom Bell on Thanksgiving will see Kamara, along with his family, friends and other supporters, passing out dozens of halal plates, fruit, and water. Some of the people receiving the goods will be those that RAIP has built a relationship with over the years. Kamara told The Informer that he anticipates this endeavor greatly benefiting families, but more importantly children, who he said carry the weight of decisions made by elected officials and other institutional figures. “There’s a lot of hungry kids,” Kamara said. “Honestly, at the rate we’re going, there will be more hungry kids. It doesn’t seem like there’s a process to help them. We’re not going to be able to feed them, unless we make food with preservatives and additives. I don’t think the hunger will stop, but you have to feed a couple people to make a difference.”

Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment had nothing to do with us.” The journalist explained after the Civil War, the tribes eventually ended slavery and were mandated by the U.S. government to make Blacks citizens of their nations. Ford said that while modern Cherokees accept their Black brethren, some do so begrudgingly, and noted that African American descendants had to go to court for full acceptance. He noted a 2017 case before U.S. federal judge Thomas Hogan in which it was ruled that Black descendants of Cherokee slaves were fully entitled to the rights and privileges of tribal members. 5 Sam Ford, a well-known television journalist, is descended from Cherokee slaves. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

lands to Oklahoma and other points west of the Mississippi River, starting in 1831 with the passage of the Indian Removal Act of 1830. “The Cherokees went to court to fight the Indian removal,” Ford said. “They went all the way to the Supreme Court and won. But Andrew Jackson said, ‘let the Supreme Court enforce their ruling.’” The Cherokees were forced to leave Georgia and walk to Oklahoma. The Cherokees had slaves so you can guess who was carrying things for them on that long

trip.” Ford said Black slavery was so deeply ingrained in Cherokee culture that during the Civil War, they, like the other members of the Five Tribes, sided with the Confederacy against the United States. “It’s interesting to note that slavery ended in the U.S. in 1865 with the passage of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution but Blacks were still enslaved in Indian territory because they were not bound by U.S. law,” Ford told the Informer. “President

ADVOCACY EFFORTS DURING THE HOLIDAYS

In the interim, many House and Senate Democrats are fighting bills before the House and Senate that fund WIC below what's needed for the projected number of beneficiaries. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the proposed legislation prevents between 650,000 and 700,000 new parents and young children from receiving WIC benefits. This could prove detrimental to expecting and new mothers living in low-income communities. LaMonika N. Jones, D.C. Hunger Solutions' newly installed director, said her organization has increased lobbying efforts to stop the passage of the legislation, keeping council members, fellow advocates, and community partners abreast of what is happening with federal nutrition programs. “We want to make sure that WIC is fully funded in this FY-24 appropriations so that the women and children that do want to participate in this program don’t have an interruption to their benefits and benefits services that they need,” Jones told the Informer. Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

The spirit of giving isn’t just in the giveaways, but the consistent advocacy of organizations working to keep families supplied with resources that help sustain their quality of life. While reports show post-COVID economic gains across the nation, , disparities are widening for the job and housing insecure who are suffering under the weight of inflation. Food insecurity has even affected middle class families. According to Capital Area Food Bank’s Hunger Report 2023, “one in three residents - accounting for 32 percent of the population did not know where their next meal was coming from at some point between May 2022 and April 2023.” Making matters worse, families across the District face the threat of losing their benefits. On Wednesday, Nov. 15, Congress passed a spending bill that funds government functions, including the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, also known as the WIC, through Jan. 19.

48 NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023

CHEROKEE AND CHOCTAW BLOOD RUNS THROUGH ANGELA WALTONRAJI’S VEINS

Angela Walton-Raji is a nationally known scholar on African-Native American history. A retired administrator and scholar from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Walton-Raji has both Cherokee and Choctaw blood running through her veins. She has a book “Black Indian Genealogy Research” that has been recognized as the first of its kind focusing on the unique record set reflecting former slaves or Freedmen within the Dawes Records. Named for Senator Henry L. Dawes of Massachusetts, the Dawes Records were lists of people accepted between 1898 and 1914 by the federal Dawes Commission as members of the Five Tribes to primarily dole out land. Ford and Walton-Raji confirm that of the 91,000 names, over 20,000 were people who had Black lineage. “I grew up in Fort Smith, Arkansas, sort of a frontier town,” said Walton-Raji, born in 1951. “My father was from Oklahoma and my mother from Arkansas. I had a grandmother who was a Choctaw. I am part Cherokee and part Choctaw.” Walton-Raji said her interest in her ancestry started by researching her Choctaw heritage through the tribes’ records in the early 1990s, spurred on by attending a genealogy conference. She said it was routine in the 1990s for her to visit the National Archives in Northwest, commuting from her residence and work in Baltimore County. Walton-Raji said researching in the National Archive, she “struck gold” when File 777 was discovered

and saw that it had records including her family. “My family was part of the Choctaw nation,” she said. “I never learned that in school. The family talked about it but not much. When I grew up there was no concept of a Black Indian.” “The story of Black Indians is complicated,” Walton-Raji said. “It is unwritten in African American history and in Indian-tribal history.”

THE BLACK SEMINOLES

Alcione Amos is a retired museum curator at the Smithsonian Institution Community Museum in Southeast’s Ward 8 in, and a native of Brazil who lives in Southwest, D.C. She explained how she and a colleague, Thomas P. Senter, began researching a book that University of Oregon scholar Kenneth W. Porter started in the 1930s on the Black Seminoles. She and Senter co-edited Porter’s book, “The Black Seminoles: The History of a Freedom-Seeking People,” which was published in 1996. “Editing the book was fascinating,” said Amos, 76. “When we were editing the manuscript, we had to make some changes and some adjustments, like changing the word “Negro.” We also verified everything he wrote—visiting the National Archives and the Library of Congress— but everything he did was right.” Working on the book, Amos learned that the first Black Seminoles were members of the Gullah Geechee tribe that fled slavery from the U.S. “They wanted their freedom and so when they came into Florida where the Seminoles were located, the Seminoles took them in,” she said. “Those Gullah Geechee adopted Seminoles culture and ways but retained some of their traditions, too. They lived in all-Black towns in Seminole territory. Contrary to what has been reported, the Black Seminoles were never slaves to the Seminoles but that is how Europeans portrayed them.” Amos said during the “Trail of Tears” the Black Seminoles went to Oklahoma but could not adjust to the ways of the other Black Indian communities, especially the Creek Blacks. “Many of them fled to Mexico for freedom, led by a man named John Horse,” she said. “They walked from Indian territory and walked to Mexico. They were pursued on their journey to Mexico, but they got there.” Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI @JamesWrightJr10

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM Amos said the Black Seminoles were

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NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023 49

LEGAL NOTICES Deed Conveyance of Trust & Notice of White Flag Surrender In God We Trust. Deed Conveyance of Trust. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: "Jeremy Dylan Creager©", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, the beneficiary and heir of: “Divine Core Legacy Trust©”, corp. sole Dba.: “JEREMY DYLAN CREAGER©", "JEREMY D CREAGER©", “JEREMY CREAGER©”, “CREAGER, JEREMY DYLAN©” having reached the age of majority, hereby affirms to declare a Deed Conveyance of the following trust’s, being duly certified hereby affirms the following: under the natural laws governing Californian Americans, i hereby declare and proclaim the following from this day forward in harmony with my nationality status and jurisdiction, the trust’s currently doing business as: “Creager Family Trust”, and “Perfect Darkness Trust” are hereby conveyed with 100% (one hundred percent) clear, clean, and perfected Title Deed Conveyance to “Divine Core Legacy Trust©”. pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of yhwh's covenant, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND (HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 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, conveyed to "Divine Core Legacy 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: "jeremy dylan creager©", nom deguerre: "Jeremy Dylan Creager©", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: "Divine Core Legacy 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. Public Law 97-116 sec. 12 sub-sec. b of sec. 274. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2023 ADM 001161

2023 ADM 001215

2023 ADM 001309

2023 ADM 001127

Tol Winslow Shackelford Decedent

LaVerne B. Rodgers Decedent

Estate of Dalaneo M. Martin

Theresa I. Lewis Decedent

Jennifer E. Loud, Esq. The Loud Law Firm 1439 Holly Street, NW Washington, DC 20012 Attorney

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Joslyn P. Scott, whose address is 5206 Decatur Street, Hyattsville, MD 20781, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Tol Winslow Shackelford who died on June 30, 2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/9/2024. 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 5/9/2024, 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: 11/9/2023 Joslyn P. Scott Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Rashad L. Rodgers, whose address is 3600 West Broad Street, Apt. 240, Richmond, VA 23230, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LaVerne B. Rodgers who died on August 4, 2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment 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 5/9/2024. 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 5/9/2024, 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: 11/9/2023 Rashad L. Rodgers Personal Representative

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Terra Martin for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative Date of first publication: 11/9/2023 Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Petitioner/Attorney: TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Tamara Jones, Esq. The Legal Courthouse, PLLC 6218 Georgia Ave., Suite 1-682 NW Washington, DC 20011 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Diane Baxter, whose address is 1805 Tulip St., NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Theresa I. Lewis who died on July 21, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/9/2024. 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 5/9/2024, 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: 11/9/2023 Diane Baxter Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

TRUE TEST COPY

Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

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

2023 ADM 001165

2023 ADM 000448

2023 ADM 001251

Lafayette Sessoms Decedent

Duke Wilson Decedent

Louise M. Mims Decedent

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

Sharon Legall 1325 G Street, NW Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005 Attorney

Sharon Legall 1325 G Street NW Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Dwayne L. Sessoms, whose address is 3909 Lakehouse Rd., Apt 16, Beltsville, MD 20705, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lafayette Sessoms who died on 7/30/2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/9/2024. 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 5/9/2024, 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: 11/9/2023 Dwayne L. Sessoms Personal Representative

Jennifer Wilson, whose address is 4761 Fern Flat Road, Aptos, CA 95003, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Duke Wilson who died on 12/14/2022 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/9/2024. 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 5/9/2024, 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: 11/9/2023 Jennifer Wilson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Denise M. Mims, whose address is 3815 Crystal Lane, Temple Hills MD, 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Louise M. Mims who died on 07/26/2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/9/2024. 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 5/9/2024, 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: 11/9/2023 Denise M. Mims Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

In God We Trust Declaration of Nationality Notice of Special Appearance: I am that I am: ''Taddeo Kavuma Kintu©'', in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: ''KINTU, TADDEO KAVUMA©'', corp. sole d.b.a: ''TADDEO KAVUMA KINTU©'', and any derivative thereof are under Copyright 1977, having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to 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: ganda Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable allegiance to The Buganda Kingdom, 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 baganda, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: ganda Moorish American. I am that I am: ''Taddeo Kavuma Kintu©'', from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality/Status/Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “taddeo kavuma©''. Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as an minister of YHWH’S covenant and an Internationally Protected Person. NOTICE-OF-LAWS-ANDCUSTOMS-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: MARYLAND-DEPARTMENT-OF-PUBLIC-HEALTH – DIVISON-OF-VITAL RECORDS - BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, STATE-FILE-NUMBER: 119-77-22241 ''TADDEO KAVUMA KINTU©'', to the depositor: “taddeo kavuma©'', a.k.a. “Taddeo Kavuma Kintu©”, nom de guerre: ''kintu, taddeo kavuma©''. 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: “taddeo kavuma©'', a.k.a. ''Taddeo Kavuma Kintu©'', nom de guerre: ''kintu, taddeo kavuma©'', as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: ''Katana’s Leopard 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. Notice: I am in union and good faith with the United States, the United States of America, and the United Nations. I am not a heathen, sovereign citizen, terrorist or any title and/or status of like kind. Inter alia enaetatum fuit. All rights reserved.

Phase 2 Declaration of Nationality Protocol In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance: I am that I am: " Babafunke Ajamu©/Wendall Carl Goins© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “BABAFUNKE AJAMU/WENDALL CARL GOINS ", corp. sole Dba.: "WENDALL C GOINS©/Babafunke Ajamu©", Wendall Goins, WENDELL CARL GOINS, Wendell C Goins, Wendell Goins, WENDELL GOINS, WENDELL C GOINS, OLOYE ABIODUN, AKILI TARISHI, 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 an: American Moor, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Al Maghreb Al Aqsa, Estados al Marikanos, 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 an: American Moor. I am that I am: " Babafunke Ajamu©/Wendall Carl Goins© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: "babafunke ajamu© ". 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: 32, 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: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – Department of Health: STATE FILE NUMBER, 01760301949 " WENDALL CARL GOINS© ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " House of Goins 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: " babafunke ajamu", nom deguerre: " Babafunke Ajamu/ Wendall Carl Goins© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: " HOUSE OF GOINS 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 volente.

Washington Informer

50 NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2023 ADM 001157

2023 ADM 001247 Mary Wigenton King Decedent

Teresa A. Driver aka Teresa Antoinette Driver Decedent

Gretchyn G. Meinken, Esq. 616 N. Washington, St. Alexandria VA 22314 Attorney

Melinda M. Bolling, Esq. 2108 31st Street, SE Washington, DC 20020 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Vanessa D. King, whose address is 3311 16th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Teresa A. Driver aka Teresa Antoinette Driver who died on July 16, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/16/2024. 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 5/16/2024, 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: 11/16/2023

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Donna Maria Jeffries, whose address is 392 Trefoil Place Waldorf MD 20501, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Wigenton King who died on March 6, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/16/2024. 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 5/16/2024, 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: 11/16/2023 Donna Maria Jeffries Personal Representative

Vanessa D. King Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

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

2023 ADM 000401

2023 ADM 001262

2023 ADM 001252

Bennie C. Jackson Decedent

Bradley Delaine Hampton, Jr. Decedent

Mary Green Decedent

Peggy A. Miller, Esq. 5130 7th Street, NE Washington, DC 20011-2625 Attorney

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Kevin Judd, Esq., whose address is 601 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 900-South Building, Washington, DC 20004, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bennie C. Jackson who died on March 10, 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 (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 5/16/2024. 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 5/16/2024, 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: 11/16/2023 Kevin Judd, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Antonio X. Maruder, whose address is 2425 Blueridge Ave., Apt 501, Silver Spring, MD 20902, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bradley Delaine Hampton, Jr. who died on October 9, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/16/2024. 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 5/16/2024, 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.

Ruth Green, whose address is 6305 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Green who died on September 5, 2022 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/16/2024. 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 5/16/2024, 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: 11/16/2023 Ruth Green Personal Representative

Date of first publication: 11/16/2023

TRUE TEST COPY

Antonio X. Maruder Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2023 ADM 001332 Estate of Eileen Crawford aka Eileen Elizabeth Crawford

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

2023 ADM 1270

2023 ADM 242

2023 ADM 001244

2023 ADM 1264

Claudette M. Ward aka Claudette Michelle Ward aka Claudette Murray Decedent

Robert Micheal Smith aka R. Micheal Smith Decedent

Ernestine P. Knowles Decedent

Benjamin Jones aka Benjamin Franklin Jones Jr Decedent

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Fern C. Clark and Monica L. Crawford for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. Admit to probate the will dated April 22, 1983 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise Date of first publication: 11/16/2023 Aimee D. Griffin, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Petitioner/Attorney:

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

LEGAL NOTICES

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

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

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

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

TRUE TEST COPY

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Siara P. Hines, whose address is 2219 Town Center Dr., SE #319, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Claudette M. Ward aka Claudette Michelle Ward aka Claudette Murray who died on May 19, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/16/2024. 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 5/16/2024, 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: 11/16/2023 Siara P. Hines Personal Representative

Washington Informer

Jennifer C. Concino 5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW Suite 400 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Sarah Beaulieu, whose address is 530 Antler Court, Saline, Michigan 48176, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert Micheal Smith aka R. Micheal Smith who died on December 30, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 5/16/2024. 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 5/16/2024, 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: 11/16/2023 Sarah Beaulieu Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. Probate Law DC 1308 Ninth Street, NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Ward R. Knowles, whose address is 12717 Layhill Road, #102, Silver Spring, MD 20906, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ernestine P. Knowles who died on April 16, 2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/16/2024. 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 5/16/2024, 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: 11/16/2023 Ward R. Knowles Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Howard Haley, Esq. The Haley Firm, PC 7600 Georgia Ave, NW #416 Washington, DC 20012 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS James Robert Hrobowski III, whose address is 1323 Tewkesbury Pl., NW, WDC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Benjamin Jones aka Benjamin Franklin Jones Jr who died on 8/29/2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/16/2024. 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 5/16/2024, 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: 11/16/2023 James Robert Hrobowski III Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023 51

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2023 ADM 001281

2023 ADM 001208

Jose D. Flores Decedent

Olga Akinyi Ooro Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Maria M. Paredes Flores, whose address is 3611 10th St., NW, Washington, DC 20010, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jose D. Flores who died on 5/3/2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/16/2024. 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 5/16/2024, 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: 11/16/2023 Maria M. Paredes Flores Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Notice of Union County, New Jersey, newspaper of general circulation, Union County LocalSource, publication dates: 11/9/23. 11/16/23, 11/23/22, 11/30/23, Account Number: 221475. In The Moorish Empire, Estados al-Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, D.b.a.: Union County, New Jersey, united States of America. Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a ministers of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Persons, specially appearing as: “Gordon Henry Chrichlow Jr, co-Trustee of Gordon Chrichlow Trust; Shanta Chrichlow co-Trustee of Gordon Chrichlow Trust”, “Gordon Chrichlow Trust”, “ Gordon Henry Chrichlow Jr”, “Shanta Chrichlow”, Trustee, entitlement holder, for the Unincorporated Inter Vivos Trust, “ Gordon Chrichlow Trust ”, permanently domiciled at: 701 State Route 440 STE 16 PMB 1071, Jersey City, New Jersey [07304] u.S.A.. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND (HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title. This Notice is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, as Allodium Absolute Title Estate in Fee Simple, Tax Exempt, for religious, scientific, educational, and charitable purposes, of the following described Real Estate, being formerly known as: Borough of Roselle, County of Union, State of New Jersey, formal known as Lot 10, Block 2905 FORMERLY known as Lot 215 Block 183.H, BEING the same premises conveyed to GTA Developers and Builders, LLC by Deed from Bernice L. Thomas, Single, dated March 14, 2022, recorded on July 21, 2022, in the Union County Clerk/Register’s Office in Deed Book 5975, Page 169. Which has a refused address of: [ 207 Cavell Street, Roselle, New Jersey 07023], located at or near Latitude: 40.645010" N, Longitude: -74.256820" W. Being the same property described in [ Union County, New Jersey, among the said Land Records.] Notice of Private Property. The aforementioned private property is not available for trespass. Any and all trespassers shall incur a $1,000,000.00 [One Million Dollar], non-judicial penalty at each evidenced occurrence, that is immediately due upon presentment. Trespassers waive any and all defenses and agree to a Fieri Facias order commanding the County Sheriff, of wherever any property of the DEBTORS may be found, either getting the money by seizure, attachment, or levy, and sell sufficient personal property, real property, goods, chattels, and real estate, in full satisfaction of the debt. Notice of Special Deposit. Said Real Estate is as a special deposit order, conveyed to the for the Unincorporated Inter Vivos Trust, “Gordon Chrichlow Trust ”. Borough of Roselle, Union County, TAX ACCOUNT NUMBER 2714, is as a special deposit order, and as Accord and Satisfaction, conveyed to the Unincorporated Inter Vivos Trust, to “Gordon Chrichlow 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: “ gordon henry chrichlow jr©”, and, “shanta chrichlow”, as a special deposit order in lawful money, exclusively for the benefit of: “ Gordon Chrichlow 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 volente.

52 NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Juelane Holton, whose address is 5703 31st Place, Hyattsville, MD 20782, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Olga Akinyi Ooro who died on July 17, 2020 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/16/2024. 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 5/16/2024, 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: 11/16/2023 Juelane Holton Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE Inge Cooper, the Vincent Cooper has filed a complaint motion entitled: Complaint for Absolute Divorce in which he/she is seeking an absolute divorce in case number C-02FM-23-000438. Notice is hereby issued by the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Maryland that the relief sought in the aforementioned Complaint for Absolute Divorce may be granted unless cause can be shown to the contrary. Vincent Cooper is to file a response to the Complaint for Absolute Divorce on or before: 01/23/2024 Failure to file the response within the time allowed may result in a judgement by default or the granting of the relief sought.

BARRY from Page 48 In recent years, the D.C. Department of Transportation has been in the throes of a project to ease traffic in the area. Even so, pockets of Marion Barry Avenue still highlight quality-of-life issues affecting Ward 8, the jurisdiction with the highest concentration of Black people and District youth. While D.C. government officials continue to mull a multiagency response to violent crime and substance use, a methadone clinic continues to operate against community members’ wishes. The Marion Barry Avenue area also carries a reputation that some people, like Gbenga Ogunjimi, are working hard to dispel. Ogunjimi, a Nigerian immigrant and social entrepreneur, operates the Nigerian Center out of the Anacostia Arts Center on Marion Barry Avenue. He helps clients not too far from Mahogany Books, the only Black-owned bookstore located east of the Anacostia River, which is also based in the Anacostia Arts Center. In 2015, just months after Barry’s death, Ogunjimi leased a space at the center and moved into nearby Marbury Plaza. By that time, he had been living in the D.C. area for four years, passionate about paving a way for others just as Barry did for Black business owners. That’s why, when he’s not helping his fellow Nigerians and other newly arrived African immigrants fill out immigration paperwork, Ogunjimi frequents E-life Restaurant, also located in the Anacostia Arts Center, and Turning Natural, which is just a five-minutewalk along Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue. Ogunjimi also addresses misconceptions about Marion Barry Avenue among Nigerians who visit the Anacostia Arts Center from the D.C. suburbs. He said Melvin Foote, president of Constituency for Africa, a U.S.-Africa public policy organization, recently recognized his efforts to boost the ethnic diversity of Marion Barry Avenue. With the new name bestowed upon the corridor, Ogunjimi anticipates more will be done to attract new life into Marion Barry Avenue. He told The Informer however that it’s a matter of will on the part of the D.C. government and local entrepreneurs. “The name change helps to inspire the next generation to honor those who paved the way for us,” said Ogunjimi, executive director of the Nigerian Center. “Our critical services require people to come here. That translates to other services that people have to frequent. You have to put those services east of

the Anacostia River to dispel those narratives.”

NEW STREET NAME, ANCIENT AVENUE

During the latter part of April, Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) signed into law the Marion Barry Avenue Designation Act of 2023, which officially changed the name of Good Hope Road SE as Marion Barry Avenue SE. While Marion Barry Avenue is new, the road itself stretches back centuries, according to D.C. historian John Muller. Indigenous peoples, including the Nacotchtank, or Anacostan, tribe, used it as a trade route long before Europeans arrived from across the Atlantic in the early 1600s. “These roadways were not planned by the English — they were already in existence,” Muller said. “It’s a really ancient thoroughfare.” It’s difficult to trace exactly when the name Good Hope Road first took root, Muller said. But an 1863 newspaper article he dug up mentions a “Good Hope Tavern, on the hill east of Anacostia bridge.” Thus, it’s possible that the name Good Hope Road was in use in 1865 — when John Wilkes Booth fled down that road after assassinating President Abraham Lincoln. His escape took him from Ford’s Theatre, past the Navy Yard and through Anacostia on his way to an ally’s home in Prince George’s County, Maryland, according to an Anacostia Heritage Trail historical marker. Fortunately, there’s a far better historical figure whose footsteps traced Good Hope Road: the “Lion of Anacostia” himself. Frederick Douglass would have walked the corridor often when he lived in D.C. in the late 1800s. Muller, who wrote a book about Douglass’ life in D.C. and leads walking tours around Anacostia on the same subject, said Douglass frequented many businesses along the lower part of the road, then called Harrison Street. To prove it, the historian brings receipts — literally. “Receipts in the Frederick Douglass Papers at the Library of Congress confirm Douglass bought groceries, supplies for his horses and stables, home goods, stationary and office supplies and other household items sold by merchants along Good Hope Road SE,” Muller wrote in an email. One document shows that Douglass subscribed to “The Anacostia Press,” a newspaper headquartered on Harrison Street. Another details his purchases from a grocer at the corner of Monroe and Harrison Streets — today’s Southeast’s Marion Barry and

Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenues. During the eight years he spent working at City Hall, Douglass may have strode along Good Hope Road nearly every work day on the way from his Old Anacostia home to his office on Indiana Avenue NW, Muller said. “[Douglass] was known to walk around town… in his personal letters he observes that he thinks better when he’s walking,” Muller said in an interview. “He got his steps in, as it were.”

MEMORIALIZING BARRY’S FOOTPRINTS IN D.C. HISTORY

On Nov. 18, the day of Marion Barry Avenue’s official renaming, hundreds of revelers converged on Marion Barry Avenue and Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue. Experience Unlimited kept a large crowd grooving to go-go as a montage of Barry photos graced a megatron screen behind the band. Speakers included Bowser, D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8), and former D.C. first lady Cora Masters Barry. Barry told The Informer that her late husband’s name will truly live on with the street renaming. “There is an African proverb I think that says, ‘when you call a person’s name, that person won’t die’,” said Barry, 77. “There are buildings, a statue and soon to be a mural in honor of Marion, and all of those things are great. But by renaming a street people will say his name a thousand times a day. This is very exciting, and important.” The street renaming does entail some practical work, in addition to symbolic shifts: updating addresses for buildings along the road. As of the evening of Nov. 20 — two days after the official ceremony — both Waze and Apple Maps appeared to have added the new street name to their databases, while Google Maps had not. Businesses on the new Marion Barry generally said they don’t expect much disruption. “The only thing that changes [is] the new address,” said Norma Hidalgo, the 29-year-old manager of a T-Mobile store. “We have to print out new flyers and tell some of our customers, and that is a little bit of a hassle, but that’s okay.” Fields said she sent out information to her customers about the street renaming a month ago so the new address should not be a surprise. Tony Anderson, the manager of carryout eatery Tony’s Place, said the process hasn’t posed many difficulties. Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

KING from Page 30 become a farmer in a day through a program that I will be sharing more about in the coming weeks. In October, after many years of successful "home gardening," I officially became a registered farmer with the United States Department of Agriculture. This phase of my life's journey is a renewal, a rebirthing—a tangible harvest of blessings. My lifelong passion for seed time and harvest is another gift inherited from my ancestors—a small but powerful reminder of our constant renewal

EDELMAN from Page 30 cially deeply because it was hostility we recognized and had often felt in our daily lives in the segregated South. When President Kennedy was elected, many of us were especially hopeful that he would move the country in a new direction on civil rights. In an era dominated by the Cold War, movement inflection points like the Freedom Rides and the Birmingham nonviolent direct action campaign challenging racial apartheid in one of America's toughest Southern cities initially seemed as if they might be considered a worrisome distraction to the new administration. But President Kennedy grew as he saw the massive violent resistance to change from some Southern whites unfolding before him that would not go away and realized that the pentup Black demand for freedom also would not go away. He responded to the movement's persistent and sacrificial actions with passion and major action of his own. On June 11, 1963, President

CLYBURN from Page 30

countability Office establish a panel of independent experts to assess inequities in how benefits are distributed to minority and female service members. The bill's name pays homage to two admirable and unsung World War II veterans. In February 1946, decorated World War II veteran Sgt. Isaac Woodard Jr. was traveling home on a Greyhound bus to Winnsboro, South Carolina, when a local police chief forcibly removed him from the bus. Still in his uniform after being honorably discharged, the officer beat him mercilessly. Woodard was cruelly thrown in jail rather than given the neces-

and rebirthing. In cultivating the earth, I feel a profound gratitude for times of harvest; great and small. In the landscape of gratitude, farming becomes a metaphor for intentional cultivation — a practice that results in harvest. Amidst the uncertainties we face, let's not underestimate the impact of gratitude as a tool to cultivate fruits of unity and understanding. My life's journey continues to be a testament to the idea that much like a diligent farmer tends to the land, we all have the power to tend to the world around us by planting a grateful attitude wherever we go. WI

My lifelong passion for seed time and harvest is another gift inherited from my ancestors—a small but powerful reminder of our constant renewal and rebirthing.

Kennedy made a nationally televised address introducing a landmark civil rights bill that he sent to Congress one week later. The eloquent speech once again inspired many Americans to share his vision that America could and must be better. His tragic death created a political climate that, combined with President Lyndon Johnson's skillful political leadership, resulted in enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. We have since seen that President Kennedy would not be the last leader or citizen who stood up for equal justice to be slain. His death and others that followed remind us that our dreams and commitment to justice cannot depend on a single leader or be destroyed if one, a few, or many are lost to acts of hate and violence. We must always ensure there is a critical mass of leaders and activists committed to nonviolence and racial and economic justice who will keep seeding and building transforming movements. When one leader passes many more must be ready to step up to the plate and

keep working to ensure a more just America and world. Sixty years later, the fight against intolerance, violence, and hatred in America is not over. But the message President Kennedy, Senator Robert Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and many others have given their lives to ensure is that America can and must live up to its promise. So I hope, as we remember a young president who told us to ask not what our country can do for us but what we can do for our country, that we will renew our commitment to working with children and young people today to build a just America where all of them are valued and enabled to achieve their God given potential regardless of the lottery of birth. And we must determine not to let our children and grandchildren have to fight again the same battles for the soul and future of America that earlier generations did. Our true remembrance to President Kennedy is in our actions to honor the unspoken words and finish the unfinished work. WI

sary medical treatment, leading to his blindness. The police chief was ultimately acquitted of the crime by an all-white jury. President Truman was so moved by Sgt. Woodard's horrific abuse that he signed an executive order integrating the armed services. Sgt. Joseph Maddox, another World War II veteran, applied and was accepted to a master's degree program at Harvard University. His local Veterans Affairs office denied him the tuition assistance he was rightfully due under the G.I. Bill to "avoid setting a precedent." After seeking assistance from the NAACP, the VA in Washington, D.C., ultimately promised to get Sgt. Maddox

the educational benefits he deserved. These are just two of the countless service members who were treated unfairly after sacrificing on behalf of their country. Black soldiers returning home from World War II found themselves facing the same socioeconomic and racial discrimination they had faced before. Instead of being welcomed with open arms, they struggled to find jobs, get educated, and purchase homes. We cannot undo the injustices of our past. But we can begin to restore the possibility of full economic mobility for those that the original G.I. Bill left behind. The G.I. Bill Restoration Act would bring us one step closer to that goal. WI

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54 NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023

They are aware of and promote the position that HBCUs do an incredible job. Yes, they still have an outsized role in preparing students to meet urgent national priorities in STEM fields, in filling teaching jobs, and in uplifting boys and men of color. I have a nephew in Louisiana by the name of Dwayne Dupar. He's known as Difference Maker and he works hard to make a posi-

MORIAL from Page 31 activity." The new Code of Conduct is not an effort at reform, but a ham-handed exercise in public relations. In their statement on Monday the justices made it clear they were adopting the code — not because any of their own behavior had been a problem — but to dispel "the misunderstanding that the Justices of this Court, unlike all other jurists in this country, regard themselves as unrestricted by any ethics rules." If Justice Clarence Thomas regarded himself as restricted by ethics

tive difference in the lives of young men and women. A friend by the name of Dr. Franklyn Malone does similar work in the Washington, D.C., area. Dr. Sesil Jenkins is working on a project called "Take Back Our Children." I met Daon McLarin Johnson who has a mentoring program and is making a difference in the lives of many. Influential mentors like Daon strive to leave a legacy and a footprint upon the hearts of every-

one. Mentoring is one more way we all can help somebody. There is so much good work to do. Too often we hear about the negative, but there are many like the above stepping out and making a good difference. As we deal with the Israel-Hamas tragedy, let us declare that war is not the answer. President Barack Obama taught us to say "Yes, we can." We need to bring back that spirit to make a positive difference wherever we are. WI

rules, he would not have accepted cruises on the yacht of a politically-active billionaire who had business before the Court, excursions on his private jet, and vacations at his private resort. At the very least, he would have disclosed the gifts, along with his sale of three properties to the same billionaire, including the home where his mother still lives, rent-free, and the tens of thousands of dollars the billionaire spent on improvements to the home. If Justice Samuel Alito regarded himself as restricted by ethics rules, he would have turned down a luxury fishing trip with a billionaire

whose hedge fund has repeatedly had business before the court, or at least disclosed it. The list of the justices' ethical transgressions is disturbingly long, and the new Code of Conduct neither makes clear that they were, in fact, transgressions, nor prescribes any consequence for such transgressions. The justices may safely consider any misunderstandings dispelled. They have made it clear beyond a shadow of a doubt they regard themselves as unrestricted by ethics rules. WI

JEALOUS from Page 31 ample of a community that could benefit tremendously from clean energy investments under the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act — and the community is hungry for the opportunity. Virginia Sanders, a longtime activist in Richland County who is active with the Midlands Sierra Club and the Lower Richland branch of the NAACP, and served on the Richland County Conservation Commission for seven years, says: "Lower Richland is a dumping ground for the rest of the county and the industries that set up shop here, while it could be a gold mine for the county and the state's tourism industry. We need clean industry in this community." In order for that to happen, Ms. Sanders says it will take investments in both green jobs and the necessary training and education for area residents to secure and thrive in those jobs. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act offer such remedies. And the state of South

"Lower Richland is a dumping ground for the rest of the county and the industries that set up shop here, while it could be a gold mine for the county and the state's tourism industry. We need clean industry in this community." Carolina is already taking advantage. New initiatives like a BMW electric vehicle battery plant and Bosch's electric motor production facility are part of a $6.2 billion investment that promises significant economic growth and job creation for the state. More of that investment needs to be directed to communities like Lower Richland. South Carolina has already applied for a grant under the Solar for All component of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund in the IRA. Solar for All provides for the funding of job training and workforce

development in solar. And, because Lower Richland is a low-income area, the already generous tax incentives for clean and renewable energy investments under the IRA are even more generous, allowing investors to recoup as much as 60% of the dollars they put into the region. Further, $203 million in IIJA funds, administered by the Environmental Protection Agency, has already been announced for South Carolina to provide clean and safe water across the state and improve water infrastructure. That work is desperately needed in Lower Richland. WI

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