The Washington Informer - October 19, 2023 by The Washington Informer

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER CELEBRATING 59 YEARS…

Celebrating 59 Years - Vol. 59, No. 1 • October 19 - 25, 2023

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As Israel-Hamas Escalates, Local Faith Leaders Pray, Advocate for More Peaceful Days By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

5Cease-fire protests in front of the White House during the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (Shedrick Pelt @sdotpdotmedia/The Washington Informer)

The enormous violence and rhetoric surrounding the Israeli-Hamas conflict in the Middle East has sparked conversations in the U.S., igniting faith leaders to advocate from the pulpit and prioritizing prayer. While a common thread for the religious leaders is pushing for peace, some vary in how they view the war, leading to disagreements. Despite the differing opinions, many come to the same conclu-

Council Legislation to Embolden OSSE in Assisting Low-Performing Schools For years, the federal government has tasked the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) with identifying District’s lowest performing public and public charters schools, allocating federal dollars to them, and helping them develop improvement plans. However, two local lawmakers said they want OSSE to play more of a direct role in how the District’s lowest-performing schools change course. On Monday, Oct. 16, D.C. Coun-

cilmember Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5) and D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) introduced the School Improvement Amendment Act. This legislation establishes a school support office within OSSE that provides resources and coaching to District public and public charter schools that are ranked in the bottom 5 percent. Currently, OSSE doles out $300,000 in federal dollars to each school it designates as low performing and assists in the creation of a school improvement plan. However, the agen-

OSSE Page 52

ISRAEL Page 51

Residents Unhappy About CVS Columbia Heights Shoplifting

THE SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT AMENDMENT ACT

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

sion of navigating these challenging times through prayer and religious practices. Rabbi Eli Backman, director of the Chabad Jewish Student Center at the University of Maryland, College Park, said he is keeping the faith even though it is a very hard time for students on the College Park campus. “I have had and continue to have many students knock on my door at all hours and want to talk and cry,” Backman said. “I am

Ward 1 Store Gross Example of In-Store Theft By James Wright WI Staff Writer

5 Several shelves are bare at the CVS in Columbia Heights. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Ann Thompson has been a regular shopper at the CVS in the Northwest, D.C. neighborhood of Columbia Heights, but has recently been disappointed with her shopping experience because the shelves are bare of the products she needs due to the high level of shoplifting that has taken place. “It is really sad,” said Thompson, 52, a Columbia Heights resident after leaving the store on Oct. 15. “This is the neighborhood CVS that people rely on. We have a

CVS Page 52

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

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CONTENTS

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wi hot topics

COMPILED BY STACY M. BROWN, WI SENIOR WRITER, SAM P.K. COLLINS WI STAFF WRITER

Founding Member of The Isley Brothers, Rudolph Isley, Dies at 84 Rudolph Isley, a founding member, and key figure in creating the popular soul group The Isley Brothers, has died at 84. Ronald Isley, his brother, and fellow bandmate expressed heartbreak in a statement. “There are no words to express my feelings and the love I have for my brother. Our family will miss him. But I know he’s in a better place.” The family didn’t disclose the cause of death. Rudolph Isley was an integral founding member of the renowned musical family ensemble, which included his brothers O’Kelly “Kelly” Isley Jr. and Ronald Isley. The Isley Brothers skyrocketed to fame in the late 1950s and maintained their musical legacy for over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on the

R&B and soul genres. Among their enduring hits are the timeless classic “Shout,” “Who’s That Lady?” and “Between the Sheets.” In the late 1980s, Rudolph departed from the band to pursue a life dedicated to ministry. In recognition of their profound impact on the music 5 Rudolph Isley, a founding industry, the band received induction member of The Isley Brothers, has into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame died at 84. (Courtesy Photo) in 1992. Just last year, they were further honored with induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, a testament to their enduring influence on the music world. The family has not yet announced funeral arrangements or memorial services. WI

A New Campaign Demands Assata Shakur’s Removal from FBI Watch List

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

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An international coalition of grassroots organizers and list, has a $1 million federal bounty on her as well as a $1 elected officials have launched a campaign demanding million bounty issued by the Office of the Attorney General that the U.S. government lifts its embargo on Cuba and of New Jersey. takes Assata Shakur off the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorist On Wednesday, Oct. 11, more than 50 elected youths, Watch List. elected officials, musicians, educators and grassroots orgaShakur, 76, a veteran of Black Panther Party and Black nizers gathered virtually to launch what's been dubbed as Liberation Army, escaped from a New Jersey state prison The Appeal for Assata & Cuba. in 1979 -- two years after she was convicted and sentenced Prince George’s County At large Councilmember Calvin to life for the murder of a New Jersey state trooper. Hawkins, who counted among those most vocal about The That conviction has been heavily contested among Appeal for Assata & Cuba, expressed plans to call on other Black nationalists and Pan-Africanists. elected officials to support this cause. Since her escape, Shakur has been living in Cuba un“I’m standing with the Black liberation movement and der political asylum. In 2013, the FBI under President Black liberators as an elected council member in Prince Barack Obama placed Shakur on its Most Wanted Terror- George’s County,” Hawkins said. WI ist Watch List. Shakur, the first woman ever to make the Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

Howard University Named Among Top Music Business Schools Howard University, the renowned historically Black college in Northwest, D.C., finds itself in esteemed company alongside institutions such as the Abbey Road Institute in London, the Berklee College of Music in Boston and Spain, and the Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts in Liverpool, England. These distinguished higher education establishments have earned a spot on Billboard’s prestigious list of the best schools for music business degrees. Billboard’s selection process, which refrains from ranking the institutions, is based on a comprehensive evaluation that includes executive recommendations, alum feedback, information furnished by each school, and a decade’s worth of reporting on music business programs. Publishers said the decision not to rank the schools stems from Billboard’s acknowledgment of widespread criticism surrounding conventional college ranking practices.

American University, also located in Northwest, D.C., secured its place on the list, emphasizing Washington’s significance in music education. Of note, Howard University is one of only two historically Black colleges and universities recognized on the list, the other being Tennessee State University in Nashville. Howard’s remarkable achievement is underpinned by the establishment of the Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business in 2021, made possible by a generous $4.9 million donation. Billboard highlights the center’s one-year fellowship program, which offers invaluable coaching, mentorship, and real-world industry exposure through collaborations with partner organizations. The program is specifically designed to combat the underrepresentation of Black executives and professionals within the music and entertainment sectors. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

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Public Votes to Rename Infamous Dave Thomas Circle for Mamie “Peanut” Johnson

Remembering a Baseball and Local Legend

5 Mamie Johnson, also known as Peanut for her small stature, was no slouch on the baseball diamond. Satchel Paige helped develop her curveball. (WI File Photo/ William J. Ford)

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter The District’s Dave Thomas Circle, originally named after the founder of Wendy’s, which once operated in that exact area, is in the process of getting a new look and name. The public has spoken, and voted to rename the infamous intersection after baseball legend, Mamie “Peanut” Johnson, the first woman to pitch in the Negro Leagues. Located in D.C.’s NoMa neighborhood (north of Massachusetts Avenue), the circle intersects at First Street, Florida Avenue and New York Avenue Northeast. Only one of three women to play in the Negro Leagues, Johnson is not only barrier-breaking to baseball, but was a D.C. icon, which is why NoMa’s Business Improvement District (BID), solicited names from the public, and the baseballer got 40% of the 4,300 votes. A native of South Carolina, Johnson moved to D.C. at age 11. Standing only 5 '3 and weighing in at less than 100 pounds, Johnson was small, but had a pitching arsenal including a strong fastball and a curveball that pitching legend Satchel Paige helped her develop. She earned her nickname when an opposing

The public has spoken, and voted to rename the infamous intersection after baseball legend, Mamie “Peanut” Johnson, the first woman to pitch in the Negro Leagues.

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batter claimed that he wasn’t afraid of her and that she was “no bigger than a peanut,” just before striking him out. Johnson passed away at the age of 82 in D.C. following decades of service at Sibley Hospital. Legislation to change the name will soon be introduced by the D.C. Council. With the new name comes renovation for the circle, including: adding two-way traffic on First Street and Florida Avenue, along with bike lanes and other measures to improve pedestrian and traffic safety. WI

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black facts

OCT 19 - 25, 2023 SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

born in Cheraw, South Carolina.

OCT. 22

1936 – Political activist and Black Panther Party co-founder Bobby Seale is born in Liberty, Texas. 1953 – Clarence S. Green is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery as the first-ever African American neurosurgeon.

OCT. 23

1940 – Soccer legend Pelé is born in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil. 1947 – The NAACP issues a formal petition against racism in America to the United Nations. 1958 – Famed academic and author Michael Eric Dyson is born in Detroit.

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1936 – Johnnetta B. Cole, director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art and the first African American female president of Spelman College, is born in Jacksonville, Florida. 1944 – The U.S. Navy begins accepting Black women for military service. 1944 – Reggae music legend Peter Tosh is born in Grange Hill, Jamaica.

1855 – James Henry Conyers, the first Black person admitted to the United States Naval Academy, is born in Charleston, South Carolina. 1992 – Toronto Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston becomes first African American to manage a team to the World Series title.

OCT. 25

1940 – Benjamin O. Davis Sr. is promoted to brigadier general, becoming the first African American general in the U.S. Army. 1997 – The Million Woman March is held in Philadelphia. WI

OCT. 20

1898 – North Carolina Mutual and Provident Insurance Company is founded by John Merrick and associates in Durham as the first African American-owned insurance company. 1904 – Civil rights activist Enolia McMillan, the first female president of the NAACP, is born in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.

OCT. 21

1917 – Iconic jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie is

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Why should we be so quick to condemn a mentally disturbed person? Addicts go to rehab, and felons get a chance to enter society after their debt is paid, but the mentally challenged are stigmatized and jailed? It’s too harsh of a sentence.

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This young woman stole the attention from many other Black girls and women who are actually missing. It’s bad enough that women of color don’t get the same high alert as others. She had time to think out her plan, and people are labeling her as having mental issues? Yeah, she has the mind of a little girl who couldn’t be adult enough. She didn’t think once about her parents/family, and now they all feel stupid.

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She needs mental health treatment and support. Jail time will not help her.

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The Rev. Wendy Hamilton Pledges to Bridge Statehood Knowledge Gap in Shadow Senate Campaign By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer Throughout much of this year, the Rev. Wendy Hamilton has counted among the legions of D.C. residents who’ve taken to the streets in opposition to House Republicans’ infringement upon District of Columbia Council-approved laws and D.C. home rule. For Hamilton, the situation on Capitol Hill further highlights the need for D.C. statehood, a crusade she says hasn’t been inclusive of all District residents. That’s why, in her candidacy for the D.C. shadow senator seat, Hamilton pledges to rally District residents of various racial, ethnic, geographic and economic backgrounds around statehood and help them understand how it connects to the local issues that concern them the most. "There's more education around statehood that needs to be done to inform people and convince them to get on board,” said Hamilton, a #HandsOffDC Coalition member who currently serves as an advisory neighborhood commissioner in Ward 8’s Bellevue neighborhood. “They have to [understand] how that benefits them in their daily lives,” continued Hamilton, a one-time candidate for D.C. delegate. “That’s a piece of the shadow senator role. You need to be in the city building rela-

5 The Rev. Wendy Hamilton is a candidate for the D.C. shadow senator seat. (Courtesy Photo)

tionships and talking to residents. I’m motivated to run and I feel like I can fulfill that role.” Hamilton announced her candidacy for D.C. shadow senator in August, not long before Reps. Andy Ogles (D-Tennesee Dist. 5th District), Matt Rosendale (R-Montana Dist. 2nd District) and Byron Donalds (R-Florida 19th District) introduced a bill to repeal the D.C. Home Rule Act, a 1973 law that expanded District autonomy. Since then, she has conducted education sessions about the role of a D.C. shadow senator -- an unpaid official who advocates for full statehood. During these sessions, some of which have taken place in Wards 1 and 8, Hamilton paints recent events on Capitol Hill in the context of public safety and other issues that have dominated conversations in the local arena. Even though laws passed in the District have to go through congressional review, the Home Rule Act established the mayor’s office and 13 D.C. Council seats, all of which are elected by District residents. In recent months, both of these organs of local government have received the ire of congressional Republicans who’ve zeroed in on local laws and D.C.’s budget. The #HandsOffDC Coalition, composed of 50 local and national organizations, has rebuffed such congressional challenges. Earlier this year, Hamilton spoke before #HandsOffDC organizers at rallies, and even joined them in engaging staff mem-

bers in Rep. James Comer’s office about Comer’s resolution that successfully struck down Revised Criminal Code Act (RCCA). As of lately, Hamilton has even had choice words for Michael Brown, D.C.’s current shadow senator who she’s challenging in the upcoming election. Earlier this year, Brown, not to be confused with former D.C. Councilmember Michael Brown, said that the D.C. Council, not congressional Republicans, threatened the viability of the statehood movement with left-leaning legislation, including that which allows noncitizens to vote. Weeks later, he invited D.C. Councilmember Vincent Gray’s staffer Chuck Thies, State Board of Education Representative Eric Goulet (Ward 3), and D.C. Police Union Chairman Gregg Pemberton -- all outspoken critics of the council --on his “Shadow Politics” program. Hamilton told the Informer that Brown has set back statehood efforts -- and betrayed his obligations to this office -- by parroting House Republican talking points. “If you didn’t agree with the council, that’s fine, but you don’t side with Republicans and conservatives trying to override the will of the people,” Hamilton said. “That’s the statehood fight and your one job. We need to be on the same page. Michael Brown didn’t sound like a stalwart champi-

HAMILTON Page 44

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100 Years of Service by the Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha By Brother Austin R. Cooper, Jr. WI Contributing Writer

Recently at a black-tie gathering at The Mayflower Hotel, the Brothers of the Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. celebrated 100 years of community service in the nation’s capital. The guest speaker for the evening was Congressman and Alpha Brother Steven Horsford (D-NV). Mu Lambda is the fraternity’s 11th alumni chapter. It was established, in part, in response to the desire of graduate brothers, many of whom were initiated into Beta Chapter at Howard University, to give aid to the undergraduate brothers and continue the work of Alpha. Mu Lambda was chartered by 22 distinguished men of Alpha which included Jewel Nathaniel Allison Murray and Jewel Robert Harold Ogle.

SEVEN MEN OF VISION

Alpha Phi Alpha is the first intercollegiate Greek-letter Fraternity established for Black men. On December 4, 1906, seven students founded Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on the campus of Cornell University. The seven young men of vision were: Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Vertner Woodson, Robert Harold Ogle and George Biddle Kelley. Each of the seven recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood among African descendants in the United States.

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Brother Lucius Brown, Jr., has been a member of Alpha Phi Alpha for 52 years, and associated with Mu Lambda for 18 years. “As a member of Mu Lambda, I have had the privilege of meeting Brothers who exemplify the ideas of Alpha,” said Brown Jr. “I have proudly observed Brothers in leadership positions [and] execute their duties in ways that have made Mu Lambda noticed and respected on the regional and national levels. In Mu Lambda, I have experienced a fraternal bond that remains strong in happy and sad times. The Brothers in this chapter are always available for one another. From the older, seasoned Brothers, I have benefited from their wisdom and shared life experiences as I navigate my life’s journey. Mu Lambda has become my Alpha ‘home.’ For me, it is all a chapter can, and should be.”

Brother Michael LaRouche, Mu Lambda 55th president, takes his role very seriously as leader of the 100-year chapter. “It is an honor and privilege to serve as the 55th President of the 11th Graduate Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, chartered in Ward 5 of the Nation’s capital by 22 distinguished members of the organization,” said LaRouche.

“I bask in the glory of 100 years of successful and progressive men who have all been members of the Mu Lambda Chapter. Chartered Monday, October 1, 1923, as a conduit for the benefit of Howard University graduates, and as a supporting chapter for members of the Beta Chapter on the neighboring campus, this connectivity and rich relationship lives on today.” WI

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LL Cool J with the owners of Mahogany Books, husband and wife Derrick and Ramunda Young, and the store's employees at a book signing for his latest book, The Streets Win: 50 Years of Hip-Hop Greatness. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer).

Who’s Reading the Informer? Rob Harman, executive director of the DC Public Library Foundation, reads the Washington Informer. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

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“Life is not a spectator sport. If you’re going to spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching what goes on, in my opinion you’re wasting your life.” – Jackie Robinson THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Bowser Appointee Eyes RFK Campus, Downtown Development

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Nina Albert Touts Decades of Experience in Strategic Real Estate

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Albert’s ascent to DMPED comes just months after her predecessor, John Falcchicio, resigned amid sexual harassment allegations that triggered an internal investigations and the D.C. Council’s efforts to explore D.C. government sexual misconduct more broadly. On Monday, Albert said that DMPED staffers are focused on the present and ready to work. Bowser echoed Albert’s sentiments, framing Albert’s appointment as a key part in realizing her five-year economic development strategy. “The job of the deputy mayor is different in post-COVID D.C. It’s making sure our five-year economic development strategy is implemented and we attract businesses and residents and we’re working hand and glove with our private sector partners to do that,” Bowser said. “I’ve known Deputy Mayor Albert for a number of years and I watched her trajectory in organizations that support the District. I was delighted that we were able to attract her to the D.C. government.” WI @SamPKCollins

Kevin Berrier 443-508-1936 KBerrier@MDDCPress.com

The acting DMPED also told the Informer downtown development, sports, and housing are her top priorities. “I understand the process [the federal government is] going through to consolidate federal real estate. But I also understand the District and how to marry those two agendas together to come up with a vibrant, dynamic Downtown,” Albert said. “Creating a plan that marries the best of both is something I hope to bring to the table,” Albert continued. “We’re lucky this is a sports town, and attracting the Commanders is an exciting opportunity that we’re focused on.”

5 Nina Albert is the acting deputy mayor for planning and economic development. (Courtesy Photo)

ALBERT REVEALS PLANS AS ACTING DEPUTY MAYOR FOR PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

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D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser recently announced three new executive cabinet appointments, including: Nina Albert as acting deputy mayor for Planning and Economic Development; Keith Anderson as acting deputy mayor for Operations and Infrastructure; and Dr. Christopher Rodriguez as acting assistant city administrator and chief technology officer. On her first full day on the job, Monday, Oct. 16, Albert said she already has a lot of plans to help the city in her new position. The new acting deputy mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) has more than 20 years of experience in strategic real estate, public-private partnership negotiations, economic revitalization, and sustainable development. She most recently worked in the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), where she managed nearly 370 million square feet of government-owned and leased space across the U.S. and six territories. As the GSA inches closer to ceding control of RFK campus to the D.C. government, Albert said she looks forward to ensuring that RFK campus realizes its fullest potential -- which includes bringing the Washington Commanders back to the District. Monday, Oct. 16 also marked the beginning of DC Startup Week, a five-day conference where members of the D.C. metropolitan area’s entreprenuer community -- estimated to be 15,000 strong --- share information and receive the support needed to grow and scale their businesses. Bowser kicked off DC Startup Week at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in Northwest, where Albert, Anderson and Rodgriguez stood behind her as she took to a podium to speak to reporters. Anderson’s move to the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Operations and Infrastructure (DMOI) is a homecoming of sorts for one of Bowser’s longest--serving cabinet members. Before DMOI, Anderson

was acting deputy mayor for planning and economic development. His other roles included director of the DC Department of General Services, DC Department of Parks and Recreation, and DC Department of Environment. In his dual roles as acting assistant city administrator and chief technology officer, Rodriguez will be tasked with modernizing D.C. government and making it more efficient. During the pandemic, he coordinated with local, regional and federal agencies to ensure the proper funding for COVID response. He has also served as director of New Jersey’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and the CIA Counterterrorism Center. During the Jan. 6 riot, he led emergency response operations as director of the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

New Council Bills Add Oversight, Aim to Spur Beltway Development

Legislators, Building Industry Differ in Strategy on New Home Construction By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter Council Chair Tom Dernoga (D-District 1) recently introduced CR-83, a bill aiming to increase the speed of development near transit hubs and slow down suburban sprawl while addressing infrastruc-

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ture deficiencies. Part of his concern is that the infrastructure costs of new development are not offset by new revenues. “Even though that’s the policy, it has not been implemented,” said Dernoga. “Actually, we’ve been sprawling all over the place, which has put us behind in road construc-

5 Townhomes have become the majority of newly-constructed homes in Prince George’s County since 2019. (Courtesy Photo)

tion — we’ve got road congestion all over the county. We’ve got fire stations we don’t have money to build, we have schools we don’t have money to build.” His bill is co-sponsored by Councilmembers Calvin Hawkins (D-At Large), Eric Olson (D-District 3), Jolene Ivey (D-District 5), and Edward Burroughs III (D–District 8). Council Vice Chair Wala Belgay

(D–District 6) also recently introduced CR-81, which is sponsored by every member of the Council excluding Councilmembers Mel Franklin (D-At Large) and Sydney Harrison (D–District 9). According to a video Blegay’s office posted, the county has not been following the priorities of Plan 2035 as there is no enforcement mechanism. Development within the beltway has been primarily multi-family dwellings. Blegay’s district now has the most townhomes, while the 7th District, located primarily in the Beltway, has the second most. Her proposed bill would establish a Plan 2035 Implementation and Infrastructure Task Force, including four community members and a member of the Department of the Environment. Blegay has also successfully sponsored bills to limit development projects at Frank’s Nursery and on Bowie’s Church Road during this Council term. Members of Maryland’s building and development industry don’t see things the same way as Dernoga. Lori Graf and Casey Anderson, both with the Maryland Building Industry Association (MBIA), believe that easing development within the Beltway is a better strategy than reducing development outside the beltway. However, Dernoga said that he was willing to scrap the proposed cap within the beltway to spur the development process if need be. “This is a wrong-headed “resolution” that will make Prince George’s County a model example of how low government propagates and worsens the housing crisis. Even worse, it will likely cost the county millions of dollars in revenue,” said Tom Coale

of MBIA. “Arbitrarily limiting housing units is not a growth strategy.” George Mason University professor emeritus Dr. Stephen Fuller provided his opinions via a phone interview with the Informer. He also provided a detailed report showing data on housing and demographics in Prince George’s County. One key statistic he pinpointed is that Prince George’s senior population is increasing at more than double the county’s growth rate, while the number of households headed by millennials and gen X’ers is growing slower than the county as a whole. “In order to drive the Prince George’s economy forward so it’s more competitive with their neighbors, the county needs roughly 5,000 new housing units built per year for the rest of the decade. How to spread those units around and where they should be remains the question,” Fuller said. “Prince George’s needs a mixture of housing options, including rental housing and townhouses. Less than one-third of the housing is rental, which could house both retirees who’ve sold their homes for equity and younger folks entering the workhouse. Only 16% of the properties are townhouses,” the professor continued. “Townhouses are great for the middle market.” Fuller argued that the county needs “more worker-friendly households.” “The Washington area has a significant shortage of housing affordable to workers in entry and mid level jobs,” he said. “We need to link the availability of housing in a variety of sizes, price, and styles to meet the needs of the economy.” WI

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

BOWIE UPDATES

M Lounge Opens, Regal Cinema Sold for $4 Million, Giant Coming to South Lake and Leaving Collington By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

M LOUNGE OPENS IN BOWIE TOWN CENTER

M Lounge joined Bowie Town Center in the middle of last month, hoping to add to the area’s reputation as a consumer destination. An event space and content studio, M Lounge in Bowie features owner Veronica Myrille’s signature eye for detail to enhance the quality and scenery of events she hosts. “People utilize our event space because it has a great ambiance and comes fully decorated, meaning there is very little that our guests need to do in order to transform the venue,” she said in a 2021 interview. The newest M Lounge held a red carpet grand opening on Sept. 13 with State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy (D), County Councilmember Ingrid Harrison-Watson (D–District 4) and Bowie Councilmember Roxy Ndebumadu all attending. “Bowie is an affluent community and M Lounge Events is a luxury brand,” owner Myrille told the Informer. “It was important to locate my business in a community that needed it and has the ability to sustain it.” You can contact M Lounge on Instagram. WI

BOWIE REGAL CINEMA SOLD FOR $4 MILLION TO REAL ESTATE VETERAN

The $4 million acquisition of the vacant Bowie Regal cinema was recently confirmed in an interview by John Campanella, although no further details or site plans were yet announced. Campanella has been the principal at FP Capital for five years, but this deal is independent of his work with the company. The site last sold for $15,000,000 in 2016 and is now assessed at roughly $9,600,000. This cinema was one of 39 Regal Cinemas to close this year following Cineworld’s bank-

ruptcy filing.. Bowie City Council has no zoning or development authority, although At-Large Councilmember Jarryd Hawkins was aware of the sale and interested in hearing about the property’s redevelopment potential. A Regal at Potomac Yard in Alexandria was demolished two years ago to make space for Virginia Tech’s $1 billion innovation campus, not an outcome sought by most residents. “The Bowie Regal cinema is an attractive property in the heart of Bowie. I am interested to see what types of amenities, restaurants, and other creative applications can be brought to this location without cutting down too many trees,” Hawkins said. We have shopping centers in need of an upgrade and renovation. Pointer Ridge Plaza is one of them, the movie theater is another. I want to see what we can do with those before interrupting our green space and cutting down trees.” Hawkins plans to improve other shopping centers, such as Free State, and to expand amenities throughout the city during his tenure on the council. WI

5 At the grand opening of Bowie Town Center’s new M Lounge, State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy, County Councilmember Ingrid Harrison-Watson and Bowie Councilmember Roxy Ndebumadu joined event director Veronica Myrille and other red carpet guests. (Courtesy Photo/ M Lounge)

Estève (District 1) and Dufour Woofley (District 2) both opposed the South Lake project, calling it a giveaway to developers. During a hearing, some residents agreed with Estève and Woofley,

while others called on the City to address South Bowie’s food desert. The project would include nearly 1,400 housing units, including 563 townhouses and 364 single family homes. "Developers will tell you develop-

ment is great because it means new tax revenue for local governments. Obviously, that's not the case when we give the tax money away," Estève stated at the time of the agreement. WI

GIANT COMING TO BOWIE’S SOUTH LAKE, LEAVING COLLINGTON NEXT YEAR

Collington’s Giant will be relocating to Bowie’s South Lake next year, moving the grocery store about four miles south into a newly-developed parcel of land at the intersections of Route 214 and Route 301 that was annexed into Bowie in 2019. “We have received confirmation that the Collington Giant will close and move to South Lake in 2024,” said Councilmember At Large Jarryd Hawkins. “This may impact District 3 residents. Giant is surrounded by residential communities who rely on the Collington Giant for groceries and other essentials.” Bowie lacks weekend bus routes or Metro service to make grocery shopping more accessible for residents without cars. Bowie Councilmembers Michael

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023 13

BUSINESS ir efs By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

PITCHHU 3.0 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Howard University’s Office of Research, in partnership with humble ventures, an entrepreneurial collective, and Fiserv, a global provider of payments and financial technology solutions, recently announced the winners of PitchHU 3.0, an experimental-learning incubator program that helps accelerate participants’ businesses. Developed by the Office of Research, Humble Ventures, and Fiserv in 2021, PitchHU celebrates and strengthens minority-owned businesses in the greater Howard University community. The winners were: Deeper Skin by Chioma Ndubuisi Elobuike: a full-body self-tanner specifically for people of color. Nasci: an e-commerce marketplace that provides scientific reviews of beauty and skin products primarily for people of color, that is owned by School of Business sophomore Sarah Noel. SwimMission Swim Cap by Candice Banks: a patented swim cap for ethnic hair and designed for people of color. Our Story Books by Casandra Latney, a project coordinator in the College of Pharmacy, and Paul Miles, a classroom-tested, K-12 educational media that promotes reading comprehension. Design2Print by alumnus and District resident Kelvin Ford: a design and wide-format printing service for Wards 7 and 8. Through previous incubators,

14 OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023

PitchHUhas successfully awarded more than 50 early-stage businesses. Previous winners have continued to grow their businesses by raising capital, building prototypes, hiring employees, and even expanding distribution to local, national, and international markets. “PitchHU is ultimately about helping to drive culture change towards more entrepreneurship within Howard’s research community, which I believe will advance our discoveries further down the innovation stream and increase their commercialization potential,” said Terry Adams, head of Technology Transfer at Howard. “Howard University’s Office of Research has produced many significant patents, but we need to translate those patents into marketable products and services to be truly successful. PitchHU is helping to chart that path.” WI

DC CHAMBER’S CHOICE AWARDS

The DC Chamber of Commerce announced recently that its 2023 Chamber’s Choice Award recipients will be honored during its annual 2023 Chamber’s Choice Awards & Gala, “Elevate Advocate Connect” on Nov. 10 at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Northwest, D.C. This year’s gala will celebrate the chamber’s 85 years of advocacy on behalf of the District’s business community.

5 Virginia Ali is the co-founder of Ben’s Chili Bowl.

“Each year, the DC Chamber of Commerce honors local D.C. businesses that have made an impact on our community through our Chamber’s Choice Awards,” said Angela Franco, president and CEO of the DC Chamber of Commerce. “This year’s Award winners have made an indelible impact on the growth and vibrancy of Washington, D.C., and the greater region and I look forward to celebrating their contributions at the 2023 Gala.” The awardees are: Business of the Year—Dantes Partners: a property and construction management company. Business Leader of the Year— David Wilmot: an attorney who served as the first Black dean of admissions at the Georgetown Law Center, a member of several city boards and the founding principal of David W. Wilmot & Associates, a consulting firm. Economic Impact Award– EB5 Capital: a company that assists foreign investors in doing business in the District with the focus being commercial buildings and affordable housing and is led by Angela Brunner. Community Impact Award— The National Children’s Center: one of the largest non-governmental providers of services for infants, children, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Washington metropolitan area; and Lifetime Legacy Award—Ben’s Chili Bowl: in operation since

1959 and co-founded by Ben and Virginia Ali, this local restaurant has become a District icon with such luminaries as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President Barack Obama as customers. “I congratulate our awardees for their leadership and commitment to Washington, D.C. and the greater community,” said Franco. “I’d also like to thank our gala co-chairs, Valencia McClure, president [of the] Pepco Region; Henok Tesfaye, chairman and CEO [of ] USP Holdings; and Tonya Vidal Kinlow, chair of the board, DC Chamber of Commerce.” For more information about the event, visit dcchamberschoice.com. WI

CBCF HOSTS ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT SUMMIT

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation will hold “The Policy for the People Economic Advancement Virtual Summit” on Oct. 24 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The event will bring together policymakers, thought leaders and industry experts to discuss economic challenges and opportunities facing Black communities. There will be sessions on homeownership, affirmative action economic implications and Blacks and the union movement. For more information, call 202263-2800. WI

PGEDC 40TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

The Prince George’s Economic Development Corporation will celebrate its 40th Anniversary with an inaugural Gala on Nov. 3. The event will be held at the MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino in Oxon Hill, Maryland with doors opening at 6 p.m. There will be dinner and dancing with entertainment while attendees will have the chance to network with county leaders. For more information, call 301583-4650. WI

IVEY TO CO-LEAD ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PANEL

U.S. Reps. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) and Pete Sessions (R-Texas) will co-lead a panel discussion on the role of Congress in regulating artificial intelligence on Oct. 24 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the U.S. Capitol Visitor’s Center. The panel is sponsored by Raynard Jackson & Associates and will be moderated by Milan Kordestani, a serial IT entrepreneur. Chefs-d’oeuvre and drinks will be served. Those interested in attending should RSVP to RAYNARD@ RAYNARDJACKSON.com including information such as their name, organization’s name, email address and phone number by Oct. 20. WI

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

BUSINESS

Wells Fargo’s Rolley Talks About the Unbanked By James Wright WI Staff Writer Despite the growing number of bank branches cropping up in Wards 7 and 8, many residents in the largely east of the Anacostia River neighborhoods are unbanked; Otis Rolley, the president of the Wells Fargo Foundation, said that doesn’t have to be the case. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation reports that 12% of residents in the District don’t have a bank account and 25% have a checking or savings as part of their financial plan but also rely heavily on alternative means such as check-cashing stores or payday loans. Rolley, 49, said Wells Fargo operates its Banking Inclusion Initiative (BII), a decade-long commitment to help unbanked individuals gain access to affordable, mainstream, digitally enabled accounts. “Ward 7 and 8 residents have intentionally been left out of the banking mainstream, but Wells Fargo is doing something about that,” Rolley said. “The Banking Inclusion Initiative is designed with residents of those wards in mind, and it meets them where they are. We tell them it is cheaper to go to a bank than to a check cashing store.” The BII is one of the projects of interest to Rolley, a former head of the Rockefeller Foundation’s U.S. Equity and Economic Opportunity Initiative. A recipient of a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers

University and a master’s of City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Rolley said educating unbanked consumers about their options is one of the goals of the BII. In the case of the District, Rolley said Wells Fargo is working with community organizations such as the Capital Area Asset Builders and the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development to explain the importance of obtaining and maintaining a bank account as well as building credit. The BII has support at the highest levels of leadership at Wells Fargo. “We recognize the high number of unbanked households is a complex and long-standing issue that will require gathering the best minds, ideas, products and educational resources from across our communities to bring about change,” said Wells Fargo CEO Charlie Scharf. “Through our Initiative, we organize our resources under one umbrella and work with a broad and diverse group of stakeholders on a sustained multi-year effort to accelerate financial inclusion in the U.S.” Bill Daley, the vice chairman of Public Affairs at Wells Fargo, said Rolley’s expertise will facilitate and grow projects like the BII. “With our strategic focus on housing affordability, small business growth, financial health, and a sustainable future, we are excited to have Otis lead a dedicated team on these critical societal issues,” Daley said. WI @JamesWrightJr10

“Ward 7 and 8 residents have intentionally been left out of the banking mainstream, but Wells Fargo is doing something about that,” Rolley said. 5 Otis Rolley is the president of the Wells Fargo Foundation.

Stay Informed! www.washingtoninformer.com WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023 15

NATIONAL Black America Divided Over Hamas’ Attack on Israel, Raises Questions on Solidarity 5NBA Legend Amar’e Stoudemire says Black Lives Matter should support Israel. (Courtesy Photo/Amare Stoudemire, Instagram)

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Black Americans have expressed a range of emotions regarding Hamas’ recent and deadly attack on Israel, with many taking to social media to highlight what they perceive as a lack of support from Israel and some members of the Jewish community for the Black Lives Matter Movement. The sentiment was especially pronounced after George Floyd’s assassination in Minnesota in 2020. Further, numerous posts on social media platforms feature hashtags like #BLM and #PLM, underscoring the perceived parallels between the struggles of Palestinians and African Americans in their fight against systemic racism. One widely circulated message emphasized the cross-border nature of these movements, stating, “Palestinians & African Americans have been [creating] a social movement, without borders, to fight systemic racism. As part of international protests, in Palestine and Israel signs read ‘Justice for Eyad. Justice for George.’, ‘Black

Stay Informed!

lives MATTER. Palestinian lives MATTER.’” Another post drew attention to what the author viewed as a lack of awareness about the treatment of Black people in Israel, saying, “If African Americans Knew How Israel Treats Black People, Black Lives Don’t Matter in Israel.” Former NBA star Amar’e Stoudemire, who previously announced his conversion to Judaism, took a contrary stance, denouncing African Americans who do not support Israel. Stoudemire openly criticized the Black Lives Matter movement, asserting they were not contributing positively. He stated, “For all y’all Black Lives Matter who ain’t saying nothing or ‘let me figure out exactly what happened before I say anything,’ F. you. Figure out what? It ain’t never been cool to kidnap kids.” In a joint statement released on Saturday, Oct. 7, NNPA Chair Bobby Henry and NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. unequivocally condemned the acts of violence committed against the Jewish people and the nation

www.washingtoninformer.com

16 OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023

of Israel by Hamas. The statement emphasized that Hamas’ actions, including firing rockets and infiltrating Israeli territory, significantly escalated the ongoing conflict between the two parties. “The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), representing the Black Press of America, forthrightly condemns the brutal, fatal terrorist attacks today on the Jewish people and the nation of Israel by Hamas,” read the statement. “Terrorism against innocent civilians in Israel and in any other place in the world can never be justified, tolerated, or sanctioned. We stand firmly in solidarity with Israel.” Despite this, a different social media user expressed skepticism, asking, “When has anyone in Israel said to pray for the American Ne-

gro? Our Holocaust has been ongoing for 400+ years. Has Israel ever told the USA not to send any money until after it repairs Black Americans? I mean, it’s Biblical to take care of your own family first.” Experts said the diverse range of opinions within the Black American community underscores the complexities and multifaceted nature of the ongoing debate surrounding the conflict in the Middle East and its implications for various social justice movements. Further, many observed that, as the situation continues to evolve, how these perspectives will shape the discourse within the Black community and on the broader global stage remains to be seen. WI @StacyBrownMedia

“Terrorism against innocent civilians in Israel and in any other place in the world can never be justified, tolerated, or sanctioned. We stand firmly in solidarity with Israel.”

Sen. Laphonza Butler Vows Unwavering Support for the Black Press and Black Communities By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer The Black Press has gained a powerful ally in the U.S. Senate, promising unwavering support for the historic voice of the African American community. Sen. Laphonza Butler, appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to complete the late Senator Dianne Feinstein’s term, promises to be a transformative force in her new role. In a groundbreaking Zoom call with publishers from the National Newspaper Publishers Association

(NNPA), Sen. Butler expressed her dedication to ensuring the longterm viability of the Black Press. “The existence of your outlets is the lifeline to our community,” emphasized Butler. “I appreciate the work you do tirelessly.” The NNPA is a trade association of more than 240 African American-owned newspapers and media companies in the United States. As the first openly LGBTQ person to represent California in the Senate, Butler’s appointment marks a historic moment. Additionally, she’s the second Black woman to

represent California in the Senate, following Vice President Kamala Harris. Her appointment represents a significant milestone, and her unwavering commitment to the Black Press and the communities she serves is poised to bring about positive change for years to come. Butler’s extensive experience as a senior adviser to Harris and her advocacy for women and working people position her as a formidable advocate. She has identified crucial

BUTLER Page 17

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BUTLER from Page 16 issues facing the Senate, including robust support for Ukraine and Israel, particularly in these times of conflict. She also highlighted the pressing need for a Speaker in the House to prevent government shutdowns. “I want to make sure that we as a community are talking about the importance and impact of this pending government shutdown and the consequences of a broken Congress, led by a Republican Party that can’t govern themselves and is putting the future of our country in peril as well as our national security,” Butler told the NNPA. Read more on washingtoninformer.com The former EMILY’s List boss pledged to bridge the gap between the government and the Black Press. “I have spoken directly with

the Biden-Harris campaign on several occasions about their commitment to communities of color and engaging directly with the most credible vehicles that speak with them,” Butler remarked. She remained resolute when addressing concerns about prioritizing Black communities’ issues. “I recognize that not only am I the only Black woman in the U.S. Senate, but I also know I’m the most junior. But here’s my commitment: by joining together and building partnerships with Sen. Cory Booker and Sen. Raphael Warnock, we can tell a very different story and have a much greater impact,” Butler asserted. “I intend to lead the same way I’ve led my entire life.” Butler has an established history with the Black Press, and her ties to African American-owned media was demonstrated again by her direct request to Los Angeles Sentinel

Publisher and NNPA Chair Emeritus Danny Bakewell, whom she asked to convene a meeting with Black publishers. Before ending the 30-minute meeting, Butler pledged to work to ensure the long-term viability of the Black Press. “The existence of your outlets is the lifeline to our community,” Butler insisted. “I know that my being in this position is an important opportunity. As the only Black woman in the United States Senate, as our Senate and government are taking on issues that are critical to the future of our communities, I wanted to make sure I was in conversation with all of you as I start my tenure in my appointed role. I want to hear what the concerns of your readers are. I want to be a voice and a champion for those issues and for all of you.” WI @StacyBrownMedia

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NATIONAL

5 Sen. Laphonza Butler, appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to complete the late Senator Dianne Feinstein’s term, promises to be an ally to the Black press and Black communities in her new role. (Courtesy Photo)

OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023 17

NATIONAL

Some Dems Signal Openness to Deal as GOP Seeks Path Forward By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Amid the House Republicans’ leadership turmoil, Capitol Hill centrists are reportedly willing to negotiate, laying out their terms for any potential agreement. With no clear speaker in sight, House Republicans are intensifying discussions to re3House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has labeled the GOP as being engaged in a civil war. (Courtesy Photo/ Wikimedia Commons)

5House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has labeled the GOP as being engaged in a civil war. (Courtesy Photo/Wikimedia Commons)

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fered jack.” Democrats counter that, as the majority party, it falls on Republicans to make the initial move. “Our caucus will need to make that decision. But our door is open,” stated House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), responding to Rogers’ proposition of a coalition speaker agreement. “We are eager to resume governing.” Rep. David Joyce (R-Ohio) who leads the center-right Republican Governance Group, noted growing support for temporarily empowering McHenry as speaker, potentially for 30, 45, or 60 days. “The world is in turmoil, and we must address these issues. We have only 34 days until the deadline for government funding,” Joyce emphasized during a press briefing. “It’s crucial that we return to the business of governing this country and move past internal disputes.” Democrats assert that they’ve found it ironic that they are receiving blame for GOP dysfunction. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has labeled the Republicans as engaging in “a civil war.” In an exclusive Zoom conference with National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) members, recently sworn-in Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) characterized the GOP as deeply divided, asserting that the caucus is currently incapable of effective governance. “I want to ensure that our community is engaged in a discussion about the significance and consequences of the impending government shutdown and the perilous state of our Congress, led by a Republican Party struggling to govern themselves, thereby endangering the future of our nation and our national security,” Butler emphasized to the NNPA. WI @StacyBrownMedia

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open legislative proceedings. Politico noted that a bipartisan resolution to the GOP’s leadership crisis might seem improbable to many observers, much like the notion of Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) prevailing over his numerous skeptics in an early floor vote next week. However, a significant obstacle looms over the prospect of a temporary compromise to restore the House’s legislative functions: none of the proposed solutions currently enjoy the near-unanimous support among House Republicans necessary for passage on the floor. Unless Jordan can sway his skeptics and secure a victory in the coming days, the most viable way forward might be to collaborate with Democrats. A group of centrist Democrats reached out to Acting Speaker Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), proposing a limited agenda and concessions for the opposing party in exchange for temporarily resuming House business during the current global crisis. Certain self-proclaimed GOP pragmatists have suggested that if Republicans cannot forge a path forward independently, they could strike a deal with Democrats to break the current 10-day impasse. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), openly expressed concern that his party’s slender majority might never amass the 217 votes necessary to elect a speaker. In a hallway interview with NBC News, Rogers criticized eight Republican members as “traitors”—a term he repeated four times—for siding with Democrats in removing former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which he believes led to the current impasse. According to Rogers, it is incumbent upon Democrats to initiate negotiations, as, in his view, “they haven’t of-

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africa now

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Niger: Uncertain Future for President Bazoum After 80-Day Detention Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum, overthrown in a coup on July 26, entered his 80th day in detention with his wife and son on Friday, Oct. 13. He still refuses to resign and hopes to win his case in court. While many countries and organizations continue to call for his release, the ruling military regime remains adamant for the time being. 5 Mohamed Bazoum is the fifth Nigerien Since the coup on July 26, Bazoum has been held prisoner in his residence in president to be overthrown by a putsch since the the presidential palace, along with his wife Haziza and son Salem. country gained independence from France in "His situation has not changed," says his Senegalese lawyer Mohamed Seydou 1960. (Courtesy Photo) Diagne. According to members of his entourage interviewed by Agence France-Presse (AFP), he is still "sequestered without electricity," and with intermittent access to water. "He receives fresh food supplies every other day and regular visits from his doctor," said one of these sources, who added that he is doing well, as are his wife and son. "He's as strong as ever. He's not going to resign," insisted another source close to him. In early August, Bazoum described himself as a "hostage" in an article for the Washington Post, and described his family's treatment as "inhuman and cruel" to the NGO Human Rights Watch. On Sept. 18, Bazoum decided to refer his case to the West African courts to demand his release and the restoration of constitutional order in Niger. "When you file a petition, the opposing party has one month to respond. At the end of this period, the Ecowas Court of Justice sets a date for the hearing," explained Me Diagne to AFP. "There is a main petition accompanied by an accelerated petition so that the Court can schedule a hearing within a few weeks," he continued. A group of lawyers mandated by one of Bazoum's daughters had announced in early October their intention to lodge a complaint against the military regime in Niamey, but this has still not been filed, according to one of the lawyers. The coup d'état was swiftly condemned by Niger's Western partners, such as France and the United States, and by the UN, which expressed its support for Mohamed Bazoum and demanded his release. Bazoum is the fifth Nigerien president to be overthrown by a putsch since the country gained independence from France in 1960. The first president, Hamani Diori, overthrown in 1974, was imprisoned and then placed under house arrest for several years before being released in 1987 and leaving the country for Morocco. WI

caribbean now Bahamas Prime Minister Davis has Private Audience with Pope Francis Bahamas Prime Minister Philip E. Davis on Saturday, Oct. 14, had a private audience at the Vatican with His Holiness Pope Francis, during which their discussions included the escalating concerns about climate change, a topic “of immense global importance,” according to an article published by 5 Bahamas Prime Minister Philip E. Davis BNN Network, based in Toronto, Canada. “The meeting between the Bahamian Prime Minister and Pope Francis with His Holiness Pope Francis during their was not just symbolic, but rather an urgent discourse around the realities and meeting on Saturday, Oct. 14. (Courtesy impacts of climate change,” the article noted. “It was marked by the Pope’s Photo) recent remarks on this subject in his Apostolic Exhortation titled ‘Laudate Deum,’ in which he called out human-induced carbon emissions as the potential cause of cataclysmic seaquakes.” Prime Minister Davis is one of the most outspoken Caribbean leaders on the impact of climate change on small-island and developing states throughout the Caribbean, often citing the need to “come to terms with the full extent of our vulnerability.” In remarks following his meeting with the Pope that accompanied a collection of photos he posted on Facebook, Davis said, “I was humbled to meet the Holy Father, Pope Francis, today at the Vatican. His wisdom and guidance inspire us all.” “Our conversations on pressing global challenges remind us of our shared responsibilities,” Davis continued. “I’m truly thankful to the Holy Father for his gracious invitation and look forward to strengthening our bilateral ties.” WI

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Advancing Health Equity Beyond the Doctor’s Office: The Mission of Washington, D.C.’s Health Equity Fund By Dr. Djinge Lindsay When we think about healthcare, most of us immediately think about clinical settings. We are thinking about seeing our primary care doctor at an annual physical. Driving through our neighborhood, we took note of a nearby urgent care center we can run to if our child spikes a fever on the weekend. Maybe we will consider the virtual option for our next therapy session so we can stay on top of our mental health needs while juggling the other demands on our schedule. What most of us don’t think about are the settings and circumstances that impact our health at far greater magnitudes than our doctor. As a child growing up in a disinvested neighborhood, I witnessed at an early age that people in my neighborhood experienced opportunity differently than people born into more affluent circumstances. Opportunities for a good education, opportunities to be free from exposure to violence, opportunities to have one good job that covers basic living costs, and opportunities for good health were scarce in my local community. I journeyed into medical school with the goal to do my part in helping people, particularly people who look like me, be healthy. And, what I quickly discovered is that those same differences in opportunity that plagued my community, also prevented many of my patients from attaining their optimal health.

5 Djinge Lindsay, MD, MPH

We now have widely used terminology for what I observed as a child and as a physician in training, namely inequities and the resulting structural and social determinants of health. Research has shown us that in reality, the very best care that I could provide for my patients only had a 20% impact on their health outcomes. A large part of what impacts our health is driven by social and structural factors. Where we live, work, play and pray largely determines how healthy we are. And Washington, D.C. is no exception. In the 2018 “Health Equity Report for the District of Columbia,” data point after data point reinforces the fact that residents in some neighborhoods disproportionately bear the burden of death and disease, while residents in other neighborhoods flourish. At the time that report was published, a resident in Woodley Park in Ward 3 was expected to live more than two decades longer than a resident in the St.

Group Hospitalization and Medical Services, Inc. (GHMSI) and DC Appleseed established the Health Equity Fund in 2022 to address healthcare disparities for historically underserved Washington, D.C. residents. Managed by the Greater Washington Community Foundation, the Fund has awarded $21.7 million in grants through two separate funding rounds in 2022 and 2023. Djinge Lindsay, MD, MPH, is one of seven Health Equity Committee members that governs the Health Equity Fund in partnership with the Greater Washington Community Foundation. Dr. Lindsay is a board-certified family physician and Director of Public Health at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. She resides in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C., with her husband and twin sons. GHSMI is a CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield affiliate.

Elizabeth’s neighborhood in Ward 8. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, where we have seen life expectancy decrease across our country, we can assume that those inequities documented in 2018 are even wider today. To address health inequities our healthcare systems, including payers, providers and public health systems, must work collectively to create ecosystems that make it easy for all people to be healthy. This includes uncovering and abolishing racist policies and practices, optimizing the 20% of clinical impact through delivering high quality care, creating systems that are easy for people to navigate, and strategically investing in our communities to promote equitable—not equal—distribution of resources.

In 2022, the Health Equity Fund was established to improve health outcomes for all Washington, D.C. residents, with a laser focus on those residents who have been historically disadvantaged, as a rising tide lifts all boats. Understanding that health and wealth gaps in D.C. are inextricably linked, it is impossible to narrow disparity gaps in one without addressing the other. United Way of the National Capital Area’s 2023 ALICE Report shows us that 28% of our families with earnings above the Federal Poverty Level cannot afford the basic costs of living in the District. That statistic becomes starker when looking at Black and Hispanic households, of which 63% and 42% respectively cannot afford basic necessities.

There are no lasting solutions to advance health equity in our region without addressing the historical racial wealth gap in our region. Over the next five years, the landmark $95 million dollar fund will support and advance a sustainable network of people, organizations, and projects to drive economic advancement, address social and structural determinants of health, and foster disruptive and innovative projects promoting health equity. The Health Equity Fund presents an opportunity to demonstrate how strategic investments in communities can target systems and structures to advance health equity and ensure all people reach their full health potential.

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OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023 21

HEALTH MARYLAND HEALTH UPDATES

Prince George’s Goes Pink, Health Empowerment Network Aims to Expand Telehealth Options, COVID Surges to Recent Highs By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

PRINCE GEORGE’S GOES PINK FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in Prince George’s, that

means the County Executive is teaming up with local healthcare providers to promote wellness and provide information to reduce the dangers of breast cancer. As she did last year, Jasmine Jones, the CEO of Cherry Blossoms Intimate, hosted the kickoff reception to begin Prince George’s Goes Pink. “We truly enjoyed kicking off Breast

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5 Attendees of the Luminis Healthcare Pink Ribbon Rally on October 6, where free mammograms and clinical screenings were given to the public. (Courtesy Photo/ Luminis Health)

Cancer Awareness Month in Prince George's County here at Cherry Blossom Intimates. We hosted about 30 women and men who'd been impacted by breast cancer or were advocates for those who have been impacted by the disease. We noshed on delicious bites by Sweet Tooth Bakery, sipped mocktails, and mingled before and after hearing from sponsors and hosts

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of the upcoming events,” said Jones. “The County Executive's Office has planned a month filled with programming across the county so there was plenty for guests to learn about.” Jones encouraged County residents to attend the events throughout the month, and to stay informed on what her Largo-based boutique offers. “County residents can gain inspiration and information at any of the upcoming events hosted this month, or in-boutique here 365 days a year,” emphasized Jones. “Our mission is to ensure that all women know their normal, perform self checks, and advocate for themselves if something doesn't feel right.” For a full list and more information on Prince George’s Goes Pink visit: princegeorgescountymd.gov.WI

HEALTH EMPOWERMENT NETWORK OF MARYLAND AIMS TO EXPAND TELEHEALTH OPTIONS

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The Health Empowerment Network of Maryland, a 501(c)(3), is aiming to ensure that telehealth options remain available for Marylanders. Their core services include providing in-home or in-vehicle support digitally, connecting consumers with their primary care physician or specialist, assisting consumers in filling out on-line applications for services and resources, and connecting consumers to care coordination companies. The organization received a Digital Equity grant from the Maryland Statewide Office of Broadband, a command bus courtesy of the Maryland Department of General Services and a special appropriations grant

from Prince George’s County Vice Chair Wala Blegay (D, District 6). Washington Gas is in talks to partner with the nonprofit to assist their mission of digital inclusion, according to Manager of Corporate Contributions and Supplier Diversity Tracye Funn. A press conference to announce the Connected People- Connected Services program was held during the First Annual Health and Fitness Expo at the City of Praise Family Ministries Church. The expo was coordinated by Delegate Joseline Pena Melnyk (D–District 21), who is currently the chair of the Health and Government Operations Committee in the House of Delegates. “Initiatives like this are critically important for people in the community who lack digital access to care. I will continue to work hard to bring resources to my district that lift people up and provide them the services they need and deserve,” said Blegay. The chair of the Health Empowerment Network of Maryland is former Seat Pleasant Mayor Eugene W. Grant. "During my time as mayor, I was disheartened when the pandemic hit in 2020, and so many of our senior citizens were unable to access services online when the government closed their doors. WI

COVID CASES CONTINUING ACROSS MARYLAND

As fall gets in full swing, COVID-19 cases in Maryland remain elevated above summer numbers. On Sept. 11 and Sept. 12, Maryland saw more than 110 cases reported, and most days in September had over 100 reported new cases. COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death in Maryland in 2021, and the Centers for Disease Control is predicting a moderate COVID wave this winter, expecting a similar number of hospitalizations and cases as last winter. There were over 200 cases a day reported in Maryland every single day from October 2022 through February of this year, and over 100 cases reported a day every single day from February until early June. The Biden-Harris Administration announced that four free COVID testing kits will be available for anyone who requests them through a weblink. For more information, please consult the Maryland Department of Health’s webpage on COVID-19. WI

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D.C.'s $10 Million Black Homeownership Fund: Is it Making a Difference? By Angela Swinson Lee WI Contributing Writer Sheila Cross Reid can remember when she was a young adult coming into her own in the District of Columbia. She and several of her friends were all buying condominiums that would become their starter homes. They would build equity and move on to bigger and better homes. Reid hoped the road to homeownership was being paved for the next generation. But today with housing prices at an all-time high in the District of Columbia, the road is crumbling. Houses on the market with the lowest price tags in the city often go for more than $300,000, requiring an income of no less than $100,000. Reid’s experience as a real estate broker and founder of Avanti Real Estate, qualified her appointment to the Black Homeownership Strike Force, established by Mayor Muriel Bowser in June 2022. The mission of the Strike Force was to provide recommendations to the mayor on how best to use a $10 million Black Homeownership Fund to increase the number of Black homeowners in the District by 2030 and support wealth building through homeownership. A year after delivering those recommendations, Reid said the team, made up of 13 public representatives and nine gov-

3 Real estate broker Sheila Cross Reid, founder of Avanti Real Estate, is a member of the Black Homeownership Strike Force, established by Mayor Muriel Bowser in June 2022. (Courtesy Photo)

ernment representatives, has not received feedback on their recommendations. However, last April, Bowser announced she added to her 2024 budget $13 million to support 600 families in Career MAP, $8 million to increase available down payment assistance through Home Purchase Assistance Program, $1.5 million enhancement for Heirs Property Services, and $2 million to increase available funds for Single Family Residential Rehab. Last month, District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) announced awards totaling $1 million in grant funding from the Heirs Property Assistance

Program to assist low-income individuals or households in the District with obtaining clear legal title of real estate upon the death of their family member, according to a press release “The selection of these grantees provides a path for low-income families to keep their homes within the family,” DHCD Director Colleen Green said in a statement. “The term ‘generational wealth’ is used quite often, but the work of obtaining clear and legal title to a property through the courts can be challenging for someone who is unfamiliar with the probate process. The service provided by these grantees can help make a complex process a bit easier to navigate.” District of Columbia Councilmember Robert White (D–AtLarge) said in addition to homeownership, other housing needs should also be assessed. "The Black Homeownership Strike Force put a tremendous amount of thoughtful work into crafting their recommendations, which I believe have the potential to both increase opportunities and prevent the loss of ownership for Black households,” White explained.

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The At-Large council member also noted that it was important to carefully track how the District is meeting Black homeownership goals as the Strike Force is creating and implementing recommendations. “We also must recognize that homeownership is not possible, or the right fit, for everyone, so we need to strike the right balance between homeownership, affordable renting, and vouchers to meet the housing needs and goals of all of our residents.” Reid said she assists people looking for homes “in the most powerful city in the world,” but the reality is that few can afford to purchase a home in D.C. She sees college professors who can’t afford to live in the community where they teach. She has friends who send their children away to college, and they can’t afford to come back to the District to live. She points out that affordable homes exist in Wards 7 and 8, but many require lots of work. “Investors come and buy those up,” she said. “You take away the ability for someone to have homeownership.

All of that is being erased.” In April, DHCD and the Department of Human Services (DHS) hosted an open house for a home in Northeast that was to become available on the market for a low-income firsttime homebuyer. “I hope the message is clear: we are creating many pathways to homeownership in D.C.,” Mayor Bowser said in a statement at that time. “We have pathways for people on the low end of the income spectrum, pathways for people in the middle, and pathways for people who never thought that owning a home in D.C. is something that could happen for them – it can. We want our residents to stay in D.C.-- and not just stay here, but stay here and build wealth here.” Tax assessment records show the home sold for $400,000. Government and public experts in housing and financial counseling, lending/underwriting, real estate development and services made up the strike force. It also included members from the faith-based, senior, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ communities and advocates and representatives that address social and racial equity. Reid said investors buying affordable housing was a major challenge because they entice sellers with cash offers and quick settlements. “They have the money to come in and outbid the homeowner who is trying to buy a house,” she said. The Avanti Real Estate founder said that affordable housing challenges are systemic. “It’s not just happening here. It’s all over the country,” Reid said. The challenge to us is what do you do to overcome this. You have a steamroller and you have no defenses.” WI

OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023 23

OUR

EARTH

Affordable Housing Meets Cutting-Edge Energy Tech in Fairmount Heights Development By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter The second-oldest Black community in Prince George’s County broke ground last week on a sixhome development that centers around new energy technology. A combination of solar panels and energy-storing batteries will power a small subdivision in Fairmount Heights, and the development will run on a microgrid that shares energy between the homes and can continue running even when Pepco’s wider system has outages. Spearheaded by nonprofit Housing Initiative Partnership (HIP), Pepco, and renewable energy platform company BlockEnergy, the pilot project broke ground Oct. 13. Developers say they plan to complete the build by spring 2024, when HIP will market the single-family houses to first-time homebuyers earning 80 percent or less of area median income. “We are building six zero-energy homes that are going to be affordable to first time homebuyers,” said Stephanie Prange Proestel, HIP’s deputy director, at the groundbreaking ceremony. “We are going to have clean, resilient, reliable energy for our homeown-

ers that's going to be more affordable.” The term “zero energy” means that a home produces as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year. HIP has helped develop zero energy, affordable houses before, but the microgrid system is a new frontier for the nonprofit— and for the region. “There are not a lot of these [microgrids] in Maryland, and particularly there are not a lot in communities that have been ignored for far too long, that have been underserved and overburdened,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul Pinsky. “A lot of these efforts and innovations over the last 20 to 25 years have been in the middle- and upper-middle class, and that's got to change.” The new subdivision sits where Fairmount Heights’ original municipal building used to be. The project aims to celebrate the town’s rich legacy with a historic marker and a neighborhood “pocket park” that will serve as the formal beginning of the Fairmount Heights Black history walking tour. “We've got these two legacy institutions [the town of Fairmount Heights and HIP] that are coming together to do this really new and innovative thing and paving the

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24 OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023

5 Many stakeholders are involved in the development of six zero-energy homes in Fairmount Heights that will pilot a new microgrid technology. Pictured at the Oct. 13 groundbreaking ceremony, from left: J. Tyler Anthony, Pepco president & CEO; Stephanie Prange Prostel, Housing Initiative Partners deputy director; Md. state senator Joanne C. Benson; Akiaba Stewart, mayor of Fairmount Heights; Maryann Dillon, executive director of Housing Initiative Partnership; Jolene Ivey, Prince George’s County councilmember; Paul Pinsky, director of Maryland Energy Administration; and Rob Bennett, BlockEnergy CEO. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

way for more communities like this in Prince George's County,” said Angie Rodgers, the county’s deputy chief administrative officer for economic development. “You've got institutions that have been around forever but are still thinking about, how do we make our communities better? How do we be on the cutting edge?”

HOW IT WORKS

The technology behind the microgrid comes from BlockEnergy, an energy platform company that works with utilities to provide power in this new form. The Fairmount Heights development will be the third BlockEnergy community in the world; the first two are in Florida and New Mexico. Each of the houses will have its own solar panels and energy storage battery. All the homes are linked through an underground network and will automatically share power with one another, and with a bigger battery station that stores more energy and connects to Pepco’s main power grid. “We’re basically reinventing the way that we get energy into communities, because we really haven't changed that fundamentally for over 100 years,” said Rob Bennett, founder and CEO of BlockEnergy, in an interview. Bennett and other stakehold-

ers said they expect the system to produce and store enough energy to cover the community’s typical household needs, but it also has the ability to draw on Pepco’s main grid when more energy is needed. The whole system will have 262kWh of battery storage capacity, according to BlockEnergy, and 48kW worth of rooftop solar. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s solar output calculator estimates that a solar panel system of that size in Fairmount Heights would likely produce just over what six average households would need in a year. That doesn’t account for the fact that these homes will be more energy-efficient than most. “We put in a lot of green features to really make the housing affordable to whoever moves in, so they're not burdened by utility bills,” said HIP Executive Director Maryann Dillon in an interview. “A key driver in making housing affordable is controlling your utility bills, and obviously it's the right thing to do with global warming.”

LOWERING IMPACT AND INCREASING RESILIENCE

In his remarks at the groundbreaking, Pinsky, the director of the Maryland Energy Associa-

tion, discussed how this project encompasses two key responses to climate change. On one hand, the high-efficiency homes are expected to produce enough solar energy to cover their usage—that means they avoid using additional fossil fuels that add planet-warming greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere. At the same time, the microgrid offers a potentially more stable energy source as climate change increases the frequency of severe storms that often knockout traditional power lines. In the community using BlockEnergy technology for 37 houses in Tampa, the lights stayed on during Hurricane Ian even as more than 2 million Floridians lost power. “tThe surrounding area was out of power for three or four days— the people in Southshore Bay [the Tampa mini-grid community] didn't even know there was a power outage,” Bennett said. “They, I think, entertained a lot of their neighbors who didn't have power, who came over to charge phones and things.” “Because of climate change, natural disasters seem to be happening more and more,” Bennett continued. “So it's important to have communities that can survive and stay safe and secure with electricity.” WI

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OUR EARTH PHOTO ESSAY

D.C. High Schoolers Discover Careers in Trees By Kayla Benjamin and Robert R. Roberts WI Climate and Environment Reporter, WI Photographer Inside Congress Heights’ new all-wood building at Sycamore & Oak, 90 high school kids from around the District watched as carpenter and forestry expert Trey Lord showed off the array of woodworking tools he uses to give new life to fallen trees from the District. Lord, a senior technical manager at American Forests, joined other experts in forestry-related fields to show off various green career paths Upward Ground: A Nature Equity Experience, a summit held Oct. 12. “I feel like I'm here because it's part of my duty as a Black girl in a city to make sure that the environment is safe for people that look

like me,” said Mikayla Decker, a senior at Friendship Technology Preparatory Jerri Taylor, a former school career counselor and director of Diversity in Career Pathways for the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, said heat islands—when a lack of green space and tree cover makes a neighborhood far hotter than surrounding areas—impact communities who don’t have representation in the forestry industry. “One of the questions I asked [my former students] was like ‘how many people in here family members have diabetes or asthma?’ And every student’s hand was raised,” Taylor said. “When I started to talk to them about the connection to the environment, that’s when it hit them—a lightbulb went off.” WI

Hurricane & rainy season is coming, and that means flooding in our area. 5 At Sycamore & Oak in Congress Heights, more than 90 students from around D.C. participated in hands-on demonstrations of forestry careers at Upward Ground: A Nature Equity Experience on Oct. 12. (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

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5 Carpenter and forestry expert Trey Lord talks with D.C. high schoolers about his work reclaiming wood from fallen trees in the District. (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

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OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023 25

EDUCATION The State Board Gears Up to Discuss AI Use in the Classroom By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

As teachers, parents and young people continue to debate the merits and drawbacks of artificial intelligence (AI), one state board representative has set out to ensure that the District standardizes the use of education technology in classrooms.

D.C. State Board of Education (SBOE) representative Brandon Best told the Informer that SBOE will host a roundtable about education technology on Nov. 27. He said that he intends to ask families, teachers, community members and representatives of the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) to weigh in on how to shape policy around education

technology. This roundtable, Best said, will lead to the development of a resolution. Earlier this month, SBOE’s State Level & Systemic Policy Committee, chaired by At-Large SBOE Representative Jacque Patterson and Ward 1 SBOE Representative Ben Williams, approved this process. Years before taking public office, Best, a Ward 6 SBOE representative, worked on machine learning, a precursor to ChatGTP that won the first-place prize in an Ebay startup challenge. He said that project and subsequent experiences further convinced him of AI’s significance in an increasingly advancing society. Best told the Informer that failing to seize the moment places District students at a disadvantage. “The best approach is to provide a structure where our students can use AI safely and understand the power it can yield. I don’t want us to be that school district [that doesn’t want to use AI],” Best said. “If we want our students to be successful, we need academic standards associated with this technology. It should guide the instruction to give our teachers a framework so they’re not [going in] blind.”

TECHNOLOGY STEPPED IN CONTROVERSY AND PROMISE

The District’s newly adopted social studies standards, a collaborative endeavor between SBOE and OSSE, require students to develop and enhance their digital literacy and evaluate the role of government, people, and corporations in ensuring public access to accurate information. An OSSE spokesperson said that the agency is in the process of forming an exploratory committee on AI use in classroom instruction. Part of that work would also involve some work with SBOE. Within the last year, ChatGPT, Photomath and Symbolab have emerged as AI tools that, with a few verbal and written commands, can write essays, answer test questions, develop computer programs, and compose music, among other tasks. The tool has become increasingly popular among high school and college students who’ve reportedly used it to complete

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5 Lee James ( Courtesy photo)

assignments that would’ve otherwise taken hours, and a strong command of the subject matter, to navigate. In response to AI’s use, many teachers have reverted back to penand-paper assessments to discourage cheating. Other methods include in-class assignments without wifi access and oral presentations that accompany written work. Leigh Ann DeLyser, the founder-executive director of CSforAll, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding computer science education, recently told EducationWeek that such a pivot could potentially slow down AI’s impact and allow policymakers more time to standardize use of education technology. A survey conducted by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and policy research nonprofit ParentsTogether found more than three out of four parents supported the use of technology to facilitate teaching. Two out of three teachers also believe that education technology positively affects students’ learning, according to the survey. While parents and teachers support education technology, 84% of teachers and more than half of parents said they wanted more of a say in how it was used in the classroom. Three out of four teachers said their students never used AI software or AI-enabled search engines in the classroom, while nearly 80% of educators said they never used the technology for their own work.

AFT President Randi Weingarten said that while the findings have debunked myths about AI’s controversy, teachers and parents should be more involved in discussions about how to use education technology in the classroom. “This survey underlines a prevailing truth when it comes to education – listen to teachers, listen to parents, listen to students,” Weingarten said. “And it illustrates what we have always known—that parents and teachers are much more closely aligned when it comes to the education and well-being of their students than some politicians would have us believe.”

ONE TEACHER WEIGHS IN

Eastern High School teacher Lee James is scheduled to speak before SBOE in November about how he has been able to integrate AI into classroom instruction. Over the last couple of years, James has embraced ChatGPT as a tool for modeling quality writing to students. For James, an IT, International Baccalaureate (IB), and world history instructor, the journey started upon hearing about ChatGPT while in IT education spaces. He has since introduced the 11th and 12th graders in his world history and IB theory of knowledge courses to ChatGPT. He recounted

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AI Page 51

EDUCATION

Maryland Education Roundup By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

NEW SUPERINTENDENT, A FORMER PRINCE GEORGE’S EDUCATOR, BEGINS ROLE

Carey Wright, the former Mississippi education superintendent, will begin as Maryland’s interim state superintendent on Oct. 23. Wright got her start as a teacher in Prince George’s County in the 1970s, before becoming a principal and eventually serving as Maryland’s Director of Special Education. Her chief concerns in Maryland are: test scores, transparency, and implementing the Blueprint for Education. “Maryland’s math scores are abysmal. I'll use that word,” Wright said at her first press conference on Oct. 12. “I am grounded in the research about what are best practices, where literacy and mathematics particularly are concerned.”

NEW SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION AND SONIA SOTOMAYOR OPENING

Eight new schools, including two in New Carrollton, are now planned to begin construction in Prince George’s County. Sonia Sotomayor Middle School opened this year, with Delegate Deni Taveras (D–District 47) spreading the announcement via email, and Fort Washington’s Kindergarten through 8th Grade Colin Powell Academy is expected to open after this year’s Thanksgiving break. While some have criticized the novel public-private partnership for potentially ballooning the costs of school construction, numerous parents have urgently called on the Board of Education to build the schools, while noting structural deficiencies in existing facilities during this year’s meetings. "In its most simplistic form, this opportunity is the same as taking out a loan to finance your home,

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5 Carey Wright will begin her new role as Maryland’s interim state superintendent on Oct. 23. (Courtesy Photo)

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car or education. For most people, it would be impossible to make such expensive purchases without a loan. It is impossible for the county to finance and expedite this vast and much needed construction project without this partnership,” said concerned County resident LaVonn Reedy Thomas in an interview with the Informer about her opinion on new school construction. "For years, communities in certain areas of the county have objected to boundary changes which contribute to overcrowding in some schools, while reducing the census in other schools. Also, no one has studied the impact on our school system because of specialty school, charter school and parochial/private school choices by parents,” Reedy Thomas continued. “Density in certain areas of the county creates over-crowded schools, but instead of spreading development equitably throughout the county, efforts are underway to curtail it. So, schools in central and south county continue to suffer with lower registrations." Read more on www.washingtoninformation.com WI

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EDITORIAL

Remember to Check Your Breasts Beyond October Breast Cancer Awareness is Important Year Round Happy National Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Throughout October, health organizations, sororities and fraternities, political groups, nonprofits, government agencies and businesses alike host pink-themed events: from panels, to walks, brunches and fundraisers, to raise awareness on the importance of breast cancer awareness, self-check ups and advocacy work surrounding the disease. “This National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let us all recommit to the work of ending cancer as we know it. May we honor those we have lost, offer strength to those who continue to live with breast cancer, and work to protect the health of future generations,” said President Joe Biden in a proclamation issued Sept. 29. The president offered statistics, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about breast cancer. “Nearly 300,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and one in eight women in America will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetimes. We have made enormous progress in our decades-long fight against cancer — discovering new prevention and early-detection measures and exploring medicines and therapies to extend and save lives. Despite these advancements, a breast cancer diagnosis is not only frightening but also a doorway into a confusing world of appointments, procedures, and expenses,” said Biden. Men can also get the disease, with around 2,300 new cases yearly, according to “Going Beyond the Pink.” Further, according to the American Cancer Society, Black women are particularly affected by the disease, with the highest death rate from breast cancer and a higher chance of developing breast cancer before the age of 40 than white women. With such data, it is important that all people know the importance of having real conversations about breast cancer awareness and ways people can be proactive in combating the disease. Further, early detection is key in fighting breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, as reported by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, when breast cancer is detected early (in the localized stage), the five-year survival rate is 99%. The National Breast Cancer Foundation advocates that early detection includes: monthly breast self-exams and scheduling regular clinical breast exams. The National Breast Cancer Foundation says signs of breast cancer can be detected through self-exams. Some symptoms can include nipple tenderness, a lump in the breast or underarm, thickening in or near the breast or underarm, a change in the skin texture (which some describe as a texture similar to that of an orange peel) or an enlargement of the pores in the skin of the breast. With Black women particularly affected by breast cancer, it’s especially key to have regular conversations about the disease, self-exams, and clinical examinations in African American households. Breast cancer is something that should be discussed year round, not just October. WI

Fight for Peace by Spreading Love Through Social Media From the wars between Israel and Hamas and Ukraine and Russia, to the battles continually fighting for racial equity in the United States, and the uptick in violence in D.C., there’s a lot of conflict affecting people locally and abroad. There’s a saying, “The best way to fight for peace, is to spread love.” As corny as it might sound, the message is a lesson we can all take as we navigate these challenging times. With social media offering people the platform to share their feelings as facts, some users have been waging online wars, posting negative sentiments and suggestions that go beyond political ideals and turn into downright bullying, shaming and spreading hate. This social media back and forth hardly ever ends in someone changing their views, and conversely, concludes with aggression, defensiveness, and remaining firm on the varying perspectives. Not that there haven’t been success stories, but with all the fighting and violence that’s already happening, why waste the time battling online? Find a way to share positive and encouraging quotes as people navigate these tough times. Perhaps share some stress relief tools and coping mechanisms that can help someone out, even if you all don’t see eye to eye. Finally, even if you’re expressing your beliefs, do so in a way that is factual and leads with love on social media. Articles, interviews, anecdotes and other resources that might have been thought provoking to you, might certainly help others consider perspectives or be further informed; but if so, make sure they’re from reliable sources and leave your negative thoughts out of there. As we push for peace we must also practice positive interactions in our daily lives, including on social media. So, do your part, soldier, in this battle for peace: fight by spreading love. WI

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TO THE EDITOR I really enjoyed the Financial Literacy Supplement and all the gems. Sometimes, it’s good to be reminded of the things you’ve learned along the way that you may have forgotten. It’s never too late to begin anew and get on the right path, financially or otherwise. Melvin Graves Washington, D.C.

Happy 59th anniversary to The Washington Informer! What a blessing to be Black-owned and survive 59 years throughout the decades, the ups and downs of the economy, and the ever-changing media landscape. You all make it look easy. I know the late great Calvin Rolark would be proud. Terri Blackman Washington, D.C.

Readers' Mailbox The Washington Informer welcomes letters to

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

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Rep. James E. Clyburn

We Must Protect the Foundation of Our Democracy

Earlier this month, I stood alongside my colleagues as we announced the reintroduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, legislation aptly named after the stalwart civil rights champion and my dear departed friend. I often recount the story of how and when I first met John Lewis. It was in October 1960. We were 19-year-old college

students attending an organizing meeting of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Years later, we would serve together in the U.S. House of Representatives, once again united under the cause for "a more perfect Union." In 2013, we sat down together and discussed the Supreme Court's decision in Shelby v. Holder. We reflected on the efforts that we had undertaken as college

Guest Columnist

students and wondered what the decision meant in the larger fight for equal access to the ballot box. We were reminded of the years when our Black brothers and sisters, especially those in the South, were subjected to indignities such as being required to answer questions like how many jellybeans were in a jar and being subjected to literacy tests to cast a ballot. Importantly, we feared what was to come. Although we lost John just a few short years later, he too began to see some of those fears realized.

In the years since Shelby v. Holder, several state legislatures across the country have introduced or enacted laws to curb Black Americans' access to the ballot box. Arizona and Mississippi enacted legislation to require burdensome proof of citizenship to determine eligibility to register to vote. Dozens of state legislatures introduced bills to restrict the practice of voting by mail. Other states have begun aggressively removing voters from the rolls and re-drawing Congressional maps

blatantly designed to silence the Black vote. Look no further than Ron DeSantis' Florida and the dismantling of an opportunity district held by former Congressman Al Lawson. Then, in July 2021, the Court further weakened the 1965 Voting Rights Act in its decision in Brnovich v. DNC, making it more difficult to challenge discriminatory voting laws. Yet, this is far from the first time that access to the ballot box has come under such attacks. Ahead

CLYBURN Page 53

Marian Wright Edelman

O God of All Children

At a moment of unspeakable terror, horror, violence, and despair, Scripture and prayers are often the first words that rise. I offer again a prayer to the God of all children. O God of the children of Israel and Gaza Of Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala Of Syria, Nigeria, Liberia, Su-

dan, and South Africa Of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Myanmar Of Libya, Yemen, Nepal, and Kashmir Of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and of Washington, D.C. and Detroit O God of the children of Ukraine Of all refugee children without a country to welcome them, at sea in flimsy boats, or struggling across steaming deserts to find safety, Help us to love and respect and

Guest Columnist

protect and welcome them all. O God of Black and Brown and white children and those all mixed together Of children who are rich and poor and in between Of children who speak Spanish and English and Swahili and Mandarin and Arabic and languages and dialects our ears cannot discern, Help us to love and respect and protect and welcome them all. O God of the child prodigy and child prostitute, the child of rap-

ture and the child of rape Of runaway and thrown away and sexually trafficked children who struggle every day without a parent or place or friend or future Of LGBTQ children struggling to be who they are and children roaming across nations in search of a place called home, Help us to love and respect and protect and welcome them all. O God of children who can walk and talk and hear and see and sing and dance and jump and play and of children who wish they

could but can’t Of children who are loved and unloved, wanted and unwanted, Help us to love and respect and protect and welcome them all. O God of incarcerated, beggar, beaten, abused, neglected, and homeless children, Of AIDS, drug, violence, and hunger ravaged children, Of children who are emotionally and physically and mentally fragile and of children who rebel

sections of Harlem to call attention to the ineffectiveness of welfare programs at the time and worked to spur the redevelopment of the impoverished Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood in Brooklyn. He visited poverty-stricken Native American reservations and toured poor areas of Chicago, Los Angeles, and other cities. He vowed to improve life in what activist Michael Harrington called "the other America" — where Americans live with inadequate housing, poor schools, and no hope. Traveling abroad, the

senator saw poverty and hunger first-hand in Southeast Asia and elsewhere. In March 1967, Marion Wright, a civil rights attorney for the NAACP, testified before Congress about the starving farm workers and their families in the Mississippi Delta — a state where the all-white congressional delegation of conservative pro-segregation Democrats resisted federal funding for food and education pro-

EDELMAN Page 53

David W. Marshall

Republicans for Biden?

For years, historians have wondered what would have happened had Sen. Robert F. Kennedy not been assassinated. Kennedy, at the time of his death, was able to forge an unlikely political alliance between working-class whites and Blacks. As historian Jeff Shesol wrote, "RFK recognized — and shared, by the time of Martin Lu-

32 OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023

ther King's death — Black rage, resentment, and desperation." By understanding and becoming sympathetic to the movement of Black power and cultural pride, Kennedy's presidential campaign centered on using government to empower Black Americans in the quest for social justice. In the wake of King's assassination, the late Rep. John Lewis stated, "I felt I had lost a friend, a big brother, a colleague. Somehow, I said to myself, well, we still have Bobby Kennedy."

As a presidential candidate, Kennedy had the moral conviction and charisma to maintain his deep commitment to civil rights while attracting many working-class white voters, some of whom had voted for segregationist George Wallace in previous elections. He could cut across race and class lines with a patriotic populism built on respect, compassion, and humanity. He understood the plight of the poor and disadvantaged. As a senator, Kennedy worked on poverty issues in New York. He toured through

MARSHALL Page 53

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

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

Gun Safety: Operation Rac It Up

With so many innocent children being killed during the past couple of years, I have begun paying greater attention to guns in homes where children find access to them and some even take them to school. At a meeting of the World Conference of Mayors, I met a gentleman who talked about a way to prevent these useless tragedies, and he has been introducing The RAC

to many people. The overall objective of Operation RAC IT UP is to reduce gun violence through investments in education and prevention measures. That is what this invention does. The person who introduced the RAC to me was William McMurray from Detroit, Michigan. I am pleased to say he is a Black American, but the RAC was created for everyone in need of gun security. While he is the inventor of this gun security system people of all races are seeing the value of it and the urgent need for the American RAC. At the same time,

Guest Columnist

I met him, I met his family — many of whom work in the company. His invention of The RAC is a family affair, but recently it has grown beyond his family. Through the program, Team RAC and its community partners provide an instant and practical take-home solution which includes "The RAC" for a safe storage device. The RAC comes with free installation and free educational resources. If you have children, you need to learn more about The RAC. The company provides information that informs both

firearm owners and community leaders of the impact of firearms and the responsibility each one of us has in keeping our communities safe. In partnership with non-profits and community organizations, the company teaches firearm owners how to properly store their firearms in their vehicles, homes, and businesses safely. One key feature of the program gives firearm owners the tools they need to secure their firearms when not in use and stresses the importance of storing firearms responsibly. Another key feature of the pro-

gram focuses on teaching children how to avoid firearms and alert an adult immediately of their curiosity. The program is comprehensive and fact-driven and its design is based on the needs of the community. Additionally, the company plans to provide referrals to alternative outlets that can prevent senseless violence. These outlets include Moms Demand Action, Be Smart, recreational facilities, community service programs, community

WILLIAMS Page 54

Marc H. Morial

Can Alabama Finally Be Forced to Conduct a Fair Election With a Legal Congressional Map? U.S. District Court, Northern District of Alabama, Southern Division "We are not aware of any other case in which a state legislature — faced with a federal court order declaring thorat its electoral plan unlawfully dilutes minority votes and requiring a plan that provides an additional opportunity district — responded with a plan that the state concedes does not provide that district." —

After giving Alabama legislators nearly two years to comply with its order and fix the state's illegal racially gerrymandered Congressional map, a federal court has selected a non-discriminatory map for them. Despite rebuke after rebuke Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has vowed to keep fighting to restore the racist map. But for the 2024 election, at least,

Guest Columnist

Black voters in Alabama voters will have the opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice in two of the state's seven districts. This is thanks to the unflagging efforts of plaintiffs Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, Letetia Jackson, Shalela Dowdy, Greater Birmingham Ministries, and the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP and the attorneys representing them: Legal Defense Fund, American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Alabama, Hogan Lovells LLP, and Wiggins, Childs, Pantazis,

Fisher & Goldfarb. They are to be commended, and the National Urban League will continue to stand with them should A.C. Marshall follow through on his threat. The U.S. Supreme Court surprised most legal observers in June when it struck down Alabama's map after allowing the state to use it for last year's congressional elections. Despite being ordered to create a map with "two districts in which Black voters either comprise a voting-age majority or something quite close to it," Alabama legisla-

tors in July passed a new map that maintained a single majority-Black district. In response, the district court judges wrote, "We are deeply troubled that the State enacted a map that the State readily admits does not provide the remedy we said federal law requires." The court ordered a special master to draft new maps, and after the Supreme Court rejected Alabama's emergency appeal last month, the dis-

MORIAL Page 54

Ben Jealous

The Dirty Truth about Utility Companies' Clean Energy Efforts

Forever home. That's how folks from Aurora I met last week describe the houses they bought outside Denver. Now those dream homes are caught in what may be America's most dire urban fracking nightmare. Over the last year, residents have discovered, and began a grassroots

challenge against, a plan to erect 174 10-story-high oil wells that stretch horizontally underground for thousands of feet. The project is to be built next to a pristine, vital reservoir that hugs on the city's edge and shares its name. Nearby communities without reservoirs buy their water from Aurora. The snowmelt-fed water is so clean you can drink it while you swim in it. That all could change fast. Civitas, an oil company whose biggest investor is the Canadian equiva-

lent of the Social Security Administration, wants to frack — inject water, sand, and toxic chemicals underground to free oil — under the reservoir, neighborhoods, and close to a Superfund toxic waste site. The entire area in the proposal is more than 33,000 acres with one drilling pad within 3,000 feet of a neighborhood. What started as a Facebook page grew into a full-fledged campaign involving residents and allied environmental groups pushing city, county, and state officials to stop

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the fracking proposal from moving forward. Residents only learned of the plan when Civitas started trying to acquire the mineral rights under their houses and common areas controlled by homeowners' associations. When they go to a hearing, "it's the suits versus the T-shirts" says Marsha Goldsmith Kamin, referring to the blue shirts she and other opponents wear. Kamin and her husband learned about the fracking proposal after they moved in November to be closer to their

three grandchildren. Opposing the wells amounts to a full-time job for the retiree now. In Colorado, like most Western, states access to water remains a contentious issue. As its name suggests, the leading opposition group Save the Aurora Reservoir leads with the threat to drinking water for much of metro Denver. Beyond the direct threat of fracking under and around the reservoir, the proposed wells will de-

JEALOUS Page 54 OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023 33

LIFESTYLE Phylicia Rashad: A Journey from Houston to Hollywood and Beyond By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Phylicia Rashad, the renowned actress and director, has a remarkable journey that has taken her from her birthplace in Houston, Texas, to the pinnacle of success in the entertainment industry. As the current dean of Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University, Rashad’s life experiences and accomplishments serve as an inspiration for generations of artists. Born on June 19, 1948, Rashad’s family background was one of achievement and resilience. Her father, Dr. Andrew Allen, was a dentist, and her mother, Vivian Allen, is an award-winning poet and arts activist.

Allen’s poetry, particularly her 1957 publication “Hawk,” has a unique connection to space flight history, and is displayed at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. Highlighting a legacy of family excellence, Rashad’s grandfather, Lloyd Allen, made history as the first African American fireman in the South Pacific. The entertainer’s educational journey began at Howard University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a B.F.A. degree in 1970. She said the historically Black university holds a special place in her heart, as she later became a beloved teacher there, and now dean. Rashad said her career in the entertainment industry began when she was just 11. Despite initial insecurities

Musicians Share Love of Jazz Across Generations

5 Renowned actress, director and arts educator Phylicia Rashad discussed her family, journey to the stage and work on The Cosby Show, on PBS-TV’s “The Chavis Chronicles,” hosted by National Newspaper Publishers Association President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis. (Courtesy Photo)

about her appearance, she discovered her passion for acting during a school program in Houston. “When I was 11 years old, beauty meant so much to young girls as my mother was very beautiful and my father very handsome, and my sister was cute as a button,” Rashad explained during an interview at the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s studios in Washington. “All the girls ran after my brother, and when I looked in the mirror, I By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer The DC Jazz Festival (DCJF) has launched a four-part program uniting jazz veterans and up-and-coming musicians through the “Generations Series.” The series, curated by pianist, composer and DCJF artist-in-residence Orrin Evans, kicked off on Oct. 12 and will continue every Thursday evening through Nov. 2. The concerts are at the Kogod Cradle at Arena Stage.

WARRIORS SET THE TONE

5 DC Jazz Festival "Generations Series" on October 12, at Arena Stage, featured (L-R) pianist Janelle Gill, saxophonist Tia Fuller, bassist Steve Novosel, and drummer Koleby Royston. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

34 OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023

The first concert on Oct. 12 featured saxophonist Tia Fuller, drummer Koleby Royston, and D.C. musicians: bassist Steve Novosel and pianist Janelle Gill. Fuller told the audience that the evening’s theme was “Angelic Warriors.”

JAZZ Page 35

used to think God must’ve been on lunch break when I was born because I didn’t think I was beautiful,” she said during the 30-minute conversation that will air later this season on PBSTV’s “The Chavis Chronicles,” hosted by National Newspaper Publishers Association President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. “I wanted to be like my mother because she was so beautiful, but I had a voice, and my mother insisted on good speech, and my teachers appreciated it, so when I was 11 years old, I was selected for a musical program that involved all the schools in our community,” she recounted. “The teachers rehearsed me early in the morning and after school so when the time came for the program, I knew it by heart. I stood there in the largest hall in Houston at that time in the spotlight for the first time. It was so bright I couldn’t see anything else. I talked to the light every time I got up, and when it was finished and the program was over, the mothers were collecting their children. I heard two of them say ‘Oh, there she is, there’s the little girl who spoke so beautifully. Isn’t she beautiful,’ and I thought, ‘Wow that’s it. When I grow up, I’ll be an actress. I’ll play in the light and be beautiful all the time,’” Rashad continued. “And what I didn’t understand is that it would take some time to realize it had nothing to do with the way I was looking, or the dress I was wearing, or my hair. It was communication for the heart [and] that’s why I became an actress.” That defining moment set her on a

path to becoming an actress and communicator, using the stage to connect with audiences on a profound level. Rashad’s impact on American culture is perhaps best exemplified by her role as Clair Huxtable on the iconic sitcom “The Cosby Show.” Her portrayal of a strong, loving, and accomplished mother figure resonated deeply with viewers worldwide. Rashad’s work entertained and inspired, breaking down racial and societal barriers. “On ‘The Cosby Show,’ I was working with a talented group of young people and a master of comedy and an assembly of writers and a crew of experienced people,” Rashad recounted. “I was working, and it was wonderful work, and that’s how I approached it. It wasn’t until really after those eight years and several years after that that I met people from different places that I began to understand the impact of that show of that production. When I met Nelson Mandela, he said, ‘Thank you. I watched your show with my [prison] guard. It softened him.’” Rashad spoke highly of today’s young artists, praising their intelligence, openness, and willingness to learn. She emphasized the importance of listening to and supporting emerging talents, recognizing that they are the future of the arts, and stressed the importance of open dialogue and preserving history as critical components of a thriving society. “Thank God there is a sky,” Rashad said, quoting her mother’s book. WI @StacyBrownMedia

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LIFESTYLE

Cultivating the Leaders of Tomorrow - Today

5 A conversation with the DC Jazz Festival "Generations Series" at Arena Stage on October 12 included (L-R) Janelle Gill, Tia Fuller, Janelle Gill, Steve Novosel, Koleby Royston, Tia Fuller. The moderator was Sunny Sumter, president and CEO of the DC Jazz Festival. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

JAZZ from Page 34 “We’re celebrating the angelic warriors who have led me and all of us. They continue to do so with their music,” said Fuller, a Berklee College of Music professor in Boston. Fuller led the quartet through a dynamically performed set. Together, the group represented more than 60 years of experience. Each musician was spotlighted by giving each other space. With the established theme for the evening, the set primarily featured works by musicians with illustrious careers who have passed. Featured composers were pianists Mulgrew Miller, Mal Waldron and Geri Allen, drummer Ralph Peterson and saxophonist John Coltrane. Fuller also included one of her compositions, “Crowns of Grey,” dedicated to her parents, Fred and Elthopia Fuller. Her father is a drummer, and her mother, a vocalist who died last year.

BLESSED BY INFLUENCERS

Following the set, Sunny Sumter, president and CEO of the DC Jazz Festival, facilitated a conversation with the artists. Audiences learned about the artists’ career mentors and working with vocalists. D.C. native and Howard University graduate Gill, as well as Fuller, spoke fondly about the influence of Geri Allen. Novosel mentioned some fabulous vocalists he has worked with, including his former wife, Roberta Flack, Shirley Horn, Carmen McRae, and Sarah Vaughan. As

Novosel acknowledged, there was always something to learn. Royston is Fuller’s nephew. His mother, pianist Shamie Royston performed in the inaugural “Generations” concert during DCJF Labor Day weekend. That means Royston is steeped in music. Currently, a junior at The Peabody Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, he praised trumpeter Sean Jones as an influence. Jones is head of the jazz program at Peabody. Royster also talked about the valuable lessons learned by performing with an ensemble like the one curated for the “Generations Series.” “If I am playing with people around my age, we all have the same level of experience,” said Royster. “But when I am in a situation like tonight, it forces me to hear things that I would not think about hearing.”

THE GENERATION SERIES CONTINUES

The “Generation Series” continues with three concerts. Receive a 25% discount by using the code COF25. • Oct. 19: Saxophonists Bobby Watson and Antonio Hart, Bassist Mike Boone, Drummer Mehdi Boone and pianist Jordan Williams. • Oct. 26: Bassist Buster Williams, Drummer Lenny White, Pianist Orrin Evans, Saxophonist Oliver Lake and Vocalist Joanna Pascale • Nov. 2: Pianist Kenny Barron, Solo Performance For more information on the “Generation Series,” go to dcjazzfest.org. Receive a 25% discount by using the code COF25. WI @bcscomm

With so many programs and opportunities to aid, guide, and support young people, there are a plenty of options for both students and their parents or guardians. How does one choose the “right” one? It comes down to two important things – current growth and future opportunity. The best programs engage participants in growth experiences on Day 1 and provide tangible opportunities that positively impact their future. Leaders of Tomorrow® (LOT®) program, a transformative program sponsored by the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), equips young minds with the skills and knowledge they need to conquer the challenges of the future and plants seeds of personal and professional growth from the first meeting. The five core pillars of leadership, financial literacy, college readiness, career preparation, and life skills are crucial for success and the core focus areas LOT®. These pillars serve as the foundation for guiding young individuals toward success in their future vocational, financial, and academic endeavors. Two aspects of the LOT® program that make it an outstanding opportunity for young people is its National Leadership Summit, a culminating event that brings together the youth leaders from across the country, and the National Business Case Competition, a competitive nine-week business skills program which is a key component of the National Leadership Summit. The four-day summit offers LOT® members an opportunity to engage in breakout sessions, hear from inspirational guest speakers, embark on college tours, and explore historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The highlight of the summit is case competition where LOT® members present their business cases to judges and compete for up to $30,000 in scholarship funds, making the experience both educational and potentially life-changing. The DC Chapter of the National Black MBA Association has hosted LOT® since 1994. The program is run by the LOT® Chair who sits on the board of the DC Chapter.

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5 DC LOT members, LOT Chair Kayla Dailey with then Interim CEO/CFO, Shawn Graham and Case Coach, Shaudala Brown at the 2023 National LOT Leadership Summit.

The current LOT® Chair, Kayla Dailey, finds the work rewarding and exciting. “LOT® is so much fun. Our members are so creative and passionate with a real eagerness to learn. Working with them motivates me to do more, I want to make sure they have the best of everything so they can succeed.” Former DC LOT® Presidents and National Business Case Competition winners, Joya Robinson and Kennedy Saunders are prime examples of the profound impact the program has on young minds. Joya Robinson, now a senior at Howard University, shared her thoughts on the program's influence: "LOT® was a strong foundation for my leadership journey. It equipped me with the skills to define my path, hone my desire to serve in the medical field, and serve my community. My older brother was also in the program and having my family’s support also made a difference.” Kennedy Saunders, a senior at Hampton University and a former LOT® President and oratorical winner, attested to the program's effectiveness: "LOT® instilled

in me a strong foundation of leadership, financial literacy, and career readiness. I owe a lot of my academic and career success to LOT®. It was a springboard for my journey in college as I am in my 4th year of a 5-year MBA program. I continue to apply the skills I gained from LOT® as a campus leader. It was an invaluable experience." LOT® with its commitment to nurturing leadership skills, financial literacy, college readiness, and career preparation, serves as a powerful force shaping the next generation of leaders. With the voices of former DC LOT Presidents Joya Robinson and Kennedy Saunders as testimonials, it's clear that this program equips young minds with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in their future endeavors. For more information on the program and to get a young person you know involved, visit www.dcblackmbaa.org.

OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023 35

LIFESTYLE WASHINGTON INFORMER WEEKEND

Things to Do, DMV: Weekend Rundown By Ra-Jah Kelly WI Contributing Writer

you can rally for the actual game and homecoming parade the next day.

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.

Ali Siddiq: The Domino Effect 3 (Live Special Taping) 6:00 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. | Check resale tickets for pricing. Capital Turnaround, 700 M Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20001

THURSDAY, OCT. 19

5 In light of the recent conflict involving Israel and Gaza, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is hosting a conversation at Tifereth Israel Congregation, in Northwest, D.C. (WI File Photo/ Roy Lewis)

Howard University Homecoming Student Fashion Show Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | $50 Cramton Auditorium, 2455 6th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20059 Howard University’s homecoming week is here again and with the celebration, is the avalanche of events. Here’s an early chance to get into the spirit while supporting up-and-coming artists and fashion entrepreneurs. Jada Pinkett Smith: ‘Worthy’ Book Tour 8:00 p.m. (Doors Open at 7 p.m.) The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

SATURDAY, OCT. 21

HU Homecoming Annual Tailgate 2023 Time 10 a.m. | Free Georgia Ave Northwest (across from Howard University)

In advance of her book tour, Jada Pinkett-Smith has made some surprising revelations about her relationships with her husband Will Smith, hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur, and herself. The Howard Theatre website does not have ticket details listed but other events on the tour have required a book purchase and include meet and greet opportunities. While the website currently says tickets are no longer available, be sure to see if any open up by visiting: ticketweb.com and check out other resale websites.

Come for the tailgating and stay for the annual community parade on Georgia Ave. And if you’re feeling up to it there is also a football game being played between The Howard University Bisons and the Spartans of Norfolk State University.

FRIDAY, OCT. 20

If you’ve been keeping up with current events regarding Fugees member Pras you know this could be a last opportunity to see the full group together. Also the word from the tour buzz is that 25 years later Lauryn HIll still puts on an incredible show. WI

7th Annual HU Bar Crawl: The Largest Black Bar Crawl in the World! Howard Homecoming 12:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m. | $30-40 With drink specials and open bar locations along the U St. Corridor, the annual HU Bar Crawl, is a way to get back into that dorm days mindset and check out some of the District’s nightlife. Just make sure

36 OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023

Comedian Ali Siddiq will be shooting his next live special in D.C. over two days (Oct. 20 and Oct. 21) at the Capital Turnaround. In “The Domino Effect 2,” Siddiq reflected on his youth and the circumstances that led to him serving six years in prison. It does not sound like a very funny set-up for jokes but Siddiq’s “The Domino Effect," was the fourth most-watched comedy special on any platform and it currently has over 7.5 million views on YouTube. All the shows are sold out, but check resale websites for availability. WI

SUNDAY, OCT. 22

National Museum of Women in the Arts Free Grand Reopening Community Day 10 am - 4 pm | Free with Tickets National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20005 After a two-year, $67.5 million renovation project the National Museum of Women in the Arts is re-opening. Unlike museums in the Smithsonian system, admission to the NMWA is typically not free so enjoy the wonderful work of contemporary women in the arts and a variety of fun activities to celebrate the re-opening weekend. A Conversation with Mayor Bowser 10:30am - 12:00pm| Free Tifereth Israel Congregation, 7701 16th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20012 In light of recent events in Israel and Gaza, District Mayor Muriel Bowser will speak at Tifereth Israel Congregation. Mayor Bowser will discuss the steps her administration has taken to confront anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination and also engage in a live question and answer session following her talk. WI

Ms. Lauryn Hill & Fugees: Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniv. Tour 7:30 pm | $65+ Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

4 Ali Siddiq is hosting a live taping of “The Domino Effect 3,” at Capital Turnaround in Southeast, D.C. (Courtesy Photo)

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An Evening of Musical Delight From Maxwell and The National Symphony Orchestra

LIFESTYLE “A D E E P LY M O V I N G , P R O V O C AT I V E play” —Entertainment Weekly

Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer The Kennedy Center audience could not get enough of a stupendous evening of music from Maxwell and The National Symphony (NSO). A four-night, sold-out residency gave the singer’s adoring fans what they wanted and more as the evening opened with the hit “Bad Habits.” Known for amorous lyrics, Maxwell then moved to “Fortunate” and “Lifetime.” I have always enjoyed how Maxwell arranges his setlist because he doesn’t make you wait. He respectfully understands what his fans desire. Before singing “Embrya,” Maxwell jokingly acknowledged that the album was not a big seller, but he had a vision. It felt as if he wanted to give the audience a second chance to understand his direction. Then Maxwell referenced the movie “Love Jones,” which is widely considered one of the best contemporary Black love relationship movies on film. Those who know the real deal recall that the first big hit for Maxwell was a remix of “Sumthin' Sumthin'” on the “Love Jones” soundtrack.

THE TALENT BEHIND THE TALENT

The full Maxwell experience at the Kennedy Center included award-winning and chart-topping arrangers Tim Davies and Derrick Hodge. Davies has worked on many film scores and musical talents such as Kendrick Lamar, Ledisi, Common, and Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds. Hodge, a two-time Grammy winner, has arranged and conducted the orchestra for the National Juneteenth Celebration at the Hollywood Bowl, the 94th Academy Awards, the Super Bowl LVI “Lift Every Voice” performance, as well as Jeezy’s Thug Motivation 101 performance with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. He has gained recognition in jazz circles through his work with Terence Blanchard, Donald Byrd, Mulgrew Miller, and Bootsie Barnes.

NSO CAN

5Singer Composer Maxwell enjoyed a sold-out, four-night residency at the Kennedy Center. (Courtesy photo/Derek Baker)

PLAY FOR ANYONE

The connector for all of the talent behind Maxwell’s residency was the NSO under the direction of Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke. Reineke is regarded as one of the top pops conductors in North America. His work with NSO has included Common, Kendrick Lamar, Nas, NeYo, Barry Manilow, Cynthia Erivo, India.Arie, Sutton Foster, Ben Rector, Cody Fry, and Ben Folds, “What’s Going Now,” a reflection on Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” album, and “Rent the Concert,” among others. A wild moment during Maxwell’s set was when he began singing “Always and Forever,” the hit from the group Heatwave. Everyone in the audience knew the words, so there was a huge sing-along. Wrapping up his 16 songs in Maxwell’s setlist, he went to a guaranteed Maxwell crowd-pleaser, “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder).” Here again, the audience knew all the words. I felt Maxwell’s fans enjoyed that even though the audience knew the words, he continued to deliver his voice to the audience. None of that from the stage where the talent points the mic to us, “You know the words!” Maxwell respects his followers, which is why he can sell out four nights at the Kennedy Center. @bcscomm WI

TICKET FROM

$39* O C T 1 1 – N O V 5 B U Y N OW ! *Handling fees apply

240.644.1100 | RoundHouseTheatre.org

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OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023 37

LIFESTYLE

‘Macbeth in Stride’ Explores the Bard’s Classic Tale Through the Lens of a Black Woman Shakespeare Theatre Company Welcomes Back Whitney White By Micha Green WI Managing Editor Think “Double, double, toil and trouble,” meets Tina Turner, Nina Symone and other divas, and that’s what you get in Shakespeare Theatre Company’s “Macbeth in Stride,” which runs until Oct. 21. Starring multi-hyphenate artist Whitney White, “Macbeth in Stride” musically examines Shakespeare’s famous play, explores the struggle of Lady Macbeth and reimagines the narrative through the lens of a Black woman seeking power and respect, in a world that questions, and even ignores, her value. “You have just witnessed history here. This is a new musical by a phenomenal actor, compos-

er, singer, director, writer, maker, with endless abundant talent that you all just witnessed Whitney White,” said LeeAnét Noble, director of Equity and Belonging at Shakespeare Theatre Company. “And if you don’t know, now you will know, that not only did Whitney White bless us with The Amen Corner a few years back, but she is also part of our artistic team as our associate director here at Shakespeare Theatre Company, so this is a homecoming.” White also directed Jocelyn Bioh’s “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” which recently premiered on Broadway to rave reviews. Directed by Tyler Dobrowsky and Taibi Magar, “Macbeth in Stride,” shows White, the play’s creator and co-orchestrator, on

stage starring as Woman, who is exploring the character of Lady Macbeth by singing, dancing and playing piano. She’s supported by the Witches, played by Stacey Sargeant, Ximone Rose and Chelsea Lee Williams, who sing, dance, play tambourines and– as in the Bard’s 1623 play– warn the leading lady of what’s to come, while also participating in some banter along the way. There’s also the accordion playing and crooning Charlie Thurston, who plays the role of Man and explores the character of Macbeth. The artists dance and prance across the stage with choreography by Raja Feather Kelly, featuring moves that pay homage to divas such as Turner performing “Proud Mary.” While the dancing (and at times vocals) could have been performed a bit more “full out,” during the premier show, the moves and tunes also allowed for the audience to feel part of the action and encouraged participation to clap and sing along. Featuring a rock-n-roll revue style set by Daniel Soule, flashy, fun costumes by Qween Jean, and colorful, creative lighting design by Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew, the show’s

5 Chelsea Lee Williams, Stacey Sargeant, Ximone Rose, and Whitney White in ‘Macbeth in Stride,” at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Northwest, D.C. (Courtesy Photo/Teresa Wood)

technical elements not only add to the narrative, but bring it to life in a way that they become part of the storytelling– almost as if the costumes, lighting, and set are characters themselves. Co-orchetrator, conductor and keyboardist Steve Cuevas and the band are outstanding and not only sound good and support the tale, but they even interact with the cast and become part of the action. Overall, the performances were solid, the tale was thought-provoking, and the show was engaging— encouraging crowd interaction throughout the production. While “Macbeth,” was origi-

5 Whitney White, Chelsea Lee Williams, Charlie Thurston, and Ximone Rose in ‘Macbeth in Stride,” at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Northwest, D.C. (Courtesy Photo/Teresa Wood)

38 OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023

nally written during a time when women, and certainly not Black women, could perform, “Macbeth in Stride,” challenges some of the ideals, themes, interactions and outcomes in the Bard’s classic tale, which explores greed, desire, love, power and partnership. The production at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Klein Theatre is part of the larger collaboration with various arts institutions. “[To] our partners at Philadelphia Theatre Company as well as Brooklyn Academy of Music, this would not be possible without this conglomerate of amazing theaters coming together for this production,” Noble said during a celebratory speech during the premier. “We are thankful to have this production of ‘Macbeth in Stride' at Shakespeare Theatre Company, and we can’t wait for the rest of the DMV to witness this production.” “Spread the word,” Noble added. Before continuing the opening night celebration, White thanked the full-house in the lobby of the Klein Theatre. Providing ambiance for the show, the lobby featured a large installation of album covers that included musical stars; another area had a photo backdrop for “Macbeth in Stride.” “It’s amazing to have an opening night like this. This is very rare in the world we live in to be gathered like this,” White said. “It’s a dream project. Thank you to the actors and the crew, and musicians. I cannot believe that we did this.” WI

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OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023 39

Pie Pathway

Scarecrow Smiles In each row, draw the scarecrow face that continues the pattern.

Use th

Clem Cornwall brought so many pumpkin pies to the party that he’s having trouble seeing what’s in front of him. Help him find his way to the barn.

A = 18 B = 17 C = 16 E = 15 F = 14 H = 13

Standards Link: Solve problems by eliminating possibilities.

Standards Link: Visual Discrimination: Identify patterns.

Bats Search

How many bats can you find on this page?

Dancing Differences How many differences can you find between these two dancing scarecrows?

Al Falfa’s Orchard Orchestra There are at least 10 things that start with the letter H in Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Identify initial sounds in common words. Standards Link: Observe similarities and differences.

Hayley Hayseed’s Hat Hayley’s hat has polka dots, but not big ones. Hayley’s hat has a flower on it. Hayley’s hat doesn’t have any round patches. Her hat’s hatband doesn’t have stripes.

B O C P T S O H G O S F P L U I T U P D

K E X A U M L A J A

E D

Standards Link: Investigation: Use logic to solve problems.

Bats & Cats

Draw three pumpkin shapes on a piece of paper. Look through the newspaper to make three groups of words that rhyme. For example: bats, cats, hats, or room, broom, tomb. Cut the words out and paste the groups in the three pumpkin shapes. Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow written directions.

14 8 6

I V L H A T S K H C

R W F A N R Y J

T Y A H W E D S P N

U O R I L A U K S G

L S M K V T Q Y T M

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

Standards Lin

N R A B R O O M P W

Yikes! You have to spend the night in a creepy haunted house all alone. Find 10 things in the newspaper that you will need to make the night more comfortable for you.

17 1

Make G

Stuff you’ll n mini chocola 1. Peel the 2. Push cho to make 3. Place a cl whipped on a plat 4. Stand th in the gh on the pl

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Use a variety of media.

Best Halloween Jokes Write down your favorite Halloween jokes and mail them to a friend or family member.

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40 OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023

8 9 11

C J T A R E P Q C N

Haunted House Sleepover

the above picture. How many can you find?

Sandy Scarecrow’s friend, Hayley Hayseed, left her hat at the party. Read the clues to find her hat.

BARN BROOM CATS CHIPS CLUES DANCING FARM GHOST HATS HAY PARTY PUMPKIN TOMB TREAT TRICKS

Are bla bad l

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

wi book review "Activate Your Greatness" By Alex Toussaint

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE 0CT. 19 - 25, 2023

ARIES What should you do on Monday and Tuesday? As little as possible. Lose yourself in your own thoughts. Ask for extra time with any paperwork that requires your signature. Take naps if you want. You'll burn enough calories on Wednesday and Thursday (exciting days, both) for an entire week's worth of adventure. Friday and Saturday (when patience and permanence are major themes) return you to a slower pace. Lucky Numbers: 3, 7, 23

c.2023, Henry Holt $27.99 245 pages

TAURUS Your friends are tremendous people, and they'd love to help. If something is getting you down, Monday and Tuesday offer you plenty of opportunities to do something about that. Get that weight off your shoulders. Open up. On Wednesday and Thursday, you'll be too busy rushing around, uncharacteristically so, to have heartfelt conversations with your pals. Lucky Numbers: 4, 6, 36

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

GEMINI The questions you have about your career aren't going to go away. The current quandary is just the most recent manifestation of a very basic issue, so don't stress the details. Focus on being creative (and enjoying yourself!) and pretty much everything else will click into place (eventually). Lucky Numbers: 5, 14, 40

It was all about the balance. You didn't think of it that way, though. All you were interested in was riding your bike with the big kids, pedaling without training wheels and without an adult holding you up. You got a lot of skinned knees, but you could see the goal and one day, zoom, you rode that bike all by yourself. So now read "Activate Your Greatness" by Alex Toussaint and find that determination again. He had what seemed like a privileged life. The son of Haitian immigrants, Alex Toussaint grew up in a stable, middle-class household with both parents involved in his upbringing and with education in the forefront. Alas, Toussaint fell in with the wrong crowd as a pre-teen, and his father, who was disabled by then, was unable to claw the boy back himself. Because of that, Toussaint was sent to "a military school in the middle of Nowhere, Missouri …" and it made him hate his father. Still, he grew there, and learned, but he eventually decided to make the school expel him – which landed him back under his father's thumb. He was accepted at college, but he quit that, too. After another battle with his dad, Toussaint stormed out of his parents' house to stay with a friend until another friend offered him a job at a "new company" called Flywheel. Intrigued by the stationary bikes and spinning classes, Toussaint began to dream. He studied the classes and instructors, taught himself things he figured were important, and he asked for a job as a spinning class instructor. From there, he was noticed by an up-and-coming business called Peleton … To succeed, says Toussaint, "requires confidence." It means being "comfortable with … failing." Success is knowing how "to turn your pain into power." It's being grateful for things big and small, seeing yourself as you hope to be, being unabashedly authentic, and knowing how to tame distractions. "And once we glow internally," Toussaint says, "we start to shine externally. It is impossible to ignore." Sometimes, when everything is in pieces around your feet, you just need to take a deep breath and remember that it's all about the hustle. "Activate Your Greatness" is a great example. From mistakes to milestones, author Alex Toussaint tells a dual story that readers will find quite interesting. First, he offers his own memoir, filled with bootstrap-pulling and determination, but also a nod to the "angels" who gave him a boost along the way. Surely, this happens all the time but Toussaint makes it feel fresh, exciting and unique. The other, much smaller part of this book is a memoir of a business. Still a Peleton instructor, Toussaint was there at the launch and he writes about how he does his job. This will be of particular interest to anyone fascinated by an unusual workplace. If you want a different kind of memoir that brings advice along for the ride, this book could be what you're looking for. Find "Activate Your Greatness" and put the pedal to your mettle. WI

CANCER Your mind wanders on Monday and Tuesday and ends up in the funniest places. This is, believe it or not, productive. These daydreams make for swell anecdotes as well. You're more in tune with others than you have been in a while, although on Wednesday and Thursday, as social as you feel like being, you're better off doing your own thing. If you do end up being social, take care to think before speaking. Lucky Numbers: 10, 12, 24 LEO Your instincts are in top form at the start of the week, and so are your listening skills. Combined, they'll get you out of any tricky situation. As you gear up to make a big decision, count on your friends to bring to light aspects of your current circumstances you might not have considered before. You enjoy learning new things, even when they're new (and potentially embarrassing) things about yourself. Lucky Numbers: 24, 28, 53 VIRGO You never know what's going on in someone else's life. If you have the impulse to criticize a friend on Monday or Tuesday, consider that you might not have the full story. On Wednesday and Thursday, as happy as you may be, relations with coworkers are strained, and you might end your days in a state of frustration, but you don't need to let work issues ruin your end-of-the-week plans. Lucky Numbers: 9, 26, 55 LIBRA Even while you're juggling a million other things, you have your eye on the world around you. And when you see something beautiful, you point it out to your friends. You're a pleasure to be around these days, which explains why, midweek, someone is all over you. It might not even be a romantic thing. It could be a business thing. Lucky Numbers: 4, 14, 34 SCORPIO Monday and Tuesday are dreamy and wonderful. The dream motif is especially apt. You merely have to wish for something to be true and suddenly it is. Romantically, you've never been better off. It's rare for the fantasy realm to be so perfectly imposed on real life. Wednesday and Thursday constitute something of a reality check. Not that they're bad days, but you will have to lift a finger, sadly. Lucky Numbers: 23, 30, 44 SAGITTARIUS Listening to someone tell a story from their past on Monday gets you thinking about your own emotionally rich history. Look how far you've come! The challenges you face right now are nothing compared to the challenges you've already surmounted. Wednesday and Thursday, nothing can get in the way of your unbelievable talents (plus, expect a romantic subplot to occupy your evenings) and Friday and Saturday's demands on you are very doable. Lucky Numbers: 2, 13, 19 CAPRICORN There are many ways to express yourself. Look into a new tactic on Monday and Tuesday. Writing a poem? Writing a song? Finding an original way to communicate with you-know-who will not only help you feel more connected to this person, it will flatter them. Lucky Numbers: 30, 33, 50 AQUARIUS You suddenly have little patience for other people's values. Not that you don't appreciate other opinions. It's just that you're long overdue for taking stock of what's important to you. Something to consider on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday launches you into much more abstract terrain. Advanced ideas, humanitarianism at large, the discovery of world events you knew little about, this is what's on your mind through Thursday. Lucky Numbers: 7, 21, 29 PISCES Treat yourself on Monday. Part of figuring out what you want is getting what you want and seeing if you like it. On Tuesday, you begin work on a new project that might transform your outlook on everything. Wednesday and Thursday are less clear days, relatively (camouflage and clouds figure metaphorically), but a home-cooked meal on Friday night returns you to solid footing. Lucky Numbers: 16, 19, 22

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OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023 41

SPORTS

Howard Hosts Norfolk State For Homecoming By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer It is just October, but a lot will be on the line for the Howard University football team when it hosts Norfolk State University on Saturday, Oct. 21. The game will not only be the Bison's opening Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opener, it is also homecoming 2023. The Bison (2-4, 0-0 in the MEAC), the 2022 conference co-champions, will be looking to start their quest for an outright conference championship, which would earn them a trip to the coveted Celebration Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia in December.

It will not be an easy task as the Norfolk Spartans pose a serious challenge. The Spartans (2-4 overall, 0-0 in the MEAC) are coming off a 24-17 road loss to Tennessee State this past Saturday. Howard, who have played one of the challenging schedules in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), is coming off a 48-7 road loss at Number 18 Harvard on Saturday. They have also played two Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponents in Eastern Michigan and Northwestern from the Big10. "Coming off the last three games, we were nicked up a bit," noted Howard Head Coach Larry Scott. "We have just played three

5 Howard University running back Eden James (5). The Bison take on Norfolk State University on Saturday, Oct. 21, for the institution’s homecoming game. (Courtesy Photo/ Howard University Athletics)

physical football teams with various styles of play." Scott added that the football team looks “forward to coming home,” and playing in front of home fans. “Our goal at Howard is to compete for the MEAC championships,” he emphasized. The Bison will be looking for a

5 Howard University quarterback Quinton Williams (1) will be looking to lead the Bison to a victory over Norfolk State, for the institution’s homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 21. (Courtesy Photo/ Howard University Athletics)

42 OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023

rebound game from their graduate quarterback Quinton Williams, who had played well until the Harvard game. The 6 '5 native of Upper Marlboro came into that game with only one turnover, but against Harvard, he committed three, all of which led to scores. One of the bright spots for the Bison has been the play of sophomore running back Eden James, who leads the conference with over 90 yards rushing per game. James is the son of former NFL standout, running back Edgerrin James. Other players who will be looking to help aid in a victory are graduate Ian Wheeler and senior Kasey Hawthorne. Defensively, Howard will have to stop the Spartans’ run game, who are currently averaging 190 yards per game— second to Howard in the conference. Senior All American candidate Kenny Gallop, Jr., senior defensive back Carson Hinton, graduate linebacker Christian White and junior linebacker Terrence Hollon anchor the Howard defense, which ranks among the best in pass defense in the FCS. In addition, the game will be broadcast on ESPNU. Howard University alum and Hall of Famer, Jay "Sky" Walker will handle color commentary and FAMU alum Tiffany Greene will do the play by play.

But that is not all. There will be a special ceremony during the game to honor the 1993 football team for their 30th anniversary. That team did something no team in school history had done, finishing undefeated at 11-0, winning the Black National championship and giving the program its highest national ranking in history. Among the honorees are Walker, who was named All American and was player of the year; Gary "Flea" Harrell, former head coach at Howard and currently running backs coach at the University of Colorado with Coach Prime; and Pep Hamilton, former quarterbacks coach in both college and in the NFL. "This is a great honor," said Harrell, a Howard and MEAC Hall of Famer. "For the University to honor us for this accomplishment is something that we value greatly." Hamilton has changed careers from coaching and calling plays to analyst, now working for the NFL Network alongside Steve Wyche, also a former HU alum. "There was a uniqueness about that team in 1993. It was a group of highly skilled players who were close on and off the field,” said Hamilton. “This ceremony is special because we can all come back together and celebrate our accomplishment." WI

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CAPTURE the moment

5 DC United wins the 2023 Capital City Africa Cup at Audi Field in a game against Ghana’s team Medeama. (Marckell Williams/The Washington Informer)

5 EventsDC President and CEO Dr. Angie Gates, holds the winning trophy at Audi Field after DC United won the 2023 Capital City Africa Cup in a game against Ghana’s team Medeama. (Marckell Williams/The Washington Informer)

5 6 Ghanian fans watch their team Medeama lose to DC United during a friendly match at Audi Field in Southeast as part of Ghana Week DC. (Marckell Williams/The Washington Informer) 4 Paxton Baker, co-founder and producer of Capital City Africa Week Festival and The Capital City Africa Cup Paxton K. Baker. (Marckell Williams/ The Washington Informer)

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OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023 43

RELIGION Morgan State Organizes Prayer Rally and Peace Walk After Mass Shooting Suspects Identified in Shooting that Injured Five on Morgan’s Campus By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer Students, staff and supporters prayed and walked after a suspect in the mass shooting on the campus of Morgan State University was apprehended, and another was identified. What was planned as a peace walk for Friday, Oct. 13, became a joy-

HAMILTON from Page 8 on for statehood that we need in this moment of concentrated attacks by House Republicans.” Other candidates in the D.C. shadow senator race are Brandaun Dean, a D.C. politico who made history as the youngest elected mayor of an Alabama city, and Andrew Haynesworth, a former D.C. teacher. On September 28, Ankit Jain, a member of the Make All Votes Count DC campaign leadership team, threw his hat in the ring. Brown, in office since 2007, has not officially registered with the Office of Campaign Finance for reelection. At the beginning of the year, D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) introduced the Washington D.C. Admission Act, which would make D.C. the 51st state. With that designation comes full voting representation in Congress and state-level self-governance. The House passed the bill in 2020 and 2021. Meanwhile, on the senate side, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Delaware) galvanized his fellow Democrats by introducing a similar bill. If the House and Senate approves D.C. statehood, then D.C. would enter the union as Washington, Douglas Commonwealth, a name approved in a 2016 ballot measure that also adopt-

44 OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023

ous caravan and spirit-lifting session for President David Wilson and the Morgan State University community. As students, faculty, and members of the Baltimore Police Department walked, others stood on the steps of Morgan’s Holmes Hall and sang a song entitled “Take It To the Lord in Prayer,” before various people spoke. ed a newly written District constitution and designated boundaries for what would be a new state. Throughout contemporary efforts to secure statehood however, Republicans have been a consistent roadblock. In 2020, Senate Republicans didn’t consider Norton’s statehood bill after it passed the House. With a majority in both legislative chambers, Republicans have only ramped up their efforts. Before successfully striking down the RCCA in March, House Republicans kept constituents befuddled about the legislation and its impact. That strategy compelled President Joe Biden (D) to sign the resolution into law once it passed through both chambers. Weeks later, the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability conducted a hearing focused on statehood and public safety that placed D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson (D) and D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) in the hot seat. In July, the House Appropriations Committee introduced a government spending bill aimed at cutting funding for the presidential motorcade and banning the use of traffic cameras. Local officials estimated the projected loss of revenue at $1 billion over four

5 Morgan State University President David Wilson stands on the steps of Holmes Hall during the prayer rally and peace walk at Morgan State University. (Hamil Harris/ The Washington Informer)

“This is what this instruction is truly about,” Dr.Wilson said. “We are about growing the future and leading the world… We will not let anyone ever, ever, ever stand in our way.” Several people such as Morgan State’s Vice President of Student Affairs Kevin Banks, student governyears. The bill also prohibited the District from taxing and regulating medical cannabis and using local funds for abortions while preventing the Police Reform Act from taking effect. Deliberations around RFK campus, once again, highlighted the District’s tenuous relationship with Congress on Sept. 20 when Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pennsylvania 10th District) unsuccessfully introduced an amendment barring the appropriation of federal funds for the development of a new stadium. Amid the friction between D.C. government officials and congressional Republicans, some people like Lisa Gore, said that District residents need further encouragement and education about the power of statehood. Gore, an advisory neighborhood commissioner in the Hawthorne/ Chevy Chase community of Northwest and Hamilton’s campaign cochair, said that Hamilton has the energy and experience necessary to breathe new life into the shadow senator role. In 2022, Gore met Hamilton while campaigning for the At-large D.C. Council seat. At the time, Hamilton was running against Norton. Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI @SamPKCollins

ment leaders, and alumni, including Elijah Mile, spoke to the crowd, encouraging them to continue advocating for the safety of all Marylanders. “I need you to say ‘Our purpose! Our People,’ because whether we are from up the hill or Cherry Hill or West Baltimore, East Baltimore, South Baltimore, Morgan State, Compton State or Bowie State Our hood, our purpose is our people.”

UPDATES ON THE CASE: SUSPECTS IDENTIFIED

The Baltimore police announced early Friday, Oct. 13, that a 17-yearold from Washington, D.C was charged the previous day with multiple counts of attempted murder. A second suspect, identified as 18-yearold Jovan Williams, of an undisclosed address, remains at large, police said. President David Wilson said in a statement that neither the suspect in custody nor Williams were students at the university. The juvenile was taken into custody on Thursday, Oct. 12. In a statement, police said detectives were able to identify the juvenile suspect through collaboration with D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department and Federal law enforcement agencies, along with video footage obtained from the night of the shooting. Police said Williams is considered armed and dangerous. “We will not rest until Williams is in custody,” Baltimore Commissioner Richard Worley

said in a statement. Wilson expressed his gratitude for the efforts of the investigators in a statement released Friday. “On behalf of the Morgan Community, I extend our gratitude to all the law enforcement involved in making this happen. As a result of their diligent investigative work, a significant break in the case occurred leading to the apprehension of a suspect,” Wilson said. “Additionally, I offer thanks to Governor Wes Moore and Mayor Brandon Scott for their continued outreach and support throughout this ordeal. I also would like to recognize all of those who showed the courage in coming forward to assist in this investigation by supplying key information leading to the arrest of the suspected assailant.”

CENTERING FAITH IN PICKING UP THE PIECES

During the rally in front of Holmes Hall Bishop Gregory Dennis of Kingdom Worship Center said that he hopes the Morgan State community can come together during this trying time. “I pray that the assault on this campus helps us to be knitted together instead of torn apart. Guide our spirit souls and body,” Dennis prayed. “I pray that the students that have been taken home by their parents, that God you guard their heart, guard their parent's hearts, and when we come back together we will be stronger than ever before.” WI

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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Cleansing and Detoxing

Cleaning up our mind, body and spirit is one of the most important things we can do to receive many of the physical benefits from cleansing and detoxing, but there are also many spiritual bonuses you can derive from becoming involved in a consistent fasting program. Scriptures tell us in Matthews 4:2, "Jesus started his ministry with a period of cleansing and prayer which lasted 40 days and 40 nights," while Daniel 9:3 says, "Daniel sought the Lord through prayer and supplication with cleansing sackcloth and ashes." Throughout Biblical history, men and women have fasted to develop a stronger walk, deeper commitment, forgiveness of sins, a renewal of relationships with God and man. There is something more to cleansing than the metaphysical act, spiritual cleansing, which seems to be "mystical" in a transformative effect. Individuals who engage in even a short fast, such as two weeks, can accomplish things that have eluded them for years. To maintain a spiritual fast, it is necessary to set a new and constant prayer life. You will need a prayerful attitude where you get quiet and still, that way, you will know that you are hearing from God. You will get answers to questions that have haunted

your life for years. Suddenly you will get your answer, right in the middle of your spiritual cleansing and detox. Cleansing allows you to achieve a deeper and more profound spiritual life than seekers who are not cleansing, because cleansing aids the body in ridding itself of impurities. These impurities clog up your system physically, dull your mental powers and decrease your spiritual alertness. Let's examine the impact of cleansing on the mind and spirit. Cleansing has had powerful effects on the mind, as scientifically documented. People involved in or completing a cleansing program have a noticeable decrease in depression. A person depressed may feel estranged from God because he or she may feel that true spirituality and depression are incompatible. Depression denotes a lack of faith and a broken relationship; during a spiritual fast, the broken relationship with God can be restored and the depression decreased. "Cleanliness is next to godliness" is a quote many of us grew up hearing from our mothers in the South — I sure did. We should keep our bodies, minds and physical environment clean too. We can equally apply these principles to our inner state of mind, heart and spirit. The mere presence of a clean heart, mind and spirit calls forth the Holy Spirit to dwell within a holy, clean temple which is you. As Hebrews 1:14 says, "As you allow God to

cleanse your inner world, you will attract to yourself, angels, 'ministering spirits' sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation." Here are a few ways Lareece Gee, a guru on how to live your best life, reminds us that we can stay well or get better if we're not doing too well to begin with: 1. Do things God created you to do, and you will notice immediate joy and peace. 2. Release all negative emotions – resentment, envy, fear, sadness and anger, for none of those are from God. 3. Express your feelings appropriately, don't hold on to them. 4. Forgive yourself and others. 5. Hold positive images and goals in your mind, pictures of what you truly want in your life. When fearful images arise, re-focus on images that evoke feelings of peace and joy. 6. Live by the Great Commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself and Love God first. 7. Make a commitment to health and well-being and develop a belief that your body is indeed a temple. Scripture reminds us that it is a temple, but do we really treat our bodies like the temple it is? Start your spiritual cleansing and detox. It will surely change your life in your mind and your body, and it will bring about change in your spiritual life as well. WI

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

46 OCTOBER 19 - 25, 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

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

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

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

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

www.livingwatersmd.org

Website: mountolivetdc.org Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

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

“Friendliest Church in the City”

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

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”

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

All Nations Baptist Church

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

Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor

Crusader Baptist Church

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

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

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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)

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

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2022 ADM 001167

Lawrence R. Cannaday aka Lawrence Roosevelt Cannaday Decedent

February 6, 2021 Date of Death

Annie Lou Hughes Decedent

Dorothy Gertrude Taylor Decedent

Harold Oscar Mims Jr. Name of Decedent

Torrey G. Wilkins, Esq. Furey, Doolan & Abell, LLP 7600 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 600 Bethesda, MD 20814 Attorney

Jean F. Joyner aka Jean Joyner Decedent

Joan M. Wibon 1629 K Street, NW Suite 300 Washington DC 20006 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Michael D. Cannaday, whose address is 1732 Portal Dr. NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lawrence R. Cannaday aka Lawrence Roosevelt Cannaday who died on 5/27/2020 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/5/2024. 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 3/5/2024, 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: 10/5/2023 Michael D. Cannaday Personal Representative

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Meredith Fleming whose address is 150 Edgewater Trail, Fayetteville, GA 30215 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Harold Oscar Mims Jr., deceased, by the Probate Court for Greenville County, State of South Carolina, on February 26, 2021. Service of process may be made upon Carmen Jenkins Frazier 1748 40th Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate. Unit 2 1250 22nd Street Commercial Condominium Lot 85 in Square 50. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Tilman L. Gerald, Esq. 6856 Eastern Ave., NW Suite 350 Washington, DC 20012 Attorney

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

Date of first publication: 10/5/2023

Davalyn Palmer, whose address is 1416 Willow Ave., Unit 3A, Louisville, KY 40204, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Annie Lou Hughes who died on June 12, 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 4/5/2024. 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 4/5/2024, 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.

Sylvia Johnson, whose address is 5504 Lansing Drive, Temple Hills, MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jean F. Joyner aka Jean Joyner who died on 9/5/2018 with a Will and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/5/2024. 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 4/5/2024, 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.

Meredith Fleming Personal Representative

Date of first publication: 10/5/2023

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Davalyn Palmer Personal Representative

Sylvia Johnson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Kevin Judd, Esq., whose address is 601 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 900, South Building, Washington DC 20004, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy Gertrude Taylor who died on 6/16/2022 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 4/5/2024. 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 4/5/2024, 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: 10/5/2023 Kevin Judd, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 001136

2023 ADM 1120

2023 ADM 001170

2021 ADM 000398

2023 ADM 001171

Delores Smith Decedent

Carlos Francisco Aguiar Decedent

James Henry Stephens Decedent

John Ernest Wainwright Decedent

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

Samuel C. Hamilton, Esq. Hamilton & Associates 8601 Georgia Ave. #503 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney

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

Mariana E. Aguiar, whose address is 1320 Fort Stevens Drive, NW, Unit 1, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Carlos Francisco Aguiar who died on May 21, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/5/2024. 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 4/5/2024, 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.

Terri Pollard, whose address is 10501 Brightfield Ln., Upper Marboro, MD 20772, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James Henry Stephens who died on July 11, 2012 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. 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 4/12/2024. 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 4/12/2024, 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: 10/5/2023

Date of first publication: 10/12/2023

Mariana E. Aguiar Personal Representative

Terri Pollard Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Don F. Smith, whose address is 518 Randolph St. NW Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Delores Smith who died on April 6, 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 4/5/2024. 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 4/5/2024, 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: 10/5/2023 Don F. Smith Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Valerie Edwards 1725 DeSales Street, NW Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Sneh Keerti Varmaa, whose address is 4000 Cathedral Ave., NW, #605B, Washington, DC 20016, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John Ernest Wainwright who died on December 7, 2020 with a Will and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/12/2024. 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 4/12/2024, 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: October 12, 2023 Sneh Keerti Varmaa Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Christine Elfrieda Green Decedent Samuel C. Hamilton, Esq. Hamilton & Associates 8601 Georgia Ave., #503 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Dearon J. Parson, whose address is 1663 Varnum Pl. NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Christine Elfrieda Green who died on February 6, 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 April 12, 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 April 12, 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: 10/12/2023 Dearon J. Parson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Washington Informer

48 OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES

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

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

S UPERIOR 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 001149

2023 ADM 00146

2023 FEP 000093

2023 ADM 001178

2023 ADM 001177

Dan White, Jr. Decedent

Rosetta M. Lawson aka Rosetta Lawson Decedent

October 27, 2020 Date of Death

Phyllis Goodwin Decedent

Massimo A. Righini Decedent

Jessalyn Pendarvis Name of Decedent

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

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

Suren G. Adams, Esq. Adams Law Office, LLC 4201 Northview Drive Suite 401 Bowie, MD 20716 Attorney

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

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Marco D. Pendarvis, whose address is 1618 Young Pointe Blvd. Montgomery Alabama 36106 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Jessalyn Pendarvis, deceased, by the Probate Court for Montgomery County, State of Alabama, on December 21, 2022. Service of process may be made upon Ralea Roberts, 3139 Cherry Rd. NE Washington, DC 20018 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate. 609 6th Place SW, Washington, DC 20024. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

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

Date of first publication: 10/12/2023

Christen D. Jacobs and Omar James Goodwin, whose addresses are 719 Ingraham Street NW, Washington DC 20011, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Phyllis Goodwin who died on August 24, 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 April 19, 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 April 19, 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: 10/12/2023

Marco D. Pendarvis Personal Representative

Date of first publication: October 19, 2023

Date of first publication: 10/19/2023

Linda Grey Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Christen D. Jacobs Omar James Goodwin Personal Representative

Marilou M. Righini Personal Representative

Danielle White-Alston, whose address is 7706 Castle Rock Drive, Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dan White Jr. who died on 7/23/2023 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 4/12/2024. 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 4/12/2024, 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.

Linda Gray, whose address is 9412 Small Drive, Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rosetta M. Lawson aka Rosetta Lawson who died on September 9, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/12/2024. 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 4/12/2024, 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: 10/12/2023 Danielle White-Alston Personal Representative

Washington Informer

Marilou M. Righini, whose address is 1921 Biltmore Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008-1509, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Massimo A. Righini who died on July 28, 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 4/19/2024. 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 4/19/2024, 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.

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 000913

2023 ADM 001097

2023 ADM 001154

2023 ADM 001180

2023 ADM 001236

Alfred L. Spencer aka Alfred Larkin Spencer Decedent

John Andrew Mercer Decedent

Estate of Brenda J. Cook aka Brenda Cook aka Brenda Joyce Cook

Dorothy Lucas Whitley Decedent

Rudolph Lennox Brathwaite Decedent

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

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

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 Dorothy Lucas Whitley who died on January 1, 2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/19/2024. 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 4/19/2024, 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: 10/19/2023 Kevin Judd, Esq. Personal Representative

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Ruby W. Brathwaite, whose address is 4321 Varnum Place, NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rudolph Lennox Brathwaite who died on August 5, 2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/19/2024. 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 4/19/2024, 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: 10/19/2023

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Ruby W. Brathwaite Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Janice S. Spencer, whose address is 1423 Iris Street NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Alfred L. Spencer aka Alfred Larkin Spencer who died on 6/22/2021 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/19/2024. 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 4/19/2024, 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: 10/19/2023 Janice S. Spencer Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Eric Andrew Mercer, whose address is 3927 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SW, Washington DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John Andrew Mercer who died on July 6, 2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/19/2024. 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 4/19/2024, 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: 10/19/2023 Eric Andrew Mercer Personal Representative

Washington Informer

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Tawnya Artisst - Anderson 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 12/26/2020 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise Date of first publication: 10/19/2023 Tawnya Artisst – Anderson 5108 Ewing Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 55410 Petitioner/Attorney: TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

TRUE TEST COPY TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY

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

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Washington Informer

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023 49

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5 Protesters march down Connecticut Avenue, Northwest to the White House demanding a Cease-fire in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (Shedrick Pelt @sdotpdotmedia/The Washington Informer)

ISRAEL from Page 1 constantly receiving emails, etcetera, from alumni around the world looking to connect.” President Joe Biden is flying to the Middle East in response to a conflict that Israel argues was forced on them after the terrorist group Hamas launched missile strikes against them. In response, Israel launched a counter offensive. “More than 1,000 civilians slaughtered — not just killed, slaughtered — in Israel,” Biden said in a statement. “Among them, at least 14 American citizens were killed…Parents butchered using their bodies to try to protect their children” As people in the DMV continue to watch the devastation from afar, local faith leaders, with varying opinions, are weighing in on the conflict.

AI from Page 26 seeing English instructors taking a similar course of action while teaching students about tone and mood in narrative and essay writing. In James’ classes, students first learn to not think about ChatGPT as solely an answer generating machine. From that point, James uses ChatGPT to model suitable answers for prompts. His students would later practice their writing using those answers as a guide. James also spoke of instances where students examined answers generated by ChatGPT and debated among themselves how to improve them. While James has used ChatGPT with upperclassmen, he also supported the idea of exposing freshmen and sophomores to AI

The Rev. William Lamar, pastor of Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, told his members last Sunday that there will not be peace in the Middle East until Palestinian mothers are treated the same as Israeli mothers. Journalist Richard Prince reported Lamar compared the Palestinian uprisings to the slave uprisings in the U.S. because both groups were oppressed. He also said those sentiments were echoed by the Rev. Howard-John Wesley, pastor of the 10,000-member Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. Lamar and Wesley are referring to the Palestinians who have been long oppressed and killed in conflict with Israel, before Oct. 7, when the terrorist group Hamas executed a surprise attack and infiltration, using a barrage of rockets, weapons and widespread fatal

force. Before Oct. 7, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that from January 1, 2008 until Sept. 21 of this year, there had been 6,407 fatalities. The same report, examining January 24, 2008 to Aug. 31, shows that 308 Israelis had died in the more than 15 years of conflict. Since the Oct. 7 attack, there have been more than 1,400 deaths in Israel and more than 3,000 fatalities in Palestine, according to an Oct. 17 CNN report. "There is never justification for violence that takes the lives of innocent people," said Terry Lynch, executive director of the Downtown Cluster of Congregations. "Hostages should be released and an immediate ceasefire occur to stop the humanitarian crisis.” Republican and conservative activist Star Parker said that Democrats should refrain from criticizing Israel altogether and unequivocally condemn Hamas for their attack on Israel. This week she was part of a Washington, D.C. meeting of African American clergy who support Israel. “It is unfathomable that we have fellow Americans celebrating the deadly surprise attacks by the Hamas terrorists,” Parker said in a statement. “It is beyond shocking that some of these celebrating Leftists could be our next-door neighbors. It’s even more shocking that some of the folks celebrating are elected officials.” Coping with the Power of Prayer

Prayer, despite differing opinions, has remained a main resource as faith leaders and others navigate days ahead. As director, Lynch said the Downtown Clusters of Congregation is praying for peace. “Our prayers and thoughts are with the thousands of victims of the violence, those who are held hostage and their families,” Lynch said. “ We pray for an end to the violence and that justice and equity may be had for all of those impacted by the tragic events." Backman said religious texts and faith in action have been one of the ways the center helps students cope. “We have helped students find comfort and solace in religious readings and rituals. In particular,

they put a mezuzah on their doorpost, putting on Tefillin and giving charity,” Backman said, explaining some of the ways the students are practicing Jewish traditions as they yearn for peace. “We have and continue to pray together.” The director of Chabad Jewish Student Center said he keeps the faith despite division and danger, but certainly prays for protection. “I am a man of faith and pragmatism. On one hand, I strongly believe all will be good here and God willing in Israel too,” Backman told the Informer. “On the other hand, we need to be vigilant and do everything to stay safe. Both physically, with authorities and other safety measures, and spiritually through increasing our good deeds and prayer.” WI

-- albeit with a bit of caution. He told the Informer that younger students should become aware about how easily teachers can detect AI-generated answers, and the consequences for students who are caught using the technology for those means. “There are teachers who are not keen on new technology and are worried that students will be able to use language models to answer questions and it might replace some of the skills,” James said. “ When I integrate an AI lesson, I share the success with my peers. A lot of people are encouraged. It’s unique and it gets the students’ attention. It’s an ever-increasing challenge to keep and sustain their attention but we definitely have it when you show them what AI can do.” WI @SamPKCollins

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OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023 51

5 Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker (pictured), along with D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson introduced the School Improvement Amendment Act. This legislation would establish a school support office within the Office of the State Superintendent of Education that provides resources and coaching to low-performing District public and public charter schools. (WI File Photo/ Roy Lewis)

OSSE from Page 1 cy doesn’t directly guide each school in the execution of that plan. If approved, the School Improvement Amendment Act gives OSSE until the fall of 2024 to submit a report that outlines the support office’s processes and frameworks. In its report, OSSE can appeal for more power and resources that would better allow it to directly support the District’s lowest-performing schools. The finalized processes and frameworks would then be applied no later than September 2025. After that,

CVS from Page 1 Target across the street, but this is the CVS that people go to.” The Ward 1 CVS serves as an acute example of the shoplifting activity gripping the District. In the District, Capitol One Shopping, a branch of Capitol One that examines retail data, reveals that in April, retailers in the city lost an estimated $108 million in annual revenue to theft—26.3% less than the national average of retail theft per capita. ‘Shoplifting Needs to Stop’ There are no reports of other CVS stores in the District with bare shelves throughout their facility. This Northwest, D.C. store, has equipment, personnel and procedures working to deter shoplifters. However, many of the store's shelves remain bare. Outside of the store is an automated loudspeaker announcing that people are being watched while outside and inside the CVS. In the store, most shelves are bare, with some hav-

52 OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2023

OSSE would have to report to the council and mayor biennially about how the schools in the program have progressed. Parker, a former SBOE president with experience supporting and coaching schools in the nonprofit sector, described the legislation as a “game changer.” “Research shows that through continuous improvement, work and support, schools can improve,” Parker told the Informer. “This disrupts inequities that have allowed some of our schools to remain low performing for decades through greater accountability for OSSE.” ing one or two items. The refrigerated compartments were empty apart from a few food and drink offerings. The pharmacy is fully functioning with staff selling and filling prescriptions, but there are few over-thecounter medicines for customers to purchase. The cosmetics shelves and displays are empty, too. However, the magazine rack and the shelves containing greeting cards are full. Some shelves that have soap, deodorant, shampoo, and conditioner are behind glass and a CVS employee must unlock it to retrieve an item. The store had a security guard who walked around the facility constantly, observing customers. Thompson, 52, said the security guards should be careful as they perform their duties. “I know shoplifting is bad, but I would not encourage security guards in the store to confront shoplifters,” she said. “No one should get hurt at CVS.” Jaqueline Reed, who lives near the store, wonders how long the store will stay in the condition it is in.

The introduction of the legislation culminates conversations with the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education, D.C Public Charter School Board, Washington Teachers’ Union, DC Public Schools (DCPS), and State Superintendent Christina Grant, as well as out-of-town education officials. Parker acknowledged Grant for what he described as her passion for further establishing OSSE’s role as a resource hub. “It’s a necessary shift in the District and across the country,” he said. “The purpose is to be collaborative and supportive, not punitive. We want to provide OSSE with the support that it needs to provide schools with support.”

ENSURING OSSE DIRECTLY STEPS IN WITH EACH LOW-PERFORMING SCHOOL

An OSSE spokesperson said that agency officials look forward to engaging the council on the School Improvement Amendment Act. In its 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, OSSE highlights equitable outcomes for all students as a priority. It measures its progress in meeting that goal by how well schools and student groups with the greatest need show improvement. Action steps that OSSE outlined toward its goals include: distributing and monitoring grant funding, leveraging “I think it is terrible that the store has a lack of merchandise,” said Reed, 62. “Are they going to close the store? There is nothing in there to really buy. The shelves are so bare.” Joseph Smith-El has lived such a long time in the neighborhood that he can remember when it was referred to as Upper Cardozo by locals. Smith-El said he still buys what he can from the store and lays the blame of shoplifting on poor parenting. “We have to stop this shoplifting,” said Smith-El, 77. “These parents aren’t teaching their kids right from wrong. Parents need to govern their children. These stores will pay more to have additional security, but it will be the customers who will pay through higher prices.” Amy B. Thibault, a spokeswoman for CVS, addressed the shoplifting and the status of the store in an Oct. 12 email to the Informer. “The safety of our colleagues, customers and patients is our top priority and we’re committed to ensuring we have the products they need in

its authority to hold low-performing schools accountable, extending learning opportunities to students with the highest need, setting clear expectations for how schools serve high-need students, and implementing the Special Education Performance report, a new accountability system. Since 2018, OSSE has doled out Investment in School Grants to public and public charter schools that have been designated as the lowest performing in the District and in need of support. OSSE identifies these schools using methodologies outlined in its Every Student Succeeds Act state plan. They often fall within the following categories: low-performing schools, schools with a low graduation rate, schools with one or more consistently underperforming groups, and schools that are doing poorly for its bottom 5 percent of students as it’s doing for all students. As of 2022, 32 District public and public charter schools have been eligible for Investment in School Grants. Many of them are in the midst of a three-year improvement cycle, estimated to cost $11 million in federal funds. At least a dozen of these schools are either located east of the Anacostia River or with a sizable population of at-risk students. During the most recent budget cycle, District schools with at-risk populations -- students who experience homelessness, live in foster care, qualify for SNAP or TANF, or are on track to matriculate through high school in lon-

ger than four years -- have received additional funding through the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula. However, Mendelson said that the infusion of local and federal dollars means little without authority vested in OSSE to directly assist low-performing schools. Mendelson told the Informer that he’ll conduct hearings on the School Improvement Amendment Act later in the fall with the hopes of getting the legislation approved before the end of the year. He said that launching a new office within OSSE could cost at least $500,000 in the new budget cycle, assuming that OSSE doesn’t request more latitude in its processes and framework document. Like Parker, Mendelson spoke about the potential for improvement within the school system as it relates to a bevy of issues. One particular issue that Mendelson mentioned was teacher retention. The council chairman, who’s scheduled to conduct a hearing on teacher retention in late November, said that DCPS hasn’t adequately addressed this issue in D.C.’s lowest performing public schools. He said Johnson Middle School, Kelly Miller Middle School and Kramer Middle School have been depleted of teachers who are equipped with knowledge of the campuses’ institutional history. Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI @SamPKCollins

5 Several shelves are bare at the CVS in Columbia Heights. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

our stores,” Thibault said. “In recent weeks, we’ve worked closely with the D.C. Metro Police to identify and dismantle several major shoplifting rings and will continue to do so.” Thibault also explained that CVS is working in partnership with the District’s Office of the Attorney General

“to combat retail theft,” and shared current plans for the future of the Columbia Heights CVS and other local locations. ”There are no plans to close this location, or any others in Washington, D.C. at this time.” WI @JamesWrightJr10

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CLYBURN from Page 32 of the 1876 Presidential Election, South Carolina Democratic Congressman Martin Witherspoon Gary devised a devious campaign, known as the "Edgefield Plan," to impede the Black vote. The Edgefield Plan called for physical violence, and even murder, to keep Blacks from voting. He worked closely with rifle clubs and the South Carolina white supremacist group known as the "Red Shirts" to execute it. Devastatingly, he was successful. The violence and disorder tilted the scale and placed the Democrats back in power after years of Republican control. We've already begun to see these terrifying echoes of the past reverberating today. There are the restrictive voter suppression laws I

EDELMAN from Page 32 and ridicule, torment and taunt, Help us to love and respect and protect and welcome them all. O God of children of destiny

MARSHALL from Page 32 grams. She urged lawmakers to see the crisis for themselves. A month later, Kennedy and other Senate subcommittee members traveled to Mississippi for a day of hearings on poverty programs in the region. The following morning, Kennedy and Sen. Robert Clark flew to Greenville, Mississippi, where they toured some of the most impoverished communities in the state. Throughout the trip, Kennedy often ordered the entourage to pull over for unscheduled stops so that he could talk to families at random. During the Mississippi Delta visit, one longtime aide recalled how Kennedy seemed more shaken and disturbed by seeing so many children suffering in a way that far exceeded other poverty-stricken places throughout the nation and world. In an era filled with deep racial tensions, he sought to address the plight of people experiencing poverty by promoting racial and class unity rather than division. Kennedy once said, "We have to convince the Negroes and the poor whites that they have common interests." Kennedy's words were true then, and they remain true today. Many white working-class voters in Mississippi and elsewhere

described above. Then came January 6, 2021 — a day that will live forever in our history as a moment of discredit and disgrace. We are clearly treading in dangerous waters and if we want to preserve the foundation of our democracy, we must pass this bill. The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would restore and modernize the protections outlined in the 1965 Voting Rights Act and call on states and localities, with a recent history of discrimination, to preclear new election changes. It would also restore Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which was struck down in Brnovich v. DNC, making it easier to challenge discriminatory voting laws. It is the remedy our nation needs to fight back against these dangerous challenges

to our democracy and ensure that all Americans can make their voices heard at the ballot box. Importantly, it would also honor John's life work. He was one of the most courageous people I've ever known, and I think constantly of how much we owe him. Almost none of us made the kinds of sacrifices that John made, even as a young college student, at a level that some of us could only strive for. Enacting the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would make a statement to the people of this country that this august body believes in the sacred promise of "a more perfect Union" as expressed in the preamble to our Constitution. Clyburn (D-S.C.) is the House majority whip. WI

and of children of despair, ravaged by wars of adults, Of disfigured, diseased, and dying children, Of children without hope for the future and of children with

hope to spare and to share, Help us to love and respect and protect and welcome them all as we affirm the sacredness of every child in our own country and all across our shared world. WI

are entrenched in poverty just as much as their Black and brown counterparts. Yet, they will consistently follow their white supremacy views and political ideology when voting against their self-interests. Sadly, if something will ultimately help people of color, many white working-class voters will reject it even if their families and communities would benefit. Case in point: Earlier this year, Gov. Tate Reeves of Mississippi refused to expand Medicaid access to the working poor. In one of the poorest states in the nation, hospitals across Mississippi have recently slashed their staff, discontinued medical services, or closed their doors permanently because of financial pressures within their organizations. White working-class voters are easily exploited by conservative politicians who stand for the wealthy but show little interest in their "small government" rhetoric to help the poor. Gov. Reeves has repeatedly objected to the program's expansion, sarcastically calling it "welfare" or labeling it "Obamacare." Medical leaders have pleaded with Mississippi state leaders to expand the program. Economic experts say that Mississippi and nine other states that failed to pass any form of Medic-

aid expansion would experience an economic boon if state officials expanded the program. The question remains: why do voters continue to keep officials like Reeves in office? It has been 56 years since Kennedy visited the Greenville, Mississippi, region. Dr. Brett Zepponi, a Delta Health physician, told Mississippi Today that he considers himself a fiscal conservative but plans to vote for Reeves' Democratic opponent, Brandon Presley. Zepponi doesn't think the Greenville hospital, which has no neonatal center, can last much longer without expanding Medicaid coverage. "For me, it doesn't come down to a political thing," Zepponi said. "But it's more of a people thing. I think Republicans and Democrats both want their family to be taken care of and want their neighbors taken care of." During the next election, more conservative voters like Dr. Zepponi need to put the welfare of people first, even if it means voting for the "hated Democrat." Joe Biden is not Bobby Kennedy. While George Wallace supporters can put aside certain differences in supporting Kennedy, Trump voters must do the same with Joe Biden in 2024. WI

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centers, etc. The commitment and involvement of local organizations is critical to the program's success. Once the firearms are locked up using "The RAC" the goal is to try and prevent people from unlocking their RAC and using their firearms in anger. The company lobbies for safe storage laws such as the CAP Law and California Compliance. This should interest legislators and elected officials. Many mayors, among the membership of the

MORIAL from Page 33 trict court selected a new map last week. Throughout Alabama's nearly two-year crusade to adopt a map that blatantly violates Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, the state has insisted that the gerrymandered map could not be in violation because none of the two million its expert witness randomly generated using a "race-neutral" algorithm contained more than one majority-minority district. As the Supreme Court noted in its June decision, one problem with Alabama's argument is that the expert witness used outdated census data – from 2010 instead of 2020 – and ignored certain traditional districting criteria, such as keeping together communities of interest, political subdivisions, or municipalities. The expert herself testified that when using the correct census data,

JEALOUS from Page 33 mand billions of gallons of water that end up so polluted they're lost to other uses. So Aurora, which has experienced recent droughts, would see precious water used to produce fossil fuels that are accelerating climate change that can make water even more scarce. The fracking would worsen Denver's poor air quality as well. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) raised its concern about ozone levels in the Rockies' Front Range from serious to severe last year. The proposed wells would emit thousands of tons of "volatile organic compounds" and nitrogen oxide that make up ozone. The Superfund site, created by a now-closed Air Force base and city and county dumping, could

World Conference of Mayors, have already adopted The RAC. In partnership with elected officials and others, the company wants to lobby for safe storage laws such as the CAP Law and California Compliance. Child Access Prevention Laws hold people accountable for storing a gun unsafely in a manner that makes it likely that a minor could access it, regardless of whether the minor gained access or used the firearm to harm themselves or others. Mr. McMurray says "We believe the most effective safe storage law will require gun locks and a pamphlet on gun safety

to be included with every point of sale for gun purchases. This would apply to sales through gun dealers and private gun sales. The American RAC and its community partners want to follow up on the new safe storage laws and ensure firearms are being securely stored. Through Operation RAC It Up, the company provides free installation of The RAC for those wanting to ensure they're doing everything properly. Gun safety is urgently important, and the RAC is worth looking into. For more information, go to www. theAMERICANRAC.com. WI

the "randomized algorithms" she employed "found plans with two majority black districts in literally thousands of different ways." The other problem is that the number of possible districting maps in Alabama that can be randomly generated is at least in the "trillion trillions." "Two million maps, in other words, is not many maps at all," Chief Justice John Roberts wrote. "And Alabama's insistent reliance on that number, however powerful it may sound in the abstract, is thus close to irrelevant in practice. What would the next million maps show? The next billion? The first trillion of the trillion trillions? Answerless questions all." It's appalling that Alabama had any expectation that such a badfaith argument would succeed before the highest court in the nation, and a victory for both democracy and logic that it did not. WI

“Two million maps, in other words, is not many maps at all," Chief Justice John Roberts wrote. "And Alabama's insistent reliance on that number, however powerful it may sound in the abstract, is thus close to irrelevant in practice. What would the next million maps show? The next billion? The first trillion of the trillion trillions? Answerless questions all."

be an unlikely hero in the story. The EPA won't allow fracking under the unlined landfill, and more recently has raised questions about the impact of fracking close by on the already leaking site's structural integrity. Opponents hope that federal concern will help sway regulators in Colorado. Opponents have made progress. Civitas agreed to move five well sites. The county commission, which narrowly defeated a drilling halt, this week is considering closing loopholes to its oil and gas ordinances to ensure no development within a mile of the reservoir. U.S. Representative Jason Crow wrote to commissioners reiterating residents' concerns. But Save the Aurora Reservoirs activists are learning how far powerful interests can tilt the playing

field. Civitas needs mineral rights from fewer than half of the property owners to force fracking on the rest. While the city has a one-mile setback preventing drilling near the reservoir, opponents must fight for the same from the county. "We think it's so obvious that the downside is so much greater than the upside. But it feels like so much of the structure — the laws and regulations and approval process — are really working against us," says Julie Huygen, an Air Force veteran who moved to Aurora two years ago. Kamin said she's fighting for the grandchildren she relocated for. She's energized by her 8-yearold granddaughter's desire to take part. "She asked me, if they do that to the ground, where are the prairie dogs going to go?" WI

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