2020
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12 DAYS Maryland Police Reform Page 13 Vol. 56, No. 1 • October 22 - 28, 2020
Unanimous D.C. Council Vote Extends Unemployment Compensation
Women Rally Across the Nation
By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins
5 The Women’s March held a “Count on Us” rally on October 17, to protest President Trump’s nomination and a confirmation vote of Amy Coney Barrett as Supreme Court Justice. Protesters marched with signs while chanting and listened to speeches at Freedom Plaza and the Supreme Court. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
Barrett’s Inevitable Confirmation and the Potential Death of Obamacare By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia With the inevitable confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court, many people believe her appointment almost certainly signals the Affordable Care Act’s end. Barrett is already on record saying that an earlier vote to uphold the law “pushed the Affordable Care Act beyond its plausible meaning to save the statute.”
UNEMPLOYMENT Page 5
election coverage 2020
Voter Suppression includes Long Lines Faced by Minority Communities
And while President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans have pushed for nearly four years to strike down the law known as Obamacare, they still have not presented an alternative. More than 22 million Americans will lose coverage if the court strikes down the law. That figure doesn’t include potentially millions more who have already lost their employer-provided health coverage during the coronavirus pandemic.
HEALTH CAREPage 8
With Unemployment Insurance [UI] benefits, and a similar form of economic relief for freelance workers, scheduled to expire within a matter of days for some District residents, and within the next few weeks for several more, the D.C. Council has coalesced around legislation extending the benefits period beyond the upcoming elections in November. The D.C. Council unanimously approved the legislation on Oct. 20, just days before the October 23 deadline the Council’s Committee on Labor
and Workforce Development gave the D.C. Department of Employment Services [DOES] to answer questions regarding the automatic extension of UI benefits, resolution of back pay, and a more efficient redetermination process for workers receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance [PUA]. Though the bill, titled the Unemployment Benefits Extension Emergency Act, passed unanimously on the Council, D.C. Councilmember Elissa Silverman (I-At large) acknowledged hurdles in aligning aspects of the legislation with federal law and determining whether DOES would absorb
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia As poll after poll – even those from sources like GOP-friendly Fox News – show Democratic Presidential nominee Joe Biden’s lead increasing over President Donald Trump, Americans remain skeptical about whether to trust the numbers. ( Center for American Progress)
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Women the Cycle of wi hotBreak topics Domestic Violence Police Reform, Accountability The Movement to End SARS Discussions Now Scheduled
By Tia Carol Jones
law enforcement. She said they threat,” she said. Last weekend, Afri- to bring a had legions come of together Among the programs Marlow cans demanded the end of the in the way wants to see implemented are sense of uniformity Special Anti-Robbery Squad, victims and stricter restraining order policies, When L.Y. Marlow's 23-yeardomestic violence SARS, ansurvivors anti-robbery old daughter told her the father are police treated. more rights for victim's families thatusing has long of her daughter threatenedforce her in Nigeria “She's her own personal to intervene on behalf of a vicbeen implicated in robberies, life, and the life of their child, story, her own personal pain to tim, a domestic violence assessdeaths, andDavis-Nickens ment unit coupled with further she knew something hadassaults, to be shooting push forward,” other violentsaid crimes against the done. Out of her frustration about Marlow. training for law enforcement with law enforcement's people it washandling created to protect. In major U.S. said anyone agencies, a Child's Life ProtecDavis-Nickens ofcities the and situation, she protestors decided of to various elsewhere, tookMarlow's to the book will tion Act and mandatory counselwhoages reads start themany Saving Promise camstreets, of them waving the green “getand it.”white She colors said she “puts the ing for batterers. paign. such a vicway, the average of the Nigerian flag in solidarity withcase policeinbrutality “If we are ever going to eradi“It seems to be a vicious cycle person can get it.” She said at the cate domestic violence, we must tims. thatAccording won't turn my out family endAfrican of thecountry, day, the book will look at both sides of the coin. to reports of the West loose,” Marlowassaulted said. Marlow helprejected peopleofficers’ begin to have a dia- We need to address both the vicSARS officers a woman who shared story Teenagers with the and audi-otherlogue aboutpopuladomestic violence. tim and the batterer,” Marlow sexualher advances. vulnerable ence at the District Heights Also present tions have also counted among other alleged victimsatofthe event was said. Domestic Violence Symposium Mildred Muhammad, the exMarlow would also like to see SARS. This has happened despite officials’ reorganization onofMay 7 at the District Heights wife of John Allen Muhammad, programs designed to raise SARS three years ago amid complaints about excessive Municipal Center. The sympowho was sentenced to six consecawareness among children in force. siumWhile was Nigerian sponsored by have thelongutive without parole public and private schools. She activists calledlife the terms dismanFamily andgroup, Youth Services byreached a Maryland jury for his5 rolePamela in Brooks, feels children be educattling of the the mass movement new levels mother ofneed Amir to Brooks, at a police reform Center of the city of District the Beltway Sniper attacks in ed about domestic violence. rally Oct. 17. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer) earlier this month with the proliferation with the #EndHeights and the National Hook- 2002. Mildred Muhammad is “We have to stop being pasSARSNow hashtag on Instagram and Twitter, and circuUp of Black Women. the founder of After the Trauma, Marylanders wanting to with speak poor about chilpolice reform sive-aggressive lation of graphic videos, including one where police offiMarlow has written a book, an organization that helps the dren about domestic violence,” will have two opportunities in a four-day period both cers shot After that video droves of young “Color Mea man. Butterfly,” which is surfaced, a survivors of domestic violence Marlow said. held virtually. The first discussion labeled “The Peopeople converged on the Lagos-based government unit. story about four generations of and their children. Marlow has worked to break will take ple’s Hearing on Police Reform in Maryland” Since violence. then, entertainers including WizKid, Davido, domestic The book is “I lived in fear for six years. the cycle in her family, Coalition placeSixat 6 p.m. Oct. of 29abuse with the Maryland John Boyega, and other globally recognized Nigerian inspired by her own experiences, years in fear isstars a long time. ItJustice is and and Police is confident the policies she Afro aufor Accountability and The havethose expressed support for #EndSARSNow. and of her grandmother, not an Meanwhile, easy thing to come out is pushing for will start that thor and journalist Sean Yoes. The conversation will be Nigerian-based and influencers her mother andmedia her outlets daughter. of,” she continue said. to process. led by families impacted by police shootings and other feelsaid the pressure of youth support of the She every time shecalling reads for their Mildred Muhammad said “I plan to takeAnother these policies to on the police-involved incidents. discussion movement likened to Black Lives Matter. excerpts fromthat’s herbeen book, she still people who want to help a will Congress andNov. implore thembytoDel. Nick calendar be 6 p.m. 1 hosted information about #EndSARSNow will appear in victim must change our laws,” Marlow said. can More not believe the words came domestic violence Charles (D-District 25) of Forestville. His talk entitled future editions of The Washington Informer. from her. “Color Me Butterfly” be careful of how they go into “I will not stop until these poli“Race in America: Combating Police Brutality” will feawon the 2007 National “Best the victim's life, and understand cies are passed.” ture topics on police brutality and domestic violence in Books” Award. that she may be in “survival TiaCounty. Carol Jones can be reached on the Prince George’s For more information “I was just 16-years-old when mode”. at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net People’s Hearing, go to www.bit.ly/mdpeopleshearing. my eye first blackened and my “Before you get to 'I'm going The Zoom meeting ID for the Charles discussion is lips bled,” Marlow said. to kill you,' it started as a verbal WI 81176535914 and the password 584191. Elaine Davis-Nickens, president of the National Hook-Up of Black Women, said there is no Black women voters will headline a three-part series hosted by consistency in the way domestic TV One that begins Thursday, Oct. 22. The first episode called violence issues are dealt with by “The Issues: What’s at Stake for Black Women and Our Families During This Election?” will focus on the Black vote and Black women maximizing their voices in the Nov. 3 general election. Karen Finney, CNN commentator and Democratic strategist, will moderate a panel featuring Avis Jones DeWeever, a policy analyst and founder of the Exceptional Leadership Institute for Women; the Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley, president and founding principal of R.E.A.C.H. Beyond Solutions; Lia Epperson, professor of law at American University’s Washington College of Law; and Shermichael Singleton, conservative political analyst. The second episode, “The Intersection of Race and Gender in Politics and the Power of the Black Female Vote,” will be televised Oct. 29 and another on Nov. 13 entitled “Post-Election: Where Do We Go From Here?” All three episodes are scheduled at 12 p.m. and will also be shown on CLEOs TV Facebook and YouTube channels. For more information on the programs and panelists for second episode, go to www.tvone.tv. WI Staff Writer
“
TV One Hosts Series on Black Women Voters
We have to stop being passive-aggressive with poor children about domestic violence. I plan to take these policies to Congress and implore them to change our laws. I will not stop until these policies are passed.
“
SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY
COMPILED BY WILLAM J. FORD, WI STAFF WRITER AND SAM P.K. COLLINS, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER
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L.Y. Marlow
AROUND THE REGION
election coverage 2020
Officials Say D.C. Elections Board Ready to Help Voters with Ballot Issues By James Wright WI Staff Writer @JamesDCWrighter Officials at the D.C. Board of Elections are prepared to assist voters who are having problems with their mail-in ballots, according to an official with the agency. Nick Jacobs, the public information officer for the board, said his agency will respond quickly to concerns “whether it be a signature issue or where they spilled coffee on it.” “We want to help voters,” he said. “We want to make sure all ballots will be counted for this election.” As of Oct. 15, the board’s website reports 81,784 mail-in ballots have been submitted. The board mailed all District voters a ballot—a first—due to the coronavirus pandemic in the city and the board’s desire to keep people away from the polls out of health concerns. Voters can mail
UNEMPLOYMENT from Page 1 costs of administering funds allocated through the CARES Act. Silverman’s office has since confirmed that DOES agreed to do so. “What we are doing with this emergency legislation that we’re moving is turning on a different portion of this extended benefits program that would add seven weeks to get the UI benefits to 59 weeks and PUA to 46,” Silverman told The Informer in reference to the emergency program activated by the CARES Act in March for workers who are ineligible for conventional unemployment benefits. “People who claimed the loss of income in January under the PUA program are hitting the 39-week limit. Since people started losing their jobs in March, the critical mass won’t be for another four or five weeks, but it will hit soon, she said. Stimulus negotiations on Capitol Hill as of late have pitted Senate Republicans against President Donald Trump (R), who has expressed a de-
their completed ballots to the board in a prepaid envelope or place envelopes in one of 55 dropbox locations in the city until 8 p.m. on Nov. 3, Election Day. Early voting starts on Oct. 27 and ends on Nov. 2 at 32 Super Vote Centers throughout the District and same-day registration and voting will take place on Election Day at 95 polling sites. Jacobs said mail-in ballots must be postmarked on Election Day at 8 p.m. in order to be counted for the general election. Mail-in ballots must be in by close of business Nov. 13 to be counted for the general election, he said. “If your ballot comes in after Election Day and it has a Nov. 4 postmark, it will not be counted,” he said. The website said voters should use the prepaid envelope provided by the board and not their own to contain their ballot and not to use tape to seal the envelope. Firsttime voters must provide a governsire to pass the legislation before the Nov. 3 election. Senate Republicans have pushed back against Trump’s proposal which includes a second stimulus check. On Tuesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) coaxed the White House to finalize language on a $2.4 trillion stimulus package, all while the Republican-controlled Senate gears up for a vote on a $500 billion stand-alone bill that Democrats initially blocked. While recent unemployment figures showed a significant decrease in neighboring Maryland and Virginia, there have few signs of change in the District. Between August and September, the District’s unemployment rate fell by less than one percent, with DOES reporting more than 150,000 unemployment claims since the pandemic started. Across the country, jobless claims have reached well beyond 880,000 in what experts describe as another telltale sign of an economy
ment identification document or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check or paycheck to verify identity. The documents must be in the mailin envelope, the website said. The website said the documents in the second category must be valid as of Aug. 5, 90 days before the general election. Jacobs urges voters to complete the ballot as soon as possible and either mail it or submit it to a drop box. If there are problems with the ballot itself, he urges voters to contact the elections board immediately to resolve the issue. “We don’t want invalid ballots,” Jacobs said. “Whatever the issue is, voters should get in touch with us and we will work with them to resolve it.” WI
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black facts
SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB
OCT 12 - 28, 2020
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.
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1940 – Soccer legend Pelé is born in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil. 1947 – The NAACP issues a forOCT. 25 mal petition against racism in America to the Unit1940 – Bened Nations. jamin O. Davis, 1958 – Famed academic and author Michael Sr. is promoted to Eric Dyson is born in Detroit. brigadier general, becoming the first African American OCT. 24 1855 – James Henry Conyers, the first Black general in the U.S. person admitted to the United States Naval Acade- Army. 1997 – The my, is born in Charleston, South Carolina. Million Woman 1992 – Toronto Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston March is held in becomes first African American to manage a team Philadelphia. to the World Series title.
OCT. 26
Professional VISUAL BRANDING
1911 – Gospel music great Mahalia Jackson is born in New Orleans. 1952 – Actress Hattie McDaniel, the first African American to win an Academy Award, dies of breast cancer at 57 in Los Angeles.
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1798 – Abolitionist Levi Coffin, known as the “President of the Underground Railroad,” is born in Guilford County, North Carolina. 1914 – The Omega Psi Phi fraternity, founded at Howard University, is incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia. 1981 – Edward M. McIntyre is elected the first African American mayor of Augusta, Georgia. WI
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Celebrities such as Ice Cube and Diddy have been vocal about the upcoming presidential election, with Diddy recently launching “Our Black Party” to mobilize Black voters and possibly hold votes “hostage” if Blacks’ needs aren’t addressed. What are your thoughts?
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DANITA BAILEY / WASHINGTON, D.C.
Diddy has not done anything for the past four years, but now, right before the election, he wants to mobilize?
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To play the other side, where were all these suddenly “caring” celebrities during Barack Obama’s administration? Wasn’t that the best time to push for a Black agenda?
NICOLE JACKSON / JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
Really? He wants to start a party but can’t keep a group together? What he should’ve done is team up with Ice Cube and some other rich dudes and start their own conglomerate. Not a bright idea at the 11th hour.
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Additionally, adult children under age 26 would lose the right to remain on their parents’ health plans and Medicare patients would lose enhanced prescription drug coverage. Women would lose guaranteed access to birth control at no out-of-pocket cost. The high court plans to hear arguments on Nov. 10. An NPR report noted that “a sudden elimination would affect more than just patients. Insurance companies, drug companies, hospitals and doctors all have changed the way they do business because of incentives and penalties in the health law.” If the Affordable Care Act [ACA] is struck down, many of the “rules of the road” would be wiped away, including billing and payment mechanisms. It’s noteworthy that a new Democratic president still could not drop the lawsuit because Republican attorneys general – not the Trump administration – serve as the plaintiff. However, a Biden win and a Democratic Congress could “in theory make the entire issue go away by reinstating the penalty for failure to have insurance, even at a minimal amount, says Nicholas Bagley, a law professor at the University of Michigan specializing in health issues, who added, “the Affordable Care Act now dangles from a thread.” Dr. Giuseppe Aragona, a general practitioner and family doctor at PrescriptionDoctor.com, said he’s
concerned for many of his patients currently covered by Obamacare and who may soon have to look for other plans. “There are reports of over 4.1 million Americans signed up to new plans this year, which is a 12 percent decrease from last year,” Dr. Aragona noted. “The judge will rule on the fate of Obamacare but it is looking like a replacement is going to be needed for the people who are on the plan, if the Affordable Care Act is going to be deemed as unconstitutional. A lot of people rely on the act, and without it, they may not be able to afford another plan, leaving them in a very dangerous situation, which could cost them their life,” he added. Health care expert Seth Denson said it’s essential to understand the specifics about the case that the Supreme Court will hear next month. The Constitutionality of the individual mandate will be determined because, in 2018, Judge Reed O’Connor, a federal judge in Texas, ruled that the individual mandate, a result of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, is no longer constitutional. Denson noted that when Obamacare first came before the high court, Chief Justice Roberts, who wrote the majority opinion, was the swing vote upholding the ACA’s mandate. He did so, stating the penalty found in the ACA wasn’t a penalty, but a tax. The 2012 argument stated that the ACA violated the Commerce Clause and that the government
couldn’t require individuals to buy something. “However, Justice Roberts upheld the law saying the Congress has the right to tax and the ACA did not require someone to buy health insurance, rather it imposed a tax which could be avoided by purchasing health insurance,” Denson stated. In 2017, Republicans passed the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act which, reduced the penalty/tax to $0. Texas and multiple other states then argued that because the tax was no longer in place, the ACA was therefore in violation of the commerce clause and unconstitutional. Judge O’Connor agreed, and the 5th circuit upheld the ruling but O’Connor stayed it so as not to destabilize the healthcare market. The second component of the case judges will hear next month is “severability.” “In their haste to pass the ACA in 2009, Democrats failed to include severability language in the draft of the law,” Denson said. He explained that severability, in short, is a process where if one part of the law is found unconstitutional, it can be severed from the remainder of the law. This provision isn’t part of the ACA. “The 5th circuit did not rule on whether the individual mandate can be severed and sent it back to the lower court for further clarification; however, SCOTUS is ex-
HEALTH CARE Page 17
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Josey-Herring Sworn in as D.C. Superior Court’s First Female Chief Judge By James Wright WI Staff Writer @JamesDCWrighter In a historic ceremony, conducted virtually, Oct. 16 D.C. Superior Court Associate Judge Anita Josey-Herring became the first African American woman to lead the D.C. Superior Court as chief judge. As chief judge, Josey-Herring will serve a four-year term and assign the 61 associate judges of the Superior Court’s nine divisions. The ceremony took place in H. Carl Moultrie Courthouse in Northwest. The outgoing Chief Judge Robert Morin presided over the event, U.S. District Court Judge Emmett Sullivan read the commission of Josey-Herring becoming the chief judge and D.C. Superior Court Senior Judge Herbert Dixon administered the oath while her husband, Albert Herring, held the Bible. D.C. Court of Appeals Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby, D.C. Supe-
VOTE from Page 1 Significantly, voters remain afraid because they understand that U.S. elections and American democracy continue to be under attack. “And a power grab is still unfolding, marked by legal games, voter suppression, a crippled postal system and a politicized Supreme Court, which may decide a disputed election,” three political observers wrote in an op-ed for NBC News. Leanne Watt, a clinical psychologist, Richard Painter, the former chief ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush and Philip B. Stark, an associate dean of mathematical and physical sciences at the University of California, Berkeley, opined, “Americans are scared … regardless of what the polls suggest.” “Meanwhile,” they continued, “all electronic voting machines, whether directly connected to the internet or not, remain vulnerable to hacking and fraud.” The efforts to suppress the vote have become more apparent. Most recent examples include the California Republican Party acknowledging that it placed containers deceptive-
rior Court Senior Judge Rhonda Reid Winston and National Legal Aid and Defender Association President JoAnn Wallace spoke about the importance of Josey-Herring’s appointment and its meaning for female attorneys and judges. A proclamation from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser praised Josey-Herring’s career while D.C. Superior Court Magistrate Judge Tara Fentress sang her rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Josey-Herring, in her five-minute address, thanked her colleagues and the residents of the District “for this unique opportunity and solemn responsibility. “I put my name in for this position because I believe in justice,” she said. “Justice without respect to persons. I believe in equal rights for the rich and the poor and I will defend the U.S. Constitution.” Josey-Herring said many Washingtonians are struggling during the coronavirus pandemic and stressed that judges understand what they are
ly marked as “official” mail-ballot drop-boxes in Los Angeles, Fresno and Orange Counties. State election officials describe such sites, which could be used to eliminate ballots, as illegal. In Texas, a federal court of appeals ruled to reinstate restrictions allowing one ballot drop-off location per county, a measure that forces thousands of potential voters to travel hours if they wish to cast their ballot. Last week, on the last official day of voter registration in Virginia, a system crash suddenly halted voting. Longer than usual lines have confounded voters in Georgia, North Carolina and several other states with some individuals reporting a wait of more than 11 hours to vote. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission’s benchmark touts a wait of not more than 30 minutes. However, reports have demonstrated that unusually long wait times regularly occur in communities with high minority populations. A 2019 study by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Chicago
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going through. “We as judges are called to resolve critical issues for those we serve,” she said. “We serve as the final arbiters on many matters that come before us. Therefore, the public trust in the courts are vital to our democracy and I am willing to work across lines for justice for everyone.” WI used smartphone data to quantify the racial disparity in waiting times at polls across the country. The study revealed that race counts as the strongest predictor of how long a person waits in line to vote. Residents of all-Black neighborhoods waited 29 percent longer with 74 percent more likely to spend more than 30 minutes waiting to vote. “The Republican party is actively orchestrating a well-calculated comprehensive voter-suppression agenda that involves GOP leaders at the federal, state and local level,” said Kris Parker, an attorney and political consultant who has worked on several campaigns including as a regional director for President Barack Obama. “The absolute and unequivocal intent of their actions is to suppress voter turnout,” Parker declared. “When you consider the president’s repeated undermining of mail-in-voting with his administration’s dismantling of the post office, along with the actions by state leaders to limit ballot drop-off locations,
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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020 9
AROUND THE REGION CAPTURE THE MOMENT DRESS UP AT THE MARCH
Twins, Harriet and Myles 7, pay tribute to the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Congressman John Lewis by dressing in their likenesses during the Women’s March at Freedom Plaza on October 17. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)
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“We look around the world today and we look around at home right now and we see that oppression exists. We know that the workers are exploited and that most of the people in this country are exploited in one way or another. We know that as a people, we must seize our time.”
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AROUND THE REGION
election coverage 2020
Ward 4 Council Seat Race Features Political Novices
By James Wright WI Staff Writer @JamesDCWrighter
In the Nov. 3 general election, residents of Ward 4 will choose between political newcomer and Democrat Janeese Lewis George and D.C. Statehood Green activist Perry Redd, who once ran for the D.C. Council at-large position, as their next councilmember. George has never held elected office. She defeated D.C. Councilmember Brandon Todd and resident Marlena Edwards in the June 2 Ward 4 Democratic Party primary. George ran with the support of D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine and D.C. Councilmember Elissa Silverman (I-At Large) and the backing of progressive groups such as the Jews United for Justice Campaign Fund, Black Lives Matter DC, DC for Democracy and Working Families as well as labor unions such as the Washington Teachers Union, Local 500 of the Service Employees International Union and the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 400. George, a District native and former assistant attorney general, supports Medicare for All, combating crime from a public health perspective, an environmental platform that includes fully enforcing the D.C. Clean Energy Act and strictly regulating fossil fuels in the city, expanding rent control and fully funding universal child care. Ward 4 has an 81 percent Democratic Party voter registration and the party’s third largest numerical bloc of Democrats—51,169—in the District according to data from the Sept. 30 report of the D.C. Board of Elections. Candace Tiana Nelson, the president
of the Ward 4 Democrats said her organization supports George in the general election. “We didn’t endorse anyone in the June 2 primary,” Nelson said. “We held candidate forums so that the candidates could air their views. The Democrats in Ward 4 made their choice and we are behind George.” George said she has campaigned without the formal backing of Todd since the primary and has been “seeking to reach out to the people.” “Our campaign launched a ‘Listen While We Climb Tour’ that started on July 15 and ended on Sept. 23,” she said. “We visited each neighborhood in the ward, from Chevy Chase to Lamond Riggs and invited residents to listen to me and get to know me. At our tour events, we had a range of 50 to 100 residents. After the meetings, we sent surveys through email to participants to find out what their top issues were. We are synthesizing the data to get a sense of what is on the minds of residents.” George said her campaign has also participated in “meet and greets” and one-to-one meetings with residents and works with its own get-out-thevote effort that distributes literature on the election process. Redd describes himself as a progressive, too, and agrees with George on a number of issues. However, he said his candidacy rests on doing the right thing for Ward 4 residents. “The previous representatives cheated the citizens of Ward 4,” he said. “Ward 4 has the highest rates of COVID-19 infections and one of the highest rates of COVID-19 deaths. We have gentrification in this ward
where the newer residents aren’t sensitive to the long-term residents.” Redd ran for the D.C. Council in the April 23, 2013 special election for the at-large seat vacancy and received 1.92 percent of the vote as the D.C. Statehood Green candidate. Anita Bonds won that race. Redd won the 2018 race for advisory neighborhood commissioner race for single-member district 4B05. Redd said he is campaigning for term limits for lawmakers, wants to see
compensation for advisory neighborhood commissioners, calls for refining the concept of community policing and endorses solar energy jobs for District residents. He said as a lawmaker he will advocate for returning citizens noting he was convicted of gun and drug charges in Tennessee but the charges were dropped after he served years in federal prison. Redd acknowledges that George has political advantage but insists that
he is waging a grassroots campaign “to fight for the people.” The race has stirred little attention among ward residents. Bobby Curtis King II resides in the Sixteenth Street Heights neighborhood. He confesses he hasn’t paid attention to the GeorgeRedd race. “I just starting seeing signs for Perry Redd a week ago,” King said. “I think a lot of people have made up their mind who they will support. I am impressed with George still going out in the community after she won the primary with her listening tour. I think it is great she is making herself available.” WI
VOTE #2 On The Ballot Nov. 3, 2020
5 Janeese Lewis George is the Democratic Party nominee for Ward 4 Councilmember. (Photo courtesy/Janeese Lewis George)
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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020 11
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Felony Convictions Remain Hurdles to Voting for Incarcerated and Returning Citizens By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwilll
State officials have passed voting measures to allow those incarcerated and those released from prison and jail to have access to the ballot box, but a new report highlights more than five million people remain disenfranchised. The Sentencing Project’s report, titled“Locked Out”, notes at least 6.2 percent of Black adults ages 18 and older nationwide still aren’t able to vote, compared to only
1.7 percent of all non-Blacks. Alonzo Turner-Bey will no longer be a part that percentage. The 48-year-old Black man who grew up in Southeast was released Friday, Oct. 16 from Jessup Correctional Institution in Jessup, Md., where he spent the last 31 years, six months and 15 days. His prison sentence began April 1, 1989, at the age of 17 when convicted of first-degree murder. “The first thing I did before I got out was register to vote,” Turner-Bey said an interview less than 2½ hours after his release from prison. “Some of the most important things are going
on in the local and state level. I worked hard for my freedom. I want to give back to the community.” There’s one person he doesn’t plan to vote for: President Donald Trump. Turner-Bey won’t refer to him by name. “It’s time for the fool to go. The circus needs to be over,” he said minutes before he ate lunch at an IHOP restaurant. His meal, which he could relax and eat without being rushed: strawberry and banana French toast, a Spanish omelet and lemon water. While Turner-Bey spends time relaxing with relatives in Charles County, he plans to research on the candidates running for office in that jurisdiction before he cast his vote for the Nov. 3 election. “I want to see who is running for office and see what they have been doing,” he said. “I need to know if you earned your position…” An estimated 17,874 people in Maryland prisons with a felony conviction won’t be able to vote, according to a Sentencing Project report released Oct. 14. About 12,527 are Black. For those in Maryland jails, about 783 out of 904 in jail are Black, according to the report at https://bit. ly/350DkHi. According to state law, people ineligible to vote are those convicted of a felony and serving a court-ordered sentence; anyone convicted of buying or selling votes; and “under guardian-
5 Alonzo E. Turner-Bey at an IHOP restaurant Oct. 16, less than 2 ½ hours after his release from Jessup Correction Institution in Jessup, Md. (Photo courtesy of Earl Young Jr.)
ship for mental disability and the appropriate court has found by clear and convincing evidence that you cannot communicate, with or without accommodations, a desire to participate in the voting process.” A person on probation can vote, according to the law. Incarcerated individuals with misdemeanor offenses and those held on pretrial status are eligible to vote. Maryland joins 16 other states where those incarcerated for felony convictions in prison remain ineligible to vote. Florida voters approved a measure in 2018 to allow ex-felons, now formerly called returning citizens, to vote after completing a sentence, but the
Residents, Advocates Demand Police Reform, Accountability By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill
Dorothy Copp Elliott said justice remains unfulfilled after police in Prince George’s County shot her 24-year-old son, Archie “Artie” Elliott III approximately 14 times while handcuffed in a police cruiser June 18, 1993. Pamela Brooks said Prince George’s police are culpable for the death of her 17-year-old son, Amir Brooks, who died from his injuries Aug. 6, 2014, while riding a dirt bike and being chased by police into Southeast D.C. These mothers and other family members whose loved ones either died, or became victims of police-involved incidents came together at a police reform rally Saturday, Oct. 17 in Forestville. 5 Dorothy Copp Elliott speaks about her son, Archie “Arite” Elliott III during a police reform rally Oct. 17 in Forestville. Police shot her son 14 times during a traffic stop in District “I want to see the laws changed Heights on June 18, 1993, causing his death. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer) and the [police] mindset needs to
12 - OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020
change,” said Tahlita Hopkins, 48, sister to Gary Hopkins Jr., who got shot and killed by police Nov. 27, 1999. “Your job is to serve and protect the people and [police officers] act like the people are their enemies.” The rally happened two days after a 14-member work group comprised of state delegates approved police reform recommendations. Some of the suggestions included repealing the controversial Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights, a limit on no-knock warrants and a ban on chokeholds. State senators from the Judicial Proceedings Committee also presented proposed legislation on similar police reform last month. The goal for lawmakers will be to draft the items into legislation when lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene Jan. 13.
RALLY Page 44
Republican-controlled state legislature put in a measure that forces court fees must be paid before regaining the right to vote. The state, according to the report, leads the nation with an estimated 1.1 million people disenfranchised. The four other states behind Florida: Texas (500,474); Tennessee (456,480); Virginia (366,064); and Alabama (328,198). Nicole Porter, director of advocacy with The Sentencing Project that conducts research and analyzes criminal justice topics, said voting rights need to be restored for everyone. “[Those incarcerated] remain citizens and still have to pay taxes behind the walls because they buy products from the commissary, they pay for very expensive phone calls,” Porter said in an interview. “The criminal legal system acts as this mediator between the state and residents, particularly Black and brown residents, in stripping people of their full civil and political rights.” That’s why advocacy groups in Maryland led a three-day tour this month to all the jails in the state. The message: ensure those eligible to vote while incarcerated can vote. Earl Young Jr., who picked up Turner-Bey from Jessup and released from the same prison June 18, 2019, said groups such as Maryland Justice Project and Out For Justice helped spread the word about various programs that reached “behind the walls.” “[There are] so many programs that I wanted to be a part of prior to coming home,” said Young, 52, who began a job as a mentor for the Baltimore City Public Schools on Sept. 3, 2019, less than three months after his release. “We were in JCI together and talked about how we can support each other and be a part of our community. Now we are released. It’s surreal.” WI
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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Md. Lawmakers Prepare to Draft Police Reform Recommendations y William J. Ford B WI Staff Writer @jabariwill
When Maryland lawmakers reconvene for business in January, braced for a battle over police reform, they will have the results of a special work group of delegates to guide them. A major recommendation approved last week by a 14-member work group from the House of Delegates would be repeal the controversial Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights statute. Maryland became the first state in the nation to establish it in 1974 that some believe gives police broad protections without accountability. “Maryland provided the blueprint to America on how to protect corrupt and racist cops by passing the LEOBR and providing these undue and unnecessary protections for law enforcement officers that ordinary citizens do not have,” Del. Gabriel Acevero (D-Montgomery County) said Thursday, Oct. 15. Current and former law enforcement officials say it protects a police
officer’s constitutional rights. In addition, those such as Del. Michael Jackson (D-District 27B), a former Prince George’s County sheriff, said it’s better to re-examine the current law. “I think LEOBR can be broken down and we go through each piece of it,” said Jackson, who represents portions of Prince George’s and Calvert counties and is the only Democrat to vote with the four Republicans against the repeal. “There are segments to this body of work that are worth discussing.” The group, created this summer by House Speaker Adrienne Jones (D-Baltimore County), was spurred by the police-related death of George Floyd, a Black man, in Minneapolis, which spawned worldwide protests and some local officials to implement policy changes regarding police conduct. The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee held three straight days of hearings last month over police reform measures including proposed legislation to require drug and alcohol testing of officers involved in a
fatality and to reduce from five days to three the period during which a police officer can receive counsel and be interrogated for an alleged offense. Such measures are among changes that could police agencies throughout the state. Another proposal under review would punish with as much as fiveyear prison terms officers found guilty of violating use-of-force statutes and up to 10 years in prison for “knowing and willful” violations of police abuse laws. Minority Whip Kathy Szeliga, who represents portions of Baltimore and Harford counties, said the Baltimore County Fraternal Order of Police supported the county council passing language that allows officers some leeway to defend themselves but not the use of neck restraint, which she said happened to Floyd. Her proposed measure to limit use of the tactic to instances in which an officer faces death or serious injury, it was defeated. Del. Jason Buckel (R-Allegheny County) said the ban shouldn’t be managed by lawmakers.
5 Janna Parker, center, speaks during a rally against police brutality Sept. 12 in Fort Washington. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)
“You cannot legislate a fight,” he said. “We are talking about someone who is physically resisting an officer’s arrest, lawful command, or is threatening the officer with violence or another individual. I don’t think we are doing anyone a service by saying the use of chokeholds is prohibited.” Del. Debra Davis (D-Charles County) disagreed. “We do legislate fights,” she said. “Anytime you cut off someone’s right to breath, that is deadly force.” Other reforms recommended for
legislative reform included requiring an officer to intervene when another officer uses excessive force, creation of an “early warning system” to identify officers whose “behavior is problematic” and limiting use of no-knock warrants “as a last resort” when the life of an officer or civilian are in danger. “We have made some really strong recommendations that are going to move Maryland forward…particularly for minorities,” said Del. Vanessa Atterbeary (D-Montgomery County), who chaired the group. WI
STAY SAFE. VOTE EARLY. Confirm your voting location ahead of time; official locations have changed due to COVID-19 safety precautions.
Vote Early
6oct 2 2 nov
Monday, October 26– Monday, November 2 7am–8pm
Stay safe and avoid the lines; vote in-person at an early vote center near you.
Vote on election day tuesday, november 3 7am–8pm
Vote in-person at a vote center near you.
nov
3
Find an early vote center, Election Day vote center, or official election drop box near you:
ELECTIONS.MARYLAND.GOV/2020 If you are voting by mail, return your completed ballot to a drop box by 8pm on November 3 or postmark by November 3.
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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020 13
BUSINESS
housing stability helps protect public health because homelessness increases the likelihood that people may move into close quarters in homeless shelters or other settings. These crowded places put people at higher risk of contracting COVID-19. People who remain homeless and not in a shelter have an increased risk of severe illness from the coronavirus. Many experts said the federal government should follow initiatives instituted by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Council of the District of Columbia. In September, the Council voted unanimously to approve an extension By Stacy M. Brown that renters must fill out to qualify. to Bowser’s state of emergency order Following the coronavirus pan- which prohibits evictions and ties WI Senior Writer demic outbreak, Trump issued an them to the health emergency. @StacyBrownMedia executive order that forced the CDC The Council’s action allows BowsLandlords can resume eviction to halt evictions through the end of er to extend the city’s moratorium on proceedings after the Centers for Dis- the year. evictions as long as she deems necesDiana Yentel, the nonprofit Na- sary. The District’s law also bans new ease Control and Prevention issued clarifications to a previous executive tional Low-Income Housing Co- eviction filings – a move that will last order from President Donald Trump. alition president, suggested that for an additional two months followThe CDC’s memo released this Trump’s executive order should have ing the end of the pandemic. week noted that its order “isn’t in- accompanied legislation and substanFurther, notices to vacate remain tended to prevent landlords from tial emergency assistance. legally unenforceable during the evicYentel declared that monetary aid tion ban. starting eviction proceedings, provided that the actual eviction of a was necessary because of a “wave of “When . . . my email box is floodcovered person for non-payment of homelessness” facing the country. ed with resident outrage, we want to The CDC issued its order be- act quickly, and I agree,” D.C. Atrent does NOT take place during the cause it determined that evictions large Councilmember Elissa Silverperiod of the Order.” The order temporarily halts resi- threaten to increase the spread of man told reporters. “But we also need dential evictions of covered persons COVID-19. During a pandemic, to act thoroughly. The entire eviction for nonpayment of rent during Sept. calling a temporary halt to evictions process needs to be, I think, examcan be an effective public health mea- ined, and all of these recommenda4 through Dec. 31, 2020. This means that a landlord, own- sure to prevent the spread of disease, tions made in the story deserve our er of a residential property, or other CDC officials stated. consideration.” A temporary halt of evictions can person with a legal right to pursue an A study conducted by Harvard eviction or a possessory action can- help people who become sick or who University’s Department of Housnot evict for nonpayment of rent any remain at risk for severe illness from ing Studies revealed that half of covered person from any residential COVID-19 protect themselves and Americans who rent are either seproperty in any U.S. state or U.S. others by staying quarantined in one verely rent-burdened or moderately place. The orders also allow state and rent-burdened. territory where the Order applies Further, the memo states local authorities to more easily imFor African Americans and Histhat “landlords are not required plement stay-at-home and social dis- panics, researchers at Harvard deterto make their tenants aware tancing measures to lessen the com- mined a triple pandemic for those of ” Trump’s eviction moratorium munity spread of COVID-19. communities. Further, the CDC noted that and the CDC’s declaration form Black and Hispanic households
Loophole Found in Federal Evictions Memorandum
were “much more likely to contract COVID-19, suffer lost income, and face housing insecurity as a result of the pandemic,” the researchers concluded. “It’s a good time for the United States to really re-look at our housing policies,” Yentel told Yahoo! News, “and see what changes need to be made post-pandemic or even during the pandemic to help those who were already struggling.” The U.S. Census Bureau reported that about 30 percent of American adults face some form of eviction or foreclosure by December. To help protect against eviction, tenants must show that their 2020 income is less than 2019, and they have to prove that the coronavirus caused them to lose employment or the ability to earn money. The CDC memo did provide a steadier position for homeowners with Federal Housing Administration-insured loans through the end of 2020. The memo prohibits banks from foreclosing on homes until Janu-
ary 2021 at the earliest. The CDC memo also reinforced cries for a new federal stimulus on which the Trump administration and Democrats have remained at odds. “If Trump walks away from passing a stimulus, we are staring down the barrel of one of the largest mass evictions in American history,” Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said in a Twitter post. Vermont Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders also tweeted his concern, writing, “the tsunami of evictions we are about to see is unacceptable.” In a statement, the American Civil Liberties Union also called for a stimulus agreement to assist financially ailing Americans. “Every day, people in our country are suffering through unemployment and evictions. People are dying in prisons and jails and from lack of access to testing and treatment. This is all happening while the clock ticks down to Election Day. People need relief now,” the organization stated. WI
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BUSINESS
OneUnited Bank Passes 100,000 Customers
Officials Credit #BankBlack Social Movement for Surge By Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer OneUnited Bank, the largest Black-owned bank in the country, announced that it has achieved a milestone of over 100,000 customers, a feat they say hasn’t been achieved by a Black bank since Maggie Lena Walker’s St. Luke Penny Savings Bank in Richmond, Va. Back in 1903 Walker was the first Black woman and first woman bank president in the United States. OneUnited Bank credits its social justice activism and its technology platform for its rapid growth with Visa debit cards featuring “football players taking a knee,” king and queen royalty cards and one with Harriet Tubman giving the Black Panther Wakanda salute. In 2016, rapper and activist Killer Mike urged Black America to move their money to a Black-owned bank, in response to the killings of unarmed Black men, spawning the #BankBlack movement. After the 2020 murder of George
Floyd, #BankBlack saw another surge in depositors, according to bank officials. They said that racial turmoil this year motivated customers to join what they call the "unapologetically Black" OneUnited Bank, bringing the institution to over 100,000 accounts. Bank officials say their focus in on closing the racial wealth gap and creating generational wealth. “Our customer base continues to grow rapidly, and we have expanded access and now have over 100,000 locations to better meet their needs,” Teri Williams, President & COO of OneUnited Bank said. “Importantly, we're on our way to
fulfilling Black America's long-held dream of organizing our spending power to create social and economic equality in our society.” OneUnited announced the expansion of its banking services to over 100,000 locations to accommodate the bank's rapid customer growth — including the new Cash to Your Card service, which gives its customers access to an additional 90,000 plus locations nationwide. Customers can also utilize Green Dot to deposit cash on the go including Reload @ the Register, Walmart’s Rapid Reload and MoneyPak. In the past two years, the banks says
Bank officials say their focus in on closing the racial wealth gap and creating generational wealth.
5 (Photo courtesy of OneUnited Bank)
it has financed over $100 million in loans – most in low to moderate income communities such as California’s South Central community in Los Angeles, Liberty City in Miami, Fla. and the Roxbury section of Boston. Formerly the Boston Bank of Commerce, the bank merged with Founders National Bank of Los Angeles to form OneUnited Bank in 2001, which boasted majority owners like
Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Janet Jackson and music executive Jheryl Busby. Representatives of OneUnited say its growth over the years has been through acquiring community banks across the country that are equally dedicated to its mission like Founders National Bank of Los Angeles, Family Savings Bank in Los Angeles and People’s National Bank of Commerce in Miami. WI
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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020 9/8/2020 3:54:39 PM15
NATIONAL election coverage 2020
With Election Day Just Weeks Away, Dems On Track to Recapture Control of Senate Three’s the Magic Number; Wide Open Field Has Nearly 10 States with Races Too Close to Call By D. Kevin McNeir With Election Day just two weeks away, anticipation has
reached a feverish pitch as Americans continue casting their ballots – often standing in lines longer than have been seen since Barack
Obama’s first run for the White House in 2008 – in an election cycle turned upside down due to the coronavirus health pandemic. And while the spotlight remains on the presidential race between President Donald Trump (R) and former vice president, Joe Biden (D), equal attention should be directed to this year’s U.S. Senate races which include more competitive showdowns between Democrats and Republicans than the nation has witnessed in the past five years. Further, with the possibility of the Democrats regaining control of the Senate, and the expectation that they will easily retain the majority in the House of Representatives, Americans could experience a rarely-seen paradigm shift in U.S. politics and policies. There are 35 seats up for grabs in the Senate – 23 now held by
Republicans and 12 belonging to Democrats. For now, with 53 senators, the Republicans have the majority but the Dems only need a net gain of three or four seats to recapture control. Specifically, they’ll need a trio of victories with a Joe Biden win – four will be required if Trump holds on for a second term. Meanwhile, the Democrats have 45 senators with two independent senators who caucus with them. Depending on which political pundits or reported polls you believe, the Democrats enter the final two weeks before Election Day with victories indisputably within reach in the following states: South Carolina, Kentucky, Arizona, Maine, Georgia, Colorado, Iowa, North Carolina and Montana with Alabama the furthest from their reach but still a remote
Democrat Jamie Harrison Poised to Unseat 'World's Most Powerful Golf Caddy' By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia Jaime Harrison speaks with an easiness rarely found in a U.S. Senate candidate with just two weeks remaining before Election Day. But the man seeking to upset the incumbent, South Carolina Republican Lindsay Graham, has a knack for being the unassuming underdog. “I was born into long odds,” Harrison confirmed. “My mother was 16 years old when she gave birth to me and I was raised by grandparents who had a fourthand eighth-grade education. But I was the first to go to college and the first to graduate.” Harrison, who earned degrees from Yale University and the Georgetown University Law Center, later became the first African American to chair the South Carolina State Democratic Party. “Despite long odds, I was still able to win,” Harrison offered. “With all of these races, how you start doesn’t dictate how you will finish.” Harrison’s mission to defeat Graham, who has served in the Senate since 2003, has been enhanced by his ability to massively outraise and outspend his opponent. Between July and September, Harrison raised $57 million compared to Graham’s $28 million.
16 - OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020
The South Carolina Senate seat remains critical in the Democrats’ goal to reclaim the chamber and the White House. Recent polls continue to show a close contest. While the New York Times gave Graham a six-point lead on Oct. 15, a poll on the same date from the Palmetto State’s Data for Progress had Harrison up one-point, noting that 47 percent of voters backed the Democrat while 46 percent favored the Republican. Six percent of South Carolina voters said they remain unsure who they will voting for, while the remainder told pollsters they would be opting for a third-party candidate. Newsweek noted that Graham’s unfettered support for President Donald Trump continues to assist the president in his reelection effort. A little more than half of South Carolinians (52 percent) said they would vote for Trump to have a second term in the White House on Nov. 3 – putting him nine percentage points ahead of Democratic nominee Joe Biden. Newsweek further noted that the survey’s results contrast with those from a Morning Consult poll of South Carolinians conducted between Oct. 2 and Oct. 11. According to the data published on Monday, Graham held a six-point lead over Harrison, with 48 percent likely
5 Jamie Harrison (Courtesy photo/Cook Political Report)
voters backing the incumbent. Forty-two percent of voters favored Harrison – marking a fall of four points from his ranking in Morning Consult’s survey of South Carolina in early September. The Cook Political Report’s analysts now rate the South Carolina Senate race a toss-up, having previously favored Graham’s chances of winning another term in the upper chamber. “When I first entered this race, people told me I didn’t have a chance,” Harrison recalled. “I’d get folks tapping me on the shoulder, telling me that I wouldn’t win.” After graduating from law school, Harrison returned to his home in Orangeburg and taught high school, encouraging his students to go to college. He then served as an aide to legendary South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn. In 2013, Harrison won the election as the first African-American chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, a position he held until 2017.
If elected to the U.S. Senate, Harrison promises to fight to invest in schools and training and end the student loan debt crisis. “Fighting for affordable and accessible healthcare is personal,” Harrison remarked. “My grandfather worked for decades paving roads in and around Orangeburg. To this day, if you travel to Orangeburg, there’s a good chance you’re driving on roads made by my grandfather’s hands,” he said. Notably, Harrison will represent everything he said Graham hasn’t. “[Graham] is the world’s most powerful golf caddy,” Harrison deadpanned, referring to the senator’s propensity to hit the links with Trump. “I’m action-oriented and I’m someone who will do something to help people in need. People can’t wait until I get elected, they need help now, and that’s what I’ve been doing and will continue to do,” he said. WI
possibility. Democrats say they’re taking nothing for chance, despite Biden currently leading most polls by double digits over Trump – holding an 11 percent lead as of Oct. 19 – particularly after 2016 when Hillary Clinton held an equally impressive 10-point lead at the exact same juncture before Trump surged ahead for a surprise victory over the more established member of the Democratic political vanguard.
PAST TRENDS AND RACES TO WATCH TODAY
Additionally and of great significance, the candidate who has won the popular vote in past presidential elections has tended to provide a boost for his party, with victory spilling over into a handful of hard-fought U.S. Senate races – resulting in a net gain for the winning party. Ronald Reagan, who won the popular vote by a landslide in 1980, would be credited with assisting his party pull off an impressive net gain of 12 Senate seats. In 2008, Barack Obama, after taking the popular vote by a seven-point margin, helped his party secure eight additional seats. And in both the 2012 and 2016 elections, when Obama and Clinton won the popular vote by four and two points, respectively, the Democrats gained two more Senate seats in each election. As for this year’s Senate races, the combination of voters willing to stand in hours-long lines to cast their voters in concert with the record-breaking number of absentee votes cast due to COVID-19 will yield a voter turnout percentage that not even the experts appear prepared to predict. It’s this uncertainty that has both parties more than a little concerned about their chances. On Sunday, Oct. 18 on Meet the Press, host Chuck Todd and a team of respected political analysts agreed that the most competitive races include the states of Arizona, Colorado, Alabama and Maine with several others high on their radars. In addition, two Senate races that continue to dominate the attention of voters, particularly
SENATE Page 32
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HEALTH CARE from Page 8 pected to weigh in on this as well,” he offered. “Judge Barrett has called into question the constitutionality of the ACA but that isn’t what the case in front of SCOTUS will address in a few weeks,” Denson continued. “What’s being argued is the mandate and whether it is severable from the ACA as a whole. We’ve yet to hear that question put to her. Additionally, she’s unlikely to give a valid answer on that topic since she isn’t on the bench yet and she doesn’t have access to documents and arguments that her fellow justices do. Denson attested that one could look at Judge Barrett’s previous commentary for guidance, like when she dissented from the majority opinion striking down President Trump’s public charge rule during which she concluded, “litigation is no the vehicle for resolving policy disputes.” “With regards to pre-existing conditions, it’s highly unlikely that they will ever be part of our healthcare system again – as my father says, the ‘toothpaste is out of the tube’ meaning that it would be political suicide to allow them into the conversation,” Denson determined. “To that end, there has not been
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5 The inevitable confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court threatens Obamacare and coverage for more than 22 million Americans. (HealthDayConsumer)
any Republican advocating for the elimination of protections for pre-existing conditions.” “I don’t think that the ACA will be overturned. The tax is still in place, it’s just zero dollars. I’d gladly pay a $0 tax. The GOP-led Congress could not completely remove the mandate as they didn’t have a ‘super majority;’ therefore, they were regulated to passing a budgetary bill. The budgetary bill couldn’t remove the language. It could only reduce the tax – something that Biden has already stated he would bring back if elected president.”
“While I do believe the ACA will be upheld, and thus pre-existing conditions protected, this just highlights the need for President Trump to release a plan for healthcare – not a marketing piece or a list of executive orders – rather a plan that he will propose to Congress if re-elected.” “In the plan, he could outline all that he wants to do to lower healthcare costs, improve upon the ACA and protect pre-existing conditions. If he doesn’t, Democrats own the narrative and they are certainly coming after him and his SCOTUS nominee,” Denson said. WI
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Ghana’s Parliament Approves US $20 Million Support For Rural Livelihood Ghana’s Parliament has approved a US$20 million Financing Agreement between the government of Ghana and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to finance the Emergency Support to Rural Livelihood and Food Systems (ESRF), Ghana News Agency reported Oct. 17. The ESRF was established as one of government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the livelihood, incomes and resilience of target groups from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and from climate change. The terms of the loan are: the total amount of US$20 million made up of a loan facility of US$10 million and Blend, or combination of private funds, of US$10 million. The interest rate on the loan is zero percent while that on Blend is 1.3 percent, Service charge on Loan is 1.31 percent whereas that on Blend is 1.33 percent. The Moratorium on Loan is 10 years whilst Blend is 5 years. The repayment period for the loan is 40 years whereas the Blend is 20years and the Grant Element of the Loan is 50.24 per cent while the Blend is 24.14 per cent, with a weighted grant element of 37.19 percent. Dr. Mark Assibey-Yeboah, Chairman of the Finance Committee of Parliament, presenting the committee’s report, observed that the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its ravaging effect on global economies including Ghana had adversely impacted agriculture, particularly food security. To mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and avert the possibility of a food security crisis, there is the need to strengthen Ghana’s food systems and ensure a more inclusive, resilient and productive rural economy, he said. The chairman announced that Ghana wants access to emergency funding support from IFAD to finance the implementation of the ESRF. Dr Assibey-Yeboah explained that the core of the project “to protect against hunger and build resilient livelihood” is the planned allocation of $17,636,000. “This is to provide 37,250 beneficiaries with timely access to inputs (seeds, fertilizers, etc) to increase production, support 5,000 vulnerable beneficiaries with direct cash transfer and rations to overcome hunger and prevent nutritional gaps,” Dr. Assibey-Yeboah said. He said the program also proposes to addresses rural marketing linkages and food security with $1.6 million to provide stimulus to agribusinesses by developing marketing linkages with 25,000 smallholders, ensuring that these smallholders had secured income and cash availability after harvest or production. According to the chairman, a third element of the program earmark $685,000 for project management, monitoring and evaluation through the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) and Zonal Coordination Unit (ZCU). WI
caribbean now CAL Pilots Take 57 Percent Pay Cut to Save Jobs T&T Airline Pilots Association (TTALPA) and Caribbean Airlines have agreed that all pilots' salaries will be cut by 57 percent—just over half—for the next three months, to support CAL's cost cutting measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trinidad Guardian reported Oct. 17. TTALPA represents CAL's estimated 149 pilots. The development halts CAL’s plan to start sending home some pilots on three months' No-Pay Leave. The pay cut will halve the salaries of all CAL’s pilots until January 2021. It will also affect other aspects of their pay up to June 2021, but they will keep their jobs. TTTALPA had been negotiating with CAL in recent weeks on the issue. CAL received revised documents from TALPA last Friday. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by CAL Human Resources head Roger Berkley and TTALPA head Larry Imamshah. “It’s a bittersweet situation," said TTALPA's industrial relations consultant Gerard Pinard. "It meant between a rock and hard place, but we're making the sacrifices and reached an agreement." CAL communications manager Dionne Ligoure said discussions which had been ongoing were expected to be concluded shortly. Pilots were among the employees which CAL planned to send home temporarily due to effects from the pandemic which closed T&T's borders. Up to June, the grounded airline lost $96 million. WI
18 - OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020
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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020 19
HEALTH COVID-19 UPDATE
COVID-19 Vaccine Trial for Adolescents In the Works Children of Color Comprise Majority of Coronavirus Deaths Among Youth
By Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer Pfizer announced last week that it has received the Food and Drug Administration’s [FDA] approval to enroll children as young as 12 years old in its COVID-19 vaccine trial. A
vaccine first, the trial is aimed at understanding whether it would be safe and effective for adolescents. In September 2020, Pfizer expanded the enrollment of its Phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine trial to approximately 44,000 participants. This allowed for the enrollment of
new populations, including adolescents as young as 16 years of age and people with chronic, stable HIV, Hepatitis C, or Hepatitis B infection. “In October 2020, we received permission from the FDA to enroll adolescents as young as 12. By doing so, we will be able to better understand the potential safety and efficacy of the vaccine in individuals from more ages and backgrounds,” Pfizer said on its site. Health experts say including younger children in clinical trials are critical as more and more are being infected with COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. In a letter sent earlier this month to Alex Azar, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Stephen Hahn, commissioner of the FDA, the American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP] wrote, “children must be included in vaccine trials to best understand any potential unique immune responses and/or unique safety concerns.” Sara Goza, president of the AAP added, “As pediatricians, we must also stress how crucial it is for children to
be included in vaccine trials of SARSCoV-2 vaccines.” “While some studies have shown that children under the age of 10 may be less likely to become infected and less likely to spread the virus to others, more recent data suggest children older than 10 years may spread SARS-CoV-2 as efficiently as adults.” Goza says while the likelihood of spreading the disease may vary among different aged children, experts know that children can and do spread the virus to household members, grandparents, teachers, and other children. “In fact, in the United States alone, more than 587,000 COVID-19 cases have been reported in children, representing approximately 10 percent of all cases,” she said. “Among the children who have acquired COVID-19, 109 have died from the virus, with more than twothirds being Black and Latinx children.” In a report released last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] found that between Feb. 12 and July 31 of this year, there were more than 390,000 cases of COVID-19 and 121 deaths for people under 21. Of the children who died, 45 percent were Hispanic, 29 percent were Black, 4 percent were non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native and 33 percent of the deaths occurred out-
side of a hospital. “Among infants, children, and adolescents hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, persons from racial and ethnic minority groups are overrepresented,” the report said. “These racial/ethnic groups are also disproportionately represented among essential workers unable to work from their homes, resulting in higher risk for exposure to SARS-CoV-2 with potential secondary transmission among household members, including infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.” Three quarters of the children who died in the given timeframe had underlying conditions such as asthma, obesity and cardiac issues, according to the CDC. “Higher rates of adverse outcomes among racial and ethnic minorities are likely related to challenges in seeking care for various reasons, including difficulty and delays in accessing health care services because of lack of insurance, child care, transportation, or paid sick leave,” the report stated. The report added that factors such as crowded living conditions, food and housing insecurity, wealth and educational gaps and racial discrimination, likely contribute to racial and ethnic disparities seen in all ages in COVID-19 infections and mortality. WI
Advice to Combat Domestic Violence By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill
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20 - OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020
Stella Hargrove recalled the first time she talked publicly three years ago about her “secret” relationship during a domestic violence event in Fairmount Heights. Hargrove said ex-husband, an Army sergeant who played basketball with his commanding officer, berate her verbally and even strangled her in fits of rage. The town council member from Fairmount Heights felt relieved when other women said her story influenced them to express their feelings to her on how they also endured physical and mental abuse. Hargrove’s made five public appearances that include testifying last year in Annapolis to persuade Maryland lawmakers to strengthen a strangulation law now categorized as a first degree felony that
5 Stella Hargrove gives emotional remarks Oct. 14 on how she survived physical and emotional abuse from her ex-husband. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)
went into effect this month. A person accused of that crime faces up to 25 years in prison, versus the previous penalty of a maximum of 10 years in prison and crime considered a second degree assault, a
HEALTH Page 38
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HEALTH Whitman Walker Prepares for Launch of Virtual 5K Walk and Run By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer Even though the Corona pandemic has forced the Whitman Walker Clinic to stage its 34th annual Walk & 5k Run to End HIV virtually this Saturday the mission of one of the city’s beloved institutions is strong as ever. Instead of mass movement of joggers and walkers following a course through the District, participants can make their own schedule and route to walk or run between now and Dec. 31. “The Walk is imperative to helping Whitman-Walker deliver affordable and dignifying HIV care, prevention and wellness services,” said Naseem Shari, , CEO of Whitman-Walker Health. “We are grateful for the support we’ve received from the entire community for decades and hope they will continue to support us again this year” “We will not compromise care,” said Dr. Colleen Lane, Medical Site Director at Max Robinson
Center in Southeast. She said in the early weeks of the pandemic her staff made a quick “pivot,” to telemedicine and procuring the necessary supplies to keep things a range of services going and the rate of COVID-19 cases is slightly above the average in the District. Ramatoulaye Keita, senior manager of Community Health at Whitman-Walker Health, said “Covid-19 didn’t stop us from getting to our folks,” and Kevin Jordan Contreras, PrEP Navigator at Whitman-Walker Health, said that even though they had to deal with social distancing and wearing mask,” it is our patients that give us strength. It’s our motivation.” Elcid Johnson, 26, Youth Ambassador at Whitman-Walker Youth Services, has worked at Whitman Walker since he was 14. Johnson, who works with young people between 13 and 24, said the crises of 2020 has not stopped people from caring for the most needy. “Adolescents want to know that people care and we try to see people in person as much as possible, ” said
5 (Courtesy photo/Whitman-Walker)
Johnson adding that while like other young people he has dealt with his share of bullying he learned from mentors that, ”There comes a time when you have to speak up.” Derrick “Strawberry” Cox, an artist and Board member at Whitman-Walker, said whether it is
dealing with COVID-19 or keeping his HIV positive status manageable he said the main challenge he sees is attitude. ”I need people to understand that your health comes first, ” Cox said. ”The issue I have with my black friends and my black friends
is why does someone have to die before we take things seriously. Why don’t we feel the need ahead of time.” Cox said he is strong supporter of the 5k event because, it is about awareness and ”living your life authentically.” WI
We need you now more than ever! This year we walk virtually, but we must keep going to end HIV! For over 40 years, Whitman-Walker has made dignifying, head-to-toe primary care, HIV care & prevention, and community wellness our mission. Today, we also serve as a first responder in the COVID-19 pandemic. Your donation will help us continue to make an impact. On October 24th, join us to walk or run proudly to end HIV, ensure equality, fight racism, love openly and save lives.
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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020 21
EDUCATION Community Activists, Ousted DCPS Leaders Seek Answers Behind Trogisch’s Firing By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins An announcement on Oct. 7 that Richard Trogisch would no longer serve as principal of School Without Walls [SWW] and School Without Walls at Francis-Stevens incited parent-led protests and the filing of a Freedom of Information Act [FOIA] request. It also compelled some D.C. council members to demand answers from DC Public Schools (DCPS) about the circumstances.
Given Trogisch’s recent criticism of DCPS’ phased reopening plan, and what some have long described as his penchant for speaking his mind, many of his supporters have framed his departure as retaliation for questioning DCPS leadership’s decision to reopen elementary schools next month. Earlier this year, Ward 8 teachers, students and parents similarly coalesced around Dr. Carolyn Jackson-King and Johann Lee when DCPS didn’t renew the maverick principals’ contracts at Boone Elementary School and Kimball Elemen-
tary School, respectively. In the months before DCPS severed its relationship with Jackson-King, she counted among those who rejected aspects of the Relay instructional model that had been criticized as detrimental to Black students. In speaking about Trogisch’s situation, Jackson-King told The Informer that DCPS leadership benefited from removing Trogisch amid tenuous conversations about the condition of school buildings and HVAC systems during the pandemic. “If people said Principal Trogisch confronted [DCPS leadership] about the reopening, trust me he did,” she said. “He has never been one in any meeting to hold his tongue. That’s my personal experience with him on the chancellor’s cabinet,” said Jackson-King, who maintained the helm at Boone Elementary for five years. In March, shortly after the District entered a public health state of emergency, Jackson-King received a letter saying DCPS would not renew her contract for the fall. Shortly after, she filed an appeal, the results of which she said she didn’t receive until May when DCPS leadership reiterated its decision. Since the launch of a campaign to get her rehired, a Boone Elementary employee has filed a whistleblower
complaint alleging an unethical relationship between the Relay Graduate School of Education and the District’s education leadership. Jackson-King said her apprehensions about Relay, much like Trogisch’s criticizing the condition of the SWW Francis-Stevens campus, centered on students’ wellbeing, both of which often caused clashes with the DCPS central office. “The principals in DCPS rarely challenge any directive aloud,” Jackson-King continued. “I’ve had sidebar conversations [about Relay] with a lot of them and I know that Principal Lee at Kimball spoke out against Relay. That was both of our downfalls.”
SWW COMMUNITY ORGANIZES AROUND TROGISCH
On Nov. 9, when 21,000 DCPS elementary school students return to in-person learning, Instructional Superintendent Shawn Stover will serve as interim principal of SWW Francis-Stevens – a school that District activists allege remains ill-equipped to prevent the spread of COVID-19. During a showcase of medical-grade HVAC units at Barnard Elementary
You’re Invited! Open House Event
5 Richard Trogisch (Courtesy photo)
School in Northwest, Ferebee said he and the Washington Teachers’ Union have been in discussions about the phased reopening plan, emphasizing the necessity of the safety of teachers and students. Though those talks, particularly around including the WTU’s safety checklist have been contentious, Ferebee asserted that both parties will soon reach a solution. In regards to the personnel change at SWW and SWW Francis-Stevens, DCPS cited Trogisch’s involvement in a school lottery violation. Some of
PRINCIPAL Page 44
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DCPS Reveals HVAC Enhancements Amid Contentious Discussions By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins In the days and weeks leading up to the phased reopening of the District’s public elementary schools, DC Public Schools (DCPS) officials have told students, parents, and teachers that they’re taking the steps necessary to ensure that school buildings meet the standards outlined on a checklist revealed earlier this month. One tenet of DCPS’ school building readiness checklist specifically focuses on HVAC system enhancements, a topic of significance for those whose fears about students and teachers contracting COVID-19 stem from what’s been described as ill-functioning windows and central air units in some District schools. District officials recently purchased thousands of mobile, triple-layered medical-grade HVAC units, 600 of which have already arrived, much to the benefit of students returning to schools with a nonexistent or partial central air infrastructure. During a showcase of the medical-grade HVAC units, Ferebee expressed confidence that school buildings will be ready by Novem-
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ber 9, the first day of Term 2. Part of meeting that goal, he and other officials said, included making sure HVAC units meet federal health and safety standards, and facilitating inspection of school buildings. “Our expectation is that every item on our school building readiness checklist is completed and inspected before a building opens,” Ferebee told The Informer on Friday before explaining a process through which school buildings receive upgrades, COVID-19 notwithstanding. “We evaluate [school buildings] annually to ensure they’re up to
HVAC Page 29
Neurologist to Discuss How Blood Pressure, Structural Racism and Daily Habits Impact Stroke Risk It can happen to anyone, at any age and about one-in-four people worldwide will have one in their lifetime. The good news? Eighty percent of first strokes may be prevented. Stroke prevention is especially important now as much of what puts you at risk for a stroke, uncontrolled high blood pressure, smoking or obesity, increases your risk for complications
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due to COVID-19. High blood pressure is the leading preventable cause of stroke and up to 40 percent of Black adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure. American Stroke Association volunteer expert, Dr. Carolyn Brockington, will discuss steps with the media and others to prevent a stroke and the disproportionate impact of high blood
13. PUBLICATION TITLE: The Washington Informer; 14. ISSUE DATE FOR CIRCULATION BELOW: October 1, 2020, 15. EXTENT AND NATURE OF CIRCULATION: (a). Total Number of Copies: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 10,140; No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 10,140. 10,000/10,140
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g. Copies not Distributed: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 1747; No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 1593. h. Total (Sum of 15g. And 15h.): Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 10,140; No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 10,00. 10,140/10,000 I. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 53%/53%
I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print) are legitimate requests or paid copies.
17. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required will be printed in the October 10, 2020 edition Denise Rolark-Barnes October 1, 2020
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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020 23
NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
REGISTER NOW, RUN IN NOVEMBER! Get your “buds” in gear and join the National Cherry Blossom Festival for the inaugural Spirit of Spring 5K virtual run/walk. Race registrants receive a limited edition 2020 Festival T-shirt and a collectible 2020 commemorative pin, plus adorable doggie bandanas are available (while supplies last) for furry four legged family members. Proceeds from the Spirit of Spring 5K enable 2021 Festival programming and benefit the Cherry Tree Endowment, which provides funds that support the care and maintenance of the cherry trees on the National Mall. The Spirit of Spring virtual 5K can be completed by running or walking a 5K distance anytime and anywhere between November 6 - November 15.
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS
EDITORIAL
The Vote Between Trump, Biden and the Couch Bakari Sellers, a lawyer, author, and political pundit told viewers of the Word In Black Vote for A Purpose event on Tuesday that the General Election on Nov. 3 will be a defining moment determined by Americans who will make one of three choices. He said voters will either decide to reelect President Donald Trump, vote to replace him with Democratic nominee and former Vice President Joe Biden, or choose neither and instead elect to sink deeper into the living room couch. The comment didn’t muster a smile, let alone a laugh by the panelists of the hour-long Facebook Live broadcast because Sellers was speaking the truth. Despite the massive Get Out the Vote movement aimed at motivating everyone to vote in the Nov. 3 General Election, many will opt-out, deciding instead to sit on the couch and pretend their decision won’t have an impact on the outcome of this election. Leigh Chapman, voting rights director at the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, told viewers that to date, 35 million people have voted across the U.S., compared to one million Americans who had voted by this time four years ago. The numbers prove that even the most enthusiastic couch potatoes are too uncomfortable with the status quo and are deciding not to wait but to vote in the most crucial and historic election in recent U.S. history. Efforts to encourage every segment of the U.S. population are proving successful as those going to the polls also include younger voters that many worried about whether they would be active participants in this year’s election. Their participation is evidence of the strength of the Black Lives Matter movement and the campaign that launched the March for Our Lives movement to end gun violence. Each inspired a generation of young leaders to vote and become the changemakers they are seeking by running for elected office, as well. The outcome of the presidential race will not be measured by the numbers of mask-less supporters gathered closely together at rallies while waving flags and banners. Instead, it is the historic numbers of those who want to be counted while standing in the long voting lines, sometimes for hours, to ensure their voices are heard. When it’s all said and done, then they can return to their couch and smile, knowing their vote made a difference. Get off of your couch and vote! WI
As a Third COVID-19 Surge Takes Root, Americans Deserve the Truth A third surge of coronavirus infections has already firmly taken hold across much of the U.S. with the pandemic’s death toll recently reaching 300,000 deaths. And despite the rosy picture painted by Donald Trump and others who refuse to acknowledge the advice and warnings of the scientific community and medical experts, things are going to get worse. In some places, they already have. As the cooler weather pushes more people to stay indoors where the virus spreads easier, infection rates and deaths will inevitably rise. Here in the District, 50 new cases were reported on Oct.19, bringing the overall positive case total to 16,445 with 642 D.C. residents having lost their lives due to COVID-19. Nationwide, cases are decreasing in just three states and the District according to the John Hopkins University’s coronavirus resource center with cases level in Maryland and 14 other states. In comparison, Virginia counts among those states reporting a rise in positive cases, up 900 since Oct. 17 for a total of 166,138 and 3,433 COVID-19-linked death, also since Oct.17. Over the past week in the U.S., there have been 421,114 new cases, confirming that the long-predicted fall wave of the virus is well underway. States in the Midwest and Rocky Mountains are struggling to control major outbreaks and many hospitals are almost full. Taking a look at the situation worldwide, things look even worse. In the past week, seven countries – Argentina, Brazil, Britain, France, India, Russia and the U.S. – have reported at least 100,000 new cases of the coronavirus, helping to push total cases worldwide to more than 40.7 million, according to a New York Times database. The numbers are even higher than they were during the height of the pandemic in the spring when most countries initiated lock downs, stopped movement and limited interpersonal contact. And while some countries have employed more medically-supported strate-
Remembering the Day of Atonement I can’t believe it’s been 25 years since the Million Man March. I remember the first one in 1995, the anniversary in 2015 and now here we are again. My, how time flies. I hold Minister Louis Farrakhan in the highest regard for his boldness, bravery and leadership to mobilize a million Black men on the National Mall before the internet and social media. One of one.
TO THE EDITOR Happy Anniversary! Happy 56th anniversary to The Washington Informer! A true gem in our community. As a proud reader for many years, I am looking forward to the big 6-0! And onwards! Cheers to Black women-owned businesses! Let’s keep it going. Sheryl V. Tankard Washington, D.C.
James Pettiford Washington, D.C. gies including increased testing and trace contact policies, the numbers continue to escalate. Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Minnesota, recently offered an ominous warning: With infections rising and compliance eroding, he said, “the next six to 12 weeks are going to be the darkest of the entire pandemic.” This is the reality we face. This is the truth. As for the numbers that continue to rise each day in almost every state and territory in the U.S., it’s important to remember that every number represents a life that has been lost or impacted in ways that may remain with those infected for
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the rest of their lives. Coronavirus has become the third leading cause of death in the U.S. after heart disease and cancer – bolting to its ominous position in short order – since February 2020 when the U.S. reported its first death from COVID-19. The time has long past for America’s leaders to feed the public with more lies, denials, unrealistic predictions and unfounded, empty promises of a swift return to the “good old days.” We are in a fight for our lives and our nation’s future. We need leaders who realize this undeniable truth and have a universal plan that makes scientifically-based good sense. WI
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
By Julianne Malveaux
Black Girl Magic and the 2020 Election
For the sixth year in a row, Essence magazine and the Black Women’s Roundtable have surveyed Black women about the issues that concern them most. Melanie Campbell, convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable and president and CEO of the National Coalition for Black Civic Participation, summarizes the top concerns: “survival, safe-
ty and stability.” Black women are concerned about the rise in hate crimes and the persistence of structural racism. In light of the public lynching of George Floyd and the racist rhetoric of the incumbent president, these concerns are unsurprising. According to the Essence poll, 90% of Black women support the Biden-Harris ticket, and 80% give the incumbent president failing grades. Black women aren’t only concerned; they are also active and activist. It is heartening to see
Guest Columnist
Black women raising their voices in many arenas, not only at the top of the ticket but also with support for Biden and Harris and further down the ballot with state and local races. For example, Yvonne Lewis Holley is running for lieutenant governor of North Carolina. Nobody asked her to run, she said — she just stepped up. She is relying on Black folk all over the country to help her clear this hurdle — imagine a Black woman as second-in-command in a southern state! Some of her sup-
port is coming from the Divine Nine — the African-American Greek-letter organizations. While all of the organizations are nonprofit and nonpolitical individual members can be supportive, and the members of her sorority (and mine) have her back. Political veterans such as Reps. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) and Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) face well-financed challengers. They need Black girl magic to counter opponents who have been emboldened by 45’s racist rhetoric
to attack these women. It would be one thing if these challengers had records of community service and involvement, but they are Republican props who have been encouraged to challenges these mighty women. The effort, of course, is to mute these strong community advocates and to marginalize Black women. Black girl magic isn’t having it. So it is exciting to see Black women raising money to sup-
MALVEAUX Page 45
By Marc H. Morial
Barrett Supreme Court Nomination Marks Point of No Return For Federal Courts
“The Supreme Court doesn’t have an army, and it has no power of the purse. Its power comes from the fact that the public accepts its decisions, even when it disagrees with them. The Supreme Court has of course always been a political institution, but if it’s going to retain its public legitimacy it can’t be seen as simply another wing of partisan politics. Supreme Court nominations
have become far too politicized, but packing the Supreme Court weeks before a presidential election is different in kind. It’s not simply another stress test for our institutions — there’s a real risk it will break them. That is genuinely scary — not just for the Supreme Court, but for the basic functioning of our country and the rule of law.” — Alice Bannon, managing director, Brennan Center’s Democracy Program. The Trump administration and Senate leadership have spent the past
Guest Columnist
four years cramming the Supreme Court and lower federal courts with ideologues intent on eradicating hard-fought civil rights and constitutional gains of the past few decades. They’ve made no effort to respect the racial and gender diversity of our nation. Nearly 90% of his nominees to lifetime judicial appointments have been white and 76% of them are men — a reversal of a 30-year trend toward more diversity on the federal bench and an erosion of judicial legitimacy that is unprecedented
in recent American history. The confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court will mark the point of no return for the independence of the federal judiciary. While Judge Barrett may qualify by training and experience, she was nominated by the president because she passed a litmus test for judges likely to severely limit or overturn the Affordable Care Act, civil rights and voting rights, and women’s reproductive freedoms enshrined in
Roe v. Wade and successor cases. Among the first cases a new justice will face involves a demand by the Trump Justice Department to repeal the ACA in its entirety, along with election challenges that could determine whether the president who appointed her is reelected. Trump has said the quiet part out loud. He makes no secret of the fact that he expects the court to decide these election lawsuits in his favor
ed judges have let Republicans get away with it. On top of all that, Republicans are trying to force another Trump justice onto the Supreme Court just in time for the court’s conservatives to hear a case in which they could further erode the Voting Rights Act — and undermine Black Americans’ right to be free from racial discrimination in voting. That justice could also be the nail in the coffin for the Affordable Care Act, which has helped millions of Americans
get access to health care. Even more recently, a couple of far-right activists have just been charged with voter intimidation felonies by Michigan’s attorney general after they sent robocalls to voters in Detroit falsely claiming that voting by mail will somehow make people vulnerable to tracking by police and debt collectors. Attacks on the Black vote have a long history. In the early 1980s, the Republican Party was sued for
MORIAL Page 45
By Ben Jealous
It’s Up to Us to Defend the Black Vote
Just weeks before Election Day, with millions of people voting already, the Black vote is being attacked from every angle. After the Supreme Court’s conservatives gutted important parts of the Voting Rights Act a few years ago, many states controlled by right-wing Republicans went wild imposing restrictions on voter registration and voting.
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This year, they’re completely out of control. Massively funded right-wing extremists are using threats and lawsuits against state and local officials to force purges of lists of eligible voters. The Trump campaign is trying to enlist an “army” of poll watchers to intimidate voters. With millions more Americans expected to vote by mail, Trump’s man in charge at the postal service has imposed new work rules that caused chaos and disrupted deliveries.
And those are just a few of the examples of voter suppression efforts around the country. The Republican legislature and governor in Florida overrode millions of voters who passed a constitutional amendment to return the right to vote to people with criminal convictions once they completed their sentences; Republicans added a requirement that returning voters pay all related fines and fees before voting. That’s an unconstitutional poll tax, but courts filled with Trump-nominat-
JEALOUS Page 45
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
By Charlene Crowell
Civil Rights Groups Oppose Fast-Tracked Supreme Court Nominee
One of the most consequential decisions that presidents make is lifetime federal judicial appointments at every level — circuit, appellate and the U.S. Supreme Court. The independent federal judiciary is charged with ensuring that the nation’s courts are fair to all people. Even the phrase “equal justice under law” is carved in the stone façade of the Supreme Court building.
A recent American Bar Association blog entry states, “For the nation to continue to have trust in the integrity and independence of the federal judiciary, the process that places judges on the bench must be viewed as fair, unhurried and unbiased.” But for Black America and other communities of color, throughout our history and continuing even today, “justice” is often far from fair or unbiased. In recent years, the Supreme Court has declared that corporations should be treated like people, and that voting
rights no longer need to be protected. In November, the high court is scheduled to revisit the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Other issues that may reach the Supreme Court could include whether federal agencies can preempt state laws protecting consumers from bad actors in the student loan servicer arena, and in payday, auto-title, and high-cost installment loans. Even the nation’s half-century-old Fair Housing Act could be revisited due to the Trump Administration’s rollback of an Obama-
Guest Columnist
era fair-housing rule known as disparate impact. If allowed to stand, the burden of proving discrimination will be shifted to consumers instead of powerful corporations and others alleged to have violated the law. “Over the next several years, the Supreme Court will make important and lasting decisions that affect every facet of our lives, including income inequality, the racial wealth gap, access to health care – including reproductive rights – and many other issues,” states a new CRL policy brief.
For these reasons and others, the passing of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg created a significant moment for the future of the court. As the second woman to ever serve as a Supreme Court justice, the fondly-recalled “Notorious RBG” broke gender barriers throughout her legal career, forging freedom and access for many who were historically marginalized. And the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to fill that vacancy has
an, I had believed that case was settled law. She certainly was willing to give her opinion on a felon’s right to own a firearm! She appeared to be a very intelligent woman until it got to her defense of farright issues. There, she ran into a stone wall. It was obvious she had no shame about pleasing Trump and the far right. As a woman, I really wanted to be proud of her, but she left me no choice but to hope that Mr. Biden will level the playing field should he win the presidency by expanding the court! Otherwise, for years to come, we can just give up the rights of women,
workers, immigrants, the LGBTQ community, Black, Hispanic and Native people. If this week didn’t give all of us a reason to vote, we can just forget what happens on Nov. 3 and forget what happens in our lives for years to come. All of these people asking these cutesy questions that sound like they think Trump may be a better choice of a leader than Joe Biden will be getting just what they deserve if their vote — or their refusal to vote — allows this election to be stolen for the most undeserving person the country has known in my lifetime! WI
CROWELL Page 46
By E. Faye Williams
What a Week!
We’ve seen a lot of interesting times in the past four years, but each one seems to try to outdo the other. First, Donald Trump decided to defy the Commission on Presidential Debates, which ruled amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic (and the fact that Trump was diagnosed and hospitalized with this highly contagious virus) that the second debate should be held virtually. After his performance in the first debate with his
Democratic opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden, was a total disaster, he wanted a face-to-face repeat. I assume he thought he had a better chance of wiping the first debate off the map. This time, he couldn’t pass an executive order to have his way! We wound up with competing town hall meetings. That didn’t work out too well for Trump, either. The moderator, Savannah Guthrie, was prepared for him and never allowed him to spread unchallenged information. When he said 85% of the people who wear masks actually contract the virus, she called him out, and that wasn’t the end of her corrections.
As for Joe Biden, he was very clear during his town hall event that the American people deserve to be heard, specifically regarding the Supreme Court selection process, which brings us to the second big event of the week. I listened carefully as the Trump nominee for the high court, Amy Coney Barrett, responded to various questions during confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill. As one who is very concerned about the voting process now underway, I could not believe my ears when she said she could not conclude that voter intimidation was illegal! She could not give an opinion on Roe v. Wade. As a lawyer and as a wom-
Askia-At-Large
By Askia Muhammad
The Million Man March & Me
Now that the 25th anniversary of the Million Man March is firmly in our collective rearview mirrors, let me reflect nostalgically about that great day, which was more than a year in the making for me. It all began at a speech given by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan to an overflow crowd at New York’s Madison Square Garden in late 1993.
At the conclusion of his address, the minister made an unusual appeal. It was to the women present, which included Dr. Betty Shabazz, the widow of Brother Malcolm X. The minister asked the women for “permission” to hold a series of rallies around the country, just for the brothers. His Men’s Only rallies would call Black men to account, to stand up and be the men Almighty God (Allah) intended us to be. To take responsibility for our duties as fathers, husbands and brothers. Minister Farrakhan went on to Bos-
ton, and at one of his speeches he said, that Allah put it on his heart to call for a march, a march of 1 million Black men in Washington in 1995 to repent and to atone. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land,” the Minister quoted 2 Chronicles, the seventh chapter and 14th verse. He repeated that verse often in speeches to packed audi-
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ences to men only, all over the country in the lead up to the march, which was set to take place, not on a weekend, but on a Monday, Oct. 16, 1995. As thrilled as I often become when I listen to the Minister speak, it was at his men’s only address at the D.C. Armory, when I first recognized that the March was going to be really, really big! After the lecture, charity was being collected, and the big donations were being acknowledged. “Thanks to the men from Andrews Air Force Base for a donation of $1,000,” the
announcer said. Say what?! I was shocked. You see Andrews (now officially Joint Base Andrews) is the super-secure military installation where the U.S. President’s plane and the official fleet of U.S. diplomatic aircraft is maintained. A delegation of men—all of whom carried the very highest security clearances just to be stationed there—a group of men assigned to that most elite military base in the country, were proud to make a sizeable
ASKIA Page 46 OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020 27
LIFESTYLE HU Journalism Students to Benefit from $2.5 Million Donation By Kaylan Ware Howard University News Service On Sept. 24, Howard University announced that philanthropist Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies, would be donating $2.5 million to the Cathy Hughes School of Communications’ (CHSOC) journalism students. The $2.5 million is to be divided into The Craig Newmark Journalism Endowed Opportunity Scholarship Program and The Craig Newmark Journalism
28 - OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020
Endowed Student Experience Fund to support different areas of need. The scholarship program will provide $1.5 million and target junior and senior students with financial need, while the experience fund will support career development and advancement opportunities. In a statement from Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick, Craig Newmark said, “[he] selected Howard and CHSOC for our history of exceptional work instilling values into the next generation of diverse journalists.” Newmark said that the dona-
tion was made to strengthen journalism today. “I want to stand up for trustworthy journalism, and I want to stand against deceptive and fake news,” Newmark said in a statement. Newmark has donated to journalism schools and entities in the past including the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism (which has been renamed after Newmark), Columbia University, Consumer Reports, Poynter News and NPR. “With disinformation flowing through social media platforms and the news, it’s critical to modernize journalism ethics so that the industry keeps pace with the ever-changing digital landscape,” Newmark said in a 2019 statement. His generous donation will contribute to CHOSC’s efforts to keep up with the fast-growing world of journalism. “In order for the School of Communications to maintain a competitive advantage in the media industry, it is essential to continue to encourage innovation,” CHSOC Student Council President Nia Rutherford said. “I think this donation will provide the necessary tools in order to see that this department remains competitive.” Rutherford plans to advocate for new equipment for journalism
5 Philanthropist Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies, is donating $2.5 million to the Cathy Hughes School of Communications' journalism students. (Photo by Wikicommons)
students as well as financial support for students who may need assistance in light of the pandemic. “I’ve seen so many donations given to the university, but this is the first one dedicated to the
School of Communications since I have been elected,” she said. “It is very inspiring, and I am so excited to have this benefit the journalism department.” Similarly, president Frederick anticipates the affect this donation will have on Howard’s journalism students. “This gift will have a profound impact on our students, preparing them to become successful journalists who will give voice to all communities across our country,” Frederick said in the statement. “The nation is in desperate need for media professionals who are trained to seek out truth with integrity now more than ever.” “Fifty years after the 1968 Kerner Commission report, our relevancy is heightened by the tenor of our times,” dean of CHSOC Gracie Lawson-Borders said in a statement. “It is essential that our school continues to prepare students journalists to provide context and give voice to all communities across this country. In the School of C, our award-winning faculty work to train and prepare successful journalists for the application of our craft,” she said. WI
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Kobe Bryant’s Jersey on Display at National Museum of African American History and Culture WI Report The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture [NMAAHC] continues to displays basketball icon Kobe Bryant’s basketball jersey in the “Sports: Leveling the Playing Field” gallery, which began Oct. 15. Bryant wore this important piece of basketball history during Game Five of the 2008 NBA
HVAC from Page 23 code,” Ferebee said. “We’re working to ensure that our Capital Improvement Plan is budgeted for any enhancement needed to completely upgrade and replace systems, and that’s done in partnership with the Department of General Services,” he added. In recent weeks, proper air circulation and enhancements to water systems counted among the more prominent topics of discussion during the debate about how to safely reopen schools. Shortly before a change in School Without Walls and SWW Francis-Stevens leadership, then-Principal Richard Trogisch criticized DCPS’ move as detrimental to students returning to the aging elementary school for which he’s long attempted to secure upgrades. The Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) has also been vocal about their apprehension toward aspects of DCPS’ phased reopening plan. Some teachers told The Informer that the central office might be unable to meet staffing needs if teachers aren’t confident about the fulfillment of safety protocols on elementary school campuses across the District. In the days following Ferebee’s October 5 announcement, those familiar with the process said the move to reopen disregarded ongoing discussions between the central office and the WTU about how to do so safely. WTU leadership would later recall DCPS officials escorting them and representatives of the DC Nurses Association and Council of School Officers off school grounds in the middle of a site visit. On Friday, Ferebee told report-
Finals, the year he won the league’s MVP award. Bryant’s jersey remains on view next to a pair of LeBron James 15 “Equality” sneakers by Nike. As a five-time NBA champion, Bryant earned the NBA MVP in 2008 and NBA Finals MVP awards in 2009 and 2010 with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he spent his entire NBA career. Bryant was also part of the U.S. men’s Olympic basketball
team that won gold medals in 2008 and 2012. The basketball icon’s life was tragically cut short in a helicopter crash Jan. 26, 2020. The display text accompanying the Bryant jersey reads: “In 1996, Kobe Bryant became the first guard to successfully make the leap from high school to the National Basketball Association. At the time, experts were skeptical that high school wing play-
ers, just hours before a scheduled meeting with WTU, that he anticipated reaching a resolution. He also expressed assurance that both parties held increasingly similar perspectives on whether to return, and the conditions under which students and teachers do so. Other items on DCPS’ school building readiness checklist involve access to personal protective equipment, the development of cleaning procedures, a socially distant arrangement in shared spaces, and the tackling of plumbing needs in conjunction with the Department of General Services. In September, WTU released a checklist touching on similar points, along with the proper staffing of nurses in school buildings and a preparedness plan in case students contract COVID-19 while on campus. Whether all of that has, or could be, done before November 9 has been a point of contention between WTU and DCPS. WTU President Elizabeth Davis said DCPS hasn’t quelled concerns about upgrades to facilities, installation of signage, and actualization of other safety measures. Other points of concern include whether Local School Advisory Teams would be able to make the final determination of a school building’s readiness, the manner in which DCPS would notify the DC Department of Health and families about COVID cases, and protocols for shutting down a school. “ DCPS officials have repeatedly stated that air systems will be inspected and updated and that repairs to improve ventilation will be conducted. To date, DCPS has failed to release information on the findings of their analysis
and no details on repairs to air systems,” Davis said. “The WTU has seen no evidence that work in our schools buildings has been done to ensure restrooms are fully operational, that hand sanitizing stations have been installed, or that signage reminding individuals to maintain social distancing is in place.” WI
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LIFESTYLE
ers could compete in the NBA. His success ushered in the modern era of younger players in the league.” “Kobe’s contributions on and off the court are remarkable,” said Spencer Crew, interim director, NMAAHC. “As a founding donor, he understood the significance of this museum to the nation and the world. After postponing the March installation due to COVID-19, we believe now is the perfect moment in history to honor his memory by placing his jersey on view.” For those who cannot visit the museum in person, Bryant’s jersey and more information about his career can be viewed online at https://nmaahc. si.edu/. Free timed-entry passes are required to access the museum and are available on the museum’s website. NMAAHC is open Wednesdays through Sundays 11 a.m.–4 p.m. To protect visitors’ and staff’s health, the museum limits the number of passes to 1,100 per day. During this time, the museum will not accommodate any walk-up visitors. WI
5 (Courtesy photo)
OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020 29
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30 - OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020
Annual Day of the Dead Concert to go Virtual, Feature Brahms’ Requiem WI Report
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New Orchestra of Washington to Honor Lives Lost to COVID-19 The New Orchestra of Washington [NOW] and Choral Arts will celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in a joint presentation featuring Brahms’s Ein deutsches Requiem. The concert, which will be livestreamed on Sat., Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m., will honor and commemorate the lives of those around the world who have lost their battle with COVID-19. Portions of the concert will be performed and recorded from the Music Center at Strathmore where strict COVID-19 safety precautions are practiced including extreme social distancing, special air circulation technology, temperature checks and shields for wind players. These live performances will be woven together with previously-recorded performances and photos from 2019’s concert of the same piece. Solos by Laura Choi Stuart (Soprano) and Brian Mextorf (Baritone) will be included from 2019’s performance which took place at the Mexican Cultural Institute, as well as a solo by Trevor Scheunemann (Baritone) recorded at Strathmore early this month. As they journey together, they will build a virtual ofrenda to honor the lives of over 1 million world citizens who were lost in the pandemic and to acknowledge the pain of those who remain. NOW Artistic Director Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez describes
STROKE RISK from Page 23 pressure and stroke on Black people. During her remarks, Dr. Brockington will answer questions which include: What do you need to know about strokes? What puts someone at higher risk of a stroke? Why are African Americans disproportionately affected? What can you do to reduce death and disability from stroke this World Stroke Day? Earlier this month, on Oct. 17, World Hypertension Day was observed by the American Heart Association who gave its support to the U.S. Surgeon General’s call to action to im-
5 Members of The New Orchestra of Washington. (Courtesy photo)
Brahms’s Requiem as a universal, human requiem apt for the current state of the world and the holiday for which it will be performed. Día De Los Muertos is a beloved Mexican holiday where family and friends gather to pray, remember and support the spiritual journey of those who have died. Each year during this time, the Mexican Cultural Institute creates an elaborate ofrenda – a collection of objects placed on ritual display. Photos of these ofrendas will populate the livestream presentation – creating the perfect backdrop and inspiration for NOW’s annual Día de los Muertos concert.
On Wed., Oct. 21, at 5 p.m., the organizations will host A Spirited Discussion: Requiems and Día de los Muertos, a pre-concert virtual conversation about the history of Día de los Muertos with the Mexican Cultural Institute. Speakers include Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez, Scott Tucker, and Ix-Nic Iruegas, Executive Director of the Mexican Cultural Institute. Complimentary admission is included with ticket purchase. For tickets, visit https://choralarts. org/dia-de-los-muertos. For more information, visit https:// www.neworchestraofwashington.org. WI
prove blood pressure and make Hypertension Control a national priority. The CDC has a suite of partner materials , including social media, graphics and video assets you can use to share this news using their tagline We’ve Got This! and hashtag #HypertensionCTA. Carolyn D. Brockington, MD is the Director of the Stroke Center at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s and Mount Sinai West Hospital in New York City. For many years, there were no therapies available to treat and prevent stroke, but with the publication of a landmark clinical study in 1996, the tide shifted and acute stroke treat-
ment protocols were developed. Dr. Brockington cares for patients in the emergency room, hospital and out-patient. One of her clinical interests is the treatment and prevention of stroke in minority communities. Notably, the incidence of stroke and stroke-related mortality in the African-American and Hispanic communities is twice the rate found in white communities. She gives frequent lectures and provides stroke screenings to church and healthcare programs. For more information, contact the American Heart Association in Arlington, 704-248-1712. WI
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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020 31
LIFESTYLE
New PBS Film Documents ‘Driving While Black’ from 1930s-1960s
History of African Americans on the Road Examined By Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer A ground-breaking, two-hour documentary film has aired on local PBS stations around the nation chronicling the harrowing history and personal experiences of African Americans on the road from the advent of the automobile through the tumultuous 1960s and beyond. The film “Driving While Black: Race, Space and Mobility in America” by historian Dr. Gretchen Sorin and Emmy–winning director Ric Burns explores the deep background of the common colloquialism “driving while Black” that has been a critical part of the African American experience. The stories are told in large part through the accounts of the men, women and children who lived through it. “Driving while Black,” the writer and scholar Herb Boyd says in the film, “entails so much more than the simply driving while Black. It's living while Black. It's sleeping while Black. It’s eating while Black. It’s moving while Black.” “So, when we start talking about the restrictions placed on Black movement in this country, that's a long history. That goes all the way back to day one. And so, you have to get to the root of it.” Based on and inspired in large
SENATE from Page 16 among Black voters regardless of political affiliation, feature showdowns in the nation’s eighth-most populous state, Georgia, and South Carolina, currently led by Republican senators – Tim Scott, an anomaly as an African American who does not face reelection and his colleague, Lindsay Graham, first elected in 2003 and current chair of the powerful Senate Committee on the Judiciary whose future remains far from certain. Opponent Jamie Harrison, who has dominated the incumbent in fundraising by a healthy margin and serves as the son of a Black sin-
32 - OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020
part by Sorin’s recently published study of the way the automobile and highways transformed African American life across the 20th century, the film examines the history of African Americans on the road from the depths of the Depression to the height of the civil rights movement. The right to move freely and safe-
The stories are told in large part through the accounts of the men, women and children who lived through it.
ly across the American landscape has always been unequally distributed by race and powerfully contested in the American experience, says Sorin. She adds this resonant and deeply moving history is at once revelatory, troubling and deeply inspiring for what it uncovers about the long road to justice in American history. “I think this story resonates tremendously with Americans, both Black and white, because everyone understands and remembers drivgle mother who made his way to the top with hard work while earning a reputation as an ideal family man, has found a way to better relate and speak to voters, stands on the precipice of a major upset. Harrison, who has broken all records for fundraising by a Senate candidate, stands locked in a 48 to 48 percent tie with Graham based on a Quinnipiac University poll taken in late September. Both candidates have led in the polls at various times but only by a few points and the race has been predicted to go down to the wire. The Peachtree State of Georgia has two Senate seats up for election, both currently held by
ing or riding in an automobile, and many people have the experience of going on an annual family vacation,” Sorin said. “But while these vacations may be fairly universal American experiences, Black and white travelers went down parallel roads, and the experience for Black drivers on the road is something unknown to most white Americans.” “For African Americans, travel by automobile during the 20th century posed a paradox: although cars freed them from the tyranny of the Jim Crow bus or train, they faced intimidation and even violence when they ventured out on the road.” The film also explores “The Green Book,” the travel guide authored by New York City mailman Victor Hugo Green. From a first edition focused on the Northeast, Green expanded his guide to include much of the country, providing travel tips for African Americans driving, including safe and welcoming places to stop, dine and rest, as well as places to avoid, given the potential for racially motivated violence. “Vacation without aggravation,” the book advised African American families planning a road trip. Historian Craig Wilder says in the film, “For me, the term ‘driving while Black’ isn't just a slogan, it's not just part of our political rheto-
Harrison, who has broken all records for fundraising by a Senate candidate, stands locked in a 48 to 48 percent tie with Graham ...
5 A manual assisting Black drivers. (Photo courtesy of PBS)
ric, it's not just something we say to remind ourselves of the persistence of racism in the United States.” “It's a very personal experience of remembering, in fact, the anxiety, the fear, the concern that my mother and parents across the United States
have as their children mature and as they try to equip them with the information that they need to negotiate our society.” The film can be streamed on all PBS platforms, including PBS. org and the PBS Video App. WI
Republicans. The race between incumbent David Perdue and his Democratic challenger, Jon Ossoff – with no clear leader – could require a runoff if neither candidate garners 50 percent of the vote next month. But in the second race, a special election with an open primary, several candidates have a good chance at victory including two Republicans, incumbent Sen. Kelly Loeffler and Rep. Doug Collins, and the Rev. Raphael Warnock – the current leader in the polls among Democrats who has mustered an impressive campaign as a political novice and bears a storied history as the longtime pastor of Ebenezer
Baptist Church in Atlanta. The church has an historic legacy with its pulpit once held by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The race has been called a tossup, leaning in favor of the GOP according to the highly-respected, nonpartisan Cook Political Report in its latest poll on Oct. 7. However, if no candidate can garner 50 percent of the vote, the top two vote getters will face one another in a runoff – even if they’re from the same party. But with either one or both seats potentially going into a runoff, the outcome of the Senate could remain unknown for
SENATE Page 37
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Hip-Hop Mogul Launches ‘Our Black Party’
LIFESTYLE
Diddy Combs Seeks ‘an America Where Black People Are Liberated’
By Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer Democrats and Republicans aren’t enough to serve the interests of Black Americans, according to entertainment mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. It’s time for “Our Black Party,” he said Oct. 16, to advance a political agenda that addresses the needs of Black people. “I’m launching one of the boldest things I’ve ever launched. I’m launching a Black political party with some young Black elected officials and activists,” Diddy tweeted. “It’s called @OurBlackParty, it doesn’t matter if you are Republican or Democrat.” “We envision an America where Black people are liberated and participate freely in the political, economic, and social systems that work together for our benefit,” OurBlackParty.org. announced in a website that features a list of its leaders, values and agenda with a button for donors to click to make a contribution. Diddy said via Twitter that the number one priority for the party is to unseat President Donald Trump. “HE HAS TO GO. We can’t allow this man to continue to try and DIVIDE US. The people that have the most responsibility and should be SCARED TO DEATH of this man are white people. WE ARE ON THE VERGE OF A RACE WAR,” he tweeted Oct. 16. Diddy is also skeptical about Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden who he endorses. But electing him is not enough. “We need to…hold him accountable,” he said of the man who served as vice president for eight years under President Barack Obama. “It would be irresponsible of me to have us hold our vote hostage,” he tweeted. “But it would also be irresponsible of me to let this moment go by and not make sure going forward we are doing what it takes to own our politics.” He added, in interviews, that the party will “power the Black political agenda by developing a coalition of people and organizations committed to building Black political power and fiercely advocating for radical change that dra-
Your local marketing experts with UNLIMITED REACH. (Photo courtesy of Revolt)
matically improves the quality of life for Black people in America.” Diddy’s political initiative less than a month before the election has drawn both applause and skepticism. “Why are these entertainers speaking out at the eleventh hour?” asked Annette Keesee. “Some things needs to wait until after the election because there are a lot of impressionable voters, especially younger individuals.” Keesee believes mixed messages from different prominent figures in the Black community like Kanye West, Ice Cube and Diddy
could confuse voters, leading to an unfavorable outcome. Don Owens agrees. “Maybe we should listen less to Diddy and Cube and more to the folks who have already been doing the work, like the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.” Danita Bailey adds, “Diddy has not done anything for the past four years, but now, right before the election, he wants to mobilize?” Election Day is Nov. 3. WI
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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020 33
LIFESTYLE
Black Woman Launches Collegiate Esports & Gaming Company
GameStop, Intel and Nacon Gaming Agree to Support By Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer A Black woman says she is poised to change the gaming industry after entering the male-dominated space of owning a collegiate esports and gaming company. Atlanta-based entrepreneur Keshia Walker has launched the “Black Collegiate Gaming Association” [BCGA] aimed at making Black college students more than consumers and competitors, but creators and career professionals in the industry. Walker says the company will partner with leading historically black colleges and universities [HBCUs] to offer a 360-degree approach to learning and gaining access to the burgeoning technology industry. “Gaming is a $159 billion industry and 73 percent of African Amer-
34 - OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020
icans ages 13 years or older identify themselves as gamers. Yet, only three percent of those working in the gaming industry are Black and a mere one percent are professional gamers. Those numbers just don't add up,” Walker, founder and chairman, of BCGA said. “There is a huge opportunity to diversify the gaming industry to be more reflective of its customer base while exposing young people to promising career opportunities. BCGA is here to open doors and literally change the game of gaming.” Walker says BCGA has already secured 16 HBCUs as charter members, including Jackson State University, North Carolina A&T, Texas Southern University and her own alma mater, Florida A&M University. BCGA's programming will incor-
porate virtual and on-campus curriculums; intercollegiate video gaming competitions; internships and post-graduation job opportunities; team building and leadership training; professional development and networking events; scholarships and mentorships; and on-campus esports and gaming labs. Participating schools can also build competitive esports teams to challenge each other in tournaments for scholarships, cash and other prizes. In addition, Intel, GameStop, Nacon Gaming, and Hitmarker have all signed on as corporate partners. Walker says this is just the beginning of how she plans to leverage BCGA to diversify both the pro-competitive gaming world and the industry in general. BCGA will launch its programming next month with “Military
Play,” an online, three-day esports and gaming virtual tournament. Players will compete in Madden 21, Rocket League and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. The Veterans Day weekend competition will honor all those who serve and have served in the military. Winners will receive cash and prizes. Further, BCGA says it will make history this spring by hosting the first ever multi-city “Black College Con” and “Women Got Game” summits. Black College Con is scheduled to kick off in Atlanta and take place during HBCU conference tournaments in February and March; while Women Got Game will take place in March during Women's History Month. Walker says both conferences will be centered around dialogue relevant to African Americans and women of color in the gaming industry; esports competitions; and connecting Black
5 Keshia Walker, founder and chairman of the Black Collegiate Gaming Association. (Courtesy photo)
and female college students of color with multicultural industry leaders for advice, mentoring, education, internships and career opportunities in gaming and esports. WI
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LIFESTYLE
wi book review “The Organ Thieves: The Shocking Story of the First Heart Transplant in the Segregated South” By Chip Jones c.2020, Gallery Books $28.00 / $37.00 Canada 390 pages By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer It gives you such a great feeling. Yep, generosity: you can’t beat it. To hand over a gift, to watch someone smile, that’s the best. Providing a life-saving item or needed supply gives you a warm-fuzzy from your toes on up. You can’t beat the feeling you get from giving but, as in the new book “The Organ Thieves” by Chip Jones, be sure your heart is in the right place. Because of its unique location, easy to reach, just north of the South, the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond enjoyed a stellar surgical reputation in the 1960s. The “MCV” had overcome so much: almost literally, its closets were full of skeletons from Civil-War-era resurrectionists and early-20th-century human experiments. Racism was an ongoing issue, too. But in 1966, the optimism within MCV’s walls came from two surgeons, both hoping to become pioneers in heart transplantation. Drs. David Hume and Richard Lower were both experienced in transplanting organs in animals and in humans, and both were well-regarded enough for South African surgeon Dr. Christiaan Barnard to request time to work with and learn from them. But transplanting a heart, human-to-human, would be different than anything they’d done before. There was no chance to rush; they had to get it right, while being mindful of ethical matters. Where is the line between life and death? Technology available in 1967 couldn’t answer that question enough, and therein lay the dilemma. The obvious best donor then was still alive but not really; the obvious best recipient of a transplant was otherwise in great health. These were not the only considerations, but they were the biggest. There were laws to follow, and rules to heed, but shortly after Barnard beat Hume and Lower in the race to be first with a human heart transplant, the pressure was on. Waiting in the wings was an ailing, white businessman with a bad heart. So when a fifty-four-year-old Black man was brought to the hospital with head injuries, the surgeons made their move . Murder, or medical marvel? When it comes to health-related breakthroughs like that in “The Organ Thieves,” we often read of “firsts” but not-so-often about subsequent, likewise notable, milestones achieved, and even more rarely of controversy tied to the event. But here, author Chip Jones tells all of the above, anchored by accusations of crime with racism at their core, a tale that still lingers for many concerned. That’s heartbreaking and painful to read about, although some may argue that there was a modicum of gain here, in medical knowledge and in eventual legislation. Also up for debate: did a later-famous surgeon have a role in the push to break the rules? Were those rules even broken? Jones leaves courtroom records – and readers to self-argue these details of that day in 1968. Though this is a nonfiction book, fans of medical thrillers will devour it. Readers who love true medicine stories, history, and courtroom drama will love it, too, so find “The Organ Thieves” because you can’t beat it. WI
horoscopes
OCT 22 - 28, 2020
ARIES Venus in Virgo is mesmerized by Neptune in Pisces. As you focus in on a vision for your life, this combination of Venus and Neptune can give you inspiration or bring you numerous distractions — all pleasant and fun — but distractions nonetheless. Starting a bullet journal to log your progress could be inspired; on the other hand, watching six hours of YouTube videos on how to do a bullet journal could just be a hindrance. Lucky Numbers: 8, 26, 45 TAURUS Today’s a good day to reach out to somebody and let them know you’re there for them. This is especially important if they’ve been dealing with some emotional issues. They need a shoulder to lean on and you can be their rock. It’s possible you will be taking care of someone else’s children today. Pet sitting is also a possibility. And while this may not be something you want to do every day, it’s good to have your world turned upside down every once in a while. Lucky Numbers: 5, 6, 24 GEMINI Today, you may feel quite fed up with your job. Gemini natives may dream of doing something else. But seeds take a while to grow. Today, just recognize it takes many small steps to make a big change. Take one or maybe two of those small steps today. Lucky Numbers: 10, 11, 16 CANCER Today, you have a direct connection to the universe. This is a good day to pull out your list of goals and read them aloud. Cross off anything you have already accomplished. List new goals you have in mind. Send your message to the universe. Lucky Numbers: 1, 48, 57 LEO Everything in your life may feel like drudgery. Hours are filled with one task after another. Time to remind your self of the bigger “why.” Think of supporting your family, or moving toward success. Consider getting back into your gratitude journaling to find your balance. Lucky Numbers: 1, 15, 21 VIRGO Today, you might feel divided, wanting to spend some money on things to bring joy. At the same time, there’s a part of you wanting to put money aside, be conservative, and spend less. Today Saturn gives you some ideas of alternatives instead of spending money. Lucky Numbers: 3, 34, 59 LIBRA Today, you could have a disagreement about a financial matter. It comes to light that money has been spent. It is possible you have a different risk tolerance or different spending patterns than your partner or other members of the household. This is going to take some talking to smooth things out. Lucky Numbers: 3, 6, 21 SCORPIO Intuition can be a tricky thing, it’s so easy to get caught up in what you want rather than quietly listening to the whispers of the universe. Intuition often suggests you do the more difficult thing, an action that may feel uncomfortable but one that stretches you. Today be prepared to be stretched. Lucky Numbers: 4, 23, 25 SAGITTARIUS You’re in the money flow today. If you’re looking for work, this is a great time to post your resume or even do a phone interview. If you own a business, Sagittarius native, you could consider raising your prices and making the announcement today. Lucky Numbers: 2, 17, 40 CAPRICORN The more action you take, the more luck you activate. Reach out to new people today. You can do this through social media, email, or go on their website, fill out the form, and click that you’re not a robot. Allow the seed to be planted and then move on to the next row and plant some more. Lucky Numbers: 6, 7, 34 AQUARIUS Today, you may feel like you can say anything you want to anyone. And you may get away with it as Jupiter does bestow protection. But remember this is a temporary aspect. What you say verbally can be forgotten, what you put in writing will be remembered. Lucky Numbers: 5, 31, 32 PISCES You may have received some news last week showing that your financial prospects in your current job may not be as strong as you hoped. It may be time to look for a new job. This aspect is about getting a plan and working the plan. Today, beef up your resume and start visualizing what you want. Lucky Numbers: 2, 29, 37
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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020 35
SPORTS Rivera’s Controversial Decision Drops Washington to Last Place in Division By Daniel Kucin, Jr. WI Sports Writer danielkucin88 Washington Football Team quarterback Kyle Allen was successfully driving down the field with minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, looking to take the lead after the Burgundy and Gold fought and clawed their way back to tie the game up against the New York Giants on Oct. 18. However, a promising drive crumbled away when Allen fumbled as Giants rookie linebacker Tae Crowder picked up the loose ball and scampered for a 43-yard scoop and score to put New York up by seven points, 20-13. Nevertheless, on the ensuing drive, Allen responded with a 10-play, 80-
yard drive capped off by a 22-yard touchdown throw to wide receiver Cam Sims in the back corner of the end zone as the Washington Football Team needed only an extra point to draw the game. “He was able to bounce back, and sometimes in football, things don’t go your way, and it is how you respond,” said Washington Football Team tight end Logan Thomas. “I think Kyle [Allen] has shown this team’s character with those drives on the way back, and I think this team is building.” Nonetheless, Washington Football Team Head Coach Ron Rivera rolled the dice resulting in a failed two-point conversion attempt, which dropped Washington to five consecutive losses in a heartbreaker as the Giants (1-5) secured their first victory, 20-19.
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Affectionately referred to as “Riverboat Ron,” Rivera passed up an opportunity to tie the game and force New York to score with only seconds remaining. If New York did not prevent the score, it would have allowed Washington a chance to extend the game into overtime. “I told these guys in the locker room, ‘Play to win,’” said Rivera about his decision to go for the twopoint conversion. “The only way to learn to win is [to] play to win. That is what I want these guys to understand and that’s the mentality. If taking a little gamble is a part of it, then that’s what I’m doing.” Washington got off to a rocky start when Allen led a lengthy 12-play, 44-yard opening drive that resulted in kicker Dustin Hopkins missing a 55-yard field goal wide right of the goal post. New York capitalized on that missed chance when former Washington kicker Graham Gano knocked down his field goal attempt from 20 yards out to take the lead, 3-0. The Giants increased their advantage to 10 points after Allen threw an errant pass to Giants cornerback James Bradberry which led to Giants quarterback Daniel Jones hooking up with speedster Darius Slayton three plays later for a 22-yard touchdown. Both teams traded field goals heading deeper into the first half, and Allen finally found some rhythm when he threw a beautiful fade to Thomas
for a five-yard score to narrow the deficit within three points heading into halftime. Allen put together a solid performance going 31-42 for 280 yards, two touchdowns and an interception by games end with the help of his leading receiver Terry McLaurin hauling in seven catches for 74 yards. “I thought Kyle Allen was good today, but he had two takeaways,” Rivera said. “I thought he had a very productive day, and he moved us when we had to get moved...he threw touchdown passes when we needed scores.” Jones struggled through the air offensively, throwing for only 112 yards but called his own number numerous times (seven rushes,74 yards) to keep his team in the game in a tight defensive battle during the third quarter. However, Jones made a crucial mistake when he threw an interception to Washington Football Team cornerback Kendall Fuller thwarting a 64-yard drive down to Washington’s 11-yard line with seconds remaining in the third quarter. Hopkins nailed a 28-yard field goal to tie the game on the following offensive possession. Still, it was all for naught despite Allen showing resiliency and poise to set up Washington for a prime opportunity to tie or take the lead in the waning seconds of the game. Washington (1-5) now sits in last place in the NFC East but will have
5 Washington Football Team Head Coach Ron Rivera rolled the dice late in the game for a 2-point conversion instead of opting to take easy points with a PAT resulting in a 1-point loss to the New York Giants. (Daniel Kucin, Jr./The Washington Informer)
an opportunity to get into the win column against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at home. “Unfortunately, we came out on the short end, and that is disappointing,” Rivera said. “Again, I really thought we had a chance. In the end, I went for two because I believe the only way to win is you play to win.” WI
BY DANIEL KUCIN, JR., WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Local Golfer is Fueled to Succeed Despite Dealing with Social and Physical Adversity A truly exceptional DMV golfer will show off his skills during the first-annual Capital Long Drive Classic on Oct. 24, presented by Events DC held at East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C. History will be made as this will be the first-ever professional Golf Long Drive Competition brought to the district in a made-for-television event. This match will subsequently be aired on the Golf Channel during a future broadcast featuring local professional long drive competitor Josh Jackson. Jackson is also a golf instructor in the area with a strong passion for the sport he started playing at the age of 12-years-old. The son of former NFL All-Pro tackle John Jackson was a four-sport athlete in high school who then went on to show off his athleticism and ver-
36 - OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020
satility as a fullback at Eastern Kentucky University before transferring to HBCU Kentucky State University, where he played both on a football and golf scholarship. “I ended up getting the No. 2 spot on the golf team,” Jackson said about his collegiate experience. “I only played two years there, but I ended up winning MVP the next year...I went all-conference the first year, and we had a decent finish in the minority PGA tournament.” Though he loves the game, Jackson had to deal with bouts of racism growing up playing in a sport dominated by White players. “People will do it right to your face,” Jackson said about dealing with racism playing in a pre-
SPORTS Page 44
5 Jackson wants to create change one swing at a time. (Courtesy photo)
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VOTE from Page 9 it becomes painfully clear that the GOP is shamelessly and openly attempting to make it more difficult for people to vote during a worldwide pandemic. These coordinated efforts will almost certainly affect the turnout and could very well affect the outcomes in elections with razor-thin margins,” Parker said. Carol Gee, an African-American retired military veteran and author, said she’s mortified by attempts to suppress the vote and intimidate voters. “I am 70 years young and cannot
remember this happening during any other election,” Gee stated. “I pray folks will vote all of these [people] out of office.” Lindsey Cormack, an assistant professor of Political Science at Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey, noted that making voting more difficult suppresses the vote. “By throwing more hurdles on a track, the race is harder to compete, and some people may just throw their hands up in frustration,” said Cormack, a scholar on voter turnout initiatives. “People of color who have been historically targeted for voter sup-
pression – those with limited English proficiency, people with disabilities, small children at home, and seniors – are all disadvantaged when voting is made more difficult,” Cormack said. The trio of political observers who wrote the NBC News op-ed advised voters to remain alert to potential suppression, intimidation efforts and other voting obstacles. “If you see evidence of voter suppression, voter intimidation, or obstacles such as long lines or broken machines that are making it difficult to vote, it’s important to say something,” they wrote. WI
Howard University Homecoming Pushes Advocacy Leading Towards Election
Historic University Celebrates Annual Events Through Virtual Series By Lindiwe Vilakazi Contributing WI Writer For Howard University this October is a bittersweet homecoming. A celebrated alum is the Democratic Party’s vice presidential nominee but amid a pandemic of Biblical proportions, racial turmoil is threatening to tear the nation apart. “Right now, Howard finds itself in a position of influence in a moment of great upheaval for our country. The pandemic and protest movement have culminated to create an inflection point for our society,” said President Wayne A.I. Frederick. “Even though Homecoming this year became a virtual event, it is still an ideal opportunity to create a marketplace of ideas and instill Howard’s current and future leaders with the knowledge and passion to make a difference.” And that’s why “From Protest to Policy National Conference” highlighted what would be a week of homecoming celebration on the campus. Wade J. Henderson, Principal of Wade J. Henderson, LLC, and advisor to major corporations and nonprofits on civil and human rights matters, spoke to the racial reckoning due to the deaths of Blacks at the hands of police officers, and political pressures seemingly dismantling the power of the American citizens. “When you take all of those factors together and add to that the most important election of our time, it is an invitation for disruption that goes to the very heart of what American democracy is all about,” Henderson said. Panelist Darin Johnson, associate professor at Howard Law School and director of Howard’s Master of Laws Program, urged millennials and Generation Z voters to be wary of foreign election interference, social media operatives (“Blacktivist” page for example) pandering to Black voters and other efforts to undermine and subvert the Black vote through socially divisive content. “Russia understood that a divided America is less effective at home and aboard. They also understood that a divided America is less able to counter Russia on the global stage,” said Johnson, former special counsel for the Justice Department, who illuminated how foreign in length of these interference campaigns, with voter suppression playing a key piece, micro targeted to Black American communities. Johnson was part of former FBI director Robert Mueller’s team that investigated President Donald Trump. This year’s homecoming celebration was muted but still featured efforts to celebrate at one of the nation’s leading Black schools. There has been a slew of virtually streamed events on campus, including a digital Yardfest, and gospel concert experience. WI WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
SENATE from Page 32 several weeks after Election Day on Nov. 3. The widespread and frequent number of protests led by people of color across the U.S. which have surged since the Trump Administration took control of the White House, fueled by citizens demanding police reform and an immediate end to alleged racial discrimination initiated by law enforcement, have impacted the platforms of those seeking election in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Both Sen. Mark R. Warner, the favored candidate and Democratic incumbent, and his GOP challenger, Daniel Gade – moving far afield from the position maintained by most Republicans, most notably the president – have voiced their support for the Black Lives Matter movement – even criticizing each other for being too soft on racism. Virginians have also turned out in impressive numbers at early-voting sites, while also requesting mail-in ballots in unprecedented numbers and besting Republicans in fundraising efforts among the commonwealth’s most competitive and coveted districts. Looking at all 35 Senate races, Cook Political Report has predicted that eight Republican-held seats stand as either leaning Democratic or toss-ups – listing just one Democratic seat as leaning Republican and none as a toss-up. Alabama, a state which Trump dominated in 2016, features Democrat Doug Jones battling Republican Tommy Tuberville – the favored candidate and former Auburn University football coach who defeated former Attorney General Jeff Sessions in the GOP primary runoff earlier this year. Endorsed by Trump who has frequently spouted off messages of exuberant support via Twitter, Tuberville currently enjoys a double-digit lead – 54 to 42 percent based on an early October poll conducted by Auburn University-Montgomery. Polling data assembled by RealClearPolitics concurs with Cook Political Report, ranking Arizona, a state high on Trump’s list of required wins in his quest for reelection, as a race which favors the Democrats with an eight-point margin currently held by the challenger. In the one Senate seat up for
grabs – a special election to fill the remainder of the term previously held by the late Sen. John McCain – the incumbent, Sen. Martha McSally, a veteran with close ties to Trump, faces stiff competition from Democrat Mark Kelly – an advocate for gun control and the husband of former Rep. Gabby Giffords who survived an attempt on her life in 2011 and currently leads McSally by about eight points If Kelly can hold on and win, it will result in the Democrats controlling both Senate seats in Arizona for the first time since the 1950s. Iowa voters gave the nod to Trump in 2016 but his support has since declined leaving him in a virtual tie with Biden based on average state polling data. Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, an unabashed ally of Trump serving in her first term, remains in an extremely tight race with Democrat Theresa Greenfield. Both of Iowa’s senators are Republicans but Ernst, who replaced a Democrat, Sen. Tom Harkin after he retired in 2014 after a 30-year career, trails by three percentage points according to a recent Des Moines Register Iowa Poll. Another race to watch closely – Maine where Republican Sen. Susan Collins who’s been in office since 1997 has all she can handle with Democratic challenger Sara Gideon. Gideon has pulled ahead slightly in recent polling, seizing upon growing criticism lodged against the incumbent including her decision to support the president’s Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh and to vote along party lines in his acquittal in the Senate impeachment trial held earlier this year. Finally, North Carolina counts as another nail-biter, considered another toss-up among Republican-held seats. GOP Sen. Thom Tillis faces a difficult reelection bid against challenger Cal Cunningham, a former state senator and Iraq war veteran. And despite a shakeup in the Democrat’s campaign after reports of an extramarital relationship came to light, the scandal has done little to hurt his run for office. In one Oct. 8 poll conducted by SurveyUSA, Cunningham held a lead of 10 percentage points over Tillis while 61 percent of the voters said in a survey that the challenger’s indiscretions would not affect their vote. WI
OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020 37
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38 - OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020
UNEMPLOYMENT from Page 5 that’s slow to rebound. Silverman and other council members have frequently recalled receiving emails and phone calls from constituents upset and surprised about the expiration of unemployment benefits. An even greater concern, as expressed in a September 16 labor and workforce development committee hearing – enrollment isn’t automatic for unemployed District residents. Since the rollout of UI and PUA benefits during the pandemic, legions of the unemployed have complained about spending an untold number of hours on the phone to secure their benefits, often to no avail. During the latter part of September, DOES Director Dr. Unique Morris-Hughes said federal law prevents her office from facilitating that process. While speaking before the Council’s labor and workforce committee, she maintained that District residents seeking renewal of their UI benefits at the 26-week mark could do so with the help of more than 200 employees and contractors available to answer calls. Other requests outlined in Silverman’s October 9 letter included a breakdown of UI and PUA claims by ward, and information about staffing levels at DOES, particularly bilingual staff and volunteer call takers. DOES did not reply to The In-
HEALTH from Page 20 misdemeanor. “I knew by keeping silent, it wasn’t helping anyone and I needed to speak out,” said Hargove, who has three sons ages 34, 24 and 13. “I met my [ex-husband] in the Army. I had the strength to leave, but it wasn’t easy.” Hargrove’s story highlights how one in every four women and one in every 10 men endure sexual and physical violence, or staking by an intimate partner, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but unfortunately the crime has increased by 10 percent in Prince George’s County because of the coronavirus pandemic. Last year, the county ranked in the top three statewide amongst jurisdictions with domestic-violence related fatalities. Sharon Rogers, a forensic nursing coordinator at the University of Maryland Prince George’s Hospital
5 D.C. Councilmember Elissa Silverman. (I-At large) (Courtesy photo)
former’s inquiry about the correspondence and the degree to which the agency addressed Silverman’s concerns about automatic extension of UI benefits, back pay and the redetermination process. Since the pandemic began, some residents like Kymone Freeman have used this once-in-a-lifetime event to advocate for institutional change which would benefit those historically marginalized. Though Freeman didn’t express opposition to the Unemployment Benefits Extension Emergency Act, he said that overture, and others before it, haven’t addressed the elephant in the room. “They’re kicking the can down the
road. Capitalism is on trial and what they’re not telling you is that there’s a confrontation between the haves and have nots,” said Freeman co-owner of We Act Radio. “They’ll have to start giving universal basic income and cancel rent to stop the bleeding [but now] they’re trying to figure out how to salvage a system that’s gone and will never come back.” “A crisis of this magnitude is beneficial to those in power but it’s creating [challenges] for the oppressed because you have to have this cometo-Jesus moment on whether America will work for everyone or no one.” WI
Center in Cheverly, said 22 strangulations have been treated at the hospital this year. In comparison, only six incidents last years. Some nonprofit organizations which focus on ways to combat domestic violence offered some advice. Arleen Joell, founder and CEO of Community Advocates of Family and Youth in Capitol Heights, said expanding the definition of domestic violence to include teenagers, the elderly and same-sex couples. She said it’s become a part of the African American culture to remain silent outside the house because “what goes on in this home, stays in this home. That mantra has to die.” Joell showed a puzzle during a domestic violence virtual workshop Thursday, Oct. 15 on the five types of intimate partner violence: physical, sexual, economic, psychological and spiritual. Spiritual intimidation could be not allowing a spouse to attend church and abuser quotes Bible
scriptures to maintain control of a relationship.If someone sees an incident, or suspect a family member or friend needs some help, a few suggestions include: • Let a person know you believe him or her; • Be supportive and non-judgement; • Help create a safety plan; and • Know a resource – CACY, Family Justice Center in Upper Marlboro, statewide resource at “211,” or 1-800-799-7233. County Council vice chair Rodney Streeter (D-District 7) of Hillcrest Heights, who helped organize the workshop with Progressive Life Center of Landover, asked what happens if a person doesn’t want any assistance and puts a person at greater risk. “You do put [victims] at risk,” Joell said. “At the same time, I know somewhere out there somebody knows what’s going on. We have to be able to help pe ople [get] out of their situations.” WI
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT
The Quieter You Become, the More You Can Hear
This week, I was pondering my column topic for the week and considering that we only have less than two weeks until Election Day, I’m feeling a pull to stay with the election, which is said daily to be the most important election of our lifetime. Thank God, He gave me my answer. A dear friend, Rev. Aisha Karimah, shared that she had tested positive for COVID-19, so rather than share my concern on Facebook, I picked up the phone to call her and got her voicemail. Her message said, “A wise old owl lived in an oak. The more he saw, the less he spoke. The less he spoke the more he heard.” I thought “Why can’t we all be like that wise old bird?” This is a nursery rhyme that originated in the USA. My research shows we are not sure of its exact origins but most probably it dates back to the 19th century. It is believed to be a symbol of wisdom and an ex-
tremely successful tool to teach children the virtue of silence. However, it requires some pondering. A parent that talks more than they listen (and doesn’t listen much) cannot teach what they don’t know. Malcolm X said it best when he said, “You can’t teach what you don’t know, and you can’t lead where you won’t go!” The first example that comes to mind is the recent presidential debate — you know, the one where President Trump spoke over former Vice President Joe Biden nearly the entire time! Obviously, our president is not at all familiar with this children’s nursery rhyme. A danger to relationships of all types is our lack of listening — talking over others because you think what you have to say is most important. Scripture warns us of the virtue of patience in Gallatians 5:22: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.” Longsuffering and patience are interchangeable, depending on which Bible you read. For the sake of this article, let’s call it ineffective communication, when both people speak but nobody sits quietly, watches and listens. We all hear this frequently about spouses, children, bosses and colleagues, even churches, community groups — you name it. This seems to be particularly true when there are disagreements or conflicts.
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Once all listening stops, a few things happens next — interrupting, yelling, ignoring, escaping, cowering, probing and preaching. Is it possible this lack of listening is the reason for the disagreement, misunderstanding and conflict? I think yes, and I believe this lack-of-listening phenomenon happens far more regularly in our relationships than most of us would care to admit, whether there is conflict or not. Finally, here is a list of dynamic quotes: “No one is as deaf as the man who will not listen.” — Proverb “When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.” — Dalai Lama “The most basic of all human needs is to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them.” — Ralph Nichols “Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you would have rather talked.” — Mark Twain “Deep listening is the kind of listening that can help relieve the suffering of another person. You can call it compassionate listening. You listen with only one purpose: to help him or her to empty his heart.” — Tich Nhat Hanh WI
John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.
5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089
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“A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org
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Mount Olivet Lutheran Church
Reverend John W. Davis Pastor
Service and Times Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.) Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
(301) 864-6070
Service and Times Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m. Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday “Friendliest Church in the City” Website: mountolivetdc.org Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com
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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020 39
RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church
Pilgrim Baptist Church
Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor
Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor
9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724
700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849
Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”
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
Blessed Word of Life Church
Church of Living Waters
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor 4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464 Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org
St. Stephen Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., / Pastor 2498 Alabama Ave., SE - Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 / Fax: (202) 889-2198 - www.acamec.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00 AM Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30 AM 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00 AM Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30 PM Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00 AM “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”
Third Street Church of God
Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors
Reverend William Young IV Interim Pastor
Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor
Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor
4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax
3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) / (202) 562-4219 (Fax)
5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555 Services and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45 AM Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday , 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 PM Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30 AM
1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax
Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.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
Campbell AME Church Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White 2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study Wednesday: 12:00 Noon Wednesday: 7:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 PM “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address : Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020
421 Alabama Ave. SE Washington, DC 20032 Phone: 202-746-0113 Fax: 301-843-2445 Service and Times Sunday School: 10:15 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11;15 AM Children’s Church: 11:15 AM Tuesday Bible Study: 6:30 PM Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment” Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org Email: gr8luv4u2@gmail.com
“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org
Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor 800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703 Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45 AM Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”
Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax
Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6:00 AM & 6:30 PM Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church / Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org / emailus@gmchc.org
Isle of Patmos Baptist Church Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor 1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661 Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net
St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us... Dr. Raymond T. Matthews Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011 Services and Times Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service: 6:45 PM Thur. Bible Study: 7:15 PM
Twelfth Street Christian Church Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor (Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW - Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion every Sunday: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 10:00 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 12 Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday: 6:30 PM Motto: “Discover Something Wonderful” Website: 12thscc.org / Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com
Mount Carmel Baptist Church
Turning Hearts Church Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher
“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org / E-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net
Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM
Crusader Baptist Church
Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr. Senior Pastor 901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423 Service and Times Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10 AM
40 - OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020
themcbc.org
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RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor 7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471 Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 AM Service 11:00 AM Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Motto: “A Church Keeping It Real for Real.” Website: Shabbathcommandmentchruch.org Email: Praisebetoyhwh@gmail.com
Zion Baptist Church Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor 4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773 Service and Times 9:00 a.m. – Sunday School 10:15 a.m. – Worship Service Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study 7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org
St. Luke Baptist Church Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor 1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851 P: (202) 726-5940 Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun. Bible Institute: Wednesday - 1:30 PM Prayer Meeting: Wednesday - 12:00 Noon
All Nations Baptist Church Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor 2001 North Capitol St, N.E. - Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591 Service and Times Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education / School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards
Israel Baptist Church
Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor 2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730 Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Baptismal Service: 1st Sunday – 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday – 11:00 AM Prayer Meeting & Bible Study: Wednesday -7:30 PM “Where Jesus is the King”
Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor
2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . . 100% Forgiven!
623 Florida Ave.. NW - WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 / Study (202) 265-0836 Home Study (301) 464-8211 / Fax (202) 483-4009
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00 PM www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org
Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith
Lincoln Park United Methodist Church Rev. Richard B. Black Pastor
Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor
1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288
1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org
5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005
Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM
Mount Moriah Baptist Church Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM Motto: "Faith On The Hill"
Service and Times Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42
New Commandment Baptist Church
Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor
Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor
1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964
8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240
13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:30 AM Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM
Service and Times Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11 AM Sunday School: 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM
Rehoboth Baptist Church
Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor
Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor
2001 Brooks Drive District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074
621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032 P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112
Service and Times Sunday Worship Experience: 10:15am Sunday School: 9:00am Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Morning Noontime Bible Study: Tuesday @ 12:00pm Prayer Meeting/Bible Study: Tuesday @7:00pm Theme: "Building On A Firm Foundation"
Service and Times Sunday Service: 10:00 AM Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM 1st Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting: 7:45 PM
Email: revprbstmbc@gmail.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org
Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”
“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org
“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”
Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958
Shiloh Baptist Church
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM Noonday Prayer Every Thursday
Matthews Memorial Baptist Church
4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net
Christ Embassy DC
Dr. Joseph D. Turner / Senior Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Early Worship Service: 8:00 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM New Member’s Class: 9:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday, 11:00 AM Church School: 9:45 AM Wednesday 12:00pm Bible Study Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: 7:00 PM Saturday Bible Study: 11:00 AM Baptism 4th Sunday: 11:00 AM “Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”
Peace Baptist Church
Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator 6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Friday Evening Service: 7:00 PM ; Last Friday “…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com
Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM “The Loving Church of the living lord “
Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor 3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 PM Prayer Service Bible Study
First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Mt. Horeb Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor
Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor
Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor
9th & P Street, N.W. - W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4288
602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 Fax: (202) 289-4595
2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 - Fax: (202) 529-7738 Service and Times Worship Service: 7:30 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30AM & 10:30 AM Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 PM. Wednesday 12 Noon
www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org
Service and Times First Sunday Worship Service (one service): 10:00 AM Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sunday Worship service: 7:45 AM and 10:55 AM Sunday Church School/Bible Study: 9:30 AM Thursday Prayer Service: 6:30 PM
All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.
Email: sbc@shilohbaptist.org Website: shilohbaptist.org
Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist
Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor
Email Address: admin@pbc712.org
Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest
Holy Trinity United Baptist Church
Florida Avenue Baptist Church
Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor
Rev. Dr. Jerryl V. Moody Pastor-Elect
Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org
St. Matthews Baptist Church
Emmanuel Baptist Church
King Emmanuel Baptist Church
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
Service and Times Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 AM Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “
Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.
OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020 41
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
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
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2020 ADM 000522
2020 ADM 000497
2020 ADM 000544
Helen William Moore aka Helen William Varfis aka Helen Varfis Moore Decedent
Nancy Button Schenewerk Decedent
J. E. Walker aka James E. Walker Decedent
Valerie Edwards 1725 DeSales Street, NW, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney
Mack Allen 3300 Wheeler Road, SE Washington, DC 20032 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Caryn Schenewerk, whose address is 1209 Park Road, NW, Washington, DC 20010, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Nancy Button Schenewerk who died on December 5, 2019 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/8/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/8/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Recardo Walker, whose address is 5100 Mineola Road, College Park, Maryland 20740, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of J. E. Walker aka James E. Walker who died on March 9, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/8/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/8/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 10/8/2020
Date of first publication: 10/8/2020
Caryn Schenewerk Personal Representative
Recardo Walker Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, #700 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Juliana Luz, whose address is 54 Regatta Bay Court, Apt. 318, Annapolis, MD 21401, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Helen William Moore aka Helen William Varfis aka Helen Varfis Moore who died on February 9, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/8/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/8/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 10/8/2020 Juliana Luz 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
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2020 ADM 000516
2020 ADM 000473
Emma Lea Beshir Decedent
Rosie Mae Blanks aka Rosie M. Blanks Decedent
Ethel Mitchell 8403 Colesville Rd., Suite 1100 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney
Bradley A. Thomas, Esq. 1629 K Street, NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006-1631 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Joyce C. Williams and Eugene N. Baskerville Jr., whose addresses are 9133 Saffron Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20901, 5712 Wrenwood Court, Durham, NC 27703 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Emma Lea Beshir who died on April 12, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/8/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/8/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication:10/8/2020 Joyce C. Williams Eugene N. Baskerville Jr. Personal Representative
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Kristin L. Baldwin, whose address is 7500 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rosie Mae Blanks aka Rosie M. Blanks who died on May 1, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/8/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/8/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 10/8/2020 Kristin L. Baldwin Personal Representative
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2020 FEP 61 June 22, 2019 Date of Death Dessie M. Kirkland Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Vivian C. White, whose address is 1212 Merganser Court, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774-7019 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Dessie M. Kirkland, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on July 31, 2020. Service of process may be made upon James L. Frazier, 918 Maryland Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate. 2365 Rhode Island Ave., NE, Washington, DC 20018, 2373 Rhode Island Ave., NE, Washington, DC 20018, 2385 Rhode Island Ave., NE, Washington, DC 20018. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice. Date of first publication: 10/15/2020 Vivian C. White Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
42 - OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020
LEGAL NOTICES IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Nakia Kittrell, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Jonathan Lee Ross 122 Stoney Ridge Avenue Suffolk, VA 23425 ) Plaintiff v. Case No. 2019 LIT 000036 The Unknown Personal Representative(s), Heirs, Legatees, Devisees, Successors and Assigns of the Judge Maurice Ross Estate of Alice Virginia Ross (No Estate Opened) The Unknown Personal Representative(s), Heirs, ) Legatees, Devisees, Successors and Assigns of the Estate of Jerdenia Ross Maxwell Marie C. Hart, as Administrator of the Estate of Jerry Lee Ross ) 3007 Kelrae Drive Richmond, VA 23224 Carlton Maxwell 2401 Washington Place, NE, Unit 310 Washington, DC 20018 Michael Ross 8305 Gibbons Drive Fort Washington, MD 20744 Marcus Ross 8305 Gibbons Drive Fort Washington, MD 20744 Cather M. Cooper 9605 Beverly Avenue Clinton, MD 20735 and All unknown property owners of the property described below, their heirs, devisees, personal ) representatives, and executors, administrators, ) grantees, assigns or successors in right, title, interest, and any and all persons having or ) claiming to have any interest in the leasehold or fee simple in the property and premises situate, ) lying and being in the District of Columbia ) described as: Square: 5214, Lot: 72 Also known as: 709 56th Place, NE Washington, DC 20019 Defendants. AMENDED ORDER OF PUBLICATION There is now pending before the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Probate Division, an action, case number 2019 LIT 000036, seeking to quiet title and partition a parcel of residential real property located at 709 56th Place, NE, Washington, DC 20019, which is known for taxation and assessment purposes as Square 5214, Lot 0072. A copy of this action is available in the Clerk’s Office of the Court, located at Room 314, Building A, 515 5th Street, NW, Washington, DC. On Motion of the Plaintiff, it is this 1st day of October 2020, ORDERED, that notice be given by publication to Defendants (i) the Unknown Personal Representative(s), Heirs, Legatees, Devisees, Successors and Assigns of the Estate of Alice Virginia Ross; (ii) the Unknown Personal Representative(s), Heirs, Legatees, Devisees, Successors and Assigns of the Estate of Jerdenia Ross Maxwell; and (iii) all unknown owners of the above- described property, their heirs, devisees, personal representatives, and executors, administrators, grantees, assigns or successors in right, title and interest, and any and all persons having or claiming to have any interest in the leasehold or fee simple in the property and premises situate, lying and being in the District of Columbia as above-described, by the insertion of a copy of this Order in the Washington Informer and the Daily Washington Law Reporter twice per month for a period of three successive months; and it is further ORDERED, that the persons herein named are hereby summoned and required to file an Answer to the Amended Complaint in Room 314, Building A, 515 5th Street, NW, Washington, DC between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, and serve the same the Plaintiff and any other parties named in the Amended Complaint, on or before the date and time of the Initial Scheduling Conference in this action; and it is further ORDERED, that the Initial Scheduling Conference shall be held before Judge Ross in Courtroom A-51 on January 5, 2021, at 10:45 a.m.; and it is further ORDERED, that the Initial Scheduling Conference may be held remotely due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, and the above-named defendants shall be required to contact the chambers of Judge Ross to obtain remote hearing instructions prior to the date of the Initial Scheduling Conference; and it is further ORDERED, that if you fail to serve and file an Answer within the time stated above, or if, after you answer, you fail to appear at any time the Court notifies you to do so, including at the Initial Scheduling Conference, a judgment by default may be entered against you for monetary damages or any other relief demanded in the Complaint. If this occurs, your wages may be attached or withheld or personal property or real estate you own may be taken and sold to pay the judgment. If you intend to oppose this action, do not fail to answer within the required time. IT IS SO ORDERED.
LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION 2020 NRT 20 Mary D. Fields aka Mary Dowling Fields Name of Deceased Settlor NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST Mary D. Fields aka Mary Dowling Fields, whose address was 3003 Van Ness St., NW, Apt. S904, Washington, DC 20008 created a revocable trust on 2nd November 2009, which remained in existence on the date of death on February 26, 2020, and Evelyn Parchment, whose address is 7826 Eastern Ave., NW, Suite 410, Washington, DC 20012, is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to Evelyn Parchment, Esq. at 7826 Eastern Ave., NW, Suite 410, Washington, DC 20012. The Trust is subject to claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors, costs of administration of the settlor’s estate, the expense of the deceased settlor’s funeral and disposal of remains, and statutory allowances to a surviving spouse and children to the extent the deceased settlor’s residuary probate estate is inadequate to satisfy those claims, costs, expenses, and allowances. Claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors are barred as against the Trustee and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the address provided herein on or before April 15, 2021 (6 months after the date of the first publication of this notice.) An action to contest the validity of this trust must be commenced by the earliest of (1) 2/26/2021, (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) (2), April 15, 2021 (6 months from the date of first publication of this notice) or (3) Ninety days after the Trustee sends the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust’s existence, of the Trustee’s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding. The Trustee may proceed to distribute the trust property in accordance with the terms of the trust before the expiration of the time within which an action must be commenced unless the Trustee knows of a pending judicial proceeding contesting the validity of the trust or the Trustee has received notice from a potential contestant who thereafter commences a judicial proceeding within sixty days after notification. This Notice must be mailed postmarked within 15 days of its first publication to each heir and qualified beneficiary of the trust and any other person who would be an interested person within the meaning of D.C. Code 20-101(d). Date of First Publication: 10/15/2020 Evelyn Parchment Signature of Trustee TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
Notice of Unregistered Claim Notice of an unregistered claim by a private living woman, sovereign by the grace of God, name written in the Book of the Tree of Life, beneficiary in the original jurisdiction, now coming as Grantor/Settler with NOTICE OF UNREGISTERED Claim, or priority equitable right, title, and interest in the JOHN QUE PUBLIC estate, NORTH CAROLINA, state file number 1962000073498 529132, including all assets, attributes, derivatives, and transmissions there of. For more on the nature http.//notice.legal-regristry.org/PublicNotice.pdf
Judge Maurice A. Ross
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
LEGAL NOTICES
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
2020 ADM 000536
2020 ADM 000514
Margaret Ann Greenwell Decedent
George N. Terris aka George Nicholas Terris Decedent
Sara B. Entis 10640 Main Street, Suite 200 Fairfax, VA 22030 Attorney
Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW #700 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Edward E. Purcell, III, whose address is 44719 Clark’s Landing Road, Hollywood, MD 20636, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Margaret Ann Greenwell who died on September 18, 2019 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/22/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/22/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Harry Terris and Nicholas Terris, whose addresses are 272 Water St., #6F, New York, NY 10038 and 5241 Chevy Chase Pkwy, NW, Washington, DC 20015, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of George N. Terris aka George Nicholas Terris who died on May 28, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/22/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/22/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 10/22/2020
Date of first publication: 10/22/2020
CL ASSIFIEDS Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the following classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it s illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. 800 numbers may or may not reach Canada. MEDIABIDS MISCELLANEOUS SAVE 67% PLUS 4 FREE BURGERS - The Favorite Feast - ONLY $49.99. ORDER Today 1-888-318-1190 Use Code 48643VFW or www.OmahaSteaks.com/ ffmb93 Do you know your Testosterone Levels? Call 888-692-5146 and ask about our test kits and get a FREE Trial of Progene All-Natural Testosterone Supplement Diabetes/Cholesterol/Weight Loss Bergamonte, a Natural Product for Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and weight. Physician recommended, backed by Human Clinical Studies with amazing results. Call today and save 15 percent off your first bottle! 866-640-5982 ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE talking meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 888-421-1874 READERS & MUSIC LOVERS. 100 Greatest Novels (audio books) ONLY $99.00 (plus s h.) Includes MP3 Player & Accessories. BONUS: 50 Classical Music Works & Money Back Guarantee. Call Today! 1-866-680-1822 Any laptop repaired just $79. Macs too. REALLY! FREE Fedex shipping! $69 extra for screen or motherboard replacement. CALL Authorized Laptop Repair Specialists 1-866-437-6184 Ever Consider a Reverse Mortgage? At least 62 years old? Stay in your home & Increase cash flow! Safe & Effective! Call Now for your FREE DVD! Call Now 888-420-4716
Edward E. Purcell, III Personal Representative
Harry Terris Nicholas Terris Personal Representative
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TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2020 ADM 000509
2020 ADM 000551
2020 ADM 000570
Grace L. Callis Decedent
Carrie Leola Andrews Decedent
Barbara Gloria Ferguson Decedent
Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K. Street, NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney
Valerie J. Edwards 1725 DeSales Street, NW, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney
Aimee D. Griffin 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Donna L. Stewart-Moore, whose address is 5201 Janesdale Court, Glenn Dale, MD 20769, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Grace L. Callis who died on September 21, 2019 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/22/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/22/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Zina Andrews, whose address is 6304 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Carrie Leola Andrews who died on February 14, 2003 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/22/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/22/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 10/22/2020
Date of first publication: 10/22/2020
Donna L. Stewart-Moore Personal Representative
Zina Andrews Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
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LEGAL NOTICES
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Chermonne J. Johnson, whose address is 6304 Ridge Run Court, Glenn Dale, MD 20769, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Barbara Gloria Ferguson who died on September 13, 2019 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/22/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/22/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 10/22/2020 Chermonne J. Johnson Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
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PRINCIPAL from Page 22
RALLY from Page 12
his supporters however maintain that it was Trogisch’s bold rebuff of DCPS’ efforts to reopen that didn’t sit well with the central office. Others have cited what has been was described as a contentious walkthrough at SWW Francis-Stevens on the day of October 8, not long before the end of Trogisch’s tenure. As reported in previous issues of The Informer, the abrupt change sparked conversation among Ward 2 parents and State Board of Education candidates about curbing mayoral control of District public schools. Emily Nestler, a decade-long resident of Ward 2 and parent of two SWW Francis-Stevens students, counted among those who converged upon the elementary campus last weekend in demand for answers about the departure of their revered leader. For her, larger concerns about the effects of a leadership vacuum loomed large, especially after Trogisch’s success as a principal who raised the school’s profile and advocated for a revamping of the building and HVAC system long before the pandemic. “We have been pushing to get our school renovated for a long time. It’s overcrowded and we had constant meetings about renovations, funding and expansion [including] the pipes and HVAC system,” said Nestler, who recently filed a FOIA request for documents related to Trogisch’s employment and departure, a digital confirmation of which The Informer received. “Principal Trogisch was very engaged with the city and I think he has been to our benefit. My sense is that he would push DCPS,” Nestler added. “It was his job to protect our kids and teachers. He was very successful at that end and it made him popular with us and frustrating with them.” WI
A few people traveled from the Baltimore area to participate in the rally. Rhanda Dormeus of Baltimore City talked about her daughter Korryn Gaines, 23, who got shot and killed by Baltimore County police Aug. 1, 2016. Judge Mickey J. Norman overturned a jury’s decision in February 2019 for the Korryn Gaines family to receive $38 million after the jury ruled one year prior that Officer Roy Ruby showed disregards for human life. Police also shot Gaines’ 5-year-old son, but her survived his injuries. In July, the Maryland Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court, overturned Norman’s verdict. “We got to vote these judges out, too, because they’re working with law enforcement,” Dormeus said. Besides those proposals, participants in Saturday’s rally also want demands from Prince George’s officials. For instance, require police accountability for those killed by police that include the recent grand jury decision that claimed the police-involved death of Leonard Shand, 48, was “objectively reasonable.” Two other requests want the state’s attorney office to publicly lists officers barred from testifying in court on previous cases; and support statewide police reform and accountability initiatives from dozens of advocacy groups. Half of the demands are part of a report released in June that
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44 - OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020
SPORTS from Page 36 dominantly White sport. “Even when I was pursuing professional golf back in 2014, I’d show up to a course, and people would ask me if I’m a caddy. It’s pretty ridiculous, of course, you know, it’s the way things are, but the more and more people speak up about it, the more that we make people aware of what people are doing and the more things can change.” Knowing about the political landscape of what is going on with race relations in the country, Jackson wants to use this competition as a pedestal to introduce the game of golf to more African American children so they can create more
5 Marion Gray-Hopkins (center), and mother of Gary Hopkins, Jr., speaks at a police reform rally Oct. 17 in Forestville. Gray-Hopkins stands alongside other mothers whose children died from police-involved shootings. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)
highlights racial and retaliatory practices within the police department. The nearly 100-page document written by Michael E. Graham, a 33-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, comes as a part of lawsuit by former and current Prince
George’s police officers against the county and department. One of the requests: provide an updated figure on what the county has spent in legal fees challenging the lawsuit led by the Hispanic National Law Enforcement Association. The most up-to-date fig-
Rhanda Dormeus of Baltimore City talked about her daughter Korryn Gaines, 23, who got shot and killed by Baltimore County police Aug. 1, 2016. diversity in the sport. “It feels great. I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity to showcase what I’m able to do, but also represent Black golfers,” Jackson said. “It’s going to be huge because there are not that many Black golfers on tour. I think that it will be great for golf overall to showcase some people you wouldn’t normally see.” Though he dealt with emotional adversity and is still conquering it to this day, he also suffered and persevered through a physical roadblock that could have cost him his career. Jackson ruptured a patella in 2014, but recovered in 2017 and decided to become a long drive competitor. “It took me a long time to get
back to normal,” Jackson said about his rehabilitation process. A year later, he added 17 miles per hour to his clubhead speed, logged a 402-yard drive during his first year of competition in 2019 and is currently No. 133 in the world rankings. “Initially, when I tore my kneecap, it was not attached to my shin for a good amount of time before I had surgery,” Jackson said. “So I couldn’t swing a golf club, and then once they ended up repairing it, my muscles hadn’t been used for so long that I had to rebuild it from scratch. “It took me about until 2016 to even want to pick up a club. I didn’t even care to play golf anymore...I was just trying to get back
ure remains $6.3 million through April. After the rally, some people decided to drive from Forestville and express their demands in the Upper Marlboro neighborhood of County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. “Since your county executive lives in this neighborhood, put pressure upon her [and] put pressure upon this system to do right by us,” said Jonathan Hutto, a community activist and organizer of Prince George’s People’s Coalition. “Or the movement is going to spill over in your neighborhoods. It’s going to spill over [in] your work places. It’s going to disrupt recreational activities. We’re going to be shutting it down from each and every angle of this county until we get justice.” WI to jog or even use my leg correctly. It was pretty bad, but everything ended up working out tremendously. You couldn’t have told me back in 2014 that I’d be doing anything like this.” Despite all of the challenges that he’s faced, Jackson still cherishes the game and wants to play on the PGA Tour in the future, but he’s focused on winning this tournament. “I just gotta swing,” Jackson said about what he needs to do to win. “I need to swing my swing, launch the ball correctly, and make sure my spin rate is down. I’m focusing on that I’m putting enough power on the ball and making sure that my launch and my trajectory are intact because that will be huge.” WI
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MALVEAUX from Page 26 port Black women. Star Jones leads a group that has raised six figured for the Biden/Harris ticket. The Collective PAC, founded by Stephanie Brown James and Quentin James, is building Black political power. During this election cycle, they’ve endorsed an exciting group of Black men and women running for office and set up a mechanism where people can donate to these candidates. The PAC has been around since 2016 when it became clear that we must increase Black political power. Higher Heights PAC endorsed Kamala Harris for president and
MORIAL from Page 26 and strike down the law that provides health care to millions of Americans during a deadly pandemic. This administration inherited more than 100 federal court vacancies because during President Obama’s second term the Senate abandoned its constitutional role in the lower court confirmation process — just as it did by refusing to consider President Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court. This administration has now appointed, and the Senate has confirmed, more than 200 life-tenured judges. Americans are, right now, in the process of electing a new president. Never has the Senate confirmed a new Supreme Court justice during a general election that will decide the presidency. The undemocratic rush to confirm this
JEALOUS from Page 26 intimidating minority voters and the party agreed to a federal court order not to engage in “ballot security” efforts. That order expired in 2018, and this year, the Republican Party is spending tens of millions of dollars to block election officials’ efforts to make voting safer and more accessible. It is enraging that 55 years after passage of the Voting Rights Act, the blood-bought gains of the civil rights movement are at stake. But this is where we are. And that’s why we must defend the Black vote, and why we must overcome every attempt to misinform, intimidate and suppress Black voters. Black men, especially young Black men, are top targets of mis-
describes itself as “the only national organization providing Black women with a political home exclusively dedicated to harnessing their power to expand Black women’s elected representation and voting participation.” Using the hashtag #Blackwomenvote, they are galvanizing Black women around this election, both at the top of the ticket and down-ballot. They are one of the relatively new, inspiring organizations raising both money and awareness for Black women. Voting is never the most we can do, but the least. These PACS, activists and organizations remind us that we must not only vote but
boost our civic participation. As I write this, just a couple of weeks before November 3, 2020, I am hopeful that the Black women’s vote will increase from its 2008 level when we came out in droves to support President Obama. We have to vote like our lives depend on it because they do. But we can’t just vote; we can encourage others to do the same thing. We can ask our friends and family members if they’ve voted. And if we are well enough, we can volunteer to work the polls. Black women are magic; we are Black girl magic. Now is the time to work it. WI
justice is part of a scheme to create a conservative supermajority on the court that could overturn the will of a majority of Americans for decades to come. What do African Americans have to lose with a supermajority of conservative extremists on the court? Monday’s appalling ruling by the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Texas is a prime example of how rank partisanship has infected the federal courts, obliterating any pretense of judicial objectivity and the rule of law. The three-judge panel — all appointed by this administration and confirmed along political party lines — upheld the governor’s decision to create a single ballot collection site for each county, including a single site for five million voters in a landmass larger than Rhode Island. If the Supreme Court can sanction this kind of political manipulation, there are no limits on the
rampant voter suppression we can expect in November’s election and years beyond. The contempt this administration and Senate leadership have for the will of the voters and the constitutional responsibilities of Congress is nothing short of breathtaking. Even as a growing majority of citizens have loudly voiced their demand for racial and economic justice, firm enforcement of civil and individual rights, and the security of health care under the Affordable Care Act, Judge Barrett’s lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court represents a trampling of those demands. History will not look favorably on what the Senate leadership appears poised to do. There is one last chance for them to honor their oath of office and the will of the American people and reject the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett. WI
information campaigns. That’s why People For the American Way’s Defend the Black Vote Project is reaching out specifically to Black men between 18 and 35 to combat voter suppression and encourage turnout. Since COVID-19 has restricted door-to-door canvassing and public events, we’re communicating with Black men through peer-topeer texting technology. Texting lets us reach younger voters in their preferred form of communication. In key states, where Black voters are most likely to be targeted with misinformation, we are reaching them one-to-one with information about how, when and where to vote — including information about new voting procedures
during the pandemic. A well-trained volunteer can text up to 2,000 messages an hour, reaching many more people than by going door-to-door. We’re supplementing that with digital advertising, public service announcements on radio, and tele-town hall meetings featuring young Black elected officials. Every dollar we spend, and every voter we reach, is worth it because there is so much at stake in November’s elections: access to health care, a responsible approach to the pandemic, justice and accountability in policing, and voting rights. Defending the Black vote means defending the dignity and legal equality of Black people. It’s up to us. WI
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CROWELL from Page 27 triggered a chorus of civil rights organizations expressing their adamant opposition. As a former clerk to Justice Scalia, 1998-1999, Judge Barrett has frequently lauded him as her mentor, and praised his judicial philosophy both as a law school professor and as a judge. At the Sept. 26 White House Rose Garden announcement of her nomination, Judge Barrett said, “I clerked for Justice Scalia more than 20 years ago, but the lessons I learned still resonate. His judicial philosophy is mine too: A judge must apply the law as written. Judges are not policymakers, and they must be resolute in setting aside any policy views they might hold.” Despite high praise by conservatives and the Senate majority leader’s commitment to ram through her nomination, civil rights organizations and other advocates have expressed strong opposition to Judge Barrett. “We stand opposed to her confirmation to the Court,” said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “Her confirmation would dramatically alter the Supreme Court in ways that would prove devastating for Black communities and other people of color across the country.” Similarly, the head of the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights organization recently advised the Senate Judiciary Committee of the NAACP’s position on the nomination. “Coming in the middle of a presidential election in which over seven million people have already voted, the Barrett nomination is as illegitimate as it is corrupt,” Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO, wrote to the committee. “On issue after issue, we have found her to be stunningly hostile to civil rights.” “Early and absentee votes are already
ASKIA from Page 27 donation to the cause, and importantly, were not ashamed to announce their affiliation publicly. I knew then and there that the call for the Million Man March resonated proudly, not only in my heart, but in the hearts of Black men on every level, everywhere in these United States, and that the March was destined to be a crowning success. Brothers were ready! In addition to trumpeting my support for the m arch in the months to come in The Washington Informer, I was able to help explain the event in some White, corporate-owned media outlets as well: The Chicago Tribune, Christian Science Monitor Radio, USA Today, and The Washington Post,
being cast for the November election – and nominating a candidate for a lifetime appointment to this nation’s highest court during this electoral period undermines the democratic process and is a disservice to the American public,” said Sherilynn Ifill, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. “Senators must also respect the clear will of the American people, and honor the precedent they set in 2016, by declining to consider any nominee until the winner of the presidential election is inaugurated.” Mike Calhoun, president of the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), concurred: “The Senate majority needs to prioritize COVID-19 relief legislation for the rest of this year and not use the remaining time of this session to confirm judicial nominees, leaving millions of Americans vulnerable to financial hardship.” With less than three weeks before Election Day, the Senate began the confirmation process on Monday, Oct. 12 with its Judiciary Committee hearings, chaired by Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-South Carolina). The committee is expected to vote on the nomination on Oct. 22. As Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is planning a floor vote for the week of Oct. 26. The rapid review of Judge Barrett is a stark contrast to the lengthy, Senate-engineered delay of President Obama’s 2016 election-year Supreme Court nomination. On Feb. 13, 2016, Associate Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died. Weeks later on March 16, Obama nominated Judge Merrick Garland, Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. But the U.S. Senate refused to hold committee hearings or a floor vote for almost a year, and thereby denied President Obama the right to fill the court vacancy.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell publicly boasted in a speech that August, “One of my proudest moments was when I looked Barack Obama in the eye and I said, ‘Mr. President, you will not fill the Supreme Court vacancy.’ “ Nearly a year later, the lengthy high court’s vacancy enabled President Trump to nominate Neil Gorsuch on Feb. 1, 2017. The Senate confirmed Gorsuch on April 7, 2017, and he was sworn in three days later. In real time, that nomination process took just two months. It is also noteworthy that as the nation is increasingly diverse, the federal bench remains dominated by white judges. A recent Associated Press analysis of the Trump Administration’s judicial appointments found that white men were nearly 86% of the 206 lifetime appointments made. Similarly, white men were 85% of all Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorneys. A court system that does not reflect the people it is sworn to protect is hardpressed to ensure diverse backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints in judicial deliberations. Continuing the trend of nominating and confirming white, conservative justices strain — if not ignore — the nation’s pledge of equal justice. In the words of the Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights, “During this pandemic and amid nationwide calls for racial justice, we cannot allow Trump to select a third justice who he has pledged will devastate our hard-fought civil and human righ The approaching electoral decisions include the future of hard-won civil rights, and whether they will continue to be systematically dismantled. It is in the hands of voters to decide. And the choices should be clear: a return to the multiple ills of bygone years or hopeful future with justice and opportunity for all. Choose wisely, America. WI
among them. You see, this march, for the first time in more than 50 years, was built not only on the “body” of Black discontent, but it had a Black “head.” “This demonstration for the first time was a ‘Black thing.’ It took hold via a new, all-Black infrastructure of financing, organization, and information dissemination,” I wrote in the pages of The Post on Oct. 8, 1995. Farrakhan was blessed by The Almighty. “Rather than continue to lament that disparity, this march sought to change it by empowering a new grassroots Black leadership. It latched on to the same source of discontent that drove the now-defunct Civil Rights movement: unequal treatment of African Americans. But rather than challenge White leaders for control of
the Civil Rights groups that Whites helped found, the Black organizers of this march replaced the integrated head on the Civil Rights movement’s Black body with a Black head.” It was the largest demonstration of Black solidarity in this nation’s history! It was 136 years to the day after John Brown and 21 others, including five Black men and three of his sons attacked the U.S. arsenal at Harper’s Ferry, lighting the fuse of the Civil War which would end in the abolishment of slavery. On that brilliant October day in Washington in 1995, another fuse was lit, igniting the greatest, peaceful revolution in U.S. history. It was the beginning of the Third U.S. Reconstruction. Long Live the Spirit of the Million Man March! WI
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48 - OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2020
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