The Washington Informer - October 26, 2023 by The Washington Informer

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER CELEBRATING 59 YEARS…

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October 2023. Volume 9. Issue 10.

Long Live Go-Go

Don't Miss This Month's WI Bridge

Celebrating 59 Years - Vol 59 No 2 - October 26 – November 1, 2023

Ward 8 Cyclists Critical of How D.C. Officials Have Tackled Transportation Issues Councilmember White to Introduce Bill for DDOT Engagement By Sam P.K. Collins and Kayla Benjamin WI Staff Writer and WI Climate & Environment Reporter

5Aloa Smith, 11, Delia House-Smith, and Nigel Smith, 10 at the Fresh Wind Community Development Corporation Ward 8 Bike Ride on Saturday, Oct. 21. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer).

The failure of the Bowser administration’s Vision Zero program has shed light on D.C.’s inequitable transportation infrastructure that, in part, has spurred traffic fatalities east of the Anacostia River over the last few years. That’s why an increasingly growing group of cyclists from Ward 8 has coalesced around a call for traffic safety measures. They will soon make

Parental Revival Attempts to Boost Family Involvement

In recent weeks, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) and the D.C. Council revealed its intentions to better support

low-performing public and public charter schools with coaching and targeted support. However, some community members, including one who spoke to the Informer, said improving students’ academic performance requires boosting student attendance and better holding accountable parents who let their young ones miss several days of instruction. Over the last several weeks, teachers and staff at John Philip Sousa Middle

TRUANCY Page 53

WARD 8 Page 16

Mayor Bowser’s New Legislation Zeroes in on Loitering

Truancy Still an Issue in D.C., Community Members and Experts Say By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

their appeal to D.C. Councilmember Trayon White and the Ward 8 D.C. Council candidates. Jeremiah Lowery, a Black bicycling advocate who hails from Ward 8, said that the lack of crosswalks, speed bumps, bus lanes, protected bike lanes, stop signs and other traffic safety measures has made it difficult for bicyclists, race and ethnicity notwithstanding, to navigate communities located east of the Anacostia River. Lowery, advocacy director at the Washington Area Bicyclist Association

Other Elements of Legislation Dial Back on Policing Reforms By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

5 D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the Addressing Crime Trends (ACT) Now Act at the Metropolitan Police Department’s Fourth District Station on Oct. 23 along with Acting Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith (front, far left) and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Lindsey Appiah (front center). (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

For many District residents, most violent crime leads back to the crowds of people who loiter in front of methadone clinics, liquor stores and businesses along major corridors in the city’s most blighted communities. Such a sight has compelled some people, like Anthony Muhammad, to

LOITERING Page 56

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

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CONTENTS

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purchased, the regular price applies. Manufacturers’ coupons may only be used on purchased items, not on free items. All rebate offers are subject to applicable manufacturer’s additional terms. Customer pays for applicable taxes, bottle/can deposit and bag fees, if any, on purchased and free items. We reserve the right to modify or cancel offers and/or correct typographical, pictorial and other ad or pricing errors. Prices for products ordered online generally are higher than in our physical store locations and may vary by fulfillment method chosen. Online promotions, discounts and offers may differ from those in our physical store locations. Offers are void or restricted where prohibited or limited by law and have no cash value. No cash back will be given.

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wi hot topics

COMPILED BY STACY M. BROWN, WI SENIOR WRITER, RICHARD ELLIOTT, WI CONTRIBUTING REPORTER

Alsobrooks Endorsed by Gov. Moore, Lt. Gov. Miller and Jawando Days after Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando (D-At-Large) dropped out of the U.S. Senate race, he announced he is supporting Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) for the seat. Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D), Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller (D), Howard County Executive Calvin Ball (D) and Jawando all endorsed Alsobrooks on Oct. 23. Alsobrooks was a strong and early supporter of the Moore/Miller ticket during their gubernatorial campaign. While no polls have yet been conducted, these new endorsements and the narrowing of the race will benefit her campaign and further propel her fundraising into the new year. “When you look at what’s happening in the world broadly and the state directly, when you look at the fact that it’s never been more clear that American leadership is needed in the world and Maryland’s leadership is needed in this country, we want to have the right kind of partner inside of Washington who’s going to deliver for people in our state,” Moore said in an interview on Monday. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5 Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando announced that he is dropping out of the US Senate race earlier today, leaving Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and Congressman David Trone (both D) as the leading candidates. (Courtesy Photo)

Georgetown Mourns the Passing of Coach Tasha Butts Beloved Coach Remembered for Grit and Inspiration

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

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

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Georgetown University’s Department of Intercollegiate memory.” Athletics officials said they are mourning the death of University President John J. DeGioia also expressed his Women’s Basketball Head Coach Tasha Butts following a condolences. courageous two-year battle with breast cancer. Butts, an “Tasha’s passing is a devastating loss. She was extraordiaccomplished player, nationally recognized assistant coach, nary—Tasha was a person of character, determination, viand first-year head coach, was 41. sion, and kindness,” DeGioia stated in the release. “She will “I am heartbroken for Tasha’s family, friends, players, be deeply missed by our community and by so many people teammates, and colleagues,” the Francis X. Rienzo Direc- around the country who have been inspired by her life. We tor of Intercollegiate Athletics Lee Reed, said in a news re- offer her family our most sincere condolences.” lease. “When I met Tasha, I knew she was a winner on the With the 2023–24 season approaching, Darnell Haney court and an incredible person whose drive, passion, and will serve as the interim head coach for Georgetown, with determination was second to none. She exhibited these the university and BIG EAST Conference officials declarqualities both as a leader and in her fight against breast ing a commitment to continuing Butts’ “Tasha Tough cancer. This is a difficult time for the entire Georgetown initiative,” which focuses on early cancer screenings and community, and we will come together to honor her detection. WI

Richard Roundtree, Trailblazing “Shaft” Actor, Dies at 81 Richard Roundtree, the iconic actor renowned for portraying the suave private detective in the groundbreaking “Shaft” film series, has died at 81. His longtime manager Patrick McMinn, confirmed that Roundtree succumbed to pancreatic cancer at his residence in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The legendary actor, who also battled and triumphed over breast cancer in 1993, underwent a double mastectomy. “Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men,” McMinn said. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.” Roundtree’s legacy extended beyond the 1970s classics. He reprised his iconic role in the 2000 “Shaft” film,

sharing the screen with Samuel L. Jackson, who portrayed his nephew. The film was a revival that aimed to captivate a wider audience, and Roundtree and Jackson returned in the same roles for the 2019 rendition starring Jessie T. Usher. In a heartfelt social media post, Jackson hailed Roundtree as the “prototype” and praised him as “the best to ever do it.” Jackson added, “SHAFT, as we know it is [and] will always be his Creation. His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but I’m sure a lotta y’all’s, too.” In 1993, Roundtree faced a rare form of male breast cancer with unwavering determination. His resilience led him to become a prominent advocate for breast cancer awareness, lending his voice to the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Know Your Score Men’s Health Initiative. Roundtree earned numerous awards, including the MTV Lifetime Achievement Award for his iconic portrayal of Shaft, an Image Award nomination in 1998, a Peabody Award in 2002, and a Black Theater Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

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DENIECE LAURENT-MANTEY

5 Deniece Laurent-Mantey, executive director for the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States

Ghanaian American Named Executive Director for President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States By, Austin R. Cooper, Jr. WI Contributing Writer

The White House has named Ghanaian-American Deniece Laurent-Mantey as executive director of the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States. “We are in a very exciting time. The council is an advisory council that is situated in the Department of State where we have 12 members on the council who will be putting together recommendations,” said Laurent-Mantey, in a WIN-TV “Let’s Talk,” interview with Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes. “[The council will offer] suggestions about how we can really engage the African diaspora community in the United States, and strengthen our relationship with young leaders, our partners on the African continent.” A Bronx, New York native

and a graduate of Syracuse University and Howard University, Laurent-Mantey explained the council’s definition of the African diaspora. “We’re defining it as African immigrants, those who immigrate from the continent to the United States, but also descendants of African slaves. So that includes African Americans as well,” she said. “It is an inclusive definition. We are also aligned with the African Union’s definition of diaspora, which is more inclusive.” “We are in a place in our U.S.-Africa policy where we say we’re really focused on not just what we’re going to do in Africa, but what we’re going to do with Africa,” she said. “Partnership is critical and important and what we’re going to do with Africa is engage a large, interested, vibrant, smart Diaspora who also want to become a part of that.” WI

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black facts

OCT 26 - NOV 1, 2023 SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

1981 – William O. Walker, publisher of the Cleveland Call Post, dies in Cleveland at age 85.

OCT. 30

1974 – Muhammad Ali regains the world heavyweight championship by knocking out George Foreman in the 8th round of the "The Rumble in the Jungle." 1954 – The Defense Department announces the elimination of all segregated regiments in the armed forces. 1991 – BET Holdings, Inc. the parent company of Black Entertainment Television, sells 4.2 million shares of stock in an initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange, becoming the first African-American company listed on the exchange.

OCT. 31

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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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OCT. 27

1891 – Black inventor Philip B. Downing receives patent for the street letter box, a precursor of the modern-day mailbox. 1922 – Famed actress and civil rights activist Ruby Dee is born in Cleveland.

OCT. 28

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.

1893 – William Henry Lewis, the first Black All-American collegiate football player, makes the team for the second consecutive season while playing for Harvard. 1896 – Early 20th-century actress and singer Ethel Waters, the first African-American woman to be nominated for an Emmy Award, is born in Chester, Pennsylvania. 1899 – William F. Burr receives patent for the railway switch. 1950 – Earl Lloyd becomes the first African-American to play in an NBA game.

NOV. 1

1945 – John H. Johnson publishes the first issue of Ebony magazine. 1946 – Charles S. Johnson becomes the first Black president of Fisk University. 1951 – Jet magazine publishes its first issue. 1991 – Clarence Thomas is sworn in as the 106th associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. WI

OCT. 29

1945 – Tony Award-winning actress and singer Melba Moore is born in New York City. 1949 – Alonzo G. Moron is inaugurated as the first Black president of Hampton Institute, later known as Hampton University. 1969 – The Supreme Court orders the immediate end of school segregation.

6 OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023

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In RFK Campus Discussion, Maloof Skate Park Patrons Stand Strong By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer As a bill ceding control of the RFK campus to the District makes its way through Congress, residents continue to debate whether the D.C. government should fund the construction of a new stadium or use the 174 acres for a mixture of projects of direct benefit to District residents. The debate raged on at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church in Northeast, where D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser doubled down on her appeal for a mixed-use campus that’s anchored by a stadium during a meeting with community members. For the dozens of young people who attended the meeting on Oct. 18, not much of what Bowser said laid to rest their concerns about Maloof Skate Park, the future of which is in question. For more than a decade, Maloof Skate Park has served legions of young skateboarders who frequent the 15,000 square foot arena -- located just feet from RFK Stadium -- to practice tricks, commune with one another, and relieve stress. Long after the stadium’s closure, young people, like Tayron Watts, continue to call Maloof Skate Park a home away from home for those living in portions of the city lacking in safe public spaces. “This is such a good community. We don’t steal from each other. We don’t fight. If someone needs

5 Local skateboarders including Tayron Watts, Tristan McKnight and Devonte Walton attended St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church in Kingman Park to discuss the positive benefits of Malook Skate Park, just feet from RFK Stadium, has had on their lives. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

something, we give it to them without charging them,” said Tayron, a 17-year-old Northeast resident who has frequented Maloof Skate Park since elementary school. Tayron counted among nearly two dozen young people who converged on St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church on Wednesday evening, For more than an hour, Tayron and his friends, many of whom wielded skateboards and sported long locs of various colors, listened as Bowser read a statement and answered a series of questions about her intentions for the RFK campus. Community questions ran the gamut, from how the new stadium would be funded, to whether there would be space for other activities, and how to mitigate concerns about traffic, public drunkenness and noise pollution. Much to Tayron’s disappointment, Bowser didn’t say much about Maloof Skate Park. She only encouraged community members to forward their questions to her staff. “Mayor Bowser didn’t give us the respect of five minutes,” Tayron said. “It was all about money. We don’t have much [space to have fun]. They just want to knock down our local skate park. We don’t know if they’ll add another one. “

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8 OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023

D.C. Skate Park, opened during the spring of 2012 for skaters of various skill levels. In 2011, the inaugural Maloof Money Cup took place on the premises. The park, designed by pro skater Geoff Rowely and Joe Ciaglia of California Skateparks, includes steps, jumps, ledges, rail, a 4-foot quarter pipe, and vert wall that’s nearly 6 feet. For years after the Maloof Money Cup, Maloof Skate Park hadn’t been available for public use. Though the park is currently open to the public, there are still questions about whether it would be included in the new RFK campus design. Earlier this year, Bowser allocated funds toward the construction of a D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation Sports Complex on RFK Campus. In his remarks before a congressional committee last month, Delano Hunter, acting director of the Department of General Services, articulated the Bowser administration’s vision for RFK campus that houses D.C.’s professional football team and allows athletes of all ages to nurture their talents locally rather than in other cities and states. Another element of Bowser’s vision, Hunter said, involves its designation as a world-class destination for D.C. residents and out-of-towners who can partake in various activities along the nearby waterfront and communities along the banks of the Anacostia River.

SKATE PARK Page 11

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Northeast Neighborhood Ivy City Celebrates 150th Anniversary By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

At the ripe old age of 150, Ivy City was looking good at its birthday party last week. Dozens of current and former neighborhood residents, as well as friends from around the District, turned out to celebrate with music, games, food and activism at a festival held on the grounds of the historic Alexander Crummell School. Sharon Edwards, a grandmother of five who now lives in nearby Brentwood, was one of many people who attended Crummell for elementary school. She was in Crummell’s last fifthgrade class before the school shut down in the 1970s. “You know, we had a birthday party every weekend back then,”

Edwards said. “Just a tight-knit community—close, close, close. You can tell by [how] the kids [are] coming back as adults, in their 50s, 60s, 70s.” Ivy City community members have fought a long battle with the District to revitalize Crummell School, a historic site that remained empty for decades, for use as a community center. The city agreed to do so in 2020, and the project is scheduled to be completed by 2025. For now, though, the beautiful brick building remains boarded up behind the newly painted basketball courts on its grounds. Many former Crummell students, some of whom are now grandparents, came to see each other and enjoy the festivities Oct. 21. Rita Lofty, 73, recalled many

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other celebrations from three decades living in Ivy City, such as wrapping the may pole in the spring with the rest of the Crummell student body. “There was a school luncheon, we all brought our chairs out — we made a circle and each class had a different activity to do,” Lofty said. “I'm just glad to come back and enjoy myself, and I try to always come back just to see the activities because I love Ivy City.” The activities Lofty came out to join included everything from free family portraits, to pumpkin-painting, to foosball games, as well as live music and a cookout. Kids — sporting superhero masks and butterflies from a face-painting booth — chased after rubber balls, which rolled across the court because of the

5 Games and crafts brought Ivy City kids and families together at a community celebration of the neighborhood’s 150th anniversary. (Conrado Muluc/Empower DC)

day’s high winds. Nonprofit Plants and Blooms Reimagined brought buckets of fresh flowers for free bouquets. “There’s just so, so much to be thankful for,” Edwards said of

growing up in Ivy City. “It was just a fun time. I mean, nobody would ever believe how close-knit our community was — it was like a fairy tale.” WI

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Jeremy Allen, Sr. (4th left) co-owner of the Carlyle Room with his wife, business owners, and government officials, cut the ribbon during the grand opening of the Carlyle Room in Northwest. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

Who’s Reading the Informer? Jason Porteratto and Tobias McCray read the Washington Informer. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

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through the House that would allow for an extension of the lease that would allow more than sports -- like housing and job opportunities on the campus,” Bowser added. “If that legislation didn’t pass, the only thing that could happen at RFK is sports or a stadium like Congress did … when the original RFK was built.” For Tyler Willis, Bowser’s words fell on deaf ears. Tyler, a Northeast resident and student at Eastern High School, started skating at Maloof Skate Park at the height of the pandemic. With the future of what he called his therapeutic activity in question, Tyler said he didn’t like Bowser’s insistence on building another athletic facility.

Bowser didn't stray from these talking points on Wednesday, stressing to community members that the District doesn’t have to choose between a football stadium and creating a campus that supports large-scale events and serves as an epicenter of economic and human development. In regard to the debate around whether District taxpayers should foot the bill, Bowser told community members that the large-scale project would require some public investment to dictate the appropriate infrastructure. She also revealed that the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development commissioned a D.C. Sports Study that analyzes the economic

impact of stadium financing. Bowser later took community members down memory lane, citing Nationals Park as what she described as a project of long-term economic benefits to District residents. Affordable housing advocates who flooded the space on Wednesday could be heard scoffing at that point. In her appeal, Bowser circled back to Capitol Hill, saying that the D.C. government wouldn’t be able to infuse RFK campus with various amenities without the passage of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act. “Our task right now is to get control of the land,” Bowser said. “Congresswoman Norton (D-D.C.) and Rep. Comer (RKY) introduced legislation moving

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sell her product, noting that national grocers Harris Teeter and Kroger carry her drink. “My goal is to see Rejuvenation become a household name,” she said. Ben Osei, field mark manager for Jack Daniel’s, said helping burgeoning Black businesses is what his company seeks to do. “With the New Beginnings: Make It Count program, we are able to promote the growth of local business and inform more consumers of Blackowned ventures to support,” he said. “Research has shown that Black entrepreneurs were hit the hardest economically by the pandemic. Since 2020, Jack Daniel’s has run this program so that Black founders have equal opportunities for business success.” WI @JamesWrightJr10

personnel, and plans for the prize. The contestants with the highest overall scores were selected as the winners. The Winning Presentations Woolridge said that if she won the competition, she would use the $10,000 for various purposes in operating Janet & Jo. “I have a large purchase order that needs to be filled,” she said. Woolridge added that her nail polish is presently in spas, specialty stores and hotels. She developed the vegan-based nail polish through “trial and error” and said she employs five people and has sold over 75,000 units. Cobb said she named her energy drink “Rejuvenation” based on giving someone a second chance at life. She said that in a sense, energy drinks bring vitality back to the body. Cobb said 275 retailers nationally

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5 Kendra Woolridge, owner of Janet & Jo is congratulated by her peers for winning the Jack Daniels pitch competition. (Ja’mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

When Kendra Woolridge decided to give a name to her nail polish business, she decided that two of the women who inspired her the most should receive that honor: grandmothers Janet Lee and Jo Woolridge. “Fueled by my passion for polish and love for family, I discovered my commitment to clean beauty, while on my journey to create a luxurious nail lacquer that provided beauty without the consequences associated with toxins commonly found in nail polishes,” Woolridge said. The grandmothers-inspired business draws on the strength and power of the founder’s ancestors, winning a firstplace $10,000 prize from Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey pitch competition. The competition was part of “New Beginnings: Make It Count,” on Oct. 18 at the Gathering Spot located in Northwest, D.C. The second- place prize of $5,000 went to Rejuvenation, a 100% plant-based alternative energy drink company led by CEO Anna Cobb. Woolridge and Cobb competed against four other Black Washington, D.C. area companies for the prizes. They made their pitches in front of judges—Aisha Bond, Danielle Walker, and Howard R. Jean of the Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce—in addition to their supporters. The contestants had three minutes to deliver their presentations and the judges questioned them for two minutes on such topics as marketing strategy,

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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

HISTORIC FIRST VISIT BY A SITTING LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Lt. Gov Aruna Miller Visits Elizabeth Seton High School, Discusses Mental Health By Richard D. Elliott WI Contributing Reporter In a historic visit, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller (D), stopped by Bladensburg’s Elizabeth Seton High School to discuss

mental health and school-based wellness initiatives with an auditorium packed full of students on Oct. 17. This was the first time a sitting lieutenant governor visited the all girls college preparatory institution, and the conversations

12 OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023

5 Seton President Dr. Lisa M. Grillo preparing to introduce Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller to an auditorium full of Seton students. This was the first time in Seton’s history that a Lieutenant Governor has visited the school. (Richard D. Elliott/ The Washington Informer)

weren’t political, but rather aimed at prioritizing the overall health of Seton students . “Make sure you are paying close attention. I’ve asked the Seton herstorians and this is the first time we’ve ever hosted a Lieutenant

5 Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller gave a talk on mental health, leadership, and the philosophy that has helped her to achieve in both politics and science despite a lack of peers that looked like her. (Richard D. Elliott/The Washington Informer)

Governor,” said Seton President Dr. Lisa Grillo. “Lieutenant Governor Miller has been laser focused on mental health. She has been a leading advocate for mental health awareness and support during times of great mental stress for young women. In her role she has pioneered initiatives to provide critical resources and support to those who need it most.” Overall health is important to Seton as part of the school’s initiative, Project SetonBeWell. Faculty, staff and parent wellness are all major parts of the school’s efforts. Miller has made mental health awareness one of her key agenda items as the Lieutenant Governor. Across the past year, she says the Moore-Miller Administration has distributed nearly $1.5 billion in state aid for mental health resources. According to Miller, COVID isolation, gun violence and academic stress are just a few of the factors contributing to the current mental health crisis, particularly affecting young people. The lieutenant governor also offered advice. She advocated that those present get comfortable with public speaking, a skill that Americans rate rather uncomfortably, and to center service in their lives by applying for the first cohort of the service year option. “Empathy and compassion are what will bring this country together. We all come with unique journeys and when we meet other people, they come with their own

journey and their own traumas,” Miller said. “We’re all unique, but can we feel the pain that others are going through personally? I approach everything through a lens of compassion and empathy and vulnerability. I learned that my assignment is to make space in rooms where I was the only person that looked like me.” Grillo said Miller “related to the girls on the importance of focusing on their own mental health and removing some of the stigmas attached to mental health so the girls can live healthy lives.” “I appreciate her sharing her story as a woman leader and as a woman of color, being that this is an all-girl’s school,” the school’s president added. In addition to mental health, the event also highlighted girl power. The event acknowledged Bladensburg Mayor Takesha James, and the historic nature of Miller’s election. Miller is only the second woman to serve as the Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, and the first immigrant to serve in the position. Her service in the legislature and work as a civil engineer was also highlighted. “I am so proud to be here with girl power and I’m fangirling so much over Dr. Grillo, isn’t she remarkable,” Miller told the students. “Not only did she come back to her alma mater, but she has made service a major part of her life. She is a caregiver for her mother, like I am.” WI

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WWW.PGCEDC.COM

Open letter to the Prince George’s County Business Community

conomic Development Week in Maryland is celebrated this year from October 23rd to 27th, and the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is proud to lead the celebration of the tremendous commitment of our business community to the growth and prosperity of this great County. We are ﬁlled with gratitude and admiration for the unwavering support and remarkable contributions that our business community has made to Prince George’s County’s economic growth. This week, we take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks for the leaders of the private sector who have made critical decisions to invest in commercial, residential, and retail projects in Prince George’s County. In Prince George’s County, we recognize that our economic development journey is a collective endeavor. It is a collaborative partnership that transcends boundaries and sectors, and you, our esteemed business partners, are at the heart of it all. Your passion, innovation, and especially your resilience have been instrumental in driving economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for all our residents. Throughout the years, EDC has witnessed the business community’s steadfast commitment to the economic development of Prince George’s County in numerous ways: 1. Job Creation: Your businesses have not only provided employment opportunities but have also played a pivotal role in empowering our residents, allowing them to build careers and secure brighter futures. 2. Community Investment: Your investments in the community have strengthened our neighborhoods, making them more vibrant, accessible, and attractive places to live and work.

3. Innovation: Your innovative ideas and solutions have driven progress, keeping our County at the forefront of emerging industries and technologies. 4. Partnerships: Through partnerships and collaborations, you have demonstrated a shared vision for a thriving Prince George’s County, supporting initiatives that improve education, healthcare, recreation, and infrastructure. 5. Sustainability: Your commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices has contributed to the preservation of our natural resources, creating a more sustainable future for generations to come. This Economic Development Week, we want to acknowledge that our achievements would not be possible without your dedication and foresight. Your businesses are the engines that power our local economy, and your vision has made Prince George’s County a hub of growth, opportunity, and innovation. As we move forward, facing new challenges and seizing fresh opportunities, let us continue to collaborate, innovate, and work together to make Prince George’s County a place where businesses thrive, communities prosper, and dreams are realized. Once again, the EDC thanks you for your outstanding contributions to our economic development journey. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for Prince George’s County, where everyone can share in the promise of progress and prosperity. HAPPY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK!

Warm regards

David S. Iannucci,

President & CEO Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation CELEBRATING

ANNIVERSARY

1983-2023

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OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023 13

BUSINESS ir efs By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

WABJ TO HONOR KRISTEN WELKER AT ANNUAL GALA

The Washington Association of Black Journalists (WABJ) announced that Kristen Welker, the new moderator of the NBC Sunday morning public affairs show “Meet the Press,” is the recipient of the WABJ Journalist of the Year. The award will be presented to her at the WABJ Special Honors & Scholarship Gala on Dec. 2 at Armour J. Blackburn University Center on the campus of Howard University. This award recognizes a Black Washington area journalist for their groundbreaking accomplishments and distinguished body of work produced over the past year with extraordinary depth and significance. Welker previously served as NBC News chief White House correspondent and co-anchor of “Saturday Today.” The Emmy-winning journalist is the first Black woman—and the second woman after the show's creator Martha Roundtree—to sit full-time in the moderator seat of the Sunday morning news show. Her ascension to the role makes her the 13th moderator of “Meet the Press.” She has also reported on NBC News and MSNBC platforms such as NBCNews.com, “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt” and “TODAY”. “WABJ is delighted to recognize and celebrate Kristen Welker’s stellar career accomplishments and contributions to our industry with this worthy award,” said WABJ President Khorri Atkinson. “Her

grit and poise when reporting some of the country’s biggest stories and holding those in authority accountable is commendable and it empowers other journalists to do the same.” Other honorees include Erica Loewe, White House chief of staff for Public Engagement at the White House as the WABJ Excellence in Communications Award; Pat Lawson Muse, former NBC Channel 4 newscaster, will be honored with the WABJ Lifetime Achievement Award; Sonya Ross, the managing editor of Inside Climate News, will get the 2023 WABJ Legacy Award; and Phil Lewis, HuffPost senior front page editor, will receive the 2023 WABJ Young Journalist of Excellence Award. The awards gala is a fundraiser to support WABJ scholarships, yearround professional development programming, and the organization’s long-running Urban Journalism Workshop for Washington, D.C. area high school students, which is now in its 37th year. For more information, visit wabjdc.org. Wi

MENTOR-PROTÉGÉ PILOT PROGRAM

The District of Columbia Department of General Services announced a Mentor-Protégé Pilot Program that will be launched in fiscal year 2024. The new pilot program will provide small business enterprises (SBEs) with technical training through mentorship with more

Calling Western High School Alumni! The Association wants YOU! Western High School (Washington DC, NW) opened in 1890 and closed in 1974. The Alumni Association preserves the memory and legacy of Western. The Association is holding its next quarterly meeting for alumni only on Saturday, November 4. Will YOU step-up to serve on the Board to keep the Western memory alive? Telephone call-in option will be available! For more information, contact: wcleyes@hotmail.com

14 OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023

3 Kristen Welker is the moderator for NBC television’s “Meet the Press” show. (Courtesy photo)

established construction firms. The SBEs participating in this program will partner with larger firms on department projects, including in District schools and recreation centers. “Small local businesses are vital to our communities and deserve every opportunity to grow and compete for District contracts and dollars,” said Acting Department Director Delano Hunter. “At the same time, the District has a wealth of established firms eager to share their knowledge and help their peers grow. By facilitating these spaces for connection, conversation, and mentorship, we are continuing DGS’s mission of building, maintaining, and sustaining District facilities, and Mayor Muriel Bowser’s vision of supporting entrepreneurs and creating job opportunities throughout the District. The program, which supplements the Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) program administered by the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), governs requirements for the participation of CBEs in city contracting. To participate as a protégé, business must be designated as an SBE by the DSLBD, be in good standing with the District, and be eligible for contract awards. The Mentor-Protégé Pilot Program will allow mentors and protégé firms to collaborate on DSG contracts and subcontracts, including planning, implementation, and tracking progress throughout the project.

The program kicked off with an information session on Oct. 25. For more information, contact Olivia Warren at Olivia.Warren@ dc.gov. Wi

public-private partnership consulting. To learn more about the DMPED Sports team, visit dmped.dc.gov/ SportsTeam. Wi

D.C. SPORTS STUDY

FIGHTING HOME APPRAISAL BIAS

The District’s Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development announced that Jones Lang LaSalle Americas (JLL) and the Robert Bobb Group have been selected to perform a sports study to support the department’s work to plan, coordinate and undergird pro and recreational sports in the city. “D.C. is a proud sports town that values our professional teams and the critical role they play in the District’s vibrancy,” said Acting Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Nina Albert. “The sports study will continue our work to support D.C.’s sports teams and further understand their contribution to our city’s economic and cultural landscape.” A national real estate advisory company, JLL has worked with more than 50 municipalities and pro sports teams. The District government has worked with JLL in many capacities dating back to 2001, including work done by the department focused on the Southwest Waterfront and Nationals Park. The Robert Bobb Group, led by former D.C. Administrator Robert Bobb, is a District-based, minority owned consulting firm focusing on

Prince George’s County Council members Mel Franklin (D-At Large), Sydney Harrison (D-District 9) and Calvin Hawkins (D-At Large) are supporting legislation— The Real Estate Appraisal Ban of 2023-- banning home appraisal bias. The bill would prohibit real estate appraisers from considering race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, disability, familial status or national origin in their real estate appraisal analysis. Plus, the bill directs the county’s Office of Human Rights to engage in a public awareness campaign by January 2024 to inform about the ban and how residents can file a claim. “The real estate appraisal community needs to take this seriously and become more conscious of any hidden racial bias entering into the appraisal process,” said Franklin. “We’re sending a message that illegal discrimination won’t be tolerated in Prince George’s County, and there is a price to be paid for it.” Violators could face a $10,000 fine. A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. Wi @JamesWrightJr10

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BUSINESS

Kelly Cornish: T.D. Jakes Foundation Exec Talks Black Women in Business, Corporate America By James Wright WI Staff Writer While the T.D. Jakes Foundation is known as a reflection of the values and priorities of the world-famous, Dallas-based televangelist T.D. Jakes, its president and CEO Kelley Cornish is establishing herself as an activist on behalf of Black women in Corporate America and African American woman-owned businesses. “There is a trend with Black women leaving Corporate America for many reasons including a lack of leadership support and recognition while feeling undervalued in their roles in the workplace more than any other racial group,” said Cornish, 54. “This is on top of their personal struggles where many are juggling caregiving, insufficient health advice, finances and access to capital needed to create advancement and generational wealth. We want to be part of the solution for these women.” Supporting Black women in corporate positions and in their businesses is one of the tenets of the foundation. U.S. Census data in 2020 reported that Black women constitute 7.7% of the American population. However, Lean In’s 2020 report: “The State of Black Women in Corporate America,”reveals only 1.6% Black women in vice presidential roles and 1.4% executive level positions in companies. Black women business owners are 37.2% of all African American-owned businesses and represent the fastest growing demographic as far as entrepreneurship is concerned, but they only account for 0.91% of all businesses and 4.23% of women-owned businesses, according to a post on the Brookings Institute website, according to a May 2023 Brookings piece.

BLACK WOMEN IN CORPORATE AMERICA

Cornish has served in executive level positions of diversity and inclusion for Wells Fargo, TD Bank Group, AmeriHealth Caritas and the Children’s Museum of Philadelphia. She said many Black women in Corporate America are first generation in terms of working in that sector and are largely unfamiliar

“There is a trend with Black women leaving Corporate America for many reasons including a lack of leadership support and recognition while feeling undervalued in their roles in the workplace more than any other racial group,” said Cornish

with its modes and customs. “We didn’t belong to the country club,” said Cornish. Cornish said corporate behavior such as aggressively seeking a higher salary with bosses was an experience many Black women didn’t know how to approach. She offered solutions for African American females stuck in the corporate grind. “Learn how to network effectively and actively seek out mentors,” she said. “Always be willing to share information with others. Learn all you can about your profession and your job.”

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Cornish realizes that many Black women have grown weary of Corporate America and want to create their own enterprises. “You want to have something of your own,” she said. “You want to show the world what you can do. You want to move on from the company because you no longer want to be stifled.” Cornish said getting capital to open a business is tough, but it can be done. The key to getting capital is to open your network and let people know that you are in business. Take courses and get an education on how to raise capital.”

WORKING AT THE T.D. JAKES FOUNDATION

Cornish said that through the foundation, she wants to change the conversation on the way women approach the workplace. “I want to work to make sure that young girls get into careers and not become hourly employees,” Cornish said. Jakes said hiring Cornish will improve the foundation’s focus and execution of its mission. “Bringing Kelley to lead the foundation is a strategic and advantageous relationship that will help our efforts in a unique and inventive way,” said Jakes, 66. “We have complete synergy in our visions to uplift communities, and Kelley has the knowledge and experience to bring corporate and community partners to impact people and transform lives.” WI @JamesWrightJr10

5 Kelley Cornish is president and CEO of the T.D. Jakes Foundation. (Courtesy photo)

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority t/a Events DC Bid Opportunity The Washington Convention and Sports Authority t/a Events DC is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to provide Waste Management and Recycling Services. Interested parties can view a copy of the IFB by accessing Events DC’s e-procurement website at https://eventsdc.bonfire.com. Bid 23-S-212-030 This Invitation for Bid (IFB) has a thirty-five percent (35%) set aside for a Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) as required under the provisions of “The Small and Certified Business Enterprise Development and Assistance Amendment Act of 2014” (the Act), effective June 10, 2014. Key Dates IFB Release Date:

Wednesday, October 26, 2023

IFB Pre-Bid Conference/Site Visit: 11:00AM, EST, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 IFB Questions Due Date:

5:00PM EST, Monday, November 13, 2023

IFB Response Due Date:

3:00PM, EST, Monday, November 27, 2023

Primary Contact Gerald Green, Manager, Contracts and Procurement Analyst Email: ggreen@eventsdc.com Phone: 202-249-3028

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023 15

NATIONAL Why Democrats Can’t Save Republicans from Themselves By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Rep. Jim Jordan’s (R-Ohio) repeated failure to garner the necessary 217 votes, even within his own party, to win Speaker of the House’s crucial position has left the GOP in disarray. Jordan, a prominent conservative, and election denier has faced fierce opposition from a faction within the Republican caucus. At least 22 Republicans were relentless in their refusal to back Jordan, especially after the Ohio legislator and his supporters allegedly made threats against them and their families. Meanwhile, across the aisle, Democrats remained united. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (DNY) garnered unanimous support

from all 212 members of the Democratic caucus. As Jeffries aptly noted, the GOP is amid a civil war, the ramifications of which are felt within their ranks and reverberate throughout the halls of Congress. While the refusal of a substantial faction of Republicans to endorse their chosen Speaker candidate paints a stark picture of a party grappling with internal strife, an intriguing question emerges: Why haven’t Democrats leveraged this rift within the GOP to their advantage? Jeffries could have clinched the Speaker’s gavel with just five additional votes from across the aisle. For some, it seems unfathomable that GOP members would vote for a Speaker from the minority party. But the failure to secure just five votes has prompted speculation about the Democrats’

5Jeremiah Lowery, a biking advocate from Ward 8. (Courtesy Photo)

WARD 8 from Page 1 (WABA), said the problem has fueled a false narrative that Black people haven’t embraced biking. He pointed to survey data debunking that notion. “When we have this perception, it's [actually] decades of underinvestment,” Lowery said. “Communities outside of east of the Anacostia River have been invested [when it comes to] transportation infrastructure. You can

do an eye test and go to Petworth, Columbia Heights, and Shaw in Northwest. The folks [in Ward 8] I talk to aren’t happy.”

WARD 8 COMMUNITY MEMBERS EMBRACE E-BIKES, BUT WITH QUESTIONS

The District has seen 242 deaths

16 OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023

5With Hakeem Jeffries garnering unanimous support from all 212 Democratic members of Congress, some beg the question how it was not possible to get five Republican allies to vote across party for the sake of getting the necessary 217 votes to be confirmed as House Speaker. (Courtesy photo/Wikimedia Commons)

tactics and outreach. Were they too cautious, confident, or divided within their ranks to extend a persuasive olive branch to just a handful of Republicans? “It may seem as if it should be easy for the Democrats to peel off five votes from the Republicans in the House of Representatives to elect Hakeem Jeffries speaker, but in fact, such a scenario is absolutely impossible,” said William S. Bike, a political historian and author of

the book “Winning Political Campaigns, a how-to guide on all aspects of political campaigning.” “And it has been impossible since 1994, when Republican House member Newt Gingrich changed our politics from a skirmish between the parties to an all-out war,” Bike stated. He said his book details Gingrich’s memo leading up to the 1994 campaign, “Language Matters,” where he urged the GOP to use words to describe opponents

from traffic incidents since 2017, according to data collected by D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT). Of those deaths, 105, or 43%, happened in Wards 7 and 8. By 2022, Southern Avenue in Southeast earned the title as D.C.’s deadliest corridor, with at least 18 traffic fatalities in eight years. The danger on D.C.’s roads has gotten worse in recent years. As of Oct. 17, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) had recorded 40 traffic fatalities in 2023 — a 54% increase from what had been recorded at the same time last year. More than 40% of traffic fatalities this year took place east of the Anacostia River, with Ward 8 representing the larger share. One traffic fatality in the District this year involved a cyclist. When it came to injuries, cyclists accounted for 8.2% of serious injuries, compared to 24% for pedestrians, 18% for passengers and nearly 50% for drivers. In

Wards 7 and 8, three cyclists suffered serious injuries in traffic incidents this year, while 25 cyclists suffered a traffic-related injury, severity notwithstanding. Notably, it can be difficult to make a direct comparison of traffic incidents involving cyclists versus pedestrians. That’s because, while the number of cyclists in the District has increased in recent years (Axios DC reported that the number of average daily bike trips per 1,000 people in the D.C. metro area rose from 24 to 31 between 2019 and 2022), there are still far more pedestrians than bikers on the road on a given day. During the earlier part of October, the D.C. Council Committee on Transportation and the Environment and the Committee on Public Works conducted a joint hearing on four bills intended to boost traffic safety.

WARD 8 Page 55

such as “sick,” “pathetic,” “traitors,” “corrupt,” and “selfish.” “This is a far cry from the days up until then when politicians may have criticized each other fairly in public but then gone in the back room and cut a political deal, and then headed out to play poker or have a drink together at night,” Bike wrote in an email to the Informer. Lindsey Cormack, an associate professor of political science in the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at the Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey said Democrats have reached across the aisle but to no avail. “Democrats are appealing to their Republican counterparts to back Minority Leader Jefferies. Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH) called on ‘reasonable Republicans’ to distance themselves from extreme right-wing factions, collaborate with Democrats, and halt the ongoing turmoil,” Cormack stated. She added that Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL) has voiced that it only takes 5 Republicans to join with Democrats to “stop the madness.” Cormack also pointed to a Capitol Hill press conference with Jeffries and other House Democrats where they stressed a bipartisan strategy to manage the House effectively. During that news conference, Jeffries said, “Traditional Republicans can break away from the extremism, partner with Democrats on an enlightened bipartisan path forward so we can end the recklessness and get back to doing the business of the American people. And Democrats are ready, willing, and able to get that done.” “The obstacle lies in the fact that the current House Republicans are hesitant to defy party allegiance by voting for Jefferies,” Cormack noted. “Congressional Republicans are acutely aware that such an action would almost certainly prompt a challenge from within their party in the next primary election and result in a loss of support from the broader Republican Party in all subsequent elections. Moreover, if the Republican leadership ultimately prevails, these members risk losing their committee assignments. Essentially, current Republicans voting for Jefferies seems feasible only if they completely change their political party affiliation.” WI @StacyBrownMedia

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Black Banks’ Future Discussed at NBA Meeting By James Wright WI Staff Writer Industrial Bank President and CEO B. Doyle Mitchell Jr. was a whirlwind at the National Bankers Association’s (NBA) Annual Conference titled “Emerging Trends: The Changing Face of Banking” held at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Northwest Oct. 19-20. From the moment it started early on Oct. 19 to the closing reception on the 20th, Mitchell visited panel discussions, networked with fellow NBA members and guests. In addition to being a present force in sessions during the conference, Mitchell was also often seen planning and huddling with NBA President Nicole Elam or the board chairman Robert E. James II, president and CEO of the Carver Financial Corporation in Savannah,

Georgia. As NBA treasurer, Mitchell was intentional about taking in the conference and ensuring it was a success for its over 150 attendees. “This conference is fantastic,” said Mitchell, 61. “Most of the banking industry’s regulators are here. We have a lot of people attending this year. There is a lot on our agenda and things are moving quickly.” Mitchell’s bank, acquired by his grandfather Jesse Mitchell in 1934, has long been a member of the NBA, which started out as the Negro Bankers Association in 1927 to further the interest of African American-owned financial institutions. The NBA presently has women and members from Asian and Latino. According to Finder.com as of October 2022, there are 42 Black-owned banks in the United States including three in the District: Industrial, City

First Bank and Howard University Employees Credit Union.

2023 NATIONAL BANKERS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

On Oct. 19, the NBA co-sponsored the Minority Deposit Institutions Partnership Summit with the American Bankers Association. The partnership’s focus is to facilitate the growth of Minority Deposit Institutions (MDIs), many of whom are Black banks. “This partnership with the ABA started in 2019,” said Elam. “We want both MDIs and non-MDIs to serve our communities. We are seeking to bring MDIs to the table.” The Summit consisted of workshops on MDIs legislative and regu-

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NATIONAL

latory views, capital acquisition and economic opportunities. Representatives of the federal banking regulatory agencies and the Biden administration spoke to the attendees on Oct. 20. Robit Chopra, director of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, said Black banks are doing well but must be careful in the changing banking environment. “There seems to be a move toward only a few big banks in this country,” Chopra said. Mitchell said the conference highlights the need for big banks and smaller financial institutions to work together. “Black banks are in the best position in 30 years due to the influx of capital from larger banks and the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund,” Mitchell said. WI @JamesWrightJr10

5 B. Doyle Mitchell Jr. is the president and CEO of D.C.-based Industrial Bank. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023 17

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Justice Department’s Initiative Secures $107 Million in Relief for Redlining Victims By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer The Justice Department’s Combating Redlining Initiative announced the recovery of over $107 million in relief for communities of color nationwide who have long suffered from unfair lending practices. Within the sum, the Department unveiled a $9 million agreement with Ameris Bank, 3(Courtesy photo/US Dept. of Justice)

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

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aimed at rectifying allegations of redlining primarily in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Jacksonville, Florida. Redlining, a prohibited practice, involves lenders withholding credit services from individuals in communities of color based on race, ethnicity, or national origin. “Today’s case underscores that redlining remains a contemporary issue,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a news release, emphasizing the initiative’s ongoing importance. “The Justice Department is committed to rectifying the harm caused by discriminatory lending practices, with over two dozen active investigations underway across the nation.” In October 2021, Garland launched the Combating Redlining Initiative, marking the Department’s most comprehensive endeavor to combat this systemic issue. The initiative collaborates with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, federal financial regulatory agencies, and state Attorneys General offices to enforce federal fair lending laws, including the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. Since its inception, officials have secured 10 settlements with financial institutions, facilitating increased credit access for communities of color in various cities, including Houston, Memphis, Philadelphia, and Jacksonville. The DOJ said the settlements have empowered marginalized communities, enabling them to pursue homeownership, a right unjustly denied them for far too long. Ameris Bank later reached a resolution in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, contingent on court approval. The DOJ’s complaint alleged that Ameris Bank deliberately excluded majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Jacksonville from its mortgage services, steering applicants away from home loans. The bank’s lending focus disproportionately favored white areas of the city. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stressed the significance of combating modern-day

redlining, noting that it fosters equal economic opportunity and enables communities of color to fulfill the American Dream. “Combating modern-day redlining is one of the most important strategies for ensuring equal economic opportunity today,” Clarke stated. “By taking on the discriminatory lending practices of banks and mortgage companies, we are helping to ensure that more Black, Hispanic, and other communities of color are able to buy a home, generate wealth, and fulfill the American Dream. This settlement marks a new pinnacle in our efforts to bring an end to redlining and provides.” U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida heralded the agreement with Ameris Bank as a historic moment, signaling a positive shift for Black and Hispanic communities previously denied vital economic resources. “For far too long, redlining has negatively impacted communities of color across our country,” Handberg asserted. “Today’s agreement with Ameris Bank represents the first redlining case brought by the Department of Justice in the state of Florida and signals a step forward for Black and Hispanic communities in Jacksonville that were previously denied access to economic resources for generations. This settlement means that Ameris Bank will provide financial remedies to Jacksonville’s underserved communities, and it demonstrates our commitment to guaranteeing equal access to housing and credit resources for all Americans.” Under the proposed consent order, Ameris Bank will invest $9 million to expand credit opportunities in Jacksonville. This includes a $7.5 million loan subsidy fund for residents of majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods, $900,000 for targeted outreach, and $600,000 for community partnerships to bolster access to residential mortgage credit. Additionally, Ameris Bank will open a branch in a majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhood, allocate at least three mortgage loan officers to serve these communities, and implement comprehensive compliance measures. WI @StacyBrownMedia

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Family Caregivers—Holding Up a Broken Long-Term Care System By Louis Davis, Jr. AARP DC State Director

Subsidy Eligibility Amendment Act of 2023. If passed, this bill would amend the District’s Grandparent Caregiver and Kinship Care Programs through which a grandparent or close relative of a child may be eligible to receive subsidy payments for the care and custody of a child. The amendment would raise the income eligibility threshold from 200% of the federally defined poverty level to 300%, providing more District caregivers access to this important program.

DISTRICT’S FAMILY CAREGIVERS NEED SUPPORT

AARP is fighting to save time and money for more than 48 million family caregivers across America. Their efforts allow their older parents, spouses, or other loved ones to live independently instead of being forced into nursing homes. These dedicated family caregivers provide $600 billion worth of unpaid labor each year—managing medications, preparing meals, helping with bathing, feeding & dressing, providing transportation to medical appointments, and handling financial & legal matters. And most people doing all that unpaid work are also trying to juggle paying jobs. Many are forced to reduce their hours or quit entirely. The physical, emotional & financial toll of family caregiving is enormous. Arnita, a caregiver from the District, said, “My partner died of cancer. I was fortunate to have an employer who gave me the flexibility to stay home to care for him. We caregivers need more help—financially, physically, and emotionally.” To learn more and take action, visit aarp.org/IAmACaregiver

UNPAID FAMILY CAREGIVING LABOR FORCE IN THE DISTRICT BY THE NUMBERS

• 74,000 unpaid caregivers living in the District • 69 million hours of care provided per year • $1.37 billion value of the unpaid labor in the District per year • Over $7,200 average out-

of-pocket caregiving costs per year across the U.S.

AARP DC SUPPORTS THE GRANDPARENT AND CAREGIVER SUBSIDY ELIGIBILITY AMENDMENT ACT OF 2023

Over 7,000 children under the age of 18 in the District live in grandparent-led households. Financial assistance is available to help these caregivers offset the costs of caring for children who may otherwise end up in the foster care system. D.C.’s Grandparent and Kinship Caregiver Programs provide a monthly subsidy to eligible District residents raising their grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-nieces, or great-nephews. Caregivers use the funds for items and activities that benefit the children, such as groceries, school supplies, and summer camps. AARP DC is fighting to expand the Grandparent Caregiver Program. Join us and make your voice heard! On Thursday, November 2, 2023, the District Council’s Committee on Facilities and Family Services will hold a public hearing. One of the items being discussed is the Grandparent and Caregiver

How you can help: • Sign up to testify via Zoom. Register using the D.C. Council’s Hearing Management System at: https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Hearings/hearings/142 or by emailing facilities@dccouncil.gov. The Deadline is by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. • Submit written or voicemail testimony by 5:00 p.m. on November 9, 2023 • Written Submission: Email

testimony to facilities@dccouncil. gov • Voicemail Submission: Call (202) 350-1396 (up to 3 minutes, which will be transcribed).

To learn more about support for grandparents and close relative caregivers, call (866) 326-5461 (FAM-KIN1) or visit https://www.kinshipdc.org/.

Family Caregiving

Get the Family Caregiving Support You Need, When You Need it. At AARP Family Caregiving, we’re here to help you get answers, connect with other family caregivers and find local resources close to home. So you can take care of what matters most. To learn more, visit aarp.org/caregiving.  /aarpdc  @AARPDC

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africa now

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Kenyans Demand Compensation for British Army Blaze Ahead of King’s Visit Residents in central Kenya on Friday, Oct. 20, denounced a lack of compensation over a devastating 2021 fire which broke out during a British military exercise, 10 days before a visit by King Charles III, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP). 5 Lawyer Kelvin Kubai read an open letter A Kenyan court has ordered the British Army to pay compensation for the to the British government on behalf of victims blaze, which ravaged more than 4,800 hectares (12,000 acres) of land during a at a press conference on Friday, Oct. 20. (Courtesy Photo) military exercise conducted by the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK). The unit is based near the town of Nanyuki, some 200 kilometers (120 miles) north of the capital Nairobi. "Two and a half years later, zero compensation has been given to the people affected," said lawyer Kelvin Kubai as he read out an "open letter to the British government" on behalf of the victims at a press conference. The letter, signed by 7,000 plaintiffs, said "the British Army is actually using every trick from the colonial rule book to try and not pay the Kenyan people compensation.” Those affected are seeking compensation for environmental damage, as well as payment for medical problems such as "serious breathing difficulties," and "permanent issues with eyesight," which they say resulted from the fire. "Many, many farmers have not been able to grow back the crops and regain the livestock that was lost in this terrible fire," the letter said. Compensation for the fire is being managed by an intergovernmental liaison committee (IGLC), made up of representatives from both countries. The authors of the open letter criticized the IGLC for asking for more proof of the damage caused by the blaze. "They wish to insult us further by telling us we have to prove –- again –- the damage that their careless and arrogant soldiers caused," the letter said. "The facts remain that the British Army destroyed the environment in Kenya where they are guests and they don’t want to pay us for it." King Charles III and his wife Queen Camilla will visit the East African nation from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, his first trip to a Commonwealth country since becoming king last year, and his fourth official visit to Kenya. WI

caribbean now Guyana and Cuba Ink Agreement to Boost Honey Production Guyana and Cuba on Saturday, Oct. 21, further strengthened their bond with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost the production of honey in Guyana, according to a report by The Guyana Chronicle on Oct.22. The signing took place at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) during the ongoing Agri-Investment Forum and Expo. The agreement seeks to 5 Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Delma Nedd (front left), and Cu- form a framework of co-operation between the Agriculture Ministries in both countries in the areas of forestry, beekeeping, the production of animal and liveban Ambassador to Guyana, Jorge Francisco Soberon Luis (front right), during the signing stock products, agriculture and vegetable products, among other areas. of the Memorandum of Understanding. Director General at the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj, reiterated (Courtesy Photo/Delano Williams) Guyana’s long-standing relationship with Cuba. He noted that Guyana is developing cooperation with countries that have some of the best agricultural practices, listing Cuba as one of those countries. He remarked that Guyana first had great potential for apiculture. If exploited, apiculture (the maintenance of honeybees), could provide employment and a sustainable income for the population in hinterland communities. Several hectares of land loosely observed, with respect to beekeeping, can provide tremendous potential for the expansion of beekeeping. Beehives will be established in Regions Nine and One as Guyana hopes to produce honey on a large scale. As such, Ramraj noted that Guyana will sign a technical assistance agreement with a Cuban company, which will allow for these activities to boost the production of honey in Guyana. The Guyana Chronicle had previously reported that Guyana is already preparing to increase its domestic honey production with the assistance of Cuban specialists. WI

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Being a great place to work has its rewards. And awards. Because of our investments in industry-leading programs and resources, and our commitment to helping teammates achieve their personal and professional goals, we were awarded the Grand Stevie Award for Organization of the Year. I’m proud of this recognition, really proud of our dedicated employees, but most especially proud to be part of this community we all serve. Lawrence Di Rita President, Bank of America Greater Washington D.C.

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OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023 21

HEALTH

“Someone who might be in a domestic violence relationship for the very first time is different from someone who may have been in a domestic violence situation, and then gotten into another domestic violence situation,” Joell told the Informer.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

Highlighting Commemorable Organizations Supporting Domestic Violence Victims By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Contributing Writer Intimate partner violence is prevalent in the DMV and across the United States, with statistics showing Black Americans disproportionately affected by domestic violence (DV), than their white and Hispanic counterparts. As challenges persist, local organizations are working tirelessly to combat DV, support survivors and families, and raise awareness, not just in October (Domestic Violence Awareness Month) but year round. On a national scope, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “About 41% of women and 26% of men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner, and reported an intimate partner violence-related impact during their lifetime. Injury, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, concern for safety, fear, needing help from law enforcement, and missing at least one day of work are common impacts reported.” According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s (NDVH) 17th Annual Domestic Violence Counts Report, which tallies the numbers of victims served in 24 hours across 18 domestic violence programs in the District and 21 in Maryland, local families are in need of support. The report includes domestic violence services ranging from: advocacy, addressing legal needs, helping obtain public benefits, mental health care, and providing emergency shelters, hotels, transitional

housing, or other lodging options. In September 2022, NDVH identified 953 individuals who utilized 5 Community For Family & Youth Founder and CEO Arleen B. Joell, speaks to domestic violence services in D.C. years of honorable service to Prince George’s County residents, as CAFY approaches and 1,009 people who used do- its 20 year anniversary in November. mestic violence services in MaryCAFY follows a well-rounded port. “That is what we encourage land. Organizations such as Commu- approach in servicing each client our survivors to consider.” As CAFY approaches its 20th nity Advocates for Family & Youth not only through intensive case management, but observing each anniversary, the community orga(CAFY) and Domestic Violence & nization has a tremendous number Sexual Assault Center (DV/SAC), person’s needs as a whole. “Someone who might be in a of feats to celebrate. are not new to providing resources “We are celebrating twenty years for families experiencing violence, domestic violence relationship for the very first time is different from on November 17th. We are havthey are true to it. The support they provide, not someone who may have been in a ing Luther ReLives, which I think only helps local families, but works domestic violence situation, and is important because anytime peoto spread the word on the impor- then gotten into another domes- ple leave a violent situation they’re tance of ending domestic violence. tic violence situation,” Joell told looking for a rebirth, so what betthe Informer. “Those two people ter evening to have than to be serwould experience the support that enaded by a ‘Re-Lives’ event,” said COMMUNITY they receive and the path that they Joell. ADVOCATES FOR go down very differently.” FAMILY & YOUTH The organization presents a THE DOMESTIC While working with Prince robust spectrum of services conGeorge’s Hospital Sexual Assault sisting of helping child victims VIOLENCE & SEXUAL Center as a victim advocate and of crime testify in adult court; ASSAULT CENTER For 50 years, the University of exam volunteer, Arleen B. Joell’s providing trauma-focused theraexperiences serving victims of pies with mental health clinicians Maryland Medical System’s Docrime and survivors of long-stand- including individual, family, and mestic Violence Sexual Assault ing abuse began to tug at her group counseling; facilitating Center (DV/SAC) has been workheartstrings. emergency stays for victims in ing toward sexual assault and do“I was always concerned about need to escape dangerous circum- mestic violence intervention. “It was such a privilege to be children. I have a criminal justice stances, and much more. able to work with the folks who background, and didn’t get the opJoell emphasized the extreme portunity to use that skill until lat- importance of addressing mental came in at [what they’ve described er on in life. When I moved down health needs, which encourages as] the lowest points in their life. to Prince George’s County, I real- victims to acknowledge their trau- I didn’t give that up because I felt ly saw the opportunity to be able matic experiences, while pushing honored every time I was there,” to use my gift to serve victims of to learn how to rebuild their lives said Cheryl Banks, former comcrime, women, and survivors,” said outside of an abusive environment. munity educator and volunteer Joell, founder and CEO of CAFY. “It is not about, ‘Oh, I’m not coordinator at the center, as she reSince its inception in 2003, Joell crazy.' It’s about a traumatic expe- ceived acknowledgment as the orhas spearheaded community-based rience that has happened to me, ganization’s Lifetime Achievement victim services, providing support and I need to figure out how to Honoree. Bolstering efforts to serve greatto over 35,000 victims of crime, manage my life outside of that,” er numbers of people and families, including sexual assault victims Joell explained, underscoring the the Domestic Violence Sexual and domestic violence survivors. importance of mental health sup-

22 OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023

Assault Center works to assist victims in identifying, managing and healing from intimate partner violence and sex trafficking. Trained counselors are certified to guide victims and survivors in obtaining a medical forensic exam, creating a unique safety plan, navigating the legal system, and more. The center offers victims and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence trauma a plethora of services including; Short-term trauma counseling, sexual assault forensic exams, victim advocacy, safety planning, and danger assessments among other resources. Recently celebrating an incredible half-century of support to Prince George’s County residents and those in surrounding areas, the milestone achievement marks the organization’s dedication to their work. Dr. Vereen Barton, assistant chief of the Prince George’s County Division of the Maryland-National Capital Park Police, said law enforcement working with the center regularly, and beyond October, has also been key in the facility’s success. “Our relationship between law enforcement and the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center can’t be better,” Barton said. “That must be acknowledged because a lot of counties and states don't have the type of relationships and collaborations that Prince George's County does.” WI

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HEALTH D.C. Seats Inaugural Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission Opioid Commission Seeks Solutions To Address Rising Overdose Death Rates By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter Local internist, Dr. Edwin Chapman, who has specialized in addiction for over two decades, thinks the nation’s capital should be taking the opioid problem in the city just as seriously as the federal government. “If the leadership of this city doesn’t see this as a crisis, and the President sees it as a crisis, and we’re number one in overdoses overall, and number two in opioid overdoses, then obviously, there's not the type of emphasis that there should be.” Chapman, is one of 21 local leaders preparing to serve on the District of Columbia’s Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission, officially sworn in during the inaugural meeting at the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health on the morning of Oct. 25. He’s gearing up to tackle opioid and help the District understand the importance of the critical issue. Local drug recovery advocates and organizations have openly criticized the city’s less than aggressive approach to addressing practical solutions and resources to residents struggling with addiction. Many insist that rising overdose fatalities show a public health emergency should be declared within the District of Columbia. Opioid Commission members will actively advise Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) and the D.C. Council on what they consider the most effective ways to spend the projected $80 million in opioid settlement money to combat growing rates of overdose deaths. Current rates show 461 deaths over a five-year window through the end of 2022, and the horrific stream of fentanyl penetrating the city’s drug supply. Larry Bing, a local drug prevention navigator working to provide resources for displaced men and women across the city, airs on the side of caution as he awaits to see the influence of the burgeoning commission on city officials’ next steps. “I want to be able to participate for this year that [they’ve] given me and make a difference. But if we can’t give the Mayor the motion to call this a crisis, then why are we even here?” Bing asserted.

DYNAMICS BEHIND THE GROWING CRISIS

According to a September 2023 report from the chief medical examiner, the District has already seen 238 opioid-related fatal overdoses over the year through June 2023, with traces of fentanyl present in 98% of those fatalities. The devastating crisis particularly affects African American men, as the city presents unique dynamics varying from the appearance of opioid abuse within municipalities of majority white populations. While opioids have always maintained a presence throughout the city’s drug market, the initial national wave of the crisis primarily presented itself in Caucasian communities in the early 2000s, with the use of pain relievers like morphine and codeine, in addition to semi-synthetic drugs like oxycodone and hydrocodone. However, in Washington, D.C., the opioid crisis presented itself through the explosion of heroin since the 1960s and 70s. Today’s opioid epidemic has ramped up in a dangerous way where fully synthetic fentanyl and tramadol are rampantly filling open-air drug markets across the District and surrounding communities. Washington, D.C. comprises an African American population of 46%, yet disproportionately accounts for 85% of overdose rates in the city, with 74-75% being Black males. “Our epidemic was not from pills from the doctor's office. It was always heroin. Heroin, or street drugs. In about 2015, the drug supply became tainted with synthetics in the form of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs,” Chapman explained. “So we had about 20% fentanyl in 2015. And by 2022, it became 98%. It's 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. So because of that construct, that is what makes our epidemic so different from other cities, and other places.” With such dangerous factors at play, multiple commission members and opioid recovery advocates alike question why the city has yet to follow behind Maryland, and Virginia in declaring the city’s opioid crisis a public health emergency and creating greater infrastructure to support drug-addicted residents in need.

Bing, 69, once walked a tumultuous journey of addiction as a District resident navigating through the heroin era of the prior opioid epidemic. Now on the other side of recovery, he works to guide residents undergoing drug treatment to secure resources that will rebound a stable life. Although he holds his reservations, Bing said he stays hopeful that the District’s opioid settlement funding will allocate money towards more accessible recovery facilities in closer range to residents in Northeast, and East of the Anacostia River. Following the preliminary Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission meeting, the D.C. Council will convene to confirm whether the District will declare the opioid and fentanyl crisis a public health emergency on Thursday, Oct. 26. Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

(Courtesy photo)

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OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023 23

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'Independent, Fun, Relaxing:' Two Black Washingtonians On E-Bike Riding By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter At 70 years old, native Washingtonian Lester Austin zips all around the city on his electric bike. And when he says all around the city—he really means it. “I live over by Costco, in Northeast D.C., and I can get on the Anacostia Trail,” Austin said. “I'm going to Anacostia Park, the ball fields over there, and I will take that all the way down to the Sousa, the new bridge. And I'll cross over the new bridge and go down by Audi stadium.” Austin, who got his first e-bike in 2021 at his brother’s recommendation, said his rides let him experience the city up close and personal. When he explains his many routes, stories are peppered with firsthand knowledge of different District neighborhoods’ past lives. “I'll head on down to Buzzard Point where the old coast guard office building used to be—and that's now all high rise apartments,” he said. “I'll go behind the Wharf and ride around through all the different eateries down there, and bypass those and look in, and then I'll take that down past the

Wharf where the boats used to sit and they sell all the fish.” After that, his wanderings take him to Haines Point, then back toward home, past the memorials on the National Mall and the African American History Museum, the Supreme Court building and Union Station. All told, his rides—which he takes several times a month—come out to about 15 to 25 miles each, he said. “In the car, you drive down the street, and you look, but on the bike you have an intimate relationship with what’s going on on the street,” Austin said. Austin says his e-bike has replaced a lot of city trips that he used to take in his car, which he still has. But primarily he uses the bike for exercise—yes, he emphasized, it’s less exertion than you would need on a pedal-powered bike, but you can still get good exercise—and for sheer enjoyment. “I'll take a bike, I’m out on it for about three or four hours, and then I come home… I'm not exhausted, I'm not sweating like a little pig,” he said. “It’s just independent, fun, relaxing.

CAN E-BIKES BE THE NEW MINIVAN?

Lora Nunn, a 48-year-old mom

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24 OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023

5 Brothers Lester Austin (right) and Hasker Austin (center) stop for a photo in front of the National African American History Museum while touring D.C. on e-bikes with a cousin, Lester Fultz, who was visiting from Cleveland. (Courtesy of Lester Austin)

of two, has a somewhat different relationship with e-biking. She uses a cargo e-bike to take her kids, aged 7 and 10, on errands and to activities. But even though she uses the electric bike as a more practical vehicle than pleasure ride, Nunn said she still notices the same sense of increased closeness with the city that Austin described. “The kids kind of get to feel a little bit more connected to the world, traveling by the bike, than being in the car,” Nunn said. “[When] you're in the car, you're kind of closed off from the world. But when you're on the bike, you're kind of still with people, you can still talk to people.” Nunn’s family, which also has a car, got the cargo e-bike, as well as a standard e-bike, during the pandemic. They were expensive purchases: $1875 for the cargo bike, and $1175 for the regular one. But Nunn said over time it’s started to save her household money on gas, parking, speeding tickets and car maintenance. “It's really, really helped our bottom line to be on the bikes instead of in the car,” she said. “We've gone from filling the tank, like a couple of times a week, to—I think I get gas for the car maybe once a month now.” The D.C. Council last month passed an e-bike subsidy bill aiming to address affordability and

increase e-bike access. Once the D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT) gets the rebate up and running, District residents eligible for programs like SNAP can receive up to $1,500 for a qualifying e-bike, among other rebates for e-bike expenses. Residents outside of the income qualifications can get half of that. Some of the details are still a little fuzzy, though, such as exactly when the program will start and whether buyers will be able to purchase bikes at a discount with the rebate, rather than having to pay upfront and wait for a tax credit later.

BIKE LANES CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE—AND NOT JUST FOR BIKERS

Rising gas prices and difficult parking both factored into Nunn’s family’s decision to get the e-bikes. So did the installation of new bike lanes on key roads around her Hill East home, including one that she could use to take the kids to school. Nunn said that if she’s taking her kids with her, she typically plans her routes so that she can stay in bike lanes as much as possible, even if that means taking a more circuitous path. When her kids ride bikes with her—everyone on regular, pedal-powered ones— the family sticks to protected lanes that provide physical barriers between them and cars on the road. Nunn loves to drive, but, like many people, finds driving and searching for parking time con-

5 Lora Nunn, outside Kingman Island with her e-bike. (Photo by Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

suming and frustrating in the city. She described biking, when the infrastructure is good, as “less stressful” than getting around by car “I have more flexibility,” she said. “I feel less trapped.” But Nunn has also seen how contentious fights around bike lanes and other infrastructure can get at the hyperlocal level. She goes to a lot of community meetings and stays highly involved in goings-on around her neighborhood and the city (recently, the Anacostia Watershed Society named her a 2023 Anacostia River Civic Spirit Hero). “There are things that trigger people's concerns around gentrification, like, say, the word ‘dog park,’” Nunn said. “I think sometimes that biking also falls into that.” WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

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OUR EARTH DMV Locals Shine, Share Out District’s Innovations, at 10th Annual CityLab Conference By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

5 Attendees of Bloomberg CityLab 2023 explored the District on a tour of murals around Union Market Oct. 18. (Courtesy/Bloomberg Philanthropies)

More than 500 urban leaders, including dozens of mayors from around the world, convened in D.C. this week for the 10th annual Bloomberg CityLab, a three-day conference focused on sharing effective and innovative strategies for solving urban problems. “Washington is known as our capital and a symbol of democracy, but it’s not so often that D.C.’ — the city we call home — gets its moment in the spotlight,” said Bunmi Akinnusotu, director of City Innovation at the Aspen Institute, which co-hosts CityLab along with Bloomberg Philanthropies. “As a thriving, diverse metropolis which faces challenges shared with many other cities, we were proud to showcase D.C. in all its rich

complexity to mayors and urban leaders from all over the world.” Multiple panel discussions addressed specific projects in the DMV region, including Baltimore’s efforts to engage with and employ youth working as “Squeegee Boys” and D.C.’s current and future investments in community-centered public spaces along the Anacostia River. “It's been energizing to hear from everyone else participating in these panels because you recognize that although our cities are very unique, the legacy of disinvestment, especially in urban BIPOC communities across our cities, is all too familiar,” said Richard Trent, executive director of Friends of Anacostia Park, in a panel Friday morning. WI Read more on washingtoninformer. com.

2023-2024 Leaf Collection Program For DPW-serviced households from October 30, 2023, through January 20, 2024

5 A

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OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023 25

EDUCATION Modern Generations Prioritize Mental Health Breaks as Experts Dismiss Notions of Emotional Weakness By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer In a time of heightened connectivity and constant information exchange, the significance of mental health breaks has taken center stage in discussions about overall well-being. Some colleges and universities have gone to great lengths, closing campuses for up to a week, underscoring these breaks’ crucial role in maintaining mental wellness. While past generations often “plowed through,” professionals and educators insist that doesn’t mean individuals today are mentally or emotionally weaker. “This generation is more informed about the importance of selfcare, and I think they are better advocates,” said Dr. Sandra Edmonds Crewe, the dean and professor of social work at historically Black Howard University. “As a result, it sometimes feels like their coping skills aren’t that strong, but they are much

more open than my generation,” Dr. Crewe assured. She noted that Howard officials are especially sensitive to the intersectionality of racism and other issues that add pressure, particularly to students. “You’re dealing with racism and other ‘isms’ that bring added pressure to you if you’re a student at Howard, and you’re dealing with your academic responsibility,” Dr. Crewe asserted. “So, we try and address the whole student, not just where they are in the academic space, but how mental health is a part of their academic performance and growth.” The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded Howard University a grant for mental health awareness training in August. The funding has helped the university teach graduate and undergraduate students about mental health by emphasizing how historically oppressed people have different trig-

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26 OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023

5 Some colleges and universities have gone to great lengths, closing campuses for up to a week, underscoring these breaks’ crucial role in maintaining mental wellness. (Courtesy Photo/Wikimedia Commons)

gers that relate to their well-being. “So, we incorporate that in our education and talk about things like the enslaved person being mentally incompetent because they wanted to run for freedom,” Dr. Crewe elaborated. “We incorporate that in the training and understanding of how racism has resulted in us falling into stereotypes; working twice as hard, three times as hard, which increases your allostatic load which turns out to impact things like diabetes and hypertension. All those chronic conditions are sometimes related to how success looks like with you having to do more with less and that increases your vulnerability to mental health challenges.” Mental health breaks are incredibly important in our modern era because we are all more interconnected than ever before, offered Dr. David Rakosfsky, president and owner of Chicago-based psychotherapy business Wellington Counseling Group. Dr. Rakosfsky said the surge in technology and the rise of social media have intensified the pressures on individuals. “We don’t agree with the idea that today’s generations are emotionally and/or mentally weaker than prior generations,” Dr. Rakosfsky stated. Licensed grief and trauma therapist Arielle Jordan echoed Rakosfsky’s sentiment. “The idea that this generation is weaker emotionally or mentally compared to previous generations is a common misconcep-

“We don’t agree with the idea that today’s generations are emotionally and/or mentally weaker than prior generations,” Dr. Rakosfsky stated. tion,” Jordan stated. She said taking mental health breaks, whether in schools, workplaces, or other settings, is viewed not as a sign of weakness but as a proactive step toward safeguarding mental well-being. Licensed Professional Counselor Kayla Clark noted a growing inclusivity of society from a mental health standpoint has people more attuned to the emotional experiences of others. She challenged the notion that previous generations thrived without mental health breaks, suggesting that they, too, may have benefited from such respites. “Yes, older generations ‘plowed through and showed up physically’.

I encourage other curiosities about those people,” Clark remarked. “What did their intimate relationships really look and feel like? How satisfied were they with their jobs? How well were they able to emotionally connect with and support their children? How did they enjoy life outside of work?” “We are moving in a direction as a society that is much more inclusive from a mental health standpoint. We have grown to understand people and their differences in experiences, which has taught us the importance of believing in people’s emotional experiences,” Clark stated. Chris Rabanera, a psychotherapist, and founder of TheBaseEQ. com, supported that perspective. “We live in a different period with more information about mental health than ever before,” Rabanera asserted. “I’m sure there are increases in levels of mental health. I’m also sure that mental health issues weren’t addressed as they are now. An example would be ADHD. ADHD was not included in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) until 1968, 15 years after the first DSM was published,” Rabanera explained. “Does this mean that ADHD wasn’t around until 1968? Of course not. It just wasn’t recognized. We are recognizing mental health issues better than ever.” wi @StacyBrownMedia

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EDUCATION

Bowser Announces Program to Connect Local HBCU Grads to City Government Jobs By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter The D.C. government will launch a new initiative to connect seniors from the District’s two HBCUs with apprenticeships within city agencies as part of a strategy to hire and retain talent, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Oct. 18. “[Students in D.C. schools] have a change-the-world mindset,” Bowser said, announcing the program as part of a brief interview at Bloomberg CityLab 2023 conference. “We want people to know they don't have to move away, they don't have to work for a think-tank, they don't have to work for the Feds—they can do that in local government.” The HBCU Public Service Program will create 25 spots for next year’s graduating seniors from the University of the District of Columbia and Howard University

by converting existing positions into full-time, one-year apprenticeships at partnering agencies. The Department of Employment Services aims to get the program running in February 2024, according to emailed responses from agency director Dr. Unique Morris-Hughes. The program is intended as a win-win proposition, providing recent graduates with career launching pads while helping the District with vacancies it has struggled to fill. While the specific partner agencies and potential positions have not yet been announced, Morris-Hughes mentioned social work and information technology as possible areas of focus. “For the mayors who are running cities and have to provide incredible city services, we continue to need police officers, teachers, firefighters, 911 call takers, case managers — and there's just an incredible competition for that talent,” Bowser said in her inter-

view at the CityLab conference. Staffing shortages within city agencies have made news over the last year as a key stumbling block for providing basic services. The District’s 911 call center is routinely short-staffed, which has contributed to a number of disastrous, sometimes fatal, errors. A shortage of caseworkers has slowed D.C.’s efforts to connect unhoused people with homes to a crawl, despite major federal money for housing vouchers, the Washington Post reported earlier this year. Cabinet-level vacancies and high turnover within the Bowser administration have also made headlines in recent months, with the loss of Police Chief Robert J. Contee III and Health Director LaQuandra Nesbitt, among others. High-profile departures have also included scandals: deputy mayor and chief of staff John Falcicchio resigned in March amidst sexual harassment claims, and

5 Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks with the Washington Post’s Michael Brice-Saddler during the opening session of Bloomberg CityLab Oct. 18. (Courtesy of Bloomberg Philanthropies)

deputy mayor for public safety and justice Christopher Geldart resigned last October after an assault charge revealed he likely lived outside of the District. “One privilege that I have of longevity — I am currently in

my ninth year being mayor — is really seeing how to grow leaders in the government,” Bowser said. “And I have a real focus on that, from the cabinet level where I make appointments but also from the entry level.” WI

EMBRACE YOUR INNER EARLY BIRD. Vote early now through November 4th. All 140 seats in Virginia’s House and Senate are up for election. Every vote counts. Visit us online to make your voting plan today.

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OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023 27

5 Tips to Get Ahead of Holiday Debt Sponsored content by JPMorgan Chase & Co. The holiday season is fast approaching, and most people find themselves spending a little – or a lot – more than usual during these festive final months of the year. Americans spend more than $1,450 each year on holiday-related purchases – from gifts and travel to decorations and entertainment. These costs layered into your monthly expenses can significantly strain your budget. You don’t have to break the bank to celebrate the season. Smart planning can get you ahead of the holidays and leave you with funds for merrymaking the way you want. Consider these five tips to minimize holiday debt.

SAVE, SAVE, SAVE

While solid advice for any time of year, it can take on more importance during the holidays. One way to save is to set up a separate savings account for holiday expenses. Start saving at the beginning of the year, and vow not to withdraw any money until it’s time for holiday shopping.

MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY PLANS NOW

Set guidelines for your holiday spending. Make a list of your expected holiday expenses and estimate the costs to see if they fit into your overall bud-

get. Adjust your list as needed.

BUILD A HOLIDAY BUDGET—THEN STICK TO IT

Once you’ve made your list, commit to staying within your budget. With so much pressure surrounding gift-giving, it's easy to spend more than you planned. Shop online to ensure you’re getting the best deal, or search for coupons and deals to help lower costs. Get family and friends on board with your plans by suggesting a gift swap instead of buying gifts for everyone; opt for handmade gifts or even pitch in for a group gift. If you’re hosting a holiday dinner, shop in bulk for food items.

SCOPE OUT MAJOR DEAL DAYS

In addition to the deal-hunting tips above, take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Look up retailers’ deals ahead of time to see if you find goods and services you planned to purchase anyway at lower prices. Many retailers start big holiday sales as soon as Nov. 1, so do some homework now on the gifts you have your eye on so you can spot and take advantage of online and in-person deals before the holiday rush.

take on a temporary job to bring in some extra income. Many retail or dining establishments need additional workers to handle the holiday rush, and demand often increases for ride-booking and delivery services as well. Or take up a side hustle selling crafts for example. These are just a few ways to help you get a handle on holiday debt, but there’s so much more that savvy consumers can do to save. See if your credit cards have special offers at your favorite stores or for your favorite purchases, and look for special cash back deals. Be flexible and keep an open mind in general – if you can't get a good deal on the gifts you originally planned to buy, see if any of the special offers you qualify for might be good substitutes.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Putting financial parameters in

place can help you feel more confident and less stressed about your holiday spending. Have fun with your planning, saving and budget-

ing – it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit early. To learn more about budgeting, visit chase.com/financialgoals.

PICK UP A SHORT-TERM GIG

Even the best-laid budget plans can still fall short of your available funds. If your schedule allows it,

The Newsletter Sign up to receive the JPMorgan Chase & Co. Money Talk Newsletter and stay up to speed with the latest financial wellness information.

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Make Homes Happen Bringing affordable homes within reach for DC residents with Dantes Partners With the help of JPMorgan Chase, Dantes Partners is developing affordable homes closer to places of work. From Columbia Heights to Washington Highlands, JPMorgan Chase is helping Dantes Partners fight the housing crisis and strengthen communities. See how we help make it happen at jpmorganchase.com/impact Participants compensated. © 2023 JPMorgan Chase & Co. All rights reserved.

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T:9.875"

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Preproduction model shown throughout. Actual production model may vary. Available late 2024.

30 OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023 For artwork inquiries, contact dispatch@theddbstudio.com | For print inquiries, contact _

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October 2023. Volume 9. Issue 10.

Long Live Go-Go

@WIBRIDGEDC

info@wibridgedc.com Advertise with us. Email us.

editor-in-chief & creative director :

Lafayette Barnes IV Mahadi Lawal copy Editor : Lafayette Barnes IV Photography : Kenneth Walker, Ryun “Big Holmes” Daley, Mahadi Lawal Layout Design : Lafayette Barnes IV Contributing Writers : Gary Handsome, Kayla Calvin, Milaka Saddler managing Editor :

letter from the editor Go-go is the heartbeat of D.C. Regardless of perspective, Go-go music is deeply intertwined with the culture of this city. In this issue, we delve into the iconic genre's history, current state, and potential future. We had the privilege of speaking with Justin “Yaddiya” Johnson, a staunch advocate for Go-go culture and the force behind movements like Long Live GoGo and Moechella. These initi initiatives stand as a testament to the resilient spirit of Go-go music and its enduring legacy. Johnson provides insights into the future of these movements, especially as they face challenges from political and legal pressures. Join us on a journey through the contemporary Go-go scene, where we spotlight ﬂourishing bands and venues propelling the genre onward. From the legendary Rare Essence Band to fresh talents like N2L and Heatstroke, the spirit of Go-go pulsates vibrantly. The genre remains a pillar in the city's cultural tapestry. Furthermo Furthermore, we reﬂect on Go-go's future and the dedicated local artists, including Sir EU and Noochie, who honor its traditions while elevating them to new realms. These individuals are the vanguards of a treasured musical heritage, with their innovations setting the tone for future generations. We are dedicated to connecting the dots between the past, present, and future of D.C.’s rich and alluring culture. We trust you'll savor this issue as we revel in the rhythmic core of our city and the unforgettable sound of Go-go music. - Mahadi Lawal Keep up with Mahadi on Instagram via @mahadi.inc

(BACKYARD BAND)

(HEATSTROKE)

PRESERVING GO-GO: CULTURAL EXPRESSION & INCLUSIONARY VENUES

(HUE2)

(RARE ESSENCE)

Go-go is a testament to endurance. Originating in D.C. in the early 70s, it rapidly evolved into its distinct subgenre, branching from funk music. The deep-rooted connection between Go-go and the D.C. community transformed the genre into more than just music; it became a rallying cry, a medium for organizing and protesting against the displacement and violence persistent in D.C. communities.

With Mayor Bowser’s bill from February 2020, which acknowledged Go-go as D.C.'s oﬃcial music and pledged funding and preservation endeavors, the future for Go-go seemed promising. Subsequently, Go-go bands have discovered myriad opportunities to showcase their artistry throughout the District.

In recent times, bands and musicians like Rare Essence, T.C.B., Backyard Band, Critical Condition, T.O.B., N2L band, and others have elevated Go-go.

Pr Privilege DC Nightclub & Lounge's event on Oct. 27-28, the DC GoGo Beneﬁt for Mental Health & Anti-Gun Violence, supporting worthy causes and featuring performances from artists like Bam, the S.T.E.E.L Band, and Eastcoast Baby.

While the genre has navigated through various musical shiis, such as the R&B-infused “grown and sexy” Go-go of the early 2000s and bounce beat Go-go from 2003 onwards, its timeless essence remains undiminished, retaining its modern relevance. Pioneerin Pioneering the Go-go legacy, new bands have innovated upon the original sound, cementing their role as the torchbearers of the evolving Go-go expression. D.C. Fireﬁghter and EMT-led Go-go band Heatstroke, who recently gained traction for their rendition of Maxwell’s 1996 neo-soul track “Ascension,” is a group to watch. Another noteworthy mention is Hue, with their sound – a unique blend of soul, Go-go, and Rock. Local creative and self-proclaimed “beat-making pianist” Drew Keys, with his album Go Gogo Bounce (available on all streaming platforms), encapsulates the Go-go essence within a hip-hop beat framework. Its integration into contemporary District events, such as this year's Mayor’s Arts Awards & U Street's Art All Night, compensates for past attempts to restrict venue performances, ensuring Go-go's enduring presence in D.C. culture. In 2020, in the face of years of suppression, Go-go champions and enthusiasts protested against racial, cultural, and economic injustices in their communities. Initiatives like LongLiveGoGo and Don’t Mute D.C. epitomized the fusion of political activism and Go-go culture.

Notable events include:

Red Carpet Affair Band's performance at the Union Oyster Bar on Saturday, Oct. 21, marking the Libra Session. A unique virtual opportunity is "Noochies Live From the Front Porch," offering a genuine community experience via YouTube. Likened to an unfiltered version of Tiny Desk, Noochie has hosted Go-go artists such as Ms. Kim (Rare Essence) and Big G (Backyard Band). Tip: Eventbrite is a reliable source for discovering more Go-go events and venues. With their influence spreading to cities like L.A. and Miami, Go-go bands have garnered recognition even from established platforms like The Shade Room. The culture of "beating your feet" has been acknowledged as integral. Go-go’s presence is expansive, and its evolution seems boundless. Though we mourn the loss of Moechella, D.C. continually finds avenues for Go-go culture to leave its indelible mark. Numerous organizations and individuals remain dedicated to ensuring the perpetuity of the District's Go-go culture. However, it's the collective drive of the District communities that indeed underpins this assurance.

Written by:

photography by:

Milaka Saddler

Courtesy

What’s Next

Yaddiya & Long Live GoGo 6

The world hasn’t heard from Yaddiya since the beginning of the year, prompting many to ponder the current standing of Moechella. Despite challenges, Yaddiya has no intention of halting the momentum of the movement. Sometimes, movements take on lives of their own, signaling that foundational work is in progress. It's crucial to note that Moechella is an authentic extension of Long Live Go-go. As Yadd Yaddiya stresses, it's more than just a festival. It's a movement he intends to "re-center everyone’s focus on." “The only way to continuously steer your people is more organization and communication. Consistent organization,” Yaddiya asserts. Under the umbrella of Long Live Go-go, this organizing principle has been expressed in multiple ways. With an educational initiative—School of Go-go—that imparts knowledge about the genre to the youth and two successfully held gallery exhibitions, Yaddiya, in collabo collaboration with Kelsey Adams, the President of the U Street neighborhood association, organized a Long Live Go-go event on Juneteenth to rejuvenate the basketball court at 13th & V. “It may not have been as big as a Moechella event but the community came together and we had the truck out there. It was a good time.” He divulges that new projects are on the horizon, with one key objective being the establishmen establishment of a permanent space dedicated to Go-go. In his words, “I know not everyone is going to fall in love with Go-go by going to one. It’s the environment surrounding [it] too.”

This initiative is Yaddiya's way of honoring the city that molded him and carved a niche for his passion. “Go-go raised us all in some way, whether it influenced the culture, the slang…Go-go is in the soil. It’s the root of it,” he reminisces. To Yaddiya, Go-go served as both college and university, teaching him vast lessons through his organizational endeavors in its name. He believes Go-go is "sewn into the seams of this city" and stands as the cultural anthem of the community. His efforts with Long Live Go-go aim to immortalize this rich cultural tapestry—a culture that has been appropriated, vilified, and regulated. Referring to the Moechella lawsuit, he states, “Their focus should be on connecting with the culture” instead of alleging infringement on a name that's rooted in promoting Black cultu culture in D.C. Controlling the narrative is not always easy, Yaddiya admits, emphasizing, “It is important to reestablish the narrative. We have to have the info out there and present it to people. At the same time, people gotta do their research.” The advocacy journey is continuous and demanding, yet Yaddiya remains indefatigable. He encapsulates his sentiment, saying, “I stay faithful to the process,” and draws inspi inspiration from Malcolm Gladwell's "David and Goliath" to highlight the essence of activism—turning “[his] weaknesses into [his] strengths. I gotta go inward. It’s spiritual work. That’s the energy I operate off of.” The future of Moechella might be under scrutiny, but Long Live Go-go remains steadfast.

Written by:

photography by:

Kayla Calvin

Kenneth Walker

the Future

NOOCHIE

of Go-Go

Go-go has always stood out to me as the one genre that genuinely embraced its association with rap music and Black youth in general. While Go-go could have quickly become an enclave of disgruntled older individuals criticizing rap as lacking the genuine instrumentation of "real" music, it chose to deeply integrate with rap instead. Today, it's practically customar to include a rap verse in Go-go releases, customary even if loosely correlated.

JOONY

Certain rappers wear this inﬂuence proudly, like Noochie with his "Live From The Front Porch" series. Nothing embodies Go-go more than a live performance in an intimate setting. The genre thrives on its call-and-response dynamic, forging direct interactions with the audience. It’s communal, aggressive, and, in Noochie's case, it's literally on his fr front porch. Rapper and semi-bohemian polemicist Sir E.U. openly acknowledges his Go-go inﬂuences, saying, “Making everything a f’ing sample . . . a f’ing cover, and that stupid a** cadence it gives you. I want everything slow bounced all the time.” Indeed, his moniker pays homage to Go-go pioneers Experience Unlimited (known for “Rock your Butt, Ya’ll”). Sir E.U.'s cultural roots are deeply embedded in Go-go.

SIR E.U.

EL COUSTEAU written by:

photography by:

Mahadi Lawal

Mahadi Lawal & Courtesy

Arguably, Go-go aligns most closely with hip-hop, especially given its penchant for reimagining songs through sampling. Take "Pieces of Me" by Rare Essence, for instance—a song I staunchly defend. Rare Essence brilliantly transformed a lightweight pop track into a Go-go anthem. I sometimes ponder whether Ashlee Simpson, the original artist, is even aw aware of this rendition, but then again, maybe it's better lee unknown. El Cousteau's distinct adlibs (“Yeah! YEAH!!”) and the contrasting shrillness of his beats resonate with Go-go’s hallmark abrupt loudness. The genre has always embraced an abrasive edge that challenges listeners. El Cousteau, with his delivery, insists on being acknowledged. On the flip side, you have rappers like Joony, whose laid-back demeanor feels li like a personification of percussive rhythms, embodying a nonchalant attitude toward societal norms. The message is clear: relax, embrace the quirks, and if your metro job is weighing you down, find solace in the electrifying atmosphere of a Go-go event. This sentiment speaks universally.

GO-GO ALUMNI BEHIND THE SCENES FILM PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYUN “BIG HOLMES” DALEY

Winter Energy Tips: Be Cozy, Stay Safe, Save $$$ Submitted by Washington Gas As the winter season approaches, we all enjoy the inviting warmth of our homes. But did you know that in addition to comfort, winter energy efficiency also plays a vital role in affordability, reliability and safety? Learn how these simple energy efficiency tips can be powerful allies during the coldest months of the year.

CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS AND SMOKE ALARMS

Safety goes hand-in-hand with energy-saving tips. Installing carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and smoke alarms is crucial because this toxic gas is colorless and odorless. Carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for approximately 400 deaths and more than 20,000 emergency department visits in the United States annually. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends placing CO detectors outside each bedroom and smoke alarms on every level of your house. Regularly check the batteries and replace them at least twice a year to ensure they function correctly.

HEATING EQUIPMENT INSPECTION

The average single-family household spends about 53% of its energy-related expenditures on heating and cooling, or about $92 billion annually for the whole country. It's essential to ensure that your equipment is in top shape for maximum energy efficiency. Schedule a professional inspection of your natural gas heating equipment, including the

furnace, boiler, and water heater. A qualified technician can ensure everything is operating efficiently and safely, helping to prevent potential issues down the line. Don't wait until winter has arrived; be proactive and book your appointment now.

THERMOSTAT MANAGEMENT

You can save money on your energy bills simply by resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or away from home. A programmable thermostat can help make this a convenient, automatic change. Save up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by dialing your thermostat back by 10 degrees for eight hours a day.

MONTHLY FILTER REPLACEMENT

Maintaining your heating equipment doesn't stop at inspections. Replace your air/furnace filter monthly during the heating season to reduce energy consumption by 5-15%. Clean filters mean your system doesn’t work as hard to heat your home, translating into energy savings. Use your monthly natural gas bill as a reminder to replace or clean filters. Caulking and Weather-Stripping One of the most effective ways to keep your home cozy and energy-efficient is by sealing any gaps or leaks. Reducing drafts can save up to 20% per year. Common culprits include doors, attics, windows, plumbing penetrations and electrical outlets. Use caulk and weather-stripping to insulate these areas, preventing warm air from escaping and cold air from infiltrating your home. To identify trouble spots, try the candle test. Light a candle near a window or door, and if the flame flickers or is pulled toward a specific area, you've found a draft that needs sealing.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES

A typical household can save

about $450 on energy bills by choosing ENERGY STAR each year. It is estimated that ENERGY STAR and its partners have helped American families and businesses save more than $500 billion in energy costs since 1992. In fact, Washington Gas is proud to be a four-time recipient of the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award.

MORE COLD WEATHER ENERGY TIPS

• Close vents in unoccupied rooms to redirect heat where it's needed. • Close your chimney flue when not in use to prevent heat from escaping. • Use smart plugs to control holiday lights efficiently. • Harness natural sunlight by opening your drapes on sunny days and closing them at night. • Consider insulated drapes to trap heat and keep cold air out. • Run ceiling fans clockwise to circulate warm air near the ceiling back into the room. Preparing your home with energy-efficient practices saves money while keeping your family safe and comfortable. Here’s to a winter of being energy-savvy! For more Washington Gas winter efficiency tips, visit https://bit.ly/winter-preps. Energy Assistance: You Have Options If you're struggling to manage your gas bill, assistance is available! For example, you may qualify for a federal Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) grant to help pay your energy bill. Many other federal and state assistance programs can also use your LIHEAP application to provide additional aid, so this can be one of the most valuable actions you can take to receive energy assistance. Learn more at washingtongascares.com. In addition, the Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF) is a partnership between Washington Gas and The Salvation Army that has distributed

more than $33 million over the past 40 years to more than 300,000 area families with heating their homes. If you are a qualifying resident, you can receive assistance regardless of your energy provider. Get more details at https://www.waffhelp.org. Washington Gas also offers vari-

WASHINGTON GAS CONSTRUCTION NOTICE

UPDATE ON PIPELINE REPLACEMENT WORK ON FLORIDA AVENUE, NE WE PRIORITIZE SAFETY at

Washington Gas and would like to provide an update on the active Washington Gas construction project on Florida Avenue, NE. We are working in conjunction with the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) on this project as part of the DC PROJECTpipes accelerated pipeline replacement initiative. This is a lengthy project that started in June 2021. The estimated completion date is March 2024. Neighborhoods that are impacted by this project include:

• Orren Street NE • Holbrook Street NE • H Street NE

• Staple Steet NE • 14th Street NE • Florida Avenue NE

The project consists of: • 8,260 feet of main installation; 93% of the new main (7,735 ft.) has been installed. • 12,647 feet of main abandonment/ retirement; 52% of the old main (6,552 ft.) has been retired.

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ous payment plans and services to help you manage your energy costs effectively. From automated payment plans to budget plans, there are options to fit your needs. Visit our website or call 844-WASHGAS to explore the full range of services available.

• 189 affected services; 79% of the affected services (151) have been replaced. Our contractor, Infrasource, Inc., is conducting all construction activities in accordance with the guidelines set forth by DDOT. We will do our very best to minimize the amount of disruption and impact to customers residing in the area. Construction work hours are between 9:00 am–4:00 pm, Monday–Friday, weather and construction conditions permitting. As always, we value our partnering communities and remain committed to a continuous improvement process. Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding any of our construction processes via the PROJECTpipes Hotline at 202-624-6400, email Project_Pipes@washgas.com or visit washingtongas.com/projectpipes. Your patience is greatly appreciated.

OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023 31

EDITORIAL

How to Keep Your Family Safe this Spooky Season

Trick or Treat? Happy Halloween! While Halloweenn is a time to dress up in cute or scary costumes, go to parties and exchange sweet treats (sometimes with strangers), with COVID-19 still spreading and crime and violence prevalent, it’s important that all your seasonal merriment remains safe. Even before any of your Halloween turn up plans, there are some important actions to take to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe while celebrating the spooky season. rding to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) “there’s plenty to consider before choosing a costume, putting on makeup, and eating a bag full of treats.” When picking a costume, the FDA encourages wearing: costumes that say “flame resistant,” on the label, bright, reflective costumes or adding strips of reflective tape to ensure that you and your loved ones can be seen in the dark, and makeup that creates masks and looks, as opposed to full masks that can obscure vision. To avoid allergic reactions, the FDA suggests testing makeup 24-48 hours before having to wear it officially when dressing up. The FDA also has tips for safe treat consumption, so no one gets tricked, such as: inspecting and unwrapping treats upon arrival; checking for signs of tampering, such as tiny pinholes, discoloration, or a tear; ensuring that young children don’t have choking hazards in their bags, such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, and small toys; and reading labels to avoid allergens. Go trick or treating in neighborhoods you know and feel safe, or at private parties, and community events. If a situation seems sketchy or downright unsafe, try to avoid it or safely remove yourself from the environment. If you’re accepting trick or treaters, be sure to look out a peep hole or unsuspecting window to view your visitors. Be sure to have a light on in front of your door, and if possible, don’t answer the door alone. If you’re over the age of 21 and going to be consuming alcohol, don’t drink and drive. Go out with a designated driver who isn’t drinking, or to avoid the parking woes of the District, consider taking public transportation or ride shares to safely arrive and leave your destinations. Be mindful of your surroundings. Try to be aware of the people around you, both the friends or family who you are with, and those you don’t know. Keep up with a buddy so no one gets lost, and in the case someone gets separated, have a time and central meeting location to ensure all your loved ones who you came out with are safely departing with you as well. Further, charge your phone, smart watches, and other electronics so your device maintains battery the entire night. For the third year in a row, Washingtonians are spending the holiday season COVID-conscious. The benefit of Halloween is that masks have always been part of dressing up, so don’t feel self-conscious about throwing on your mask in indoor places, particularly those hot, sweaty packed parties, where germs are rampant. To add a little pizazz, perhaps incorporate a mask in your costume, or decorate a K95 that perfectly adds to your Halloween 2023 theme. While Halloween might be about scary fun, it’s not okay to be in truly scary, dangerous or unhealthy situations. However you choose to celebrate this spooky season, have fun, but do so safely. WI

TO THE EDITOR Picturing Game Day

Happy 59th Anniversary

or treaters, be sure to

Nice photos of Norfolk State at Howard U. I always tell everyone that The Washington Informer has some of the best collegiate and professional sports photos in the business. I appreciate the hard work!

I saw on social media that The Washington Informer recently celebrated 59 years, and I wanted to ensure I paid my respect to the paper that’s been my goto source for many years. Here’s to 59 in business and 59 more!

look out a peep hole or

Luther Cole Washington, D.C.

D.B. Morgan Washington, D.C.

If you’re accepting trick

unsuspecting window to view your visitors. Be

sure to have a light on in front of your door, and

if possible, don’t answer the door alone.

32 OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023

Readers' Mailbox The Washington Informer welcomes letters to

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

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OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023 33

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Julianne Malveaux

Dysfunction and Dissent – A Political Mess

It would be generous to say that the Republican Party is a chaotic manifestation of political madness. Eight miscreants toppled House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and could not select a speaker for nearly two weeks. Indeed, at this writing, Republican leadership is still up in the air, and both former speaker McCarthy and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) have scolded Congressional Republicans for

their embarrassing immaturity. In some ways, this is the work of the former president, who is implicitly on the ballot for speaker. McCarthy was deposed because Trump ally Matt Goetz (R-Fla.) called for a vote on his leadership. Since then, no Republican has been able to corral the necessary majority to assume the speakership. It is amusing that Republicans want to blame Democrats for this nonsense, insisting that it was "Democrats joining with eight Republicans" to oust McCarthy. The chaos results from an internal Republican fight, and Democrats have nothing

Guest Columnist

to do with it. But that's the Republican way, isn't it, inspired by the former president? When things don't go your way, blame somebody, anybody, for your troubles. While Congressional Democrats have behaved quite in contrast with disorderly Republicans, ably led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), we Democrats have problems of our own. The Biden-Harris administration has done good work (which I don't always agree with, especially around the Middle East). Still, there is an uncomfortable silence from Democrats around the 2024 elec-

tion and its prospects. All of the good Biden-Harris is doing is swallowed by troubling imagery, poor communication, and voter apathy. We are months before caucuses and primary activity and a year before a 2024 election, but the tepid Biden approval polls have to cause concern. A Bloomberg/Morning Consult poll says that 51% say the economy was better under the previous president (what!), and the president can't seem to get past a 40% approval rating. Democrats have shut down any potential opposition to Biden almost as effectively as Republicans have allowed

the previous president to squash any Republican opponent. In both parties, though, there are whispers and even shouts about the weaknesses of the frontrunners. In the Biden case, a little competition might help our present leaders sharpen their saw and demonstrate their strength to doubters. Imagine that a California governor, Gavin Newsom (D), a leader who plays progressive but is a centrist moderate, showed up on the debate stage with Biden. Imagine President

MALVEAUX Page 57

Marian Wright Edelman

O God of All Children Honoring a Long Fight for Truth and Justice

On October 9, Hughes Van Ellis, who was one of the last three known survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, passed away at age 102. The story of the white supremacist mob violence that devastated Tulsa's Black community is the kind of American history too few students learned about in school. It is also the kind of American history some leaders are trying to ban schools from teaching

right now. For decades the truth was hidden in Tulsa. But we all suffer without knowing and understanding our full history, and every new effort to hide the truth about history from our children must not work. Hughes Van Ellis was just an infant and his 109-year-old sister Viola Ford Fletcher and 108-year-old Lessie Benningfield Randle were just children when the massacre happened, but all three became determined to make sure their families' stories were told and to seek justice. The massacre, which took place

Guest Columnist

May 31-June 1, 1921, destroyed Tulsa's Greenwood District. At the time Greenwood was one of the most prosperous Black communities in the country and was nicknamed "Black Wall Street." It was home to Black businesses, theaters, churches, restaurants, and thousands of Black citizens. On May 30, 19-year-old Black shoeshiner Dick Rowland had entered an elevator in a downtown Tulsa office building staffed by a 17-year-old white female elevator operator. A 2001 commission studying the massacre presented the most

likely account of what happened next: Rowland may have tripped and either stepped on the elevator operator's foot or grabbed her arm trying to steady himself. She screamed, and a white clerk who saw Rowland rushing away called the police to report an attempted assault that was quickly falsely sensationalized in the Tulsa Tribune. Amid the growing rumors and outrage Rowland was arrested. A crowd soon gathered outside the courthouse where he was being held, with armed white residents demanding his lynching and armed Black

residents, including World War I veterans, arriving to help protect him. The first shot fired may have been an accident, but as more shots were fired and Black residents retreated to Greenwood, a mob followed them. Violence continued into the next day as white attackers looted and set fire to buildings throughout Greenwood. Instead of stopping them, police deputized white civilians and gave them more guns and ammunition, and the Oklahoma National Guard helped

Daniel Hahn, who served as Sacramento's first Black police chief, never wanted to be a cop. Growing up in the Oak Park, a historically Black, working-class neighborhood of Sacramento, his early interactions with the police were largely negative. "Officers weren't held in high regard in my neighborhood," Hahn said in an interview. The racial tensions which are common between the Black community and the police presents a unique challenge for the Black police officer who has to navigate between two worlds: a Black world and then the blue world.

Many Black officers want to "be the change agent", and then realize they fighting against an entrenched police culture with a legacy of racism, protected by police unions and resistant to self-examination and change. There are approximately 18,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide, the most common are small-town police departments with 10 or fewer officers. Every law enforcement agency, large or small, is fixture within their respective community. As a result, any form of racism

EDELMAN Page 57

David W. Marshall

The High Price of Police Misconduct

Each year during the month of October, the National Faith and Blue Weekend is held in communities throughout the nation. The purpose of this community engagement initiative is to use local faith-based organizations as a means to develop relationships between police department officials, residents, businesses and community groups. The various Faith and Blue

events gives members of the community, particularly those who may be skeptical of law enforcement, the opportunity to see police officials in an entirely different and non-threatening light. The bond between the police and the residents they are sworn to serve and protect will also be critical based on the fact that one side will always need the other. If a person holds the position of serving the people, how can you effectively do so if there is little or no understanding of the people? Robert Contee was an assistant chief of the Metropolitan Police Department of

34 OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023

Washington, D.C., at the time he stated, "I think we've gotten smarter about things, in terms of the way that we deal with the communities that we serve. We've learned that you can't arrest your way out of problems. Two years earlier, D.C. police began enrolling every recruit in a 10-hour curriculum at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. "Officers coming here need to understand not just the city, but the people in this city." Contee says. Individually, there are police officers who are making a difference and it often gets overlooked.

MARSHALL Page 57

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

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

A True Hero

It's football season again! Let's talk about the best of sports. It's historically Black colleges and universities sports! Being a graduate of Grambling University, I'm obviously a football fan! I attended Howard University Law School, but that's another story when it comes to sports! At Grambling, we've had so many great athletes on great teams whether baseball,

basketball, football, etc.! I could never talk about the successes of Grambling without remembering the one and only Coach Eddie Robinson who was a dear friend for many years. Because we've had so many greats, we at Grambling have no problem honoring those who played well on other teams. There's something about historically Black colleges and universities that allows us to cheer for other athletes from our competitors. This week I've had the honor of spending time with two former football players from Flor-

Guest Columnist

ida A&M University — Rick Anderson, Florida A&M Sports Hall of Famer, and Henry Lawrence, former Raiders offensive tackle. We kid each other about our great college victories over them, and they occasionally have a time they can do the same with those of us from Grambling. We never have differences about Grambling's legendary head football coach, Eddie Robinson. No matter where men play, even players of other races who neither attended Grambling nor Florida A&M loved and admired Coach Robinson.

I had the wonderful opportunity to visit with one of Henry's former teammates with the Raiders. The teammate we visited is the honorable Burgess Owens of Utah, and despite his being a member of another party, he's still one of us, and I was happy to meet him. Ordinarily, we Democrats know who new Congressmen and Congresswomen are as soon as one of us comes to Washington because we almost always know the struggles they've had before winning a Congressional race. Congressman Owens is a hidden jewel.

Representing Utah may have been a bit misleading, but I want you to know him. He allowed me to wear his championship ring in a photo op at his office! Having run for Congress myself and coming up short by less than ½ percent, I can identify with those who've been the best candidate by far, not only for the community in which we grew up, but for everybody, yet didn't have enough support from those who rule even if we were in the same

WILLIAMS Page 58

Marc H. Morial

Lawsuit Challenging Va. Governor's Denial of the Right to Vote is Step Toward Justice

"The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy and should be accessible to every eligible resident. It has been proven that participating in the civic process reduces recidivism, and individuals take pride in their communities when they can fully contribute to Virginia. True democracy does not deprive individuals of participation based

on the whim of one individual. It's time to correct the wrongs of our 1902 Constitution and leave the power to one succinct process that cannot be modified by a single person's emotions in the moment.” — Sheba Williams, executive director, Nolef Turns Felony disenfranchisement is undeniably rooted in white supremacy. In order to be admitted to the Union after the Civil War, the former Confederate states were

Guest Columnist

required to ratify the 14th Amendment, which guaranteed the privileges of citizenship — including the right to vote — to formerly enslaved Americans. Prohibited by federal law from barring Black voters, southern states quickly enacted measures known as the Black Codes, establishing severe penalties for minor and vaguely-defined crimes like vagrancy. At the same time, these states rushed to prohibit anyone with a felony conviction from voting. As a result of this racist legacy,

one in 19 Black Americans of voting age is disenfranchised, a rate 3.5 times that of all other Americans. While many states have revised their laws and policies regarding felony disenfranchisement over the last three years, Virginia is the only state that places the voting rights of all residents with felony convictions at the sole discretion of a single individual, Gov. Glenn Youngkin. That soon could change, thanks to a lawsuit filed by Fair Elections Center on behalf

of Nolef Turns, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals with felony convictions, and two disenfranchise Virginians, Gregory Williams and George Hawkins. A federal judge last week denied Youngkin's request to dismiss the case. The National Urban League applauds U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney's decision, and condemns Youngkin's actions which made the lawsuit necessary. Under the three governors who

to oppose projects like a trucking hub in the west side neighborhood where Gordon grew up or a gasification plant to turn Chicago's plastic trash into fuel. Gordon's story about Gary is familiar in so many places that get deemed disposable because they lack political and economic power. In places like Gary, where the poverty is more than double the national level, people are forced to make an impossible choice between their health and jobs that pay for groceries.

The historic investments in clean energy, jobs, and infrastructure that President Biden and Congress pledged in 2021 and 2022 offer an unprecedented opportunity to change the narrative in places like Gary. More than $6 billion will got to reduce carbon pollution from steel mills and other industrial plants. Communities that have had to bear a disproportionate brunt from corporate polluters qualify for nearly $3 billion

MORIAL Page 58

Ben Jealous

Steel Mills Can Steal from the Least Powerful

U.S. Steel gave birth to Gary, Indiana in 1906. The city, named after a chairman of the corporation's board, started as housing for steelworkers. The Gary Works opened in 1908 and for most of the 20th century was the largest steel mill in the world; it's still the largest in this country. Kimmie Gordon understands

the civic pride that grew from that history and knows about the 30,000 jobs that Gary Works offered at one time. There's more to the story, she said. And those chapters need to be appreciated. "You're looking at 115 years of degradation of our natural resources, starting with our air," Gordon said, noting that emergency room visits for respiratory issues are 30 percent higher in Gary than in neighboring counties. "We not only smell it and are harmed by it now, it's our entire lives."

A report last month from the Sierra Club named the Gary Works as the largest greenhouse gas polluter among more than 200 industrial plants nationwide. The consequences don't end at the steel mill's gate, she explained. "People look at Gary, Indiana, and see we've been run over and dumped on for decades. They say let's put our trucking company there or our plant to turn trash into jet fuel." She and other residents formed Gary Advocates for Responsible Development (GARD)

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JEALOUS Page 58

OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023 35

LIFESTYLE WASHINGTON INFORMER'S

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

THURSDAY, OCT. 26 Black Wealth Summit 2023: Creating a Culture of Accountability Time: 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Fri, Oct 27, Sat, Oct 28, | $199.00+ City of Praise Family Ministries Campus, 8501 Jericho City Drive, Landover, MD, 20785 With a list of heavy-hitting entrepreneurs including, actor Morris Chestnut, entertainment industry leader DJ Envy, BWS Founder & Author Cedric Nash, President and CEO of Amalgamated Bank Priscilla Brown, Morgan Stanley Global Chief Economist Seth Carpenter; and Bishop Joel Peebles of City of Praise Family Ministries, the seminars are sure to be full of ways to make and keep money.

JFK: The Last Speech with Phylicia Rashad | Kevin John Edusei conducts Adams, Ellington & Hailstor Time: 7:00 p.m. | $19+ Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, 20566 Emmy and Tony Award–winning actress Phylicia Rashad narrates a powerful new National Symphony Orchestra co-commission commemorating the 60th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s iconic 1963 speech at Amherst College.

FRIDAY, OCT. 27 Godfrey Time: 7:00 p.m. | $35 DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20036 Godfrey has been a working comedian and actor for over two decades but might be at the height of his popularity thanks to his podcast “In Godfrey We Trust.” For those who can grab tickets, it will be a great chance to see him get back to his comedy roots. DC GoGo: Benefit for Mental Health and Anti-Gun Violence Time: 8:00 p.m. | $20 Privilege DC Nightclub & Lounge, 1115 U Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20009 As covered in the Informer, mental health issues and gun violence are prevalent in the District. A party with a purpose, this event is to combat violence and raise awareness about mental health, featuring DJ Farrah Flosscett and performances by Bam the S.T.E.E.L Band, Eastcoast Baby and Gutta Ray.

36 OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023

5 Comedian and podcast host Godfrey will be live at the DC Improv Oct. 26-29. (Courtesy Photo)

SATURDAY, OCT. 28 The Wiz Time: 2:00 p.m. | $69+ The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20004 Not only does “The Wiz,” offer great inspiration for your Saturday night Halloween costume, it's also a beloved musical. The show is so popular that many shows are sold out, but as of publishing, not this matinee. Wear your costume to the show and the parties after! Washington Wizards vs. Memphis Grizzlies Time: | $29+ Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC, 20004 With stars Bradley Beal and Krystaps Porzingis now suiting up for Phoenix and Boston respectively, the onus is on young leaders like Jordan Poole, a former NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, and Kyle Kuzma, a Lakers champion, to bring their winning pedigree to the Wizards. They'll be joined by French newcomer Bilal Coulibaly and fourthyear player Deni Advija from Israel. Fans are hoping the first home game of the season will hopefully show the team is heading in the right direction.

SUNDAY, OCT. 29

Building Black Broadway: U Street Corridor Walking Tour Time: 1:00 p.m | $31 African American Civil War Memorial, 1925 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC, US, 20001 Washington's U Street corridor, once dubbed "Black Broadway," has been central to the District's Black community since the 1900s. It boasted icons like Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday in the 1920s-40s. Local Black architects designed many enduring buildings. The surrounding streets reveal an array of historic homes, some from the 1860s. The walking tour of the neighborhood will showcase its rich history, tracing its journey from

the Civil War, through its musical golden age, civil unrest, and resilience, to its future. Vagabon Time: 6:30 p.m. | $20 The Atlantis, 2047 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 Laetitia Tamko, known as Vagabon, is a Cameroonian-American musician based in New York City. Renowned for reinvention, her new album "Sorry I Haven’t Called," diverges from introspection, emphasizing fun. Following her 2017 debut and 2019's electronic-laden album, this latest release, out on Sept. 15, is transformative. Written and produced mainly in Germany, its 12 tracks blend dance and pop, showcasing an artist in her joyful element. WI

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LIFESTYLE

5 Renea S. Brown is Camae, and Ro Boddie is the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in “The Mountaintop” at Round House Theatre. (Courtesy Photo//Margot Schulman Photography)

‘The Mountaintop’ Imagines the Last Evening for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. By Brenda Siler WI Contributing Writer

Playwright Katori Hall explores beyond the powerful, yet cryptic words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s final speech, often called, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” in her play “The Mountaintop,” currently running at Roundhouse Theatre until Nov. 5. Set at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee, Director Delicia Turner Sonnenberg skillfully guided the two actors through a production that hits the soul with descriptions of America during “the movement” and parallels today’s human relations. Also, there are interactions between the two lead characters that keep the audience wondering in their seats. Acting together are Ro Boddie as King and Renea S. Brown, who was Camae, a housekeeper at the Lorraine Hotel. As the only actors on stage in a 90-minute play without an intermission, that is a lot of dialog for the characters. Boddie and Brown smoothly went through their paces with their acting. In an exclusive Washington Informer interview, Sonnenberg discussed how she directed the actors. “It has a lot to do with building trust,” Sonnenberg said. “It’s like a tennis match. Sometimes, somebody scores and sometimes, somebody else scores. It is about keeping the ball in the air.”

A FRIENDSHIP BEGINS: ‘THE MOUNTAINTOP’ PLOT

The play begins with King returning

to his hotel from the Mason Temple, where he delivered his famous final speech. He is “amped up” about supporting the Memphis garbage workers and expects to put in an all-nighter to finish writing a speech. He calls room service for coffee, his fuel for the night. When he hangs up the phone, he shifts into security mode and begins checking the phone and around the room for surveillance devices that may have been planted in his room. When Camae arrives with his coffee, she is astonished to see it is Dr. King. She is starstruck but easily engages in banter that includes many funny lines. Camae does not hold back her cursing and being critical of King's approach to “the movement.” She shows him that she is smart whenever King comes across as elitist. Boddie and Brown are believable and natural in their roles. Observers are surprised by a well-executed turn in “The Mountaintop.” Audiences are forced to examine decisions about life and death. “The thing I concentrated on most was making sure it was Black and female,” said Sonnenberg about interpreting Hall’s words. Playwright Hall did her research for her mind-expanding “what if” tale. Beyond the “imagining” premise of this play, there are true facts that many may not have known. Her words are impactful. Catch your breath at the end of this play, after climbing to “The Mountaintop” at the Round House Theatre until Nov. 5. For ticket information, visit roundhousetheatre.org or call 240.644.1100. WI

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OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023 37

LIFESTYLE RACIAL HEALING

The Healing Power of Black Men Being Vulnerable Together By Joseph Williams Word in Black The way Jourdan Sorrell sees it, between microaggressions at the office, the threat of getting stopped or shot by police, and societal definitions of masculinity, Black men in America are in a constant existential struggle. With the stress of moving through a world that often sees them as a threat, there isn’t much time to decompress, let alone heal. Coincidentally, the same thoughts were on the mind of his friend Darrious Hilmon, when the two met for

lunch in Chicago in April. As they dined, Sorrell, a Comcast senior manager, and Hillmon, executive director for CAN TV, a local public access channel, found themselves talking about the lack of a safe space for Black men to truthfully answer the question, “How’s it going?” That conversation led the two to create “Brothers Talking,” a monthly, hour-long program on CAN TV. Hosted by Dr. Obari Cartman, a professional psychologist, the show features a multigenerational group of Black men tackling topics from Black sexuality to toxic masculinity and the

38 OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023

5 “Brothers Talking,” is a new public TV show bringing Black men together to unpack the effects of trauma. (Screenshot/ Brothers Talking, YouTube)

schools-to-prison pipeline “We’re all just trying to eat, live, and do what we need to do daily,” says Sorrell, talking with Hillmon in a YouTube video about the show’s origin, and how difficult it can be for Black men to breathe. “Vulnerability is not necessarily on the top of the list of things we need to do when we get up and when you go to sleep every night.” The simplicity of its format — six Black, multigenerational, men sitting in a circle, talking to one another — belies the significance of its mission: centering “the lived experiences of Black men — the pain, joy, success, failure, and the resulting opportunities for growth and self-discovery,” according to the show’s website. In an interview with Word In Black, Cartman said the program’s goal is to create a safe space for honesty and vulnerability, which in turn can lead to healing from racial trauma. Men talking to one another in male spaces, like barber shops and locker rooms, is nothing new, “but sometimes we do it in ways that can be superficial and miss the point,” Cartman said. “In my experience, men are good at ‘barbershop talk’ — trading opinions, theories, talking about celebrities, talking about women. Sometimes we posture a little bit,” all the while avoiding conversations about what’s going on in their lives. The point of Black Men Talking is to “redirect the theoretical talk into their own personal experiences,” he said. “Not ‘This is what I think

about it,’ but ‘This is what I feel. This is what I learned from my trials and tribulations.’” Besides representing Black men of different generations, each of the regular panelists comes from different socioeconomic backgrounds, political perspectives and sexual orientations. At the top of every show, they take a few minutes to discuss their progress on a life goal they’ve set for themselves before digging into the main topic of conversation. Even the manner in which they sit contributes to the goal of honesty and healing, Cartman explained. “It’s a roundtable, but there is no table — it’s like a peace circle,” he said. “The goal is to connect to ancient Indigenous formats of problem-solving and connections, looking eye-to-eye. The circle itself represents a sort of sacred space.” Although his job is to keep the conversation going, “I support them to the extent that I can, as another Black man that ‘s trying to figure it out myself,” said Cartman, whose expertise includes Black masculinity, restorative justice, and trauma-informed care. “The mission is to help Black men and boys be our best selves, be aware of the strengths we have.” Cartman said racial healing is at the center of the program, and not just for the men on camera. “When I think about the diagnosis, the analysis of the harm, a lot of it has to do with long harm — racial trauma, generations of a system in place that brought our ancestors to

Besides representing Black men of different generations, each of the regular panelists comes from different socioeconomic backgrounds, political perspectives and sexual orientations. this country,” Cartman said. Black people in America, he continued, are subject to “a lot of spiritual, emotional, psychological warfare.” “I think we are still unpacking and undoing some of the damage,” he said. The repair, “includes bringing (people) back into a community space to remember who we are,” Cartman said. “Restoration includes community. ‘I believe there is healing in just gathering. We’re doing that on the air. We’re creating space to gather and demonstrate it for other men.” “The power,” he said, “is in the simplicity of the conversation.” This story was produced in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. WI

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Franklin Park Comes Alive: Rock the Park DC WKNDR Hosts Third Annual Fest By Ra-Jah Kelly WI Contributing Writer Rock the Park DC WKNDR transformed Franklin Park into the city's premier dance venue Saturday and Sunday during its third annual music festival. Hosted by artists Mumu Fresh and Reesa Renee, performances included Miguel Migs ft. Lisa Shaw, Rich Medina, J.Rocc, Dam-Funk, Trouble Funk, and Kenan Orr. The two-day festival was presented in collaboration with DowntownDC BID. Over the course of the weekend, hundreds from the Washington area, spanning various age groups and musical preferences, flocked to the park. They enjoyed artisan mocktails, food trucks, and music in the heart of downtown D.C. at the newly renovated Franklin Park.

LIFESTYLE

“It was amazing,” said DJ Keenan Orr. “I love being able to open and the set vibe. I got to dig deep in the crates and play what I wanted to hear on a Sunday afternoon.” “[It’s been a] joyful celebration of diverse talent and music,” said Abby O’Neill who co-curated the event with Adrian Loving. On the festival's final evening, O’Neill shared her vision for the future. “We’re looking forward to bringing an amalgam of musicians and DJs to the District, both legends, and up and comers, and keep building on the vibe we’ve been creating over the past few years.” Native Washingtonian Adam, out on a bike ride, was drawn to the festival by the music. I think this is beautiful for DC, said Adam. “This music is for everybody, it’s good for the soul.” WI

5 On Oct. 21 and Oct. 22 Rock the Park DC WKNDR took over Franklin Park in Northwest, D.C. (Courtesy photo/Dowtown DC Bid)

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OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023 39

LIFESTYLE RACIAL HEALING

Formula for Freedom: Joy Plus Imagination By Joseph Williams Word in Black Jenn Roberts had done everything right. But it all felt wrong. “I was one of the first in my family to go off to college,” she said. “I found a good guy in college, got married really early — did all the things I was supposed to do. And then I woke up one day: ‘This doesn’t feel good. I’m not happy, my (soon to be former) husband is not happy, now we have kids. Everything just started crumbling, everything that I had worked so hard for.” So she started dancing — something she’d done throughout school but gave up when she became an adult. That reinvigorated a feeling. “When I used to not care what people thought, when I used to just do the things that feel good. And then, my friends were watching, and they were like, ‘We want to do it, too! You look peaceful, You look happy, you look free,’’ she said. That feeling of freedom inspired Roberts to start holding gatherings for friends and friends of friends, creating a space where they could talk, share and be themselves. Those gatherings soon evolved into the Colored Girls Liberation Lab, a creativity, education and self-care community designed to allow Black women to shake off the twin shackles of racism and patriarchy, in a supportive environment. “Black women can come in and say, ‘Hey, I just need a space to fall apart a little bit with people who are going to care and hold me and help me and pick me back up,’” she said. “‘And once I get to that space, I need some people who are going to tell me that whatever I dream up for my life is possible and be there to cheer me on.’ And so that’s really what the lab is about: helping women be OK and free in life.” While space to breathe and heal is its primary mission, Rob-

erts emphasized the “lab” element of her organization’s title. Along with self-care lessons, she encourages members to “play” with their lives — be imaginative, think big, envision a limitless future and dream of what they can do with nothing holding them back. “This lab became a space for me to combine all of those things: art, creativity, sisterhood, Afrofuturism, and design,” Roberts explained. In the laboratory, Roberts said she encourages participants to “really play around with the idea of what it looks like to have my own toolkit of liberation.” For example, “every Monday at noon, we meet — it’s called ‘Dreams and Schemes,” Roberts said. “It’s a place that’s patterned after bell hooks’ ‘Sisters of the Yam’ space, where it really is a time to tell the truth of your life, to share your story: ‘OK, this thing is not working like I thought I wanted it to,’ and no one’s going to shame you for it.” Rather than a set curriculum, Roberts said, the lessons and gatherings vary; so does leadership of the group discussions. “Right now we’re doing one around [hooks’] ‘All About Love’: New Visions,’” Roberts says. “We’ve done ones on pleasure, we’ve done ones around plant medicine. And we come in for three to four weeks, every week. And whether it’s me or another woman from our community that has that knowledge to give, they’re able to bring us together and have us explore that topic in a way that doesn’t feel like they’re trying to tell us what to do, but in a way that we get to discover how we want to incorporate it ourselves.” Living at the intersection of two major “-isms” — racism and sexism — is a unique, traumatizing burden Black women must carry, whether they want to or not, Roberts explained. The Colored Girls Liberation Lab, she said, can help heal that trauma.

40 OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023

“One of my beliefs is that sometimes we don’t know what freedom looks like until we feel it,” she said. “I like to create spaces that feel good and that make Black women feel like, ‘Oh — this is what freedom feels like, this is what joy feels like. Let me recreate that at home.” Roberts also said that “our liberation lies in our imagination and our ability to reimagine what systems look like, what our communities look like, what our personal care and love looks like.” “I think sometimes we don’t realize that just stopping and pausing and thinking is also doing,” she said. “And I think that what we’re learning in this space is that the pause and the reflection, in the healing part of it, is action.” This story was produced in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. WI

5 Jenn Roberts founded the Colored Girls Liberation Lab, a creativity education and self-care community for Black women. (Courtesy Photo/, Jenn Roberts, Wikimedia Commons) (Illustration by Liz Courquet-Lesaulnier)

Lyricist Heals Personal Trauma and Inspires D.C. Youth Through RAP By Dr. Patrise Holden WI Contributing Writer

Excited voices accompanied by music with a pounding bass track filled the air at the DC Dream Center. Dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mental health, on World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10), in the music production classroom on

the lower level of the center, 10 children animatedly began creating raps about experiences that formed their self-identity. At the helm of the RAP (Rhythm and Poetry) program, Music Arts Therapist Charles “Eclipse” Barnes, Jr., 44, instructed the group in composing a rap that expresses their view of themselves internally and externally.

5 Lyricist Charles “Eclipse” Barnes, Jr. triumphs trauma through music. (Photo/LaTonia Sanders Photography)

Creator of an innovative music arts therapy program, Barnes was keenly aware of the importance of the youth gathered in his program on Oct. 10, and the need for early mental health intervention. “Mental health has played an extreme role in my life for good and bad reasons. Growing up, my father struggled with substance abuse. He was physically present in our home but absent in actually being a father to me,” said Barnes, a master lyricist and oral storyteller. “As a young boy, in many ways, it forced me to become the man of the house and take over the role that my father was not fulfilling. I had to rapidly adapt to adult thinking and planning while getting hit with life circumstances that I wasn’t equipped to deal with.” Serving children much like Barnes, DC Dream Center Program Director Christina Henderson, 79, added, “Mental health is very important to children because they experience so much but often have no positive opportunity to tell their story and freely express themselves.” Studies from The American Psychiatric Association have

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RAP Page 41

LIFESTYLE “D O

NOT

MISS

T H I S .”

—Broadway World

5“ManMan” (center right), age 11, takes lead vocals on class song about self-identity. (Courtesy Photo/ LaTonia Sanders Photography)

RAP from Page 40 shown that music therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention which provides a safe and supportive environment for healing trauma while decreasing anxiety levels and improving the functioning of depressed individuals. As a lyricist and oral storyteller, creating a music therapeutic outlet was important to Barnes. “I am very aware of the need for a person like me to come in and fill these needs and gaps. My uncle, who stepped in as a surrogate father, was brutally murdered when I was 12 years old. It changed my life forever. Because I felt that there was nowhere safe to turn, I became a violently angry child, who had completely given up on life all before turning 13.” Dr. Judy Walton, 77, Board of Director for the DC Dream Center, stressed the importance of raising mental awareness for people of all ages. “How you communicate shows your mental state and how you feel about the world. Expressive arts programs like RAP teach us to relate to each other,” said Walton. “Taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health.” Director Ernest Clover, 39, emphasized that the focus on mental health awareness during the month of October specifically aligns with the mission of the DC Dream Center. “If you can’t dream, if you can’t think, if you are unable to be pres-

ent with self, confident in your skills and ability, it will be extremely difficult to reach your God given potential,” the DC Dream Center director said. “Our success moves at the speed of relationships.” He also praised the success of the RAP program. “The RAP program has allowed children to find their voices and articulate emotions like grief and sadness in a positive way,” Clover said. “I have watched Mr. Barnes use words and beats to speak life into kids forming trust that has blossomed into amazing relationships.” Clover’s vision is for RAP to become one of the premier programs in the Washington D.C. region in which to learn rhythm and poetry. The center houses a music recording studio, which prior to the RAP program, was not being utilized. Under the tutelage of Barnes and the skills of engineer Donta Cunningham, 22, youth are able to have their music professionally recorded, mixed, and mastered during program sessions. As a mother and a grandmother, Outreach Coordinator, Mable Carter, 80, said, “I want these young people to be able to communicate. Their ability to express themselves positively is a lifeline out of poverty, and in many cases out of potentially dangerous situations.” Youth rapper Jayden “ManMan” Young, 11, added, “RAP is important to kids because it can make them a better person and get them out of the streets.” WI

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LIFESTYLE

Carolina Kitchen Opens Capitol Heights Location with Delicious Plant-Based Menu Additions By Dr. Patrise Holden WI Contributing Writer A spotlight spiraling through the night sky, visible from miles away added an air of excitement on Friday, Oct. 20. At the source of the light show stood a line of exquisitely dressed people walking the red carpet to the entrance of Carolina Kitchen’s grand opening in Capitol Heights, Maryland. Arriving fashionably late, Lance London, CEO of Carolina Kitchen, greeted the crowd of hundreds like old friends. As he made his grand entrance to the main stage, he stopped frequently to high five, hug, greet, and take photos with attendees. Charismatic and attentive to the needs of his guests, London

has built a strong reputation as a restaurateur “Lance is a shining example of Black entrepreneurship. He thinks with a view to the future– from the way he runs his restaurants to the way he trains his staff. Bringing his skill set to create jobs and provide training in Prince George’s County uplifts the entire neighborhood and gives people incentive to want to do what he is doing,” said his longtime friend Russ Parr. The dazzling buffet of popular Carolina Kitchen favorites like macaroni and cheese, chicken, ribs, and all the fixings was accompanied by a new plant-based menu. Both menus were equally enjoyed by the crowd, with many trying plant-based meat and sides for the first time.

42 OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023

Author, Darnell Parr, praised the addition of a plant-based menu. “Our diet as African Americans is still hugely slave-based. If we prepare vegetables there usually is a lot of butter or a ham hock in it,” Parr said. Having practiced a plant-based diet for three years Parr continued: “The United States is the only country in the world that pushes a heavily meat based diet.” To her disbelief, Parr said that she received heavy pushback and shaming after she stopped eating meat, as opposed to support. The restaurateur also highlighted the importance of the Capitol Heights location to introduce plant-based options. “Tonight is special because we realized the importance of good

5 Lance London, chief executive officer of Carolina Kitchen celebrates the opening of his newest restaurant location in Capitol Heights and his birthday. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

health,” he said. “We have to take care of our body and our community. Of course we have those good old favorites, but bringing plant-based options to a restau-

rant not too far from where I grew up in Suitland, is a proud milestone for me.” Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI

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OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023 43

Kevin loves collecting toy racing cars. But the price of these little cars went up recently. His family is spending more on groceries, too. Kevin wanted to help.

Life can be expensive at times. Families work hard and don’t have money to waste. YOU can help keep your family from overspending on groceries, energy bills and more! You’re at the grocery store with your parents. Suddenly, you see something you’d really like to have! Snack food, candy bars, toys, magazines and more grab your attention.

He didn’t ask his mom to buy him another car on this week’s grocery shopping trip. Instead, Kevin traded some cars with his friends Evan and Oscar. Now all three have different cars to play with from time to time. For each of the boys, it’s like getting a new car without spending any money at all!

Find the two identical cars.

What you are feeling is an impulse to buy something. An impulse is something you do without thinking about it. (The tempting items are displayed right at a kid’s eye level for a reason!)

What would it cost? If you bought a $2 candy bar every week for a month?

By skipping these items, you’ll be healthier, and you’ll save your family a LOT of money over time. It all adds up! Standards Link: Economics: Students learn to differentiate between wants and needs.

If you bought a $2 candy bar every week for a year?

Standards Link: Math: Solve word problems in two or more steps.

Steer this shopping cart to the produce aisle, avoiding the impulse-buy items along the way.

Replace the missing words.

Standards Link: Find similarities and differences in common objects.

Olivia wanted a new soccer ball. There wasn’t anything ________ with the one she already had, but the new one had cooler colors. It was expensive, but she had enough money in her ______________ to buy it.

Olivia decided not to buy it right away. She __________ making an impulse buy.

Don’t Waste It! Steven was hungry. He made a huge sandwich.

Work with up with id

After a few bites, he was full! Wasting food wastes money. Use the code to discover a shocking fact about food waste. 18 10 14 6 11 16 18 9 5 2 18 5 4 14

18 17 8 3 4

13 8 6 4 1

7 14 6 16 14 9 4

8 13

4 12 14

13 8 8 15

7 6 8 15 3 16 14 15 14

14 6 1

ADDS BILLS BUY CART HELP HOME IMPULSE LESS MONEY NEED SPENDING STORE TEMPTING THINKING WRONG

1 14 18 6

18 = A 17 = B 16 = C 15 = D 14 = E 13 = F 12 = H 11 = I 10 = M

9= N 8= O 7= P 6= R 5= S 4= T 3= U 2=W 1= Y

A W B I M P U L S E

T L N U L W O N L T

H C E B Y R D Y L E

I E A S C O A R I M

N M L R S N D C B P

K O V P T G D E Y T I H W D O H S B E I

N Z A Q R C T R S N

G W S P E N D I N G

F J O L V Y E N O M

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

What do you need?

Each time she went to the store, Olivia ________ at the new ball but didn’t buy it. Instead, she went home to ______ about it. Did she really need it? She found that the longer she waited, the less she thought about the new ball. And her ball was still in ______ shape.

Look through the newspaper to find 10 items you like. Decide if these are things you NEED (this you must have) or things you WANT (things you would like to have).

If her ball starts to wear out, she has the ________ saved and can buy the new ball at the store.

Circle every other letter to reveal one of the most powerful ways you can help your family save money at home.

ATBULRYNZOCFVFC LHIJGUHBTNSKAHN LDSEGLHEJCVTSRIO PNHIUCWSVWTHO EGNIYTOSUILVEPATV JECTVHLENRIOEOHM

Money-Saving Headlines

Cut words out of newspaper headlines to make a message about saving money. Use magnets to post the message on your refrigerator. Example: Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow multiple step directions.

Standards Link: Differentiate between wants and needs.

Report On It!

Write a report about some news in your life. Be sure to include facts about who, what, where, and when.

KID SCOOP IS SPONSORED BY

44 OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023

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With hund Kid Scoop features si high-inter activities f school! Ge sample to

wi book review "The Vice President's Black Wife: The Untold Life of Julia Chinn" By Amrita Chakrabarti Myers c.2023, The University of North Carolina / $30 / 249 pages Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer The deed to the house will be yours, free and clear, very soon. Once the mortgage is paid off, yep, the house and the land are yours. Follow the paperwork, and there are many things you can outright own: a bike, a truck, a dog or cat, but unlike the story you'll find in "The Vice President's Black Wife" by Amrita Chakrabarti Myers, that doesn't extend to a spouse. In the late 18th century, when America was merely a teenager, "Kentucky was the frontier," says Myers, with great stands of trees between "vast swath[s] of rich, fertile land." Robert Johnson was a surveyor in that area, and he liked what he saw. He and his wife arranged to buy several thousand acres of the best farmland around. This made Johnson a wealthy man and, by extension, his oldest son would never want for a thing. And so when young Richard, born in 1780, was all grown up but still unmarried, his parents gave him a plantation and a hundred slaves to run it. One of them was Julia Chinn. Fourteen years old, Julia was pretty, smart and capable; in fact, Richard's mother chose her to run his house while he was away in Washington, particularly because of her intelligence and her management abilities. It didn't take long for Richard to notice Julia, or for him bed her, then wed her. Myers hints that spite made Richard do it, or that he was flaunting social mores. It surely wasn't illegal to sexually assault one's female slaves; in Kentucky, it wasn't illegal to marry someone of another race, either. Was there affection in the marriage or, as Myers suggests, was it a business transaction, with Julia trading her freedom for their daughters' future? We may never know. Richard didn't sell Julia and he never freed her, though his girls received manumission. But after his service as vice president of the U.S. and his death at a ripe old age, his brothers conspired to erase the family he loved … Sometimes uneven, sometimes repetitive, but at the same time, so very interesting, "The Vice President's Black Wife" proves that there are a lot of things about history left to learn. Starting with Julia's mother, author Amrita Chakrabarti Myers begins in a commonplace place — the lives of enslaved women and children — but she departs from the norm by telling tales with a large dash of feminism. In many ways, as she shows, women both white and enslaved often had much more power than history books would like us to believe and that, surprisingly, extended to Julia Chinn. It's truly eye-opening. Still, this book is chilling in the what-ifs — perhaps even more so because Julia was well aware of them and so are readers. These possibilities will leave you shaken with the twist in the story at the end of the book, which will send you racing back to reread the preface. Or you might just reread it all because "The Vice President's Black Wife" is that kind of book, indeed. WI

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE 0CT. 26 - NOV 1, 2023

ARIES You come to a clearing at the beginning of the week, some deer dance by, you can see for miles. With heightened clarity about where you're going comes heightened articulateness; the right words roll off your tongue without much effort. Wednesday and Thursday are no time for hesitating. If you pursue your goals with energy, you'll be able to bring your wildest dreams to fruition. Lucky Numbers: 29, 37, 38 TAURUS ou are human, so you can't do everything or be all things to all people. But what might be difficult for you may well be a snap for one of your friends, or maybe they know someone who knows someone. Let the natural talents of the people around you guide your next move. A dinner party on Wednesday or Thursday could double as a strategy meeting. Lucky Numbers: 5, 19, 53 GEMINI Inspiration strikes you on Monday, maybe in the form of a romantic muse. Flirtation figures strongly on Tuesday as well. Your way of relating to people you've just met is flirtatious, and you're meeting a lot of people these days; therefore, the distinction between friends and love interests is a bit blurry. Nevertheless, Wednesday and Thursday return you to purely practical, nonsocial matters. Lucky Numbers: 2, 4, 6 CANCER The best solution on Monday might be the one that seems the most farfetched. You have a knack for innovation these days. Trust your instincts even if your ideas raise eyebrows. Raise the roof! Be weird! Wednesday and Thursday are explosive days (the energy in the air is almost visible) and they present plenty of opportunities both social and professional. Lucky Numbers: 3, 9, 14 LEO Your friends are a good influence on you on Monday and Tuesday. They act as a springboard for your ideas, and they have some solid ideas of their own. Plus, they don't mind when you launch into one of your crazy lectures about frogs or baking or the nature of love. You're unique, that's for sure. Wednesday and Thursday find you grounded, modest, and deeply contented. Lucky Numbers: 10, 13, 34 VIRGO Try to develop deep connections on Monday and Tuesday. The week has the potential to be either great or a drag, and what happens early on will determine how things pan out. Relationships are important. Details are as well. You are a brilliant communicator when you put your mind to it, so put your mind to it! On Wednesday and Thursday, you get your energy from other people, so surround yourself with people who give off good vibes. Lucky Numbers: 19, 20, 53 LIBRA You're not in the mood for anything superficial on Monday. What you need is an intellectual conversation. Find someone you like talking to, like someone smarter than you, and let yourselves go. On Wednesday and Thursday, you're more interested in getting things done than in dwelling on emotions, but that's not to say you should ignore the peripheral beauty that surrounds you. It can be inspiring. Lucky Numbers: 3, 8, 32 SCORPIO A detail that seems minor on Monday could snowball into something huge. It could mean the difference between success and failure. If someone else's money is involved in this venture, take particular care. Managing your own losses is far easier than being responsible for someone else's. Then again, you're likely going to get whatever it is you want on Wednesday and Thursday. Relinquish control of dinner plans and you'll be pleasantly surprised by what ends up on your plate. Lucky Numbers: 8, 13, 39 SAGITTARIUS You have worked hard enough lately. Put the engine in neutral and let yourself coast at the beginning of the week. Ambition is healthy but it's also exhausting, and there are a lot of people who'd love a slice of your attention. On Wednesday and Thursday, you feel an almost spiritual connection to your friends. Your energies are slightly mismatched, but the contrasts (plus intense mutual love) yield fascinating philosophical interactions. Lucky Numbers: 6, 15, 47 CAPRICORN Putting your feelings in writing is a great way to discover what your feelings are. You think with words these days, and the more articulate you are the better. Plus, being clear is an effective antidote to the flightiness that seems to surround you, at least until the middle of the week. On Wednesday and Thursday, someone is being downright clingy. Focusing on them will solve their anxiety. Lucky Numbers: 7, 28, 32 AQUARIUS A love affair lifts you off your feet and transplants you to the moon on Monday. It's been a long time since you've been to the moon, and the change of scenery is more than welcome. Tuesday is also a great day spent building and then tromping through sandcastles of moon dust. But on Wednesday and Thursday, your responsibilities take priority. Lucky Numbers: 41, 51, 57 PISCES It's understandable if you're feeling overwhelmed at the start of the week. If you don't feel like doing much, don't do much. Put on some music and busy yourself with tasks around the house. Doing dishes can be therapeutic. Vacuuming can be fun. On Wednesday and Thursday, your fun comes in the form of something a lot more exciting than dishes and vacuuming. Put simply, love is in the air. Lucky Numbers: 4, 8, 43

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OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023 45

SPORTS Howard Uses Strong Second Half to Defeat Norfolk State in Homecoming Game By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer It was the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference for Howard University and Norfolk State University and it showed on the field as they battled to the end. Using a strong second half, the Howard Bison (3-4, 1-0 in the MEAC) came from behind during their homecoming game, to beat the Norfolk State Spartans 27-23 before an overflow crowd at Greene Stadium.

The Bison, the defending co-champions of the MEAC are on a mission to win the conference outright with a trip to the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia in December. Norfolk State (2-5, 0-1 in the MEAC) pushed Howard to the limit. The Bison opened the game with a nine-play, 83-yard drive that was capped off by a one-yard plunge by graduate quarterback Quinton Williams, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, at the 10:10 mark to make it 7-0. The Spartans answered with a

5 In Howard University’s homecoming game, the Bison defeated Norfolk State University 27-23. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

drive of its own, but Howard forced a field goal. Norfolk State would go on to score twice more sandwiched around a Howard field goal by Aaron Bickerton to make it a one possession score, 17-9 Norfolk State at the half. With the Bison faithful getting a little antsy, the team woke up and

slowly began to turn things around in the second half. With Williams at the helm, the Bison rallied on his short passing and the running of sophomore Eden James who caught a short Williams pass and turned it into a 45-yard TD at the 8:13 mark of the final stanza.

pass. The first quarter ended in a 7-7 tie as the defenses of both teams took over and each held their counterparts scoreless until the fourth quarter. "This is our third overtime of the season," said DeMatha long-time head coach Bill McGregor. "It was a gritty win. You talk about it, you preach about it and you practice it, and then carry it over into the ballgame." The Stags have been dominant in the WCAC, who many regard as the top high school football and basketball conference in the county. They are shooting for their unprecedented 25th title. But of late, the Cadets have been a factor, having won two straight titles.

of the success of Roosevelt’s Rough Riders. But in a twist, Dunbar (5-2) has won five straight games and has worked its way back impressively. They sent a message with a convincing 62-34 win over Ballou (4-4) in Southeast Washington in a DCIAA matchup. Through the games during that streak, the Crimson Tide has averaged over 50 points, including more than 60 twice. Using a punishing ground attack led by senior running back Michael Clark and the deep ball passing of senior quarterback Brosnan Dukes to senior wide receiver Isaiah Brandon, the Crimson Tide outmatched the Knights in making them their latest victim. “We were really just trying to run downhill, just run the ball,” Clark said. “I knew they didn’t want to tackle me … and there’s a lot of new stuff that people are running, so we just needed to get back to that old-school football, which is running the ball.” Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI

HIGH SCHOOL HOOPS

DeMatha Defeats St. John’s, Dunbar Dominates Ballou By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer DeMatha Prevails, 21-14 in OT Over Rival St. John's It was yet another classic match between Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) powers when DeMatha and St. John's played to a thrilling 21-14 overtime matchup that took an extra period with the Stags us-

ing a touchdown and a stop of at the goal line to eke out the win. The game was played under Friday Night Lights at the Prince George’s Learning Center, was aired live on the ESPN High School Showcase and was as advertised. The Stags (7-1), ranked third in the area, struck first in the first quarter but the Cadets (4-4), ranked seventh, answered with an 80-yard touchdown

DUNBAR DOMINATES BALLOU IN QUEST TO REGAIN DCIAA SUPREMACY

For the past three years, Dunbar has watched Theodore Roosevelt dominate the DCIAA. Dunbar’s Crimson Tide, once a power in the league, has been competitive but has not been able to achieve its past success because

46 OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023

The Spartans refused to go away and quickly marched the ball down the field. With only a few seconds remaining and no timeouts, Norfolk State was forced to go to the end zone. Senior All-America safety Kenny Gallop, Jr. then came up with the play of the game. The native of Portsmouth, Virginia intercepted the ball at the Howard one-yard line with five seconds to preserve an important win. "The game played out as such," said Howard Head Coach Larry Scott, in his fourth year at the helm. " It was the tale of two halves. The team stepped up and made the necessary adjustments to finish the game." Gallop, one of the team captains along with Williams, finished with 11 tackles, a tackle for a loss, a sack and an interception. The first team all-MEAC selection was named the MEAC Defensive Player of the Week. "In the first half, Norfolk State did some things we had not seen on film," said Gallop. "We made some adjustments, we tackled better and played more physically. Coach always says that we have to be resilient, play one play at a time, and to finish. It was a big win but we have a ways to go." Howard continues its quest for a championship when it travels to Dover, Delaware to take on the Hornets of Delaware State on Saturday, Oct. 28 at noon. Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI

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CAPTURE

3 Sean Diddy Combs a million-dollar donation to Howard University president Ben Vinson III during Yardfest 2023. (Marckell Williams/ The Washington Informer)

the moment

6 Miss and Mister Howard University greet the crowd. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

3 Howard University Drum Major, in a jump as he leads the Showtime Marching Band pass the reviewing stand during the homecoming parade on October 21 Northwest. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer) 4 Howard University President Ben Vinson with his son Brandon Vinson 13 in the reviewing stand watching the Homecoming Parade. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

5 Offset and IDK perform at Yardfest during Howard University’s homecoming. (Marckell Williams/The Washington Informer)

5 Howard University Marching Band performs. (Abdullah Konte/ The Washington Informer)

4 The 1993 Howard University Football team was honored during the homecoming game on Oct. 21. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer) 3 Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, delivers the Sunday morning message at Rankin Chapel. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

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OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023 47

RELIGION United House of Prayer for All People Selects Local Pastor to lead National Body By Hamil Harris WI Contributing Writer

The Honorable A.D. Cunningham, pastor of God’s White House in Washington D.C., has been elected as the new bishop of the United House of Prayer for All People. Bishop Cunningham was elected overwhelmingly on Oct. 13 during a special session of the General Assembly of The United House of Prayer that convened at God’s White House, the church's national headquarters location. As the spiritual advisor of 137 congregations nationwide, Bishop Cunningham becomes chief executive

SKATE PARK from Page 11 Skateboarding, Tyler said, is a niche activity that deserves more attention and respect from the city, especially since it helps many of his peers who are weathering the storm of an economic downturn and uptick in violent crime. “We already have [athletic] fields [in the city],” said Tyler, 17. “RFK campus has three parking zones and none of them are used except the first. There are no grocery stores, no nothing. The government just wants to get rid of everyone. Mayor Bowser was dodging questions. I couldn’t even listen. It was more about what it would cost. It was about tax dollars.”

AN ONGOING ATTEMPT TO CENTER THE COMMUNITY’S VOICE

On Wednesday, Oct. 18, the Friends of Kingman Park, host of the community meeting at St. Benedict

officer and sole trustee of all church holdings, said Elder Dr. L. Murray, a spokesman for the United House of Prayer. “He was formally installed and held his first service as Bishop on that same evening,” said Murray. After the loss of Bishop Dr. C.M. Bailey on Aug. 11, Murray said Cunningham hopes to continue the legacy of his predecessor. “Bishop Cunningham wants to walk the same path as Bishop Bailey walked,” Murray said.”To continue the growth of the organization and to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Bailey led the 137 congregations of the United House of the Moor Catholic Church, released the findings of a survey conducted by the RFK Future Task Force. For at least two months, the task force, composed of community members from Kingman Park, Rosedale, Hill East, River Terrace, and Capitol Hill, surveyed 2,000 people from eight neighborhoods. Two out of three respondents said they didn’t want a new stadium on RFK campus. They instead expressed a desire for a parks and nature complex, recreation sports complex, open green space, and housing. Pressing concerns among respondents centered on the use of taxpayer dollars, lack of parking enforcement, whether a stadium would be used throughout the entire calendar year, residents losing property via eminent domain, and how to secure a historic designation for nearby Kingman Park. Tristan McKnight, a skateboarder from Southeast, said he hoped that Bowser takes into consideration all perspectives when deciding the future of RFK campus. Whether that will

48 OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023

Prayer for more than 15 years. Murray said Cunningham said he wants to focus on the “hallmark,” programs of the House of Prayer that include having services seven days a week, whether it is sunrise services, noon services or 7:30 services nightly at God’s White House. Because Bishop Bailey died Aug. 11, during the church’s annual convocation in Philadelphia, Murray said the first thing Cunningham had to do after being elected was to go back to Philadelphia to finish the convocation.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED HOUSE OF PRAYER

Cunningham is the fifth leader of the United House of Prayer (UHOP), which was founded by Cape Verdean Marcelino Manuel da Graça. Graca came to America on a ship called Freedom in 1903 and settled in New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he worked as a cook for the railroad. After leaving his job in 1919, he built his first church in Wareham, Massachusetts, and the church was incorporated in Washington, D.C. in 1927. Bishop Charles Manuel "Sweet Daddy" Grace became the church’s first leader. He was succeeded by Bishop Walter “Sweety Daddy” McCullough, who spearheaded many happen has yet to be seen, he told the Informer. For two years, McKnight has frequented Maloof Skate Park with his friends. Based on what he sees while out and about, McKnight said that there’s more than enough space on RFK campus for amenities that support residents’ various interests, particularly skateboarding. “I understand that the skaters aren’t the only community [that benefit from RFK campus] but I don’t appreciate that the city wants to tear something down [when] there’s a lot of land in that area,” McKnight said. “I don’t feel that Mayor Bowser is disregarding our request [but] she’s putting her effort into building the Commanders stadium rather than help us keep our skate park,” McKnight added. “She didn’t let us know if it’s going to be rebuilt.” Meanwhile, Devonte Walton, a skateboarder of four years, said he sees Maloof Skate Park as more than a slab of pavement. Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI

5 Bishop A.D. Cunningham is the new leader of the United House of Prayer for All People, overseeing 137 congregations nationwide. (Courtesy Photo)

affordable housing programs and restaurants in the District. McCullough was succeeded by Bishop S.C. “Sweet Daddy” Madison and then Bailey. Each Bishop in the UHOP is called “Sweet Daddy,” and every Memorial Day band and singers from across the United States come to D.C. for the annual parade. “There are those who have never understood the House of Prayer. Bishop Bailey pastored me for more than two decades in Augusta,” said Murray, director of special projects for the UHOP. “It is not just about the playing of the bands, this is about the preaching of a biblical gospel that is Christ-focused. What matters is the lives that have been changed and people growing closer to Christ.” In addition to the unique architecture of their building, UHOP leaders often point out how the church has constructed affordable housing for people across the U.S. Further, leaders emphasize that there is a sense of discipline and devotion across its membership.

THE ERA OF BISHOP CUNNINGHAM

Now, the Bishop Cunningham era begins. Bishop Cunningham has been a member of the General Council of the church, holding various positions

of responsibility, including the position of head judge. He was a member of the church's national committee, whose focus was primarily on the youth. Cunningham was also a member of the 2022 constitutional review committee, and since 2006 he held the position of secretary of the church's General Assembly. Elder Murray said Bishop Cunningham, a native of Brooklyn, New York, is well known for his preaching skills. According to an announcement by the UHOP, Cunningham “served as a deacon during his youth in Boston, [Massachusetts] under his grandfather, the late Apostle Hankerson.” Cunningham answered the call to preach under the leadership of the late Bishop McCollough and was ordained an elder in early 1981. He grew in the ministry under his father-in-law the late Apostle D. L. Raycrow, pastor of the Salisbury, Maryland congregation of the UHOP. He has been married for 41 years to the new First Lady of the United House of Prayer, Mrs.Deborah Cunningham. Bishop and Mrs. Cunningham are parents of a son, Malachi, who, along with his wife Donyca, nurture Bishop Cunningham's two grandchildren. WI

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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

First Baptist Church Celebrates 150 Years

First Baptist Church, located on Minnesota Avenue SE in Washington, D.C., is proud to celebrate a rich history of 150 years of serving the community with praise, worship and bible study. Let us take a look at how they got their start. Way back on Oct. 19, 1873, Rev. Moses Wilson, Sister Julia Taylor and Brother John Ward met in Sister Taylor's home. They discussed what was then just a dream in the hearts and minds of these newly freed slaves. The dream was to organize a church where they could practice freedom of religion. At the close of that meeting the dream had become a reality and the First Baptist Church of Rosslyn, Virginia had been founded. In January 1962, First Baptist called Rev. Carl M. Patterson as pastor. Pastor Patterson soon began to notice a change in the landscape of the area around the church in Virginia. Rosslyn was becoming a high-rise district and was no longer a suitable location for the church. After much prayer and meditation, Pastor Patterson led the congregation to relocate to its present site on Minnesota Avenue in Southeast Washington in November 1965. The church is now a fixture on the corner of Minnesota and C Street SE, serving and meeting some of the needs of the commu-

nity under the leadership of Bishop Harold N. Brooks Jr., senior pastor since February 2005. He is a Howard University graduate, and he has a Doctor of Divinity Degree from Virginia Union University. On Aug. 22, he was consecrated by the House of Paul Ecumenical founded by the late Bishop Leonard N. Smith. He is now a member of Global United Fellowship. The church had two pre-anniversary services. The theme of the anniversary celebration was "A thankful people serving a faithful God for 150 years." We began the celebration by highlighting the history of the Sunday School in the life of First Baptist. The preacher for that service was (grandson of a former Pastor Carl Patterson), Rev. Eugene M. Pearson, Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Aldie, Virginia. Former Sunday School students, teachers and leaders returned to share in this special program. The second pre-anniversary service featured "a celebration of music in the history of FBC" which featured the Mass choir under the leadership of Marlene Fleming Dillion. The choir sang music that was familiar to the church from metered hymns, contemporary gospel, and anthems. An afternoon banquet was held on Oct. 14 at the Eloquent Touch Ballroom in Suitland, Md. During the banquet, Nathaniel Gillian, Washington DC ACT-SO Nation-

al Winner, performed several jazz numbers on the saxophone. Also, Simply Shirley provided some comic relief during the afternoon event. The highlight of the evening was a presentation by the church's oldest member, Mrs. Elsie Conway (97 years old). Pastor Brooks shared how to move the legacy into the future. On Sunday, Oct. 15, during the morning service, Dr. A.C Michael Durant of the Tenth Street Baptist Church was the guest preacher. He preached the message, "Let the church be the Church." Council Chair Phil Mendelson brought special greetings. During the service, five new members were inducted into the Golden Heritage Club, which recognizes members with 50 years or more of service at FBC. Mrs. Conway has 86 years of membership. Rev Donna C. Heatly (FBC youth minister) received the Deacon Jacqueline M. Boyden Christian Service Award for her outstanding leadership of our COVID Pandemic Taskforce. Ironically, Rev. Eldridge Spearman, who was one of the nine pastors of the church, left FBC in 2004 to serve as the pastor of Mt Jezel who also celebrated its 150th anniversary this month as well. Many of the founding families still have family members who remain a part of the congregation. First Baptist Church remains "a sanctuary in the heart of Southeast with a heart to serve." WI

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

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Church of Living Waters

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor

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

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

Blessed Word

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

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

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

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

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

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

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

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

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

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

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

50 OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023

Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45 AM Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Third Street Church of God

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

Campbell AME Church

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

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

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

www.livingwatersmd.org

1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

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

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

Rev. Terrance M. McKinley Senior Pastor

Adams Inspirational A.M.E. Church

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

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

John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.

All Nations Baptist Church

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

Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor

Crusader Baptist Church

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

Emmanuel Baptist Church

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

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

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

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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RELIGION Zion Baptist Church

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

St. Luke Baptist Church

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

Rehoboth Baptist Church

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

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

Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor

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

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

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

New Commandment Baptist Church

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

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

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

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

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

Promised Land Baptist Church

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

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

Dr. Joseph D. Turner Senior Pastor

Service and Times Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

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

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

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

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

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

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

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

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor

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

Rev. Richard B. Black Interim Pastor

Mount Moriah Baptist Church

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

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

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church

Israel Baptist Church

Website address: www.mmbcdc.org

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

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2023 ADM 001170 James Henry Stephens Decedent Samuel C. Hamilton, Esq. Hamilton & Associates 8601 Georgia Ave. #503 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Terri Pollard, whose address is 10501 Brightfield Ln., Upper Marboro, MD 20772, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James Henry Stephens who died on July 11, 2012 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/12/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/12/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 10/12/2023 Terri Pollard Personal Representative

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2021 ADM 000398

2023 ADM 001171

2023 ADM 001149

2023 ADM 00146

John Ernest Wainwright Decedent

Christine Elfrieda Green Decedent

Dan White, Jr. Decedent

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

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

Rosetta M. Lawson aka Rosetta Lawson Decedent

Valerie Edwards 1725 DeSales Street, NW Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Sneh Keerti Varmaa, whose address is 4000 Cathedral Ave., NW, #605B, Washington, DC 20016, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John Ernest Wainwright who died on December 7, 2020 with a Will and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/12/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/12/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: October 12, 2023

TRUE TEST COPY

Sneh Keerti Varmaa Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

TRUE TEST COPY

Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Dearon J. Parson, whose address is 1663 Varnum Pl. NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Christine Elfrieda Green who died on February 6, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before April 12, 2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before April 12, 2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

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

James Larry Frazier 918 Maryland Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Danielle White-Alston, whose address is 7706 Castle Rock Drive, Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dan White Jr. who died on 7/23/2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/12/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/12/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Linda Gray, whose address is 9412 Small Drive, Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rosetta M. Lawson aka Rosetta Lawson who died on September 9, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/12/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/12/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 10/12/2023

Dearon J. Parson Personal Representative

Danielle White-Alston Personal Representative

Linda Grey 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

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

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

2023 FEP 000093

2023 ADM 001178

2023 ADM 001177

2023 ADM 000913

2023 ADM 001097

October 27, 2020 Date of Death

Phyllis Goodwin Decedent

Massimo A. Righini Decedent

Dorothy Lucas Whitley Decedent

Rudolph Lennox Brathwaite Decedent

Jessalyn Pendarvis Name of Decedent

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

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

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

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

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

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

Date of first publication: 10/12/2023

Christen D. Jacobs and Omar James Goodwin, whose addresses are 719 Ingraham Street NW, Washington DC 20011, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Phyllis Goodwin who died on August 24, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before April 19, 2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before April 19, 2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Marco D. Pendarvis Personal Representative

Date of first publication: October 19, 2023

Date of first publication: 10/19/2023

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Christen D. Jacobs Omar James Goodwin Personal Representative

Marilou M. Righini Personal Representative

Washington Informer

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Marilou M. Righini, whose address is 1921 Biltmore Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008-1509, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Massimo A. Righini who died on July 28, 2023 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/19/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/19/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Kevin Judd, Esq., whose address is 601 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 900-South Building, Washington, DC 20004, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy Lucas Whitley who died on January 1, 2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/19/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/19/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 10/19/2023 Kevin Judd, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Ruby W. Brathwaite, whose address is 4321 Varnum Place, NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rudolph Lennox Brathwaite who died on August 5, 2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/19/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/19/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 10/19/2023 Ruby W. Brathwaite Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

52 OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2023 ADM 001154

2023 ADM 001180

2023 ADM 001236

2023 ADM 001190

John Andrew Mercer Decedent

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

Archie Davis Jr. Decedent

Alfred L. Spencer aka Alfred Larkin Spencer Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Janice S. Spencer, whose address is 1423 Iris Street NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Alfred L. Spencer aka Alfred Larkin Spencer who died on 6/22/2021 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/19/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/19/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 10/19/2023

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue NE Washington DC, 20002 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Eric Andrew Mercer, whose address is 3927 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SW, Washington DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John Andrew Mercer who died on July 6, 2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/19/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/19/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 10/19/2023 Eric Andrew Mercer Personal Representative

Janice S. Spencer Personal Representative

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Tawnya Artisst - Anderson for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. Admit to probate the will dated 12/26/2020 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise Date of first publication: 10/19/2023 Tawnya Artisst – Anderson 5108 Ewing Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 55410 Petitioner/Attorney: TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 450

2023 ADM 001167

2023 ADM 001212

Bernard R. Dickens Sr aka Bernard Ross Dickens Sr. Decedent

Loretta M. Brown Decedent

Kenneth Eugene Jackson Jr. Decedent

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

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Cornelius E. Dickens Sr. & Sheila A. Feaster, whose addresses are 5613 Emack Ave Lanham MD 20706 and 526 21st Street NE Washington, DC 20002, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Bernard R. Dickens Sr. aka Bernard Ross Dickens Sr. who died on August 21, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/26/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/26/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Date of first publication: 10/26/2023

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

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

Cornelius E. Dickens Sr. Sheila A. Feaster Personal Representative

Margie Davis and Patricia Long, whose addresses are 461 H NW #620 Washington DC 20001 and 924 44th Street NW, Washington, DC 20019, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Archie Davis Jr who died on February 12, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/26/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/26/24, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

TRUE TEST COPY

Washington Informer

Date of first publication: 10/26/2023

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

Margie Davis Patricia Long Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY TRUE TEST COPY

Destiny Fullwood-Singh 200 Massachusetts Ave NW, Floor 8 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Debra L. Sharp, whose address is 523 Bennington Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44505, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Loretta M. Brown who died on July 31, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/26/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/26/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 10/26/2023 Debra L. Sharp Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Kenneth Eugene Jackson III, whose address is 14813 Mattawoman Drive, Brandywine MD 20613, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kenneth Eugene Jackson Jr. who died on September 9, 2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/26/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/26/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 10/26/2023 Kenneth Eugene Jackson III Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Washington Informer

TRUANCY from Page 1 School in Southeast have focused their efforts on engaging students who’ve been absent for more than a week since the school year started. They’ve done so through a multi-tier system of support that uses student data to determine, and subsequently meet, their academic and socioemotional needs with the infusion of resources . However, the community member, who requested anonymity, said that not even their bevy of resources, including the DC Public Schools (DCPS)’ Connected School Model, can suffice in filling in the gaps if students are not physically present. “We are doing interventions and working with connected schools to mitigate [problems stemming from parental] substance abuse but we need parental buy-in,” the community member told the Informer. “There’s no accountability and once students get to [the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA)] phase, there’s nothing we can do. We’ve been told CFSA is overwhelmed with so many cases.”

EXPLORING KEY CAUSES AND INTERVENTIONS FOR CHRONICALLY ABSENT STUDENTS

On Nov. 30, OSSE is scheduled to release its 2022-2023 attendance report. OSSE’s 2021-2022 report showed that chronic absenteeism in the District reached 48% and truancy reached 42% during the 2021-2022 school year. High-risk students, Black students and Latino students showed the highest levels of absenteeism. The report also found that schools with a higher concentration of at-risk students had lower attendance rates. During an Every Day Counts! Task Force meeting in September, Chelsea Coffin of the DC Policy Center revealed that school attendance during the 2022-2023 academic year hadn’t reached pre-pandemic levels, even with a 12 percentage point increase from the previous year. She cited an increase in mental health days among students, early dismissal, and illness as new reasons for post-pandemic absenteeism School attendance is mandatory for students between the ages of 5 and 18. Parents are obligated to ensure that their children attend school and schools have the responsibility of accurately recording attendance. For several years, students were

TRUIANCY Page 56 WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023 53

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WARD 8 from Page 16 For hours, dozens of advisory neighborhood commissioners, organizers and residents weighed in on the importance of strengthening traffic enforcement and effectively penalizing reckless drivers, particularly those who cruise around the city with fake tags. This hearing took place weeks after the D.C. Council approved an e-bike subsidy bill. Once the program gets up and running, District residents eligible for programs like SNAP can receive up to $1,500 for a qualifying e-bike, among other rebates for e-bike expenses. Residents outside of the income qualifications can get half of that. Glenn Brown, owner of the D.C. Bike Academy in Congress Heights, said more e-bike users means fewer cars on the road, which reduces both traffic and harmful pollution. Brown said the city is “absolutely moving in the right direction” in terms of becoming more bike-friendly. But he also said that the shift has been “a slow process,” especially in Ward 8, where he thinks introducing more bikes and e-bikes into the community will require installing more bike lanes, and better maintenance and cleaning for the ones that exist. Bike lockers for safe storage are important, too, he said. Other serious barriers that Brown discussed included high risks of theft, and, above all, inaccessible prices. “The question is, is it affordable to our community yet? As we build this infrastructure, are we still leaving behind a community of need?” Brown said. Other cities, Brown said, also have far more visible, diverse biking communities than D.C. When he started up the D.C. Bike Academy in 2022, he noticed dozens of young people walking past the bikes outside his shop without showing any interest. “The hurdle is that we don't see ourselves on bikes, and you cannot be what you cannot see,” Brown said. “We had to build a culture, first of all, that it was okay or cool to ride a bike.” Brown said he enlisted help from “the Wheelie kids” who often ride up and down Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, front wheels raised high. Today, the D.C. Bike Academy program has 48 young people, 12 of whom compete in mountain and road bike races. Next semester, youth in Brown’s program will get to learn how to use e-bike conversion kits to add batteries to their newly-built bikes. While Brown focuses on giving youth the chance to learn about building, repairing and riding bikes, he said he also thinks more bike and e-bike use could make a big difference for communities

but to commute,” said Brown IV, an attorney and environmental justice advocate. ”I see folks on bicycles on a day-to-day basis. We’re in the midst of organizing them now through listservs, meetings, and hopefully some events. We want to make sure people feel safe.”

WARD 8 CYCLISTS RETURN TO OXON RUN PARK

5 Ramona Barber at the Ward 8 Bike Ride on Oct. 21. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

in D.C., especially those located east of the Anacostia River. “Our community, Ward 8, is a walking community—on any given day, you can go to Safeway, in Ward 7, or Giant in Ward 8, the parking lot can be empty, but the store will be crowded,” Brown said. “E-bikes will allow for accessibility and transportation to flourish in our communities.” Congress Heights resident Marvin Brown IV has encouraged his neighbors to take advantage of the e-bike program. He said many of them have taken his words to heart and will soon follow in his footsteps. Since moving to Congress Heights nearly three years ago, Brown IV has embraced the benefits of a nearly 30-minute commute on e-bike from his residence to his office in Metro Center in Northwest. He told the Informer that he goes along Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue before crossing the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge and working his way through Downtown. Along the way, Brown IV is often reminded day in and day out of what he described as streets in Ward 8 that are unsafe, not only for cyclists, but drivers and pedestrians. Even with bike lanes on portions of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, Alabama Avenue and Malcolm X Avenue, Brown IV stresses that there is still the

potential for serious injuries and fatalities without the installation of bollards and plastic posts near bike lanes. Brown IV recounted a couple of unsuccessful attempts over the years to engage Councilmember White’s office on this matter. He also reflected on interactions with Everett Lott who, during his tenure as DDOT director, told Brown IV and other constituents that a lack of cooperation from the Ward 8 council member has discouraged DDOT from seriously pursuing the installment of protective bike lanes and other traffic calming measures. Frustration around the loss of parking space and driving lanes have driven tensions around bike infrastructure. In 2019, DDOT erased one of two bike lanes the agency had installed just a month prior on Alabama Avenue in Southeast following nearby residents’ concerns, mostly regarding parking. These days, Brown IV has set his sights on Anacostia Park, which he says is in dire need of bike lanes that ease accessibility for cyclists riding from Downtown Anacostia. Within the coming weeks, he and other cyclists who live in Ward 8 will launch their appeal to White and Ward 8 council candidates for improvements to Ward 8’s transportation infrastructure that boost traffic safety. “There are people who cycle to get around town -- not just for recreation,

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The Fresh Wind Community Development Corporation hosted the 3rd Annual Ward 8 Bike Ride on the morning of Oct. 21. The 12-mile bicycle ride started at Oxon Run Park on the corner of Wheeler Road Southeast and Valley Avenue Southeast. Ramona Barber, the founding executive director of Fresh Wind Community Development Corporation, coordinated the inaugural bike ride in 2020 at the behest of Councilmember White. She said that White saw the bike ride, which took place at the height of the pandemic, as an event that could get people more active after several weeks of quarantine. For the first two years, WABA served as a sponsor. This year, sponsors included Amerigroup, DDOT, DC Housing Finance Agency, Friends of Oxon Run Park, and H2 Design Build. MPD also dispatched officers to accompany cyclists. More than 50 cyclists were anticipated to participate. Barber said future cycling events could potentially expand beyond the ward with the formation of cycling teams and a focus on special causes, like autism research. For the time being, Barber and her colleagues continue to assess ways of making cycling more attractive to Ward 8 residents. She told the Informer that she’s increasingly looking at biking, her childhood pastime, in a new light, acknowledging the bike lanes that cyclists plan on using during the bike ride as a game changer. “I grew up in Ward 8, and all we did was ride our bikes up and down the street,” Barber said. “Councilmember White loves the fact that we’re getting people out to bike,” she added. “With Ward 8 having the most school-aged children, it’s important for them to know about bike riding like we did.” On Sunday, Oct. 15, White promoted the bike ride via X, formerly known as Twitter, framing it as a response to health disparities that Ward 8 residents experience. Within minutes, nearly a dozen people responded to White’s post, criticizing what they called the Ward 8 council member’s refusal to secure bike lanes

and other traffic calming measures. During budget deliberations earlier this year, White clashed with his council colleagues when he insisted on diverting funds that DDOT had allocated toward a Ward 8 traffic infrastructure project to fund improvements to Marion Barry Avenue (formerly known as Good Hope Road.). In 2019, White stood alongside residents who’ve bemoaned the installation of bike lanes along Alabama Avenue in Southeast that he said shifted traffic patterns and caused constituents to rack up more traffic tickets. By that time, he had successfully introduced legislation that, had it been funded, would’ve stopped traffic fines from doubling after 30 days and allow offenders to do community service. Another traffic-related bill that White successfully championed eliminated a practice through which District residents lost their licenses for unpaid civil fines. During his mayoral run, White once again appealed to residents perturbed by traffic tickets when he pledged to launch a ticket forgiveness program if elected. During a visit to the Informer office earlier this year, White said that developers have been able to leverage Vision Zero into contracts for infrastructure projects that haven’t curbed reckless driving. He went on to say that DDOT and other agencies don’t have the cultural sensitivities to respond to residents’ concerns. White’s office has since revealed that it’s exploring the possibility of introducing legislation that would require DDOT to engage community members about proposed changes or changes that had been implemented, especially when unintended consequences are discovered. While he acknowledged the benefits of Bowser’s plan to install 20 miles of protected bike lanes to compel the gradual reduction of cars on the road, White pointed out several factors that he said would preclude the Bowser administration from realizing its goal. “There are obvious energy and health benefits to this policy, however, Ward 8 has the most families and children of any Ward, and many of our families rely on their cars for work and school,” White told the Informer. “Parking is also a big issue in the infrastructure. What would make a big difference is if DDOT engaged with the community prior to, during, and after it makes changes to allow all perspectives of residents to be heard on the matter and find a common ground.” Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com. WI @SamPKCollins

OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023 55

LOITERING from Page 1 espouse his support for the reinstatement of an anti-loitering law that allows D.C. police to engage those who stand around aimlessly in the areas of the District most prone to violent crime. Muhammad, a Ward 8 resident and former advisory neighborhood commissioner, recently attended D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto’s Ward 8 public safety walk. He told the Informer he was present out of an “obligation,” to hold the D.C. Council liable for what he described as its neglect of his community. “I see lawn chairs in front of stores on Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, Good Hope Road, and 21st Street. These [are places] where shooting takes place,” Muhammad said as he expressed skepticism about the D.C. Council’s willingness to tackle violent crime in Ward 8. “The taxes in Ward 8 are lower [than anywhere in the city] and more social services are coming here,” Muhammad said. “That’s the money that should be used to clean up the streets. That’s the unspoken argument in [the D.C. Council] offices.”

BOWSER UPS THE ANTE IN NEW LEGISLATION

On Monday, Oct. 23, D.C. May-

TRUANCY from Page 53 marked “present” if they attended 80% of the school day. In 2022 however, the D.C. State Board of Education passed a resolution that lowered the threshold to 60% of the school day. Students who accrue at least 10 fullday unexcused absences at any point of the school year are to be referred to CFSA. The agency will then, through its educational neglect unit, launch a triage and investigative process to determine the likelihood of educational neglect. Long before students accrue 10 fullday unexcused absences, schools are required to make every effort to engage family. Strategies include contacting students’ emergency contact, exhausting community-based interventions, conducting school-based support team meetings, and talking to family members at pick-up and drop-off. In DCPS, parents of chronically absent students receive universal absence letters after three and five cumulative days of excused and unexcused absences. By the seventh cumulative day, parents will most likely receive a Met-

or Muriel Bowser (D) announced the introduction of the Addressing Crime Trends (ACT) Now Act at the Metropolitan Police Department’s Fourth District Station, the site of protests in the aftermath of Karon Hylton-Brown’s police-involved murder. Bowser encouraged the D.C. Council to move this legislation, along with the Safer, Stronger Amendment Act, which she introduced earlier this year. She told the Informer that she has the seven council votes needed to pass ACT Now, but will aim for unanimous support. D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (I-At large) said he would speak on the bill once he read it in its entirety. Councilmembers Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) and Anita Bonds (D-At large) expressed the need for collaboration between the mayor, the D.C. Council and other offices to address crime. If passed, the ACT Now legislation reinstates an anti-loitering law that allows the chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to declare drug-free zones for 120 hours to prohibit the purchase, sale and use of illegal drugs. It also creates criminal penalties for organized retail theft and, once again, makes it illegal to wear a mask when committing criminal acts, intimidating people and causing fear. Bowser, a critic of the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Amendment

Act, also included provisions in the legislation that create a distinction between a serious use of force by a police officer and the officer’s incidental contact with a person’s neck during an encounter. Under the legislation, officers would also be allowed to review bornworn camera footage before writing their initial police report. A Bowser administration official told the Informer that nearly 40 MPD officers are currently under investigation for situations where their incidental touching of suspects was classified as serious use of force. They credited the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Amendment Act with narrowing the latitude that police officers have to carry out their jobs. Meanwhile, the clarification around vehicular pursuits that the D.C. Council included in emergency legislation earlier this year would also be made permanent under ACT Now, all while limitations are imposed on what information about officer discipline will be posted. In 2014, the D.C. Council repealed the Anti-Loitering/Drug-Free Zone Act of 1996, through which the MPD chief, for up to 120 hours, could designate zones where two or more people would be prohibited from congregating and participating in the drug trade. Elements of that law were in the Omnibus Public Safety Emergency Amendment Act,

ropolitan Police Department (MPD) Warning Letter. In situations when students between the ages of 14 and 17 miss 15 cumulative days of school, the student and their family will be referred to the Court Social Services Division and the D.C. Office of the Attorney General. CFSA didn’t respond to an Informer inquiry about the number of referrals it has received this academic year from District public and public charter schools. Neither did the agency reveal, as requested, the number of staff members that have been dedicated to addressing concerns about educational neglect.

Black Box Theater in Southeast where they participated in workshops about dieting, connecting families with mental health services, and better engaging fathers. Children had a chance to speak with Warees Majid of Yaayme about the importance of effectively communicating with their parents and being on their best behavior. They also took in a few words of wisdom from Acting Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith. The next day, during a public safety press meeting at MPD Fourth District Station in Northwest, Smith spoke highly about the Parental Revival. She even went as far as to express gratitude for being able to hear directly from overwhelmed parents. Ron Moten, founder of Check-It Enterprises, said the Parental Revival allowed parents to accept help without shame. He called it an essential step in educating parents and other adult family members about their power so they can be held accountable for their children’s wellbeing. Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI @SamPKCollins

PARENTS TAKE MATTERS INTO THEIR OWN HANDS

On Oct. 22, Check-It Enterprises, Play4Lyfe and other organizations hosted the Parental Revival, a conference centered on promoting positive parental involvement. Nearly 100 participants, many of whom are family members of student athletes, converged on THEARC

56 OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2023

5 Acting Chief of Police of the Metropolitan Police Department Pamela A. Smith at the announcement for the ACT Now Act at D.C.’s Fourth District Station on Oct. 23. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

which also increased drug-free zones and enhanced penalties for weapons possession and gang activity. A Bowser administration official speaking on background said that evolution of the drug trade, as seen in the digital exchange of currency, among other factors, has compelled the need for an anti-loitering law that makes it easier for police officers to disturb drug activity. Per the anti-loitering law, the police chief would inform the council chairperson and the D.C. Council before it designates 1,000 square feet of space as a drug-free zone. Stipulations that the police chief would consider include: arrest for the possession and distribution of drugs over a six-month period, police reports for violent crime in that zone, the number of homicides committed, verifiable evidence that shows illegal drugs being sold and distributed in public space in the drug-free zone. Bowser, who voted in support of the Repeal of Prostitution-Free Zones and Drug-Free Zones Amendment Act as Ward 4 council member, said that current circumstances dictate the need for an anti-loitering law. "We want to blunt a trend that we see in open air drug dealing that we… don't want to proliferate," Bowser said. "We think that we want the police to have the tools. The chief will use the tools available to the officers and prioritize it for public safety."

COUNCILMEMBER PINTO FACES WARD 8 RESIDENTS DURING PUBLIC SAFETY WALK

Earlier this year, Lindsey Appiah, deputy mayor for public safety and justice, joined Dr. Barbara Bazron,

director of the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health, at a meeting conducted by Advisory Neighborhood Commission 8A, which includes Good Hope Road in Downtown Anacostia. By that time, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety had been dispatching its Violent Crime Response team to Good Hope Road throughout most of the year. During the ANC 8A meeting, Appiah said that she plans to present a long-term interagency response to substance use along Good Hope in December. On Monday, an executive member of the Bowser administration said that, out of deference to residents who are frustrated with the proliferation of plans that haven’t seemed to work, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice would examine what has been done. On Oct. 18, dozens of people converged on the corner of 16th Street and Good Hope Road in Southeast for Pinto’s safety walk, one of eight that she conducted across the District within the span of a week. Pinto announced the walks a couple days after Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Jamila White took to social media and criticized the councilmember’s office for declining to meet with community members who live in Downtown Anacostia, the jurisdiction that Commissioner White represents. In emails secured by the Informer, Pinto’s office mentioned the upcoming safety walks and cited scheduling conflicts as the reason why the councilmember, chair of the D.C. Council Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, couldn’t meet with Advisory Neighborhood Commission 8A. Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI @SamPKCollins

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MALVEAUX from Page 34 Biden could strongly and forcefully make a case for another term. Biden might emerge from such a debate elevated and ready for a November race. Instead, the silence of the Democrats and the surrender to a Biden inevitability weakens, not strengthens, the Democratic Party. I'm a believer in Proverbs 27:17, "iron sharpens iron." It suggests that opposition forces us to "up our game" and improves us. A turn on the debate stage will benefit Vice President Harris, as well, if she takes advantage of it. Some

EDELMAN from Page 34 round up and detain 6,000 Black residents. Hundreds of people were injured and three dozen were officially confirmed dead, but historians estimate as many as 300 Black citizens may have been killed. Many deaths were quickly covered up as bodies were buried in unmarked graves. Thirty-five city blocks were burned down, destroying more than 1,200 homes, and 10,000 people were left homeless, including Hughes Van Ellis's family. No one was charged for any of the deaths, injuries, or property damage. Hughes Van Ellis was later drafted into the army and served in World War II, but despite his service to our nation, he never forgot how his community had been treated. He, his sister Viola, and Lessie Benningfield Randle became well known in recent years as they and other descendants

MARSHALL from Page 34 which is a part of society will spill over into the police's blue code of silence. Jacinta Gau, an associate professor of criminal justice at the University of Central Florida, said Black police chiefs are often hired because they are seen as "reformers" who can "clean things up and alleviate or eliminate racial tensions." Black police chiefs are believed to able to bridge two communities historically at odds with one another. In reality, while cultural competency and bias training are being instituted in departments nationwide, the necessary changes will not be institutionalized if the institution itself is committed more to individual who discriminate. The substantial financial loss a local jurisdiction ultimately pays for police misconduct has not been an effective reason to embrace the level of cultural changes needed within police departments. "Behavior is more likely to conform

of the chatter about our vice president is ugly, misogynistic, and racist. She's not perfect — no politician is. But she is intelligent, riveting, brilliant and experienced. She has met with foreign leaders, repairing relationships that the previous president trampled on. She has been a spokesperson and a kinetic leader. Her HBCU tour this fall has galvanized young people, a desperate need for the Democratic Party. She deserves applause, not derision. The debate stage, challenged by a strong Democrat, is an opportunity for her to strut her stuff. The questions that many are asking about President Biden

and the Biden-Harris ticket need to be addressed. Democrats don't gain anything by quelling dissent. Instead, we should encourage it so that our leaders can answer criticism with vigorous enthusiasm and information. And while Republican internal dissent is amusing and embarrassing, it is presently unhelpful and a barrier to national progress. We have less than a month for a budget deal, emergencies in Ukraine and the Middle East, economic challenges, and other matters. The House can't move forward without a Speaker. Dissent is one thing; dysfunction is another. How can we fix our broken political system? WI

of massacre victims sued a group of seven defendants, including the city of Tulsa, the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office, and the Oklahoma National Guard, for reparations and justice. Their case was dismissed in July 2023, but in August, the Oklahoma Supreme Court said it would hear an appeal. In written testimony for the U.S. House Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties on the centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre in 2021, Hughes Van Ellis said: "You may have been taught that when something is stolen from you, you can go to the courts to be made whole. You can go to the courts to get justice. This wasn't the case for us … We were shown that when Black voices called out for justice, no one cared. But we still had faith things would get better. We still believed in the promise of America … We're not asking for a handout. All

we are asking for is for a chance to be treated like a first-class citizen who truly is a beneficiary of the promise that this is a land where there is ‘liberty and justice for all' … You can give us the chance to be heard and give us a chance to be made whole after all these years and after all our struggle. I still believe in America. I still believe in the ideals that I fought overseas to defend. And I believe if given the chance you will do the right thing and justice will be served." In a statement after he passed away, Oklahoma State Rep. Regina Goodwin said, "Two days ago, Mr. Ellis urged us to keep fighting for justice. In the midst of his death, there remains an undying sense of right and wrong." The fight continues, and I so am grateful to Hughes Van Ellis for helping make sure the rest of us know the truth about his and our shared history. WI

to culture than rules," stated the 2015 report from President Barack Obama's task force on 21st-century policing. While police misconduct can devastate the lives of victims, their families and residents of the community, the misconduct can be a major financial price for cities and taxpayers to pay. Police misconduct costs cities millions of dollars each year in legal fees, settlements and judgments. Despite these significant financial costs, there is little accountability for the officers responsible for the misconduct. In many cases, officers who engage in misconduct are not disciplined, and may even continue to serve on the police force. It is rare for settlements to include any form of admission of guilt or wrongdoing. Not long after the National Faith and Blue Weekend, Baltimore's Board of Estimates panel approved a $48 million settlement to three men who were wrongfully convicted of murder as teenagers and spent 36 years in prison.

It becomes another example of why there remains a lack of trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Baltimore is not alone. The city of Minneapolis paid $27 million to the family of George Floyd. The family of Breonna Taylor's family was paid $12 million. Aside from high profiles cases, most claims of police misconduct are resolved quietly and with smaller sums. Local justifications say payments to resolve misconduct allegations, ranging from excessive force to illegal search and seizures, are more cost-effective than fighting the lawsuits in courts. The amount paid by cities along with the identity of the officers are often hidden from the public even though their taxes are covering the cost. The professional men and women in blue who serve and represent their department with dignity are often forgotten when all of the attention goes to the "bad apples." WI

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political party. That, too, was the case for Henry Lawrence from Palmetto, Florida, after his football days were over. We know; however, we still have a responsibility to continue succeeding in whatever we do. In Henry's case, after his days in professional football were over, he returned home to Florida and is a hero to those who know him. He's

MORIAL from Page 35 proceeded Youngkin, Virginia used specific, objective and neutral criteria to restore rights to people with felony convictions — criteria such as sentence completion, or release from incarceration. "In this way, they used their authority under the Virginia Constitution to remove arbitrary decision-making from the process and create a uniformly administered, non-discretionary restoration system,” the plaintiffs wrote in their complaint. But Youngkin threw out this policy and grabbed the power to deny individuals' voting rights for himself. As of October 2022, more than one in 20 Virginians with felony convictions remain disenfranchised even after completing their full sentences including parole and probation -- the sixth highest rate in the nation To be clear, the lawsuit does not

not called a hero just because he played football, but because he's a servant for the good of all people. Although as a player, Henry was known by his teammates as "Killer," he's one of the nicest guys you could ever know who played for the Silver and Black! I would add "one of the nicest guys you could know anywhere." Even John Madden said Henry was like a son to him! Henry and John appeared to have had mutual admiration. About Madden, Henry said, "He

was a guy that could relate to the little guy and the big guy." Henry had the honor of doing a musical tribute to his coach at his service. Henry is a very talented musician and a loyal member of the Florida A&M family. Among his many honors, he's received the Jesse Owens Achievement Award for his athletic excellence, but I find him to be so much more than an athlete. He's a wonderful human being! WI

call for Virginia to restore voting rights for all those with felony convictions — a policy that the National Urban League would endorse. It merely asks that Virginia set clear rules governing decisions on restoring voting rights, rather than leaving the decision to the whim of the governor without explanation or justification. The Virginia NAACP this week announced it will sue Youngkin for public records detailing how he makes decisions on voting rights restoration requests. He has withheld the records since the organization requested them in May. "Black Virginians are more overly represented in our correctional facilities. So, it impacts Black Virginians more so than any other ethnic group," Virginia NAACP President Robert N. Barnette Jr., said. "We want to make sure that if people have done their time and have applied for the rights to be restored, that either they are given a reason or

their rights have been restored." The case also could have implications for Kentucky, where Gov. Andy Beshear restored voting rights via executive order to most individuals with state felony convictions. But those with out-ofstate, federal, and non-qualifying state felony convictions still are subject to the arbitrary decision of the governor "with no rules, laws, or criteria governing these restoration determinations.” As a relic of Jim Crow white supremacy, felony disenfranchisement is inconsistent with the principles of fairness and democracy we claim to hold dear as a nation. While Fair Election Center's lawsuits won't restore the voting rights of people on felony-level probation or parole in the 26 states that still deny them, or to the individuals who have successfully fulfilled their sentences in 11 states that still deny them, they are a step toward justice. WI

JEALOUS from Page 35 in recovery block grants. There's funding to cut diesel trucking emissions and to provide more monitoring in neighborhoods on the fence lines of plants. The challenge now is to make sure Gordon and community advocates like her have a say in applying for and deploying those investments. The Environmental Protection Agency can help by implementing much more stringent air pollution standards for steel mills. Gordon works to get more people of color into the outdoors through a group she founded called Brown Faces Green Spaces. Gary has natural places like the Ivanhoe Dune and Swale, the Brunswick Oak Savannah Trail, and the western tip of Indiana

The challenge now is to make sure Gordon and community advocates like her have a say in applying for and deploying those investments. The Environmental Protection Agency can help by implementing much more stringent air pollution standards for steel mills. Dunes National Lakeshore that other communities lack, she said. Industrial sites are nearby, Gordon explained. "When we do get a day when there's no ozone alert, we try to get people outdoors for

recreation, reflection, prayer, or meditation. Going and enjoying those places, you can't get away from how close it all is to being degraded." WI

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