The Washington Informer - October 3, 2019

VOL. 54, NO. 51 • OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019

October is Nat'l Hispanic Heritage Month: Celebrate America's Diversity

New Montossori School Caters to Underprivileged - Page 27

Impeaching the President: What's Involved?

A WASHINGTON INFORMER EXCLUSIVE

Melanie Adams Assumes the Helm at Anacostia Community Museum

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia Whether you're for or against the impeachment of President Donald Trump, experts and historians say there are important reasons why the U.S. Constitution provides the provision for the removal of a president, vice president, federal judges and other federal officials for high crimes and misdemeanors.

Quite simply, when the well-being of the country is placed in jeopardy by the actions of its leaders, Congress must act.

"The probability of impeaching President Trump is extremely low, at least based on the evidence appearing from the

IMPEACH Page 46

‘Jewel’ of Southeast Slated to Re-Open to the Public Oct. 13

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor

THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR: BLACK TRANS LIVES MATTER.

5 Thousands marched in the District Saturday, September 28 to support the right for greater equality for the nation's transgender community. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

After months of construction and shuttered doors, the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum in Southeast will re-open to the public on October 13.

Some have compared the Museum to a “diamond in the rough” – a fitting description for one of the many arms of the Smithsonian

SMITHSONIAN Page 40

White to Ward 8 Residents: 'Do Something'

By James Wright WI Staff Writer @jamesdcwrighter

5 D.C. Council member Trayon White (D-Ward 8) interacts with a group of participants during his State of the Ward address at the Bald Eagle Recreation Center in Southwest on Sept. 30. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

Instead of standing before a microphone and delivering a speech on his accomplishments, D.C. Council member Trayon White decided to employ another strategy for his recent State of the Ward address: He'd let his constituents do some work.

"A 30-minute speech doesn't bring about the change that our ward needs," White, a Ward 8 Democrat, told The Informer at his event that took

place at the Bald Eagle Recreation Center in Southwest on Monday, Sept. 30. "People in this ward need to get involved in fighting our challenges.

The people need to take on issues such as health, education, housing, public safety and budget equity. One person can't do it alone."

In his opening remarks to the roughly 350 people in attendance, White made it clear he takes his service as the ward's legislator seriously.

White pointed out that 174 people have been the victims of gun violence in the ward

and 32 youth have been shot in Ward 8. He said young people in the ward feel voiceless and said the gun violence really translates to an "absence of Dad problem."

"Ward 8 consists of 82 percent of single-parent households and the overwhelmingly majority of those are run by African American women," the council member said.

White chided some members of the audience for their complacency in the community.

STATE Page 52

Celebrating 54 Years of Service / Serving More Than 50,000 Readers Throughout The Metropolitan Area

Financial Assistance Programs Extended for Another Year The expanded financial assistance programs that were introduced this year are being extended through September 2020. It is easy to apply and you could save up to $800 annually on your water bills.

Residential Programs CAP1: Our original Customer Assistance Program provides eligible DC Water customers a discount on the first 400 cubic feet (3000 gallons) of water and sewer services used each month. The annual discount is approximately $800.

HOUSEHOLD INCOME LIMITS FOR EXPANSION OF THE CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CAP) Size

CAP2: Customer Assistance Program II provides eligible DC Water customers a discount on the first 300 cubic feet of water and sewer services used each month. The annual discount is approximately $550.

CAP1 Income Limit 60% of SMI 1

CAP2 Income Limit 80% of AMI 2

CAP3 Income Limit 100% of AMI 2

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Nonprofit Relief Program The CRIAC Nonprofit Relief Program assists eligible nonprofit organizations facing financial hardship with the payment of their Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge (CRIAC). Participating organizations can receive credits on the CRIAC portion of their DC Water bill, significantly reducing their monthly charge. For more information, visit doee.dc.gov/service/criacrelief or call 311.

*Figures are capped based on language from the Budget Support Act. 1 State Median Income. 2 Area Median Income.

THESE PROGRAMS ARE JOINTLY FUNDED BY DC WATER AND THE DISTRICT GOVERNMENT, UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF MAYOR BOWSER.

2 OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019

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Around the Region............ 4-11 PG County....................... 12-13

Lonnie Bunch and His New Book

Business............................ 14-15

Lifestyle / Page 32

National............................ 16-18 International........................20 Health ............................ 22 -24 Education ....................... 26-27 OpEd.................................29-31 Lifestyle...........................32-41

Climate Change and Our Health

Howard Defeated by Bethune-Cookman Sports / Page 45

Health / Page 22

Capture the Moment.......... 42 Sports ............................ 44-45 Religion................................. 39 FOLLOW US ON

DC Public School Briefs

Education / Page 27

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Dallas Cop ‘Guilty’law enforcement. SheRace-Conscious said they threat,” sheAdmission said.

By Tia Carol Jones WI Staff Writer

come together to bring a Among the programs Marlow A Dallas jury has found former policehad Officer Amber sense of uniformity in the way wants to see implemented are Guyger murder for fatally shooting a neighbor Whenguilty L.Y. ofMarlow's 23-yeardomestic violence victims and stricter restraining order policies, who lived in the apartment directly hers last year. old daughter told her the father above survivors are treated. more rights for victim's families She had testified that she entered Botham Jean's unit after of her daughter threatened her “She's using her own personal to intervene on behalf of a vica longand daythe at work, it was herstory, own home and personal pain to life, life ofthinking their child, her own tim, a domestic violence assessthat he was an intruder. had to be push forward,” Davis-Nickens ment unit coupled with further she knew something Jury deliberation tookfrustration five hours aftersaid which theyMarlow. dedone.

Out of her about training for law enforcement cided Guyger had committed murder over a lesser charge with law enforcement's handling Davis-Nickens said anyone agencies, a Child's Life Protecof manslaughter. faces a possible punishment of of the situation,Guyger she decided to who reads Marlow's book will tion Act and mandatory counselfive tothe 99 years in prison andcambecomes“get the it.” first She Dallassaid she “puts the ing for batterers. start Saving Promise police officer to be convicted of murder case since the 1970s.a way, the average paign. in such “If we are ever going to eradiProsecutors thatcycle the white policecanofficer “It seems tomaintained be a vicious person get it.” She said at the cate domestic violence, we must overlooked that the entered wasn't that won'tsignsturn myapartment family sheend of the day, the book will look at both sides of the coin. her own Marlow – the wrong floor,Marlow the aromahelp of marijuana in to have a dia- We need to address both the vicloose,” said. people begin the air, aher bright red doormat before shooting and killshared story with the—audilogue about domestic violence. tim and batterer,” Marlow Federal Judge Allison D.the Burroughs recently issued a ence at a 26-year-old the District Heights ing Jean, Black accountant and native of St. at the Also present event was landmark ruling said. in favor of Harvard University on all Domestic Violence Symposium Mildred Muhammad, Lucia. thein Students exMarlow would alsov.like to seeThe counts for Fair Admissions Harvard. onSome May 7have at the District described theHeights facts of the wife case as latest ofthe John Allen Muhammad, programs designed to raise decision confirms, for both public and private univerMunicipal Theofficer sympowas sentenced tosities six consecexample of a Center. white police killing anwho unarmed black among ofchildren in nationwide,awareness that consideration race to increase sium wasrights sponsored by the terms parole public and private schools.

She man. Civil groups rallied behind utive Jean, alife native of without diversity, to acknowledge persistent racial segregation Family and island Youth by a Maryland jury for role in and feels needastocomplex be educatthe Caribbean of St. Services Lucia. andhisinequities to children see applicants people Center of deliberations the city ofMonday, DistrictTexastheDistrict Beltway attacksboth in valid edand about domestic violence.

Prior to JudgeSniperremains important today.

Heights and theallowed National 2002.the Mildred “We have to stop pasTammy Kemp the Hookjury to consider “castle Muhammad “Today’s is ruling rightly recognizes thatbeing race-conscious Up of Black Women. the founder of After the Trauma, sive-aggressive with poor childoctrine” as a possible defense, despite the objections of admissions is both lawful and indispensable for enMarlow who has written book, organization helpsinstitutions the dren domestic violence,” prosecutors describeda the move asan“absurd.”

Like that suring are about open and available to students “Color Melaws Butterfly,” which a ground,” survivorstheof violence Marlow said. self-defense known as “standisyour Tex-domestic from all walks of life, including racial minorities,” said story about generations and deadly their children.

Marlow has worked to break as statute saysfour a person is justifiedofin using force Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of domestic bookto isenter a “I lived inown fear for six years. Six the cycle of abuse in her family, if someoneviolence. enters or The attempts person's the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. inspired by her own experiences, years in fear time. It is and is confident the policies she home. However, the jury rejected the controversial use is of a long “Race-conscious allows Harvard – and coland those of her grandmother, not an easy thing to come out isadmissions pushing for will start that that legal standard as a possible defense – an issue that will leges across the country – to cultivate diverse campus her mother and her daughter. of,” she said. process. presumably be raised during Guyger's expected appeal. environments that move our country forward: bridging She said every time she reads Mildred Muhammad said “I plan to take these policies to Lynda Garcia, policing campaign director of The racial divides and instilling greater cross-cultural excerpts from her book, she still people who want to help a Congress and implore them to unLeadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, isderstanding a talented student body of future can not believe the words came domestic violence victim mustamong change our laws,” Marlow said. sued the following statement: “This verdict is an leaders.

By upholding a policy that only views race from her. “Color Me Butterfly” guilty be careful of how they go into “I will not stop until these poli-in a important restoring faith criminal-legal light – never a negative won the step 2007in National “Bestin our the victim's life, andpositive understand cies are passed.”one – today’s decision system and ensuring that all police officers heldmay to a be appropriately Books” Award. thatareshe in “survival acknowledges Tia Carolthat Jonesourcaninstitutions be reachedcanhigher standard.

It reinforces the message that no one is not be colorblind in a world full of color, nor may they “I was just 16-years-old when mode”. at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net aboveeye thefirst law. Although decision bring their be indifferent to a world full of difference.” my blackenedthisand my will not “Before you get to 'I'm going son back, Jean family today.” lips bled,”theMarlow said.saw justice served to kill you,' it started as a verbal WI Elaine Davis-Nickens, president of the National Hook-Up of Black Women, said there is no consistency in the way domestic violence issues are dealt with by

“

Female Students Gear Up for Nat’l Geographic’s ‘Recruitment Day’

Mayor Muriel Bowser, joined by Deputy Mayor passive-aggressive with poorand for Public Safety and Justice Kevin Donahue Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Peter Newsham recently kickeddomestic off Crime Prevention children about Month in DC by providing updates on recent violent crimeIarrests, highlighting commuviolence. plan to upcoming take MPD these nity engagement events and announcing overtime staffing plans to support the Department’s response policies to Congress and to violent crime.

“Public safety must be a District-wide priority, and itthem starts with building and keeping trust between implore to change our our police and the communities they serve,” Bowser said. “But we also know that to address some of our laws.

I will not stop until immediate public safety needs, we need other solutions. That’s why in addition to our violence preventhese policies aremorepassed. tion programs, we’re getting officers out into

A public event at Hooray for Books (1555 King St., Alexandria), will feature real-life National Geographic Explorer Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant as nearly a dozen inspiring female National Geographic Explorers will set out across the country, including the District, to gear up for “Recruitment Day.” The first-of-its-kind initiative takes place Thursday, Oct. 10, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., celebrating the latest title within National Geographic’s trailblazing kids’ fiction series, Explorer Academy: The Double Helix. The nationwide tour is designed to inspire kids to think big, White stay curious and keep exploring the world around CIRCULATION Paul Trantham them – just like the real-life Explorers who will head to their local bookstores and libraries in October. Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, an accomplished female carnivore ecologist, will share stories of her very incredible explorations.

4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com

4 OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019

Community Engagement, Overtime for MPD Target Surgehave in Crime We to stop being

“

SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY

Women the Cycle of wi hotBreak topics Domestic Violence Justice for Botham Jean; Federal Court Upholds Harvard’s

the community to help us solve cases and cut off cyL.Y. Marlow cles of violence.”

The new initiatives come as crime statistics from D.C. police confirm a 50 percent surge in violent crime this year compared to last year with communities including Shaw and Anacostia among the hardest hit.

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Bowser Reveals Statehood Strategy

By James Wright WI Staff Writer @jamesdcwrighter

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser recently explained her strategy for the District to become the 51st state.

At a news conference on Sept.

25 after Bowser (D) spoke to a group of third graders at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Southeast about D.C. statehood, the mayor talked of the next steps for the movement.

"There will be a markup in the House Oversight and Reform Committee," she said. The committee held a historic meeting on Sept. 19 on D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton's (D) bill that would make the District a state.

When asked by The Informer what actions her administration will undertake to inform Americans about D.C. statehood, she said "we want this to become a national issue."

"D.C. statehood has become a top 5 trend on Twitter," Bowser said. "We are carrying our message nationally and we have contacted every member of Congress on this.

We want to become a part of the national conversation. The [Democratic] candidates for president are also talking about D.C. becoming a state."

Bowser has a D.C. statehood team led by senior adviser Beverly Perry that has worked with nation-

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser recently explained her strategy for the District to become the 51st state.

AROUND THE REGION

al organization and state legislators around the country to push the issue. The mayor's team works with local statehood organizations and Norton as a part of the effort, too.

Bowser's interaction with the students at the elementary school seemed to fuel her passion for statehood. The mayor listened raptly as the young people told her what they have learned about the District's status as a city where its residents pay federal taxes but have no representation in the U.S. Congress and limited control over its budget and legislative affairs.

The students then held their own "news conference" and for 30 minutes peppered Bowser with questions such as whether she likes her job and what she does when she is off. One student asked an intriguing question on whether she planned to run for president someday.

"I have the best job in D.C. because I get to be the mayor," she said with a smile on her face. WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

5 D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser talks to third graders at Martin Luther

King Jr. Elementary School in Southeast about D.C. statehood. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019 5

AROUND THE REGION

black facts

OCT 3 - 9, 2019 SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

Muhammad is born in Sandersville, Georgia.

1931 – Desmond Tutu, anti-apartheid activist and retired Anglican bishop, is born in Klerksdorp, South Africa.

1934 – Amiri Baraka, renowned African American writer, is born in Newark, New Jersey.

1993 – Famed author Toni Morrison wins the Nobel Prize in literature.

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1904 – Mary McLeod Bethune (above) opens the Daytona Literary and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls, which eventually became Bethune-Cookman University.

1941 – Singer Chubby Checker of "The Twist" fame is born in Spring Gully, South Carolina.

1949 – WERD, the first radio station owned and programmed by African Americans, is established in Atlanta.

1954 – The Rev. Al Sharpton is born in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.

1974 – Baseball Hall of Famer Frank Robinson is named manager of the Cleveland Indians, becoming the major leagues' first Black manager.

1893 – Early 20th-century jazz musician and composer Clarence Williams is born in Plaquemine, Louisiana.

1941 – The Rev. Jesse Jackson, famed civil rights leader, is born in Greenville, South Carolina.

1992 – Sir Derek Walcott, Saint Lucian poet and playwright, wins the Nobel Prize in literature.

2004 – Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan environmental and political activist, becomes the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

OCT. 9

1806 – Benjamin Banneker, famed African-American astronomer, scientist, almanac author and surveyor, dies in Baltimore County, Maryland, at age 74.

1962 – African nation Uganda gains its independence from the United Kingdom.

WI

OCT. 4

1943 – Social activist H. Rap Brown is born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

OCT. 5

1992 – Soul singer Eddie Kendricks, one of the founding members of the Temptations, dies of lung cancer in Birmingham, Alabama.

OCT. 6

1917 – Fannie Lou Hamer, voting rights activist and civil rights leader, is born in Montgomery County, Mississippi.

1921 – Joseph Lowery, civil rights leader and longtime president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, is born in Huntsville, Alabama.

1971 – The first legal interracial marriage in North Carolina, between John A. Wilkinson and Lorraine Mary Turner, takes place.

OCT. 7

1897 – Nation of Islam leader Elijah

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A new report shows that members of Generation Z are increasingly opting to attend trade schools over traditional four-year colleges. What are your thoughts?

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Trade school is a great option; however, I hope people understand what it takes to complete the certifications. I see a lot of potential [dropouts] pushed towards trade school. There is a lot of reading, math and science in these fields and many have written licensure tests that they are not going to pass if they are on a fourth-grade reading level.

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AROUND THE REGION The World According to Dominic

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Among the memories that most of us would prefer to forget are those countless times when someone hurled insults or objects at us because we didn’t fit in their small, exclusive word of acceptability.

Perhaps we were considered too dark or light, too slim or fat, too short or tall, too smart or not smart enough, not manly enough or lacking the appropriate feminine allure. Each of these provides ignorant, insensitive folks with just enough ammunition to cause pain, heartache or physical damage to others because they’re different.

As a little boy, I hated being called “four eyes” simply but I soon learned to ignore it since I could not see a thing without my glasses. Being among the top of my class academically didn’t help me either as book smarts was something that was “reserved” for girls. So, I was constantly called a punk or sissy and taunted because I was too smart instead of being a basketball court or gridiron standout.

The creatively-crafted insults

and manmade barriers erected in order to keep me in my place or make me believe that I was somehow less than a person didn’t stop as I grew older, the most memorable being the moment I became aware of the artificial construct of race.

When I first learned that being Black was not the preferred shade on the planet hit me like a ton of bricks. However, despite the name-calling and the myriad forms of prejudice I have long endured, subtle or obvious, the words of my parents and their assurances kept me from ever wishing I were someone or something else – they kept me from wishing I were white.

Recently, I learned about another form of discrimination but this one actually troubled me more than any other situation I can remember. While traveling with our family’s emotional support animal, I decided to take a taxi in Silver Spring on a beautiful Saturday morning, anxious to get into the City as soon as possible.

Imagine my surprise when despite having my dog wearing her government-issued vest and with the proper identification, the cab driver – an older Black man – took one look at us and waved his hand at me as if he were swatting an annoying fly from his face. He then turned his head away from me, refusing to speak to me while only uttering sounds like “uhuh.”

My confusion quickly turned into anger. But while I knew he was wrong and that his actions were illegal, if not unethical, there was nothing I could do. Yelling and screaming, cursing or fussing would not cause him to relent. So, we boarded the train and headed into the District. For the first time, I felt what people with handicaps or certain physical limitations must experience.

And it hurt.

As the train moved into Southeast, several “brothers” and “sisters” – some young and some far too old to be so dumb – questioned why I had an [expletive] dog on the train. One brother said he knew I wasn’t blind so what game was I trying to play. Another young girl too young to have a baby of her own said she didn’t my dog near her child. I told her that my dog was probably cleaner than any person on the train - -including her little bundle of joy. As for the brother’s ludicrous statement, I just said, “Dude, really?”

We seem to take great pleasure in throwing stones at others even though we all live in fragile dwellings of our own.

Sayings like, if you’re living in a glasshouse, don’t throw no stones come to mind when I consider these painful memories from my distant and recent past. In the Bible, we recall Jesus admonishing his community in their zeal to stone a woman of questionable lifestyle, let he who is without sin cast the first stone. You see, while I often responded with the childhood phrase, sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me, that was really just a front.

Names do hurt. Words can injure. Being ridiculed or mocked because we’re “different” can often cause irreparable damage particularly emotionally or spiritually. But I guess that’s the way of the world – at least the way of so-called “human-kind.”

Sometimes, it’s really difficult to recognize the “kind” in a lot of “humans.”

I think it’s because there’s something about themselves that bothers them so much that they turn the spotlight on others. Yes, it’s like my Daddy used to tell me, “when people point their hands at you, remember that they have three fingers pointing back.” wi

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AROUND THE REGION

Ward 8 Democrats: New Leaders, Old Challenges Voter Turnout, Engagement Priority for New Team

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By James Wright WI Staff Writer @jamesdcwrighter The Ward 8 Democrats recently elected a fresh slate of officers, but the new guard faces familiar challenges as they get their membership ready for the 2020 elections.

On Sept. 21, hundreds of Ward 8 residents went to Martha's Table to vote in the 2019 biennial convention election for the Ward 8 Democrats' new officers. Troy Donte Prestwood, an 8A04 advisory neighborhood commissioner, won his election as the club's president while Deloris Walker emerged as first vice president and Salim Adofo, 8C07 commissioner, as second vice president.

Maria Riri Johnson captured the recording secretary position while Sheila Bunn, chief of staff for Council member Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7), won her race for corresponding secretary.

Darryl Ross won another term as the Ward 8 Democrats treasurer, a position he has held for numerous years.

Prestwood expressed elation at being elected to lead the Ward 8 Democrats, considered by many District political observers as the most active ward club for Democrats in the city.

"I am honored to have been elected president," Prestwood said.

"When I joined the Ward 8 Democrats several years ago, I didn't set out to become the president. I set out to serve the community. I am willing to offer my knowledge, advice and part of my treasury to see the Ward 8 Democrats move forward."

With 50,131 registered Democrats, Ward 8 has the fifth-highest number of that party in the city among the eight wards. However, 81 percent of the ward's registered voters are Democrats, the highest in the District.

The Ward 8 Democrats have noted leaders as members such as Anacostia Coordinating Council Executive Director Philip Pannell, former commissioner Mary Cuthbert, considered the force behind the redevelopment of St. Elizabeths East, chief of staff to Council member Trayon White (D-Ward 8) Wanda Lockridge and Ward 8 D.C. State Board of Education member Markus Batchelor, presently vying for an at-large council seat. Lockridge has served as chair of the D.C. Democratic State Committee and former

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5 The new officers of the Ward 8 Democrats are Troy Donte Prestwood, president; Sheila Bunn, corresponding secretary; Maria Riri Johnson, recording secretary; Darryl Ross, treasurer; Deloris Walker, first vice president, and Salim Adofo (in rear), second vice president. (Courtesy of Ward 8 Democrats)

Ward 8 President Charles Wilson is the current chair.

Prestwood realizes the strong legacy of the Ward 8 Democrats but said he will get to work to make things better, such as improving voter turnout. In the 2018 Democratic primary, only 8.13 percent voted and Prestwood said that needs to change.

"We have a lot of work to do with voter engagement," he said. Referring to the 2018 election cycle, he pointed out that no ward council race took place and residents may not have been as interested in politics then.

"Ward 8 is no different from the rest of the country," Prestwood said.

"When there is a presidential race and a ward race, turnout is better.

Still, we as a club need to reactivate voters and give them something to vote for."

Prestwood said the 2020 election cycle includes not only a presidential race with an incumbent unpopular

among Blacks, but also compelling at-large and possibly competitive Ward 8 council races. He said residents who don't think politics matter at this time will get an earful from him.

"You have to get in the game to get skin in the game," he said. "This is about the quality of life for our neighborhoods and families. If you don't vote, don't complain.

Prestwood said he looks forward to working with his team.

"They are a mixture of the new and old," he said. "I like the different perspectives that they have."

Adofo said he looks forward to working with Prestwood and his fellow officers.

"I will work on getting the committees together to move our club forward," he said. "I will work within the leadership to get out into the community and get boots on the ground to get people registered and voting." wi

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“The church, Christianity, the government [have] failed you. You have not received justice from any quarter. As prophesied, you, my fellow Black men, are as sheep among wolves and, as is to be expected, every wolf is taking a bite at you.”

– Elijah Muhammad Speech, May 1959, born Oct. 7, 1897 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

AROUND THE REGION

Diverse Field Aims to Unseat Ward 2's Evans

By James Wright WI Staff Writer @jamesdcwrighter There are six candidates vying for the 2020 Ward 2 D.C. Council Democratic nomination and while they consist of different races, ethnicities and economic backgrounds, they all have a common goal: to replace veteran Council member Jack Evans.

"I want to give Ward 2 residents the kind of Council leadership they deserve," said John Fanning, who serves as the chair of the advisory neighborhood commission 2F. "The people will be my priority."

One of Fanning's opponents, Jordan Grossman, states his intentions bluntly.

"Serving in government is a privilege, not a business opportunity," said Grossman, who worked for the Obama administration. "We have had three decades of Jack Evans. It's time for change. We want a council member truly for you, not for sale."

There have only been two legislators representing Ward 2 since the D.C. Council began operating in 1975. John A. Wilson represented the ward from 19751991 and Evans succeeded him in a special election after Wilson was elected council chair.

Evans has easily won reelection since 1992 but lately has been embroiled in scandals culminating in FBI raids of his home regarding his possible criminal activities with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority board and on the council.

Evans hasn't publicly stated whether he will run for reelection.

The Democratic primary will take place on June 2 with the general election on Nov. 3. Petitions for the primary will be available from the D.C. Board of Elections starting Jan. 10, 2020, and are due on March 4.

The candidates seek to represent neighborhoods that consists of downtown Washington, Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom, Southwest Federal Center and Georgetown. Whites make up 66 percent of its population while Asians are 10 percent and Blacks nine.

The council member received an invitation to participate in a candidate's forum on Sept. 25

at the Woman's National Democratic Club in Northwest but didn't show up. The candidates did and articulated why they want to take Evans's place.

Patrick Kennedy represents 2A01 as a commissioner and if elected to the council, wants to "bring people together and work on the tough issues."

"I worked hard to help save and turn around the School Without Walls at Francis-Stevens," he said. "Transportation is a passion of mine and I would like to see that improved in the ward and we have had some good people in Ward 2 who cannot stay because the cost of living is too high. We need more affordable housing."

Putta, a South Asian, said he would like to see criminal justice reform taking place in the city.

"We have disparities where a Black man dies 15 years earlier than a white man and a Black woman dies nine years earlier than a white man," said Putta, who represents 2E01 as a commissioner. "We have an infant mortality rate where a Black child is nine times more likely to die than a white child in the city and we have to do something about this."

Daniel Hernandez and Yilin Zhang are running for public office for the first time. Hernandez, a Mexican-American Marine Corps veteran, said affordable housing has become a key issue in his campaign.

"We don't want to become a city of the super wealthy and public housing residents," he said. "I have struggled and I have done well in this city. I am running because I have answered the call to service in the Marines and doing so now as a candidate for the council."

Zhang said as council member, she will work to bring people together.

"I am connector," said Zhang, a Chinese American and the only woman in the race. "This is a ward of many different cultures and communities. I will work to help those who work for the minimum wage because they can't afford to live in the city and help the homeless in the ward.

Many of the homeless have drug or mental health issues and the government should help them."

WI

5 (L-R) John Fanning (standing), Jordan Grossman, Daniel Hernandez, Patrick Kennedy, Kishan Putta, and Yilin Zhang during a candidate’s forum Sept. 25 at the Women’s National Democratic Club in Northwest. (Anthony Tilghman/ The Washington Informer)

2019 Chamber’s Choice Awards & Gala GALA HONOREES

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At the annual Chamber’s Choice Awards Gala, the Chamber bestows awards on organizations and individuals whose outstanding contributions are making Washington a great place to do business. Nearly 1,000 of Washington’s dignitaries, corporate citizens and business owners celebrate the year’s business and civic successes together.

Save the Date: October 26 5:30 pm - Midnight National Building Musuem 401 F St, NW WDC 20001 For more information please visit: www.dcchamber.org

OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019 11

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Mother, Daughters Sip Tea, Talk Importance of Self-Love

By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill Karma VonMattocks recalled when someone called her out of her name and then pushed her.

The reason: because that person liked her.

This interaction occurred last month between two children in middle school.

Karma, 11, slapped the boy's face after he touched her and used an inappropriate name toward her.

"Then he asked me to go out with him" later, the sixth-grade student said.

Her mother, Brittany Russell-Nibblett, 30, of Glenn Dale, said she had mixed feelings about her daughter's reaction.

"In one aspect I'm glad she advocated for herself, but I told her that using your hands is not the way to solve problems," Russell-Nibblett said.

The mother and daughter spoke about this experience Saturday, Sept.

29 at a "Mother Daughter Tea: Girls Talk. Love Unlimited" hosted by the Prince George's County Department of Family Services.

The etiquette of tea offered a dainty social occasion for girls and women to wear fancy dresses and hats, eat finger food and, of course, sip tea, while discussing domestic violence, one of the most prevalent topics in the county.

The event, held ahead of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, was attended by nearly 200 people at the Camelot by Martin's in Upper Marlboro and focused on dialogue to encourage healthy relationships and self-love. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in five adult women and about one in seven adult men report experiencing severe physical violence via an intimate partner in their lifetime.

They discussed various scenarios a victim may endure, involving housing, jobs and other situations, en route to become a survivor.

In another room, mothers and

5 EmauniJ Manley (foreground) paints a butterfly with her mother, Rosalynd Manley, at the "Girls Talk: Love United" Mother Daughter Tea at Camelot by Martin's in Upper Marlboro on Sept. 28. (Brigette Squire/The Washington Informer)

daughters conducted artwork on canvas to trace and color a butterfly, which symbolizes growth and hope.

County and domestic violence advocacy organizations distributed information for counseling, telephone numbers and community programs for girls.

Jackie Rhone, division manager for the family services department, said only 33 percent of teenage girls involved in an abusive relationship tell anyone about the abuse.

"In many cases, they know each other and love each other," she said.

"It's really hard to call the police on someone that you love, but I absolutely do believe the protective order numbers are going up because we are doing a better job of communicating what an abusive relationship looks like and letting people know they can seek a protective order to get out of that situation."

In Maryland, Prince George's led the state for several in years in domestic violence homicide rates, but the county executive said it's decreased by 20 percent in the past year.

Sheriff Melvin C. High said his office receives about 20,000 protective and peace orders annually, a number that is slowly rising.

Although both government and private agencies collaborate and provide resources that allows more people to speak out, High admitted domestic violence remains one of the most complex issues in the department because it deals with a person's emotional state.

"We sometimes see people out together when a woman is looking well-dressed and she attracts the observation of others," he said. "So that person she's in a relationship with reacts angrily and improperly. Trying to deal with the human psyche is

Kirwan Group to Propose Funding Formulas This Month

By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill

5 The Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, also known as the Kirwan Commission, meets in Annapolis on Sept. 26. (William J. Ford/The Washington Informer)

12 OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019

ANNAPOLIS — The chair of a group commissioned to provide policy and funding recommendations for Maryland's public education system announced recently that a final decision on its funding formulas would be made by Oct. 15.

William E. "Brit" Kirwan, former University of System Maryland chancellor and chair of the Kirwan Commission, responded Thursday to concerns about the work group holding part of its meeting last week behind closed doors.

Kirwan reiterated all meetings have been in public and no de-

cisions were made during that executive session.

"We wanted to avoid getting anything out in public that would never see the light of day as a final decision," he said. "We didn't want to be in a position of confusion the public. The whole process of making a decision will be made in public."

Various funding outcomes and ideas were pondered Thursday, such as how to identify students who receive free or reduced-price meals, and determining concentration of poverty.

One proposal would count students enrolled in full-day pre-kindergarten in a separate

KIRWAN Page 43

very complex."

That's why the county's Family Services Department offers a program called "The Men's Challenge," which centers on men living without violence and provides discussions on fatherhood, de-escalation and social responsibility.

Three more sessions will be held this fall on Oct. 8 and 22 and Nov. 5 at the family service's building in Camp Springs.

Rosalynd Manley and her 7-yearold daughter, EmauniJ Manley, receive plenty of support from her husband and three sons.

Manley, who graduated from Central High School in 1998 and now resides in neighboring Charles County, witnessed domestic violence through her parents and later experienced a volatile relationship of her own in her 20s.

EmauniJ, who sported a similar yellow flower hat like her mother, said she conducts a daily self-love routine.

"I yell, "I am beautiful' in the mirror," said EmauniJ, who also authored the book, "What Do I Look Like?". "[Brothers] taught me to fight. They take care of me."

As for Karma, she helped a friend she met last month in middle school who had suicidal thoughts.

"I told her to say her name six times," she said as her mother dabbed tears from her eyes. "It helps who you are and feel better. She did, too."

For anyone involved in a volatile situation, here's a few phone numbers: • Resources in Maryland: dial 211.

• Family Crisis Center: 301-731-1203.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.

WI

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Md. Mulls $50M Pilot Program to Assess School Construction Needs

By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill

ANNAPOLIS — A proposal to assess school construction projects in Maryland based on need may be conducted through a $50 million pilot program.

A work group comprised of Maryland state, county and school officials met Wednesday, Sept. 25 but didn't determine specific details on the plan, but a draft outlined the pros and cons of implementing the program.

The good: Priority funding would maximize limited state and local resources, promote sufficient facilities for every child and allow taxpayers to monitor and evaluate the program.

The bad: School systems with the greatest needs, such as Baltimore City, could receive the lion's share of funding.

Del. Marc Korman (D-Montgomery County) made that point last month with the group and reiterated it Wednesday.

"What is the value of ranking all the schools if you're only going to solve the top three?" he said. "The

pilot program is really going to deal with a small number of problems.

You can create some negative situations among all the jurisdictions."

State Sen. Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City), also a member of the group, said a statewide assessment fits best, especially when some data already exists.

"It's going to have the same score, but it's just cutting the data," he said.

"The data will be available."

Some of the figures would be based on a colored chart based on categories such as red, which represents number one, as the highest priority with immediate needs such as asbestos, electrical hazards and mold.

Green represents number nine would be the lowest ranking for school and other buildings "that are within the expected life cycle and do not require replacement."

In theory, to implement the proposal in Maryland, Baltimore City could receive top priority for school construction because it has the most aging school buildings in the state.

Kent County ranks second and Prince George's County third, according to the state's Interagency

Commission on School Construction.

Bob Gorrell, executive director of the state's public school construction program, acknowledged a handful of schools would be rewarded in the pilot's first year. However, those highest-need schools would drop down on the priority list and all jurisdictions would begin to even out.

"If Montgomery [County] had the top three in the state, [then] that would be a high need that would avoid the cost to the state and local [jurisdiction] if that would occur," he said. "My assumption would be if those were the three highest schools and they were in the first year, then you pretty much solved a lot of your backlog by those three schools."

The pilot program wouldn’t count portable classrooms within the square footage of an entire building.

The goal would be to produce a final report Dec. 1 and presented for state lawmakers to review when the General Assembly convenes Jan. 8.

"The most important thing is to get this assessment going," said state Treasurer Nancy Kopp, a member of the work group. WI

PGCPS BRIEFS Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS SURVEY

In response to community feedback, PGCPS has convened a committee to develop a new homework administrative procedure for implementation in the 2020-21 school year.

To help guide the process, a survey will soon be available for parents and students to offer input.

MIDDLE SCHOOLS CONSTRUCTION

The public is invited to join County Council member Dannielle Glaros, Board of Education member Joshua Thomas and the PGCPS Capital Programs team at William

5 PGCPS CEO Monica Goldson will be conducting a series of "Listening Sessions" in which county residents can learn about her plans for the current school year. (PGCPS photo)

Wirt Middle School from 6:30 p.m.8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7 to learn more about new middle schools to be built in Riverdale and Glenridge.

CEO LISTENING SESSIONS

Schools CEO Monica Goldson will hold a series of "Community Listening Sessions" in which Prince George's County residents can learn about her plans for the current school year, as well as to voice their concerns, ideas and solutions about the school system.

The sessions are as follows: Oct. 17, 6:30-8 p.m.

Oxon Hill High School 6701 Leyte Drive Oxon Hill, MD 20745 Oct. 21, 6:30-8 p.m.

Laurel High School 8000 Cherry Lane Laurel, MD 20707 Nov. 5, 6:30-8 p.m.

Fairmont Heights High School 6501 Columbia Park Road Landover, MD 20785 For more information, contact 301-952-6008 or ceo@pgcps.org.

PG BRIEFS Page 43

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

5 A color chart shows proposed categories that would give a school weighted grades for construction based on need. (Courtesy of Interagency Commission on School Construction)

Responsiveness or Creativity

Often, business leaders lament responding to Requests for Proposals or other procurement outreach. The cumbersome application process and the long wait for decisions can lead to reluctance or disenchantment.

The image, remember the classic film: “On the Waterfront,” Hey boss am I working today?

Perhaps, it’s time to shift the paradigm from a mere responsive outlook to a creativity model. In the responsive outlook, business is left in a cauldron of uncertainty where, respective of business sustainability, the game is to conform to requests. On creativity, businesses can apply promising practices and data on forming products that align more with growth and opportunity.

Think of the old adage, “Necessity is the mother of invention.”

Computers were as large as a warehouse space taking inordinate amount of time to compute simple data. Then came along innovative computer designers who made computers faster, smaller & assessable. In this case, business did not respond to a government request, rather business forged the need to grasp information; from this, a new economy was born!

As noted by Professor Tucker Marion, “Creativity is essential in business because it’s a differentiator,” it is what separates those businesses stuck in status quo and those who are nimble. Creativity embraces change as a consistent and applies foresight to anticipated needs. In fact, creative leaders are more comfortable with ambiguity. And as industries continue to evolve, business goals and priorities will need to change. Eight in 10 surveyed CEOs said they expect their industry to become significantly more complex. [Forbes] Here are three ways to forge organization creativity: Encourage Work Flexibility, Design Incentives for Creativity Ideas, and Craft Open Spaces. Work flexibility allows for out of office thinking for reading, researching and writing; incentives will cause teams to think of creating as their job; and open spaces will generate conversation.

These and other strategies will move a business from just operating to creating.

Not a member? Please visit our website, www.pgcoc.org or drop by for a visit to get started!

Membership is good for a full calendar year, so it’s always a good time to join!

David C. Harrington President & CEO

OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019 13

BUSINESS Minority Women's Business Creation Tops Everyone Else: Report

By James Wright WI Staff Writer @jamesdcwrighter Women of color are starting businesses at a faster rate than other racial and gender groups, according to a report released by American Express on Sept. 23.

The report said that minority women are starting firms at a pace more than double that of women business owners overall and nearly five times the pace of all company owners.

The report based its findings on Census Bureau data on busi-

ness ownership. It analyzed national and local economic statistics to reach its conclusions.

The report's general conclusions are no surprise to Linda Mercado Greene, the president and CEO of Anacostia Organics, a medical marijuana dispensary in Ward 8, the first for neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River.

"Women are looking to utilize their professional skills and talents in many different ways from the past," Greene said.

Specifically, the report noted that businesses owned by minori-

ty women grew nearly 43 percent from 2014 to this year. In addition, minority women own half of all women-owned businesses and their annual growth rate between 2014 and 2019, double that of women-owned businesses in general — 7.4 percent compared to 3.9 percent.

Plus, the report said the revenue rate at minority-owned businesses grew at a 6.7 percent annual rate as opposed to 3.8 percent for businesses in general.

LaTasha Ward, vice president of business development at QED Inc., in College, Park, Md., said the report reveals what she has been seeing for several years.

"We as Black women realize that we have talents, we have skills and we are looking to get paid for what we are worth," Ward said. "Black women are now willing to step up and step out on their own to create businesses. Black women are doing this when they realize that they are not being promoted and not getting the credit at work for their efforts."

While Black women are enjoying success in starting their businesses, challenges persist. Businesses owned by Black women have an average of 8.2 employees and average sales of $557,000,

5 Linda Mercado Greene owns Anacostia Organics in Southeast. (Courtesy of Anacostia Organics)

compared to 13.1 employees and $2,866,000 in average sales for those owned by White men.

Greene said when she started out in the medical marijuana business, she stood out.

"Four or five years ago, when I would go to a conference or convention, there were hardly any women there," she said. "And while the numbers are still small, they are growing."

Greene said that changing gender roles in the country contributed to the growth in Black women entrepreneurs.

"Men are now taking an active role in raising their families than in the past," she said. "I know of men taking family leave on their jobs to take care of their loved ones. This shift in roles has allowed women to look at being entrepreneurs." WI

Women of color are starting

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Award-Winning Teacher Strives to Make History More Relevant

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins In the back of Alysha Butler's American history class, on a large, white dry-erase board lies a variation of a well-known African proverb: "Until the lion becomes the historian, the hunter will always be the hero."

The quote hints at the veteran teacher's attempt to augment the curriculum given to her so that it includes the voices of marginalized groups.

During a recent class, Butler and her 11th graders discussed how indentured servants' fight for land during the 18th century compelled white landowners' embrace of a system that would dehumanize and disenfranchise future generations of Africans.

During that session, many of the young people came to realize how ideas, more so than money, power and force, fermented dominant attitudes of that era.

"For everyone [at the beginning of the activity], ideas were at the bottom of the ranking.

By the time we finish and do the same activity [later in the unit], ideas will rise to the top," said

Butler, a teacher in her 10th year at McKinley Technology High School and recipient of the Gilder Lehrman Institute's (GLI) 2019 Teacher of the Year award.

On Wednesday evening, during a ceremony at the Yale Club in New York City, CNN anchor and political analyst John Avlon presented Butler, a participant in GLI's Hamilton Education Program, with an award and a $10,000 prize.

Butler's style of teaching history includes the voices of other groups, a strategy that helps students reconcile events currently unfolding in the news.

"We have to give students a safe place to talk about ideas and guide them toward an informed position and answer," Butler said. "Students are concerned about injustice, inequality, and the way things are. I try to take the conversation toward our role in changing it [and showing them] there are ways to do that."

Butler, a third-generation South Floridian and history enthusiast, cites her family's history and "The Narrative of Frederick Douglass" as sources of inspiration for her pedagogical approach. After obtaining her

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bachelor's and master's degrees New Affordable Housing Opportunity in history, she forwent an opportunity to pursue her doctorin the Navy Yard, Washington D.C. ate after realizing that her talents We are proud to introduce Estate apartments offering 52 brand new would be better served helping studio, one-and two-bedroom apartments for qualified low-income high school students sharpen the households at The Yards in Washington, D.C.’s Navy Yard. Waitlist is research skills and critical thinknow open. First move-ins January 2020. Income and program ing necessary for college.

After a stint at two Broward restrictions apply. Admission standards include economic criteria.

County, Florida, schools, includPersons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Housing Choice ing her alma mater, Butler moved vouchers are accepted. Equal Housing Opportunity Provider. to the D.C. metropolitan area. Applications may be picked up October 15, 2019 through December 2, Since 2009, she has used mu- 2020 from 9:00am to 6:00pm, Monday - Friday at 1212 4th Street SE, seums and historical landmarks Washington, D.C. 20003 or by calling (202) 479-2734. to make her content come alive for her students. The latest exAffordable Housing Program – Rents* cursion, scheduled for early NoMax. Number vember, will introduce students Apartment Type of Household 50% Rent to the slave cabins near George Members Washington's Mt. Vernon, VirStudio 2 $1,062 ginia, home. This experience One-Bedroom 3 $1,138 will follow a trip to the National Two-Bedroom 5 $1,365 Museum of the American Indian that Butler mandated as a sumMaximum Gross Combined Annual Household Income* mer assignment.

Last year, as part of her comHousehold Size 50% Income Limit mitment to connecting the past 1 Person $42,500 and present, Butler and her stu2 Person $48,550 dents, with the use of a grant, 3 Person $54,600 helped preserve history at Mount Zion AME Cemetery in George4 Person $60,650 town, what's assumed to have 5 Person $65,550 been a stop on the Underground *Rents and income limits subject to change Railroad.

Butler pointed to those moments as pivotal in motivating her to facilitate impactful history lessons at McKinley Tech. At this juncture in her career, she said she wants to explore the possibility of working with museums, and acting as a liaison between those institutions and other history teachers. Butler also ex“Why are so many attorneys pressed a desire to develop a curbecoming Independent Contractors?” riculum that allows educators to incorporate marginalized voices Call (641)715-3900 in their lessons.

EXT.333986# One supporter of that en(Recorded Message – 10 Minutes) deavor would more than likely be M. Louise Jones, principal Interested attorneys should email of McKinley Technology High contact information for more details to: School, who characterized Butler abusinessprofessional@gmail.com as a teacher dedicated to improving her craft at every turn.

"Ms. Butler would be the first to say that not every day is a win60-Year-Old Kansas Man Discovers ner, but she takes feedback and reflects," Jones said. "The stuthe Ultimate Way to Make Money dents love her. She tries to make with CBD Oil... Without a learning relevant to them. She tries to make them think and Store and with No Inventory. [become] better civically-minded adults. It makes me very proud 10-Minute Recorded Message that she's bringing recognition Reveals His Inspiring Story. to her, the school, and her students."

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HOW ARE ATTORNEYS GETTING PAID?

5 Alysha Butler, an American history teacher at McKinley Technology High School is the recipient of the Gilder Lehman Institute's 2019 Teacher of the Year award. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

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OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019 15

NATIONAL DCRA, D.C. Council at Odds Over Building Inspection Procedures

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins Lapses in the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affair (DCRA)’s building inspection process discovered in the aftermath of a deadly row house blaze have raised the question of how the agency can better hold local landlords accountable to their tenants’ safety.

Director Ernest Chrappah has rejected calls to split DCRA into smaller offices, as outlined in legislation introduced by a large cohort of D.C. councilmembers earlier this year. Instead, he highlighted internal changes he said

16 OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019

had been underway long before the events of August 18.

“One of the key challenges we’ve been focused on over the last several months has been breaking down silos within the agency to ensure that divisions are collaborating and sharing information, with the goal of delivering a more holistic approach to the residents we serve,” Chrappah recently told The Informer.

Meeting that goal, Chapprah said, requires the removal of spending restrictions on special revenue sources. Doing so would improve a new inspection process, implemented shortly after the blaze at 708 Kennedy Street NW that killed a man and an el-

ementary school student.

This process requires administrative search warrant amid suspicion of a building safety threat.

The head of DCRA’s Consumer Protection Unit would also thoroughly review each case and actions taken before allowing its closure.

“When one of our Consumer Protection Unit investigators discovers unsafe conditions in a rental property, they immediately schedule one of our building inspectors to come out to inspect the property,” Chapprah said.

“This would likely result in a series of infractions, and if necessary, shuttering the property.

This is just one example of how different divisions within DCRA should be working closely together; something that I don’t see how splitting the agency up will help.”

D.C. law requires landlords to provide safe, habitable apartments, and maintain their buildings in accordance with Housing Code Standards. Common building violations include major plumbing leaks, exposed electrical wiring, defective or inoperable smoke detector, and major rodent infestation. Landlords may also be penalized for infractions related to the outside appearance of the apartment building in question.

5 A fire at 708 Kennedy Street NW on August 18 that killed a man and an elementary school student revealed lapses in the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs’ building inspection process. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

Shortly after the August 18 fire, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Peter Newsham released an executive order requiring that officials on the scene of a building appearing to pose a serious threat to report their findings to a supervisor. In turn, the supervisor would notify DCRA and D.C. Fire. In the weeks following that announcement, several parties have called on DCRA to concede to a proposal that splits the agency and places building inspection responsibilities into the hands of a smaller administrative body.

During the latter part of last month, Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 4D, which represents the Petworth community, unanimously passed a resolution espousing support for the Department of Buildings Establishment Act, introduced by 12 out of 13 D.C. councilmembers at the beginning of the year.

If approved and signed by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), this legislation would break DCRA into two departments: one of which will be charged with enforcing regulations and codes for building construction, rental housing conditions, and building maintenance and safety.

Since its January 22 introduction, the bill has laid dormant in the council’s Committee of the Whole. Meanwhile, DCRA officials and D.C. councilmembers have gone toe to toe about the agency’s future outlook.

In March, around the time a D.C. police officer filed a report

on 708 Kennedy Street NW, some D.C. councilmembers pushed back against Chapprah’s proposal to recruit and train District residents as on-the-ground housing inspectors. In the past, DCRA’ s use of third-party inspectors for construction projects received some criticism from organizations alleging that financial incentives clouded judgment on whether projects are up to code.

Additionally, during a council hearing earlier this year, D.C. Council Chairperson Phil Mendelson and D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1) expressed concern that allocations toward tenant training and recruitment would cause a DCRA staffing shortage.

Councilmember Nadeau’s office didn’t return The Informer’s request for comment. On the other hand, a representative of Mendelson’s office remained steadfast in the belief that a smaller agency could better handle building inspections.

“Spinning-off the construction and property inspection functions from DCRA to the new Department of Buildings, the District can have an agency that will be less distracted by a long list of vaguely interconnected responsibilities and finally have the capacity to focus on one mission: to ensure the safety and habitability of buildings in the District,” Lindsey Walton, Mendelson’s communications director, told The Informer. WI

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NATIONAL

5 Jessye Norman (Courtesy photo/Wikipedia commons)

Jessye Norman Dies but Her Voice Lives On

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor

The world lost a treasure that will never be replaced when the legendary opera singer Jessye Norman died on Monday at the age of 74.

As one writer notes, “if arias are like lyrical prose poems, then each singer becomes a poet, reading the text with a unique timbre and cadence.” As for Norman, her voice delivered pure poetry from her interpretations of a Wagner opera or Bizet’s “Carmen.”

But while the performer would rise from a world of limitations in the segregated South and Jim Crow to worldwide acclaim, the divine diva could never shed that which often left her feeling on the edge rather than in the inner circle – the color of her skin.

In her memoirs, she acknowledged how her parents “dared to dream of and plan for brighter futures for their children” – and Norman made the best of every opportunity that came her way. After leaving her childhood home of Augusta, GA, she traveled to Howard University, continuing to fight perceptions that because she was Black, she was somehow less talented.

She first began to compete internationally in 1968, winning the Bavarian Radio International Music Competition and then, a year later, accepted an invitation to sing at the Deutsche Oper Berlin. She continued to hone her craft on stages throughout Europe, eventually returning to the U.S. She would become known for her ability to bridge classical masterpieces with the music that marked her beginnings – the Negro spirituals – blending the structure of her operatic performance with the improvisational style of the spiritual.

Norman, a dramatic soprano, would become known for her

prowess in roles that included Wagner's Sieglinde, Ariadne by Richard Strauss, Gluck's Alceste, Beethoven's Leonore and both Cassandre and Dido in Les Troyens by Berlioz. In addition, she sang and recorded recitals of music by Schubert, Brahms, Chausson, Poulenc, Mahler and Strauss, sang at the second inauguration of Ronald Reagan, at Queen Elizabeth II's 60th birthday celebration and took the stage to perform La Marseillaise during the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution on July 14, 1989. She also sang at the 1996 Summer Olympics opening ceremony in Atlanta and for the second inauguration of Bill Clinton.

Her formative years as a singer harken to her loss in the Marian Anderson Vocal Competition in Philadelphia at the age of 16. However, the experience led to the offer of a full scholarship at Howard University where she sang in the university chorus and as a soloist at the Lincoln Temple United Church of Christ.

After graduating in 1967 with a degree in music, she began graduate studies at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore and later at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance in Ann Arbor, Michigan, from which she earned a master's degree in 1968.

During a New York Times interview, Norman talked about her wide range of vocal abilities.

“As for my voice, it cannot be categorized and I like it that way because I sing things that would be considered in the dramatic, mezzo or spinto range. I like so many different kinds of music that I've never allowed myself the limitations of one particular range.”

She would add, in another interview when asked to characterize her voice, “pigeonholes are only comfortable for pigeons.” WI

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OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019 17

NATIONAL

When Black Female Suffragists Decided to Plead Their Own Cause

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia This is part of an ongoing Washington Informer series about the Women's Suffrage Movement and an initiative that includes Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes that will use the lens of history, the fabric of art and culture and the venue of the public square to shine a light into dark places, equipping all with a compass to chart the way forward. The initiative lives in the institutional home of the Washington Informer Charities.

In 2018, Tammy L. Brown, an associate professor of Black World Studies, History, and Global and Intercultural Studies at Miami University, wrote a provocative op-ed for the American Civil Liberties Union.

"Celebrate Women's Suffrage, but Don't Whitewash the Movement's Racism," was the headline under which Brown captured the plight of African American women during the suffrage movement.

She noted that when suffragists gathered for the first women's rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York, in July 1848, they advocated for

the right of white women to vote.

The participants were middle and upper-class white women, a cadre of white men supporters and only one African-American male — Frederick Douglass.

The esteemed abolitionist had forged a strong working relationship with fellow abolitionists and white women suffragists, including Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, Brown said.

However, there were no Black women at the convention.

"None were invited," Brown said.

Prior to and after the convention, women's clubs became the norm. It was a means by which suffragists could meet and strategize. Black women were left out of those clubs, too.

They were forced to form their own — which they did.

"It was important for Black women to form their own clubs during the fight for women's suffrage," said Christine Michel Carter, a writer and author of "Can Mommy Go To Work?" "In the 19th century, Elizabeth Cady Stanton fought for women's rights, but notoriously contradicted herself when asked if Black women should be able to vote. Black abolitionist and women's rights ac-

tivist Sojourner Truth still befriended and supported Stanton in hopes she too would push our agenda.

"Eventually, Truth distanced herself from Stanton and the increasingly racist language of the women's groups," Carter said. "I think the relationship between Truth and Stanton opened the eyes of Black women during the fight for women's suffrage — we needed to create our own space."

African American women believed that the issue of suffrage was too large and complex for any one group or organization to tackle alone, according to research performed by officials at the National Park Service in D.C. While Black women sought to work with whites during the suffrage movement, mainstream organizations repeatedly failed to address any of the concerns and the hatred directed toward African Americans.

With no viable alternatives, Black women began forming their own clubs and organizations. They decided to focus on the challenging issues facing African Americans and the right to vote.

Several clubs were founded, including the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) which was started in 1896 by Black reformers such as Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin

5 Casting ballots in the race for Fifth District, United States Congress (Lane Brothers Commercial Photographers Photographic Collection, 1920-1976. Photographic Collection, Special Collections and Archives, Georgia State University Library)

and Charlotte Forten Grimke.

During the NACW meetings, members discussed ways of attaining civil rights and women's suffrage, according to the National Park Service.

The NACW's motto, "Lifting as we climb," reflected the organization's goal to "uplift" the status of Black women.

In 1913, Ida B. Wells founded the Alpha Suffrage Club of Chicago, the nation's first Black women's club focused specifically on suffrage.

"The history of women's suffrage in America is not nice or neat, because the impact of white supremacy

is broad and human nature is messy," Brown said. "Furthermore, a nation built on stolen land from Native Americans and stolen labor from African slaves is flawed from the start.

We must constantly acknowledge this truth and engage in an intersectional celebration of women's rights activists and landmark events."

Carter concurred: "History always repeats itself when you don't learn from it. Historically, we've advocated for all women. Hopefully in 2020, we learn our lesson. … It's time to start advocating for us." WI

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OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019 19

INTERNATIONAL

africa now

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN

South African Student Thrilled Meghan Markle 'Wanted a Photo with Me for Michelle Obama'

(Courtesy photo/Press Pool)

In a complete role reversal, the Duchess of Sussex asked a Nelson Mandela University student and her friends to pose for a picture with her so she could send it to her friend, former U.S. first lady Michelle Obama.

"I still cannot believe it," Sithembele Ncube (right) , 25, said after her royal encounter with Meghan Markle, who is married to Prince Harry, Queen Elizabeth's grandson and sixth in line to the British throne, The Sowetan reported on Sept. 29.

Ncube met up with the royals in Cape Town on Sept. 28 during the pair's

first tour in southern Africa.

"She just asked to take a picture with me to send to Michelle Obama [wife of former U.S. president Barack Obama]," Ncube said.

Ncube, a computer science honors student, belongs to the Obama Foundation, which strives to inspire, empower and connect people to change the world. She's been part of the organization since the start of 2019.

"The royals had invited a few youth organizations to meet them and I went as part of the African Leaders initiative [part of the work of the foundation]," said Ncube, who attended a reception for Meghan and Prince Harry at the British High Commissioner's residence in Cape Town on Heritage Day. Asked how she had felt when meeting the duchess, Ncube said she was simply lost for words.

"Meghan was more relaxed than I thought she would be. I thought she would have many rules on how to address her and I thought she would not want to take pictures," Ncube said. "What stood out the most for me was how thoughtful, kind and approachable she was — talking to her felt like I was talking to my big sister. She just asked to take a picture with us so she could send it to Michelle. I was gobsmacked because I am a huge fan of Michelle as well."

Ncube said she would never forget the experience.

"Meghan really has a passion for women and women's issues," Ncube said. "She made it a point to talk about the importance of centering women in the development of Africa in order to make a positive impact."

The picture Meghan sent to Obama has been posted on the former first lady's Instagram account.

Ncube joked that Michelle Obama could be the next well-known person she would meet.

The British royal couple and their son Archie began their royal tour of southern Africa in Cape Town on Sept. 23. WI

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caribbean now Jamaica Announces Cannabis Partnership with Harvard Institute

Jamaica's Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries will be partnering with the Harvard International Phytomedicines and Medical Cannabis Institute (HIPI) in the United States on initiatives aimed at improving the country's competitiveness in the global cannabis industry, according to the Jamaica Information Services (JIS).

Representatives of HIPI were scheduled tp visit Jamaica from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, as part of the impending arrangement. During the visit, the group planned to participate in an informational tour of key facilities that are heavily involved in research related to cannabis and other medicinal plants.

Portfolio Minister Audley Shaw (left) made the disclosure at the opening The Hon. Audley Shaw (left), Minister of the CanEx Business Conference and Expo at the Montego Bay Convention of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture Centre in St. James on Thursday, Sept. 26. and Fisheries, accepts the Maverick "We will be partnering with HIPI, as the opportunity exists for clinical trials Award from Founder of the CanEx of cannabis products to be conducted, which will help in settling dosage issues, Business Conference and Expo, and of course, we will be involving our own universities in this initiative," Shaw Douglas Gordon, during the opening ceremony of the event at the Montego said.

He said that the administration is committed to developing the local canBay Convention Centre on September nabis industry in a holistic manner, which will bring economic benefits for 26. (Courtesy photo/Serena Grant) Jamaicans.

"It is obvious that we must take advantage of the opportunities for engagement at all levels," Shaw said. "It is an exciting time for us because we have this industry [and] we see where the landscape is improving."

The CanEx Jamaica Business Conference and Expo brought together top cannabis industry experts from the United States, Canada, South and Central America, Europe, Australia and the Caribbean.

WI

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Catch It Early Finding cancer early raises the odds of beating the disease.

Routine mammograms and self-exams are the best ways to find breast cancer early.

• Get routine mammograms.

A mammogram is an X-ray that takes an image of your breast tissue. It can show breast lumps before they are large enough to feel.

• Most women ages 40 and older should get a mammogram every one to two years. Members of AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia (DC) can get mammograms at no cost to them.

• Women at higher risk for breast cancer can ask their PCPs about getting

mammograms earlier in life.

• Do monthly self-exams.

It’s important for women to do a breast self-exam each month.

Look closely and feel for any changes in your breasts while you are in the shower, in front of a mirror, or lying down. If you see or feel any changes or abnormalities, be sure to talk with your PCP as soon as you can.

Look for: • Tender nipples

• A lump near the breast or underarm • A change in skin or pores on the breast • Dimpling of the breast

• Swelling or shrinkage on just one breast

• An inverted nipple • Nipple discharge

Let’s raise awareness about breast cancer and support each other this October and all year long. Know the risks and get your mammograms as needed!

It could save your life.

#BestMe Corner Lower your risk Lifestyle choices can help lower your risk for breast cancer: 1. Keep a healthy

body weight

2. Stay active

3. Eat fruits and vegetables with each meal 4. Do not smoke 5. Limit alcohol

Source: “Breast Cancer Facts,” “Breast Self-Exam,” “Symptoms and Signs,” “Mammogram,” and “Risk Factors,” National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc., www.nationalbreastcancer. org. (Accessed July 9, 2018.)

All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model

AmeriHealth Caritas DC events AmeriHealth Caritas DC hosts community events and screenings to educate the public about breast cancer and support our members: • Pinkie Parties promote screenings and mammograms at District hospitals and health centers, with music, food, and other healthy programming.

• Monthly mobile mammogram events make it easier for AmeriHealth Caritas DC members to get breast X-rays at locations close to them.

To learn more about these programs, visit www. amerihealthcaritasdc.com or call Member Services at 1-800408-7511.

Find us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/amerihealthdc / Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmeriHealthCaritasDC

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You can get a $25 gift card if you: • Are an AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia member • Are 12 – 21 years old • Get an annual physical exam

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Note: A member cannot get more than $50 in incentives each year.

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All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only.

Any individual depicted is a model.

AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

English: ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, at no cost, are available to you. Call 1-800-408-7511 (TTY/TDD: 202-216-9885 or 1-800-570-1190).

Spanish: ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-408-7511 (TTY/TDD: 202-216-9885 o 1-800-570-1190).

Amharic: ማሳሰቢያ፡ አማርኛ መናገር የሚችሉ ከሆነ፣ ከከፍያ ነጻ የሆነ የቋንቋ ድጋፍ አገልግሎት ይቀርብልዎታል፡፡ በስልክ ቁጥር 1-800-408-7511 (TTY/TDD: 202-216-9885 ወይም 1-800-570-1190) ይደውሉ.

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OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019 21

HEALTH

Climate Change Isn't a 'White Thing,' Environmental Justice Advocates Warn

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia

4 Climate change can contribute to decreased air quality, exacerbating respiratory diseases such as asthma. (Courtesy of Michigan Radio)

The climate crisis is real.

From the devastating of extreme weather events made worse by climate change to the public health implications of increased pollution like heightened asthma attacks, communities are feeling the impacts of this crisis first and worst.

Experts said real solutions to the climate crisis is needed now to protect the long-term well-being of communities, and for future generations.

"With the Trump administration rolling back environmental and public health safeguards, I am deeply concerned that we are running out of time to do something

about this crisis," said Dana Swinney, a New York-based public relations expert who works with several green organizations across the country.

Information provided by Swinney's firm noted additional climate crisis health impacts on African Americans, including: • Number of African Americans that report having asthma: 2.6 million.

• Black children are 4.5 times more likely to be hospitalized for asthma than white children.

• Black children are 10 times more likely to die from asthma than white children.

• The increased health burden of particulate air pollution on African Americans compared to the American population overall: 54 percent.

• Sixty-eight percent of African Americans live within 30 miles of a coal-fired power plant.

• 6.7 million African Americans live within a county that is home to a refinery.

"There is a familiar phrase that goes something like this: if you're not at the table then you're on the menu," said Michelle Mabson, a staff scientist for the Healthy Communities Program at Earthjustice and volunteer chief advocacy officer for Black Millennials for Flint.

"Far too often it is our communities — Black and Brown communities — that are not prepared enough, resilient enough, or adaptive enough when climate disasters hit," Mabson said. "We look at the devastating impacts from Hurricane Katrina, and more recently Hurri-

cane's Maria, Harvey, and Dorian, and we see communities that look like ours, nearly destroyed.

"It is imperative for us to be at the table when decisions, like rebuilding and increasing adaptive community capacity, are discussed so we can get the resources we need to be prepared for the impacts from the next storm," she said. "Make no mistake, the next one is on its way, and we can no longer afford to react once it's here — we've got to be prepared."

African Americans must heavily engage in climate justice and environmental conversation taking place globally, said Heather McTeer Toney, the national field director at Mom Clean Airforce.

More than half of the African-American population live in the south, where they're four times more likely to be hit with catastrophic flood, hurricane or other extreme weather related event, Toney said.

"As the impacts of climate change increase, more and more of our communities are devastated," Toney said. "Moreover, An NAACP study found that African American communities are subjected to air that is 40 percent more polluted than other communities.

When combined with the health impacts such as asthma, cancer, and heart disease; addressing the climate crisis is vital to our continued existence and protection of our children's future."

Kim Noble, director of opera-

HEALTH Page 52

Experts said real solutions to the climate crisis is needed now to protect the long-term well-being of communities, and for future generations.

22 OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019

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Complaints of Impropriety Halt Medical Cannabis in Maryland

By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill ANNAPOLIS — Claims of impropriety and unfairness caused a Maryland committee to not award applicants who sought inclusion in the medical cannabis industry.

A decision scheduled last week from the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission pauses an effort for diversity to include Black representation in the multimillion-dollar industry.

The commission planned to award 10 processors and four growers amongst 200 applications before it disbands Tuesday, Oct. 1 with replacement members.

The disbandment became in effect after a disparity study showed the industry lacked minority representation, which

forced state lawmakers put in legislation last year to ensure more minority and women-owned businesses in the cannabis industry. Former Executive Director Joy A. Strand announced her resignation last month and her last day will be Tuesday.

"From the phone calls we have received, there seems to be some impropriety going on that we want to make sure that everything is legit," Del. Darryl Barnes (D-District 25) of Upper Marlboro said to reporters Thursday, Sept. 26 after the commission's announcement in Annapolis. "I have too many African Americans who worked extremely hard, put in a whole lot of money [and] for them not to have an opportunity doesn't sit well with me."

Barnes, who chairs the state's Legislative Black Caucus, sent a letter dated Sept. 25 to commis-

sion chair Brian Lopez asking "for a delay in assigning" because of "significant issues and concerns raised about the process being used to determine winners and losers for these new licenses."

Later that same day, a Montgomery County Circuit Court judge ordered the commission to not announce any awards for preapproval licenses based on a lawsuit filed by Remileaf.

According to the complaint, the judge ruled the state couldn't grant any licenses until Monday, Oct. 7, pending a hearing on the case.

On Thursday, Lopez didn't say how long it would take to award winners and didn't mention the judge's restraining order during the commission session.

"It's been determined more time is need to review," he said.

"We are going to make sure we have good, quality applications."

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OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019 23

HEALTH R&B Singer SuCh Makes Best of Change in Life’s Trajectory Former Nurse Now Cares for People Through Her Music Ministry

Due to the overwhelming humanitarian need that occurred after a catastrophic earthquake leveled most of Haiti in 2010, a former nurse, Su Charles, now known as SuCh, made a life-changing decision.

And while caring for people would remain her focus, she now uses her voice as her primary tool for healing.

“I started singing at the age of three in church. It’s something that I’ve always loved to do.

After aiding people during the earthquake and witnessing the loss of life I decided to make a change,” she said. “I realized that life is short and I needed to do what I was called to do.”

Born in America to two Haitian immigrants SuCh says de-

ciding to leave her lucrative job as a nurse to pursue her singing career came with much backlash.

“I loved being a nurse but I know that singing is my purpose in life,” she said. “Everything I loved about being a nurse I still do now as a singer.

Of course I got stares and ridiculed for changing careers but I knew what was best for me so I did not let anyone change my vision for my life.”

After trying out for American Idol back in 2012 and receiving three yes’s with a golden ticket to Hollywood, SuCh was eliminated at the end of the week.

“Getting that far confirmed that singing is what I’m supposed to do,” she said.

SuCh went on to perform at

SINGER Page 37

RUN

K L A W

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5 SuCh (Brigette Squire/The Washington Informer)

HIV remains at an epidemic level in the District.

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Whitman-Walker has been fighting stigma and saving lives since the beginning and we need your help.

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Preparing for Winter – Making it easier to pay your heating bill Submitted by Washington Gas At Washington Gas, safely and reliably meeting the energy needs of our customers is our highest priority. Each year, we help customers prepare for the winter heating season with information about energy efficiency, energy conservation and energy assistance.

This helps keep expenses down while keeping your home warm.

We know that no matter how mild or severe the winter weather may be, heating costs take a bigger share of household budgets this time of year, adding stress and strain to your budget. To assist customers, there are several options available to help manage your Washington Gas bill.

BUDGET PLAN

The Budget Plan spreads the cost of winter heating over the entire year. We calculate your average monthly payment based on historical natural gas usage, adjusted for normal weather and projected gas costs. Each month, your bill will show actual gas usage and bill amounts, along with budget installments, so you can review the information. Depending on the time of year, your budget installment may be more or less than your actual monthly usage. The Budget Plan is designed as a 12-month program, and we encourage you to stay on it year-round to realize the potential benefits.

PAYMENT EXTENSION PLAN

The Payment Extension Plan (offered to residential customers only) can extend the due date for customers – typically individuals whose main source of income is a monthly government payments or pension checks – who purchase gas from Washington Gas and receive their bills after the 10th of the month. With this plan, the due date (last day to pay without a penalty) of your current monthly gas bill is extended to the 5th of the next month, making it easier for you to apply a por­tion of your government or pension check to your gas bill. There is no late charge if the payment for your gas bill is received by the extended due date.

DEFERRED PAYMENT ARRANGEMENT

Washington Gas will work with all of its eligible customers who cannot pay the “past due bill amount” as well as the “current charges” on their gas bill, by entering into a deferment/pay agreement/ or consent

order at the request of the customer. We will comply with all applicable laws, tariff regulations, or other arrangements Washington Gas enters into with its regulators when extending payment deferments to customers who show a willingness to pay past due amounts. The deferred payment agreement Washington Gas may enter into with its’ customers prevents further credit action on the account, including the assessment of late charges, the sending of reminder and/or turn off notices, and outbound calls, as long as the customer abides by the agreement.

TO LOWER YOUR BILLS & ENERGY HOW STAY SUSTAINABLE THIS WINTER ANSWERS

At Washington Gas, providing safe, efficient, and reliable energy answers is our top priority. That’s why we want to ensure that our customers know about these simple steps to save money and stay warm as temperatures drop:

Tip 1

Keep your water heater below 120o Fahrenheit using the warm or low setting.

Tip 2

Wash full loads of laundry and dishes, as opposed to numerous smaller loads.

Tip 3

Use cold water for laundry and specially formulated cold-water detergents.

Tip 4

Caulk and weather strip around doors and windows.

Tip 5

Change or clean furnace and air filters once a month, and schedule an annual furnace or boiler check-up with a licensed professional.

Tip 6

Consider installing high-efficiency appliances when possible.

Tip 7

Look for the ENERGY STAR® energy-efficient product label when shopping for new appliances.

Tip 8

Consider purchasing a programmable thermostat that automatically lowers and increases the temperature based on when you're home.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE

If you or someone you know reside in the District of Columbia is having difficulty paying a natural gas bill, please contact the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) at 311 or online to determine eligibility for the following programs. While eligibility for most programs depends on household size and total household income, other factors may apply depending on the program. If you reside in Prince George’s County and require assistance paying your natural gas bill, please call the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services at 301-909-7000.

WAFF - More than 35 years ago, Washington Gas and The Salvation Army created the Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF) to help families in need pay their heating bills. Since WAFF’s inception, more than $27 million has assisted 283,000 residents in the Washington metropolitan region. Customers and donors generously support this effort every year. Washington Gas pays all fees to administer the program so that 100 percent of WAFF contributions go to families in need. WAFF pays for all types of fuel to heat families’ homes during the winter season. For more information go to www.waffhelp.org WAFF Washington Gas Merger Funds Program - Through its merger with AltaGas, Washington Gas established the Merger Funds Program to broaden the eligibility for energy assistance for Washington Gas customers to families making up to $75,000 per year.

For more information on any of the services offered, please call Washington Gas at 844-WASHGAS (927-4427).

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019 25

EDUCATION DCPS

Banneker currently serves students from all eight wards of the District, and the new location will allow DCPS to expand access to Banneker to 300 additional students traveling from neighborhoods across the city.

The new Banneker Academic High School, expected to open for the 2021-22 academic year, will serve 800 students by 2025.

BRIEFS

INTERNING GAINS

Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer

Interning at Destination DC & the American Experience Foundation provides an important steppingstone to the future success of participating students.

From site visits exemplifying the culture of DC, to listening to the knowledge and wisdom of experts in the hospitality and tourism industry, this internship has opened the eyes to the true essence of

BANNEKER GROUNDBREAKING

Mayor Muriel Bowser recently participated in the groundbreaking for the modernization and expansion of Benjamin Banneker Academic High School at the site of the former Shaw Junior High School.

D.C., program officials said.

As a result of their Career Ready internships, DCPS students and alumni Makayla Cruz, Nizar Ghoumari, Jashawn Evans, and Zoe Roberts have gained in-demand professional skills.

FREE, REDUCED-PRICE MEALS

A letter or notice, along with family application forms, are being distributed to parents of children who attend schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the Special Milk Program (SMP).

The letter or notice shall contain the following as well as additional information regarding eligibility criteria for reduced price benefits with an explanation that households with incomes less than or equal to the reduced price criteria would be eligible for either free or reduced-price meals, how a household may make an application for free or reduced-price meals or for free milk for its children; an explanation that an application for free or reduced price benefits cannot be

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approved, and an explanation that the information on the application may be verified at any time during the school year.

CHARTER SCHOOLS TRANSPARENCY

Using feedback from families, community members, elected officials, teachers, and school administrators, the DC Public Charter Schools Board this year expanded its transparency initiatives to include the creation of a Transparency Hub. The hub serves as a source for families, students and the public to seek data or other information about public charter schools.

In March, the board approved the School Transparency policy, which requires schools to make available additional documents and other information on their

websites to help the public easily access information.

ROCKETSHIP SUCCESS

Since the opening two years ago of Rocketship DC Public Charter School-Legacy Prep, the principal has used home visits to create a welcoming environment for students.

The principal, assistant principals and staff visit the homes of Rocketeers to get to know them and their families and to learn how to support them throughout the school year.

When families are not able to meet at their home, Rocketship staff finds another location such as the park, the student's school, library, or a nearby restaurant.

These home visits help students succeed and allow Rocketship to partner with families in and out of the classroom. WI

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5 The principal of Rocketship DC Public Charter School has used home visits to create a welcoming environment for students. (Courtesy of Rocketship DC PCS - Legacy Prep)

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New Montessori School Caters to Anacostia's Underprivileged Students

By Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer @dorothyrowley Oftentimes, when people muse about Montessori schools, they imagine private facilities in prosperous surroundings that cater specifically to children of privileged backgrounds.

However, thanks to the vision of a group of avant-garde educators, a myth of sorts — in the form of the new Lee Montessori School located in one of D.C.'s most disadvantaged communities — faces dismantlement.

Although some 1,200 students are currently attending Montessori schools west of the river, "there has not been a full Montessori school east of the Potomac," said Alex Brown, founding head of the new facility at the Birney School building on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Southeast.

Brown, a former fifth-grade teacher who graduated magna cum laude from Old Dominion University, noted that while there are several Montessori schools in D.C. for parents in search of "something different than traditional model educational offerings," Lee officials felt the need for more high-performing schools with more diverse models east of the river.

"There have been schools with small Montessori programs within them, but since there were no full

public Montessori schools in Southeast [we seized the opportunity], and the response has been overwhelmingly popular," said Brown, armed with a background in both charter and traditional school arenas.

Brown added that with the establishment of two such schools — Lee Montessori, in existence since 2014 is in Ward 5 and enrolls 236 students — "we're looking to give students more freedom of choice in their education, while specifically targeting children of color from low-income homes."

The lottery-based Lee Montessori, named in honor of Tahiira Lee, an African American educator who garnered a long history of Montessori alignment, serves its new community as a tuition-free public charter school that provides "the feel of a private school education," according to Brown.

He said the school met approval in December 2018 and was designated a building site in March of this year.

Lee opened its doors in August to an enrollment of 88 pre-K students.

All of Lee's students — ages 3 and 4 — had to live in D.C. and meet the criteria for the grades offered.

Poised to increase enrollment to 400 students over the next term, so far Lee has achieved "a good ratio" of diversity not just among students — but staff as well.

For instance, all the teachers have a master's degree and can teach six

MONTESSORI Page 53

EDUCATION AS A RENTER, YOU HAVE RIGHTS.

DC law requires that landlords provide the following: • At least one working fire extinguisher.

• Carbon monoxide detector.

• Interconnected smoke alarms on every level and inside each sleeping area.

• Exits, including doors and windows, that can be opened from the inside without the need for keys or any special knowledge or effort.

• Electrical outlets, switches, and fixtures that work properly.

• For high-rise buildings, a fire safety evacuation plan, along with fire drills at least once every year.

• At least one exterior emergency escape for every sleeping room below the 4th floor.

To anonymously report unsafe living conditions, contact the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs at (202) 442-9557 or the Citywide Call Center at 311.

Stay Informed!

5 Xueli Zheng chats with one of her students at Lee Montessori School in the Anacostia neighborhood. (Courtesy of Lee Montessori School)

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

www.washingtoninformer.com

OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019 27

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EDITORIAL

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Comcast vs. The Legacy of Civil Rights

Despite efforts by do-the-right-thing committed corporations and institutions with demonstrated efforts to make amends for past injustices, whether their own or in general, they often find themselves in the bullseye of a battle calling into question their commitment to civil rights. We could name dozens, but today it’s Comcast, the multi-billion dollar telecommunications company, that is a party to a Supreme Court case that seeks to understand why it refused an African American-owned media company access to its cable network.

We are proud of the achievements of Byron Allen, owner of the Weather Channel and several other channels under his banner of Entertainment Studios, the largest African-American-owned media company in the U.S. We are also concerned that Comcast, one of only a handful of U.S. companies with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, is presently at odds with Allen and the majority of civil rights organizations engaged in this case. Groups, including the NAACP, argue that Comcast’s position in the Comcast vs. National Association of African American-Owned Media and Entertainment Studios Networks, Inc., which Allen owns, could negatively impact Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866.

At issue is Allen’s $20 billion claim that Comcast’s refusal to air several of his television networks is based on race and that the Supreme Court, set to hear the case in November, could issue a ruling that would roll back the 150-year-old Act which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and ethnicity regarding making and enforcing contracts, a move supported by the current DOJ and pushed by the Trump Administration.

The NAACP stated: “In several weeks, the Supreme Court will hear one of the most important civil rights cases to come before it this term. Comcast – the second-largest broadcasting and cable television company in the world – is poised to take an unprecedented step. Because of a dispute with a Black businessman, the company has urged the Supreme Court to roll back the crucial protections of one of the nation’s oldest civil rights laws, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866.

Comcast has been a partner with the Black Press and many other Black organizations and causes, more so than most of its counterparts. They’ve received praises over Internet Essentials, a program that provides Internet access to many of the underserved communities across the country. But it appears Comcast has found itself in an unpopular position in the eyes of civil rights groups whose support it must work to regain after the battle in the Supreme Court ends.

WI

Let’s Take Our Streets Back, Now Mayor Bowser along with members of her Administration and leaders of the Metropolitan Police Department recently announced a series of programs and changes aimed at reducing the wave of violent crime that has suddenly overtaken parts of the District.

These initiatives include community engagement forums that will allow members of various neighborhoods to have coffee with police in order to facilitate greater understanding and forge needed trust on both sides. Then, there’s the announcement that MPD will have a greater street presence with additional hours approved for overtime for officers.

It’s a good start but as the mayor acknowledges, it’s going to take a concerted effort to get criminals off of our streets, out of our communities and, if necessary, locked up so they’re unable to cause further pain, mayhem or death.

Perhaps we could all begin by getting to know our neighbors better. One recent news report showed a young girl knocking on a neighbor’s door because her friend’s mother was having a medical emergency. Thank goodness the little girl knew her neighbors and felt comfortable enough to seek help.

But we wonder if our children would do the same. Could they do the same?

In year’s past, everyone knew everyone on the block. Today, in our hustle and bustle we no longer take the time to introduce ourselves or get to know anyone – even the family that lives right next door.

The police have a big job – one that’s often thankless until we need them. But it’s impossible for them to do it alone. We aren’t advocating that folks begin to “rat” on their neighbors. But we do believe that the time has surely come when we must emerge from our front doors and tell hoodlums to cease and desist. We can live together without killing one another, can’t we?

We must!

WI

TO THE EDITOR Next Generations Going Green

Surprise in the South

It's nice to see young people standing up for the planet. Somebody has to do it and who better than the young and inspired. Many of us are over the hill and figure we will be gone before the planet explodes and we get complacent and lazy. Kudos to the young folks for picking up the baton.

Kathleen Darvis Washington, D.C.

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Very surprised to read that the majority of Black same-sex couples live in the South. From the narratives that are often painted, the South is intolerant of gay couples especially in the Bible Belt, but obviously that's not the truth. I think this is the case for two reasons: one, the majority of Black people in this country live in the South. Second, the South is far cheaper (for now) than other areas of the country and statistics show the LGBT community overall suffers financially, so makes sense to me. That's my thoughts.

Charlene Nathaniel Richmond, Va.

Readers' Mailbox

The Washington Informer welcomes letters to the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community.

Write to: lsaxton@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.

OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019 29

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

By E. Faye Williams

The Answer is Obvious!

Is there one rational person who honestly still questions whether Donald Trump should be impeached by the House, convicted by the Senate and removed immediately from the people's house? The answer is obvious to everyone except crooks who operate in the same way as Trump operates.

When my good friend Dick Gregory was still here with us and Donald Trump and those around him had begun the really crazy

stuff, Mr. Gregory, knowing my curiosity about nearly everything, told me all of the Trump craziness was white folks' business and I should stay out of it. I really tried to do that, but as things got more chaotic, it became impossible for me not to at least comment on the chaos. Surely, Mr. Gregory would forgive me for not taking his advice just this one time. The lawyer part of me kept reminding me that silence gives consent!

Donald Trump ran a reckless campaign for president, and he has become even more reckless since he used Russian and whatever other unsavory help he could muster. Hardly a day

Guest Columnist

has ever gone by when Donald Trump didn't give the American people great cause for concern about what he might do to bring more shame upon our country.

Trump's behavior has become increasingly dangerous to our national security.

I closely watched his twisting and turning and observed his crude behavior at the United Nations a few days ago. Aside from being bored, it was painful to listen to him as he denigrated leaders of nations and spoke like a middle school bully. It's hard to believe that a man who stood before the world three years ago and swore to defend and protect

our country without shame has done so much to destroy everything we stand for. How do the people of any nation allow such abuse of the power of the office of president to repeat itself time after time without taking action to say, "Enough is enough"?

If Trump is not the epitome of a traitor to our country, then as Rep. Barbara Jordan once said of another Republican president who decided to resign rather than face certain impeachment, "A president is impeachable if he attempts to subvert the Constitution. If the impeachment provision in the Constitution of the United States will not reach the

offenses charged here, then perhaps that 18th-century Constitution should be a 20th-century paper shredder."

She concluded her brilliant remarks by saying, "Has the president committed offenses, and planned, and directed and acquiesced in a course of conduct which the Constitution will not tolerate? That is the question. We know that. We know the question. We should now forthwith proceed to answer the question.

It is reason, and not passion, which must guide our deliberations, guide our debate, and

WILLIAMS Page 53

By Marc H. Morial

Memo to 2020 Candidates: We Need a Plan for the Affordable Housing Crisis dream remains largely deferred."

— Rep. Ayanna Pressley

"The lack of affordable housing is perhaps the greatest challenge to successfully ending homelessness and lifting millions of people out of poverty. … This administration's callous attempts to rollback funding for affordable housing and homelessness assistance programs has left more than half a million people without shelter on any given night. So long as there is a national housing shortage, the American

Housing affordability in the United States is undeniably a crisis.

Home prices are rising at twice the rate of wage growth. According to the most recent statistics, nearly half of renters are considered cost-burdened, meaning they spend 30 percent or more of their income on rent. About 11 million Americans spend more than half their income on rent.

Yet the candidates for president are largely silent on the issue of

Guest Columnists

affordable housing. During the most recent Democratic debate, not one of the candidates shared a plan for addressing this crisis.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition's national housing wage for 2019 is $22.96 for a modest two-bedroom home and $18.65 for a modest one-bedroom home. That's the hourly wage a full-time worker must earn to afford a rental home at fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income on housing.

The average renter's hourly wage is $5.39 less than the na-

tional two-bedroom housing wage and $1.08 less than the one-bedroom housing wage, according to the NLIHC. The problem is even worse for Black and Hispanic households, who are much more likely to be both cost-burdened and low-income. Twenty percent of Black households and 16% of Hispanic households are extremely low-income renters, compared to just 6 percent of white households.

Even households who are not low-income are affected by the affordable housing shortage. The foreclosure crisis of 2008 exacer-

bated the shortage of affordable housing, forcing families out of the homes they lost and into the already-tight rental market.

Those families who have recovered from foreclosure are competing for affordable homes to buy. And fewer of those homes are available because members of the older generation are living independently in their homes much longer than previous generations.

Confronted with a crisis of this magnitude, it is nothing short of

MORIAL Page 53

By Julianne Malveaux

Student Debt Threatens Our Nation's Future

The student debt crisis in our country is worsening. If nothing is done, its size threatens our nation's future. Young people saddled with student debt often postpone adult decisions, like purchasing homes or getting married, hoping to start "real life" with a clean slate. When these folks delay buying homes, they also postpone the purchase

30 OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019

of everything that goes with home ownership — furniture, appliances, and more. Millions boomerang home, living with their parents into their late 20s or even longer. Some default on their loans, ruining their credit and impeding other purchasing.

How bad is it? Student debt in our country totals almost $1.6 trillion in 2018, $521 billion more than credit card debt. More than two-thirds of all students take out student loans, with an average debt of $29,800. A total of nearly 45 million Americans

have student loan debt. And if it is bad for the overall population, it's worse for African American students, who recently graduated with $37,000 in debt, more than $7,000 more than the overall average.

According to Ashley Harrington of the Center for Responsible Lending, 85 percent of all African American graduates carried student loan debt in 2016, compared to the 2016 overall average of 68 percent.

"Black students take out more loans and often take longer to

pay them back", she said. The result? A decade after college graduation, African Americans who had student loan debt owe twice as much as their white counterparts.

This is not at all surprising. African American median incomes are lower than white incomes.

African American wealth is less a small fraction of white wealth.

African American unemployment rates are higher than white rates, even for college graduates.

On average, African Americans are stuck at the economic periph-

ery, with every indicator showing Black folks lagging others in our economy.

And while the student loan crisis hits the Black community hard, it so profoundly affects our national economy that Democratic Presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren are getting major traction from their plans to reduce or eliminate student loan debt.

Indeed, Sanders gets more sup-

MALVEAUX Page 53

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

By Charlene Crowell

HUD Says Deregulation – Not Affordable Housing – Needed to Solve Homelessness

For more than a decade, economists, lawmakers and others have heralded the nation's economy.

Often citing how unemployment has declined as new jobs have been created, or Wall Street trading and major bank profits rising, some might be led to believe that all is well in America.

But as Sportin' Life in the folk opera "Porgy and Bess" sang, "It

ain't necessarily so."

On Sept. 16, California Gov. Gavin Newsom joined by state officials representing cities and counties wrote a letter that urged President Donald Trump to recognize homelessness as a "national crisis decades in the making that demands action at every level of government."

"Mr. President — shelter solves sleep, but only housing solves homelessness," wrote the California officials.

Newsom and company were

Guest Columnist

absolutely correct. State and local officials across the country also reckon with limited resources to house the nation's half-million homeless and its accompanying persistent poverty. Whether eastward from Washington, D.C., to Baltimore, New York and Boston, or westward from Los Angeles to San Francisco and Seattle, or even other locales — America's homeless are a visible presence that not everyone has been a part of an economic recovery.

In 2018, 67% of America's

homeless people were individuals. The remaining 33% were families with dependent children, according to a report by the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

Further, according to a new 2019 report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, "Our nation is currently in the midst of a long period of economic expansion.

Yet stagnant wages, rising housing costs and inaccessible job opportunities keep many children and families trapped in impover-

ished communities. And despite economic growth, we have not seen significant reduction in poverty."

The Casey Foundation report also found that between 20132017, Black and Native American children were the most likely to live in concentrated poverty.

For example, half of Michigan's Black children live in high poverty. Other states where child poverty runs the risk of homelessness

CROWELL Page 54

By Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

Republican Senate Stands in the Way of Moving America Forward

Americans are disgusted that Washington has become dysfunctional, even as Americans struggle with ever greater challenges — from stagnant wages and growing inequality to catastrophic climate change to soaring health-care costs to a decrepit and dangerously aged infrastructure. President Donald Trump blames House Democrats, saying they are "getting nothing done in Congress."

Don't believe it. The record is clear: The Democratic majority

in the House has passed major reforms that would begin to address America's challenges. All of them have been blocked by Republicans in the Senate, led

by Mitch McConnell, who calls himself the "grim reaper" dedicated to killing reform.

As of July, in their first half year as the majority, House Democrats had passed a total of 569 bills that are blocked in the Senate. These include major reforms that would make America better. Consider: The For the People Act — HR 1 — contained the most comprehensive campaign finance and voting reforms since the 1965 Voting

Askia-At-Large

Rights Act. It would have made it easier to register to vote, harder to gerrymander districts, forced disclosure of secret funds, required paper ballots to limit election interference and would have begun to counter the influence of big money in our elections.

McConnell refuses even to allow a vote in the Senate. HR 5 — the Equality Act — extends civil rights protections to members of the LGBTQ community.

This is long overdue. McConnell refuses to allow a vote in the Senate. HR 6 — the American Dream and Promise Act — would have protected the

Dreamers and offered a path to citizenship to 2 million immigrants without official status.

McConnell refuses to allow a vote in the Senate. HR 7 — the Paycheck Fairness Act — would have strengthened measures to counter the growing pay gap between men and women. No vote in the Senate. HR 8 — the Bipartisan Background Checks Act — would have required universal background checks in the sale of guns, a reform supported by the vast majority of Americans.

No vote in the Senate.

This list can go on. The Raise the Wage Act would have raised the minimum wage to $15 per

hour by 2025. House Democrats passed a bill to return the U.S. to the Paris Climate Accord, which Trump scorns. House Democrats have passed legislation that would protect those with pre-existing conditions and lower prescription drug prices.

They've acted to save net neutrality. They've passed nine bills to aid veterans, including extending childcare to veterans with young children. House Democrats put forth a major plan to rebuild our infrastructure; Trump stormed out of

JACKSON Page 54

By Askia Muhammad

With Trump, Just Don't Say it's True

I had an acquaintance whom I considered to be just about as wise a humorist and social commentator as the immortal Will Rogers.

Jerry Washington, aka Wash aka Sarge the Bartender aka The Bama, was his name. Illustrative of The Bama's wisdom, is this advice concerning interpersonal relations. It's all you need to know about the subject: "Never trade one who will, for one who might."

The Bama had an expression

which is instructive about the current situation in which Donald J. Trump finds himself — facing that impeachment and all. "Don't say I'm broke and be right."

What that meant to The Bama — who fancied himself to be a financially independent, gambler and man of means — was that he never wanted it to be truthfully said that he was insolvent. Don't "be right" with a bad report about The Bama's finances. The Bama worked diligently to always be "standing pat," so to speak, supporting as he boasted three separate households — his wife, his young mistress, and himself.

Trump is just the opposite. The true circumstances mean nothing to him. He just doesn't want the truth to be known. Trump knows how much a scoundrel he is. He looks in the mirror. He signed his tax returns. He knows he's a fraud and a liar. He just doesn't want to have to confess that truth to the world.

Donald J. Trump is clearly unfit to be president of the United States.

What I can't cotton to is the idea that Republicans seem to be content with such a flawed and embarrassing poster child for all their conservative policies. Every-

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thing about this guy is loathsome and disgusting: Trump University, Trump bankruptcies, Trump's missing tax returns, Trump hotels and golf courses; a revolving door of trampy, Trump thieving appointees, the most ever in the first two-and-a-half years of a presidency!

Are all Republicans on the take, receiving bribes under the table in order to pretend this is not the ugliest scandal ever? You mean they can't see what a disgusting human being and lying hypocrite Trump is? They can't see he's openly betrayed the principles they claim to revere? Is this the best that "Amer-

ican Exceptionalism" can produce in a leader?

This is greatness? No! It is not!

It's Trump! The man only thinks about what's good for himself and himself only.

To paraphrase The Bama: Don't say Trump's a Tramp and be right. Don't say he sold out the office of the presidency over some cheap gossip about a political rival who might not even win the nomination next year, and be right.

Sadly though, he is a Tramp who happens to be in the highest office in the land. He thinks that makes

ASKIA Page 54 OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019 31

LIFESTYLE From the Solomon Brown Suite, Lonnie Bunch Has Quite an Amazing View

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia Dr. Lonnie Bunch III, the 14th secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, arrived at about 10 a.m. in the Solomon Brown Suite atop the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The suite provides unparalleled views of the National Monument and other District landmarks. And it was only fitting that Bunch would want to meet there.

At such heights, it was easier to appreciate more fully the museum's founding director's decades of work and determination to bring such a cultural landmark to fruition.

"I wanted a building that would reference the spirituality, resilience, uplift, and hope that have been key elements within the African Amer-

ican community that have shaped America's identity in ways most Americans do not understand," Bunch said.

On this bright D.C. morning, Bunch talked about his new book, "A Fool's Errand: Creating the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the Age of Bush, Obama, and Trump."

Nine hours later, Bunch would sit for a discussion moderated by "60 Minutes" anchor Scott Pelley.

That session was open to all of the nation's media.

But, this particular Tuesday morning was Bunch talking directly to his community — through the Black Press.

"If anyone wants to understand core American values optimism, resiliency, and spirituality, where better to look than African Amer-

5 Lonnie Bunch displays his new book with Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, which represents the Black Press of America. (Photo courtesy of NNPA/Mark Mahoney)

ican history," Bunch said. "I think the Black Press has always been the guardian of our community. It's always been the place where facts are found that are not told in other places. It's a place where you can understand the richness of the community.

"What I love about the Black Press today is that it's a place that reminds people the power of the African American community, and in some ways the Black Press is critically important," he said. "What [the Black Press] does is it reminds us that there are many different lenses to understand a story. If you don't have the lens to the African American community, where are you going to find your story? For me, the Black Press is crucial not for the past, but for the future."

Bunch spoke of the 400th year since the first Africans were kidnapped and forced into slavery in Virginia. Several floors below the Solomon Brown suite and in the basement of the famed museum are the gut-wrenching exhibits, artifacts and other emblems of the darkest time in American history.

"By personalizing history, we wanted the visitor not to explore slavery as an abstract entity, but to experience it in a way as to care about the lives of those enslaved,"

Bunch writes in "A Fool's Errand."

While opening the museum before the eyes of the world three years ago was an unparalleled success, Bunch writes about the bittersweet time he noted as officials broke ground.

"Just four days after the triumphant groundbreaking ceremony that made us all feel so good about the possibilities of America, the murder of Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida, pointedly and painfully destroyed any notion that the nation was moving into a post-racial era," Bunch states.

"Throughout Obama's presidency racial hatred and racist epithets were hurled at the commander-in-chief. Not nearly as high profile as the president, the museum, even in its developmental stage, provoked anger and racist threats as well from those who felt a changing America was leaving them behind," he wrote.

In its first four months of operation, the museum surpassed one million visits. Three years later, lines still wrap around the building on Constitution Avenue.

For Bunch, it's all proof that his mission which began decades ago, was no fool's errand.

"It's been great," he said. "The response has been tremendous from

"What I love about the Black

Press today is that it's a place

all people."

Bunch spoke of the museum's dedication ceremony and how one moment captured the essence of what the landmark was all about.

"Who could ever forget the hug between former President George W. Bush and Michelle Obama," Bunch said. "That embrace said it all."

News outlets called it the "hug felt around the country."

President Obama and former first lady Laura Bush followed the lead of their mates and also embraced, signaling to the nation and the world that bipartisanship could prevail.

The moment also signaled that the museum was not just about African Americans, but white America and all people, too.

"To some, visiting the museum allows them to find hope … that the current poisonous political partisanship and racial antipathy will one day be overcome," Bunch said.

A historian, author, educator and curator, Bunch has enjoyed a career of near-unparalleled success.

He was the founding director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture and has held numerous teaching positions including at American University in D.C., the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, and the George Washington University in D.C.

BUNCH Page 33

that reminds people the power of the African

American community, and in some ways the Black Press is critically important."

32 OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019

– Dr. Lonnie Bunch III

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LIFESTYLE Christian, Muslim Leaders Embrace Call for Unity

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins As youth living in communities east of the Anacostia River continue to suffer from the onslaught of gun violence, leaders of different religious backgrounds have coalesced around a movement to directly engage Wards 7 and 8's youngest residents and provide them with an outlet for their grief and trauma.

The clergymen and imams on the frontlines of this endeavor expressed a desire to launch a public platform that centers young people, allows them to talk about their experiences with their peers, and connects them to scripture by exemplifying the unity and community service often mandated in their holy doctrines.

"We share a common enemy that's destroying the moral fabric of our community. There's a need for healing," said Rahim Jenkins, an observer of the Islamic faith and key coordinator of a burgeoning collaboration between mostly Christian and Islamic leaders in Southeast.

Jenkins proposed this idea on

Sept. 17 during a weekly community meeting in the Marion Barry Room of the Busboys and Poets in Anacostia. Other religious leaders in that space that morning included Rev. Delonte Gholston of Peace Fellowship Church in Northeast and John Robinson of the East of the River Clergy Police Community Partnership.

Subsequent discussions within the local Islamic community have revolved around using the Clara Muhammad School on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue as a base for direct services for youth. Jenkins said this project will follow in the tradition of similar alliances formed years ago by leaders at Union Temple Baptist Church, also located in Southeast.

"The benefit will be immeasurable," said Jenkins, also founder and executive director of the National Center for Juvenile Justice Reform.

"If you go back to the religious history and the life of Prophet Muhammad, negotiations and collaborations supported his relationship with the Jewish community. When you take that example and share it with people, you can work together in a

faith-based initiative."

In the United States, Black people account for one-fifth of the Muslim population, while nearly 80 percent of Black people consider themselves Christians, according to data compiled by the Pew Research Center. A January study described Black Christians and Muslims as passionate about worship and concerned about the condition of their community, two factors that fermented the 20th century's most notable religious and social movements.

This recent call for collaboration between Christians and Muslims has come amid great concern about youth violence in the District, and young people's growing apprehension toward organized religion, as noted in another Pew Research Center study.

Since the start of the 2019-2020 school year, three people younger than 17 have been fatally shot in the District. Nearly 20 young people have also counted as victims of nonfatal shootings, according to data collected by the Metropolitan Police Department. These trends carry on from a summer that took the lives

of several teenagers and incited conversation about wraparound services and Safe Passage programs.

In years past, D.C. youth, many of whom frustrated with the status quo, have stood up against gun violence and other societal ills that hinder their academic and social growth.

For instance, the Black Swan Academy lobbied the D.C. Council, at the height of budget negotiations earlier this year, for an expansion of on-campus mental health resources. In the aftermath of their peers' deaths, youth from Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter School in Southeast launched a campaign, under their organization Pathways 2 Power, railing against youth violence and the key factors that exacerbate this issue.

In 2016, when the District experienced an uptick in violence, The Rev. Willie Wilson of Union Temple Baptist Church called together hundreds of parishioners and community members to unite around violence prevention. All the while, he touted male and female rites-of-passage programs, much like what Union Temple has organized for nearly 40

Smithsonian Secretary Brings Book Talk to Museum He Founded

By Eve M. Ferguson WI Contributing Writer Newly appointed Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III made the second stop of his book tour for the just-released "A Fool's Errand," which recounts the story of how he founded what has become the most popular museum in the Smithsonian complex, at the book's setting, the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC).

The official release date coincided with the third anniversary of the record-breaking museum, which has seen some 6.5 million visitors pass through its doors since it opened on Sept. 24, 2016. Bunch was named secretary of the Smithsonian Institution in June 2019.

Hundreds packed the Heritage Hall on the main floor of the spacious and visually stunning museum to hear Bunch's conversation with CBS News correspondent Scott Pelley, during which he recounted the story of how he helped bring the idea of the museum to fruition.

"We had a great story," Bunch told Pelley. "How many chances

5 Scott Pelley interviews Lonnie Bunch, III. (Courtesy photo)

do you get to build a museum about what divides us as a nation?"

Pelley began the conversation by telling his story of how CBS and Bunch first intersected.

In a proposed story about the builders of the Capitol building, which was constructed using the

labor of enslaved African Americans, the news organization was looking for a historian who could help develop that story. That historian was Dr. Lonnie Bunch III, who was in the nascent stages of building the hallowed museum dedicated to telling the story of a people who came to this country

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in bondage, but forever changed the culture of the United States.

"It's really not a book about building the most magnificent monument of the 21st century, if you ask me," Pelley said. "It is about overcoming adversity. It's

BOOK TALK Page 43

years in coordination with groups in West Africa, as a key part of youth development.

In recent weeks, Wilson too has met with a cohort of leaders of different religious and organizational affiliations to address a bevy of economic and social issues plaguing D.C.s' Black communities. Once all parties agree on a plan of action, this latest partnership, Wilson said, will bear great similarity to the unification of religious leaders, organizations, and fraternities he helped coordinate during the Million Man March in 1995.

"Our communities are under attack and we are not unified and working together. We have to pool our time and resources," Wilson said. "We stand in peril when it comes to not controlling what happens in our communities. It's urgent that we get something done. My experience tells me that you need a victory that would mobilize people. [That's why] we can't meet too much longer without some concrete plans of action."

WI

BUNCH from Page 32 A graduate of American University, Bunch, was elected in 2017 to serve as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He's also the recipient of the President's Award from the NAACP and the Impact Leader Award from the Greater Washington Urban League.

Last year, the Phi Beta Kappa Society presented Bunch with the Phi Betta Kappa Award for Distinguished Service to the Humanities and the National Education Association honored him with the Award for Distinguished Service to Education.

Earlier this year, Bunch was appointed secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, the first African American to hold that position in the organization's 173-year history.

He oversees 19 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, numerous research centers and several education units and centers.

Now, with "A Fool's Errand," Bunch said he has a simple message to convey.

"History matters," Bunch said.

"You can't understand yourself or the future without looking back.

History is an amazing tool to live your life. More than anything else, it challenges you to be accurate."

To purchase "A Fool's Errand," go to Amazon.com. WI

OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019 33

LIFESTYLE

Marvin Bowser Shares Impressive Photo Collection

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins

5 An artist talk and exhibit at the Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage (TMCSH) in Northwest on Sept.

27 allowed Marvin Bowser to expose his work beyond his circle of friends and supporters. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

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Marvin Bowser's photo collection, recently on display at the Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage (TMCSH) in Northwest, tells the story of his life and travels around the African Diaspora.

Each still, he said, captures the essence of the people, places and plant life he has encountered in D.C. and throughout the world.

On Friday, during the artist discussion portion of a three-hour showcase, art enthusiasts, creatives, business owners and community members listened as Bowser reflected on his artistry and unique career trajectory. Later, to the sounds of live classical music, guests casually walked around the TMCSH lobby and looked at Bowser's close-ups of fishermen, birds, flowers and exotic landscapes.

"I took a lot of pictures in Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa," said Bowser, a well-known actor, photographer and older mayoral sibling, who had recently returned from Mexico. "A lot of my shots are of nature. Some of the most captivating shots I took in D.C., like in my backyard, the U.S. Botanical Garden and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. I like to get people to slow down and pay attention to their surroundings."

The September 27 artist talk and exhibit represented a collaboration between Bowser, Busboys and Poets curator Carol Rhodes Dyson and the Heritage Gallery, a brainchild of John El-Badr Cauley at TMCSH. This event, which followed a large exhibit at the Takoma Park Busboys and Poets in Northwest a few months ago, allowed Bowser to expose his work beyond his circle of friends and supporters.

Bowser, a former board member of the Hillcrest Community Citizens Association who has a penchant for gardening, told audience members on Friday that he sharpened his photography skills while serving as an Air Force officer, a Navy civilian, and defense contractor. His collection documents his first trip to the African continent in 2017 and later excursions in other parts of the world.

Some of Bowser's most prominent pieces, lined up on stands in TMCSH's Heritage Room, included "Black and Gold," a rendering

of his life partner in Brazil, and a closeup of a bird, captured in Jamaica, that had a black-and-white appeal. The piece next to that froze the ripple created by a Black koi fish that dove into a pond behind Bowser's Hillcrest home. Down the hall, another photo featured a Panamanian church ruin, while others accentuated the unique colors and shapes of flowers Bowser cultivated in his garden.

With his final large-scale exhibit planned for the year behind him, Bowser expressed plans to delve deeper into his art, opting for more Black-and-white photos, large format prints and printing on different materials.

For this endeavor, he has Carol Rhodes Dyson as an avid supporter. Dyson, curator of the exhibit at TMCSH, said Bowser's art has the power to positively shape others' perspectives about parts of the world often misunderstood.

"Marvin's landscapes had that air of mystery and contemplation," Dyson told The Informer. "His work is quietly powerful. It captures a moment, and I can imagine being [in those spaces]. Some of these images may not show a material wealth, but a vast wealth of ideas, beauty, colors, sounds, and smells in that place. These are images from the African Diaspora that stimulate a broader vision. Because of Marvin's photographs, I am encouraged to pack my bags to experience and explore those places as well." WI

Dyson, curator of the exhibit at TMCSH, said Bowser's art has the power to positively shape others' perspectives about parts of the world often misunderstood.

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OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019 35

LIFESTYLE

Making 'The Moment' Now Review of a Musical for the 99 Percent

By Gwen McKinney Special to The Informer

5 The cast of 'The Moment is Now.' (Courtesy photo)

36 OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019

The year was 1869. Ruins of the Civil War are being swallowed in the swirl of Reconstruction. Federal troops protecting the union victory and the newly emancipated slaves have not yet withdrawn from the South. The promise of America in the dawn of the industrial era is tangible.

Our story opens in Baltimore with Frederick Douglass (Le-

Count R. Holmes Jr.) calling a meeting of key players to envision a new, free, democratic nation. Pioneering Black trade unionist Isaac Myers (Darryl! LC Moch), organizing Black shipyard workers in Baltimore and across the country, is joined by Irish-Catholic labor leader William Sylvis (Ariel Jacobson). He had a vision of taking on the barons and plantation owners on behalf of poor laborers in the north and south. Susan B. Anthony (Jenna Rose Stein), considered the "Mother of Suffrage" was included to inject her militant view of women's equality through voting rights.

Moments after Douglass leaves the three to their deliberations, an uninvited figure emerges from the dark. She mounts the stairs.

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper (Julia Nixon) takes center stage.

Acknowledging she was excluded, she affirms, "They need me to make this right."

For the next two hours, rights, wrongs, race and justice are fused into a foot-tapping, hand-clapping kaleidoscope of spoken word/rap, jazz, blues, gospel and musical theater, animated in a lyrical montage through the lens of history.

The story takes wings and soars.

The meeting in Baltimore was imagined. But the characters were real. Their expressions came from actual speeches of that era.

The musical opened and closed with poetry from Langston Hughes' "Let America Be America Again."

A troupe of classically trained actors, set developers and musicians turned out 15 musical interventions with provocative themes complemented by 170 overhead slides flashing archival footnotes and images.

The performance enjoyed an air of authentically in the Emmanuel Episcopal Church (built in 1854) auditorium in downtown Baltimore. Seven performances, over two weekends Sept.

13-22, left most patrons wanting more.

Creator Gene Bruskin, a 73-year-old retired labor strategist, coined the show as "Theater for the 99 percent." Estimating the production took about two years from conception to staging, he says the themes festered within him for decades, inspired

by the hopes and challenges of the Reconstruction era. This was crystallized by W.E.B. Du Bois' Black Reconstruction. It projected the possibilities and agency of that period that disintegrated into the plunder of white supremacy, labor exploitation, solidification of wealthy landowners and division among the have nots and their best interests.

"That was a moment when this nation had the chance to almost do the right thing," Bruskin said.

"But like then, the moment is still now."

He insisted that 2019 is a perfect backdrop to revisit the possibilities. Many key events have catalyzed new awareness including the fomenting of White supremacy; heightened conversation about reparations; 400 years since the arrival of the first kidnapped Africans; 150 years since the 15th Amendment giving Black men voting rights and a century since passage of the 19th Amendment for women's voting rights.

"Moments come and moments pass. But you cannot freeze them if you do not seize them," recited Bruskin from his script.

The performance has generated requests for a touring show to labor conventions, civic groups, public schools and other venues where history and politics can find a marriage. A film stream is also being planned on www.TheMomentWasNow.com.

WI

The performance has generated

requests for a touring show to labor

conventions, civic groups, public

schools and other

venues where his-

tory and politics can find a marriage.

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LIFESTYLE

When Julia Meets Frances

By Gwen McKinney Special to The Informer

When Broadway actress Julia Nixon met poet, abolitionist, suffragist Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, she felt certain she had unlocked a treasure box.

"My first thought was that this woman was a fictitious character," Nixon said. "My second thought, when I realized she actually existed, was OMG!" From there, she would take a journey through poetry, history and the lived experience in the footsteps of a woman revered as "the Mother of Black American literature."

Nixon, a recording artist with a long-running stint at the popular D.C. supper club Mr. Henry's, recently completed a two-week run of the musical "The Moment Was Now." She confides that "living in Frances Harper's skin" gave her new inspiration about Black women's power then and now.

Staged in Baltimore at the historic Emmanuel Episcopal Church, "The Moment" takes us back to 1869. Harper was one of five historical characters featured in the show, which also included orator Frederick Douglass (LeCount R. Holmes Jr.) and suffrage leader Susan B. Anthony (Jenna Rose Stein).

The two-hour musical was a potent slice of American histo-

SINGER from Page 24 the Aurora Fox Arts Center in Aurora, CO in 2013 as Celie in “The Color Purple” in which she received rave reviews and earned several awards.

“Her rich voice takes possession of Celie’s many wounds but also carries in its soulfulness the possibility of future triumphs,” said one reviewer, Lisa Kennedy from The Denver Post Newspaper. about how it manifests in me.”

In the U.S., she would strike gold with her first single “Sugar Maple” which celebrated an impressive run, in rotation on several radio stations, including iHeart Radio, WYBC, Music Choice and Sirius XM’s Heart & Soul. Her album, “Trial and Error,” peaked at #46 on the iTunes R&B charts and #2 on the Amazon R&B charts in the first week of its release.

ry, shining a light on hypocrisy, democracy and possibilities that confronted the country in the late 19th century. Reconstruction, women's voting rights, the industrial revolution, labor rights and true emancipation of Black people were on the table.

But the big story embedded in the play explores suffrage, race and power — a complex and intractable conundrum that haunts us today.

As the nation marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment giving women voting rights next August, the lessons of Frances Harper and a cadre of Black suffragists of the 19th and early 20th centuries are a reminder of the schism between White feminism and Black liberation.

Harper, like many of her contemporaries, was an ardent advocate of universal suffrage. It was inseparable from abolition of slavery and full emancipation of all people beyond the act of voting.

Through a rousing performance in "The Moment," Julia Nixon demonstrates Harper's connection with Anthony's cause ("I'm A Woman") and the split when Black suffragists throw down the gauntlet with Black men, granted voting rights through adoption of the 15th Amendment ("Not a Straw in the Way").

Harper (1825-1911) lived a

full and productive life. The first known Black woman to publish a short story ("Two Offers," 1859), her poetry collections have been republished hundreds of times.

Harper joined with other Black women including Harriet Tubman and Ida B. Wells to establish the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs in 1896. That organization, which rarely gets the recognition it deserves, was the forerunner of the NAACP. Songstress Nixon, herself a poet and playwright, enjoyed a four-year run on Broadway after the departure of Jennifer Holiday, playing Effie in "Dreamgirls." Her four-octave range equips her with the acumen to traverse musical genres including jazz, gospel, blues urban funk and musical theater.

"This conversation takes me back to the late 1960s and early 1970 in Robinson County, North Carolina," Nixon reflects. "I was part of the first wave of Black children to integrate the all-white schools in our town. I knew racial hostility firsthand."

Acknowledging that her experience pales in comparison to the journey of the post-slavery period captured in "The Moment Was Now," Nixon said, "All I can say is thank you, Frances. You woke me up."

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On September 24, SuCh invited the audience to savor her sensual hour-long performance at the City Winery in Northwest, promoting her new CD, “Wide Nose Full lips” as part of her international tour.

One fan shared his positive response to her performance.

“She is energetic and very entertaining and her voice is clear and sultry,” said LeRoy Burney of Prince George County. “Her singing gave me hope and new life,” On stage, SuCh explained that growing up her grandmother used to pinch her nose claiming that it was too wide and instilling a deep level of self-hate into her granddaughter for not having more European facial features.

Now, she feels differently as the lyrics in her songs on her new CD confirm.

“I started to love who I am for what I am. And I know that

am beautiful just the way God made me. I am beautiful,” she told her audience last month here in the District, “and I’m perfect just the way I am.”

Her fans agree.

“I loved how she sings about such a sensitive and serious subject matter,” said Susan Wright of Prince George’s County. “My sister got the lips but I got the wide nose. It took me awhile to come around to my nose but now I love me. It’s not my job to make someone else love me.”

SuCh’s new album ‘Wide Nose Full lips’ on SoundCloud is about self-awareness, Black love and women’s empowerment she says.

“I want people to be empowered after listening to my music and comfortable in their own skin. I want to continue to take care of people the way I did when I was a nurse,” she added.

For more information, visit www.iamsuch.com. WI

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5 Julia Nixon (Courtesy photo)

Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center’s Quilting Club Presents a

Quilt Exhibition and Workshop Wednesday, October 23, 2019 10:00AM – 3:00PM

Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center 324 Kennedy St. NW

Washington, DC 20011

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OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019 37

LIFESTYLE

Wine and Spirits Festival Showcases Minority Entrepreneurs

By Eve M. Ferguson WI Contributing Writer Since the early days of American history, African Americans have had a knack for creating wine and spirits. The recently publicized story of Jack Daniel's teacher in whiskey distillation, the African American enslaved man, Nathan "Uncle Nearest" Green, revealed a history that dates back to the 19th century.

Other family recipes passed down among many African American families include beverages such as dandelion, Muscatine and blackberry wine.

Fast-forward to the 21st century and African Americans are not only creating spirits, but are now profiting in a market dominated by brand names like Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire and Barefoot.

The fourth annual Black Wine and Spirit Festival was held on a warm September weekend and was well-attended, both by vendors and patrons. The event which featured a full day of tastings, music, food and an opportunity to mix and mingle with the creators of a wide range of beverages, is the brainchild of Chanel Turner, whose Fou-Dre Vodka, an infused vodka using natural fruits, co-sponsored the all-day festival along with Rap Snacks.

Four years ago, as Turner was growing her brand, which was first marketed in Maryland and now enjoys broad distribution with its major market in Singapore, the Bowie State University graduate had an epiphany.

"I researched distilleries and found a distillery in South Carolina that had a little bit of a different process. Four years later, I had a finished product," Turner said. "I took it to New York and started distribution.

Our first market was Maryland and that was all she wrote after that!"

Turner, like so many other HBCU grads, came to the area for college and never left after graduation. She has been in the DMV for the last 18 years and considers the area her home away from her native Florida.

"We need more of 'us.' There are a lot of us in this business, but we get overshadowed by the mainstream brands" she said.

So, in the spirit of community, Turner created a vehicle to bring attention to the minority creators of wine and spirits that would be fun, informative, and give those lesser-known brands owned by Black people some visibility.

"Most patrons would walk into a liquor store, and while the brand might be in the store, they don't

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38 OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019

2019 NATIONAL PRESENTING SPONSOR

5 Sean Yisrael (left) and Gregory Lawrence (right) owners of Markell-Bani Fine Wines and Sparkling Beverages was just one of the featured presenters at the 4thAnnual Black Owned Wine and Spirits Festival sponsored by Chanel Turner (center), owner of FOUDRE Vodka at Dock 5 in Northeast on Saturday, Sept. 28. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

know who creates them. We have got to get the consumers to know that while they are spending money on products, they could be putting the money into Black and Brown businesses."

In fact, her motto is "put the dollar back Black," encouraging African Americans to be cognizant of where they are putting their money.

But, Turner points out, it is not easy.

"It was and still is a struggle," she added. "This industry takes money, it takes a lot of money and it is hard to just walk into a bank and get a loan for this industry, or for anything for that matter. If you don't have the resources, you can slowly fade out I have seen a lot of brands come before me and after me and they are not here today. When you walk into a conference or an expo on wine and spirits, you see very few of us there."

One would never imagine that is the case as vendors with distinctive sounding names like Blackleaf Vodka, Hidden Spirits, Coco Sky, Wifey Rosé and Talero Tequila, poured libations for enthusiastic festival-goers, some who came from as far as California, Pennsylvania and

New York and others who came from Baltimore, suburban Virginia and the District.

The sentiments were the same — supporting African American and other minority entrepreneurs and having a good time. One group was celebrating two birthdays and two higher education degrees, while others just were looking for a good way to spend a weekend.

Adraine Upshaw, a statistician in financial services, and her husband came down from Baltimore and relaxed in the VIP lounge, which had a "Harlem Nights" theme this year.

It is a nice, classy event," she said as her husband passed her hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. "It is nice to have a daytime, date night event.

Of course, if we don't support each other, how can we move forward as a people?

"When something attracts a crowd, it attracts everyone," Upshaw said. "We shouldn't be limited to sports and entertainment. We excel at anything we do. We come to excel!"

Ben Carter left a career in radio and television to promote his 100% organic tequila, which is dis-

tilled in Mexico, on a full-time basis. Carter said he took on the task because "no one else was doing it."

Talero Tequila is now in 20 states and five countries, with a goal to achieve 30 states and 10 countries in 2020. His tequila is distilled in the same facility as Randy Gerber and George Clooney's Casamigos brand.

"I was working in Mexico City when I was asked if I was interested in owning an organic tequila in 2016. I tasted it, and it reminded me of when I was in grad school and we would take a tequila shot for every final exam. We are the only Black-owned tequila in the world," he said with pride and he poured the spirit for people who waited in line for a taste.

The Black-owned Wine and Spirit Festival will return to Union Market in 2020 to celebrate five years of promoting Black- and minority-owned wines and spirits, and from the vibe of the hundreds who viewed classic cars from the Unity Thunder Car Club, puffed on shisha in the hookah lounge, and made new friends, most vowed to come back, with another friend or two next time. WI

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Installation of 7 trash traps that have removed more than 70,000 lbs of trash & debris from District waterways

More than 3,000 trees planted & over 29,000 linear feet of stream restoration projects

Installation of more than 2,300 rain barrels to capture stormwater

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More than 7,500 people experiencing the Anacostia River through educational boat tours

OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019 39

LIFESTYLE

SMITHSONIAN from Page 1

whose acquisitions deserve far more attention and support than it’s seen in years past.

But we have a feeling that’s all about to change with the hiring of Dr. Melanie A. Adams who recently accepted the position as director, moving from the Minnesota Historical Society where she previously served as deputy director for learning initiatives.

Adams brings over 25 years of community engagement experience in museums and higher education and a clear dedication to bringing stakeholders together to address relevant community issues. While in her stead at the Minnesota Historical Society, she managed 26 historic sites and museums throughout the State, creating a community outreach department which provided partnerships and programs outside the walls of the museum.

Her past work has focused on racial inequality in areas such as education. Appointed by the mayor in 2007 to the Special Administrative Board of St. Louis Public Schools, she worked for nine years with students, staff and the public to help the district regain accreditation.

Along the way, she received numerous accolades for her community work; she was named a St. Louis NAACP 100 Community Leader in 2009 and the Royal Vagabonds Foundation Extraordinary St. Louis Trailblazer in 2014.

“I am excited and honored to join the staff of the Anacostia Community Museum and build upon the great legacy of socially relevant programs, exhibitions and collections that explore the D.C. community and serve as a national model for the museum field,” Adams said.

Additionally, she holds a bachelor’s degree in English/African-American studies from the University of Virginia, a master’s degree in education from the University of Vermont and a doctorate from the University of Missouri St. Louis in educational leadership and policy studies.

She succeeds Lori Yarrish, who was the director of the museum from December 2017 until her death in August 2018. Lisa Sasaki, director of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, has served as interim director since then.

That said, and given her impressive resume and successful experiences in the field, she has all the makings of the perfect person to take over the ongoing mission of the Southeast community’s reservoir of knowledge and history.

“Melanie is a proven educator, administrator and leader,” said David Skorton, secretary of the Smithsonian. “Her stellar leadership at cultural institutions and national non-profits demonstrates that she has the experience and vision to guide the Anacostia Community Museum to a bright future by expanding its reach and impact.”

We spoke with Adams at the Washington Informer offices about her vision – one which will undoubtedly bring greater luster to our community’s “diamond.”

Washington Informer: You have a strong background in education and have focused on racial inequality. How has that interest informed your work?

Melanie Adams: I received my Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with an emphasis on critical race theory. After living in St. Louis for 25 years, you

cannot help but talk about race, especially after the Mike Brown situation happened. But before that my work and our president at the Minnesota Science Museum, a white male, was never afraid to address the tough topics. We were handling related issues in the 2000s – looking at the inequities that were in St. Louis. We recognized that someone had to start the difficult conversations about race. Failure to do so often is the reason why people begin to talk in code.

WI: We hear you live East of the River. How do you like your new neighborhood and neighbors?

Adams: I followed the footsteps of one of my predecessors, John Kinard, and my husband and I are really happy living in the Anacostia community. As a community-based museum, it’s important to me that I live in the community. I feel that if I’m talking about community issues I need to be part of that community. Coming from the Midwest, I’m not used to a commute to work. I’ve always lived within five miles of the job. And as we all know, five miles in D.C. can be more like 45 minutes in commute time. I am learning about Ward 8 and Congress Heights a little each day. And it’s a great experience so far.

WI: You have authored a book for children that is doing quite well. Tell us about it.

Adams: It’s a book about civil rights for fourth graders and is based on an exhibit we developed in St. Louis. We found that fourth graders, while the curriculum was set to provide them with instruction in civil rights history, failed to adequately give them lessons in local civil rights history, the story of Dred Scott perhaps being the exception.

The book was a departure from the

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40 OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019

5 Melanie Adams, Director of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

normal articles and publications that come out of the museum system which are traditionally aimed at an adult audience. I’m pleased that it’s doing so well.

WI: What do you like so far about living in the District?

Adams: I was born and raised in New Jersey outside of Newark, went to school at UVA and have been in the Midwest for about 28 years. In some ways, D.C. is different but in many others, it’s the same. There are urban issues we face from educational equity to gentrification and crime. But D.C. has so many amazing cultural options and opportunities from theater and music to the museums, including, of course, the Smithsonians. The culture here is overwhelming. I particularly enjoy seeing the pride that people have in their neighborhoods. It’s pretty amazing. For me and my husband, our toughest task has been finding the time to get to learn more about Southeast and the rest of the City.

The Anacostia Community Museum has so much to offer. I just want people to come out and see the changes that we’ve made during the construction period. I want people to understand that this is their museum. And I want to help bridge the gap between those who live on the two sides of the river. We have much to share and to learn about one another.

The Museum celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017. With our exhibits and the changes we’ve made to the physical property, I’m excited about the opportunity to both reflect on our founding and to see where we go for the next 50 years.

People have the idea that a museum

is where you go to see things but not touch things. We are showing people here in Anacostia that their stories matter. But we want to tell more stories. And we want those in the community to use the museum to better their own neighborhoods.

This is a vibrant community and the museum should be an extension of that vibrancy. After all, a museum is so much more than just a place where artifacts sit behind glass cases or where things hang on the wall.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM

The Anacostia Neighborhood Museum (original name) was established in a converted Southeast Washington movie theater in 1967 to bring the Smithsonian off the National Mall and into a local, inner-city environment.

In 2006, the name was changed to the Anacostia Community Museum. Exhibitions, collections and public programs examine contemporary themes through the eyes of diverse community members. The museum’s collections consist of objects and archival materials that document urban communities and the lives of urban residents, from home life and everyday activities to the community-building efforts of artists, activists and others.

While closed for renovations until October 13, the museum has offered “Offsite and In the City,” an initiative that includes satellite locations of the exhibition “A Right to the City” at branches of the D.C. Public Library and complementary public programs at venues throughout the District. WI

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LIFESTYLE

wi book review "The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table"

By Minda Harts

c.2019, Seal $27 ($35.50 Canada) 221 pages

By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer Your seat is down there, right at the end.

You know, though, it's not close enough to where you want to be. You need to be where decisions are made and careers are launched. No, your place at the table is close to the head and with "The Memo" by Minda Harts you'll see how to get there.

Several years ago, a book circulated among businesswomen that advised them to "lean in," speak up, and coalesce. Harts says she eagerly read the book but, once finished, she was confused. Like most women of color in business, she'd always "leaned in" because she had to. That book spurred her to come up with "The Memo."

"The Ugly Truth," she says, is that few organizations teach women of color how to deal with mostly-white workplaces. It's not just a matter of showing up and doing the work — you need to survive and build "your squad."

In business-speak, that's networking, and it's top of the list in importance. You may not feel like going to happy hour with coworkers who've irritated you all day, but go anyhow. By joining in, even for a minute, you give people a chance to get to know you. You might find an office friend.

For women of color, office politics are two-pronged: you must learn "respectability politics" in addition to the other kind. Having a mentor will help; in the meantime, don't burn bridges, don't gossip and watch your emotions at work.

It sounds like just another platitude, but know your worth. Invest in yourself and stand out, then get the self-confidence you need to ask for what you want. Just remember, salary isn't the only thing to request: more vacation, a company car, and flex time are all nice bargaining chips.

Finally, if you're white and reading this book, pay attention.

Says Harts, "… women of color will be the majority of the workforce by… 2060; if I were a white woman, I would do better."

There is no denying the usefulness of this book, nor its truth. "The Memo" offers helpful words for those who are the lone women of color at their workplaces. It teaches strength in the face of racism, on hair issues, self-confidence, and for anyone who needs to school coworkers while keeping her job. It gives young women of color a sisterhood, albeit one made of paper.

And yet, there's discord in this book that a deeper look exposes.

At two particular points here, author Minda Harts chastises white women for making assumptions and "sweeping generalizations about 'women'" without addressing any of the unique challenges that women of color face at work. This creates a paradox, since readers may notice overgeneralizations about white women that don't allow room for those who are not clueless. That sets up further conundrums, to be sure.

Overall, go into "The Memo" looking for help and you'll absolutely find it, just as you'll find that you're not alone. Go in eyes wide open.

And then, take a seat …

WI

horoscopes

OCT 3-9, 2019

ARIES This week, as powerful Pluto turns direct in your sector of responsibility, things can be a lot easier in this department. If the past months have seen delays and obstacles getting in your way, now progress is more assured. Lucky Numbers: 15, 20, 35 TAURUS If you've wanted to make progress but felt held back by forces beyond your control, things are now about to change. As volcanic Pluto forges ahead in your sector of opportunity and adventure, doors that were shut may now open, and you could find yourself catapulted into new vistas. With sobering Saturn also pushing forward, the climate is right for seeing positive change taking place in your world. Lucky Numbers: 18, 23, 36 GEMINI You could experience something of a rebirth in your sector of shared assets and deep soul bonds as powerful Pluto forges ahead on Wednesday. With sobering Saturn already marching forward, positive developments can replace weeks of frustration and inactivity. If you're running a business, better times are surely ahead. This doesn't mean that you can overspend, because you'll still need to keep an eye on finances, but life will be easier in general. Lucky Numbers: 4, 5, 13 CANCER Certain relationships can become more forward-looking as powerful Pluto turns direct this week. With prudent Saturn already moving forward, the coming weeks could see a shift that suggests you may get on better with key people. There will be less resistance between you and perhaps more willingness to cooperate. Lucky Numbers: 7, 12, 20 LEO This week, you may feel as though you're beginning to run with the tide rather than swim against it. As powerful Pluto pushes forward in your lifestyle and work sector, the problems that have plagued you over the past months may begin to melt away. And if you have purposely made changes to your schedule, you may now feel the benefits. Lucky Numbers: 21, 30, 48 VIRGO If you've felt frustrated by the lack of progress in a romantic bond or creative project, the week ahead can be the start of a more progressive phase. With volcanic Pluto powering forward in your leisure zone after many months in reverse, you could go through a positive gear change. Things can begin to shift your way over the coming weeks. Lucky Numbers: 2, 13, 17 LIBRA If there are times when you've wondered if your family life will ever get back on track, that moment may be approaching. With radical Pluto changing direction in your home zone and sobering Saturn already dancing forward, the attitude to certain relatives or family members may begin to shift. And you could find that they're more open to your ideas, with less of a tendency to resist or argue. Lucky Numbers: 5, 29, 33 SCORPIO You may have had many opportunities to push ahead over the past months, but something stopped you. That something may have been sobering Saturn and powerful Pluto rewinding in your sector of talk and thought. With Saturn already pushing ahead and intensive Pluto moving forward midweek, things can now begin to change for the positive. You may have fewer doubts and feel more determined to reach your goals.

Lucky Numbers: 5, 7, 21 SAGITTARIUS Have money matters been an issue over past months? If so, powerful Pluto forging ahead this week means things can turn to the positive. With Saturn already on its forward trajectory, the coming weeks could see a marked improvement. There may be fewer obstacles and more chances to get ahead. Lucky Numbers: 18, 32, 47 CAPRICORN The focus on the topmost sector of your chart is enhanced from this week with powerful Mars moving in for a six-week stay. This will ramp up your energy level and determination to accomplish key goals. If you have something going that needs a lot of attention and hard work, this is the time to go for it. Lucky Numbers: 6, 14, 19 AQUARIUS The intensity you may have felt over past weeks can begin to melt away as warrior Mars moves into your sector of travel and far horizons this week. Everything may seem lighter and brighter, and you could feel a lot easier in general. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore new possibilities and traverse new terrain. You'll be eager to move out of your comfort zone, and doing so could be very rewarding. Lucky Numbers: 6, 7, 9 PISCES If your social life has been going through some turmoil over the past weeks and months, you could emerge from this with a renewed sense of who your friends really are. As radical Pluto turns direct in your social zone and with sobering Saturn already forging ahead, positive developments may contribute to a greater sense of well-being in this area. Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 39

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019 41

CAPTURE the moment

The Pearl and Ivy Education Foundation, Incorporated in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated XI Omega chapter held a community partners, donors, and friends reception and presented awards to donors at the XI Omega Center in Northwest on Thursday, Sept. 26. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

Supporters and friends gathered to celebrate the twenty-second anniversary of Rev. Dr. James Terrell pastor of the Second Baptist Church at a high tea hosted by his wife Judge Mary A. Terrell on September 27 in Northwest. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

Angie Gates (left), director of the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment closes out the 2019 202 Creates season at Bus Boys & Poets in Southeast with its owner Andy Shallal on Saturday, Sept. 28. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer) The Prince Hall Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia held their annual cleanup campaign on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Woodlawn Historical Ceremony to honor the lives of Black Americans buried in the cemetery on Benning Road in Southeast. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

Xfinity held the 1 Voice Regional Gospel Showcase competition on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Prince George’s Community College. Judges for the event included Cheryl Jackson, Tim Bowman, Jr., Madelyne Woods, Deitrick Haddon, Fred Hammond, and Shomari Stone were six of the five judges gathered in the press room. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

42 OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

BOOK TALK from Page 33 about putting a team together, about the creativity involved, and then it's about mastering the adversity and all of the obstacles that you didn't see coming."

In response, Bunch recalled the story of Quincy Jenkins, who was living in a home that used to belong to enslaved people.

"Quincy Jenkins a sharecropper, he was the grandson of an enslaved woman who lived on a plantation her whole life outside of Georgetown, South Carolina.

When I went to do research and interview him, he wasn't sure who I was or what I did. But at the end of the day, he said 'it's really important to make sure that you just don't give people what they really want. It is important to give them what they need. For me, what that meant was how I make sure that everybody understands that they are shaped in profound ways by the African American experience. How do I make sure the museum gives people not just what commemorates and celebrates, but challenges, prods, demands that they look in all the dark corners of the American experience. Quincy Jenkins taught me that."

The lively back-and-forth went from Pelley recalling first seeing the pit in the ground that would become the museum, to seeing the actual structure. It was compelling enough for the program "60 Minutes" to revisit three times as the building went from blueprint to actuality.

"I think it was really important to realize that slavery is central to understanding the American experience, the African American experience, but that is not the totality of the Black experience. For me, I was trying to find the right tension between resiliency, opti-

KIRWAN from Page 12

category because school systems implement it differently.

Although schools count all children, former state Sen. Joan Carter Conway of Baltimore City said the proposed data doesn't show whether those 3and 4-year-old children would be calculated in determining how many students are in each jurisdiction.

Rachel Hise, who works on the commission staff, said that will be reviewed.

According to a 2018-19 graph of free and reduced-price meals for students, Baltimore City and Prince George's County ranked first and second in the state.

For schools with at least 80 percent of students receiving free

"How do I make sure the museum gives people not just what commemorates and celebrates, but challenges, prods, demands that they look in all the dark corners of the American experience. Quincy Jenkins taught me that." – Dr. Lonnie Bunch III mism, pain and understanding.

I wanted this museum to be a place that would allow you to cry when you pondered the pain of slavery and segregation, but also a place where you could hear the tunes of Aretha Franklin. I wanted this museum to tell a full, complex picture. A picture than wouldn't have simple answers, but lots of shades of gray, lots of ambiguity," Bunch explained.

Bunch was living in Chicago at the time he received the call to be the founding director of the museum which would finally place the history of African American people on the National Mall. He also recalled his initial hesitancy about accepting the challenge.

Although he had a few stints at the Smithsonian Institution before, at the National Museum of American History and Air and Space Museum, Bunch had moved on to Chicago where he headed up the Chicago Historical Society before returning to the Smithsonian in 2005.

Starting with a staff of two, Bunch grew the personnel to its

present number, approximately 205 employees which are now being headed under the direction of Spencer Crew, a longtime affiliate of Bunch during his tenure at the National Museum of American History.

But the fight to get the NMAAHC on the National Mall was quite another struggle, and one that he had to convince Congress and others that it belonged on the mall with the other monuments to American history. He called it, "a museum of no."

"This is a museum that started with nothing. It had one member of the staff besides myself. It had no collection, no idea that we would be where we are today. It had no money raised. There were very few people who really believed this would happen. So my notion was 'am I willing to take that leap and believe we could, no matter how long it took, turn the 'no' into a place that mattered."

The hourlong discussion covered some of Pelley's favorite quotes from the book, and also looked at Bunch's favorite ob-

jects from the collections, which came from the historian's idea after falling asleep in front of the television. When he woke up, "Antiques Roadshow," was playing and he decided to travel the country looking for objects.

Approximately 70 percent of the 37,000 objects now comprising the permanent collections came from the attics and basements of people throughout the nation. A few of his favorite objects include Nat Turner's Bible, belonging to the abolitionist who led the deadliest slave revolt in the history of the United States, but also what he called a "tin wallet" holding the manumission papers of Joseph Trammell, given to the museum by his descendants.

"A Fool's Errand" went on sale on Sept. 24, and Bunch is expected to visit six additional cities in 2019, including New York City, Philadelphia, Boston and Los Angeles, where he will be interviewed by Gayle King of CBS News, Henry Louis Gates and other notables. More dates will be added in 2020. WI

and reduced-price meals, Baltimore City had 114 schools and Prince George's with 37 for a total of 151. Those two majority-Black jurisdictions accounted for 76 percent of the 197 schools statewide.

"We need to have a discussion on that one piece" to ensure equity for all students, said Del. Maggie McIntosh (D-Baltimore City).

Alvin Thornton, chair of Prince George's County school board and member of work group, offered his suggestion on how to eradicate childhood poverty, which he said is at about 62 percent in the county.

"If you want to reduce childhood poverty in schools, then you develop communities dif-

ferent," he said after the session.

"What that means is that you develop mixed, planned communities where you have different family structures [and] income structures. You will not get concentrated childhood poverty.

That’s the only way to do it."

Some representatives from smaller and rural regions said forcing county governments to pay more toward education would hurt them financially.

Nicole Christian, president and CEO of Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, said the county would receive less money because the number of low-income students isn't as high as other jurisdictions.

However, half of the students receive free and reduced-price

meals and ranks seventh in the state, she said in a letter dated Wednesday.

"We would strongly encourage the commission to revise the wealth formula to include a high concentration of student poverty as a determinant for school funding," Christian said. "The wealth formula should be adjusted prior to formulation a plan to fund the recommendations that communities like Garrett County will never be able to implement without increase funding from the state of Maryland."

The recommendations would be sent to state lawmakers and reviewed as possible legislation when the General Assembly convenes Jan. 8.

WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

PG BRIEFS from Page 13

WATER QUALITY PROGRAM

PGCPS says it is committed to providing safe learning and working environments.

For more than a decade, the school system has worked to provide students and staff with safe drinking water in compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency mandates. Since 2004, school officials have methodically addressed lead in water, with drinking sources as an ongoing priority.

The final phase was completed at the end of January. Prior actions included sampling and testing all water sources; flushing, replacing or valving off fixtures; and providing bottled water when drinking sources could not be cleared expeditiously.

The final phase of the schools' Water Quality Program allowed for retesting of all drinking sources currently in use and the installation of filtered water fountains throughout the school system.

Officials will continue to address this issue aggressively and provide safe drinking water in all schools and offices.

SPECIALTY PROGRAMS Q&A

Applications for middle school and high school specialty programs for the 2020-21 school year are open.

The high school program showcase is Wednesday, Oct. 16, and to help with the application process PGCPS has provided answers to frequently asked questions: Q. What information do I need to apply?

Before applying to specialty programs, please have your student's PGCPS identification number and SchoolMax portal log-in credentials.

Keep in mind that many applications also require teacher recommendations, a personal essay (completed by student) and/or an audition. Be prepared by considering teachers or faculty who might offer a recommendation for your child. You'll need to submit their names and email addresses as part of some applications.

Q. What's the process for private/ home-schooled students to apply?

Private and home-school parents must obtain a PGCPS ID number for their student to apply and must apply online by the deadline.

Non-PGCPS families must also submit academic transcripts or portfolios from the prior school year and first quarter/trimester of the current school year to the Department of Testing. Students must also register to take the PSAT 8/9 assessment on Dec. 7, 2019. November 8 is the deadline to register and location is to be announced.

WI

OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019 43

SPORTS For more photos, visit www.washingtoninformer.com

Mystics Strike First in WNBA Finals

5 Washington Mystics forward Emma Meesseman elevates for a layup attempt during the Mystics' 95-86 win over the Connecticut Sun in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals at Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast on Sunday, Sept. 29.

(John E. De Freitas/The Washington Informer) 5 Connecticut Sun guard Shekinna Stricklen pressures Washington Mystics guard Ariel Atkins during the Mystics' 9586 win in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals at Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast on Sunday, Sept. 29. (John E. De Freitas/The Washington Informer) 4 Connecticut Sun guard Jasmine Thomas defends Washington Mystics forward Aeriel Powers during the Mystics' 95-86 win in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals at Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast on Sunday, Sept. 29. (John E. De Freitas/The Washington Informer)

5 Washington Mystics guard Kristi Toliver attempts a layup while fending off Connecticut Sun forward Jonquel Jones during the Mystics' 95-86 win in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals at Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast on Sunday, Sept. 29. (John E. De Freitas/The Washington Informer)

44 OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019

5 Washington Mystics forward Elena Delle Donne is defended by Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas during the Mystics' 95-86 win in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals at Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast on Sunday, Sept. 29. (John E. De Freitas/The Washington Informer)

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

SPORTS

Bethune-Cookman Outlasts Howard

5 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats running back Que'shaun Byrd attempts to breaks a tackle during Bethune-Cookman's 37-29 win over the Howard Bison at Greene Stadium in Northwest on Saturday, Sept. 28. (John E/ De Freitas/The Washington Informer) 3 Howard Bison defensive back Ray Williams tackles Bethune-Cookman Wildcats running back Isaac Washington during Bethune-Cookman's 37-29 win at Greene Stadium in Northwest on Saturday, Sept. 28. (John E. De Freitas/The Washington Informer)

5 Howard Bison running back Dedrick Parson is forced out of bounds by Bethune-Cookman Wildcats defensive back Zion Edmonds during Bethune-Cookman's 37-29 win at Greene Stadium in Northwest on Saturday, Sept. 28. (John E. De Freitas/The Washington Informer)

5 Howard Bison defensive back Ray Williams tackles Bethune-Cookman Wildcats running back Que'shaun Byrd during Bethune-Cookman's 37-29 win at Greene Stadium in Northwest on Saturday, Sept. 28. (John E. De Freitas/The Washington Informer)

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

5 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats quarterback Akevious Williams outruns Howard Bison defensive lineman Elton Jean-Baptiste during Bethune-Cookman's 37-29 win at Greene Stadium in Northwest on Saturday, Sept. 28. (John E. De Freitas/The Washington Informer)

OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019 45

IMPEACH from Page 1

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46 OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019

transcript of the conversation with the Ukrainian [president]," said David Reischer, an attorney and CEO of LegalAdvice.com.

"The idea for impeachment as drafted into the Framers of the Constitution was to remove a president from office that was engaged in unlawful activity.

"Technically the House and Senate can impeach President Trump purely for political reasons but the standard by which to get sufficient votes in the House and Senate is whether high crimes and misdemeanors' have been committed," Reischer said.

The "High Crimes and Misdemeanors" phrase is taken from Section 4 of Article Two of the United States Constitution. It reads: "The President, Vice President and all Civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."

The Constitution requires that a two-thirds super majority to convict a person in the Senate because it wants the removal to be a high burden, Reischer said.

"Like the Mueller report while the allegations are serious against the president, the allegations stop just short of actually concluding that a crime had been committed," he said.

Removal is not the only reason to launch a formal impeachment inquiry, said Sam Nelson, an associate professor and chair of the political science department at the University of Toledo.

"Many observers have been focused on the futility of impeachment given that a Republican-controlled Senate will almost certainly not vote to remove the president," Nelson said.

The impeachment investigation of President Richard Nixon proved that the proceedings can move public opinion as allegations are investigated and evidence brought to light, Nelson said, adding an official inquiry strengthens the hand of the six committees already investigating the president and his administration, the professor stated.

"These committees are locked in legal battles with the White House over subpoenas, witness testimony and executive privilege," Nelson said. "Courts are more likely to side with Congress in exercise of its Article I power to investigate an impeachment than when they are engaged in ordinary oversight. And, perhaps most importantly, impeachment exists in the Constitution

The impeachment investigation of President Richard Nixon proved that the proceedings can move public opinion as allegations are investigated and evidence brought to light... to be a deterrent to unconstitutional, criminal or illicit behavior by presidents, judges and other government officials."

It should finally be noted that impeachment is the ultimate backstop for constitutional separation of powers and Congress's co-equal role in the constitutional design, according to Nelson.

Impeachment, even if the Senate does not vote for removal, should act as a deterrent not just to Trump but also to future presidents of both parties, he said.

"To not open an impeachment inquiry given the gravity of the most recent allegations against the president is to give him, and all future presidents, vast, unchecked power to ignore the Constitution, the other branches of government, and the public interest," Nelson said.

So what's the process to impeach the president?

Historian and radio show host Michael Hart said it begins when one member of the House drafts articles of impeachment against an elected official.

Impeachment is the same as an indictment in U.S. criminal courts.

Following the drafting of the articles of impeachment, the speaker of the House de-

cides whether to entertain the idea by convening an impeachment committee.

"This is done to discuss the merits the merits of the charges — and there could be many — and determine if support for the move is there," Hart said.

If the charges rise to the height of impeachment — as determined by the speaker and under advisement from other caucus members, a formal declaration of impeachment is drawn and hearings begin.

At the conclusion of the hearings a determination is made whether to vote on impeachment and send the case to the Senate for a full vote on removal.

"A little-known fact is that the impeachment of a president can be originated by a senator — but that senator would have to find a House member to sponsor and bring forward the call to the House," Hart said.

Despite little chance of success, members of the House have used or considered impeachment as a way to taint a president, Hart noted.

"It's a public condemnation, although it can be a risky one," he said.

It can also bring forth needed facts, something Democrats and a growing list of other observers said is needed for the current administration.

"The impeachment process is a viable option for the current House of Representatives given that the hearings will force several people in or close to the Trump Administration to testify before congress under oath," said D. Gilson, a writer who has taught popular cultural studies.

"Politically, this is smart as it will likely reveal misdeeds and contradictions leading up to the 2020 election. Judicially, this is smart as it requires folks to speak under oath, as opposed to on Twitter or Fox News."

WI

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

May Your Dreams Be Your Only Boundary!

Isn't it wonderful the way the Lord made each of us? He created us with imaginations, and He uses our brains, and our our minds like a telephone. Some of us answer the call when we do what He has spoken into our spirits. When used properly, our mind is the starting place for everything, it begins with the thoughts we have.

Do you know that the Lord God releases knowledge directly to us from His throne room in heaven — transmitted by our thoughts.

Let's take a look at some Scriptures.

"But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from 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”

God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” (1 Corinthians 2:10) "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I have said to you.” (John 14:26) "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth..." (John 16:13) No one knows the things of God except the Holy Spirit — and that the Holy Spirit has been given to each and every one of us in order to reveal the things that God wants to reveal to us. In other words, it is the job of the Holy Spirit to release the knowledge of God directly to us!

Think about what is being said in this verse. This statement being made by God in that the Holy Spirit can teach us all things is a maximum intense type of statement being made by God. God is telling us that He is willing to go more than overboard in order to teach us things and to transmit His knowledge to us.

Then the verse even goes one step further when it says that the Holy Spirit can literally bring back up to your remembrance, when you may need it, the knowledge that He has already given to you!

Haven't you received appropriate Scripture when you are speaking or preaching?

If you are willing to spend some good quality time to get the Word worked into you, the Holy Spirit will bring back up to your remembrance the appropriate Scriptures.

These Scriptures will just come to the front of your mind's eye right at the moment you need them. This is literally a supernatural transmission of knowledge directly to your mind by the Holy Spirit Himself!

And not only can the Holy Spirit do this with Scripture verses, He can also do this with any other bits of knowledge that He may want to give to you.

He can give you His words of knowledge and wisdom all day long on whatever else you may need His help on.

This is why the Holy Spirit is called "the Helper” in the second verse above. The Holy Spirit cannot help you unless He is able to transmit His words of knowledge and wisdom to you as you will need them.

If you can learn to be led by the Holy Spirit and pick up when He starts to try and communicate with you, you can literally start to receive the knowledge of God in every area of your life where you need God's knowledge and guidance to help get you safely through!

WI

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Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

John F. Johnson Reverend Dr. 1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005 Service and Times Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m.

Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday “Friendliest Church in the City” Website: mountolivetdc.org Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

www.mtzbcdc.org

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OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019 47

RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor 9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 Fax: 301-499-8724

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

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”

www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

Blessed Word of Life Church

Church of Living Waters

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., Pastor

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor

Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor

2498 Alabama Ave., SE - Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 Fax: (202) 889-2198 - www.acamec.org

800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00 AM Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study 10:30 AM 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00 AM Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30 PM Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00 AM “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”

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

1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661

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

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Third Street Church of God

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

Rev. Dr. Alice Greene Interim Pastor

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power

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

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

“An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org

Campbell AME Church

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study Wednesday: 12:00 Noon Wednesday: 7:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 PM “Reaching Up To Reach Out”

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

E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org “God is Love”

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

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

Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!”

Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net

St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us...

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

Twelfth Street Christian Church

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

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

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

Crusader Baptist Church

Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor (Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW - Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340

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

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

48 OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion every Sunday: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 10:00 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 12 Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday: 6:30 PM Motto: “Discover Something Wonderful” Website: 12thscc.org Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

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

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RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church

All Nations Baptist Church

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor

7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471

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

2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730

Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 AM Service 11:00 AM Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Motto: “A Church Keeping It Real for Real.”

Website: Shabbathcommandmentchruch.org Email: Praisebetoyhwh@gmail.com

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

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

Service and Times Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards

Israel Baptist Church

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert 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

4504 Gault Place, N.E. Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184

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

“Where Jesus is the King”

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

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

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

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

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

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

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

Mount Moriah Baptist Church

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

Service and Times Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged.

The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42

New Commandment Baptist Church

Eastern Community Baptist Church

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor

Damion M. Briggs Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Maxwell M. Washington Pastor

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

2001 Brooks Drive District Heights, MD 20744 (240) 838-7074

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:15 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer Meeting / Bible Study: Tuesday at 7 PM Theme: “The Kingdom Focused Church with an Emphasis on “Evangelism and Discipleship”

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

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

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

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

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

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

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

Shiloh Baptist Church

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Christ Embassy DC

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

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

“Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”

Peace Baptist Church

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM

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

“The Loving Church of the living lord “

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

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

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

Rev. Reginald M. Green Interim Pastor

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

St. Matthews Baptist Church

Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Baptismal Service: 1st Sunday – 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday – 11:00 AM Prayer Meeting & Bible Study: Wednesday -7:30 PM

Emmanuel Baptist Church

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

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

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

OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019 49

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2018 ADM 001322 Savannah G. Gibson Decedent Joan M. Wilbon 1120 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 1020 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Yendis L. Gibson and LaRue R. Gibson, Jr., whose addresses are 315 Woodlawn Ave., Glencoe, IL. 60022 and 213 Worthington Rd., White Plains, NY 10607, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Savannah G. Gibson who died on June 2, 2018 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/12/2020. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/12/2020, 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: 9/12/2019 Yendis L. Gibson LaRue R. Gibson, Jr. Personal Representative

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2019 ADM 988 Anthony Vernon Lee Decedent Deborah Cason Daniel, Esq. 503 D Street, NW Suite 200 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Rosie Lee, whose address is 15114 Jenkins Ridge Road, Bowie, MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Anthony Vernon Lee who died on July 4, 2015 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/26/2020.

Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/26/2020, 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: 9/26/2019

TRUE TEST COPY

Rosie Lee Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills

TRUE TEST COPY

Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2019 ADM 001011 Estate of Parker Jones, Sr. aka Parker D. Jones, Sr. aka Parker Dunford Jones, Sr. NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Parker Dunford Jones, Jr. 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 March 6, 1991 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise

Date of first publication: 9/26/2019 Parker Dunford Jones, Jr. 7220 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20012 Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

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

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

2019 ADM 000624

2019 ADM 001002

2019 ADM 1001

John Francis Wilkinson IV Decedent

James H. Richardson aka James Henry Richardson, Jr. Decedent

Geronia Carter aka Geronia Bell Carter Decedent

Tina Smith Nelson 601 E Street, NW Washington, DC 20049 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Leatha Wilkinson, whose address is 5224 Ames Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John Francis Wilkinson IV who died on October 24, 2011 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/3/2020. 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 4/3/2020, 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: 10/3/2019 Leatha Wilkinson Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills Washington Informer

Robert L. Bell, Esq. 245 Farragut Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Michael B. Hawkins and Deborah M. Peterson, whose addresses are 543 Round Table Drive, Fort Washington, MD 20744 & 6821 Milltown Ct, District Heights, MD 20747, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of James H. Richardson aka James Henry Richardson, Jr. who died on August 4, 2019 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/3/2020. 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 4/3/2020, 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: 10/3/2019 Michael B. Hawkins Deborah M. Peterson Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills Washington Informer

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW #700 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Robert Carter, Jr., whose address is 8243 Valley Stream Drive, Jonesboro, Georgia 30236, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Geronia Carter aka Geronia Bell Carter who died on June 29, 2019 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/3/2020. 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 4/3/2020, 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: 10/3/2019 Robert Carter, Jr. Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

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

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

2019 ADM 000964

2018 ADM 001401

Mattie Jean Abrams Williams Decedent

Joseph E. Shelton Decedent

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Mary E. Winston and Maurice Austin, whose addresses are 6218 Forest Grove Dr., Fredericksburg, VA 22407 & 800 10th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Mattie Jean Abrams Williams who died on June 9, 2019 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/3/2020. 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 4/3/2020, 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.

Peggy A. Miller, Esq. 5130 7th Street, NE Washington, DC 20011-2625 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Delarue Shelton, whose address is 7708 Hanover Parkway, Apt. 201, Greenbelt, MD 20770, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joseph E. Shelton who died on 9/10/2017 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/3/2020. 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 4/3/2020, 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: 10/3/2019

Date of first publication: 10/3/2019

Mary E. Winston Maurice Austin Personal Representative

Delarue Shelton Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills

Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

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

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

2019 ADM 001004

2019 ADM 000610

Fredericka Wilson Decedent

Enid W. Smith Decedent

Jasmin M. Torres 711 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21202 Attorney

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS William Wilson, Jr., whose address is 5115 Aldershot Drive, Lanham, MD 20706, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Fredericka Wilson who died on May 16, 2019 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/3/2020. 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 4/3/2020, 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: 10/3/2019 William Wilson, Jr. Personal Representative

Evelyn Rice Rolle, whose address is 8 Weyburn Court, Baltimore, MD 21237, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Enid W. Smith who died on June 13, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/3/2020. 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 4/3/2020, 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: 10/3/2019 Evelyn Rice Rolle Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills

Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills Washington Informer

Washington Informer

50 OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

CL ASSIFIEDS

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2019 ADM 985 Edward Johnson Decedent Larry C. Williams, Esq. 7600 Georgia Ave., NW #405 Washington, DC 20012 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Robert V. Johnson, Jr., whose address is 6412 Balfour Dr., Hyattsville, MD 20782, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Edward Johnson who died on August 4, 2019 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/3/2020. 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 4/3/2020, 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: 10/3/2019

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

Legal Notice

2019 ADM 000920

William W. Crocker Decedent

Betty I. Bradshaw Decedent Bradley A. Thomas, Esq. 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006-1631 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Kevin W. Douglas, whose address is 1035 Lake Shore Drive, Mitchellville, MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Betty I. Bradshaw who died on April 29, 2019 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/3/2020. 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 4/3/2020, 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: 10/3/2019

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Rosemary Tate, whose address is 761 Quebec Place, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20010, is the personal representative of the estate of William W. Crocker who died April 15, 2002 without a will and will serve without court supervision. All unknown heirs and whose whereabouts are unknown. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned on or before 12/19/2019 or forever be barred. Persons believed to be heirs to the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 10/3/2019 Rosemary Tate Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Register of Wills

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STATEHOOD from Page 1 "Bad things happen when good people do nothing," he said. "Some of you have gotten too comfortable with the status quo. In this ward, I am afraid of 'Negro removal' because the African American population is shrinking in this city. Gentrification has become genocide and too many of you have become too complacent and too comfortable."

After his address, White requested residents join one of several tables set up with working committees to deal with issues such as community engagement, workforce and entrepreneurship, mentoring, service providers, the faithbased sector, financial literacy/

home acquisition and trauma/ meditation/mental health.

The residents had their choice of committee to join.

Residents in these groups had a facilitator, usually a member of White's staff, and they discussed the issues as a selected resident wrote down opinions and next steps on a large sheet of paper.

The community engagement, workforce and entrepreneurship and trauma/meditation/mental health had a large number of participants while the service providers had only four. During the discussions, the residents sometimes became passionate and the facilitators seemed to encourage this.

White visited the groups,

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5 Ward 8 residents discuss issues pertinent to their community during a forum at the Bald Eagle Recreation Center in Southwest on Monday, Sept. 30. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

listening intently and at times injecting himself into the discussions.

Randell Strickland, who actively participated in the community engagement and became the committee's scribe to write down member's feedback, deemed the process productive.

"I am a Ward 8 resident and I am here in a personal and professional capacity," said Strickland, who works for District government's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement. "I really enjoyed this exercise and I plan to stay involved. We must continue this because the survival of our community depends on it."

White said there will be fol-

low-up session on Oct. 16 at the District Department of Housing and Community Development headquarters and a public safety hearing on Oct. 22 at the Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter School, both located in Southeast.

During the event, the ward's politics emerged as the chief topic in private conversations.

Community activist Stuart Anderson and 8C advisory neighborhood commission chairman Mike Austin, who are considering challenging White in the 2020 Democratic primary, attended the event but didn't participate in the work committees.

White hasn't announced publicly whether he will run

for reelection next year, but many residents expect him to seek a second term. If he does, Vickie Moore said she will vote for him.

"Trayon White is so humble and is really involved in the community," Moore said. "He really knows and cares about the people and is reliable."

Ilene Goodwin, a lifelong resident of Anacostia who remembers when her neighborhood had a predominantly white population, has committed to supporting White but has an open mind on his possible candidacy.

"If he shows me he can make positive changes in Ward 8, then yes I can support him," Goodwin said. WI

HEALTH from Page 22

ties tend to live near power plants and other types of polluting plants which emit toxic air into the environment. These are making our families sick."

The current election cycle is crucial for several reasons, said Kerene N. Tayloe, an environmental justice and clean energy solutions advocate for WE ACT. The election presents a great chance to mobilize votes for candidates who are not climate deniers and understand the need to address environmental justice, she said.

"We must become active at the local level where so many decisions about land development and water infrastructure, for instance, are decided," Tayloe said. "We should also be keenly aware of how the demand for energy efficiency, renewable and clean energy can create jobs right in our communities. We must lead in the creation of solutions to ensure that

the benefits flow creating opportunities for economic development."

Tayloe said caring about the climate is not a "white thing" and that it's critical for African Americans to become aware of all of the ways climate change shows up in their lives.

"Those record hurricanes, storms, flooding, extreme heat, and bitterly cold days that we are experiencing are because of climate change," she said. "In addition to climate change, for far too long black and brown communities have been the sacrifice zones for wealthier — and, frankly, whiter — communities.

"It is not a coincidence that our communities are disproportionately the location of dangerous toxic facilities and are adjacent to the busiest highways," Tayloe said. "All of these systemic problems impact our health, our property value, and the ability to gain economic independence." WI

tions for Green The Church, said environmental justice touches on many issues, including climate, the economy, health, social, and racial injustices.

African Americans learned about racism and injustices at an early age, and some know what being marginalized feels like, Noble said.

"We have folks in environmental justice communities that feel that way every day," she said. "When we're having conversations about the environment, climate change, pollution, and climate policy, we have to include the people who are most impacted — our Black and brown families.

"For far too long, our communities have been on the receiving end of the devastating impacts of climate change and pollution," Noble said. "For example, our communi-

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WILLIAMS from Page 30 guide our decision."

We've seen the misconduct over and over again. We, the people, are exhausted by the repeated and unpunished conduct.

One presidential election has been stolen. Black people, brown people, native people, Muslims,

to seven different courses. Many of the instructors are also alumni of the Montgomery Montessori Institute in Maryland.

In addition to serving as the school's co-founder and executive director, Chris Pencikowski, who began his career teaching third grade as a Peace Corps volunteer, also oversees the school in Ward 5. Overall, he is responsible for ensuring the day-to-day and long-term success of both buildings.

In its first three years of operation, Lee Montessori demonstrated strong outcomes, as evidenced by positive student outcomes, including Tier 1 Status among D.C.'s Public Charter

class inequities that exist in our society. Access to affordable higher education is one of the ways to narrow gaps, but the keyword is affordability. Both the federal and state governments have decreased their investments in higher education. The maximum Pell grant amount, at $6195, does not cover the cost of tuition at a four-year college, not to mention the cost of attendance (tuition, room, and board).

While high student loan debt may be debilitating for the individuals who incur it, it is essential also to note that this debt has an impact on our nation's economic futures. If we think that education is critical, then we must take steps to make it more affordable.

Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders get rousing cheers when they talk about forgiving student loan debt. It's time to turn talk into action.

WI

schools, long waitlists, and significant narrowing of achievement gaps for students of color, according to background information on the Ward 5 school.

Pencikowski, who describes the Anacostia facility as "very active" with its community, added that the school has successfully established partnerships with neighborhood organizations such as churches to bring Lee more visibility.

To that end, "we've hosted different events such as those with nearby Campbell A.M.E. Church," he said.

Dominique Fortune, the school's chief of staff, said Lee, which is "totally focused" on parental engagement, has a director of equity and family engagement to help things along.

Other efforts at parental outreach include open houses and parent/ principal conferences every few months.

"We try to be creative as possible getting parents acquainted with the school," said Fortune, who once provided program management services for charter schools seeking to develop facilities in the District and, is now responsible for ensuring strategic priorities and special projects across both Lee campuses. "It's an amazing experience for our staff and faculty to engage with parents, as well as those grandparents and aunties who are raising children and supporting them at the school."

WI

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MONTESSORI from Page 27

From the legislation, the first to receive loan forgiveness would get it in 2017.

By March of 2019, however, fewer than one thousand people (of 55,000 that applied) were granted loan forgiveness. This is mostly attributable to sloppy administration of the program by the current Department of Education. Indeed, the current administration has proposed eliminating the forgiveness program.

Rep. Robert "Bobby" Scott, the Virginia Democrat who chairs the House Education and Labor Committee, held hearings on this matter. Witnesses cited conflicting information that they received, payments that were not credited so that the loan relief that they expected has not been forthcoming.

The heavy student loan debt that Black students carry broadens an already wide wealth gap.

Besides race, it also broadens the

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port among those in the 18-34 age group than any of his competitors (Biden gets little support from younger people, and Warren garners a healthy 25 percent from young people in recent polls), partly because he has been extraordinarily vocal in addressing student loan debt.

The presidential candidates have not been the only ones, who have expressed concern about the heavy burden of student loan debt. Congress implemented the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program as part of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007. After paying a percentage of their income for 120 consecutive months, public servants like teachers and firefighters, and people who work for nonprofit organizations, could qualify to have the remainder of their loan forgiven.

virtually ignored the fundamental issue of affordable housing.

The National Urban League has championed safe, decent and affordable housing for more than a century, but without a comprehensive plan to address the crisis, our work is at risk. We call upon every candidate to elevate the issue during these important debates and over the coming months. Housing is a fundamental right, and our political process must recognize that right.

WI

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MALVEAUX from Page 30

buildings, HOME Investment Partnerships, the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, and the Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity program. Communities depend upon these vital programs for community development funds.

These policies are destructive, for American families and for the American economy, and countering them should be a top priority for the candidates vying to oppose President Trump next year. Yet the public debate has

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astonishing that the Trump administration — for the fourth year in a row — has proposed drastic cuts to affordable housing programs.

The poorest renters who live in subsidized housing would see rent hikes. The Community Development Block Grants program would evaporate, as would the Public Housing Capital Fund, which is used to maintain and improve public housing

Speaker Nancy Pelosi came to the conclusion that the time for impeachment is now. More than onehalf of the members of the House of Representatives agree. As the days go by, Republicans who love the country more than they fear the scoundrel in the White House will find the courage to vote in favor of impeachment! WI

Photo

MORIAL from Page 30

women, Democrats, Africans, the disabled and so many of us have been denigrated so many times by Trump and his kind that we do not need a lot more investigations to show massive wrongdoing. We, the people are ready for a decision.

We need someone like Rep. Jordan today, but we're grateful that

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54 OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019

are Mississippi (43%), Ohio, (43%), Pennsylvania (42%) and Wisconsin (44%).

Yet despite the availability of homeless and poverty research, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson sent Newsom a stark rejection of California's appeal for federal financial assistance to alleviate California's homeless.

Carson's Sept. 18 reply said in part, "California cannot spend its way out of this problem using Federal funds…More vouchers are clearly not the solution the State needs. To address this crisis, California must reduce its regulatory burdens on housing."

Advocates for homeless and low-income people strongly disagreed with Carson's assessment.

"We know that the number one cause of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing," said Megan Hustings, managing director of the National Coalition for the Homeless.

"Consumers are already struggling with crushing debt from

JACKSON from Page 31

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CROWELL from Page 31

the meeting set up to discuss it.

When the Senate actually passed a House resolution to get U.S. forces out of the Yemen catastrophe, Trump vetoed it.

The House isn't paralyzed; the Senate is. As House Speaker Nancy Pelosi summarized, "the Senate is the graveyard where bills that pass in the Congress, that have bipartisan support in the country, go to die."

For McConnell and Republicans, paralysis is a partisan political ploy. McConnell openly brags about the strategy. With Trump dominating the air

ASKIA from Page 31 him above the law. He committed multiple impeachable offenses, but he doesn't think anyone can make any of the charges stick.

It doesn't matter if the charges are true — they've always been true. He's a grifter and a lout. It doesn't matter if he's guilty — he's been wrong since Day One. What matters to him is getting off.

So in this episode of the Ukrainegate impeachment proceeding, the Trump strategy will be stall out the clock, prevent the most humiliating revelations about the lying bum from reaching the public, so he will be able to — despite falling popularity, everywhere, including key battleground states — rely on his legions of "Deplorables" (as

student loans and medical expenses, or facing triple-digit interest rates when they attempt to access small-dollar loans," noted Marisabel Torres, director of California Policy with the Center for Responsible Lending, "When they also have to pay some of the highest housing costs in the nation, it is unfortunately unsurprising that there are such large numbers of homeless people in many of California's large cities.

"California's homeless may be the largest by state, but the problem is a national one that deserves to be recognized and acted upon," Torres said.

In 1987 there was an expression of national will to respond to America's homeless through enactment of the McKinney Homeless Act. That statute created the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness dedicating the ongoing support of 19 federal agencies to prevent and end homelessness. HUD is one of the participating agencies. The Council on Homelessness even has a written plan, "Home, Together," that lays out federal

remedies over the fiscal years of 2018-2022.

According to the 2018 report by the Council on Homelessness, "Crisis services are the critical front line of communities' responses to homelessness, helping people meet basic survival needs while also helping them swiftly secure permanent housing opportunities."

Someone should give Secretary Carson a copy. And if that takes a while, here's what Rep. Maxine Waters advised the leadership of the House Appropriations Committee this past June: "In the richest country in the world, it is simply unconscionable that this many of our neighbors across the country are living without a place to call home.

Several communities have experienced severe increases in their homeless populations, further illuminating that homelessness is a crisis. The federal government must recognize the national crisis at hand and support communities and local service providers who are on the streets helping."

WI

waves, they believe that they can pin the blame for legislative paralysis on the Democrats. Now Trump uses paralysis as part of his defense strategy, arguing falsely that Democrats can't investigate his crimes and legislate good reforms at the same time.

McConnell doesn't even deign to offer an alternative agenda and the Trump administration doesn't have one.

When Republicans controlled everything for two years after Trump's election, they passed only two notable reforms: an obscene tax bill that benefited the rich and the CEOs, and a decent criminal justice reform

bill that made the first steps toward reducing mass incarceration. Republicans failed to offer a coherent alternative to the Affordable Care Act. They failed to offer a serious plan to rebuild our infrastructure.

The administration rolled back protections of our air and water, and Republicans looked the other way. The paralysis in Washington won't change until McConnell and Senate Republicans start losing elections.

They are standing in the way of reforms this country desperately needs. And they will continue to do so, until voters move them out of the way. WI

Hillary Clinton tagged them) who are his "ride or die" posse until the bitter end, to render an election outcome that will be close enough for Trump to steal the victory again, or declare the election invalid, pronouncing himself — wait for it — President for Life.

This impeachment thing got put into the Constitution 200some years ago because the Founding Fathers were worried about the notion of an elected despot or a king for four years.

The idea that someone would win the election and then suddenly disregard the rule of law then operate as a king, at least during that period, and use their power to try and make sure that they maintain their power.

Trump far exceeds any previ-

ous boundaries of impeachable presidential behavior. And let's face it; the impeachment process has missed several other gross presidential offenders in the past: like, George W. Bush, for illegally and immorally leading us into the war in Iraq; and Ronald Reagan should have been impeached for Iran-Contra, flooding the inner-cities with drugs to finance an illegal war in Latin America.

Sorry to have to tell you, Donald Trump: all the terrible things the impeachment investigators are saying about you are true. But you already knew that. And whether you stay in office or not, everyone in the wide world is learning that truth, and it's not you're the victim of an unfair witch hunt.

WI

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OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019 55

56 OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2019

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