The Washington Informer - October 5, 2023

Some Black Men Critical of Council Response to Violent Crime

As Councilmember Pinto Introduces the ACTIVE Amendment Act, Another Pathways Cohort Graduates

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

For nine weeks, Dalonta Crudup interacted with young Black male adults from other parts of the District at the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) as part of what's known as the Pathways Program.

2022

Acting MPD Chief Smith Touts Collaborative Approach in Updated Strategic Plan Confirmation Roundtable Highlights

Various Community Perspectives

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

In the months since D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) announced Metropolitan Police Acting Chief Pamela Smith as her pick for the District’s top law enforcement official, she has been making the rounds at churches, community meetings, and youth lunches to meet with constituents.

As Smith explained at her confirmation roundtable, she has also been meeting public safety agency leaders

and D.C. residents who are intimately involved in anti-violence efforts. Though she hasn’t completed her tour, Smith told the D.C. Council members who attended her confirmation roundtable that she plans to continue these efforts.

“As we continue to come up with ways to deal with crime, it’s going to take time,” Smith said on Sept. 27 while speaking before the D.C. Council Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety.

CHIEF SMITH Page 52

Along the road to the Pathways Program's 14th graduation ceremony, Crudup and 20 of his peers met business leaders, nonprofit managers and community organizers who helped them modify their behaviors and chart a path to personal and professional success.

Under the watchful eye of ONSE staff members, Crudup, a Northwest resident hailing from Northeast, D.C., further solidified a cannabis dispensary and trucking business that he

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

A group of rogue Republicans supporting former President Donald Trump has ousted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his position. The unprecedented action comes after McCarthy’s controversial deal-making with Democrats to avert a government shutdown.

McCarthy, who had steadfastly resisted reaching out to Democrats, was on the losing end of a high-stakes political battle. The California representative’s efforts to broker the deal to keep the government working led

OUSTSED Page 42

PATHWAYS Page 52

5 ONSE Pathways Program Interim Director Kwelli D. Sneed, Dalonta Crudup and ONSE Program Manage Mishawn Freeman pose at the Pathways Program’s 14th graduation Ceremony on Sept. 29. ( Robert R. Roberts / The Washington Informer)

5The D.C. Council Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety hosted a confirmation roundtable for Acting MPD Chief Pamela Smith on Sept. 27. (WI File Photo/ Ja’Mon Jackson)

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California Governor Newsom Selects Laphonza Butler to Fill Feinstein’s Seat

California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced his choice of Laphonza Butler, the president of EMILY’s List, to assume the late Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein’s seat, the governor’s office confirmed to NBC News. Butler’s appointment marks a historic moment, as she will be the third Black woman ever to serve in the U.S. Senate and the first openly LGBTQ individual to represent California in the chamber. Politico initially reported Newsom’s decision regarding Butler.

Feinstein, who was the longest-serving woman in the Senate, passed away at the age of 90 on Thursday. Under California state law, the governor can appoint a senator to serve until the next regularly scheduled statewide general election. This implies that Butler will continue in office until the newly elected senator who wins the November 2024 election takes office.

Since assuming leadership of EMILY’s List in 2021, Butler has spearheaded the organization’s efforts to support and elect Democratic women. Her appointment as the first Black woman to head the organization solidified her status as

a trailblazer within the political sphere.

Governor Newsom had previously indicated his commitment to appointing a Black woman in the event of a vacancy in one of California’s Senate seats. He also emphasized that his choice would be considered an “interim” appointment and pledged not to select any candidate actively campaigning to succeed Feinstein in 2024. Notable contenders for the position included Representatives Barbara Lee, Adam Schiff, and Katie Porter.

In justifying his decision, Newsom stated that choosing any candidate running for the office would be deemed “completely unfair” to those who had dedicated significant effort to their respective campaigns. Unlike them, Butler will have the opportunity to run for the Senate seat if she chooses. WI

Man Arrested for Tupac’s Murder

Authorities in Nevada have announced that they have indicted Duane Keith Davis on one count of murder with the use of a deadly weapon and with intent to promote, further or assist a criminal gang in the shooting death more than 25 years ago of hip hop icon Tupac Shakur.

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Denise Rolark Barnes

STAFF

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REPORTERS

Kayla Benjamin, (Environmental Justice Reporter) Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Curtis Knowles, Brenda Siler, Lindiwe Vilakazi, Sarafina Wright, James Wright

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor, Roy Lewis, Jr., Robert R. Roberts, Anthony Tilghman, Abdula Konte, Ja'Mon Jackson

Davis, whom prosecutors said described himself as a shotcaller, allegedly ordered the rap legend's murder and the attempted murder of Death Row Records mogul Marion "Suge" Knight, who was riding with Shakur along Las Vegas Boulevard during that fateful

night. Surprisingly, prosecutors acknowledged they were in possession of all of the primary evidence since 1996.

"What was lacking was admissible evidence to establish this chain of events that occurred that night," Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney Marc DiGiacomo started.

Authorities rekindled the investigation earlier this year when officials disclosed that they executed a search warrant on David, known as Keffe D, breathing new life into the quest for justice surrounding the rap star's shooting. WI

Historic Oscar Comes Home to Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts in Honor of Hattie McDaniel

Howard University hosted a “Hattie’s Come Home” ceremony at its Ira Aldridge Theater in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 1, to honor a longtime wish of classic film star Hattie McDaniel, who, before her passing in 1952, expressed her desire for her Oscar to find a home at Howard University, a revered institution known for nurturing artistic talent within the Black community.

“When I was a student in the College of Fine Arts at Howard University, in what was then called the Department of Drama, I would often sit and gaze in wonder at the Academy Award that had been presented to Ms.

Hattie McDaniel, which she had gifted to the College of Fine Arts,” said Phylicia Rashad, dean of the Boseman College of Fine Arts. “I am overjoyed that this Academy Award is returning to what is now the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University. This immense piece of history will be back in the College of Fine Arts for our students to draw inspiration from. Ms. Hattie is coming home!”

In 1940, McDaniel achieved a historic milestone as the first Black person to be nominated for and win a competitive Academy Award. Her remarkable performance as “Mammy” in the acclaimed film “Gone with the Wind” marked a significant moment in cinematic history and held profound cultural significance for the Black community.

The significance of McDaniel’s win endures, as it paved the way for future generations of Black actors and filmmakers. It also underscores the importance and excitement surrounding The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Academy Museum announcement that they will gift a replacement of McDaniel’s 1939 Best Supporting Actress Academy Award to the Howard University Chadwick A. Boseman Col-

of Fine Arts. WI

In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark

lege

5 California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced his choice of Laphonza Butler, the president of EMILY’s List, to assume the late Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein’s seat. (Courtesy Photo)

5 Howard University hosted a “Hattie’s Come Home” ceremony on Oct. 1, to honor film star Hattie McDaniel’s wish, who, before her passing in 1952, expressed her desire for her Oscar to find a home at Howard University. (Courtesy Photo)

SATURDAY,

AROUND THE REGION

OCT 5 - 11, 2023

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

Clarence Williams is born in Plaquemine, Louisi-

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.

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

African nation Uganda gains its independence from the United Kingdom.

Black inventor Isaac R. Johnson receives patent for bicycle frame.

1901 – Frederick Douglass Patterson, founder of the United Negro College Fund, is born in Wash-

Groundbreaking jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk is born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

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 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.

OCT. 8

1893 – Early 20th century jazz musician and composer

1929 – Black inventor and engineer Elijah McCoy, who held patents for the folding ironing board and lawn sprinkler and made numerous revolutionary contributions to train travel, dies in Detroit at age 81.

OCT. 11

1887 – Black inventor Alexander Miles receives patent for automatic opening and closing elevator door. 1991 – Iconic comedian Redd Foxx, best known for his starring role in the '70s sitcom "Sanford and

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

EMMA MADU / WASHINGTON, D.C.

Keefe D, who has been talking since 1998 and even wrote a book on the killing, is finally arrested in 2023? Vegas police should be embarrassed. He is the only one still alive at this point.

SHAUN AARON / AKRON, OHIO

Keefe D literally admitted to everything. He’s being arrested now for some reason when everybody knew anyway.

LOUIS WAYNE / BATON ROUGE, LA.

It’s a distraction. The Feds been knew who killed Tupac. Keefe is just the scapegoat now to lessen his charges in another case. The government killed Tupac and used us to do it, just like X! PAC was a threat because of his Black Panther connections!

ANITA OVERTON / PITTSBURGH, PENN.

Rest in peace, Tupac. We all miss him, and he can finally rest knowing they finally caught who did this to him.

DEBORAH MURPHY / WASHINGTON, D.C.

Wow. It took them almost 30 years, but they finally got him.

After years of being an unsolved case, Las Vegas police have arrested a suspect in the 1996 shooting death of rap legend Tupac Shakur. What are your thoughts?

EPA Launches Regional Environmental Justice Training Grants at Ivy City Event

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

When environmental justice advocates from around the Mid-Atlantic region joined local and national officials to launch an unprecedented funding and assistance program, it was no accident that it took place in a centuries-old Black church in northeast’s Ivy City Sept. 26. Community activists have spent years calling attention to environmental injustices in the neighborhood, and both local and national officials—several of whom attended the kickoff event at Trinity Baptist Church—have begun to take notice.

“It is a reflection of the relationships that have been built over the last couple of years,” said Parisa Norouzi, executive director of Empower DC, which has led organizing efforts for environmental justice in Ivy City and nearby Brentwood. “We were able to be a partner in the [federal program] and be able to offer and suggest that the announcement take place in Ivy City…I interpreted it as a nod of recognition and, and support of the aims and the goals of our work.”

Empower DC’s involvement in the new Environmental Protection Agency initiative represents a small step toward change. The Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers Program—abbreviated to TCTAC,

pronounced “tic-tac”—aims to support grassroots groups that have historically been shut out of the federal grant-making process.

“I can say from experience, as the director of an organization that literally started in a church basement with no funding, that it's taken 20 years to develop a lot of the capacity that is required to be able to even manage [local] grants,” Norouzi said.

Empower DC now expects to receive its first federal grant as one of 10 partners in the Region 3 TCTAC, which will help connect environmental justice groups throughout the Mid-Atlantic with assistance on federal grant applications and management. The region, which covers Pennsylvania through Virginia, received a total of $12 million for the five-year project period.

The EPA first announced the program in April and set out to have 16 TCTACs up and running around the country by the end of September, said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz.

The EPA selected the National Wildlife Federation as the grant’s main awardee for Region 3, and the organization will oversee the technical assistance center along with the University of Maryland Center for Community Engagement. In partnership

with a network of nine subgrantee organizations, the TCTAC will offer assistance for community groups across the region. Empower DC’s role in the project will include connecting other grassroots organizations in the city to the resources available through the TCTAC, Norouzi said.

Technical assistance may take a lot of different forms, such as help with increasing organizational capacity, expertise around relevant laws and policies, or support for scientific needs like air quality monitoring.

“It’s not one size fits all,” Norouzi said.

BIG MONEY FROM BIDEN FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

The TCTACs are launching amidst a wave of federal money for pollution, climate and environmental justice issues, and a sizable chunk of that change comes in the form of grants. The Inflation Reduction Act, which passed in August 2022 as the biggest climate investment in U.S. history, included more than $9 billion in environmental justice-related grants from the EPA and other agencies.

5 Parisa Norouzi, executive director of community justice group Empower DC, leads a “toxic tour” highlighting pollution from a chemical factory and the fight for green space in the Ivy City neighborhood Sept. 26. (Kayla Benjamin / The Washington Informer)

DJ D-Nice to ‘Feed Souls’ During Kennedy Center’s Club Quarantine Live Residency

By Micha Green WI Contributing Writer

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic– when isolation from one another was key– Derrick “D-Nice” Jones, offered a reminder about the magical, unifying power of music (and social media) through Club Quarantine (CQ). Three years later, and with friends and families able to jam and celebrate life in person again, D-Nice is working to do more than bring people together. “Club Quarantine Live Residency,” at the Kennedy Center Oct. 6- Oct. 8 is a weekend of entertainment slated to fill hearts, minds and souls with inspiration.

“I try to feed people’s souls,” D-Nice told the Informer.

“I can do tons of shows everywhere that have nothing to do with CQ, and I’m okay with that,” D-Nice explained, “but the moment that I call something CQ– a club quarantine– I have to be in a position to give… to feed the souls of people.”

With programming that includes a comedy showcase, star-studded musical performances, and a day for praise and worship, a weekend of Club Quarantine Live promises whole-soul food.

“We feed them with laughter. We feed them with music. We try to keep people's mental health right,” D-Nice explained.

D-Nice, 53, is not new to curating eclectic productions, nor to the Kennedy Center for that matter– having brought acts to the national performing arts venue over the years. Further, in 2022, D-Nice was the first Hip Hop artist to headline and sell out the Kennedy Center Opera House with Club Quarantine Live.

This year’s three-day residency, however, is a realization of D-Nice’s dreams, hard work and prayers.

“This year feels more like exactly what I've always envisioned when it came to Club Quarantine,” he said.

“When I got the call that said ‘Hey, we want to offer you the entire weekend.’

I was like ‘wow, this is what I've always

dreamed of,’ you know, to be able to have a night of comedy, a night of music, R&B music and hip hop, and a daytime party of praise and worship–like the way I used to do on Sundays.”

Friday’s Comedy Showcase, includes: Chris Spencer, Michael Che and Sherri Shepherd. Saturday will feature MC Lyte, Kem and Muni Long. Sunday, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Anthony Brown and group therAPy will wrap the weekend off with praise and worship.

D-Nice’s Life Shows Hip-Hop Journey, Offers Inspiration, Spreads Joy

D-Nice, a spiritually-driven rapper and DJ, has always hoped to spread love and joy. He is humbled to see how far music has taken him: from scrambling for survival, to selling out the Kennedy Center.

“I remember when, when I was younger and didn't have these opportunities and wasn't able to go to a show, or wasn't able to travel the world or, you know, didn't have a house, or sleeping in my cousin's living room. I

remember being that person and just having these dreams of this,” he told the Informer.

As a world-renowned star, D-Nice

At

More support for our community. More possibilities for the future.

Potomac Electric Power Company,

5 DJ D-Nice is presenting the Club Quarantine Live Residency at the Kennedy Center Oct. 6- Oct. 8. (Courtesy Photo) is not only thankful for a place to call home, but passionate about bringing joy to others. WI

AROUND THE REGION

The Newsletter

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

The managed health care provider Amerigroup presented a check for $50K to My Sister’s Place on October 3 to aid in their continued effort to end domestic violence. (L-R) Julie Reid, Amerigroup DC Community Relations, Mercedes Lemp, Executive Director My Sister's Place, Adrian Jordan, President, Amerigroup DC, and Jasmin Saville, Whole Health Director Amerigroup DC (Courtesy photo/Amerigroup)

Who’s Reading the Informer?

Susan Ross visiting from Atlanta, Attorney Claude Bailey, and photographer Matthew Bailey read the Washington Informer. (Brenda C. Siler/The Washington Informer)

– Fannie Lou

Hamer

“Never to forget where we came from and always praise the bridges that carried us over.”

Large Institutions, Black-Owned Businesses Continue to Connect through Local Program

Amid Concerns about Businesses Accessing Funds, DCAP Celebrates $250 Million Milestone

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Shortly after the pandemic started, Brandire, an award-winning brand marketing communications studio, promoted Sibley Memorial Hospital’s Ward Infinity program, which centered on tackling health inequities in Wards 7 and 8.

That work eventually led to a contract with Children’s National Medical Center which started this year.

As Brandire CEO and founder Madia Brown explained to the Informer, Brandire’s collaboration with Sibley Memorial Hospital and Children’s National Medical Center happened because of the DC Community Anchor Partnership (DCAP).

DCAP, in existence since 2017, represents the efforts of the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development (CNHED) and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) to help minority business enterprises (MBEs) navigate the procurement process and acquire large contracts with hospitals, universities, and utility companies -- which are also known as anchor institutions.

Brown said she heard about DCAP in 2018. By 2019, she met with DCAP leaders and navigated a process through which she secured a contract with Sibley Memorial Hospital in the fall of 2020. That project allowed Brandire to help Sibley with its community engagement activities.

“What D.C. is doing is unique. It’s the real thing that will make a difference by allowing us the opportunity to show up,” Brown told the Informer. “When we talk about diversity, equity and inclusion, a big part is access,” Brown continued. “I’m hoping that DCAP can be a model for other programs that focus on community and economic development and helping with access and opportunity to move the needle and make a difference.”

At DCAP’s inception, four participating anchor institutions were connecting MBEs with $5 million in contracts.

Today, 13 DCAP anchor institutions are doling out more than $250 million in contracts to MBEs. Projects run the gamut, from construction, maintenance, information technology, and even sanitation and janitorial work.

Beyond Sibley Memorial Hospital and Children’s National Medical Center, other anchor institutions include --- Georgetown University, University of the District of Columbia, Adventist Healthcare, DC Water, Pepco, and Whitman-Walker Health.

On Sept. 28, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) joined CNHED in celebrating DCAP’s investment milestone -- just weeks after Kristi Whitfield, director of the D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), announced her resignation.

Bowser’s press conference in the wharf area also took place amid ongoing conversations between local lawmakers about how to help certified business enterprises directly secure major procurements with D.C. government agencies.

At a D.C. Council breakfast on Sept. 19, Kenyan McDuffie (I-At large), Trayon White (D-Ward 8) and Anita Bonds (D-At large) mentioned conversations they’ve had with constituents who expressed frustration about not receiving opportunities, or even not being compensated on time as subcontractors.

Last year, the District completed a disparity study that McDuffie secured funding for in the fiscal year 2021 budget. McDuffie said the information gathered from that study lays the foundation for engaging the D.C. Chamber of Commerce, the Black Chamber of Commerce and other entities representing women and minority-owned firms in the creation of a minority and women enterprise program. Such programming would follow McDuffie’s efforts to support DCAP.

Over the last seven fiscal years, McDuffie has secured $1.8 million in funding for DCAP and helped bring JP Morgan Chase on as a supporter. In this juncture of DCAP’s existence, McDuffie said he wants to see all universities serve as anchor institutions.

“We know that minority-owned firms are capable. We need to match them with the opportunities to help them excel and expand and grow their businesses,” McDuffie said. “When those businesses succeed, the District succeeds because those small businesses are employing people from the community in places like Wards 7 and 8. That’s a recipe for chipping away at the stark racial wealth gap that exists in D.C.”

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

@SamPKCollins

5 Madia Brown, founder and CEO of Brandire, which collaborated with Sibley Memorial Hospital and Children;’s National Medical Center through the DC Community Anchor Partnership (DCAP). (Courtesy Photo/ Brandire)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Lewis Steps Down, Virtual Voting Moves To Final Vote, Senate Debate Delayed, Dueling Endorsements Debuted

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

MARYLAND DEM PARTY CHAIR YVETTE LEWIS STEPS DOWN

Yvette Lewis, who has served as chair of the Maryland Democratic Party since December 2019, an-

nounced on Sept. 27 that she was stepping down from the role officially on Oct. 6. Everett Browning, who served as first vice chair, will likely serve as chair for at least a month following her exit.

Lewis previously served as chair from 2011 to 2015.

“With gratitude in my heart, I write this letter to you, the people I admire and respect. I want you to

know that I am stepping down as Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve in a position you all entrusted to me. And as I take a moment to reflect on my time as Chair,

my heart is flooded with many warm memories that I will never forget,” she said in an email to Maryland Democrats announcing her plans.

“Ever since Yvette’s first election in 2011, she has served as a trailblazer and represented our state on the national stage. As the current DNC National Committee member representing Maryland, she has routinely and successfully advocated for critical voter protections and increased Maryland voter participation through her ‘Shop Talk Programs’ across the state,” said Congressman Steny Hoyer (D–District 5) in an email.” WI

COUNTY COUNCIL MOVES VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE OPTION OUT OF COMMITTEE

With eight Councilmembers supporting and three abstaining, the Prince George’s County Council advanced CR-78 out of committee on Tuesday, Sept. 26 and moved it to a final vote. This proposal would allow virtual attendance and voting in the event of absence due to medical emergencies.

Following a very contentious meeting that ended in a five-five tie on Sept. 12, a large press conference was held where numerous community leaders indicated their support for virtual attendance and a packed audience testified before the Council about why virtual attendance and maternal health are important issues for the Council.

Councilmember Krystal Oriadha

(D– District 7) is eight months pregnant and has already faced medical complications during her pregnancy, which could leave the council at an impasse on several issues and force her to attend meetings if virtual attendance is not approved.

During the pandemic, all Councilmembers participated virtually as did the majority of municipalities in the County. WI

SENATE DEBATE DELAYED, DUELING ENDORSEMENTS DEBUTED

The Latino Democrats of Prince George’s County planned a debate among the three leading Senate candidates to be held at Elizabeth Seton High School, but the debate has been delayed to Sunday, Dec. 3rd due to scheduling conflicts with Rep. David Trone (D-Md.) and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. The debate will now coincide with the one-year anniversary of The Latino Democrats of Prince George’s County’s founding, and businessman Juan Dominguez will be invited to the forum.

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) announced an endorsement from U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D- Ga.) on Sept. 30, while Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando (D– At Large) announced endorsements from Illinois Rep. Lauren Underwood (D) and former Montgomery Councilmember At Large Hans Reimer. WI

5 Longtime Maryland Democratic Party Chair Yvette Lewis announced that she will be stepping down from her position, effective on Oct. 6. She has been Chair for nearly four years. (WI File Photo/ Robert R. Roberts)

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY POLITICAL UPDATES

5 County Councilmember Calvin Hawkins apologized for his prior comments and changed his vote to support virtual attendance. The vote has now been advanced to a final Council vote. (WI File Photo/ Robert R. Roberts)

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY WEEKLY UPDATES

Cheverly Day Attracts Hundreds of Guests, Upcoming Education Program, Free Gas Giveaway Oct. 14

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

CHEVERLY DAY ATTRACTS HUNDREDS OF ATTENDEES, ENDS WITH HUGE FIREWORKS

Hundreds of local families enjoyed the beautiful breeze and shade in Cheverly Town Park, just behind the town hall on a small hill, on Sept. 30 for Cheverly Day.

Mayor Kayce Munyeh sat in front of the stage and tossed a small, pink plushy toy back and forth with her son.

“We have the best fireworks in the county,” said Cheverly Mayor Munyeneh, the first Black woman to ever serve as Mayor in the 92-year history of the suburban town. We’ve added extra railings and ramps for people with limited mobility, we added ASL interpreters, we keep looking for ways to make sure everyone is welcome and safe.”

Shortly after Munyeneh gave a speech to a crowd of hundreds, there was a large fireworks display, which brightened the sky for miles, and ended with major applause.

Fred Price Jr. has lived in Cheverly for more than 50 years, and has always attended Cheverly Day and participated in the parades.

“They should attend to get to know their neighbors and stay informed

about the town,” said Price. “There has always been an opportunity for people of color to participate in Cheverly, that was our motto. Since the pandemic, we’ve had better representation and participation. You’ve got to step up and finally, people of color are waking up and being active in Cheverly.” WI

EDUCATIONAL SATURDAY ENRICHMENT PROGRAM PLANNED FOR OCT. 7

Board of Education Member Shayla Adams-Stafford is expanding her Saturday Enrichment Program.

During the Saturday Enrichment Academy (SEA), students ages 6 to 9 years old will be given weekly small group tutoring for three hours to help improve their grades and test scores.

“The purpose of our Saturday Enrichment Academy is to provide academic support to youth who are having challenges with English Language Arts and STEAM,” said Anica O’Neil, assistant division chief for the Department of Parks and Recreation. “It is our goal to bridge the gap and provide our youth with resources and a comfortable, fun, engaging environment that will assist with mitigating their learning challenges.”

The program will run every Saturday from Oct. 7 to Dec. 9. Breakfast will be provided for all students. The program will be offered at Berwyn Heights Elementary School, Columbia Park Community Center, Deerfield Run Community Center, Fort Washington Forest Community Center, Glassmanor Community Center, Lake Arbor Community Center, Langley Park-McCormick Elementary School, William Beanes Community Center and William Hall Academy. WI

FREE GAS GIVEAWAY

PLANNED FOR OCT. 14

The Collective Empowerment Group, a coalition of church leaders including Pastor Bobby Manning of First Baptist Church of District Heights, are doing their next Gas Station Takeover on

Oct. 14 starting at 8:30 AM.

Free gas will be available until supplies run out at Royal Farms locations: 3300 Forestville Road, 5200 Auth Road, 9770 Landover Road and 5351 Ritchie Marlboro Road, along with

the Shell Gas Station at 8301 Central Avenue.

When this event was held last year, lines stretched for miles as gas prices were particularly high. Pastor Manning recorded a video while walking

down the gas line.

“We got folks lined up to get free gas, and we brought all the cash so all they had to bring was their cars,” said Manning during a livestream during the most recent gas giveaway. WI

5 Fireworks were the highlight of the evening to close out the 2023 Cheverly Day. (Anthony Tilghman/ The Washington Informer)

5 A Cheverly police officer talks with a mom in line for the Seafood Bass food truck in front of Cheverly Town Hall. (Anthony Tilghman/ The Washington Informer)

BUSINESS

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

JACK DANIEL’S NEW BEGINNINGS

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is proud to announce the launch of its “New Beginnings: Make It Count initiative for 2023,” a business grant competition exclusively aimed at supporting Black-owned businesses in the Washington, D.C. and Richmond, Virginia areas.

Building upon the success of the competition’s inaugural year in 2021, this year’s iteration continues to empower local small business owners during challenging economic times. Ben Osei, Jack Daniel’s Marketing Manager, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion of the initiative, saying “It’s thrilling to kick off the fourth cycle of New

briefs

Beginnings: Make it Count.”

“These grants are a means to assist Black-owned businesses that make an extraordinary impact in our communities,” Osei said.

In this year’s competition, Jack Daniel’s has committed to awarding six deserving Black-owned businesses, with recipients from each of the two areas, each receiving a $10,000 (first place), $5,000 (2nd place) business grant. To be eligible, businesses must be Black-owned. Winners will be announced during networking events scheduled for Oct. 17, Washington, D.C. and Oct. 19 in Richmond, Virginia.

The grant application is available. For official grant rules and to apply in the D.C. area, please visit kysdc. com. Grant application entries must

be received by Oct. 9 at noon EST.

PITCH HU

In partnership with Howard University’s Office of Research, FISERV and humble ventures, PitchHU, is an incubator program for idea-stage and early-stage businesses.

It supports founders and entrepreneurs across the greater Howard University community. To date, Pitch-

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Janitors presently earn hourly wages of $12.50 in Loudoun County, Virginia, $14 in Prince George’s County, $14.40 in Northern Virginia, $16.50 in Baltimore, $17 in Montgomery County and $17.95 in the District, with paid vacation, paid holidays and paid sick leave. Full-time employees have access to employer paid health insurance, as well as training, education, and a legal services fund.

HU has successfully completed three programs, working with more than 50 businesses and 70 participants.

PitchHU has awarded in excess of $120K in non-dilutive grants to selected participants, as well as $30K in “Back2Business” grants for Howard’s “GrowHU” program, which is designed to support the acceleration of mid-stage businesses.

The program is accepting applications for next cohorts. For more information, visit PitchHU.com.

LABOR STANDOFF

While negotiations for a new fouryear union contract for over 9,000 commercial office cleaners in the D.C. area and Baltimore kicked off on June 22, 32BJ SEIU and the Washington Service Contractors Association remain at odds over the latter’s proposed cut to hours as the Oct. 15 deadline looms.

Despite benefitting from the cost savings of a reduction in workforce of 1,000 jobs in the D.C. area, the Association is pushing to cut five-hour shifts down to four, amounting to a 20% pay cut ($100 per week) for a one-third of the workforce (1100 workers), and forces them to do more work in less time.

“These men and women were considered essential during the pandemic, but the industry is treating them as if they’re disposable by trying to cut wages that don’t event keep up with inflation,” said Jaime Contreas, 32BJ executive vice president who has helped the lead the “Justice for Janitors” movement as a student and parttime janitor at Bell Multicultural High School in Northwest. “Janitors sacrificed their health and lives keeping our downtowns and economy running and they are key to their recovery.”

Meanwhile, with high inflation and rents, actual earnings for janitors have flatlined with residential rent for a one-bedroom apartment increasing by four percent in the District between August 2022 and August 2023. The average rent in the District for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,556 a month, which comes out to nearly 80% of a 32BJ janitor’s annual wages in the city.

FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD DIVERSIFIES

The recent confirmation of three people of color to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors has drawn the praise of one of the country’s leading think-tanks specializing in issues regarding minorities.

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies in Northwest congratulated Dr. Philip Nathan Jefferson as vice chairman of the board of governors, Dr. Lisa DeNell Cooks as a full-term member of the board and Dr. Adriana Debora Kugler as a board member. Jefferson and Cook are Black and Kugler is Latina. This is the first time in history that the seven-member Federal Reserve Board of Governors has two African Americans and one Latina governor, and the second time there has been a Black vice chairman.

“With the confirmation of these three historic nominees, the Federal Reserve Board of Governors will be even better equipped to provide insights into formulating monetary policies that better address the needs of the diverse communities that make up our economy,” said Jessica Fulton, interim president of the Joint Center and vice president, policy. “Dr. Cook, Dr. Jefferson, and Dr. Kugler each bring extensive economic policy experience and deep macroeconomic and labor market expertise, which collectively positions the Fed to better shape economic policy to advance the needs of our racially diverse nation. Their insight and experience will provide much-needed perspectives to support all communities.” WI

@JamesWrightJr10

5 Chairman Phil Mendelson speaking at rally on October 2, in support of a fair contract for 9,100 cleaners that expires on October 15. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Pepco, Exelon Fund Invests in Four D.C. Area Black Firms

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Pepco and its parent company Exelon announced on Sept. 29 at the National Press Club in Northwest that the latter’s Racial Equity Capital Fund (RECF) has invested $2.7 million in four Washington, D.C. area minority-owned businesses in the energy, IT, workforce development and real estate fields.

“Too often, minority-owned businesses are unable to obtain the financial backing they need to fuel their ideas and innovations and grow into mature profitable companies,” said Tyler Anthony, president and CEO of Pepco Holdings, which includes Pepco. “We’re excited to play a part in helping change that historical trend through the Exelon-Funded Racial Equity Capital Fund. With the investments we are announcing, the fund has provided nearly $4 million dollars in support to minority-owned businesses, with even more in the pipeline.”

The businesses receiving support are three Northwest, D.C.-based organizations: Gemini Energy Solutions with $1 million of equity investments, Public Sector Solutions Group with $600,000 debt investment, CJR Developments Partners LLC with $600,000 debt investment. Escalate in Silver Spring, Maryland also received a $500,000 debt investment. The fund is led by RockCreek, one of the world’s largest diverse-owned global investment firms.

“Capital is the fuel that allows companies to grow, create jobs and strengthen communities,” said Afsaneh Beschloss, CEO of RockCreek. “These visionary founders and business leaders are helping drive that change, in our community and across our country.”

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

WI @JamesWrightJr10

5 Rodney Oddoye, senior vice president for Governmental, Regulatory and External Affairs—Pepco Holdings, Inc., moderates a panel discussion with Dr. Anthony Kinslow III of Gemini Energy Solutions, Nicole Cober of CJR Development Partners, Darryl Wiggins of Public Solutions Sector Group and Sienna Daniel of Escalate. (Courtesy photo)

House Passes 45-Day Stopgap Spending Measure with Bipartisan Support

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

In a surprising turn of events, the House of Representatives voted 335 to 91 on Saturday to pass a 45-day stopgap spending measure, effectively averting a government shutdown beyond midnight.

The legislation garnered significant bipartisan backing, as most Democrats joined ranks with most Republicans to secure its passage. The move, which could cost House Speaker Kevin McCarthy his speakership because far right extremists in the Republican Party have threat-

ened to remove him if he engineered a bipartisan bill to keep the government open, comes despite the notable absence of support for Ukraine, an issue that Democrats had previously emphasized as a top priority.

The bill now advances to the Senate for further consideration. Democratic Coalition Chair Annie Kuster underscored that while her group backs the continuing resolution, it is imperative to continue the push for aid to Ukraine.

“Speaker McCarthy and extreme House Republicans have refrained from engaging in genuine collaboration with Democrats to fully fi-

nance the government, despite our persistent entreaties to forge a bipartisan path forward,” Kuster stated in a press release. “While we endorse this measure to address the immediate crisis, we remain steadfast in our call for additional funding to bolster Ukraine in their struggle for democracy. We will tirelessly work to ensure they receive the necessary

Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries earlier urged members of his party to support the 45-day continuing resolution that House Republicans had introduced. The deadline for government funding looms, with Saturday marking the cutoff date.

The unexpected unity displayed

in the House vote provides a reprieve, though the ongoing debate over funding priorities, particularly regarding Ukraine, remains a prominent feature of the political landscape. The resolution’s journey through the Senate will likely bring further scrutiny and deliberation.

WI @StacyBrownMedia

Trump Goes off the Rails as Legal Woes and Controversial Remarks Dominate Headlines

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Former President Donald Trump found himself at the center of a whirlwind of legal

and political controversies as he appeared in a New York courtroom on Monday, Oct. 2, for a civil trial.

Letitia James, the attorney general of New York, brought the case, and the presiding judge has already found him guilty of extensive fraud involving the hundreds of millions of dollars in overvaluation of his wealth and business properties.

James seeks to prevent Trump from doing business in New York, and she wants the judge to slam the demagogue with crippling fines totaling as much as $250 million. The twice-impeached former president, already has four criminal indictments and a staggering 91 felony counts. Earlier this year, a separate civil jury found him responsible for sexually assaulting a writer. Further adding to his legal woes, the civil case in New York.

“While it may be one thing to exaggerate for Forbes magazine… you cannot do it while conducting business in the state of New York,” assert-

ed Kevin Wallace of the New York Attorneys General’s office. “Year after year, loan after loan, the defendants misrepresented Mr. Trump’s net worth to maintain those favorable interest rates,” Wallace argued.

The attorney general’s office said Trump inflated his net worth by as much as $3.6 billion in three separate years between 2011 and 2021. They contend he did so to get favorable loan and insurance rates, and to try and prove he was something he wasn’t.

Meanwhile, Trump’s recent behavior has also raised eyebrows in a stunning turn of events. Over just 48 hours, he made headlines for expressing controversial views, including stating his desire for police to shoot anyone stealing from a store, ranting about reverse racism against white Americans, imprisoning his political adversaries, and even musing about jailing President Joe Biden. Trump has also stated that the outgoing Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley

should be executed. Furthermore, he continued his long-standing and contentious obsession with former President Barack Obama.

What’s more, the controversy surrounding Trump deepened with the release of a tell-all book by Michael Lewis titled “Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon.” The book alleges that Trump demanded a jaw-dropping $5 billion from failed FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried as a payoff for not entering the 2020 presidential election.

Despite initially considering not running for reelection, Trump eventually did run and lost to Biden before later cheering on a mob of supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, to keep Trump in power.

An excerpt from Lewis’s book revealed that Bankman-Fried was contemplating giving $15 million to $30 million to Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell to defeat more “Trumpier” candidates in Senate races. How-

ever, the shocking revelation came when Bankman-Fried explored the possibility of paying Trump himself not to run, with sources suggesting Trump’s price tag for withdrawal was a staggering $5 billion.

Trump’s erratic behavior continued at a campaign rally in Ottumwa, Iowa, where he made bizarre remarks about his preferred method of demise. During the speech in Ottumwa Trump discussed electric boat batteries and recounted a conversation with a boat manufacturer in South Carolina.

“If I’m sitting down and that boat is going down, and I’m on top of a battery and the water starts flooding in, I’m getting concerned, but then I look 10 yards to my left, and there’s a shark over there, so I have a choice of electrocution and a shark; you know what I’m going to take,” the former president said.

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

5 Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA 20th District) (WI File Photo/Roy Lewis) support to prevail in this conflict.”

5 Attorney General Letitia James (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

10th Annual Wrongful Conviction Day Shines Light on Injustice

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

October 2, 2023, marked the Tenth Annual Wrongful Conviction Day, a global initiative to raise awareness about the pervasive issue of wrongful convictions and its profound impact on innocent individuals and their families.

Founded by the Innocence Network, a collective of organizations dedicated to offering pro-bono legal and investigative services for those seeking exoneration, Wrongful Conviction

Day aims to rectify the root causes of these miscarriages of justice while also providing support to the exonerated as they reintegrate into society.

Since its inception in 1989, over 3,320 wrongful convictions have been unearthed nationwide, resulting in a staggering cumulative loss of 29,500 years for those unjustly incarcerated. Today, it remains impossible to as-

certain the exact number of innocent individuals still languishing behind bars. However, experts estimate that between 2% and 5% of the nearly 2 million incarcerated in the U.S. are victims of wrongful convictions, indicating that anywhere from 40,000 to 100,000 people are presently suffering this grave injustice.

Recent studies show a 70% increase in wrongful convictions in five years. Analysis of those cases showed race is a significant influence in wrongful convictions.

Race and Wrongful Convictions in the United States 2022 examined 3,200 innocent people exonerated in the U.S. from 1989. They concluded that Black Americans are seven times more likely than white Americans to be wrongfully convicted of severe crimes. This applies to all significant crimes except white-collar crime.

White homicide victims are roughly twice as likely to be wrongfully con-

victed. Black people are eight times more likely to be wrongfully convicted for sexual assault than white people. White victims are much more likely to be wrongfully convicted than Black victims.

Drug offenses show the most significant racial differences. African Americans are 19 times more likely to be wrongfully convicted of drug crimes. Wrongfully convicted Black persons serve harsher sentences than innocent white people in all crime categories. Organizers at The Innocence Network noted that this Wrongful Conviction Day is a rallying call to educate and disseminate knowledge about this pressing issue. The Innocence Network, a loose coalition of independent innocence organizations, has remained at the forefront of the battle, working tirelessly to combat wrongful convictions globally and advocate for systemic reform in the criminal legal system. WI @StacyBrownMedia

5 October 2, 2023, marked the Tenth Annual Wrongful Conviction Day, a global initiative to raise awareness about the issue of wrongful convictions and its impact on innocent individuals and their families. (Courtesy Photo/ The Innocence Network )

NATIONAL

Senator Dianne Feinstein, Stalwart Advocate for Gun Control and Bipartisanship, Dies at 90

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Senator Dianne Feinstein of California, a stalwart advocate for gun control measures and a figure known for seeking bipartisan cooperation during her extensive tenure in the Senate, has died at 90. Born on June 22, 1933, Feinstein died on Sept. 29. Feinstein, who also served as San Francisco’s Mayor, was renowned as the Senate’s elder stateswoman, the lengthiest-serving female senator, and the lengthiest-serving California senator, announced

her decision to retire in February, sparking both accolades and concerns about her health. Following her retirement announcement, President Joe Biden commended his former Senate colleague, praising her as a "passionate defender of civil liberties and a strong voice for national security policies that keep us safe while honoring our values."

In late February, when Feinstein was absent from crucial votes, her spokesperson disclosed that she was tending to a health matter in California and expressed hopes for her swift return to Washington.

The California Democrat has supported gun control initiatives throughout her career, most notably by spearheading the 1994 campaign for the assault weapons ban, which President Bill Clinton signed into law. She continued to advocate for stringent gun control measures after the ban’s expiration in 2004. As chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Feinstein spearheaded a comprehensive investigation into the CIA’s post-9/11 detention and interrogation program, culminating in legislation prohibiting such torture methods.

Positioned as a centrist Democrat, Feinstein won recognition for her efforts to bridge divides with Republicans, a stance that occasionally drew criticism from progressive party members. She diverged from them on several significant issues, including her opposition to single-payer, government-run healthcare and her reservations about the ambitious Green New Deal. These ideological differences came to a head during the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett in October 2020, when Feinstein’s cordial exchange with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham garnered swift calls for her removal as ranking member. Ultimately, she did step down.

Feinstein was an advocate for preserving Senate traditions. Yet, in 2021, she expressed a willingness to consider adjustments to filibuster rules if Democrats encountered obstacles in passing critical components of their legislative agenda, such as voting rights

reforms, gun control, and the reauthorization of the landmark Violence Against Women Act. There was mounting pressure for Feinstein to make way for younger lawmakers in recent years, but she steadfastly defended her commitment to represent Californians.

California Democratic Representatives Katie Porter, Adam Schiff, and Barbara Lee have entered the race for Feinstein’s Senate seat.

Feinstein’s influence extended far and wide in state and national politics, with her endorsement carrying significant weight. Notably, she suggested Alex Padilla, California’s secretary of state at the time, fill Kamala Harris’ Senate seat after Harris became vice president.

Her husband, investment banker Richard Blum, died last year. She is survived by her daughter, Katherine Feinstein, a San Francisco County Superior Court judge, her son-in-law, Rick Mariano, and her granddaughter, Eileen Feinstein Mariano.

WI @StacyBrownMedia

5A Senator Dianne Feinstein of California died on Thursday

Federal Judge Upholds Fearless Fund’s Grant Program for Black Women Entrepreneurs

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Senior U.S. Judge Thomas Thrash has ruled that Fearless Fund, a venture capital firm based in Atlanta, can continue its grant program exclusively tailored for Black women entrepreneurs. The judge said the lawsuit challenging the practice, which argued it unlawfully excluded individuals of other races, was unlikely to succeed.

Edward Blum, an anti-affirmative action activist well-known for his involvement in the Supreme Court’s June college admissions cases, is the head of the nonprofit American Alliance for Equal Rights, which requested the preliminary injunction. Blum has expressed plans to appeal the decision, claiming that civil rights laws prohibit racial distinctions based on overrepresentation or underrepresentation.

“We will continue to run the nation’s first venture capital fund that is built by women of color for women of color,” declared Fearless Fund CEO and co-founder Arian Simone.

Alphonso David, another of Fearless Fund’s lawyers, president, and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum, condemned Blum’s claims as baseless attempts to subvert existing law. He affirmed their commitment to defend Fearless Fund and its crucial work vigorously.

“Today, the playing field is not level – that is beyond dispute,” David asserted in an earlier statement. “Those targeting Fearless Fund want to propagate a system that privileges some and shuts out most. They want to pretend that inequities do not exist. They want us to deny our history.”

WI

@StacyBrownMedia

5Senior U.S. Judge Thomas Thrash has ruled that Fearless Fund can continue its grant program exclusively tailored for Black women entrepreneurs. (Courtesy Photo)

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Rwanda, World Bank Celebrate 60 Years of Strong Partnership, Exceptional Post Genocide Journey of Transformation

5 Minister of Finance Dr Uzziel Ndagijimana during the celebrations as the government of Rwanda and the World Bank commemorate 60 years of one of the most fruitful collaborations on Saturday, Sept. 30. (Courtesy Photo)

The government of Rwanda and the World Bank on Saturday, Sept. 30, commemorated 60 years of one of the most fruitful collaborations that has seen in the country through some of the direst moments, including building back after the devastating 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, The New Times, Rwanda’s largest daily newspaper reported.

Uzziel Ndagijimana, the minister for Finance and Economic Planning, and Keith Hansen, the World Bank country director, earlier, on Friday, Sept. 29, inaugurated a multimedia photo exhibition depicting Rwanda’s development story over the past six decades and joined a conference to reflect on 60 years of partnership.

Rwanda became a member of the World Bank on September 30, 1963.

Since then, the bank has provided about $8.2 billion in support of different development programs in Rwanda, including human capital, infrastructure, agriculture, resilience, and private sector development. Over the last decade, one million people have lifted themselves out of extreme poverty, capitalizing on a rapidly improving agriculture sector in which the International Development Association (IDA) was proud to make substantial investments.

“World Bank has had the honor and privilege of accompanying Rwanda in its exceptional journey of building transformational infrastructures and setting up modern institutions that led to one of the most impressive growth performances in the World in recent decades,” said Hansen, country director for Rwanda, Kenya, Somalia, and Uganda.

“Continuing Rwanda’s remarkable success requires accelerated efforts and collaboration to rebalance its economy away from public investment toward greater reliance on private investment, and the World Bank is committed to continuing supporting the government to attain her targeted sustainable development goals.”

Rwanda tells the world a remarkable story of poverty reduction and development. It has been one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, having generated persistent high growth averaging 7.2% per annum between 2000 to 2019.

Poverty declined from 58.9% in 2000 to 38.2% 2016, and inequality reduced with the Gini coefficient of 0.51 in 2000 to 0.43 in 2016. The Gini coefficient is an index for the degree of inequality in the distribution of income or wealth, used to estimate how far a country's wealth or income distribution deviates from an equal distribution. WI

Guyana to Establish U.S.$14 Million Regional Food Hub

Guyana says it is moving ahead with plans to establish a U.S.$14 million regional food hub and that land for the facility has already been identified on the Soesdyke /Linden Highway.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who met with the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Dr. Mohammed Sulaiman, emphasized Guyana’s desire to become the regional food hub.

“We want Guyana to be the food hub. The primary production hub of the Caribbean so that we could supply the Caribbean,” he said. “What we have, our colleagues in the Caribbean, don’t have. We have arable flat land and abundant fresh water. Now with the investment coming on board, we can modernize the infrastructure, and start ramping up of the productions.”

Guyana is the lead Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country pushing ahead with plans to reduce the multi-billion-dollar regional food import bill by 25 percent by 2025.

Mustapha said Guyana will work with the State of Roraima in Brazil to form a partnership in the development of the hub.

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh said the government has been in discussions with the Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley about sourcing inputs from northern Brazil and transporting them through Guyana to Barbados and vice versa.

“We see the regional food hub as very much a regional initiative…as a piece of infrastructure that will contribute to a more efficient market for agricultural products, across the entire Caribbean and Northern South America,” Singh said. WI

5 Guyana’s Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha. (Courtesy Photo)

Chase New Markets Tax Credit Equity Investment Helps to Make New Whitman-Walker Health Center

By Angela Swinson Lee

The new state of the art Max Robinson Center, an 118,000 square-foot healthcare and research center, recently opened on the campus of St. Elizabeths in the Congress Heights neighborhood. The move was made possible in part because of a federal tax credit program enacted about 20 years ago to support community and economic development projects in mostly distressed neighborhoods around the country.

The healthcare center will continue to build on services provided by the facility on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.

Dr. Stephen Abbott has been with the healthcare center for seven years and said the move was a welcome change. “The clinic we were in before was closer to the Anacostia metro stop over by the big chair. It had four exam rooms, two dental chairs, and a behavioral health suite. It was a very cozy, comfortable place. It was familiar to all of our patients, but it had its limitations in terms of not just space, but what we could offer.”

The new building is equipped with 12 dental chairs, and more than 20 exam rooms, according to Abbott, who is the site medical director in Ward 8. “The waiting area is much more conducive to a relaxing environment. The nice thing about the old space was that it was cute and cozy, but it was also very, how shall we say? It was like being in your grandmother's living room. Sometimes anybody could drop by and you never knew who to expect or what kind of mood they were in.” Whitman-Walker is in its 50th year of being a leader

in LGBTQ health, research, education and policy with special expertise in HIV and LGBTQ care.

“The New Markets Tax Credit Program plays an essential role in stimulating economic development in low-income communities,” said En Jung Kim, Head of the New Markets Tax Credit Team for JPMorgan Chase.

“Since the program has been around, it's targeted the most distressed communities around the country, areas that have poverty rates often greater than 30 percent,” Kim said.

“This project, which services Wards 7 and 8, two wards that have historically been medically underserved, will bring much needed medical services, jobs and opportunities to the whole community.”

Kim added that these vital healthcare services, delivered by a trusted institution like Whitman-Walker, contribute to safer, more stable communities today and have a powerful impact on the health of future generations.

As a federally qualified healthcare center, funding is always essential, Abbott said. “You're always looking for ways to be able to bring in financial support and allow you to provide

care to folks who are otherwise underserved. So having that tax credit has allowed us to move into a building that is bigger. That will allow us to hire more providers who will then be able to see more patients and offer more,” Abbott said.  “We will continue to grow exponentially once we are in the building because now, we have the platform from which we can provide services. We'll be able to see more patients, but we'll be able to see patients closer to their homes. We are actually closer to the metro stop. We are part of an area of the district that is under development or redeveloped, and we are here now in the beginning of that transition.”

Additional funding from the National Institutes of Health allowed for a research lab where research will be conducted on a broad range of medical conditions, including HIV, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure.

The clinic and the pharmacy will

be available to members of the community. Achim Howard has been a patient at the clinic since 2006.

“The clinic has always been there for me,” Howard said. “It is not an entity that is just standing there, they are there for the community. I am

not just a patient. They treat us like family.” Howard was at the center for the ribbon cutting recently and noticed the excitement on the faces of people in the community. “They were happy the center was there,” Howard said.

5 Mayor Bowser and other stakeholders at the ribbon cutting of the new state of the art Max Robinson Center recently on the campus of St. Elizabeths in the Congress Heights neighborhood of SE DC (photo by Roy Lewis)

5 Achim Howard, Former Whitman-Walker board member and patient.

5 En Jung Kim, Managing Director, JPMorgan Chase New Markets Tax Credit initiative.

Addressing Youth Opioid Crisis in The District

National Organizations, Parents, Local Alliances Weigh In On Growing Crisis

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

While the opioid epidemic is devastating various demographics, adolescent drug overdoses are gradually rising across the country. While national organizations are making efforts to combat the harrowing crisis, local parents and drug recovery advocates emphasize the need for solutions specific to the dynamic of opioid abuse within the District of Columbia.

Last week, the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts (FORE) held a press conference in D.C., announcing a generous distribution of $1.3 million in grant funding to Sesame Workshop, a global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street and the American Academy of Pediatrics to combat the youth opioid and overdose crisis.

“Our decision to expand our focus in this way comes out of a range of consultations and inputs. After two decades, it’s clear that it is a multigenerational public health issue. Focusing on younger children in families already affected by opioid use disorder (OUD) provides opportunities to change the trajectory of the next generation,” said Dr. Karen A. Scott, president of FORE. “At the same time, we are seeing sharp increases in youth overdose rates particularly in the current high-risk environment due to the exposure of fentanyl.”

The organization’s family and community-based programs include projects examining opportunities for school-based services, projects for integrated family support into OUD treatment services, and training school staff about adverse childhood experiences, while

also providing children at high risk with “healthy activities and screening for mental health needs.”

According to the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Report examining opioid-related fatal overdoses, there were seven fatal overdoses for adolescents under the age of 19 between January to June 30, 2023, in comparison to seven total adolescent opioid fatalities for the entire year of 2022. As of June of 2023, D.C. counted 154 total opioid deaths in comparison to only 13 in the state of Maryland, and six in Virginia (not including those deemed “undomiciled” or “unknown”).

THE FACES OF THE OPIOID CRISIS ACROSS WASHINGTON, D.C.

While organizations like FORE’s initiative are contributing to the welfare of local youth plagued by opioid addiction, Ambrose Lane Jr., Chair of D.C.’s Health Alliance Network, highlights the importance of addressing the unique circumstances of the opioid crisis as it concerns District natives to ensure initiatives are impacting Black youth.

“Most of the opioid deaths among White, young people are in the form of pills, whether or not those pills are laced with fentanyl-like oxycontin and other prescription drugs that are laced with fentanyl, but in the District, it’s a different matter,” Lane Jr. explained. “The fentanyl is in the drug supply whether or not you are talking about marijuana or cocaine, and that includes marijuana products such as gummies, brownies, and all kinds of things. So there is a higher susceptibility to younger people in the District of Columbia that does not come from prescription pills that are laced.”

Lane Jr. noted data showing increasing numbers of opioid deaths among those between the ages of 16-29 ranking relatively low compared to the older adults who are dying from fentanyl, but still increasing with no ending in sight.

WHEN THE CRISIS HITS CLOSE TO HOME

Tauheedah Washington, CEO and founder of “Mobile Moms,” knows the painful reality of witnessing a child battling the dangers of opioid use. Washington’s son, Tajir Washington, was only 21 years old when he lost his life to an opioid overdose by way of percocet covertly laced with fentanyl.

Washington shared her perspective on the disparaging inequities when considering the lack of preventative resources available to predominantly black communities.

“I feel as though you have community events that provide narcan, which is great– and the testing strips– but where is the treatment? Where are the counseling services? It's [few and] far between in urban, Black areas where they are providing the tools. God forbid someone is overdosing, you have narcan available on hand, but narcan is not the solution for someone who's battling a drug addiction. They need to be in treatment,” said Washington.

The concerned mother questioned, “Where are the drug treatment facilities to help rehabilitate and detox these individuals and get them clean? And even in the school systems does the DCPS system have enough adequate counselors that can specialize in substance abuse to even help these children, or are they specialized to properly provide counseling on a substance abuse level?”

Although national-level organizations attempt to create change in the growing crisis, local drug recovery advocates are not sure the District maintains adequate infrastructure to properly repair a community of people needing help to stay well beyond the grips of addiction.

“March of this year saw the highest number of opioid deaths in any given month in the District of Columbia,” Lane Jr. explained. “The District has a very weak public health campaign on the issue of opioids and fentanyl. It’s one of the things that we have advocated for in calling for a public health emergency: that the District enhance the public education campaign about opioids, especially to be able to reach young people.”

(Courtesy Photo)

Kaiser Executives Face Backlash From Healthcare Workers Union

Coalitions Strategize Massive Strike To Combat

Poor Staffing Practices

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

Orchestrating what might be the largest healthcare strike in U.S. history, Kaiser Permanente workers have set forth a nationwide unfair labor practice strike, in conjunction with sympathy strikes, from Oct. 4 through Oct 7.

More than 75,000 Kaiser healthcare workers are protesting in various states including California, Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Through national campaigns, workers voice extreme discontent in reportedly “bad faith bargaining over solutions to end the Kaiser short-staffing crisis”.

While greater impacts of the strike will be apparent West of the country, here in Northern Virginia, and D.C., Kaiser workers are demanding a pay rate of $25 minimum wage across the board, with a roughly 6.5% pay raise over the next two years, along with increased staffing.

According to surveys conducted by Statista, over two-thirds of surveyed registered nurses reported feelings of burnout on most of their workdays throughout 2023. Furthermore, when asked about the frequency of experiencing burnout on most days, 37% of surveyed registered nurses responded that they strongly agreed, while 31 percent somewhat agreed.

Overworked employees including Brittanye Cole, a licensed vocational nurse at California-based Kaiser LAMC, lamented her disappointment in the inability to provide timely care to a wounded 80-year-old patient due to short staffing and a lack of beds.

“It delayed the doctors seeing and getting her upstairs. Because of that, she ended up staying in the hospital longer as opposed to if we could have gotten her in faster than the eight hours.”

While fighting tears, Cole continued, “I felt bad about that be-

cause she’s an older patient. Her family had to call from New Jersey and nobody could talk to her son. She’s an older lady, she’s 80, and she was by herself.”

“If we had the staffing that we need,” Cole continued, “[her family] would be able to know how [their mother is doing.”

Understaffing isn’t the only issue hampering Kaiser employees, while the country faces rising inflation rates, employees outside of the D.C. Metropolitan areas struggle with stunted pay rates, threatening their ability to maintain stable living in their homes and even jobs within Kaiser hospitals to seek higher wages elsewhere.

“I work that 16-hour shift, I work that 20-hour shift, I do anything necessary to make sure that everything is done. One, because I care, it’s bigger than me. But two, I need to. I have no other option right now so I just say ‘yes’ to everything,” shared Tashe' Tibbs, an employee from Washington State.

“The truth is, it’s unhealthy for me. I don’t have a balance between work. I’m so tired that I fall asleep in the Kaiser parking lot, and at the end of the day that’s so unhealthy, but I keep fighting.”

The massive strike uplifts the voices of Kaiser workers as they ask for greater support to increase the staffing levels to where they need to be.

“Kaiser executives refuse to acknowledge how much patient care has deteriorated or how much the frontline healthcare workforce and patients are suffering because of the Kaiser short-staffing crisis,” Dave Regan, president of SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West said in a statement detailing the Kaiser strike.

“The patient care crisis cannot be solved unless Kaiser executives follow the law by bargaining with healthcare workers in good faith, and take dramatic action now to solve the crisis by investing in its workforce.” WI

FOR EVERY GENERATION. THIS IS WHY WE WALK.

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“I work that 16hour shift, I work that 20-hour shift, I do anything necessary to make sure that everything is done. One, because I care, it’s bigger than me. But two, I need to. I have no other option right now so I just say ‘yes’ to everything,” shared Tashe' Tibbs

5 Kaiser Permanente workers have set forth a nationwide unfair labor practice strike, in conjunction with sympathy strikes, from Oct. 4 through Oct 7. (WI File Photo)

EARTH OUR

WHAT ON (OUR) EARTH IS GOING ON?

September Roundup: DC’s Got That E-bike Money

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

Welcome to Spooky Season!

After the month started with a week of bizarrely hot temps—a heat wave made about four times more likely by all the extra greenhouse gasses trapping heat in the atmosphere— September’s climate change and environment news went non-stop here in the DMV. Here’s what you should know to catch up quick:

BILL FUNDING E-BIKE SUBSIDIES PASSES D.C. COUNCIL

The D.C. Council got rolling fast on its first day back in session, unanimously passing legislation Sept. 19 that will offer subsidies for buying e-bikes. It will be at least a few months until the DC Department of Transportation gets the program up and running, but the funding—$500,000 worth—is already approved in the city’s budget.

The incentives come in two tiers. For low-income District residents (guided by eligibility for programs like SNAP and TANF) the subsidies could include:

• Up to $2,000 for a qualifying cargo e-bike

• Up to $1,500 for a qualifying regular e-bike

• Up to $700 total for a replacement battery, annual maintenance, and a bike lock

• Up to $250 for bike parts to accommodate riders with disabilities

For other residents, the incentives are halved:

• Up to $1,000 for a qualifying cargo e-bike

• Up to $750 for a qualifying regular e-bike

• Up to $350 total for a replace-

ment battery, annual maintenance, and a bike lock

• Up to $125 for bike parts to accommodate riders with disabilities

E-bikes can range wildly in price but on average they typically cost $1,000$2,000 (most consumer guides and bike experts do not recommend any e-bikes costing less than $1,000—I looked). Councilmember Charles Allen, who introduced the bill, said he wants DDOT to create an up-front voucher program that reimburses bike shops directly. That way, low-income residents can buy a bike at the discounted price rather than covering the full price with a rebate to come later.

One other highlight: the bill enables DDOT to set up a grant program for D.C.’s bike shops to train more e-bike mechanics. It also includes $50,000 in grants for businesses opening a shop selling or repairing e-bikes in Ward 7 or 8.

A note to readers: Are you an e-bike rider in DC? I want to hear from you for a story! Email me at kbenjamin@washingtoninformer.com. WI

NEWEST ‘CLEAN RIVERS’ TUNNEL OPENS, WILL MITIGATE FLOODING AND SLASH SEWAGE OVERFLOWS

A massive underground tunnel beneath northeast D.C. went online Sept. 15, adding 90 million gallons of capacity to the system that captures stormwater in the city. The tunnel’s completion marks the final segment of a project initiated in the early 2000s when environmental groups sued the city over sewer overflows that dumped pollution into Anacostia River more than 80 times each year, according to reporting by DCist’s Jacob Fenston. The tunnel system will

cut 98% of the sewer overflows.

The five-mile-long Northeast Boundary Tunnel will also mitigate flooding in nearby neighborhoods like Ivy City, Eckington and Brentwood, which have long experienced serious issues during heavy rain. The problem came to the forefront after flooding led to the deaths of 10 dogs at a canine daycare on Rhode Island Avenue NE. The same storm caused devastation at Bethesda Baptist Church in Ivy City, which has dealt with the same problem repeatedly over the years. The tunnel will reduce flooding during storms by a lot, though it won’t completely eliminate the problem during extreme weather—which we’ll see more often as the planet continues to warm. WI

DDOT INDEFINITELY DELAYS ENFORCEMENT ON CLEAR BUS LANES

Back in July, the District started using 140 cameras to identify cars illegally parking or driving in the red-painted lanes reserved for buses. Since then, DDOT has been issuing warnings—about 14,000 of them over two months, according to Tracy Hadden Loh, a WMATA board member and Brookings Metro fellow.

The warning period for the Clear Lanes Project was supposed to last 45 days. But DDOT announced earlier this month that it has indefinitely delayed its plans to begin enforcement, which is slated to include tickets of up to $200. Transportation officials said they wanted more time to educate

drivers about the program, according to reporting by the Washington Post’s Luz Lazo.

WMATA and DDOT, which teamed up to create the Clear Lanes Project, said the point was to reduce the number of cars blocking bus lanes and zones around bus stops. According to WMATA, Metrobuses often travel at less than 10 mph, particularly during rush hour. WI

NEWLY INTRO’D COUNCIL BILL AIMS TO BETTER PROTECT D.C.’S FORESTLAND

Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (D- Ward 4), along with nine Council colleagues, introduced legislation Sept. 21 intended to protect D.C.’s forested lands from invasive species. The bill proposes to create a new office with the Department of Energy and Environment that would focus solely on maintaining the District’s urban forests—which no other government office specifically handles right now.

Trees offer important benefits for urban residents, including cleaner air, cooler temperatures and reduced flooding. According to Lewis George’s introduction to the legislation, D.C.

contains about 500 acres of District-owned forested land, but the agencies responsible for those areas do not have the capacity to truly manage the trees. Invasive plant species and non-native pests threaten these forest patches, which include bigger and older trees that generally provide more benefits than newly planted ones.

Eight local environmental groups supported the legislation, including Ward 8 Woods, Shepherd Park Weed Warriors and Casey Trees. WI

The Informer's Our Earth page turns 1 year old this fall. We want to know what you think and what we can do better in year 2! Please let us know with this 3-minute survey.

The D.C. Council got rolling fast on its first day back in session, unanimously passing legislation Sept. 19 that will offer subsidies for buying e-bikes.

(Courtesy Photo/ Andreas, Flickr)

EPA from Page 8

“How do you fight money, power and influence? With money, power and influence,” Maria Payan, co-founder of Sussex Health & Environmental Network, one of the Region 3 TCTAC partners, said in remarks at the announcement.

Federal agencies have been announcing new grant opportunities at a rapid clip in recent months. Just a few weeks ago, the U.S. Forest Service announced that the D.C. area would receive $34 million to work on equitable tree cover. In June, six DMV trail projects aimed at improving biking and walking connections in underserved areas received $25 million from the Department of Transportation (that cash came from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law).

Environmental justice activists say that the Biden administration’s prioritization of environmental justice represents a major shift after decades of advocacy.

“It’s unprecedented—people use that word a lot, but this is actually unprecedented,” said Vernice Miller-Travis, co-founder of WeACT for Environmental Justice and one of the environmental justice movement’s long-time pioneers.

GETTING GRANTS INTO THE RIGHT HANDS

Advocates have long pointed out that the federal grant system has historically failed to include many of the community groups that could most benefit from the funding boost. Larger, better-funded and more well-established organizations can devote more resources to labor-intensive grant applications and the complicated reporting requirements for showing how the money gets used.

“There's a lot of barriers in place to getting grants—it's not an easy process, it's very time consuming and intense,” Norouzi said. “The

grant-making system is yet another system that has inequities embedded into it.”

The TCTAC program aims to address part of that problem by connecting smaller organizations with technical assistance so that they can successfully apply for and manage federal grants. Community organizers may often not know about the money that’s available or strategies for how to obtain it, said Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, a Democrat from Delaware, in her remarks at the launch event in Ivy City.

“On a lot of issues, we have not moved the needle where we should, and I think that's because we've been doing the same old thing, giving money to the same old people and not getting it to the places that can actually make a difference,” Rep. Blunt Rochester said. “This is about empowerment, making sure that we actually do move the needle—for all of us.”

5 Dr. Adrienne Hollis (foreground) of the National Wildlife Federation serves as one of the key coordinators for the Mid-Atlantic Region’s Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center. She joined national government leaders, such as Delaware Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (background) at a launch event for the new center at Trinity Baptist Church in Ivy City Sept. 26. (Kayla Benjamin / The Washington Informer)

EDUCATION

Annual Teach-In Expands

Teachers’ Knowledge about Indigenous Americans

Indian Affairs Asst. Secretary Sheds Light on Forced Assimilation of Native Children

By Sam P.K. Collins

WI Staff Writer

Days before 2023 Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Teaching for Change and the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian conducted an annual curriculum teach-in where K-12 teachers collected the knowledge and resources necessary to teach Indige-

nous American history and culture.

This year’s teach-in centered on the reclamation of education sovereignty, much of which the native people lost between the 18th and 20th centuries when the U.S. government stripped Indigenous American children of their language and culture in federal boarding schools.

The details of this centuries-long

plot is documented in the first volume of a Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative Investigative Report that the Bureau of Indian Affairs released last year under the direction of Deb Haaland, secretary of the interior and the first Indigenous American to serve as a cabinet secretary.

In his teach-in keynote address, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland explained how the forced assimilation of Indigenous American children allowed the U.S.government to steal land from Indigenous people in the mainland, as well as Alaska and Hawaii.

“Multiple generations of indigenous children were forced by the federal government to go through this system, based on their political and legal status as native people and native Hawaiians,” Newland said. “The U.S. government, under its constitutional authority, had recognized legal power to do this.”

In his remarks, Newland, a citizen and former tribal president of the Bay Mills Indian Community in Michigan, encouraged teachers to highlight the true history of Indigenous Ameri-

can-U.S. government relations.

“Colonization has left painful scars and wounds, not only on Indian people but this nation that are still present,” Newland said at the beginning of his keynote. “We still have work to do to heal these wounds. By being honest about the past, we can lay the groundwork for that healing and for respecting and empowering our youth.”

THE ANNUAL TEACH-IN BUILDS COMMUNITY

The recent teach-in served as the precursor for an educators’ open house scheduled to take place in New York City on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. On Nov. 4, Teaching for Change will once again join the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian for a virtual teach-in that’s anticipated to reach hundreds of teachers from across the United States.

More than 100 teachers who converged on the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian on Sept. 30 walked through exhibits, participated in interactive workshops, and watched guest instructors model lessons.

They also scoured through books by native authors that had been banned at the state level and delved into lessons centered on the sovereignty of Indigenous American nations, as expressed in the diverse array of flags representing indigenous political entities that have existed since before Christopher Columbus’ arrival.

As explained by Renee Gokey, teacher services coordinator at the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian, the teachers who attended

the teach-in learned to further embrace the diverse culture and history of Indigenous American nations.

Gokey said that Teaching for Change and the Smithsonian Institute led teachers along in the examination of primary and secondary sources about Indigenous American nations. One of those sources was a photo of Seneca Indian School, an federal boarding school for children of the Seneca, Shawnee, and Wyandotte nations in Wyandotte, Oklahoma.

Other parts of the collection include tools that Indigenous Americans used.

Gokey, an Indigenous American and resident of the Eastern Shawnee nation in Oklahoma, said these efforts are intended to help students of any racial and ethnic background to identify with Indigenous Americans.

“We have good material that [tackles] ideas of belonging,” Gokey said.

“How can people understand their relationship with belonging to this place, with the community and sovereign, native nations?” Gokey continued. “We have maps and tools that are built into our lessons. The most powerful are the quotes and images of native people in life today.”

BRINGING EDUCATION ABOUT INDIGENOUS PEOPLES INTO THE 21ST CENTURY

Today, the federal government recognizes 574 American Indian nations and Alaskan native entities, with the Navajo nation counting as the largest group. Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

5 Renee Gokey, teacher services coordinator at the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian, and Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland (Courtesy Photo/ Teaching for Change/Flickr)

Howard Hospital Brass Fetes Anti-Violence Program Graduates

James Wright WI Staff Writer

Howard University Hospital executives and staffers held a graduation ceremony on Sept. 27 at the Blackburn Center on the university’s main campus to recognize and celebrate at-risk youth participants in its program, the ENGAGE Saturday Academy.

“It’s not just my obligation to stitch you up, but I fundamentally believe that a trauma center ought to build you up,” said Dr. Mallory Williams, chief of the Trauma Center at the hospital. “We want to help strive to be a part of this community.”

The ENGAGE Saturday Academy is a product of the Howard University Center for Excellence and is sponsored by the D.C. Department of Health and Howard University’s Hospital’s Level One Trauma Center. The program works to be a positive force in the community and to prevent trauma by engaging people in a supportive and healing manner.

The genesis of the program started in 2013 as ENGAGE (Empowering the Next Generation to Achieve Greatness Everyday). Dr. Roger Mitchell, the former District chief medical examiner and chair of the pathology department at Howard University College of Medicine, serves as the leader of the academy.

The selected students are educated by professionals in financial literacy, conflict resolution, career paths, entrepreneurship, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) as well as manhood development component during the summer.

THE GRADUATION

Among the participants who were present to receive their certificates were Darrell Houston, Morgan Houston, Jayden Johnson, Jamall Pannell, Julien Nyankale-Thompson, and Andre Wright. The eight other participants could not attend the ceremony due to family obligations and other circumstances.

Morgan Houstonm, who attends Friendship Collegiate Academy in Northeast, liked participating in the program.

“This was something that was positive,” said Morgan, 15, who confessed to being a gunshot victim. “It has defined a pathway for me to contribute to the community. I found the program to be inspirational.”

WI @JamesWrightJr10

Sari Climate Workshop Showcases How We Are All Intertwined

By Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum

Standing on the banks of the Anacostia River, it might be hard to imagine a direct connection to women in Katakhali, a fishing village on the island of Barabaishdia, in Bangladesh. It’s so far away —it takes days of travel, by plane, car, and boat to get there from Washington, D.C. –and their lives are so different from ours. But artist and advocate Monica Jahan Bose, whose maternal family is from the island, wants us all to understand how our lives are intertwined. She uses 18-feet long woven cotton saris to help us see the relationship.

Jahan Bose wants people in Washington, D.C. to recognize how our daily actions affect climate change, and how climate change directly threatens the lives and livelihoods of people in Bangladesh. Americans use far more fossil fuels than the people of Bangladesh, whose lives are being upended by climate change in dramatic ways. Jahan Bose’s artistic work illustrates the transnational impacts of environmental injustice and aligns with the Anacostia Community Museum’s focus on the environment for 2023, and with our broader mission to illuminate and amplify communities’ collective power.

Bose has worked for over a decade with women farmers from Katakhali. They weave saris, which Bose then brings back to D.C. In arts workshops like one recently hosted at the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum, she shares images of the village and the women who live there, and describes how rising sea levels and the resulting influx of salt into the local rivers are decimating the fish harvest, and explains that scientists predict the loss of much of the island in years to come. She asks participants to think about specific things they might be able to do to reduce their own reliance on fossil fuels to help. Together, the participants use woodblocks, paints, and markers to decorate a sari, including pledges they make—which might include promises to turn off lights, walk and bike more often, turn down their thermostats in the winter, or compost to help reduce methane in the city’s landfills. Bose reads the pledges to the women in Bangladesh, who consider the saris “letters” from people in America. In a survey, most of the participants in ACM’s workshop said it helped change their perspective on climate change and helped them feel more able to make a difference.

Generous support from the Smithsonian’s Asian Pacific American Center made it possib le for ACM to host the workshop, and to aquire two saris that were among a group decorated in 2018 by people in Anacostia and displayed hanging from buildings along Good Hope Road SE and Martin Luther King Avenue SE as part of Bose's WRapture project. We are also acquiring two of Bose's paintings that document a public performance using the saris along the Anacostia River, and three woodblocks that were used to decorate them, in addition to archival materials and an oral history. The museum is thrilled to include these important works in its collection as a testament to the creative and inspiring work that Jahan Bose and local community members have undertaken to use art in the effort to raise awareness of climate change and our ability to contribute to efforts to protect our earth and all its people.

(Photo credits are Simone Bowden.)

5 Dr. Roger Mitchell delivers the keynote address to ENGAGE Saturday Academy graduates. (Ja’mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas DC

Domestic violence — or intimate partner violence (IPV) — is abuse or aggression that occurs in a romantic relationship. An intimate partner can be your current or former dating partner.1

Domestic violence is prevalent in all communities. It’s important to understand the risk factors, seek help if you are a victim, and support those experiencing abuse from a partner.

Domestic violence is widespread and affects people regardless of age, race, religion, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation, and nationality. If you or someone you know is experiencing abusive behaviors in a relationship, you are not alone and there are people available to support you.

Domestic violence can include any of the following types of violence:1

• Physical violence — Hurting or trying to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using another type of physical force.

• Stalking — Repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a partner that causes fear or concern for one’s own safety or the safety of someone close to the victim.

• Psychological aggression

— Using verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm a partner mentally or emotionally and to gain control over a partner.

Domestic Violence in Washington, DC

In the United States, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men age 18 and older have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner.2 According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, an estimated 50% (134,000) of women in the District reported psychological aggression by an intimate partner. Over 60,000 survivors of intimate partner violence in the District belong to marginalized communities.3

RISK FACTORS AND

PREVENTION METHODS

Those who perpetuate violence against their partners often have certain individual, relational, community, and societal risk factors that contribute to their likelihood of committing domestic violence. These risk factors can include:4

• Low self-esteem

• Aggressive or delinquent behavior as a child

• Witnessing violence between parents as a child

• Growing up in communities with easy access to drugs and alcohol

• Growing up in communities with high unemployment rates

• Societal income inequality

Preventing domestic violence can be done with enough education on healthy relationships, consent, and awareness within families and communities. Our communities must create easy access to support services such as shelters, counseling, helplines, and legal aid for victims. Some organizations in Washington, DC offer resources to domestic violence victims. The information you share is confidential and you can remain anonymous.

• The District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH) can help you find temporary, permanent, or emergency housing. Call 202-290-2356, ext. 101.

• The Department of Behavioral Health’s (DBH) Access Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 1-888-793-4357. You can receive immediate counseling over the phone or will be referred to ongoing care. DBH also has a Community Response Team that assists those experiencing emotional, psychiatric, or substance use crises on-site.

If you believe you are experiencing domestic violence at the hands of a partner, do not be discouraged. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or someone who can provide resources that will keep you safe. You deserve to live in a safe and happy relationship

Sources

1. “Fast Facts: Preventing Intimate Partner Violence,” Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/fastfact. html

2. “Domestic Violence Statistics,” National Domestic Violence Hotline, https://www.thehotline.org/stakeholders/domestic-violence-statistics/

3. “Surviving DC: A Domestic Violence Report,” DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence, https://www.dccadv.org/wp-content/ uploads/2022/09/Surviving-DC-Report-Card-1.pdf

4. “Risk and Protective Factors for Perpetration,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/riskprotectivefactors.html

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

#BestMe Mammography Screenings During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Once a month, AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia (DC) hosts a mobile mammography screening van in different areas of the District. You can view the community events calendar for the van’s schedule or call our Community Outreach Solutions team at 202-216-2318 for more information.

AmeriHealth DC also hosts monthly P.I.N.K.I.E. parties on breast cancer

education, with screening events set in a fun, festive, and supportive environment. These events are held at a hospital or medical center to encourage screenings for enrollees and are designed to reduce fears and stigmas around breast cancer screening. The events include music, dancing, swag bags, healthy food, and access to health, wellness, and beauty professionals.

Consult with your healthcare provider about your risk factors and medical history to determine the appropriate screening plan for you.

You’re Not ‘Stuck In’ Traffic—You Are Traffic EDITORIAL

One day before DDOT planned to begin writing tickets for cars in bus lanes, the agency announced that, instead of starting enforcement, they would extend the warning period indefinitely.

That’s a problem. For one thing, blocked bus stop zones can prevent buses from pulling up to the curb, making it nearly impossible for wheelchair-users to board.

Moreover, blocked bus stop zones slow everyone’s commute down-- and I mean everyone. Metrobuses often travel at less than 10 miles an hour, WMATA has said.

A big chunk of D.C. households—over 35%—don’t own a car. But even for those who do, having better bus service means more people riding the bus and fewer other cars on the road at rush hour.

Research shows that adding extra lanes to roads does not fix traffic. It seriously never, ever works. With additional lanes, traffic gets better for a short while. But within a few years, more people end up driving (because they hear traffic is less of a nightmare), so it goes back to being just as congested as before, or worse. Every time.

What makes traffic better isn’t having more lanes. It’s having fewer cars on the road. That requires making buses a viable alternative.

One other point—also based on a longstanding, though counter-intuitive, research finding. In the Clear Lanes Program, the plan is for tickets to range between $100 and $200. That’s way too high. Over and over, studies have found that severe punishments do little to stop crime. Rather, what deters crime is certainty, according to the National Institute of Justice. It’s better to have a lesser punishment but super consistent enforcement.

Transportation officials told reporters that the reason for the enforcement delay was a need for more time to educate drivers about the program. I think $25 is a perfectly reasonable price for a learning experience; $200, maybe less so.

But right now, with the fine at $0, all folks are learning is that drivers can go wherever they want. The only consequence is making traffic worse for everybody. WI

Why Working to Raise Awareness about Domestic Violence is Important Year Round

Happy October!

While October marks the official start of “spooky season,” there are many causes for which the month raises awareness. For October, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is marking breast cancer awareness, health literacy, youth sports week (Oct. 2-7) and HIV/ AIDS in Latinx communities (National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day is Oct. 15). However, October is also National Domestic Violence Awareness Month– first declared as such in 1989.

“Domestic violence touches every community in this Nation,” wrote President Joe Biden in a proclamation acknowledging the national commemoration. “Americans of every race, religion, and background are affected; its consequences transcend generations, impacting children and reshaping whole families. During National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, we stand with the tens of millions of people who have experienced intimate partner violence, and we thank the first responders, service providers, and community members who work to make sure that every American can live in safety, with dignity and respect.”

According to statistics from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network: “1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been physically abused by an intimate partner, and 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men have been severely physically abused by an intimate partner.”

Domestic violence (DV) goes beyond race and gender. These statistics show that if we, ourselves, have not been affected by domestic violence, we know someone, likely several people for that matter, who have been.

This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, learn about local organizations working to protect families affected by DV and check out how you can support the causes year round. Further, talk to your family and friends about the realities of DV. Check in with them, and make sure that they’re okay. If someone you know is feeling the sting of DV or emotional abuse– as the victim or perpetrator– don’t judge. Encourage them to seek help and provide resources for them to do so.

Just as we’re all affected by domestic violence, it takes us all to combat it. For more information on domestic resources in the District and the local police headquarters contact: 202-727-7137. To contact the national domestic violence hotline call: 800.799.SAFE (7233). WI

Who knew the Washington National Cathedral’s stained glass windows held monuments to Confederate generals? Wow. That was mind-blowing to learn. I think it’s awesome that those windows have been replaced to uplift racial justice, but it’s still sobering that they honored racists in the first place.

Robert Carothers Washington, DC

TO THE EDITOR

I’m so excited for Usher to headline the Super Bowl! What a well-deserved honor that’s long overdue. I know he will bring down the house with his book of hits and awesome stage presence!

Kiana Fields Laurel, Md.

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

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

Guest Columnist

Ben Jealous

The Clean Energy Transition Must Be a Just Transition

When General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford – the “Big Three” American automakers – were close to extinction 15 years ago, their workers and the American people stepped in to save them. The United Auto Workers (UAW) gave back wages and benefits they had every right to get under a contract they had negotiated just a year before.

Now, rather than being paid back, union workers face getting left out of the future of the car business. And the rest of the country is being told we have Hobson’s choice when it comes to electric vehicles – we can have them, but only at a cost to our neighbors who build them.

We see this when Ford announces its slowing construction of a battery plant in Michigan. And when Donald Trump, who leads Republican presidential primary polls, goes to a nonunion company outside Detroit to claim that “the auto industry is being

Guest Columnist

assassinated” by the move away from dirty fuels.

Neither auto workers nor the climate can afford for us to fall for this false narrative. If anything, we should see that momentum is moving squarely and more rapidly in the other direction. That’s what President Biden means when he says that talking about the climate is talking about good jobs.

New York’s city council voted unanimously to move its fleet of more than 30,000 municipal vehicles – the largest in the country – to buy only zero emissions cars and trucks beginning in

2025, and heavier vehicles after 2028. By 2035, the entire city fleet will be zero emission.

That’s the same year that California, New York and 14 other states will require all cars and trucks sold to be zero emission vehicles. The standards they’ve agreed to ask carmakers to increase the share of electric vehicles they sell slowly and continuously over the next 13 years.

This isn’t a rash rush to abandon the internal combustion engine and gas pumps overnight, even if our warming planet may need quicker action.

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

Republican Chaos Fuels Threat of Government Shutdown

Unless warring factions of Republicans in the House of Representatives can come to their senses, the United States government will shut down next Sunday. Some may not notice – we tend to rely on government only when we are in need. But the impact – and the hurt –will be immediate – and will grow over time. Nearly a million federal employees will be furloughed and

sent home without pay until there is a resolution. Everything we rely on from the government will slow down or be halted. Home mortgage and loan applications will be delayed.

The inability to get government permits will impede everything from commercial fishing to health research to visas and passports. National parks will struggle to stay open, but they will overflow with human waste. Health and scientific research will be disrupted. As we continue to get hit with extreme

Guest Columnist

weather, the emergency help provided by the government will start to run out. Some vital services will continue. The military will stay on the job – although civilian defense workers will either be sent home or work without pay. Social Security and Medicare checks will go out – but the newly retired are likely to find their applications delayed. As always, the vulnerable will be hurt the most. The janitors that clean offices, the food workers that serve food in cafeterias, the security guards who provide safety and oth-

Tamika Mallory, Warrior Queen

Some people first saw civil rights activist Tamika Mallory when she was one of four leaders of the 2017 Women's March. Her activism hardly began there. From her teen years, the now 43-year-old activist was part of Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network. In 2013, she became NAN's youngest executive director. In 2016, she was

one of the four co-chairs of the highly successful 2017 Women's March. In 2019, Tamika, Mysonne Linen, Angelo Pinto, and fellow women’s march co-chair Linda Sarsour founded Until Freedom, a nonprofit organization for “community activism, education, and rapid response around tragedies resulting from injustice."

Mallory has earned awards and accolades from Time magazine, Fortune magazine, BET, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and others. She has

ers who work for government contractors will not be paid – and may never be paid for what they lose. Many of these earn poverty wages. Their families will suffer if they lose income for a few days, much less a few weeks.

The White House reports that 10,000 children from low-income families would lose access to the Head Start preschool program. Pell grants will continue, but new applications will be delayed. An extended delay will constrict federal aid to schools, parks, police,

Julianne Malveaux

also attracted the ire of racists and recently has received death threats that both the police and the FBI consider "credible." While the threats don't frighten her, they concern those who support her work. Roland Martin, the pioneering founder of the Black Star Network, featured a segment on the threats she is receiving.

Tamika is being threatened because she does not back down, warrior that she is. She spent time in Kentucky in the wake of the murder of Breona Taylor, working

That fearmongering is inaccurate and misplaced. It’s a measured, unmistakable direction that UAW leaders see clearly. Their members must benefit from that, they told me when we met in Detroit last month.

Instead, the Big Three have been pushing battery making and electric vehicle assembly to states that don’t offer union workers protection or to plants created through joint ventures that allow them to operate outside the UAW’s deal.

This is an all-too-familiar pattern in JEALOUS Page 53

with Breonna’s mother, Tamika Palmer, and with the community. She was outraged, as many were, that the African American Attorney General of Kentucky, Daniel Cameron, described Breonna Taylor's murder as "justifiable." Now, Daniel Cameron is the Republican nominee to unseat Democratic governor Andy Beshear in a Nov. 7 election. Tamika Mallory and her colleagues in Until Freedom have determined that Cameron will not be the governor.

Until Freedom (untilfreedom.

and arts programs. Families living in public housing will get hit. With HUD employees sent home, funding to fix furnaces, roofs, and windows will be disrupted. As contracts for low-income housing expire, HUD will be unable to renew them. Those seeking to start a new business will be unable to secure loans from the Small Business Administration. Subcontractors across the country – the smaller businesses that supply vital services

com) launched a voter engagement campaign to register voters and educate them about the harmful impact Daniel Cameron might have on Kentucky. They opened an office in Louisville in September. And Tamika and her team have endured death threats from their opponents. These aren't the idle death threats of phone calls and hang-ups. These death threats suggest that the Until Freedom team has been

Guest Columnist

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

Honorees and Presenters at the 2023 National Policy Alliance Program and Award Ceremony

NPA's executive director, coordinated the meeting.

During the week of the Annual Congressional Black Caucus, NPA was meeting and included many of the same people. The annual meeting of the National Policy Alliance (NPA) held its meeting, too. One of the key leaders presenting the NPA conference was World Conference of Mayors leader the Honorable Johnny Ford, former longtime mayor of Tuskegee, Alabama. Denise Tyler,

The conference dealt with numerous policy issues. Some of the issues were Supporting Black Organizations, Black Psychiatry and Psychology (And the history of anti-Blackness in the work of others), Black Lawyers for Justice, Education for Black Children, historically Black colleges and universities, Reclaiming Who We Are as African Descendants, Positive Aspects of Mentoring and How It Improves the Potential for Success of the Recipients, The Green Book — and how it assisted

Guest Columnist

Black travelers, Health Disparities and Making the Shift to Preventive Health Care, Goals of the National Bar Association—to increase the number of African American judges at the state and national level since they have always been under-represented, Addressing the Climate Crisis, Historical Preservation of Black communities and Black Businesses. The most riveting story to which we must pay attention was presented by attorney Malik Shabazz from Black Lawyers for Justice. In detail, he explained to us that six white police officers have now been convicted

and incarcerated for a horrible crime, (including shooting one Black man in the mouth), against two innocent Black men in Rankin County Mississippi. We must know these things are still happening and not just in Mississippi, but this is the first time white men have been convicted of such a crime. The lesson is to recognize that such atrocities are still experienced throughout the nation. If Mitt Romney needs to hire private security because it's not safe for him to speak out against evil, then it's required that we practice as many security measures as possible.

Marc H. Morial

We must work together, learn what resources are available to help us build and preserve our communities, and share that information. We must support Black businesses and if we don't have any, organize some and support them. We must increase our time securing information on which agencies have funds to help in improving our communities — especially Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Agriculture and Energy. The NPA is a coalition of African-American local elected officials

WILLIAMS Page 54

Political Posturing Over Funding the Government Overshadows Potentially Devastating Human Cost

House Kevin McCarthy.

"A government shutdown means that people who are doing critical work that is about upholding the structures of our government and all that we rely on in terms of those services could shut down. So let's start there. It would be completely irresponsible. Second, people are playing politics. They're playing political games. There's a lot of showmanship

that you're seeing. And if those people put those same levels of effort and talent into actually something that was productive, I don't think we'd be in this place of talking about a government shutdown." — Vice President

Kamala Harris

Based upon most of the punditry around the looming federal government shutdown, one might assume the only person with anything to lose is Speaker of the

Guest Columnist

A Measure of Leadership

As some members of Congress showed they were willing to bring the federal government to the brink of a shutdown, with demands that include deep cuts to services children and families rely on, once again some people have accused them of acting like children. Yet even five-year-olds understand that quitting the game

and taking the ball home if the other players won't give you your way is wrong. Refusing to fund the federal government is far from a political game, but a real threat that harms real workers, families and citizens across the country.

In "Our God Is Marching On!," his speech on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol at the end of the Selma to Montgomery marches for voting rights, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. urged us to "march on ballot boxes until we send to our city councils, state

Indeed, he and his cohort in the House are behaving as if McCarthy’s speakership, which he may have to defend if he doesn’t pander to extremists’ every whim, is the highest stake in their playground antics.

Largely missing from the public discussion – and completely absent from the House extremists’ debate — is the potentially devastating human cost of a shutdown.

Nearly seven million pregnant women, new mothers, and young

children — including more than half of all newborns in the United States — who rely on Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children will lose access to a source of healthy foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education.

Another 42 million Americans risk losing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

At least 10,000 preschool children will be denied the education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services of Head Start

Marian Wright Edelman

legislatures, and the United States Congress men who will not fear to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God." Some of the men and women in Congress right now are failing this test. This is not the leadership we or our children deserve.

How I wish some political leaders did not treat children as just another special interest group who must get in line to make their case for why their health, safety, and education needs should be met. Is this the best we have to pass on to

our children and grandchildren?

Dr. King also urged us to march on ballot boxes until God's children are able to walk the earth in decency and honor. For that to happen, as he taught us, we need a revolution in values. Fifty-five years ago, another political leader, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, said this to students at the University of Kansas about the need to rethink how we measure American success:

"Too much and too long, we seem to have surrendered commu-

and risk falling even further behind in school readiness.

Small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs will lose a vital source of funding as the Small Business Administration is blocked from accepting, reviewing, or approving new business loans. American small businesses would lose out on more than $100 Million in critical financing every day of the shutdown. Furthermore, a shutdown would delay

MORIAL Page 54

nity excellence and community values in the mere accumulation of material things. Our gross national product … if we should judge America by that — counts air pollution and cigarette advertising, and ambulances to clear our highways of carnage. It counts special locks for our doors and the jails for those who break them. It counts the destruction of our redwoods and the loss of our natural wonder in chaotic sprawl. It counts

EDELMAN Page 54

LIFESTYLE

U.S. Department of State and The Recording Academy Recognize Music as

a Diplomatic Tool

By Brenda C. Siler W.I. Contributing Writer

The Recording Academy and the U.S. Department of State launched the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative on Sept. 27. The realization of this initiative comes after President Joe Biden signed into law last year the Music Diplomacy Act.

The initiative leverages public-private partnerships with U.S. companies and non-profit organizations to elevate music as a diplomatic tool to promote peace and democracy. A group of artists from different genres of music participated in the formal launch at the State Department hosted by State Department Secretary Antony J. Blinken.

“You all know – we all know –music is a way for all of us to show who we are, where we come from, what we love, and also to learn the same about other people,” said Blinken. “Music has stayed a con-

necting thread through my entire life, ever since I heard my parents play ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ for the very first time, and it’s been love at first sight ever since.”

HONORING A MUSICAL ICON

For the occasion, Blinken and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason, jr. awarded Quincy Jones the first-ever Peace through Music Award. This collaboration between the State Department and the Recording Academy® recognizes and honors an American music industry professional, artist, or group that has played an invaluable role in cross-cultural exchanges and whose music work advances peace and mutual understanding globally.

“From advocating for the PEACE Through Music Diplomacy Act in 2022, to partnering with the U.S. State Department on the Global Music Diplomacy Initia-

tive, the Academy firmly believes that music’s transformative power can be a global force for good,” said Mason. “We’re honored to begin our work with the State Department to promote peace and cross-cultural understanding through music while continuing our mission to lift up music people around the globe.”

At this State Department event were senior Biden-Harris Administration officials, a bipartisan cohort of Members of Congress, music industry icons, leaders from the arts and humanities, and alumni from the Department’s music diplomacy exchanges. Entertainment included: Jamie Barton, GAYLE, Mickey Guyton, Herbie Hancock, Christopher Jackson, LADAMA, Aimee Mann, Rakim, Armani White, DJ 2-Tone, Foo Fighters founder and Springfield, Virginia native Dave Grohl, D.C. native Denyce Graves and Silver Spring, Maryland native and Tony

Award winner Myles Frost. A video message from U2 Lead Singer Bono was played for the audience.

FUNDING NUMEROUS GLOBAL MUSICAL PROGRAMS

Several programs are under the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, including the American Music Mentorship Program, the Fulbright-Kennedy Center Visiting Scholar Award in Arts and Science, and Boosting English-Language Learning Through Music. Also, the initiative will fund various musical outreach activities to various countries with artists such as Herbie Hancock, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Matthew Whitaker.

“For generations, U.S. diplomacy has worked to harness the power of music to actually build bridges, to foster collaboration between Americans and people around the world,” continued Blinken. “Go-

ing back to the 1940s, the United States has helped American musicians travel around the world. That started with classical musicians, singers, and iconic jazz artists like Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong.” WI

Congressional Football Game Played Under Threat of Shutdown

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Despite the then-prospect of the federal government having to shut down, the 14th Annual Congressional Football Game took place at Audi Field in Southwest on Sept. 28.

“I have heard it from some people who say why are you playing in this game when the government isn’t funded,” said U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman (D-New York), before the looming shutdown was averted by Congress on Sept. 30. “Well, I am a Democrat, and it is the Re-

publicans who are holding things up. Besides, I grew up a huge fan of football and this is a nice opportunity to practice some bipartisanship.”

The game began in 1998 when two members of the United States Capitol Police—Officer Jacob “JJ” Chestnut and Detective John Gibson—lost their lives in the line of duty. Members of Congress and other interested parties helped form the United States Capitol Police Memorial Fund (USCPMF), designed to help fallen officers and their families.

The game has been supported

consistently by former Washington Football Team linebacker Ken Harvey and ex-Philadelphia Eagles cornerback John Booty, throughout the years. In addition to the USCPMF, charities that benefit from the proceeds of the game are Our Military Kids, A Advantage 4 Kids Inc., and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

THE GUARDS WIN FOR THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR

The teams consisted of the Guards—Capitol police force

members—and the Mean Machine, a mixture of bipartisan members of Congress with U.S. Veteran Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough and former NFL players. Harvey and Booty served as the coaches for the Mean Machine while U.S. Rep. Steve Womack (R-Arizona) was the touch football game’s commentator.

Washington Commanders Team President Jason Wright played for the Mean Machine and said he enjoyed the experience.

“We have an away game this week, so I had some time to get away from the office and practice

and play in this game,” Wright, 41, said. “The NFL really supports this game and the people it helps. The U.S. Capitol Police keeps us safe. I look forward to playing next year.”

Harvey, 58, said the game is played with the officers’ well-being in mind.

“The Capitol police don’t get the recognition they deserve,” he said. “We want to make sure that those who have fallen or been injured are taken care of 100%.”

“I do wish we would have won the game though,” Harvey added.

WI @JamesWrightJr10

5 Denyce Graves performs onstage during the launch of the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative at the U.S. Department of State on Sept. 27, in Washington, D.C. (Courtesy Photo/ Leigh Vogel, Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

5 Myles Frost performs onstage during the launch of the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative at the U.S. Department of State on September 27, 2023, in Washington, DC. (Courtesy Photo/ Leigh Vogel, Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

5 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken performs onstage during the launch of the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative at the U.S. Department of State on Sept. 27, in Washington, D.C. (Courtesy Photo/ Leigh Vogel, Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

U Street Art All Night/Dine

All Night: Black Broadway & Beyond: Brief Experience Recap

By Milaka Saddler WI Contributing Writer

Art All Night and Dine All Night, on Sept. 29 and Sept. 30, served as an opportunity for District residents and visitors to take part in the various creative industries in local neighborhoods. The event made room for creativity in the District to flow far and wide, with no limitation on the kind of art or artist. Local performers, designers, painters, visionaries, entrepreneurs, and more gathered to share their work and generate not only revenue for themselves but also to create awareness of all the unique, vibrant and exciting talent that the District has to offer.

I visited the U street Art All Night: Black Broadway & Beyond event to

see what it was all about.The thick history of U Street ran deep and could be felt as attendees flowed through the large crowds the event garnered.

“It’s just great to see so many of us experiencing one another and taking part in this beautiful event,” shared Leslie Palmer, local Washington barista.

The eclectic tastes of attendees were met, from the sounds of Dj Kidd Marvel and Long Live Gogo performances.

The event's participating businesses, such as Alice DC, were especially lit. Alice had the same Saturday night urban energy that the bar and lounge is known to bring, but with an added dose of a new mystifying and unique experience and crowd. The Art All Night drink specials, with the high-

Max Roach Committed to the Music of African American People

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

The intent is clear from the opening of hearing drummer Max Roach speak and play in a new PBS “American Masters” documentary: he focused on spotlighting and uplifting African American people.

thing. He was already here,” said Harry Belafonte about his friendship with Roach.

lighted drinks Midnight Margarita and Gram Sidecar, added another element to the immersive and inclusionary experience.

For the attendees looking to see an art exhibition, The Hamiltonian Artists event turned out to have an impressive display, with incorporation of music from DJ Nativesun.

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

“Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes,” premiering on Friday, Oct. 6, takes viewers on a journey through this man’s influential seven-decade career. Roach was not just a drummer, bandleader, and composer. He was an educator and activist for Black liberation, which was the fuel for everything he pursued.

“He wasn’t trying to be any-

Co-directors and producers Ben Shapiro and Sam Pollard have brought film, photos, and appearances from Roach’s contemporaries who tell his story. Roach, on camera, tells us who he is in a matter-of-fact sort of tone, but his bandmates really share who this respected leader is and his ability to sometimes just let things flow. The film is outstanding.

Roach’s Rise Roach’s rise began in the 1940s. He performed with saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker, trumpeters

ROACH Page 44

Dreaming of homeownership?

www.dchfa.org/homeownership

5 An attendee takes in art at the “DC Art Now 2023” at the 200 I (Eye) Street Galleries in Southeast. (Ja’Mon Jackson/ The Washington Informer)

PG Film Festival Brings Film Enthusiasts and Civic-Minded Residents Together

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

This year’s Prince George’s Film Festival (PGFF) featured screenings at Prince George’s Community College (PGCC), AMC Magic Johnson Theater and the National Harbor to showcase productions curated by local talent and broadcast the impact that film can have on both economics and representation. Lynn Whitfield served as the keynote speaker on Sunday at the MGM Grand.

“A Million and One,” kicked off the Film Festival on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at the Magic Johnson Theater, as festical team members, wearing their vibrant logo consisting of a red, green and yellow camera, signed in viewers and took pictures with the hometown crowd.

“This is a wonderful preview as this is our first community screening. The Arts and Humanities Council, our mission is to expand creative excellence and be a resource to the community,” said Rhonda Dallas, CEO and Chief Curator of the PG Arts and Humanities Council and founder of the film festival. “‘A Million and One,’ was produced by the phenomenal and award winning Harold Jackson III, who’s been in the DMV for over a decade. We’re so excited to kick off the festival this year

at Magic Johnson Theater.”

Producer and director Jackson III said he was always in love with film.

“I have a big extended family and I’m the quiet one. One of the things we did together as a family was watch movies. I saw that movies can move people, and I started to build from there,” said Jackson III. “In my personal filmmaking style, I’ve taken a lot of cues from Sidney Lumet and if I had to whittle down to my favorite movie it is likely “Devil in a Blue Dress.”

Before the movie, Jackson stood inside the theater hallway while additional viewers streamed into the theater to join the audience of 50.

Local leaders see a promising future for film in Prince George’s County.

“I look at what film has already done for Atlanta and changed their landscape. My committee has authority over tax credits and we want to use these tax credits to expand arts and film in Prince George’s,” said Prince George’s County House Delegation Chair Nick Charles (D–District 25). “This is our decade, as the Governor said. Bringing arts and film is a way to jumpstart our economic engine in the film industry.”

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

5 Harold Jackson III, the Emmy award-nominated director and producer of A Million to One, at the Magic Johnson Theater for his film's premiere. (Anthony Tilghman/ The Washington Informer)

Four Things to Research Before Buying a Home

Submitted by United Bank

While it’s fun to go house-hunting and dream about moving into your future home, it’s important to keep in mind that buying a home is one of the biggest investments most of us will make during our lifetime.

Becoming a homeowner is a long-term commitment that costs much more than just the down payment. Before you dive in, take the time to do your research. There’s a lot to know, and you can avoid many mistakes simply by being informed.

Here are some recommendations to help you prepare:

1. Define what you want and need in a home

First decide on your non-negotiables: How many bedrooms do you need? What about backyard size and features, proximity to schools or work, or neighborhood features?

Then decide what would be nice to have, but isn’t necessarily a deal-

breaker, like landscaping, a pool, or specific décor.

When defining your wants and needs, think about which items are personal preference vs. which would add value to your home.

Before your first house-hunting appointment, make a wish list or search online for a helpful home-buying checklist. Some of the nice-to-haves can be added later, when your budget allows. Don’t go overboard and spend more than you need to.

2. Understand how the home-buying process works

Determine your budget and what you can afford, especially your cash reserves for a down payment. A good rule of thumb is to look at homes priced at two to three times your annual income, keeping in mind that each homebuyer’s financial scenario is unique. Be careful not to take on a mortgage you’re not comfortable you can afford.

Prepare for your house-hunt. Write down your wish list, including features you must have vs. features

that would be nice to have and location and/or neighborhoods you want to consider.

Find a good mortgage lender with an excellent reputation and get prequalified You can get started by researching United Bank’s mortgage loan officers.

Research homeowner’s insurance. Do you need additional coverage for floods, tornado, wind damage and wildfires that aren’t covered by basic insurance?

Consider hiring a real estate agent to help you in your search or start house-hunting on your own.

When you find the right home, make an offer.

3. Understanding Mortgage Rates

There are many options for comparing mortgage rates. The easiest way to start is by searching online.

Two common mortgage types are fixed-rate mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). There are also low-down payment programs that provide greater flexibility to meet your financing needs.

Make sure you completely understand the rates, terms and whether the mortgage comes with a prepayment penalty or not. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you’re unsure where to begin, speak with a mortgage loan officer on our team.

4. Is buying a fixer-upper a good idea?

You might find a home in your dream neighborhood that needs work. Know that a fixer-upper can easily take you over your budget.

If you’re willing to spend extra on renovations (with confidence that you have the funding you need and that you know a trustworthy contractor), then maybe a project home is a good fit for you. However, beware of additional expenses, such as electrical upgrades and labor costs.

Every homebuyer should get a thorough home inspection and get at least three quotes before hiring a contractor. Consider an additional inspection when it’s raining, to thoroughly check the basement and foundation.

What if you discover one problem that leads to another? Do your research and ask a lot of questions to make sure you understand everything, especially worst-case scenarios.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

United Bank NMLS #522399 | Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

4 Things to Research Before Buying a Home

Submitted by United Bank

While it’s fun to go house-hunting and dream about moving into your future home, it’s important to keep in mind that buying a home is one of the biggest investments most of us will make during our lifetime.

HAVE A MAJOR PURCHASE ON YOUR MIND?

Becoming a homeowner is a long-term commitment that costs much more than just the down payment. Before you dive in, take the time to do your research. There’s a lot to know, and you can avoid many mistakes simply by being informed.

Here are some recommendations to help you prepare:

1. Define what you want and need in a home

First decide on your non-negotiables: How many bedrooms do you need? What about backyard size and features, proximity to schools or work, or neighborhood features?

Then decide what would be nice to have, but isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, like landscaping, a pool, or specific décor.

When defining your wants and needs, think about which items are personal preference vs. which would add value to your home.

Before your first house-hunting appointment, make a wish list or search online for a helpful home-buying checklist. Some of the nice-to-haves can be added later, when your budget allows. Don’t go overboard and spend more than you need to.

2. Understand how the home-buying process works

Determine your budget and what you can afford, especially your cash reserves for a down payment. A good rule of thumb is to look at homes priced at two to three times your annual income, keeping in mind that each homebuyer’s financial scenario is unique. Be careful not to take on a mortgage you’re not comfortable you can afford.

Prepare for your house-hunt. Write down your wish list, including features you must have vs. features that would be nice to have and location and/or neighborhoods you want to consider.

LIFESTYLE

A Bold Evening Connecting Community Members and Creatives

By Milaka Saddler WI Contributing Writer

Hosted in the historic Black Broadway neighborhood- the U Street Corridor-- at the Lincoln Theatre, the 38th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards on Sept. 28 celebrated the District’s native talent and creative community.

During the ceremony, a series of mayoral awards were presented, in order to highlight the hard work of the local creatives and teams across the city. With the theme “Born Bold,” this year’s awards included live go-go bands such as Backyard and Future, and other performances, showcasing local artists as sources of entertainment and inspiration.

“Future Band is amazing. I love the live band,” said attendee Oluwatoyin Khori. “They are everywhere! They hold it down. The main thing I love is that they are all

about community. Future band is D.C. 's band!”

Mayor Muriel Bowser, in a press release shared with the Informer, said that as she wrapped up September’s 202Creates Month she encouraged the community to support the Districts creative’s after the month’s events.

“[The Mayor’s] Arts Awards, Theatre Week, Art All Night and Dine All Night – these are all fantastic opportunities to show our gratitude for creatives and makers in D.C.”

Cerise Turner, Ms. Senior District of Columbia 2023, attended the event, sharing “I wanted to be here because I represent the seniors in this city that are 60 and over.”

“I’m here to let you know that we are alive and well,” Turner added. “It is also a time where we can celebrate all the creative local talent.”

Throughout the celebratory

evening the winners of the 38th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards were presented with their awards. Some awardees included: Jan Du Plain, CEO and president of Du Plain Global Enterprises, who won the Distinguished Honors award and Caressa Jennings founder of the Caressa J. Agency who won the Emerging Creative Award. Artechouse won the Excellence in the Creative Industries award, Step Afrika! was honored with the Excellence in Performing Arts award, along with a few more.

Anwan “Big G” Glover of Backyard Band celebrated the amount of local artists in the room.

“It’s a lot of talent in the building,” Glover said. “We got to shout out our beautiful Mayor for putting on this beautiful event once again. This is what our city needs. You got to love our city man.”

The Mayor’s Arts Awards was a

5 Mayor Muriel Bowser awards Jan Du Plain on Thursday, Sept. 28 at the 38th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards at the Lincoln Theatre in Northwest, D.C. (Roy Lewis/ The Washington Informer)

review wi book

"Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America"

By Michael Harriot

c.2023, Dey St.

$32.50

426 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

Thanksgiving is coming soon and you know the story.

A bunch of white folks came over in a boat, and landed on a rock. When it was November, they had a party and invited the Indians. Or not. Actually, mostly not, says Michael Harriot. In his new book "Black AF History," you've been lied to.

Even when he was a young boy growing up, Micheal Harriot understood that the book-filled home he lived in was more than just books, it was opportunity. There, he was able to find the words of great Black thinkers and leaders and as he read, he says "my brain fired off a dozen questions" and it opened his mind. The house full of truth and those books also sent him in search of what "white history" wasn't saying.

The first thing he learned was that "whiteness is not the center of the universe around which everything else revolves." The Jamestown "settlers," for instance, weren't very bright and probably would have perished, were it not for King Wahunsenacah, the leader of a nearby group. The natives bailed the white guys out of hot water more than once.

A church, says Harriot, started slavery and white guys seized upon the idea by claiming that Black prisoners would be better slaves because they seemed "sturdier." European immigrants were allowed to be indentured slaves (and thus, freed after a certain time) but "African imports and their children were now considered property." On that, he says, we have to remember not to lump all slaves together as "Africans" because of the wide variety of cultures represented on an average farm or plantation.

Later, slaveholders recognized the knowledge of female Africans and exploited it.

Black American history isn't only about slavery, though. Black people were soldiers, mercenaries, and activists. They were inventors, folk heroes, and survivors. They were lynched. They were hunted. They were churchgoers, comedians, and chroniclers.

And they were revolutionaries.

So you've been living all this time with the assumption that history is dry and boring? No, in author Michael Harriot's hands, the past is full of hidden truths that aren't hiding anymore. You'll find them inside "Black AF History."

You'll also find plenty to laugh about.

Harriot doesn't just tip textbooks upside down. He includes stories from his own life in this book and while they sometimes make their own chapter, those stories often lead into a point to be made or a bit of reference to be explained. Harriot is also very adept at the art of sarcasm, and so many chapters practically drip with it.

That helps readers to see how completely ridiculous it is that these tales have been ignored for dozens, even hundreds of years. The excitement and accomplishment inside these stories further serve to keep you glued to the pages.

If you've been following current events, you know how thoroughly important a book like this is, and how much it needs to sit next to more somber history tomes. Grab "Black AF History," and you'll be thankful you've read it. WI

horoscopes

ARIES Monday is a great day on the romance front, at home, out in the world, in every realm. You are unstoppable. Creativity and healthy competition keep you on your toes. Tuesday and Wednesday are less ideal. Mundane responsibilities and conflicts between friends threaten to drive you nuts. But on Thursday and Friday, you're back in the game and better than ever. Lucky Numbers: 17, 30, 52

TAURUS Monday sees you settling a dispute between two of your friends, not the most fun thing in the world. But Tuesday is appropriately romantic and fun. The affection, the feeling of lightness, the sudden abundance of beauty all around you, all this lasts through the rest of the week. The work you have to do on Thursday is so much more palatable when love is in the back of your mind, and Saturday's intensity only demonstrates how deeply you both feel about one another. Lucky Numbers: 9, 14, 24

GEMINI After a light debate with a friend, you feel stimulated and on your toes. This is a good place for you to be at the start of this week. Engage as many friends as you can in conversations that are more than just idle time killers. Practice your communication skills. You'll need them on Wednesday, when an interaction with a family member will prove difficult. Lucky Numbers: 9, 51, 58

CANCER You don't need to settle. Whether the matter is financial or professional or romantic, you can afford to hold out for better. You deserve it. You go into the week with confidence, which is what makes everything go your way on Tuesday and Wednesday. Also, you're not afraid to do what you need to do to be happy. Cleaning up around the house on Thursday is the surest path to contentment, and Friday you should do something actively self-improving as well. Lucky Numbers: 15, 21, 43

LEO Check you out! You're on top of the world. The magnificence and warmth of Monday are evidence that you're on the right track. Use this positive reinforcement to propel you to still greater heights. On Tuesday and Wednesday, put your mind on money matters, because some reassessment might be in order. Lucky Numbers: 4, 10, 54

VIRGO You know the drill. The crazier things get, the more flexible you have to be or you'll snap. And no one wants that. Your seeming nonchalance pays off as soon as Tuesday. It's like you were born to juggle, you make it look so easy. Wednesday is a good time to start a new project, and Thursday is right for making a big purchase with a partner. Lucky Numbers: 14, 28, 35

LIBRA A bunch of questioning faces turn toward you on Monday, as if you have the answers. You have many of the answers, but you don't have all of them. Make sure everyone knows that. Still, they see you as a leader, and that's totally flattering. On Tuesday and Wednesday, do the best you can with the resources you have, and make sure everyone is getting along. Lucky Numbers: 12, 31, 50

SCORPIO Work is a bit of an obstacle course on Monday. If you were thinking of asking for a raise, Monday isn't the day to bring it up. If a coworker has steam pouring out of their ears, stay out of the way. Tuesday and Wednesday are good days on almost every level. You're feeling especially close to a friend right now. This is the person you should go to on Thursday for help making a decision. Lucky Numbers: 24, 31, 55

SAGITTARIUS Any traveling you do on Monday will be a grand experience. If you're flying somewhere, you might get unexpectedly upgraded to first class. If you're staying in town, the good luck will come in other forms, but it will come, and you should be prepared for a boost in optimism. Midweek, the worst thing you'll face is an authority figure in a cranky mood. Lucky Numbers: 21, 36, 42

CAPRICORN Resources are tight on Monday, and no one's in the mood to share. Needless to say, Monday isn't a banner day. But on Tuesday, an unexpected call from a long-distance friend changes your whole attitude, and a breakthrough on Wednesday allows you to achieve a whole lot in a single afternoon. You'll try to build on these achievements on Thursday and Friday, but your energy will be off. Lucky Numbers: 6, 21, 28

AQUARIUS Sometimes the most improbable experiments lead to the most extraordinary discoveries. The history of science has borne this out, but the principle applies equally to social experiments. Monday sees you trying new things in your relationships with other people. On Tuesday and Wednesday, you are still trying to get a handle on what these people may want from you, but by Thursday, your interactions are a lot more intuitive and comfortable.

Lucky Numbers: 12, 22, 33

PISCES Your imagination tends toward the fantasy realm on Monday, but there are some very real (and no less fascinating) story lines unfolding right before your eyes. Rather than being critical of a friend on Tuesday or Wednesday, consider how you might be able to help them. If someone owes you some money, remind them on Friday. Lucky Numbers: 5, 51, 58

Local HBCU 2023-24 Men's and Women's College Basketball Preview

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

It is hard to believe that we are almost halfway through the college football season and college basketball is just a month away. The local men's and women's teams have already begun pre-season practices.

As Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country gear up to compete on the hardwood, in hopes of winning the coveted championship title, here’s a roundup of some of the local HBCU men's and women's teams:

HOWARD UNIVERSITY MEN

During the 2022-23 season, Howard University men's team

OUSTED from Page 1

to his downfall, as members of his party turned against him.

McCarthy being ousted marks the first successful vote to remove a speaker from the U.S. House of Representatives. The last and only time Congress voted on such a measure was over a century ago, in 1910.

Before the vote, McCarthy, who faced a protracted 15-round battle in January to secure the speakership, made it clear that he would not seek assistance from Democrats. Such a move could have potentially saved his position. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) expressed the concerns of many in his caucus, citing significant trust issues with the Republican leadership, including McCarthy.

“We dealt with a variety of dif-

had its best record in 30 years, winning the MEAC regular season and tournament title and its trip to the NCAA Tournament.

The Bison had reason to be excited about the surge of the program as all five starters were returning. However, the transfer portal temporarily dampened their enthusiasm as three starters, including first team all-MEAC (Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference) point Elijah Hawkins, decided to transfer to the University of Minnesota. Second team all-conference selection Steve Settle III (Temple) and Jordan Wood (Tulane) also moved on.

But cry no tears for the Bison, who may be even better this season with a nucleus of outstanding returnees and a group of talented incoming players.

ferent things, including coming into the session last month, and the first official act was to launch this illegitimate impeachment inquiry, presumably at the direction of the former twice-impeached insurrectionist-in-chief, Donald Trump,” Jeffries said. “These are all the challenges that I think we confront.”

Rep. Matt Gaetz of the Florida Republican Party, a well-known representative of the Republican caucus’ adamantly pro-Trump faction, proposed the motion to remove McCarthy. Gaetz, currently under investigation for alleged sexual abuse, criticized McCarthy for what he deemed a lackluster performance in negotiations with President Joe Biden, asserting that Biden had “handed McCarthy his lunch” in recent talks to prevent a federal shutdown.

A recent report has suggested

(Courtesy Photo/Howard University)

Leading the way is Shyheim "Shy" Odom, a 6-foot-6 sophomore forward from Roxbury, Massachusetts, who got better as the season progressed and was named both the Rookie of the Year and tournament MVP as a freshman. There is a consensus that he is one of the dominant players in the conference.

The Bison open the season with their home opener against rival Hampton University on Nov. 6 at Burr Gymnasium. WI

HOWARD UNIVERSITY WOMEN

The Howard women's team

that many Republicans were considering a vote to oust Gaetz from the chamber, further highlighting the internal divisions within the party.

Despite losing his position, McCarthy remained resolute, emphasizing his commitment to keeping the government operational. “I made a decision to take a risk to keep the government open,” McCarthy told reporters. “If, at the end of the day, I am removed from speaker because I moved to ensure that the troops and Border Patrol agents continued to receive pay, that’s a fight worth fighting for.”

“I’ve always said I would fight for the American public,” he added, “and that’s exactly what I did, and I’ll continue to do that and let the chips fall where they may.”

WI

@StacyBrownMedia

came up just short of winning the MEAC Tournament title in a heartbreaking 50-45 loss to Norfolk State this past March. That would have given them back-toback tournament championships.

Despite a number of injuries all season, the Bison finished 16-14 and 10-4 in the MEAC. Senior guard Destiny Howell, the premier player in the conference and one of the top three-point shooters in the country, has the ability to put the team on her back and carry them singlehandedly as she proved in the tournament final with points. The 6-foot sharpshooter was the MEAC Player of the Year after averaging almost 18 points per game.

Howell will perhaps have to contribute even more as the Bison have to replace two key players in Aziah Hudson, the team's second leading scorer (12.5 points per game) and Brooklyn Fort Davis (9 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game).

Howard opens the season Nov. 6 at George Washington University and has its home opener on Nov. 9 when it hosts Mount Saint Mary's at 7 pm.

For Schedule, go to hubison.com WI

BOWIE STATE MEN

The Bowie State men's team finished 7-22 last year and will be looking to rebound.

The Bulldogs lost its leading scorer but a number of key veterans will return this year, led by senior guard Malik Bradshaw, who finished second on the team in scoring at 11 points per game.

Junior guard Caleb Johnson will look to have a strong campaign after averaging 8.9 points, while leading the team in assists (69) and in steals (33). Others expected to contribute include sophomore guard Warren Mouganda and junior guard Kyree Freeman Davis.

Bowie State opens the season November when it takes on Lock Haven in the opening round of the Bowie State Classic at A.C. Jordan Arena in the newly minted Kevin Durant Basketball Court. WI

BOWIE STATE WOMEN

The Bowie State women's team finished the season 14-12 and 10-6 in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).

The Bulldogs are encouraged by the return of three of the top-four scorers. Junior guard Anil Harris leads the way with 14.5 points to go along with a team-leading 46 steals. Red-shirt junior guard Katerra Myers will also be expected to up her average of 8.4 points, while continuing to be a force on the boards (6.6 rebounds). Other returning veterans include graduate guard Robin Howard.

The Bulldogs open the season on Nov. 6 when they travel to Fairfax, Virginia to take on George Mason University at 2 pm.

The home opener is Nov. 27 when they host California University of Pennsylvania at 5:30 p.m.

For schedules, go to bsubulldogs. com WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5 The UDC JAZZAlive trio led by saxophonist Tracey Cutler performs at Flavor Garden Restaurant. ( Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 DJ Heat provides the music during Art All Night at Capital Riverfront. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

5Anacostia BID and Busboys and Poets held a drive-thru art gallery for Art All Night. (Marckell Williams/The Washington Informer)

Churches Focused on Prevention and Self-Love During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

It didn’t matter that she was a mother and soldier in the United States Army, Megan Harris endured abuse from her spouse for more than two decades, before gaining the courage to get out of a situation that was an abusive nightmare.

“It starts with learning to love yourself. It took me 20 years to get

to a place of self-love,” said Harris, an English professor at a local institution.

Researchers say an average of 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners every minute; this equates to more than 10 million abuse victims annually.

Here are the numbers: 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been physically abused by an intimate partner; and 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men have been severely

physically abused by an intimate partner.

From soldiers like Harris, to college professors, and ministers of the gospel, domestic violence affects people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. Researchers say physical violence often accompanies emotional abuse, which is part of

a much larger problem of dominance and control by the perpetrators.

This weekend, Oct. 6-Oct.8, Dr. Jasmin “Jazz” Sculark will celebrate her birthday and ministry with her conference, “Finally Me 4 Real,” concluding with a Sneaker Ball. She said the conference will offer tools to assist being comfortable in loving oneself.

Brings Community Together, Encourages Spreading Love

On Sept. 30, Messiah Community Church in Reisterstown, Maryland held “ Love People Day,” which attracted several hundred people and featured many recording artists, a DJ, and food

“Love People Day was an opportunity for people to show unconditional kindness to everyone they encounter, “ said Maya Elizabeth, one of the recording artists who performed at the event. “ “We were already planning a free, family-friendly concert event to show love to our community, and doing it on Sept. 30 turned out to be the

“We are striving to reach our community with a message of hope for healing and overcoming,” she explained. “Lots of folks came out and enjoyed amazing music of various genres, yummy food, and the warmth of community! It was so much fun and a great way for us to participate in Love People Day.”

Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis, and pianists Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell. The sound was called be-bop, but like many artists of that era, labels did not adequately describe the feeling. These musicians were thriving and played regularly.

“When I first heard Bird’s group, it was interesting. I didn’t dislike it,” said saxophonist Sonny Rollins with a bit of skepticism. “Eventually, I got what they were doing. Then I realized this was music for our generation.”

It was magic when Roach began collaborating with trumpeter Clifford “Brownie” Brown. The two formed a quintet in the mid1950s, including bassist George Morrow, pianist Richie Powell, and saxophonist Harold Land. When Land left the group, Rollins replaced him. It was a highly acclaimed group that delivered many beautiful productions. Twelve albums were the hallmark of their work between Roach and Brown. The tragedy of a car accident killing both Brown and Powell had a devastating impact on Roach.

Roach married actress, vocalist and writer Abbey Lincoln, who also adopted the name Aminata Moseka. Together, activism guided their lives, including musical collaborations. Roach’s album “M'Boom,” co-led by drummer, pianist, vibraphonist and composer Joe Chambers included eight percussionists. “M'Boom,” rooted in Roach’s African sensibilities, took a different approach to per-

cussion music.

“It’s that kind of love that those giants gave us. They actually said ‘We love you.’ We are going to give you music to make sure you survive,” said author and poet Sonia Sanchez. “That’s what Max did for us.”

This Max Roach documentary is another American music history lesson.

WI

“It’s about learning to love yourself,” said Scurlark, lead pastor of Victory Grace Center in Bowie. “I believe that no one can love you until you learn to love yourself.”

Sculark said the ways people express love and self-love can vary.

“Most of us come from one of the spectrums,” she said. “Some people are selfish or self-centered and on the other hand, some people are selfless and we assume that being selfless is a good thing. But you need to understand that an individual should be loved and experience love, and because of that we look for love in all the wrong places.”

The Bowie pastor said the events and ball are designed for people to have fun without the stress of high heels and dressing up.

“I have been in the DMV and the purpose of this event is to empower women that even during the difficulty and hard times I’m still here,” said Sculark, who initially came to the area to Pastor what used to be Jericho City of Praise after the death of Apostle Betty Peoples. But after a legal fight among the church’s leadership, Sculark moved on to a new ministry.

Messiah Community Church

Elizabeth, whose father Is Rod Hairston, senior minister and founder of Messiah Community Church, said that the congregation was founded to help people grow stronger and thrive in every area of their lives.

“Music has the power to heal but at our church, we are also teaching a series called whole in one,” Hairston said. “The whole premise of the series is for people who are single to see themselves as whole.”

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS EVENTS THROUGHOUT OCTOBER

There are many events surrounding domestic violence in October, which was first declared as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989. Since then, October has been a time to acknowledge domestic violence survivors, be a voice for its victims and empower others to combat the problem and speak out against it.

People in need of a safe place can call the District’s hotline at: 1-844-443-5732 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224. Both Hotlines are available 24/7. WI

5 Dr. Jasmin “Jazz” Sculark. (Courtesy photo)

ROACH from Page 35

5 The life of Max Roach is the subject of the PBS “American Masters” documentary “Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes,” premiering on October 6. This photo is of Roach performing at the Five Spot Cafe, a jazz club in New York City. (Photo credit/Beuford Smith)

He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

— Matthew 8:26

How many of you remember the old Negro spiritual "The Storm is Passing Over Hallelujah"? My old choir use to sing that when I was a teenager, still going to McKinley Tech at 2nd and T streets NE, where our director was Bro. Boyd. He's deceased now, but what a choir we had!

Anyhow, here's some of the song's lyrics: "Encourage, my soul, and let us journey on, For tho' the night is dark, it won't be very long. O thanks be to God, the morning light appears, And the storm is passing over, Hallelujah! Refrain Hallelujah! Hallelujah! The storm is passing over, Hallelujah! O billows rolling high, and thunder shakes the ground, The lightnings flash, and tempest all around, But Jesus walks the sea and calms the angry waves, And the storm is passing over, Hallelujah!

This column is written to encourage those of you who are going through some storms of your own. Your storm could be your loved

the religion corner

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

The Storm Is Passing Over!

one, children keep getting in trouble with police, someone you know and love recently being diagnosed with some deadly disease. Your doctor has given you a diagnosis, but it is not the final word. The real diagnosis depend on your level of faith. Scripture reminds us, "Run to Him, lean on Him, and hide under the shadow of His wings as this storm passes over. God, I'm going through a storm." (Psalm 91:4)

The death of a child can cause parents to feel as though this storm may never end! Just remember the sun is always shining behind those dark, heavy storm clouds! You must stop, meditate, pray and think about the blue skies and the bright sun, shining above the storm, and know that the sun will shine again. Take your thoughts to a higher place, where you can allow God and His Holy Spirit to come into your heart to give you peace.

He will surely give you peace, even in the midst of a storm. I saw a Facebook post a few years ago that showed how a bird sitting on the ledge during a severe storm was waiting for the storm to pass over. The bird was bundled up and had his head bowed. The message simply said, "Sometimes, you just have to bow your head, say a prayer and weather the storm." The storm will always passes over, our Heavenly Father set His universe up that way. Some days, we have sunshine, and other times, we will definitely experience storms.

When tough times come along — and they will — increase your faith, turn it over to God. You will look around, and those hard times will have passed over, just like the storms of life.

This example is truly one that you will be able to relate to. When I was a student at Trinity University, it was a stormy time in my life. My first semester, 30 years after graduating from high school, I found it extremely difficult to change my lifestyle. My freedom was being taken from me. Working full-time at the D.C. Council, accustomed to coming home and relaxing, watching television. But now, I had homework. Everything in me tried to reject doing homework.

Finally, I had to get with the program. I began to turn off the television and truly apply myself. Just like that, my final 12 credits with my experiential learning classes were approved, based on work done in the outside world.

It seemed as if that graduation day would never come. But ladies and gentlemen, that day did finally come. And what a wonderful graduation day it was. It was a bright, sunshiny day! It will be for you too if you will keep going, even through the storms of life, because the storm will always pass over. No storm is ever permanent, it is a test for each us to pass.

Always remember that the storm is passing over for you too. WI

RELIGION

The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor 700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849

Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM

Blessed Word

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

Pastors

4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011

(202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax

Service and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM

Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Covenant Baptist United Church  of Christ

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032

(202) 562-5576 (Office) / (202) 562-4219 (Fax)

Services and Times

Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services

Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power

“An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. / Senior Pastor 5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301.899.8885 – Fax 301.899.2555 Service and Times

Sunday Early Morning Worship 8:00 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 AM

Tuesday: 7:00 PM – Kingdom Building Bible Institute

Wednesday:  12:30 PM – Mid-Day Bible Study

Wednesday:  7:00 PM – Evening Bible Study

Baptism 3rd Sunday – Communion 4th Sunday Free Food Giveaway – Every Tuesday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

“We are One in the Spirit” www.ssbcmd.org | secretary@ssbcmd.org

Crusader Baptist Church Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

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

Service and Times

Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday

Sunday School: 9:45 AM

Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM

Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment

E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net

www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”

Third Street Church of God

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor 1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax

Services and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM

Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM

“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org

Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor 1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018

Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM

Seniors

“A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!”

Fax (202) 682-9423

Service and Times

Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM

Sunday

John

“Friendliest Church in the City” Website: mountolivetdc.org

mtolivedc@gmail.com

All Nations Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM

Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM

Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM

Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM

Christian Education / School of Biblical Knowledge

Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration

Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com

All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards

Adams Inspirational A.M.E. Church

Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness Senior Pastor

Rev. Ali Gail Holness-Roland

Assistant & Youth Pastor 12801 Old Fort Road • Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Office (301) 292.6323 • FAX (301) 292.2164

Service and Times

Sunday Worship 10:15 am

Sunday Church School 11:00 am

Youth Sunday every 4th Sunday

Prayer Call @ Noon every Tuesday & Thursday 978.990.5166 code: 6166047#

Virtual Bible Study Wednesday Facebook & Zoom 7:00 pm

“A Growing Church for a Coming Christ” www.adamsinspirationalamec.org

Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White

2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263

Email: Campbell@mycame.org

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday: 12:00 Noon,

Wednesday: 7:00 PM, Thursday: 7:00 PM

“Reaching Up To Reach Out”

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

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax

“Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . 100% Forgiven!

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

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011

Phone: 202-726-2220

Fax: 202-726-9089

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays)

Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday

Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.)

Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

“A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org

Shiloh Church of God 7th Day

Elder Jonathan M. Carson Senior Pastor 5701 Eastern Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20782 Phone: 301 559-5262

Service and Times

Sabbath Worship @ 1:00 pm in-person/FB/Zoom

Tuesday - Prayer@ 7:30 pm on Zoom

Wednesday Bible Study@ 7:30 pm on Zoom

Friday - Sabbath School@ 7:30 pm on Zoom

Web: shiloh7thday.org

Email: shiloh7thdaycomm@gmail.com

"A culturally diverse church of edification, deliverance and transformation"

Florida Avenue Baptist Church Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Dr. Earl D. Trent

Senior Pastor 623 Florida Ave.. NW WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 / Study (202) 265-0836

Home Study (301) 464-8211 Fax (202) 483-4009

Service and Times

Sunday Worship 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

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor 4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184

Service and Times

Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM

The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday

Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM

Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

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)

Israel Baptist Church

Pastor

1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM

Sunday School: 9:15 AM

Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM

Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM

Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM

Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

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

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"

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

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

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

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

20011-3851 P: (202) 726-5940 Service and

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton

Senior Pastor 1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003

Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM

Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM

Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM

Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org

Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

Damion M. Briggs Pastor 8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240 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

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

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor 13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 11 AM

Sunday School: 10 AM

Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM

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

“The

and People are Loved”

Rev. Dr. Michael T.

Service and Times Sunday Service: 10:00 AM

School for all ages: 8:30 AM

Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM

Bible Study: 6:30 PM

Meeting: 7:45 PM

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

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church

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

Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867

728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 Fax : 202-338-4958

Service and Times

Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns

Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org

Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

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

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012 Office (202)-882-8331

Service and Times

Sunday Worship 10:30 am Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm

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

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

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

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 “

Rev. Lance Aubert Imterim

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

Rev. Richard B. Black Interim Pastor

Rev.

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rehoboth Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Promised Land Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor

Hosted by Denise Rolark Barnes

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

AFFIDAVIT Of ‘Notice Of HERITAGE’ 1

“Indeed, no more than (Affidavit) is necessary to make the prima facie case.” United States v. Kis, 658 F.2nd 526, 536 (7 th Cir. 1981); Cert Denied 50 U.S. L.W. 2169 S.CT. March 22, 1982.”

COMES NOW, One, :gary-villand::harris:, the living man and Biblical assignee, to affirm the following as the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me Almighty God.

Certified Notice, of One, :gary-villand: :harris:, authorized by Constitutional law, and Biblical birthright; Deuteronomy 21: 15-17, as of September 4, 2020, did accept and claim One’s federally-protected heritage from one’s mother, :ruby-jewel: :smith: I.e., including two (2) automobiles; Forty-five (45) pieces assorted jewelry, clothing (13 mink fur coats), furniture, three (3’) foot floor safe, bank accounts, land patents issued December 27, 1883, by Southern Pacific Railroad Company; stocks dividends, financial bonds and all other earthly valuables and possessions held and maintained at the 8510 Bella Vista Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California, held in possession of the decedent, :ruby-jewel: :smith’s: first-born, biological son; passing on, September 4th, 2020, as above stated; Physical possession of the above passed, in full witness by colleagues, in the immediate presence, without prejudice to any rights thereto. All such equitable and interest claim(s) to the said Federal Patent Land is included in this inheritance noticed and recorded in the said General Land Office of California Republic.

One’s secured interest is recorded and published regarding described land above identified as Parcel No.#1, plus both adjoining lands identified as Parcel No. #1A and Parcel No. #1B, property for posterity purposes. The said land with assessors’ number is includes in the 36,726.51 acres issued December 27, 1883 issued by Southern Pacific Railroad Company. Should any man or woman wish to rebut this affidavit, she or he must do so via certified affidavit within three (3) calendar days from the posting of this notice, or as soon within thirty days of the final day of posting hereof. Any failure to do so is default and failure of response to notice of claims of facts, herein and above, he/she/they must do so on their unlimited liability under penalty of perjury.

By: :gary-villand: :harris:,1308

Name: Date

August 21, 2023

Land Also Known As: 8510 Bella Vista Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino County California, is embodied in the original land patent in Section, Township, Range, Metes and Bounds

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001082

George L. Wilson, Jr.

Decedent

Bruce A. Marshall, Esq. 1200 G Street, NW Suite 800 Washington, DC 20005

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Margie A. Wilson, whose address is 4869 Queens Chapel Terrace NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of George L. Wilson, Jr. who died on June 27, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/21/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/21/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/21/2023

Margie A. Wilson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

AFFIDAVIT Of ‘Notice Of HERITAGE’ 2

“Indeed, no more than (Affidavit) is necessary to make the prima facie case.” United States v. Kis, 658 F.2nd 526, 536 (7th Cir. 1981); Cert Denied, 50 U.S. L.W. 2169 S. CT. March 22, 1982.”

COMES NOW, (this present moment and always), One, :gary-villand::harris:, 1308, the living breathing man, affirms the following as the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me Almighty Creator God. The following truths are ‘notice’ to the world, that One, :gary-villand: :harris:, by authority of constitutional law and God given/ordained birth right (Deuteronomy 21: 15-17), as of September 4, 2020, did and do and always claim and perfect my Federal protected right to the Cars, Jewelry, Clothes, Furniture, three and one half (3 ½’) feet floor Safe, Bank accounts, Land, Stocks, Bonds and All other earthly property and values of :ruby-jewel: :smith: that is the lawful and biblical entitlement to her first born biological son, One, :gary-villand::harris:, on the above underlined date of her earthly death and spiritual passing. Ones’, claim of heritance and lawful right to secure interest in land is backed and supported by Ones’ right to own and possess the Land granted in the Federal Land Patent and recorded in the General Land Office of California Republic and signed by the then governor.

The certified Land Patent so ‘noticed’, that bears One secured interest, is evidenced and mis- identified in the Los Angeles County Recorder’s Office under color of law with assessors’ and Lot numbers in the 15,515.92 acres issued November 24, 1871. Should any man or woman wish to dispute or rebut this affidavit, claims and facts, herein above, he/she/they must do so on their unlimited liability under penalty of perjury.

By: :gary-villand:

:harris:,1308

August 21, 2023

Land Constitutionally Granted Also Known As: 10518 7th Avenue, Inglewood, Los Angeles County, yet is embodies in the original land patent in Section, Township, Range, and or Metes and Bounds

AFFIDAVIT Of ‘Notice Of HERITAGE’ 3

“Indeed, no more than (Affidavit) is necessary to make the prima facie case.” United States v. Kis, 658 F.2nd 526, 536 (7th Cir. 1981); Cert Denied, 50 U.S. L.W. 2169 S. CT. March 22, 1982.”

COMES NOW, (this present moment and always), One, :gary-villand::harris:, 1308, the living breathing man, affirms the following as the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me Almighty Creator God. The following truths are ‘notice’ to the world, that One, :gary-villand: :harris:, by authority of constitutional law and God given/ordained birth right (Deuteronomy 21: 15-17), as of September 4, 2020, did and do and always claim and perfect my Federal protected right to the Cars, Jewelry, Clothes, Furniture, three and one half (3 ½’) feet floor Safe, Bank accounts, Land, Stocks, Bonds and All other earthly property and values of :ruby-jewel: :smith: that is the lawful and biblical entitlement to her first born biological son, One, :gary-villand::harris:, on the above underlined date of her earthly death and spiritual passing. Ones’, claim of heritance and lawful right to secure interest in land is backed and supported by Ones’ right to own and possess the Land granted in the Federal Land Patent and recorded in the General Land Office of California Republic and signed by the then governor.

The certified Land Patent so ‘noticed’, that bears One secured interest, is evidenced and mis- identified in the Los Angeles County Recorder’s Office under color of law with assessors’ and Lot numbers in the 15,515.92 acres issued November 24, 1871. Should any man or woman wish to dispute or rebut this affidavit, claims and facts, herein above, he/she/they must do so on their unlimited liability under penalty of perjury.

Also Known As: 1065 W. 110th Street Los Angeles, Los Angeles County California, yet is embodies in the original land patent in Section, Township, Range, and or Metes and Bounds

The certified Land Patent so ‘noticed’, that bears One secured interest, is evidenced and mis identified in the County Recorder’s Office under color of law with assessors’ and Lot numbers. The 15,515.92 acres issued November 24, 1871. Should any man or woman wish to dispute or rebut this affidavit, claims and facts, herein above he/she/they must do so on their unlimited liability under penalty of perjury.

By: :gary-villand: :harris:,1308

August 21, 2023

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

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

2023 ADM 001064

Maria Cristina Vilche Decedent

Julie A. Simantiras, Esq. The Geller Law Group PLLC 4000 Legato Road, Suite 1100 Fairfax, VA 22033

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Anabel Del Carmen Vilche, whose address is 5313 Riverdale Road, Apartment #323, Riverdale, Maryland 20737, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Maria Cristina Vilche who died on October 15, 2021 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment 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 3/21/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/21/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/21/2023

Anabel Del Carmen Vilche

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001065

Jayden Antoine Johnson Decedent

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

Attorney

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

Laveta Sequita Johnson, whose address is 3493 Stanton Road, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jayden Antoine Johnson who died on June 5, 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., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/21/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/21/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/21/2023

Laveta Sequita Johnson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001022

Emma Mae Robinson

Decedent

Tabitha R. Brown

Law Offices of Tabitha R. Brown 1200 G Street SE, Suite A Washington, DC 20003 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Vernon M. Robinson, whose address is 4536 Kinmount Road, Lanham, MD 20706, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Emma Mae Robinson who died on 6/8/2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/21/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/21/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/21/2023

Vernon M. Robinson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 001061

Nathan Anthony Campbell Sr. Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Nathan Anthony Campbell Jr., whose address is 45789 Bethfield Way, California MD 20619, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Nathan Anthony Campbell Sr who died on 5/27/2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/24/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/21/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/21/2023

Nathan Anthony Campbell Jr Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001068

Ervan Cordell Pearson Jr.

Decedent

Stacy R. Pace, Esq. 1629 K Street, NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006

Attorney

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

Cordell Pearson, whose address is 2200 Columbia Pike, Apt. 713, Arlington, VA 22204, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ervan Cordell Pearson Jr. who died on 8/31/2015 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 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 3/21/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/21/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

9/21/2023

Cordell Pearson

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 001060

Cynthia Ann Frost Decedent

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

Louise Delynda Gross, whose address is 1120 45th Place SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cynthia Ann Frost who died on June 29, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/21/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/21/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/21/2023

Louise Delynda Gross Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001060

Cynthia Ann Frost Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Louise Delynda Gross, whose address is 1120 45th Place SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cynthia Ann Frost who died on June 29, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/21/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/21/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/21/2023

Louise Delynda Gross

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

1996 ADM 002009

Nathaniel Lindsey Decedent

Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. Probate Law DC 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Ste. 300

Washington, DC 20001

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Annie B. Lindsey, whose address is 1020 Flat Rock Road, Tignall, GA 30668, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Nathaniel Lindsey who died on 9/18/1996 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 3/21/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/21/2024, or be forever barred.

Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/21/2023

Annie B. Lindsey Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001084

Salvador Reineriz Sanchez Blanco Decedent

Carlos Lopez Esq.

201 N Union St. Suite 110 Alexandria, VA 22314

Attorney

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

Santos Genaro Sanchez Blanco, whose address is 5200 4 St., NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Salvador Reineriz Sanchez Blanco who died on 11/15/2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/28/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/28/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

9/28/2023

Santos Genaro Sanchez Blanco

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2023 ADM 001103

Jason N. Walden aka Jason Walden Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Robert Alston, whose address is 31 Juliette Dr, Durham NC 27713, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jason N. Walden aka Jason Waldon who died on February 7, 2007 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/28/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/28/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

9/28/2023

Robert Alston Personal Representative

TEST COPY

TRUE

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

1999 ADM 001582

Jimmie L. Ward

Decedent

Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW Suite 1150

Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

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

Paul M. Toulouse, Esq. whose address is 1912 Sunderland Place, NW, Washington, DC 20036, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jimmie L. Ward who died on August 13, 1999 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/28/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/28/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/28/2023

Paul M. Toulouse, Esq.

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 000963

Annie Louise Williams aka Annie L. Williams

Decedent

Glenda M. Wheeler Allen, Esq.

Law Office Glenda M. Wheeler

808 E Street NE Washington DC 20002

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

David W. Gibson, III, whose address is 4306 38th St., Brentwood, MD 20722, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Annie Louise Williams aka Annie L. Williams who died on June 17, 2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/28/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/28/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

9/28/2023

David W. Gibson, III

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

ADM 1123

2023

Estate of Beatrice T. Coleman aka Beatrice Thelma Coleman

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Lawrence D. Coleman and Mack ArnoldlColeman for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate (other) appoint unsupervised co-personal representatives

Date of first publication: 9/28/2023

Joan M. Wilbon 1629 K. Street, NW Suite 300

Washington, DC 20001

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 000728

Shirley J. Bell aka Shirley Jean Bell aka Shirley Bell Decedent

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

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

Joseph O. Bell, Jr., whose address is 1305 Kearney Street, NE, Washington DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Shirley J. Bell aka Shirley Jean Bell aka Shirley Bell who died on 1/11/2021 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/28/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/28/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

9/28/2023

Joseph O. Bell, Jr. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 001093

Anna Mae Stewart Decedent

Bobby G. Henry, Esq. 9701 Apollo Drive Suite 100 Largo, MD 20774

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Annette Eleanor Stewart, whose address is 4204 Brinkley Rd., Temple Hills, MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Anna Mae Stewart who died on 8/3/2019 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., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/28/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/28/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/28/2023

Annette Eleanor Stewart Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001324

Charles R. Scott Sr. Decedent

Howard Haley Esq. The Haley Firm, PC 7600 Georgia Ave. NW, #416 Washington, DC 20012 Attorney

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

Pamela L. Nichols, whose address is 4902 First Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charles R. Scott Sr. who died on January 20, 2022 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/28/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/28/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/28/2023

Pamela L. Nichols

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 855

Muriel Branford aka Muriel Margarette Brandford aka Muriel Margarette Branford

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Mary Branford, whose address is 4015 5th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Muriel Branford aka Muriel Margarette Brandford aka Margarette Branford who died on August 8, 2002 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 3/28/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/28/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

9/28/2023

Mary Branford

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001112

Nathaniel Ray Jones

Decedent

Colline Silvera

Robinson Kirlew & Associates, PC 7731 Belle Point Dr. Greenbelt, MD 20770

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Beverly T. Jones, whose address is 935 South NC Hwy 50, Magnolia, NC 28453, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Nathaniel Ray Jones who died on March 2, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/28/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/28/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/28/2023

Beverly T. Jones

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001118

Celestine Williams Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Tamiki Jackson, whose address is 14103 S Springfield Rd., Brandywine MD 20613, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Celestine Williams who died on 8/22/2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/28/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/28/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/28/2023

Tamiki Jackson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 FEP 000086

September 12, 2022

Date of Death

Odessa Dean Weaver Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Gregory McKinley Weaver whose address is 24917 NC Highway 87 East Riegelwood, NC 28456 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Odessa Dean Weaver, deceased, by the General Court of Justice Court for Nash County, State of North Carolina, on October 24, 2022.

Service of process may be made upon Deborah D. Boddie, Esq., 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20011 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate.

304 Seaton Pl., NE, Washington 20002. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 9/28/2023

Gregory McKinley Weaver Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001088

Nancy J. Turner aka Nancy Jane Turner Decedent

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

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

Dekisha Posey, whose address is 12104 Beach Hill Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Nancy J. Turner aka Nancy Jane Turner who died on July 30, 2021 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment 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 3/28/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/28/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/28/2023

Dekisha Posey Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 1104

DiAnn Winford

Decedent

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

Gwendolyn Daniel, whose address is 1551 Hemlock Street NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DiAnn Winford who died on August 16, 2023 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/28/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/28/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/28/2023

Gwendolyn Daniels

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 FEP 64

February 6, 2021

Date of Death

Harold Oscar Mims Jr.

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Meredith Fleming whose address is 150 Edgewater Trail, Fayetteville, GA 30215 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Harold Oscar Mims Jr., deceased, by the Probate Court for Greenville County, State of South Carolina, on February 26, 2021.

Service of process may be made upon Carmen Jenkins Frazier 1748 40th Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate.

Unit 2 1250 22nd Street Commercial Condominium Lot 85 in Square 50. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 10/5/2023

Meredith Fleming

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 1105

Annie Lou Hughes Decedent

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

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

Davalyn Palmer, whose address is 1416 Willow Ave., Unit 3A, Louisville, KY 40204, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Annie Lou Hughes who died on June 12, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/5/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/5/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 10/5/2023

Davalyn Palmer Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 000184

Jean F. Joyner aka Jean Joyner Decedent

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

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

Sylvia Johnson, whose address is 5504 Lansing Drive, Temple Hills, MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jean F. Joyner aka Jean Joyner who died on 9/5/2018 with a Will and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/5/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/5/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 10/5/2023

Sylvia Johnson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2022 ADM 001167

Dorothy Gertrude Taylor Decedent

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

Kevin Judd, Esq., whose address is 601 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 900, South Building, Washington DC 20004, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy Gertrude Taylor who died on 6/16/2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/5/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/5/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

10/5/2023

Kevin Judd, Esq.

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001136

Delores Smith

Decedent

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

Don F. Smith, whose address is 518 Randolph St. NW Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Delores Smith who died on April 6, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/5/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/5/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 10/5/2023

Don F. Smith

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 1120

Carlos Francisco Aguiar

Decedent

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

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Mariana E. Aguiar, whose address is 1320 Fort Stevens Drive, NW, Unit 1, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Carlos Francisco Aguiar who died on May 21, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/5/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/5/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 10/5/2023

Mariana E. Aguiar Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 1143

Lawrence R. Cannaday aka Lawrence Roosevelt Cannaday Decedent

Joan M. Wibon 1629 K Street, NW Suite 300

Washington DC 20006

Attorney

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

Michael D. Cannaday, whose address is 1732 Portal Dr. NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lawrence R. Cannaday aka Lawrence Roosevelt Cannaday who died on 5/27/2020 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/5/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/5/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

10/5/2023

Michael D. Cannaday

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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CHIEF SMITH from Page 1

During her confirmation roundtable, Smith revealed an updated strategic plan for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The goal, as outlined in the document, centers on decreasing crime and increasing feelings of safety in the community. It centers on crime prevention and intervention, accountability for those who perpetrate crime, and sustainability via the recruitment of new officers and inclusion of partner agencies.

Smith highlighted the guiding principles, including: focused law enforcement and strategic deployment of resources, impactful community engagement, and a more engaged police workforce. According to the strategic plan, these principles permeate through the interactions with different stakeholders within D.C. government and in the community.

“We didn’t get here overnight so we have to be strategic in our approach to work with other agencies and look within our department to look at other approaches to drive down crime,” Smith continued. “That’s my biggest challenge but we have dedicated members in our leadership and executive team to take on the task of safer communities and driving down crime. They are ready to do that work.”

THE D.C. COUNCIL EXAMINES SMITH’S PLAN FOR INTERAGENCY COOPERATION

Smith’s confirmation hearing took place a day after the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) recorded more than 200 homicides for the calendar year)-- including the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s late determination of eight homicides. Other deadly shootings that week involved a student who attended Dunbar High School in Northwest. Hours after the roundtable ended, a violent ambush of five people in the Brentwood neighborhood of Northeast claimed two more lives.

The council members who attended Smith’s confirmation roundtable were: Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), chair of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, along with At large Councilmembers Kenyan McDuffie (I) and Christina Henderson (I), Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1), Matt Frumin (D-Ward 3), Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5), Councilmember Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), and Councilmember Vincent C. Gray

(D-Ward 7),

In their remarks, each council member focused on a different aspect of Smith’s role. Henderson, chair of the D.C. Council Committee on Health, gathered Smith’s thoughts on drug trafficking and how to go about stopping the flow of opioids and other illicit drugs into District neighborhoods. McDuffie, who visited Dunbar community members earlier that morning, identified the lack of economic opportunity as a key driver of violence.

Other topics of discussion included traffic safety, equitable deployment of officers, collaboration with the Office of the U.S. Attorney of the District of Columbia, tracking guns, and better engaging young people. In regard to the last point, Smith often circled back to MPD’s pilot curfew program as an effective strategy in connecting at-risk young people with resources.

In his remarks, Parker mentioned his requests of the Bowser administration for a holistic crime-fighting approach. Allen expressed a similar viewpoint during the confirmation hearing, referencing what he described as a lack of strength in the local crime prevention ecosystem.

Allen later told the Informer that, after speaking with Smith, he got the sense that Smith was building relationships that should have already been solidified.

“We can’t be in a position where for every [new] chief and agency director, we have to start over,” Allen said. “To have a whole-of-government response, how do you turn words into action? They have to be backed [by] relationships so when an agency head moves on, the work remains.”

COMMUNITY MEMBERS SPEAK –AND POLICE TRANSPARENCY REMAINS A MAJOR ISSUE

More than 40 people from different parts of the District appeared as public witnesses at Acting Chief Smith’s confirmation roundtable on Sept. 27.

Some people, like Cherita Whiting of the Ward 4 Education Council and Robert Vinson Brannum of the Ward 5 Leadership Council, touted Smith’s enthusiasm for meeting residents.

Kenneth Rioland, Jr., pastor of Paramount Baptist Church, later spoke of Smith clearly communicating her concerns to residents and making herself available to them during community events.

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

launched shortly before entering the program.

However, not even this milestone, and the promise of mentorship over the next six months, could erase the painful, and still fresh, memories of earlier in the week when Crudup learned that his cousin counted among those shot and killed in the Northeast community of Brentwood.

Crupud said the situation has caused him to question the degree to which the D.C. government wants to curb violent crime, which he said is caused by a lack of programming and resources, including the violence interrupter program for which D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) proposed cuts.

Though he expressed gratitude for the Pathways Program, Crupud said the District needs to expand and replicate these efforts.

"If the District invests in more programs like this, people would have more to do with their lives," said Crupud, 27. "The Pathways Program takes people from different parts of the city and puts them in an environment where they feel safe. They help to alleviate our situations. With more programs, these situations wouldn't even happen."

COUNCILMEMBER PINTO STIRS UP CONTROVERSY WITH LEGISLATION

On Sept. 18, Pinto introduced the Addressing Crime through Targeted Interventions and Violence Enforcement Amendment Act, also known as

the ACTIVE Amendment Act. The introduction of the bill, scheduled for referral to the D.C. Council Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety on Oct. 3, follows the passage of emergency public safety legislation earlier this year.

Provisions of Pinto’s bill include a requirement that gun offenders under probation, supervised release or parole consent to a search in public. Throwing a weapon away during a chase would also count as a criminal offense. In situations where violent crime and sexual abuse defendants circumvent pretrial detention, judges would be required to file written findings explaining their decision for releasing the defendant.

Pinto’s bill would also establish a Pre-arrest Diversion Task Force to develop and implement recommendations for diverting people engaged in low level-non-violent crimes from the criminal justice system.

The ACTIVE Amendment Act is one part of Pinto’s Secure DC Plan, a compilation of newly introduced bills and plans to hold hearings. The Secure DC Plan also includes the Improving Safety and Emergency Response on Transit Corridors Amendment Act, Safe Commercial Corridors Amendment Act, Government Recruitment and Retention Act, and Leading Education Access for Reentry and Necessary Success Amendment Act, also known as LEARNS Amendment Act.

During Acting Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith’s confirmation roundtable on Sept. 27, at least one public witness -- Mahdi Leroy Thorpe of the Red Hats Patrol --- derided the ACTIVE Amendment Act, calling it

racist toward Black people.

Other D.C. residents have made similar observations in weeks past, going as far as to question whether Pinto has engaged native Black Washingtonians about a public safety strategy. Though he hasn’t mentioned Pinto by name, activist and author Tony Lewis, Jr. took to his Twitter/X feed during the latter part of September to suggest that all District officials attend the 14th Pathways Program graduation.

D.C. resident and re-entry specialist Eyone Williams said he first heard about the ACTIVE Amendment Act through an attorney who was representing a client experiencing situations similar to what people under court supervision would encounter if the legislation passes.

Williams, a returning citizen, has since spoken out against the ACTIVE Amendment Act, telling the Informer that it’s time the D.C. Council and other entities to spend the next few decades dedicating resources to holistic, preventative solutions to violence. In years past, Wiliams has spoken with D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (At large-I) about public safety matters. He commended McDuffie for championing the Second Look Amendment Act that secured Williams’ comrades early prison releases.

Williams, a Ward 4 resident, has also expressed concerns to D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8). As it relates to the ACTIVE Amendment, and other matters related to curbing violent crime, Wiliiams said he hasn’t heard from Pinto. Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

5 Acting MPD Chief Pamela Smith at a press conference on 14th and Saratoga Avenues N.E. on Sept. 27. (Courtesy Photo/ Screenshot, X)

PATHWAYS from Page 1

JEALOUS from Page 32

this country’s history -- corporations, billionaires, and the politicians representing their interests pitting poor and working Americans who actually aspire to the same future against each

JACKSON from Page 32

to bigger government contractors –will go without pay; many will be forced to the edge. This shutdown – if it occurs – will be worse than the one that took place when Donald Trump was president. At that time, Congress had passed appropriations for several major agencies – from the Defense Department to the Department of Education. They continued to operate as normal. This time, the House has failed to pass any appropriations bill.

Republicans could not even agree on a Defense Appropriations Bill to send to the Senate. The threat comes directly from the chaos in the Republican Party. This isn’t a battle between the parties. The Republican majority in the House hasn’t even begun to negotiate with the Democratic majority in the Senate. Republicans can’t agree among themselves on what to pass, with their leaders held hostage

MALVEAUX from Page 32

stalked and followed. Upon their arrival in Lousiville, several hotels reported getting calls looking for Tamika Mallory and the others. They now have private security and some police protection, and, as A. Scott Bolden, a D.C.-based Democratic lawyer, noted on Roland Martin Unfiltered, "Tamika is a fearsome fighter. Threats aren't going to stop her." Still, the threats must be anxiety-producing, and the FBI must leave no stone unturned in identifying the cowards who oppose both Tamika and justice.

Because of how Cameron presented the case against the Louisville officers who murdered Breonna Taylor, no one was indicted for her death. The officers shot into her home, using a no-knock warrant as their justification. At least two grand jury members say Cameron did not present all of the facts. The Department of Justice has brought charges to a federal grand jury, and four have been indicted.

other. They do it with hyperboles like assassination and altering established expansion plans.

We’re well beyond 2008. Profits for the Big Three are soaring. Consumers want electric vehicles, and as a nation we’re encouraging them to buy them

by an extreme right that even Republican House members call the “clown show.” The objectors claim to be concerned about deficits but that’s not true. Any serious effort on deficits would have to include reversing the deep tax cuts given to the rich and getting control of soaring medical and defense spending. The objectors want more tax breaks for the wealthy, more money for the Pentagon, and oppose even modest steps to rein in prescription drug costs. Their main target is any provision that goes to the vulnerable. Republicans already blocked extension of the child tax credit that reduced childhood poverty by 40 percent during the pandemic.

Now they want to cut aid to schools, food stamps, support for low-cost housing, Pell grants for students and more – and, of course, reverse Biden’s programs to rebuild our infrastructure or begin to deal with the climate crisis. In order to avoid a government default on our debt earlier this year, House Speak-

Kelly Ann Goodlett has pled guilty to conspiracy because she knew there was no basis for the invasion into Breonna's home but conspired with another officer to justify the warrant. She will be sentenced in November and faces up to 5 years in jail and up to $250,000 in fines.

The other three — Joshua Jaynes, Brett Hankison, and Kyle Meany – were arrested and released on bond. They face trials in mid-October. Other officers were not indicted either because they did not know the warrant was faulty or "there wasn't enough evidence" against them. In bringing indictments against the four officers, however, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke ensured that there would be at least some measure of justice for Breonna Taylor.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump represented Breonna’s mother, Tamika Palmer, in a wrongful death settlement against Louisville. He won both a $12 million settlement and police reforms, including the

through tax credits passed last year. It’s those cars and trucks that we’ll drive into a livable future. We must ensure that clean energy transition is a fair one to the people who will make it possible.

er Kevin McCarthy negotiated an agreement with Joe Biden on funding levels for the coming year. Now the zealots in McCarthy’s party refuse to abide by that deal. McCarthy could sidestep them and put together a majority, drawing from the bulk of his party and moderate Democrats, but he refuses to reach out to Democrats. The result: a handful of right-wing zealots are barreling toward forcing a shutdown of the entire government. Efforts will be made this week simply to pass a short-term “continuing resolution (CR).” That would fund the government at current levels for a few weeks or months providing more time to figure a way out. Hopefully, there are enough sensible Republicans in the House to join with Democrats to pass the CR and keep the government running. Millions will suffer if that doesn’t happen – and they will suffer for no good reason at all.

abolishment of the no-knock warrant. That's partial justice. Real justice will come when the man who described Breonna’s murder as “justifiable.” And if Tamika Mallory has anything to do with it, his callous response to the death of a young Black woman will end his political career (or he can work for his ally, the (twice impeached former president).

Tamika Mallory has become part of the Louisville Black community. She has developed a close relationship with Tamika Palmer and has also become a known presence in the city. She has visited churches, been a presence on the streets, and, through Until Freedom, channeled nearly a million dollars into the community. Her organization has also fed thousands of people and has become a resource for Black people in Louisville. While this Warrior Queen hails from New York, she plans to stay in Louisville until the election, until justice for Breonna, until freedom. WI

WILLIAMS from Page 33 and policy-related organizations. We must remember that we are stronger together. NPA is the leadership hub of several major organizations representing African-American public officials from federal, state, and local levels of government, the judiciary, school boards, and member organizations in the U.S. and internationally. NPA's focus is to advocate policies that impact the African-American community.

One key award was presented to the Honorable Rev. Jesse Jackson who received the NPA's Medgar Evers Award. Rev. Jackson has through the years caused thousands of our people to register and vote. He also ran a most inspiring candidacy

MORIAL from Page 33

the issuing of licenses and certifications that small businesses need to operate.

Infrastructure projects that provide employment, stimulate local economies, and rectify historical and structural inequities would grind to a halt.

The past three government shutdowns cost taxpayers at least $3.7 billion in back pay to furloughed

for President after Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and Dick Gregory ran years ago. I received the NPA's Charles Evers Award. I ran a campaign for Congress and did a lot of work getting Black people registered and voting, as well as inspiring numerous Black women to run for mayor in their communities, and more than 20 won shortly thereafter — including in the three largest cities. I ran in Louisiana when no Black people were running for the U.S. Congress from Louisiana. Since the time I ran and came in so close to winning (less than ½ percent), New Orleans has had Black people not only running, but the city has had a Black Congressional Member every time there was an election in New Orleans. WI

federal workers, and at least $338 million in other costs associated with the shutdowns, including extra administrative work, lost revenue, and late fees on interest payments.

The 2018-2019 shutdown precipitated by then-President Trump’s thin-skinned response to criticism from television commentators slowed the nation’s economic growth, reducing real GDP by $11 billion over the fourth quarter

key award was presented to the Honorable Rev. Jesse Jackson who received the NPA's Medgar Evers Award. Rev. Jackson has through the years caused thousands of our people to register and vote.

of 2018 and the first quarter of 2019.

Meanwhile, the only major credit rating agency that still assigns the United States a top grade has warned that a shutdown "would underscore the weakness of US institutional and governance strength relative to other Aaa-rated sovereigns." A downgrade to the US credit rating would drive up interest rates for all Americans.

Either the extremists in Congress who are driving the nation toward pointless chaos and hardship don’t understand the consequences of their actions, or they do understand and don’t care. Either case is horrifying.

Even more horrifying, there is no coherent public policy agenda behind their reckless behavior. Antagonizing their political adversaries and fanning the flames of partisan hostility is their only aim.

If Speaker McCarthy cannot use his leadership position to steer the nation away from an avoidable disaster, there is no point in his clinging to it. WI

EDELMAN from Page 33

napalm and the cost of a nuclear warhead, and armored cars for police who fight riots in our streets. It counts Whitman's rifle and Speck's knife, and the television programs which glorify violence in order to sell toys to our children."

Senator Kennedy continued:

"Yet the gross national product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education, or the joy of their play. It does not include the beauty of

our poetry or the strength of our marriages; the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of our public officials. It measures neither our wit nor our courage; neither our wisdom nor our learning; neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country; it measures everything, in short, except that which makes life worthwhile. And it tells us everything about America except why we are proud that we are Americans."

At the end of that speech, Senator Kennedy paraphrased George

Bernard Shaw with words that became synonymous with his Presidential campaign and his vision for leadership: "Some people see things as they are and say, 'why?' I dream things that never were and say, 'why not?'" Senator Kennedy's own political leadership was cut far too short. But the dream of a nation that measures its success in the health of our children, the quality of their education, and the joy of their play is still here. So is the need for leaders who share it. WI

Either the extremists in Congress who are driving the nation toward pointless chaos and hardship don’t understand the consequences of their actions, or they do understand and don’t care. Either case is horrifying.

One

WHERE THE MONEY GOES.

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