The Washington Informer - September 26, 2019 by The Washington Informer

VOL. 54, NO. 50 • SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019

Fall Has Officially Arrived; Enjoy the Last Days of Unseasonal Warmth

Don't Miss This Month's WI Bridge - Center Section

Climate Activists Shutdown Major Arteries in the District; Banneker Students, Coincide with United Nations Summit in NYC Alums Protests Follow Worldwide School Reflect on Walkouts as Youth Hard-Fought Cite Urgency for Planet-saving Initiatives Battle By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor @dkevinmcneir D.C. commuters faced even longer delays Monday morning as an estimated 2,000 protesters blocked key intersections throughout the District to draw attention to the urgency for climate change, the immediate elimination of the use of environmentally-destructive fossil fuels and a swift transition to renewable energy. The protests on Sept. 23, timed to coincide with the United Nations [UN] Climate Action Summit in New York, came on the heels of a massive, youth-led school walk out last Friday spanning six continents followed by a conference at the UN on Saturday that attracted teens from Pittsburgh to Paris. In the District, Metropolitan Police arrested more than 30 people Monday while facing a throng of determined climate activists. Some protestors, seeking to confound law enforcement, chained themselves to street signs, an 80-foot long oil pipeline, 30-foot ladders and parked vehicles – even to a bright yellow and pink yacht somehow hauled into the middle of a D.C. intersection. Addition arrests included six people detained by U.S. Capitol Police at Washington and Independence Avenues in Southwest. Protesters also convened at Massachusetts Avenue and N. Capitol Street, New

CLIMATE Page 9

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins Students at Banneker Academic High School recently returned to 800 Euclid Street in Northwest with the certainty that, within three years, 800 high achievers will enjoy the trappings of newly-erected, fully-furnished building on the grounds of the former Shaw Junior High School. A D.C. Council vote earlier this year cemented that victory, resolving a lengthy battle between the Banneker community 5 DC resident Nora Kay Wheat, 24, right, joined a group of climate change protesters who shut down 16th & K Streets in Northwest where one person handcuffed himself to a large pink boat. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

BANNEKER Page 48

D.C. Statehood Proponents Capitalize on Historic Moment

Congressional Hearing Spurs Hope for District Receiving its ‘Star’ By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins Even with both the Senate and White House currently under the control of the Republicans, a growing number of advocates for D.C. statehood believe their long-espoused goal now stands just beyond but within their grasp. After more than 26 years, legislators recently allowed a Congressional hearing to proceed which could lead to the District becoming the nation’s 51st state. During the past several months,

the battleground for D.C. statehood has alternated between the halls of Congress and the Democratic presidential candidates campaign trail. Meanwhile, representatives of nearly two dozen grassroots organizations have ramped up efforts to persuade those vying for the White House to support District residents’ demand for self-determination. “Now is the time for statehood. We have the same responsibilities but not the same rights,” said Ty

STATEHOOD Page 40

5 (L-R) D.C. Chief Financial Officer Jeff DeWitt, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D), Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and District veteran Kerwin Miller are sworn-in to testify at Sept. 19 hearing on Capitol Hill for the District to become the nation’s 51st state. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

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Around the Region............ 4-11 PG County....................... 12-13 Business............................ 14-15 National............................ 16-18 International.........................19 Health ............................. 20-21

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On September 26, 1981 tennis great Serena Williams is born in Saginaw, Michigan. Black Facts / Page 6

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Women the Cycle of wi hotBreak topics Domestic Violence Fall Clean-Up Coming to Construction Begins for Native COMPILED BY WI STAFF: D. KEVIN MCNEIR,WILLIAM J. FORD AND JAMES WRIGHT

Prince George’s County American Veterans law enforcement. She said they threat,” she said.Memorial

By Tia Carol Jones WI Staff Writer

had come together to bring a Among the programs Marlow sense of uniformity in the way wants to see implemented are When L.Y. Marlow's 23-year- domestic violence victims and stricter restraining order policies, Visit our updated Web site old daughter told her the father survivors are treated. more rights for victim's families and give us your comments of her daughter threatened her “She's using her own personal to intervene on behalf of a vicfor a chance to win a gift from life, and the life of their child, story, her own personal pain to tim, a domestic violence assessThe Washington Informer she knew something had to be push forward,” Davis-Nickens ment unit coupled with further done. Out of her frustration said about Marlow. training for law enforcement with law enforcement's handling Davis-Nickens said anyone agencies, a Child's Life ProtecEmail comments to: of the situation, she decided to who reads Marlow's book will tion Act and mandatory counselrburke@ start the Saving Promise cam- “get it.” She said she “puts the ing for batterers. paign. case in such a way, the average “If we are ever going to eradiwashingtoninformer.com “It seems to be a vicious cycle person can get it.” She said at the cate domestic violence, we must It’s been years look of delay but after that won't turn my family end of the day, the book will at both sideslong of last, the construccoin. recently began on the Native American loose,” Marlow said. Marlow help people begin totion have a dia- We need to address both theVeterans vicNowher thatstory summer’s gone, the air will become National Mall. First authorized shared with the audilogue about domesticMemorial violence.on thetim and the batterer,” Marlow by cooler atandthe the District hours of Heights sunshine will decline a litCongress in 1994, it will be erected on the grounds of ence Also present at the event was said. tle each day. But that won’t stop Prince the National of the American Indian, Domestic Violence Symposium MildredGeorge’s Muhammad, the ex- Museum Marlow would also like to seehonCounty AngelaHeights Alsobrooks from particion May 7Executive at the District oring the service of Native American veterans which wife of John Allen Muhammad, programs designed to raise pating in “Growing with Pridewho Day”was commuMunicipal Center. Green The sympoAlaska Natives, American and Native sentenced toinclude six consecawareness amongIndians children in nity cleanup Oct. 19. She’s and without sium was sponsored by asking the community Hawaiians. ceremony hasschools. been slated utive life terms paroleA dedication public and private Shenext school leaders help to organize by efforts to plantjury for Family and for Youth Services a Maryland role inon Veterans yearhis(2020) Day. need to be educatfeels children trees, shrubs andcity flowers. As part ofthe the Beltway beautifica-Sniper attacks Center of the of District in edPratt, abouta domestic Artist Harvey Vietnam violence. War veteran and tion efforts, willHookpick up litter andMildred remove Muhammad Heights andvolunteers the National 2002. “We have to stop being pasmember of isthe Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes in Oklaillegally dumped items along the roads. Up of Black Women. the Selected founder site of After homa, the Trauma, sive-aggressive poor Circle chil- of bested 120 proposals withwith his Warrior coordinators for written designated locations an willorganization be required that Marlow has a book, helpsdesign, the chosen dren by about domestic Honor judges last year.violence,” to coordinate a tree-planting and provide “Color Me Butterfly,” which workshop is a survivors of domesticInviolence Marlow a recent edition of said. the Smithsonian Magazine, a complete of what will be planted. trash story aboutlist four generations of andGloves, their children. Marlow have has worked to break he said, “Native Americans been fighting for this domestic Thesafety bookvests is will“Ibelived bags, litterviolence. grabbers and provided. in fear for country six years.ever Sixsincethe of abuse in her family, . . . thecycle Vikings, ever since Columbus inspired by seek her own experiences, Those who to clean up and conduct plantyears any in fear is a long time. It is be Indian and is country confident policies it will always andthe Indians areshe always and those of property her grandmother, ing on public must registernot by Oct. 4. For an easy thing to come out is pushing for will start going to fight for this land and for this nation.”that her and her of,” she said. moremother information, go todaughter. https://bit.ly/2lXD9ty. Living Nativeprocess. American veterans exceed 140,000 She said every time she reads Mildred Muhammad said “I plan to take these policiesserve to in men and women. More than 31,000 currently In Memoriam excerpts from her book, she still people who want to help a Congress and implore them to various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. can not believe the words came domestic violence victim must change our laws,” Marlow said. Wilhelmina J. Rolark from her. “Color Me Butterfly” be careful of how they go into “I will not stop until these poliThe Washington Informer Newspaper won the 2007 National “Best the victim's life, and understand cies are passed.” THE WASHINGTON INFORMER PUBLISHER In Memoriam Books” Award. that she may be in “survival Tia Carol Jones can be reached NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is Dr. Calvin W. Rolark Rolark, Barnes Sr. Denise “I was just 16-years-old when mode”. at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net published weekly on each Thursday. Wilhelmina J. Rolark my eye first blackened and my Periodicals postage paid at Washing“Before you get to 'I'm going ton, D.C. and additional mailing ofTHE WASHINGTON INFORMERSTAFF NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published Counlips bled,” Marlow said. to kill you,' it started asFormer a verbalD.C. WI fices. weekly News and advertisingPeriodicals deadline postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional on Thursday. cilmember Michael A. Elaine Davis-Nickens, presiD. Kevin McNeir, Editor is Monday to publication. mailingprior offices. News and Anadvertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. dent of the National Hook-Up Brown may consider a run Ron Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director nouncements must be received two Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2000 by The of Black Women, said there is no weeksWashington prior to event. Copyright 2016 reserved. for the District's legislative Informer. All rights POST MASTER: change of addressShevry Lassiter, PhotoSend Editor by The Informer. All 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, consistency in the way domestic es toWashington The Washington Informer, body in 2020. He served Lafayette Barnes, IV, Assistant Photo Editor rights D.C. reserved. POSTMASTER: Send 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permisviolence issues are dealt with by on the Council from JohnNewspaper E. De Freitas, Photothe Editor changesion of from addresses to The The Wash-Informer the publisher. cannotSports guarantee return of 2009-2013 as an Indepeningtonphotographs. Informer, 3117 Martin Luther Dorothy Editorwill be received Subscription rates are $30 per year,Rowley, two yearsOnline $45. Papers King, not Jr. more Ave., than S.E. aWashington, D.C. dent, rising to the position week after publication. Make checks payable to: ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout 20032. No part of this publication may of vice chairman. D.C. Mable Neville, Bookkeeper be reproduced without writtenTHE permis5 Patricia Eubanks. (Photo courtesy of PGCPS) WASHINGTON INFORMER Councilmember David sion from the publisher. The Informer Dr. Charles Vincent, Social Sightings columnist 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. • Washington, D.C. 20032 Newspaper cannot guarantee the return Patricia Eubanks, first elected to the Prince Grosso (I-At Large) dePhone: 202 561-4100 • Fax: 202 Social 574-3785 Tatiana Moten, Media Specialist of photographs. Subscription rates are George’s County school board in December 2010, feated Brown in his bid for 5 Michael A. Brown served E-mail: news@washingtoninformer.com Angie Johnson, Circulation $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will www.washingtoninformer.com has resigned and will serve her last day Sept. 30. re-election in 2012. Then, on the D.C. Council from be received not more than a week after County Executive Angela Alsobrooks will appoint in June 2013, prosecutors 2009-2013. (Courtesy photo) publication. Make checks payable to: REPORTERS PUBLISHER someone to replace Eubanks by mid-October. Eucharged him with bribery. Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, THE WASHINGTON INFORMER Denise Rolark Barnes banks’ term expires next year, so her seat will be up He pled guilty and served 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Timothy Cox, Will Ford (Prince George’s STAFF D.C. 20032 REPORTERS for election in the April primary. She has represented time in prison from 2014 to 2016. Washington, Fuller, Hamil Brooke N. Garner ManagingCounty Editor Writer), Tia C.Jacqueline Jones, Ed Laiscell, Phone: 202 561-4100 District 4 schools that include Beacon Heights EleBrown says he’s put the past behind him and has Carla Peay Assistant ManagingHarris, Editor D. Kevin Odell B. Ruffin, Larry Saxton,Rowley, McNeir, Dorothy Fax: 202 574-3785 mentary in Riverdale, Kenmoor Middle in Landomoved forward with a new venture. Ron Burke Advertising and Marketing Mary Wells, Joseph Young news@washingtoninformer.com Brenda Siler, Sarafina Wright, James Wright Mable Whittaker Bookkeeper ver and Charles H. Flowers High in Springdale. “I have talked to different groups throughout the city www.washingtoninformer.com LaNita Wrenn Administration PHOTOGRAPHERS PHOTOGRAPHERS “I appreciate her commitment to the educaand I have pressure on me to run for the council,” he John E. De Freitas Sports Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, E. DeFreitas, Shevry tion of our children and all that she has helped said. “[My new venture] is called 'The Michael Brown Victor Holt PhotoJohn Editor John E. De Freitas,Lassiter, Maurice Fitzgerald, Zebra Designs, Inc. Layout & GraphicRoy Design Jackson, Tilghman, Roy Lewis, Robert our school system accomplish during her time as Show', a radio podcast that airs on Mondays from 6 - 7 Lewis, Joanne Jr., Anthony Brigette Ken Harris /www.scsworks.com Webmaster Ridley, Victor Holt a member of the board of education,” Alsobrooks p.m. on WLVS. I will be talking mostly about nationWhite Marlow said in a written statement. Since becoming counal politics and I’ll do anything I canL.Y. to make sure ‘45’ CIRCULATION Paul Trantham ty executive, this will become the fourth appointdoesn't get re-elected. Plus, I will include some local polment Alsobrooks will have made to the 14-memitics, entertainment and sports.” ber board which also includes a student member “I will make a final decision before the end of the year chosen by a county student government associaon that,” said Brown adding that he wants to continue tion. listening to citizens before making up his mind. 4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com

Eubanks Stepping Down from County School Board

Michael Brown Considers Another Shot at DC Council

“

We have to stop being passive-aggressive with poor children about domestic violence. I plan to take these policies to Congress and implore them to change our laws. I will not stop until these policies are passed.

“

4 SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019

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AROUND THE REGION

White, Gray Prepare for Active Agendas in Fall Council Session

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By James Wright WI Staff Writer After its summer recess, the D.C. Council has come back to work on a myriad of issues and Council members Vincent Gray and Trayon White will play key roles. The council resumed legislating on Sept. 17, and Gray, a Democrat representing Ward 7, said he will push for an East End health care system. "I am going to work hard on health care," said Gray, who serves as the chair of the council's health committee. "I want to see the contract for the new East End hospital and health care system come through. We have an urgent care center coming in Ward 7. There is going to be a medical facility at Skyland Town Center. “These developments send a powerful message that we are working toward equitable health care services in the city," he said. Gray introduced the Prohibition of Electronic Smoking Sales Without a Prescription Act of 2019. He wants to address the negative health consequences of vaping and discourage youth from the practice. "While we continue to learn more about the long-term harmful effects vaping products and e-cigarettes have on a person's lungs, what we know now with certainty, is that these products contain high levels of nicotine," Gray said. "Nicotine is a dangerous and highly addictive chemical. What is most concerning to me is that a new generation of young people can get hooked on nicotine through vaping and electronic smoking". Gray plans to hold a hearing on the bill and other vaping products legislation before the council. White (D-Ward 8) said his focus will be on public safety and securing senior housing. He will continue advocating for the Bowser administration to do more to protect Ward 8 residents, such as funding more violence interrupters and encouraging city police to better cooperate with his constituents. White said housing has become a major concern in his ward and he doesn't want the elderly to be displaced. "Seniors are vulnerable in this housing market and I will work to try to keep them in their homes," he said. White, who represented his ward on the D.C. State Board of Educa-

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5 Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon

White (Roy Lewis/WI File Photo)

tion from 2011-2014, said making sure that his constituents have access to more vocational education programs will be paramount. Fellow council members Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5) and Brandon Todd (D-Ward 4) have introduced bills that have generated public interest. McDuffie introduced the Protecting Local Area Commercial Enterprises Amendment Act of 2019, which supports legacy and small local businesses by providing technical and financial assistance, gives landlords incentives to enter into or renew leases with legacy businesses and creates protections for commercial tenants as they negotiate their leases. "This legislation is the culmination of stakeholder engagement forums, small business visits and hundreds of hours talking and listening with small businesses," McDuffie said. He said legacy businesses such as Sankofa Video Books & Café and the Florida Avenue Grill could be beneficiaries of his legislation. Todd has introduced the Domestic Workers Protection Act of 2019, which would extend the District's labor and employment protections to domestic employees such as home care workers, nannies and house cleaners. "This bill would ensure that all domestic workers are covered by basic workers' rights laws," he said. WI

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

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CAP1: Our original Customer Assistance Program provides eligible DC Water customers a discount on the first 400 cubic feet (3000 gallons) of water and sewer services used each month. The annual discount is approximately $800. CAP2: Customer Assistance Program II provides eligible DC Water customers a discount on the first 300 cubic feet of water and sewer services used each month. The annual discount is approximately $550. CAP3: Customer Assistance Program III provides eligible DC Water customers with a discount of 75% off of the monthly CRIAC. The average annual discount is approximately $188. To apply or learn more about these programs, visit dcwater.com/customer-assistance or call 311.

Nonprofit Relief Program

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

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

CAP1 Income Limit 60% of SMI 1

CAP2 Income Limit 80% of AMI 2

CAP3 Income Limit 100% of AMI 2

$32,814

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$84,900

$42,911

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

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SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019 5

AROUND THE REGION

black facts

SEPT 25 - OCT 2, 2019 SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

1933 – Gospel singer Cissy Houston, mother of late superstar Whitney Houston, is born in Newark, New Jersey. 1935 – Famed singer Johnny Mathis is born. 1966 – African nation Botswana gains independence from the United Kingdom.

OCT. 1

1960 – African nation Nigeria gains independence from the United Kingdom. 1962 – James Meredith becomes the first African American student to enroll at the University of Mississippi.

SEPT. 26

1929 – Ida Stephens Owens, the nation's first African American female biochemist, is born in Newark, New Jersey. 1937 – Singer Bessie Smith, known as "Empress of the Blues," dies in an automobile accident in Clarksdale, Mississippi, at age 43. 1981 – Tennis great Serena Williams is born in Saginaw, Michigan.

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1827 – Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American U.S. senator, is born in Fayetteville, North Carolina. 1912 – W.C. Handy publishes the sheet music to "Memphis Blues," one of the earliest known blues songs. 1950 – Gwendolyn Brooks is awarded the Pulitzer Prize for her book of poetry "Annie Allen," becoming the first African American to win the honor.

OCT. 2

1800 – Nat Turner, the leader of a major slave rebellion, is born in Southampton County, Virginia. 1935 – Robert Henry Lawrence Jr., the first African American astronaut, is born in Chicago. 1937 – Famed lawyer Johnnie Cochran is born in Shreveport, Louisiana. 1967 – Thurgood Marshall is sworn in as the first African American Supreme Court justice. 2005 – August Wilson, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, dies of cancer at 60 in Seattle. WI

SEPT. 28

1868 – The Opelousas Massacre, in which an estimated hundreds of Blacks were killed by armed white militias in an ethnic war, occurs in Louisiana. 1991 – Iconic jazz trumpeter Miles Davis (above) dies in Santa Monica, California, of complications from a stroke at age 65.

SEPT. 29

Buying Vinyl Records from 1950 to 1986, Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, R&B, Disco, Soul, Reggae, Blues, Gospel, and record format 33 1/3, 45s, and some of the older 78s. Prefer larger collections of at least 100.

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1975 – WGPR-TV, the first wholly African American-owned television station in the United States, begins broadcasting. 1979 – Sir William Arthur Lewis, an economist from the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, becomes the first Black to receive the Nobel Prize in economics.

SEPT. 30 SERENA WILLIAMS THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

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Black school resource officer Dennis Turner has officially lost his job after arresting two six-year-olds for separate incidents at their schools. What are your thoughts? ELAINE COLLINS /

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They were right to fire him! And so should the white police officers that arrested very young children in the same manner. The rules of decency only seem to apply to the Black officers when it should apply to all. That school pipeline to prison is alive and operating.

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After reading articles, it's noted that the officer has had previous unpleasant incidents [while] on a police force and since he's been a school officer. With his background, he should not be in a position where he has that kind of legal authority over anyone. Those poor children, I know, are traumatized and will probably need psychological counseling. … I trust their guardians will take the proper legal action.

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SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019 7

AROUND THE REGION The World According to Dominic BY D. KEVIN MCNEIR / WI EDITOR / @DKEVINMCNEIR

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The latest example of dysfunctional political service appears equally spread among both Democrats and Republicans – a disheartening example of America’s three branches of government at its worst. Much to our dismay, what we continue to see coming out of the several branches have all the makings of a very good – or a very bad soap opera – a sordid combination of “Dynasty,” “Empire” and “One Life to Live.” But this is not Never, Never Land where the next scene can, with one swoop, completely override, erase and negate the miscues and foibles made by our characters whether in recent past or from the annals of ancient history. In the real world, our words, our actions and even more, our failure to step up to the plate when we know that we should, all have consequences – many of them dire ones. Should we be alarmed as President Trump continues to provide revisionist history as to what really happened between officials from the U.S. and Ukraine and the sidebar that he says must include Joe Biden and Son? Do we

have reason to fear that escalating tensions between America and Iran due to male bravado and the failure of effective détente could boil over into another war? Have we been convinced, as the president says he is, that notions of a pending climate disaster, the threat of starvation for a growing throng of mostly-innocent immigrants denied access to the U.S. or the prognostications of economists who see an Administration laying breadcrumbs toward a recession, all nothing more than “fake news?” Black Americans should know better. Even with Congressman John Lewis’s last-minute “tally-ho” riding upon the back of his proverbial “white horse” while shouting “Impeach,” comes a tad

In a parody of the American political system, “Head of State,” comedian Chris Rock squares off against his more conservative, white opponent – the sitting vice president – who favors the slogan, “God Bless America and No One Else.”

too late for our tastes, given the damage that’s already been done – backroom dealings that may remain hidden for generations before coming to light. Still, better late than never, right? By the way, why is the color of the horse ridden by the good guy always white? Or is that just the only version that the public has been allowed to read or see? There’s no time like the present for Mitch, Nancy, Donald and the rest of the folks on the Hill to honor the oaths to which they’ve sworn. That means serving everyone – not just constituencies living in swanky suburban cul-de-sacs or high-rent, high rise urban cutaways. In a parody of the American political system, “Head of State,” comedian Chris Rock squares off against his more conservative, white opponent – the sitting vice president – who favors the slogan, “God Bless America and No One Else.” Amazing how fiction often bears such haunting similarities to fact. Still, all is not lost. D.C. may not be a state – at least not yet – but we are a proud people and come from proud ancestors. As citizens of America, we have the right to vote, to write letters, to protest, to picket, to strike, to boycott . . . the list goes on. It’s time to put on our walking shoes! Then maybe we can say, “God Bless America and Everyone Else.” WI

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Gray Floats Bill To Quell Youth Vaping

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia

A government-funded survey released earlier this month reported a continued rise in teen use of e-cigarettes. The study found that more than one in nine high school seniors report vaping nicotine nearly every day. Researchers said the share of teens who said they vaped nicotine over the past 30 days more than doubled for each age group surveyed in the study. Now, several local officials have acted. Beginning Oct. 1, Maryland businesses can no longer sell e-cigarettes, pod devices, e-liquids, and accessories to anyone younger than 21. Maryland Del. Dereck Davis said the state would next ban flavored e-cigarettes. In the District, Council member Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7), who chairs the council's health committee, has introduced the Prohibition of Electronic Smoking Sales Without A Prescription Act of 2019, which seeks to address the extraordinary health risks brought on from vaping and prevent District youth from becoming addicted to nicotine. Numerous reports have cropped up across the country about evolving evidence that vaping can lead to irreversible lung damage and lung disease. There are 380 cases of severe lung illnesses reported from 36 states and one U.S. territory, and the number is growing daily. At least seven deaths in six different states have been attributed to vaping. The Centers for Disease Con-

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5 One-in-nine high school seniors report vaping nicotine nearly every day. (Courtesy Medical News Today)

trol and Prevention has released interim recommendations for health care providers, health departments, and the public urging people to refrain from using e-cigarettes or vaping products until more is known about the health impacts. With this legislation, Gray, a staunch anti-tobacco advocate, joins New York, Michigan, and other states in introducing legislation to combat adverse vapor-related outcomes. "While we continue to learn more about the long-term harmful effects vaping products and e-cigarettes have on a person's lungs, what we know now with certainty, is that these products contain high levels of nicotine," Gray said in a statement. "Nicotine is a dangerous and highly addictive chemical," he said. "What is most concerning to me is that a new generation of young people can get hooked on nicotine through vaping and electronic smoking." To bolster his bill, Gray cited a study by Johns Hopkins Medicine that found the most con-

cerning thing about the rise of vaping and e-cigarettes are that people who would have never smoked otherwise, especially youth, are taking up the habit. It concluded that often leads to using traditional tobacco products down the road. Despite being illegal to sell e-cigarettes to anyone younger than 21 in the District, resourceful youth still easily obtain the products, Gray said in a news release. "It has become clear in recent months that we are only beginning to learn the extent of the long-term negative impact vaping and e-cigarettes have on a person's lungs," Gray said. "Until more is known about the long-term adverse health impact of vaping, any use of electronic smoking devices and vaping products should be carefully monitored by a physician through a prescription," he said. "I intend to hold a hearing on this legislation and the other vaping products legislation I co-introduced, in the very near future so we can stay ahead of this emerging health crisis." WI

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America, All out DC, Extinction Rebellion Washington DC and Black Lives Matter [BLM] DMV. Meanwhile, the Shut Down D.C. website and related social media forums continue to garner more supporters of and volunteers for their cause, 3,000 and rising as of Monday, with the next “shut down” scheduled for Friday, Sept. 27 – the final day of the weeklong Global Climate Strike. Joviality masked the more serious nature of the protests with some activists dressed as dinosaurs and polar bears, dancing in the streets, blasting biodegradable confetti along business facades and chanting phrases that included, “We demand

a green new deal,” and “Our house is on fire, put the fire out.” And while climate change activism may currently reflect only a small percentage of participants from the African-American community, a spokesperson for BLM DMV says it’s important for more Blacks to speak up and become involved. “We know that climate injustice and environmental racism are fueled by the same systems of white supremacy, capitalism, imperialism, patriarchy and colonialism from which we seek to liberate Black people,” said Nee Nee Taylor, BLM

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“Surely nowhere in the world do oppression and persecution based solely on the color of the skin appear more hateful and hideous than in the capital of the United States because the chasm between the principles upon which the Government was founded, in which it still professes to believe, and those which are daily practiced under the protection of the flag, yawns so wide and deep.” What it Means to be Colored in the Capital of the United States

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AROUND THE REGION

ANC Challenges DCRA on Safety

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

An investigation into a fatal house fire on Kennedy Street in Northwest found that DC Fire and the Department of Regulatory and Consumer Affairs (DCRA) failed to address safety concerns about the affected building in the five months leading up to the Aug. 18 blaze. That rowhouse, occupied by several Ethiopian immigrant families, had narrow halls, broken smoke detectors, and chains on the front door. It also lacked a sprinkler system. The conditions of the building bore a strong similarity to what Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner ReneĂŠ Bowser said she encountered on her visits to at least two other apartment buildings in the past few years. "City officials need to eyeball some of these buildings," said Bowser, chair of ANC 4D which includes Petworth in Northwest. On Sept. 18, she and her 4D colleagues passed a resolution that holds DCRA more accountable in quickly responding to housing investigation requests from the Metropolitan Police Department and other agencies, completing investigations, and better engaging advisory neighborhood commissions. Commission 4D also voted in support of the Department of Buildings Establishment Act. In January, all D.C. Council members, except Brandon Todd (D-Ward 4), introduced that legislation. If approved, it would break DCRA into two departments, one of which enforces regulations and codes for building construction, rental housing conditions, and building maintenance and safety. "There are apartments with no certificate of occupancy that permits them to use the building for rentals," Bowser said. "Where apartments above stores along mixed use corridors such as Kennedy Street are clearly visible, DCRA should check to make sure that the owners have certificates of occupancy and that the buildings are in habitable condition." A DCRA spokesperson didn't return The Informer's inquiry about the circumstances of the Aug. 18 fire and policy changes within the agency. For tenants occupying older buildings along the Kennedy Street corridor and its surrounding areas, checking for certificate of occupancy, much less addressing cumulative structural deficiencies, has been an uphill battle.

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5 Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4D on Sept. 18 passed a resolution that increases DCRA accountability for housing investigations requests from the Metropolitan Police Department and other agencies. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

There has been speculation about whether landlords neglect these properties in the hopes that occupancy dwindles and developers buy them. For instance, an investigation of dismal conditions at Rainbow Market, located several feet from the scene of the August row house fire, led to the discovery of unlicensed rentals above the store. Another situation involved 220 Hamilton Street NW, a property that DCRA cited for more than 170 housing violations last year. Bowser recalled several unsuccessful attempts to hold the landlord accountable in the decade leading up to action by the Office of the Attorney General. Late last year, the Office of the Attorney General General filed a lawsuit against the property management company, alleging a pattern of building neglect and seeking a receiver to collect the rents and fix the property. One block over, on the 200 block of Jefferson Street, Bowser said she engaged DCRA officials over a seven-month period two years ago in response to complaints from neighbors that a home illegally operated as a rooming house and posed a fire threat. She said a DCRA, instead of inspecting the property, spoke to an occupant who said all was well. Recently, upon Bowser's request to reinvestigate the property, DCRA reported learning that the owner used someone else's certificate of occupancy permit. On the 5200 block of 3rd Street, not far from Washington Latin Public Charter School, tenants of an apartment said they've struggled to get repairs to the front door of the building and to their individual apartments, even as the surrounding area has improved over the years. One tenant, Carolina Slaughter, said she and her fiance took matters

into their own hands, cleaning the front yard and fixing their space. However it hasn't sufficed, especially amid a mouse and lice infestation. "We need a new door, anything that has a lock on it. I'm not only looking out for me and my partner, but the other people who live in this building," said Slaughter, who has recently embarked on a mission to pressure her landlord to make the repairs to her apartment that she requested since first moving to 3rd Street. "My apartment needs a paint job. I need a new screen and window," Slaughter said. "There's a hole in the ceiling of my bathroom and my bathtub is totally corroded. It's been going on for years and my landlord hasn't fixed it. I appreciate what I got, but it's still a health hazard." WI

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SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019 11

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Majority of Black Same-Sex Couples Reside in the South: Report By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill A new report released last week examined the South incorporates some of the least opportunities and harshest LGBT policies in the nation, but the majority of Blacks from that community reside in that part of the country. The Movement Advanced Project (MAP) produced a report, "Where We Call Home: LGBT People of Color in Rural America," examining how people in the LGBT community live with limited opportunities. For instance, about 155 hospitals closed since 2005 in rural communities. Approximately 113 of those hospitals closed within the past 10 years, according to the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Among the locations, the center highlights as 22 hospitals closed in Texas, 12 in Tennessee and nine in North Carolina that

created a decrease of options in health care providers. "Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and same gender loving (LGBTQ/SGL) people of color are central to the fabric of rural life in America," said David Johns, executive director of theÂ National Black Justice Coalition. "With little to no attention paid toward the challenges and joys of what it means to be a LGBTQ/SGL person of color living in places like the South or the rural Midwest, this report reveals the heightened risk of discrimination for those who are both LGBTQ/SGL and a person of color." The coalition conducted the report with the Equality Foundation and National Center for Lesbian Rights. According to the report, the majority of Black same-sex couples reside in 11 states in the South from Maryland to parts of East Texas. Census Bureau data from 2010 highlights Black same-sex couples, but "it is likely that

12 SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019

5 A map from the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) shows the majority of Black same-sex couples reside in the South. (Courtesy of MAP)

similar trends hold for Black LGBT-identified individuals, especially given that the majority of Black people live in the South." The Williams Institute, a think tank which researches sexual orientation, gender and other topics at the University of California Los Angeles School of Law, orga-

nized LGBT demographics on a nationwide map from the 2010 census. The institute organized a chart on same-sex couples per 1,000 households. The top two majority Black jurisdictions in the state of Maryland, Baltimore City and Prince George's County, ranked

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one and two with 2,672 and 1,917 same-sex couples, respectively. The MAP report also determined people of color, including those in rural communities, identify themselves as LGBT that make up about 42 percent of the national LGBT population. LGBT people of color also face discrimination not only based on race, but also sexual orientation based on limited resources and lack of policies in smaller jurisdictions. The recommendations from the report include: - Pass and enforce nondiscrimination laws prohibiting discrimination in all areas of life including employment, housing, public accommodations, education and health care. - Repeal HIV criminalization laws and work against the broader criminalization of people of color. - Improve competency of service providers. The report highlights LGBT people of color reside, or return, to rural communities because of "the closeness of the community." "Rural communities have always been home to people of color and LGBT people of color, but their lives and needs are often unexamined or overlooked," Ineke Mushovic, executive director of MAP, said in a statement. "Comprehensive nondiscrimination laws are vital to improving the lives of LGBT people of color in rural Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;as is blocking and rescinding religious exemption laws that allow employers and taxpayer-funded service providers to discriminate." WI

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Hogan Maintains High Approval Rating: Poll

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill

Although Larry Hogan continues to receive a high approval rating for his job as governor, Marylanders believe more funds should be spent on public education. Goucher College of Towson released a poll Monday, Sept. 23 that shows 64 percent of registered voters approve of Hogan's job as governor, in line with most Goucher polls since October 2015. Mileah Kromer, political science professor at Goucher College and director of the school's Sarah T. Hughes Field Politics Center, said Marylanders' view of the economy have kept Hogan popular. About 60 percent "hold a mostly positive view" of the state's economy, compared to 29 percent who don't. When asked to look ahead to the next year, about 53 percent believe it will stay about the same. "You have a governor that's been really focused on economic messaging," Kromer said. "He will remain popular certainly as long as economic conditions in the state continue in this direction." According to the poll, the 763 respondents ranked three economic items that totaled at 17 percent — taxes (7 percent), economic development (7 percent) and job growth (3 percent) — as important issues facing the state. However, 46 percent of survey participants say the state "is heading in the right direction." The figure fell to its lowest point since Hogan took office more than four years ago. The state's Democratic Party isn't fond of Hogan's work, especially after he visited Baltimore last week. The party said in a statement Friday that Hogan "swooped into Baltimore with a pair of shades and a gaggle of TV cameras in tow to offer a crime plan." The statement outlined how State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby and several lawmakers from the city created programs to fight crime, improve education and eliminate tax liens. "Maybe the governor can fire off the bat signal when he spots a crime in progress from his State Police helicopter," according to the party's statement. "In the meantime, Democrats will continue to pursue policies to address the real issues in Baltimore City." The Goucher poll also asked participants about public education.

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5 Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (William J. Ford/The Washington Informer, file)

The poll shows about 70 percent say "state government spends too little" on public education. About 19 percent surveyed believe the state spends the right amount and 6 percent say too much money goes toward education. Education, at 13 percent, ranked as the top concern in the state. However, 77 percent read or heard "nothing at all" about the Kirwan Commission. The commission, formally called the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, continues to work on ideas and recommendations to improve public education. The group comprised of state, county and school officials and educators have proposed at least $3.8 billion would be needed each year. Some of the proposals include more behavioral services, boost teacher salaries and additional resources for students with disabilities. Those who did know about the commission also answered "is it to improve public education or to improve public transportation in Maryland?" Approximately 68 percent chose public education, but 15 percent picked public transportation and another 15 percent didn't know. Hogan has criticized some of the Kirwan Commission recommendations as "half-baked" and too expensive. Commission members, named and led by former University of Maryland System chancellor William E. "Brit" Kirwan, claim the state must spend money to boost public education. How it

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SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019 13

BUSINESS East End or East of the River? The Debate Rages By James Wright WI Staff Writer D.C. residents who live east of the Anacostia River are in a passionate debate on what the area should be called: East End or East of the River? "I like East of the River," said Ward 7 resident Sirraya Gant. "That is the term that I am used to and that's how it should stay." However, Council member Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7), has pushed for using East End from as early as 2013 during his time as the District's mayor. "I don't say 'East of the River' anymore," Gray said in a published report. "When you say

'East of the River', people unfortunately think of the other side of the tracks. We have a West End and now we should have an East End." Gant respectfully disagrees with Gray. "There are some fine neighborhoods here such as Penn Branch, Hillcrest, Fairlawn and Congress Park," she said. The debate prompted the Rev. Anthony Motley, a longtime community activist, to manage a process where the eastern neighborhoods will be officially recognized by District officials in 2020 by one of the terms. Motley said the changing demographics of the District justifies

the public conversation. "We are having this discussion because a lot of new people want to change the names of places that we have long known," Motley said at a Sept. 19 meeting on the subject at the Covenant Baptist Church United Church of Christ in Southwest. "The new people want to say something different." Longtime residents throughout the city echo Motley's concerns. In 2009, efforts to rename a major portion of Columbia Heights as "Tivoli North" stalled due to the outcry from residents and business owners in the area. The emergence of NoMa (North of Massachusetts Avenue NE), a moniker for neighborhoods that include Truxton Circle, Sursum Corda, Eckington and Near Northeast, bothers some residents who would prefer to be identified with their neighborhood. Dr. George Derek Musgrove, a District historian who spoke at the Sept. 19 meeting, said the term "East of the River" wasn't prominent until the 1970s, when those neighborhoods became predominantly Black. "At the end of World War II, the areas east of the river were

80 percent Black," he said. "As Blacks were pushed out of Southwest as a part of Urban Renewal and developers making it clear to the District and federal governments that public housing projects was best for neighborhoods east of the Anacostia, that is when Blacks started coming in and Whites starting leaving." Musgrove said "East of the River" apparently started out as a geographical reference but by the 1980s, the term had taken a life of its own and become a part of everyday vernacular. Motley said the process of rebranding those neighborhoods began in January, with meetings bimonthly to address the issue. He said Gray and fellow Council member Trayon White (D-Ward 8) attended a May

meeting on the matter. Motley said the next meeting in November will produce a branding survey asking people their choice, with the results of the survey to be revealed in January. He said based on the survey, he and his supporters, will approach Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) for a proclamation and the D.C. Council for a resolution ratified the survey's results. Jacque Patterson, a politically active Ward 8 resident, would prefer the term "Southeast," but between the two labels, he has his pick. "If the choice is between East of the River and East End, I would pick East of the River," Patterson said. "East End sounds a bit elitist to me." WI

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TWO RIVERS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Temporary Staffing Services Two Rivers is seeking to procure a staffing company or companies to recruit and place school staff. At this time, Two Rivers is in particular need of a full-time mental health professional counselor and Middle School Special Education Teacher. For a copy of the RFP, please email procurement@ tworiverspcs.org. THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

BUSINESS

Food Entrepreneurs Talk Business Success

By James Wright WI Staff Writer The food and restaurant business can be a rewarding venture but getting the right financing and willing to undergo adversity are the keys to success, a group of entrepreneurs said on Sept. 18. Ivan Miller, founder of The Orange Cow, Furard Tate, owner of the Inspire Hospitality Group and co-founder of DMV Black Restaurant Week, Angela Chester-Johnson, owner of Plum Good LLC, and Philip Sambol, executive director of Oasis Community Partners, served as panelists for "Food For Thought," sponsored by the D.C. Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). The event took place at the R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center in Ward 8 and its audience consisted of people who wanted to open food business east of the Anacostia River. Dionne Bussey-Reeder, who owned the Cheers at the Big Chair in Anacostia until March because the landlord didn't renew the lease, served as the moderator

and offered her own advice on operating a food establishment. "When I owned Cheers, I did the branding of it well but I did not implement the five 'Ps' of business," Bussey-Reeder said. "Those 'Ps' are prior planning prevents poor performance. We had great ideas with good intentions but sometimes in business that's not enough. The restaurant business is hard and it requires having the right labor force and financing." Tate said he got into food service "so I can feed my community." "I love making money but I also love making an impact in my community," he said. Tate said it takes a $1 million investment to open a restaurant in the District. "And that is before looking at infrastructure, the furniture and the lights," he said. "When it comes to financing, I say use other people's money and look into the programs that the District government offers. Plus, don't be afraid to look at sharing resources with others."

Miller's The Orange Cow consists of a food truck, catering business and a stand at the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Congress Heights that serves ice cream and frozen treats. He said when he started his business, he did have a plan but it didn't exist on paper totally. "I just went for it — ready, set and fire," he said. "I have been in the business for 11 years and I am still fighting." Despite the hurdles, Miller said "entrepreneurship is the most rewarding and the hardest thing you will ever do." Chester-Johnson said her business evolved from offering spices at farmer's markets to selling food. "It is good to have the spices whether they are herbs and teas but I found out later that in order to make money, you have to feed people," she said. "When I discovered that, I decided to get into catering." Sambol's organization has ties to Good Food Markets, a small grocer that will open in Ward 8 in the coming months. Sambol

5 Dr. Ernest Chrappah, director of DCRA, speaks to the attendees of "Food for Thought" event in Southeast on Sept. 18. (Courtesy of DCRA)

said future entrepreneurs should have knowledge of the pricing of their product. "It is important to know what you are charging your customer," he said. "The price of a product can influence how much profit that you have to operate your business." The event had an earlier panel that explained to the attendees how best to interact with the var-

ious government agencies in order to get their businesses started. Dr. Ernest Chrappah, director of the DCRA, expressed satisfaction with the event. "We are trying to get information out to the community," Chrappah said. "I was pleased with the turnout and we will be doing more of these in the city." WI

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

The words of Anna Julia Cooper underscored the mission of Black women in the Suffrage Movement. Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, in the mid-1850s (historians vary on exactly which year), Cooper was an educator and author. She died in the District of Columbia in 1964 and left a lasting legacy for all women of color, including her classic 1892 book, "A Voice from the South by a Black Woman of the South." Cooper's words cut through any ambivalence when it came to the struggle of Black women: "Only the Black woman can say

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5 Anna Julia Cooper (Courtesy of BlackPast.org)

when and where I enter in the quiet undisputed dignity of my womanhood, without violence or special patronage; then and there the whole Negro race enters with me." In 1868, Cooper enrolled in the newly established Saint Augustine's Normal School and Collegiate Institute (now Saint Augustine's University), a school for freed slaves, according to Brittanica.com. While enrolled at Saint Augustine's, she had a feminist awakening. Cooper realized that her male classmates were encouraged

In 1925, at age 67, Cooper received a doctorate from the Sorbonne in Paris, having written her dissertation in English and French on slavery. Cooper remains known for her witty and poignant quotes about the rights of women, slavery, and the plight of African Americans. "The cause of freedom is not the cause of a race or a sect, a party or a class — it is the cause of humankind, the very birthright of humanity," Cooper once said. "We take our stand on the solidarity of humanity, the oneness of life, and the unnaturalness and injustice of all special favoritism, whether of sex, race, country or condition. "The colored woman feels that woman's cause is one and universal; and that … not till race, color, sex and condition are seen as accidents, and not the substance of life; not till the universal title of humanity to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is conceded to be inalienable to all, not till then is woman's lesson taught and woman's cause won — not the white woman's nor the Black woman's, not the red woman's but the cause of every man and of every woman who has writhed silently under a mighty wrong," she said. WI

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to study a more rigorous curriculum than were the female students. After that early realization, she spent the rest of her life advocating for the education of Black women, Brittanica.com reported. In 1877 she married her George Cooper, who died two years later. After her husband's death, Cooper enrolled in Oberlin College in Ohio, graduating in 1884 with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and earning a master's degree in mathematics four years later. In 1887 she became a faculty member at the M Street High School (established in 1870 as the Preparatory High School for Negro Youth) in Washington, D.C., according to Brittanica. com. At M Street, Cooper taught math, science, and Latin. Later, she became the school principal there. But racism reared its head, and the District of Columbia refused to renew her contract despite a stellar career and her successful work at the school. She would go on to teach for four years at historically Black Lincoln University in Missouri. Cooper returned in 1910 to teach at M Street, which ultimately became known as Dunbar High School.

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Does Your Small Business Need Advice or a Loan? 5 Youth offenders at the Department of Youth and Rehabilitation Services Inside-Out program participate in a class that will be taught by actor and comedian Nick Cannon. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

D.C., Howard Reach Out to Youth with Innovative Social Justice Course By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins

Earlier this month, Allen H., an aspiring anesthesiologist and one of several youth offenders brought to the Department of Youth and Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), returned to the social services agency he's unsuccessfully tried to avoid several times over the course of his adolescence. Allen's latest stint on Mt. Olivet Road in Northeast, however, would provide him an opportunity to engage in dialogue with local college students and gain a sense of the societal pressures that have compelled his and his peers' run-ins with the criminal justice system so early in life. "Young people are scared to be themselves and they fall into [the trap of] their environment," Allen said. They go to friends who they think love them and won't change their thought process." On Tuesday, Allen counted among several DYRS youth who participated in the Inside-Out program, a 10-week arts and social justice course sponsored by DYRS and the Howard University Department of Sociology and Anthropology. Bahiyyah Muhammad, an associate professor at Howard, and Nick Cannon, an actor and comedian in his final year at the historically Black university, faciliated the class. For more than a month, DYRS youth and Howard students will read and reflect on a variety of texts, including bell hooks' "Teaching

Community: A Pedegogy of Hope" and "Theatre for Community Conflict and Dialogue" by Michael Bond. "We can connect more," said Allen, wearing a yellow, short-sleeved collar shirt over a white long-sleeved shirt, khakis and black rubber slippers. Several feet away, his peers on the indoor court sat in a circle with HU students and DYRS Director Clinton Lacey as Lacey conducted several group-building activities. "I have to go to college to become an anesthesiologist, so [now] I can get a view of the obstacles [Howard students] face and how they push themselves to better," Allen said. "They can also learn about my struggle." The Inside-Out Program's launch comes amid discussion about whether the District will secure the early release of more than 500 offenders who committed violent crimes as youth. Earlier this year, Council member Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) introduced legislation that, if passed, would allow those fitting the profile to leave prison early without a judge's consideration of the crime committed. The bill, titled the Second Look Amendment Act, drew the ire of U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu and some D.C. residents. Proponents of the Second Look Amendment Act cite research about youth brain development and a decrease in violent crime among peo-

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Ghana Superintendent Minister: Government Corruption Fight Should Be Lauded Right Rev. Stephen Bosomtwe Ayensu (left), the superintendent minister of the Dzorwulu Circuit of the Methodist Church of Ghana, has urged the citizenry to laud the president over his approach towards the fight against corruption. He explained that the president had shown he was committed, dedicated and determined to the fight against corruption and it does not matter the number of scandals recorded, rather the approach in dealing with them was the most important, the Ghanaian Times reported Sept. 21. Commenting on the dismissal of the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority and his two deputies and the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer of the Public Procurement Authority, Ayensu noted that "corruption is a canker that must be dealt with, a courageous leader is needed to do that, I believe the government has put in place measures to deal with them." "The president when he campaigned in 2016, campaigned on dealing with corruption and from what he has done so far, I can say he has done his best, he hates corruption and has done something to show he is against the canker," Ayensu said. "Some of the appointees are performing well and from my assessment, I believe some of them — including the Minister of Railways Development, Joe Ghartey, Minister of Food and Agriculture, Owusu Afriyie Akoto and the Minister of Sanitation, Cecilia Abena Dapaah — are doing marvelously well to transform their various sectors and the country. "President Nana Akufo-Addo has said he has done his best in the fight against the canker and he needs our support and assistance to sustain the fight, we must help him to succeed since the fight against corruption cannot be won overnight but with political will it can be won," he said. "So far, actions taken by his administration in dealing with alleged acts of corruption and much of the narrative he has outlined, were unheard of in times past, the days when the ‘'punishment'' of erring public officials was their relocation to the presidency are over." WI

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Bahamas Speaker: China Should Consider Development After Dorian In the aftermath of the devastation caused to two major islands in the northern Bahamas by Hurricane Dorian, the speaker of the Bahamas' House of Assembly recommended to a visiting delegation from the People's Republic of China that their country should consider developing the southeast region of the Bahamas to shift the population concentration from the northwest. Speaker Halson Moultrie (left) also suggested that China help with relocating the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services from New Providence to Little Inagua, according to The Tribune, one of the Bahamas' major daily newspapers, in an article published

Friday. Moultrie made the recommendations during a courtesy call with Cai Dafend, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China. Dafend and a 14-member delegation held brief discussions Friday in the Senate with the speaker, his deputy, Donald Saunders, and Chief Clerk David Forbes. At the time, the Chinese official announced his government would give an additional $500,000 to the Bahamas for Hurricane Dorian relief efforts. Following the visit, Moultrie explained that the intent was to seek mutually beneficial opportunities to advance the people of the Bahamas and citizens of China, according to The Tribune. As he thanked China for whatever assistance it could provide as the Bahamas seeks to rebuild after Dorian, Moultrie said the Bahamas could benefit from scientific research on the impact of global warming; research on the development of marine industries, educational grants, cultural exchanges and technical assistance; industrial development of the southeast Bahamas; infrastructural development throughout the country especially a deep water harbor; a maximum security correctional facility. WI

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SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019 19

HEALTH Most U.S. Adults with Mental Health Issues Don't Receive Care: Report By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia More than 90 percent of people who died by suicide showed symptoms of mental health conditions, according to a new report.

The report by QuoteWizard released in September, which is Suicide Prevention Month, noted that 59 percent of U.S. adults with a mental health condition did not receive care over the past year. The report found that Mary-

20 SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019

5 September is National Suicide Prevention Month. (Courtesy of National Alliance to End Homelessness)

land ranks 38th for the prevalence of mental illness and has the 14th-best access to mental

health care in the country, ranking it with a composite score of second-best overall for its lower mental illness rate and higher access to care. Also among the key findings: • States with higher access to mental health care tend to have a lower prevalence of mental health illness (North Dakota, Maryland and New Jersey, among others). • Only 41 percent of adults with a mental health condition received mental health services in the past year. • The low rate of access leaves over 24 million people with mental health conditions untreated. • 12.2 percent (over 5.3 million) of adults with mental illness remain uninsured, which can be a roadblock for those looking for care. • Over 9.8 million adults seriously thought about suicide — an increase of 200,000 people from the previous year. "There are many programs and campaigns that utilize social media as a tool to reach more people in an effort to help those in need to seek help," said QuoteWizard analyst Adam Johnson. "Social media is also being used in ways to destigmatize mental illness and bring awareness to Suicide Prevention Month. In addition to the traditional call-in prevention hotline, they have set up texting options as well," Johnson said. With the stigma that's often attached to mental illness prevalent in minority communities, Johnson said individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups still are less likely to receive mental health care. "For example, in 2015, among adults with any mental illness, 48

percent of whites received mental health services, compared with 31 percent of blacks and Hispanics, and 22 percent of Asians," Johnson said, citing mental health statistics. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report in 2018 noted that suicide rates in America increased nearly 30 percent between 1999 and 2016. During that period, suicide rates increased significantly, rising in every state except Nevada. According to the CDC, the suicide rate increased significantly in 44 states and rose by more than 30 percent in 25 states. In Virginia, the suicide rate increased by 17.4 percent between 1999 and 2016, while in the District of Columbia the suicide rate went up 16.1 percent during the same time period. While the focus of the QuoteWizard study was on mental health care access across the nation, some states are better than others when it comes to the number of care facilities and programs for its residents, Johnson said. "What we learned is overall most states are lacking," he said. One staggering statistic researchers found is that one in five adults experiences a mental illness in a given year. With so many Americans affected by mental illness, lack of access to health care can often be a more substantial source of the problem. "The consequences for the lack of treatment have economic impacts, but more seriously, it can cause harm to individuals with mental illness," Johnson said. WI

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JUSTICE from Page 17

HOGAN from Page 13

ple aged 25 years or older. While she didn't mention the legislation during a recent gathering of DYRS youths and city leaders, Mayor Bowser (D) evoked the memory of the late Mayor Marion Barry in her appeal to the program participants to learn as much as possible. "None of us is the summation of our worst mistake — we have a life of possibilities as long as we're living and breathing," Bowser, standing before dozens of people on the second-floor basketball court of DYRS, said on Sept. 17. "We want to make sure that every person and D.C. resident has a second chance," she said. "Our job is to level it out so everyone can overcome a mistake. I'm glad that this class will show what love looks like." DYRS detains people younger than 21 who have committed delinquent acts in the District. The Inside-Out Program counts among a bevy of comprehensive support resources for youth transitioning out of the juvenile justice system. Muhammad brought the course to DYRS in 2014 as a means of diversifying the educational options. Cannon, one of her students, explained what he believed to be the

would be paid for remains undetermined. "Can you convince the public that the recommendations of the Kirwan Commission will actually give you the improvement that you're promising?" Kromer said. "With 77 percent not really knowing what Kirwan is, the advocates better define it now before Hogan defines it for them."

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Goucher College released two other polls this week focusing on national topics and the Democratic significance of this experience. "This is about art and justice and, ultimately, the idea of self-expression and artistry as it gets to the frustration at our justice system and how we interact with one another in incarceration," he told The Informer. "Our system is flawed, and you have to operate within it to correct it," Cannon said. "It's hard to correct our wrongs without judgment. Malcolm X would've still been [Detroit Red]. Instead, he became one of the strongest voices in our community." WI

presidential election. One of the polls, publicized Tuesday, Sept. 24, shows 73 percent still have a favorable opinion of former President Barack Obama, compared to 22 percent who don't. In addition, 63 percent still support the Affordable Care Act, also called Obamacare. About 67 percent disapprove of Donald Trump's job as president, 65 percent plan of those surveyed would vote for a Democrat if the 2020 election were held today, and 56 percent don't support the Republican Party. Those figures aren't surprising because Democrats outnumber Republicans in Maryland 2 to 1. However, only 43 percent present a favorable viewpoint of the Democratic Party. About 39 percent have the opposite opinion. "People get frustrated with the party system … for a number of reasons," Kromer said. "It could be [House Speaker] Nancy Pelosi hasn't [sought to] impeach Donald Trump yet. Or frustrated you don't like the choices for the primary. There's across the board frustration with both parties." The surveys conducted Sept. 1318 have a margin of error of 3.6 percent. WI

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SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019 21

HEALTH Health Walk Aims to Educate Black Men By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill

An estimated 1,500 people walked, ran, or relaxed at Anacostia Park in Southeast on Saturday, Sept. 21. But the day served for a health initiative where 200 Black men and boys received dental, prostate, HIV and other screenings for the National African American Male Wellness Walk (AAWALK). "So many us are dying. Some of these [diseases] are preventable," said Joshua Ross, executive director of the walk. "Just go to the doctor and stop being stubborn." The walk, found where Ross resides in Columbus, Ohio, seeks to decrease numbers of Black men who die from illnesses which can be avoidable. Walk organizers highlight a 2016 Georgetown University that cites 16 percent of the District's

adult population smoke and rates among Blacks are three times higher than whites. The report highlights social and economic factors such as education, employment and income attribute 40 percent to a person's health. About 25 percent of Black residents age 25 and older received at least a bachelor's degree in the city, compared to more than 50 percent of other residents. The walk's main takeaways are for men to know their numbers, get moving and visit the doctor annually. The American Heart Association attributes normal blood pressure levels are less than 120/80 mm. If the first number rises above 180, then a person could be hypertensive crisis and must see a doctor immediately. Black men 40 and older are more susceptible to diseases such as prostate cancer than other races.

5 Participants raise their arms during the National African American Male Wellness Walk at Anacostia Park in Southeast on Sept. 21. (Courtesy of Joshua Ross)

Besides annually check-ups, health organizations and advocates suggest walking at least 30 minutes, limiting alcohol use and eating less sugar. The Georgetown report provides several recommendations on ways to improve health, including:

• Provide incentives that attract new businesses to historically marginalized neighborhoods. • Increase the availability of affordable healthy food products and high-quality recreational facilities. • Examine cost of living and offer livable wages for front-line

and entry-level positions. • Integrate mental health in primary care and ensure the availability of behavioral health services. In neighboring Prince George's County, which allows residents

HEALTH WALK Page 23

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HEALTH

HEALTH WALK from Page 22 to view data on certain health trends. Based on 2015 figures, the adult obesity rate stood at 36 percent and trending worse, according to county data. Some partly attribute the obesity to a lack of grocery stores in certain parts of the county. County Executive Angela Alsobrooks has made it one of her priorities to create healthier food options in underserved communities. In terms of Black men's health, state Sen. Obie Patterson (D-District 26) of Fort Washington may organize a health program and discussion with his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi. "Many times, we still get caught up in the macho syndrome of thinking," he said. "I'm always advocating at my church for preventive care and push for prostate check-ups. We may not be able to cure the condition, but we may be able to slow it down to give us a few more years on Earth to see that granddaughter and grandson get married and have kids." WI

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5 Men fill out forms during the National African American Male Wellness Walk at Anacostia Park in Southeast on Sept. 21. (Courtesy of Joshua Ross) 3 D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser attends the National African American Male Wellness Walk at Anacostia Park in Southeast on Sept. 21. (Courtesy of Joshua Ross)

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SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019 23

EDUCATION DCPS

BRIEFS Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer

NATIONAL HISTORY TEACHER OF YEAR

Alysha Butler, a social studies teacher at McKinley Technology High School in Northeast, has been recognized by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History as National History Teacher of the Year. Butler's new title, which comes

with a $10,000 prize, also makes her an ambassador and spokesperson in support of high-quality history education, especially for underserved students. "I am honored to be recognized by an institution that supports teachers and their efforts to provide students with a deeper understanding of history," Butler said. "It is my hope to continue to help students of all backgrounds and communities gain access to and explore the known and unknown voices of the past so that they may develop a more accurate understanding of our present and serve as hope for our future." Butler will be honored on Oct. 2 at a ceremony in New York City.

EXPANDED STUDENT ACCESS

This school year, Mayor Muri-

B S

el Bowser's administration is expanding student access to college and career opportunities. For instance, at Coolidge High School, students will have access to the Mass Media and Health Sciences NAF career academies, as well as a new Early College Academy, where students will graduate with a high school diploma and two years of college-level courses. More DCPS students will also have access to real-world experiences through career academies in hospitality, engineering, health sciences, and more.

NEW PROGRAMS

DCPS launched two new programs this school year that are focused on preparing students for college and their future careers. Bard High School Early College DC in Ward 7 will provide students the opportunity to earn college credit and an associate degree from Bard College, while earning their high school diploma. In Ward 4, students at Coolidge High School's Early College Academy will gain valuable experience attending college-level courses while earning their high school diploma, and up to an associate degree from

Trinity Washington University. Educators also welcomed 6th grade students to DCPS' newest stand-alone middle school, Ida B. Wells Middle School, which will provide a rigorous and loving learning environment for students, while also engaging and developing them as change agents in their communities.

BUILDING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

As DCPS recently closed out another week of classes, students such as those at Randle Highlands Elementary School have shown how working together can make a difference in building positive relationships.

PRINCIPALS' COMMENTARY

DCPS principals are excited about applying what they've learned to the new school year. In addition to becoming Connected Schools, Anacostia and Ballou high schools in Southeast are embarking upon a process of instructional redesign to help them reconstruct their instructional models to help serve the needs of all students, particularly those furthest from opportunity. Meeting the needs of every

5 Students at Randle Highlands Elementary School are learning to build positive relationships. (Courtesy of DCPS via Twitter)

student is a priority at Dunbar as well, said Principal Nadine Smith, adding that lessons she learned in her first year will help her work towards that goal. "I will use these lessons to inform next year by leading through an equity lens," she said. "At Dunbar, equity is working to meet the unique needs of every single student. We will focus on data-driven instruction — that is equity." WI

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Census 2020: Officials Say Your Community is Counting on You By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia The importance of the 2020 census cannot be understated, said Tasha Boone, a longtime public servant who currently serves as a senior adviser to the deputy director at the U.S. Census. "It's extremely important that everyone participate," she said. Boone was present throughout the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's (CBCF) recent fiveday Annual Legislative Conference (ALC). Before the conference concluded on Sunday, Sept. 15, Boone and Census staff members had spoken to thousands of people in and around the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in D.C. Boone also made an appearance at the Renaissance DC Downtown Hotel, where the Black Press of America held its annual National Newspaper Publishers Association's National Leadership Awards Reception. Later, Boone appeared on a CBCF panel that was led by Nevada Democratic Rep. Steven Horsford. The panel, titled "Census 2020: Your Community is Counting on You," delved into the importance of the census count. "Toni Morrison left behind her life legacy for us. Many good works," Boone said of the late novelist and Princeton University professor. "Morrison said, 'I want to discourage you from choosing anything or making any decision simply because it's safe.' Things of value are seldom safe ... these are not the easiest of times; however, there are things we can do to improve and enhance the ways things are." Boone noted that 2020 represents a vital year for all Americans,

particularly African Americans. "It's an election year, and we know how important that is," she said. "But, just as important is participating in the census. In March, all will get an opportunity to participate. It's important and extremely safe." Within states, census results are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts and to distribute more than $675 billion in communities. State and local government use census data to inform a variety of planning decisions, including where to build new schools, hospitals, and clinics. Businesses use the census to determine where to locate. "As a community, we cannot underestimate the value of the census," Boone said. Horsford echoed Boone's comments, noting that under President Trump, there has been a concerted effort to discourage minorities from participating in the census. "This administration has taken action specifically coordinated to discourage and frighten people away from participating in the 2020 census," Horsford said, repeating comments he'd made earlier in the week when he led a meeting of the CBC's Census 2020 Task Force with Director Steven Dillingham. "Every decade, the U.S. Constitution requires a Census count of every resident in every household, and an accurate count is critical to the foundation of our democracy," he said. "The Trump administration thinks it can dissuade the Black community and other minority communities from participating in the Census, denying our constituents access to representation in Congress and federal aid programs. We will not let that happen." WI

EDUCATION AS A RENTER, YOU HAVE RIGHTS.

DC law requires that landlords provide the following: • At least one working fire extinguisher. • Carbon monoxide detector. • Interconnected smoke alarms on every level and inside each sleeping area. • Exits, including doors and windows, that can be opened from the inside without the need for keys or any special knowledge or effort. • Electrical outlets, switches, and fixtures that work properly. • For high-rise buildings, a fire safety evacuation plan, along with fire drills at least once every year. • At least one exterior emergency escape for every sleeping room below the 4th floor. To anonymously report unsafe living conditions, contact the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs at (202) 442-9557 or the Citywide Call Center at 311.

Stay Informed! 5 Census officials are encouraging everyone to be counted. (Courtesy of BK Reader)

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EDITORIAL

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Law May Not Favor Man in Metro Transit Police Taser Incident Earlier this year in late June, Metro Transit Police announced the launching of an investigation after a video showing an officer deploy his Taser on an unarmed Black man went viral. The skirmish occurred after the man allegedly interfered with the police at the U Street Metro station in Northwest. A Metro police statement indicated that they had received a call about juveniles reportedly threatening people with sticks on the Metro platform and had detained several teens. Officers could not locate any victims at the Metro station but held the juveniles as they contacted their parents and continued to assess the situation. Somewhere along the way, several of the youth attempted to escape and a man, who police assert had not been involved in the initial incident, began to “interfere” and “exhibited behavior consistent with preparing to fight the officer.” Before it was over, the man would be stunned multiple times with the officer’s Taser, later being arrested as well. Now, that man, who claims to be suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, has secured an attorney in his pursuit of justice and financial compensation for his pain and suffering, we assume. But, there’s just one problem. Under a little-known law, only Metro Transit police officers – not Metro – can be sued. So, if the plaintiff choses to move forward, he’ll have to go after the officer alone. Metro’s much larger financial resources will remain safe and sound. Here the old adage “you can’t get blood from a turnip” seems completely apropos. In the end, we believe there will be no winners. Did Metro Police incorrectly interpret the actions of the passerby – in this case the “good Samaritan” who got the end of a Taser for his troubles? Should older Black men step forward on behalf of Black male juveniles if they believe they can deescalate confrontations between the law and Black youth? There’s still a dangerously-wide chasm which exists between police, including Metro Police, and the Black community. In far too many situations, we do not know them – they don’t know us. We misread the signs – they misread our body language or tone. We need to change this lack of knowledge before injuries, albeit unintended, lead to death. By the way, perhaps Metro, law on their side or not, should consider how they might help the injured man. If his allegations have even a hint of truth to them, it would be the right thing to do. WI

Solutions Wanted to Create Safe Communities Americans are tired. Black people are tired. Sadly now, even children are tired of waking up every morning to stories about threats to their safety, their humanity and most important, their peace of mind. There is no doubt something is wrong in America. While many lay blame on President Donald Trump – the so-called leader of the Free World – pointing fingers hasn’t kept the troubled waters from entering every community, household, classroom, church sanctuary and workplace, regardless of age, gender sexual orientation, race, creed or color. Emotional and psychological fatigue are consuming residents plagued by the increase of gun violence, murder and suicide even among our youngest of children who are taking their own lives at increasing rates. Yes, children have grown weary and are seeking their own solutions to the problems adults cause. Gun violence every single day in D.C. is compounded by reports of several more in other major cities across the country. Things have gotten dangerously out of hand. But a helpless situation has some refusing to throw up their hands and give up. They are committed to seeking answers and finding solutions. They are desirous of bringing balance back into the lives of even the most impoverished and at-risk D.C. residents, especially in Wards 7 and 8, where poverty ranks the highest. A group of Ward 7 and 8 concerned citizens have begun meeting weekly to seek solutions, not from the government or the police, but from among themselves to stem the violence and stabilize the communities. Even those who say they are tired of attending meetings to discuss the same set of problems over again still show up on Tuesday mornings at Busboys & Poets on ML King Avenue, S.E., determined to stop the killings and end gun violence. Only time will tell what they will come up with, although time, they know, is not on their side. Who’s on their side, however, is vital to their efforts to turn violent danger zones into peaceful safe zones. The Washington Informer is on their side and commits to supporting the solutions we are all seeking to make our communities safe and viable once again. WI

TO THE EDITOR Today's True Icons

that's doing their part for the times that they're in.

To the editor D. Kevin McNeir: that was an interesting take you shared on who should be called icons. While I agree with most of what you said, I disagree with some of it. Women like Coretta Scott Kings, Rosa Parks and the likes aren't considered icons to me, they are bigger and more impactful than that word could ever hold. While there aren't many to label "iconic" today, I do believe there is a generation now

Stanley Ogum Washington, D.C.

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Playing Our Part The Informer was jam-packed with great stories this week. Thanks for covering our community so well. Tanisha Palm Washington, D.C.

Readers' Mailbox

The Washington Informer welcomes letters to the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community. Write to: lsaxton@washingtoninformer. com or send to: 3117 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20032. Please note that we are unable to publish letters that do not include a full name, address and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you. SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019 27

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

By E. Faye Williams

Biden's Words on Racial Equality Ring Hollow

Many years ago I moved to the District of Columbia and became aware that people in D.C. were not accorded voting representation in the House or Senate. I wondered how this could be when we're American citizens. The right to representation is sacred. I asked a lot of question about our being denied to have representation. The most popular response was simply that we wouldn't get statehood until a Black person (i.e., Marion Barry) was no longer at the

head of our city and we were no longer predominantly Black. Well, those two requirements have been fulfilled. and we're still not recognized as a state. I wonder what the holdup is! There seems to be a problem about being a majority Democratic city. Republicans didn't want to allow the Democrats to get two more Democratic senators who would most likely vote in favor of statehood for Washington, D.C.! I am mindful that we couldn't get the bill passed under either Republican or Democratic leaders! What's next? Since we never give up what we believe we deserve. On Sept. 19, the Congressional Committee on

Guest Columnist

Oversight and Reform held a historic hearing on D.C. statehood and H.R. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act. This was the first vote taken on statehood in over 25 years! H.R. 51 has Democratic leadership support with 220 co-sponsors. That's still not a majority of the House — not even a majority of the Democrats! From the beginning, many members of Congress opposed D.C. having statehood, both directly and indirectly. Some said that D.C. was incapable of governing itself! Congress decided to treat us like slaves. In the 1870s, a senator from

Alabama said that D.C. was being stripped of our local governance rights "to burn down the barn to get rid of the rats" — the rats being us and the barn being the government of the District of Columbia. About 100 years later, D.C. was more than 70 percent Black. Rep. John Rarick of Louisiana said that D.C. was a "sinkhole, rat-infested, the laughingstock of the free and communist world." He wasn't finished. He said that allowing the District to govern itself could result in a Black Muslim "takeover" of the capital … It seems that we have much of the same rhetoric today, but here's what witnesses had to say at the re-

cent hearing: Eleanor Holmes Norton said, "There's no doubt that the Washington, D.C. Admission Act is constitutional and the state would meet all of its financial, economic and other obligations. The 700,000 Americans living in the District of Columbia would be made whole. The next step is also – H.R. 51 will be marked up to move to the House floor." "D.C. residents are American citizens. They fight honorably to protect our nation. … They pay taxes. Not many people know this, but D.C. pays more in total federal

WILLIAMS Page 49

By Marc H. Morial

Passing of Juanita Abernathy Inspires Gratitude and Inspiration

"I started when there were no cameras and no newspapers writing nice things about you, instead they were writing all sorts of ugly things. But we kept going. It wasn't about us. It wasn't about me. It has always been about right and righteousness. Justice and equality. Not just for me and my family, but for all of God's children." – Juanita Jones Abernathy In this digital age, we can organize a protest march, urge a boycott or raise

awareness about social issues with a click of a mouse. In the dark and dangerous days of Jim Crow, half a century ago, civil rights activism was more labor intensive. And nothing embodies the boots-on-the-ground labor that was involved more than the image of Juanita Jones Abernathy, pounding away at her typewriter, creating fliers for the Montgomery Bus Boycott. "She said that if she typed with a heavy hand, she could make seven copies at once," her son Kwame Abernathy told the New York Times. And the image of the Abernathys' firebombed home illustrates the dan-

Guest Columnists

ger of such work. Juanita Abernathy, who passed away last week, was not only a stalwart of the 20th-century civil rights movement, she was a champion for marginalized people, a brilliant businesswoman and a dedicated community servant. Her husband, Ralph Abernathy, who died in 1990, was known as Martin Luther King Jr.'s close friend and collaborator. She, like most of the women of the civil rights movement didn't receive their due recognition at the time, as Mrs. Abernathy would be the first to tell you. "The men ran the movement, but

we were the actual bodies that made it happen," she once told an interviewer. Mrs. Abernathy worked in the Alabama chapter of the NAACP when Rosa Parks was arrested, sparking the 381-day Montgomery Bus Boycott. In addition to typing up flyers, she organized a transit plan to get people to work without patronizing the buses, arranging intricate car pools using extra cars lent by a local funeral home. A few weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, in Browder v. Gayle, that bus segregation was unconstitutional, a pregnant Mrs. Abernathy was at home with her toddler

daughter. Her husband was away with Dr. King, organizing the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Ku Klux Klan members, enraged by the desegregation ruling, firebombed her house and First Baptist Church, where Ralph Abernathy served as pastor. She and her daughter escaped the house unharmed. The church was destroyed. The white supremacist terrorists who confessed to the bombings were acquitted by an all-white jury. Her grace, determination and

MORIAL Page 49

By Louis Davis Jr.

Urge D.C. to Say No to Pepco's Massive Rate Increase

D.C. utility customers already pay some of the highest rates in the nation. Utility bills are an essential pocketbook issue for many of us. We know there are families all across the District that must budget carefully to pay for utilities along with other household expenses, and food and medicine. That is especially true for older residents and those on low or fixed incomes.

Recently Pepco filed a request to raise rates on their D.C. customers by outrageous amounts. Included in that request was a multi-year rate scheme that would minimize the role of the D.C. Public Service Commission (PSC) in providing oversight and demanding accountability from Pepco. The PSC should reject this proposal from Pepco. The multi-year rate scheme proposed Pepco would guarantee rate increases for three years in a row, adding up to a total of a 15% increase in their customers' rates.

28 SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019

Typically, rate increase requests must be filed each time separately. The process requires giving the PSC ample opportunity to investigate the necessity of any increase, and requiring that Pepco account for and justify every rate increase in detail. Giving Pepco permission to raise rates for three years in a row without that accountability before each increase is unacceptable. AARP urges the PSC to reject this request entirely and require the standard review process for each rate increase request. Additionally, Pepco is requesting

a 44% increase in the customer charge on monthly bills. This is the charge that customers must pay before they even turn on their lights. If this request is approved, it will make the Pepco customer charge in D.C. one of the highest in the country. AARP urges the PSC to reject this unfair increase in the customer charge. And finally, Pepco has requested a 10.3% rate of return, up from their current 9.52% — a rate of return that is already higher than the national average. AARP urges the PSC to reject the increase entirely

and actually reduce Pepco's rate of return. AARP has a long history of fighting to ensure that utility companies receive only what is fair and reasonable – and not a dollar more. D.C. utility customers cannot afford these huge rate increases requested by Pepco. We urge the PSC to reject this proposal and represent the interests of Pepco's D.C. customers, who do not have a choice in who provides their utilities. For more information, go to aarp. org/DC. WI

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

By Charlene Crowell

Debt Collectors Target Consumers of Color, People Making Less than $50K

A new survey asked likely voters across the country what they thought of a proposed debt collection rule. The response was strong and broad opposition. Proposed earlier this year by Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Kathleen Kraninger, the rule would authorize debt collectors to expand how often consumers could be contact-

ed as well as the ways such contacts could be made: email, text messages and more. Conducted by Lake Research Partners and Chesapeake Beach Consulting, the poll was jointly commissioned by the Americans for Financial Reform (AFR) and the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL). The results, released Sept. 11, found stark opposition by consumers to regulatory reforms announced by the CFPB. Consumers are strongly united in wanting more and better protection in

Guest Columnist

this area of financial regulation. One in five poll participants were contacted by a debt collector in the past 12 months for different types of debt, including medical. Consumers of color, lower-income consumers and military families were contacted at higher rates. More than one in three Black consumers (34%) or consumers with incomes less than $50,000 (33%), were contacted. Among Latinx consumers, nearly half or 48% were contacted. Likely voters were most concerned about three specific changes

included in the CFPB debt collection proposal: 76% opposed allowing debt collectors to leave messages for people in places that are not private. 74% opposed allowing debt collectors to contact consumers by private direct messaging on social media platforms such as Facebook or Twitter. 73% opposed allowing debt collectors to phone people as often as seven times a week for each debt in collection. “It should not surprise any of us

that Americans don’t support government-sanctioned harassment by debt collectors via phone, email, or text,” said AFR Senior Policy Counsel Linda Jun. “And yet that’s exactly what the Kraninger CFPB is proposing. The agency needs to withdraw this plan and come up with one that actually protects consumers.” The real irony with CFPB is that for six years, consumers benefitted from a series of actions that helped

CROWELL Page 50

By Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

Workers Want to Know: Whose Side Are You On?

More than 2,200 nurses at the University of Chicago Medical Center went out on strike last week, but they are not alone. American workers are waking up and walking out. On Sept. 15, 46,000 hourly General Motors' United Auto Workers employees went on strike, the first time in 12 years. Striking British Airway pilots grounded 1,700 planes. In Republican states like Oklahoma and West Virginia, teachers shut down schools to demand that state legislatures reverse the

deep cuts exacted from public education. Marriott hotels were hit with the largest hotel strike in U.S. history, a walkout of 6,000 hotel workers in four states. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that a soaring number of workers went on strike or stopped work in 2018 — 485,000 — the most since 1986. The rising number of strikes reflect the reality of Trump's economy: Despite all his boasting about the "economic miracle," most workers aren't experiencing it. Corporate profits have soared, but workers haven't shared the benefit. Trump's tax scam went largely to the rich and the corporations.

Askia-At-Large

Corporate promises of wage and investment hikes were largely discarded, with CEOs using the tax breaks mostly to buy back stocks, boosting their stock bonuses and shafting their workers. Gilded age inequality is combined with rising insecurity for working people. Even now, wages have finally begun to rise, but still are not catching up to soaring costs in basics like health care and education. Just 22 percent of workers have a pension plan of any kind at work. 40 percent of Americans say they would be forced to borrow or sell something to cover a $400 emergency. One in five say

they know someone addicted to opioids or painkillers. The GM strike comes after workers sacrificed big-time to help GM out of bankruptcy during the Great Recession. Now GM's profits are up, CEO bonuses are up, but workers who shared the pain haven't shared in the gain. They are striking for decency, for higher wages, for strong health care plans, for turning more temporary workers — who get no benefits — into permanent workers with pensions, health care and vacations. The strike wave last year was led by teachers in deep red states. In each state, Republican legislatures had

slashed spending on education during the Great Recession and cut taxes on the wealthy. When the economy turned around, they didn't restore the spending cuts. Teachers sick of futile negotiations with local school boards walked off the job and took their case directly to the legislatures. They demanded not only higher salaries, but in many cases, smaller classes, and greater spending on their students. They got massive support from parents and the community. In each case, right-

JACKSON Page 50

By Askia Muhammad

As Far as Annoyances Go, Trump's the Very Worst

I'm a pretty average Joe when it comes to annoyances. I really hate it when I stub my toe. I don't like it at all when I bump my head. Then I go deeper. I'm really disturbed that a grown policeman, would handcuff and arrest a 6-year-old girl and "run her in" to the station in the back of a squad car for a mugshot, because she threw a temper tantrum at school. And I also get bent out of

shape when airline pilots show up for work drunk, and when Supreme Court justices get confirmed despite a long history of private misbehavior. But none of life's real aggravations can rise to the level of pure discomfort I feel when I simply have to gaze at anything (much less at his image) that reminds me of Donald J. Trump. He is as revolting as it gets for me. Trump was like Edward G. Robinson, the classic 1940s gangster actor, when he got into it with an anonymous whistleblower who questioned Dude's possibly traitorous telephone

conversation with the new president of Ukraine in late July. The whistleblower's report centered on several conversations involving Trump and Ukraine, and a promise Trump made to that leader that was so alarming that it drove a U.S. intelligence official to file the complaint. Trump was busted. "Also, who is this so-called 'whistleblower' who doesn't know the correct facts," Trump said in a tweet while he attended a United Nations gathering in New York as the storm swirled around him. "Is he on our Country's side. Where does he come

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from." Better still, where is this whistleblower going? Witness protection? "You-u, dirty rat," Little Caesar would swear in such circumstances growling about some snitch in his criminal ranks, and everyone in the audience would know that someone in that movie was going to get "plugged." A whistleblower is a person who exposes information or activities that are unlawful, unethical or in violation of a company's policy. Federal whistleblower protection laws and most states' laws make it illegal to retaliate

against an employee who reports employer violations or misconduct. Rules like that don't apply to The Donald. In this case, the whistleblower is not some al Qaeda sympathizer who infiltrated the highest ranks of the U.S. intelligence establishment, just so that one day they could launch yet another "witch hunt" against this crooked president. The person obviously had the very highest security clearance in order to be able to monitor a phone call between the POTUS and another head of

ASKIA Page 50

SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019 29

LIFESTYLE Judicious Directing Evokes Audience's Response of Jubilation

5 A

Ensemble Brings Seamless Performances to Stage By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor @dkevinmcneir Like the small, delicate pieces of a finely-crafted wrist watch, the ensemble of August Wilson’s “Jitney,” articulated the playwright’s musings of Black men struggling to remain hopeful in a newly-gentrified community where options for survival continue to decline in synchronized fashion. Each character brings his

own unique identity to the stage but as you watch their interactions, and listen to the push and pull of the playwright’s carefully-developed dialogue, you may soon understand why their working together remains essential to their individual destinies. If you’ve ever been to Black urban metropolises like Pittsburgh, the setting of Wilson’s work, you may find it easier to comprehend

5 (R to L) Anthony Chisholm (Fielding), Francois Battiste (Booster), Harvy Blanks (Shealy) and Ray Anthony Thomas (Turnbo) in “Jitney” running through October 20 at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater in Southwest (Photo by Joan Marcus)

the ministry of men like his characters Shealy (Harvy Blanks) or Fielding (Anthony Chisholm) – two of my favorite from this current production. However, they could be from anywhere in the U.S. I can recall the sing-song tones of jitneys in Jamaica, Queens (New

“...aims to make you uncomfortable. And that’s a good thing.” Washington Post

“...has you saying ‘wow’ days after” Metro Weekly

“...is a must-see”

York City) where the drivers hail from island nations like the Bahamas or the West Indies as well as those natives of Haiti, serenading their passengers in Creole tongues throughout South Florida. In other words, the names and individual histories of each jitney driver could be easily changed but not the work they do, the contributions they provide for the community – the very necessity of their existence. Moreover, in today’s world where Uber, Lyft and other application-based means of transportation have all but decimated the need for jitneys, Wilson’s work and the conversations of his characters provide an important history lesson for those too young to remember “the good old days.” Watching this production, wonderfully directed by the talented Ruben Santiago-Hudson, set in

1977 when I was just a high school junior in Detroit, I was taken back to a time when jitneys served as one of our most reliable means of transportation. Cab drivers often passed Black people by – in fact, they still do 40 years later, sometimes. But the jitneys never failed us then. And they will not fail us tomorrow. See “Jitney” at the Arena Stage which runs through October 20. See the pieces of the watch move separately yet collectively so that the one timepiece keeps up on track. This is the great contribution of a tremendously talented cast that includes the craftsmanship of Amari Cheatom (Youngblood), Francois Battiste (Booster) and Brian D. Coats (Philmore). This is Wilson’s “Jitney” – a story that never grows old. WI

DC Metro Theater Arts

“...[is] an elegant appeal for justice” MD Theatre Guide

“You should see it. White person, black person. Any person.” DC Theatre Scene

BY JACKIE SIBBLIES DRURY DIRECTED BY STEVIE WALKER-WEBB

WINNER OF THE 2019 PULITZER PRIZE FOR DRAMA

NOW PLAYING THRU OCT 6 ONLY AT

WOOLLY MAMMOTH THEATRE COMPANY WOOLLYMAMMOTH.NET // 202-393-3939

30WMTC_Informer_9.19.indd SEPTEMBER 26 1 - OCTOBER 2, 2019

5 During the opening night for August Wilson’s “Jitney” at the Arena Stage in Southwest, WI Editor D. Kevin McNeir (left) congratulates Ron Simons, part of the team of producers from the original Broadway production of “Jitney.” The two men attended high school together in their hometown of Detroit where they worked on theatrical performances as a musician and actor, respectively. (D. Kevin McNeir/The Washington Informer)

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LIFESTYLE

'Fences' at the Ford's – Sure Winner with a Stellar Cast of Veteran Actors By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor @dkevinmcneir Performances of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Fences” open Sept. 27 – Oct. 27 at the historic Ford’s Theatre in Northwest, directed by Timothy Douglas – one of the foremost interpreters of Wilson’s work. The production features Erika Rose (Mosaic Theater Company's Queens Girl in Africa, Woolly Mammoth’s An

Octoroon), making her Ford’s debut and Craig Wallace (A Christmas Carol, Death of a Salesman) in the roles of Rose and Troy Maxson. Both actors, along with a carefully selected supporting cast, have names for themselves as bona fide “superstars” in the Washington, D.C. theatrical community. Set in segregated Pittsburgh in 1957, “Fences” invites us into the life of Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball star strug-

gling to provide for his family as a sanitation worker. Part of August Wilson’s 10-play Century Cycle, the play examines the fences we construct around ourselves and those whom we love while shedding a light on the challenges one Black family must endure in racist world. Look for our interviews in next week’s edition with Rose and Douglas. (Photo by Scott Suchman) WI

LIVING WAGE DC

THINK LOCAL FIRST DC will establish a Living Wage Certification Program within the Department of Small and Local Business Development to certify DC businesses.

THE LIVING WAGE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM WILL:

Recognize employers who are already paying a living wage. Urge consumers to patronize Living Wage DC businesses. Encourage non Living Wage employers to adopt the program standard.

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FOR D.C.’ s FUTURE

SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019 31

LIFESTYLE

Coalition Addresses Health Inequities in Wards 7, 8 By Franklyn Malone and Rhonda Hamilton

5 Young community activists collaborate for better health in Wards 7 and 8. (Photo courtesy Franklyn Malone)

On Sept. 10, a health revolution began to take shape in the form of community outrage at the lack of equitable health care access, lack of adequate food access by way of grocery store convenience, and the apparent lack of the readily available emergency/trauma hospital care for the approximately 161,000 citizens of Ward 7 and 8. The Healthy DC and Me Coalition charter members came together at Mayfair Mansions Community Center for an event hosted by Charles Eaves, community leader of Bridging the Gap Coalition, Rhonda Hamilton of MI Mothers Keeper, Stuart Anderson of Don't Mute My Health DC, Joshua Ross and Ms. Mambia of the National African American Wellness Walk Committee, Menyon Douglas of the Green Scheme, Mr. Browner of The Floating Yogi, Jeff McCauley of the Community Preservation Development Corp (CPDC), and 100 Fathers Inc. CEO Franklyn Malone, the national honorary chairman from D.C. of the National AAWalk. Ross gave spirited comments about the need for better health care and the mission and goals of the National African American Wellness Walk. The committee called attention to the lack of health care, especially for Black men, on Sept. 21 during the National African American Wellness Walk at Anacostia Park

The committee understands even though the walk is over, the fight for better health care must continue on a new level with renewed passion, focused strategy and veracity of purpose. "We do not need or want to die needlessly but we must wake up and fight like hell for life," Malone said. The collaboration of key organizations must be the mission for this health crises and it must clearly be in the hands of the people to drive the emergency nature of these impending health deficits forward for action not continued prolonged debate. As Malone stated in his comments before the Healthy DC and Me Committee at the Mayfair Community Room, "We propose a blueprint for a referendum moving forward honoring work already on the table but not yet fully funded, that must consider five points as extrapolated from the Blueprint for Peace": 1. Community: This health care crisis can only be solved as we include seniors with fight left, youth who are aware, families, and those currently affected by this looming health care crisis. 2. Equity: We must be willing to acknowledge the inequitable toll of lack of sufficient health care access, the need for nutritional support, the need for grocery access and trauma equipped institutions and hospitals such as free-standing emergency facilities to treat those inflicted by violence and health emergencies and lack of services to Black people due to economic discriminatory exclusionary practices that persist today. 3. Individual and Community Resilience: We must acknowledge the impact and trauma caused by the lack of adequate life-saving resources east of the river and its effect on children, families and neighborhoods.

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32 SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019

4. Action: We must be rooted in a public health approach that involves prevention, intervention and innovation where health care, nutritional access, grocery access, and hospital care is made available using every economic, political, legislative and social means possible. 5. The church: Bring them to the table â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Moors, Masons, Greeks, et al., together in one voice. WI

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LIFESTYLE

KanKouran Celebrates 36 Years at Annual Concert KanKouran West African Dance Company's 36th annual concert at Lisner Auditorium in August opened with a simple message: "Welcome family!" Eurica Huggins, the company's public relations director, greeted the auditorium filled with more than 500 fans and supporters dressed in colorful and authentic African apparel, who applauded and then settled into their seats to enjoy the much-anticipated production of one of the nation's leading cultural performance groups. International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) President Denise Saunders dedicated the concert to Dr. Sherrill Berryman-Johnson, who died in 2010. An ADACI altar with Berryman-Johnson's photograph illuminated the stage. A Fulbright Scholar, Berryman-Johnson pioneered the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance among historically Black colleges and universities by founding Howard University's dance arts program in 1991. She established HU's Summer Dance Intensive and Legendary Dance Artist Master Series and served as IABD chair. A video followed showing her dancing Dunham technique in a flowing floor-length dress. KanKouran co-founder Assane Konte, in Mandingo warrior regalia, danced Djalidon. Evidence Dance Company Director Ronald K. Brown wed African dance with contemporary choreography. Similarities between West African dance, Dunham technique and contemporary dance revealed themselves. The screen then rose as Dianne

— New York Times

— Guardian

PART OF THE AUGUST WILSON FESTIVAL

AUGUST WILSON’S

JITNEY 5 Assane Konte, founding artistic director of Kankouran Dance Company, thanks the audience for its support during the company's annual concert at Lisner Auditorium in August. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

Reeves' "Testify" played: "In time God reveals all things … I just wanna testify." KanKouran dancers' brushing footwork echoed Assane M'Baye's drum riffs. Howard dance majors Alex Clark, Rayven Leak and Tamiea Anderson performed Johnson's signature choreography. Bridges, body rolls and sustained tension depicted lyrics: "When I think of the danger..." KanKouran danced Djinafoli, the dance of the ancestors. Arms reached back to front, falling across the body. Visually dancers scooped water and baptized themselves. Heavy bodies — seeming to almost fall — danced a story of overcoming. "Oh Freedom," sang by Jane Medley-Brown, opened "Going Back Home." Jamie Robinson, Lyric Hunte, Mandisa Spruell and Simone Eddings of KanKouran's Children's Company reverently carried candles across stage to Johnson's altar. Choreography symbolized the four little girls killed in the 1963 Alabama church bombing. The audience's riveted quiet said they recognized spirituality symbolized by little children dressed in communion white carrying light to an ancestor's altar. As adult dancers took positions, Nina Simone's "I'm Going Back Home" laid down steady tambourine, gospel piano, and swinging brass sections. KanKouran swung choreography like somebody said it was OK to jitterbug in church!

BY AUGUST WILSON DIRECTED BY RUBEN SANTIAGO-HUDSON

NOW PLAYING The cast of Jitney. Photo by Joan Marcus.

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5 Mady Kouyate, 4, received thunderous applause for his solos during the KanKouran Dance Company's annual concert at Lisner Auditorium in August. (Roy Lewis/ The Washington Informer)

“Joyfully intoxicating” “Poignant drama”

SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019 33

LIFESTYLE

Zeta Phi Beta to Mark Centennial Year with $100K Scholarship By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer On Jan. 16, 1920, coeds Myrtle Tyler, Gladys Warrington, Joanna Houston, Josephine F. Johnson and L.O. Goldia Smith came together on the campus of Howard University to form the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. During a time when women were fighting the right to vote, the Ku Klux Klan was on the move across the country and there were few opportunities for people of color, the young women would start an organization that would grow into one of

the country's major sororities. Today, Zeta Phi Beta is one of the "Divine Nine" Greek-letter organization. On the eve of their centennial year, the organization's president announced that they plan to give a future college student a $100,000 scholarship to underscore the importance of education. "We are a sister organization that based on scholarship, service and sisterly love," said Valerie Hollingsworth Baker, who in July 2018 was elected as Zeta Phi Beta's 25th international president. "Education and scholarship go hand in hand, and

with this $100,000 we want to show that education is important to young people." Prominent members of Zeta Phi Beta include renowned author Zora Neale Hurston, comedian Sheryl Underwood, poet Gwendolyn Brooks, the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize for poetry, and singer Sarah Vaughan. Baker said that from the very beginning, the Zetas stressed the highest standards of scholastic achievement, sisterhood and service and its members are carrying on a proud legacy that started in

the District of Columbia. Baker, who is a member of Delta Mu Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta in New York City's Harlem neighborhood, said her mentor was Zeta founder Fannie Pettie Watts, whose words have been a driving force in her life. According to the sorority's website, there were five founders of Zeta Phi Beta, with four others initiated soon after. Zeta Phi Beta took top

scholastic honors on the Howard University campus when a member of the second pledge class, Pauline Phillips, graduated summa cum laude. Baker said she hopes Watts is looking down on her from above with a smile, adding that she always remembers Watts' words to live by: "Be the best you can be, do the best that you can, give the best of yourself, and you will go far." WI

5 KanKouran Dance Company pays tribute to African religious deities and orishas during the company's annual concert at Lisner Auditorium in August. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

KANKOURAN from Page 33 Children dancers projected showmanship down to their gloved jazz fingers. Church dresses, can't-seearound hats, shirts and ties, and fascinators layered theme. A musical interlude mellowed the mood. Amoadou Kouyate, a 150th-generation Manding Diali, played the 21-stringed Kora. Assane M'Baye, Malari Moore, Baba Joseph Ngwa and Sanu Basu revved up energy on drums. Four-year-old Mady Kouyate received thunderous applause for his solos. Ronald K. Brown's "Shango" completed the spiritual trinity. "Tam" Terrance Thomas led the bata rhythm characterized by staccato slaps and rolling tones replicating lightning and thunder. Cathy Sonko danced the embodiment of Shango. Whitney V. Hunter, the first male graduate in Howard's dance major program, also danced the part of Shango. Dancers twirled and pulsated with crossed footwork. Hands symbolized warfare. Again KanKouran excelled in complementary staging. Red lighting, a silver-studded blue crown, a yellow feather fan, ceremonial brooms, machetes and a Nine Colors skirt, along with skirt colors, imparted authenticity. Afi Lydia's voice enchanted ears with a Trinidad Spiritual Baptist invitation song. The closing intermission curtain bared

34 SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019

knowledge of Orisha appearance. The children opened act two with traditional West African dances set to Caribbean music. Dance hall music faded, drums began and children bounced into Mandiani, a celebratory dance. Four-year-old Enoabasi Essien made every child in attendance want to train with KanKouran, so they, too, could be onstage! The Senior Company's Mandiani followed. A slow song, graceful arms, and sliding steps belied the forthcoming energy. Dancers effortlessly performed turning jumps, traveling jumps, and jumps with extended-leg landings. Applause erupted all over the auditorium. Community class dancers and the Senior Company closed the concert with Sabar. Medoune Yacine Gueye led the musical accompaniment of Senegal's national dance. Dancers' arms resembled ocean fishermen pulling nets. The dance had a swaying, rocking, buoyant quality. Although the stage needed microphones so that music could project throughout the theater, an attendee summarized the concert's overall entertainment: "I would describe KanKouran as refined, elegant, different from the younger groups I've seen at BAM." An Atlanta visitor said, "I liked so much. The opening video set the tone. Dignified â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that's how the show felt, dignified." WI

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SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019 35

LIFESTYLE

Exhibit Features Diverse Range of African-American Artists By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Whether you are an avid follower of African American art or still learning about art of the African diaspora, [Un]Common Collections takes a broad look at mixed media art on loan from 15 collectors. It is the fall 2019 exhibition at the David C. Driskell Center for the Study of the Visual Arts and Culture of African Americans and the African Diaspora at the University of Maryland College Park. The exhibition of 64

works spans from 1860 to 2018. The curators — professor Curlee R. Holton and Dorit Yaron, the center's director and deputy director, respectively — selected four works from each collector. Visitors will see an emphasis on diversity in mediums, styles, periods, subject matters, and themes. Most of the contributing collectors were at the opening reception for [Un]Common Collections. Collectors revealed an intense dedication to ensuring that the works of art are paths for learning.

Larry and Brenda Thompson from Atlanta were influenced in their collecting by viewing art collections at Clark Atlanta University (formerly Clark College), a historically Black college in Atlanta, where the couple lives. Additionally, the Thompsons read books by gallery namesake Driskell, which fueled their interest in collecting. The couple boasts a collection of 600 to 700 pieces of African American art. The four artists included in the Thompsons' contribution to the exhibition are Keven Cole, Beauford Del-

aney, Freddie Styles and Driskell. "My husband Larry and I have been collecting for 40 years," said Brenda Thompson. "Because of the history of this country, African American artists did not have a place to exhibit. Clark College was where they could show their work. We try to recognize artists who were overlooked because of Jim Crow." By showcasing selected works in [Un]Common Collections, the Driskell Center hopes to highlight each collector's approach to collecting, explore each collector's legacy, and encourage others, especially young collectors, to follow their example. Juanita and Neil Hartbarger from Silver Spring, Md., said their African American art collection grew organically because of the love for the culture. The Hartbargers came to the exhibition opening with one of their favorite artists E.J. Montgomery whose work, "Garden of Wildflowers" is in [Un]Common Collection. Other artists whose works have been loaned by the couple are Loïs Mailou Jones, John T. Scott and Herbert Gentry. "Once we began to meet some of the artists and see the breadth of the work, it's just mind-blowing," said Neil Hartbarger. "Every piece we own has been a love affair. It's something we do together." The Hartbargers continued by heralding E.J. Montgomery. "We wanted her to see her art

in this show," said Juanita Hartbarger. "She refers to us as her collectors and for us, that is a tremendous honor." Patricia Walters and her late husband Ron Walters, Ph.D. have a global collection of art. Ron Walters was a renown scholar in African American politics who taught at Howard University and the University of Maryland. The couple started collecting in 1985. For [Un] Common Collections, Walters contributed works by Alma Thomas, Delita Martin, Selma Burke and Henry O. Tanner. The Tanner piece, "Jesse" is historic because it is of the painter's son and wife who always posed for Tanner's religious paintings. Walters said Driskell educated her on what she had collected. "We amassed close to 200 pieces," Walters said. "My concept was the 19th-century masters, then I spread out to the Harlem Renaissance period. Ron was about the liberation of Black people and my thing was about the preservation of our history in terms of art." The [Un]Common Collections exhibition is free and runs through Nov. 22. Driskell Center Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with extended hours on Wednesday until 6 p.m. The Driskell Center Gallery will additionally be open on select Saturdays including Sept. 21, Oct. 12 and Nov. 9. For more information, call 301-314-2615 or email driskellcenter@umd.edu. WI

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for an afternoon of nutritious food and family fun! FOOD DEMOS | GAMES | PRIZES | SPECIAL GUESTS

Parking Lot Congress Heights Giant

1535 Alabama Ave SE, Washington, DC 20032

For more information, visit giantfood.com/nutrition and click on EVENTS 36 SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019

5 Brenda and Larry Thompson of Atlanta with their [Un]Common Collection contribution by Beauford Delaney, "Portrait #16," at the Driskell Center at the Driskell Center at the University of Maryland on Sept.19 (Robert Roberts/The Washington Informer)

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G R O W

W A N T S

Y O U . . .

Deanwood G.R.O.W. is a community and citizen-centered campaign designed to raise awareness of Ward 7 creatives, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who contribute to DC’s overall creative economy. Deanwood G.R.O.W. also features and highlights Ward 7 events, stories and history.

FABRICS Page 38 E

W O A N O D

D E A N W O O D

Promising the restaurant's signature dishes in its unique atmosphere, designed by the 29-year-old chef, the "interactive and enlightening evening will be accentuated with

G R O

When the District of Columbia began to recognize September as "African Heritage Month" in 2010, the homegrown version of Black History Month with an emphasis on Africa and the diaspora population took hold and has been growing in participants since. Each year, the Mayor's Annual DC Africa Celebration brought together diverse African diaspora communities in the District with African art, culture, food, history, music and showcases designed to highlight the burgeoning contributions Africans make to the cultural and economic essence of the city. Since its inception in 2010, the DC Africa Celebration became one of the city's most anticipated African cultural events, drawing thousands of attendees — a testament to the unprecedented growth and vitality of the District's African community. While in recent years, the festivals sponsored by the city have dwindled, other groups stepped up to keep the observations alive. This year, Afropolitan Cities DC, a group of young African professionals living and working in the area, took on the task of kicking off the

month with a mixer and fashion show of the beloved African fabric known as Ankara. Called "Ankara" in West Africa, and "kitenge" in East Africa, both terms refer to the wax-printed, brightly colored and bold designs of what is quintessentially African fabric. Its origins, though, were from the Dutch, who had the designs created in the batik process in Indonesia, with the company Vlisco taking the lead in the market. African countries are now producing their own Ankara and Kitenge on the continent. Attendees were asked to "partake in our campaign to promote African pride and heritage through African fashion, and to "come dressed in your most glamorous and stylish African wear and ready to work the ‘Ankara Runway.' " Enthusiasm for viewing, buying and just wearing the popular Ankara has sparked a Part Two on Sept. 27, where another local designer will stock the "Ankara Runway" as the audience wears their most fashionable African print clothes. To close out the month's celebration and to celebrate the anniversary of one of D.C.'s most beloved eateries on the Wharf, Kith/Kin will observe two years of business under the direction of James Beard Award-win-

to the essence and heritage of West Africa's unique and diverse culture and cuisine, Kith/Kin, located inside the InterContinental Washington D.C., will host a vibrant night market on Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 8 p.m. to midnight.

By Eve M. Ferguson WI Contributing Writer

ning chef Kwame Onwuachi, whose heritage reads like a mélange of African diaspora cultures: on his father's side, Nigerian and Jamaican, and his mother's side, Trinidadian and New Orleans Creole. In honor of and paying homage

African Heritage Month Spotlights Fashion, Food

LIFESTYLE

G AT H E R .

T H R E N E W.

E A ORGANIZE.

WORK.

Are you a Ward 7 creative, entrepreneur or small business owner? Have any Ward 7 events we should know about? Help us G.R.O.W. Deanwood and Ward 7.

T A G

U S !

E M A I L T A K E S I G N

U S

O U R

U P

S U R V E Y

F O R

O U R

O N L I N E

D I R E C T O R I E S

@GrowDeanwood #GrowWard7 #GrowDeanwood #DeanwoodGrowDC

W W W . D E A N W O O D G R O W . C O M

5 Ankara, the popular fabric most identified with African culture, took center stage at Afropolitan DC's Sept. 6 kickoff to African Heritage Month on the "Ankara Runway." (Photo by Lili Iravani)

Deanwood Grow is a project funded by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development

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SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019 37

LIFESTYLE H STREET FESTIVAL: A D.C. FIXTURE 4 The H Street Festival attracted several thousand people Sept. 21 that featured a variety of shows, dance performances and food. (Anthony Tilghman/ The Washington Informer)

FABRICS from Page 37 stunning waterfront views of the Potomac River on The Wharf, delicious food, eclectic sounds featuring live music entertainment from DJ Chardabat ranging from Afrobeats and Highlife to Afro-Soul, all intertwined with live dancing and sounds from traditional Djembe and talking drums. " Local chefs from throughout the District and DMV will create their unique spin on classic and modern West African dishes, with sweet and savory bites by the celebrated chefs and will encompass a diverse range of dishes and spices. Traditional dishes such as Suya, Oleleh, Spicy Goat and Jollof Rice and Banana Bourbon Pudding, will be on the menu to name a few. Creative handcrafted cocktails garnished with a variety of tropical fruits will be prepared by lead mixologist Sunny Seng and available at the cash bar. Specialty vendors such Calabash Tea & Tonic, Pelonkey, and others will ensure attendees experience an eclectic and exciting night of fun, food and entertainment paying homage to West Africa. "Africa is now!" said Onwuachi, Kith/Kin's executive chef, who will host the event. "I want to celebrate the history of this amazing continent over the series of late night markets, bringing together different

chefs from the D.C. area to celebrate the Diaspora." The chefs participating in the closing observation of African Heritage Month include Caitlin Dysart, Centrolina + Piccolina; Danny Lee and Scott Drewno, Chiko + Anju; Erik Bruner-Yang, Maketto + Brothers and Sisters + Spoken English; Javier Fernandez, Kuya Ja's Lechon Belly; Jerome Grant, Sweet Home Café; JR Robinson, Kitchen Cray; Opie Crooks, A Rake's Progress; Peter Prime, Cane; and Onwuachi and Paola Velez of Kith/Kin. "Africa has influenced so many cultures," said Velez, Kith/Kin's executive pastry chef. "So much so, that we have at many times forgotten to give credit where it's due. As an Afro-Latina, the night market is a celebration of all of the melting pot cultures that have been birthed in Africa. The last two years, the Kith/Kin team at IHG has started a cultural revolution, one fried snapper at a time." All proceeds from the event will be donated to No Kid Hungry/ Share Our Strength. Kith/Kin is located at The Wharf (801 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024; www.KithandKinDC.com; (202) 878-8566; @KithandKinDC). Tickets for the "Ankara Runway" on Sept. 27 are available by visiting Afropolitan Cities DC's Facebook page, or on their website at www.AfropolitanCities.com. WI

JOIN THE FIGHT FOR ALZHEIMER’S FIRST SURVIVOR.

At the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, people carry flowers representing their connection to Alzheimer’s — a disease that currently has no cure. But what if one day there was a white flower for Alzheimer’s first survivor? What if there were millions of them? Help make that beautiful day happen by joining us for the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease.

Register today at alz.org/walk. The Nat ional Mall Oct ober 12 | 8:00 am Addit ional W alks available. Find one near you at alz.or g/ walk or call 703.359.4440.

38 SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019

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LIFESTYLE

wi book review "The Water Dancer" by Ta-Nehisi Coates c.2019, One World $28 ($37 Canada) 416 pages

By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer You can't breathe. There's really no describing the panic when that happens. Your ribs struggle to rise, your chest feels like it's being stomped, you're on fire, and your brain screams. Your arms flail. Your hands grasp at nothing, and then — ahhhhh, you gasp. And in the new novel "The Water Dancer" by Ta-Nehisi Coates, nothing's better than the first breath of freedom's air. Hiram was drowning. One minute, he was in the carriage and the next, he and the horse were struggling in the water. Oddly, though, the lack of breath, seeing his half-brother float away, tasting mud on the riverbanks, none of that bothered him. He thought he saw his mother dancing on the bridge, but she was sold away years ago; the water felt familiar but everything did, all the time. Hi grew up knowing he had a gift that allowed him to see his ancestors and to remember everything, and this drowning was one of those things. He woke up in a bed wearing fresh clothes that belonged to his half-brother, Maynard. Hi's father — the man who owned him — was weeping because Maynard was lost, and Hi realized then that whatever relationship he'd had with his white father was over. His life at the great house on Virginia's Lockless Plantation, over. That his father looked the other way when Hiram showed interest in Sophia, a housegirl Hi delivered every weekend to his father's brother for reasons Hi preferred not to think about … done. His whole life was spent as a Tasker for people who owned him, toiling for Quality folk and thinking that if he did the right things, he'd be rewarded with some sort of equality or freedom or … Or he'd been fooling himself. He'd never be equal to the Quality. He'd never love who he wanted to love, or know for certain that he'd never be sold Natchez-way. And that meant just one thing. It was time to run. Hunched over. That's what you'll be with "The Water Dancer": hunched over as you read, to protect your heart from this story and because the anticipation of what's to come is too much to handle if you're upright. Using a little magic, the full meaning of which may not become totally clear until nearly the end of this tale, author Ta-Nehisi Coates captivates readers with language rich and reminiscent of poetry or song. The beauty of those words is calming-not-calming, like lying on a fresh-smelling, springy bed of moss on the edge of quiet woods, waiting to hear heavy footsteps you know are coming. Cue the ominous music, but don't think that this is a horror novel. No, it's more of an escape-novel-thriller-love-story-drama-history with a cast of characters that couldn't seem more real. One of them, in fact, was real so look for her and don't worry if the plot of this book doesn't make sense at first — it will soon enough. Just settle, let the words wash in, and "The Water Dancer" will knock the breath out of you. WI

horoscopes

SEPT 26 - OCT 2, 2019

ARIES This can be an uplifting week, although with fiery Mars still in your sector of work and lifestyle, you could continue to be busy. It's also worth keeping up your health and wellness routines, because the fitter you are, the more you can accomplish. Lucky Numbers: 5, 9, 15 TAURUS Your health and lifestyle sector gets a boost on Monday as the radiant sun moves in for a four-week stay. This is the perfect opportunity to find balance in your daily routines and develop habits that can help you streamline your affairs. Lucky Numbers: 24, 32, 49 GEMINI You could feel much more upbeat and relaxed this week as the sun moves into your leisure sector. If you've been very busy with home and family affairs, this phase is coming to an end. And if you've managed to get organized and shipshape, you deserve to indulge. Lucky Numbers: 10, 12, 29 CANCER It's home, sweet home as the emphasis shifts to your domestic sector, with the radiant sun moving in on Monday. Do you have a desire to beautify your place? This is very much the time to go ahead. With lovely Venus and dealmaker Mercury already passing through, you'll be up to speed concerning the best bargains out there to transform your home. And Tuesday could see a friend or your partner giving you something that really resonates with your style. Lucky Numbers: 18, 26, 37 LEO Negotiating and closing deals becomes a whole lot easier from this week as the illuminating sun joins sweet Venus and savvy Mercury in your communication sector. This is the perfect time to promote your work, get ahead with any administrative tasks, and get advice or information that can help you make progress. Need to study? This is the time to go for it. Lucky Numbers: 12, 32, 36 VIRGO Money matters come into greater prominence this week as the sun joins indulgent Venus and thoughtful Mercury your financial zone. This positive set of influences could lead you to splurge at times but also take stock of your overall situation and make a few key decisions. Lucky Numbers: 13, 19, 48 LIBRA You'll begin to feel like you're on cloud nine as the sun moves into your sign for a four-week stay. Vitality could return, and you may find the coming weeks to be very life affirming. With messenger Mercury and convivial Venus also in your sign, this is very much a time to expand your social circle and connect with people who are on your wavelength. Lucky Numbers: 5, 25, 51 SCORPIO With the sun moving into your spiritual sector on Monday, you're entering a four-week phase in which it helps to take a step back from life. The coming weeks can be excellent for connecting with your heart's desire. What do you really want out of life, Scorpio? Watch your dreams and consider journaling if that's your thing, because what comes out of this could be very revealing. Lucky Numbers: 8, 14, 41 SAGITTARIUS After a busy time focused on goals and ambitions, the emphasis shifts to your social sector, ushering in a lighter and brighter few weeks. Feisty Mars continues to move through your career zone, though, and this could keep you on your toes regarding important activities. Lucky Numbers: 3, 30, 32 CAPRICORN Your career, business, and other key responsibilities call out to you as the sun moves into your sector of goals and ambitions. This is the time to make your mark with a willingness to showcase your work, flaunt your talents, and let others know how gifted you are. However, with the focus on the sign of Libra, you manage to do so in a charming and gracious way. Lucky Numbers: 11, 21, 24 AQUARIUS After an intense few weeks, you might be ready to sail off into the wild blue yonder. The radiant sun enters your sector of travel and far horizons on Monday for a four-week stay, and it might be time for that vacation. Whatever you decide, use this chance to take a break, because the opportunity to relax and recharge can set you up for the rest of the year. Lucky Numbers: 2, 26, 28 PISCES The coming weeks could see you busy with business affairs, commerce, and sorting out matters associated with shared assets, loans, and taxes. It also has a deeper association with situations that may need to be resolved. Insights could show up into what may be holding you back from the success you deserve. Lucky Numbers: 3, 18, 25

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SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019 39

STATEHOOD from Page 1 Hobson-Powell, a key organizer of the 51 for 51 campaign centered on temporarily lowering the number of Senate votes needed for passing H.R. 51, also known as the Washington, D.C. Admission Act. For now, any bill going before the U.S. Senate requires at least 60 votes for confirmation. However, with the elimination of the proposed lowering of needed votes advocated by Hobson-Powell and others, only 51 votes would be required for D.C. to achieve statehood status. In 2017, Senate Republicans employed a similar strategy to ease conservative judge Neil Gorsuch’s ascent to the U.S. Supreme Court. So far, 14 Democratic presidential candidates, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and most recently Beto O’Rourke, have signed on to the 51 for 51 campaign. Former Vice President Joe Biden hasn’t addressed the issue – at least not on the record. “We want a path to statehood that’s viable. That’s the 51 votes in the Senate,” Hobson-Powell said. “What makes us different is our push is not a broad stroke approach to statehood. We need a path beyond the lip service. Fifty-one votes can enfranchise 700,000 residents.”

THE PATH TO D.C. STATEHOOD – CHANGING TERRAIN

If H.R. 51 passes, D.C. would become the 51st state in the Union. The newly-admitted state would include all eight wards with government buildings, monuments and federally-owned land all becoming a separate entity. District citizens, like their counterparts in the 50 states, would have full congressional representation, including two senators and at least one person in the House of Representatives. H.R. 51’s passage requires movement through the House of Representatives and the Senate before it reaches the president’s desk. Since January, when Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced the bill, 219 House Democrats have signed on as co-sponsors. Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.), the most recent lawmaker to confirm her support, did so one day after a House Oversight hearing on the legislation in the Rayburn Building. That hearing, the first of its kind in over two decades, brought D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson (D), D.C. Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey S. DeWitt and a slew of other public witnesses be-

fore Norton and her committee colleagues. During the hearing, witnesses expressed varying views on the issue of statehood. Pushback from conservative witnesses and those on the panel involved the constitutionality of making D.C. the 51st state. For Bowser and Mendelson, however, concerns about the Admissions Clause and 23rd Amendment didn’t negate what the mayor described as the legal and moral implications of the District’s current status. “To continue to deny statehood to 702,000 residents is a failure by the members of this body to uphold their oath to office. The lack of statehood deprives the District of full representation and has practical and dire consequences,” Bowser said during her testimony on Sept. 19. Bowser, Mendelson and DeWitt touted the District’s strong fiscal state, specifically its 60-day tax reserve, private sector growth and high potential of infrastructural stability during the workday when the City’s population doubles. Bowser asked Republican lawmakers to focus, not on the drawbacks of having more Democratic congressional representation, but the lack thereof for District residents. “Our men and women vote

Urge The DC PSC to Say No to Pepco’s Massive Rate Increase Louis Davis, Jr. AARP DC State Director DC utility customers already pay some of the highest rates in the nation. Utility bills are an essential pocketbook issue for many of us. We know there are families all across the District that must budget carefully to pay for utilities along with other household expenses, and food and medicine. That is especially true for older residents and those on low or fixed incomes. Recently PEPCO filed a request to raise rates on their DC customers by outrageous amounts. Included in that request was a multi-year rate scheme that would minimize the role of the DC Public Service Commission (PSC) in providing oversight and demanding accountability from PEPCO. The DC PSC should reject this proposal from PEPCO. The multi-year rate scheme proposed PEPCO would guarantee rate increases for three years in a row, adding up to a total of a 15% increase in their custom-

ers’ rates. Typically, rate increase requests must be filed each time separately. The process requires giving the PSC ample opportunity to investigate the necessity of any increase, and requiring that PEPCO account for and justify every rate increase in detail. Giving PEPCO permission to raise rates for three years in a row without that accountability before each increase is unacceptable. AARP urges the PSC to reject this request entirely and require the standard review process for each rate increase request. Additionally, PEPCO is request-

40 SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019

ing a 44% increase in the customer charge on monthly bills. This is the charge that customers must pay before they even turn on their lights. If this request is approved, it will make the PEPCO customer charge in DC one of the highest in the country. AARP urges the PSC to reject this unfair increase in the customer charge. And finally, PEPCO has requested a 10.3% rate of return, up from their current 9.52% -- a rate of return that is already higher than the national average. AARP urges the PSC to reject the increase entirely and actually reduce PEPCO’s rate of return. AARP has a long history of fighting to ensure that utility companies receive only what is fair and reasonable – and not a dollar more. DC utility customers cannot afford these huge rate increases requested by PEPCO. We urge the DC PSC to reject this proposal and represent the interests of PEPCO’s DC customers, who do not have a choice in who provides their utilities. For more information, visit aarp. org/DC

5 D.C. council members and residents filled a hearing room on Capitol Hill to hear testimony about D.C. statehood. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

and are subjected to the draft but have no input on whether we go to war,” she said. “The Supreme Court and federal courts make judgments binding on us. We pay federal taxes but have no votes on how its appropriated. We are abused by Congress in ways that, if we were a state, would be unconstitutional.”

STAYING FOCUSED ON A STRATEGY

Several public gatherings preceding and following last Thursday’s hearing aimed to galvanize support for statehood. On Tuesday, Kymone Freeman of We Act Radio unveiled a mural bearing the likeness of late radio personality Petey Greene, the late Mayor Marion Barry and Norton in Bundy’s Secret Garden, located behind We Act Radio and CheckIt Enterprises on Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue in Southeast. Last week, dozens of U.S. flags bearing 51 stars, instead of 50, lined the streets of downtown D.C. Just hours after the hearing, Long Live Go-Go and 51 for 51 co-hosted the Million Moe March as well as another installment of Moechella featuring Backyard Band as the headline act. On Friday, Bowser unveiled an art proj-

ect comprised of eight separate pieces of wood cut-outs shaped like the District’s wards – painted and strategically placed along participating District Main Street locations. For D.C. native and statehood advocate Jamal Holtz, these activities counted as part of a long journey in not only making D.C. the 51st state but also laying to rest misconceptions about what such a designation would mean for the nation’s capital. Last summer, he travelled the country on behalf of the 51 for 51 campaign, rallying support for the legislative strategy that Republicans successfully employed during the most recent Supreme Court nomination battle. “I was happy to hear Congress members [speaking in support of ] statehood [at the hearing] but also disappointed to hear the rhetoric about Maryland and Virginia residents having a say in this since they ceded the land,” said Holtz, student body president at the University of Rochester. “It’s not fair. We have to get focused on the strategy of breaking the filibuster rule. Mitch McConnell did it for the Supreme Court justice. We can do the same to give residents access to [full] democracy,” Holtz added. WI

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SPORTS For more photos, visit www.washingtoninformer.com

Bears Drop Redskins to 0-3

5 Chicago Bears linebacker Khalil Mack tackles Washington Redskins quarterback Case Keenum during the Bears' 3115 win at FedEx Field in Landover, Md., on Monday, Sept 23. (John E. De Freitas/The Washington Informer) 3 Chicago Bears safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix tackles Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson during the Bears' 31-15 win at FedEx Field in Landover, Md., on Monday, Sept. 23. (John E. De Freitas/the Washington Informer)

Dunbar Tops Carroll in Summer Basketball Action

5 Carroll (White Shirt) drives past Dunbar in Girls High School summer basketball action during Dunbar’s 46-40 win at Lamond Recreation Center in Northeast on Sept.21. (John E. De Freitas/The Washington Informer) 4 Dunbar makes an uncontested layup as Carroll watches helplessly during Dunbar’s 46-40 win at Lamond Recreation Center in Northeast on Sept.21 (John E. De Freitas/The Washington Informer)

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SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019 41

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42 SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019

DMV direct action coordinator. “We know that Black people in DC, Black people in this country and Black people across the diaspora will continue to be the most impacted by climate disaster,” she said. One physician, who joined BLM DMV in a coordinated effort to provide a blood pressure monitoring station on Monday, agreed with Taylor. “Climate change is a public health emergency and affects the health of all of us but most especially our disenfranchised communities. We must invest in the health of frontline communities now and in the future to protect against the worst of what climate change will bring,” said Dr. Katie Donnelly. The coalition (#ShutDownDC) has called for climate justice for everyone, asking governments to protect at least 50 percent of the world’s lands and oceans and to end deforestation by 2030.

THE HUMAN FOOTPRINT ON GREENHOUSE GASES

Among the hundreds of thousands of youth worldwide who skipped school and took to the streets last Friday, one young girl’s voice has gained international prominence – a Swedish high school student

5 Samia Abdur-Rahim, center, a 10th grader at Northwood High School in Silver Spring, linked with other students and walked out of class Sept. 20 to protest climate change. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

named Greta Thunberg. Greta testified during Monday’s UN Climate Summit Action in New York. “This is wrong; I should not be up here,” she said. “I should be up in school on the other side of the ocean yet you all come to us young people for hope. How dare you?” Ironically, cameras would show the outspoken youth standing in a lobby where just a few yards away, President Donald Trump, who continues to aggressively demand his unprecedented recent decision to abolish California’s legal authority to set its own standards on climate-warming automobile emissions, stood

REST IN PEACE Cary C. Smith Sunrise May 22, 1943 Sunset September 10, 2019 The Smith family is saddened to announce Cary C. Smith aka Pie / The Dog Master of S.W. was called home by his Lord to attend to his heavenly duties. He is now the angel watching over us. We miss you so much. Love you Dad. The Smith Family

before a barrage of cameras. The Trump Administration has also remained under fire, nationally and abroad, after Trump decided to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement earlier this year. Trump has long maintained his cry of “fake news” in the face of the views of the world’s climate experts who assert that from shifting weather patterns threating food production, to rising sea levels that increase the risk of catastrophic flooding, the impact of climate change remains global in scope and unprecedented in scale. They further say that without immediate drastic action, adapting to these impacts in the future will be more difficult and costly. Following more than a century and a half of industrialization, deforestation and large scale agriculture, quantities of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have risen to record levels not seen in three million years. As populations, economies and standards of living grow, so does the cumulative level of greenhouse gas emissions, experts say. During Monday’s Summit, the president of Chile, Sebastián Piñera, reported on the outcomes and achievements of a newly-formed group, the Mitigation Strategy Coalition, which he’s chaired since its founding in January. Fifty-nine nations have signaled their intention to submit an enhanced climate action plan with 11 having promised to boost programs that will be reflected in their national plans by 2020, as established in the Paris Agreement. Readers may recall that the U.S., under then-President Barack Obama, entered into the Paris Climate Agreement December 2015 along with nearly 200 other countries in an ambitious global action plan to fight climate control. “A world that is safer and more secure, more prosperous and more free,” Obama said as he sought to explain the kind of world he envisioned we should and would leave

CLIMATE Page 49 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand

"Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor." — Proverbs 22:9 This week, I felt compelled to write about how important it is for each one of us to show love for one another. Today, for me, at 68 years old, I have loved this song by Diana Ross for so long. When it first came out, back in the 1980s, I was married with three young children, living in San Pablo, California. In fact, I had just become a member of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc., a business and professional women's sorority founded at Lewis College of Business in Detroit by two sisters, Dr. Violet T. Lewis and Elizabeth Garner. In preparation for my first national convention (we call it Boule'); I was asked to sing a song. My choice was this song sung by my no. 1 female singer, Diana Ross! My voice coach would meet with me each week Mt. Zion Baptist Church Reverend John W. Davis Pastor 5101 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.) Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m. “A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold”

to rehearse with me, in preparation to sing this song at the convention. Though I was extremely nervous, I did it. As I sang, I asked the audience to lift their hands and wave them along as we all sang together! During my rehearsal time, I had to memorize the lyrics. That's when I realized the strength of that song. It is a very spiritual song. Let's take a look at what the lyrics are saying. It goes like this: "Reach out and touch somebody's hand make this world a better place, if you can. Reach out and touch, somebody's hand, make this world a better place, if you can. Take a little time out of your busy day to give encouragement to someone who's lost their way. Just try! Or would I be talking to a stone If I asked you to share a problem that's not your own. We can change things if we start giving. Why don't you reach out and touch, somebody's hand; make this world a better place, if you can." The next verse says, "If you see an old friend on the street, and he's down, remember his shoes could fit your feet. Just try. Try a little kindness you'll see it's something that comes very naturally. We can change things if we start giving, why don't you reach out and touch, somebody's hand, make this a better place, if you can." Now that you have read these

lyrics, can't you see what a blessing this song is? It is almost scriptural. In fact, let's compare some Scriptures to this song. The first scripture says, "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4) "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrew 10:24) And finally, "But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?" (1st John 3:17) As you go about your regular routines this week, think of how you can make this a better place for someone else. There are people in need all around us. We must open up our hearts and open our wallets and share what the good Lord has freely given to us. Try a little kindness, something that ought to come naturally. We must stop being so selfish by only thinking of ourselves. We can surely change things, if we start giving. Why don't you reach out and touch somebody's hand, and make this a better place, if you can. WI

(301) 864-6070

www.jmlaw.net

(301) 864-6070

jmccollum@jmlaw.net

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

John F. Johnson Reverend Dr. 1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005 Service and Times Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m. Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday “Friendliest Church in the City” Website: mountolivetdc.org Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

www.mtzbcdc.org

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SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019 43

RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor 9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 Fax: 301-499-8724

Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

Blessed Word of Life 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 5th Sundays: 9:30 AM 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 PM www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

Church of Living Waters

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., Pastor

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor

Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor

2498 Alabama Ave., SE - Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 Fax: (202) 889-2198 - www.acamec.org

800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00 AM Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study 10:30 AM 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00 AM Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30 PM Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00 AM “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”

Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45 AM Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment

1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661

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

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Third Street Church of God

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

Rev. Dr. Alice Greene Interim Pastor

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor

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

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

1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office 202-638-1803 fax

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

Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power

5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555 Services and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45 AM Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday , 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 PM Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30 AM

www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Campbell AME Church Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White 2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study Wednesday: 12:00 Noon Wednesday: 7:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 PM “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020

Turning Hearts Church Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher 421 Alabama Ave. SE Washington, DC 20032 Phone: 202-746-0113 Fax: 301-843-2445 Service and Times Sunday School: 10:15 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11;15 AM Children’s Church: 11:15 AM Tuesday Bible Study: 6:30 PM Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment” Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org Email: gr8luv4u2@gmail.com

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

“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org E-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net

Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM “Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org

Crusader Baptist Church

E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org “God is Love”

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

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

Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net

St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us... Dr. Raymond T. Matthews Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011 Services and Times Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service: 6:45 PM Thur. Bible Study: 7:15 PM

Twelfth Street Christian Church Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor (Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW - Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion every Sunday: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 10:00 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 12 Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday: 6:30 PM Motto: “Discover Something Wonderful” Website: 12thscc.org Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

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

44 SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church

All Nations Baptist Church

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor

7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471

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

2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730

Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 AM Service 11:00 AM Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Motto: “A Church Keeping It Real for Real.” Website: Shabbathcommandmentchruch.org Email: Praisebetoyhwh@gmail.com

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

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

Service and Times Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards

Israel Baptist Church

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor

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

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

4504 Gault Place, N.E. Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184

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

“Where Jesus is the King”

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church Rev. Richard B. Black Pastor

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

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

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

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

Mount Moriah Baptist Church

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

Service and Times Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42

New Commandment Baptist Church

Eastern Community Baptist Church

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor

Damion M. Briggs Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Maxwell M. Washington Pastor

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

2001 Brooks Drive District Heights, MD 20744 (240) 838-7074

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:15 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer Meeting / Bible Study: Tuesday at 7 PM Theme: “The Kingdom Focused Church with an Emphasis on “Evangelism and Discipleship”

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

Email: pastorstmbc@gmail.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

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

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

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

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

Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958

Shiloh Baptist Church

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church Dr. Joseph D. Turner Senior Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Early Worship Service: 8:00 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM New Member’s Class: 9:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday, 11:00 AM Church School: 9:45 AM Wednesday 12:00pm Bible Study Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: 7:00 PM Saturday Bible Study: 11:00 AM Baptism 4th Sunday: 11:00 AM

Christ Embassy DC

Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator 6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Friday Evening Service: 7:00 PM ; Last Friday “…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com

“Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”

Peace Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM

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

“The Loving Church of the living lord “

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

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

9th & P Street, N.W. - W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4288

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

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

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

Service and Times First Sunday Worship Service (one service): 10:00 AM Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sunday Worship service: 7:45 AM and 10:55 AM Sunday Church School/Bible Study: 9:30 AM Thursday Prayer Service: 6:30 PM

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

Email: sbc@shilohbaptist.org Website: shilohbaptist.org

Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist

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

Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

Rev. Reginald M. Green Interim Pastor

Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

St. Matthews Baptist Church

Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Baptismal Service: 1st Sunday – 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday – 11:00 AM Prayer Meeting & Bible Study: Wednesday -7:30 PM

Emmanuel Baptist Church

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

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

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

SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019 45

LEGAL NOTICES

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

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

2019 ADM 000939

2019 ADM 587

2018 ADM 001322

2019 ADM 894

2019 ADM 000880

Florence Cordelia Garner Decedent

Sherry Whitfield Decedent

Savannah G. Gibson Decedent

Laurence Matthew Laws Decedent

Kathelean Cain Decedent

Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. ProbateLaw DC 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney

Joan M. Wilbon 1120 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 1020 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq. The Griffin Firm PLLC 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW Suite 400 Washington DC 20015 Attorney

Nakia V. Gray, Esq. 9701 Apollo Drive Suite 100 Largo, MD 20774 Attorney

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

Nakia V. Gray 9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 100 Largo, MD 20774 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS John M. Garner II, whose address is 1208 D Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Florence Cordelia Garner who died on July 4, 2014 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/12/2020. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/12/2020, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 9/12/2019 John M. Garner II Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

Michi Whitfield, whose address is 1707 8th Street, NW, Apt. 302, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sherry Whitfield who died on October 14, 2014 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/12/2020. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/12/2020, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Yendis L. Gibson and LaRue R. Gibson, Jr., whose addresses are 315 Woodlawn Ave., Glencoe, IL. 60022 and 213 Worthington Rd., White Plains, NY 10607, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Savannah G. Gibson who died on June 2, 2018 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/12/2020. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/12/2020, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/12/2019

Michi Whitfield Personal Representative

Yendis L. Gibson LaRue R. Gibson, Jr. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills Washington Informer

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills

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

Lauren J. Laws, whose address is 1925 Cradock Street, Silver Spring, MD 20905, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Laurence Matthew Laws who died on May 25, 2019 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/12/2020. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/12/2020, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Irish L. Williams, whose address is 4007 20th Pl, Temple Hills, MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kathelean Cain who died on November 24, 2017 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/12/2020. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/12/2020, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/12/2019

Lauren J. Laws Personal Representative

Irish L. Williams Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

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

2019 ADM 000427

2019 ADM 988

2019 ADM 000624

Fred Lee Gunter Decedent

Anthony Vernon Lee Decedent

John Francis Wilkinson IV Decedent

Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. Probate Law DC 1308 Ninth Street, NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney

Deborah Cason Daniel, Esq. 503 D Street, NW Suite 200 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney

Tina Smith Nelson 601 E Street, NW Washington, DC 20049 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Everett Gunter, whose address is 3210 32nd Avenue, Temple Hills, MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Fred Lee Gunter who died on March 15, 2018 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/12/2020. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/12/2020, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 9/12/2019 Everett Gunter Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Rosie Lee, whose address is 15114 Jenkins Ridge Road, Bowie, MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Anthony Vernon Lee who died on July 4, 2015 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/26/2020. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/26/2020, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 9/26/2019 Rosie Lee Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills Washington Informer

Washington Informer

46 SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Leatha Wilkinson, whose address is 5224 Ames Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John Francis Wilkinson IV who died on October 24, 2011 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/26/2020. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/26/2020, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2019 ADM 001011 Estate of Parker Jones, Sr. aka Parker D. Jones, Sr. aka Parker Dunford Jones, Sr. NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Parker Dunford Jones, Jr. for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. Admit to probate the Will dated March 6, 1991 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise Date of first publication: 9/26/2019 Parker Dunford Jones, Jr. 7220 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20012 Petitioner/Attorney:

Date of first publication: 9/26/2019

TRUE TEST COPY

Leatha Wilkinson Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills

TRUE TEST COPY

Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Acting Register of Wills Washington Informer

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

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5 RuQuan Brown (second from left) stood alongside Banneker Academic High School Principal Anita Berger and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, (D), center, as they broke ground on the new Banneker site, located on 925 Rhode Island Avenue NW, last Saturday. (Courtesy photo)

schools receive upgrades. “We are some of the hardest and Shaw-area parents endeav- working students in the city. oring to open a DCPS middle We have a 100 percent graduschool at 925 Rhode Island Av- ation rate and do more comenue NW. munity service hours than othMonths later, a groundbreak- ers,” RuQuan said. “Hard work ing ceremony at that location should pay off and we hadn’t would prove both celebratory gotten that. I’ve been a part of so and reflective for those on the many cool programs that don’t frontlines of that fight. happen anywhere else.” “I’m looking forward to going Banneker, an alternative edback and seeing students flour- ucation institution since 1981, ishing in that [new] type of envi- provides more than 400 students ronment,” said RuQuan Brown, a highly-structured, rigorous acpresident of Banneker’s student ademic experience geared toward government association and a so- college readiness. Since 2001, it cial entrepreneur committed to has been an International Baccaending gun violence through his laureate World School, gaining business, Love1. recognition as a National Blue On Saturday, RuQuan, D.C. Ribbon School in 2017. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and Around that time, a trio of feChancellor Lewis Ferebee count- male Banneker students became ed among those who dug shovels finalists in NASA’s high school into the ground to mark the be- competition with their design ginning of construction. of a filtration system which reIn May, RuQuan and doz- moves lead from water founens of students accompanied by tains. The Bowser administration two faculty members stormed later awarded the team $4,000. the John A. Wilson Building in Since the 7-6 D.C. Council Northwest. For three work days, vote that secured Banneker’s rethey lobbied D.C. councilmem- location, several of the young bers for their support of legisla- organizers have graduated and tion that would move Banneker started college. One of those allowing for an enrollment ex- alumni, Margareth Mbea, said When a loved one passes away, you may feel hopeless. When the pansion of 300 slots. she relishes the victory but person you loved was HIV positive, grieving can be even more Those efforts rebuffed an atlaments going toe-to-toe with a difficult. We can help. tempt by six councilmembers to neighborhood of transplants and bring forth a plan for the mod- white-collar professionals. If you have lost a loved one who ... ernization of 800 Euclid Street “This whole issue overlapped NW. That alternative had been with gentrification happening • received a diagnosis of HIV, and heralded as the ideal compro- in the city. The white newcom• resided in D.C. resident; and mise between the Banneker com- ers told us they wanted a mid• had less than $800 in liquid assets at the time of death munity and disaffected Shaw dle school as if they didn’t have parents. In short order, Bowser options,” said Mbea, a student then call Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington. announced the Banneker reloca- at Xavier University in New Ortion in November as opponents leans. To see if your family qualifies for assistance, contact Samaritan reiterated assurances by her “I could only imagine what my Ministry’s Burial Assistance Coordinator at (202) 889-7702 x302; or predecessors that the shuttered experience would’ve been in a new visit our Anacostia / SE Office at 1345 U St SE. Shaw Junior High School would building. We had to go to a school reopen. that looked like a prison. We make Once approved, assistance is paid directly to the funeral home. However, that explanation the city look good, so it feels good didn’t suffice for students who to know that we have finally gotwatched other DCPS high ten something.” WI SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2019 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

BANNEKER from Page 1

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WILLIAMS from Page 28 taxes than 22 states. It pays more per capita than any state in the nation. D.C. residents have all the responsibilities of citizenship, but they have no congressional voting rights and only limited self-government," said Rep. Elijah E. Cum-

Whether enrolled in DC Public Schools [DCPS] or DC Private Charter Schools [DCPCS], students who joined the Friday “walk out” did so without the sanctioning of their respective school board leaders. DCPS officials did not share data pertaining to the total number of students who “walked out” last week. However, they did provide their attendance policy which says students missing class must bring a note from a parent within five days of the event, or risk unexcused absences for missed classes or school days. For further clarity, DCPS principals sent a letter last week to parents and activists explaining the protocol and collective stance related to youth civic engagement. “As conversations about current events continue to play out both nationally and locally, it is important that our youth know that school is a safe place to feel whatever they need to feel. Education isn’t just about academics; it’s about helping our students develop as entire people,” the letter said. Official permission notwithstanding, nearly 40 students from one of the District’s celebrated private schools, Sidwell Friends in Northwest, flexed their political muscles – leaving campus early to hop the Red Line and join others in protest. Freshman Marley Sowah, a member of Sidwell’s Eco-club, ex-

nice environment.” Largo Principal Afie Mirshah-Nayar remembers that upon her arrival five years ago, the school lacked any visible signs of environmental awareness. Today, the campus numbers among those select public schools in the County earning a “Green School” designation. Maryland lawmakers recently approved legislation aimed at increasing Green Schools, providing funding between fiscal years 2021 to 2026 for professional training, transportation assistance for students to participate in field trips and other environmentally-related activities. Their goal remains to increase Green School designation among public schools from today’s 31 percent to 50 percent by 2025. Largo plans to hold a recycling assembly soon to remind students and adults the importance of keeping the planet healthy. One Green Club member says everyone should be concerned about the climate. “We eat fish and other meats, fruits and vegetables. If we don’t keep the environment clean, then what’s dumped on the ground and in the water can get into our food,” Matthew said. Awa, who turned 16 on Sept. 24, said her peers must focus on their future. “Think about the world 10 years from now. If you treat it badly today, it will only get worse. What about your children and their children? That’s what matters – they’re who matter.” WI Staff Writer William J. Ford and Sam Collins, WI contributing writer, contributed to this article. DCPCS did not return inquiries from the Informer for comment. WI

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pressed dismay for the lack of concern from adults about the global crisis and her future. She noted the activities in which she’s become committed since joining the club: researching, sending emails, speaking to groups and hosting events. “The fact that children are leading this fight is quite disappointing; this is about the fight for humanity, the direction we’re going in and how our grandchildren will live their lives,” Marley said. Before noon, she and her classmates had joined thousands on the National Mall, waving signs condemning carbon pollution and political inaction. “This isn’t just for the youth or a group of hippies. This should be a problem for everyone,” she said. “There are a lot of solutions: carbon taxes, the Green New Deal and even technology. We should be putting more money into innovation around new and Green-related industries.” Meanwhile, students in Prince George’s County expressed their activism while remaining in school. Green Club members at Largo High School, Zamaryh Marshall, Anthony Williams, Matthew Martin, Aysia Richardson, Lauryn Pierce and Awa Coulibaly, say they prefer making a difference on their own school’s campus. Just a few weeks into the new school year, they’ve already conducted environmentally-based initiatives: collecting recyclables from each of the 100 classrooms; planting and caring for scores of vegetation; and offering gentle reminders to teachers and staff to “turn off the lights” before exiting classrooms. “We plant things to make the school look better,” said Pierce, 15. “You should want to see a

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as she traveled the world on peace missions, risking her life in Northern Ireland in 1972. She fittingly occupied a place of honor at President Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009. Mrs. Abernathy's passing touches me personally, as she was a contemporary of my parents — also NAACP members during those turbulent years, and who also faced death threats as a result of their work. She, like they, have my eternal gratitude and continue to inspire not just myself but everyone in the Urban League Movement. WI

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ery for Atlanta, where she worked to integrate the public schools and fought for the creation of the fought for the Food Stamp program and a National Free Meal Program for public school children. She stepped back from the civil rights movement following the assassination of Dr. King, and became a successful saleswoman for the Mary Kay cosmetics company, eventually rising to national sales director and proudly piloting a series of pink Cadillacs, the company's signature highsales award. Her activism continued, however,

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bravery in the face of life-threatening danger remain overwhelmingly inspirational. Mrs. Abernathy was the youngest of eight children born into a farming family designated by Tuskeegee Institute as the most successful Black farmers in the Black Belt in the 1940s. She earned a bachelor of science degree in business education from Tennessee State University in Nashville and married Rev. Abernathy in 1952. In 1961, the family left Montgom-

erans who have stood up for you," said Kerwin E. Miller a retired Naval Reserve commander from D.C. There are plans to markup the bill in the coming months. You can help by ensuring that your member of Congress is voting "Yes" on H.R. 51. WI

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MORIAL from Page 28

mings. "Finally, there's but one conclusion: that D.C. military veterans have a fundamental right and earned benefit to have a voice in the election of those representatives who make our laws. Congress must now do the only right thing and stand up for our D.C. military vet-

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29 million consumers to receive nearly $12 billion in restitution and/or forgiveness. Additionally, multiple public forums held across the country on a variety of issues gave consumers and all stakeholder interests meaningful opportunities to help shape public policy developments. Research released by the CFPB has documented the harm of abusive debt collection practices and shown the rippling consequences of financial services practices as large as mortgages and as small as payday loans. Under the Trump administration, a consistent and focused deregulation effort has been underway to turn CFPB into a toothless tiger. It’s almost as if CFPB now stands for Corporate Financial Protection Bureau. Rather than living up to its name, CFPB eschews consumers and defers to companies and their preferences as to what financial regulation should look like. The administration has also repeatedly emphasized consumer information and education while

JACKSON from Page 29

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wing state legislators were forced to respond by increasing spending, although not to the levels sought by the striking teachers. The wave of strikes is increasingly propelled by younger workers. Fight for $15, the movement to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, was led by young workers in fast-food restaurants and other service industries. Young people, often burdened with college debt, entering workplaces characterized by wages and benefits that don't keep up with costs, are particularly aware of how the economy has been rigged against them. Large majorities think CEOs are greedy and irresponsible. Large majorities think politicians have been corrupted

ASKIA from Page 29 state. Trust me, this person is not a traitor. This person had extensive security background checks before getting to the job of listening in on presidential calls. Trump now has manufactured his own undoing — that is if there's some "Untouchable," Elliot Ness-like character who's willing to risk his/her own political life to take down this elected official who has transformed himself into an invincible ruler. Trump does not believe the "law" can get him, because he's the chief law enforcer. He believes he deserves to be reelected to an unconstitutional third term

predatory lenders pick the pockets of unsuspecting consumers. The error in this approach is that being aware of what should occur will not and cannot change punitive practices that earn billions of dollars for the corporations abusing consumers. These actions are particularly suspect when one considers that debt collection complaints have been among the chief consumer complaints filed at both the CFPB and the Federal Trade Commission. Under CFPB’s first director, the agency filed more than 25 federal enforcement actions against debt collectors and creditors that deliver $300 million in restitution and another $100 million in civil penalties due to deceptive and abusive debt collection practices. From weakening the Bureau’s Office of Fair Lending to rewriting the long-awaited payday lending rule that required lenders to ensure that borrowers can afford to repay these small-dollar loans that come with big costs, businesses and corporations are being coddled while consumers remain caught in ha-

rassing debt collection practices and debt trap loans. “Bad policies from Washington are often the brainchild of people who aren’t personally impacted by them,” said Jeremy Funk, spokesman for Allied Progress, a consumer advocacy organization. “Maybe spamming the spammer-in-chief at the CFPB will help them realize the massive invasion of privacy that [they] are inviting with this plan. … Congress should get prepared to hold them accountable.” Speaking for the CRL, Melissa Stegman, a senior policy counsel said: “The poll is clear – Americans don’t want CFPB Director Kathy Kraninger to give debt collectors a license to harass and intimidate consumers,” said Stegman. “A consumer-first debt collection rule should protect people – and particularly people of color and active duty military members, veterans and their families – from timebarred ‘zombie debt’.” Government is supposed to be "for the people" — not for corporations. WI

by entrenched interests and big money. They are driving the demand for change. Smart business leaders are waking up to the fact that they are losing the support of Americans, particularly the young. The Business Roundtable, a gathering of some of the most powerful CEOs in the country, recently called on corporations to move beyond a single focus on "shareholder value," but also invest in their workers, protect the environment and deal ethically with suppliers and customers. Whether this is anything beyond a public relations gambit remains to be seen, but the mere fact that the CEOs thought it necessary to publicly release that statement likely suggests that they know they have gone too far. These

stirrings are beginning to be reflected in our politics. Trump, for all his populist posturing, remains oblivious, wedded to the conservative Republican agenda, opposed to unions, to raising the minimum wage, to investing in teachers, education and getting health care costs under control. But every leading Democratic contender for president champions worker power, calling for reforms to make it easier to organize, for lifting the minimum wage, for making vital public investments, and for cracking down on the entrenched interests that have rigged the economy against working people. The words of the old union ballad "Which Side Are You On?" once more echo across the country. WI

in 2024, and that if he doesn't appear on the surface to legitimately win the presidential race in 2020, he's prepared to declare that election invalid, refuse to ever leave office, and dare anyone (confident that neither the courts he's stacked nor the Republicans in the Senate or the House will ever defy him) to try to remove him from the White House. Only a landslide against him will convince those quisling Republicans in Congress who call themselves elected "leaders" to stand up and perform their constitutional duty in the face of this emerging tyrant. Trump believes he is destined to be "President for Life." Trump

believes that he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump believes that he deserves a Grammy, an Oscar, an Emmy and a Tony, and that as presidents go (and as historical world figures like Lincoln and Churchill go, for that matter), he believes he is the GOAT — Greatest of All Time. So I'm more than a little annoyed with this bum who will lie and cheat repeatedly, for no reason except to lie and cheat and to be ugly, brutish and low-down. For me, Donald J. Trump is like a disgusting turd in 21st century civilization's punch bowl, and he literally turns my stomach. WI

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