The Washington Informer - September 18, 2014 by The Washington Informer

FIFTY50 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER CELEBRATES Fifty Years of News Excellence; 50 Years of Service

George Curry Discusses Domestic Violence in the NFL. See Page 26 •

C e l e b r a t i n g 4 9 Ye a r s o f S e r v i c e

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Serving More Than 50,000 African American Readers Throughout The Metropolitan Area / Vol. 49, No.49 Sept 18 - Sept 24, 2014

Remembering the Navy Yard Tragedy

Mayor Vincent C. Gray discussed the need for gun control in Washington D.C., as Lamar D. Greene, assistant police chief (left), and Edward Kaminski, chairman of Near Southeast Community Partners (right) listened during the Washington Navy Yard Tragedy One-Year Anniversary Observance & Remembrance Ceremony at Canal Park in Southeast on Tuesday, Sept. 16. To read the story, go to www.washingtoninformer.com /Photo by Roy Lewis

Discrimination, Hostile Environment Alleged at FEMA Employees Say They Need Permission to Use Restroom By Stacy M. Brown

WI Contributing Writer Hundreds of workers at the Federal Emergency Management Agency say they’re underpaid and harassed because of their race or gender, and some employees allege that conditions are so bad

they need permission to go to the restroom. “We are forced to email or contact a supervisor to use the bathroom,” said Kevin Stark, a National Flood Insurance Program Call Center employee in the Hyattsville, Maryland, office of FEMA. “It’s like elementary school.

We have to raise our hands and hope to get permission.” A colleague of Stark’s said the atmosphere has been unbearable. “To say that there exists a hostile work environment does not do justice to the situation. For adults to have to basically raise their hands

to get permission to use the bathroom [is] absolutely ridiculous, and it’s humiliating,” said Sean Smith. Since 2009, nearly 400 separate equal employment opportunity complaints and lawsuits have been filed against the 14,000-employee federal disaster agency – in-

Visit us online for daily updates and much more @ www.washingtoninformer.com HBCUs Pull Out All Stops to Survive Page 4

Conversation Resumes on D.C. Statehood Page 10

cluding approximately 100 in the last year. The employees allege that FEMA supervisors have ramped up retaliatory efforts against them because of the complaints and lawsuits. Workers said they’ve been

WI Photographers Stroll Down Memory Lane Page 28

See FEMA on Page 8 and on DCTV 95 & 96

2 Sept 18 - Sept 24, 2014

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FLASHBACK

9/18/2014 – 9/24/2014 AROUND THE REGION Black Facts Page 6 PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY Pages 12-13 BUSINESS William Reed’s Business Exchange Page 16 COMMENTARIES Pages 26-27 SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS Pages 34-38

In recognition of The Washington Informer’s 50th Anniversary in October 2014, we are looking back at some of the newsworthy moments we covered in D.C. history. This photo speaks for itself. Members of the H.D. Woodson Marching Band proudly carry the banner that declared their first-place victory in the D.C. Division of the Washington Metro-Area Marching Band Competition in 1991. Nearly every D.C. public school, including junior high and elementary schools, had a marching band that participated in local and national parades representing the District of Columbia. /WI Archives

RELIGION Lyndia Grant’s Religion Column Page 39

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Sept 18 - Sept 24, 2014

around the region

SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY

AROUND THEBreak REGION the Cycle of Women Domestic Violence By Tia Carol Jones

law enforcement. She said they threat,” she said. 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 that won't turn my family end of the day, the book will look at both sides of the coin. loose,” Marlow said. Marlow help people begin to have a dia- We need to address both the vicshared her story with the audi- logue about domestic violence. tim and the batterer,” Marlow ence at the District Heights Also present at the event was said. Domestic Violence Symposium Mildred Muhammad, the exMarlow would also like to see on May 7 at the District Heights wife of John Allen Muhammad, programs designed to raise Howard University Dr. Waynewho Frederick stood behind the consecHoward University Debate Team children after an imMunicipal Center.President The sympowas sentenced to six awareness among in pressive showing on Friday inbythethe Cramton Auditorium. Pictured are Kalah 19,and (L-R); Jarrell Blakemore, sium was sponsored utive life terms without paroleOzimba, public private schools. She 21; Ja’Mesha and Demarquin 21. /Photo Family andMorgan, Youth21; Services by aJohnson, Maryland jury for by hisNancy role inShia feels children need to be educatCenter of the city of District the Beltway Sniper attacks in ed about domestic violence. Heights and the National Hook- 2002. Mildred Muhammad is “We have to stop being pasUp of Black Women. the founder of After the Trauma, sive-aggressive with poor chilMarlow has written a book, an organization that helps the dren about domestic violence,” “Color Me Butterfly,” which is a survivors of domestic violence Marlow said. story about four generations of and their children. Marlow has worked to break domestic violence. The book is “I lived in fear for six years. Six the cycle of abuse in her family, inspired by her own experiences, years in fear is a long time. It is and is confident the policies she and those of her grandmother, not an easy thing to come out is pushing for will start that her mother and her daughter. of,” she said. process. She said every time she reads Mildred Muhammad said “I plan to take these policies to excerpts from her book, she still people who want to help a Congress and implore them to In Memoriam 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” abeMorehouse careful of how they go into U.S. “I will not stop Still, until we these polialumnus (1979) president. cannot By D. Kevin McNeir The Washington Informer Newspaper won the 2007 National “Best who the victim's life, and understand cies are passed.” brings 25 years of experi- fall into a slumber of an alleged THE WASHINGTON INFORMER WI Contributing Writer InPUBLISHER Memoriam Books” Award. that in shehigher may education be in “survival Tia Carolworld. Jones can be reached NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414)Dr.isCalvin ence to his post-racial Young peoDenise Rolark Barnes W. Rolark, Sr. “I was just 16-years-old when mode”. at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net published weekly on each Thursday. position. ple today have embraced a very Wilhelmina J. Rolark Historically black colleges my eye first blackened and my “Before you get to 'I'm going Periodicals postage paid at WashingSTAFF Wilson engaged in a rousing different set of identity issues and universities, which once THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published lips bled,” Marlow said. to kill you,' it started as a verbal WI ton, D.C. and additional mailing ofweekly Thursday. Periodicals paidW. at Barnes, Washington, D.C. and additional Denise Editor held the lion’s share of blacks Elaine Davis-Nickens, presi- symposium Friday with the re- – they’re tackling gender and fices. Newsonand advertising deadlinepostage mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. is Monday prior to publication. Andent of higher the National Hook-Up seeking education in the cently appointed president of sexual orientation in ways that Announcements must be received twoRon weeks prior to event. Copyright 2000 by The Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director nouncements must be received two of Black Women, said fallen there is on no Howard University in the uni- weren’t even discussed or conU.S., have recently Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POST MASTER: Send change of addressweeks event. Copyright 2013 Barnes, Assistant Editor versity’s School of Business au- sidered a generation ago,” said consistency in the way domestic es toprior The to Washington Informer, 3117Lafayette Martin Luther King,IV, Jr. Ave., S.E. Photo Washington, hard times. by D.C. The 20032. Washington Informer. All No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permisFrederick, who came to the U.S. violence issues are dealt with by John E. De Freitas, Sports Photo Editor But two university presidents, ditorium in Northwest. rights POSTMASTER: sionreserved. from the publisher. TheSend Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of Morehouse leaders, alums from the Republic of Trinidad change of addresses to The rates Washalong with their students, facphotographs. Subscription are $30 per year,Rowley, two yearsOnline $45. Papers Dorothy Editorwill be received and students traveled to the and Tobago at age 16 to attend not more than 3117 a weekMartin after publication. Make checks payable to: ington Informer, Luther ulty, alumni and parents, have District to support their team as Howard University. Brian Young, Design & Layout King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. drawn a line in the sand, insistTHE WASHINGTON INFORMER 20032. No part of this publication may they challenged Howard during HBCUs are institutions of Neville, Bookkeeper ing that they will not only sur3117 Martin Luther King, Jr.Mable Ave., S.E. • Washington, D.C. 20032 be reproduced without written permisthe fourth consecutive AT&T higher education in the United Phone: 202 561-4100 • Fax: 202 574-3785 vive but thrive. sion from the publisher. The Informer Mickey Thompson, Social Sightings columnist Nation’s Football Classic. E-mail: news@washingtoninformer.com States that were established beNewspaper cannot guarantee the return “In a world of dreams, we www.washingtoninformer.com “Diversity has to be somefore 1964 with the intention of Stacey Palmer, Social Media Specialist of photographs. Subscription rates are would have both capital and thing to which we are commit- serving the black community. $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will Angie Johnson, Circulation character preeminence. So far ted if we intend to remain relePUBLISHER be received not more than a week after The 105 HBCUs in the counDenise Rolark Barnes neither have [concurrently] ex- vant to students now and in the publication. Make checks payable to: try, including public and private REPORTERS isted on our campus,” said John future,” said Wayne Frederick, STAFF REPORTERS institutions, community and THE WASHINGTON Brooke N. Garner INFORMER Managing Stacy Editor Brown, Tia C. Jones, Laiscell, Eve Ferguson, Sam P.K.EdCollins, S. Wilson Jr., the president of first hired in October 2013 as four-year institutions, and medCarla PeayLuther King, Assistant Managing Editor Odell B. Ruffin, Larry Saxton, 3117 Martin Jr. Ave., S.E Elton Hayes, D. Kevin McNeil, Dorothy Morehouse College. Ron Burke Advertising and Marketing Mary Wells, Joseph Young the interim president for HowWashington, D.C. 20032 ical and law schools have reRowley, Barrington Salmon, James Wright Mable Whittaker Bookkeeper “Clearly, we need to find more ard University and appointed in cently faced criticism for dismal Phone: 202 561-4100 LaNita Wrenn Administration PHOTOGRAPHERS ways to secure additional capital July as the president. Fax:John 202 574-3785 E. De Freitas Sports Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, graduation rates (30 percent) news@washingtoninformer.com Victor Holt Photo Editor not only to attract the top proJohn E. De Freitas, Maurice Fitzgerald, “We now have six women and for having lost their black PHOTOGRAPHERS www.washingtoninformer.com Zebra Designs, Inc. Layout & Graphic Design Joanne Jackson, Roy Lewis, Robert fessors but so that we can pro- serving as deans at our uni- majorities. Ken Harris /www.scsworks.com Webmaster Ridley, Victor Holt Lassiter, John E. DeFreitas, Shevry vide a state-of-the-art education versity, and 70 percent of our “Only four HBCUs have a Roy Lewis, Nancy Shia L.Y. Marlow CIRCULATION to our students. Morehouse is students are female – gone are six-year graduation rate of over Paul Trantham known for preparing leaders in the days when Howard was a 50 percent – Howard, MoreINTERNS every field who can go out and place led by and comprised of house, Hampton and Spelman Roger Perryman-Brown; Capricia Galloway make the world a better place cigar-smoking men,” said Fred- – but at some of the schools the for everyone. That’s the impor- erick, 43. rate is just 5 percent,” Freder4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com tance of character preeminence “It’s amazing to consider, but ick said. “You can’t lump us all – imagining a better world and my two young children (ages 8 See COLLEGES on Page 5 then creating it,” said Wilson, and 10) have never seen a white

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WI Staff Writer

HBCUs Pull Out All Stops to Survive

Morehouse and Howard Display Prowess of Black Ancestors

“

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.

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together, and yet we’ve got to reach out to our fellow institutions. We need to develop best practices, and we’ve got to improve on our foundation so that we can last.” One Howard University administrator pointed to the intellectual skills of the two schools’ debate teams as an example of the preparation that students receive from an HBCU. “Competition usually occurs in sports, but our two universities have also competed each year during the nation’s classic by pitting our forensics teams against one another in an impressive display of the American parliamentary style of debate,” said Alvin Thornton, senior advisor to Frederick. “In many ways, our schools are joined at the hip, and in the ‘game before the game,’ we showcase each school’s tradition of developing great orators in an always anticipated academic rivalry.” The “game before the game,” a more colloquial description of the Mordecai Wyatt Johnson Benjamin E. Mays Student Debate, took place in the Howard University Cramton Auditorium

Where did you hear about that?

Friday afternoon. Students tackled two questions – whether responding with violence could be justified when the first act of violence was initiated by the state and whether a university must diversify in order to remain relevant. Alexander Williams Jr., a retired judge of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, moderated the twohour debate. “Today our students illustrated why and how HBCUs will continue to thrive,” Frederick said. “I just wish we could share these images of young black men and women with the rest of the world instead of the damaging ones that the media tends to show.” Kenneth Newby, an attorney, serves as the director of the national and international award-winning Morehouse speech and debate program. Morehouse will host the U.S. Debate Championship in 2016 for the first time in its history. The Morehouse debate team members included Emmanuel Waddell, co-captain; Rodje Malcolm, captain; Da’Von Boyd; and Curtis O’Neal. Members of the Howard University debate team included Jarrell

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Blakemore, captain; Demarquin Johnson; Ja’Mesha Morgan; and Kalah Ozimba. “We need to see more blacks get involved in debate and go out on the circuit because it prepares young minds to do so many things – and to do them so much better,” Newby said. One Morehouse alum and former debate team member agreed. “Debating increased my confidence in speaking and helped me develop the ability to articulate and analyze critical points in people’s arguments,” said Jameel Odom, 23, a law student at American University in Northwest. “The skills I learned will translate well into my chosen profession of law – I wouldn’t trade what I received for the world.” Wilson said HBCUs have many success stories to share. “We continue to say to the Bill Gates and Googles of the world that we [HBCUs] don’t just want their financial gifts – we believe they need to invest in us and in our students,” Wilson said. WI

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COLLEGES continued from Page 4

ennis.c .saded /www Dennis : Sade Photo

Showing off their skills in American parliamentary debate were members of the Morehouse College debate team, who are joined by their president (center) Friday on the campus of Howard University. Pictured are: Emanuel Waddell, 21, (L-R); Rodje Malcolm, 21; President John Silvanus Wilson Jr.; Da’Von Boyd, 19; and Curtis O’Neal, 21. /Photo by Nancy Shia

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WEEK OF SEPT 18 TO SEPT 24

Black Facts Sept. 18 1895 - Booker T. Washington delivered his famous (or infamous) “Atlanta Compromise” speech in which he promoted black economic betterment at the expense of civil and political rights. 1945 - White students walked out of three schools in Gary, Ind., to protest integration. 1970 - Rocker Jimi Hendrix died at 27. 1971 - Jada Pinkett Smith, actress, was born. 1980 - Cuban cosmonaut Arnold Tamayo becomes the first black person to fly on a space mission. He flew on a spacecraft from the then-Soviet Union. September 19 1881 - Booker T. Washington opened the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. 1941 - Singer Otis Redding was born in Dawson, Ga. 1989 - Gordon Parks’ film “The Learning Tree” is registered in the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. 1981 - An estimated 400,000 people from various labor and civil rights organizations rally in Washington, D.C., to protest the domestic policies of President Ronald Reagan. His policies were viewed by the demonstrating groups as anti-black and opposed to the best interests of working-class people. 1989 - First issue of Emerge magazine went on sale.

BUYING RECORDS

Sept. 20 1664 - Maryland enacts the nation’s first “Anti-Amalgamation Law.” It specifically outlawed marriages between black men and white women. Soon, several other colonies followed the Maryland example. It would not be until the 1960s that the U.S. Supreme Court in the famous Loving v. Virginia case declared all such laws unconstitutional. And, even though it was not being enforced, it was not until 2000 that Alabama officially became the last state to strike from the books its law banning interracial marriages. 1830 - First National Negro Convention met at Philadelphia’s Bethel AME church and elected Richard Allen president. Thirty-eight del-

egates from eight states attended the first national meeting of Blacks. 1885 - Pianist Ferdinand “Jelly Roll” Morton was born in New Orleans. 1984 - “The Cosby Show,” starring comedian and activist Bill Cosby, debuted on NBC Television. It became one of the nation’s highest-rated television series and was widely praised by civil rights activists because of its generally positive portrayal of a black middle-class family. 1987 - Alfre Woodard won her second Emmy for outstanding guest performance in the dramatic television series “L.A. Law.” 1891 – Inventor F.W. Leslie patented the envelope seal. 1905 - The Atlanta Life Insurance Company was established in Atlanta and became one of the largest insurance companies in America serving predominantly African-American clientele. 1961 - Southern Regional Council announced that the Sit-in Movement had affected 20 states and more than 100 cities in Southern and border states during the period from February 1960 to September 1961. 1984 – Gen. Colin Powell became the first African-American named as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Some blacks praised Powell, the nation’s top military leader, as a role model. He was criticized for supporting what critics considered the government’s war-mongering policies. In 2003, he provided misinformation in support of the Bush administration’s War in Iraq, damaging his generally positive reputation. Sept. 21 1998 - Sprinter Florence Griffith Joyner, the winner of three gold medals and a silver medal at the 1988 Olympics, died at the age of 38. Sept. 22 1905 – A race riot in Atlanta resulted in 10 black people and two white people being killed. 1961 - The Interstate Commerce Commission prohibited segregation on interstate buses and in terminal facilities.

Sept. 23 1863 - Mary Church Terrell, the first black person to serve on the D.C. Board of Education, was born. 1926 - Famed jazz musician John Coltrane was born. 1930 - Musician and composer Ray Charles Robinson was born in Albany, Ga. Sept. 24 1957 - President Dwight Eisenhower ordered federal troops to Central High School in Little Rock, Ark., to prevent interference with school integration of nine black students. 1962 - The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the Board of Higher Education of Mississippi to admit a black student to the university or be held in contempt. 1965 - President Lyndon Johnson issued what is generally considered the nation’s first affirmative action order, Executive Order 11246. It required companies receiving federal construction contracts to ensure equality in the hiring of minorities. Despite a disastrous war in Vietnam, the Southern-born Johnson generally supported a host of legislative and executive efforts beneficial to blacks. 1977 - John T. Walker was named the first black bishop of the Episcopal diocese of Washington. 1986 - Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone made a statement saying that the United States’ “intelligence levels are lower than those in Japan because of African Americans, Hispanics and Puerto Ricans.” Nakasone later apologized, saying his remarks were misinterpreted.

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AROUND THE THE REGION REGION AROUND INTERVIEWS AND PHOTOS BY ELTON HAYES

VIEWP INT WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN TO NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL IN THE WAKE OF THE RAY RICE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SCANDAL? SHOULD GOODELL RESIGN FROM HIS $3-MILLION-PER-YEAR POSITION?

Jamil Mian Washington, D.C. I think the National Football League puts up with a lot of criminal activity from its players, and it hasn’t been that consistent in punishing certain players. [Pittsburgh quarterback] Ben Roethlisberger allegedly raped two women, yet he’s still playing. Ray Rice was involved in a domestic violence case and Goodell and the NFL have essentially fired him. I think the NFL is inconsistent in its punishment of players, and Goodell should resign because of this. Everyone should be treated fairly.

Kevin Andrews Washington, D.C. I definitely think there should be some type of action against Goodell. It looks like Goodell knew about the severity of Rice’s actions, and swept it under the rug because he wanted to protect the business of the NFL. The Rice issue is bigger than football and the NFL. The culture of the NFL has to change. Little kids look up to these athletes like they are gods.

Charlie Perticari College Park, Md. I don’t think he should resign yet – and I qualify that statement by saying yet. The way the facts have come out over the last few weeks about Rice, and the way that the NFL changed its stance after seeing video of the assault, exacerbates the issue. A crime is a crime, whether you see it on video or not. The bigger issue is the crime and the misbehavior from players in the NFL. There are other players in the league who have committed similar crimes, and they’re still playing. The NFL seems to be talking out of both sides of its mouth, and it sends a mixed message.

Dodd White Washington, D.C. At this point, I think we probably need to wait until the investigation plays out to really learn what transpired with Goodell and the Ray Rice video. The complication that I see right now is that there is an “independent” – and I put independent in quotes – investigator on the case who truly is not independent. The NFL probably would have done itself more justice if it would have hired a female investigator. To be fair across the board, I think we need to see how the investigation pans out.

Darryl Bonner Los Angeles I think Roger Goodell should be reprimanded, and I think the NFL should reinstate Ray Rice immediately. The NFL has already imposed a two-game suspension as punishment for the incident. It’s not Ray Rice’s fault that the NFL did not properly investigate the case from the beginning. If a person goes to court, and the judge gives that person a sentence, that judge cannot go back and say “Oh, I made a mistake. I’m going to now give you additional years on your sentence.” The NFL has already imposed a punishment on Rice.

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Sept 18 - Sept 24, 2014

AROUND THE REGION FEMA continued from Page 1 stripped of leave time and passed over for pay increases and promotions and that they’ve been told that they should use the bathrooms only during their 30-minute lunch breaks or could otherwise be forbidden by supervisors to use the restroom. Jose Velez, a disaster-relief specialist who works at the FEMA National Processing Center in Hyattsville, provided a laundry list of complaints. “We are forced to do the same work as other employers who are two and three pay grades higher. Those with five, 10 or 15 years’ experience have been denied paygrade increases, and many have been owed back wages and leave differentials since Hurricane Katrina,” he said. Velez said the restroom rules are unwritten, but he

8 Sept 18 - Sept 24, 2014

called it the “least of the worries because we are in a very hostile and unbelievably discriminatory work environment.” FEMA spokesman Michael Cummings said FEMA refuses to comment on pending litigation. A 2009 inspector general report found “morale problems at the Maryland center [that] may be undermining operations.” Smith said that since he refused to sign a “Condition of Employment” document that said employees can be terminated at the will of their immediate supervisor, a campaign of threats and harassment has been waged against him. He said he’s been repeatedly referred to as “the black guy” or the “rabble-rouser” and has twice been denied promotions. Another Hyattsville-based employee said her boss, who’s

Blacks, Latinos and women said they continue to experience discrimination at FEMA in Hyattsville, Maryland. /Photo courtesy of employmentlaw.com apparently unaware of the fact that Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, once told her that Latino or Puerto Rican employees would never be

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promoted because they aren’t “natural Americans.” “We have devoted our lives to serving our community here in the United States,”

said Estelle Hernandez. “This is the thanks we receive. It’s worse than a slap in the face.” See FEMA on Page 9

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AROUND THE REGION

As detailed in more than 270 separate lawsuits, the working environment at FEMA, which is based in Southwest, is allegedly so bad that morale is extremely low and employees work in constant fear of losing their jobs simply because of their race or gender. /Photo courtesy misnylaw.com

FEMA continued from Page 8 She also alleged that some FEMA workers and supervisors discriminated against Latino disaster victims looking for help, even mocking them and failing to process their requests for assistance. “The supervisors listen in on telephone calls,” Hernandez said, “and they have the ability to disconnect them. And when I’ve gotten non-English-speaking callers and have spoken Spanish to them, I’ve had occasions where my supervisor would yell loudly into the phone, ‘Speak English!’ and then she’d disconnect the call.” In 2009, about 400 Latino employees filed a class-action lawsuit against FEMA, accusing the organization of race and gender discrimination. In dismissing the suit two years later, Judge Dan-

iel Dominguez, of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, said the employees failed to prove discrimination. They “were required to provide a short and plain statement of the claim showing that they are entitled to relief,” Dominguez said. “The well-pleaded facts do not permit the court to infer more than the mere possibility of misconduct the complaint has alleged.” “Further,” the judge said, “such allegations must be at least as plausible as any obvious alternative explanation. [The employees] are not entitled to proceed by virtue of allegations that merely parrot the elements of the cause of action.” The Latino employees have appealed Dominguez’s decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit Court in Boston, where

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a panel of judges will hear arguments later this year. Since the decision and as recently as Aug. 14, many employees at the FEMA center in Hyattsville have filed separate lawsuits against the agency in U.S. District Court in Northwest Washington. The employees are seeking back wages and unspecified damages. “The situation continues to worsen, with congressional requests for the Office of Inspector General to investigate discrimination and the hostile work environment, which includes primarily black females and more than 400 Latino employees, again primarily females,” said attorney Alvaro Calderon, who’s representing the majority of the employees in their lawsuits against FEMA.WI The Washington Informer

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Conversation Resumes on D.C. Statehood Senate Hearing Opens the Door for Heated Debate By D. Kevin McNeir WI Contributing Writer American history shows that the process for territories to become states has often been lengthy, arduous and complicated. Now there’s a renewed battle to add a 51st star on our country’s beloved Old Glory. “Our residents are grateful for today’s hearing even though they doubt statehood will come tomorrow – still it’s a significant and necessary step in putting an issue on the congressional agenda,” said Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, the nonvoting member of Congress who has represented the District of Columbia since 1991. “I know I speak for the record number of citizens who are here today – the 650,000 Americans who live in the District and believe that there are no financial, economic, constitutional or historical reasons that D.C. should not be granted statehood. However, we are not naïve because we realize that we live in the belly of the beast,” Norton said. “As the member who represents the District of Columbia in Congress, I feel what other citizens experience every day – like second-class stepchildren within a union of states – when I am denied the right to participate in the legislative floor vote on behalf of those whom I represent,” said Norton, 77, a native Washingtonian known for her activism. Norton delivered her remarks during the Senate hearing on S. 132, the New Columbia Admission Act of 2013, which was convened by Sen. Thomas R. Carper (D-Del.) on Monday at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Northeast. More than 100 people filled the third-floor chambers, with many standing along the walls. Others had to remain outside, seemingly content to show their solidarity with the statehood movement while occasionally hearing portions of the testimonies inside. “This is another step in democracy for D.C. residents – we’re the only place in the U.S. where Americans serve on juries, fight in wars and pay taxes but do not have a vote in Congress,” said Gray. “This bill is an important step toward righting a wrong.” “Some state representatives believe that D.C. is only the home to monuments, museums, government offices and courtrooms, but I can tell you as a native Washingtonian that D.C., a city that I love, is home for hundreds of thousands of hardworking families and strong communities,” said Gray, 71. Even children attended the hearing, illustrating their interest in civics and The Washington Informer

D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray and D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson confer during the congressional hearing on D.C. statehood on Monday, Sept. 15 at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Northeast. /Photo by Nancy Shia

the political process. “We should have a vote in Congress and be represented by senators and representatives just like other states so our needs and concerns can be addressed – then we’d have a chance to impact our own future,” said Linda Lopez, 14, a ninth-grader at Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy in Northwest, accompanied by her teacher January Morrison and seven other classmates. Carper, who called for the hearing after citizens had been forced to wait nearly 20 years for such an opportunity, shared his insights on how S. 132 would change life for the better for residents of the District. “This is not a new fight – as soon as the capital city was organized in 1801, citizens of the District of Columbia began fighting for equal representation,” said Carper, chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. “My goal for this hearing was to educate a new generation of people about this injustice and restart the conversation about finding a thoughtful solution.” “The bill would pave the way for the potential creation of a 51st state called New Columbia with full voting rights in Congress. Under S. 132, a federal district called Washington, D.C. – encompassing the White House, the Capitol, the Supreme Court and the National Mall – would remain under the control of Congress as the Constitution mandates,” said Carper, 67. Carper queried Gray and Norton about the ramifications of the bill. Norton, clearly annoyed, attempted to

maintain her composure as she spoke on behalf of her constituents. Gray emphasized the sizeable tax base that D.C. residents support. One woman who participated in the 1993 D.C. statehood movement said all Americans should be appalled by the fact that citizens of the District continue to experience “taxation without representation.” “When I moved to D.C. from New York City over 25 years ago, I discovered that I was no longer a citizen of an American city with all rights thereof – suddenly I was a resident in a city whose members were denied a voice and vote in Congress,” said Albrette “Gigi” Ransom, a former advisory neighborhood commissioner who lives in Northwest. “There’s no logical reason why we’re still being denied our inalienable rights as guaranteed to all Americans by the U.S. Constitution.” One longtime activist and attorney described the Senate hearing as “a landmark, historical event.” “To finally have a hearing after 20 years is truly significant, but let’s be clear – we’re nowhere near getting what’s needed – what citizens in D.C. deserve,” said Jerry Clark, chairman of the D.C. Statehood Coalition and political director for D.C. for Democracy. “The good news is that after two decades, we’ve finally been able to kick off the movement for full rights. The job before us now is to secure more co-sponsors in the District and across the country, and that’s exactly what we intend to do,” said Clark, 73. WI

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Sept 18 - Sept 24, 2014

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY EDUCATION BRIEFS Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer Publicity Release Forms Throughout the school year, the Board of Education and schools within the county system will conduct activities that could publicize events via local or national news media. These activities may include interview sessions with news reporters; photographs of individual students or groups of students for newspapers or various school system publications including newsletters, calendars, and brochures; the use of student photos on the schools’ website; and videotaping for local and national television news programs, cable programming and school system promotional videos. Forms that are available to allow students to participate must be signed by parents and returned to their respective schools. For more information, contact the schools’ Office of Communications at 301-9526001.

Schools’Award-Winning TV 96/38 TV 96/38 serves as county residents’ eye inside the schools system. Operated by highly experienced broadcast professionals, the 24-hour cable station produces hundreds of hours of original programming featuring students, schools, curriculum, arts, athletics and more. Educational programs also aid in achievement for students in all areas and provide staff development and training for teachers and other employees. In addition, residents can tune to channel 96/38 for information on bus delays, weather and emergency school closings. Cellphone Tower Opposed The Prince George’s County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has formed a three-county coalition to oppose cellphone towers on school property. Prince George’s NAACP President Robert “Bob” Ross said the organization decided to take a stand after being approached by the parent group Safe Schools

The celebration kickoff for Homegrown School Lunches Week took place on Sept. 15 at Gwynn Park High School in Brandywine, Maryland. /Courtesy Photo

for Prince George’s County. The newly formed grassroots organization has created a website and petitioned the school board to halt all cellphone tower construction and contracts. To date, the organization has received more than 1,000 signatures to urge the school system to stop cell tower construction.

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Homegrown School Lunches Week Students in hundreds of public schools across the state got a taste of fresh, Maryland-grown and -produced food in their school-served lunches during the seventh annual Maryland Homegrown School Lunches Week, Sept. 15-19. A statewide celebration kickoff that included special educational activities and lunches with students, farmers, federal, state and local officials took place on Monday at Gwynn Park High School in Brandywine, Maryland. Homegrown School Lunches Week derived from the Jane Lawton Farm to School Program, the partial result of a bill signed into law by Gov. Martin O’Malley following the 2008 session of the Maryland General Assembly. Overall, the program helps educate students about the origin of food, how it’s produced, and the benefits of a healthy diet.

Teen Zone at Bowie Library Librarians at the Bowie Branch Library in Bowie, Maryland, are offering high school students a new program that not only allows conversations above a whisper but provides them with snacks, board games and a steady stream of their favorite hit songs. The free Teen Zone program, which launched at the library in August, sits in close proximity to Bowie High School, and it’s headed by librarian Joslyn Jones, who’s also the branch’s youth services coordinator. Jones said that the program, which takes place in the large meeting room at the library, offers students a supervised place to relax or do homework while blocking noise from other library patrons.WI

The new Teen Zone at a branch library in Bowie, Maryland, provides a place where teenage students can come and do their homework or wind down with music. /Courtesy Photo

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Famed Artist Unveils Portrait for O’Malley Simmie Knox’s Frederick Douglass Painting Makes Maryland History By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer When Simmie Knox received a telephone call recently in which the caller asked him to paint a portrait of Frederick Douglass, he wasn’t at all surprised. After all, Knox has painted numerous great African-Americans in the past, and his work already includes a stunning portrait of Douglass that remains on display in the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum in Southeast. However, the location of the Douglass painting that the caller commissioned proved to be what surprised Knox more than anything. “They contacted me because they knew of me because of my work,” Knox said. “They asked if I would be interested in doing a portrait of Frederick Douglass, and, of course, I said I would. I have done portraits for a number of years, so the surprise wasn’t that they asked me – the surprise was that it was going to be in the governor’s mansion in Maryland,” he said. Knox made history Monday when Gov. Martin O’Malley unveiled the artist’s portrait of Douglass at the Maryland governor’s residence in Annapolis. It marked the first time that the likeness of an African-American adorned the walls there. “It’s truly an honor to be part of this celebration and com-

Gov. Martin O’Malley and his wife, the Honorable Katie O’Malley with Frederick Douglass portrait artist Simmie Knox, and investment banker Eddie Brown and his wife Sylvia at the Maryland governor’s mansion in Annapolis on Monday, Sept. 15. /Photo by Shevry Lassiter

memorate the life of one of my boyhood heroes, Frederick Douglass, a Marylander who despite facing tremendous adversity, never lost hope and never stopped fighting for the better future he dreamed of,” O’Malley, 51, said in a statement. “This beautiful portrait, the first image of an African American to ever grace the walls of our Government House, will act as an inspiration for future generations and a fitting tribute to his spirit of resilience, achievement, and fortitude,” the governor said. Commissioned by the C. Sylvia and Eddie C. Brown Family Foundation, the portrait underscored and strengthened the nexus between Knox, the celebrated portraitist, and the legacy of the famous abolitionist Douglass, officials at the governor’s office said. O’Malley said the trio of Douglass, Knox and Brown, whose Brown Capital Management counts as one of the oldest black-owned investment companies in the state, honors the culture and history of Maryland. “This is significant because of the location, of course, but I have painted governors, presidents, Supreme Court justices, and they’re all important to me. I take everyone seriously,” said Knox, 79. The first African-American artist to create an official U.S. presidential portrait, Knox has unveiled portraits of President Bill Clinton, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, talk show host Oprah Winfrey and many others. Born in Aliceville, Alabama,

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Knox graduated from the Tyler School of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia. He has specialized in oil portraiture since 1981, and, prior to that, he taught at various colleges, universities, and public schools in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and the District, including the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Northwest. He turned to portraiture after years of painting a wide variety of art because he found that there’s nothing more challenging and interesting to paint than the human face, Knox said. Although he’d previously crafted a portrait of Douglass, Knox said this one proved a bit more challenging. “That’s because it was a largescale portrait and I only had a half of a body image to begin with, and I had to do it in color,” he said, noting that the portrait for the governor’s residence stands 6 feet by 7 feet tall. “I’ve been at this work for 55 years, but to do it in color is always challenging,” he said. A key to his success, Knox said, has been the fact that he possesses the technical skills and also loves his craft. “I spent years as an abstract painter, learning how to mix certain colors that will portray my subjects in a natural way,” he said. “One of the reasons President Clinton loved the portrait I did of him was because he said it looked so real, so natural.”WI The Washington Informer

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Sept 18 - Sept 24, 2014

HAMEL BUILDERS INC. BID INFORMATION Hamel Builders Inc. cordially invites you to bid on the Channing Phillips Homes Project. This is a Hamel project that is located in Washington DC. This is a new construction project consisting of (1) 8-story building with (56) units.Bids are due -October 3rd at 2:00 pm; Please submit all the questions and bids to estimating@ hamelbuilders.com Link below includes the following: Plans;Specifications (https://hamelbuilders.box.com/s/jxun7ltjuo5teu7gxs5i)

EXCEL ACADEMY PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Excel Academy PCS is seeking proposals for the installation of a fully comprehensive video surveillance, access control, and intrusion system. Proposals are due September 26, 2014 by 5pm EST at the school’s offices: Attn: Katie Proch Excel Academy Public Charter School 2501 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE Washington, DC 20020 For questions or more information, please send via email to kproch@excelpcs.org

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D.C. Council Chairman candidate Kris Hammond (Republican), a former civil rights attorney and ten-year D.C. resident, is seeking a grassroots coordinator for Southeast D.C. Please contact the Hammond campaign at Kris@KrisforDC.com or call (202) 492-2920. For more information on the campaign, visit www.KrisForDC.com.

14 Sept 18 - Sept 24, 2014

NATIONAL

Ebola Weakens Already Fragile Nations By Barrington M. Salmon WI Staff Writer@bsalmondc As the Ebola virus decimates their beloved country, Liberian ambassador to the United States Jeremiah C. Sulunteh and Marion Parker Cassell Nelson watch with horror and growing concern. Since March, the tiny West African country has emerged as ground zero for Ebola, with the vast majority of cases and fatalities occurring there. According to the World Health Organization, the outbreak has infected more than 4,900 West Africans and killed 2,400. Over the last several days, WHO senior officials have warned that the virus will continue to spread exponentially in Liberia, as thousands of new cases are expected to come to light over the next three weeks. “Some time in March, the government was able to discover Ebola that we understand started in Guinea,” said Sulunteh during a Sept. 13 interview. “With porous borders, Ebola spread to Lofa County. Liberian people were still in a state of denial. A lot of people took it for granted, didn’t take it seriously.” “Now, Liberians all over are overwhelmed. We’re all heartbroken. We’re broken by this epidemic. It’s taken people’s lives and crumbled our economy. We’re so very concerned about the pace of Ebola. There are 1,200 dead, including 82 health care workers.” Sulunteh said 14 years of war in his country left in its wake a broken, tattered infrastructure. “Those 14 years took a toll on our roads, hospitals, water supplies, electricity grids, schools – all was destroyed. The government is taking the broken pieces and trying to restore our country.” He said death is everywhere, and groups are assigned to find and remove bodies from communities, homes, parking lots and shopping centers. Nelson, a Liberian native, reflected his anguish. “I’m very troubled by what’s going on. I talk to people there every day,” she said. “I’m in Liberia often. There’s a sense of helplessness because you want to be there, want to help. You can’t just go, though. We’ve never experienced this before. It hurts. It really hurts our citizens to hear this. We’re praying, but it’s not just God. We need financial The Washington Informer

Liberian ambassador Jeremiah C. Sulunteh said his country has been overwhelmed by the Ebola epidemic and that without substantial help from the international community, Liberia’s future looks grim. /Photo courtesy of the Liberian Embassy

and medical help.” “I was there earlier this year. People need food, beds and proper clothing to take care of the patients. I understand that when some people go to clinics, there are no beds.” Sulunteh said 12 of Liberia’s 15 counties have confirmed cases of Ebola, a hemorrhagic disease that’s transmitted through contact with victims’ infected bodily fluids. Before the outbreak, WHO officials said, Liberia had only one doctor to treat every 100,000 patients in the country, whose population stands at 4.4 million. To date, the WHO said, 152 health care workers in the country have been infected and 79 have died, which has worsened the ratio of doctors to patients significantly. Sulunteh said Liberian government officials have been in consultation with what he called the Manu River Union on ways to contain Ebola. Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone share a common border along the Manu River. He said the group has gotten bigger with the addition of members from the Economic Community of West African States and that there have been regional and strategic meetings around the issue. “The fear is that if it’s not contained properly, it could have a spillover effect on neighboring countries,” he said. Here at home, Sia Barbara Ka-

mara heads an Ebola response team that is raising money, materials and resources and publicizing the need for more help. “The health care system is very, very fragile. They have one dental hygienist in the country,” said Kamara, who has been working in Liberia since 2010 to build an early-childhood education infrastructure and visited Liberia in May. “There are lots of people who stayed there during the war, so they’re traumatized. Schools were not functioning, and we have a generation of uneducated people. Liberia has the resources – diamonds, gold, iron ore, rubber – but Liberians don’t control these resources. Eighty-five percent of the people are unemployed. You see a lot of people not working, but they’re trying to live from day to day.” The Ghana Broadcasting Station said Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, visited Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea Sept. 16. He held talks with other heads of state about subregional and international interventions as a way to support affected countries in their efforts to deal with the outbreak. Mahama’s working with the United Nations to set up an inter-

See EBOLA on Page 15

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NATIONAL

Barbara Kamara currently heads an Ebola Response Team which is raising money, obtaining materials, resources and publicizing the need for more help. She has been working in Liberia since 2010 to build an early childhood education infrastructure and visited Liberia in May. /Courtesy Photo

EBOLA continued from Page 14 national logistics center in Accra that will serve as the main hub for the fight against Ebola in West Africa. He also donated food on behalf of the government and people of Ghana at each stop. Nelson and Sulunteh expressed their hope that the U.S. and other members of the global community will step up and help their beleaguered country. In recent days, the U.S. and Britain have ratcheted up their involvement. President Barack Obama announced Monday that the U.S. is sending 3,000 troops to Liberia, where the U.S. military will set up a command post in the Liberian capital of Monrovia. He also announced $100 million in resources to fight Ebola. Meanwhile, the State Department plans to send 160,000 hazmat bodysuits and 5,000 body bags to Liberia. The Obama administration had been under steady criticism for its seemingly hands-off attitude as the epidemic spread. On Sept. 7, the president said during an interview on “Meet the Press” that Ebola poses a significant national security threat. The Associated Press and Britain’s Daily Mail are reporting that Britain has donated 25 million pounds and is sending troops to West Africa. On Friday, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon asked for $600 million to fight the disease, and Microsoft co-founders Paul Allen and Bill Gates recently donated more than

$60 million. Officials from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation said the $50 million it’s offering includes $10 million the foundation previously committed for emergency operations, treatment and research. A portion of that money will go toward strengthening the infrastructures of existing health care systems in affected countries. Of that money, $5 million went to WHO for emergency operations, research and development. In addition, $5 million went to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to support efforts in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea to purchase medical supplies, coordinate response efforts and spread information. Sulunteh said he and his country are grateful for all that the U.S. and the international community have done for Liberia, but he also said Liberia’s future hangs in the balance. “The issue of food is overwhelming. When you quarantine people, you restrict their movements. That means that farmers can’t go to their fields and people cannot go out to search for food. The economy is receding, and the finance minister announced a few days ago that we’re in recession. The next challenge will be how to revive the economy.” WI

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Sept 18 - Sept 24, 2014

BUSINESS EXCHANGE

The Importance of a Good Retirement Plan Many of us think retirement is far away, but time flies, and before you realize it you will have to ask yourself, “What have I saved for my retirement?” When we were young, our parents were planning for their future while taking care of our needs. Now, we are on our own and we have to face the realities of life. Fortunately, we have more incentives for saving than our parents – our 401(k) plan! Yet, you think of a million reasons to postpone your participation in a 401(k) plan. Why is it important to use a 401(k) plan to save for retirement? Just look at some excuses (bold) people use not to invest in a 401(k) plan as compared to the benefits explaining why they should (italics): “I don’t make enough money for 401(k) saving” With a 401(k) you may benefit from more than just your contribution - your company may match your contribution; since the contribution is taken out before taxes, you pay less income tax! “I am too young to worry about it right now; time is on my side” When you start saving early, your money has more time to accumulate; the earnings on your investments and the annual compounding of those earnings can make a big difference in your final returns! “I am too old, it’s too late” It is never too late. Here is why - If you’re 50 years or older, you can make up for a late start and contribute a catch-up amount. Check your plan limits for the amount and you still have time to put your money to work for you! “Stocks, Bonds… it’s too

confusing…”

No worries... Your plan may have the option to invest your money in a “pre-set” asset allocation or life style model that takes in to account your expected retirement date or age! “Why save, l will still have my Social Security” Don’t count on Social Security income alone for two reasons. First, that income may be too small to cover all your expenses even as a retiree. Second, an unexpected dwindling future workforce may threaten the very stability of the Social Security system! Now that we are on the right track by saving through a 401(k) plan, we need to preserve our savings in the plan until we retire. Many of us have a temptation to borrow from our nest egg by taking a “loan” from the plan without much thought, since it is allowed. This could be a “Big Mistake” unless the financial needs are too critical. When you see below how much that loan can affect your retirement, you will surely think again. What does it really cost to take a 401(k) or other retirement plan loan? Any loan through a retirement plan has to be paid back, including the amount of the loan plus interest. However, the real cost is the significant loss from that loan in your retirement savings. Retirement savings are lost when you borrow from a retirement plan because:

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You may lose potential growth on the earnings, or compounding of those earnings.

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You repay the loan with after-tax dollars.

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There may be an initial set-up and loan fee.

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Many participants decrease the amount they are contributing in order to compensate for the loan payment.

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You may not be paying yourself back the same amount you would have earned if you left the money invested (you pay yourself back at 7% interest, but may have been able to earn more within the investment options).

Always consider other loan options before taking out a retirement plan loan. Last, but not least, some plans allow for a “Hardship Withdrawal” based on the dire need of the participant. Please refrain from that if you can. Based on IRS regulations and some of the Plan Provisions, you may not be able to participate in the plan for six months following a Hardship Withdrawal, which means you have no contribution or no match at all for that period of time. So, the moral of this article is, “Have a good Retirement Plan. If you do not have a banking relationship and are in the market for a bank partner, know that Industrial Bank is ready to support you. Call us at (202)722-2000 or go to www.industrial-bank.com.

16 Sept 18 - Sept 24, 2014

The Washington Informer

Send a Message to Congress For Black descendants of slaves to get their just due in America, it would require an act of Congress. Acts of Congress are designated as either public laws or private laws. The full realization of Blacks’ voting power kicks in when the nation’s 43 Black members of Congress come together to bring about an act of Congress toward reparations for the country’s 30 million Black descendants of slaves. Too often, Blacks are all too happy to pursue other concerns to show racism occurring, but vacillate in pursuing reparations for the ongoing crimes perpetuated against them. The politically savvy among us know that the 113th congressional session is occurring. At its outset, the 113th Congress had 43 African-American members (all but one in the House of Representatives). Operating together, those 43 Black legislators could make reparations a reality. The Congressional Black Caucus contends that it “influences the course of events pertinent to African Americans” and works to “achieve greater equity for persons of African descent in the design and content of domestic and international programs and services.” Since it started in 1971 as a policy wonk conference for African-American lawmakers, Black Caucus weekend has blossomed into an annual networking event for Black America’s business and cultural elite. This year’s Congressional Black Caucus 44th Annual Legislative Conference is an event sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Inc., which boasts that it “is the premier gathering of African Americans, cultivating engaging policy discussions on issues that impact Black communities.” As the nation’s Black leaders gather in Washington, D.C., Sept. 24-27, it’s important they know that the great symbols of America, the Capitol and White House, were built on the backs of slaves. The 44th ALC will be a four-day conference with scores of policy sessions, a national town hall and a job and contract procurement fair. During

By William Reed the ALC’s sessions, many people will dwell on Ferguson, but hopefully the subject matter experts, industry leaders, elected officials and concerned citizens there will focus on generating energy and activity toward a national discourse about race, slavery and reparations that will reverberate throughout the country and Congress. Though they’ve been slow to collectively support H.R. 40, the concept of reparations isn’t new to the CBC. In January 1989, Rep. John Conyers first introduced the bill H.R. 40, “Commission to Study Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act” to Congress. Over the years, Conyers has convened numerous ALC reparations forums. Blacks’ passage of the H.R. 40 bill would be a high honor to the ancestors who built the Capitol for no pay. H.R. 40 is a first step toward Blacks getting paid. The bill would establish a “Commission to Study the Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act.” Also known as the “Reparations Act,” the bill would establish a federal commission to review the institution of slavery and the resulting racial and economic discrimination that impacted and continues to impact generations of African-Americans. The bill wouldn’t pay up now, but acknowledge the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality and inhumanity of slavery in the U.S. between 1619 and 1865 and “make recommendations to help correct the residual effects of these acts.” Reparations mean “repair.” In actual practice, Black Americans continue to experience a precarious social and economic existence. Three-fourths of Blacks are owed a million dollars each, but too few know and

See REED on Page 17

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BUSINESS

Wealth and Income Inequalities Bad for America Amid stagnant wages, nag-

ging underemployment and unemployment, many families continue to struggle with their finances. Some may even have wondered “Will we ever make financial headway?” On Sept. 10, a Capitol Hill briefing was held to unveil a new policy brief that examined America’s shrinking middle class. “Responding to Rising Inequality: Policy Interventions to Ensure Opportunity for All” was developed and published by the Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society at the University of California at Berkeley. According to the brief, “Income polarization is growing and the middle class is shrinking.” The event, hosted by the Economic Policy Institute, featured several speakers, including john a. powell, director of the Haas Institute and a professor of law and African-American and ethnic studies at U-C Berkeley. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) delivered the session’s opening keynote address. After pointing out that African-Americans hold six cents in wealth for every $1 held by whites, Lee said the report underscores the need for a new national priority: working toward an inclusive economy. “This report shows just how entrenched the barriers to economic opportunity have become over the last several decades,” said Lee. “For far

Comments? Comments? Email us at: REED continued from Page 16

By Charlene Crowell too many years, the American Dream of a decent job and a better life for one’s children has become really a distant memory, pushed out of reach by failed policies and misguided priorities.” Key findings from the report show: Economic inequality pulls the rungs of the ladder of class advancement farther apart Economic mobility is highly correlated with parental income Intergenerational economic mobility varies significantly by metropolitan region “The average annual income for the top one percent of households in 2012 was about $1.3 million, while median household income was $51,017,” the report stated. “The recession’s impact on unemployment for Black men was almost double that for White men and the impact for Black women was almost triple that for White women.” Similar income inequities were also found in the recently released Survey of Consumer Finances by the Federal Reserve. It found that financial stress is real, widespread and long-term. From 2010 to 2013, according to the Fed, the only consumers who made significant and positive financial strides

Opinions?

were the top 10 percent of earners – those with a median income of $230,000. For both household heads under the age of 35 and over 75, stark drops in income occurred. Middle-aged, middle-class consumers sandwiched between these two generations have yet to recover the lost wealth that occurred between 2007 and 2010. The key issue facing consumers is whether they are building or losing wealth. Former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich, now a member of the Haas Institute Economic Disparities Research Cluster, has conducted research showing that if gains to the economy had been equally shared by all Americans, the typical consumer would be much better off financially by 60 percent. Instead, 95 percent of all national income gains went to the top 1 percent. Additionally, much of the growth in wealth that has happened since the recovery began has been through investments rather than wages and salaries, particularly nonhousing investments. The single largest investment that most families make – owning a home – peaked at 69.1 percent in 2004 and dropped to 65.2 percent in the Fed’s recent survey. Summarizing the new findings, powell, Haas Institute director, said, “Growing inequality has actually retarded economic growth. . . . If we continue down this road, it’s not just going to hurt Blacks, Latinos, Native Americans or poor Whites. It’s hurting the entire country; it’s undermining our democracy; undermining our economy and undermining American ideals.”WI Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.

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understand the details of H.R. 40. At this ALC event, Black leaders have the opportunity to initiate plans, discussions and campaigns toward CBC adaption and eventual congressional passage of reparations legislation.

What does it take to motivate the 30 million Blacks eligible for $1.5 million each in compensation to ask for support and passage of H.R. 40? Let’s each send a message to Congress to vote “yes” on reparations in compensation for the crimes of slavery and indigenous genocide. Blacks deserve justice for

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the horrific consequences of one of the greatest crimes committed against humanity in the history of this planet, the 400 years of the African slave trade.

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Sept 18 - Sept 24, 2014

HEALTH

Dr. Ian Smith Highlights Health at UDC By Ariel Medley WI Contributing Writer Dr. Ian K. Smith delivered a frightening message during an appearance at the University of the District of Columbia on Sept. 11: African-Americans are disproportionately obese and therefore suffer from hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and some cancers at a rate higher than other races. To turn that around, Smith told an audience during a lec-

ture in the university’s Windows Lounge, blacks need to live healthier lifestyles by eating more nutritious foods and incorporating exercise into their daily routines. The fitness guru’s appearance highlighted UDC’s ninth annual Back to School BBQ and Green Living Expo and launched the university’s new health and wellness initiative, “Get Up and Move.” “African-Americans are two times more likely to have obesity-related illnesses, like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, strokes

Dr. Ian K. Smith encouraged students to eat healthy and exercise during an appearance at UDC in Northwest on September 11. /Photo courtesy of UDC

and prostate cancer than other races in America. And why?” Smith asked the audience. “Let me see a show of hands of those who have had their annual

screenings.” Fewer than five of the 100 people in the audience raised their hands. “The reason African-Americans die from these diseases so quickly is because we are not getting our screenings done. We are diagnosed at such a late stage that it becomes difficult to defeat the illness. Get your screenings. Stay healthy. Live active,” he said. An advocate for healthy living, Smith, 45, has dedicated his career to helping Americans shed unwanted pounds by cutting their calories and ramping up their exercise. He is the creator of two highly acclaimed national health initiatives, The 50 Million

Pound Challenge and The Makeover Mile. Smith is also the author of 11 health and wellness books, five of which reached the No. 1 spot on The New York Times Best Sellers list. Smith is regularly featured on the Emmy Award-winning talk show “The Doctors” and hosts the nationally syndicated “HealthWatch” program on the American Urban Radio Network. The UDC back-to-school celebration featured live music and exhibitions by green-living experts and vendors who showcased everything from eco-friendly clothing and cosmetics to household cleaners and home improvement materials. “We are absolutely thrilled to have such an influential health advocate in support of our ‘Get Up and Move’ campaign,” said Ayana Elliott, UDC’s director of University Health Services, in a statement. “There’s overwhelming evidence that students who lead active lifestyles do better academically and are less likely to experience major illnesses or early death, and Dr. Smith’s voice amplifies our message that the more you move, the better you learn.” Smith spent the early part of the day chatting with students, faculty and staff at the barbecue. In the late afternoon, however, he moved into serious subject

See SMITH on Page 19

Dr. Ian K. Smith (center) stands with students and faculty at UDC’s Back to School BBQ and Green Living Expo in Northwest on Sept.11. /Photo courtesy of UDC

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HEALTH SMITH continued from Page 18 matters with a lecture that drew students, faculty, staff and visitors who listened intently as the physician outlined the problems associated with obesity among African-Americans. He cited statistics from the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which show that almost 35 percent of adults in the United States – 78.6 million – are obese. Blacks have the highest “age-adjusted rates of obesity” – 47.8 percent, which compares with 42.5 percent of Hispanics, 32.6 percent of whites and 10.8 percent of Asians. Obesity among the young is increasing at a disturbing rate, he said. Research from the CDC shows that the rate of obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in ado-

lescents in the last 30 years. In 1980, 7 percent of U.S. children ages 6-11 were obese; that number had reached almost 18 percent by 2012. During the same time, obesity among adolescents ages 12-19 increased from 5 percent to almost 21 percent. “Did you know that about 42 percent of college kids learn about healthy living or healthy eating from their peers or from YouTube?” Smith asked. “They don’t have all the facts, and they end up making poor food decisions.” Others eat poorly because of what he called “food insecurity” – lack of access to lean meats, legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables and other nutritious foods. Smith engaged in an extensive conversation with the audience, asking questions and encouraging people to shout out answers. He urged students to lim-

it their sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams per day and to drink eight to 10 glasses of water daily – including a glass before each meal. He presented students and faculty with suggestions for a healthy diet based on the offerings in the university’s dining hall. And he encouraged the audience members to be patient in their quest to be healthier. “People have to realize that dieting is not a sprint; it’s a marathon,” he said. “If you celebrate the small victories, you will eventually win the war.” Elliott said the UDC health and wellness initiative is a joint venture between the university health services, athletics and human resources departments and the counseling center. The program provides weekly aerobics, swimming and strength training sessions, the statement said.WI

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DCPS EDUCATION BRIEFS

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School-served breakfast, fresh fruit and after-school snacks are free for DCPS students. /Courtesy Photo

Complied by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer Truancy Clarifications Chancellor Kaya Henderson recently provided clarifications regarding truancy, explaining that laws regarding the matter are explicit to ensure consistent in-seat attendance in school and to provide a safety net for students not attending school and who might be in harm’s way. “Our schools notify families, usually with an automated phone call, after the first unexcused absence. An automated letter is sent from the school to families after a student accrues five, sev-

en and 10 unexcused absences,” Henderson, 44, said in a statement. “The letter shares details about the law and attendance requirements for students. If a student from age 5 to 13 accrues 10 unexcused absences, schools are required to report those absences to the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA). When schools contact CFSA, they provide the details they know that may have contributed to the student’s unexcused absences,” she said. “CFSA proceeds accordingly, contacting the family to understand why the student was absent. In cases when CFSA determines that the absences are

See BRIEFS on Page 21

Chancellor Kaya Henderson will deliver her annual “State of the Schools” address on Tuesday Sept. 30 at the newly renovated H.D. Woodson High School in Northeast. /Courtesy Photo

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DCPS EDUCATION BRIEFS

The newly renovated H.D. Woodson High School in Northeast will serve as the venue for Chancellor Kaya Henderson’s upcoming “State of the Schools” address on Tuesday Sept. 30. /Courtesy Photo

BRIEFS continued from Page 20 not cause for concern and the child is safe, no further action is taken.” ‘State of Schools’ Address Henderson will deliver her annual “State of the Schools” address at 7 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 30 at H.D. Woodson High School, which is located at 540 55th Street in Northeast. Henderson will share the school system’s progress and her priorities for developing a high-quality, vibrant school district that provides a world-class education for students. The reception that follows with light refreshments will include student performances and interactive displays from academic programs and initiatives. The audience will also have a chance to chat with the chancellor and members of her administration, meet parents from across the city, sample the newest school lunch items and tour the newly renovated Woodson high school. The event is free and open to the public. Student Meals, Payments Breakfast, fresh fruit and vegetable snacks, along with nutritious after-school goodies, are

free for students. Students who qualify to receive free or reduced meals or who attend a Provision 2 or Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school will receive lunch at no charge. Otherwise, the cost of elementary (pre-K through fifthgrade) lunches is $2.10, and it is $2.60 for secondary students (sixth through 12th grades). Students who are classified as paying recipients or who have not filled out a “Free and Reduced Meal” application and attend a non-Provision/CEP school must pay for lunch. However, students’ meal accounts function as a debit account. When students go through the lunch line to receive a meal, they give the cafeteria manager their names or numbers. The cost of the meals is then deducted from their student meal accounts. If there are insufficient funds in the student’s meal account, the student still receives a meal, and the student meal account will show a negative balance. There’s no limit to the amount of negative balance a student can accrue; however, no alternative meals will be served to a student with a negative balance. Students will continue to accrue negative balances until additional funds are placed into their accounts.WI

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EDUCATION

School Closings Draw Fire in D.C., Nationwide By Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer @dorothyrowley It’s a scenario that’s being played out year after year across the nation: the shuttering of traditional public schools in predominantly black and brown neighborhoods, leading to the displacement of students who are subsequently forced to attend classes outside of their communities. Some students have been directed to the proliferation of charter schools popping up around the country. But while city and school officials in large urban areas such as Philadelphia; New Orleans; Newark, New Jersey; Memphis,

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Tennessee; and Washington, D.C., continue plans to shutter schools, local coalitions comprising parents, students and community advocates stand firm in their support of traditional public schools, which have remained popular among urban students and their families. The controversy over school closings came to a boil in Newark Sept. 3 when parents who opted not to send their children to charter schools after their community schools were closed were forced to wait in long lines to register them at public schools away from their neighborhoods, authorities said. “What is happening in Newark is part of the harmful trend

A parent echoes the sentiments of many others in the District who support a lawsuit filed in March 2013 to halt the closings of more neighborhood schools. /Photo courtesy Empower DC

of closing under-resourced schools in communities of color and turning them over to private companies,” said Jitu Brown, national director of the Newark-based Journey for Justice Alliance, a grassroots coalition supporting traditional public schools organized last year in 22 cities, including the District.

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Activists in Newark and New Orleans – where nine in 10 students attend charter schools – have recently followed the actions of District education advocates by filing civil rights complaints and protesting school closings. About 43 percent of students attend charter schools in D.C., according to

statistics from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. As public schools in Newark reopened on Sept. 4, Brown’s organization joined nine others across the country in recommending community-based, community-informed methods

See CLOSINGS on Page 23

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EDUCATION CLOSINGS continued from Page 22 for improving school quality. “[The people] of Newark demand the right to run and operate the school district through a democratically elected and empowered school board,” said Brown, who noted that charters operate independently through a contract with the state or local school board. In March 2013, two months after D.C. schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson mandated the shuttering of 15 schools, most of which were located in Ward 7 and Ward 8, officials from the community advocacy group Empower DC filed a lawsuit against the chancellor and Mayor Vincent C. Gray to halt further closings of schools, saying the closings were discriminatory in nature. The complaint was closed after a judge granted a summary judgment to Gray and Henderson. Empower DC plans to appeal the decision. No schools have been closed since, although the Mamie D. Lee School in Northeast Washington and the C. Melvin Sharpe Health Center in Northwest – both of which serve students with severe disabilities – face closure when the current school year ends. If the schools closed, students would be moved to River Terrace Elementary School in Northeast or schools in their neighborhoods. “The Sharpe Health Center is a school that was architecturally designed for students with physical [disabilities],” said Washington Teachers’ Union President Elizabeth Davis, who has opposed the school closings. “The facility at River Terrace is not conducive to

what the students from Sharpe need.” Daniel del Pielago, Empower DC’s education coordinator, said his organization will be working with the Journey for Justice team to fight school closings in Newark and New Orleans. Del Pielago, 36, added that the second annual Day of Service, for representatives from chapters of the Journey for Justice Alliance, will be held next month in the District to spotlight efforts to keep schools open. “[While] we’ve addressed the issue at the national level, the real fights persist at the local level.” Hilary O. Shelton, 56, director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s Washington bureau, said the proliferation of charter schools and ongoing state budget constraints have put more pressure on branches of his organization to engage in the debate over school closings. He said chapters around the country, including D.C., have raised concerns that have drawn the NAACP’s leadership into the conversation. Shelton said he has learned that some schools were closed based on location. Some schools that have been shuttered or are scheduled for closure served their communities effectively, he said. “So this is something that has been … consistent with us, going back, quite frankly, to Brown vs. Board of Education,” he said, referring to the landmark 1954 U.S. Supreme Court case that outlawed segregated schools.WI

Proponents of public education believe that the future of traditional public schools like Ketcham Elementary School in Southeast, is being devalued by the proliferation of public charter schools. /Photo by Dorothy Rowley

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Editorial

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Spare the Rod and Spoil the Child When we were young, getting a “beating” served as one of a range of options available to responsible adults across a continuum of discipline. Many of us recall, sometimes with startling clarity, instances of corporal punishment administered not to brutalize us but as a form of correction administered by those who loved us and cared about our well-being. So, it strikes many in the black community as odd to see Adrian Peterson, the Minnesota Vikings star running back, indicted on charges of reckless child endangerment and child abuse. In May, Peterson took a switch to his 4-year-old son for getting into a fight with his 5-year-old over a videogame, and on the boy’s return home, his mother took him for a physical, where the doctor reported the alleged abuse. In Texas, where Peterson lives, the district attorney said in published reports that parents are entitled to discipline their children as they see fit, except when that discipline exceeds what the community has deemed reasonable. A grand jury decided that Peterson’s discipline exceeded that standard and did not reflect the community. Peterson’s lawyer, on the other hand, argued that his client used the same kind of discipline with his child that he experienced as a child growing up in East Texas, adding that Peterson accepted responsibility for what happened, cooperated fully with authorities and voluntarily testified before the grand jury. He said Peterson never intended to harm his son and deeply regrets the unintentional injury. This case turns on whether the discipline was reasonable, but it’s also seen by many old-school adults and parents as overreach by the state. There was a time when if and how we disciplined a child was left to responsible adults. But now it’s as if the authorities feel they’re dealing with half-wits incapable of walking across the street without the helping hand of those who claim to know what’s better for us than we do. This is also a generational issue, because we hear often of “experts” suggesting time-outs, talking to a child and other benign forms of discipline that the older generation points to as the real reason why legions of our young people are so rude and disrespectful. It’s not abuse to discipline a child, nor does the use of a menu of sensible, balanced corporal punishment scar our children for life. We, as a society, would be better served if more parents used all the tools available to them and stopped ceding commonsense to conventional “wisdom.”

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Give Everyone a Level Playing Field! Your article, “District Vies for 2024 Olympics,” by D. Kevin McNeir in the September 11th edition of The Informer, talks a lot about the positive outcomes that could take place if the Washington area were to win the Olympics site competition. First, let me congratulate your publisher, Denise Rolark Barnes for being part of the team that has been tasked with putting together the District’s “best effort” to win. The article discusses the London Olympics and how that city has recouped almost all of its investments, which is great, but London is a big city, which probably has a much larger land handprint, which made it a lot easier to absorb any misplaced citizens during the construction of event stadiums and athlete villages. The District has no such handprint; we already have an affordable housing problem. Poor and middle-class families are being forced to leave this city in record numbers, so just imagine what will happen if the District wins the bid. I understand all of the hype for business, the tourists, and all of the prestige the city will get from hosting the Olympic Games, but if we can put a team together for that, we should be able to put a team together to devise a solution to fix the affordable housing problem facing so many District residents. Those in the District government have cast a blind eye on this problem in its relentless race to obtain new and higher tax dollars, choosing to let developers force out low-income residents to build high-priced condos and apartments. Yes, sports are the only places where the playing fields are

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equal, but all the people need an equal chance to live and work where those fields are built. Joseph Milton Washington, D.C. Racism Must be Laid to Rest I read with great interest the article, “Conversations and Protests Continue Post-Ferguson” by Barrington Salmon [Sept. 4-10] and agree with the protesters’ insistence that this issue surrounding the ongoing and tumultuous attacks on our young black males needs to be kept in the public’s eye. The rate at which these youth are being gunned down by the police (two each day), is deplorable and in many instances defies logic, let alone explanation. Of course, I too, am doubtful about justice being served in a case where the city’s population with more than 50 percent African American, is led by a Republican mayor who’s backed with the support of six white city council members. But at least the issue has remained at the forefront of the American conscious long enough to keep both dialogue and widespread attention focused on the matter – and I hope that continues, because we can’t afford to let this kind of genocide continue. Black communities across the country have an obligation collectively to pose as a united front to make it clear that just like the six bullets the white cop pumped into Michael Brown were enough to ensure his death, we must continue our protests and advocacy that resonate with the unwavering message that “enough is enough” until we are sure that police acts of vile ineptitude are “enough” to finally lay to rest

centuries of calculated and unjustified acts of racism. Gregory Cummings Washington, D.C. Early Focus on Absenteeism, Truancy I’m so glad to see that the Informer has stepped to the plate early – as the new school year begins – to keep watch over absenteeism and truancy rates in the District’s public schools. I refer to the article by Dorothy Rowley, “City Officials Tackle Absenteeism, Truancy,” published in the Sept. 4-10 edition. I think the newspaper editors were right on point with the decision to focus early on the issue by presenting the numbers from both last year and the year before, and making comparisons with Chancellor Kaya Henderson’s projections and hopes for reducing the numbers in 2014-15 in accordance with her five-year strategic plan for education reform in the nation’s capital. Looks like the school system has started the new term with some extra pep in its step and that appears to include reminders to parents regarding the importance of making sure their children attend school as mandated by law. Because of the article, I look forward to the chancellor coming back at the start of the next school year boasting that in 2014-15 truancy and absenteeism rates plummeted and are at their lowest ever. Yvonne Westerly Washington, D.C.

Sept 18 - Sept 24, 2014

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

By Marian Wright Edelman

Helping Children in Hidden Rural Poverty When many people hear of child poverty in America, the first stereotype is of an inner-city child, and then discussions about solutions to poverty often focus on concentrated poverty in urban areas. But, in a nation where more than 16 million children, more than one in five, are poor, the plain truth is that child poverty is pervasive and affects children everywhere, although we know it affects urban, suburban

and rural children differently in some ways. The Children’s Defense FundOhio’s new report, “Health Disparities are Leaving Ohio’s Rural Children Behind,” shares findings often true for poor rural American children. As it says about Ohio’s 190,000 poor rural children, “These children go to bed hungry. Many of them live miles from the closest pediatrician, children’s hospital, and other services. They need help – and it is a different kind of help than what may be needed for children

in Ohio’s cities.” CDF-Ohio’s report notes that a few years ago, NBC News reported on pervasive hunger in Appalachian Ohio “and the impact on families ‘who’ve had it all vanish — jobs, homes, and dreams — [and have to] choose between paying [their] bills and feeding [their] kids.’” In an area defined by valuing self-sufficiency, families are trying everything before turning to emergency food banks. “Anita Hayes, mother of a 14-year-old daughter, Lydia, and

Guest Columnist

9-year-old son, Lyle, describes this struggle, saying, ‘The first few times I had to swallow my pride. But I wasn’t doing it for myself. I have to feed my children. They come first.’ Anita, her husband, and her two children live in a camper without running water and borrow a neighboring trailer’s electricity. She describes feeling guilty that she can’t meet her children’s needs and that sometimes a bowl of cereal is ‘dinner in a household where the children are growing up fast.’ Too many children are growing

up too fast, without adequate nutrition, in rural and Appalachian counties hard-hit by the recession where, despite being surrounded by farmland, food is often in scarce supply.” Many rural children live in “food deserts” without close access to grocery stores selling affordable, nutritious food. Ohio areas like Vinton County have no full-service grocery stores at all; a local school administrator said in a 2012 news story, “You

See EDELMAN on Page 45

By Lee A. Daniels

America’s Criminal Justice Problem Do you know what little respect black and Hispanic residents of New York City have for following the rules that make living in the city bearable – for not “loitering,” or not riding their bicycles on the sidewalk, or not spitting on the street, or not walking through parks after dark, or – my particular favorite—having a license for their dogs? Well, you can learn what the

New York City Police Department thinks in a vitally important article the New York Daily News published Aug. 4. Daily News reporters, plumbing the data from several sources, found that police are giving summonses to black and Hispanic New Yorkers for violating these minor rules of the criminal code in numbers and percentages far beyond their proportion of the city’s population. The newspaper reported that, although blacks and Hispanics

make up about half the city’s population, from 2001 to 2013, they comprised 81 percent of the 7.3 million people who’ve gotten summonses. The summons program has long been the centerpiece of the police department’s “broken windows” concept. That’s the view that failing to enforce such quality-of-life violations as drinking liquor in the street, urinating in public or playing loud music not only damages residents’ ability to enjoy their lives but often can often

Guest Columnist

lead to criminal activity. NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton, a longtime advocate of the policy, continues to staunchly defend its practice. But the New York Civil Liberties Union and other advocacy groups who have successfully forced changes to the department’s old, racist “stop and frisk” program are preparing a legal challenge to it in part because those who don’t contest the summonses and just pay the fines are left with records of the violations – records that

can harm their future pursuit of, among other things, work, educational opportunities or immigration status. One thing the NYPD’s broken-windows program makes glaringly apparent is that enforcement of the majority of these infractions is completely dependent on the discretion of the police officers involved. Who gets stopped, questioned and given a summons for violat-

See DANIELS on Page 45

By George E. Curry

NFL Domestic Abusers Get Tap on Wrist The NFL – which has been referred to as everything from the National Felons League to, in the cases of players, Not For Long – has imposed a lifetime ban on Ray Rice, yet rarely disciplines other brazen offenders. And, when a team takes the rare action of disciplining a player for striking a woman, it usually results in a tap on the wrist. The National Football League initially imposed a two-game

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suspension of Rice after it was disclosed that he had abused his then-fiancée, Janay Palmer, in an Atlantic City, New Jersey, casino hotel elevator. But after the celebrity website TMZ showed the full video of Rice knocking out his future wife with a strong blow to the face that rendered her unconscious, the Baltimore Ravens voided Rice’s contract and the NFL banned him from pro football for life. Commissioner Roger Goodell, who is in charge of protecting the nation’s most popular sport’s

$10 billion in annual revenue, acknowledged that the NFL “got it wrong” when it imposed only a two-game suspension on Rice. But what Goodell, who earns $44 million a year, didn’t admit was that the NFL continues to get it wrong while serving as a high-profile enabler for other domestic abusers in the league. For example: Rice’s teammate, All-Pro linebacker Terrell Suggs, continued playing after Candace Williams, the mother of his three children and his future wife, filed for two The Washington Informer

protective orders against him in the last five years. The first was in December 2009. The Baltimore Sun reported, “According to the complaint …Williams said Suggs threw a soap dispenser at her head, hit her in the chest with his hand, and held a bottle of bleach over her and their 1-year-old son, which spilled on them and caused a rash. Baltimore City District Court Judge Ronald Alan Karasic wrote that a laceration was visible on Williams’ chest.” Though the protective order was granted, Suggs

was never charged with a crime. Three years later, Williams filed for another protective order, alleging that Suggs “punched her in the neck and drove a car containing their two children at a ‘high rate of speed’ while she was being dragged alongside.” The couple later married. In neither case did the Ravens or the NFL take any action against Suggs. Carolina Panthers All-Pro defensive end Greg Hardy was con-

See CURRY on Page 45

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

By Benjamin F. Chavis , Jr.

Racism is not a Card Game Whenever someone accuses an African-American of playing the “race card,” I cringe. Racism in America is not a card game. There is no such thing as “playing the race card” when it comes to making an accurate or rational evaluation of the socioeconomic and political plight of 45 million black Americans. A routine disingenuous tactic of those who want to justify

the systemic racial oppression of black Americans and others is to accuse the articulate victims of racism of “playing the race card.” If it were a card game, it still would be strange to get that kind of criticism from people who, as the late Johnnie Cochran would say, deal from the bottom of the deck. Depicting racism as a card game is an attempt to keep us silent and not to disturb a false peace. During the horrible days of lynching, the

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People launched its national public anti-lynching campaign. In fact, the NAACP was formed in 1910 in large part to resist the wholesale lynching of blacks. At first, the White-owned media was very negative toward the NAACP’s public “agitation” that exposed the horrors of lynching. In a sense, the NAACP was accused of being counterproductive by “playing the race card.” To its

Guest Columnist

credit, the NAACP persisted and was ultimately successful in combatting such gross and inhumane behavior. Even though, for some of the crowds of white Americans who would attend a black lynching as a form of entertainment and pleasure – often immediately after attending church – it was no game or entertainment for black America. Racism was then and continues today as a deadly reminder of the violent and ruthless consequenc-

es of centuries and decades of racial oppression. Yes, these are hard facts and a reality today for too many people who would rather see less and hear less about racially motivated police brutality or other forms of racial hatred and violence. The slogan “No Justice, No Peace” is more than a chant for black Americans and others who yearn for freedom, justice and empowerment. See CHAVIS on Page 46

By Raynard Jackson

NFL Threw Ray Rice Under the Bus By now most people have heard how Ray Rice has been thrown under the bus by the National Football League and his former team, the Baltimore Ravens. First, some background for the nonfootball fans. Rice was drafted by the Ravens in the second round (55th overall) of the 2008 NFL draft. He signed a four-year contract for $ 2.805 million plus a $ 1.1 million

signing bonus. Last year, he signed a five-year, $35 million contract paying him a $15 million signing bonus. Second, here are some cold facts: • On Feb. 15, both Rice and his then-fiancée, Janay Palmer, were arrested and charged with assault after a fight at an Atlantic City, New Jersey, casino. • On March 27, a grand jury indicted Rice on third-degree aggravated assault (charges against Palmer were dropped).

• On March 28, Rice married Palmer (the date had been planned and announced before the assault charge). • On May 20, Rice was allowed to enter into a pretrial diversion program. Upon his successful completion of the program, which will be a minimum of one year, the third-degree charge of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury would be dismissed. The arrest would remain on his record, but with no conviction.

ASKIA-AT-LARGE

• On July 24, the NFL suspended Rice for 2 games. • On July 25, the Raven’s organization rallied around Rice. • On Aug. 28, the NFL established domestic violence policy for the league. • On Sept. 8, the celebrity website TMZ released video of Rice knocking out his wife in an elevator and dragging her out of the elevator when it stopped. • On Sept. 8, the Ravens terminate Rice from the team.

• On Sept. 8, the NFL suspended Rice from the league indefinitely. • The Associated Press reported Sept. 10 that a law enforcement official said he sent damaging video of Rice knocking out his then- fiancée to the NFL, despite league denials. The above narrative is the only thing we know to be indisputable. Prior to the video’s release,

See JACKSON on Page 46

By Askia Muhammad

The ISIS ‘Threat’ Stamped ‘Made in USA’ If he had only slapped a few of those Wall Street bankers around when he first came into office, President Barack Obama would be feared by some people, and he wouldn’t have all the major problems he’s facing now. Too bad. Now, he’s promising everyone that he’s not leading the country into a new Iraq war, merely implementing a new U.S. “game plan” for an offensive against

the Islamic State (ISIS) rebellion in Iraq and Syria. I know, Wall Street and the Arab Street are like apples and oranges, but had the president thrown a couple of those bankers in jail, then some of his adversaries in this country would fear him rather than loathe him and declare, as some have, that America’s “enemy resides at the White House.” So now, once again, the president is trying to assuage those same people who will never like him nor respect him and only

hope for his speedy demise, even if it means disaster for the whole country. The lesson that President George W. (for Worst in history) Bush and his co-president, Dick Cheney, never learned is that “You can’t win by winning.” Israel makes this same mistake concerning the Palestinians. They crush them time and again – 50 Palestinian casualties for every Israeli killed – and yet each generation of Palestinians is just as committed to fighting for freedom as the one before.

So it is with this country’s “terrorist” enemies. The more this country bombs them, the more brazen they seem to become. Beheadings, mass executions, more and more gruesome with each passing day. But this ISIS crowd has seized so much land, declared itself to be a state/nation, they sell oil openly on world markets and engage in banking and commerce. In other words, unlike al-Qaida – last year’s oh, so out-of-fashion terrorist threat – ISIS has a “return address”; they are not

hiding in the shadows and in mountainous retreats. This country’s No. 1 ally in the oil-producing world – Saudi Arabia – was the chief source of funding and weapons for ISIS until it captured American weapons and Iraqi oil fields. So, why doesn’t Obama tell the Saudis they had better bring ISIS to heel or else? It’s because the Saudi petro-dollars go through the coffers of those same Wall Street banks in the billions every

See MUHAMMAD on Page 46

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LIFESTYLE

Veteran Photographers

Stroll Down Memory Lane

Contributors to The Informer Discuss Challenges Blacks Faced

By D. Kevin McNeir

WI Contributing Writer

ew would contest that a picture conveys a thousand words. And, for one crop of veteran photographers, the images they’ve shared over the years have revealed a rarely told story about the black community. “I really got my feet wet as a photojournalist in the late ’70s working for The Washington Informer, and I must say they’re largely responsible for where I am today,” said Ron Ceasar, a native Washingtonian who continues to work as a commercial and editorial photographer for clients that include Howard University.

Top to Bottom: Roy Lewis, Victor Holt, Maurice G. Fitzgerald, Khalid Naji-Allah

“The first of many assignments I covered for the Informer at the White House was during the time when Jimmy Carter was president. Opportunities then were limited for young black photographers in the nation’s capital, but I was determined to make it. I have been to the White House to photograph every president since,” said Ceasar, 58. “Dr. Rolark [the publisher and editor] was like a hero to me, and he always taught me and encouraged me to be the best I could, as a person and as a photojournalist. The Washington Informer served as a major platform for

the black community, and Dr. Rolark, with his newspaper, helped to give the community viability and a voice,” said Ceasar, a resident of Northwest who also gained crucial experience early in his career as a freelance photographer for The Washington Post. One sports photographer who joined the Informer as an intern under the tutelage of Rolark said his career took shape because of the influence that the former publisher wielded. “Dr. Rolark was instrumental in getting me credentials to cover the Redskins at RFK Stadium, and I was

amazed that there were only white photographers on the sidelines,” said John E. De Freitas, who joined the newspaper in 1980. “It was difficult getting credentials for the Wizards too – there were no photographers of color on the floor. But things have changed, and the Informer has established itself as a credible publication.” “Dr. Rolark told me to find black athletes and take their pictures because the white press didn’t want to use photos of them,” said De Freitas, a resident of Alexandria, Virginia. “I love doing sports, especially soccer, because it takes skill and experience to take photos that match those seen in national sports publications. I’ve donated 100 of my best North American Soccer League photos to the National [U.S.] Soccer Hall of Fame, where they are currently displayed.” One photographer, who picked up his first camera during his high school years in the late ’50s, said he recalls the obstacles that he and other black photographers and artists once faced in the U.S. “I moved to the District in 1973 after establishing myself with Johnson Publishing Company in Chicago, and in D.C. it was tough for blacks to get credentials and access,” said Roy Lewis, who’s been a professional photographer for 53 years. “Dr. Rolark and I became friends, and I liked what the paper was doing. When he asked me to come aboard in the early ’90s, I knew it was the right thing to do because I wanted to continue to work with someone who was

See PHOTOGRAPHERS on Page 29

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Informer Photographers Capture Black, D.C. Life By Barrington M. Salmon WI Staff Writer@bsalmondc

(L-R) Shevry Lassiter and Nancy Shia

PHOTOGRAPHERS continued from Page 28 intent on promoting positive aspects of the black community,” said Lewis, 77. “I remember shooting ‘The Million Man March’ for the Informer in [October] 1995 – an entire day of documenting the actions of over 1 million black men peacefully standing together for freedom, justice and jobs. That was a high point in my career, along with my touring exhibit of photos that represent my life’s work, ‘Everywhere with Roy Lewis,’” said Lewis, a Hyattsville, Maryland, resident who said he remains committed to producing photographs that “humanize black men” in ways that the white media often ignores. An expert in the healing effects of alternative medicine first began toying with a camera as a hobby in college, and 25 years later, he had made it a career. “I began shooting for the Informer in 1980 and continued until 1995,” said Akmal Muwwak-

kil, 65. “Some of my assignments were particularly meaningful, like the 20th anniversary of The ‘March on Washington’ in 1983 and the protest outside of the South African embassy led by folks like Randall Robinson [founder of TransAfrica] and Dr. Joseph Lowery [co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference along with Martin Luther King Jr.]. On the first day of the protest, I was one of the only photographers on the ground and shot James Baldwin testifying before Congress.” “Blacks found it almost impossible to work for or sell our photos to whites and mainstream media – that’s why Dr. Rolark’s contributions were so vital. He was my mentor, and he taught me a lot about people. He operated the newspaper as a business, and he provided a large platform for the black community. One example was his bringing the National Spelling Bee to the District despite facing opposition from the other local paper,” said Muwwakkil, a

resident of Mitchellville, Maryland, whose nonprofit alternative medicine organization that he founded encourages healthy lifestyle programs for the black community. One 16-year veteran photographer said his passion for protests and rallies found numerous opportunities for expression during his years with the Informer. “I started with the paper around 2005 and remained for almost eight years,” said Victor Holt. “I covered the 2008 national Democratic convention in Denver, Colorado – a once-in-a-lifetime event where a black man was nominated for president for the first time in U.S. history. I documented the week where there was a monumental display of unity. We should never forget the doors that Dr. Rolark opened – he led the way for local print media to be respected for their work and made sure [blacks] had access to important events so that an alternative dialogue could be shared.” WI

(L-R) Carl Hylton, Charles Ford, Sharon Farmer, Samuel Courtney, Ellsworth Davis, Maurice Sorrell, Oggi Ogburn, Antwon Williams, Ron Ceasar. Seated on the floor (L-R) Dr. Calvin Rolark, Roy Lewis and Dudley Brooks.

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Noted French photographer Marc Riboud once famously said, “Taking pictures is savoring life intensely, every hundredth of a second.” For several Washington Informer photographers, Riboud’s observation has had currency as they’ve sought to capture the images of stories and the mélange of personalities who comprise the tapestry of Washington, D.C., and its environs. Five past and current photographers spoke of their challenges but also dwelled on the joy brought by honing their craft and the satisfaction of working with a newspaper that’s championed D.C.’s black community for five decades. “I loved it, loved every minute of it,” said Maurice Fitzgerald, 59, who began working for the Informer in 1988. “It was like family. We had good editors and great editors. My challenge was trying to balance government and Informer photography. I was trying to shut down that lab [dark room] that was upstairs.” Fitzgerald, a retired father of two, said that while he was at the newspaper, the photography and newspaper businesses were being revolutionized because photographers could save images to a floppy disc as opposed to processing film. “There were bursts of changes in technology. With digital, you didn’t have to work with film,” he said. “The government equaled better, faster and convenient. I tried to keep going with technology and bring it to the paper.” Khalid Naji-Allah cites a simple reason for picking up a camera. “I’ve been a photojournalist for 15 years,” said the 41-yearold father of four. “I loved the idea of becoming a historian for black news. I wanted to document life like Gordon Parks and other influential black photojournalists did. Among the places I worked are the Afro, District Chronicles, Washington Times and the Washington Informer.” Naji-Allah said one of the

highlights of his career remains President Barack Obama’s inaugurations. “The first inauguration excited me to be able to document the installation of the first African-American president in a way that thousands of people who weren’t there physically were able to see,” the District resident said. “This is something that people never dreamed about, never thought would happen. So black people had to move the images of John F. Kennedy, Jesus and Martin Luther King and make a place for Obama.” Naji-Allah and some photographers acknowledged the struggle of being an African-American newspaper in a primarily white environment. “African-American papers used to be the premier place for photographers. But after a while, it was hard for papers to find talented photographers. The lesser-quality work made our white counterparts think we weren’t as qualified because of subpar photography. That’s what they thought you produced.” “It was a fight to get credentials. They said ‘We’ll let them in’ but wouldn’t let us in the club. I had to fight harder because it is the country club. If a black photographer wasn’t working for a mainstream newspaper or wire service, their work was not considered worthy. I had to fight to be accepted and have my work somewhat respected.” For well over 30 years, Nancy Shia has been chronicling student, civil rights and women’s movements and other attempts by the weak, the poor and the vulnerable to have their voices heard. The New Haven, Connecticut, native said that while she was in graduate school at Columbia University, she took photography classes at the YMCA on 125th Street in Harlem next to the Apollo Theater. She said she took pictures of marches, demonstrations and other forms of civil disobedience, as well as the Young Lords and the Black Panthers. “There was a whole lot going

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(L-R) Maurice G. Fitzgerald, Roy Lewis, John E. De Freitas, Victor Holt and Robert Ridley (Center). /Photo by DR Barnes

PHOTOGRAPHERS continued from Page 29 on in New York, uprisings,” Shia recalled. She moved to the District in 1972, graduated from Antioch School of Law (now the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law) in 1978, worked for the Federal News Service and served as an advisory neighborhood commissioner in Adams Morgan in Northwest, where she lives. In July 2013, Shia began shooting for the paper. “I came to the Informer a year ago. It’s the best job of my life. I feel my work is really appreciated. It feels like it’s really where I need to be,” Shia gushed. Shia, an avowed leftist, rides her bicycle to most assignments. Her most memorable assignments include a recent visit to Duke Ellington School of the Arts, where she took pictures of a Garnet-Patterson Middle School musical ensemble. “Marvin Gaye, (D.C. Delegate) Walter Fauntroy and Pearl Bailey went there. The principal knew me, my kids went there, and my granddaughter goes

there. I never thought I’d come back there to take pictures,” Shia said. “I also really enjoyed the (50th anniversary of the) March on Washington. It was just talking to all the people, taking pictures, seeing where people were from and observing the diversity. It was amazing, especially coming from that era when the crowd wasn’t diverse.” Longtime D.C. resident Robert Ridley said he began working at the Informer around the same time as Fitzgerald and also served as a photographer for then-D.C. Council member Wilhelmina Rolark, the wife of Informer founder Dr. Calvin Rolark. “I worked long hours and did a little bit of everything – the religion page, viewpoint, sports – and I covered many government departments,” said Ridley, 84. “I also covered a lot of [events] for the United Black Fund. I worked every day for Mrs. Rolark. Most times, though, she would give me some church time but, after that, work.” “The most enjoyable thing was learning and meeting people … knowing you were trying to

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keep the paper alive was important too.” Hyattsville resident Shevry Lassiter said she transitioned from a job at a local law firm into photography and joined the Informer more than three years ago. “I started to take classes at Prince George’s Community College, then I studied with Sam D’Amico, who used to work for the Associated Press. They tried to make his pictures their own. He sued and opened a photography school,” said Lassiter, 52. “I took classes with Joe DiMaggio [the famous ballplayer’s cousin] and studied with Footprint Photos [in Northeast] for several years.” Like her colleagues, Lassiter said she loves meeting people and trying to get the perfect picture. “You can just be an average writer or photographer. I knew I wanted to be one of the most well-known photographers, so I just jumped out there, especially when I lost my job,” she said.WI

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Gallery Owners Celebrate Washington Informer, Festival

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H Street Events Include Newspaper’s 50th Anniversary Exhibit By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer Life on H Street has been different for Steve Hessler and his wife, Mary Ellen Vehlow, the owners of Gallery O on H in Northeast. For some time the couple, who have been married for 32 years and eagerly noted that they can’t live one day without each other, envisioned a revival in the District that they said has been in the making for 50 years. That revival has also inspired them to take part in celebrating the golden anniversary of The Washington Informer. “We learned from Informer publisher Denise Rolark Barnes and Ron Burke, the paper’s director of advertising and marketing, that they were planning a photo exhibit, and we said, ‘Hey, we’re in,’” said Hessler, a real estate attorney. Rolark Barnes and Burke agreed to showcase the Informer’s photography exhibit at Gallery O on H as part of the newspaper’s yearlong anniversary celebration. “It’s a good idea because the last 50 years, it seems, the community has been coming back, and it’s really an important opportunity for many people who want to come out and learn something and to make the festival an experience,” Vehlow said. The couple will host a private reception for the Informer’s “Fifty 50 Lens Photo Exhibit” on Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the gallery, which the owners describe as a community space where art, music and minds intersect for a cultural experience. The exhibit will showcase 50 years of Washington, D.C., history with 50 select images from around the District, as seen through the lens of photographers who’ve worked for the Informer. Rolark Barnes, whose father, Dr. Calvin Rolark, founded the paper, said for 50 years the Informer has been the eyes and ears of the District, seeking out the good while striving to edu-

cate and inform the community. In a previous interview, Rolark Barnes said that it’s extremely satisfying that the newspaper has earned journalism awards while celebrating its 50th anniversary. “We’re really proud. I feel that my father would be proud of the work that we’re doing,” she said. “It means a lot that others recognize the kind of hard work that The Washington Informer team puts into producing a quality publication.” It’s an assessment that both Hessler and Vehlow readily agreed with. “We thought we should be part of the [anniversary celebration], so we made the newspaper an offer,” Hessler said. The H Street Festival, which takes place on Saturday, will span 10 blocks of H Street in Northeast, with more than 200 businesses, restaurants, community organizations and merchants participating. The Informer’s exhibit will be open to the public during the festival, and it will be on display through Oct. 1, when other anniversary-related activities, including an open discussion about the photographs and the newspaper’s history, are planned. “I’m very acquisitive. I’m a real estate attorney, and I knew back in the early 1990s that H Street was going to be the next big thing,” Hessler said. “So, we got some property over there after we had been convinced that D.C. needed a place for people to go and look at some art and to feel comfortable about a place that was not a white wall gallery where they’d feel intimidated to buy something.” Hessler said he and his wife noticed a large, outsider, folkart crowd developing locally and that they wanted to create a space for that community. Vehlow said one of the turning points for her came when an employee told her about his artistic abilities. “But his background was anthropology, and he was a production manager. We familiarized him with the concept of being an artist,” she

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Husband and wife team Steve Hessler and Mary Ellen “Dolly” Vehlow, owners of Gallery O on H, will host the Washington Informer’s Fifty 50 Lens Photo Exhibit, one of the Informer’s 50th anniversary signature events. /Photo by Shevry Lassiter

said. “He became our Wikipedia of outsider art, and we have done a lot for the reincarnation and rebirth of art.” Organized annually by the neighborhood group H Street Main Street, the festival offers music, food, drinks, contests and activities for children. Organizers said the celebration highlights the development of the H Street Northeast Corridor and its businesses. This year’s event will feature at least 500 performers and artists at 14 staging areas throughout the corridor. Performances will range from jazz, pop and gospel music to fitness demonstrations, skills-on-wheels performances and interactive art displays. Additionally, several District court judges will perform rock ‘n’ roll music for festival goers. “They do spot-on rock ‘n’ roll,” Hessler said. “But, on this day, the audience gets to be the judges that count.”WI The H Street Festival starts at noon on Saturday and will take place between the 400 and 1400 blocks of H Street in Northeast. For more information, visit www.hstreet.org. Gallery O on H is located at 1354 H St. NE. For additional information on the gallery, call 202-461-2401. The Washington Informer

Sept 18 - Sept 24, 2014

LIFESTYLE

Bill Cosby’s Art Collection Headed to Smithsonian Comedian and Wife to Share Special Exhibit By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer America’s favorite TV dad has become one of the Smithsonian’s newest benefactors. Comedian and actor Bill Cosby and his wife have announced plans to showcase their art collection for the first time in an exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art in Southwest. “It’s so important to show art by African-American artists in this exhibition,” Cosby, 77, said in a statement. The Associated Press first reported the agreement on Monday. In an earlier interview with The Washington Informer, Cosby said he and his wife, Camille, have always loved art and the two enjoy an extensive collection. “Art is educational, and it can do a lot for a community, particularly if it’s used in the way in which we’re supposed to,” said Cosby, whose 1980s series “The Cosby Show” ranks as one of the most popular in TV history. Now the Cosby family has planned a special appearance at the museum to discuss its collection on Nov. 9. Museum officials said at that time they will unveil the couple’s collection to the public. More information, including a specific time for the discussion, will be announced soon, officials said. Cosby said his collection titled, “African and African-American Artworks in Dialogue,” covers four decades and includes never-before-seen paintings by African-American artists. The actor didn’t provide many specifics about the collection but said it features 300 paintings, prints, sculptures and drawings. Museum officials said it will be displayed in a unique exhibit juxtaposing African-American art with African art. The “Fat Albert” creator and critically acclaimed actor said it will be a privilege to have his

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Comedian Bill Cosby will exhibit his private collection, which is titled “African and African-American Artworks in Dialogue,” at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art in Southwest, beginning Nov. 9. Courtesy of mashable.com

collection displayed at the museum, which already contains the work of such artists as Faith Ringgold, Augusta Savage and Jacob Lawrence. “To me, it’s a way for people to see what exists and to give voice to many of these artists who were silenced for so long, some of whom will speak no more,” Cosby said. There’s been few entertainers who have achieved the success of Cosby, a noted advocate of education who in the 1960s kicked off an award-winning career by performing stand-up comedy. In addition to winning several acting awards, Cosby has earned eight gold and five platinum records and has won five Grammy Awards. He became the first African-American to co-star in a dramatic television series, breaking TV’s racial barrier and winning three Emmy Awards for his portrayal of the character Alexander Scott in “I-Spy,” which ran from 1965 to 1968. In the 1970s, Cosby wowed audiences in a trilogy of comedy dramas in which he starred alongside Oscar winner Sidney Poitier, “Let’s Do It Again,” “Uptown Saturday Night” and “A Piece of the Action.” From 1984 to 1992, Cosby

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Horo scopes

SEPT 18 - SEPT 24, 2014

ARIES This week is a good week for remembering that without the help of your colleagues, it would be impossible for you to expedite the tasks that need to be done. Thank them ahead of time. Thank them graciously and celebrate with them. Soul Affirmation: Appreciation leads to recognition. Lucky Numbers: 32, 35, 47 TAURUS Little by little, you will come to realize that you are too good to be second choice. This week, don’t even think about why your recent romance failed. It wasn’t meant to be. There are many more fish in the sea ready for you to hook them. Go for it! Soul Affirmation: There are other fish in the sea waiting for me. Lucky Numbers: 8, 19, 20 GEMINI Offer a shoulder to cry on to someone you know that has been going through some difficulty. They need a friend right now, and you can be that person. Listen, and don’t speak. Your sensitivity and compassion will mean a lot right now. Soul Affirmation: Newness of outlook helps me deal with the monotonies of life. Lucky Numbers: 7, 34, 36

The painting, “The Thankful Poor,” by Henry O. Tanner, is part of the Cosby Collection which will be on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art in Southwest through 2016. /Photo courtesy Smithsonian

CANCER If you need some time to yourself this week, take it. You’ll be doing yourself an act of kindness. Since you do so much for others, why not treat yourself as well as you treat them? Your world is the way you are living. Live with love. Soul Affirmation: I let go of the old in order to make room for the new. Lucky Numbers: 16, 28, 29 LEO When you are guided by spirit, you’ll find that you are working, living and breathing in tune with the universe. What a great feeling! You’ll be a source of peace and blessings for all those you encounter this week. Soul Affirmation: Time is the greatest peacemaker of them all. Lucky Numbers: 12, 17, 22 VIRGO Remember that you are an intensely physical sign, and you need to move your body in order to relax. Take a walk, go for a swim, play tennis or scrub that kitchen floor. However you choose to move, you’ll liberate your spirit and relax at the same time. Get going! Soul Affirmation: A week of rejoicing is upon me. I celebrate. Lucky Numbers: 2, 40, 45 LIBRA It’s a week tailor-made for your energies, so get out there and let every perfect moment flow toward you. You’ve got an abundance of pleasant feelings. Why not spread them around? Soul Affirmation: I will ask joy to marry me. Lucky Numbers: 1, 8, 14

The painting “Boy and the Candle” by Gerard Sekoto counts as part of the Cosby Collection, which will be on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art in Southwest through 2016. /Photo courtesy Smithsonian

ART continued from Page 32 starred alongside Phylicia Rashad in the hit NBC television show “The Cosby Show,” easily the most popular black series in history and arguably one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. The superstar’s art exhibit at the Smithsonian will be organized by themes, placing pieces from African artists in the Smithsonian’s collection near similar works from African-Amer-

ican artists in Cosby’s collection, the Associated Press reported. Curators at the museum said the exhibit, which they expect will be on display through early 2016, will explore ideas about history, creativity, power, identity and artistry. “The exhibition will encourage all of us to draw from the creativity that is Africa, to recognize the shared history that inextricably links Africa and the African diaspora and to

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seek the common threads that weave our stories together,” Johnnetta B. Cole, the museum’s director, said in a news release. “The exhibition of Bill Cosby’s collection is part of the museum’s 50th anniversary,” she said.WI The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is located at 950 Independence Ave. in Southwest. For more information about the museum, visit africa.si.edu, or call 202633-4600.

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SCORPIO Success is a series of small steps. The baby steps you take each week toward your dream will move you closer and closer to your vision. Keep taking those little steps and expect to hear some good news about a big project. Soul Affirmation: Communication is a skeleton key that fits many doors. Lucky Numbers: 5, 7, 10 SAGITTARIUS Expect some surprises this week. You’ll be very happy about at least one of them. Stay flexible, and you’ll be in the right place at the right moment, every moment. You’ll want to celebrate at home tonight. Soul Affirmation: All that I need is within me. Lucky Numbers: 20, 34, 45 CAPRICORN A burst of enthusiasm will carry you through the early part of the workweek, and with a positive outlook, you’ll be very happy with what you’ve accomplished at the end of the week. Have a heap of fun! Soul Affirmation: The grandeur of my presence reflects the sunshine of my soul. Lucky Numbers: 4, 37, 53 AQUARIUS An older female may extend something valuable to you, and you’ll be very glad about what you receive. Possibilities seem endless this week, and you’ll want to refresh your outlook about a particular project that suddenly looks lucrative again. Soul Affirmation: The sunlight of my spirit shines in the land beyond the horizon. Lucky Numbers: 13, 36, 52 PISCES The possibility exists that you’ve temporarily overlooked a powerful way of increasing your income. Still your mind, and let your spirit guide you toward a perfect solution to a vexing situation. Soul Affirmation: I am willing to make changes in my life. Lucky Numbers: 20, 21, 24

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Sept 18 - Sept 24, 2014

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Drum Major Christopher Cloud said that he’s learned how to be a leader since joining Howard’s marching band. /Photo by Khalid Naji-Allah

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Howard Sensational in AT&T Nation’s Football Classic Bison Shellac Morehouse 35-9 in Longtime Rivalry By D. Kevin McNeir WI Contributing Writer Several events traditionally mark the coming of fall in America: Students return to school, the temperatures begin to drop, and college rivalries are renewed on the gridiron. So it should come as no surprise that the annual matchup between the football teams of Howard University and Morehouse College brought hundreds of eager supporters to root for their respective teams Saturday afternoon at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Southeast. “I’ve been coming to the game ever since the classic was started three years ago, and it’s become a tradition for me and my wife,” said Joseph Wingfield, a resident of Atlanta, Georgia, and a Morehouse grad (’83). “The brotherhood that exists among my fellow Morehouse graduates is something that is indescribable. Even my wife feels it, and so this is a great way for us to get away for some fun since we’re both retired,” said Wingfield, 69. One mother, whose two oldest children attend Morehouse and Spelman, said she had to make it to the District so she could support her son’s team. “My husband and I made plans a long time ago to make sure we could attend, and with this being the last time in the series, we didn’t want to miss it,” said Jennifer Irvin-Muhammad from St. Louis, Missouri, who also has a daughter that runs track for Northern Illinois University. “We’ve had a blast.” The Morehouse College Maroon Tigers scored first as quarterback Monqavious Johnson connected with his receiver, Lake McGuffie, at the 9:57 mark in the first quarter. Morehouse missed the extra point attempt.

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Then the Howard University Bison went into action. Capping off an impressive scoring drive that consisted of eight plays and covered 65 yards, Howard fullback Greg McGhee scampered into the end zone from the 1-yard line at the 8:17 mark to tie the game. John Fleck’s extra point attempt was good, making the score 7 to 6, with Howard leading. Both teams scored once in the second quarter, with Howard’s multipurpose player McGhee tossing the ball to Justin Cheney for a 4-yard completion to score with 11:01 left in the quarter. Fleck made good again on his field goal attempt. Morehouse, unable to get into the end zone, finally added additional points after Alexis Gonzales connected on a 27-yard field goal with 2:49 left in the second quarter. The score at halftime was 14 to 9 as Howard led. During halftime, the bands dominated the action as horns blared, dancers romped and drum majors highstepped their way across the field. The band director for HU promised there would be plenty of surprises during the show, and there were – roller skaters performed tricks on a makeshift stage. “I’ve been teaching for 47 years and directing the band for 27 years, and I guess my motivation is my love for the band,” said John Newsome, director of Howard’s Showtime Marching Band. “We always play the standards, but we mix in new music with songs [to which] today’s youth can more easily relate. Still, I’m one for teaching the ‘true’ band music and making sure it’s done correctly,” said Newsome, 66. One young man said he’s learned how to be a real leader since joining Newsome’s band. “I’ve been in the band for three

years and have been the drum major for two,” said Christopher Cloud, a 19-year-old from Dallas. “Managing 150 attitudes each day can be difficult, and because of that pressure I have definitely learned what it means to be a leader.” HU seemed to have Morehouse’s number in the second half, stopping them at every turn. Howard continued to pile on the points, with McGhee scoring twice on a 1-yard run and 17yard run, respectively, to extend the lead to 28-14 by the end of the third quarter. Howard would score one more time in the fourth quarter on a touchdown pass from Johnson to push the final score to 35-9. HU has had the upper hand in the AT&T Nation’s Football Classic, defeating Morehouse all four years. Three first-year students from Spelman, Kayla Evans, 18; Ciara Johnson, 18; and Cara Evans, 17, each attending the classic for the first time, shared their excitement about being in D.C. “I’m from Baltimore, so it’s always great to be close to home – we’re enjoying the game, but I’m waiting for my mom to get here so that she can take me and my friends out for dinner,” Kayla said. In a special presentation during halftime, two young men – Christopher Lintz, 18, a Morehouse freshman from Bowie, Maryland, and Isaiah Payne, 18, an HU freshman from Baltimore, Maryland, both received scholarships from the U.S. Marine Corps in the amount of $150,000 each. The two young men, upon graduation, will be commissioned officers in the Marines. Look for our story soon about these two talented young men and the opportunities that exist in the U.S. Marine Corps for youth who live in the Washington area. WI

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2014 AT&T NATION’S FOOTBALL CLASSIC COMES TO D.C.

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Members of Howard University’s cheerleading team entertain fans during the 2014 AT&T Nation’s Football Classic on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Southeast. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

Howard University’s band and dancers entertain fans during the 2014 AT&T Nation’s Football Classic on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Southeast. The halftime show featured the highly anticipated “Battle of the Bands” between the Howard University Showtime Marching Band and the Morehouse College House of Funk. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

Morehouse College dancers perform a dance routine before kickoff during pregame festivities at the 2014 AT&T Nation’s Football Classic on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Southeast. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

Members of the Howard University marching band and dance team take the field and perform for fans prior to start of the 2014 AT&T Nation’s Football Classic on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Southeast. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

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Sept 18 - Sept 24, 2014

SPORTS

2014 AT&T Nation’s Football Classic Highlights Howard University Defeats Morehouse, 35-17

Howard University quarterback Greg McGhee holds the 2014 Nation’s Football Classic trophy that he helped his team win as he rushed for three touchdowns to lead the Bison to a 35-17 victory over Morehouse College before a crowd of 13,178 on Saturday Sept. 13 at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Southeast. McGhee was named the game’s most valuable player for the third time. The Bison are now 4-0 in the classic, and their seven consecutive victories over Morehouse College match the longest winning streak for either team in the series. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

Howard University quarterback Greg McGhee braces for the impact from Morehouse College defenders as he rushes for a first down in the second quarter of the 2014 AT&T Nation’s Football Classic on Saturday Sept. 13 at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Southeast. Howard defeated Morehouse, 35-17. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

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Redskins Pick up First Win, But Lose Griffin III to Injury

SPORTS

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Backup Quarterback Kirk Cousins Leads Washington to 41-10 Win over Jacksonville

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Washington Redskins starting quarterback Robert Griffin III tries to evade Jacksonville Jaguars’ linebacker Paul Posluszny early in the first quarter of NFL action on Sunday Sept. 14 at FedEx Field in Landover, Md. The Redskins defeated the Jaguars, 41-10. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

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Washington Redskins’ backup quarterback Kirk Cousins, who replaced the Robert Griffin III after Griffin suffered an ankle injury, runs for a first down in the second quarter of NFL action on Sunday Sept. 14 at FedEx Field in Landover, Md. The Redskins defeated the Jaguars, 41-10. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

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The Washington Informer

Sept 18 - Sept 24, 2014

SPORTS

NFL Commissioner Under Fire

Goodell Still Enjoys Support of Redskins, Fans By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer While many fans of the Ravens sported Ray Rice jerseys at the team’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 11 in Baltimore, embattled NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has received similar support along the I-95 corridor from Landover to Virginia. Goodell, 55, grew up a fan of the Washington Redskins, and despite widespread criticism of his handling of the highly publicized domestic violence incident involving the former Ravens running back, team owner Daniel Snyder said he’s standing by the commissioner. “Roger Goodell has always had the best interests of football at heart, both on and off the field,” Snyder said in a statement. “We are fortunate to have him as our commissioner. The entire Washington Redskins organization strongly endorses his efforts to eradicate domestic abuse and the independent investigation into the Ray Rice assault.” Originally, Goodell suspended Rice for two games after the running back cut a deal with New Jersey prosecutors to enter into a domestic violence diversion program in the wake of a February incident in which he assaulted his then-fiancée Janay

Palmer, whom he married one month after the assault. However, when video of the assault surfaced on Sept. 8, showing the extent of Rice’s horrific attack on Palmer, it proved to be a game-changer. The Ravens immediately announced that they had cut Rice and terminated his contract, and NFL officials said that the star would be banned indefinitely from the league. However, many in the media and others have called on Goodell to resign because of speculation that he knew from the start the viciousness of Rice’s assault on Palmer. Critics contend that the commissioner lied when questioned about it. Former FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III has been appointed by the league to investigate Goodell’s handling of the evidence in the case. Reportedly, NFL owners are prepared to fire Goodell, who earned more than $40 million in 2013, if Mueller concludes that he willfully and egregiously mishandled the Rice investigation. In a published interview on Sept. 10, Goodell defended his handling of the incident. He said Rice told him a different story about the events surrounding the assault, which took place in an elevator of an Atlantic City hotel. “There was no ambiguity when you saw that tape. It was

sickening, appalling,” said Goodell, who also appeared on “CBS This Morning” to talk about his handling of the case. “It was clear that it The controversy surrounding Ray Rice’s domestic violence case continues to be the talk of was not consistent the NFL and much of the nation. /Photo courtesy of Pennlive with what Rice had presented to us in the hearing, and we needed to take the right step, ther you’re still waiting for the missioner. “Roger Goodell was not the which is to indefinitely suspend nice policeman on the corner to walk you home and give you one who beat his wife,” said him.” The commissioner said he that tape, or your office has re- Isaiah Alston, 41, of Northeast. had only been privy to the por- portedly had it all this time and “He suspended Rice and more tion of the video showing Rice they didn’t tell you about it, or evidence came to light so he dragging Palmer from the ele- you are lying about it.” Several former NFL stars banished him. What more can vator. He said that he asked law you ask for?” enforcement for the full video have also hitched onto OlberCornelius Ebanks, of Alexan“multiple times” but that they mann’s bandwagon calling for dria, Va., who works at FedEx weren’t willing to turn it over to Goodell’s resignation. “If Roger Goodell won’t re- Field in Landover, Md., said he him. Despite Goodell’s position, sign, put him on leave of ab- believes many are overreacting. many continue to call for his sence pending an outside in- “I think people have gone mad. vestigation,” former Redskins firing. Ray Rice was arrested, he had ESPN2 anchor Keith Olber- player London Fletcher said on his day in court and his wife mann said he didn’t buy Good- Twitter. “NFL fans, players and is standing by him, and they’re ell’s version of events. He said sponsors deserve that.” Retired Philadelphia Eagles trying to put the pieces of their if the NFL wanted to obtain the video, it could have easily done running back Brian Westbrook private life back together,” said also posted comments critical Ebanks, 31. so. “Your guys seized video in of Goodell on social media. “I think we all should listen “Being a leader is not a part to Janay Rice, she said that we one case and interpreted vague sideline video the way you want- time job,” Westbrook said. “If should leave them alone, the ed to,” Olbermann said. “But Goodell holds the players to a media should leave them alone. the images of Ray Rice brutally high standard, he should be held She’s the only victim in this, and knocking out his wife, symboli- to that same high standard.” However, Redskins fans ap- she’s OK. That’s enough for me, cally knocking out every woman football fan in this country, pear to have taken the same and I think it should be enough symbolically knocking out ev- stance as the team’s owner in for everyone else to leave the ery woman in this country, ei- terms of standing by the com- commissioner alone, too.”WI

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (L) still enjoys the support of Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder (R) and the team’s fans. /Photo courtesy of Fox News

38 Sept 18 - Sept 24, 2014

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The Religion Corner

RELIGION

Key to Destiny’s Door No. 1 – Reinvent Yourself

The Griffin Firm, PLLC Committed to providing services and supports to increase the capacity of individuals, businesses, and communities.

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Estate planning and probate Medicaid planning Elder law Business and succession planning/ coaching Workshops and seminars on legacy creation for economic strength

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In my professional speaking career, one of my favorite messages is “The Six Keys to Success.” The six keys are reflected in various chapters of my self-published book, “Destiny’s Door: Turning Milestones into Stepping Stones.” To simplify them for you, I decided to write about each key over the next six weeks. The six keys are 1 – Reinvent yourself; 2 – Relationships (Form a Master Mind Group); 3 – Are You Relentless – Unstoppable, no matter what happens?; 4 – Are you reliable, can you depend on yourself, and can others depend on you?; 5 – Are you responsible? Would you believe in a promise you made?; and 6 – Are you resourceful – which means, you will find a way! This week, let’s talk about how to “reinvent you!” When you reinvent yourself, you start all over again. You must reprogram your thinking. It’s the same as when you delete all old programs from your computer; you begin anew. Imagine yourself already having achieved your goals. Imagine that you have clarity of mind and you’re able to see exactly what it is that you want for your life. Feel yourself already in possession of your dream and believe you shall have it – that’s called faith! Mark 11:24 reminds us “Therefore I say unto you, what things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive [them], and ye shall have [them].” We can learn from a metaphor of a boat. Picture yourself riding on a boat. It has an engine, and

as it moves forward, you look back and you see the trail that’s left behind. That’s called a wake. Wikipedia defines “wake” this way: It’s the region of recalculating flow immediately behind a moving or stationary solid body, caused by the flow of surrounding fluid around the body. You sabotage yourself when you focus on your wake – the trail you’ve left behind. Many of us keep our eyes on the trail we’ve left behind rather than living in the moment. It’s the present moment that will move us forward. What’s left behind has been left behind. It’s in the past. Faith is the object of things hoped for, and it is the evidence of things not seen. Therefore, when we reinvent ourselves, we must see ourselves the way we want to be. We must see ourselves as we really want to be. You must bring your thoughts in harmony with your beliefs. Nothing from the past can hold you back. You are holding yourself back each time you continue to speak about past hurts and pains. Stop self-sabotaging. I had to learn how to stop sabotaging myself. You hold yourself back with negative thoughts, beliefs or habits. You cannot find light by analyzing the darkness. You can’t change by living in the past. Been there, done that! It’s the energy of the present moment that propels you forward. Pretend you’re on a moving boat. What’s actually moving the boat? It’s the engine of the motor running. When the engine stops, the boat will stop. Present

with Lyndia Grant

energy propels that boat. Same thing with you. It’s your present thoughts and energy that will propel you forward. Don’t allow what has happened to you in the past to hold you back. Give up your personal history. Stand on a boat and look at the water behind you. It’s the wake, a trail that’s left behind. Is it possible for a trail that’s left behind to make the boat go forward? No. Disconnect from your past history; get rid of the story of your past. Get a hold of the present moment, and have a love affair with who you would like to become. Treat yourself that way. Our Lord and Savior will see that you succeed!WI Lyndia Grant is an author, inspirational and motivational speaker, radio talk show host and columnist; visit her new website at www.lyndiagrant. com and call 202-518-3192. Tune in Fridays at 6 p.m. to the radio talk show, 1340 AM, WYCB, a Radio One Station.

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Sept 18 - Sept 24, 2014

RELIGION BAPTIST

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church

The Reverend Lyndon Shakespeare Interim Priest Foggy Bottom • Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW • Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 • Fax : 202-338-4958 Worship Services Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

Schedule of Services: Sunday School – 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service – 11:00 AM Communion Service – First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study – Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org e-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Worship Sundays @ 7:30 & 11:00 A.M. 5th Sundays @ 9:30 A.M. 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 P.M.

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

www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ Drs. Dennis W. and Christine Y. Wiley, Pastors 3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) (202) 562-4219 (Fax) SERVICES AND TIMES: SUNDAYS: 10:00 am AM Worship Services BIBLE STUDY: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power “An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantbaptistdc.org

Twelfth Street Christian Church

Campbell AME Church Reverend Daryl K. Kearney, Pastor

(Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340

2562 MLK Jr. Ave., S E Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email:Campbell@mycame.org Sunday Worship Service 10: am Sunday Church School 8: 45 am Bible Study Wednesday 12:00 Noon Wednesday 7:00 pm Thursday 7: pm “Reaching Up To Reach Out”

Sunday Worship Service 8:00am and 11:00am Sunday School 9:15am Holy Communion 4th Sunday 10:00am Prayer and Bible Study Wednesday 7;00pm TV Ministry –Channel 6 Wednesday 10:00pm gsccm.administration@verizon.net

Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Bishop 5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555 Sunday Early Morning Worship - 7:45 a.m. Church School - 9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship – 10:45 a.m. Tuesday – Thursday - Kingdom Building Bible Institute – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday – Prayer/Praise/Bible Study – 7:30 p.m. Baptism & Communion Service- 4th Sunday – 10:30am Radio Broadcast WYCB -1340 AM-Sunday -6:00pm T.V. Broadcast - Channel 190 – Sunday -4:00pm/Tuesday 7:00am

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

Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., • Pastor 2498 Alabama Ave., SE • Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 Fax: (202) 889-2198 • www.acamec.org 2008: The Year of New Beginnings “Expect the Extraordinary”

Crusader Baptist Church

Sunday Morning Worship 11:00am Holy Communion – 1st Sunday Sunday School-9:45am Men’s Monday Bible Study – 7:00pm Wednesday Night Bible Study – 7:00pm Women’s Ministry Bible Study 3rd Friday -7:00pm Computer Classes- Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org

“The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”

“God is Love”

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor 1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202.347.5889 office 202.638.1803 fax Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m. Prayer Meeting and Bible Study: Wed. 7:30 p.m. “Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews • Senior Pastor 1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 Fax: (202) 526-1661

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

Sunday Worship Services: 8:00a.m. and 11:00a.m. Sunday Church School - 9:15a.m. & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30a.m. 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study - 10:00a.m. Tuesday Topical Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Wednesday Children’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Thursday Men’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service - 6:30p.m. Saturday Adult Bible Study - 10:00a.m.

Third Street Church of God

Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

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

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax Sunday Worship Service: 8 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 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

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

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Service and Times Sunday Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Communion every Sunday 11:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Bible Study Tuesday 12Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday 6:30 p.m. Motto; “Discover Something Wonderful.” Website: 12thscc.org Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

5101 14th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20011 202-726-2220/ 202-726-9089

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor

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

Rev. John W. Davis, Pastor

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

Blessed Word of Life Church

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

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew, Assistant Pastor

700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849

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

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

Church of Living Waters

52 Years of Expert Engraving Services

Joseph N. Evans, Ph.D Senior Pastor 901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423 Sunday Church School : 9: 30am Sunday Morning Worship: 10: 45am Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00pm Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00pm Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10: 45am themcbc.org

40 Sept 18 - Sept 24, 2014

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RELIGION BAPTIST

Advertise Your Church services here: call Ron Burke at

202-561-4100 or email rburke@washingtoninformer.com Zion Baptist Church

All Nations Baptist Church Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor 2001 North Capitol St, N.E. • Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591

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

“Where Jesus is the King”

Israel Baptist Church

4850 Blagdon Ave, NW • Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 • Fax (202) 291-3773

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

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

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

Rev. Dr. Morris L Shearin, Sr. Pastor

St. Luke Baptist Church

Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor

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

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

Sunday Worship Service 10:15AM- Praise and Worship Services Sunday School 9:00am Monday: Noon Bible School Wednesday: Noon & 7PM: Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission Zion Baptist Church Shall; Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, and Exalt Our Savior. (Acts 2:41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 A.M. Sunday School: 8:30 A.M. Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:00 A.M. Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 P.M. Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 P.M.

Mount Moriah Baptist Church Dr. Lucius M. Dalton, Senior Pastor 1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 Fax: 202-544-2964 Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 am and 10:45 am Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 am and 10:45 am Sunday School: 9:30 am Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon and 6:30 pm Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 pm Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 pm

Advertise Your Church services here: call Ron Burke at

202-561-4100 or email rburke@washingtoninformer.com

Advertise Your Church services here: call Ron Burke at

202-561-4100 or email rburke@washingtoninformer.com

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

Rehoboth Baptist Church

St. Matthews Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Maxwell M. Washington Pastor Worshiping Location Knights of Columbus - 1633 Tucker Road Fort Washington, MD 20744 (240) 838-7074 Order of Services Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 am Sunday School: 9:00 am Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer / Bible Study: 6:15 pm - 7:20 pm (Tuesday)

Salem Baptist Church

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Clinton W. Austin Pastor 2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Come Grow With Us and Establish a Blessed Family” Sunday Worship 7:30am & 10:45am Baptism/Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30pm Prayer Service Tuesdays – 8:00pm www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert SR. Pastor

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

Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 a.m. Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 p.m. Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 p.m. Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 p.m. Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

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

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Christ Embassy DC

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

Dr. C. Matthew Hudson, Jr, Pastor

6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065

Elder Herman L. Simms, Pastor

2616 MLK Ave., SE • Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 • Fax 202-678-3304

Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator

Early Worship Service 7:30a.m Worship Service 10:45a.m. New Members Class 9:30a.m. Holy Communion : 1st Sunday -10:45a.m Church School 9:30a.m. Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: Wednesday 7p.m Bible Study : Saturday: 11a.m. Baptism: 4th Sunday – 10:45a.m “Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”

Sunday Worship Service 10:00 A.M.

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

Peace Baptist Church

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836

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

Sunday Morning Worship Service 7:15 am & 10:50 am Sunday School 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship Service 10:50am Wednesday Prayer & Testimonies Service 7:30pm Wednesday School of the Bible 8:00pm Wednesday - Midweek Prayer Service 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Services: Sunday Worship 11 AM Sunday School 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study - Wed. 7 PM “A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”

“The Loving Church of the living lord “ Email Address pbcexec@verizon.net

Shiloh Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

1864-2014

Rev. Alonzo Hart Pastor

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

Rev. Reginald M. Green, Sr., Interim Pastor

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

917 N St. NW • Washington, DC 20001 (202) 232-4294

9th & P Street, N.W. • W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4200

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

The Church Where GOD Is Working.... And We Are Working With GOD

Sunrise Prayer Services - Sunday 7:00 a.m.

Sunday Morning Prayer Service: 8:00 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 10:40 a.m. Third Sunday Baptismal & Holy Communion:10:30 a.m. Tuesday Church At Study Prayer & Praise: 6:30 p.m.

Morning Worship: 8:00 a.m Church School : 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship: 10:55 a.m. Bible Study, Thursday: 6:30 p.m. Prayer Meeting,Thursday : 7:30 p.m.

150 Years of Service

Theme: “The Kingdom Focused Church” Matthew 6:33 and Mathew 28:18-20, KJV

Sunday Service: 10 am Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 am 1st Sunday Baptism: 10: am 2nd Sunday Holy Communion: 10 am Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 pm Prayer Meeting: 7:45 pm

Email: stmatthewsbaptist@msn.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

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

Sunday Worship Services: 7:45am & 11:00am Sunday school For All Ages 9:30am Prayer Services Wednesday 11:30am & 6:45pm Bible Institute Wednesday at Noon & 7:45pm “Changing Lives On Purpose “ Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org

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Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

The Washington Informer

Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 P.M. Friday Evening Service 7:00 P.M. ; Last Friday “…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com

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

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor 2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 Fax: (202) 529-7738 Order of Services Worship Service: 7:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30 a.m. & 10:30a.m. Prayer Services: Tuesday 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 12 Noon Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.

Sept 18 - Sept 24, 2014

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Administration No. 2014 ADM 872

Administration No. 2014 ADM 589

Administration No. 2014 ADM 902

Constance Ray aka Constance E. Ray

D.R. Malloy aka Delores Malloy aka Delores R. Malloy

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Bonnie Ray, whose address is 1513 Benning Rd., NE,

Donald M. Malloy, whose address is 12518 Monterey

Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Constance Ray aka Constance E. Ray, who died on December 9, 2011 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before March 11, 2015. 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 March 11, 2015, 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:

Circle, Fort Washington, MD 20744, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of D.R. Malloy aka Delores Malloy aka Delores R. Malloy, who died on May 30, 2014 with a Will, and will serve without

Larry Charles Burks Decedent

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

Tonie Sherrial Burks, whose address is 4438 B St.,

Representative of the estate of Larry Charles Burks, who died on April 11, 2014 without a Will, and will

Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance

heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their

in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or

appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such

to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the

appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills,

D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor

A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before

Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before March 18, 2015.

March 11, 2015. Claims against the decedent shall be

Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the

presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register

undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed

of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to

with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned,

the undersigned, on or before March 11, 2015, or be

on or before March 18, 2015, or be forever barred.

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:

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: September 18, 2014

September 11, 2014

Bonnie Ray

Donald M. Malloy

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister

Washington Informer

Personal Representative

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Administration No. 2014 ADM 914

Administration No. 2014 ADM 906

Arthurene S. Foxx aka Arthurene Foxx

Sarah M. Small aka Sarah Small

Decedent

Matthew F. Shannon, Esquire

Deborah D. Boddie, Esq.

1420 N Street, NW #102

1308 Ninth Street, NW, Suite 300

Washington, DC 20005

Washington, DC 20001

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Angela Tucker, whose address is c/o Shannon 1420

Jesse Small, Jr., whose address is 11137 Commanders

for standard probate, including the appointment of one

Lane, White Plains, MD 20695, was appointed Personal

or more personal representative. Unless a complaint or

Representative of the estate of Sarah M. Small aka

an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate

N Street, NW, #102, Washington, DC 20005, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Arthurene S. Foxx aka Arthurene Foxx, who died on June 10, 2014 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before March 18, 2015. 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 March 18, 2015, 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:

and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to

Estate of Lionel Franklin Taylor, Sr. Deceased

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Cynthia Law-Taylor and Deborah D. Boddie

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.

such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before March 18, 2015. Claims against

In the absence of a will or poof satisfactory to the Court

decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal

a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register

representative.

of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before March 18, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including

Date of first publication: September 18, 2014

name, address and relationship. Date of first publication:

Personal Representatives:

September 18, 2014

Angela Tucker

Jesse Small, Jr.

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister

Washington Informer

Cynthia Law-Taylor Deborah Boddie

TRUE TEST COPY

42 Sept 18 - Sept 24, 2014

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of due execution, enter an order determining that the

the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with

to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive

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Administration Number 2014 ADM 918

Sarah Small, who died on August 2, 2014 with a Will,

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Tonie S. Burks

Probate Division

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

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SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal

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The Washington Informer

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EDELMAN continued from Page 26 know that it’s an issue when a little kid is going through the lunch line, and they’re already asking what’s going to be for breakfast the next morning, because they’re concentrating on the fact that perhaps this might be their last meal before they come back to school the next morning.” Poor access to health care is a second piece of the rural health disparities puzzle. Put simply, poor children in rural Ohio have more trouble than children in other parts of the state finding doctors to care for them. Nearly 1 million rural children live in areas with no local pediatrician. This shortage of general pediatricians and family doctors serving children in rural areas is compounded by a lack of access to pediatric subspecialists. In the United States, there are

DANIELS continued from Page 26 ing these minor rules? Who gets stopped, questioned and given a talking-to but is let go with no summons? And who do the police notice is violating these minor rules but choose not to stop at all? For example, the data show that, although just 17 percent of the dogs in the city are licensed, blacks and Hispanics comprise 91 percent of those given summonses for not having licenses for their dogs. Police officials have thus far been silent on the supposed racial and color difference in the way New Yorkers walk their dogs on city streets that leads to such a disparity. Of course, the real question is whether black and Hispanic New Yorkers are so dismissive of following these rules or something else is at work. One part of the answer can be found in the fact that, accord-

CURRY continued from Page 26

victed last summer of assaulting and threatening to kill his former girlfriend, Nicole Holder, but no action was taken against him until the Ray Rice story exploded on the national scene. In her request for a protective order, Holder said Hardy threw her into a tile tub, pulled her from the tub by her hair, choked her with both hands and picked her up over his head and threw her onto a couch filled with assault rifles and shotguns. At the trial, Holder testified, “He looked me in my eyes and told me he was going to kill me. I was

approximately 28,000 pediatric medical subspecialists and surgical specialists to care for more than 80 million children. Most practice in academic settings, often a long drive from rural areas. About one in three children must travel 40 miles or more to receive care from a pediatrician certified in adolescent medicine, developmental behavior pediatrics, neurodevelopment disabilities, pulmonology, emergency medicine, nephrology, rheumatology or sports medicine, and there is a shortage of available critical care for children in rural emergency rooms. Finding a dentist is a huge challenge, too. CDF-Ohio offers solutions to some of the health risks poor children face, including teaching families how to grow healthy food and community-based fitness and wellness programs. New ways of providing health

care for rural children, including community center- and schoolbased or -linked health services, mobile dental vans, and new uses of technology like videoconferencing consultations, are helping. Some key state policy changes could make a difference, like tax incentives for buying nutritious food, encouraging more grocery stores in rural areas, increased public transit, and more incentives like loan forgiveness programs for graduates of the state’s medical schools to practice in rural areas. The new Ohio report sums it up: “While there are great barriers to health care for rural and Appalachian children, there are also great opportunities to act and ensure a healthy future for all children across Ohio. Now is the time to act.”WI

ing to the Daily News report, the summons program, which is heavily stacked against individuals trying to prove their innocence via a trial, is a huge moneymaker for the city’s court system. Last year, it raked in $8.7 million, the courts’ second-largest source of revenue. In other words, New York City’s summons programs is following a widespread practice among police departments across the country: selectively enforcing minor rules of the criminal code in order to wring as much revenue as they can from residents. As my fellow NNPA columnist George E. Curry wrote last week, most of the 90 municipalities in St. Louis County, Missouri, “sustain themselves by targeting, fining and jailing poor Missouri residents, many of them Black, who are unable to pay traffic tickets.” And The Washington Post’s three-part series of last week

described how the federal government’s post-9/11 program to enlist local police departments in the domestic homeland security effort quickly morphed into the latter using it as an excuse to seize – is the more accurate word “rob?” – “hundreds of millions of dollars in cash from motorists and others not charged with crimes.” If these facts are put alongside such other issues as the questionable militarization of local police forces and the lack of diversity of many police departments in cities and small towns with sizable black and Hispanic populations, they lead to an inescapable conclusion: that America not only has a “crime problem” but also has a “criminal justice problem” – and that the two are in fact related.WI Lee A. Daniels is a longtime journalist based in New York City. His latest book is “Last Chance: The Political Threat to Black America.”

so scared I wanted to die. When he loosened his grip slightly, I said, ‘Just do it. Kill me.’” Hardy was found guilty of misdemeanor charges and sentenced to a 60-day suspended sentence and 18 months of probation. He is appealing the verdict. Hardy was deactivated for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions. San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald was allowed to play in Sunday’s game, despite being arrested and charged with felony domestic violence connected with allegedly striking his pregnant fiancée. A hearing scheduled for Monday was postponed, pending further

investigation. These are not isolated cases. A database maintained by USA Today shows that there have been 713 arrests of NFL players since 2000, 85 for domestic violence. The database covers only incidents reported by the media. Of the 56 known domestic violence cases that occurred on Goodell’s watch, players were suspended only a combined total of 13 games, excluding Ray Rice. Typically, players involved in domestic disputes had charges dismissed after they were placed in a diversion program for first-time offend-

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ers, completed anger management counseling or performed community service. In many cases, the allegedly abused woman refused to file charges. Only 10 players were released by their team, and three of those landed on other squads. Overall, arrest rates among NFL players are lower than the national average for men in their age range. Among NFL teams, according to The New York Times, the Minnesota Vikings had the most players arrested since 2000, with 44, followed closely by the Cincinnati Bengals and the Denver Broncos. The Arizona Cardinals and the St.

Louis Rams, with 11 each, tied for the lowest mark. Baltimore had 22 players arrested over that period, mirroring the league average. Though the most common offense was driving while drunk, domestic violence has taken center stage. The domestic cases are chronicled by Sidepin. The website stated, “Goodell is perceived as being tough on players. He’s an authoritarian, the likes of which the league has never seen!! But there’s one thing Goodell will tolerate, and that’s NFL players abusing women.”WI Sept 18 - Sept 24, 2014

CHAVIS continued from Page 27 Just as we did during the days of widespread lynchings, we will not be silent. We will not kowtow to those who would oppress us because of our race. We will not be idle spectators to the recent resurgence of racial hatred and vile violence toward our men, women and children. We have come too far against horrific

odds to even consider going backward. We will not be distracted by false accusations of “playing the race card.” There was even a book published in 2005 titled “Playing the Race Card.” It was written by George J. Sefa Dei, Nisha Karumanchery-Luik and Leeno Luke Karumanchery. They said, “Playing the Race Card reflects and engages the

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dynamic nature of racialized experience in Western contexts. So that the privileged and the oppressed alike may reflexively examine their own subject positions, this book identifies and addresses the need to develop a working model for anti-racism strategies.” While I appreciated what some academic types are proposing concerning this issue, I know better from more than a half-century on the front line of the black American struggle for freedom and justice. It is ahistorical to posit that JACKSON continued from Page 27 Rice had been caught on a security camera dragging his fiancée out of the elevator. That got him suspended for two games without pay. The penalty, which some criticized as too lenient, cost him about $530,000 in salary. Now that everyone has seen the graphic video of the actual event, people have all of a sudden become filled with phony righteous indignation. Rice should have been punished not because of the video but because of the act itself. But doing a baitand-switch on his punishment amounts to piling on. Now many professional athletes, entertainers, politicians and the public want to make public statements about how terrible a person Ray Rice is. Where was this outrage before the release of the video? Where is the outrage from these athletes and entertainers about the precious black children being killed in Chicago? Where is their

MUHAMMAD continued from Page 27

single day. And as to gruesome beheadings, one of the most rampant abusers of human life is Saudi Arabia, according to a report by Joe Fletcher for Addicting Info. “The U.S government and its citizens seem to largely not care that Saudi Arabia has beheaded 19 people in the month of August. Eight of these beheadings are for nonviolent offenses. Seven are for drug smuggling and one is for sorcery,” Fletcher reported on Sept. 6. That’s 19 beheadings in one month alone by Wall Street’s No. 1 pal. “There’s nothing in our religious teaching, there’s nothing in Quran or Hadith that justifies some of their actions,” Abdul Akbar Muhammad, international The Washington Informer

people who are oppressed have to somehow wait for the so-called “privileged” people who economically and politically benefit from racial oppression to change their hearts and minds. Racism is not a mind game or card game. It is real, and it can be fatal. Racism is the real-time power to systematically deny justice, fairness and opportunity to people based on their race or ethnicity. Racism is beyond racial prejudice and hatred. It is the power to forcefully enslave, negatively define and physically subju-

gate a person’s or a people’s life based on race. We should never permit the trivialization or denial of our long struggle for freedom. Let’s stay focused on what we all need to do to advance the quality of life in our communities. The fact is that change has happened and social change will continue to unfold, in particular, if we stay vigilant, active, aware and committed to end all forms of racism and racial injustice. Those looking for a card game are at the wrong table.WI

outrage about anything other than collecting a bigger paycheck? To ultra-feminist groups, especially the National Organization for Women, why are you so selective in your outrage about how women are treated? To this day, you have never criticized Beyoncé for objectifying herself and women in her music. Yet your criticize hip-hop for the same thing. Where is its outrage about a woman who raped a child in Arizona when he was 14 and who now, at 20, is being forced to pay child support for a 6-year-old child he never knew existed? It sickens me that people want to take, by all accounts, a good person and kick dirt in his face because he made a terribly horrible mistake – a mistake because there was nothing in his past that indicated this type of behavior. Even more troubling is the contention that Ray does not deserve a second chance. That’s a mighty high standard, considering human frailty. There was absolutely nothing

in the video that Rice hadn’t already admitted to police and the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have admitted as much. The difference is that the NFL faced a growing backlash based on the release of the video. Rice is not guilty of breaking any laws. The criminal justice system – with everyone having access to the controversial video – treated Rice as the first-time offender that he was. He was dismissed by the NFL for violating a league’s “conduct” policy. In other words, for “conduct detrimental to the league.” Once that is invoked by the league or a team, based on their collective bargaining agreement, punishment can be anything from a fine to being banned from the sport. The NFL, after meting out a two-game suspension, changed the rules in the middle of the ride. After serving half of his two-game suspension, Rice was retroactively given a death sentence.WI

representative of the Nation of Islam, told me. Part of the “Made in USA” component of these savage, radical extremists is to vilify the Islamic faith as though the world has entered a stage where there is a “clash of civilizations” between the “dark, savage, world of Islamic extremism” and the civilized West. “In any case, the beheadings, as gruesome as they are, also have to be placed in context,” Gerald Horne, who holds the John J. and Rebecca Moores Chair of History and African-American studies at the University of Houston, told me. “You know, I’m sure, that during the bad-old days of slavery, after slave revolts for example, they would behead the Africans for example. These are the predecessors of these folks who are ruling in Washington, D.C., now.” “The Japanese adversary of the United States during World War II,

they were known – the military – for carrying around sharp swords and beheading people at a moment’s notice. So, the press hasn’t done a very good job of putting this in context, because they might have to indict Washington and some of its allies,” Horne said. “The Frankenstein Monster is made and it turns on its master,” Muhammad said. “And this is a classic example of what has been happening over and over in the Middle East, where these groups, some of them have been the creation of the West in order to counter the people the West finds displeasure in or is having a problem with. The same groups they create end up turning on them.” That includes the Wall Street bankers who received slaps on the wrist instead of jail time when Obama took office.WI

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