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Vol. 56, No. 37 • July 1 - 7, 2021

June 2021. Volume 7. Issue 6.

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New Sounds of the DMV

Don't Miss This Month's WI Bridge New Sounds of the DMV ALMOST TO AWESOME | VISH: BREAKING BARRIERS | CONVERSATION WITH ANKHLEJOHN | UNITYFEST

D.C. Pedestrian Bridge Collapse Intensifies Infrastructure Debate Recent Tragedy in Miami Further Evidence that Congress Must Act Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer

5 The pedestrian bridge at Polk Street over Route 295 collapsed onto several cars traveling on the highway on June 24. (Photo courtesy DC Fire Dept.)

Bard High School Early College Grads Garner Twofold Benefit

James Wright WI Staff Writer

Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer

GRADUATION Page 32

INFRACTURE Page 34

D.C., National Leaders Rally for Statehood on National Mall

Students Receive Diploma and Associate Degree in Leap Toward the Future

For more than a dozen high school graduates, the transition to a four-year college should prove easier after completing an academic program in which they’ve earned both their high school diploma and an associate degree, the latter free of charge. In the two years since Bard High School Early College DC’s opened its doors in Southeast, 15 youth, many residents of wards 7 and 8, have explored their academic and career interests, completed 60 hours of college-level

In the aftermath of a pedestrian bridge’s collapse on DC-295, several city officials have called for an investigation into the cause of the catastrophic event and the immediate repair of bridges that ensure pedestrian access across the Kenilworth Avenue corridor. However, some Ward 7 residents contend that the entire Kenilworth Avenue corridor, long-neglected, re-

mains in serious need of repair. Since the bridge’s collapse on Monday, June 23, D.C. resident Sherice Muhammad has been in contact with Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton’s office to garner federal support for what she described as a vast infrastructure project. Upgrades which Muhammad recommends include additional lanes and exits allowing for easier vehicular access to portions of Ward 8, the in-

5 District residents demand equality now! (Anthony Tilghman/ The Washington Informer)

District and national voting rights leaders, as well as the daughter of a former U.S. president, called on Congress June 26 to pass legislation making Washington, D.C. the 51st state of the union. They addressed an estimated 10,000 people at a rally on the National Mall that included participants of the Black Voters Matter trek through several southern states beginning June 19 and assembled on the mall to press for congressional action on the For the

People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act in addition to a District statehood bill introduced by Sen. Thomas Carper (D-Del.).od. The rally came just a few days after the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held its second hearing in the chamber’s history on a D.C. statehood bill. No statehood bill has been vetted by a Senate committee after a successful House vote until last week. Carper’s bill has

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CDC Director Issues Final Eviction Moratorium Extension The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky has signed an extension of the eviction moratorium to further prevent the eviction of tenants who are unable to make rental payments. The moratorium that was scheduled to expire on June 30, has been extended through July 31 and “is intended to be the final extension of the moratorium.” “The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a historic threat to the nation’s public health,” Walensky said. “Keeping people in their homes and out of crowded or congregate settings — like homeless shelters — by preventing evictions is a key step in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19.” Mortgage financiers Fannie Mae have also announced an extension to assist renters and property owners experiencing financial difficulties as COVID-19 persists. Also set to expire on June 30, Fannie Mae extended its multifamily COVID-19 forbearance program through Sept. 30, 2021. Fannie Mae says as part of the extension, property owners must inform tenants in writing about tenant protections available during the property owner's forbearance and repayment periods. In addition, the borrower is required to provide tenant protections, which include: allow the tenant flexibility to repay back rent over time and not in a lump sum; Not charge the tenant late fees or penalties for non-payment of rent; and give the tenant at least a 30-day notice to vacate. The National Low Income Housing Coalition [NLIHC] said in June that they’re urging the Biden administration to “do something” to prevent an historic wave of evictions. “While vaccinations rates are up and COVID-19 caseloads are down in many areas, communities with lower vaccination rates and higher COVID-19 cases tend to be the same as those with renters at heightened risk of eviction when the moratorium expires,” said NLIHC in a statement. “Allowing the moratorium to expire before vaccination rates increase in marginalized communities could lead to increased spread of, and deaths from, COVID-19. WI

Ashanti Martinez Enters the Race for Maryland Delegate In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032 Phone: 202 561-4100 Fax: 202 574-3785 news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com

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4 JULY 1 - 7, 2021

Ashanti Martinez used Facebook Live! to formally announce his candidacy for the Maryland House of Delegates. Martinez, 25, of New Carrollton, will seek a seat for District 22 which includes Berwyn Heights, Hyattsville and Riverdale Park. He sought the office a few years ago as a 21-year-old college student before he graduated from Howard University. Besides his work as a research and policy analyst for CASA, Martinez remains a community organizer who combats gun violence and advocates for police reform and equal rights for the LGBTQ community. “I plan to be on the side of working people who haven’t had a champion for a very long time,” he said during his announcement Monday, June 28. “Our district deserves a delegate that works day in and day out to fight for solutions to the issues impacting working families the most.” The three current delegates in District 22 include Anne Healey, Alonzo Washington and Nicole A. Williams. WI

Athletes from the DMV Heading to Tokyo (July 23 – Aug. 8) When the Summer Olympics begin in Tokyo Friday, July 23, running through Sunday, August 8, a contingency of athletes from the District, Maryland and Virginia will be among those representing Team USA. From the District: Katharine Holmes, National Cathedral School graduate, fencing (second Olympics); Taylor Knibb, graduate of Sidwell Friends School, triathlon. From Virginia: Claire Collins, Princeton grad from McLean, rowing; Grant Holloway, Chesapeake native, track and field; Torri Huske, Yorktown High grad, swimming team; Troy Isley, Alexandria Boxing Club member; Noah Lyles, graduate of T.C. Williams (now Alexandria City High School), track and field. From Maryland: Phoebe Bacon, Stone Ridge graduate, swimming; Abby Gustaitis, University of Maryland graduate and Baltimore native, rugby; Chase Kalisz, swimming (two Olympic silver medals); Katie Ledecky, swimming (five Olympic gold medals. Professional Team Sports: Ariel Atkins, Tina Charles – Washington Mystics, basketball team; Bradley Beal – Washington Wizards, Kevin Durant – Brooklyn Nets and Prince George’s County native, basketball team. Rui Hachimura – Washington Wizard, basketball team, Japan; Emma Meesseman – Washington Mystics, basketball, Belgium; Leilani Mitchell – Washington Mystics, basketball team, Australia; Kelley O’Hara and Emily Sonnett – Washington Spirit, soccer. WI

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Gordon-Andrew Fletcher Poised to Retake Ward 5 Democrats' But Opposing Black Female Slate Almost Sweeps Election Hamil Harris and James Wright WI Contributing Writer and WI Staff Writer Ward 5 Democrats Chair Gordon-Andrew Fletcher held a 19-vote margin in his quest for re-election, according to unofficial results but his opponents’ slate for officers won decisively in the election that took place at the Faith United Church of Christ on June 26. Fletcher led Benita Carmichael, 253-239, in the final tally. However, Fletcher’s racially balanced slate didn’t fare well against their all-Black female opponents. Carmichael’s first vice chair candidate Jennifer Blemur defeated Fletcher’s slate mate John Lucio, 289203. Carmichael ally Dr. Tony Miles-Maloney, aka Justine Love, a radio personality, defeated Hazel Thomas, 266-233, in the race for second vice chair. Shirley Riven Smith, a member of Carmichael’s slate, won her race for treasurer with 314 votes over Juan Torres’s 174 votes; Sean Sullivan, aligned with Fletcher, lost to Irene Kang, 287-197, for recording secretary. Vanella Jackson-Crawford won decisively for

corresponding secretary while Ursula Higgins ran unopposed for assistant recording secretary. Anthony Roberson ran unopposed for financial secretary. The Ward 5 Democrats race occurred as the ward’s demographic evolution continues to unfold. In 2010, census figures reported Ward 5 having a 76 percent Black population but by 2021, DC Health Matters said the ward’s African American percentage had dropped to 55 percent . District political observers have long considered Ward 5 the bellwether because it encompasses all income and racial groups in the city. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is a native of Ward 5. At one point in the previous decade, four of the 13 members of the D.C. Council— Ward 5 residents Vincent Orange, David Grosso, Anita Bonds and Kenyan McDuffie serve together on the legislative body comprising the largest bloc in terms of ward residence.

ELECTION DAY

Democracy and suspense shared the same table inside the fellowship hall of the church as officials of the D.C. Democratic State

Committee counted hundreds of ballots for the election. As many as 500 people, according to officials, passed tables lines with candidates and posters to cast ballots. The election’s mood seemed festive, with many people happy to leave their homes after being stuck for 15 months due to the coronavirus pandemic. Charles Wilson, the head of the D.C. Democratic State Committee, expressed elation at the turnout. “We are excited about the turnout,” Wilson said. “You have two awesome slates which were working hard to get the vote, and I hope

that whoever wins will take this momentum to lead this organization for the next two years.” After the unofficial count occurred, Fletcher shouted “Yeah” at his apparent re-election. However, Fletcher’s joy turned to concern when D.C. State Committee member Ronnie Edwards announced an audit of the election will have to be conducted because of the 19-vote separation being challenged. Additionally, Fletcher sat quietly as he watched his slate lose their races. The D.C. Board of Elections will conduct the audit and certify the winners in the coming days.

FLETCHER’S REFLECTIONS

Despite the losses, Fletcher expressed pride in his slate, saying diversity remains the key to Democrats winning in the District. “I am a three-term advisory neighborhood commissioner and I see the change in the wards,” he said. “The Democratic Party is a big tent party and it reflects the diversity of the Democratic Party in a Democratic city. There are a lot of new folks and we have to bring them in. We can’t just be a one party, one race organization.” WI @JamesDCWrighter

DCTAG, Apply Now.

Take Classes In-person or Online If you’re 26 or younger, a DC resident with a high school diploma or GED, and meet a few other requirements, the DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) can help by providing up to $10,000 a year to participating colleges and universities, nationwide. Apply by September 17, 2021, to begin classes this fall. TEXT DCTAG @ 474747 to get started. dconeapp.dc.gov 5 Gordon-Andrew Fletcher leads in the race for chairman of the Ward 5 Democrats. (WI File Photo)

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1899 – Thomas Dorsey, the "father of gospel music," is born in Villa Rica, Georgia. 1942 – Gospel music star Andrae Crouch is born in San Francisco. 1991 – President George H. W. Bush nominates Clarence Thomas for the Supreme Court to replace the retiring Thurgood Marshall (bottom right). 1893 – Walter Francis White, famed civil rights activist and longtime leader of the NAACP, is born in Atlanta.

JULY 2

1908 – Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to ever serve on the Supreme Court, is born in Baltimore. 1925 – Medgar Evers, civil rights activist, is born in Decatur, Mississippi. 1943 – Tuskegee Airman Charles Hall becomes the first African American pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft in World War II. 1964 – The Civil Rights Act, which prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or

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1950 – "The Hazel Scott Show," the first U.S. network television series to be hosted by an African American woman, premieres. 1956 – Television talk show host Montel Williams (top) is born in Baltimore.

JULY 4

1881 – Tuskegee University is founded in Tuskegee, Alabama. 1910 – Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight champion, defends his title by knocking out "The Great White Hope," Jim Jeffries, in Nevada. 1938 – Singer-songwriter Bill Withers is born in Slab Fork, West Virginia.

JULY 5

1975 – Arthur Ashe defeats defending Wimbledon champion Jimmy Connors, becoming the first African American man to win the singles title in the tournament.

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1957 – Tennis star Althea Gibson became the first Black tennis player to win Wimbledon, defeating fellow American Darlene Hard in straight sets. 1971 – Legendary jazz trumpeter Louis "Satchmo"Armstrong dies of a heart attack in New York City. 1979 – Musician and D.C. native Van McCoy, best known for his 1975 smash "The Hustle," dies in Englewood, New Jersey.

JULY 7

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1913 – Negro leagues baseball legend Leroy "Satchel" Paige is born in Mobile, Alabama. 1913 – Blues pianist Pinetop Perkins is born in Belzoni, Mississippi. 1915 – American poet and writer Margaret Walker, author of "Jubilee," is born in Birmingham, Alabama. 1972 – Hall of Fame basketball player Lisa Leslie, the first player to dunk in a WNBA game, is born in Gardena, California. WI

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The only way for them to gain and keep control of America was to create positions of power in every angle of American society. From politics to religion, education, housing and to policing Black and brown people. Not so much about politics this time, but more [about] protecting their race.

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The month of June has come and gone and with its departure, only memories remain of the numerous activities related to Pride Month. For those who may be unaware, Pride Month represents that time each year when Americans celebrate the lives and contributions of those who represent the LGBTQ community. And while cities like D.C. could not hold their highly-anticipated parades, parties, high heel races and other activities, the show did go on, albeit on a smaller scale. As an advertisement for Virginia Slims cigarettes proclaimed back in the 70s, “we’ve come a long way, baby.” And indeed, for those who are part of the LGBTQ family, there are many reasons to celebrate. Gone are the laws that forced gays and lesbians to live in the closet with fear. Medical advancements have made it possible to contract the HIV virus and still anticipate enjoying decades of a full and fruitful life. In some parts of the nation, it’s even possible for same-gender couples to marry or adopt children. Still, there remain many Americans who look down on those who chose to live their lives and follow their destinies with alternative lifestyles. Challenges and threats lodged against those who are transgender

For those who may be unaware, Pride Month represents that time each year when Americans celebrate the lives and contributions of those who represent the LGBTQ community. have increased, often including heinous acts of violence. It’s still not safe to be gay in America. Some members of the LGBTQ community still cannot freely worship in the churches, synagogues or mosques that have long empowered and sustained their families because of discrimination. That’s why Pride Month and its related activities was first proposed decades ago. And that’s why they are still important and necessary, particularly for younger Americans who wrestle with their sexual identity and seek to embrace the person they feel

they were born to be. As a little boy, I remember my mother, an elementary school teacher, sharing a song with me and her pupils which said, “I’m proud to be me. But I also see. You’re just as proud to be you.” I have always believed that this song and its lyrics were almost prophetic. After all, we all deserve the right to be “ourselves,” no matter how different that choice may be from the choices made by others. If James Brown could lead us in shouting, “Say it loud, I’m Black and I’m proud,” then why can’t those who are part of the LGBTQ community shout similar refrains? Make no mistake. Being gay is not an easy path to follow or lifestyle to embrace. Sometimes, it’s far easier to stay in the closet with our shirts and suits. And yet, despite the ridicule, the rebuke, the dangers, the hatred, the ostracizing that are often part and parcel to being LGBTQ, men, women and children who live that reality refuse to be deterred. That’s what Pride Month has long represented – lifting up those rare tales of victory amidst a much larger narrative of hatred, sorrow and death. So, happy Pride Month to all. Let’s not forget, we’re all God’s children and are all worthy of being respected – even if the flag you wave is one that’s rainbow-colored. WI

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AROUND THE REGION

Vincent Orange to Seek D.C. Council Seat in 2022 James Wright WI Staff Writer Former D.C. Councilmember Vincent Orange is voicing interest in running for re-election to the council either as the Ward 5 representative or as an at-large lawmaker in 2022. In an interview with the Informer at his Ward 5 residence, Orange said he wants to monitor the political performances of D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine and D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5). Earlier this year, Racine expressed interest in running for re-election earlier this year but he, according to a June 10 article in the Washington City Paper, “has since backed away from seeking a third term.” McDuffie hasn’t publicly indicated whether he will seek another term on the council. However, McDuffie has expressed interest in serving as attorney general. “I am keeping my options open,” Orange said. “I want to be on the council. I have no interest in running for mayor or for the attorney Orange has an extensive history of running for political office. In 1990, he ran for chairman of the council and lost to then Ward 2 D.C. Councilmember John Wilson. When Wilson took his life in 1993, Orange became a candidate for chairman but didn’t make the ballot. He ran that year as a write-in but received less than 2 percent of the vote. In 1994, he challenged Ward 5 incumbent Harry Thomas Sr. but lost in the Democratic primary. In 1998, he challenged Thomas again but successfully unseated the incumbent in the primary and easily won

the general election. Orange represented Ward 5 on the council from 1999-2007. In 2006, he gave up his seat to run for mayor but lost. After working in the private sector, Orange became a candidate for council chairman in 2010 but lost to Kwame Brown. When Brown resigned from his at-large seat to become chairman in 2011, Orange tried to persuade the D.C. Democratic State Committee to appoint him to the position but they opted for Sekou Biddle. However, the next year Orange won the seat permanently. In 2014, he ran for mayor for the second time but lost to D.C. Councilmember Muriel

5 Vincent Orange served on the D.C. Council from 1999-2007 and 20112016. (WI File Photo)

Bowser (D-Ward 4) for the Democratic nomination. He lost re-election in 2016 to newcomer Robert White in the Democratic primary. Orange changed his party affiliation from Democrat to Independent to run for the at-large seat on the council in 2020 but lost barely to political novice Christina Henderson.

RESIDENTS SPECULATE ABOUT ORANGE

Ward 5 advisory neighborhood commissioner Ronald Edwards said he may run for the council next year, “I might decide to run for the Ward 5 position myself,” Edwards said. “There are people who are talking about running for this and running for that. Some people are waiting on what Karl Racine and Kenyan are going to do. Will they stay where they are? If they decide to move, that will open up things. Anything can happen.” Kathy Henderson, a former Ward 5 commissioner who has run for the council, thinks Orange should declare his candidacy for the position he wants. “I have known Vincent Orange a long time and I would like to see him back on the council,” Henderson said. “He had a credible legislative record. He has the skills and the know-how to run a campaign. I think he will be a credible voice in the council. I don’t think he should wait on what someone else will do. If he has ideas on how to improve the city, he should go for it. It will be up to the citizens. Let us decide who should be on the council.” WI @JamesDCWrighter

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JULY 1 - 7, 2021 11

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Groundbreaking Underway for Six Prince George’s Schools Historic Initiative to Benefit an Estimated 8,000 Students William J. Ford WI Staff Writer In one of the most historical moments for Prince George’s County public schools, Monday, June 28 served as the first of six groundbreakings for the construction of new buildings for an estimated 8,000 students. Dozens attended a ceremony to celebrate the new Walker Mill Middle

School in Capitol Heights that will be built next to the current, nearly 50-year-old facility. The state of Maryland’s second largest school system accounts for housing the state’s second-oldest buildings with about 40% of the school buildings almost 60 years old based on construction documents. Marcus Bryant, a Walker Mill graduate who will enter the ninth-grade

5 Marcus Bryant (center in yellow tie), joins state, county, school and construction officials tossing dirt on Monday, June 28 at a groundbreaking ceremony to build a new Walker Mill Middle School in Capitol Heights. (William J. Ford/The Washington Informer)

year this fall at Charles H. Flowers High School in Springdale, said a new building will change the middle school’s pervasive negative reputation. “When I was in fifth grade, I was honestly a little nervous to go to Walker Mill. I heard so many negative things about it from people who didn’t even go to this school,” said Marcus, who earned over a 4.0 grade point average his eighth-grade year. “I’m hoping that the rebuilding of this school will either change that, or mark the beginning of changing that,” he said. “The rebuilding of Walker

Mill Middle School will be the first step in ensuring that all future, current and past students will truly be proud to say that Walker Mill Middle School was their school.” The school system became the first in the nation to undergo a more than $1 billion public-private partnership [P3] project to build schools. Officials contend that the P3 project helps speed up the process to build schools quicker, address an $8.5 billion backlog in school construction and save about $174 million in deferred maintenance and construction costs.

Unvaccinated Marylanders Account for Nearly All COVID Hospitalizations and Deaths William J. Ford WI Staff Writer The majority of COVID-19 deaths, hospitalizations and confirmed cases in Maryland over a one-month period are among those who are unvaccinated, the state’s health secretary said Monday. Secretary Dennis Schrader, speaking before a state Senate vaccine oversight work group, said the data from May 10 to June 8 showed that those who haven’t been vaccinated represent 97% of all new coronavirus cases, 89% of hospitalizations; and 89% of deaths. “It’s very sobering statistics,” he said. “If you are unvaccinated, you are also susceptible to the highly contagious delta variant, which emerged in December 2020 and it’s now in 100 countries, including the U.S.”

12 JULY 1 - 7, 2021

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the White House chief medical adviser, said during a COVID-19 briefing Tuesday that the delta variant now makes up 20% of all new coronavirus cases in the U.S., up from 10% about two weeks ago. Fauci said the two-shot Pfizer vaccine has shown 88% effectiveness against symptomatic disease from the delta variant two weeks after administration of the second dose, along with a 96% efficiency in preventing hospitalizations. “You put all of these things together, and you come up to what we call a ‘self-evident conclusion,'” Fauci said. In Maryland, Schrader said, 6.8 million vaccines have been administered, including to nearly 92% of those 65 and older. He said the state is one of only three states in the country, along with Vermont and South Dakota,

5 Prince George's County residents line up during a COVID-19 vaccination clinic outside Langley Terrace Apartments in Hyattsville, Maryland, on June 18. (William J. Ford/The Washington Informer)

with case rates of fewer than one person for every 100,000. About 72% of Maryland residents 12 and older have received at least one shot of either of the two-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines or the one-shot Johnson &

Johnson vaccine. However, the state still has nearly 1.5 million residents who still haven’t been vaccinated. “The governor’s message is very clear: for whatever reason you’re

UNVACCINATEDPage 13

“When I pick up that shovel, I’m going to pick it up to represent the voices of 134,000 students, 19,000 employees who deserve to work in the best facilities possible and for all their parents who want us to create memorable experiences . . . to be amazing citizens,” said public schools CEO Monica Goldson. Fengate Capital Management, headquartered in Toronto, Canada, and Gilbane Development Co., based in Providence, Rhode Island, will lead and manage the project. Stantec, an architecture firm with offices in Northwest and Laurel, Maryland, serves as lead architect while Honeywell of Charlotte, North Carolina, will count as the services provider. Five of the six buildings represent new middle schools with all but one both located inside the Beltway and scheduled to open within three years. School, state, county and construction officials and community leaders also tossed dirt Monday afternoon at Adelphi Area Middle School. Tuesday featured celebrations at Kenmoor and Drew Freeman middle schools with activities on Wednesday taking place at both Southern Area K-8 Academy and Hyattsville Middle School. The project labeled “Blueprint Schools” also ensures about 30% of the total contract will be designated for minority-owned businesses with a minimum of 20% of the total awardees located in Prince George’s. “It’s been an unusual year but I’m proud we’ve remained nimble and flexible to get to this point, even against the backdrop of the global pandemic,” said Paul Choquette, executive vice president for Gilbane Development Co. “Working together, we are going to get this done on schedule and on budget and deliver a project the community can be proud of.” WI @jabariwill

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Braveboy’s Top Priority: Eradicating Gun Violence in Prince George’s William J. Ford WI Staff Writer While visiting a friend at the Woodland Springs apartment complex in District Heights, Devin Rice walked with Mayor Jonathan Medlock on a basketball court to receive information on job training opportunities that could lead to permanent employment. Rice, 24, also signed up to play three-on-three basketball. “If events like this are held more often, that would help decrease gun violence,” said Rice of Baltimore City, who works odd jobs to support his four-year-old daughter. “Everyone needs jobs but also pushing basketball for those 18 and under helps get them off the streets,” he said. Rice joined dozens of Prince George’s County residents, local officials and community leaders Friday, June 25 for an “Our Streets, Our Future” initiative led by State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy. Besides youth perfecting their jump shots and layups, older residents received information on social

UNVACCINATED from Page 12 still unvaccinated, they should get vaccinated as soon as possible because it’s now easier than ever,” Schrader said. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended schools fully reopen by using prevention measures. The strategy includes wearing masks “correctly,” physical distancing, testing and vaccination of teachers and conducting activities such as singing, band or sports outside whenever possible. Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) asked for an update on when children ages 12 and younger will be eligible for vaccinations. Schrader said federal officials informed the state it may be happen until later in the fall or possibly the spring. “Wow,” Ferguson said. “I’m hoping it’s sooner, but that’s the latest we’ve heard,” Schrader said.

services that included mental health, finances and employment. Last year, as of May 30, the county had recorded 32 homicides. But this year remains a different story with 56 homicides reported -- an 87 percent increase. Braveboy has pushed for a “holistic approach” to not only solve crimes but to rehabilitate and assist people either recently released or currently incarcerated. Thanks to the support of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Corrections, the majority-Black jurisdiction will become the first in the state to begin a pilot program this month to help those currently behind bars. The Emerging Adults Program will feature sessions on character development, mentorship and job training. Returning citizens continue to be encouraged to volunteer and participate. “This is the way forward and our communities deserve to be safe…” Braveboy said during an interview Thursday, June 24. “But we also need to ensure we are not throwing people away when we know that we can restore individuals who have caused

harm in our community.” However, while innovative, these and other initiatives require money, collaboration and long-term commitments. Braveboy joined Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) during a virtual roundtable to discuss new ways to reduce and prevent gun violence in Maryland. Part of the nearly 80-minute discussion focused on what the federal government could do to help the state and counties secure additional funding and resources. “We’re going to work to try and get those resources that we can fund,” Van Hollen said. “Some of the programs have not been given a chance but we have a good evidentiary basis [that could allow us to] expand those that are successful.” The discussion came one day after President Joe Biden announced the administration’s plan to decrease violence. The president wants some COVID-19 relief funds to pay for summer employment, youth programs and intervention programs in public schools. Another proposal would focus on

The health secretary said state officials are working with schools to provide testing and personal protective equipment, but “the expectation is we’re going to open all the schools.” Prince George’s County Public Schools CEO Monica Goldson said the school system — the state’s second-largest with more than 130,000 students — plans to open its doors for the first day of school on Sept. 8. So far, Goldson said, about 800 families with students in grades kindergarten through sixth grade registered at https://www.pgcps. org/reconnect-pgcps to continue virtual learning for the first semester. The deadline for parents and guardians to apply is Wednesday. “We’re going to continue to follow CDC guidelines to ensure their safety when they return in the fall,” she said. “We will continue to keep our parents and community updated as we move forward.” WI @jabariwill

5 Devin Rice, 24, jots down his contact information at an “Our Streets, Our Future” event June 25 in District Heights. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

5 Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy chats with a teenager at an “Our Streets, Our Future” event June 25 in District Heights. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

formerly incarcerated people as they seek to reenter the workforce. Van Hollen said stronger gun policies would also deter gun violence. He reintroduced a bill this year that would require individuals applying for a gun license to go through a law enforcement background check that includes fingerprinting and taking a

photograph. Although Maryland serves as one of eight nine states to incorporate the “permit-to-purchase” law, a summary of the bill highlights that about 54 percent of the guns used in crime in the state can be traced back to states without the law. Dr. Joseph Richardson, chair of the African American Studies department at the University of Maryland in College Park, said insufficient mental health services must be addressed. He presented statistics from his work as a researcher and principal investigator at the University of Maryland Hospital Center in Cheverly. Over the past few years, Prince George’s reported 193 non-fatal shootings which rose last year to 295. This year, with 175 non-fatal shootings already reported, he predicts the upward trend “puts us on pace for almost 350.” “This level of community trauma not only affects the individual engaged but it also affects communities and families,” said Richardson, who also conducts research at the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. “We need far more mental health resources that are acceptable in communities but we also need community violence intervention strategies that are on the ground,” he said. WI @jabariwill

JULY 1 - 7, 2021 13

BUSINESS Prince George’s Offers Grants to Support Local Nonprofits and their Missions Programs Include Vital Services Targeting County’s LGBTQ Residents William J. Ford WI Staff Writer Cassy Morris said about 60 percent of Prince George’s County residents in the LGBTQ community who seek shelter, mental health support and other social services travel across the border in Northwest D.C. to Casa Ruby. Casa, which also provides Latino and immigration services, remains the only organization in the D.C. region to offer yearround

support for LGBTQ residents. “We need a brick-and-mortar space here in Prince George’s County,” said Morris, a member of the LGBTQ Dignity Project in the county. “Prince George’s County prides itself on being the richest African-American community in the world. But it shouldn’t be just for some people. It should be for everyone.” The dignity project, which has organized protests, food drives and pushed for legislation aimed

5 Howard Brent (center) and Cassy Morris (right), members of the LGBTQ Dignity Project, participate in a ceremony June 25 in Fairmount Heights to memorialize Zoe Spears and Ashanti Cameron, two Black transgender women killed in the city two years ago. (William J. Ford/The Washington Informer)

at supporting youth in public schools, could experience a big boost in its programs thanks to the county’s Strategic Partnership Nonprofit Relief Fund. Nonprofit organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for a portion of $3 million between July 7 and 30. Groups could be awarded a grant

INVITATION FOR BID Solicitation GAGA-2021-I-0121 Speech Language Pathology Services (Related Services) DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE OF CONTRACTS AND ACQUISITIONS The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), Office of the Chief Business Officer (OCBO), on behalf of the Division of Specialized Instruction (DSI) is soliciting bids from offerors to provide experienced licensed Contractor(s) with the capacity to provide Speech Language Pathology Services to students attending various locations within the District of Columbia Public Schools. The Solicitation delineating all details of the services required will be available for download beginning Tuesday, July 6, 2021 from the DCPS website at: http://dcps.dc.gov/DCPS/About+DCPS/Doing+Business+with+DCPS/Procurement. Bids will be accepted electronically on Monday, July 19, 2021, no later than 3:00 p.m. at the email address indicated in the solicitation, Section L.

14 JULY 1 - 7, 2021

up to $100,000. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis with specific guidelines. Some of the eligibility requirements include: Organization’s physical location must be in Prince George’s. Must be registered as a 501c3 or 501c4 organization. Not in bankruptcy or litigation. Incurred financial losses caused directly, or indirectly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most importantly, an organization must be in “good standing” with the state of Maryland which can be verified by visiting https:// egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress/EntitySearch. Those awarded a grant will be notified with an email and funds must be spent by Dec. 31. Prince George’s recorded the most confirmed coronavirus cases in the state with more than 85,000. As of Friday, June 25, nearly 491,000 residents received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Now, with COVID-19 vaccines becoming more available, businesses will be permitted to allow 100 percent capacity and mask mandates will no longer be required, starting Thursday, July 1. However, business owners can still request patrons to wear masks inside their establishments. As for nonprofits, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks has said

those groups remain a vital part to improving the community. “Full recovery from this pandemic includes relief for organizations who have played an integral role in providing services for those in need throughout the pandemic,” she said in a statement. “The Strategic Partnership Relief Fund provides a path forward for our nonprofits, preserves healthy communities and will ensure greatness continues to grow in Prince George’s County.” For information on the application process, email PGCNonprofits@co.pg.md.us. WI @jabariwill

Cassy Morris said about 60 percent of Prince George’s County residents in the LGBTQ community who seek shelter, mental health support and other social services travel across the border in Northwest D.C. to Casa Ruby.

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BUSINESS

Enhanced Child Tax Credit Rollout Spurs Excitement and Questions Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer

Starting July 15, as a result of the enhanced child tax credit, U.S. parents who filed tax returns will automatically receive monthly payments of up to $300 per child and be able to claim at least another $1,500 per child on their 2021 tax return. The enhanced child tax credit, which expanded on an annual tax credit totaling $2,000, has been included in the American Rescue Plan championed by U.S. President Joe Biden (D) and Democratic lawmakers. Since last month, Biden administration officials have been promoting the much anticipated funds that will be deposited into the accounts of millions of American parents. For one District resident and mother, Daria-Ann Martineau, the additional funds could make

the difference in how she provides for her young child. “I’d have to decide where to put the money, but I can put it toward baby supplies, childcare, or a savings account for my daughter’s future,” said Martineau, a poet and creative writer who lives in Northeast. “There are a few options I can think of -- even diapers. We do pretty well but I don’t think it will make too much of a difference for every family living in D.C. which is an expensive place to live. It’s starting to feel like having children is a luxury in a place like this.” The full tax credit can be claimed by couples filing jointly who make less than $150,000 annually or single tax filers making a maximum of $75,000. The offering has been phased out for jointly filing couples with incomes surpassing $190,000. However, they will still be able to claim the $2,000 tax credit.

Monday marked the deadline for parents to choose between monthly payments or the lump sum of $3,600. Tax experts say the amount that taxpayers opt in for advanced disbursements will ultimately determine how much tax credit they will be able to use when filing their 2021 taxes, or whether they will end up owing taxes. Though she’s grateful for the child tax credit, local parent Crystal Herrera said she’s concerned about potential tax hurdles. “My husband and I didn’t get hit too hard over the pandemic but there was a financial hit due to my husband losing hours at work,” Herrera said. “The child tax credit will definitely be helpful so that we can maintain and stay ahead. I'm just hoping there are no surprises that present themselves later.” The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities said the benefits of

(Courtesy photo)

extended child tax credit would far outweigh likely reductions in employment. Studies connected by the organization predict a closing of the poverty gap between white and nonwhite children. It also predicted a significant reduction in the number of American chil-

dren living below the poverty line, along with a 90 percent retention in employment among American parents. Amid the negotiations for the multi-trillion dollar American Families Act, Biden has pushed

TAX CREDIT Page 34

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JULY 1 - 7, 2021 15

NATIONAL Pamela Smith Served Her Time for Check and Credit Card Fraud

But Says Like Many Others, Sexual Assault Was ‘Added’ to Her Sentence Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer According to the nonprofit Human Rights Watch, more than 200,000 women count among the incarcerated in the U.S. with at least 15 percent of them falling victim to sexual assault during their time behind bars. These assaults occur primarily at the hands of male correctional officers who can perform strip searches at any time or watch as women shower and use the toilet. In addition, experts suggest reported assaults remain much lower than actual incidents as many inmates opt for silence in fear of retaliation from guards and supervisors. In raw terms, some male corrections officers have forced women inmates

into degrading and dehumanizing sex acts. They allegedly threaten women with filing false reports to parole boards, plant contraband in their cells and even prohibit visits from children and family. Pamela Smith represents one woman all-too-familiar with the heinous acts of authorities who rarely receive punishment for their deeds. Nonetheless, for the past 25 years, Smith has sought justice. The Tulsa native received a 20-year sentence in the early 1990s for check and credit card fraud. While at the Tulsa Community Correctional Facility, Smith, eventually considered a model prisoner, would be approved for a work-release program. Authorities assigned her to do housekeeping at a Drivers License

Chauvin Sentenced to 22 Years for His Role in Death of George Floyd Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer There will be no probation for former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin. The ex-cop received more than a 22-year prison sentence on Friday, June 25, two months after a jury convicted him of three charges, including second-degree murder, in the death of George Floyd. Chauvin’s attorney, Eric Nelson, had requested probation but the judge rejected that plea.

16 JULY 1 - 7, 2021

Nelson filed a motion for a new trial just before sentencing, contending that Chauvin did not receive a fair trial. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill also denied that request before sentencing the former police officer. Prior to sentencing, Floyd’s sevenyear-old daughter, Gianna, provided a heartbreaking victim’s impact statement via video. “I ask about him all the time,” the young girl noted in response to ques-

CHAUVIN Page 17

5 Pamela Smith says she was brutally assaulted in prison by a supervisor and she wants to help other women who are forced to endure that torture (Courtesy photo)

office for the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety in Tulsa. Once there, Smith alleges her supervisor immediately assaulted her. During one assault, the supervisor used a glass salt shaker to penetrate her. “I am a Black woman with a past,” Smith wrote an email to the Black Press saying no one would listen to her cry for help. “They have been doing this to Black women since our ancestors were brought here,” Smith said. “The white man has always used and violated our bodies. The same thing is going on to this day in the prisons in Oklahoma and I know all over the country.” Smith has filed and lost numerous civil suits but she said her fight remains about protecting other women behind bars. A recent Department of Justice report about sexual violence in New Jersey’s Edna Mahan Correctional Facility concluded that the risk of sexual harm has grown to such heights that it has reached constitutional proportions and violated the Eighth Amendment rights of inmates against cruel and unusual punishment. As recounted in Ms. Magazine, “the DOJ report tells stories of women who were forced into indignities such as being forced to perform oral sex or having to serve as the lookout for their assailant as they were being raped.” The magazine also noted the DOJ’s 2014 investigation at the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Alabama. “Reading both of the reports, the New Jersey and the Alabama prisons could be the same place: women being called [derogatory names] and coerced into performing oral sex on male guards.

“This level of sex and chaos might be labeled some oddly-situated bacchanalia if women’s survival and freedom -- women are threatened with parole-busting discipline reports if they don’t comply with sexual demands -- weren’t in the balance.”

NUMEROUS SUITS FILED BY INMATES NATIONWIDE

In Missouri, no fewer than five federal lawsuits have been filed against the Chillicothe Correctional Center by incarcerated women; at least nine women have accused one therapist of sexual abuse, Ms. Magazine reported. Eight suits remain pending against Coffee Creek Correctional Facility and the Oregon Department of Corrections for one male nurse who allegedly abused, raped, or sodomized more than 15 women while he worked there. A woman in Connecticut prison is suing the state for assaults by multiple male officers. At least 12 officers have been accused of sexual misconduct at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility in Vermont. In Florida, too, women say sexual abuse is rampant in the Coleman Federal Detention Facility. It’s also happening in California, Kansas and Pennsylvania. Incarcerated women are 30 times more likely to be raped than free women. While women represent less than 10 percent of inmates, their reports account for three-quarters of assaults with men totaling almost three-quarters of staff. The Sentencing Project noted that

the imprisonment rate for Black women is 83 per 100,000, or more than 1.7 times the rate of white women (48 per 100,000) with Latinx women imprisoned at a rate of 63 per 100,000. While the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act “was developed with good intentions by the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission in concert with prisoner rights’ advocates around the country, it falls far short of what is needed to protect all prisoners, especially women and people of color,” noted The Gender Policy Report. Earlier this year, and at the behest of President Joe Biden, the U.S. House passed the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021. The measure, which builds on legislation from 1994, seesk to have sexual assault recognized as a federal crime and to include those victimized while in prison.

SMITH REFUSES TO GIVE UP THE FIGHT

Despite continued setbacks in her 25-year journey for justice, Smith said she keeps fighting because she has truth, documentation and evidence on her side. She produced several reports, including from physicians and mental health professionals which support her claims. “[Oklahoma authorities] have to lie, cheat, obstruct justice, cover-up, abuse their power and conspire against me and my case to get away with all the corruption they have done against me,” Smith said. “I keep fighting to expose the state of Oklahoma, so they have to keep lying, destroying evidence and misinforming law enforcement and Oklahoma taxpayers to hide their hands and keep from going to jail.” “They know once the truth comes out, many of them and their buddies are going to be locked up and they don’t want that. They don’t want to answer for their wrongdoings. Accountability,” she said. Neither correction officials nor government officials returned messages seeking comment. “It’s not just me but the countless other women and even girls who have suffered at the hands of rapists. Unfortunately, Oklahoma’s whole system and government agencies have let down countless abused women and swept their cries under the rug. I have to keep fighting so that they can have a voice,” she said. WI @StacyBrownMedia

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NATIONAL Get Covered. Stay Covered.

5 A judge on Friday, June 25, sentenced former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin to more than 22 years in prison for the murder of George Floyd. (Screenshot of Court TV video)

CHAUVIN from Page 16 tions posed by someone off camera. She said she thinks about how her father got hurt. “I want to play with him, have fun and go on a plane ride with him,” Gianna said. “We used to have dinner every single night before we went to bed. He used to help me brush my teeth.” She concluded: “Mean people did something to him.” Several others gave emotional victim’s impact statements, including Floyd’s brothers Terrence and Philonise Floyd, and his nephew, Brandon Williams. “What was going through your mind when you had your knee on my brother’s neck,” Terrence Floyd asked? Philonise, a truck driver at the time of his brother’s murder, says he’s since been thrust in the role of an advocate for justice. “I haven’t had a real night’s sleep because of the nightmares of hearing my brother beg and plead for his life,” he told the court as Chauvin sat masked and emotionless. “I’ve been lifting my voice so that my brother didn’t die in vain,” Philonise Floyd added. Chauvin briefly addressed the court offering condolences to the Floyd family but cryptically stated, “there’s going to be some other information in the future that would be of interest and that I hope will give you some peace of mind.” Last month, Judge Cahill ruled prosecutors had proved four aggravating factors that warranted a lengthy prison sentence. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and prosecutors successfully showed that Chauvin abused his po-

sition of trust and authority, treated Floyd with “particular cruelty” and that the ex-cop committed a felony in the presence of children whom they said witnessed Floyd dying. “It was particularly cruel to kill George Floyd slowly by preventing his ability to breathe when Mr. Floyd had already made it clear he was having trouble breathing,” Cahill determined. Chauvin pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine and a half minutes, even refusing to let up as EMT workers arrived to provide medical assistance. “[Floyd] was begging for his life and obviously terrified by the knowledge that he was likely to die but [Chauvin] remained indifferent,” Cahill continued. Three other former officers involved in the incident, J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao, continue to await trial on federal charges of violating Floyd’s civil rights and state-level indictments of aiding and abetting both second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The judge has set a trial date of March 2022 for the three officers. Chauvin also faces federal charges of violating Floyd’s civil rights and a new indictment alleges that Chauvin deprived a 14-year-old of his civil rights in 2017. If convicted of the additional charges, Chauvin could face stiffer punishment. According to federal law, violating someone’s civil rights could lead to life in prison or even the death penalty. “This has been painful for Hennepin County, the state of Minnesota and throughout the country and most of all for the Floyd family,” Cahill said. WI @StacyBrownMedia

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africa now

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Rwanda, Democratic Republic Congo Sign Agreement to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

President Félix Tshisekedi (left) of Democratic Republic Congo and his neighboring Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, on Saturday, June 26, signed three separate agreements to deepen their relationship. The agreements seek to strengthen the two nations’ bilateral relations. which has over the years been seen as antagonistic. During a joint press conference organized by the two heads of states that took place in Goma (North Kivu) of Congo, the two countries agreed to promote and protect its trade investments, avoid double taxation and tax evasion and also increase gold mining cooperation. Speaking during the press conference, President Félix Tshisekedi noted that it is time for the relations of the two nations to be more friendly and fraternal. “We have wasted so many years being antagonistic towards each other, living in tension and in a war situation, but also sharing hatred, now that’s enough,” he added. On Friday, the two heads of states held a two-hour meeting in Rubavu, a border town in Rwanda, where they discussed several issues, including security in the region, the eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano in May and in particular Kinshasa’s integration into the East African Community. WI

caribbean now Barbados PM Seeks New Debt Repayment System for Caribbean Countries Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley is promoting a debt repayment system for Caribbean countries similar to what was granted to Britain after World War II that allowed that country to have the fiscal space to return to a path of development, The Jamaica Observer reported on Sunday, June 27, She was speaking during a University of the West Indies (UWI) Vice-Chancellor's Forum at the Distinguished Arthur Lewis Event last Monday, June 21 at The UWI Cave Hill Campus, which also featured Professor Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University. Lamenting the absence of such provisions in the international financial system, Mottley pointed out that middle-income countries have been set back at least a decade because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking on the topic “A Conversation on Sustainable Island Futures,” she pointed out disparities in the global financial system that provided developed countries with significant leeway to access financing at minimal repayment terms compared to that of developing countries and to make financial decisions that have a global impact without any consultation. “There has to be something fundamentally immoral about a global community that is prepared to use proxies that are convenient to them and economists and bureaucrats but bear no relationship to the quality of life of our citizens which we set out to protect, set out to protect in the charter of the United Nations (UN) being established in 1945, set out to protect when the UN accepted that development is an inalienable right, set out to protect each time we meet and each time we bring these high-sounding declarations,” Mottley said. WI

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What Is Anxiety? How Can It Be Helped? Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia Paying bills, taking a test, and even meeting new people can spark uneasy feelings. You may feel some worry or dread around these or other life events. Your pulse may quicken, or you may feel tense or restless. These can be signs of anxiety. Anxiety has a bright side — it can give you energy and focus when you need it. Much of the time, anxiety is a normal response to stress. But for some people, anxiety doesn’t go away easily. And it can be overwhelming.1 Anxiety that does not go away — or even gets worse over time — may signal the presence of an anxiety disorder. This is a serious health condition that can get in the way of work, home life, and school. It can also make relationships difficult. But there is good news, too. Anxiety disorders can be treated with

success, restoring quality to life.1

KNOWING THE SIGNS

Anxiety disorders can look different in different people. But these disorders typically show some or all of these signs:1 • Persistent anxious thoughts that cause problems in daily life • Certain physical symptoms that seem to have no other reason, like shortness of breath, dizziness, a fast pulse, or aches • No longer doing ordinary things you used to do

GETTING THE CARE

Health care providers treat anxiety disorders with talk therapy, medicines, or both. Some medicines may work better for certain anxiety disorders than others. You may need to try more than one medicine to find your best fit. Talk with your provider to help you find the right choice for you.1 AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia offers support for life challenges, like anxiety or trouble getting

to sleep, to enrollees 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are a plan enrollee, you can chat via live text with trained coaches.* Questions? Call Enrollee Services at 1-800-408-7511 (TTY 202-216-9885). * Standard messaging and data fees may apply. The information in this article is to help you learn more about this topic. It is not to take the place of your health care provider. If you have questions, talk with your health care provider. If you think you need to see your health care provider because of something you have read in this information, please contact your health care provider. Never stop or wait to get medical attention because of something you have read in this material. Sources: 1. “Anxiety,” MedlinePlus, https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html. 2. “15 Ways to Calm Yourself Down,” Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-calm-down#3.Challenge-your-thoughts. All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model

#BestMe

Find Calm — Whenever You Need It

Try these steps:2 1. Name and claim your feeling. When you’re afraid or angry, notice it. Name the emotion (for instance, “worried” or “mad”), and admit that you’re feeling it. 2. Take slow, deep breaths. When we feel tense, we often breathe quick and shallow. Slowing and deepening our breathing can be an effective way to ease anxiety. 3. Question your thoughts. Do many of them start with “what if” or imagine the worst way things may go? Thinking about what might go wrong can take a toll on us, whether or not our fears ever come true. Pause such thoughts, and gently ask: a. “Is this truly likely to happen?” b. “Will this matter to me in a week? A month?” c. “Am I going to let this person or situation take my peace from me?” 4. Let the emotion out in a healthy way. Walking, running, or other movement can help us find calm and feel better. Getting out for a walk or run can also help change our focus. (Check with your health care provider before starting any exercise program.) You can also write your thoughts in a journal.

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JULY 1 - 7, 2021 19

HEALTH

“We are doing all we can to be a part of the solution for the youth. We might have been a little late to the game, but we are here now.”

Trans Youth Struggle to Find Adequate Health Services Maya Smith WI Staff Writer Camilla Barillas, a queer college student, helps other queer youth access the resources and services they need in the District area, but can sometimes be hard to find.

She’s a Peer Health Fellow for SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders), which supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. From workshops to one-onone conversations, Barillas is on

Ebola Outbreak in Guinea Declared Over, Officials Say Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer The Ebola outbreak in N’Zérékoré Prefecture has officially ended, according to the Republic of Guinea [Guinea] Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization [WHO]. Health authorities in Guinea declared a new Ebola outbreak in February 2021 after the West African country experienced its first cases of the disease since the end of the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak labeled the worst on record. Preliminary data obtained through genetic sequencing suggest that the new outbreak was caused by the same virus strain also responsible for the 2014-2016 outbreak and was likely reintroduced by a survivor. The continuation of the outbreak, which has caused at least 23 cases and 12 deaths, along with the persistence of Ebola virus in human and animal hosts, underscores the importance of proactive

20 JULY 1 - 7, 2021

vaccination efforts to prevent the further spread of the virus, health officials said. The CDC added that the transmission of the virus by a survivor more than five years after recovery demonstrates the need for research to better understand persistent Ebola virus infection and highlights the necessity for strong and ongoing survivor programs. “I commend the government and first responders in Guinea for ending the country’s Ebola outbreak,” said CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH. “Our heartfelt sympathies are with the people who lost loved ones to this disease.” “CDC remains committed to supporting survivor programs and helping strengthen global preparedness and response capacities that can prevent or extinguish future Ebola outbreaks,” she said. Three months into the recent Ebola outbreak, Johnson & John-

EBOLA Page 26

5 Dr. Lawrence D'Angelo (Courtesy photo)

the ground connecting with those who need help. That includes help with housing, transportation, or healthcare. “Being a queer person, I know plenty of other queer people who could benefit from help,” Barillas said. “When you’re a young person, you don’t know all that’s available to you.” Barillas said she enjoys imparting knowledge on peers who don’t have access to the information that could change the trajectory of their lives. “People can make dangerous choices when they are in dire circumstances,” Barillas said. “It’s just nice to know I’m not giving someone empty words. Instead I’m giving them tangible options to address their challenges.” One challenge LGBTQ youth face is accessing competent healthcare, according to Adalphie Johnson, SMYAL's director of youth development and community engagement. Competent healthcare means providers understand that the bodies of transgender or nonbinary youth are different from those of their cisgender peers, Johnson said. “It’s hard for them to find healthcare providers who are competent and willing to lean into those conversations with clients,” Johnson said. Sexual health education is also often geared toward cisgender individuals, Johnson said. The inclusivity is missing, she said.

“It’s not just about men who have sex with women,” Johnson said. “It’s about bodies who engage in sexual activities with each other. That could be male, female, non-binary, trangender, or any other genders that exist.” When youth don’t receive the proper sexual health education, they miss out on prominent information, which affects the choices they make. “SMYAL does all we can to educate the community,” Johnson said.

PRIDE CLINIC FILLS THE GAP

One place where transgender youth can access the services they need is the Youth Pride Clinic at the National Chrildren’s Hospital. The clinic, which opened in 2015, offers primary care services and specialty services. Dr. Lawrence D'Angelo, director of the Pride Clinic, said on the first day the clinic opened five transgener patients showed up. Now, 95 percent of the clinic’s patient are transgender youth. “We’ve been identified as a place that wants very much to provide services for youth who haven’t otherwise felt comfortable accessing services elsewhere,” D'Angelo said. “The need is so great and there are so few places they can get this care.” The clinic provides three key services to transgender youth: mental

health care, hormone blockers, and gender affriming hormones. “You can imagine that growing up with the feeling that you are someone different than the rest of the world thinks you are is an extraordinarily stressful experience,” D’Angelo said. “The mental health aspect has to be addressed.” Hormone blockers slow down the onset of puberty, which is vital for transgender youth. “Going through puberty is so troublesome and disconcerting for them and can cause gender dysphoria.” The final medical step is gender affirmation hormones, which means giving feminizing hormones to those who are transitioning to a female and masculinizing hormones to those who are transitioning to males. These services aren’t offered at most pediatric clinics, D'Angelo said. The lack of easy access to these services is evidence of the disparities that exist in the healthcare system, he adds. The physical and mental harm of not getting the services they need is well documented, D'Angelo said. The rate of suicide is three to five times higher among transgender youth than their cisgender peers. The risk of substance abuse is also three times higher among transgender youth. “We are doing all we can to be a part of the solution for the youth,” D’Angelo said. “We might have been a little late to the game, but we are here now.” WI

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EDUCATION As Student Loan Debt Plagues Black Grads, Pleas for Cancelation Grow Louder Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer African-American college graduates reportedly owe an average of $25,000 more in student loan debt than white college graduates. Four years after graduation, 48 percent of Black students owe an average of 12.5 percent more than they borrowed and 29 percent face monthly student loan payments of $350 or more.

That excessive debt has many urging President Joe Biden to forgive student loan debt. “We know the current higher education system is broken with a $1.7 trillion student loan debt plaguing our economy and students taking longer to graduate college or not finishing at all,” said Kevin Chavous, a former D.C. Councilman and current president of Academic Policy at Stride, Inc. “We know students of color are

5 Protests abound for cancelling student loan debts. (Courtesy photo)

saddled with a larger share of that burden. The inequities in education for students of color start long before college with limited access to SAT and ACT prep courses, schools and districts with fewer electives and advanced classes and less access to technology in and out of school,” Chavous remarked. “All of this adds up to a disparity

in preparation for an already antiquated assessment of college readiness,” he concluded. According to estimates from The Brookings Institution, Black college graduates owe an average of $52,726 in student debt while white college grads owe approximately $28,006. The Urban Institute reported

that among borrowers between the ages of 25 and 55 who took on college debt to finance their undergraduate degree, Black borrowers owe $32,047 on average. In contrast, white and Hispanic borrowers owe about $18,685 and 15,853, respectively.

STUDENT LOAN Page 26

DC MAP (Mortgage Assistance Program) COVID-19

is available to provide emergency mortgage support to District homeowners experiencing unanticipated financial hardship due to sudden decrease or loss of income. Take the survey to see if you qualify for mortgage Call the hotline at 1-833-429-0537 assistance through DC MAP COVID-19 at or email DCMAP@dchfa.org www.dchfa.org/homeownership/

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JULY 1 - 7, 2021 21

Need help with rent or utilities? Mayor Bowser has your back. Apply for #STAYDC today. 833-4-STAYDC (78-2932)

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#STAYDC 22 JULY 1 - 7, 2021

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New Sounds of the DMV June/July 2021. Volume 7. Issue 6.

New Sounds of the DMV ALMOST TO AWESOME | VISH: BREAKING BARRIERS | CONVERSATION WITH ANKHLEJOHN | UNITYFEST

Scan here for more fun!

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

editor-in-chief & creative director :

Lafayette Barnes IV Claudia M. Watts copy Editor : Sam P.K. Collins Photography Editor : Lafayette Barnes IV Layout Design : Lafayette Barnes IV cover art : Lafayette Barnes IV, Kahimii Vanzego Contributing Writers : Marcus K. Dowling, Sam P.K. Collins managing Editor :

illustrated by : Nathaniel Grey | @nategski

letter from the editor Is the D.C. region ready for a creative renaissance? We’ve seen the #DontMuteDC movement hit the big stage and some local faces are now major recording artists. We have labels visiting the back streets and young entrepreneurs taking advantage of the digital era. If you haven’t been paying attention to the local music scene....don’t sleep. In this latest edition of the Bridge, we bring you a sliver of insight on what to expect next out of the DMV music scene. We talk with Southeast’s hip-hop phenomenon AnkhleJohn, who has been taking the underground by storm with his cutting lyrics and expressive composure. We link up with Vish, a newcomer on the scene from uptown with deep ties to his Indian heritage. We learn more about the DC-based music documentary ‘From Almost to Awesome’ which is still in production. Lastly, we get to see some familiar faces in our photo gallery of the Moechella Unity Festival. One thing we’re sure of is that there’s never a dull moment in the DMV. We’re keeping our eyes and ears to the cement and making sure we dish you all the details. If you want to get hip, check out our Sounds of the DMV showcase on Youtube and let us know your thoughts.

Control the narrative, Save the city, Lafayette Barnes IV

almost to awesome: the dmv rap scene documents its claims to fame written by : Marcus K. Dowling | @marcuskdowling Within the past decade, notable documentary work has been done to frame the histories of many of hip-hop culture’s legendary regional movements (Atlanta, Houston, New Orleans, Los Angeles) into the larger landscape of both rap music and American history. Fascinatingly enough, if a hyper-conscious connoisseur of these movements, their occasional intersection with -- or direct influence by -- Washington, D.C., is a known fact. Thus, the space for Almost To Awesome, a new documentary currently in development, emerges. The film contains snippets of over 150 interviews and tells the story of how America’s capital city has spent four decades chasing its claim to a regional-to-global stake in pop culture-defining rap music and hip-hop culture. cultu For full disclosure, I serve as a story editor and interviewer for the project. As a journalist for nearly the past 20 years and a native Washingtonian, hip-hop’s unique influence in the area -- from go-go heads to hustlers, backpackers, bottle poppers, and more -- has deeply influenced my existence. Ideally, the collaboratively executive produced work between the vaunted Cool Kids Forever Films and well-regarded Black Market Management brand corrects history. Though it took nearly five decades for a D.C.-based rapper to reach the top of the Billboard charts, the depth and scope of the D.C. metropolitan area’s regional impact upon the genre are incalculable. As hip-hop ages into its fifih decade of existence, reflecting on how the DMV has been one of hip-hop’s vital formative centers is essential. Namely, this is because the area has quietly become entrenched as a center of where the culture next heads. Indeed, Washington, D.C. was once almost, and now awesome. Durin During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cool Kids Forever and Black Market Management set upon an ambitious goal of interviewing 200 targeted names from D.C.’s hip-hop history. This included ten days of trips to Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York City, plus filming in ten different locations in the nation’s capital. Impressively, via strict adherence to stringent testing, masking, and social distancing protocols, the team was able to interview 75 percent of targeted artists and only lost one week of filmin filming due to safety hazards. Interview footage with the likes of DJ Kool (of “Let Me Clear My Throat” fame), Stinky Dink (“One Track Mind”), and innumerable current era godfathers of D.C. hip-hop culture highlight a fascinating concept to consider: in retrospect, go-go-based rap artists like DC Scorpio and Fat Rodney bear significant comparisons to rap legends L.L. Cool J and Notorious B.I.G., with the same levels of suave respectability and street-hustler adoration, respectively. This is one of many notions that emerge. emer

A lengthy conversation with globally renowned DJ, rap industry talking head, and suburban Maryland-born rap connoisseur Peter Rosenberg proves vital as he’s rarely ever spoken at length about his roots in the area. As well, conversations with nightlife icons, tastemakers, and label executives like Kenny Burns and Trillectro’s Modi Oyewole unlock how impactful D.C. was when internet-driven marketing and globalism emerged in hip-hop. Moreover, the children of African immigrants like Oddisee, Tabi Bonney, and Wale -- who benefitted from this era -reflect the truth of these statements. Moreover, via a plethora of their modern-era creative colleagues, like radio DJs Malcolm Xavier and Little Bacon Bear, plus touring DJs like DJ Marauder, we learn how modern-era artists like Logic, Goldlink, and Rico Nasty highlight the one-time Chocolate City developing into a thriving multi-ethnic cultural hub. Moreover, a wide swath of younger performers like Baby Swipey and 3OhBlack highlight how the once Go-Go-dominated street culture is now being evolved into a viral-ready tool. This has yielded many digital-to-radio ready potential rap icons -- all interviewed or contacted to be interviewed -- influenced by formational trap rap roots popularized by Fat Trel and Shy Glizzy. Moreover, the crossover punk-pop lane opened by the likes of Rico Nasty also shows gentrification’s unexpected positive impact on the widening scope of D.C.'s influence. Usually, it requires the achievement of a Billboard chart-topping song to achieve spotlighted excellence in the pop-cultural mainstream. However, by diligently and proudly working in the shadowed margins between what the film’s title defines as “almost” and “awesome,” the D.C. metropolitan area has grown a rich musical heritage. Ultimately, as D.C.’s renown now becomes ultra-important to the future of rap music, D.C. -- as it turns out we always have needed to do -- shines a light back upon itself. Thus the area’s potential impact on national and global rap’s ever-dynamic and profound future more radiantly brightens.

VISH: ON A MISSION TO BREAK BARRIERS

written by : Sam P.K. Collins | @sampkcollins

photography by : Tej Patel | @tejxpatel

“I was hanging around a lot of people who are scared to show themselves. You can still be from the hood and a great person...” Up-and-coming artist Vish is on a mission to solidify his presence in the District music scene. However, as a Gen-Z rapper of Indian descent, he often laments having to set the record straight about his identity, the authenticity of his craft, and whether he really hails from the District. WIth two singles in circulation, and the strong backing of neighborhood friends and industry mavens, Vish said he will continue to focus solely on the music, all with the goal of breaking barriers and representing the city he has called home his entire life. “Music always came easy to me. I made covers back in the day and taught myself how to play the keyboard and other instruments,” said Vish. “I use my craft and all of these assets to make my music,” he continued. “I pay attention to the small details to make my songs catchy and have a small melody. I [also] make sure I shout out God. He’s the reason why everything is happening. “ Vish,21, emerged on the scene last November amid a pandemic that put the world on pause and forced him to fully commit to making music. His foray into music followed years of self-exploration, including an immersion into Hindu spirituality while abstaining from mind-altering substances and attempting to decipher his real friends from the naysayers. As a student at Woodrow Wilson High School, Vish delved into his talents and developed the strength to stand in his uniqueness. He said his experiences as the youngest American-born child of Indian immigrants and his coming of age along 17th Street, what many people Uptown know as 1-7, has often influenced the topic matter in his songs. For example, on his breakout song “Real Friends,” Vish shouts out friends as he speaks about the levels he’s reaching in his development. In “Ain’t Me,” Vish proudly represents the community that has his back while differentiating himself from its negative elements. In the hi-def videos for both singles, Vish and his friends can be found posted up, dancing, and flashing money in their favorite spots around Adams Morgan and Wilson High School. In navigating the complexities of his Indian heritage and his Uptown adolescence, Vish has found a key similarity between both sides being people’s support for one another, and their desire to see their fellow man and woman excel in their craft of choice. For a young man that’s finding himself, that strong sense of community has further emboldened Vish to live authentically. “I think the biggest thing is being you [and] being 100 percent real. Being real is basically telling people how you are,” Vish told The Bridge. “I don’t really come from that good of a neighborhood or environment,” he continued. “I was hanging around a lot of people who are scared to show themselves. You can still be from the hood and a great person. You don’t have to be out in the streets doing this and doing that.”

A Conversation with

AnkhleJohn written by : Sam P.K. Collins | @sampkcollins

photography by : Lafayette Barnes IV | @lafayette4dc

As a D.C. artist with a speciﬁc niche and loyal following among hip-hop enthusiasts within and beyond the Beltway, AnkhleJohn has drummed up a healthy social media following and replays on streaming platforms. Within the span of ﬁve years and more than a dozen projects, he has not only managed to mesmerize listeners with his witty wordplay, but open their eyes to the knowledge of ancient Kemet (Egypt) he credits with awakening his true sense of self. At this juncture in his burgeoning career, AnkhleJohn says he has his sights set on the release of another solo album and two collaborative works. As he revealed to WI Bridge, he’s also thinking about his future and that of some of D.C.’s most popular up-and-coming rappers.

What’s the state of the music industry for D.C. artists? A lot of young n*ggas been gettin’ the views, but they don’t have mentors and they don’t have the value of an artist. They have shock value. It’s based on whose block they’re spinnin’ That’s what [the] Chicago [music] scene is based oﬀ. It’s beef rap, but it doesn’t guarantee you have a real fan. We don’t have an artist that has all those elements.

What’s your vision for younger rappers? I want to be a big homie. If you can reach thousands of kids before I do, let me reach you. These kids are 17 and 18 with 50,000 followers. That’s a lot of people. [Sometimes], it’s a simple message about how to carry yourself during interviews. I’m always a believer that It’s cool to be smaart. I just want some young n*ggas who are listening. I give myself about 10 or 15 years in this sh*t. I get out a little quicker and ﬂip into other endeavors. If a young n*gga is doing his thing and we can reach more mo people,, We gotta be responsible for him. How has mentorship changed your life? In high school, when I’m ﬁnding the knowledge in myself, I had a mentor who helped me get into a program. I took advantage of the program about [the relationship between] Blacks and jews. And now I got questions. I’m going to Sankofa [Video Books & Cafe] and [now shuttered] Children of the Sun buying a plethora of books. Every paycheck, I’m going to Sankofa buying books, and getting to the origins of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. I probably wouldn’t have been inte interested if my mentor looked for some resume sh*t. What part does literacy play?

What part do the fans play in the violence? The inﬂuence of rap is undeniable. We can blame the police [but] don’t got sh*t to do with it. The politicians too. These n*ggas ain’t outside like that. It’s the rappers. We got a lot more of a hold. We got to be able to work with each other [but] rappers don’t trust politicians. It’s just a bunch of f*cked up sh*t. I think that rap and hip-hop has a chance to ﬁx sh*t. I’ve seen rap do wonderful things for people's lives and in their lives. Are there any artists with a real fan base? I got that but I don’t have the numbers to prove it. I can drop a project and sell out a vinyl and hoodie in one or two days. I’m able to build a cult fanbase. There’s not too many gatekeepers in D.C. that want to push out an artist of the J. Cole and Kendrick realm. Just seems like there’s not a lot of interest. We don’t have a rapper [with longevity] other than Wale. On the industry tip, you put me on, I’m going to represent D.C. well. Let’s get some brothers up there who represent. I don’t gotta prove I’m a street n*gga.

The power of words and literacy is A-1. It’s able to grant you anything in life. It’s the Alpha and the Omega. I’m a new father, and out of the gate I’m gonna implement vocabulary routines for my child. We’re going through an hour or two a night of vocabulary. I need my child to be sharp at a young age and get a grasp of what’s going on. I’m not the best, but I got enough words to get my point across. Why do people need to know about the importance of your name? My name AnkhleJohn is a play on my alter ego name Uncle John. It came during high school. I was infatuated with the ankh symbol. People familiar with it thought it was genius, but I never knew there’s a group of people who still don’t know what it is. That’s a pet peeve [but[ it enables me to teach. There are many African symbols. You have to know yourself and the journey we’ve been on as people. If you look at my album work, you might not see symbols at all. That's not my main message, but if I am kicking knowledge, it’s about eternal life. I’ll give you enough of a gem.

moechella unity festival |

photography by : Kai Tsehay | @kaitsehay + Kenneth Walker | @krown_kamera

moechella unity festival |

photography by : Kai Tsehay | @kaitsehay + Kenneth Walker | @krown_kamera

CONTROL THE NARRATIVE. SAVE THE CITY.

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

EDITORIAL

Repairing Infrastructure Should be Our No. 1 Priority

As rescuers continue to search for survivors in the rubble of a partially collapsed 12- story condominium in Surfside, Fla., Americans remain on edge as the country’s infrastructure issue comes to a head. As of Tuesday, June 29, 11 people have been confirmed dead and upwards of 150 residents are missing. Amid the horror of search teams removing slabs of concrete and debris day and night looking for survivors, reports are surfacing that the building was cited for “structural damage” years ago. Just a few months earlier, the board president of Champlain Towers South warned, in a letter to tenants, of a worsening condition of the building, saying “the concrete deterioration is accelerating.” Even with very serious concerns being raised, no one took any action. Now, with countless people dead, grieving families ask: How did this happen? For decades, America has ignored its aging roadways, waterways, buildings and deteriorating bridges. In March, The American Society of Civil Engineers [ASCE] released its 2021 Report Card for America's Infrastructure, giving the nation an overall C- grade, up from a D+ in 2017. The study, conducted every four years, evaluated 17 categories of infrastructure with the U.S. receiving grades ranging from a B for rail to a D- for transit. Eleven of the 17 categories in the report card received a grade in the D range including: aviation, dams, hazardous waste, inland waterways, levees, public parks, roads, schools, stormwater, transit and wastewater. Several months prior to the tragic events in Florida and the pedestrian walkway collapse over I-295 here in D.C., ASCE Executive Director Thomas Smith issued a troubling prediction: “America’s infrastructure is in trouble.” “This not a report card anyone would be proud to take home. We have not made significant enough investments to maintain infrastructure that in some cases was built more than 50 years ago,” Smith said. “As this study shows, we risk significant economic losses, higher costs to consumers, businesses and manufacturers – and our quality of life – if we don't act urgently. When we fail to invest in infrastructure, we pay the price.” We can no longer ignore the health of these crucial systems in the U.S. The richest country in the world should not endure the prospect of citizens being killed while the building in which they sleep collapses, nor should they fear being crushed while driving underneath a bridge. Make America safe again. WI

Be Smart and Safe for July 4th Festivities During the July 4th weekend, we typically see an increase in BOTH fireworks-related accidents and reports of injuries or deaths from stray bullets that strike innocent victims because of revelers shooting their firearms. This year, we hope that residents in the District and around the region will be more prudent in the ways they celebrate the holiday. Certainly, we have many reasons to spread our wings, enjoy the sunshine and even gather with a small, select group of family members and friends during the holiday weekend. After all, it’s been one heck of a year with the pandemic putting a halt on our lives. But with variants of COVID-19 spreading, the threat of more infections and deaths have health officials concerned. So, we should still maintain protocols established by the CDC including wearing masks, keeping safe distances from others and being sure you and those around you are fully vaccinated. Many Americans plan to take to the roads for the long weekend, anxious to get out of their homes and enjoy the fresh air. Others will hold small cookouts in local parks on in their backyards. And in many cities, there will be parades or firework displays. No matter what your plans, we urge citizens to remember to be smart and to be safe. Children playing with fireworks don’t need to lose a finger, an eye or their lives. And no one deserves to be struck by an errant bullet because someone was foolish enough to shoot off a round of bullets into the air. Remember, what goes up must come down. Happy July 4th to all. But don’t use the holiday as an excuse for being irresponsible or outright foolish. WI

TO THE EDITOR It’s Not Enough It was good to read about the housing progress in Ward 7 with the new Skyland Tower in your paper last week. But when I got to the part where there will be 263 new homes and only 53 will be affordable, I was disappointed. While I know there is no easy answer to address this housing crisis, what dent will 53 units make when thousands need affordable housing? Keiny Thomas Washington, D.C.

Readers' Mailbox

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Mystics Take on the World Congrats to the two Washington Mystics players that are headed to Tokyo to represent Team USA in the Olympics! Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve enjoyed watching the Olympics with all the athletes competing from around the world. I also support our local WNBA team to the fullest. Let’s go, Mystics! Dionne Marten Washington, D.C

The Washington Informer welcomes letters to the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community. Write to: lsaxton@washingtoninformer. com or send to: 3117 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20032. Please note that we are unable to publish letters that do not include a full name, address and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you. JULY 1 - 7, 2021 23

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Ruth T. Perot and Canary Girardeau

Getting Vaccinated Proves That Black Lives Matter

We are African American elders, and we are deeply concerned about our community's future. When we heard that 8 out of 10 new COVID-19 cases in the District of Columbia are Black people, we were shaken to the core. Even more distressing was reading that 865 African Americans have died in D.C. from the virus, compared with 111 whites although Black people make up less than half of the D.C. population. These statistics make it clear

why D.C. officials and health experts are warning of a Black COVID-19 pandemic in the District. It is all too well known that African Americans have gotten sick and have died sooner and more often than other groups. But the ratio has never been 8 out of 10. These statistics are truly cause for alarm. Each of us has worked to promote the health and well-being of African Americans for over 65 years. We are not prepared to accept these numbers as our new reality. So, we looked for answers. One explanation came into focus right away — vaccination rates.

Guest Columnist

In Ward 3, the percentage of fully vaccinated adults is 44% while in Ward 8, the percentage is 19%. While there may be other reasons for the 8 out of 10 disparity, one fact cannot be denied. Everyone hospitalized because of COVID-19 has not been vaccinated. We have heard from over 100 D.C. residents who have not been vaccinated and we have heard their many reasons. As we listen, we hear a theme that rings loud and clear: "This is my personal choice." That answer may be expected since we all make personal choices every day. But this response also conveys something else.

It appears to reflect a way of thinking that is new in our people's history and experience — a total focus on "me" instead of "we." Key to the survival of the Black community for over 400 years in this nation has been our commitment to each other. We survived or escaped from slavery together. We built and defended our churches, our schools, and our Black Wall Streets as a community. We filled the jails and gave our lives to set each other free. Under the banner of "Black Lives Matter" we have confronted systemic racism as a unified force. Tragically, our community's re-

sponse to COVID-19 has been very different. Many of us — too many — are making personal choices about vaccination without regard to the impact on others, even our own family members. Fathers are choosing not to be vaccinated, putting their families at risk of losing their support and protector. Young people influenced by unknown social media sources are saying "no" and putting their grandparents in danger. Fear of the unknown is often offered as the reason for refusal. But some facts are known. We know for

no longer had to live with the fear that, without notice or warning, "massa" or "missus" could contrive to sell their child to another slave holder — separating mother and child forever. I can see men and women, so allowed to marry, no longer in fear of separation from their mates or loss of their children. They no longer had to admonish their children to be good little pick-a-ninnies so as not to anger "massa" or "missus" and risk being sold off. Little chil-

dren could envision a time when, before they grew old enough to be sent to the field, they would no longer be treated as pets or playthings of "massa's" children. They could all imagine themselves in their natural state — FREE! While impossible to replicate their emotions with the news of freedom, I can fully understand the frustration of the descendants

GIRARDEAU Page 41

E. Faye Williams

It's Official

And it's long overdue! Juneteenth has been officially recognized and designated a national holiday! On June 15th, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved the measure and on June 16, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly did the same. This bill was signed into law by President Biden on June 17 and codified an

event long observed among African Americans. OUR celebration has been expanded into the consciousness of the entire nation. I am genuinely unable to fully grasp the emotions of those blessed with the news of freedom. Whatever their age, they had spent their entire lives in bondage — the legal property of "inhuman" beings. I imagine that freedmen could finally see freedom of movement without a note from the "massa" (which most of the slave patrollers

Guest Columnist

couldn't read anyway). I imagine the thoughts of the men believing that they would no longer be subject to beatings or, for maximum humiliation, sexually abused at the whim and will of a "massa" who could react brutally with the slightest provocation. I imagine thoughts of the women who were relieved of the nightly fear of being raped and sexually abused by "massa" or any other white man so inclined. I can imagine the mothers who believed they

WILLIAMS Page 41

Nina Turner

The Black Press: Vanguards of Our History, Guardians of Our Future

For decades, the Black Press has been the vanguards of the Black community's history and the guardians of our future. They have been one of the few institutions that have acknowledged our pain while making space for our promise. Both the journalists and the publishers who employ them have been critical in telling our stories

24 JULY 1 - 7, 2021

in an accurate and balanced way. They have also forced larger outlets to pay attention to the issues of importance to our communities. And now, as we sit at the crossroads of progress and retrogression, our hope lies in strengthening this storied institution. The challenges facing our community are serious. In multiple states there are attempts to roll back access to the ballot. In communities across the country, Black and poor peo-

ple live under the daily threat of gun violence. Even in education, Black people and other marginalized groups are fighting for high quality instruction. Black educators and others are also being told that they cannot discuss this nation's complicated history with race and racism with bans on Critical Race Theory. The hope for our future lies, in part, on a thriving Black Press. What I am saying comes as no surprise to honest students of his-

tory. It is also not lost on Black people, who have long seen the arcs of their lives traced and covered by an activist-oriented Black Press. It is not just in the juxtaposition of the Black media and larger, nonBlack media institutions that one sees the value of institutions that are anti-racist, culturally aware and committed to truth. But every community benefits when the people within it, become the architects of narratives that emerge

about said group's own past, present and future For too long, Black communities and other marginalized groups have suffered when the people who tell their stories do not look like them. In fact, in seeking to understand the origins of the race riots in the summer of 1967, the Kerner Commission found that the lack of diversity in the news media was a contributing factor.

TURNER Page 41

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Marc H. Morial

The Goals of Our Civil Rights Movement Will Not Be Realized Until D.C. Statehood is

"Congress has both the moral obligation and the constitutional authority to pass the D.C. statehood bill. This country was founded on the principles of no taxation without representation and consent of the governed, but D.C. residents are taxed without representation and cannot consent to the laws under which they, as American citizens, must live." — Eleanor Holmes Norton, Delegate to United

States House of Representatives representing the District of Columbia Earlier this month, I had the honor of testifying to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in support of statehood for the District of Columbia. While in law school in Washington, D.C., I grew to love the community and made the city my second home. As a member of the D.C. Statehood Commission from 2006 to 2010, I advocated for D.C. statehood. As the former mayor of New Orleans, I have deep experience in running a busy and thriving city with a diverse

Guest Columnist

population. Residents of these cities, like Americans across the country, must have representation in Congress to meet their needs and protect their rights. Yet the citizens of the District of Columbia continue to be denied this representation and are relegated to second-class citizenship. The international community agrees. The United Nations Human Rights Committee, Organization of American States, and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe all have recognized the injustice of D.C.'s status. Nearly 700,000 Americans live in

the District of Columbia and suffer under the daily injustice of "Taxation without Representation." They pay the highest per capita federal income taxes in the country, serve on juries, and fight and die in wars, yet they are denied full democratic rights. They are unable to bring grievances to influential federal officials, reap the benefits available to other congressional constituents, or have a say in the important issues of war and peace that confront this nation. As a civil rights and human services organization, the National Urban League is in a unique position

to see how this lack of representation directly impacts the populations we serve — most extremely over the past year. Black and brown communities suffered higher rates of infections, deaths, and unemployment due to Covid-19. Racial inequities in education, housing, employment, health care and household wealth are worse than they were before the pandemic struck. Nowhere is this tragedy more evident than in the District of Columbia. D.C. residents, including

MORIAL Page 42

A. Peter Bailey

Too Many Black Folks Succumb to Psychological Warfare

In his must-read 1926 book, "The Miseducation of the Negro," Dr. Carter G. Woodson stated, "… Starting out after the Civil War, opponents of freedom and social justice decided to work out a program which would enslave the Negro's mind, in as much as the freedom of the body had to be conceded." That is psychological warfare. It is distressing to have to admit

that descendants of those opponents of freedom and justice cited by Dr. Woodson have had a great deal of success in enslaving the minds of way too many Black folks today. This factor continues to make it very difficult for us to promote and protect our vital individual and group interests in this country. Examples of their successful psychological warfare are reflected in Black folks who use black as an epithet, who believe in white standards of beauty and attractiveness, who consistently use the "N-word" when

Askia-At-Large

talking about our people, who only have images of a white Jesus in their churches and homes, who relish being the only Black person in an otherwise all white organization, school or neighborhood, who only have white art in their homes or apartments, who are dyed or bewigged blondes, who believe that an all-Black school or other institution is inherently inferior, who believe that striving for academic excellence is trying to be "white," who use the word "classical" only for European music, who smile with gratitude when a white person tells him or her

"you are different from other Blacks," who wreak havoc in Black neighborhoods, who say that a Black person has "good" or "bad" hair, who believes that a Black person romantically involved with or married to a white person has enhanced his or her social status, who believe that a degree from Harvard, Yale, Princeton or any other overwhelmingly white college or university automatically makes them superior to Black folks with degrees from historically Black colleges and universities, whose buffoonish professional names carry on the demeaning

tradition of Stepin' Fechit, Mantan Mooreland, and Scatman Crothers, and those who have built lucrative careers in the academic, journalistic, political and cultural arenas by, to the delight of white supremacists, consistently attacking other Black folks. Black folks guilty of the above are basically allies of those who falsely believe they are superior to us. Anyone wanting to know what can be done about this must read the writings of Brother Malcolm X, Dr. C. DeLores Tucker and Dr. Frances Cress Welsing. WI

are genetically recessive, and they know it. White folks realize that not only are their numbers declining, but that their traits — fair hair, skin and eye color — are recessive. In reproduction, blondness recedes to brownness. Everything artificial, however, recedes to bottle-blondes. Here we are today in a world where we boast "blondes have more fun," and sunny blondness too often means whiteness, Caucasian-ness. What this means as far as future elections are concerned is

that the white voting pool literally gets smaller with each succeeding election. Ergo, whites must cheat in order for the governing system that tilts in favor of whiteness to prevail. The white tribe is employing every dirty trick in the book — voter suppression, election restrictions, stringent identification requirements, you name it — in order to preserve the façade of free and fair elections, but their principal aim

Askia Muhammad

The 'Bipartisan' Myth

Let me tell you something. The notion of true "bipartisanship" in American politics is a pure myth. It's fake. It's make-believe. The two "parties" in the system are now, and have always been, divided along the lines of one side demanding radical changes in the governing system, and the other side (whatever they may be — Whig, Tory, Dixiecrat,

Republican, QAnon, Tea Party, Progressive) opposing the changes. Sadly, all of the political formations these days favor the White Perspective. To wit: the U.S. Revolution itself was declared to preserve slavery in some of the colonies. From the "three/fifths" compromise to the Senate's very composition, along with the Electoral College and the filibuster, are all stacked in favor of ceding power to the white ruling class, and the White Ruling Class' Prime Direc-

tive is "protect and defend whiteness." When people rationalize to themselves that their current-day adversaries are "well-meaning patriots" with a slightly different viewpoint. No. They mean nothing but harm for decent folks. The demographics are rapidly changing, and white people know it. Their birthrate is declining. Furthermore, according to Dr. Frances Cress-Welsing's "Cress Theory of Color Confrontation," whites

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ASKIA Page 42 JULY 1 - 7, 2021 25

LIFESTYLE Eunice Moseley Special to The Washington Informer “He is the head of a gang,” said Bill Duke, a legendary actor (“The Oval,” “Commando,” “Predator”) and director (“Fame,” “Hillstreet Blues”), about his new role in the Warner Bros. Picture presentation, “No Sudden Move,” premiering on HBO Max July 1. “He’s competing with other gangs – that’s big in Detroit. He is one of many gang leaders.” “No Sudden Move” is a thriller crime drama starring Don Cheadle and Benicio del Toro with appearances by Matt Damon. It is directed by Academy

Award-winning Steven Soderbergh (Ocean’s franchise) and written by Ed Solomon. Bill Duke’s character is called “OG,” the Original Gangster. “I’ve worked with Steven Soderbergh on other films,” Duke said about how he got on the project. “We heard of his film . . . reached out.” About enjoying the taping, he said, “Just working with Matt Damon and Don Cheadle was great. Don, off screen, is the funniest person you’d ever want to meet.” The New York native talked about filming the crime drama during the pandemic. “Yes, it was during the pandemic,” Duke said. “There were

certain things we had to do. All the time we had a ‘Covid Team’ there on set, testing us several times a day.” Warner Bros. Pictures’ “No Sudden Move” also stars Ray Liotta, Jon Hamm, Brendan Fraser, David Harbour, Amy Seimetz, Kieran Culkin, Noah Jupe, Craig Grant, Julie Fox and Frankie Shaw. It takes place in 1954 in racially charged Detroit. A small gang has been set-up to take the fall. However, they escape and are now on a search for who hired them and to find out why. Before our interview ended Bill Duke said, “Tell your readers to check out my network, YouNite. It will be up pretty soon . . . second week in July. We will have something positive for the kids and its focus is on all the good.” The YouNite Network has been launched by Bill Duke’s company Duke Media Entertainment with an aim to provide inspiring, educational and entertaining projects. Duke is also a producer (“Dark Girls”), author (“The Works of the Invisible Man”) and poet (“The Journey”). Other credits include Steven Soderbergh’s “High Flying Bird,” “Black Lightening,” “Menace II Society,” “X-Men 3,” “Starsky & Hutch,” “Charlie’s Angels” and ”Sister Act 2.” He also has a

STUDENT LOAN from Page 21

took office, said he’s reluctant to forgive debt for those who went to expensive private schools like Harvard and Yale. “For millions of student borrowers, one of the most difficult challenges is balancing their debt with their dreams of starting a career, starting a family, and buying a home,” Schumer said. “When the pandemic hit, these challenges magnified a hundredfold. Job opportunities disappeared and our economy came to a halt.” “Even as the economy recovers, young people, borrowers with a load of debt will struggle more than most to get back on their feet. Why not give them a little more breathing room?” he suggested. Jennifer Blatz, president and CEO of StriveTogether, offered that if the Biden-Harris administration remains serious about addressing significant threats to the nation’s economic viability and

narrowing the racial wealth gap, reducing student loan debt should be among the tools they use. “Its impact is immediate and measurable,” Blatz insisted. “Loan forgiveness could address these racial inequities, which are getting even wider because of the pandemic. Student debt forgiveness, while providing stability to families and the economy in this immediate crisis, would give us an opportunity to step back and address the systems that have brought us to the moment of desperation,” she said. Blatz added that taking a holistic view of racial and economic disparities remains tantamount including “inequities in postgraduate opportunities and employment.” “Canceling student debt would help the nation reset to seek more sustainable solutions,” she said. WI @StacyBrownMedia

Bill Duke Stars in ‘No Sudden Move,’ Launches YouNite Network

Since the pandemic began, the federal government froze student loan debt, resulting in borrowers saving about $2,000. President Biden also suspended collections on loans in default to private lenders which has resulted in an estimated $72 billion in relief. Still, many Democratic lawmakers have called on the president to cancel student loan debt. So far, Biden has canceled $1.5 billion in debt for those defrauded by for-profit schools. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) continues to lead a contingent of Democrats urging the president to do more. They want President Biden to cancel as much as $50,000 in student loan debt per borrower. Biden, who pledged to cancel $10,000 per borrower when he

26 JULY 1 - 7, 2021

5 Bill Duke (Courtesy photo)

501 c3 Foundation, Duke Media Foundation, which exposes youth to new media tools. For more information vis-

it www.YouNiteNetwork.com www.DukeMediaFoundation.org www.WarnerBros.com WI

EBOLA from Page 20

Sierra Leone has prior experience administering the Johnson & Johnson Ebola vaccine in 2015 during the West African epidemic. The country's Ministry of Health and the University of Sierra Leone collaborated with Johnson & Johnson on the first clinical study of the vaccine in an Ebola-affected country which took place in Sierra Leone's Kambia district. “We are moving with urgency and purpose to bring all of our available resources to help prevent the spread of this latest Ebola outbreak in Guinea,” said Ruxandra Draghia-Akli, M.D., Ph.D., global head, Global Public Health Research and Development, Johnson & Johnson, in May. “We believe that, through the preventive use of Ebola vaccines, the global health community can help protect vulnerable communities living under the threat of this disease,” she said. WI

son announced up to 200,000 Ebola vaccine regimens would be made available as part of a WHO early access clinical program now underway in Sierra Leone.

The country's Ministry of Health and the University of Sierra Leone collaborated with Johnson & Johnson on the first clinical study of the vaccine in an Ebola-affected country which took place in Sierra Leone's Kambia district.

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JULY 1 - 7, 2021 27

LIFESTYLE

The Concert Film We Have Been Waiting For Six-Week-Long 1969 Music Festival Marked a Seminal Cultural Moment Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer What was going on in the Summer of 1969? Woodstock, mankind’s first walk on the moon, the Manson murders and the Stonewall riots. Also, there was an important event blending music, comedy and togetherness at Mt. Morris Park in Harlem. “Summer of Soul (…Or When the Revolution Could Not be Televised)” is a documentary capturing the Harlem Cultural Festival, a free six-week event attracting 300,000 attendees. The film premieres July 2 streaming on Hulu and showing in theaters. Audiences saw performances by Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, The Chambers Brothers, Max Roach and Abbey Lincoln, Sly and the Family Stone, The Edwin Hawkins Singers, Mahalia Jack-

28 JULY 1 - 7, 2021

son, The Staple Singers, Moms Mabley and so many others. Nearly 70 acts performed at that one-of-a-kind festival. Forty hours of film from this festival sat in a basement for 50 years. The footage was found producing partners of Amir-Khalib “Questlove” Thompson. Thompson is probably best known as co-founder of hip hop group “The Roots,” the house band for The Tonight Show. It took a while for Thompson to believe the footage existed. “What they showed absolutely blew me away,” said Thompson when his producers came to him in 2017 with some of the footage. “That’s when I realized this was serious.”

THE WORK BEGINS

From viewing 40 hours of raw footage, Thompson knew he had

to be a part of the project. He was ready to come on board as a producer, but his producing partners wanted him to direct the film. In addition to The Roots, Thompson has authored books, produced projects for Broadway and is a respected musicologist. Film directing would be a new talent to add to his list of accomplishments. In 1969, the country was recovering from assassinations of leaders important to the Black community. Violence ran rampant in our cities. There were more than 100 riots across the country during the 1960s. A marked change in Black American culture began in1969. The festival was at the right time and place to acknowledge that change. “I always related summertime

5 The Fifth Dimension served as a top Black group in the 60's and 70's. (Courtesy photo)

to the potential of violence,” said Darryl Lewis, an attendee at the Harlem Cultural Festival who was interviewed by Thompson. “I was 19 when the festival took place. I was home from college. The goal of the festival may have been to keep Black folks from burning up the city in '69.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF SEEING US

Along with multiple genres of Black music, “Summer of Soul” looked like a fashion time cap-

SOUL Page 40

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Traditional Fireworks Displays and Parades to Resume for Fourth of July, 2021

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James Wright WI Staff Writer Most Fourth of July activities will resume in the District after falling victim to COVID-19 in 2020. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has made it clear she wants visitors to come back to the nation’s capital to celebrate Independence Day. “D.C. is open and ready to welcome back visitors to celebrate the way we came together as a city and as a nation this year,” the mayor said on June 16. “We have shown once again that when we come together, there is nothing we can’t do.” Bowser’s call for visitors for July 4th came after she lifted coronavirus restrictions and fully relaxed public health restrictions on gatherings June 11. The mayor acted in concert with President Biden, who has also encouraged live July 4 events to mark the nation’s return to its routine after 16 months of coronavirus pandemic disruptions. The mayor said the traditional Fourth of July fireworks will occur on the National Mall. Bowser didn’t support President Trump’s fireworks display last year because the pandemic still raged in the District and District officials didn’t receive any consultation from the White House on the matter. While the fireworks will commence, the National Fourth of July parade which happens along Constitution Avenue in Northwest has been postponed this year. “After much thought and consideration, the National Park Service and Diversified Events have cancelled this year’s National Independence Day Parade due to logistics and planning limitations,” the events’ website said. “The marching units that travel from across the country to participate in the parade have not had the necessary eight to 10 months to organize, rehearse and fundraise before making the trip, and most are still unable to travel due to COVID-19 restrictions. We are unable to stage a successful event without the excitement and sound provided by these high school

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5 Fireworks are expected to be on display on the National Mall in the District. (WI File Photo)

bands, drill teams and other youth organizations. We share everyone’s disappointment in this decision and look forward to presenting this red, white and blue celebration of America’s birthday again on July 4, 2022.” Biden announced last month he will host essential workers and military families on the South Lawn of the White House for an Independence Day celebration. While the national parade has been suspended, the two local parades—The 19th Annual Capitol Hill Community Fourth of July Parade in the Barracks Row neigh-

borhood in Ward 6 and the Palisades Citizens Association 55th Annual Parade in Ward 3—will proceed. The Capitol Hill parade will start at Eighth and I Streets, S.E. at 10 a.m. and is to follow Eighth Street north to the Eastern Market Metro Plaza. The Palisades Parade will start at noon at the intersection of Whitehaven Parkway and MacArthur Boulevard, N.W. and follow MacArthur north to the Palisades Palisades Recreation Center. where a community picnic is to occur. WI @JamesDCWrighter

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LIFESTYLE

The Black Press of America Wraps its Up Annual Summer Convention Theme, ‘The News We Cover Matters,’ Championed by President Biden Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer President Joe Biden helped to kick off the annual convention of the National Newspaper Publishers Association with a ringing endorsement of the Black Press of America. The president, who campaigned on the promise of equity and inclusion and whose appointments, hires and policies have included uplifting Black and minority communities, praised the virtues of Black-owned newspapers and media companies. “It’s an honor to join you and celebrate 194 years of the Black Press and 81 years of the NNPA,” the president stated.

“The theme of your conference this year, ‘Black Press Matters,’ could not be more fitting. The work you do at the NNPA matters,” he said. Biden recalled visiting Tulsa, Okla. earlier this year on the anniversary of the Black Wall Street massacre. “We would not have known nearly as much as what happened there if it were not for the Black Press,” he said. “The same is true of [other] stories of today. I know times are tough in the industry and every advertising dollar matters. We need your input and your important independent voices as much as ever,” he continued. Biden thanked the leaders and staff of the Black Press for their commitment.

“Thank you for informing us all,” he said. The conference kicked off with an exhibit of more than 100 front pages of African-American newspapers sponsored by the Google News Initiative. NNPA Chair Karen Carter Richards, President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., and Convention Chair Terry Jones offered opening remarks. At the same time, Dr. Anthony Fauci and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky spoke on the importance of vaccinations and how vital the Black Press of America remains after 194 years.

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority (t/a Events DC) Bid Opportunity The Washington Convention and Sports Authority (t/a Events DC) is soliciting Offers from qualified firms to provide for Generator Service and Maintenance. Interested parties can view a copy of the Invitation For Bids (IFB) by accessing the Event DC’s E-procurement website at www.wcsapex.com and opening APEX BID # 21-S-011-688. Key Dates: IFB Release Date: June 29, 2021 IFB Pre-Bid Conference Date: 11:00 AM EST, Tuesday, July 13, 2021 IFB Questions Due Date: 5:00PM EST, Wednesday, July 21, 2021 IFB Response Due Date: 3:00 P.M. EST, Friday, July 30, 2021 Point of Contact: Briana Vaden, 202-369-1292 (bvaden@eventsdc.com

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority (t/a Events DC) Bid Opportunity The Washington Convention and Sports Authority (t/a Events DC) is soliciting Offers from qualified firms to provide for Commercial Window Shade Purchase/Replacement, Repair and Installation Services. Interested parties can view a copy of the Invitation For Bids (IFB) by accessing the Event DC’s E-procurement website at www. wcsapex.com and opening APEX BID # 21-S-011-687. Key Dates: IFB Release Date: June 29, 2021 IFB Pre-Bid Conference Date: 1:00 PM EST, Tuesday, July 13, 2021 IFB Questions Due Date: 5:00PM EST, Wednesday, July 21, 2021 IFB Response Due Date: 3:00 P.M. EST, Friday, July 30, 2021 Point of Contact: Briana Vaden, 202-369-1292 (bvaden@eventsdc.com)

30 JULY 1 - 7, 2021

(Courtesy NNPA)

“The Black Press is critically important,” Dr. Fauci declared. “Medical comorbidities are particularly high in African-American communities and that is why getting the vaccine is so important.” Racism remains at the root of many of the health disparities in America, declared Dr. Walensky. “We must take action,” she insisted. “We are so grateful for [The Black Press’s] voice and to your reporting and commitment to truth.” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and White House Senior Advisor and Director of Public Engagement Cedric Richmond also joined the conference to reaffirm Washington’s commitment to Black America and the NNPA. The NNPA, the 81-year-old trade association representing the 230 African American-owned newspapers and media companies that comprise the Black Press of America, hosted the annual convention from June 23 to June 26. While the convention regularly occurs in cities throughout the country, the pandemic forced the NNPA to hold the event virtually for the second consecutive year. This year’s theme highlighted how significant the Black Press remains, its vitality in the many communities it serves and the transformative vision that has helped keep its millions of subscribers informed. Pfizer Rare Disease, AARP, General Motors, Reynolds American, Comcast, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Education Trust, the Small Business Administration, Wells Fargo, American Petroleum

Institute, Facebook Journalism Project and others hosted, sponsored, or participated on panels to provide vital information for publishers and the public-at-large. Zillow, the Knight Foundation, U.S. Census, Comcast Universal, Molson Coors, Nissan, BHERC, Northrop Grumman and Nina Turner for Congress also counted among convention sponsors. During the convention, the NNPA Fund hosted its annual Messenger Awards to recognize the outstanding work of journalists and newspapers in the Black Press. Hosted by NNPA Fund Chair Pluria Marshall, Jr. and NNPA Fund Vice Chair Sonny Messiah Jiles, with special guests Stacey Abrams and the Rev. Al Sharpton, winners included the St. Louis American, Birmingham Times, Houston Forward Times, The Final Call, Richmond Free Press, Texas Metro News, The Afro American, Michigan Chronicle, New Pittsburgh Courier, Our Weekly Los Angeles, Houston Defender, Savannah Tribune, Atlanta Voice, Jackson Advocate and the Seattle Medium. The recent winner of three Society of Professional Journalists Awards, the Washington Informer did not participate in this year’s Messenger Awards. The NNPA also presented its annual Legacy Awards where Darnella Frazier, the Black teenager who courageously filmed a police officer kneeling on George Floyd’s neck, received the Ida B. Wells National Photojournalism Award.

NNPA Page 40

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Washington Gas Cares

Let Us Help You When You Need it the Most Submitted by Washington Gas At Washington Gas we understand the ongoing challenges that residential and business customers may be facing when it comes time to pay their gas bill. Many of our customers continue to experience financial hardship as a result of the pandemic. We are available to assist you every step of the way and provide support to meet your essential energy needs. Our team is prepared to help you manage the challenges of paying your utility bill and we stand ready to work with you to identify energy assistance options or a payment plan that fits your budget. We encourage you to act now. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can explore options and find a solution custom tailored for you. Don’t wait. Check out the various energy assistance program options available to assist with managing your Washington Gas bill: • STAY DC: This program provides financial assistance to Washington D.C. residents who are unable to pay rent and/or utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit stay. dc.gov or call 833-4-STAYDC from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Apply now to get the help you need to recover and get through this. Through STAY DC, the District will: • Pay unpaid rent going back to April 1, 2020; • Pay forward rent, up to 3 months at a time; • Pay for water, gas, and electricity expenses on your be-

half, and • Provide extended housing support for up to 18 months, per tenant. • LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP): Through this program, the federal government distributes funds to the District of Columbia which, in turn, provides grants to qualified applicants to help them pay their energy bills. For assistance on LIHEAP, RES or a payment plan, call 844-WASHGAS and select option 2. Please note that wait times may be extended due to the higher call volume. • RESIDENTIAL ESSENTIAL SERVICE (RES): With this program, eligible households may qualify for a discount on a portion of the natural gas they use each month during the heating season from Nov. 1 to Apr. 30. To be eligible for the RES discount, customers must: • Use natural gas as the main source for home heating; and • Be certified by the Department of Energy & Environment as eligible for LIHEAP. There are many payment options available to assist with managing your Washington Gas bill: • Deferred Payment arrangements are available for up to 12-months, or 24-months for customers receiving energy assistance with no down payment required. • Budget Plan spreads the cost of winter heating over the entire year. We calculate your average monthly payment based on historical natural gas usage, adjusted for normal weather and projected gas

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JULY 1 - 7, 2021 31

LIFESTYLE

GRADUATON from Page 1

coursework and navigated the college application process, all while weathering the storm of a pandemic. And as Bard graduate Darren Wright explained to The Informer, he and his classmates have received unprecedented insights on the college environment as they make the next step in pursuit of their chosen careers. “Bard has prepared me [for college] by showing me how to write longer and capture an audience with my writing,” said Wright, 18, who will attend the State University of New York at Plattsburgh in the fall. With his father’s support, Wright transferred to Bard from the Parkside campus of Cesar Chavez Public Charter School during his junior year. He and 19 other upperclassmen counted among the first students who matriculated through what Bard designates as Year 1 and Year 2 when students take college seminars taught by on-campus college educators. While Wright, an aspiring sports journalist, couldn’t pinpoint a particular class that piqued his interest, he said the rigor of the coursework often

32 JULY 1 - 7, 2021

stretched his ability to read long passages, write extensively and practice time management. He expressed plans to use the skills acquired at Bard in his pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in communications. “Bard showed me how to think more and not just broadly [but] specifically about what I want to say [when] analyzing different things,” Wright said. “I got to do that during my seminar classes and in some of my electives. I didn’t think I was a good writer because I didn’t get good grades for writing essays but my teachers showed me I could,” he said. A commencement ceremony for Wright and his peers took place at Audi Field in Southwest on the evening of June 24. Ward 7 State Board of Education Representative Eboni Rose-Thompson opened the ceremony. D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Dr. Lewis Ferebee and Bard College President Dr. Leon Botstein, respectively, conferred high school diplomas and an associate degree to each graduate. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) served as commencement speaker. Weeks earlier, as the 2020-2021

school year wrapped up, seniors at Bard had the opportunity to not only celebrate but to make up for face-toface time lost during the pandemic. This fall, Bard along with other District public and charter schools, will conduct in-person learning at a time when those who enrolled in Bard’s inception as ninth graders will be immersed in the school’s first-ever pipeline college class. The course has been developed to ease their transition to Year 1 of the associate’s program. As had been the case before the pandemic, high school and college courses will simultaneously be offered at Bard, along with several extracurricular activities. The high school, currently located in the Benning Ridge community, has been slated to move to Congress Heights within the next few years. Bard High School Early College DC serves as a tuition-free satellite campus of Bard College, based in Annandale, New York. The college was founded on the belief that young people can do college-level work at a younger age. Its launch in 2019 served as a partnership between DCPS and Bard College. Though admissions

5 The first commencement of Bard High School Early College graduates was held at Audi Field in Southwest on June 24. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

officers check transcripts to predict a student’s graduation without interruption, those who want to attend the District’s first wall-to-wall early college program don’t need to take entrance exams. For Bard High School Early College DC Principal Vanessa Anderson, such conditions ensure that all students can matriculate at a high school which provides college education without cost. It’s particularly meaningful for youth who live east of the Anacostia River whose experiences Anderson

compared to her upbringing in the Brownsville community of Brooklyn, New York. “It’s huge that there’s a selective high school and early college option east of the Anacostia River,” Anderson said. “This does so much to keep you connected to your neighborhood. When you’re connected, you begin to see all of the beauty that’s there despite how it may be characterized. You feel empowered to make your community the way you want it to be.” WI @SamPKCollins

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LIFESTYLE

wi book review "Leaving Breezy Street: A Memoir" By Brenda Myers-Powell with April Reynolds c.2021, Henry Holt and Company $26.99 288 pages

By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer Sometimes, you just gotta get out. You need a weekend in a remote cabin or high-end spa. You gotta get out of those clothes at day's end. You need a breath of fresh air, new scenery, something to distract you. Sometimes, you need to get out for your sanity. Other times, as in the new book "Leaving Breezy Street" by Brenda Myers-Powell (with April Reynolds), you need to get out for your life. They told her that her mother loved her very much. Little Brenda Myers had to take her aunts' words for it; her mother died before Brenda could walk, and so she was raised by her grandmother. Ma'Dea's home was safe and warm, nobody ever went hungry, but the woman couldn't keep Myers from being molested, starting when Myers was just 4 years old. It continued: at 10, she was removed from Ma'Dea's house due to alcoholism and physical abuse; a year later, the uncle who took her in began molesting her. Myer returned to her grandmother's house, "from the frying pan to the fire," where she endured the least egregious trauma until she got pregnant. At age 14, she realized that she needed money to raise an infant. On Good Friday, 1973, she took the train to downtown Chicago and turned her first tricks. She came home with "almost four hundred dollars." Ma'Dea, she says, "didn't ask one question." That was the beginning of years of horrors. Myers was captured by a pair of "Gorilla pimps" who beat her to control her; though she was a minor, they took her across state lines and raped her until she didn't care. She escaped, returned to the streets, sold herself for cash, a place to stay, clothing and, eventually, drugs, when all she really wanted was nurturing. "Folks tell me, ain't all that happen to you," she says. "I wish it hadn't. … I wish to God I was lying my head off." Here's a warning, so take it seriously: if you like your memoirs sweet and tender, back away from this one. "Leaving Breezy Street," the title of which refers to the alter ego and pseudonym author Brenda Myers-Powell used for work, is anything but warm and fuzzy. It. Is. Brutal. But then again … At the risk of being a spoiler here, there's a happy ending or four in this memoir, including the empowering, steely and emotional update on Myers-Powell's life today, a tale-within-a-tale that'll make you teary-eyed. Those tears will happen partly out of relief because whew! what Myers-Powell tells is like some kind of horror story but the monsters are real — yet, curiously (and much to a reader's chagrin), she respects her past and leaves a lot unsaid. That doesn't include celebrities, whose names pepper this memoir. Just bear in mind that this book is packed with profanity but there's also a laugh or two, in a dark kind of way. Still, if you want a tale that'll drop your jaw every few pages, "Leaving Breezy Street" is the book to get out. WI

horoscopes

JULY 1 - 7, 2021

ARIES A rendezvous in a strange location lends some excitement to the start of your week. You feel a bit like a character in a noir film or a journalist on an exotic assignment. The world around you is rich, and your interactions with others are charged. That charge launches you into Wednesday and Thursday, when you find yourself pursuing a hot new lead. Lucky Numbers: 3, 5, 24 TAURUS Be charming and diplomatic, but be firm. If you have control of the cockpit, don't get up to take a coffee break. You'll have plenty of time for coffee on Wednesday — you'll have time to take a swim in a river of coffee, if you want — and Thursday and Friday you should spend enjoying other people's ideas. Travel (perhaps by plane) may figure into your days. Lucky Numbers: 14, 35, 53 GEMINI If what you are saying just isn't getting through to you-know-whom, consider the way you're saying it. And then consider starting with a knock-knock joke. If you can get someone to laugh, you've got their attention. Wednesday through Friday you've got some business to attend to . But the weekend restores you. Lucky Numbers: 10, 13, 26 CANCER Your wattage might be running low on Monday and Tuesday, so do something chill: take lunch on your own, stop by the video store on your way home from work, get supplies for a bubble bath. The whole week you'll be in this mood — content, quiet, self-aware — and it may lead to a meaningful revelation or two, the kind you can't have when you're surrounded by buzz and chatter. Lucky Numbers: 18, 20, 31 LEO You are bounding down the street on Monday and Tuesday. Or perhaps down the highway. You have a passion for travel at the start of the week. Then again, what don't you have a passion for at the start of the week? It helps that your romantic life is going well. On Wednesday and Thursday you make a good impression without even trying, and Friday you do something healthy. Lucky Numbers: 12, 14, 23 VIRGO You'd love to stop the raft and change course, but these are some mighty fine rapids. The safest plan of action would be to see this through; once the river dies down a bit, you can regroup. Overcoming the tension from the start of the week will be key to enjoying the romance that kicks into high gear on Wednesday and lasts through the second half of the week. Lucky Numbers: 10, 29, 51 LIBRA Social experimentation at the start of the week totally pays off. You put the oddest ideas on the table and people take to them instantly (there is something offhandedly genius about the things that fall out of your mouth right now). Nevertheless, Wednesday and Thursday you have little time to be dazzling the masses with your thinking, as the home realm requires your attention. Lucky Numbers: 2, 11, 35 SCORPIO You find yourself at the start of the week feeling more identified with a group than you have in a while. It's nice to belong and it's nice to wind up involved in adventures you would never stumble into on your own, but don't forget to assert your own personality. Your self-control and shrewdness will be called upon, and Friday you may need to finesse something over the phone. Lucky Numbers: 3, 33, 39 SAGITTARIUS Good feelings and good will abound on Monday and Tuesday. It's sounds cheesy, but everyone you know has found a way to love one another, and it's putting you in a heck of a good mood. Wednesday you feel more moved by art and music than you have in a while. That's not to say you should rush out and buy some expensive art or a new music collection. Watching what you spend on Thursday and Friday — right down to packing your lunch — is a brilliant plan. Lucky Numbers: 20, 35, 55 CAPRICORN Anything is possible if you put your mind to it, but you also have to apply energy. You're at about normal energy levels on Monday and Tuesday, but come Wednesday you go on hyperdrive. Your radiance is turning heads on Thursday, and by Friday your demonstrated stamina will be downright jaw-dropping. As for those impossible things made possible? Well, nothing happens overnight, but don't be discouraged. Lucky Numbers: 23, 36, 43 AQUARIUS Your social group could use a few new members, so be open to unfamiliar faces on Monday and Tuesday. The start of the week is a time of expansiveness. Wednesday and Thursday, however, restriction is the order of the day, and discipline is important. That's a better tactic than flailing all around. Friday has you exhausted — it's been a long, busy week — but Saturday is a bend in the river: suddenly you're among a singing, dancing crowd. Lucky Numbers: 35, 41, 55 PISCES Monday is your lucky day. So is Tuesday, in fact. Don't rush out and buy a lottery ticket — it's not that kind of luck — but notice how the small things seem to be going your way? This is partly unrelated to you and it's partly a reflection of all the positive energy you've been putting out there lately. If someone needs your help on Wednesday, you're happy to give back. Drop whatever you're doing. Lucky Numbers: 17, 31, 42

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JULY 1 - 7, 2021 33

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clusion of bike lanes,and other access points for pedestrians. She said that these suggestions have been in place for nearly a decade since the formation of a transportation and infrastructure committee in ANC 7D. “The Kenilworth corridor was left out of the 11th Street Bridge project, so the question is why,” Muhammad said. “The bridge collapse calls into question the state of the entire corridor. We need funding to bring the infrastructure to code from Eastern Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue. That portion is in dire need of complete remediation.” The recent collapse, caused by the collision of a truck passing under the bridge, occurred one day before the partial buckling of a building in South Miami that, as of Monday, has claimed 11 lives with 150 still missing. President Joe Biden (D) and a bipartisan cohort of senators recently reached a deal on a $1 trillion infrastructure bill that focuses on roads, bridges, railways and broadband. On Monday, after Biden confirmed the trillion-dollar infrastructure bill would stand on its own, Republican leaders in the Senate continued to encourage its separation from a spending bill that has support along party lines and includes the president's policies on child care, education and health. Meanwhile in the District, DC Fire and EMS reported at least five injuries from the bridge collapse near the Benning Road/Foote Street exit of DC-295. Authorities initially mentioned

TAX CREDIT from Page 15 for the permanent extension of the increased child tax credit. In recent weeks, liberal groups had been targeting elected officials for such an outcome, all as part of what’s been touted as the Fighting Chance for Families campaign. Spending for the child tax credit, along with the infrastructure bill, would most likely be approved via reconciliation to circumvent Republican opposition in the Senate. Meanwhile, Biden administration officials have continued their rallying cry behind the extended tax credit and other similarly-focused initiatives. As Cedric Richmond, senior ad-

34 JULY 1 - 7, 2021

5 District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser held a press conference at the site where the pedestrian bridge collapsed on Route 295. (Courtesy photo/Office of the Mayor)

that the bridge passed a February inspection. But a report then surfaced which revealed that the bridge received a “poor” rating one month ago. Still, authorities remain cautious in exclusively blaming the bridge's structural challenges on the collapse, although they did credit the truck with exacerbating decades of wear and tear. In a statement, D.C. Councilmember Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7) called for a full investigation into the circumstances of the bridge collapse and cited the need for funding infrastructure upgrades in communities in the eastern part of the District. The Informer could not secure an interview with the council member. DC-295, also known as the Anacostia Freeway, starts at the split between I-695 and I-295 at the 11th Street Bridge and goes along the Anacostia River to the D.C-Maryland border. It, along with I-295 and visor to the president, told reporters in late June, these moves count as part of a puzzle to restore the U.S. economy. “The truth of the matter is that our administrator is busy doing a lot of things at one time but we’re meeting the challenges in front of us and keeping the promises on the campaign trail,” said Richmond, also director of the Office of Public Engagement. “If you look at the other things we’re doing in people’s lives [like] reducing child poverty and reducing African-American poverty, I couldn’t be more proud. I think our economic plan is working. We’re rebuilding this economy from the bottom up,” he said. WI

the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, takes drivers to the Capital Beltway, or I-495. Maryland state officials approved constructions of the corridor in the early 1950s and construction wrapped up in the mid-1960s. In the process, surrounding communities like Kenilworth-Parkside became isolated. Decades later, residents, nearly half of whom do not own a car, have come to rely on the pedestrian bridges as a main connecting point from their homes to other parts of the city. Even so, city officials have neglected to divert attention and funds to the community's infrastructure needs as Kenilworth-Parkside resident Justin Lini told The Informer. Lini, a one-time ANC official and member of the ANC 7D transportation and infrastructure committee, recounted testifying before the D.C. Council, taking D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) on neighborhood tours and courting officials within the D.C. Department of Transportation for nearly a decade. He said this all counts as part of an initiative to highlight a problem that much of the world saw firsthand on June 23. “Our lifeline for all those decades has been pedestrian bridges like the one that was hit by the truck,” Lini said. “We have a bridge at Hayes Street that is used by thousands of people during normal hours and that's a lifeline. Bridges like that are really key but they're not new. We’re fortunate that we have a new pedestrian bridge coming but the work has been long in coming. We rely on infrastructure but it doesn’t even seem to be a priority.” WI @SamPKCollins

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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Where You Are Is Not Who You Are "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters" — Colossians 3:23 In the new book "Where You Are Is Not Who You Are" written by Ursula Burns, the first Black female CEO of a Fortune 500 company, the author looks back at her life and career at Xerox. She shares her unique insights on how American business and corporate life looks from within, describes in detail how she has always valued, racial and economic justice, and lastly she shares how greed is threatening democracy, and the obstacles she's conquered being Black and a woman.\ Ursula Burns once said "I am a Black woman, I do not play golf, I do not belong to or go to country clubs, I do not like NASCAR, I do not listen to country music, and I have a master's degree in engineering. I, like a typical New Yorker, speak very fast, with an accent and vernacular that is definitely New York City, definitely Black. So when someone says I'm going to introduce you to the next CEO of Xerox, and the options are lined up against a wall, I would be the first one voted off the island." Shattering the glass ceiling and making headlines, the media missed the real story, when in 2009, she was appointed the Chief Executive Offi-

cer of the Xerox Corporation. Ursula Burns, insists. "It should have been 'how did this happen? How did Xerox Corporation produce the first African American woman CEO?' Not this spectacular story titled, 'Oh, my God, a Black woman making it.'" In this smart, no-nonsense book, Ursula shares with readers how dedication to education and hard work expected of her children from her Panamanian mother, Olga Racquel Burns — a licensed child care provider whose highest annual income was $4,400 — who set no limits on what her children could achieve made the difference. In her book, which is part memoir and part cultural critique, Burns writes in an intriguing manner of her journey from low-income housing in the Lower East Side of Manhattan to the highest echelons of the corporate world. Ursula recounts her own dedication to education and hard work. Instead of self-pity, she took advantage of the opportunities and social programs created by the civil rights and women's movements to pursue engineering at Polytechnic Institute of New York. Burns also writes about how overcoming the barriers she faced made her the woman she is today, and that her childhood adversities prepared her for challenges and realities of the corporate world. Her classmates and colleagues, almost all white males, "couldn't comprehend how a Black girl could be as smart, and in some

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

cases, smarter than they were. They made a developed category for me, calling me Unique. Amazing. Spectacular. That way they could accept me." Her 35-year career at Xerox was all about fixing things, from cutting millions to save the company from bankruptcy to a daring $6 billion acquisition to secure its future. This trailblazer also worked closely with President Barack Obama as a lead on his STEM initiative and Chair of his Export council, where she traveled with him on an official trade mission to Cuba and became one of his greatest admirers. Candid and outspoken, Ursula offers a remarkable look inside the c-suites of corporate America through the eyes of a Black woman, someone who puts humanity over greed and justice over power. Empathetic and dedicated, idealistic and pragmatic, Ursula demonstrates that, no matter your circumstances, hard work, grit and a bit of help along the way can change your life — and the world. In 2014, Forbes rated her the 22nd most powerful woman in the world. Ursula Burns has proven with her life that 'Where We Are is not who we are — the message my mother taught her children too! Scripture tells us, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." WI

John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.

5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089

1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005

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

www.jmlaw.net

(301) 864-6070

jmccollum@jmlaw.net

headline and photo for LIF Mount Olivet MALCOLMXDAY Lutheran Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.) Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

(301) 864-6070

Service and Times Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m. Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday “Friendliest Church in the City” Website: mountolivetdc.org Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

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JULY 1 - 7, 2021 35

RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724

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

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

Blessed Word of Life Church

Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM 5th Sundays: 9:30 AM 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 PM www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

Church of Living Waters

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor 4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464 Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

St. Stephen Baptist Church

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

Third Street Church of God

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

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

36 JULY 1 - 7, 2021

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

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

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

Crusader Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor 800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703 Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45 AM Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor 7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471 Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 AM Service 11:00 AM Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Motto: “A Church Keeping It Real for Real.” Website: Shabbathcommandmentchruch.org Email: Praisebetoyhwh@gmail.com

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

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

All Nations Baptist Church Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor 2001 North Capitol St, N.E. - Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591 Service and Times Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education / School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards

Israel Baptist Church

Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor 2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730 Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Baptismal Service: 1st Sunday – 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday – 11:00 AM Prayer Meeting & Bible Study: Wednesday -7:30 PM “Where Jesus is the King”

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

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

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

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

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

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

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

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

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

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

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

Mount Moriah Baptist Church Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor

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

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

New Commandment Baptist Church

Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

2001 Brooks Drive District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Experience: 10:15am Sunday School: 9:00am Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Morning Noontime Bible Study: Tuesday @ 12:00pm Prayer Meeting/Bible Study: Tuesday @7:00pm Theme: "Building On A Firm Foundation"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shiloh Baptist Church

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

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

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

Christ Embassy DC

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

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

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor

Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

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

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

Rev. Dr. Jerryl V. Moody Pastor-Elect

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

St. Matthews Baptist Church

Emmanuel Baptist Church

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

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

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

JULY 1 - 7, 2021 37

LEGAL NOTICES

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: "Mustafa Khan©", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: "KHAN, MUSTAFA©", corp.sole Dba: "MUSTAFA KHAN©," having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: "Mustafa Khan©", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: "mustafa khan bey©". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: State File Number 048793, " MUSTAFA KHAN© ", is as a special deposit order conveyed to "Garden Of Life Trust©". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: "mustafa khan bey©", nom deguerre: "Mustafa Khan©", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : "Garden Of Life Trust©", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente. Notice of Reference : 0112358-13

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

2021 ADM 000577

2021 ADM 554

Joseph Carter Tidline Decedent

Albert Holley Decedent

Leon Franklin Decedent

Kathy Brissette-Minus, Esq. Law Office of Kathy Brissette-Minus, LLC 9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 230 Largo, MD 20774 Attorney

Tina Smith Nelson Legal Counsel for the Elderly 601 E Street, NW Washington, DC 20049 Attorney

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

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

Sterling X. Tidline and Ava M. Tidline, whose addresses are 8106 Thornfield Terr., Forestville, MD 20747 & 4226 H Street, SE, Washington, DC 20019, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Joseph Carter Tidline who died on 2/2/2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/17/2021. 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 12/17/2021, 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.

Jacqueline Holley Perry, whose address is 240 11th Street SE, WDC 20003, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Albert Holley who died on 2/26/2008 with a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/17/2021. 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 12/17/2021, 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: June 17, 2021

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 192

Carla M. Franklin, whose address is 215 Fortune Lane, Greensboro, NC 27408, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leon Franklin who died on April 25, 2020 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 12/24/2021. 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 12/24/2021, 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: June 24, 2021

Sterling X. Tidline Ava M. Tidline Personal Representatives

Jacqueline Holley Perry Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2021 ADM 000600

2021 ADM 000578

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White DISTRICT COURT Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: CLARK COUNTY, NEVADA " Thirkield Laron Gage© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary CASE NO.: D-21-625518-D, DEPT: X and heir of: " GAGE, THIRKIELD LARON© ", corp.sole Dba.: " THIRKIELD LARON GAGE© ", having reached the age of maGerard Lacey Plaintiff, vs. Katrina Lacey Defendant. jority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, SUMMONS being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, NOTICE! YOU HAVE BEEN SUED. THE COURT MAY DECIDE but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, AGAINST YOU WITHOUT YOUR BEING HEARD UNLESS YOU REand unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas SPOND IN WRITING WITHIN 20 DAYS. READ THE INFORMATION Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the BELOW CAREFULLY. To the Defendant named above: A civil united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, complaint petition has been filed by the plaintiff against you Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, for the relief as set forth in that document (see the complaint [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous or petition). The object of this action is: Divorce. If you intend Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby to defend this lawsuit, within 21 days after this summons is declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: served on you (not counting the day of service), you must: 1. Moorish American. I am that I am: " Thirkield Laron Gage© File with the Clerk of Court, whose address is shown below, a ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / formal written answer to the complaint or petition. 2. Pay the Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " thirkield laron gage required filing fee to the court, or file an Application to Proceed el© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", In Forma Pauperis and request a waiver of the filing fee. 3. pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister Serve a copy of your answer upon the Plaintiff whose name of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. and address is shown below. If you fail to respond the Plaintiff Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, can request your default. The court can then enter a judgement IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of petition. STEVEN D. GRIERSON, CLERK OF COURT, By: Desiree Darris, Deputy Clerk, Date 4/20/2021, Family Courts and Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal Services Center, 601 North Pecos Road, Las Vegas, Nevada and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, 89155, Issued on Behalf or Plaintiff: June Young, 1290 W. in the property, Re: State File Number 109-66-101511, " horizon Ridge Pkwy #2212, Henderson, NV 89012, In Proper THIRKIELD LARON GAGE© ", is as a special deposit order Person. Published in Washington Informer June 24, July 1, conveyed to " Jus Reign Trust© ". All property of the same issue 8, 15, 22, 2021 and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " thirkield laron gage el© ", nom deguerre: " Thirkield Laron Gage© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " Jus Reign Trust© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente . Notice of Reference: 0112358-13

Michael Wanamaker Decedent Ethel Mitchell 8403 Colesville Road Suite 1100 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Brenda Sylvester Wanamaker, whose address is 3612 Bangor Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Michael Wanamaker who died on 12/29/2020 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 12/24/2021. 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 12/24/2021, 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.

Eliza Brooks Decedent Julius P. Terrell 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite 400 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Date of first publication: 6/24/2021

Edward Nathaniel Brooks, Jr., whose address is 1330 E Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eliza Brooks who died on March 7, 2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/24/2021. 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 12/24/2021, 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.

Brenda Sylvester Wanamaker Personal Representative

Date of first publication: June 24, 2021

TRUE TEST COPY

Edward Nathaniel Brooks Jr. Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

TRUE TEST COPY

Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

38 JULY 1 - 7, 2021

Carla M. Franklin Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION 2021 NRT 000007 David William Rife Name of Deceased Settlor NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST David William Rife, whose address was 1330 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Apt. 1013, Washington, DC 20036 created a revocable trust on March 17, 2020, which remained in existence on the date of his death on May 11, 2020, and Pawvana Pansiri, whose address is 1330 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Apartment 1013, Washington, DC 20036, is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to Edward G. Varrone at 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1150, Washington, DC 20006. The Trust is subject to claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors, costs of administration of the settlor’s estate, the expense of the deceased settlor’s funeral and disposal of remains, and statutory allowances to a surviving spouse and children to the extent the deceased settlor’s residuary probate estate is inadequate to satisfy those claims, costs, expenses, and allowances. Claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors are barred as against the Trustee and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the address provided herein on or before December 24, 2021(6 months after the date of the first publication of this notice.) An action to contest the validity of this trust must be commenced by the earliest of (1) May 11, 2021 (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) (2) December 24, 2021, (6 months from the date of first publication of this notice) or (3) Ninety days after the Trustee sends the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust’s existence, of the Trustee’s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding. The Trustee may proceed to distribute the trust property in accordance with the terms of the trust before the expiration of the time within which an action must be commenced unless the Trustee knows of a pending judicial proceeding contesting the validity of the trust or the Trustee has received notice from a potential contestant who thereafter commences a judicial proceeding within sixty days after notification. This Notice must be mailed postmarked within 15 days of its first publication to each heir and qualified beneficiary of the trust and any other person who would be an interested person within the meaning of D.C. Code 20-101(d). Date of First Publication: 6/24/2021 Pawvana Pansiri Signature of Trustee TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 000131 Paul Ferdinand Salditt aka Paul F. Salditt Decedent Gretchyn G. Meinken 616 N. Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Miriam Juliette Cutler, whose address is 2700 Calvert Street, NW #313, Washington, DC 20008, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Paul Ferdinand Salditt who died on 8/30/2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before January 1, 2022. 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 January 1, 2022, 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: 7/1/2021 Miriam Juliette Cutler Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

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

2021 FEP 000056

2021 ADM 615

June 13, 2020 Date of Death

Mary B. Jordan Decedent

Richard F. Fisher aka Richard Frederick Fisher Jr. Name of Decedent

Valerie Edwards 1725 DeSales Street, NW Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Janet E. Renfer whose address is 125 Hampden Drive, Mountville, Pennsylvania 17554 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Richard F. Fisher aka Richard Frederick Fisher Jr., deceased, by the Register of Wills Court for Lancaster County, State of Pennsylvania, on July 30, 2020. Service of process may be made upon Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW #700, Washington, DC 20015 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate. 2700 Virginia Avenue, NW #808, Washington, DC 20037. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice. Date of first publication: July 1, 2021

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 000573 Estate of Hazel V. Mayers Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Carroll S. Richie, whose address is 10203 Forestgrove Lane, Bowie, MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Hazel V. Mayers who died on December 5, 2020 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 January 1, 2022. 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 January 1, 2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Date of first publication: 7/1/2021

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Carroll S. Richie Personal Representative

Inez C. Jordan, whose address is 6001 Euclid Street, Cheverly, MD 20785, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary B. Jordan who died on February 19, 2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/1/2022. 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 1/1/2022, 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.

Inez C. Jordan Personal Representative

Janet E. Renfer Personal Representative

Date of first publication: July 1, 2021

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

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: " Frimpong Ampadu© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: " AMPADU, FRIMPONG © ", corp.sole Dba.: " FRIMPONG AMPADU© ", having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: " Frimpong Ampadu© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " kwesi frimpong mma-nson© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: Birth And Death Registry, Ghana: A2470282, " FRIMPONG AMPADU© ", is as a special deposit order conveyed to " Frimpong Mma-Nson Private Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " kwesi frimpong mma-nson© ", nom deguerre: " Frimpong Ampadu© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " Frimpong Mma-Nson Private Trust© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente. Notice of Reference : 0112358-13

CL ASSIFIEDS

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CADNET & NANI CLASSIFIED NETWORK

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NNPA from Page 30 The Rev. John P. Kee was honored with the 2021 National Gospel Transformative Award while Earth, Wind & Fire Lead Singer Philip Bailey was presented with the 2021 National Lifetime Achievement Legacy Award for Outstanding Achievement, Impact, and Creative Genius. Scotty Barnhart, the legendary Count Basie Orchestra leader, received the 2021 National Performance and Outstanding Leadership Award, and the Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson took home the 2021 National Achievement and Outstanding Leadership Award for his work as president and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund. The NNPA also presented Congresswoman Joyce L. Beatty (D-Ohio) with the 2021 National Congressional Leadership Award and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison with the Outstanding and Courageous Leadership Award. Dr. Kizzemkia Corbett received a special Leadership Award for her work in developing the life-saving

40 JULY 1 - 7, 2021

coronavirus vaccine. Ten-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan received the 2021 National Lifetime Achievement Legacy Award for Decades of Creative Genius and Outstanding Leadership for Freedom, Justice and Equality in American and Throughout the World. The legendary entertainer also headlined a night of entertainment with a mini concert. The Rev. Kee performed his hit, “I Made it Out,” while nu-soul and jazz artist Candice Hoyes proved a worthy opening act with an electric performance. We know we are the trusted voice in the Black community and ‘resilient vitality’ is who we are,” Carter Richards proclaimed. “Our Black newspapers have thrived and so many more are getting to the level that we want them to be. I’m so proud of the Black Press for all the work they are doing in the community and for the work they are doing to help each other,” she said. WI @StacyBrownMedia

BLACK VOTE from Page 1 45 co-sponsors, the most ever, that consists of Democrats and Independents. However, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) said he doesn’t support Carper’s bill and two Democratic and one independent senators— Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly of Arizona and Angus King of Maine, respectively—haven’t made public comments on the legislation. No Republicans are cosponsoring Carper’s bill. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and President Biden support D.C. statehood.

D.C. LEADERS SPEAK

D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton said the momentum for statehood must be maintained by Black people nationally registering to vote and going to the polls. “We must keep the House,” she said, speaking of Democratic party control. “We must keep the Senate and we have the White House. We cannot lose those houses. We want to make sure residents of the nation’s

capital have the same rights as other Americans.” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser told the gathering she scoffed at the idea by some Republicans that District residents must move to another jurisdiction to be fully represented in Congress. “I was born in D.C.,” Bowser said. “I refuse to give up 200 years of a birth legacy because 100 people in the U.S. Senate refuse to do the right thing and give us statehood.” Johnny Barnes, a civil rights attorney who practices in the District, said “the power of the people is stronger than the people in power.” “We are the only nation that doesn’t allow the citizens of its capital to participate in its national legislature,” Barnes said. “We want to make sure that will end this Congress.”

NATIONAL LEADERS ON STATEHOOD

Clifford Albright, a co-founder of Black Voters Matter, said D.C. statehood has “always been a part of our agenda.” “At the end of the day, it’s all about voting rights whether it be in Georgia or here in the D.C.,” he said. “We know a lot of people don’t fully understand the situation here in D.C. We want D.C. residents to know that they are not alone in their fight. It will take more than D.C. to fight for D.C.” District native Luci Baines Johnson Turpin, the youngest daughter of President Lyndon B. Johnson and former first lady Lady Bird Johnson, surprised the crowd with her presence. Johnson said her father strongly favored civil and voting rights for Blacks and wanted the District to have as much autonomy as possible. “In the 1960s when my father was president, the GOP and Democrats worked together for the rights of minorities,” Johnson said. “That was the right thing to do then and it is the right thing to do now. I would like to know where are those compassionate Republicans? We shall overcome and we must.” LaTosha Brown, a co-founder of Black Voters Matter, said District residents must fight for statehood. “People in D.C. should be marching on Capitol Hill and going into those offices and talking to the senators,” Brown said. “People have to rise up and if necessary shut everything down to let them know D.C. is serious about statehood.” WI @JamesWrighter

SOUL from Page 28 sule. Performers wore everything from suits, tuxedos, leisure suits, colorful psychedelic patterns, dashikis and Afrocentric dresses. “The most telling moment of the movie was the arrival of Sly and the Family Stone,” said Thompson about confused expressions from some audience members. “People in their 30s had never seen a band perform on stage just wearing their regular clothes. That was controversial.” “I remember being with my family walking around the park. As far as I could see, it was Black people. It was like seeing royalty,” said Musa Jackson, another attendee who was five-years-old when he experienced the festival.

AN IMPORTANT MOMENT FOR PERFORMERS

Thompson also interviewed some of the entertainers. The most poignant comments came from Billy Davis, Jr. and Marilyn McCoo who became very emotional while watching their performance as members of The 5th Dimension. They married in July 1969. “We were so excited about performing in Harlem. We were constantly being attacked because we weren’t Black enough. We didn’t like that,” said McCoo. “That was one of the reasons performing in Harlem was so important to us. We wanted our people to know what we were about and we were hoping they would receive us.” “When we first hit, we came right out of the box into the pop charts,” continued Davis. “Everybody thought we were a White act until they saw pictures of the group. Back then groups were segregated so we were caught in the middle.” “Summer of Soul” is like Christmas in July. It is a multigenerational gift that will stimulate a lot of conversation. “I went into this with just a labor of love for music, for telling stories and saving our history. Black erasure was such a prominent part of this almost not happening,” said Thompson. “I want people to walk away feeling tall and knowing that their story is important.” WI

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Southern Blacks to Northern cities. In search of "warmer suns" as author and journalist Isabel Wilkerson noted, Black people moved north, bringing with them their wounds, talents and hopes for brighter days. The great migration then, is a lens through which we can understand modern immigration struggles. In the same way that the Black community embraced our own long before other communities did so, the Black Press has been an anchor, sharing news and commentary from a historically honest lens. When white publications refused to print the obituaries of Black people, ignoring us in life and death, the Black Press was a dutiful companion. When white publications minimized or ignored our accomplishments and career highlights, our community took refuge in the media institutions that we not only created but sustained through subscriptions and advertising. Ebony and Jet magazines became not only sources of pride, but dispatches from the field, reporting on our trauma, yes, but our triumphs too. When mainstream media largely ignored the Black community, or positioned us in an unfavorable light, the Black Press has been the lighthouse that has illuminated

Kevin Berrier 443-508-1936 KBerrier@MDDCPress.com

ty knew and understood that the Black Press was the key to fair representation and balanced coverage. It wasn't just that the Black Press traced and tracked the arcs of our and our ancestors' lives, but it was the one place where both our struggle and triumph was chronicled. It was the one place where the people telling the news had a vested interest in telling it fairly; they experienced the same classist, racist, sexist, and homophobic treatment as the communities they were writing about. It was also a home for Black journalists committed to not only telling the news but providing historical context. From the first Black-owned and operated publication, the Freedom's Journal, commitment to covering abolition to other publishers who viewed their role not only as mouthpieces for the movement but activists as well. They were a direct challenge on mainstream publications that attacked African Americans and gave cover for slavery. From Ida B. Wells-Barnett's Memphis Free Speech, Black journalists and publishers were on the front lines of opposing slavery, lynching and the inhumane treatment of Black people. But the Black Press has also provided context, explaining the context of our lives. For instance, the Chicago Defender chronicled with distinction the great migration of

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The Commission was formed at the behest of President Lyndon Baines Johnson and tasked with uncovering the roots of the riots. Among other things, they found that when it comes to media, Black people were not being hired in numbers proportionate to their population, and many people felt that the lens through which the media told and interpreted the Black community's stories was inherently racist. Some even felt that the media was receiving their information directly from police, at a time of growing mistrust between the Black community and police. The commission famously stated that America was moving toward "two societies — one white, another one Black." The group recommended that policymakers "mount programs on a scale equal to the dimension of the problems, including closing the gap between promise and performance." It understood that a big hole required a big shovel. And while the Kerner Commission outlined ways to improve media coverage of Black communities, Black journalists and publishers have long lamented the need to have communities of color behind and in front of the camera. Long before the Kerner Commission report, the Black communi-

their actions that it's OK for us to party, but not to participate. I do, and we must, totally reject this idea. Like all stakeholders in this commemoration, I celebrate, but we must not allow celebration to blind us to the work that remains. After 156 years, this new holiday provides us the opportunity to reset, refocus and eliminate the remaining obstacles to full citizenship. If we realistically assess where we've been and choose to be as a people, Juneteenth offers the opportunity for reconciliation, social healing and real movement toward equality and national unity. WI

of enslaved persons who are harassed in their movements by "Karens" who illegally and arbitrarily decide in which spaces they belong or being beaten/killed by police at the slightest provocation. Events related to Sandra Bland, Breonna Taylor or Darnella Frazier, the teenage witness to George Floyd's murder, inform Black women that they are equally threatened in and outside of their communities. After all these years, Black parents must still give their children "the lecture" about surviving police violence in the streets.

We have been given a holiday to celebrate, but it must not distract us from the fact that little has changed in how brutally we can be treated and the work remaining to end that violence. The 2020 general election has shown our evolving understanding that our present and future welfare depends upon the free exercise of our votes. Few among us should question the contradiction in Republicans voting unanimously with the Democrats to approve the Juneteenth holiday while voting unanimously against the Democrats in opposition to expanding the right to vote. They have told us with

WILLIAMS from Page 24

have stood shoulder to shoulder as we faced threats to our survival, and still, we rose. Black lives have always mattered to us. Changing racist systems will take time, but we have the power to protect each other now if we choose to get vaccinated. We have come too far to close the door on our future. WI

sure that more Black people, many more, are getting sick and dying from this virus. We can prove that COVID-19 can cause long-term damage to respiratory and nervous systems among some survivors. We know that large numbers of Black

people did not fight polio, smallpox, diphtheria, measles, and mumps vaccines. It is very unclear why there is pushback now, especially knowing that Black lives are at stake. Further, data shows that we have a better chance to be hit by lightning than not surviving being vaccinated. Over centuries, African Americans

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MORIAL from Page 25 essential workers and small business owners, were in dire need of the relief afforded under the CARES Act. Unlike other citizens, they did not have congressional input into the CARES Act, and they initially were denied $755 million in critical direct relief. Last summer, D.C. residents took to the streets in peaceful protest of racially-motivated police violence. In response to this peaceful uprising, the previous administration ordered both the National Guard and federal law enforcement to carry out a wildly disproportionate and inappropriate response, all in the interest of a photo-op. On Jan. 6 — despite the urgent requests of D.C. Mayor Bowser — that same administration refused to call in the National Guard in response to a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol until much of the

damage had already been done. In both of these cases, D.C. officials were unable to respond effectively to urgent emergencies in their city because the District lacks statehood and the critical safety mechanisms it provides. Despite all these events that directly impacted and harmed them, D.C. residents are not able to hold elected representatives accountable for these harms. They are not represented by a Congress member who can vote to establish a Commission to investigate the Capitol insurrection, or to reimagine public safety through the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. I am grateful to Sen. Tom Carper of Delaware for calling national attention to the second-class status of the citizens of the District of Columbia by introducing the Washington, D.C. Admission Act in the Senate. I also applaud the longstanding and strong leadership on this issue

by D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, who authored the first statehood bill in 1991 upon first arriving in Congress and who has remained a steady soldier in the fight for equality for the District's citizens. Black Americans have bled and died for the right to vote in this country for centuries. The Supreme Court's decision in the landmark case Wesberry v. Sanders says it best: "No right is more precious in a free country than that of having a voice in the election of those who make the laws under which, as good citizens, we must live. Other rights, even the most basic, are illusory if the right to vote is undermined." We cannot allow this denial of constitutional rights to continue right outside of Congress' front door. The goals of our civil rights movement will not be realized until D.C. statehood is achieved. WI

less suffering on the very people whose free labor made them rich. Disgraceful. It is as though they don't take into account any form of reckoning for their wicked deeds. But we have been warned again and again, especially from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., from old, old hymn: "Once to every man and nation comes a moment to decide/in the strife twixt good and falsehood, for the good or evil side." I am certain we will all give account for our deeds/misdeeds. Examine these offers of bipartisanship very carefully because they only disguise the real intent of the conservative party, which is to dilute support for their progressive opponents, and then to work to stifle any and all movements for change. The progressive agenda is the only set of ideas white people can

employ to truly save this country from itself. A generation ago, the intelligence branches invested all their resources in squelching "Black identity" political actors. And we really believed, some of us, that a Black revolution was coming to bring down this modern Babylon. But no, it's the white "sovereign citizen," Three Percenter, QAnon, Tea Party, Oath Keeper factions of the delusional white tribe, which are the principal threat to democracy in the United States. And yet, with all the odds lining up against them, the losing right wing wants to hypocritically "cooperate" with the Democrats who should be working with all their might to prevent a right-wing mugging of the Constitution and the rule of law. Bipartisan, my foot! WI

just a "nice to have," it is a musthave. From Texas to Florida, and outlying states, there is a movement in school boards and state legislatures to prevent the teaching of Critical Race Theory, a lens through which to understand America's history with race. This is why the emergence and/ or growth of Black-owned and operated publications such as the Black News Channel, The Grio, The Chicago Defender and the Call & Post newspaper is so encouraging. They help ensure Black people are the narrators of our stories. In these times where we appear to

be asked to re-litigate the victories our ancestors won decades ago, we cannot meet this moment without a strong Black Press. As we think about what is needed for our communities to succeed, we cannot overstate the importance of investing in Black media. The investments include infusions of capital, giving Black Press first rights of refusal when it comes to breaking news, and supporting Black journalists. The Black Press has been the vanguards of our history and the guardians of our future. For this reason, they deserve our salute and resources, too. WI

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42 JULY 1 - 7, 2021

is to maintain white power at any cost, never mind if elections are no way free and fair. So when the Repugnikkkans, whose sole priority in life is to thwart any and all Democratic initiatives, offer to come to the bargaining table, I'm curious — with what are they bargaining? It's as though they're offering — and Democrats are accepting — to stop openly proposing to destroy the Biden administration's infrastructure package, so long as the Dems vote with them to voluntarily dismember the proposal. Nice work guys. These white tribalists not only desire to hold the Black, former slaves from their rendezvous with destiny, they wish to inflict need-

TURNER from Page 41 our paths. It is only reasonable then, that I honor not only Black journalists but the associations that have given them cover. The National Newspaper Publishers Association, the National Association of Black Journalists have supported the people – Black journalists and Black newspaper publishers – who have supported us. Today, at a time when there are legitimate efforts to clamp down on the honest telling of our history and anything that threatens those in power, a thriving Black Press is not

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