The Washington Informer - December 15, 2016

VOL. 52, NO. 09 • DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016

D.C. Council Passes Historic Paid Leave Amendment - Hot Topics / Page 4

Miss Black DC Crowned Page 31

MGM National Harbor Opens to the Public

Casino Resort Fills to Capacity in First Hour

By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill Malcolm Bullock sat inside the newly-opened MGM National Harbor casino resort Sunday at a slot machine, about 10 hours before his beloved Dallas Cowboys played the New York Giants.

Bullock, 43, of Temple Hills, who also visited the casino the day before, said it will benefit Prince George's County, even luck wasn't exactly on his side Sunday.

"This is something that adds

credibility to the county," he said while losing some money playing the "Wild Red" slot machine. "It makes the county more enticing and visit. This adds something to the harbor, too. For me, it's a lot easier to come here than to go to Baltimore or Maryland Live [in Anne Arundel County]."

Bullock is among the thousands who have flocked to the $1.4 billion casino resort since it officially opened late Thursday night.

Within an hour of opening the casino for the public, MGM reached

MGM Page 44

5

The Washington Nationals holds a holiday toy drive in partnership with Washington Informer Charities during the team's annual Winterfest event on Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest. / Photo by Shevry Lassiter

Nationals Fans Donate Thousands of Toys for Local Children in Need

Washington Informer Charities to Distribute Toys Dec. 15

By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer Washington Nationals fans got the opportunity to help the less fortunate this holiday season, and they showed up big.

The ball club's annual two-day

Winterfest event featured a toy drive in partnership with Washington Informer Charities on Saturday, Dec. 10, that produced thousands of toys and gifts for city children at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest.

"The Nationals have partnered

with Washington Informer Charities for years on our Spelling Bee," said Ron Burke, director of advertising and marketing for The Informer.

"They also do the toy drive every year, and since the Nats Winterfest is two days, they offered us a chance to part-

NATS TOYS Page 38

U.S. Congress Courageously Reauthorizes 2007 Emmett Till Cold-Case Bill

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

5The new, elegant MGM resort. / Photo by Travis Riddick

The civil rights community has reported that for every infamous killing that tore at the South in the 1950s and 1960s, there were many more that were

barely noted or investigated.

In 2007, Congress passed the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Act to help bring these cases to light and seek justice for victims and their families.

Now, led by Reps. John Conyers (D-Michigan), John Lewis

(D-Georgia) and Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wisconsin), Congress has passed the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Reauthorization Act. Senate action on the bill is anticipated before the end of the 114th Congress and the legislation's spon-

TILL BILL Page 38

Celebrating 52 Years of Service / Serving More Than 50,000 African American Readers Throughout The Metropolitan Area

Now Published by Dr. Charles Vincent

Her Legacy Continues.

In memory of Mickey Thompson Vincent, Founder and Publisher.

Dr. Charles & “Mickey” Vincent

Dr. Clayton Lawrence and Dr. Gracie LawsonBorders (Dean and Professor of the Cathy Hughes School of Communications at Howard University). The Dean acknowledged the receipt of the generous LEAP foundation donation to the Mickey Thompson Vincent scholarship.

Recipients of LEAP Foundation Scholarships Kevin Akers and Rhajzon Rankins share holiday cheer with Dr. Lawrence.

“Each year, we are so inspired by the generosity of area business leaders as they increase the success of what we believe to be our most meaningful event.”

Mac Brown, Dr. Lawrence, and Dallas Johnson (Fellow Army Veterans).

Photo Credit by purplepplmedia.com

Brian Edge making toy donations.

LEAP Foundation DC Annual Toy Drive Dr. Clayton Lawrence

Dr. Lawrence, Elizabeth Webster (Dir. Business Outreach, DC City Council), Ricardo Willis (USAID), and Jeff Smith, Sr. (Human Cap. US Dept. of Ed.)

Dr. Kristina Weeks (Johns Hopkins Med Faculty) and Anne Selee (DC Board of Social Work)

Dr. Lawrence, Maria Fernanda-Borja (Pres & CEO Latino Student Fund), Mercy Morgan (Pres. Right Hands Res), John Gordon (Dir. of Comm. Univ. DC)

Dr. Lawrence introduces Reginald A. Jones (Pres. and CEO of the Ft. Washington Medical Center)

LEAP Foundation DC’s Annual Toy Drive is put on in conjunction with Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton to help support her annual Christmas Party on the Hill for Disadvantaged Youth. Coming off of its most successful event participation in 2015, by being able to provide Christmas gifts and needed items for approximately 250 children, Dr. Lawrence states that it is the support of the D.C. community that makes these events possible.

For more information: www.leapfoundationdc.org.

Dr. Thomas Wolfe, Jr. (Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Univ. System of Md.) addresses the audience.

Dr. Timothy Hatchett (Adm. Faculty at Univ. of DC), Dr. Lawrence, Richard Thompson II (Marshall March), Derrick Strickland, Jr. (Geo Wash U Equinox Inn) Keishon Keane (Zion Care Int), Janice Rankins and Rhajzon Rankins (School Without Walls)

Social Sightings - THE MAGAZINE Kendra Handy/Editor

l

Subscribe www.SocialSightings.com

Dr. Charles Vincent/Photographer

l

Dr. Lawrence with Debra Greene and Patrick Akers (parents of scholarship recipient Kevin Akers.)

Brian Young/Graphic Designer

Social Sightings-The Column is published in the Hill Rag, DC Mid-City, East of the River Journals, The Washington Informer Newspaper and in the Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlingnton, Loudoun Woman Magazines 2003 © SOCIAL SIGHTINGS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED — DUPLICATION IN ANY FORM REQUIRES WRITTEN PERMISSION | E-mail SocialSightings@aol.com

2 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

contents

DEC. 15 - 21, 2016

Around the Region...................5-11 PG County......................................12

Business.................................... 14-15 National...........................................16 International..................................17 Health ......................................18-20 Education.......................................22 OpEd........................................25-27 Lifestyle.................................. 28-35 Sports...................................... 36-37 Religion...........................................39

FOLLOW US ON

Healthy Smile, Healthy Body, Happy You! ✔ Affordable, quality dental care for the whole family

Dental Care Provided:

✔ Open Saturdays

✔ Dentures and extractions

✔ Same-day appointments

✔ Fillings, root canals, crowns and sealants

✔ Complete exam

✔ Sliding fee scale

Visit the Conway Health and Resource Center Call: 202.540.9862 We accept Medicaid, private insurances and uninsured patients.

This program is funded in part by the District of Columbia Department of Health.

www.communityofhopedc.org WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 3

around the region

W I HBreak O T the T OCycle P I C of S Women Domestic Violence

SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY

COMPILED BY WILLIAM J. FORD / WI STAFF WRITER

Gateway DC Site for HolidaySheFest for Southeast law enforcement. said they threat,” she said. Youth

By Tia Carol Jones

www.washingtoninformer.com

WI Staff Writer

Visit our updated Web site and give us your comments for a chance to win a gift from The Washington Informer Email comments to: rburke@ washingtoninformer.com

had come together to bring a Children in Southeast are in store for a great holiday gathering geared Among the programs Marlow sense of uniformity in the way wants to see implemented are toward with kids 4 to 12 years of ageviolence when DJvictims Flava of and WKYS When families L.Y. Marlow's 23-yeardomestic stricter restraining order policies, spins the sounds, WPGC’s Joe Clair reads magical stories and local en-more rights for victim's families old daughter told her the father survivors are treated. take the mic for a her “Cozy Christmas” community party. oftertainers her daughter threatened “She's using her own personal to intervene on behalf of a vicby of Events in partnership Informer life, Sponsored and the life theirDC child, story, herwith ownWashington personal pain to tim, a domestic violence assessCharities, the celebration takes at Gateway DCDavis-Nickens (2730 Martin Lu-ment unit coupled with further she knew something had to beplace push forward,” done.

Out Jr. of Ave.) her from frustration ther King, 5 to 8 p.m. onabout Thursday, Dec. 15th. said Marlow. training for law enforcement withThere’ll law enforcement's Davis-Nickens said anyone also be facehandling painting, holiday treats, inflatables and more.agencies, a Child's Life ProtecofDress the situation, to bewho Marlow's warmly asshe thedecided events will held reads outside.

Childrenbook mustwill be ac-tion Act and mandatory counselstart the Saving Promise cam“get it.”

She said she “puts thewithing for batterers. companied by an adult. And it would be wise to get there early paign. in such a way, the “If we are ever going to eradiyour crew before all of the gifts andcase goodies are snatched up.average “ItToseems to be a vicious cycle person can get it.” She said at the pre-register, email CozyChristmas.Splashthat.com or text Briancate domestic violence, we must that won't turn my family end of the day, the book will look at both sides of the coin.

Atkins, 202-295-7142. loose,” Marlow said. Marlow help people begin to have a dia- We need to address both the vicshared her story with the audi- logue about domestic violence. tim and the batterer,” Marlow ence at the District Heights Also present at the event was said.

Domestic Violence Symposium Mildred Muhammad, the exMarlow would also like to see D.C.Allen Council recently approved one of the country’s to mostraise generous on May 7 at the District Heights wifeThe of John Muhammad, programs designed paid family leave programs that will allow workers employed by the District Municipal Center. The sympo- who was sentenced to six consec- awareness among children in to take advantage eight weeks of paid public leave forand the birth or adoption a child. sium was sponsored by the utive life termsofwithout parole private schools. of She Family and Youth Services by a But despite jury an 11-2 voterole by in the Council, many remain concerned that the Maryland for his feels children need to be educatCenter of the city of District the leave programSniper will negatively impactedsmall could even cost Beltway attacks in aboutbusinesses domesticand violence.

Heights and the National Hook- 2002.

Mildredtheir Muhammad “We havealready to stop being paid pas- famsome workers jobs. While aishandful of states guarantee Up of Black Women. the of all After the sive-aggressive with poor chililyfounder leave, they fund theTrauma, additional benefit through employee contributions.

Marlow has written a book, anHowever, organization that helpsvoted the to dren violence,” the City Council imposeabout a newdomestic tax on businesses in order “Color Me Butterfly,” which is a survivors domestic violence Marlow said. to foot theofbill. story about four generations of and their children. break the Mayor Muriel Bowser has not said ifMarlow she willhas signworked the bill.toHowever, domestic violence. The book is “I lived in fear for six years. Six the cycle of abuse in her family, 11-2 margin would not require her approval and would be veto-proof should inspired by her own experiences, years in fear is a long time. It is and is confident the policies she it hold when the Council votes again in the next few weeks, prior to sending it and those of her grandmother, not an easy thing to come out is pushing for will start that to the mayor. side with Bowser point to the program’s her mother and her daughter. of,” she said. Council members whoprocess. costs, concerns over its impactsaid on businesses andtothe caveat that more than She said every time she reads Mildred Muhammad “I plan take these policies to 60 percent of those who would receive the benefit live in Maryland and Virginia excerpts from her book, she still people who want to help a Congress and implore them to – not in D.C. can not believe the words came domestic violence victim must change our laws,” Marlow said. from her. “Color Me Butterfly” be careful of how they go into “I will not stop until these poliwon the 2007 National “Best the victim's life, and understand cies are passed.”

Books” Award. that she may be in “survival Tia Carol Jones can be reached “IAwas just 16-years-old when mode”. for imat tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net District-based nonprofit that advocates my eye first to blackened and my “Beforehas youjust get to 'I'm going provements D.C.’s criminal justice system, lips bled,”aMarlow said. to kill you,'forit restarted as a verbal WI released report that criticizes District services Elaine citizens.

Davis-Nickens, presiturning dent of the National Hook-Up The 100-plus page report, “Beyond Second of Black Women, said there is no Chances,” shows bleak road for those with crimiconsistency in the away domestic nal records in are need of housing violence issues dealt with by and work. Not only does D.C. have a high cost of living, but many jobs require a college degree. The report indicates that 1-in-22 adults in the District are “under some form of correctional control,” including probation or jail and that most of the struggles resulting from a criminal record are heaped upon the shoulders of the city’s Black residents.

Kevin Donahue, D.C.’s deputy mayor for public safety and justice, issued a statement saying the city will continue to look for ways to improve support for inmates and returning citizens so that recidivism can be reduced.

He added that the city will soon select a new Department of Corrections director.

D.C. Council Passes Historic Paid Leave Amendment

Wilhelmina J. Rolark In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER PUBLISHER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published THE WASHINGTON INFORMER Denise Rolark Barnes published on each Thursday.postage weeklyweekly on Thursday.

Periodicals paid at Washington, D.C. and additional Periodicals Washingmailing postage offices. paid Newsat and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. ton,Announcements D.C. and additional mailing of- twoSTAFF must be received weeks prior to event. Copyright 2000 by The fices.Washington News andInformer. advertising All deadline rights reserved.

POST McNeir, MASTER:Editor Send change of addressD. Kevin is Monday to publication.

Anes to Theprior Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, Ron Burke, Advertising/ Marketing D.C. 20032.

Nobe partreceived of this publication may be reproduced without writtenDirector permisnouncements must two Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor the return of sionprior fromto the publisher.

The2016 Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee weeks event.

Copyright Subscription rates All are $30Lafayette per year, two years $45. willPhoto be received by photographs.

The Washington Informer.

Barnes, IV, Papers Assistant Editor notreserved. more than a week after publication.

Make checks payable to: rights POSTMASTER: Send John E. De Freitas, Sports Photo Editor change of addresses to The WashDorothyINFORMER Rowley, Online Editor THE WASHINGTON ington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther 3117 Luther King, Ave., S.E. • Washington, D.C.&20032 Design Layout King, Jr. Ave., S.E.Martin Washington, D.C. Jr. ZebraDesigns.net, Phone: 202 • Fax: 202 574-3785 20032. No part of this publication may561-4100 Mable Neville, Bookkeeper E-mail: news@washingtoninformer.com be reproduced without written permisMickey Thompson, Social Sightings columnist www.washingtoninformer.com sion from the publisher. The Informer Tatiana Moten, Social Media Specialist Newspaper cannot guarantee the return Angie Johnson, Circulation of photographs. Subscription rates are PUBLISHER $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will Denise Rolark Barnes be received not more than a week after REPORTERS STAFF REPORTERS publication.

Make checks payable to:

Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Brooke N. Garner Managing Editor Tia C. Jones, Ed Laiscell,Will Ford Carla Peay Assistant Managing Editor Odell B. Ruffin, Saxton, (Prince George’s CountyLarry Writer), THE WASHINGTON INFORMER Ron Burke Advertising and Marketing Mary Wells, Joseph Young 3117Mable Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Hamil Harris, Tatyana Hopkins, D. Kevin Whittaker Bookkeeper Washington, D.C. 20032 LaNita Wrenn Administration McNeir, Lauren Poteat, Dorothy Rowley, PHOTOGRAPHERS Phone: 202De561-4100 John E. Freitas Sports Editor Lafayette(General Barnes, IV,Assignment Writer) Sarafina Wright Fax:Victor 202 Holt 574-3785 Photo Editor John E. De Freitas, Maurice Fitzgerald, news@washingtoninformer.com Zebra Designs, Inc. Layout & Graphic Design Joanne Jackson, Roy Lewis, Robert Ken Harris /www.scsworks.com Webmaster www.washingtoninformer.com Ridley, Victor Holt

Report: District Lagging in Services for Returning Citizens

“

We have to stop being passive-aggressive with poor children about domestic violence. I plan to take these policies to Congress and implore them to change our Fees too Much for Many Second Chance Program Hopefuls laws. I will not stop until Many states now offer a program called pretrial intervention, often referred to as “diversion,” which allows firsttime offenders, among others, a way to avoid time behind bars and a criminal record. By agreeing to participate these policies are passed. in 12 weeks of classes, perform 24 hours of community service and stay out of trouble, cases can be dismissed and

“

In Memoriam The Washington Informer Dr. CalvinNewspaper W. Rolark, Sr.

the arrest expunged.

L.Y.those Marlow But a significant problem has become evident: because of fees connected to the program, even who sucPaul Trantham cessfully complete the program, if unable to pay restitution often find themselves back in court, facing prosecution.

Roy Lewis, Patricia Little, Travis Riddick So while diversion is supposed to reduce the number of cases in an already overburdened court system and therefore keep crowded jails from becoming even more crowded and make it possible for low-risk offenders to avoid the lifelong impact of a criminal record, it only benefits those with money.

Diversion programs, which now exist in almost every state, have become revenue makers for an increasing 4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com number of jurisdictions and their prosecutors with some fees reaching $5,000 for a single offense. One prosecutor from Florida said in a New York Times report, “pretrial diversion is a voluntary program; fees are not eligible for reduction or waiver.”

PHOTOGRAPHERS

John E. DeFreitas, CIRCULATION Shevry Lassiter,

4 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

AROUND THE REGION

Bowser Administration Celebrates Homeownership

DHCD Enhances Programs For Residents

By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer A married couple purchased their first home in Ward 8 just a few weeks ago, thanks to a government program aimed to keep native Washingtonians in the city.

Mayor Muriel Bowser's administration celebrated the gift of homeownership on Monday, Dec. 12 at the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in Southeast by highlighting Johnathan and Precious Tate, who took part in the Home Purchase Assistant Program (HPAP) for D.C. employees.

"For nearly 40 years, our homebuyer programs have given the gift of homeownership to thousands of D.C. residents, but as housing prices rise, we must do even more to make homeownership and affordable housing a reality for every resident," Bowser said. "The improvements we are introducing deliver on my promise to ensure safe and affordable housing for more Washingtonians. Come January 1, when these new enhancements go into effect, we will change the way home buying works in the District. I couldn't think of a better way to ring in the New Year."

The enhancements include: • increasing the fiscal 2017 budget for the homebuyer programs by almost 50 percent to $16 million. This will help approximately 75 more households finance their home purchases compared to fiscal 2016.

• Increasing HPAP's maximum loan amount from $50,000 to $80,000. This will make the homes of many program participants more affordable.

• Revising the repayment terms for 70 percent of HPAP borrowers. Currently, HPAP has a five-year loan deferral period, and when that period ends, some borrowers get sticker shock because of the higher mortgage payments, DHCD said.

For borrowers with incomes below 80 percent AMI, the change will defer their loans until the property is sold, refinanced to take out equity, or is no longer their primary residence.

• Adding a second HPAP

administrator to enable the District to more efficiently and effectively implement these major enhancements. The program will be co-administered by the DC Housing Finance Agency and the Greater Washington Urban League to accommodate the anticipated growth in requests for assistance from District residents.

Johnathan, a city firefighter, said that he didn't mind sharing his success story of homeownership, because he wants to show the community what God did for him and his family.

"I grew up in Ward 5 and I wanted to live here in D.C., so I took advantage of [the Employer Assisted Housing Program ]," he said.

That program provides assistance to city government employees who are purchasing a home in the District for the first time.

Employees of District government agencies may be eligible for matching down payment funds up to $1,500 and a deferred loan of up to $10,000 to be used towards the purchase of a single family home, condominium or cooperative unit located in the city.

The maximum allowable purchase price is $625,500.

Johnathan's wife, Precious, a small-business owner of a IT firm, said that her advice to people looking to own a home would be to plan ahead.

"One of the things that I want to see is people thinking about homeownership before they buy a house," she said. "It can take years of planning, which includes getting your credit together, including debt to income ratio, savings and things like that.

"We knew we wanted to buy a house so the first two years of marriage we lived very frugally," she said. "It takes a lot of planning, the earlier the better."

In early 2017, DHCD will announce a new initiative that will dispose of single-family properties (lots and buildings) for $250 to create new affordable homeownership opportunities for teachers, firefighters, police officers and public servants.

"My chief mission at DHCD is to do 'more with more' to get residents into affordable housing," said DHCD Director Polly

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Donaldson. "That includes not just producing and preserving affordable housing units, but overseeing homebuyer programs that help residents get the keys to their first home.

"The new changes to these programs will give District res-

idents more down payment assistance, loan them more money and give them more time to pay back their loan," she said. "This will give them more purchasing power and put the keys in their hand faster."

WI

5 Brian Kenner (left), Polly Donaldson

(4th right) and Jeanette Station (right) stand with new homeowners Johnathan and Precious Tate and their young daughter during Mayor Bowser's "Home for the Holidays: Celebrating the Gift of Homeownership" on Monday, Dec. 12 at the DCHD headquarters in Southeast. / Photo by Roy Lewis

The DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) Bid Opportunity REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS REISSUED – PRINTING SERVICES WHICH INCLUDES DIGITAL PRINTING AND BINDING OF THE AGENCY’S FY 2016 ANNUAL REPORT AND OTHER COLLATERAL MATERIAL The DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA), located at 815 Florida Ave, NW, Wash., DC, is seeking qualified companies for the procurement of Printing Services which includes digital printing and binding of the Agency’s FY 2016 Annual Report and other collateral material. Preference given to CBE’s and companies located in the District of Columbia. For the detailed RFP visit our website at www.dchfa.org or contact Nkosi Bradley at (202) 777-1600. Deadline for submission of responses is Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 4:00pm (ET).

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – EXTERMINATING SERVICES The DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA), located at 815 Florida Ave, NW, Wash., DC, is seeking qualified companies for the procurement of Exterminating Services. Preference given to CBE’s and companies located in the District of Columbia. For the detailed RFP visit our website at www.dchfa.org or contact Fran Makle at (202) 777-1600. Deadline for submission of responses is Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 4:00pm (ET).

The walk-through will be on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at 7:30 a.m. (Note: Venders must attend the walkthrough to be eligible to submit a proposal).

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANT SERVICES The DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA), located at 815 Florida Ave, NW, Wash., DC, is seeking qualified companies for the procurement of Information Technology Consulting Services. Preference given to CBE’s and companies located in the District of Columbia. For the detailed RFP visit our website at www.dchfa.org or contact Fran Makle at (202) 777-1600. Deadline for submission of responses is Friday, January 13, 2017 at 4:00pm (ET).

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 5

AROUND THE REGION

WEEK OF DEC 15 - 21, 2016 DEC. 15

1833 – William Augustus Hinton, a doctor and professor who was the first black to publish an academic textbook and developed the "Hinton Test" for diagnosing syphilis, is born in Chicago.

1934 – African-American teacher and businesswoman Maggie Lena Walker, the first female bank president of any race to charter a bank in the United States, dies in Richmond, Virginia, at 70.

1943 – Jazz musician Thomas "Fats" Waller dies in Kansas City, Missouri, of pneumonia at 39.

8930 Brookville Rd Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-273-3462 signarama-silverspring.com

Building & Office Signs Banners/Flags Vehicle & Window Graphics Trade Show Displays Graphic Design, Logos & More MBE/DBE Certified Woman-Owned Business

Stacey Brown

“Chief Image Builder”

stacey@signarama-silverspring.com

BUYING RECORDS

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

Prefer larger collections of at least 100.

CALL JOHN @ 301-596-6201 6 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

DEC. 20

1976 – President-elect Jimmy Carter nominates Andrew Young as ambassador to the United Nations.

2000 – Colin Powell is appointed by President George W. Bush as the first African-American to serve as secretary of state.

2003 – President George W. Bush signs H.R. 3491, the National Museum of African-American History and Culture Act, which authorizes the creation of a Smithsonian Institution museum.

1860 – South Carolina becomes the first slave state in the South to secede from the Union, setting in motion the events leading to the Civil War. 1956 – The Montgomery bus boycott, which began Dec. 5, 1955, ends after the Supreme Court declares the Alabama and Montgomery laws requiring segregated buses to be unconstitutional.

1986 – Michael Griffith, a 23-year-old black man from New York City's Brooklyn borough, is struck and killed by a car in Howard Beach after being chased onto a highway by a white mob who had beaten him and his friends.

1988 – Max Robinson, the first African-American broadcast network news anchor in the United States, dies in Washington, D.C., of complications due to AIDS at 49.

DEC. 17

DEC. 21

DEC. 16

BUILD YOUR IMAGE, ONE SIGN AT A TIME

son, known as the "father of black history," is born in New Canton, Virginia.

1918 – Professor Longhair, a seminal blues singer and pianist, is born in Bogalusa, Louisiana.

1924 – Famed actress Cicely Tyson is born in New York City.

1760 – Deborah Sampson, a woman who disguised herself as a man in order to serve in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, is born in Plympton, Massachusetts.

1939 – Singer and founding Temptations member Eddie Kendricks is born in Birmingham, Alabama.

1996 – Kofi Annan becomes the first black secretary-general for the United Nations.

DEC. 18

1865 – The 13th Amendment, which outlawed slavery in the U.S., is ratified.

1946 – Stephen Biko, anti-apartheid activist, is born in Ginsberg Township, South Africa.

1971 – Rev. Jesse Jackson announces the founding of Operation PUSH. 1996 – The Oakland Unified School District school board passes a resolution recognizing Ebonics — or African-American Vernacular English — as an African language.

2002 – BET founder Robert Johnson is announced as owner of the NBA's Charlotte expansion franchise, making him the first African-American majority owner in major professional sports.

DEC. 19

1875 – Historian, author and journalist Carter G. Wood-

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

1911 – Negro league baseball legend Josh Gibson is born in Buena Vista, Georgia.

1948 – Acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson is born in Washington, D.C. 1959 – Track legend and three-time Olympic gold medalist Florence Griffith Joyner, considered the fastest woman of all time, is born in Los Angeles.

1976 – Patricia Roberts Harris is announced by President Jimmy Carter as his appointment for secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, becoming the first black woman to hold a Cabinet position.

WI

COLIN POWELL

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

VIEW P INT

AROUND THE REGION

By Sarafina Wright

How will President-elect Donald Trump's recent Cabinet appointments affect the Black community?

GEORGE H. LAMBERT / WASHINGTON, D.C.

I strongly believe that President-elect Trump clearly has an interest in terms of supporting all of the country. It's time for the country to come together. Obviously the campaign was a very rough campaign, but at this time the administration or the [GOP] can't cast off half of the country.

The Urban League is an organization that will weigh in on particular of how we can be of support and continue to serve persons of color.

JOHNNY WILSON /

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

To be honest, I can't even answer this question, because I have lost interest … since that man became president. I lost interest because I was confused on how he won, and how he's going to take over. He has no knowledge in politics. Yes, he's a businessman, but I don't see how that will transfer over to government. I don't feel that he has the experience. The people that he's selecting for these positions, to my knowledge, have ran for things and failed, so to me they aren't qualified either

PATRICIA TERRELL / WASHINGTON, D.C.

I think it's whatever the black community does to take advantage of the situation. …

Like, these are his policies — how do we find a way to take advantage?

SANDY ALLEN /

WASHINGTON, D.C

We've lived through Reaganomics, we lived through slavery and we will live through Donald Trump.

If Your Ad Were Here Someone Would Be Reading It! Contact me, Ron Burke, at 202-561-4100 or rburke@washingtoninformer.com

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 7

AROUND THE REGION

By D. Kevin McNeir / WI Editor

The World According to Dominic

“Parents of Comet Ping Pong Gunman Stunned?

What Ever Happened to Parental Control?"

It’s probably a parent’s worst nightmare – learning on the news that your child has committed a heinous crime for which they will ultimately pay by serving time behind bars. And you’re “stunned” to hear the news.

Those in the Black community often confront such situations with many mothers and fathers professing that they can’t believe their ears, that “my son” or “my daughter” is innocent and would never commit such an atrocity.

But often parents are only saying what they hope is true. Deep down, they know whether “Little Raheem” pulled the trigger, attacked his girlfriend or went on a rampage in a public setting.

Denise Rolark Barnes Independent Beauty Consultant www.marykay/drolark-barnes.com 202-236-8831

Still, what’s confusing to me is how children, even upon reaching adulthood, can become involved in situations like “Pizzagate” where 28-year-old Edgar Maddison Welch walked into a D.C. family pizza joint, strapped with a rifle which he fired – fortunately without causing injury to any of the employees or patrons. And his decision to act was based on false information.

Welch’s parents say they are just as surprised as anyone else.

I wonder. Because while my children are both adults, 26 and 22, and living on their own after completing their college education, I still know what they’re doing, where they’re going and

the people with whom they routinely associate.

Maybe I’m just from the old school – the school where elders were always respected and always obeyed.

Call me nosy if I look in my children’s drawers when I visit.

Call me insensitive if I show up for an unannounced visit. Call me a Black dad that refuses to ever be surprised at the actions of my offspring.

Trust me – the police won’t need to arrest my children. By the time they arrive on the scene, I’ll already have things under control. That’s because in our family, Dad and Mom still run the show. WI

CORRECTION In the December 8-14, 2016 edition of The Washington Informer, two photographs on page 34 were incorrectly identified.

The top photo’s caption should have read as follows: (L-R) Dr. Walter Fagget; NNPA President/CEO Dr. Benjamin Chavis; NNPA Chair and Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, and PUSH Founder The Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. stand with Legacy Affairs recipient Yvette Alexander at the Annual Media & Telecom Conference held at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Northwest on Monday, Dec. 5. / Photo by Roy Lewis The bottom photo’s caption should have read as follows: (L-R) DeDe Lea, David Johns, John Gibson, and Bishop James Walker during a photo-op after receiving awards at the Legacy Affairs gala of the Annual Media & Telecom Conference held at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Northwest on Monday, Dec. 5. / Photo by Roy Lewis

(301) 864-6070

EMPLOYMENT LAWYERS

MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC ADA, Age Discrimination, Benefits, Civil Rights, COBRA, Contracts, Deaf Law, Defamation, Disability Law, Discipline, Discrimination, FMLA, FLSA, FOIA, Family Responsibility, Harassment, HIPPA, OSHA, National Origin Discrimination, Non-Compete, Race Discrimination, Rehabilitation Act, Retaliation, n upper and lowercase, flush left as indicated on artwork at these pointHarassment, sizes: Consultant name in 11-point Helvetica Neue Bold; Independent Severance Agreements, Sexual Torts, n 9-point Helvetica Neue Light; Web site or e-mail address in 9-point Helvetica Neue Light; phone number in 9-point Helvetica Neue Light.

Personal Web Site program may be utilized. t Beauty Consultant: Only Company-approved Web sites obtained through the Mary Kay Whistleblowing, Wage-and-Hour, Wrongful Discharge ®

SERVING MARYLAND, DC, & NORTH CAROLINA

www.jmlaw.net

(301) 864-6070

8 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

jmccollum@jmlaw.net

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Ballou Elected President of National Press Club

AROUND THE REGION

First Black Man to Lead Organization

By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer Veteran journalist Jeff Ballou will serve as the first African-American male president of the National Press Club come January.

The club announced the appointment of the news editor for Al-Jazeera Media Network on Sunday, Dec. 11. He will also be the first to represent a foreign news organization in this role.

"I am deeply honored to step into this role," Ballou said. "I am the bookend, at least for African-Americans, the dividend recipient of more than a century of toil and sacrifice." Ballou thanked his late parents, his "Pittsburgh values" and his mentors in journalism.

Ballou moved to Washington in 1990, joined the press club in 1992, and in 2012 was elected to the NPC board, where he

currently serves as vice president.

He will be sworn in on Saturday, Jan. 14 in a Pittsburgh-themed inaugural gala, in tribute to his hometown.

Among his priorities will be "strengthening the bond among members," attracting top newsmakers, providing professional development and fighting for press freedom, including convening a summit of news organizations.

"The Press Club, when it speaks, it must speak with authority, it must speak with power, it must speak deliberately, and it must be very measured," he said.

Ballou's journalism experience includes planning editor at WTTG-TV (Channel 5), general assignment reporter at CONUS and a White House producer. He also has worked at C-SPAN, WAMU, WTOP and National Public Radio.

His professional accolades during his 25-year career include

5Jeff Ballou (center) with the new National Press Club officers and Board of Governors / Photo by Noel St. John team coverage conferrals such as DuPonts via Columbia University, Peabodys from the University of Georgia, Edward R. Murrows from the Radio Television Digital News Association, Emmys from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and spot-news awards from The Associated Press.

He graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School in Pittsburgh, and earned a bachelor's

degree in journalism and African-American studies from Penn State University.

He received the Hearst Broadcast News Fellowship, and took graduate coursework and taught at Howard University while earning a master's degree in journalism and public affairs from American University.

Ballou joins Sheila Cherry as the only African-Americans who

have served as Press Club president. She served in 2004, the first black woman president in the club's 108-year history.

Also elected Friday were Andrea Snyder Edney of Bloomberg as vice president, Jen Judson of Defense News as secretary, Ferdous "Danny" Al-Faruque of the Gray Sheet as treasurer and Michele Salcedo of The Associated Press as membership secretary.

WI

Health Insurance Issues? Claim Denied?

Confused about what your plan covers? c all the

HEALTH CARE OMBUDSMAN 202.724.7491 or 877.685.6391 toll free We are here Monday – Friday | 8:15am – 4:45pm HealthcareOmbudsman.dc.gov

The Knowledge to Guide You.

GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

MURIAL BOWSER, MAYOR

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 9

AROUND THE REGION The Law Office of Nigel M. Atwell

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

Special Education Lawyer

• • • •

Does your child have a learning or other disability?

Is your child failing in school, especially in reading?

Has the school repeatedly suspended or sent your child home early?

Does it feel like your child’s IEP is not working?

Is your child’s school ignoring your questions or concerns?

Contact The Law Office of Nigel M. Atwell for a free consultation. We serve children in traditional public schools and public charter schools. We specialize in serving low and moderate income families.

Call us at 202.627.6926 Email us at nigel@lawofficeofnigelmatwell.com See us at www.lawofficeofnigelmatwell.com

The Law Office of Nigel M. Atwell Special Education Lawyer •Does your child have a learning or other disability?

•Is your child failing in school, especially in reading?

•Has the school repeatedly suspended or sent your child home early?

•Does it feel like your child’s IEP is not working?

Is your child’s school ignoring your questions or concerns?

Contact The Law Office of Nigel M. Atwell for a free consultation. We serve children in traditional public schools and public charter schools. We specialize in serving low and moderate income families. Call us at 202.627.6926. See us at BLACK WOMEN 4 POSITIVE CHANGE HONOR OUR LEADERS www.lawofficeofnigelmatwell.com.

Black Women 4 Positive Change members with Elizabeth Keckley Award recipients during the 3rd Elizabeth Keckley Awards ceremony held on December 7 at the Suntrust Building in Northwest. The honorees receiving awards for their contribution to strengthen the middle class included: former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder; former NBC TV Director of Communications Aisha Karimah; Afro American Newspaper Publisher Jake Oliver; and Anacostia

Economic Development President & CEO Stanley Jackson. / Photo by Shevry Lassiter

Who’s Reading the Informer?

Larice Woodyear, Esq, enjoys reading her Washington Informer after attending worship service at the Howard University Rankin Chapel on Sunday, Dec. 4. / Photo by Roy Lewis

WORDS TO LIVE BY Andrew Young “People who think education is expensive have never counted the cost of ignorance.”

“An Easy Burden” [1996]

10 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

AROUND THE REGION TILL BILL from Page 1 sors are hoping it will be signed into law by President Barack Obama before the end of the year.

"Even after nearly a decade of effort by advocates and the Justice Department, it remains clear that much work remains to heal the wounds of this period of history," said Conyers, who has been a major proponent of more than 100 pieces of critical civil rights legislation including the original Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. "To that end, the Till Reauthorization Act will create a formal framework for public engagement between the Department of Justice and cold case advocates to share information and review the status and closure of cases through 1980."

The bill's primary purpose is to provide federal resources to local jurisdictions in the resolution of civil rights-era cold cases.

It requires the Department of Justice and the FBI to consult with civil rights organizations, universities and other entities that have also been gathering evidence in cold cases.

The bill also provides clearer direction and improved coordination between federal, state and local law enforcement and the activists, advocates and academics working on these issues and it strengthens the DOJ's reporting requirements.

Once signed into law, the bill would expand the time span of cases to be considered by 10 years, include all cases that occurred no later than Dec. 31, 1979, and encourage the DOJ to review specific closed cases that warrant further investigation.

Finally, the bill maintains the previous investigation structure and funding levels and clarifies the law's intent.

"This reauthorization represents a recommitment to the original goals of the bill as well as the strengthening and clarification of the law, as called for by interested civil rights groups and families," Conyers said.

"We must never forget our nation's dark past and should be mindful of our history and why so many in the African-American community raise the issue of whether black lives matter.

"Many civil rights era crimes were barely noted or investigated, and I believe the perpetrators of those crimes should be brought to justice, even 50 years later," he said.

The title of the bill serves as a reminder of one of the many lives that was cut much too short because of racially motivated hate and violence, the three congressmen said in a joint statement.

Emmett Till was a 14-year-old African-American boy who in 1955 allegedly whistled at a white woman.

A short time later, he was found tortured and murdered.

Despite overwhelming evidence, an all-white jury in Chicago acquitted his accused killers.

With concern about the new administration that's set to begin in January, a senior Democrat staffer said whenever there is transition from one administration to the next, people are rightly concerned whether enforcement priorities will remain a focus.

Some in the civil rights community have already expressed concerns with President-elect Donald Trump's selection for attorney general, an office that presides over the Justice Department.

"Concerns arise, but this cold-case legislation has always been bipartisan as it was signed by Republican President George W. Bush," the staffer said.

This bipartisan legislation will provide for a sustained, well-coordinated effort to investigate and prosecute unsolved civil rights-era crimes, Sensenbrenner said.

"There are hundreds of cold cases from the civil rights era that have never been solved, and it is my hope that we are able to bring justice to the victims' families," he said.

When the original bill was signed into law, family members, academics, historians, lawyers and advocates

Find more ways to save.

5Rep. John Conyers, a civil rights activist and longtime congressman, co-sponsored the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act. / Courtesy photo began working to develop a full accounting for those longstanding, gross human and civil rights atrocities, said Lewis, who during the height of the civil rights movement was named chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. The committee was largely responsible for organizing student activism throughout the movement, including sit-ins and other activities.

Lewis also served as a keynote speaker on the famous March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.

"The reauthorization that the House passed is a response to their appeals to make the law a better tool in their quest for justice," Lewis said.

"We took the time to research and study what happened after the original bill was signed into law.

"We listened to and were guided by the advocates, by law professors, by families, and by the press," he said. "We worked across the aisle and across the Dome to develop a bill that fulfills our promise to never give up on this effort — to never abandon the pursuit of truth. I look forward to passage in the Senate and the signature of President Barack Obama." WI

START HERE h Tips and programs at pepco.com/everyonesaves can help you save money and energy year-round.

What kinds of resources are available? n n

n

n

Use online tools to look closer at your daily energy use and calculate savings from a few easy changes Learn about energy-saving programs available to our customers in the District Get assistance to help make bills more affordable

Who can save?

You’ll find options for everyone, even kids.

And if you need help, just call 202-833-7500.

We’ve made major improvements in our electric system over the past three years, including new technology that helps us offer more ways than ever for you to save.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Anchor Construction Corp., a heavy construction company in DC, is looking to hire: • • •

Find tips for saving money and energy

Visit pepco.com/everyonesaves to learn how.

Skilled Laborers – 1 yr experience Pipe Layers – 2 yrs experience Heavy Equipment Operators – 2 yrs experience - DC Operators License HIGHLY preferred

Must pass pre-employment drug screen Email your resume to hr@anchorconst.com WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

© Pepco, 2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 11

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY FBI Relocation Project Closer to Approval

By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill The FBI relocation project overseen by the General Services Administration took a major step forward after a House committee approved funding of the plan.

According to a resolution from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, it authorized $834 million toward the project, which cannot exceed $2.1 billion.

President Barack Obama has already allocated $1.4 billion in his budget toward the FBI project, but Congress still hasn't approved a fiscal 2017 budget. Another $390 million toward the project was approved last fiscal year.

The resolution also includes a recommendation from the National Capital Planning Commission to consider transportation impact "on parking and proximity to Metrorail."

The GSA plans to make an

announcement in March on whether to relocate the FBI headquarters and its 11,000 employees from northwest D.C. Three possible locations — Landover and Greenbelt, Maryland, and Springfield, Virginia — are under consideration.

"This Resolution is a critical milestone and I am confident that Maryland will continue to stand together as we focus on securing the full $1.4 billion needed to fund this project," Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker III said in a statement Dec. 7, the same day the House granted the measure.

"We are confident that our two sites, in Landover and Greenbelt, are superior by every possible measure to Virginia's site."

With the Capital Planning Commission advising to consider public transit as a factor, the 61-acre Greenbelt site rests within walking distance of the Greenbelt Metro station. However, an environmental analysis shows the land only has 4 acres to develop and would require two eight-story parking structures with 3,600 employee spaces. In addition, the main building may rise to 17 stories.

The Landover site at the former Landover Mall sits on 80

Have a Blessed Christmas From The Washington New Church & School ~~~ December 24th - 7:00pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Come, worship with us!

Accepting applications for next school year.

11914 Chantilly Lane Mitchellville, MD 20721 301·464·5602 12 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

acres and has the largest developable land with 16 acres, but shuttle bus service would be recommended with two Metro stations nearby — Morgan Boulevard and Largo Town Center.

Still, Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland) praised the committee's decision.

"I advocated strongly for these provisions, and their inclusion ensures that the resolution is favorable for Maryland," he said in a statement. "Now that the project is authorized, Congress must turn to the task of appropriating the funding necessary to complete the project."

Although the Springfield location houses a GSA warehouse and other federal operations and in proximity of the Franconia-Springfield Metro station, it could cost millions of dollars to relocate the FBI on the 58-acre tract.

The GSA should consider "the total costs to the government for relocations, site preparation, and site acquisition," the resolution states.

Fairfax County officials adopted "recommended strategies and principles" on Dec. 6 for the 115th Congress.

"As the GSA moves forward with its solicitation to find a new location, the county will continue to advocate for its Springfield site, which is the only site under consideration that is already owned by the federal government," according to the document. "Governor [Terry] McAuliffe and the county's congressional and general assembly delegations have declared their strong support for the Springfield site, and the County will continue to work with state agencies to further improve the site's benefits for such a relocation." WI

Tis the Season to Shop Local The most wonderful time of the year includes lots of shopping and merry! We pack malls and retail stores to purchase that special item that will put a smile on a loved one’s face. When engaging in this annual ritual, Shop Local! Buy from those small shops that have unique special trinkets, items that cannot be found in larger franchise stores.

Supporting small business is lifting up the dreams of those who have taken a risk to serve the community. Small business is a labor of love and that love is extended thru hiring, giving & lending locally.

These trailblazers are the bedrock of community identity and prosperity. Think back on your childhood when your mom or dad asked you to pick up bread from the local grocer or ice cream from the local creamery; these are some of the moments that formed your sense of community.

So when going through your list and wondering who’s been naughty or nice, for the ones who’ve been nice, go to a small business and pick up a novelty item. You will put a smile on 2 faces: the storeowner and the receiver.

From the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce Family, Happy Holidays!

David C. Harrington President & CEO Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce www.pgcoc.org

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

T:9.5”

Habitat for Humanity works with families in the U. S. and around the world who are in need of a decent and affordable place to call home.

Habitat helps build strength, stability, and self-reliance as well as shelter. They offer a hand up so families can stand on their own and build better lives for themselves and generations to come. And, in the process, they also strengthen communities.

Wells Fargo and our team members share the goals of Habitat. For 24 years, we’ve been privileged to help Habitat across the country in the communities we live and work in by giving grants and volunteer hours, building and improving more than 2,100 Habitat homes alongside low-income homeowners, seniors, and veterans.

Learn more about our relationship with Habitat and other non-profits at wellsfargo.com/stories.

Wells Fargo and Habitat for Humanity in Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland 2015/2016

Grants

$360,000

Volunteer Hours Builds

4,086

19

© 2016 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Data based on 2015 and 2016, Wells Fargo Housing Foundation Team Member Volunteer Program results.

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 13

T:12.375”

Changing lives is no easy task.

Yet Habitat for Humanity does it every day.

BUSINESS #BuyBlack Reinforces Efforts from Civil Rights

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer It's a trend that many are hoping won't just turn into a passing fad.

Late last month, Essence Magazine noted that after years of slow-burning idealism, #BuyBlack has seen a community-wide takeoff.

And as the holiday season moves into full swing, the #BuyBlack campaign has led many to imagine what would happen if African-Americans — the largest consumer group of color in the United States with an estimated $1.2 trillion in spending power — routinely demonstrated allegiance to the 2.6 million black-owned businesses that exists in America.

"I think the #BuyBlack initiative

is a good move for the black community and not just because of dollars and cents," said Walt L. Jones III, principal of the SEQ Advisory Group, a Bethesda, Maryland-based management consulting and advisory firm dedicated to helping businesses achieve the highest level of performance and efficiency.

"There's the deeper perspective of reinvesting in our own community and building up the local businesses, some that are owned by our friends, neighbors, and relatives," Jones said.

"Similar to the #ECStrong initiative, a community can only heal, recover, and persevere if its residents are willing to make an investment in its infrastructure."

The idea of black capitalism goes back many decades, according to an NPR report which cited civil rights

5Maryland resident leasds the way in #BuyBlack efforts. / Courtesy photo activists Booker T. Washington and Marcus Garvey advocacy for African-Americans to create and do business with their own to build wealth in their community.

The #BuyBlack movement has helped black-owned banks to realize substantial gains. In one month this summer, D.C.-based Industrial Bank opened more than 1,500 new accounts with deposit balances of about $2.7 million, or more than the number of accounts that are usually opened in six-month period.

At Baltimore-based Harbor Bank, new accounts totaled about $10 million in deposits, said Joseph Haskins Jr., the bank's president and chairman.

"Because of the [#BuyBlack] movement, we've received many telephone calls from individuals and organizations who've shown a lot of interest," Haskins said. "Once folks learned or discovered that we are black-controlled, things took off."

The idea of supporting the community is vital for all involved, said Shahara Wright, an attorney and business development strategist with The CEO Effect, LLC, a Stafford, Texas-based organization that provides small- and mid-sized companies with legal and business strategies including entity formation, mergers and acquisitions, investor packages and contracts.

"But I think it only works when it

is local," Wright said. "Many people point to Jewish and Asian communities which seem to have cohesive purchasing power to support their own.

"The #BuyBlack seeks to create that same idea ... it ultimately has to be a community that you support consistently," she said.

Sonja Thompkins, a brick-andmortar business strategist and founder of SincerelySonja.com, said #BuyBlack is a trend for consumers of color to consciously spend their money within their own communities and particularly with blackowned businesses, a welcome move-

BUY BLACK Page 20

Nigerian Civil War Survivor is Now Helping Others Overcome

Maryland Transplant Pens Book, ‘Antidotes for Adversity’

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor

5Motivational speaker and

author Wynston Wilson speaks to a Maryland resident after reading excerpts from his book “Antidotes for Adversity” at the Praisner Library in Burtonsville, Maryland on Nov. 16. / Photo courtesy Wynston Wilson

14 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

Born in Liberia, Africa, Wynston A. Wilson has faced his share of challenges not the least being surviving both civil war in Nigeria and divorce.

Now the successful language consultant with an advanced degree in counseling and psychology and an Amazon #1 bestselling book under his belt, has begun to reach out to others sharing his strategy for surviving even life’s toughest challenges.

“I’ve started to speak to groups in the Greater Washington Area, using my book, ‘Antidotes for Adversity,’ as the basis for my motivational speeches,” said Wilson, 63, who’s been in the D.C. area for about four years, finally choosing Laurel, Maryland as his most recent home.

The longtime student of theosophy and metaphysics, and an ardent devotee of positive mental hygiene and personal dynamism, has lived on three continents and continues to inspire others across the U.S., ad-

dressing corporations, associations, libraries, military bases and religious and educational institutions.

His most recent appearance: a book signing and reading at the Marilyn J. Praisner Library in Burtonsville, Maryland, Nov. 16, which attracted a diverse audience of mostly Blacks, Hispanics and Africans, about 30 in all.

“I walked into the library one day earlier this year with my book in tow, pointing out to those in charge that my hard work had resulted in my achieving bestselling author status on Amazon,” he said.

“Several members of their staff took a look at my book and immediately became interested. Before I knew it, I had been invited to come back as part of their speakers series,” said Wilson, a father of five adult children, each of whom he proudly says now have successful careers in their chosen areas of expertise.”

In his book he provides 21 “effective ways” to move beyond some

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

of the most difficult challenges in life.

“The premise of the book is to help people understand that we really should seek the seed of triumph which exists in every instance of adversity,” he said. “It’s a self-help, self-improvement, self-development book based on lifetime experiences – hardships that I found ways to overcome.”

Throughout the book, he shares numerous harrowing tales including surviving “a Nigerian civil war – the worst genocidal conflict since World War 1.”

“I had to face adversity at the moment of my birth. My mother had to decide between the two of us surviving childbirth. She chose me and she died on the table. I was born an orphan,” he said.

During his library appearance, Wilson says he asked the audience to list a major challenge or time of adversity in their lives. And while their answers ranged from battling cancer and tackling divorce to the hardships of unemployment or the often paralyzing fear that comes when faced with new, unfamiliar situations, he said everyone could

identify a significant problem they’ve experienced.

“It just goes to show that no one is immune or exempt from problems,” he said.

As a start, he says he advises people to adopt a mindset of positive, personal hygiene, to defeat discouragement before it overcomes you and to appreciate the hidden benefits that always accompany adversity.

“I’m a life coach who helped my own son make it through 14 years of imprisonment, found guilty for a crime that he did not commit,” Wilson said. “If he could find his way through his problems, then anyone can. Adversity’s prime property is to cause havoc in our lives – nothing less. But with practice, we can suspend our thinking so that we can eliminate all thoughts of negativity. Controlling short and long term goals is the beginning of taking charge of our lives – taking ownership,” he added.

You can reach Wilson at wynston@antidotesforadversity.com.

WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

BUSINESS Business Exchange

Trump Deals Blacks Winning Hand with Carson

by William Reed More blacks should think through the prism of opportunities Donald Trump's presidency can bring.

Ben Carson's nomination as secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will be debated endlessly over the coming months, with critics homing in on his lack of housing policy and government experience. But in his new job, Carson will be in an excellent position to do much for the race.

Over the past 50 years, blacks have bought into the mindset of dependency. Nevertheless, HUD — and, by extension, Carson — is uniquely situated to fight against poverty, crime, bad education, poor health and other negative outcomes tied to instability at home.

Blacks should be alarmed by any attempts to sully the honorable Dr. Carson. With a bit of personal initiative, he can change the lives and opportunities of millions of black people. The political pundit chatter is that the black former neurosurgeon is unfit for the job. It's all talk.

It's foolish for blacks to even entertain that a trained academic could not run a government agency.

Actually, in his new job, Carson could go down as an urban legend by bringing new focus and implementation tools and processes among African-Americans and cities. Additionally, he is receiving counsel from Alphonso Jackson, former HUD secretary under President George W. Bush, who has on-the-job training, having ran public-housing programs in St. Louis and D.C. The mainstream media would lead you to believe that there's a gulf between Carson and lots of African-Americans, but Trump may have put the right guy in the

right place.

In a Facebook post shortly before Trump's decision, Carson said: "We have much work to do in strengthening every aspect of our nation and ensuring that both our physical infrastructure and our spiritual infrastructure is solid."

When the Senate approves Carson to run HUD, he will head a $47 billion agency that oversees federal rental assistance programs that service more than five million of the country's lowest-income households. HUD's housing choice voucher program (Section 8) helps low-income families rent apartments in the private market.

HUD also oversees a million units of public housing run by local governments, administers billions in community development funds, insures mortgages of more than one-fifth of all homeowners and enforces fair housing laws that bar racial discrimination by lenders and landlords.

The department, which was created by President Lyndon Johnson during the 1960s, is tasked with managing the Federal Housing Administration, which insures more than $1 trillion in housing loans. It also manages billions of dollars in public housing money, rental assistance and homelessness programs. It funnels billions into local grants that revitalize affordable housing and public facilities and plays a crucial role in distributing disaster relief funds.

Housing is a major component of the gross national product.

Real estate plays an integral role in the U.S. economy. Residential real estate provides housing for families — it's often the greatest source of wealth and savings for many of them. Commercial real estate — which includes apartment buildings — create spaces for jobs in retail, offices and manufacturing. Real estate income provides a source of revenue for millions.

Whatever national infrastructure programs Trump implements, the 8,300-person HUD can have great economic impact for blacks under Carson's leadership.

An effective Carson tenure would mean more money to help

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Americans in HUD's mission to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. Under Carson, the department can strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy, meet

needs for quality affordable rental homes, utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life and build inclusive and sustainable communities.

A key component of Carson's message is that discipline, hard

work and dedication could lift people out of despair. With classic conservative, pull-yourself-up-bythe bootstraps ideology, he can improve urban economic development by operating things in effective and efficient ways. WI

Gifting and Giving as an Estate Planning Tool

By Aimee D. Griffin, Esq., When planning your estate, you should prepare for potential tax implications. Your estate will have to pay estate taxes when you die if the net value (assets minus debts) is more than the exempt amount at that time.

Currently the federal estate tax exemption is $5 million. The District of Columbia and Maryland are planning to raise their respective limits to match the federal limit. Currently, Maryland allow estate tax exemptions up to $1.5 million, and DC is projected to raise its exemption to $2 million from $1million in 2016.

Individuals may currently make annual tax-free gifts of up to $14,000 per recipient. If you are married, you and your spouse together can give $28,000 per recipient per year.

You may gift someone more than $14,000, but it will start using up your federal unified gift and estate tax exemption. After you have used up your exemption, you'll have to pay a gift tax on any gifts over $14,000 (or whatever the annual tax-free amount is at that time). Currently, the federal gift tax rate is equal to the federal estate tax rate, which is 40%.

It might be good strategy to give away assets that are appreciating in value because any income and appreciation that occur after the gift is made are deducted from your taxable estate. But you have to look at the estate tax savings compared to what the recipient may have to pay in capital gains tax if the asset is later sold.

When you give away an appreciated asset, it keeps your original cost basis (plus any gift tax paid). And if the recipient decides to sell the asset, he or she will have to pay capital gains tax on the difference between the selling price and what you paid for it. Yet if you don't give the asset away and it stays in your estate, it may receive a step up in basis as of the date of your death (saving capital gains tax on the subsequent sale of the asset).

Currently, the top federal capital gains tax rate is 20%, considerably lower than the estate tax. But it isn't always better to give away an asset and let the recipient pay the lower capital gains tax rate. Among other things, you have to consider what you paid for the asset, what it's worth now, what you think it will be worth when you die, your current health, and whether the recipient plans to sell or keep it.

Many people who have been charitably inclined during their lifetimes consider establishing a charitable foundation that will continue after they die. A foundation can be created while you are living, or can be established after you die. To qualify, a small percentage of the trust assets must be distributed to charity each year. You can name whomever you wish to run the foundation, including your children, and the foundation can pay them a reasonable salary. You can be specific about which charities you want to support, or you can leave that up to the trustees of the foundation to decide (within IRS guidelines, of course).

The tax benefits of setting up your own foundation can be substantial. You can save estate, capital gains and ordinary income taxes: • The assets you give to the foundation will be deducted from your taxable estate. So, for example, if you give your entire estate to the foundation (or the entire amount over the estate tax exemption), your estate will pay no estate taxes!

• There will be no capital gains tax when the assets are sold by the foundation, so it's great for appreciated assets.

• And, if you donate publicly traded securities to a private foundation, you can get a charitable income tax deduction for their full fair market value - up to 30% of your adjusted gross income.

There are many tools available but only if you plan.

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq., The Griffin Firm, PLLC 5335 Wisconsin Ave NW , Suite 440 • Washington DC 20015 www.thegriffinfirm-PLLC.com • 202-379-4738

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 15

NATIONAL Outdoor Recreation Industry to be Included as Part of GDP Bill Heads to President Obama's Desk

By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer The U.S. Senate passed the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act that will ensure the outdoor recreation economy be counted as part of the national gross domestic product (GDP).

The bill, introduced by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) passed unanimously on Monday, Nov. 28, and will now go to President Obama to sign before the end of the year.

"Outdoor Industry Association and the thousands of manufacturers, retailers and service providers in the outdoor recreation industry know about the hundreds of millions of dollars our industry contributes to the U.S. economy and the millions of jobs our businesses

support," said OIA Executive Director Amy Roberts. "Today's Senate passage of the REC Act shows that Republicans and Democrats in both chambers of Congress understand that as well."

According to the OIA, outdoor recreation accounts for $646 billion in consumer spending, 6.1 million American jobs, $80 billion in federal state and local tax revenue and other significant economic activity across the country.

"The outdoor recreation sector is a critical component of both the New Hampshire and national economy, and I am glad to see Congress recognizing its importance by passing this bill," Shaheen said. "In the Granite State, we know that preserving our natural treasures isn't just good for the environment, it's also a smart move for state and local economies."

5 Riders enjoy the splendor of nature. / Courtesy of texas.com

The bill's signage by the president would be groundbreaking for thousands of outdoor businesses across the country, including the hunting, skiing and surfing industries.

The OIA believes these activities and others will likely be quantified by the federal government with data published in an annual report on their economic impact.

They expect a report to be public by the end of 2018, officially certifying and recognizing outdoor recreation as a sector of the economy.

The official government data expects to provide better tools for elected officials, enabling them to

make more informed policy decisions and to have a better understanding of the role the outdoor industry has on the nation's overall economic health.

"Policymakers need to see the full picture of the role that outdoor recreation plays in supporting jobs and economic growth — and craft policy accordingly," Shaheen said. "I am grateful to Senator Gardner, Commerce Committee Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson for their work to move this legislation forward and to Representatives Beyer, Reichert, Welch and

McMorris for their efforts in the House."

Gardner said outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of the economy in Colorado, yet its true economic impact from the federal government's perspective remains unknown.

"This legislation will educate policymakers on the outdoor recreation industry's contribution to our economy, including the number of jobs it's responsible for and the amount of consumer spending it generates," he said. "It's a common-sense, bipartisan bill, and I look forward to President Obama signing it into law." WI

Al Sharpton to Lead D.C. March Ahead of Inauguration

By Lauren Poteat WI Contributing Writer

5 Rev. Al Sharpton will lead a march in D.C. just days before Donald Trump's inauguration. / File photo

16 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

The Rev. Al Sharpton, civil rights activist and head of the National Action Network, recently announced a coalition of civil rights and advocacy organizations that will lead a march the week before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.

Under the theme, "We Will Not be Moved," the Jan. 14 march is scheduled to go from the Washington Monument to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

"There's no more appropriate time for civil rights leaders, faith leaders and others to raise to this nation that we cannot have the dream and principles of Dr. King violated as we go into a new administration," Sharpton, said at a Dec. 5 news conference at the National Press Club in D.C. "On

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

the areas of voting rights, income inequality including racial disparities in employment and access to capital, in areas of health care, criminal justice and police reform, we will not stand by and watch a change in the presidency and the makeup of Congress destroy gains made by President Obama.

"We will act to protect the gains and to keep moving forward," he said.

Sharpton floated the idea of the march during a post-election phone conference in late November with over 413 ministers and officials.

"Some things you can't vote out with an election," he said.

"And some things will not change because a president has changed."

Organizations that joined in on the conference call included the National Urban League, the

National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the national NAACP and the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. "We are not being alarmists," Sharpton said. "We are being realists about the record of the president-elect and what he has said. If people are saying we're not giving him a chance, we are willing to give him a chance. The problem is we are listening to what he has said."

Undeterred by potential backlash, all parties involved are seemingly refusing to back down.

"We are unified today and prepared to move forward," Marc H. Morial, president of the National Urban League said in a statement. "And we do this today in the spirit of understanding that this close election certainly yielded a new president-elect." WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

INTERNATIONAL Quality PrinterS

301 Kennedy Street, NW ~ Washington, DC 20011

Compiled by Lauren Poteat / WI Contributing Writer

202-291-6565

Georgetown U. Holds Discussion on Contemporary In an attempt to close the great divide between AfAfrican Immigrants rican-Americans and their immigrant counterparts, the

African Studies Program at Georgetown University attempted to foster an impactful conversation.

Presented by the University's African Studies Program, the Dec. 13 discussion, which featured content centered around African immigrant communities, enlisted Dr. Toyin Falola, the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair Professor in the Humanities and distinguished teaching professor at the University of Texas at Austin, as their keynote speaker.

Falola, who spent months researching African immigrant communities in the United States while at the Library of Congress, said he is on a mission to document and structure stories and experiences of African intellectual and professional migrants to North America and Europe. His works include "The African Diaspora: Slavery, Migration and Globalization," "The Power of 5 A dialogue about African immigrants and their significance was recently held at Georgetown African Cultures" and "Nationalism and African Intellectuals."

University. / Courtesy of Atlanta Black Star

www.QualityPrintersDC.com

Printing & Design

Color & Black & White Printing l

Booklets

l

Programs

l

Brochures

l

Postcards

l

Business Cards

l

Promotional Products

l

Canvas Bags

l

Posters & Signs

l

Banners

l

Tithe Envelopes

l

Color Copies

l

Tickets & Flyers

l

Contracts & Vouchers

l

Tee Shirts

l

Notary

l

Fax & Scan

Multiple Russian Companies Make Plans to Invest in Ghana Enthralled by Ghana's investment climate, multiple Russian companies have expressed interest in investing in the country's economic sectors.

With particular focus in the country's agriculture, finance, energy, oil and gas exploration, many Russian companies believe that there could be a lot of economic potential to expanding their operations in Ghana and other countries in the West African region, newsghana. com reported.

LLC Trade House Bashkirian Chemistry representative Arthur Khalikov said his company is interested in forging a Ghana-Russian connection, particularly in the export of sodium bicarbonate to the African country.

"So far, as there is only one producer of sodium bicarbonate in Africa (Egypt), we think that our product is also interesting for local users," Khalikov reportedly said. "We are going to look for local partners in Ghana."

Online Store: www.QualityPrintersDC.com

AMERICANS SAVE MONEY AND GET THE INSURANCE YOU DESERVE!

FRERED CA

5 Russian companies are seeking to invest in a stable Ghana economy. / Courtesy of The Harvard African Policy Journal

Controversial and provocative graphic artist Ayanda Mabulu continues to push political buttons with his latest artwork.

Mabulu's latest drawing of South African President Jacob Zuma showcases the country's leader with his private parts hanging out of his pants, being dragged away in a recycling trolley.

Mabulu, who is also known for another controversial painting of Zuma, "The Spear," said his latest painting shows that Zuma belongs in a rubbish bin and that he has failed his country.

"In the painting, he is being dragged in a rubbish trolley to be thrown in the rubbish dump by a man who recycles rubbish in the city," Mabulu said. "So if I had power, I would have done that. This man has lost his manhood, his conscious and he is someone who doesn't even have culture. He has lost his dignity."

Mabulu's paintings are currently on exhibit at Maboneng in Johannesburg, South Africa, and focus mainly on the state of the country.

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Printed Products With Mention Of This Ad

Acclaimed Painter Rips South African President in Drawings

5 Controversial artist Ayanda Mabulu shuns South African President Jacob Zuma in several paintings. / Courtesy of Thisisafrica.com

10% off

UNINSURED? DENIED COVERAGE? STRUGGLING TO PAY?

Call Quote My Premium Insurance Now! ** Not valid in AK, AZ, MA, NJ, NY, VT & WA FREE Discount Prescription Card.

TM

CALL TODAY! 1-800-970-0190

QuoteMyPremium is a referral service and NOT an insurance company, agency, association, or club. All calls will be directed to a licensed insurance agency. Not all products available in all states. Coverage availability and rates for some products may depend on a variety of factors, including past and current health conditions. Not everyone will qualify for all coverage types or the lowest or preferred rates. Other limitations and exclusions apply.

View

Sports Photos

by John De Freitas

at:



THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 17

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Locals Excited About Working at New MGM Casino Resort

By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill

5 Jonathan Cary, pantry worker and prep cook at the new MGM National Harbor Hotel and Casino. / Photo by Shevry Lassiter

A major part of an agreement to construct the $1.4 billion MGM casino resort at National Harbor was for the company to promise about half of the 4,000-member workforce must be Prince George's County residents.

Thousands applied for positions such as cooks, sales representatives, table games supervisors and locksmiths.

The unemployment rate in Maryland in October stood at 4.2 percent, which ranks lower than the national figure of 4.9 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

That's why MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO James Murren called jobs at the National Harbor complex a "pathway to the middle class." So far, he has said about 47 percent

of the jobs are filled by those who live in the county.

"We made a lot of promises that we have kept," he said hours before the Dec. 8 grand opening.

"There are 1.8 million Americans working in this industry here in the United States. We are a force to be reckoned with … and our jobs are every bit as patriotic as any of other kind of job in the United States and I am proud of everyone at MGM. "Talk to [the MGM employees] you see," he said. "You will see that magic. That's what MGM resorts is all about."

Hours before the doors opened to the public, three MGM employees spoke to The Washington Informer about their new jobs and their excitement level working for a billion-dollar company that employs 72,000.

THEATER USHER

Karen Harris calmly stood and smiled inside MGM's 3,000-seat

theater as she greeted politicians and other guests who visited the resort last week.

Harris will join dozens of others who will sport uniforms comprised of a long-sleeve maroon collar shirt, black pants and a black vest.

A general description of an usher: "greet all guests with eye contact, a smile … [and] addresses guests service needs in a professional, positive and timely manner. Checks guest's tickets and directs them to the correct seat."

Harris will conduct those duties during certain events that include the Boyz II Men concert on Thursday, Dec. 15, the Miss World finals pageant on Sunday, Dec. 18, and the sold-out Bruno Mars concert on Dec. 27.

The 72-year-old retired D.C. government employee gave one reason why she chose the job.

"Cause it's close to home," said Harris, who lives in Oxon

Feds Orders Metro to Correct Power System

By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill The Federal Transit Administration issued another safety directive Friday for Metro, this time to address 47 items on improving its traction power system, which provides electric power to its trains.

Although Metro has worked to correct some of the deficiencies, the FTA noted in its report that training of the system lags behind and needs corrective maintenance.

Without proper assessment training, water, mud and debris in the system can lead to arcing, which resulted in a cable catching fire in March at the McPherson Square station in northwest D.C. "It is important to note that FTAs reports do not amount to a finding that the Metrorail system is unsafe," the 85-page document stated. "In each investigation and report, and with each step taken, the FTA has assessed the risk associated with the flaws found in the Metrorail system and determined that those risks are not so great that they place passengers and workers at substantial risk of death or injury."

The FTA outlined its report in four categories with required actions, including: • Develop a five-year plan for staffing to implement results of the revised

18 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

workload assessment; • Appropriately train and assign personnel to correctly install and maintain all negative return system components; • Institute a cable testing program for jumper and transition cables located in the tunnel area until these cables are upgraded and/or replaced; and • Provide FTA with a timeline on its plan to use only eight-car trains and replacement of all primary and secondary traction power electrification (TPE) system cables.

The report also highlights 70 electrical arcing and smoke/fire incidents between Oct. 26, 2015, to Oct. 21 of this year.

According to a Metrorail map, more than half of such incidents occurred on the Red Line, the rail system's most heavily traveled line.

"Programs to replace and upgrade critical TPE infrastructure … have not been sufficient for the age of the system or the demand placed on it," the report states. "The age and degraded condition of this secondary cabling system now presents a potential point of failure for sustained electrical arcing events and fires."

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in a statement that Metro must correct its problems to avoid future incidents on the trains.

"The safe operation of Metrorail service is directly dependent on [Metro] implementing corrective actions

to reduce and eliminate electrical arcing events that have too often resulted in smoke and fire, which can endanger passenger safety," he said. "[Metro] has already started to address these issues, and the FTA report and special directive will help [Metro] prioritize what it must do to improve its traction power system to keep the trains running safely."

To read the full report, go to http:// bit.ly/2gKFFft. The report could be discussed at the next board of directors meeting on Thursday, Dec. 15.

However, one of the main items will be late-night service hours for Metrorail, which an agency committee recommended to have stations open from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Mon-

day-Thursday; 5 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday; 7 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday; and 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday.

The board could also approve to hold a public hearing the week of Jan. 30 on the proposed $1.8 billion fiscal 2018 budget. A public comment period will last from Jan. 14 until Feb. 6.

Meanwhile, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 will co-host three town hall meetings in Prince George's and Montgomery counties and Northern Virginia regarding the budget at these locations: 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Jan. 5 at the UFCW Local 400 in Landover; 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Montgomery County Executive office building in Rockville; and Jan. 24 in Northern Virginia with the location and time to be determined. WI

5 A Metrorail map outlining electrical arcing and smoke-fire incidents between Oct. 26, 2015, and Oct. 21, 2016 / Courtesy of Federal Transit Administration

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Hill. "I like being an usher. I love meeting people. I've always been in customer service. My thought is, 'Treat people the way you want to be treated.' If I treat you nice, then you will treat me nice."

PANTRY WORKER/ PREP COOK

Jonathan Cary, 27, calls himself a jack of all trades.

He worked in a warehouse packing and stocking boxes. He also worked as a mechanic with various tattoos of the trade displayed on his right arm.

But his dream job? Culinary arts.

Cary, who grew up in Landover and now lives in Oxon Hill, applied for a position as a pantry worker/prep cook at the restaurant of Marcus Samuelsson, an internationally renowned chef and restauranteur with establishments in Harlem, Chicago, Sweden and elsewhere.

While continuing his work as a mechanic, Cary and his mother prayed he would get the job.

Instead of changing oil and tires on vehicles, the preacher's kid will slice melons, chop ham for a hash and other food for the cooks to prepare various dishes.

He'll also ensure the staff has enough items such as aprons.

He considered his first day last week at Samuelsson's an early birthday gift. He turns 28 on New Year's Day. "I did not think I was going to have this opportunity ever in my life," said Cary, who has two children ages 6 and 3. He also plans to attend culinary school.

"I'm going to soak up everything that I can from Marcus … and everybody that I work with. This is definitely a blessing."

SECOND IN COMMAND

Chrystal Tibbs chatted with one of the MGM security personnel in making sure a particular area was covered.

Minutes later, she attended a meeting hours before the casino's grand opening.

The 49-year-old former Prince George's police officer will help oversee more than 200 personnel as MGM's security operations manager, second in command of resort security.

The security force has three patrol cars, two K-9 vehicles

MGM Page 32

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

HEALTH Alzheimer's Prevention Program Needs More Volunteers

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Officials at the Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative said they have taken great strides in the fight to find a treatment to delay the symptoms of or prevent Alzheimer's.

And the organization is working with researchers at Georgetown University in Washington to recruit participants for a research study in cities across the country, including locally.

"To date, we have screened two and enrolled zero participants at Georgetown University Medical Center. Our goal is to enroll at least 10 participants at our site," said Dr. R. Scott Turner, director of the Memory Disorders Program at Georgetown University Medical Center in Northwest.

"For the nationwide study, we estimate that we will need to screen approximately 100,000 people to obtain the approximately 1,300 cognitively healthy older adults, ages 60 to 75, who carry two copies of the e4 type of the APOE gene and are eligible for the Generation Study," Turner said.

The APOE gene makes a protein called apolipoprotein E APOE. There are three different types of the APOE gene called alleles — e2, e3 and e4 — and everyone has two copies of the gene so the combination determines an individual's APOE genotype.

The Generation Study seeks to recruit participants between the ages of 60-75 who have no memory or thinking problems but are likely to develop the more com-

mon form of late-onset Alzheimer's based on genetic risk.

This study will be the first to incorporate genetic testing and counseling into the screening process.

The API Generation Study serves as a complement to the research in Colombia that was highlighted on "60 Minutes" earlier this month.

The Colombia study is being conducted among a large Colombian family that has a rare genetic mutation which makes them certain to develop Alzheimer's by their mid-40s.

"The study consists of two parts — Part 1 includes assessments of memory, thinking, and mood, along with meeting with a health care professional to learn your APOE gene test results," Turner said. "All participants who learn their APOE results will be followed for one year.

Individuals who learn that they have two copies of the e4 type of APOE may be eligible for Part 2 of the study, examining whether anti-amyloid medications – compared to placebo — prevent the onset of memory and thinking problems associated with Alzheimer's disease."

Participants in the second part of the trial will be followed for five to eight years and asked to visit the study site every few months.

The Generation Study is largely being recruited through the Alzheimer's Prevention Registry's GeneMatch program, which connects Alzheimer's prevention studies with eligible volunteers, based in part on their genetic status.

"The API Generation Study is

the first to incorporate genetic testing and counseling into the study screening process," Turner said. "Through GeneMatch, interested individuals will submit a genetic sample. Once their genetic sample is analyzed they may be notified that they may be eligible to participate in the Generation Study. Upon notification, they will be informed of next steps."

"People will meet with a health care provider, to learn their results," he said.

Testers are hopeful that by targeting changes in the brain before symptoms of Alzheimer's disease appear, they can make significant progress towards staving off or preventing the disease, Turner said.

"Prevention will likely be easi-

er than cure," he said.

Those interested in participating in GeneMatch and the Generation Study, can visit www. endALZnow.org/GeneMatch or www.generationstudy.com. Locally, interested individuals can also contact the George Washington University Medical Center Memory Disorders Program at 202-784-6671. WI

KISSING AND HUGGING DOESN’T SPREAD HIV. IGNORANCE DOES. KNOW YOUR STATUS.

Learn the facts about HIV and take the steps to protect yourself.

THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW. By knowing your status, you can help raise awareness about HIV so that we can move closer to the goal of an AIDS-free generation.

Ready to Quit. We’re ready to help.

Call UMCCall at 202.574.6141 to access free HIV support, and us at 202.574.6141 to testing, learnget more reduce your risk. our smoking cessation resources. about

Not-For-Profit Hospital Corporation 1310 Southern Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20032

202.574.6000 www.united-medicalcenter.com

5 A District-based Alzheimer's study is seeking volunteers. / Courtesy photo

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

UnitedMedicalCenterDC

@UMC_DC

Working for a healthier community.

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 19

HEALTH American Cancer Society Applauds D.C. for Tobacco Laws Products Banned at Public Sporting Events

By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser signed three critical tobacco control bills that will essentially make the District a smoke-free city.

The bills passed by D.C. Council in November prohibits the use of tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco and electronic cigarettes at organized sporting events in the nation's capital and raises the age of sale for tobacco products to 21 years old.

"The passage of these three bills not only sends an important message to the people living and working in the District of Co-

BUY BLACK from Page 14

ment.

"I believe it gives people a sense of pride to see businesses like ours that offer an array of quality products in our own communities," Thompkins said. "And because most people are going to spend the money anyway, the recent occurrences of injustice make people want to do something.

lumbia, they also help to address the cancer burden faced in the District," said Bonita Pennino, director of government relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that 2,910 DC residents will be diagnosed with cancer this year and 980 are expected to die from the disease.

A recent American Cancer Society study indicates that 28 percent of all cancer deaths in the District of Columbia are tobacco-related.

"Through their actions, the mayor and members of the D.C. Council are preserving the public health benefits of the District's

smoke-free law by ensuring its enforcement cannot be compromised by new tobacco products," Pennino said. "Moreover, they are helping to reduce the number of people who start using tobacco at a young age by restricting the sale of and exposure to these products."

The Electronic Cigarette Parity Amendment Act, which passed the D.C. Council and was signed by the mayor on Monday, Nov. 21, recognizes that the use of e-cigarettes in workplaces, restaurants and bars can undermine the public health benefits that have been achieved by the smoke-free law in place since 2007.

Everyone's not protesting in the street. They have chosen to make a statement economically."

Results from the most recent Nielsen study show that the black buying power has continued to increase, rising from its current $1 trillion level to a forecasted $1.3 trillion by 2017.

Black buying power has seen an 86 percent increase since 2000 and

accounts for 8.7 percent of the nation's total. The growth in black buying power stems in part from an increase in the number of blackowned businesses as well as from an uptick in education among the African-American population, which leads to higher incomes, the report noted.

Despite historically high unem-

On Tuesday, Nov. 29, the mayor signed the Prohibition Against Selling Tobacco Products to Individuals Under 21 Amendment Act raising the age of sale for tobacco products from 18 to 21.

According to ACS, national data shows that about 95 percent of adult smokers began using tobacco before the age of 21.

This act passed the D.C. Council by a vote of 10-3.

The Sporting Events Tobacco Products Restriction Amendment Act of 2016 prohibits the use of tobacco products at organized

sporting events in the District of Columbia.

"This is a proud day for the District," Pennino said. WI

ployment rates, African-Americans have shown resiliency in their ability to persevere as consumers.

"The #BuyBlack is important because so much of us do not buy black, and subsequently we watch black businesses get shut down because of this," said Gerra Harmon, founder of Affirmative-clapbaction. com, a web retailer that Harmon said is all about the creation of something individuals can identify with and wear proudly.

"In the, African-Americans would overlook black businesses and we do not want to do so anymore," Harmon said. "#BuyBlack is about empowering our people and I think it is a great movement because we are not only letting our communities know, but letting the world know we are worth more than what we have been given in the past."

Being a black-owned business in the beauty industry presents a unique set of challenges that has encouraged retailers, said Richelieu Dennis, the founder and CEO of Sundial Brands, the largest blackowned beauty company in the country which manufactures Shea Moisture, Shea Girl, Nubian Heritage and Madam C.J. Walker beauty

culture.

"So, I am especially encouraged to see the raised level of consciousness that many black beauty bloggers are driving to bring attention to an issue that has long been a challenge for black-owned beauty brands," Dennis said. "Over the last 25 years, I've received questions and judgments about our products and our business that I'm pretty sure few, if any, whiteowned businesses have ever had to answer like 'Since you're black, your products are just for black people, right?'"

The reality is that black beauty is at the forefront of the beauty revolution — from the mass shift to demanding natural ingredients to the natural, textured hair that we now see on runways, in advertisements and on the covers of international magazines and beyond, Dennis said.

"So we have to be positioned to serve all consumers as other groups evolve into embracing new, more inclusive beauty standards," he said. "It is critical that we capture the market we have created and that we don't leave it for someone else to capitalize on which has historically been the case."

WI

Drive with Uber.

No experience is required, but you’ll need a Smartphone.

It’s fun and easy.

For more information, call

800-950-0716 295359_6_x_6.5.indd 1

20 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

12/1/16 11:34 AM

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

V:12.375”

“Comcast told me, ‘Take care. Be safe. Your job is here when you come back.’”

At Comcast, we’re grateful to our Nation’s military for their dedicated service. What’s more, we’re honored to call people like Erik—a member of the United States Army National Guard—a valued part of our service technician team. As one of America’s most military-friendly employers, we will hire military.comcast.com

more than 10,000 members of the military community by the end of 2017.

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Client COMCAST

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 21

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Print

Mechanical Specs

People

OK

EDUCATION DCPS

BRIEFS Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer

MAYORAL PRAISE

"Over the past two years, my administration has worked to expand learning opportunities for students throughout Washington, D.C. Since coming into office, we launched an extended school year at 11 public schools, opened DC's only all-boys public high school, Ron Brown College Preparatory High School, fully funded a travel abroad program for DCPS students, increased access to libraries and books and, through internship programs, expanded access to hands-on learning opportunities.

"This year, we made historic investments in education, investing an additional $220 million in the modernization of schools and increasing the level of funding schools

receive per student. With increased enrollment and graduation rates and increased academic achievement, DCPS continues to be the fastest improving urban school district." — Mayor Muriel Bowser, Dec. 8, 2016

2016 SCHOOL EQUITY REPORTS

The District recently released its School Equity Reports for the 2015-16 school year, which focus on measures that include, but are not limited to, enrollment, discipline and student achievement.

The reports, which were released on Dec. 9, also provide schools, families and communities transparent and comparable information for public schools across the city.

"Equity Reports are a prime example of how the District continues to prioritize collaboration between our education agencies to meet the needs of families," said Deputy Mayor for Education Jennie Niles. "I am proud of the strides we are making toward providing transparent resources that support our efforts to deliver high-quality education to all of our students."

In addition to individual reports for DCPS and the D.C.

public charter schools system, there are aggregate reports citywide, for PK3-12, and for adult/ alternative schools. Combined, the reports provide an important macro-level view of education in D.C. "These reports continue to be an important resource for our community as families navigate the education choices that are best for them and their children," said State Superintendent of Education Hanseul Kang. "Because of the broad range of information contained within the reports, and the fact that we have now been producing these reports for four years, families are able to compare year over year trends on much of the data. This is vitally important as we look at where our schools are doing well and where we need much more support to ensure that all our students have access to a high-quality and equitable education."

SCHOOL LOTTERY

The "My School DC" lottery is now open for the 2017-18 school year, and students and their parents are encouraged to not miss out on a spot at one of the city's 115 schools.

For more information, go to www.myschooldc.org. To locate an in-boundary school, go to dcatlas. dcgis.dc.gov/schools.

'GIRL TALK'

Cherisse Hayes, a senior at Duke Ellington School of the Arts in northwest, gets visibly excited when talking about the Girl Talk Club.

Female students from Georgetown University visit the girls every Friday at lunch for an hour, just talk about topics such as school and life.

5 Public charter school students are learning in environments that are leading the way in fostering innovation and strong academics. / Courtesy of William E. Doar PCS "We talk about how we want to improved over last year — 69 manage ourselves better. … We feel percent for D.C. Public Schools safe to talk about whatever. We go and 72 percent for D.C.'s public through a lot of self-reflection that charter schools — there's been a helps us be better," said Cherisse. similar trend of continued im"It's like a big sister thing. We see provement by students taking what we could be, and they learn the city's new standardized tests. stuff from us too.

Now in their second year, the new tests which are academically more rigorous than the old D.C. 'REALLY DRAMATIC!' Theodore Roosevelt High Comprehensive Assessment SysSchool freshman Tariha loves be- tem, must be taken each year by ing part of the Theatre Club be- students enrolled in both DCPS and the District's public charter cause it's like "her little family."

In addition to adjusting to life schools.

"D.C. public charter schools have in high school, she's working on her monologues and perfecting led the way in fostering innovation, her voice. When asked why she strong academics, and caring and joined the Theatre Club, Tariha safe learning environments," said laughs and says, "I'm really dra- Dr. Ramona Edelin, executive director of the D.C. Association of matic."

Chartered Public Schools. "They have much to share that could furCHARTER EXAMS, ther improve student performance, GRADUATION RATES making a quality college education ON RISE and rewarding careers accessible to While the on-time high school more of the District's public school graduation rates in D.C. have students." WI

Firms Benefit from Goldman Sachs Small Business Initiative

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor

5 Entrepreneur Kimberly Moore has made the most out of Goldman Sachs ’10,000 Small Businesses’ Program. / Courtesy photo

22 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

Nearly 500 Chicago businesses have joined thousands of entrepreneurs across the country in an initiative to create jobs.

The business owners are participants in Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, a scholarship-based program that convenes them to learn critical business skills and create growth plans for their companies.

Just one of these local entrepreneurs is Kimberly Moore, of KDM Engineering, a multi-faceted engineering firm in the power and utilities industries.

“Since completing the program last year, we have hired five new people, and created new jobs by hiring other diverse firms.

We have become a very valuable community partner because we’re helping to change people’s lives,” said Moore, whose company has built a reputation of providing excellent project support while maintaining a superior level of customer service with each client.

Located in Chicago, KDM Engineering specializes in midto-high-voltage distribution design.

“We currently focus on providing engineering design support along with program and project management to the electrical utility,” Moore said. “Our prime client right now is Exelon Corporation.”

Exelon is a Fortune 100 energy company, signifying Moore’s success in winning contracts with

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

larger clients.

Moore’s story is not unique.

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses curriculum is designed by Babson College, the leading business school for entrepreneurship – just six months after graduation, nearly 69 percent of alumni grow revenues.

Approximately 48 percent of the alumni create new jobs within that same timeframe. As a comparison, 23 percent of U.S. Small Businesses added new jobs in 2015.

For Moore, the program was a key step to understanding growth opportunities for her business.

“The 10,000 Small Businesses program has helped me direct my energy to the right places,” Moore said. “KDM was already a growing company with lots of

opportunities, but 10,000 Small Businesses and the faculty helped me focus on one opportunity at a time and see those opportunities from different perspectives. This allowed me to differentiate between what was good for us and what wasn’t,” she said.

While participants in 10,000 Small Businesses hail from a wide array of industries, they engage in the program from their shared experience as entrepreneurs.

Chicago alumni include businesses focused on hospitality, health and fitness, food service, staffing, education, senior care and other industries.

Through the peer-to-peer learning environment, participants focus on overcoming uni-

SACHS Page 31

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Celebrating 10 Years!

PLEASE HELP GSF CONTINUE TO GROW!

G S F C E L E B R AT E S 10 YEARS T he G l o b al Sc h ol ar s F ou n d at i on ( G S F ) was f ou nd e d b y th e H S tr e et C om m un it y D e ve l o p m ent Cor p or a t io n ( H SC DC) i n 2 0 06 as a la n gu a ge an d c u lt ur e e duc at i o na l pr ogr am ex p os in g D C t ee ns to t h e M an d ar in la n g ua ge an d C h in es e c u lt ur e . I n th e l as t s e ve n ye a r s , t he pr o gr am has ex p a n de d to inc l ud e s t u d yi n g S p an is h, Ar ab ic , P or t u gu es e an d tr a ve l i n g t o Af r ic a, Eur o pe a n d S ou t h Am er ic a. T h e pr o gr a m has thr e e c om po ne nts — c o ll e ge r e ad i n es s , la ng u ag e an d c u l tur e , a n d f in anc i a l l it er ac y an d i s d el i v er ed i n t hr e e p h as es o ver a o n e- ye ar p er io d. S tu d e nts r e pr es e nt DC pu b l ic a n d p u bl ic c ha r ter s c h oo ls an d a l l e ig ht war ds .

A p pr ox im at e l y 9 5 % of G S F Sc ho l ar s at te n d c o l l eg e a n d m os t e v e n s e i ze t h e op p or t u n it y t o m ak e t r a ve l i n g a br o a d c r i t ic a l to th e ir m atr ic u la t io n .

Your contribution to GSF will have an immediate impact.

A donation of:  $50 pays for 3 scholar’s passport photos  $100 will provide 12 scholars with student bus and metro passes  $250 purchases 2 scholar’s passports  $500 provides transportation to 8 local college tours  $1,000 pays for 10 sessions with a foreign language Instructor  $5,000 funds one student for the entire program (including international travel)

916 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., SE WASHINGTON, DC 20003

Donate by PayPal

Donate by Check

H Street CDC ℅ Global Scholars Foundation 916 Pennsylvania Ave., SE Washington, DC 20003

Visit www.globalscholarsfoundation.org or call today 202-544-8353.

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 23

The love story that never ends Make your own happily ever after. The kind that happens when the screens are down and the TVs are off, and you’re tuned in to those who matter the most. This holiday, connect with the ones you love, because XFINITY will be here with thousands of TV shows and hit movies available On Demand, so you’ll never miss a thing. X1 will change the way you experience the holidays.

XFINITY X1 Triple Play

89

$

99

a month for 12 months $114.99 a month for months 13-24 with a 2-year agreement

Ask how to get a $200 Visa® Prepaid Card when you step up to an HD Complete Triple Play

Call 1-877-824-9713 or visit xfinity.com today

Offer ends 1/31/17, and is limited to new residential customers. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Requires subscription to Starter XF Triple Play with Digital Starter TV, Performance Pro Internet and XFINITY Voice Unlimited services. Early termination fee applies if all XFINITY services are cancelled during the agreement term. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees, including regulatory recovery fees, Broadcast TV Fee (up to $7.00/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $5.00/mo.) and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after the promo. After promo, or if any service is cancelled or downgraded, regular charges apply (pricing subject to change). TV and Internet service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. TV: Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. XFINITY On Demand selections subject to charge indicated at time of purchase. Internet: Actual speeds vary. Voice: $29.95 activation fee applies. If there is a power outage or network issue, calling, including calls to 911, may be unavailable. Two-year term agreement required with prepaid card offers. Early termination fee applies if all XFINITY services are cancelled during the agreement term. Cards issued by MetaBank®, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa® U.S.A. Inc. Cards will not have cash access and can be used everywhere Visa® debit cards are accepted. Prepaid Card mailed to Comcast account holder within 18 weeks of activation of all required services and expires in 180 days. Money-back guarantee applies to one month’s recurring service charge and standard installation charges up to $500. © 2016 Comcast. All rights reserved.

NPA196590-0001 DIV16-4-203-AA-$89TP-A6

24 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

119625_NPA196590-0001 Kitchen ad_A6_9.5x12.375.indd 1

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

11/28/16 3:57 PM

EDITORIAL

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Handling Potty-Mouthed Cops

The District’s Office of Police Complaints is fed up with potty-mouthed MPD police officers and is urging Mayor Muriel Bowser and Interim MPD Police Chief Peter Newsham to do something about it.

In a recent report issued by OPC’s five-member board, of the 945 complaints filed by District residents and visitors against MPD officers over the past four years, 190 contained one allegation or more that a MPD officer used profanity during the incident.

OPC also found that 639 complaints dealt with the officer’s misdemeanor or tone, and that there were 40 officers who had three or more language and conduct complaints filed against them. OPC notes the impact of such bad or “improper” behavior “often causes negative interactions between the community and police officers, which in turn decreases trust in the Department.”

It is commendable that District residents are exercising their duty to report the misconduct of those whose salaries we pay to keep the rest of us from being disobedient. Citizens must understand that a verbal assault is still an assault no matter whose mouth it comes from, and officers can and should be held accountable for such assaults, as well.

The OPC must recognize that of the 945 complaints filed, there are probably hundreds more cases where officers got away with using bad or offensive language towards residents.

The OPC is using what authority it has to change the culture inside of MPD in hopes of improving communications and building community relationships and trust. The board recommends that MPD emphasize the use of proper language and conduct to incoming officers and determine what kind of training will be effective for veteran officers. Lastly, all officers must be reminded of the rules that govern their responsibilities and conduct, which need to be updated, as well.

Using profanity may seem minor in the greater scheme of things, as the use of such language has become more commonplace. However, we agree with OPC that police officers are public servants who are held to a higher standard, and their conduct in already volatile situations can determine the outcome good or bad for all involved. WI

Senator Mikulski Changed the Rules for the Better As Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski prepares to retire next month we remember the many “firsts” she achieved: the first Democratic woman to win a Senate seat without inheriting it from a dead spouse; the first woman to chair the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee; and the longest-serving woman in congressional history.

Mikulski, since first deciding to run for the Senate in 1986, has established herself as a keen, capable negotiator as well as a real friend of the working and middle class.

And while the 80-year-old “energizing bunny” stands a mere 4 feet 11 inches tall, she has clearly found her way among the forest of hardcore, conservative-minded “Redwoods” in Congress.

Accolades have continued to pour down on “Senator Barb” and she deserves them all.

And so, as she prepares to step down in January, the legacy and contributions she leaves remind us that a politician can actually lead by example and be true to the needs of their constituents.

We will miss you Senator. Thanks for the memories and your zeal to serve.

WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

TO THE EDITOR Inauguration Day Should be Celebrated Not Protested

Change Needed in Electoral College System

I personally think it is a bad move to protest the Trump Inauguration, [“Protestors Plan to Crash Inauguration” by Tatyana Hopkins, December 8, 2016 edition].

Even though I don’t believe in what President-elect Donald Trump stands for, I do believe that Inauguration Day is not the day to protest. Inauguration Day is the day when we as Americans celebrate the peaceful transition of power, and we should all celebrate that. There will be plenty of time to protest President Donald Trump and his policies. We should believe in the democratic process of voting and that our vote counts. It’s just that this time, for a lot of us, we got out voted, but it’s the process that we must have and keep our faith in. We as Americans cannot allow others to weaken our faith in our democratic system of one person-one vote, because, believe me, there are those out there who would like nothing more than to see that faith broken.

The debate has started again as to whether the U.S. Constitution should be amended in order to change the presidential election process.

Some promote eliminating the Electoral College in favor of a direct popular vote for president while others believe the Electoral College should remain unchanged. Just as compromise solved the initial problems of the framers, so it is that compromise can solve this problem. The solution is to change the electoral votes to electoral points and reward each candidate a percentage of points based on the percentage of popular votes received in each state. This would eliminate the “winner take all” system thus allowing for all the votes to count. A voter is more apt to believe their vote counted when a percentage of popular votes are taken into account rather than the “all or nothing” system currently in existence. Further, this new system would integrate the desire for a popular vote for president with the need for the individual states to determine who actually gets elected..

Andre Kidd Washington, D.C.

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Joe Bialek Cleveland, Ohio

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 25

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

By Lauren Victoria Burke

Trump Fills Cabinet Quota with Token HUD Black

In 1984, at age 33, Ben Carson became the youngest chief of pediatric neurosurgery at John Hopkins Hospital. He pioneered a number of neurosurgical procedures and was even awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008.

Carson is a skilled neurosurgeon and has earned a number of accolades during his storied career in medicine, but none of those accomplishments speak to the skills needed to craft policy for the Department

of Housing and Urban Development, the federal agency that President-elect Donald Trump has asked him to lead.

HUD has traditionally been the cabinet department that Republican presidents have chosen African-American nominees. It has been the predictable quota position for GOP presidents and Trump is carrying on that tradition. In 1981, President Ronald Reagan selected Sam Pierce as his HUD Secretary and in 2004, President George W. Bush chose Alfonso Jackson. But whether they were picked in part because of

skin color or not, both Jackson and Pierce still had at least some experience in a government position before becoming secretary of HUD. Jackson was the former executive director of the St. Louis Housing Authority and later ran the Dallas Housing Authority. "Silent Sam" Pierce had at least served in the Department of Treasury before being selected as Reagan's only black cabinet member.

During Pierce's tenure, a Congressional investigation revealed that, "Pierce's aides, who said they had been acting on his orders, distributed millions of dollars in housing subsi-

Guest Columnist

Stop Drinking the Fool-Aid

"Negroes … sometimes choose their own leaders but unfortunately they are too often the wrong kind. Negroes do not readily follow persons with constructive programs. Almost any sort of exciting appeal or trivial matter presented to them may receive immediate attention … and liberal support."

— Carter G. Woodson The term "drinking the KoolAid" has been taken to a new

level among many of our people.

In many circles we have gotten so intellectually lazy that we will believe just about anything from anyone, that is, as long as we don't have to do anything except trumpet a Utopian message, and if we never have to sacrifice for the collective benefit of one another. The Kool-Aid cliché, as far as I am concerned, has now become "Fool-Aid," and black folks are gulping it down by the barrel.

There are so-called black leaders who, despite their unseemly tactics, their portrayals of

Guest Columnist

dies to prominent Republican consultants at a time when the Reagan administration was sharply reducing the agency's budget," according to The New York Times.

The Times article continued: "Under President Ronald Reagan, annual spending on subsidized housing programs dropped to $8 billion from $26 billion, cuts that Mr. Pierce defended."

Carson's housing strategy is likely to be a mix of novice policymaking and unproven theory. That's how policy novices who think they know everything on subjects they have no

expertise typically approach government. Given that, Congress is likely to be the entity truly in charge of the policy as Carson fumbles around with the details.

Ben Carson has already shown a rugged disregard for plain fact since the time he retired from Johns Hopkins in 2013. That trait hasn't gone unnoticed. On the day Carson was nominated, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) blasted Trump's decision.

"Dr. Carson's nomination to lead the Department of Housing and

BURKE Page 45

By James Clingman.

themselves as "honest" brokers, and their shadowy deal-making and sellout prowess, seem to be exempt from exposure by our people. While black folks have always had to deal with these scoundrels, we have been reluctant to call them out — to expose them for what they really are.

On the other hand, we have leaders among us who are totally dedicated to the collective economic advancement of African Americans. These are the ones who are usually sacrificed by black people — thrown out

because they are a threat to the establishment or because they are "too black." That frightens some people and, sadly, we play into that fear by participating in the demise of the very people who would help pull us out of our economic problems.

We willingly drink the FoolAid of those who are only interested in themselves, only to end up in the same place or even further behind than we were before we took the first sip. That must change. But it won't change simply because it ought to change; it

will only change when we change our behavior and our penchant for choosing the "wrong kind" of leader.

I have seen folks stroll through our communities and be held up as paragons of black liberation, all while filling their pockets with the filthy lucre from their sellout deals with the powers that be.

They have their hands in every deal, every program, every transaction, and every scenario that involves black people, making certain that they will be the first

CLINGMAN Page 45

By Charlene Crowell

Feds Must Protect Us from Predatory Mortgage Lenders

A 2011 case that was filed in Manhattan's U.S. District Court led to a five-week trial in Houston and a unanimous jury decision against one of the largest FHA home loan originators.

Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corporation and Jim C. Hodge, its president and chief executive officer, were charged and convicted of violations of both the federal False Claims Act (FCA) and the Financial Institutions Reform,

26 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 Act (FIRREA).

As a result of the convictions, the federal government will receive nearly $93 million from Allied Home Mortgage Capital and an additional $7.3 million from Hodge. Under the FIRREA, additional penalties will be assessed at a later time for each fraudulent violation ranging from a low of $5,500 to $11,000.

The additional penalties could be substantial. Over nearly a decade, Allied Capital originated FHA-insured home loans. Of

these loans, at least 1,192 were actually ineligible for FHA insurance under HUD guidelines.

When the loans defaulted, HUD incurred losses of $85,612,643.

According to an investigative article by ProPublica, Allied had the highest serious delinquency rate among the top 20 FHA loan originators from June 2008 to May 2010. During these years, nine states issued sanctions against Allied for its use of unlicensed brokers and practices of misleading borrowers.

"For years, Jim Hodge and

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Allied lied to HUD in order to fraudulently reap profits from the FHA mortgage insurance program", said Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. "After a monthlong public trial where all their misconduct was exposed, a jury has held Mr. Hodge and Allied responsible for their lives and has made them pay for losses the United States suffered on loans that would never have been insured by HUD absent their lies."

FHA guidelines ensure that its loans can only be made to consumers who can afford to repay

them. To protect the ongoing availability of FHA mortgage insurance funds, HUD is responsible for accurately assessing the risk of default on loans it insures.

HUD relies on assurances from lenders that they and the loans they submit fully comply with program requirements.

Allied operated as many as 600 branch offices, but only a few locations had quality control employees to review loans. Allied Capital — with Hodge's knowledge and

CROWELL Page 45

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

By Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

What Surely Tainted Our Election? Voter Suppression The CIA conclusion that the Russians intervened in our elections in order to help elect Donald Trump has sent Washington into one of its fabled tizzies.

President Barack Obama has ordered an intelligence agency report before he leaves office.

Democrats and responsible Republicans are calling for congressional investigations. Pundits are arguing the Russians — combined with FBI Director

James Comey's outrageous interventions — cost Hillary Clinton the election. In response, President-elect Trump is tweeting furiously about voter fraud, peddling lies about millions of illegal immigrants voting and many other things to distract from the escalating scandal.

Left out of this brouhaha is the systematic and purposeful voter suppression that certainly cost Clinton the election. The Russians didn't do it. It was done by right-wing partisan state offi-

cials eager to suppress the vote of people of color, the young and the working poor. These efforts were open, systematic and widespread. And this domestic hacking at our elections was far more destructive than the hacking Russia is said to have done.

This was the first presidential election since the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act. According to the Brennan Center, 14 states passed voter suppression laws that were in effect for the first time in Novem-

Guest Columnist

ber, including swing states like Ohio and Wisconsin.

The steps taken to suppress the vote aren't secret: new requirements of voter ID that discriminate against the poor, the elderly and disproportionately people of color; restrictions on use of college ID to impede student voting; closing registration weeks before Election Day; limiting early voting days, closing on Sundays; holding Election Day on a workday with limited hours for voting, making it dif-

ficult for those with inflexible hours to get to the polls; shutting down or moving polling places to confuse voters and force them to wait in long lines; purging voters from the polling lists, leaving them to cast provisional ballots at best; prohibiting felons who have paid their debt to society from ever recovering the right to vote, disproportionately impacting African-American men.

JACKSON Page 46

By George Lambert

Towards Greater Civility

The 2016 presidential election campaign helped determine the 45th president of the United States but it will be remembered for a number of other issues that should be of concern for anyone who loves and is concerned about the direction our country is headed.

Pundits, experts and others have described the 18-month run to the presidency as everything from chaotic and

unnerving to alarming, tumultuous and unprecedented in the modern era because of the undisguised hostility between both political camps and their supporters, the near-absence of civility and the no-holds-barred fight to the finish.

And although the race was decided on Nov. 8, the country and its inhabitants will be dealing with the fallout for the foreseeable future.

The polarizing nature of both candidates, the deep the anger and frustration of segments of the electorate, a profound de-

Askia-At-Large

sire for change, the anonymity of social media, and what was at stake all contributed to the rough and tumble nature of the campaign.

Now, as we move forward, it is incumbent on each of us — all of us — dig deeply to rediscover comity, tolerance and the sense of community that most of us took for granted. It is clear that we don't understand each other and for far too long, we've been talking past each other.

As the year draws to a close, it's very clear that we as a country have lost our way.

Impoliteness and bad and boorish behavior is fashionable, anti-intellectualism appears to be standard operating procedure and too many people revel in tossing aside what they disparagingly label political correctness. The result is corrosive cynicism, a bitter and divided electorate and the erosion of institutions like government, the media, the church and other public institutions, Congress and the Executive.

So what happens now?

How do we find our way back? Where within and around

us can we generate hope and optimism? How do we counter the deep pools of hate and anger and build community that is more focused on us being human beings and not on the vagaries of our color, race or status? What are some of the best ways to stimulate the type of civic activism that encourages better listening and greater participation? How do we reintroduce respect and appreciation for each other despite our differences?

LAMBERT Page 46

By Askia Muhammad

Why I'm Boycotting Holiday Spending Note to Trump, Hillary, Bernie, the Greens, the Libertarians, the Tea Party Caucus, the Freedom Caucus, the Liberty Caucus, the Evangelical Caucus, et al.: I join the movement to use economic power to bring justice to oppressed people in this country.

"The holidays are part and parcel of the gross fraud, wrong and inhumanity of slavery," abolitionist Frederick Douglass wrote in 1861. "From what I know of the effect of these holidays upon

the slave, I believe them to be among the most effective means in the hands of the slave master in keeping down the spirit of insurrection.

"These holidays serve as conductors, or safety valves, to carry off the rebellious spirit of enslaved humanity," he wrote.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said it this way: "Look, you don't have to run around talking bad; you don't have to gather any Molotov cocktails and burn up your own community."

The Honorable Elijah Muhammad said: "You don't even have

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

to fire one shot — all you have to do is fire the canon of our unity."

And so it is.

By binding in unity, black people can redistribute the pain we suffer when a cop gets off in court despite video evidence of him shooting an unarmed fleeing suspect in the back. "Here, corporate world. Here is a taste of black people's pain in the form of reduced holiday purchases."

At the same time, targeted spending could transform the condition of black businesses with an infusion of cash. If black folks spent just one-tenth of 1

percent of what they spend for the winter holidays, the businesses would be able to hire thousands of people, giving them jobs, according to Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan, who organized a boycott during the 2015 holiday season.

There's one thing about spending (or not spending) that puts all the power in the hands of the consumer: spending is completely voluntary. The choice of brands, makes, models, stores, features — those choices are left to the purchaser. Why do you think little foreign government

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

entities have been booking social events at the new Trump Hotel in Washington? Because they want to favorably influence the incoming Trump administration by being seen spending money in a Trump-owned business, that's why.

Boycotts by black folks have a proven track record of success, especially in the South — the Montgomery bus boycott and at times in Mississippi, for example.

In Jackson, Mississippi, in 1962, the NAACP's Medgar Evers led a

ASKIA Page 46 DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 27

LIFESTYLE Dayna Caddell Says 'God Loves You' in New Single

By Eunice Moseley WI Contributing Writer Grammy-nominated gospel singer/songwriter Dayna Caddell is set to release "God Loves You," the latest single and music video from her album "Push."

"Push," which was released in July, is produced by Grammy-winning producer Warryn Campbell (Mary Mary, Dru Hill) and Vann Clayton and features Israel Houghton and Erica Campbell.

"The album is full of stories of life experiences … filled with the hope and the goodness of God. It will really uplift you," Caddell said. "[The album] takes you on a ride … uplifts you. God in

your life is the best thing you can have. This is my first LP. I had singles and written for other artists, but this is my first LP." Houghton is featured on "So Grateful" and Eric Dawkins appears on "Overjoyed," while Clayton assists on "Adore" and "Crazy."

"I wrote on Erica Campbell's record. … I've been writing with Warryn for years," Caddell informed me when I asked about her hookup with Campbell, one of the best contemporary gospel producers in the business, and Houghton, a trendsetting and star-making artist. "The Campbells are a busy family. The Israel thing was a blessing. My sister's been his publicist. I didn't feel he would, but he did!"

The album was a long time in the

5 Gospel singer/songwriter Dayna Caddell. / Photo courtesy www.daynacaddell.com

making. Caddell, who is also an accomplished interior designer, began "feeling out" artists for collaborations on the album, which took time, particularly after she was diagnosed with autoimmune syndrome and had to sit it out for about four years.

Once she resumed working, she released her debut album "Push" on her own Push Forty Entertainment label on eOne Entertainment.

"I came from … mainstream music. When I first felt the tug on

my heart, it was [for] inspirational [music]. God showed me to 'be you' and deliver the message," the Dove-nominated songwriter said about her vocal style, described as urban inspirational. "It became organic … started collaborating with so many people, Warryn Campbell is a production master. … Erica Campbell did background."

Caddell's music business resume is extensive — background vocals for Diana Ross for a Super Bowl celebration, backing up

Don't Forget Your Pets During the Holidays

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

5 Experts warn about neglecting pets during the holidays. / Courtesy photo

28 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

With holiday gift-giving and celebrations dominating the season, experts said sometimes the jolliest time of the year can lead to numerous safety concerns for dogs, cats and other household pets.

Keeping furry family members safe during the holiday festivities can prove difficult, but it's important to be mindful of a pet's well-being. From unhealthy treats and toxic plants to hazardous decorations and presents, the list is never-ending, said Erin Askeland, a pet behavior expert and training manager at Camp Bow Wow, believed to be the largest pet care franchise in the world.

Among the helpful tips offered

by Askeland is for individuals to treat their pets as they would a child; take caution with wires; avoid holiday plants and candles; hide the trash can; utilize a sofa cover; and to be careful with fruit and candy baskets.

"Active puppies and kittens can

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

easily get into dangerous situations," she said. "Use safety gates in areas where dangerous holiday items are to prevent your pet from getting into trouble."

The holiday season can be stressful for pets because they pick up on their owners' stress, said Kathleen Slagle of the Pocono Animal Welfare Society Inc., or PAWS, in Pennsylvania.

Slagle said there's typically more drinking during the holidays and, with various visitors and family members coming and going, it's important pets are prevented from getting out unnoticed.

She said it's a good time to make sure they have ID tags with current information.

"Another Christmas issue is people getting pets as gifts," Slagle said.

"Animals should never be given as presents.

"Animals can be a 15-year commitment and giving them as presents is not appropriate," she said, noting that many that have been given as gifts end up in shelters, chained outside or abandoned after

pop artist Bisou Phillips on the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" — and her songwriting credits include "Every Prayer" for Israel Houghton and Mary Mary, co-writing "Power of the Cross" for Ricardo Sanchez, "Wish You Well" for Dave Hollister, and her own "What He's Done" with Warryn Campbell.

Learn more about Dayna Caddell and her debut album "Push" by logging onto www.DaynaCaddell.com.

WI their "cuteness wears off or the kids don't want to take care of them as originally promised."

Slagle also referred to a healthy pets' webpage which pointed out that in the weeks leading up to Christmas, certain disreputable individuals and businesses are bursting at the seams with all the latest popular puppy models.

Most of these babies are shipped in from puppy mills. Some are healthy, many are not. Many are bred and born in inhumane, often filthy conditions.

Every time a dog is purchased from an irresponsible breeder or mill operator, it is an incentive for those businesses to stay up and running.

So, while individuals may give a puppy mill baby a good home for Christmas, her mother remains back at the mill, having litter after litter until she's too sick or old to reproduce — at which point she's disposed of, she said.

Slagle noted that since some shelters and rescue organizations shut down adoptions this time of year to prevent problems associated

PETS Page 30

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

Mayor Muriel Bowser hosted the Annual Senior Holiday Celebration at the D.C. Armory on Thursday, Dec. 8 for over 3,000 seasoned D.C. citizens and discussed several policies her Administration has implemented this year to improve the lives of seniors in Washington, DC. The event featured health and wellness demonstrations, informational exhibits, and live entertainment. / Photos by Roy Lewis

“Deliriously funny” -Washington Post

“Black Side of the Moon is the perfect post-election comic relief for dark times ahead” -Washington City Paper

NOW THRU JANUARY 1 WOOLLYMAMMOTH.NET // 202-393-3939

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 29

LIFESTYLE Black Book Store Gives the Gift of Literature

By Lauren Poteat WI Contributing Writer Disinterested in the usual seasonal Santa hats, ornate candies and festive holiday presents, one local community bookstore has decided to give the gift of literature and education as holiday presents to neighborhood children.

Celebrating their sixth annual "Magical-Mirrors" book fair event, which ran from Dec. 10-11 at Sankofa Video Books & Cafe on Georgia Avenue in Northwest, the store owners invited children all across D.C. to participate in energetic storytelling sessions, face painting and tasty treats, at no cost to the community.

As more than 20 children gathered around the shop to hear two local black authors read creative stories, store own-

er Shirikiana Gerima reiterated why programs such as these are so important to the youth.

"Many of life's problems can be resolved before they even start, by merely getting out and getting our children to read early," Gerima said. "In reality, our kids actually love to read and it's easier for them when they can look at things that they themselves relate to.

"Here at Sankofa and at our book fair in particular, we have so much black literature for kids that touches on all aspects of their lives," Gerima said.

Sherrita Berry-Petus, the first author at the "Magical-Mirrors" event, who eagerly read "Rock on With Your Afro Puffs!" and "Smile Bright Chocolate Prince," which focused on affirming Black love. The second author, Monica Fortune, shared her book, "Whose Birthday Is

5 Children's books author Sherrita Berry-Petus reads to children attending the Magical-Mirrors book fair at Sankofa Video Books & Cafe in Northwest on Sunday, Dec. 11. / Photo by Roy Lewis

It?," which centers on recognizing the savior during Christmas.

Both received standing ovations from the children and the parents.

"My 6-year-old daughter is at

a point now where she is starting to read on her own and I like that this event cultivates that," said D.C. resident Ron Pendergrass. "These kind of events allow kids a chance to be themselves and it's educational."

The store is named after the internationally acclaimed film "Sankofa," which was produced by bookstore owners Haile and Shirikiana Gerima and focuses

on returning to ancestral African roots. The store has been a staple for Afrocentric book lovers for almost 20 years.

"This was the first bookstore that said to carrying my book inside of their store," Berry-Petus said. "So I felt obligated to come and show love to their event, because they showed me love first."

WI

PETS from Page 28

the snow, it can prove to be extremely dangerous for dogs who tend to lose their sense of smell in extremely cold weather and become lost.

"Believe it or not, winter has the highest rates for lost dogs," she said.

Individuals should also take care and thoroughly wipe down pets when they come back into the house after being in the snow.

It is common for dogs to ingest salts for melting ice as well as anti-freeze, which can prove to be very toxic, she said.

"Not only is ingesting toxins a problem, but snow being left between your dogs' toes can cause ice chunks to freeze on their fur, possibly causing your dog to rip their fur or pads," Askeland said.

Pet owners should also use dog-friendly, pet-safe ice melt when de-icing outdoors and they should never leave their animals in the car during winter.

"Whether always an outdoor dog or just outside to play, make sure to have a shelter for them from the wind and snow," Askeland said, noting that fresh water should also be provided at all times.

WI

with giving pets as Christmas gifts, there is a greater tendency by people who would ordinarily adopt to go the pet store or backyard breeder route.

"Please don't be one of them — wait until the holidays are over and visit your local shelter or rescue organization," she said.

Additionally, it's important to remember that the holidays are a time of year when we spend time with our family and celebrate the things that we are thankful for, said Gillian Kocher, the director of public relations and marketing at the SPCA. "At the SPCA, we feel that animals are a big part of that, and are most certainly family members," Kocher said. "During this season, and all year long, we hope that pets are celebrated as members of the family and cared for in that matter as well."

Askeland at Camp Bow Wow noted that pet owners should never let their dogs off the leash in snow or ice.

Although it may seem like a fun option to let your pup frolic in

30 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Mayo Crowned Miss Black DC USA

LIFESTYLE

By Lauren Poteat WI Contributing Writer Proving that it destiny is innate and not just prescribed, LaToya Mayo, D.C.'s latest "it" girl, won big Saturday when she was crowned the new Miss Black USA DC. At only 22 years old and with virtually no previous pageantry experience aside from the Miss United States Organization competition two years ago — where she did not even place in any category — Mayo said her win shows the importance of believing in yourself and encourages others to showcase their talent.

"I chose to compete in this pageant because I believed that I could win," Mayo said. "Pageants such as these provide a platform for women who wish to be a role model in their communities and use their voices to empower others.

"Though I lost in the prior pageant I participated in, that only seemed to give me more confidence to try again," she said.

Receiving a $5,000 scholarship for her grand win at Saturday's extravagant pageant, Mayo plans to use her platform to redefine the essence of being a black woman and to advocate for educational equality.

"I'm from southeast D.C., so I know all too well all of the negative things that go on throughout the community," she said.

"Though I went to Trinity Washington University for my bachelors, I remember as a youth all

SACHS from Page 22 versal business challenges – such as human resources, access to finance, and leadership.

“As an entrepreneurial leader, I learned that although I had come this far on my own, I didn’t have to remain alone,” Moore said.

“I learned that networking is key, but for a multitude of reasons. It isn’t always about who can introduce you to a potential lead,” she said, adding that, “it’s also about placing yourself in an environment of learning and sharing. After graduation, I had 36 additional resources that I could speak to or bounce ideas off.”

With an eye toward the future, Moore is ready to keep growing her business.

“I have a five-year plan that would employ 75 people with

5 LaToya Mayo of Southeast is crowned Miss Black DC USA on Saturday,

Dec. 10 during the pageant at Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Family Life Center in Northeast. / Photo by Mark Mahoney

the negative things others would tell the youth, like all the things that they could not accomplish.

"With my crown, I plan to try to change that by visiting school systems in the district, encouraging students and letting them know that anything is possible," Mayo said.

Though her journey has only just begun, she already has plans to continue to be active in her

community even after she passes the crown.

"When the time comes for me to hand over my crown and I am tucked away at American University for graduate school, I still very much plan on assisting girls who want to pursue pageants and those who have already joined, because it's all about giving back and uplifting others," Mayo said.

WI

"I learned that networking is key, but for a multitude of reasons. It isn’t always about who can introduce you to a potential lead, it’s also about placing yourself in an environment of learning and sharing."

KIMBERLY MOORE / KDM Engineering revenue of $65MM,” she said.

“KDM will be in multiple markets both nationally and internationally delving into the arena of renewable energy.”

Business owners are invited

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

to apply to the next cohort of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses at the City Colleges of Chicago. Learn more at: http:// www.10ksbapply.com.

WI

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 31

LIFESTYLE

Olender Awards Honor 'Legal Eagles' Lawyers, Students, Teachers Feted

By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer The "King of Malpractice" once again honored public figures and ordinary citizens who make a difference in their communities.

The 31st annual Olender Foundation Awards, the brainchild of lawyer, philanthropist and community leader Jack Olender, took place Thursday, Dec. 8, honoring law professionals, law students and teachers at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in Northwest.

"This is about giving thanks," said emcee Paul Berry. "We started having this event back in 1987 with Larry King, and it has been wonderful every year."

Howard University Law students Chavez Adams, Lauren Jackson, Lakeisha Mays, Jennifer Moore, Tasherra Newbill and Logan Patmon received the Earl H. Davis scholarship, as did Perfecta Baffer, Erika Cummins, Jessica Christy, Jessica Galvan, Thomas F. Matthews and Michael Wilk

from the University of District of Columbia's David A. Clarke School of Law. Annamaria Steward, associate dean of students at the University of the District of Columbia School of Law, presented the students with the award, but first she thanked Olender for his help.

"Jack Olender gave a big contribution to put our DC Bar fund over our goal, and we are thankful for his generosity," she said.

Olender thanked all of the current and past awardees in the audience. In his unique style, he thanked everyone individually, even the deceased.

"I want to acknowledge the passing of Mickey Thompson, a wonderful photographer who always covered our events, or sent photographers to do it," Olender said. "Her husband is here today and we want to thank him."

Olender and his late wife Lovell started the Olender Foundation to counter poverty and violence and to promote opportu-

nity and equal justice. For years the foundation has supported a wide array of local and national organizations that serve the public.

Kenneth F. Holbert, Esq., received the Advocate for Justice Award, while Aaron "Cliff" Webster and Greg Twombley both received the Children's Advocate Award.

"I've been here many, many times at this awards with Mr. Olender, and I'd never thought I would be the one getting one," Twombley said. "I'm thankful and honored for my dad who told me I could be anything and showed me by example.

"I'am also so very thankful for the students and parents I've worked with over the past 35 years," he said.

Twombley, a retired senior leader from the U.S. Army Band, also known as "Pershing's Own," has distinguished himself as an award-winning music educator.

For years he took student musicians from inner city schools under his wing, which led to

METRO from Page 18 and utilizes a multimillion-dollar high-tech National Harbor Traffic Command Center. A helipad on the property will be available for emergencies to accommodate state and county personnel.

Prince George's police will assist in traffic control around the garage and outer parameter of the resort, but MGM security can make formal arrests if necessary.

On a more intimate level,

32 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

5 Jack Olender, president of the malpractice law firm Jack H. Olender and

Associates, speaks on Thursday, Dec. 8 at the 31st annual Olender Foundation Awards, which honor law professionals, law students and teachers, at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in Northwest. / Photo by Travis Riddick

Twombley Music Mentoring Program, where he spreads his gifts in District schools and the surrounding area.

His students give him glowing praise: "Mr. Twombley showed me I was special," said one. Another: "Greg helped me believe I

could succeed."

"I've worked with children from all different backgrounds, and I've learned that all they need to know is that someone cares about them and they will be successful," Twombley said.

WI

members of security will stand behind podiums and greet patrons while checking ID's before they enter the casino and advise guests that various items such as backpacks aren't permitted.

She said officers will receive in-service training. Some officers will get additional instruction with the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions which offers specialized teaching on firearms, driving and other crime prevention methods.

More importantly, Tibbs said, security staff wants to ensure customers feel safe and want to come again.

"This facility is absolutely beautiful," said Tibbs of Greenbelt, who received a bachelor's degree in business management from Howard University. "This is a great county. The county is ripe for something like this. We've always been on the map. This place is so rich in diversity, talent [and] skills. There's so much here." WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

5

(L-R) LaTara Harris, AT&T, Pam Jones, Crittenton Services, US Congressman Dellums, Stacy Burnette, Comcast, Tiffini Greene, American Management Corporation; Adeyinka Ogunlegan, Comcast, Marni Barron, Soul Tree; DC Council member Vincent Gray, Rob Day, Soul Tree LLC; Dolly Turner, DC Council member Brandon Todd's Chief of Staff; Antwanye Ford, former Chamber Board Chair; Brett Greene, American Management Corporation / Photo by Shevry Lassiter

5 Outgoing 2016 DC Chamber of Commerce Chair Carl Hairston with in-

coming 2017 Chair Marie Johnson with D.C Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Vincent Orange. / Photo by Shevry Lassiter

5 D.C. Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Vincent Orange presents Andrew C. Lee with the Hometown Hero Award at the 2016 Annual Meeting and Chairman’s Inaugural Breakfast on Tuesday, Dec. 13. / Photo by Shevry Lassiter

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 33

— — —

GIVE

— — —

HOLIDAY SCRATCH- O FFS BRING A LITTLE HOLIDAY FUN TO EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST.

Please play responsibly. For help, visit mdgamblinghelp.org or call 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be 18 years or older to play.

34 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

wi book GIFT LIST The Gift List was easy this Year

Horoscopes

DEC 15 - 21 2016

ARIES This continues to be a time of learning and opportunity for you, and the desire to take a step forward could intensify as the weeks progress. You'll be in a position to use experience and knowledge to explore fresh territory. If you feel you've already gone as far you can go with one plan, it's time to take that leap of faith. Lucky Numbers: 7, 15, 27 TAURUS You may be intensely involved in a course or plan that could transform your beliefs and change your way of thinking about the world. A potent aspect might be the reason you feel called to move outside your comfort zone and consider options that are a bit of a stretch but could change your life for the better. Lucky Numbers: 2, 9, 20

By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer For once, you knew what to get everybody. Every. Single. Giftee.

Easy-peasy … except, oops, that one person who vexes you each year.

What to get? Well, books are always good gifts, and they're super-easy to wrap, too. How about one of these great selections for that One Person…

For the independent traveler on your list, "Paris for One & Other Stories" by Jojo Moyes might be a great bon voyage gift. It's a collection of short stories about change, opportunity, independence and life in general. Pair it with "The Jungle Around Us: Stories" by Anne Raeff. It's a collection of tales with the jungle, its mystery, darkness, and richness, as both metaphor and connecting force here.

The reader on your gift list who prefers books set in other time periods will love "Cruel Beautiful World" by Caroline Leavitt. It's a 1960s-era story of a woman who chooses a man over the sister who basically raised her, and the dynamics of family. Put it together with "Jazz Moon" by Joe Okonkwo, a book set in 1925 Harlem, where Paris is where it's at, baby.

The person who loves a little mid-century drama will enjoy "The Jealous Kind"

by James Lee Burke. It's a bit of a Romeo-and-Juliet novel set in the 1950s in Texas, at a time when the line between the "haves" and the "have-nots" was drawn in the sand with danger, and money talked a lot. Definitely wrap it up with another great drama-mystery, "Manitou Canyon" by William Kent Krueger. Cork O'Connor is back and sleuthing. Fans, rejoice.

I'm guessing there's a mystery fan on your list. Imagine his face when he unwraps "Seduced: A Hannah Smith Novel" by Randy Wayne White. In this novel, fishing guide and part time PI Hannah Smith goes in search of heirloom orange tree seeds — or maybe even rootstock — to save an industry. But what she wants…? So do others, whose intentions aren't as pure.

Historical novel lovers will devour "News of the World" by Paulette Jiles, a book set in Texas in the years following the Civil War. When a down-and-out former captain of the military is hired to deliver an orphan girl to her distant relatives, he partakes an adventure — not just through rough terrain, but through rocky child-caring, too. Wrap it up with "The German Girl" by Armando Lucas Correa, a multigenerational novel about home, based on a true story.

Dog lovers will howl over "Jonathan Unleashed" by Meg Rosoff. It's the story of a man who's at the end of his leash, and his brother's dogs, who begin to show him that dogs are smarter than they seem. Wrap it up with another perfect book for your dog lover: "Lily and the Octopus" by Steven Rowley, the story of a man, his aging, best friend, and love.

And won't the pet lover on your list love getting "A Guinea Pig Oliver Twist" in that package, too? Yes, it's Dickens as you've never seen him before…

If there's someone on your list who's looking for meaning in her life, "Fill the Sky" by Katherine A. Sherbrooke might make a great gift. It's the tale of two friends, one who is dying of cancer, and their a spiritual journey together. Wrap it up with something nonfiction: "Sharing My Shoes" by Tammy Gaffney, a book about forgiveness, trust, and reconciling with God in the best ways possible.

For the person who loves a good romp, both in story and bedroom, look for "Love Slaves of Helen Hadley Hall" by James Magruder. It's a tale of a ghost, a group of undergraduates, and the drama that ensues.

Go to washingtoninformer.com for the full list. WI WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LIFESTYLE

GEMINI Your interactions could be the reason you feel inspired to explore new ideas.

The current picture is less about the past and more about what you hope to achieve in the future. It's a time to look forward. However, it's best to think before you react to avoid doing or saying anything you might regret later. Lucky Numbers: 13, 24, 26 CANCER Your relationship with a certain person may be deepening, but it doesn't

seem to be on a romantic level. The present picture suggests a meeting of minds that could cement your bond or at least encourage mutual respect. The person could be influential in encouraging you to take a certain course of action, but don't just take their word for it. Consider if it might work for you before you commit. Lighten your schedule around the Full Moon on December 13. Lucky Numbers: 1, 40, 53

LEO You could be entering a busy period when you need to get certain work completed. This could intensify over the days ahead, so organization will be the key to success.

Don't neglect it in favor of other, more appealing activities, as it could stack up and leave you with too little time to complete it. This could be a great time for a holiday party or celebration that everyone will enjoy. Lucky Numbers: 29, 36, 38 VIRGO With the Sun continuing its journey through your domestic sector, you may benefit from time out that allows you to rest and recharge. As the Sun will soon enter your leisure sector, make the most of the coming days to indulge in a little self-care or pampering. Get a holiday hairstyle or relax on the massage table. You may also be working on an idea to revolutionize your financial situation. Lucky Numbers: 7, 11, 28 LIBRA A feeling that something needs to give may be a call to explore a new relationship that ends up being very productive for both of you. It may not be romantic, although it could be. There is a suggestion that you could go into business together and be quite successful at whatever you do. Lucky Numbers: 6, 27, 31 SCORPIO If you've been looking for the perfect job, one that allows you to earn a good income while giving you the freedom to be your own boss, you may be about to discover it. Approaching this in a practical, step-by-step way could be rewarding and lucrative. The Full Moon in your finance sector could see you splurging on items to make you feel good even if you don't really need them. Lucky Numbers: 1, 10, 18 SAGITTARIUS You do seem to be heavily invested in the idea of a complete change,

which could include a move. This may be connected to a job or career change that you're seriously considering. At this stage, though, it's best not to hurry it along. Take a practical, down-to-earth approach to such matters. Lucky Numbers: 8, 28, 30

CAPRICORN As Mercury moves closer to Pluto in your sign, you may be looking for a way to bend an opportunity to your advantage. Is it really worth doing so? You may find that angling for a certain outcome and doing all you can to obtain it is quite stressful.

It might be better to give it your best shot and let the whole thing go. Lucky Numbers: 8, 16, 22 AQUARIUS You may be making more of an issue than is necessary, particularly if you haven't spoken to anyone about it and it is weighing heavily on your mind. Over the coming days, consider chatting with someone you can trust, as this could leave you feeling much better. You may find that what was bothering you isn't such a big deal after all. Lucky Numbers: 11, 23, 44 PISCES The move of Venus into your spiritual zone might see you taking time to help those who need extra care. Taking part in a charity event or involving yourself with visits to the elderly or infirm could be very rewarding for you. Even so, another side of you may be quite ambitious and eager to get ahead, and this is the perfect time to do so. Whatever you're planning, don't wait until next year to make your move. The time is now! Lucky Numbers: 5, 6, 10

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 35

SPORTS Howard Lady Bison Blow Past Mount St. Mary's

5 Howard Lady Bison guard Te'Shya Heslip drives past Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers guard Kathleen Belanger-Finn in the first quarter of Howard's 95-62 win at Burr Gymnasium in Northwest on Saturday, Dec. 10. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

3 Howard Lady Bison guard Ayonna Williams, a product of D.C.'s Ballou Senior High School, drives past Mount St.

Mary's Mountaineers guard Ashlee White in the second quarter of Howard's 95-62 win at Burr Gymnasium in Northwest on Saturday, Dec. 10. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

Maryland Resident Running for Gold, Honor and Respect

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Unrest after the Freddie Gray incident and other instances of violent crime in his beloved Baltimore has motivated William Johns to become an inspiration to those young and old.

The 56-year-old and lifelong Charm City resident will be competing in the hurdles competition at the World Masters Games in Auckland, New Zealand, next spring in hopes of bringing home the gold.

Most importantly, Johns said he's hoping his representation of Maryland — particularly Baltimore — will show others that his hometown is capable of great accomplishments and incidents like Gray and others are not roadblocks to success.

"I work seven days a week and you've got to live life despite so much negativity," Johns said.

"I'm proud to be from Baltimore and I'm doing this so that young people can see positive things.

There is all of this killing, all of

36 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

this negativity that's associated with being from Baltimore and I'm thinking that, with these games, I can make an imprint, I can show something positive about Baltimore."

Johns will have the honor of carrying the Maryland state flag during the opening ceremonies at the World Masters Games, the globe's largest multi-sport event held every four years and is the pinnacle sporting event for masters' competition worldwide.

The goal of the games, which began in 1985 in Toronto, is to encourage participation in sports while competition and camaraderie are equally celebrated.

"I had a read about the Senior Olympics as I was turning 51 and I decided to try out," Johns said. "I won silver in the 100-meter hurdles and the 200-meter hurdles and gold in the 400. I realized that you had to quality in the Senior Olympics in your state to go to the nationals and I started winning medals and meeting different people."

He participated earlier this year in the USA Nationals in Minnesota, where he qualified for the World Masters Games.

"A lady saw me wearing black and gold and asked me if I was from Pittsburgh," Johns said. "I told her that I'm from Baltimore, where the Ravens play. I had to let her know about the positives of Baltimore."

At the World Masters Games, Johns will compete along with 25,000 athletes from 100 countries who will be representing 28 sports and 45 disciplines.

The longtime automotive supervisor in the city's General Services Department, Johns began track and field as a high school student in the 1970s. Years of dedication and grueling training led him to winning a state championship and a No. 1 ranking.

In 1978, Johns' running and hurdling abilities took him all the way to the Junior Olympics, where he captured a silver medal and became a contender for the Olympics in California.

In 2011, he competed in the Maryland Senior Olympics, winning silver and gold.

He continued all the way to

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

5 William Johns is running in the World Masters Games. / Courtesy photo the 2013 National Senior Games in Cleveland, where his wins qualified him for the relay team that took second place.

A year later, Johns took the silver medal in the Delaware Senior Olympics and in 2015, the bronze at the National Senior Games in Minnesota.

He said his wife, Patrice Ross Johns, son William and daughter

Tanaia Johnson have been inspirations. But one person that he's hoping to see him run next year is his mother.

"She's never seen me race for whatever reason," he said. "But I'm going to give it my all and do something positive for Baltimore. I'm planning to go to New Zealand and give them all a great show." WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

SPORTS

Redskins Stop Two-Game Skid, Hold off Eagles 27 - 22 3 Washington Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan makes the

game-clinching strip-sack of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz in the fourth quarter of the Redskins' 27-22 win at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Sunday, Dec. 11. / Photo courtesy of Abdullah Yusuf

3Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson looks back at the field after making a 80yard touchdown reception in the third quarter of the Redskins' 27-22 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Sunday, Dec. 11. / Photo courtesy of Abdullah Yusuf 5 Washington Redskins

running back Chris Thompson slips away from defenders for a 25-yard go-ahead touchdown run late in the fourth quarter of the Redskins' 27-22 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Sunday, Dec. 11. / Photo courtesy of Abdullah Yusuf

3 Washington Redskins

wide receiver Pierre Garรงon leaves his defender behind and gains a first down during the Redskins' 27-22 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Sunday, Dec. 11. / Photo courtesy of Abdullah Yusuf

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 37

Expert Software Development Higher Quality Than In-House Lower Cost Than In-House Faster Than In-House

Ask us how!

TOLL FREE USA/CANADA

1-888-859-4853

Experience the Difference

itbgn.com/projects

TV AND INTERNET OVER 190 CHANNELS TV & INTERNET

54

$

94

LIMITED TIME PRICING

(installed and billed separately)

5 Washington Nationals baseball players Tanner Roark (left) and Max Scherzer (right) greet fans who won the opportunity by gifting toys and entering a raffle drawing during the team's annual Winterfest event at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest on Saturday, Dec. 10. / Photo by Travis Riddick

FREE SAME DAY INSTALLATION (WHERE AVAILABLE)

3 MONTHS OF PREMIUM CHANNELS

NATS TOYS from Page 1

BUNDLE HIGH SPEED INTERNET

ner with them for one day.

"All the toys that are here will be given to Washington Informer Charities and we in turn will give it to people in need in our community," he said. "On Thursday, Dec. 15, we are going to have an event with Events DC named 'Cozy Christmas' at Gateway DC, where we will give the toys away."

Each fan that donated a toy got the chance to enter into a raffle to meet a select Nats player, get an autograph and a picture.

On Saturday and Sunday, 10 raffles were held in which the winner could have a guest accompany them to enjoy the perks.

Fans also got to participate in holiday-themed activities and interactive events such as exclusive interviews and game shows on the main stage, photos with players, coaches and team mascots, youth baseball clinics from the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, batting cages, a virtual pitching game, ballpark concessions and a Jingle Jersey raffle benefiting the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation.

OVER 50 CHANNELS:

ASK ABOUT OUR 3 YEAR PRICE GUARANTEE AND GET

CALL TODAY & SAVE UP TO 50%!

INCLUDED FOR A YEAR

800-530-2924 Call for more details

FREE Lifeline Service Available for Income-Eligible Residents If you participate in public assistance programs or meet monthly income level guidelines, you may qualify for a free phone* & 250 minutes/texts.

Call 1-888-900-3149 to apply today!

Free phone is provided by Access Wireless. Access Wireless is a service provider for the government-funded Lifeline Assistance program. Lifeline assistance is provided by i-wireless LLC, d/b/a Access Wireless, an eligible telecommunications carrier. Lifeline service is non-transferable. Lifeline benefits are limited to one per household.

A household is defined, for the purposes of the Lifeline program, as any individual or group of individuals, who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Violation of the one-per-household rule constitutes violation of FCC rules and will result in the customer’s de-enrollment from Lifeline. Only eligible customers may enroll in the program. Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain a Lifeline benefit can be punished by fine, imprisonment, or can be barred from the program. Customers must present proper documentation proving eligibility for the Lifeline program. Your information will be validated against public records and any discrepancies could result in delays or denial of service.

"

WET BASEMENTS STINK !!

Mold, mildew and water leakage into your basement causes health and foundation damage. What can be done to fix the problem?

Allstate American Waterproofing is an honest, hardworking local company.

We will give you a FREE evaluation and estimate and a fair price. We have repaired thousands of basements in the area; we can provide local references. When your neighbors needed waterproofing, they called Allstate American. Why don’t you? Call now to receive a 20% discount with your FREE ESTIMATE. MHIC#36672

CALL 1 800 420 7783 NOW!

The Nats brought their fan store to the convention center and a pop-up shop where fans purchased the latest Nationals merchandise as well as game-used and autographed memorabilia.

Shawn Bertani, Nationals senior director of community relations, said Winterfest provides an opportunity for the organization to give to their supporters and also allows fans to give back as well.

"The Nationals are firm believers that we need to be contributors to the community we're working in," Bertani said. "We do know that a lot of people in this area, the DMV, have an interest in the club and are devoted to us and we are devoted to them, so it's a two-way street.

"Winterfest is a great opportunity to be reminded that warmer weather is coming and baseball is coming back and that our fans are important to us year-round," she said. "It's been enormously successful and we knew we had to keep doing it and that goes completely to our fans. All the toys donated today, probably thousands are all because of our fans."

Bertani said that Washington Informer Charities served as a great

LOSE 5 PDS. in 5 DAYS!

GUARANTEED! No Workout Required!

RAPID WEIGHT LOSS

SAFE NATURAL DETOX TEA INSTANTLY CURBS APPETITE & BOOST ENERGY

ATTENTION MARYLANDERS WITH HOMES CONSTRUCTED BEWEEN 1989 -2009 THAT HAVE FLEXIBLE CORRUGATED STAINLESS STEEL GAS PIPE (CSST) We represent CSST homeowners in a class action to recover inspection and repair costs from the manufacturers of this product. If your home was built with CSST, you may be entitled to a free inspection, repairs or replacement.

Call (202) 640-1166 or email “CSST” to info@wbmllp.com for more information.

GARY E. MASON WHITFIELD BRYSON & MASON LLP 1625 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Ste. 605, Washington, DC 20036 No specific results implied

!

38 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

http://www.gotlcdiet.com/8683931

877-550-3637

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

partner to distribute toys because of the organization's footprint in the community.

"Washington Informer Charities has the ability to reach people that we want to be able to help," she said.

"We look for partners that have the ability to touch lives with boots on the ground in a one-on-one way. We know Washington Informer Charities can do that and get these toys in their hands and help make a great holiday for kids."

Outside of their annual toy drive, the Nationals organization works in the community year-round.

"We work to support military families, we work in the area of K-12 education, specifically STEM education, baseball is so full of stats, math and science that it's a real natural fit," Bertani said. "The other thing we work to support is youth baseball in this region, we host clinics and provide uniforms for kids."

Denise Rolark Barnes, publisher of The Washington Informer and head of Washington Informer Charities, said they were honored to be invited by the Nationals to participate in their holiday event.

"It's such a tremendous need to bring joy into the lives of young people," Barnes said. "Washington Informer Charities is based in southeast Washington in Ward 8. Our program seeks to enhance literacy among children and adults and it seeks to create programs that allow children to see what the opportunities are that they can experience in life."

Barnes asserted that the holiday season remains a great time to let little kids have fun and to understand the spirit of giving as well as receiving.

"I think it says a lot about Nationals fans, about the great turnout of toys," she said. "I'm personally grateful for the fact that the fans recognize that these toys are going to children who might not otherwise have a happy Christmas, and that they were willing to share that experience." WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RELIGION THE RELIGION CORNER

The Griffin Firm, PLLC

Be Not Conformed to This World!

Romans 12:1 reminds us that our bodies are to be sacrificed for the good we can bring to this earth by helping others; we are to be busy doing what we were sent to this earth to do. Our bodies are not our own, we are to sacrifice it by taking responsibility for our actions; we are to eat healthy and exercise daily to do as scripture reminds us to do.

The late Wayne Dyer, internationally renowned author and self-development speaker, shared during one of his many PBS specials about the monarch butterfly: "The monarch butterfly only lives up to six months, but flies 3,000 miles each year, though their tiny little wings and bodies seem so fragile. Talking about maximum potential! This should astound us, to ask, what we too could do that is extraordinary!"

The viceroy is another type butterfly, but it looks remarkably like the monarch butterfly. Monarchs are poisonous and make birds and other predators so sick that they can't stop vomiting when they eat one.

The viceroy butterfly, on the other hand, is not poisonous, but looks so much like the monarch it is treated as if it is! Birds, frogs and lizards will leave a viceroy alone if they have ever tasted the yucky monarch; they don't want that horrible experience ever again.

The viceroy is harmless. So what's the butterfly metaphor? How does it pertain to this column? Let's review the question. Each of us must take responsibility for our actions, our wellbeing and the attainment of our maximum potential The butterfly metaphor is this: Turning Hearts Church

For the sake of this column, let's just say the monarchs, the poisonous ones, look beautiful on the outside! Like me, 40 years ago, when I was unhappily married; I used my personal appearance to make myself feel better. Never missed a payday without shopping; and would put expensive suits on lay-away.

One day when I was a receptionist at Children's Hospital in Oakland, California, before I was promoted to management, I remember coming to work, walking toward my office; and one of the male employees said to me "You look like you just stepped off a plane from attending an important business meeting in New York!"

Flattered, though I looked really corporate, inwardly, I was broken — suffering domestic violence, financial burdens, miserable and unhappy! Unchurched at the time, my outer appearance and my work was all I had to make myself feel better, a monarch. Cried complained, shopped, and was not good company! Like Paul said, O wretched woman was I! Today, my inner man is much more important to me than my outer appearance. Shopping is relevant, done only when absolutely necessary!

An alcoholic father shows how each of his twins was different as adults. One became an alcoholic.

When asked why, he said because he was raised by an alcoholic. The other brother wouldn't touch alcohol. When asked why, he had the same answer, because he was raised by an alcoholic.

The choice is yours, good or bad, take responsibility for your actions

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

4275 4th Street, S.E. Washington, DC 20034 Phone: 202-746-0113 Fax: 301-843-2445

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

Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment” Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org Email: faithdefender@verizon.net

• • • • •

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

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq., The Griffin Firm, PLLC with Lyndia Grant and work toward being all that you can be. Are you a monarch or viceroy?

It is our choice to either conform to this world, or we will be transformed by renewing of our mind.

Romans reminds us that we must make our bodies a living sacrifice, Holy and acceptable!

WI

5335 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 440 Washington DC 20015 www.thegriffinfirm-PLLC.com

202-379-4738

ChurCh Printing

(301) 864-6070

20% Off

l l l l l l

PrOgrams & BOOklets

CHURCH LAWYERS

Copies Color Copies fax services tee shirts scan & email service lamination

Organizational Formation, Governance Issues, First Ammendment, Church Employment, Ministerial Exception, Maintenance Issues, Risk Management, Safety and Security Issues, and Real Property Law

Quality Printers 301 kennedy street, nW Washington, DC 20011

tel: 202-291-6565

MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC

SERVING MARYLAND, DC, & NORTH CAROLINA

www.jmlaw.net

(301) 864-6070

jmccollum@jmlaw.net

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher

Service and Times Sunday School 8 – 9 AM Worship Service 9 – 11 AM Tuesday Night Bible Study 6:30 – 8:00 PM Wednesday Daytime Bible Study 11 AM – 12:30 PM

Committed to providing services and supports to increase the capacity of individuals, businesses, and communities.

Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 39

RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor 9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 Fax: 301-499-8724

Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 a.m. 7 10:00 a.m.

Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 a.m.

Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 p.m.

Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849 Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00am 5th Sundays: 9:30am 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30pm www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Church of Living Waters

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Crusader Baptist Church

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor

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

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor

Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Third Street Church of God

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

Drs. Dennis W. & Christine Y. Wiley Pastors

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor

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

Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-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

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

610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax

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

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

Blessed Word of Life Church

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

“An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantbaptistdc.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: pm “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020

Services and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45am Church School: 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45am Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 pm Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30am

Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11:00am Prayer Meeting and Bible Study: Wed. 7:30pm

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

www.thirdstreet.org

“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital”

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Church School: 9:20 a.m.

Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!”

Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net

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: 9:00am Worship Service: 10:00am Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service: 6:45pm Thur. Bible Study: 7:15pm

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

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Rev. John W. Davis Pastor

Joseph N. Evans, Ph.D Senior Pastor

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

901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 8:00am and 11:00am Sunday School: 9:15am Holy Communion 4th Sunday 10:00am Prayer and Bible Study Wednesday 7:00pm TV Ministry –Channel 6 Wednesday 10:00pm

Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

Service and Times Sunday Church School : 9:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10am Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00pm Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00pm Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10am themcbc.org

gsccm.administration@verizon.net

40 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church

All Nations Baptist Church

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor

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

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

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

Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Service 11:00 a.m. Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

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

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 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:15 a.m.

Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun. Bible Institute: Wednesday - 1:30 pm Prayer Meeting: Wednesday - 12:00 Noon

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

Israel Baptist Church

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office - (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Come Grow With Us and Establish a Blessed Family”

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

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 7:30am & 10:45am Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30pm Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00pm www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

“Where Jesus is the King”

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Rev. Dr. Diane Dixon Proctor 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 - lpumconthegrow@gmail.com www.lpumcdc.org

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

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10: am Holy Communion: First Sunday 10: am Sunday School: 9: am Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30pm Motto: “A CHURCH ON THE GROW”.

Mount Moriah Baptist Church

Eastern Community Baptist Church

Service and Times Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 P.M Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 P.M Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 P.M. Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged.

The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42

New Commandment Baptist Church

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor

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

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

Salem Baptist Church

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Clinton W. Austin Pastor

Rev. Dr. Morris L Shearin, Sr. Pastor

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

St. Matthews Baptist Church

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

Emmanuel Baptist Church

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 a.m.

Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 p.m.

Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 p.m.

Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church Dr. C. Matthew Hudson, Jr, Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Early Worship Service: 7:30a.m Worship Service: 10:45a.m.

New Members Class: 9:30a.m.

Holy Communion : 1st Sunday -10:45a.m Church School: 9:30a.m.

Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: Wednesday 7p.m Bible Study : Saturday: 11a.m.

Baptism: 4th Sunday – 10:45a.m “Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”

Peace Baptist Church

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

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

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship Service: 7:15 am & 10:50 am Sunday School: 9:30am Wednesday Prayer & Testimonies Service: 7:30pm Wednesday School of the Bible: 8:00pm Wednesday - Midweek Prayer Service: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

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

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

Shiloh Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Maxwell M. Washington Pastor

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

Rev. Alonzo Hart Pastor

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

Rev. Oran W. Young, Pastor Pastor

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

Worshiping Location Knights of Columbus - 1633 Tucker Road Fort Washington, MD 20744 (240) 838-7074

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

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

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

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

Service and Times Sunday Morning Prayer Service: 8:00 a.m.

Sunday Church School: 9:15 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:40 a.m.

Third Sunday Baptismal & Holy Communion:10:30 a.m.

Tuesday Church At Study Prayer & Praise: 6:30 p.m.

Service and Times First Sunday Worship Service (one service): 10:00 a.m.

Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sunday Worship service: 7:45 a.m. and 10:55 a.m.

Sunday Church School/Bible Study: 9:30 a.m.

Thursday Prayer Service: 6:30 p.m.

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 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:00 a.m.

Worship Service: 10:30 a.m.

Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30 a.m. & 10:30a.m.

Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday 12 Noon

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 am Sunday School: 9:00 am Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer / Bible Study: 6:15 pm - 7:20 pm (Tuesday) Theme: “The Kingdom Focused Church” Matthew 6:33 and Mathew 28:18-20, KJV Email: stmatthewsbaptist@msn.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

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

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

The Church Where GOD Is Working....

And We Are Working With GOD

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

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45am & 11:00am Sunday School For All Ages: 9:30am Prayer Services: Wednesday 11:30am & 6:45pm Bible Institute: Wednesday at Noon & 7:45pm 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.

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 41

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration Number 2015 ADM 001484 Estate of Maurice T. Toler Deceased NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Lesa P. Horton for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representative. Unless a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

Admit to probate the will date October 26, 2006 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of witnesses appoint a personal representative. Appoint Lesa P. Horton personal representative of this estate.

Date of first publication: December 8, 2016 Barbara J. Mann, Esq., #330274 903 Hamilton St., NE, Washington, DC 20011 Petitioner/Attorney

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

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

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

Administration No. 2016 ADM 1398

Administration No. 2016 ADM 1395

Barnie McLeod Decedent

Emma E. Gyant aka Emma Ester Mae Gyant Decedent

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

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

Ronnie McLeod, whose address is 231 Oakwood St., SE, #2, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Barnie McLeod who died on November 17, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 8, 2017. 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 June 8, 2017, 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.

Antoinette Gyant, whose address is 4716 Southern Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Emma E. Gyant aka Emma Ester Mae Gyant who died on November 8, 2016 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 June 8, 2017. 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 June 8, 2017, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

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

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

Administration No. 2016 ADM 352

Administration No. 2016 ADM 859

LeRoy J. Brown Decedent

Marie Jean-Pois Alphonse Decedent

Peter D. Antonoplos 1725 DeSales Street, NW #600 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney

Cheryl Johnson, Esq. Paley Rothman-4800 Hampden Lane, 6th Fl. Bethesda, MD 20814 Attorney

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

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

Denise Thomas, whose address is 6107 Bayside Key Drive, Tampa, FL 33615, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LeRoy J. Brown who died on September 24, 2104 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 June 1, 2017. 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 June 1, 2017, 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.

Myma Alphonse Newman, whose address is 7504 Belgravia Lane, Hyattsville, MD 20785, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Marie Jean-Pois Alphonse who died on July 12, 2014 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 1, 2017. 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 June 1, 2017, 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: December 1, 2016

Date of first publication: December 1, 2016

Denise Thomas Personal Representative

Myma Alphonse Newman Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

Date of first publication: December 8, 2016 Ronnie McLeod Personal Representative

Date of first publication: December 8, 2016 Antoinette Gyant Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

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

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

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

Administration No. 2016 ADM 1322

Administration No. 2016 ADM 1334

Administration No. 2016 ADM 1364

Administration No. 2016 ADM 1349

Foreign No. 2016 FEP 126

Dorothy L. Harrod Decedent

Carol P. James Decedent

Gloria Rose Dunn Decedent

Charles Ludington Bell Decedent

Larry C. Williams, Esq. 7600 Georgia Avenue, NW, Suite 405 Washington, DC 20012 Attorney

Peter D. Antonoplos, Esq. 1725 DeSales Street, NW, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney

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

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

Date of first publication: December 1, 2016

Michelyn C. Kemp, whose address is 10676 Dorr Lane, #A, Athens, OH 45701, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Carol P. James who died on May 4, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 June 1, 2017. 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 June 1, 2017, 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.

Everaett Wayne Watson, whose address is 11816 Archwood Street, North Hollywood, CA 91606, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gloria Rose Dunn who died on November 23, 2008 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 1, 2017. 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 June 1, 2017, 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.

Patricia G. Swinson Personal Representative

Date of first publication: December 1, 2016

April 18, 2016 Date of Death Charles Norman Stephens Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Sarah C. Pinkney whose address is 104 Downey Hill Lane, Greer, SC 29650 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Charles Norman Stephens, deceased, by the Probate Court for Greenville County, State of South Carolina, on July 13, 2016.

Service of process may be made upon Robert L. Bell, 245 Farragut Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 3018 25th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018, 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: December 1, 2016 Sarah C. Pinkney Personal Representative Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

42 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

Peter D. Antonoplos, Esq. 1725 DeSales Street, NW, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Patricia G. Swinson, whose address is 1617 Minnesota Ave., Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy L. Harrod who died on June 29, 2012 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 June 1, 2017. 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 June 1, 2017, 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 Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

Michelyn C. Kemp Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Date of first publication: December 1, 2016 Everaett Wayne Watson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills

James S. Bubar, Attorney 1776 K Street, NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Samuel Bell, III, Nicholas Sanford Bell, & Anne Tiffany Bell, whose addresses are 41 River Terrace, Apt. 2002, NY, NY 10282 & 255 W. 23rd St., Apt. 6EE, NY, NY 10011 & 463 Greenwich St., 3rd Fl., NY, NY 10013 were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Charles Ludington Bell who died on September 1, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 1, 2017. 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 June 1, 2017, 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: December 1, 2016 Samuel Bell, III Nicholas Sanford Bell Tiffany Bell Personal Representatives TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016 ADM 1400

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016 ADM 000781 Joyce A. Thomas Decedent

Ada E. Wilson Decedent Dalton Howard, Esq. 4020 Lee St., NE Washington, DC 20019 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Paule G. Levadas, Esq. 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Fred J. Wilson, Jr., whose address is 4020 Lane Place, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ada E. Wilson who died on July 1, 2015 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 June 15, 2017. 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 June 15, 2017, 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.

Paule G. Levadas, Esq., whose address is 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joyce A. Thomas who died on February 18, 2015 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment (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 June 15, 2017. 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 June 15, 2017, 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: December 15, 2016

Date of first publication: December 15, 2016

Fred J. Wilson, Jr. Personal Representative

Paule G. Levadas, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

Janice Ruth Clardy Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Leslie F. Klugh, whose address is 1207 Castlehaven Ct., Capitol Heights, MD 20743, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Janice Ruth Clardy who died on September 27, 2008 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 1, 2017. 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 June 1, 2017, 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: December 1, 2016 Leslie F. Klugh Personal Representative

Drive with Uber. No experience is required, but you'll need a Smartphone.

It's fun and easy. For more information, call: 1-800-950-0716 Meet singles right now! No paid operators, just real people like you.

Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live.

Try it free. Call now: 202-448-0409 PHOTOS and VIDEOS Unique, reliable and competitively-priced professional photography packages & gifts for weddings, schools, civic organizations and athletic leagues. TRUST REA3L PHOTOS & VIDEOS with making your special events "more than just photos in a flash!" CALL 202670-7495 or Rea3lenterprises@gmail.com Canada Drug Center is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call today 1-800-308-9817, for $10.00 off your first prescription and free shipping.

Medical Alert for Seniors - 24/7 monitoring.

FREE Equipment. FREE Shipping. Nationwide Service. $29.95/Month CALL Medical Guardian Today 888-710-6484 CREDIT RESTORATION & DEBT ELIMINATION Restore your credit and change your life!!!

Derrick Jason Smith (301) 383-1333 - Office (301) 744 - 7472 Direct brokerderrick@gmail.com Reader Advisory: the National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the following classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home.

Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers.

Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it s illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. 800 numbers may or may not reach Canada.

MEDIABIDS MISCELLANEOUS

Washington Informer

SAVE 67% PLUS 4 FREE BURGERS - The Favorite Feast - ONLY $49.99.

ORDER Today 1-888-318-1190 Use Code 48643VFW or www.OmahaSteaks.com/ ffmb93

Do you know your Testosterone Levels? Call 888-692-5146 and ask about our test kits and get a FREE Trial of Progene All-Natural Testosterone Supplement

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016 ADM 1370

CL ASSIFIEDS

LEGAL NOTICES

services here: call Ron Burke at

202-561-4100 or email

rburke@washingtoninformer.com

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Diabetes/Cholesterol/Weight Loss Bergamonte, a Natural Product for Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and weight. Physician recommended, backed

by Human Clinical Studies with amazing results. Call today and save 15 percent off your first bottle! 866-640-5982 ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE talking meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 888-421-1874 Canada Drug Center is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call today 1-800-308-9817, for $10.00 off your first prescription and free shipping.

READERS & MUSIC LOVERS. 100 Greatest Novels (audio books) ONLY $99.00 (plus s h.)

Includes MP3 Player & Accessories. BONUS: 50 Classical Music Works & Money Back Guarantee. Call Today! 1-866-680-1822 Any laptop repaired just $79. Macs too.

REALLY! FREE Fedex shipping! $69 extra for screen or motherboard replacement. CALL Authorized Laptop Repair Specialists 1-866437-6184 Ever Consider a Reverse Mortgage? At least 62 years old? Stay in your home & Increase cash flow! Safe & Effective! Call Now for your FREE DVD! Call Now 888-420-4716 READERS & MUSIC LOVERS. 100 Greatest Novels (audio books) ONLY $99.00 (plus s h.)

Includes MP3 Player & Accessories. BONUS: 50 Classical Music Works & Money Back Guarantee. Call Today! 1-866-680-1822 Personalized holiday gifts for Everyone on your list! Save 20 percent off qualifying products from Personal Creations! To redeem this offer, visit www.PersonalCreations.com/Beauty or Call 1-888-732-0679 Diabetes/Cholesterol/Weight Loss Natural Product for Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and weight. Physician recommended, backed by Human Clinical Studies with fast acting results within 30 days. Call to hear about our special offer 866-640-5982 ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get

CL ASSIFIEDS a FREE Talking Meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 888-421-1874 SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. You WIN or Pay Us Nothing. Contact Disability Group, Inc. Today! BBB Accredited. Call For Your FREE Book & Consultation. 888-6495110 Attention Joint & Muscle Pain Sufferers: Clinically proven all-natural supplement helps reduce pain and enhance mobility. Call 888760-5952 to try Hydraflexin RISK-FREE for 90 days.

HEAT YOUR HOME FOR 5¢ AN HOUR! Portable infrared iHeater heats 1000 sq. ft.

Slashes your heating bills by 50%. FREE Shipping too! Use claim code 6239 WAS $499 NOW $279 Call 1-866-784-5182 CADNET AUTOS WANTED CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Makes/ Models 2000-2016! Any Condition. Running or Not. Top $$$ Paid! Free Towing! We're Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-985-1806

CL ASSIFIEDS EVENTS Holding a Carnival! Fair! Festival! Jubilee!

Promote it to over 1 Million readers for only $200!!! Visit www.midatlanticevents.net for more details or call 800-450-7227.

FOR SALE Safe Step Walk-In Tub Alert for Seniors.

Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door. Anti-Slip Floors. American Made. Installation Included.

Call 1-800-906-3115 for $750 Off LOTS & ACREAGE ABANDONED FARM! 26 acres – $49,900 Gorgeous acreage with views, nice pond, in a Perfect country setting! Quiet town road with utilities! EZ terms! 888-738-6994 LENDER ORDERED SALE! 39 acres – assessed value - $95,700 Available now for $89,900! Catskill Mountain views, woods, fields, apple trees, great hunting! 3 hrs NY City!

Owner terms! 888-431-7214 MARYLAND STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK

EDUCATION AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING - Get FAA Technician certification. Approved for military benefits. Financial Aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-453-6204

AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS DONATE AUTOS, TRUCKS, RV'S. LUTHERAN MISSION SOCIETY. Your donation helps local families with food, clothing, shelter, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA License #W1044. 410-636-0123 or www.

LutheranMissionSociety.org

HEALTH & FITNESS VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 50 Pills $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed.

CALL NOW! 1 -866-312-6061 Hablamos Espanol

AUTOS WANTED TO BUY CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Makes/Models 200-2016! Any Condition. Running or Not. Top $$$ Paid! Free Towing From Anywhere! We’re Nationwide! Call Now: (800)864-5952

MISCELLANEOUS Lung Cancer? And Age 60+? You And Your Family May Be Entitled To Significant Cash Award. Call 866-428-1639 for Information. No Risk. No Money Out Of Pocket.

BUSINESS SERVICES Bulk advertising at its best: advertise in over 70 newspapers and reach millions of readers with ONE call. Broaden your reach and get results for pennies per reader. Call Wanda at 410-2120616 or email wsmith@mddcpress.com.

Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat.

Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: 1-888-909-9905 18+.

WANTED TO BUY Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201 CASH PAID- up to $25/Box for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. 1-DAYPAYMENT.1-800-371-1136 WANTS TO purchase minerals and other oil & gas interests. Send details P.O. Box 13557, Denver, Co 80201 MID ATLANTIC COMMUNITY PAPERS ASSOCIATION CLASSIFIED NETWORK (MACNET) ANNOUNCEMENTS A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation's largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-800-880-1686 Acorn Stairlifts. The AFFORDABLE solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!** Buy Direct & SAVE. Please call 1-800-410-7127 for FREE DVD and brochure.

Got Knee Pain? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain?

Get a pain-relieving brace -little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 800-419-3684 Lung Cancer? And 60 Years Old? If So, You and Your Family May Be Entitled To A Significant Cash Award. Call 800-897-7205 To Learn More. No Risk. No Money Out of Pocket.

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-800-208-6915 to start your application today!

SPECTRUM TRIPLE PLAY TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99 ea. 60 MB per second speed.

No contract or commitment. We buy your existing contract up to $500! 1-800-806-5909 Stop OVERPAYING for your prescriptions!

SAVE! Call our licensed Canadian and International pharmacy, compare prices and get $25.00 OFF your first prescription! CALL 1-800-254-4073 Promo Code CDC201625 AUTOS WANTED CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Makes/ Models 2002-2016! Any Condition. Running or Not. Competitive Offer! Free Towing! We're Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-368-1016 BUILDING MATERIALS Snow Guard. Help prevent dangerous snow slides, Damaging gutters, etc. Stainless Steel & Close out colors snow guards $2.25 ea.

Colored $3.25. Free Shipping 50 or more 717 445-5222

BUSINESS SERVICES Place a business card ad in the Regional Small Display 2x2/2x4 Advertising Network - Reach 3.6 Million readers with just one call, one bill and one ad placement in 71 newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and DC TODAY! For just $1450.00, Get the reach, Get the results and for Just Pennies on the Dollars Now... call 1-855-721-6332 x 6 or email wsmith@ mddcpress.com HELP WANTED: SALES EARN $500 A DAY: Insurance Agents Needed*Leads, No Cold Calls*Commission Paid Daily*Lifetime Renewals* Complete Training* Health & Dental Insurance* Life License Required. Call 1-888-713-6020 REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Delaware New Move-In Ready Homes! Low Taxes! Close to Beaches, Gated, Olympic pool.

FOUR New Homes from $90's. No HOA Fees.

Brochures Available 1-866-629-0770 or www. coolbranch.com.

SALES & MARKETING $17.25-$26.47 PER HOUR; Hiring Store Promoters at BJ’s Wholesale Club; NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED; RETIREES WELCOME; Locations include Columbia, Waldorf; Bowie and Landover. CALL DAVID 443-449-4025 SERVICES-MISCELLANEOUS Want a larger footprint in the marketplace consider advertising in the MDDC Small Display 2x2 or 2x4 Advertising Network.

Reach 3.6 million readers every week by placing your ad in 71 newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. With just one phone call, your business and/or product will be seen by 3.6 million readers HURRY....space is limited, CALL TODAY!! Call 1-855-721-6332 x 6 or 410-212-0616 email wsmith@mddcpress. com or visit our website at www.mddcpress. com NATIONAL ADVERTISING NETWORK, INC. (NANI) AUTOMOTIVE Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800245-0398 CAPITAL CLASSIC CARS Buying All European & Classic Cars. ANY Condition, ANY Location, Porsche, Mercedes, Jaguar & More! Top Dollar PAID. CapitalClassicCars. com Steve Nicholas 1-571282-5153, steve@capitalclassiccars.com CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Make/ Models 2000-2015! Any Condition. Running or Not. Competitive Offer! Free Towing!

We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-4162330.

Business Opportunity Drive with Uber. No experience is required, but you’ll need a Smartphone. It’s fun and easy.

For more information, call: 1-800-354-4313

EDUCATION AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING - Get FAA certification. Approved for military benefits.

Financial Aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-686-1704

BUSINESS TO BUSINESS Advertise to 500,000 Homes with a business card size ad. You choose the area of coverage in free community papers...we do the rest. Call 800-450-7227 or visit macnetonline.com

HEALTH/MEDICAL FREE VIAGRA PILLS 48 PILLS + 4 FREE! VIAGRA 100MG/ CIALIS 20mg Free Pills!

No hassle, Discreet Shipping. Save Now. Call Today 1-888-410-0514

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 43

INTRODUCING THE NEW

MGM LOCAL from Page 1

CL ASSIFIEDS

FLEX PACK

VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 40 Pills + 10 FREE. SPECIAL $99.00 100% guaranteed.

FREE Shipping! 24/7 CALL: 1-888-223-8818 Hablamos Espanol. .

VIAGRA & CIALIS! 50 pills for $95. 100 pills for $150 FREE shipping. NO prescriptions needed.

Money back guaranteed! 1-877-743-5419 OXYGEN - Anytime. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. Only 4.8 pounds and FAA approved for air travel! May be covered by medicare. Call for FREE info kit: 844-558-7482

Add Additional Flex Channel Packs!

Create Your Own TV Package

MISCELLANEOUS Lung Cancer? And 60+ Years Old? If So, You And Your Family May Be Entitled To A Significant Cash Award. Call 877-648-6308 To Learn More. No Risk. No Money Out Of Pocket.

Call 1-800-530-2924 for more information

A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation's largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-800-217-3942

- Over 600 vacation homes in all price ranges!

- Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and Southern Shores to Corolla - Fall Weeks... Still feels like summer - Discounts!!!

VIAGRA 52 PILLS + 4 FREE! VIAGRA 100MG/ CIALIS 20mg Free Pills! No hassle, Discreet Shipping. Save Now. $99.00 Call Today 1- 800213-6202 CASH FOR CARS: We Buy Any Condition Vehicle, 2000 and Newer. Nation’s Top Car Buyer! Free Towing From Anywhere! Call Now: 1-800-864-5960.

CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. HIGHEST PRICES! Call 1-888-7767771. www.Cash4DiabeticSupplies.com DIGITAL HEARING AIDS - Now offering a 45-Day Risk Free Offer! FREE BATTERIES for Life! Call to start your free trial! 888-675-5116 Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat.

Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: Call 1-877-737-9447 18+ SWITCH TO DIRECTV. From $50/Month, includes FREE Genie HD/DVR & 3 months HBO, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX, STARZ. Get a $50 Gift Card. Call 888-672-1159 HERO MILES - to find out more about how you can help our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need, visit the Fisher House website at www.fisherhouse.org OTORCYCLES WANTED OLD JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI Z1-900 (1972-75), KZ900, KZ1000 (1976-1982), Z1R, KZ 1000MK2 (1979,80), W1-650, H1-500 (1969-72), H2-750 (19721975), S1-250, S2-350, S3-400, KH250, KH400, SUZUKI-GS400, GT380, HONDACB750K (1969-1976), CBX1000 (1979,80) CASH!! 1-800-772-1142 1-310-721-0726 usa@ classicrunners.com TRAVEL CRUISE VACATIONS – 3, 4, 5 or 7+ day cruises to the Caribbean. Start planning now to save $$ on your fall or winter getaway vacation.

Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, Princess and many more. Great deals for all budgets and departure ports. To search for your next cruise vacation visit www.NCPtravel.com

REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.

Try FREE: 202-448-0409 Ahora español/18+

WANTED TO BUY Cash for unexpired DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! Free Shipping, Best Prices & 24 hr payment!

Call 1-855-440-4001 www.TestStripSearch. com. Habla Espanol.

its full capacity, officials said.

Maryland State Police closed three exits off the Beltway to alleviate traffic on the nearby Woodrow Wilson Bridge.

"Guests with hotel and dinner reservations are encouraged to arrive early and allow time for heavy, potentially crowded roadway conditions," according to a statement from MGM on Friday. "Others without reservations for tonight or this weekend are encouraged to consider making plans to visit the new resort another time, after grand opening weekend."

After the crunch of the initial 24hour period, during which police and county officials anticipated as many as 30,000 visitors to the resort, traffic slowed down to a moderate pace, as MGM officials issued hourly alerts via a traffic-notification system throughout the opening weekend.

The alerts resumed prior to Monday afternoon rush hour, informing people: "MGM National Harbor and the National Harbor are open for business. Traffic is flowing smoothly."

However, the opening night was marred by a fight that broke out inside the casino, as video of two men punching and kicking another man quickly made the rounds on social media.

On the same night, Charles W. Caldwell III, who chairs the county's liquor board, was charged with driving under the influence and other traffic offenses after a minor crash near the resort. Two other vehicles were involved in the incident, though no one was injured, police said.

Caldwell, who was appointed two years ago by Gov. Larry Hogan

New Life Wellness Center featuring

Colon Hydrotherapy & Aqua Chi Detox System Where Have You Been?

It’s Time for Your HEALING &

202.544.9595

Meet sexy friends who really get your vibe...

426 8th St. SE – 2nd Floor WDC 20003 www.newlifewellnesscenter.com

Try FREE: 800-603-6297 18+

44 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

Email: carmelvoice@aol.com

Hours: 7am – 7pm M - F / 7am – 12pm SAT. Walk Ins Welcome

SPECIAL $59 OFFER – CALL FOR DETAILS THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

as chair of the five-member Board of License Commissioners, resigned Tuesday at Hogan's request.

An official from MGM did not respond to a request for comment Monday.

But those distractions didn't deter the hordes of patrons who visited the resort Sunday, such as Pernell Lee and his daughter of Silver Spring. They sat in the conservatory beside the "Holiday Reflections" floral sculptures that showcase more than 150,000 flowers.

"It's beautiful," Lee said of the resort while his wife played some casino games.

Also on display is local artwork from artists such as Martha Jackson Jarvis, who has five mosaic glass pieces with images reflecting off the Potomac River.

"I think Prince George's County has an open relationship with the arts community," said Jackson Jarvis, who lives in Northeast but has owned a studio across the border in Mt. Rainier, Maryland, for more than 20 years. "It helps develop the artist community and develop a resource for the entire area. This is an exciting time."

State, county and MGM officials celebrated their excitement hours before last week's grand opening during an hourlong news conference inside the resort's 3,000-seat theater, which will host various concerts, boxing matches and other events.

Besides the 125,000 square feet of casino space of gaming tables and slot machines, the resort features restaurants from renowned chefs, a 308-room hotel and a shoe boutique opened by actress and fashionista Sarah Jessica Parker.

Economically, the state and county expects the resort to generate millions of dollars in taxes and about 4,000 permanent jobs.

"One of the promises we made of this administration when I took over was that we were going to grow our commercial tax base," said County Executive Rushern L. Baker III. "The thing that is greatest about [MGM National Harbor] is a watershed mark for us in the county.

The signal it sends to businesses that [the county] is the place to be."

State Sen. C. Anthony Muse (D-District 26) of Fort Washington appreciates the economic and job benefits, but hopes patrons don't frequent the casino to the point of jeopardizing their livelihood.

"If they see this as a Las Vegas casino type of venue, then you become addicted," he said Monday.

"The families suffer. The person suffers. It would concern me that a person would go there three or four times a week. We hope the benefits don't consume the liabilities of it being here."

WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

approval — originated loans at more than 100 "shadow" branch offices that did not have the required authorization. The scheme included submitting loans from those branches to HUD using ID numbers of authorized sites.

When HUD auditors asked for quality control reports, Allied provided falsified information and Hodge directed employees to falsify quality control reports. Each year, both the firm and Hodge falsely certified to HUD that the business was in compliance with required quality control standards.

For Kenneth Magidson, Houston U.S. Attorney, the case represents an example of how fraudulent acts are aggressively pursued even when multiple U.S. Justice Offices are involved.

"Working together, we ensured a successful outcome following a lengthy trial and investigation against Allied and its CEO," Magidson said. "We will continue to apply our resources whenever and wherever we can to ensure those that perpetuate such egregious fraud against the United States are held accountable for their actions."

While the federal government and HUD can and should pros-

ecute unlawful activities, the consumers who were snookered into these fraudulent loans deserve to be made whole.

For many consumers, a home represents the single largest investment of a lifetime. Its loss leads to several financial harms that affected consumers will suffer. Foreclosures dramatically depress credit scores and, as credit scores drop, the likelihood of new credit costing more is a near certainty. Some affected consumers will wind up

paying a cumulative cost for receiving one predatory loan.

The Allied convictions also are a reminder of how the Justice Department can use its authority to take action when mortgage lending rules and laws are violated. The future of this vital federal office should be a focal point of the upcoming confirmation hearings. Senate Judiciary committee members must acknowledge that the journey towards fair housing has yet to reach its destination. WI

■ Executive Presentation Coaching ■ Media Training ■ Image Branding ■ On-Camera Coaching Doris McMillon President

nis.com deden

CROWELL from Page 26

speak, and use your own discernment to ascertain the wealth of their words — or lack thereof.

As Woodson intimated, black folks have authentic leaders who have "constructive programs" but who are seldom followed.

Unfortunately, we have more folks drinking the Fool-Aid of hucksters than we have those who refuse it or at least read the label before they are willing to take a drink. But, to borrow a verse from Matthew 7:13, "…

For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it."

Think for yourself, and be willing to accept the consequences thereof. Fool-Aid may taste good, but it will make you very sick. WI

Let us help you develop the communication skills to compete and win!

ww.sa

in line to be paid. They rob the community and blame that same community for not moving forward. How can we move forward with crooks like these among us?

Many people — black, white and otherwise — have drunk the Fool-Aid of folks like Jim Jones in Guyana, David Koresh in Waco, Texas, Marshall Applewhite in San Diego (Hale Bopp Comet), Warren Jeffs in Eldorado, Texas (Yearning for Zion Ranch), and many other cult figures. We have been mesmerized and captivated by individual preachers, politicians and leaders who have absolutely no interest in anything other than their own selfish interests and advancement — usually economic.

So, while the "drinking the Kool-Aid" cliché has become sort of comical and caricature-oriented in its connotation, "drinking the Fool-Aid" gives a much more enlightened description of the dangers that lurk in actualizing the phrase.

I contend that black folks are far too intelligent to be reduced to a bunch of voluntary "FoolAid" drinkers, lapping up every word spoken by anyone, without doing our homework and making sure that what they say is true and illustrated by their subsequent actions. In other words, don't believe everything you hear or read on the internet. Don't be a sycophant for a shyster or a puppet for a prevaricator. Hold their feet to the fire after they

You Can Say It Like A Pro!

ennis/w

CLINGMAN from Page 26

leader at the helm of this important agency. Dr. Carson is not this person.

We know it, Donald Trump knows it, and yes, even Dr. Carson knows it."

The confirmation hearing for Carson should be quite long and entertaining. Just like Trump's choice of Betsy DeVos as secretary of education, the choice of Carson by Trump would indicate that the department is of little to no importance to the incoming president, but that there may be major change in federal housing policy on the horizon. WI

D : Sade Photo

Urban Development is frightening.

He may be a brain surgeon but he is not qualified to run HUD. Donald Trump knows this," Waters asserted in the statement. "During the Republican primary, [Trump] called him a liar, pathological and even violent. Dr. Carson himself has said he is not qualified to lead a federal agency. Now, we are expected to forget these disqualifying statements by both of them and entrust Dr. Carson

with overseeing HUD, which has a budget of $47 billion.

"Millions of Americans rely on HUD assistance to help them access safe, decent, and affordable housing," Waters said. "And they are not all in the inner cities; they are in rural and suburban areas as well. HUD provides critical investments in these areas to spur economic development and house the most vulnerable. This is no easy task. The rural and urban Americans who benefit from HUD programs deserve a strong, qualified

C O M M U N I C AT I O N S

301.292.9141/FAX 301.292.9142/Mobile 703.819.0920 doris@mcmilloncommunications.com/www.mcmilloncommunications.com

AIRLINE CAREERS Get FAA approved maintenance training at campuses coast to coast. Job placement assistance.

Financial Aid for qualifying students. Military friendly.

Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance

800-481-7894

Wow! A Simple to Use Computer Designed Especially for Seniors!

Easy to read. Easy to see.

Easy to use. Just plug it in!

NEW

Now comes with...

Larger 22-inch hi-resolution screen – easier to see 16% more viewing area Simple navigation – so you never get lost Intel processor – lightning fast ®

Computer is in the monitor – No bulky tower Advanced audio, Better speaker configuration – easier to hear

• Send & Receive Emails • Have video chats with family and friends • Surf the Internet: Get current weather and news • Play games Online: Hundreds to choose from!

“I love this computer! It is easy to read and to use! I get photo updates from my children and grandchildren all the time.”

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

– Janet F.

Text to Speech translation – it can even read your emails to you!

U.S. Based Customer Service

Call today! Now available for only $1099 plus shipping and handling.

1-800-416-2997 Please mention promotional code 65331.

81059

BURKE from Page 26

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 45

Are You Still Paying Too Much For Your Medications?

Their Price

Our Price

CelebrexTM $

Celecoxib* $

910.20

Typical US Brand Price for 200mg x 100

You can save up to 93% when you fill your prescriptions with our Canadian and International prescription service.

JACKSON from Page 27

76.67

Generic equivalent of CelebrexTM Generic price for 200mg x 100

Get An Extra $15 Off & Free Shipping On Your 1st Order!

Call the number below and save an additional $15 plus get free shipping on your first prescription order with Canada Drug Center.

Expires June 30, 2016. Offer is valid for prescription orders only and can not be used in conjunction with any other offers. Valid for new customers only. One time use per household. Use code 15FREE to receive this special offer.

Call Now! 800-686-4436 Please note that we do not carry controlled substances and a valid prescription is required for all prescription medication orders.

Use of these services is subject to the Terms of Use and accompanying policies at www.canadadrugcenter.com.

Stay independent and safe in your home!

Discover the world’s best walk-in bath from

Learn How to Save $1,000 on Your New Walk-In Bath

Call Now Toll Free

855.371.5348

or visit us at: www.AmericasBestTub.com

Pick a state! , any state MDDC Press works with fellow press associations across the country to give you the best possible buys on advertising wherever you need it. We take care of scheduling and placement at no extra cost to you, and you save time and money. Call Wanda Smith at ext. 6 today.

Press Service 2000 Capital Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401

1-855-721-6332 www.mddcpress.com

Each week you’ll get news from The District of Columbia, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Northern Virginia.

You will discover Arts and Entertainment, Social Tidbits, Religion, Sports, People’s Viewpoints, Letters to the Editor, Classified Ads and more!

And best of all… No crime, no dirty gossip, just positive news and information each week, which is why…

The Washington Informer is all about you!

Name.......................................................................................................

Address...................................................................................................

City, State, Zip.........................................................................................

Phone number (daytime).........................................................................

Yes! I want to subscribe for: 1 year/$45.00

2years/$60.00

Method of payment: Check Enclosed

Visa/MasterCard

Credit card number..................................................................................

Signature........................................................................................

46 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016

There is little doubt that these measures worked, and cost Clinton the election. In Wisconsin, for example, Trump's margin of victory was 27,000. A record 300,000 registered voters lacked the newly required ID, contributing to the lowest turnout in 20 years. Turnout was down by more than 50,000 in Milwaukee where 70 percent of the state's African-American population lives.

In North Carolina, black turnout was down 16 percent in the first week of early voting, in part because there were 158 fewer polling places in the 40 counties with large numbers of black voters. The targeting was intentional, with Republican officials celebrating the effects. The decision by the right-wing gang of five on the Supreme Court in the Shelby case effectively subverted the victory of the civil rights movement at Selma.

If Russians hacked the Democratic National Committee's and the Clinton campaign's emails to influence the election, it should be investigated. In an election decided by 80,000 votes in three states, it might have made a difference (as almost any-

LAMBERT from Page 27 There is a very real fear from more than a few quarters of the consequences, intended and otherwise, on a country torn asunder by eight years of hyper-partisan bickering between members of both major political parties, intractable Congressional gridlock and politicians more interested in one-upsmanship than governing. That antagonism has filtered down to the people and during the election campaign we saw political differences and disputes rip apart families, longtime friends, partners and co-workers.

Abraham Lincoln in his first inaugural address — as the issues of slavery and secession threatened to tear the U.S. apart — reflected on the importance of Americans remembering that they had much more in com-

ASKIA from Page 27 boycott, which brought the white establishment to its knees.

"Spend money! We'll protect you! We'll give you police protection from the boycotters," the mayor begged at the time.

Then, 30 years later, the good folks of Indianola, Mississippi,

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

thing could in an election that close). But what is clear is that Russian hacking was not nearly as effective as the partisan systematic suppression of the vote.

And that effort is continuing.

Republicans in Missouri took control and moved to institute new voting ID restrictions for the next election. In Wisconsin, Republicans announced plans for new restrictions on early voting.

Why aren't Democrats railing about voter suppression and demanding congressional investigation and action? Why haven't university presidents and civil rights lawyers joined in a national commission to detail the suppression and demand a strengthening of the Voting Rights Act? Why aren't pundits pounding on this, outing the state officials and legislators who did it and exposing the right-wing apparatus that orchestrated it? Is it because Russian interference is more exotic? Is it because neither party thinks suppression of the votes of people of color and the young is an unacceptable outrage?

I urge President Obama to launch an investigation and report on voter suppression to be

released before he leaves office.

President-elect Donald Trump says he wants to be the president of all Americans. If so, he should lead an effort to end voter suppression and to revive the Voting Rights Act. Democratic leaders say they want the party to build a broad majority coalition across lines of race. If so, they should be demanding an investigation of voter suppression and filibustering to force revival of the Voting Rights Act. Inside the beltway, voter suppression isn't hot. Republicans peddle the myth of voter fraud.

Democrats cry foul on Russian interference. Neither party will focus on the biggest scandal of all: the fact that partisans in states across the country acted purposefully to suppress the right to vote of targeted groups of citizens. We didn't win the right to vote from politicians.

Citizens had to march and protest, bleed and die to win that right. We can't count on politicians to defend the right to vote — they, after all, are elected under the distorted rules we have. Citizens of conscience must move to end voter suppression and clean up our elections.

WI

mon than they had differences. "… We are not enemies butfriends. We must not be nemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching across every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, yet will swell the chorus of Union when again touched, as surely as they will be, by the better angels of our nature."

America must employ the better angels of our nature.

As difficult as it appears, with emotions rubbed raw and the wound torn open and bleeding, we as a country must in 2016 and beyond, find ways to bridge the wide chasm that separates us by political affiliation, belief, class, color and ethnicity. To do any less will result in the country descending further

into an abyss of reprisal, retribution, revenge and payback.

In an alienated country divided into "us" versus "them," can we afford to sacrifice some parts of our nation and certain constituencies to save ourselves? It should never be okay to embrace selfishness and destructive behavior born out of a sense of fear and/or privilege.

We would be wise to consider James W. Fulbright's very prudent advice: "We must dare to think 'unthinkable' thoughts.

We must learn to explore all the options and possibilities that confront us in a complex and rapidly changing world.

We must learn to welcome and not to fear the voices of dissent.

We must dare to think about 'unthinkable things' because when things become unthinkable, thinking stops and action becomes mindless." WI

boycotted the downtown business core to protest the treatment of a black candidate for school superintendent. The businesses bought out the contract of the offensive candidate.

We win. We maintain our dignity when we stand our ground.

So count me among those who are not spending this holiday

season. I wish more and more people would join, and boycott spending this holiday season… but if we must spend with blackowned businesses.

Try it. Watch and see how much power we accumulate when we do it. Boycott holiday spending.

WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

USE YOUR MACY’S MONEY NOW: EVEN ON TOP OF COUPONS AND SALE PRICES! 12/16-12/24/16. SEE BELOW

TIME TO CASH IN!

OUR LOWEST PRICES OF THE SEASON ON SELECT STYLES

ONE DAY SALE EXTENDED HOURS! 7AM-MIDNIGHT FRI, DEC. 16 & SAT, DEC. 17

HOURS MAY VARY BY STORE. VISIT MACYS.COM AND CLICK ON STORES FOR LOCAL INFORMATION.

50-80% OFF +

STOREWIDE FREE SHIPPING ONLINE AT $25 VALID 12/16-12/17/2016. PLUS, FREE RETURNS. EXCLUSIONS APPLY; SEE MACYS.COM/FREERETURNS

PLUS, DEALS OF THE DAY AVAILABLE ALL DAY, BOTH DAYS!

OR, USE THIS SAVINGS PASS FRIDAY OR SATURDAY UNTIL 2PM

1O OFF

EXTRA DOLLARS OFF SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE CLOTHING & HOME ITEMS

$

YOUR PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE. LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER.

2O OFF

EXTRA DOLLARS OFF SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE CLOTHING & HOME ITEMS

$

YOUR PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE. LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER.

VALID 12/16 VALID 12/16 ’TIL 2PM OR ’TIL 2PM OR 12/17/16 ’TIL 2PM 12/17/16 ’TIL 2PM Excludes ALL: cosmetics/fragrances, Deals of the Day, Doorbusters/web busters, electrics/electronics, Everyday Values (EDV), furniture/mattresses, Last Act, Macy’s Backstage, rugs, specials, Super Buys, Breville, Coach, Dyson, Fitbit, Frye, Hanky Panky, Jack Spade, Kate Spade, KitchenAid Pro Line, Le Creuset, Levi’s, Locker Room by Lids, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors Studio, Michele watches, Natori, Sam Edelman, Samsung watches, Shun, Stuart Weitzman, The North Face, Theory, Tumi, Vitamix, Wacoal, Wolford, Wüsthof, Tory Burch, UGG, littleBits, 3Doodler, Movado Bold, M

by Macy’s Marketplace, athletic clothing, shoes & accessories, designer jewelry/watches, designer sportswear, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, previous purchases, select licensed depts., services, special orders, special purchases, tech watches/jewelry/accessories, macys.com. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer, except opening a new Macy’s account. Dollar savings are allocated as discounts off each eligible item, as shown on receipt. When you return an item, you forfeit the savings allocated to that item. This coupon has no cash value and may not be redeemed for cash, used to purchase gift cards or applied as payment or credit to your account. Purchase must be $25 or $50 or more, exclusive of tax and delivery fees.

ONE DAY SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 12/16-12/17/2016. MERCHANDISE WILL BE ON SALE AT THESE & OTHER SALE PRICES THROUGH 1/2/2017, EXCEPT AS NOTED. YOUR MACY’S MONEY REWARD CARD may not be: redeemed for cash, used to purchase Macy’s gift cards or applied as payment or credit to your credit card account. If a purchase used to accumulate Macy’s Money is returned, your return may result in a reduction of the value of your Macy’s Money Reward Card and/or a reduction of your total refund amount. The remaining balance of your Macy’s Money Reward Card will reflect the Macy’s Money amount you qualify for after deducting the returned item(s) from your original purchase amount. For more information, go to macys.com/macysmoney

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2016 47

©2016 The Coca-Cola Company. All Rights Reserved.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Coke Holiday - Kiss Couple

48 DECEMBE 15 - 21, 2016 Publication:Washington Informer

Job No: cc20868a11

Bleed:

Line Screen: 100

Description: Coke Holiday Publication: Washington Informer

Live:

Output: 280

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER Client Name: Coca-Cola NAAS WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM Trim: 9.5" x 12.38" Scale: