WINNER OF THREE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS D.C. AWARDS DL Hughley Shares Timely Insights Page 33 Vol. 57, No. 7 • December 2 - 8, 2021
Biden Administration Pivots as New Coronavirus Strain Detected Worldwide President Asserts, Omicron Variant: ‘Cause for Concern, Not Cause for Panic’ D. Kevin McNeir and Stacy Brown WI Senior Editor and WI Senior Writer On Monday, Nov. 29, President Joe Biden addressed the nation during a somber press conference, informing Americans about a recently-detected mutation of the coronavirus which has surfaced in several countries around the globe. And while the U.S. has no confirmed cases as of Monday, the president urged Americans to remain calm as scientists work to determine the strength of the new Omicron variant of the
coronavirus which appears to be more contagious than previous strains and potentially immune to current vaccines. The latest COVID-19 variant threatens to further stall recovery from the nearly twoyear-old pandemic and has Americans fearful of another spike in infections and deaths and shutdown this winter. But the president advised citizens to remain calm. “We have the best vaccine in the world. The best medicines, the best scientists and we’re learning more every single day,” Biden asserted.
VARIANT Page 38
Evelyn Spriggs Ford Joins D.C.’s Elite Cohort of Centenarians Friends Join ‘Birthday Girl’ and Her Five Daughters for Ward 5 Celebration D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Editor
5 J.D. McKissic (41) dives for a touchdown in the Washington Football Team's win over the Seattle Seahawks, 17-15, at Fedex Field in Landover, MD during Monday night football. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)
Evelyn Spriggs Ford held centerstage on Tuesday, Nov. 30 as the newest member of an elite, highly-cherished and much-beloved cadre of native Washingtonians who can boast of having experienced a century of life and can point to scores of unforgettable memories. And on her 100th birthday, Ford received her flowers and gifts and enjoyed a serenade of songs and prayers during a festive luncheon at Model Cities Wellness Center in Northeast that brought more than 50 well-wishers, including several of her best senior girlfriends, to the party. The Ward 5 facility, which served as the venue for Mrs.
DCPS Teachers Bemoan Standardized Testing and Data Collection Mandates Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer District education officials spent much of the summer pledging to meet students’ social and emotional needs upon their return to in-person learning
but a growing contingent of teachers have taken to social media and other forums to say that it has been business as usual in the public school system. One particular qualm centers on data collection mandates and new assessments that teachers of var-
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5 Evelyn Spriggs Ford (Roy Lewis/ The Washington Informer)
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Dr. Rickey Payton, Sr. Named Artist-in-Residence for Imagination Stage Veteran music producer and D.C. native, Dr. Rickey Payton, Sr., has been named Artist-in-Residence at Imagination Stage for the 2021-2022 season. Payton, who attended Cardoza High School and Howard University, has distinguished himself as a composer and teacher, traveling the world as a performer and choir director. In 1997, he founded the Urban Nation H.I.P. H.O.P. Choir who will present a holiday concert, “Sounds of the Season,” Dec. 17 – 19 at the Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda. “We are delighted to have Rickey working closely with us this year, bringing his prodigious talent, energy and experience to Imagination Stage. He has been a friend of the organization for decades and I am happy to formalize that relationship,” said
Janet Stanford, producing artistic director, Imagination Stage. “The arts have no barriers nor boundaries. Regardless of race, creed, color or religion, art lives within the heart,” Payton said. “This credo jives well with Imagination Stage’s mission of empowering young people to discover their voice and identity through performing arts education and professional theatre.” For more information or tickets, visit www.imaginationstage. org. or call 301-280-1660. WI
‘Severe Obsession’ Driving Prosecutor to Appeal Bill Cosby’s Freedom to Supreme Court
In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032 Phone: 202 561-4100 Fax: 202 574-3785 news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com
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4 DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021
When Kevin Steele ran for Montgomery County District Attorney in 2015, much of his campaign centered on one theme: prosecute Bill Cosby. Now, nearly six months after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned Cosby’s conviction, Steele has taken the unusual approach of appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court. Steele wants the nation’s highest court to intervene in a non-federal matter to overturn the state court’s decision and send Cosby back to prison. Cosby served just two months shy of his minimum 3-to-10-year prison sentence when the state Supreme Court determined that the prosecution violated his constitutional rights and that Steele acted “reprehensibly” when trying the entertainer. “Severe obsession,” Cosby spokesman Andrew Wyatt wrote of Steele in a statement this week. “Unwilling to accept its epic loss in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court,
the Montgomery County District Attorney has now filed a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court,” Wyatt said. After vacating Cosby’s conviction in June, Chief Justice Max Baer blasted Steele for going back on an agreement Cosby struck with former District Attorney Bruce Castor. He emphasized that the court’s decision wasn’t to protect Cosby but “13 million Pennsylvanians against that kind of conduct.” Several legal experts said this week that the U.S. Supreme Court typically doesn’t wade into the rulings of a state’s high court unless it conflicts with the decisions of other state high courts or the federal court of appeals. “This is a pathetic last-ditch effort that will not prevail,” Wyatt insisted. “The Montgomery County District Attorney’s fixation with Mr. Cosby is troubling, to say the least.” Visit www.washingtoninformer.com for the full story. WI
Bowser Announces New Traffic Safety Enhancements Around Schools Mayor Muriel Bowser, Chief Robert J. Contee, III of the Metropolitan Police Department and District Department of Transportation Interim Director Everett Lott recently announced new traffic safety enhancements around schools. “Ensuring our young people have everything they need to succeed means keeping them safe before, during and after school. Whether that’s through Safe Passage, through the shuttle bus program, or through enhanced traffic enforcement, we know it’s a community-wide effort,” Bowser said.
The Metropolitan Police Department [MPD] initiated a traffic safety campaign targeting safety in school zones on Nov. 29, in concert with the District’s Vision Zero Initiative, MPD’s Traffic Safety and Specialized Enforcement Section and developed a plan to target traffic enforcement and education in the areas around schools in each police district. Bowser also highlighted MPD’s upcoming Youth Summit, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Eastern High School. The Summit will allow youth to engage in open dialogue regarding the problems they face in their communities. “The summit is not intended for us adults to just give information and tools to our youth but rather to provide a space for us to listen to the concerns of our young people and to hear their ideas and solutions,” Contee said. WI
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EdFEST, DC’s Annual Public School Fair, Returns Online Submitted by My School DC
Trash Pickup Drive Takes Place in Anacostia, Fairlawn Areas James Wright WI Staff Writer
Over 20 volunteers gathered on Nov. 27 to pick up trash in Ward 8’s Anacostia and Fairlawn neighborhoods. Salim Adofo, the chairman of the 8C advisory neighborhood commission who also chairs the District’s chapter of the National Black United Front, spearheaded the trash pickup. “It is up to us to clean up our neighborhoods,” Adofo said at the start of the event. The trash pickup in Ward 8 occurred as a national conversation on citizen-driven cleaning up of neighborhoods begins to take shape. Penn Today, a publication of the University of Pennsylvania, revealed in an article “Cleaning up Vacant Lots Makes Neighborhoods Safer,” published March 2018, that cleaning up trash-laden homes and blocks can dramatically influence how one perceives the community in which they reside. The article reported neighborhoods where vacant lots were cleaned up experienced a 29% reduction in gun violence, 22% decrease in burglaries and 30% drop in nuisances like noise complaints and illegal dumping. Additionally, the article reported residents living near those cleaned up spaces having 58% fewer security concerns and more than
75% saying they participated in more outdoor recreational activities. Picking up the Trash Adofo, residents of the Anacostia and Fairlawn neighborhoods and members of the Gamma Theta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. of Hampton University started their work in the front lawn of Anacostia High School. Each volunteer received a trash bag and a stick to pick up the garbage. At the high school, the volunteers pick up mainly crumbled sheets of paper and cups. After they finished at the high school, the volunteers proceeded west until they arrived at the 1500 block of 16th Street., S.E., where they encountered beer cans, plastic plates, papers, milk cartons, cans, condoms and face masks and a pink kitchen sink in the wooded area across the street beneath the pedestrian bridge. The volunteers proceeded north on Fairlawn Street., S.E. to pick up trash. They stopped at the intersection of Fairlawn Street and 18th Street., S.E. and headed south to collect the full trash bags they left on the curbs of the street for retrieval. The trash pickup drive ended a few yards short of the 1500 block of 16th Street., S.E. near the wooded area. Building Enthusiasm for Picking up Trash
Join us for DC’s public school fair – online! 2021
5 Members of the Gamma Theta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. of Hampton University stand behind trash they helped pick up in Ward 8. (James Wright/The Washington Informer)
EdFEST, DC’s annual public school fair, is back Saturday, December 11, to help families connect directly with DC Public Schools and public charter schools on an online platform. Families who have questions or concerns about their student’s next educational step are encouraged to register for free today to gain access. My School DC, the public school lottery, is hosting the event, now in its eighth year. EdFEST will be held online from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families will have the opportunity to talk to representatives from more than 200 schools, as well as community pre-K providers and other family support organizations. Finding the time in busy schedules to tour different schools can be an immense challenge for many families. In addition, many schools are currently not able to welcome families to their campuses for tours. EdFEST allows families to conveniently and meaningfully connect with every school that they are interested in on the same day from their personal devices. The event is held ahead of the launch of the public school lottery application on Dec. 13, 2021 for the 2022-23 school year. The deadline for applications for Grades 9-12 is Feb. 1, 2022, and for PK3 through Grade 8 is March 1, 2022. Preschool in DC is free, but families must apply through the lottery to receive a seat. The event is free. Students and families can go to MySchoolDC.org to register. Those who register will receive an email with instructions about how to log in and navigate the virtual platform on the day of the event. Registrants will retain access to the platform for 30 days after the live event. The easy-to-use virtual platform will work on any internet-connected device. The platform provides everyone a way to communicate live with school representatives and learn about the public school lottery. “While we miss connecting with students and families in person, we are excited to bring EdFEST to homes and mobile devices this year,” said Amy Lerman, My School DC Executive Director. “We want everyone to find the school that’s best for their family.” Language interpretation is available in Spanish, Amharic, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, and American Sign Language. Families who need support registering for the event or have questions about the lottery process can call the My School DC hotline at 202-888-6336.
Get your school questions answered by representatives from more than 200 DCPS and public charter schools, all gathered in one place.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11 | 10 AM – 1PM REGISTER FOR FREE today at MySchoolDC.org LOTTERY APPLICATION DEADLINES February 1 – Grades 9 – 12 | March 1 – PK3 – Grade 8
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1859 – White abolitionist John Brown is hanged in Charlestown, Virginia, for leading the raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. 1884 – Inventor Granville T. Woods patents the telephone transmitter. 1891 – Charles Wesley, historian and educator who served as president of Wilberforce University and Central State University, is born in Louisville, Kentucky. 1922 – Politician and civil rights leader Charles C. Diggs, the first African American elected to Congress from Michigan, is born in Detroit. 1969 – Marie Van Brittan Brown patents a home security system with television surveillance. 1975 – Ohio State running back Archie Griffin (top) becomes the first person ever to win consecutive Heisman Trophies. 1989 – Andre Ware of the University of Houston becomes the first African American quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy.
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1784 – Phyllis Wheatley, the first published African American female poet, dies in Boston at 31. 1931 – Singer James Cleveland, "The King of Gospel Music," is born in Chicago. 1932 – Music icon Little Richard is born in Macon, Georgia. 1935 – Mary McLeod Bethune (above) founds National Council of Negro Women in New York City. 1957 – New York became the first city to legislate against racial or religious discrimination in the housing market with adoption of Fair Housing Practices Law.
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1932 – Richard B. Spikes patents the automatic gearshift. 1936 – Richard Francis Jones becomes first African American certified in urology. 1949 – Blues legend Huddie "Leadbelly" Ledbetter dies in New York City at 60. 1967 – Madame Lillian Evanti, famed African American opera singer, dies in Washington, D.C., at 77.
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1942 – Reginald Lewis, the first African American business owner to build a billion-dollar company, is born in Baltimore.
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1868 – Henry Hugh Proctor, a minister, author and lecturer who formed the basis for the Atlanta Music Festival, is born outside Fayetteville, Tenn. 1925 – Famed singer and entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. is born in New York City. WI
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It’s been two years since I’ve seen my children, my grandsons, my big sister and other members of my family. Two years since COVID-19 first came on the scene, destroying the traditions and ways of life that were once the norm and which I had grown to enjoy so much. I suppose I took life for granted as many others apparently did. Where I once frequented my favorite restaurants around the DMV on at least two or three nights a week, now I make the best of cooking meals. At least my culinary skills have improved. Just two years ago, jumping on a plane or hoping a train for parts unknown was something I did with regularity. Now, I have resolved myself to taking long walks with the dogs while shopping at places that are within walking distance so as to avoid public transportation or being forced to pay ridiculously high Uber prices. Again, the daily walks, both with my two “little girls,” that is, my dogs, or humping it to CVS, Staples or the corner grocery store have resulted in improved health, so it hasn’t been all bad. But I want to go home for the holidays. I want to live the words
that are expressed in the holiday classic, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” I want to sit and listen to my seven-year-old grandson as he chatters and babbles and calls my name, “Granddaddy,” over and over again. Once that was bit annoying – now I long for it. I want to chill with my oldest grandson, a freshman in college, whose graduation had to be conducted virtually and who I worry about because of the loss of so many rites of passage in which he could not engage because of the coronavirus and related shutdowns and cancellations.
Just two years ago, jumping on a plane or hoping a train for parts unknown was something I did with regularity. Now, I have resolved myself to taking long walks with the dogs while shopping at places that are within walking distance so as to avoid public transportation or being forced to pay ridiculously high Uber prices.
It’s times like these that I really miss my mother and my many aunts and uncles and my dad and the grandparents and the cousins – loved ones with whom I celebrated Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Day and any other event that allowed us to get together and praise God for life, health and strength. And we did have some glorious family get togethers. It’s funny because when we’re children, we never think about that time when we will become the elders and have the responsibility of leading the family, guiding our youth or figuring out solutions to difficult challenges. But that’s where I stand today. I have become the elder. So, I cannot give up or give in. And that’s okay. Because while life has changed in ways I could have never imagined, and while the world continues to undergo a paradigm shift of immense proportion, I still know that I am not alone. My faith remains strong. In fact, I have finally been able to turn over many of my fears, struggles concerns and even my rare moments of despair to God. Meanwhile, as my parents taught me, I know that the ancestors continue to walk with me – sometimes in front of me to lead the way, sometimes behind me to give me a gentle nudge and sometimes beside me so that I can lean on them when I have grown weary. It’s gonna be alright. And so will I. WI
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James Wright WI Staff Writer The sudden resignation of longtime D.C. Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commission Executive Director Gottlieb Simon in October has commissioners pondering the qualities they want in a permanent successor. Advisory neighborhood commissions [ANC] are non-partisan bodies of locally-elected representatives. Their administrative affairs are handled by the executive director. Nearly 300 commissioners represent about 2,000 residents throughout the city in single-member districts. They advise District government agencies, the D.C. Council and federal officials on policies affecting their districts ranging from zoning to liquor licenses. Commissioners receive no compensation and serve two-year terms. District voters elect commissioners on even-numbered election years. D.C. Councilmember Robert White (D-At Large) has taken the charge in leading the search for the new executive director. He held a hearing on the matter on Nov. 30 as the chairman of the Committee on Government Operations and Facilities. In October, the D.C. Council approved Schannette Grant, who worked as the chief of staff to then D.C. Councilmember Jack Evans, as the interim executive director. No timetable has been made public on when the permanent successor to Simon will be hired. The change in the leadership at the ANC central office takes place as the redistricting of commissioner single-member districts starts in January. Additionally, the successor to Simon will have to learn about the job and the dozens of rules and regulations of the agency and deal with the personalities of hundreds of commissioners throughout the city, Tyrell M. Holcomb, the chairman of commission 7F in Ward 7, explained to The Informer. Gordon Fletcher, a candidate for the 2022 Democratic nomination for the Ward 5 council seat,
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5 Tyrell M. Holcomb serves as the chairman of the 7F Commission in Ward 7. (WI File Photo)
Advisory neighborhood commissions [ANC] are non-partisan bodies of locally-elected representatives. serves as the commissioner for 5A08 and said “we need someone who understands the work of advisory neighborhood commissions.” “They need to understand what commissioners do day-to-day,” he said. “It would help if this person has experience as a commissioner. More important, we need someone who is not new to the District of Columbia, has about seven or eight years of experience living in or being around the city and knows what is happening here.” Barbara J. Clark, who serves as the commissioner for 8A02 in Ward 8, Clark said she wants the next executive director to be im-
partial in dealing with the various commissions. “I want someone who will be fair,” she said. “We need someone who will be interested in the problems of commissions. All commissions are not alike. The executive director should be the one who can tell commissioners what needs to get done and how it should be done.” Additionally, Clark said the ANC office should be reorganized so it will have a zoning and a legal expert on staff to assist commissioners. Holcomb has laid out his criteria for the new executive director. “One, that person should have the full support of the D.C. Council, including D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, and be allowed to do their job,” he said. “Plus, the new executive director must understand the dynamics of each commission. Serving as a commissioner in Ward 7 is different from serving as a commissioner in Ward 2.” Finally, Holcomb said the new executive director “must understand the role that the commission plays in the city.” WI @JamesDCWrighter
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Laide Daramola with 4-year-old twin daughters Abigail (Abi) and Valerie (Vivi) at the Macy’s billboard for the Believe Campaign in Brentwood, Maryland featuring the twins for Make-A-Wish (MAW). Abi, who has been diagnosed with a blood disorder, celebrated her wish coming true with a special billboard reveal on December 1. Pictured: (L-R) Jessica Pettit (MAW), Leslie Creedon (MAW), Kaitlyn Mattsson (Macy’s), Vivi, Laide Daramola, Abi, and Michelle Packer (MAW) (Shevry Lassiter/ The Washington Informer)
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10 DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021
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D.C. Delta Sigma Theta Chapter Sponsors Political Training for Women James Wright WI Staff Writer A District chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., has held a training academy for the past several years designed to help young women learn about and become engaged in the city’s political process. The Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta sponsors the Claudia L. McKoin Public Service & Leadership Training Academy annually beginning each January. The academy has been designed to increase the number of women of color, particularly those who reside in the chapter’s service area of Wards 5,7 and 8, in the District’s public policy development and to assist them in running for elected office. “We encourage Black women to be politically involved,” said Toni Harper, the president of the Federal City chapter. “Even though we operate the program with the women in our service area in mind, the program is open to any woman who resides in the District. We want to give women, especially young women, the tools and the resources to run for office.” Harper’s chapter operates the academy as African-American women in the District continue to play integral political roles. Eleanor Holmes Norton has worked as the District’s delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives since 1991 and Muriel Bowser has managed the city as its mayor since 2015. The majority of the members of the D.C. Council count as female. Additionally, the 2020 census reveals 52.47% of the District’s residents are female. Specifics of the McKoin Academy The McKoin Academy got its name from a former president of the chapter, Harper said. “The program was created in honor of Claudia McKoin,” she said. “Soror McKoin worked in the government for many years as an attorney and was a mover and shaker behind the scenes.” Harper said the chapter developed the academy in 2012 and 2013 and started its first class in 2014. The program doesn’t require its participants
We all know that Black talent — actors, directors, screenwriters — have been historically under-represented on the red carpet. What gets less attention is that those who adorn A-listers on star-studded nights tend to be giant luxury brands, not independent designers, including Black fashion and jewelry designers.
5 Ward 8 resident Sheila Bunn coleads the Claudia L. McKoin Public Service & Leadership Training Academy sponsored by the Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (WI File Photo)
to have a college degree and has no fee for participation but does insist that participants be at least 18-yearsold before they can enroll. “You must have a desire to give back to the community,” Harper said. The program has featured speakers who include: Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson (I-At Large) and Rosie Allen-Herring, the president and CEO of the United Way of the National Capital Area and a past president of the chapter. Mayor Bowser has also sent remarks to program participants. Sheila Bunn, a Ward 8 resident who works as the chief of staff for D.C. Councilmember Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7), serves as a co-chair for the McKoin Academy. With fellow chapter member Naomi Kinney. Bunn said she jumped at the chance
In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, there has been a new focus on celebrating and promoting Black creative talent. In the jewelry world, the De Beers Group created an initiative to ensure Black jewelry designers had a chance to have their work seen on red carpets around the world. Their #BlackIsBrilliant program pairs Black jewelry designers, including Matthew Harris of Mateo and Jameel Mohammed of Khiry, with some of the most famed stylists working today to create bespoke jewels for today’s stars, in the hopes that deserving creative work begins to get an equal spotlight in every realm of creative talent. Using natural diamonds from Botswana, a country whose economy has thrived thanks to the revenue produced through ådiamond mining, sorting and grading, these talented designers are creating true masterpieces that turn a page in infusing high jewelry with modernity and freshness.
https://www.debeersgroup.com/campaigns/black-is-brilliant to volunteer her services. “I was asked to take on this,” she said. “What we offer is near and dear to my heart. I decided to do it out of the memory of my father, James Bunn, who was a political activist in Ward 8 and because I am a Black female. I want to help inspire and
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motivate women of color. We need more women of color in elected office.” Bunn said the program initially took place over a six-month period with meetings one Saturday each month. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the sessions have re-
cently occurred on Zoom for about five hours, still on Saturdays. “We cover such topics as political messaging, how to brand yourself and how to tell your story,” Bunn said. “We have a great lineup of
POLITICAL Page 45 DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021 11
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Vehicles Emissions, Energy Policy Part of Prince George’s Climate Plan
William J. Ford WI Staff Writer
Recommendations to combat climate change in Prince George’s County include reducing vehicle emissions by 50% starting in 2030 and creating a resident advisory group to interact with county decision-makers. Those are two of the dozens of recommendations highlighted in a more than 200-page report from the county’s 16-member Climate Action Commission. Kim Crews, president of the Cool Spring Civic Association in Adelphi, offered a few remedies Friday, Nov. 26 such as more adequate pick-up times for bulky trash and imposing at least a five-cent plastic bag fee. Every Saturday, Crews said she and others from various neighborhoods walk up to five miles picking up trash along the northwest branch of the Anacostia River.
“Sometimes, we have to wait a month for bulky trash pickup,” she said. “If we had better bulky trash pickup and had the bag tax, you would see a reduced amount of litter refill. We think these would be some easy fixes.” The commission that includes county, municipal and higher education officials, worked on recommendations this year to improve the environment. One piece of data presented this summer showed the combined forest and tree canopy coverage in the county at 52% with a goal to increase that percentage in the next 14 years. The commission posted a revised plan Nov. 10. Some of the proposals in the plan with possible adoption by County Council next year include: Register about 15% of vehicles in the county as electric vehicles by 2030, which would be part of a statewide initiative. Prioritize energy projects in underserved communities.
5 Prince George’s County’s TheBus on a route Nov. 27 near Prince George’s Plaza in Hyattsville. There’s a proposal to purchase electric vehicles including buses as part of the county’s fleet to help improve the environment. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
Expand and encourage food and climate education in county public schools and community college’s agricultural/urban farming curriculum. Sponsor a climate-ready leadership summit that compares what other jurisdictions are doing; analyze costs to become climate resilient and assess health, financial and food shortage impacts to the county. Monique Taylor, president of the Camp Springs Civic Association, said the county should focus on more economic development and less on residential construction. “If we are trying to reduce emissions
and we are continuing to tear down trees, that is contradictory to helping the environment,” she said. [Economic development is] not impossible but it is hard. Just have to work harder at bringing it to Prince George’s County.”
STATEWIDE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
More than a week later after the commission revised a countywide plan, the Maryland League of Conservation Voters released its annual report card on state lawmakers’
Prince George’s Zoning Approval Described ARETHAas ‘A Proud Moment’ DISTRICT24
5 A portion of the new 43 zones in Prince George’s County slated to go into effect in April. (Screen shot: Courtesy of Prince George’s County)
12 DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021
William J. Ford WI Staff Writer After seven years of public hearings, editing thousands of documents and arranging boundary lines, the Prince George’s County Council unanimously approved a new zoning and subdivision ordinance slated to go into effect April 1. The vote marked the last step for Prince George’s to overhaul a more than 50-year-old zoning ordinance which officials said limited development, incorporated out-of-date language and made the zoning process much easier. County Council made the vote Monday, Nov. 29 while serving as the District Council to assess
land use and zoning matters. Besides council and planning staff, council members Todd Turner and Dannielle Glaros received credit in leading the effort to approve a “countywide map amendment” to decrease zones from 73 to 43 and consolidate various uses from 1,200 to 250, officially. Turner (D-District 4) of Bowie and Glaros (D-District 3) of Riverdale Park will complete their second, four-year terms in December 2022. “As the community believes in the importance of us having a modern-day ordinance
ZONING Page 21
work on the environment. The watchdog and advocacy group of Annapolis assessed this year’s work from Gov. Larry Hogan and the General Assembly based on four factors: energy policy, environmental justice, land and water protection and transportation. The group assessed a “D” grade for the Hogan administration on environmental justice and transportation based on its “inability or reluctance to take concerted, strategic action to respond to the climate crisis far outweighs its accomplishments.” Hogan’s administration garnered a “C” for land and water protection for its support in funding land preservation and open space programs and Chesapeake Bay restoration fund. However, the governor opposed science-based oyster fisheries management and sanctuaries. The best grade of a “B-” focused on energy policy because of Hogan’s support for wind projects off the Ocean City coast and a focus to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The league assessed perfect grades for 16 lawmakers for their votes on environmental legislation during this year’s 90-day session that include three from Prince George’s County: Sen. Paul Pinsky (D-District 22) of University Park and Del. Mary Lehman (D-District 21) of Laurel. Former Del. Erek Barron of Mitchellville also received a perfect score but resigned after he received confirmation Sept. 30 to become the state’s first Black U.S. attorney for Maryland. As a group, the legislature received a “B” for its policy work on environmental justice and transportation. The high grade received praise for lawmakers passing a bill to replace buses with the Maryland Transit Administration with zero-emission buses and mandate the Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities “be more representative of and responsive to impacted communities.” Lawmakers also received a “C” for land and water protection for passage of a stormwater management bill that requires the state Department of the Environment to update regulations every five years. However, lawmakers in the state Senate failed to approve a statewide ban on plastic bags. The worst grade of a “D” resulted from a conference committee of House and Senate lawmakers failing to compromise on the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2021. The league called the disagreement for not passing the bill “a critical failure for Maryland.” WI @jabariwill
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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Maryland General Assembly Prepares for Special Session William J. Ford WI Staff Writer The Maryland General Assembly will hold a rare special session Monday, Dec. 6 to review and possibly adopt new congressional districts. But the session in Annapolis will also allow lawmakers to override several vetoes made by Gov. Larry Hogan after this year’s 90-day session. Some of the bills include implementing a marketing plan for the Purple Line light-rail project in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties and requiring the state Health Department to work with local health departments on specific ways to combat COVID-19. Sen. Malcolm Augustine (D-District 47) of Cheverly wants to remind Marylanders the session will also involve the legislature choosing a new state treasurer. Nancy Kopp, who served as the state’s second longest treasurer, announced in October she plans to resign next month after being elected to the position in 2002. “You see how many of the decisions on the largest of contracts that
come through on the Board of Public Works,” he said. “[State treasurer] is a critical position to the state of Maryland.” The legislature chooses a state treasurer to serve on the three-member Board of Public Works that oversees state spending and approves millions of dollars in government contracts on road, construction and other projects. One of the people interested in the treasurer position: Del. Dereck E. Davis (D-District 25) of Mitchellville. If selected, he would fill Kopp’s term that ends in 2023 and would step down from his post as chair of the House’s Economic Matters Committee. “Dereck Davis . . . deeply understands the legislature and understands the state of Maryland,” Augustine said. “I think he will just be an outstanding representative on that Board of Public Works. I am very much looking forward to him being there and being a voice for the people in the state of Maryland.” Davis couldn’t be reached for comment Friday or Saturday. The redistricting proposal antici-
SESSION Page 23
5 Del. Dereck E. Davis, speaking at a campaign kickoff Oct. 22 for LaTasha Ward, seeks to become Maryland State Treasurer. If elected, he would join the state’s Board of Public Works that approves millions of dollars in government contracts. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
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pates receiving plenty of discussion when lawmakers meet in Annapolis next week. A Maryland Legislative Advisory Committee chose a proposed congressional map Nov. 23 that would realign one of the state’s districts to offer more competition for the only Republican representative on Capitol Hill. By a 4-2 vote, the 1st Congressional district overseen by Rep. Andy Harris would stretch across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge into portions of Democratic neighborhoods in Anne Arundel County. The district currently runs north and south with a heavy GOP influence along the Eastern Shore and portions of Baltimore, Harford and Carroll counties. A portion of the map would shift Maryland’s state capital of Annapolis in Anne Arundel into the 4th Congressional district, which becomes an open seat because Rep. Anthony Brown has chosen to seek the office of Maryland attorney general. The population data shows the district that
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SYSTEMIC CHALLENGES REQUIRE BOLD LEADERSHIP Democrat Wes Moore for Governor. Wes Moore is running for Governor to Expand Economic Opportunity by:
→
Increasing wages, providing more job training opportunities, and closing the wealth gap.
→ Ensuring public schools prepare all our children for success, with more career training for kids and additional social workers and counselors in our schools.
→ Empowering Marylanders to build small businesses with expanded access to capital – especially for minority-owned and womenowned businesses
“
Wes Moore believes that no matter where you start in life, we all deserve a pathway to success.
“My childhood was defined by trauma, loss, and financial insecurity. But thanks to the support of my mother, I went on to graduate from Johns Hopkins, earn a Rhodes Scholarship, and lead soldiers in combat in Afghanistan as a Captain in the U.S. Army. I built a successful business in Maryland and most recently was CEO of one of the nation’s largest anti-poverty nonprofits. Of the many titles I’ve held over the years, I’m most proud of: son, husband, and father. My wife Dawn and I are raising our children right here in Maryland where I was born. Together, we will turn this moment into a movement. Join us.”
E D Q IAmWesMoore
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info@WesMoore.com
By Authority: Wes Moore for Maryland, Lissa Muscatine, Treasurer. Use of military rank, job titles and photographs in uniform do not imply endorsement from the Department of Defense.
DIGITAL Page 16
14 DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021
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BUSINESS D.C. Economy Grows as Jobless Claims Decline
James Wright WI Staff Writer
The District has become part of the national trend of economic growth and falling unemployment claims despite the presence of the coronavirus pandemic. On Nov. 24, WTOP reported the number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits plummeted the prior week to the lowest level in more than 50 years. Overall, two million Americans collected traditional unemployment the week that ended Nov. 13, down slightly from the week before. Nationally, jobless claims dropped by 71,000 to 199,000, the lowest since mid-November
1969. However, seasonal adjustments near the Thanksgiving holiday contributed significantly to the bigger-than-expected drop. Unadjusted claims increased by more than 18,000 to nearly 259,000. The recent fall in joblessness contrasts with the economic picture last year. Due to the pandemic, which started in March according to public health experts, employers cut more than 22 million jobs. Additionally, businesses closed or cut hours of employees and many Americans stayed at home with the encouragement of government officials, as a health precaution. The federal government re-
5 A help wanted sign points to a better tomorrow. (Courtesy photo)
sponded with stimulus checks for millions of Americans, a special pandemic unemployment insurance payment of $300 and an extension of jobless benefits for gig workers. In the District, the Bowser administration offered a onetime payment for unemployed District residents during December 2020.
PANDEMIC NOTWITHSTANDING, D.C. HAS JOBS
The D.C. Department of Employment Services [DOES] recently announced that the city’s unemployment rate sat at 6.3%, a decrease of 0.3% from the revised September rate of 6.6%. In the Washington metropolitan area, the October jobless rate stood at 4.1%.
Small Business Saturday
DSLBD Director Kristi Whitfield and SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman visited Eastern Market to do a little shopping in Ward 6 on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 27. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)
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Ward 3 had the lowest unemployment rate with 2.9% while Wards 7 and 8 had the highest jobless numbers with 9.6% and 13%, respectively. DOES Director Dr. Unique Hughes-Morris praised the city’s economic progress. “DOES is proud of the role we have played in the District’s recovery from the pandemic,” she said. “We remain committed to connecting eager, motivated District residents to good paying jobs that will offer them a fair shot at economic security.” DOES data reveals an increase of 13,300 jobs for a total of 763,800 jobs in the District in September. Specifically, the private sector increased by 13,200 jobs while the public sector added 100 jobs. The number of employed District residents grew by 2,000 from 384,400 in September to 386,400 in October.
THE WOES OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS CLAIMS
When many District businesses and government agencies shut down in March 2020, the city’s unemployment compensation experienced a phenomenal growth in claims. DOES statistics report that the agency received over 165,000 individual unemployment insurance claims, more than the previous five years combined. The exponential increase in claims created a backlog lasting throughout the year that frustrated potential unemployment benefits recipients and District lawmakers alike. Claimants spoke of lengthy delays for assistance on phones and experiencing an extensive wait before receiving their money. In February, the Bowser administration allocated $11 million to deal with these issues with more customer service representatives available by telephone, a chatbox on the DOES website for quicker responses and a robocall-text system designed to answer claimants quicker. A spokesperson for the agency said in an email “DOES pays all eligible unemployment insurance claims in a timely manner.” “In August, DOES launched an updated, mobile comparable unemployment insurance claims portal to make filing easier for D.C. workers,” the spokesperson said. WI @JamesDCWrighter
DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021 15
NATIONAL Duke Ellington School of the Arts Expresses Support for Dave Chappelle Counters Reports about Contention between Comedian and Students Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer Amid the controversy surrounding Dave Chappelle’s Netflix comedy special “The Closer,” Chappelle continues to engage his detractors, some of whom include students at his alma mater who oppose the naming of a school theater in his honor.
As reports continue to surface about Chappelle’s recent surprise visit to the Duke Ellington School of the Arts [DESA], school officials have set out to counter a narrative that pits Chappelle against the group of students who asked questions during that hour-long event. “While there has been extensive media coverage about the theatre
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5 Comedian Dave Chappelle during a visit to Duke Ellington Sr. High School in 2017. (WI File Photo)
naming and Chappelle’s most recent visit to the school, the source stories that have gone viral have been inaccurate, devoid of context and neglected to include the nuances of art,” DESA’s November 28 statement said “Although it appears that the clear majority of students at Ellington favor naming the theater for Dave Chappelle, we are seizing this moment to demonstrate the importance of carefully listening to every voice within our diverse and inclusive community,” the statement continued. “Our purpose is not to form a uniformity of viewpoints but to help instill genuine, respectful curiosity in perspectives that challenge one’s own,” it said. Earlier this year, DESA officials postponed an event commemorating the school theater’s renaming after a contingent of students, in response to Chappelle’s comments about transgender people in “The Closer,” threatened to stage a protest. This development followed a walkout of Netflix employees and ongoing backlash among transgender community members and activists about portions of the comedy special in which Chappelle lampoons transgender outrage about his past commentary. The controversy surrounding “The Closer” revealed schisms between segments of the Black community along the lines of age and sexual identity. While LBGTQA+ activists highlight instances of anti-trans violence, Chappelle supporters continue to describe what they call the LGBTQA+’s political influence that seems to over-
shadow that of Black people. On Sunday night, Chappelle took to Instagram and encouraged his critics to donate to DESA, saying that if more people contribute funds in opposition to the school’s theater renaming than in support, then he’ll step aside. In his post, he quipped “talk is cheap, unless I do it” and told naysayers to “shut the f-ck up - forever.” In their statement, DESA officials remained steadfast in their commitment to name the school theater after Chappelle, as requested by DESA’s late founder Peggy Cooper Cafritz. Neither DESA nor representatives of DESA’s parent group, the Student Home Association of Duke Ellington, responded to The Informer’s inquiry about Chappelle’s visit. In years’ past, Chappelle, a 1991 DESA graduate, has made several vis-
Earlier this year, DESA officials postponed an event commemorating the school theater’s renaming after a contingent of students, in response to Chappelle’s comments about transgender people in “The Closer,” threatened to stage a protest.
its to his alma mater and helped raise at least $500,000 annually for arts programming. In 2015, he served as DESA’s commencement speaker. A few years later, while presenting an award at the Emmys, Chappelle went off script and shouted out DC Public Schools, which then became a trending topic on Twitter for several hours. While she acknowledged the feelings of students who disagreed with Chappelle, DESA alumna Jocelyn McClure said Chappelle has always cared about the Ellington community and the Ellington community at large has cared about every member of the student body. In speaking about the controversy surrounding “The Closer,” McClure said people must examine the totality of a person and their contributions to society before judging them. She pointed out that despite the backlash the comedy special received, it has compelled even some members of the transgender community to express their support for Chappelle’s artistry. “If you listen to Dave’s rhetoric and comedy, he’s been thoughtful and poignant in his presentation,” said McClure, a 1978 DESA graduate and first alumni association president. “It’s just like everything else. Controversy comes about as a juxtaposition of views. That creates healthy dialogue and opens doors for understanding. It doesn’t have to be a catalyst for difficulty, trouble, anger and those types of things,” she said. WI @SamPKCollins
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With Poll Showing Support Declining, Relevance of BLM Now Being Debated Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Following a recent poll that showed support for the Black Lives Matter Movement waning, conversations have commenced over the continued relevance of the campaign. Researchers conducted by the national polling site, Civiqs revealed that 44 percent of Americans support the Black Lives Matter Movement, while 43 percent said they oppose the campaign. Approximately 11 percent of respondents reported that they neither support nor oppose the campaign, which began in 2012 in response to a jury’s decision to acquit George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. The movement’s support appeared to peak in the wake of the police murder of George Floyd as global protests joined in the cry
of “Black Lives Matter.” Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation co-founder Patrisse Cullors resigned earlier this year following allegations she parlayed her part in the movement into a multi-million-dollar lifestyle that included purchasing several properties in various locations. Shortly before Cullors’ resignation, the foundation released a 2020 Impact Report that claimed it had raised more than $90 million. Reportedly, 10 Black Lives Matter chapter leaders called for financial transparency and an independent investigation into spending funds. In addition, EBONY reported that the claims of “financial impropriety were a source of constant concern for several parents whose children had been killed by police in controversial shootings.” EBONY cited Tamika Palmer, whose daughter Breonna Taylor was killed by Louisville police as she slept in her home and Samaria Rice, whose
12-year-old son Tamir was killed on a playground by a Cleveland police officer. Both parents have come out publicly and denounced the Black Lives Matter foundation and accused the organization of raising money off the blood of their children. Michael Brown, Sr., whose son Michael was walking home unarmed from a store and killed by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, called for Black Lives Matter to donate $20 million to non-profit organizations in Ferguson working to empower residents in exchange for the millions of dollars they raised in using his son’s name and image. Cullors has countered that all the financial purchases she has made have come from her income, including a multi-year television deal with Warner Brothers, a book deal, speaking engagements and consulting services. To some, that didn’t sit well, and it’s just one reason they question the relevance of the campaign. “The Black Lives Matter is not as relevant in many communities today as before,” said Marcos Martinez, the owner of the lifestyle blog Men Who Brunch.
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NATIONAL
5 Protestors carrying placards at a Black Lives Matter demonstration in New York City. (Photo courtesy Wikimedia commons)
“Police reform in New York City has decreased police activity in many poor urban communities. This has been problematic since more shootings and violent incidents have occurred in those poor communities of color,” Martinez remarked. “I’m pro-Black. I want success for my people. I knew our challenges and had to overcome poverty, incarcera-
tion, ghettos and violence being from New York City and a Black male,” said Lazarus Jackson, editor-in-chief of the website Modern Home Safety. “Black Lives Matter was a sham to me from day one. You can’t possibly lead a strong, lasting institution if the very people you claim to represent are
BLM Page 45
DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021 17
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COVID-19 Infections Rise Among South African Students Students in South Africa are worried about the new Omicron variant identified in the country. The rise in the number of infections among the students have led to the postponement of tests and exams, as explained by Nhlanhla Africa Maphosa, a student at Tshwane University of Technology. “It was just last week when they checked stats then they realized that so many students are affected by COVID-19 at the main campus, which led to the postponement of tests and exams. It’s just that even though we have the stats we are not that sure what number of people are affected and other stuff. But, what we can say is that a high level, or a high percentage, of students have got COVID-19,” he said. Although it is not yet clear if the new variant causes more serious illness, many students are urging colleagues to vaccinate. “I’m trying to encourage them so that they can vaccinate, so they can stay away from coronavirus because it’s there, it’s killing people and now numbers are rising. When we are watching TV we can see that people are getting coronavirus, so they must vaccinate,” urged Manqoba Zitha, a former student at Tshwane University of Technology. This university was identified as a hotspot of infections but there are other areas affected too, according to officials. “There is an increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases. I remember that normally in the last two weeks, we had about below 50 cases per day. Now that has increased to over 300 cases confirmed per day. So that tells you that the numbers are really increasing. The hotspot areas would be TUT West Campus, Hatfield, Soshanguve and Mamelodi. So those areas are of concern. What we can say clearly is that the numbers are rising in Tshwane particularly in the areas that we’ve mentioned. However, we cannot at this stage confirm whether the new variant is a factor in this increase,” said Sipho Stuurman, spokesperson for the City of Tshwane. The new variant is thought to be highly transmissible but health professionals have yet to establish if it causes more severe disease. SOURCE: AfricaNews WI
caribbean now Renowned Journalist Appointed Bahamas Ambassador to the U.S. One of the most accomplished journalists in The Bahamas has been appointed as the next Bahamas Ambassador to the United States by the newly-elected Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) government headed by Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis. Wendall K. Jones, CEO of Jones Communications, is scheduled to soon assume his duties in Washington, D.C., as The Bahamas’ top diplomat in the U.S. For the past three decades, Jones has pioneered the creation of enterprises which have changed the face of Journalism and Communications in The Bahamas. Jones Communications is a media conglomerate that includes a television station, JCN Channel 14; a radio station, LOVE-97; The Bahama Journal newspaper; and Jones Publications, publishers of several Bahamian books. Publications include The Bahamas’ best-selling book, “The One Hundred Most Outstanding Bahamians of The 20th Century” as well as its compendium, “Bahamian Legends” Volumes I and II. He also produced books on “The Parliament” and “Independence And Beyond” for the government of The Bahamas. Jones began his career as a journalist with The Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas (BCB) in 1972. His training took him to the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill campus in Barbados; WTVJ (Channel 4) Miami, Florida; and The Voice of America, Washington, D.C. WI
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It’s Not Too Late for Your Flu Shot Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia
Millions of people get the flu each year. The flu is worse than the common cold and can bring symptoms like fever, chills, aches, sore throat and cough, and fatigue. It can cause infections of the ears and nose passages. It can even bring serious problems like pneumonia and inflammatory conditions. But there is a way we can often protect ourselves against this virus. We can get a flu vaccine each year.1 December 5 to 11 is National Influenza Vaccination Week. December is not too late to get your flu shot! Receiving a flu vaccine lowers your chance of getting the flu by about half. They are not only the best way to help protect yourself against the flu — they also help protect those dear to you. If you spend time with young children or older adults, who are more vulnerable to the flu, getting a flu shot each year is very important.1 Who should get the flu shot?
Almost everyone age 6 months or older should get a new flu vaccine each year. The virus that causes the flu changes over time, so researchers develop a new vaccine every year to keep pace. Each year’s vaccine extends our protection against older flu viruses, and helps protect us against new ones.1 Some people are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of the flu. They have more risk of developing complications from getting sick with the flu. For these people, it’s especially important to get a flu shot each year. They include:1 • Pregnant women • Children younger than age 5 • Adults age 65 years and older • People with long-term health conditions, like asthma, diabetes, or cancer Who should not get the flu shot? Children who are younger than age 6 months should not yet get a flu shot. Also, anyone who is currently sick may need to wait until they return to health before getting the vaccine.1 If you have had an allergic reaction
to the flu vaccine in the past, or you are allergic to eggs or gelatin, talk with your primary care provider (PCP) before getting the vaccine. Also talk with your PCP if you have had Guillain-Barré Syndrome. This is a disorder of the immune system.1 The information in this document is to help you learn more about this topic. It is not to take the place of your health care provider. If you have questions, talk with your health care provider. If you think you need to see your health care provider because of something you have read in this information, please contact your health care provider. Never stop or wait to get medical attention because of something you have read in this material. Sources: 1. “Flu (Influenza),” Vaccines.gov, https://www.vaccines.gov/diseases/flu. 2. “Misconceptions About Seasonal Flu and Flu Vaccines,” Centers for Dis-
ease Control and Prevention, https:// www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/misconceptions.htm.
All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model
Myth or Fact? Truths About the Flu Myth or fact? Flu vaccines can cause the flu. Myth! What’s true is that a flu vaccine can leave some people with side effects, which are most often mild. They are not the flu itself. These side effects include:1 • Pain, swelling, or redness in the place of the shot • Fever • Headache • Muscle aches • Upset stomach Myth or fact? It’s better to get the flu than a flu shot. Myth! It’s safer to get a flu vaccine than to risk serious health problems from getting the flu. Any person with the flu has some risk of developing a health complication. These can become serious enough to cause a hospital stay or death. Of all people, young children, older adults, and
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people with some long-term health conditions have the most risk of the flu becoming serious.2 Myth or fact? Stomach flu is different from the flu. Fact! The flu is a respiratory illness. But some people say “stomach flu” to refer to sickness with digestive symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Many different germs, like viruses, bacteria, and parasites can cause these digestive symptoms. It’s rare that these symptoms come from having the flu virus.2
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DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021 19
HEALTH District Named the Safest ‘State’ During Pandemic Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer As the nation continues efforts to keep the ongoing pandemic at bay and prepare for the health challenges associated with the winter season, staying safe remains a paramount concern. Now, with holiday season travel in full swing, some states have proven safer than others and a new report reveals that the District of Columbia counts as the safest place in the nation. Researchers at the personal finance website, WalletHub, compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia across five key metrics: rates of COVID-19 transmission; positive testing; hospitalizations; deaths; and the share of the eligible population receiving vaccinations. With an overall score of 91.30, D.C. outdistanced Connecticut (86.64), Rhode Island (86.53), Florida (85.90) and Massachusetts (85.43). Vermont (82.17), California (81.17), Maryland (78.88), New York (78.86) and Hawaii (77.96) rounded out the top 10. Virginia finished 19th with a 67.14 overall score while Wyoming (18.56) claimed the spot of least safe. The District of Columbia also enjoys the lowest positive test rate while Pennsylvania has the highest rate of vaccinations. Hospitalizations were lowest in Hawaii, Mississippi, North Carolina, Louisiana and Alabama. Conversely, New Mexico, Colorado, South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana had the highest hospitalization rates, researchers found. D.C., Florida, Kansas, Missis-
20 DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021
sippi and Oklahoma registered the lowest death rates, while West Virginia, Idaho, Montana, Kentucky and Wyoming reported the highest death rates. Politically speaking, the average rank of Blue States proved far better than Red States. “Everyone should continue to socially distance and wear masks as recommended by the CDC,” stated WalletHub expert David F. Merrick, the director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program at Florida State University’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy.
5 Mayor Muriel Bowser. (Photo courtesy E. Sarai, VOA News via Wikimedia commons)
“These simple measures will enable our communities to handle the back half of this pandemic as vaccines roll out,” Merrick said. When asked how the federal government can help states increase vaccination rates, Rupali J. Limaye said the feds could guide states as needed. “States will determine how to
TESTING from Page 1 ious grades and disciplines have been tasked with giving to students throughout the grading period. Some teachers, including one who spoke to The Informer on the condition of anonymity, say these assessments, called required curricular tasks (RCTs), haven’t sparked academic growth because they don’t take into account pandemic-related skills gaps. “Sometimes, students find RCTs frustrating because they’re based on writing articles and we have students who struggle to write their names and sentences,” said the second grade teacher who works at a Southeast-based public school. In addition to RCTs, regular lessons and small-group interventions, the second grade teacher said DCPS has made them responsible for giving students weekly phonics assessments. Teachers in this position, she said, often have little latitude in changing the test or straying away from a data collection mandate that’s been described as purposeless. As the Southeast teacher re-
distribute the vaccine but the federal government can help by guiding them as to how best to distribute it,” said Limaye, an associate scientist in the Department of Health, Epidemiology, and Health, Behavior and Society at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “People must continue to stay
home if they can, social distance and wear a mask,” Limaye continued. “The vaccine rollout will take some time but once a person is eligible, they should get the vaccine. The vaccine is not only effective but has been tested rigorously for safety. All these things together will help protect communities and lead to state recoveries,” he said. WI
geared toward completing the writing tasks rather than going through the natural order of the lessons.”
parents, secured PARCC’s cancellation. But over the last few months, Acting State Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant has remained adamant about students taking PARCC and other assessments this school year to measure what has been described as learning loss. However, some teachers like James Isreal said the focus should be on the social and emotional effects of the pandemic, not additional assessments and data collection. Though Isreal no longer teaches a core subject, which precludes him from doling out RCTs more often, he said he vicariously experiences his colleagues’ apprehension about tackling these tasks while addressing matters often requiring their immediate attention. “There are countless physical and verbal altercations that are happening in schools across the District,” said Isreal, a teacher at Hart Middle School in Southeast and Washington Teachers’ Union [WTU] vice president for junior high schools. “Requiring ALL RCTs to be complete without discretion just to have data when teachers don't have enough time to really teach the standards to
THE DEBATE SURROUNDING STANDARDIZED TESTS
5 James Isreal - Washington Teachers Union Vice President for Junior High Schools (Courtesy photo/Facebook grab)
counted, instructors are encouraged to spend their planning period, not preparing engaging lessons, but uploading testing data onto an online platform that DC Public Schools [DCPS]’ central office can access. “The RCTs are not meeting them where their skill levels are,” the teacher said. “Our practice has been
DCPS didn’t respond to The Informer’s inquiry about the long-term plans for RCTs and elements of the data collection process. RCTs, introduced during virtual instruction last school year, count among several standardized tests given to District public school students. Other assessments include: ANet English and math tests; MAP math and science tests; i-Ready; Reading Inventory; and DIBELS, the phonetic awareness test to which the second grade teacher referred. These tests, taken throughout the year, eventually snowball into PARCC, the annual assessment that measures students’ college and career preparedness and dictates a school’s standing on the STAR Framework. During the pandemic, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education [OSSE], at the behest of teachers and
TESTING Page 21
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TESTING from Page 20
mastery and students are already several academic years behind, just makes the school-to-prison pipeline [more] evident,” he said.
FIGHTING THE GREATER FORCES AT PLAY
Laura Fuchs, a District public school teacher of more than a decade, described RCTs and the phenomenon of data collection in DCPS as part of the District’s relationship with the Broad Center, an educational leadership program completed by Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn, DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee and former DCPS chancellors Antwan Wilson and Kaya Henderson. Grant’s predecessor, Hanseul Kang, left OSSE earlier this year to lead the Broad Center at the Yale School of Management. This program, financed by philanthropist Eli Broad, has been designed to support education leaders, particularly those running school systems and charter networks, as they endeavor to increase organizational effectiveness.
The degree to which school leaders have been able to do so has been questioned, not only by Fuchs, but her WTU colleagues and those affiliated with the DC Caucus of Rank-and-File Educators. Over the years, Fuchs has pushed back against what she described as the proliferation of standardized testing and data collection. Fuchs said tests and data shouldn’t take priority at a time when students, and teachers, are struggling to reacclimate themselves to the school environment, However, despite some attempts by colleagues to circumvent the data collection mandate, Fuchs said there appears to be no signs of change, at least for the time being. “They love making reports. We have always been getting pressured this way,” said Fuchs, who teaches at H.D. Woodson High School in Northeast. “DCPS has added even more standardized tests. They want to standardize English, math, science and social studies and have a test they can track for some big data reporting company that they pay a bucketload of money to apparently help us fix things by putting numbers in a glorified spreadsheet,” she said. wi
HEALTH
ZONING from Page 12 that is user-friendly and provides community input, it’s a proud moment,” Turner said. “This is a major achievement and we can move forward to make sure it’s implemented the way that we want.” Glaros asked if the planning department would be ready to accept applicants on the first day the zoning ordinance becomes law. “The answer to that is an emphatic, ‘yes,’” said Derick Berlage, the county’s deputy planning director. “The planning department is ready to work with the new ordinance.” If a property owner submits a zoning proposal prior to April 1, it would need to be reviewed by planners and then by the zoning hearing examiner. That means new proposals will not be accepted for review before the District Council until after the new zoning ordinance goes into effect. Before the council could officially grant final approval, it needed to vote on 10 zoning requests from municipal officials that included seven from the city of Greenbelt. Council unanimously approved recommendations from
If a property owner submits a zoning proposal prior to April 1, it would need to be reviewed by planners and then by the zoning hearing examiner. the county’s planning board on eight of the 10 requests. Council member Jolene Ivey (D-District 5) of Cheverly voted in favor of the municipalities for two of the zoning requests. One included the town of Bladensburg to label nearly 41 acres as “commercial neighborhood” versus “commercial service” and slightly more than an acre in Greenbelt as “agricultural and preventions” as opposed to the planning board’s recommendation of “residential, rural.” County officials began the zoning rewrite in 2014 and approved a new ordinance in October 2018 to make the
obsolete language easier to understand, eliminate dozens of zoning districts and make the process more streamlined. The process continued in 2019 with in-person and virtual public hearings to combine certain zoning districts such as “industrial, employment” which incorporates four of the previous designations. Officials exchanged terms of certain zones from “heavy industrial” to “industrial, heavy” and “rural residential” to “residential, rural.” The $534 million University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center, near the Largo Town Center Metro station, would be labeled “regional transit-oriented, high intensity.” This zoning designation focuses on transit centers anchored by Metrorail stations with various businesses and apartments and/or condominiums. “A lot of people said it couldn’t get done,” said council member Derrick Leon Davis (D-District 6) of Upper Marlboro. “It took effort over many years to get us to a place where in April, we will have a new transit-oriented focus and a thoughtful zoning code that looks at Prince George’s County’s 500 square miles. That is a yeoman’s task.” WI @jabariwill
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EDUCATION FORD from Page 1 Ford’s much-deserved celebration and has been a popular gathering place for the elderly in the neighborhood, stands just a stone’s throw away from the home in which she and her family have lived and loved for nearly 70 years. She said she remembers the day she and her husband of 43 years, George H. Ford (who died in 1985), along with their five daughters and extended family, first moved into the rambling, corner house and how quickly the community and life for Blacks in the District began to change. “I was born in D.C. at home, not in a hospital, the last of nine children, when the city was still segregated – that was 1921 – six sisters and two brothers,” she said. “I attended Cardoza High School and married George Henry Ford in 1942. We were blessed with five daughters and often had other members of the family living with us – in-laws, siblings, nieces and nephews – you name it. That’s the way Blacks supported one another in those days.” As the Ford family continued to grow, they moved to U Street in
CLEAN UP from Page 5 Brandon Andrews, who serves as the chairman of the D.C. Commission on National and Community Service, participated in the trash pickup. He said more neighborhoods should have resident-initiated trash pickup programs and money exists to supplement the efforts. “Many of the city’s advisory neighborhood commissions have programs where residents clean up their communities,” Andrews said. “But there is no citywide program for this. There are funds available through the ANCs and subgrants through Serve DC for organizations that want to engage in this type of activity.” Camryn Reddick, the parliamentarian of the Gamma Theta chapter, said many of her sorors wanted to participate in community service during the Thanksgiving holiday break.
22 DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021
Northwest in 1943 and later, in 1953, to Newton in Northeast – their final destination which remains the family’s homestead. “We were only the third Blacks on the block but within a year almost all of the whites had moved out,” she said. “But when we first arrived, our girls couldn’t do things like go trick-ortreating – the white families wouldn’t allow it. And it wasn’t safe either. So, we had our own parties in the basement which soon became a tradition as the neighborhood became more Black.” Ford said families were larger in those days and hers would be no exception. In fact, one of their neighbors, an Italian family, had eight children who “took up the entire row at church.” “Yes, church was a fixture in our lives and a place I still love and cherish,” she said, referring to Holy Redeemer Church in the early days and later, St. Francis De Sales Church where she’s been a faithful member more than 60 years. Ford said she’s always held respect, courtesy and good morals as essential values in her life and remembers taking trips and enjoying all kinds of
5 (Seated) Joseph Gilchrist, the honoree Evelyn Spriggs Ford (seated right), C.C. Ford (standing l-r), Ms. District of Columbia Vanella Alise Jackson-Crawford, Harry Thomas, Jr. and Stacie Mack celebrate the 100th birthday of Evelyn Spriggs Ford on November 30 in Northeast. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
music as much as possible, even after retiring from a 40-year career in the government including service both at the Pentagon and the Civil Aeronautics Board. She recalls how she first began working for the U.S. government. “I was a great typist and a white woman for whom I was working had a daughter who wanted to take the typing test for a government position,” she said. “Because I had won typing awards in high school, I decided to take the test, too. I made the cut. My employer’s daughter did not. It was something she just couldn’t believe.
“So sorors got together where they were and said we wanted to do something to help the community. We decided to push ourselves. We saw information about the cleanup in Anacostia and Fairlawn on social media and we contacted Commissioner Adofo.” – CAMRYN REDDICK “We have sorors who celebrated Thanksgiving in Chicago and here in the DMV,” she said. “So sorors got together where they were and said we wanted to do something to help the community. We decided to push ourselves. We saw information about the cleanup in Anacostia and Fairlawn on social media and we con-
tacted Commissioner Adofo.” Reddick said her sorors had a great time “giving back.” “It is always good to take time out and clean up the community,” she said. Adofo said he liked the turnout and the effort put forth by the volunteers.
But I was ready to move on – I wanted to do more with my life.” Perhaps the greatest challenge the Ford family would face, came in 1954 and the year after, when Brown v. Board of Education made segregation in public schools illegal. With five daughters in different grades, the youngest in kindergarten, Mrs. Ford and her husband had to help their children adjust to being in schools where only a handful of other Blacks counted among the student body. “We tried to keep our girls close to us and we got involved right away,” she said. “Sometimes my husband “It is really good to see college students and residents engaging the community outdoors,” he said. “Cleaning up this area will help guarantee safe passage for children to get to school. When people think of safe passage they think of traffic but they also should think about keeping the community clean. Some bad things can happen to our young people in wooded areas that are not maintained well.” Adofo understands some residents think the D.C. Department of Public Works [DPW] should clean neighborhoods. Adofo doesn’t argue with that assertion. “That is true that DPW is in charge of keeping our city clean but they can’t do it alone,” he said. “We all have to work together to do this. We get better results if we work together.” WI @JamesDCWrighter
signed their report cards and went to parent-teacher conferences. Sometimes I signed the cards and met their teachers. It was a new day and we had to help the girls deal with students who disliked them because of their skin color as well as some teachers and administrators. But we stood our ground and allowed the Lord to fight our battles – when we couldn’t handle things ourselves.” On any given day, Mrs. Ford can be found reading, listening to music and enjoying a hearty meal, served by her daughters who rotate their days to cook and do other tasks. One daughter lives with her. But their love for their mother and the teamwork they exemplify, confirms the bond which exists between the matriarch, her daughters – not to mention the grandchildren who have since joined the fold. During Mrs. Ford’s first decade of life, Blacks would celebrate a burgeoning uptick in the arts and culture known as the Harlem Renaissance, would mourn the senseless deaths of an entire community during the Tulsa Race Riot and would face and somehow overcome the crash of the Stock Market. But like generations before her, Evelyn Spriggs Ford and those she loved, would stand together in faith, determined to make a way out of no way. What a testimony! Happy Birthday, Mrs. Ford. EDITOR's NOTE: I’ll see you before Christmas for some eggnog, fried chicken and fresh vegetables while listening to some old school jazz – all of your favorites. WI
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SESSION from Page 13 includes a portion of Prince George’s County and would house the state’s largest Black population with 419,596 out of the total 733,616 residents. The district border proposes to extend west into Montgomery County with the communities of Colesville, Cloverly and Fairland. To address violence in Baltimore City and statewide, Gov. Larry Hogan wants state lawmakers to review and eventually pass emergency legislation when the legislature meets Monday. One bill, “Violent Firearms Offender Act,” would impose tougher sentences for those who commit crimes and illegally possess guns. In addition, it would impose severe sentences on individuals who supply illegal guns to potential offenders. Another bill, the “Judicial Transparency Act,” would publish the sentencing records of judges in violent crime cases. The Hogan administration sub-
mitted both bills for last year’s 90-day General Assembly session. “We are once again asking city leaders and the [Baltimore] city delegation to stop working against this legislation and to work together with us to pass this,” he said during a press briefing hours before the legislative committee voted on the redistricting plan. Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) released a statement on how public safety remains a statewide concern but not with “performative politics.” “The Senate remains committed to targeted, thoughtful investments in communities that are most vulnerable – solutions the governor has repeatedly vetoed,” he said. “Unfortunately, we have seen only reactive calls to action from the governor thus far. There are proactive solutions we can work together on now and we hope the governor sincerely comes to the table and takes more comprehensive actions going forward.” WI @jabariwill
EDUCATION
5 A Maryland Legislative Redistricting Advisory Commission recommended approval of this congressional map to extend the more conservative 1st Congressional district across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge into portions of Anne Arundel County with more Democratic neighborhoods. The legislature will review this and other congressional maps during a special legislative session Dec. 6. (Photo courtesy of Maryland General Assembly)
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EDITORIAL
The Politics of COVID-19 Just as the holiday season starts, a new COVID-19 virus variant, namely omicron, is spreading worldwide and impacting economies struggling to recover from the pandemic that began nearly two years ago. Reportedly, the first incidents of the omicron variant were cited in South Africa. As a result, President Joe Biden expeditiously halted all air travel from eight southern African countries into the U.S., except for U.S. citizens. “As a precautionary measure until we have more information, I am ordering additional air travel restrictions from South Africa and seven other countries,” Biden announced Monday. These new restrictions went into effect on November 29 and include: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Had the U.S. taken such immediate action when COVID-19 was first reported in Wuhan, China, over a year ago, some suggest the global spread of the deadly virus would have been minimized. But that didn’t immediately happen and African political and health leaders indicate that politics drove these decisions. Dr. Ayoade Olatunbusun-Alakija, co-chair, Africa Vaccine Delivery Alliance, said in a BBC interview, “Had the first COVID-19 virus, the one first identified in China last year, originated in Africa, it is clear the world would have locked us away and thrown away the key.” Dr. Alakija went on to say that no one should be surprised that a variant occurred in Southern Africa. “What is going on right now is inevitable,” she said. “It is a result of the world’s failure to vaccinate in an equitable, urgent and speedy manner. It is the result of hoarding [of vaccines] by high-income countries in the world. And, quite frankly, it is unacceptable. These travel bans are based on politics and not on science, and it is wrong.” South African President Cyril Ramaphosa echoed her concerns and said his country is being punished for detecting and informing global health authorities about the omicron variant. Dr. Anthony Fauci reported Tuesday that 226 cases of the omicron COVID-19 variant had been found in 20 countries, including Canada. A Dutch health agency also reported that the omicron variant was in the Netherlands a week before it was reported in South Africa. We recognize the double standard applied to Africa, related to a travel ban and the higher cost of vaccines, vaccine hesitancy and structural barriers preventing African countries from reaching their goal of vaccinating 40 percent of their populations by the end of this year. And we agree with Dr. Alakija that “until everyone is vaccinated, no one is safe.” It is wrong to single out Africa when a global response is required. WI
Rising Homicide Rates Indicate a Nation in Mental Distress Another tragic and senseless shooting took place in Oxford, Michigan earlier this week – this time at the hands of a 15-year-old student, now in custody, who killed three students and injured eight others including a teacher. And as one can expect, politicians will issue statements expressing their condolences and saying such nonsensical statements like “we mourn the loss of these students and teachers,” or “you are in our prayers.” Of course, we use the term “nonsensical” loosely because prayer always matters and lending one’s support to others in time of need remains essential within the framework of the human family. Nonetheless, examples like these have become so commonplace that they only dominate the news cycle and social media for a few days before becoming footnotes on the pages of life. Meanwhile, homicide rates in D.C., Baltimore County and many other metropolitan areas remain on track to exceed rates not recorded since 2019. We know that guns don’t kill people – people kill people. Still, the real question that remains unanswered is why are we seeing this ominous spike in homicides? Baltimore County officials attribute the rise to behavioral health-related incidents and killings resulting from domestic abuse. However, we believe that the stress placed on Americans because of the pandemic has also led to the homicidal frenzy which continues to plague the nation.
TO THE EDITOR Season’s Greetings!
Shifting Opinions
I want to tell my favorite newspaper happy holidays! It's indeed been a joy reading The Washington Informer all of these years. I get so much out of it, so I wanted to let you all know to keep up the great work.
I'm not sure why every 10 years, people get all worked up over redistricting. As populations grow, there must be adjustments. Why would one ward have 30,000 folks and the next 200,000? It doesn't make sense. Though it may feel unfair, redistricting is necessary, in my opinion.
Linda Maynard Washington, D.C.
People are hurting everywhere in cities big and small. People need help. And people need assistance and direction in developing solutions that will help them solve or at least alleviate the problems that seem to be so overwhelming, mentally and emotionally. Shooting classmates in a high school, at-
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tacking innocent people at Metro stations or at ATM machines or aiming bullets into a crowd of strangers in a drive-by shooting are all inappropriate actions and do nothing but exacerbate the problems we collectively face. It’s time to stop the madness. And it can be done, one person at a time. WI
DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021 25
OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
E. Faye Williams
A Tale of Two Cities
"Justice," now better known as "accountability," is an elusive consequence and, in the current social/ cultural/political climate, is becoming more elusive with each passing day. Like that well-known quote of Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart in 1964 defining pornography — "I know it when I see it" — most objective people who control or reject their own partisan leanings will confirm its elusiveness.
Two criminal trials that serve to illuminate and inform our understanding of our criminal justice system have recently ended in Kenosha, Wis., with the Rittenhouse murder trial, and in Brunswick, Ga., with the trial of the murderers of Ahmaud Arbrey. Although the argument for each defense team was self-defense, the verdicts were completely different. which I am sure will be the subject of discussions for years to come. My assessment of the arguments for the defense in both cases leads me to believe that for true justice and accountability to prevail, more clearly defined parameters of what
constitutes self-defense are needed. But that is a separate discussion. Like others, my attention was captured by what I can only define as judicial prejudice. In both cities, decisions were made with the intent or effect of influencing the outcome of the prosecution and/or verdicts. These decisions were as clear as mountain air, but only successful in one case. When I first heard that Judge Bruce Schroeder, presiding in the Rittenhouse trial, had prohibited prosecutors from characterizing the individuals shot by Rittenhouse as "victims" while allowing defense
Guest Columnist
attorneys to refer to demonstrators as "arsonists" and "looters," I knew that judicial bias prevailed in favor of the defendant. Allegations of Judge Schroder telling a racist joke and his cellphone ringtone playing "God Bless the USA," Lee Greenwood's anthem for the political right, gave reason to doubt Schroder's impartiality. The understanding of Schroder's bias was complete when he dismissed the weapons charge against Rittenhouse, paving the way for him receiving a "clean slate" after the expected "not guilty" verdicts were realized. While Schroder's judicial conduct
was open to debate, in Georgia, the threat to justice and accountability was more insidious. From Feb. 23, 2020, until May 7, 2020, no arrest was made nor was any legal action taken against the three who ultimately would be found guilty of Arbery's murder. Subsequently, police sought legal advice from the Brunswick District Attorney Jackie Johnson about charges for Travis McMichael (son and shooter) and Gregory McMichael (father). The DA advised no arrests were necessary. On the next day,
WILLIAMS Page 45
David W. Marshall
When It Comes to Protecting Voting Rights, Moral Apathy Is Winning the Fight
When speaking before an audience in 1963, James Baldwin could not have stated it any better by saying, "I'm terrified at the moral apathy, the death of the heart, which is happening in my country." His words expresses the feelings and emotions many of us of all races have today as we watch our fellow Americans show little
concern or motivation to do what is morally right in regard to protecting the voting rights of people of color. There is no heart, no conscience or shame in passing laws intended to give Republicans the ability to outright reject election results not in their favor. A recent warning written by a United Nations expert highlights the consequences against human rights in our changing nation. He describes the United States as being near "tyr-
anny" against the voting rights of minorities nationwide. To have the United States, leader of the free world, evolving into a nation under cruel and oppressive rule is a fairly strong but precise assessment. Fernand de Varennes was appointed United Nations Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues by the Human Rights Council. His remarks on the current state of U.S. society and democracy were based on his traveling the coun-
Guest Columnist
try to "assess the human rights situation of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities." As a representative of the United Nations, he met with over 100 officials at the federal, state and territorial levels. In his initial assessment, de Varennes stated, "My final report will provide more details and analysis in this regard, but what is already eminently clear is that there seems to be growing feeling that the United States is becoming a
darker, nastier, and more divided society – and that the patchwork of constitutional and civil rights in the country are not sufficiently protecting those most in need of protection such as minorities and Indigenous peoples, amongst others." When sharing another U.N. expert's observations from 2017, de Varennes noted that "four years later, the pace of what my colleague described as the undermin-
the courtroom. What if he was? What Gough does not understand are the many ways that racism connects Black people. In the book "Lynching and Spectacle," Amy Louise Wood writes, "The news of lynching shook [author Richard] Wright to his core. Despite, or even because of, its relative rarity, lynching held a singular psychological force, generating a level of fear and horror that overwhelmed all other forms of violence. Even one lynching reverberated, traveling with sinister
force, down city streets, and through rural farms, across roads and rivers." Any of us could be followed and shot on any given day. We have no shield. We can be unarmed and running. In bed and sleeping (ask Breonna Taylor) or simply walking down the street. And white folks see a threat because racism is baked in the cake we call America. When we watch the massacre of Ah-
MARSHALL Page 45
Julianne Malveaux
How Many Pastors Can We Have?
Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton were doing the right thing when attending the Ahmaud Arbery trial. They demonstrated the solidarity that the Black community has with each other when one of us appears to be lynched. Lynching has reverberations. Each of us, every Black person, is repulsed and dismayed when we learn that armed
26 DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021
white men, using the pretense of "citizen's arrest," can kill any of us. What is a citizen's arrest, anyway? Is it simply a license to kill? Kevin Gough, the attorney "defending" William "Roddie" Bryant, the man who both took the video of the massacre and participated in it, asked the judge, each day, to bar Rev. Jesse Jackson from the courtroom. How absurd! He says Rev. Jackson's presence might influence the nearly all-white jury, and I suspect his objections might
lay the groundwork for an appeal now that the devilish white men have been found guilty of murder. Gough's racism and ignorance were a constant presence in this trial. He said he didn't want more Black pastors in the courtroom after Rev. Sharpton sat with the Arbery family. He asked the stupid question, "How many pastors does the Arbery family have?" He had the nerve, though out of the jury's hearing, to ask if Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock, also a pastor, will be next in
MALVEAUX Page 45
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
Jose Marquez
Ensuring Racial Equity by Expanding Internet Access
With protests having erupted in cities across the country over police violence targeting Black men and women, the civil rights and social justice movements have shot to the forefront of U.S. politics in a way not seen since the 1960s. While much of the conversation rightly has centered on police brutality and the role law enforcement plays in American society, communities of
color also are discriminated against in numerous other ways. Many Black Americans, Latinos and other people of color are given substandard educational opportunities, lack avenues to workforce training and advancement and, arguably most important in today's tech-driven world, face a dearth of access to reliable, affordable broadband internet. Congress made a good first step in ameliorating this dire situation when it passed President Biden's infrastructure bill, but the $65 billion allocation in broadband for all is hardly enough to close the digital divide.
Guest Columnist
The gap in digital access is particularly wide in communities of color, where one in three families with children lack a high-speed internet connection at home — a rate of disconnection more than 50% higher than that of white families. The problem is exacerbated in areas across the South from Atlanta to Houston where 35% of Black adults lack any access to broadband at home. The private sector is already doing this with a little-known but ambitious effort like the Southern Communities Initiative. It is seeking to address the socio-economic challenges that Afri-
can Americans face throughout the region. And among the goals of this partnership is to expand broadband access across six metro areas throughout the South: Atlanta, Birmingham, Charlotte, Houston, Memphis and New Orleans. The effort has the backing of some of the most powerful individuals in corporate America, including PayPal CEO Dan Schulman, Vista CEO Robert F. Smith and BCG CEO Rich Lesser. We are not too late to bridge the digital divide, and the Southern Communities Initiative will almost certainly play an important role in helping
accomplish that in communities like my hometown of Atlanta. But this important work cannot be left to private individuals and organizations alone. Lawmakers must do their part to ensure that high-speed internet is available and affordable to every American, no matter where in the country they live. While policymakers in Washington have focused on getting broadband access to rural areas, we must also make sure that urban areas are not overlooked. Census data has shown
MARQUEZ Page 46
Marc H. Morial
Minority Business Development Agency Elevated to Permanent Status
"President Biden has made clear his commitment to not just rebuilding to how things were before COVID-19, but to building back better and more equitably. The Minority Business Development Agency is ready to step into this historic moment and build on its success — because we recognize that America's road to recovery runs through our minority business community. Mak-
ing MBDA a statutory Agency provides MBDA with the authorities, workforce and resources needed to help level the playing field on behalf of minority businesses and minority entrepreneurs." — U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo After more than 50 years, the Minority Business Development Agency has been made permanent, its director has been elevated to undersecretary of commerce, and new tools and authority will allow the agency to address the longstanding
Guest Columnist
economic inequities that face our nation's 9 million business owners of color. These long-awaited historic provisions are part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed by President Biden earlier this month. The expansion and elevation of MBDA is of special interest to the National Urban League, not only because Black entrepreneurship and business ownership are at the heart of our mission. Robert J. Brown, vice chair of the National Urban
League Board of Trustees, created and developed the agency — then known as the Office of Minority Business Enterprise — while serving as special assistant to President Richard Nixon in 1969. "We must also provide an expanded opportunity to participate in the free enterprise system at all levels — not only to share the economic benefits of the free enterprise system more broadly, but also to encourage pride, dignity, and a sense of independence," Nixon said upon signing the executive order
creating the agency. "In order to do this, we need to remove commercial obstacles which have too often stood in the way of minority group members — obstacles such as the unavailability of credit, insurance, and technical assistance." During the COVID-19 pandemic, Black-owned businesses shuttered at twice the rate of whiteowned businesses and were largely excluded from relief that was distributed as part of Congress's stim-
MORIAL Page 46
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.
Our Criminal Justice System Needs Dramatic Reform
In the civil rights movement, we were constantly reminded to keep our eyes on the prize. What's the prize? Equality of opportunity and results, which requires equity in every facet of our lives — education, housing, homeownership, job training, employment, political access and especially in the criminal justice system.
Our criminal justice system still needs dramatic reform. Blacks make up more than 40% of the prison population, but only 13% of the nation's population. The geographic numerator changes — north or south — but the denominator remains the same — an unjust criminal justice system nationwide. Three current incidents illustrate: Jelani Day in Peru, Illinois; Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin; and Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick, Geor-
gia. Jelani Day, a 25-year-old Black medical student at Illinois State University, was a "bright light" in his family; he and his sister were competing to become doctors. He disappeared on Aug. 24. The family and a professor reported him missing on Aug. 25. His car was found two days later in a wooded area near where his body was later discovered in Peru, miles from where he was last seen. LaSalle County law enforcement officials discovered his body on
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Sept. 4 "floating near the south bank of the Illinois River approximately a quarter-of-a-mile east of the Illinois Route 251 Bridge." The parents continue to be critical of the investigation because little focus was initially put on his disappearance. It occurred in the context of the vanished and subsequent death of Gabby Petito, which was receiving national coverage. There are inconsistencies, a high degree of incompetence and a lack
of collaboration between various law enforcement agencies surrounding the case. There is still no closure about what happened to Jelani Day. Racial dimensions in trials of Rusten Sheskey, accompanied by two other white police officers responding to a domestic complaint by the fiancee of Jacob Blake — a Black man — shot Blake seven times in the back, with his children looking on in the back
JACKSON Page 46 DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021 27
LIFESTYLE
The Washington Informer Family Mourns the Loss of Veteran Staff Writer Dorothy Rowley
IN MEMORIAM
Lee Elder, who Broke the Glass Ceiling for Blacks in Golf, Dead at 87 D.C.’s Historic Langston Golf Course Served as the Legend’s Second Home Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer Lee Elder, the first African American to win a major golf tournament – an achievement which opened the gate for him to compete in the Masters in Augusta, Ga. – died Nov. 28 in Escondido, Calif at the age of 87. Orphaned when just nine years old, Elder dropped out of high school in Los Angeles and in the 10th grade he supported himself as a golf caddie. He went on to break into the game in the 1960s and 70s, even though it was still a racially volatile period for golfers of color. However, in 1975, he won the Monsanto Open in Pensacola, Florida and finally had someone else carry his golf bag. With that, he soon emerged as one of golf's most recognized faces – a distinction which quickly brought its own set of problems. At one tournament, he would be forced to change in the parking lot after being denied entrance to the clubhouse; during another, his ball would be hurled into a hedge by a spectator. In the year leading up to Masters, Elder received threats warning him not to travel to Georgia and in an interview during which he described the experience, he said, “It was frightening. You try to eliminate the possibility of anything happening.” Elder’s path to the Masters began in 1961, when the PGA of America, the governing body for golf, finally eliminated its “Caucasians-only” rule and he decided to turn pro. But it would be Charlie Sifford who endured racist abuse and death threats
28 DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021
The Washington Informer staff and family continue to grieve over the recent death of Dorothy Rowley, a fixture at the newspaper who has been an integral part of our publication and other Black Press publications for many years. While details about her homegoing have not been released, we thought we would share a few thoughts about Dorothy, told in her own words, as included below. She will truly be missed! “I knew I had to become a writer when at age nine I scribbled a note to my younger brother’s teacher saying I thought she was being too hard on him in class. Well, the teacher immediately contacted my mother, and with tears in her eyes, profusely apologized. Of course, my embarrassed mother dealt with me – but that didn’t stop me from pursuing my passion for words and writing. Nowadays, as a “semi-retiree,” I continue to work for the Washington Informer as a staff writer. Aside from that, I keep busy creating quirky videos for YouTube, participating in an actor’s guild and being part of my church’s praise dance team and adult choir. I’m a regular fixture at the gym and I like to take long road trips that have included fun-filled treks to Miami, Florida and Jackson, Mississippi. I am a proud grandmother who absolutely adores interior decorating. In terms of my education, I completed my undergraduate studies at Virginia Union University and graduate work at Virginia State University.” EDITOR’S NOTE: The Informer will share more about our beloved colleague with words of tribute and photographs in an upcoming edition of our publication. We are confident that God has opened His arms and welcomed another angel. As Jesus said in Matthew 25:23, “well done, good and faithful servant.” WI
Carrie Meek, one of the First Black Floridians Elected to Congress, Dies at 95 Photo courtesy Legacy.com who, with the support of the legendary Jackie Robinson, became the first African-American golfer on the PGA Tour in 1959. In 1967, Elder earned a spot on the tour, finishing ninth out of 122 players at the PGA’s qualifying school. And while he did not win as rookie, in 1968 he battled Jack Nicklaus in a nationally-televised five-hole playoff in the American Golf Classic at Firestone Country Club in Akron, raising his profile as an emerging star. Locally, Elder worked at the District’s Langston Golf Course in the 1970s and he’s still remembered by longtime Washingtonians for his golfing skills. Ray Savoy, Director of Langston Junior Boys and Girls Golf Program Club, told the Washington Informer that Elder had deep roots at Langston. “He was a very popular gentleman at Langston,” Savoy said. “He would give clinics for the kids and show them different techniques and mannerisms. Lee Elder was a person who gave back to our
ELDER Page 45
D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Editor Carrie Meek, the grandchild of a slave, the daughter of a sharecropper and one of the first Black Floridians elected to Congress following Reconstruction, died Sunday, Nov. 29 at the age of 95. Meek died at home in Miami after a lengthy illness. As the former senior editor for The Miami Times, this writer had the profound honor of spending time with the former congresswoman on several occasions. She always took time to share words of wisdom and encouragement to members of the Black community who wanted to make a difference for their people, the city and the nation. Amazingly, Meek entered politics at 66 when most people only had retirement on their minds. She won the 1992 Democratic congressional primary in her district in Miami-Dade County and moved on to Congress as she had no Republican opponent in the general election. In January 1993, along with Alcee Hastings and Corrine Brown, Meek and her colleagues became the first Black Floridians to serve in Congress since 1876. She served as a staunch advocate for affirmative action, economic opportunities for the poor and the reduction of immigration restrictions on Haiti, the birthplace of many of her constituents. She would also become famous for her command of the English language, her ability to communicate with everyday people and her delight at bashing members of the GOP. “The last Republican that did something for me was Abraham Lincoln,” she told the state delegation to the 1996 Democratic Convention in Chicago. Meek chose not to seek a sixth term in 2002. But her
son, Kendrick, continued in her stead, winning her district and serving for four terms before his failed effort to win the U.S. Senate in 2010. Before entering politics, Meek worked as a teacher and administrator at Miami-Dade College. She was elected to the Florida House in 1978, succeeding pioneer Black legislator Gwen Cherry, who had been killed in an auto accident. She became one of the first African Americans and the first Black woman to serve in the Florida Senate since the 1800s. Carrie Pittman, born to Willie and Carrie Pittman in Tallahassee on April 29, 1926, counted as the youngest of 12 children. Her father worked in Florida’s fields as a sharecropper while her mother worked as a laundress for white families. She graduated from Florida A&M University in 1946 with a degree in biology and physical education. The university named its building for Black history archives in her honor in 2007. She also became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Meek’s survivors include three children, Lucia Davis-Raiford, Sheila Davis Kinui and Kendrick B. Meek, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangement have not been announced. WI @mcneirdk
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DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021 29
Charles Moose, Former Montgomery County Police Chief, Dead at 68 Remembered as the Lead Investigator in the D.C. Sniper Attacks in 2002 Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer
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Charles Moose, former chief of the Montgomery County Police Department and the voice of law enforcement during the 2002 D.C. sniper attacks, died Nov. 25 at his home. He was 68. The Montgomery County Police Department announced Moose’s death saying his wife released the information in a Facebook post without giving a cause of death. Moose’s wife, Sandy, told friends on Facebook that her husband died Thanksgiving night while watching a televised football game. “We are extremely saddened by the news announcing the passing of former Chief Charles Moose,” said Montgomery County’s Chief, Marcus Jones. “He was a great leader and led our department through the D.C. Sniper investigation, one of the most difficult crime sprees in our country’s history. We send condolences to his wife Sandy and all of his family and friends.” Prior to coming to Maryland, Moose served as Portland police chief from 1993 to 1999. During
that time he also taught at Portland State University, where he received a doctorate in urban studies and criminology. “I feel connected to Chief Moose as he was the first African-American chief, a champion of community policing and led the Bureau during challenging times,” current Portland Police Chief Chuck 5 Former Montgomery County Police Chief Charles Lovell tweeted Moose. (Courtesy photo) on Friday. “Chief ing of 10 people in a crime spree Moose was a large presence and had a servant’s heart.” that extended across the country. While Moose had a strained In 1999, Moose become the chief for Montgomery County in relationship with the media, he Maryland, where he served until consented to be part of 2021 2003. In October of 2002, Moose documentary series, “I, Sniper,” briefed the media during the three produced by Arrow Media and reweeks of random shootings in the leased by Vice TV. “I interviewed Charles Moose District, Maryland and Virginia. at length twice in my life. Once John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo were finally captured, in 2002 in the hectic days right afcharged and convicted in the kill- ter the D.C. Sniper case had been solved and again in 2017 as part of I, Sniper a six-hour documentary about the case,” said Ary Jane Mitchell, producer of “I, Sniper.” “Charles was a fascinating person to speak with and it was evident that he had loved being a police officer and cared very deeply for the community he had been tasked to protect and serve. He told me, ‘it still weighs heavily on my heart that we did not solve the case sooner.’ He had a genuine kindness and empathy and left a lasting impression on my life and the life of countless others I’m sure,” Mitchell said. “It appeared that he was a compassionate man who cared for the community,” said Allison Prince, a former Montgomery County Public Schools counselor. “It was a frightening time because we didn’t know where the attacks were coming from.” WI
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What Does it Mean to Get a Third Dose of a COVID-19 Vaccine? By Whitman-Walker Health A third, or “additional” dose of a COVID-19 vaccine has been approved by the FDA and CDC, but what does it mean to get a third dose? A Third, or “additional” dose of a COVID-19 vaccine is a full dose of any of the COVID-19 vaccines that are currently approved for use in the U.S. Vaccines that are currently approved in the U.S. include the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Third doses are specifically meant for folks who are immunocompromised or who have underlying health conditions and are given at the same time as your first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Please note the CDC does not recommend mixing vaccines for a third, or additional, dose. If you receive an additional dose of a COVID-19, you should get the same vaccine – whether Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson – as the first vaccine you received. Who and what are third doses for? Third doses help to make sure that individuals who are immunocompromised or who have underlying health conditions receive the same amount of protection against COVID-19 that folks who are healthy with strong immune systems do. So, while 2 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine, or 1 dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine is enough to protect someone with a strong immune system against COVID-19, it is not enough to protect someone who is immunocompromised or living with an underlying health condition. That’s why we offer these individuals who are immunocompromised or living with an underlying health condition a third dose! What qualifies as an underlying health condition? If you have any of the following health conditions or identify as immunocompromised, please consider getting a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. You can read a more detailed list of underlying conditions at CDC.gov. Folks who have: • Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood • Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system • Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system • Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome) • Advanced or untreated HIV infection
5 Whitman-Walker Health’s mobile HIV/STI testing van parked during a community outreach event. Photo courtesy of Whitman-Walker Health.
5 Whitman-Walker Health’s Max Robinson Center in historic Anacostia in southeast Washington, DC. Photo courtesy of Whitman-Walker Health.
• Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response Should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them. Am I still protected against COVID-19 if I finished my vaccine series and am currently not eligible to get a booster dose or third dose? If you are not eligible for a booster dose or a third dose – and do NOT have a weakened immune system or underlying health condition – but you HAVE finished receiving a 2-dose Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine or a 1-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you still have strong protection against COVID-19. You are also still considered to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The CDC also recently announced that people ages 18 years and older who received Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines MAY get a booster dose. However, please keep in mind that folks who are immunocompromised or who have underlying health conditions SHOULD consider getting a booster dose or third dose – per their care provider’s recommendation for their specific health needs. Can I get my flu shot while I get a COVID-19 booster shot, third shot, or the first round of my vaccine series? Yes! You can get your flu shot at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine booster, third dose or the first round of your vaccine series. Whitman-Walker Health is here to help and we’re just one phone call away! We hope you’ll give us a call. Talk to your healthcare provider about getting a booster or third dose and whether you are eligible. To access HIV/ STI testing or to get your COVID-19 vaccine, booster or third dose at Max Robinson Center, or another Whitman-Walker location, call 202.797.4439.
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DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021 31
LIFESTYLE
Reginald Douglas Takes the Helm as Mosaic Theater’s Artistic Director Describes His New Opportunity With the Sentiment, ‘I Feel I Was Born for This Moment’ D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Editor Reginald Douglas, a D.C.-based director, producer and advocate dedicated to supporting newly-created plays that connect audiences of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, doesn’t have to travel far to take on his newest assignment. The former artistic producer at City Theatre in Pittsburgh and most recently, the associate artistic director at Studio Theatre in Northwest, recently traveled across town for the Mosaic Theater in Northeast where he has assumed the helm as the artistic director following an extensive nationwide search.
And he joins the Mosaic family as they welcome back audiences in person for the first time after more than a year, enduring the challenges that have come and still continue due to the ongoing pandemic. Douglas, a graduate of Georgetown University where he’s also a member of the faculty, has long been recognized for his ability to develop and direct new and contemporary plays, musicals and multimedia works by both established and emerging writers including Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynn Nottage and MacArthur Fellow Dominique Morisseau. But he’s also established himself as the kind of director that helps young, eager students effectively learn the business of theater.
The bright and beautiful peacock creates a stunning display, but it is only the males that have this plumage. This week’s Kid Scoop page is all about peafowls. Each week, Kid Scoop brings students interactive games, activities, puzzles and more in a bright & bouncy, award-winning feature kids and their family members can enjoy together. PUBLICATION DATE HERE
Publication Date: 12-15-21
32 DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021
As he makes the transition to his new position, he said he cannot forget those who paved the way. “It’s impossible to look at this moment in my career and not see it as a testament to those who came before me and knocked down doors,” said Douglas, a native New Yorker who said he loves walking the streets of the District, listening to all kinds of music and especially football. “I consider this as a celebration for the entire community and an opportunity to pull up five more folding chairs for aspiring Blacks,” he said. “In many ways, I feel like I was born for this moment – one in which I can connect both my production and directorial experiences for the hard, urgent work which lies ahead. It’s truly a match made in heaven.” Douglas has already begun planning for next season, determined, he says, to find ways to bring together the best of D.C. with the best of the nation in artistic partnerships. But he realizes that he must also focus on the current season which features an impressive assortment of talented playwrights. “It’s great to work with the Mosaic team as we complete this year’s programming and it helps that I’m already familiar with and simply
5 Reginald L. Douglas. (Photos courtesy Mosaic Theater)
love the playwrights and directors who are represented in the current season,” he said. Douglas has already turned his attention to Mosaic’s first play of the season – the world premiere of “Dear Mapel,” written by the talented Psalm 80 which serves as a personal reflection on Black fatherhood. “It’s a perfect way to come back to live theater because it’s a new work which is heartfelt, honest,
moving and which celebrates connections across generations as well as across time and space for which only the theater can allow and for the kind of required setting that only the theater can provide,” he said. Still, he said he cannot help but be a bit anxious about what lies ahead, given the impact that the coronavirus has had on the theater industry in particular and the District, the nation and the world in general. “Safety is our top priority for our artists and our audiences,” he said. “But the anxiety we feel isn’t that different from what others are experiencing. Humanity remains the key as we look to the future as we’re all pushing through this pandemic together. “However, I believe that returning to the theater safely is a tremendous way to push through with stories that are entertaining, enlightening and which elevate our spirits as we seek to maneuver our way through this stressful period in history and in our own lives.” “I am an eternal optimist and so for me, I’m buoyed by the challenges ahead while at the same time remaining focused on the opportunities that will certainly be revealed as the future unfolds,” Douglas said. WI
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LIFESTYLE
DL Hughley Shares Timely Insights with the District’s Black Press
Comedian, Actor and Political Commentator Hosts MMCA Awards at The National Press Club D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Editor DL (Darryl Lynn) Hughley, best known as the original host of BET’s ComicView and one of the “Big Four” comedians among The Original Kings of Comedy, recently visited the District to host an event at The National Press Club in Northwest. Hughley, 58, an accomplished actor, producer, political commentary, radio host, author and comedian, hosted the Multicultural Media & Correspondents Association’s [MMCA] sixth awards dinner on Nov. 18. The invitation-only gathering of media influencers, policymakers, executives and corporate and advocacy organization allies showcased the accomplishments of Black, Indigenous and People of Color [BIPOC] media industry legends and luminaries who continue to pave the way for the next generation. Media stakeholders, including WI Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, attended a BIPOC media development session earlier that day. MMCA President David Morgan and his board members presented awards to the following: Paula Madison (principal owner, The Africa Channel; chairman/CEO, Madison Media Management LLC), Media Luminary Honoree; Sara Kehaulani Goo (editor-in-chief, Axios), News Publication Honoree; Enrique Santos (president/CCO, iHeart Latino), Radio Broadcast Honoree; and Harris Faulkner, (Emmy Award-Winning anchor, Fox News Channel), Television Broadcast Honoree. After congratulating Hughley on the success of his latest venture, “Johnson,” a dramedy developed by executive producers Cedric the Entertainer and Eric C. Rhone in which he cuts his comedic chops as the uncle of one of four Black men, childhood “besties,” Hughley sat down to address issues of tantamount concern which confront today’s African-American community. Washington Informer: You’re here in support of MMCA and the great work they’re doing. But many
5 DL Hughley talks to the Washington Informer during the Multicultural Media & Correspondents Association’s [MMCA] awards dinner on November 18. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)
people continue to discount both the importance of multiculturalism in media and the relevance of the Black Press. What are your views? DL Hughley: Diversity is important in all aspects not just from a vanity standpoint but because it’s the only way society can really begin to evolve. Cities, workplaces and juries all do better and are better when they’re diverse because with diversity there’s the opportunity for more intentional deliberation. So, it matters and it’s paramount as it allows for the inclusion of everyone’s perspective. WI: Our publication recently celebrated our 57th year of service. And there are other members of the Black Press, like the Chicago Defender, the New Pittsburgh Courier and The Miami Times, who have been around even longer. I grew up with the Michigan Chronicle in Detroit. But many people, including some Blacks, tend to ignore the work we do. Where do you see the Black Press moving forward and is the Black Press still needed and important for America? DLH: A lot of times, the Black Press is the only way we hear about stories that concern us. When I grew up, you couldn’t go into a house where they didn’t have Black newspapers, globes, maps and the World Book Encyclopedia – at
least part of it. We’ve always had an insatiable thirst for knowledge, probably because we refused to be misled like we once were. Ironically, at a time when Blacks need clarity and understanding and have access to a wealth of information, we don’t trust the media. We’ve done all we can to kill truth. Now, in the midst of a pandemic and other disturbing situations that continue to arise all across the U.S. and lacking a true stabilizing force that ensures a reasonable chance to get consistent and objective information, the Black Press is needed even more than ever before. WI: I recently wrote a first person commentary about Dave Chappelle and the controversy surrounding his latest show. I remember Dick Gregory once emphasizing the importance of Black reporters remaining on the cutting edge of issues that we face in society – similar to what comedians seek to achieve as they develop their monologues. Still, I wonder if there are or should be taboo topics for comedians. DLH: Comedy has no master other than the artist him or herself. For Dave, he gained more fans than he lost and the movement that attempted to silence him lost more than it gained. No one likes to be the butt of jokes but that’s how comedy works. But some employ-
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ees from Netflix, and those from among the transgender community, seemed to want reparations. White people asked a Black man for reparations. Look, Chappelle is a comedian – he’s not Thomas Jefferson. Much like you as a journalist, I, in my profession, seek to find that line of consistent truth. Despite being trained differently, we both want to achieve the same thing: we’re looking for ways to say what we see. WI: Tell us about your battle with COVID-19 and what you learned from that unfortunate experience. DLH: I changed a lot. It made me very aware of the disparities within medicine and healthcare. I also realized how fortunate I am and realized that I had to become an advocate, to the extent that I can, for those who have no one to speak for them. As for COVID-19, when I hear folks say they’ve done their research, which many got off the internet and then they become infected, it’s tragic. Only then do they
understand that TikTok ain’t got no hospitals. Americans need of a trusted source for the news. We need to know the real deal but we’ve allowed the truth to be effectively smothered. People would rather editorialize instead of giving the unvarnished truth. But there’s a price to pay for doing that; we’re paying the price now. We tell people what they want to hear rather than tell it like it is. America leads the world in the number of infections and deaths from COVID-19 because we’re free, fat and poorly informed. We’re bad at math and bad at dieting. COVID-19 opened my eyes both to the disparities that continue to exist and how far too many American remain reluctant to process things correctly and accurately. Everything bad happens worse for and to Americans and that’s because of our refusal to listen to, to admit and then deal with the truth. WI
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© 2021 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 38, No. 1
Aunt Artica likes lots of ornaments on her Christmas tree. But she doesn’t have room for all of them. By adding the numbers on the ornaments, can you circle the ones she can use? The total can’t be higher than 50 or less than 35. Then have a friend try. Who was able to use the most ornaments?
Chill out with this cool collection of brrrr-ain teasers. t rhyme with FREEZE. Cross out the words tha
To reve hints to and cre answer shad
GO ON KNEES “TREES YOU SQUEEZEAND I’LL BEES SE AHEAD KEYS PLEA ND BREEZE.” JUST HANG SKIS AROU
How many snowmen can you find in this puzzle? Whoops! This snowman lost his head. Can you find it?
Standards Link: Math/Number Sense: Calculate sums.
Draw the snowman that should come next in each row to continue the pattern.
CHRISTMAS HOLLY SNOWMAN FREEZE FOOD WINTER COOL RIDDLE CHILL HOT COLD LOST SKIS COZY FIND
L D N I F K T H S Y
O K S I K S W A O L
S F S N O W M A N R
W Y F L E T C D L I
V L M O S Z T O H D Y L P I O R E L O D Z O R Z Y D U E W L
O H W I N T E R R E C H I L L D L O C F
Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognize identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.
Hot and Cold Standards Link: Mathematical Reasoning: Complete patterns.
Winter Words
The kids on Holly Lane built these four snowmen. Can you figure out who made each of these snowmen? Kayla’s snowman is between Jordan’s snowman and Greg’s snowman. Sophie’s snowman is next to Jordan’s snowman. Greg’s snowman is not the largest.
Look through the newspaper for words that could be used to describe a cold winter. Use them in a sentence to describe the weather today.
Standards Link: Problem Solving: Use a varfiety of strategies, including logic, to solve problems.
Standards Link: Writing: Write sentences using descriptive details.
A player selects a picture from the newspaper. Another player tries to identify the picture by asking questions that can be answered “yes” or “no.” Give clues like you are “hot” when getting close and “cold” when getting farther away. Standards Link: Reading: Ask and answer questions; follow directions.
No Money Gifts What can you give as a Christmas present that doesn’t cost money to buy?
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34 DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021
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1. Fros head 2. Taki coco 3. The 4. Wha 5. Tim 6. Mov 7. A w 8. To p anot 9. The
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LIFESTYLE
wi book review "Prince: A Portrait of the Artist in Memories & Memorabilia" By Paul Sexton, foreword by Susan Rogers c.2021, Welbeck Publishing $24.95 143 pages Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer The cover promised greatness. Just a whisper over 12 inches square, you knew there was magic inside; even its title and artwork were enticing. Oh, the anticipation, as you flipped it over to read the contents before carefully running a fingernail along one side to slice the clear wrapping and finally touch the vinyl. There was something truly delicious about the first minutes with an old-school record album, but in "Prince" by Paul Sexton, it was nothing compared 2 the music. Andrê Anderson didn't know a soul. He was a teenager then, and his mother had just moved him to a different Minneapolis school and a "new situation." When an adult told him to "go stand against a wall," Anderson decided to stand next to a kid who looked friendly; remembering that day, he recalled that that boy, Prince Rogers Nelson, was a kindred spirit who lived for music. Even then, young Prince was restless; he ran away from home many times, bouncing between his father's apartment and the Anderson home. Prince's dad, John, was "his best friend" and was arguably the root of his son's talent; as an adult, Prince remembered being three years old and itching to play music his father's piano. By 16, he was proficient with several musical instruments, and was a member of a band. At 18, he wanted to record his own single; two years later, he was recording for a major label. He was laser-focused on his career, then and for the rest of his life, to the point that he rarely slept. His entourage is said to have made it a game to see who could stay awake longer than Prince. Nobody could. He had a legendary work ethic and was generous, but fools weren't welcome in his circle. He was a prankster who loved to laugh, a perfectionist, and a visionary. Once, he called himself "TAFKAP," which stood for The Artist Formerly Known as Prince. Says Sexton, "But now he is The Artist Forever Known as Prince." So you think you know everything there is to know about The Purple One. Or maybe not: "Prince" could still hold a few surprises, even for the most ardent fan. But which will be your favorite part? Author Paul Sexton tells Prince's story from his youth to his death, through the eyes of those who worked with Prince, on-stage and off, in stories that are both personal and of the kind you might hear in a business meeting. While Sexton delightedly dives into a mischievous side of the singer, readers can rest assured that there's nothing scandalous here – that wasn't Prince's way – but those who know his lyrics know that the edge is close. Or will you prefer the pages of photographs? Pictures of Prince as a boy, a creator, a performer? Still-photos, posters, concert shots, pictures of his costumes? Photos that might be new to you? Why even try to decide about this book made especially for fans — pick both, and "Prince" promises a great read. WI
horoscopes
DEC 2 - 8, 2021
ARIES It's easy to find yourself daydreaming of connecting with someone special or your dearest friends in a playful, lighthearted way. Go ahead and wear your heart on your sleeve, because it could set you up for emotionally fulfilling results. Later, you might feel distressed if your efforts on the job aren't being properly recognized and you have to go back to the drawing board on a project. Lucky Numbers: 2, 7, 9 TAURUS Doing whatever you can to set up and maintain a sense of comfort, security, and peacefulness in your home is your top priority, so give in to that urge to redecorate your family room or put work on the back burner for an evening in order to bond with family. You won't regret it! Later, the cosmos could trigger confusion with colleagues, perhaps on a collaborative creative project. Lucky Numbers: 11, 14, 36 GEMINI Connect with your significant other, a potential partner, or your closest friends on an intellectual level. Enjoying fun activities that stimulate your mind (like visiting a museum or reading a new novel) together can lay the groundwork for fulfilling this desire and bolstering your bond. Later, you might feel like it's challenging to see eye to eye with an authority figure. Lucky Numbers: 9, 23, 56 CANCER Focus on stepping up your professional game and hitting financial goals. You'll be especially motivated by the idea of bolstering security but also being able to afford specific material possessions or experiences you've been dreaming about. Later in the week, you could feel overworked and, in turn, experience tension with a close colleague or your significant other. Lucky Numbers: 19, 33, 53 LEO At the week's start, you'll get a burst of energy that you can put toward hitting your most ambitious personal goals. Later, the cosmos boosts your appetite for connecting with someone you care about. You'll absolutely radiate from the inside. Go for it! Prioritizing activities you love, especially with your nearest and dearest, can make for sweet memories and bolstered bonds. Lucky Numbers: 21, 35, 46 VIRGO If you've been feeling burned out by work and the daily grind, you'll get an opportunity early this week to take a back seat and focus on resting, recovering, and meditating on where you've been and where you want to go from here. You can enjoy being in planning mode during this time. Later, you might feel like you're speaking a different language than a close colleague. Lucky Numbers: 4, 28, 58 LIBRA As the week starts, your calendar is bound to be even more packed than usual. Take advantage by collaborating on a meaningful project, perhaps for charity. Later in the week is a wonderful time to open up to a special someone about how you feel. Trust what's in your heart to help you find the right words. Your connection will be stronger for it! Lucky Numbers: 13, 15, 19 SCORPIO Early in the week, you're inspired to get even more imaginative with your approach to hitting your professional goals. At the same time, tapping in to your most self-expressive and creative instincts is what will help you get ahead now. The more unique vision you can present, the more likely you'll be recognized by higher-ups. Lucky Numbers: 12, 20, 26 SAGITTARIUS At the beginning of the week, you'll feel like packing your bags and hitting the road or jetting off to an exotic destination. You'd do well to take advantage of any and all opportunities to broaden your horizons now because it can benefit your heart, soul, and mind. Later, the cosmos turns up the volume on your confidence to express how you feel to your significant other or a potential partner. The more playful and spontaneous you can be the more memorable the experience will be for you both. Lucky Numbers: 9, 11, 30 CAPRICORN Early in the week is an ideal time to connect with a colleague on a project that's close to your heart. You'll have the power to put your unique vision into words and figure out how you can make it a reality as a team. Don't shy away from sharing exactly what you've been dreaming of. Being confident and communicative can help get you in sync and satisfied. Lucky Numbers: 25, 36, 43 AQUARIUS At the start of the week, you'll have a burning desire to connect with someone special, be it your significant other or a potential mate. Whether you're working together on a shared goal or simply enjoying one another's company, your efforts as a one-on-one team allow you to get ahead and can serve to strengthen your relationship in a heartwarming way. Later in the week, you could hit a wall on an artistic project on the job, perhaps due to a lack of concrete information. Lucky Numbers: 7, 18, 38 PISCES At the beginning of the week, you'll feel more empowered to go after your boldest fitness goals. Whether you've wanted to try a new workout plan, check out a different class, or train for a race, you'll have the wind at your sails to make it happen and keep it up! Later in the week, your efforts to have a meaningful conversation with a loved one could be thwarted by the sneaking feeling that you're not grasping the truth of the matter or your perception is off. There's no harm in taking a time-out until you feel more assured of your view. Lucky Numbers: 5, 22, 34
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DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021 35
CAPTURE the moment
For more photos, visit www.washingtoninformer.com
Run, Walk, Run
Over 7,000 runners participate in the SOME (So Others Might Eat) 20th annual Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger 5K starting at Freedom Plaza. The event helped to raise over $25k. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)
36 DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021
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SPORTS Turkey Bowl Returns Bringing Exuberance, Excitement to District H.D. Woodson Loses to Upstart Roosevelt in Holiday Classic’s 51st Showdown Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer There was great anticipation for this year’s 51st Annual Turkey Bowl after the football classic had to be cancelled last year due to the pandemic. This year, the Warriors of HD Woodson High School in Northeast, participants in five of the last seven games, battled the upstart Rough Riders of Theodore Roosevelt from Northwest whose last appearance goes back to 1998. In the end, it would be Roosevelt, led by its star quarterback, Khalil Wilkins, which proved to be the difference with far greater firepower as HD Woodson won 37-22 before a crowd of over 7,000 at Eastern Stadium. Early on, it appeared as though the Warriors (6-5) would set the tone when they forced a fumble and turned it into an early 8-0 lead on a Lee Novaun run. Buoyed by the early success, HD Woodson kept the high-powered Rough Riders potent offense under wraps, keeping them from getting into any kind of rhythm. Then the Rough Riders (11-1) turned to Khalil Wilkins who comes off the bench for senior starter Kerry Burns. The talented 6-3 sophomore accounted for his team's first points, find-
ing receiver Derrick Hawkins from five yards and then adding the two-point conversion with a rush. The Rough Riders defense forced a HD Woodson turnover on its next possession and it didn’t take long for Khalil to get his team on the boards as he connected with Antonio Wilkins on a beautifully thrown 60-yard pass. The two-point conversion gave Theodore Roosevelt the lead at 16-8 to close out the first half. “We came out a little flat,” said Rough Rider Head Coach Christopher Harden, the DCIAA Coach of the Year. “But the team never wavered. We regrouped with our defense until the offense got us going. We settled in after that.” HD Woodson made it interesting when Lee took a handoff, swept right and found Amari Thomas on a 14-yard hookup that cut the deficit to 16-14 late in the third period. But the celebration would be brief as Roosevelt unleashed its potent offense with Khalil and running back Juan Pratt taking over the game. First, Khalil capped off a 70-yard drive with a oneyard dive and then Pratt, a junior and one of several returning underclassmen, made his presence known, scoring on back-to-back TD runs of seven and 77
Wise, Frederick Douglass Advance to State Football Championship Games Two Prince George’s County high schools located in Upper Marlboro will play for Maryland state football championships Friday, Dec. 3 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. Frederick Douglass will play at 4 p.m. against Milford Mill Academy of Baltimore County. The other Prince George’s school, Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr., five-time 4A state champions under Head Coach DaLawn Parrish, will play at 7:30 p.m. against Quince Orchard of Montgomery County. For those interested in purchasing tickets, visit https://gofan.co/app/school/MPSSAA. WI
5 Roosevelt High School wide receiver, Antonio Wilkins (2) runs for a touchdown in the first half of the 51st annual DC High School Football Championship Turkey Bowl at Eastern High School in Southeast. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)
yards to give his team its first title since 1979. Juan finished with 181 yards on just 11 carries. Remarkably poised for a young player performing on the big stage, Khalil displayed an array of skills on middle range passes, the deep ball and a slithery running style. “We worked hard all season to get to this point,” said Khalil who finished sixof-10 for 147 yards and two TDs. “Everyone stepped up today on defense, special teams and on offense.”
Added Harden of his budding stars, “There’s not a lot that we can’t do when it comes to Wilkins. He has the poise and the talent to become an outstanding player for the next two years. He and Pratt give us two players who are capable of making big plays at any time. It is a nice luxury to have.” The Rough Riders hope to cap off a storybook season when they take on the Archbishop Carroll Lions of Northeast for the DC State Association championship on Saturday, Dec. 4 at
Georgetown University at 4 p.m. “We had some goals that we set at the beginning of the season,” Harden said. “The first was to win the league, then win the Turkey Bowl and to then cap it off with the state championship.” It has been a long drought for a program that once ruled as a dominant force in the DCIAA. “This was for our fans, alumni and community who have supported the program over all those lean years,” Harden added. WI
Bowie State Advances to Second Round of NCAA Division II Playoffs
Team Prepares to take on No. 1 Seed, Valdosta State, Saturday, Dec. 4 Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer On a day when the run game was stymied, Bowie State parlayed its passing game and some tough defense into a 1310 win over Newberry in the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs at Bulldogs Stadium. As a result, the 10th ranked Bulldogs (12-1) will now face the No. 1 seed, Valdosta State (10-1) for the Super Region 2 title game on Dec. 4 in Valdosta, Ga., at the Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. Game time is slated for 1 p.m. The game was tightly contested with both teams' defenses dominating play. The teams went into the locker room scoreless. Both teams opened the second half with threeand-outs before Newberry capitalized on a Bulldogs' fumble to score the game's first TD midway through the third quarter. Five plays later, Newberry scored to take a 7-0 lead at the 8:11 mark of the third quarter. The Bulldogs scored their first touchdown of the afternoon when Johnson re-entered the game following an injury and found Keshane Hinckley for a 68-yard toss to tie the game at 7 heading into the fourth quarter. Newberry then went up 10-7 on a 48-yard field goal.
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But the Bulldogs defense then shut the door on the visitors, forcing yet another fumble that snuffed out any hopes for a comeback. On the day, the Bulldogs bread and butter run game was held to a season-low 20 yards but Johnson made up for it as he completed 15 passes for 244 yards and two TDs, both going to Keshane Hinckley who grabbed five for 132 yards and two TDs. “We realized that we had to throw the ball because of the way that Newberry was playing,” said Bowie State Head Coach Damon Wilson. “Ja'rome Johnson did an outstanding job of making the throws that he had to,” he said. “This is the character of this team. All season, they have been doing what they have to do for us to win whether on offense, defense or special teams.” Defensively, the Bulldogs had two players record nine tackles each: graduating seniors Wesley Bowers (Fort Washington, MD) and Ellison Jordan (Upper Marlboro, MD). Both secured a sack and a tackle for a loss. “We have to play well against a Division II super power like Valdosta,” Wilson said. “They are a good football team so we know it is going to be a dogfight.” WI
DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021 37
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VARIANT from Page 1 “And we’ll fight this variant with scientific and knowledgeable actions and speed – not chaos and confusion.” Officials at the World Health Organization [WHO] said the Omicron coronavirus variant on Monday carried a “very high risk of infection surges.” The WHO reportedly advised its 194-member nations that any infection surge could have severe consequences but said no deaths have been linked to the new variant.
OMICRON VARIANT – MORE DEADLY AND CONTAGIOUS?
“Omicron has an unprecedented number of spike mutations, some of which are concerning for their potential impact on the trajectory of the pandemic,” the organization noted in a news release. South African officials reportedly first detected the new variant a week ago in Botswana, with cases confirmed in other parts of the continent as well Europe, Japan and Canada. The rapid spread of the new variant has led the Biden administration to impose travel restrictions on individuals coming from eight countries in southern Africa including South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi, which began Monday. “While we have said that travel restrictions can slow the speed of omicron, it cannot prevent it,” President Biden stated. “Here’s what it does: it gives us time. It gives us time to take more action. To move quicker, to make sure people understand, you have to get the vaccine. You have to get the shot. You have to get the booster.” Flanked by chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci and Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden said the variant indicates a “cause for concern, not a cause for panic.” He noted that the U.S. has a greater arsenal of tools to combat COVID-19 than ever before and sits better poised to battle the virus than in March 2020, or even December 2020.
BIDEN CONTINUES TO ADVISE, GET VACCINATED, WEAR MASKS
He promised to share a more detailed strategy for fighting COVID-19 and the Omicron variant on Thursday, Dec. 2 and in subsequent weeks prior to Christmas.
38 DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021
(Courtesy photo)
“Sooner or later, we're going to see cases of this new variant here in the United States,” he said. “We'll have to face this new threat, just as we faced those that have come before it,” Biden said. “While we have the travel restrictions that can slow the speed of Omicron, it cannot prevent it.” “But here's what it does: it gives us time. It gives us time to take more actions; to move quicker – to make sure people understand you have to get your vaccine, you have to get the shot, you have to get the booster,” he said. On Friday, Nov. 26, New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a COVID-19 “disaster emergency” declaration, citing an increase in rates of infections and hospitalizations as the cause. In her remarks, she did not comment on the Omicron variant. The new variant further complicates Biden’s health agenda as he faces a dismal approval rating and continued pushback by at least 10 U.S. states whose citizens have refused to get vaccinated. Biden has also been criticized by both foreign leaders and international health experts for America’s delay in sending vaccines to the world’s poorer countries. He urged those 18 and older and at least six months out from their second vaccine shot to get the booster. “If you're 18 years or over and got fully vaccinated before June the first, go get the booster shot today,” he said while also encouraging people to wear masks in crowded indoor places. During the press conference, he reiterated that a return to stringent lockdowns remains off the table – at least for now. Besides southern Africa, the Omi-
cron variant has been detected in at least 14 countries including the UK, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, Portugal and Belgium. Canada and Japan have also confirmed cases of the new variant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday that no cases of the new strain have been identified in the U.S. so far. However, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former head of the Food and Drug Administration, predicted Sunday during an interview on “Face the Nation” that the Omicron variant “almost definitely” has already made its way to America’s shores. He also raised the concern that travel restrictions could be interpreted as “very punitive,” leading nations to find few, if any, incentives and therefore to refrain, unlike officials from South Africa, from reporting new coronavirus strains to the World Health Organization Still, he seemed optimistic, despite greater concerns from the world’s leading health officials “If someone who's been infected with Delta is well-protected from this and someone who is fully boosted is also well-protected from this, that could be a pretty good backstop from this becoming really epidemic in the United States,” Gottlieb said adding that those working on vaccines have expressed a “pretty good degree of confidence” that three doses of COVID-19 vaccines will be “fairly protective” against the new strain.” You have to get the shot. You have to get the booster,” he said. WI @mcneirdk
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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT
Only 1 Percent of African Americans are Jews
Montgomery County, Maryland, has a large "Orthodox" Jewish community, particularly the Kemp Mill community in Silver Spring. Twenty years ago, my family and I lived in the Kemp Mill community in a lovely home on Lovejoy Street. My daughter got married while we were there, and her reception was in our backyard! We lived there for nearly five years, from 1986 to 1991. It was a mostly white community that had begun to racially integrate. According to columnist Nyla Burton, in the late 1970s, a black D.C. school official living in Kemp Mill was the target of a hate crime when the N-word and "KKK" were painted on her house and her tires were slashed. During the time my family lived there, in 1989, 25% of the 2,000 Kemp Mill families were Orthodox Jews. In fact, on both sides of our home and across the street were Orthodox Jews. The way Orthodox Jews live was observed by all of us firsthand. For instance, every Friday, by 6 p.m., they were walking to local synagogues for worship service. They didn't use cars until Sundays after 6 p.m.; they put up tents in the backyard during special times of the year. Kosher markets and bakeries were all around; they worked on their lawns on Sundays but worshiped on Fridays evenings and Saturdays. On Saturday, when I was cutting my grass and doing work on my lawn, they seemed to look at me with evil eyes as they walked home from worship. Though my family lived among them, I was unaware
of the trouble in the neighborhood. I just did not understand why my Orthodox Jewish neighbors barely spoke. In September 1989, unbeknownst to me, a spate of antisemitic incidents occurred, rumored to be the work of skinheads. Swastikas were painted on vehicles, 40 cars had their windows shot out with BB guns, and the words "All Jews Must Die Now" were painted on a sidewalk. These incidents occurred a few months after a young Asian man was beaten in nearby Sligo Creek Park by a group of youths and young adults shouting anti-Asian racial slurs. A community meeting was held and the local police claimed that "youths" were to blame for the antisemitic incidents and that there were no organized neo-Nazis or skinheads in the region. However, a man living in Kemp Mill had recently been convicted for vandalism of the Kemp Mill Urban Park, an act the police claimed was inspired by the 1988 film "Betrayed," which follows the actions of a white supremacist organization. We never heard about any of this news, despite having lived right there on Lovejoy Street among many Orthodox Jews. In a Washington Post article back in May, Emily Guskin wrote, "Few American Jews are non-White."
However, in her article, she talked about a new poll which shows that this situation is likely to change In the United States, there are at least 200,000 Black American Jews, a small number when we are speaking about the entire country. Some are biracial with a Jewish parent, some converted and some belong to mostly Black Hebrew congregations that formed at the turn of the 20th century. For many American Jews, Hanukkah (Nov. 28-Dec. 6) is pretty much the same thing, which is to say, not a major Jewish holiday. The real holidays are the Jewish New Year, the Day of Atonement in the fall and Passover in the spring. But because of Christmas, everyone expects you to be celebrating something in December and giving presents, so Hanukkah fits the bill, especially since it's a celebration of freedom. It marks the overthrow 2,300 years ago of the Assyrians from Israel and a rekindling of the eternal light in the sacked temple. There was only enough oil to light it for one day, but it lasted eight days — this part is the miracle! That's why Hanukkah is eight days with an eight-branched candelabra called a menorah lit each night, one candle for each day. WI
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Adams Inspirational A.M.E. Church Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness / Senior Pastor Rev. Ali Gail Holness-Roland / Assistant & Youth Pastor 12801 Old Fort Road • Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Office (301) 292.6323 • FAX (301) 292.2164 Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:15 am Sunday Church School 11:00 am Youth Sunday every 4th Sunday Prayer Call @ Noon every Tuesday & Thursday 978.990.5166 code: 6166047# Virtual Bible Study Wednesday Facebook & Zoom 7:00 pm “A Growing Church for a Coming Christ” www.adamsinspirationalamec.org
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DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021 39
RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church
Pilgrim Baptist Church
Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor
Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor
9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724
700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849
Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM
Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM 5th Sundays: 9:30 AM 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 PM
Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”
www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org
Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ
Blessed Word of Life Church
Church of Living Waters
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor 4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464 Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org
St. Stephen Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., / Pastor 2498 Alabama Ave., SE - Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 / Fax: (202) 889-2198 - www.acamec.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00 AM Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30 AM 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00 AM Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30 PM Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00 AM “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”
Third Street Church of God
Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors
Reverend William Young IV Pastor
Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor
Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor
4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax
3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) / (202) 562-4219 (Fax)
5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555 Services and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45 AM Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday , 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 PM Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30 AM
1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax
Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM
Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power “An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org
www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org
Campbell AME Church
Twelfth Street Christian Church
Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White 2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study Wednesday: 12:00 Noon Wednesday: 7:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 PM “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address : Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020
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
Turning Hearts Church Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher 421 Alabama Ave. SE Washington, DC 20032 Phone: 202-746-0113 Fax: 301-843-2445 Service and Times Sunday School: 10:15 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11;15 AM Children’s Church: 11:15 AM Tuesday Bible Study: 6:30 PM Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment” Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org Email: gr8luv4u2@gmail.com
40 DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021
Mount Carmel Baptist Church
“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org / E-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net
www.thirdstreet.org Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org
800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703 Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45 AM Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”
Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax
Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6:00 AM & 6:30 PM Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church / Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org / emailus@gmchc.org
Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor 1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661 Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net
St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us... Dr. Raymond T. Matthews Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011 Services and Times Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service: 6:45 PM Thur. Bible Study: 7:15 PM
Reverend John W. Davis Pastor 5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.) Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m. “A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org
headline and photo for Mount Olivet LIF - MALCOLMXLutheran Church DAY John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.
901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423
1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005
themcbc.org
“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital”
Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor
Isle of Patmos Baptist Church
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr. Senior Pastor
Service and Times Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10 AM
Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM
Crusader Baptist Church
Service and Times Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m. Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday “Friendliest Church in the City” Website: mountolivetdc.org Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com
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RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor 7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471 Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 AM Service 11:00 AM Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Motto: “A Church Keeping It Real for Real.” Website: Shabbathcommandmentchruch.org Email: Praisebetoyhwh@gmail.com
Zion Baptist Church Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor 4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773 Service and Times 9:00 a.m. – Sunday School 10:15 a.m. – Worship Service Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study 7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org
St. Luke Baptist Church Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor 1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851 P: (202) 726-5940 Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun. Bible Institute: Wednesday - 1:30 PM Prayer Meeting: Wednesday - 12:00 Noon
All Nations Baptist Church Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor 2001 North Capitol St, N.E. - Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591 Service and Times Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education / School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards
Israel Baptist Church
Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor 2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730 Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Baptismal Service: 1st Sunday – 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday – 11:00 AM Prayer Meeting & Bible Study: Wednesday -7:30 PM “Where Jesus is the King”
Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor
2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . . 100% Forgiven!
623 Florida Ave.. NW - WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 / Study (202) 265-0836 Home Study (301) 464-8211 / Fax (202) 483-4009
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00 PM www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org
Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith
Lincoln Park United Methodist Church Rev. Richard B. Black Pastor
Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor
1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288
1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org
5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005
Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM
Mount Moriah Baptist Church Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM Motto: "Faith On The Hill"
Service and Times Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42
New Commandment Baptist Church
Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor
Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor
1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964
8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240
13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:30 AM Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM
Service and Times Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11 AM Sunday School: 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM
Rehoboth Baptist Church
Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor
Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor
2001 Brooks Drive District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074
621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032 P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112
Service and Times Sunday Worship Experience: 10:15am Sunday School: 9:00am Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Morning Noontime Bible Study: Tuesday @ 12:00pm Prayer Meeting/Bible Study: Tuesday @7:00pm Theme: "Building On A Firm Foundation"
Service and Times Sunday Service: 10:00 AM Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM 1st Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting: 7:45 PM
Email: revprbstmbc@gmail.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org
Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”
“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org
“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”
Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958
Shiloh Baptist Church
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM Noonday Prayer Every Thursday
Matthews Memorial Baptist Church
4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net
Christ Embassy DC
Dr. Joseph D. Turner / Senior Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Early Worship Service: 8:00 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM New Member’s Class: 9:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday, 11:00 AM Church School: 9:45 AM Wednesday 12:00pm Bible Study Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: 7:00 PM Saturday Bible Study: 11:00 AM Baptism 4th Sunday: 11:00 AM
Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator 6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Friday Evening Service: 7:00 PM ; Last Friday “…Giving Your Life a Meaning”
“Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”
Peace Baptist Church
www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com
Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell
Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor
712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM “The Loving Church of the living lord “
3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 PM Prayer Service Bible Study
First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Mt. Horeb Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor
Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor
Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor
9th & P Street, N.W. - W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4288
602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 Fax: (202) 289-4595
2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 - Fax: (202) 529-7738 Service and Times Worship Service: 7:30 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30AM & 10:30 AM Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 PM. Wednesday 12 Noon
www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org
Service and Times First Sunday Worship Service (one service): 10:00 AM Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sunday Worship service: 7:45 AM and 10:55 AM Sunday Church School/Bible Study: 9:30 AM Thursday Prayer Service: 6:30 PM
All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.
Email: sbc@shilohbaptist.org Website: shilohbaptist.org
Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist
Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor
Email Address: admin@pbc712.org
Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest
Holy Trinity United Baptist Church
Florida Avenue Baptist Church
Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor
Rev. Dr. Jerryl V. Moody Pastor-Elect
Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org
St. Matthews Baptist Church
Emmanuel Baptist Church
King Emmanuel Baptist Church
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Service and Times Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 AM Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “
Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.
DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021 41
LEGAL NOTICES
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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
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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2021 ADM 001297
2021 ADM 001230
2021 ADM 001303
2021 ADM 000290
2021 ADM 1335
Mary Lee Edwards Decedent
Anna E. Thornton Decedent
Meghan Genelle Jackson Thompson Decedent
Daisy M Wroten aka Daisy Wroten Decedent
Lily Hearn Coates Decedent Law Offices of Aaron E. Price, Sr., PLLC 717 D Street, NW #300 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Latoscha N. Harvin, whose address is 3340 Willow Crescent Drive 14, Fairfax, VA 22030, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lily Hearn Coates who died on 2/11/2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/18/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 5/18/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 11/18/2021 Latoscha N. Harvin Personal Representative
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Iris Edwards, whose address is 2824 Admiral Ridge Road, Accokeek, MD 20607, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Lee Edwards who died on November 21, 2020, without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/18/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 5/18/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Malinda Green, whose address is 3803 Clark Street, Capitol Heights, MD 20743, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Anna E. Thornton who died on May 27, 2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/18/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 5/18/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 11/18/2021
Date of first publication: 11/18/2021
Iris Edwards Personal Representative
Malinda Green Personal Representative
Aimee D. Griffin 5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney
Robert Maxwell, Esq. 601 Pennsylvania Ave., NW #900 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Khalil Thompson, whose address is 201 I Street, NE, Unit 1115, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Meghan Genelle Jackson Thompson who died on October 1, 2019 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/18/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 5/18/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Marva Wroten, whose address is 1730 Montello Ave., NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Daisy M. Wroten aka Daisy Wroten who died on 8/20/2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/18/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 5/18/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 11/18/2021
Date of first publication: November 18, 2021
Khalil Thompson Personal Representative
Marva Wroten Personal Representative
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Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
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
2021 ADM 000891
2021 ADM 000369
2021 ADM 001353
2021 ADM 1341
2021 ADM 001354
Akeia Patryce Conner Decedent
Robert L. Richardson Sr. aka Robert Lee Richardson, Sr. Decedent
Anthony Imeokparia aka Anthony Michael Imeokparia aka Anthony M. Imeokparia Decedent
Genevieve C. Rose aka Genevieve Rose Decedent
Alper George Macleod Decedent
Joan M. Wilbon 1120 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 1020 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Sarah D Hyman, whose address is 517 Villa Lane St. Clair Shores, MI 48080, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Akeia Patryce Conner who died on 10/5/2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/18/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 5/18/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 11/18/2021 Sarah D. Hyman Personal Representative
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42 DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021
Aimee D. Griffin 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW Ste. 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Linda Richardson-Jones, Robert L. Richardson, Jr. and Frances Hartdige, whose addresses are 23915 Greenfield Ct., Plainfield, IL 60514, 1703 Ashburton St. Baltimore MD 21216, 12221 Beach Blvd. 5J, Garden Grove CA 92841, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Robert L. Richardson Sr. aka Robert Lee Richardson, Sr. who died on May 3, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/15/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 5/18/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Law Office of Robert P. Newman Robert P. Newman, Esq. 801 Wayne Avenue, Suite 400 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Malissia Daneshpour, whose address is 300 4th Avenue S. 236, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Anthony Imeokparia aka Anthony Michael Imeokparia aka Anthony M. Imeokparia who died on 5/28/2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/28/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 5/18/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 11/18/2021 Linda Richardson-Jones Robert L. Richardson, Jr. Frances Hartdige Personal Representative
Date of first publication: 11/18/2021
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Malissia Daneshpour Personal Representative
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Janie M. Carr and Allen J. Carr, whose addresses are 5119 Illinois Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20011, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Genevieve C. Rose aka Genevieve Rose who died on April 26, 2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/18/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 5/18/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 11/18/2021 Janie M. Carr Allen J. Carr Personal Representative
Rachelle H. Raphael, Esq. 4800 Hampden Lane, Suite 200 Bethesda, MD 20814 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Suzanne Jane Macleod, whose address is 9136 Turtle Dove Lane, Gaithersburg, MD 20879, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Alper George Macleod who died on February 7, 2021 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 5/18/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 5/18/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 11/18/2021 Suzanne Jane Macleod Personal Representative
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Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
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Washington Informer
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THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
LEGAL NOTICES
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
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
2021 ADM 001348
2021 ADM 001322
2021 ADM 001356
2020 ADM 871
2021 ADM 001433
Stanford Williams aka Stanford K. Williams Decedent
Martha J. Straughter aka Martha J. Vines Decedent
Michael F. Baylor Decedent
Ernesteen Johnson Decedent Aimee D. Griffin 5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Zaneta Johnson, whose address is 550 48th Place, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ernesteen Johnson who died on 8/14/2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/18/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 5/18/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 11/18/2021
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Jerel Williams, whose address is 64 Hamlin Rd., Buffalo, NY 14208, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Stanford Williams aka Stanford K. Williams who died on April 30, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/18/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 5/18/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 11/18/2021
Zaneta S. Johnson Personal Representative
Jerel Williams Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY
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Washington Informer
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In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: " Conrad Romano Dasent© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: "DASENT, CONRAD ROMANO© ", corp.sole Dba.: " CONRAD ROMANO DASENT© ", having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: " Conrad Romano Dasent© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: "nasi obadyah bendan el© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order isto preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: St. Kittts Registrar General's Office : Birth Certificate No, 2877 Naturalization Certificate No. 36079223 / Registra-tion Number A079717343 , " CONRAD ROMANO DASENT© ", is as a special deposit order conveyed to "Nasi Haor Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " nasi obadyah bendan el©", nom deguerre: "Conrad Romano Dasent© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : "Nasi Haor Trust© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee /debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.
In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: " Kisa Moria George© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: "GEORGE, KISA MORIA© ", corp.sole Dba.: " KISA MORIA GEORGE© ", having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: " Kisa Moria George© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: "malkah keturah yisrael bey© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: Virgin Islands Of The United States Department Of Health : 153-74-001099 , " KISA MORIA GEORGE© ", is as a special deposit order conveyed to "Empress Keturah Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " malkah keturah yisrael bey©", nom deguerre: "Kisa Moria George© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : "Empress Keturah Trust© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee /debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.
Colline Silvera Esq. 7731 Belle Point Dr. Greenbelt, MD 20770 Attorney
Reginald Harris 1775 I Street, NW Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Sandra Wilkerson, whose address is 531 Eames Place, NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Martha J. Straughter aka Martha J. Vines who died on March 21, 2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment 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 6/2/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 6/2/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Lisa M. Jacobs, whose address is c/o Reginald Harris, 1775 I Street, NW, Suite 1150, Washington, DC 20006, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Michael F. Baylor who died on May 5, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 2, 2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 2, 2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 12/2/2021
Lisa M. Jacobs Personal Representative
Sandra Wilkerson Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
40 North Center Street, Suite 200 Mesa, Arizona 85201 T: (480) 464-1111 F: (480) 464-5692 Email: centraldocket@jacksonwhitelaw.com Attorneys for Petitioner By: Ryan K. Hodges, No. 026639 Colton B. Johnston, No. 033686 IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF MARICOPA In the Matter of the The Pauline E. Russell Income-Only Resource Trust. Case No.: PB2021-091448 NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY NOTICE IS GIVEN that Lisa Russell has filed with the above-referenced Court a Petition for Instructions Regarding Designated Beneficiary (the “Petition”). A hearing has been set to consider the Petition on January 11, 2022 at 9:45 AM before the Honorable Janette Corral, 222 E. Javelina Avenue, Mesa, Arizona 85210, 602-372-0425. WARNING: This is a legal notice; your rights may be affected. [Éste es un aviso legal. Sus derechos podrían ser afectados.] You are not required to attend this hearing. However, if you oppose any of the relief requested in the petition that accompanies this notice, you must file with the court a written response at least 7 calendar days before the hearing date, or you or your attorney must contact the division assigned to the case at the time of hearing using the following instructions: At least 30 minutes before the time of the hearing, call the assigned Judicial Officer’s division at the phone number listed above and request instructions on how to appear electronically at the hearing. Any written response must comply with Rule 15(e) of the Arizona Rules of Probate Procedure. If you do not file a timely response or attend the hearing: (1) the court may grant the relief requested in the petition without further proceedings, and (2) you will not receive additional notices of court proceedings relating to the petition unless you file a demand for notice pursuant to Title 14, Arizona Revised Statutes. DATED November 19, 2021. JACKSON WHITE _________________________________ Ryan K. Hodges, No. 026639 Colton B. Johnston, No. 033686 Attorneys for Petitioner
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
Date of first publication: December 2, 2021
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Carolyn Thorne Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Ramonia Thorne, whose address is 4118 24th Ave., Temple Hills, MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Carolyn Thorne who died on September 26, 2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 2, 2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 2, 2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: December 2, 2021 Ramonia Thorne Personal Representative
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Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2021 ADM 001315
2021 ADM 001405
Mary W. Marshall aka Mary Williams Marshall aka Mary Church Terrell Williams Decedent
Sandra E. Scott Decedent
Ethel Mitchell 8403 Colesville Rd., Suite 1100 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Lawrence Marcellus Marshall, Jr., whose address is 12106 Wimbleton Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary W. Marshall aka Mary Williams Marshall aka Mary Church Terrell Williams who died on May 16, 2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 2, 2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 2, 2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 12/2/2021 Lawrence Marcellus Marshall Jr. Personal Representative
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Lynn H. Johnson, Esq. Johnson & Pavuk 922 Westminister St., NW Washington, DC 20001 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Betty Ann Scott, whose address is 2725 31st Place, NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sandra E. Scott who died on September 24, 2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/2/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 6/2/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 12/2/2021 Betty Ann Scott Personal Representative
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DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021 43
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
2021 ADM 001251
2021 ADM 001440
Warren E. Leary Decedent
Estate of Jamie Moises Zelaya Coreas
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Jeanne E. Saddler, whose address is 1319 Holly St., NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Warren E. Leary who died on August 3, 2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/2/2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 6/2/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 12/2/2021 Jeanne E. Saddler Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
In God We Trust Declaration of Nationality Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: ‘‘Sonja Michele Sands© ’’, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: ‘‘SANDS, SONJA MICHELE© ’’, corp.sole Dba.: ‘‘SONJA MICHELE SANDS© ’’, having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: ‘‘ Sonja Michele Sands© ’’, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: ‘‘ sonja michele sands-el© ’’. Notice of White Flag Surrender: as “hors de combat”, pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: STATE OF FLORIDA - FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - BUREAU OF STATISTICS, STATE FILE NUMBER : 109-68-031757, ‘‘ SONJA MICHELE SANDS© ’’, to the depositor: ‘‘ sonja michele sandsel© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘ Sonja Michele Sands© ’’. All property , of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: ‘‘ sonja michele sands-el© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘Sonja Michele Sands© ’’, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : ‘‘Sonja Michele Sands Trust© ’’, an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank , nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved.
44 DECEMBER 2 - 8, 2021
NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Blanca Higinia Zelaya and Blanca Vilma Coreas De Zelaya for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative Date of first publication: 12/02/2021 Blanca Higinia Zelaya Blanca Vilma Coreas De Zelaya Petitioner/Attorney: 8303 Sprague Place New Carrolton, MD 20784 Address of Petitioner:
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
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WILLIAMS from Page 26 Waycross Judicial Circuit District Attorney George Barnhill advised the Glynn County Police Department that no arrests should be made. Subsequently, DA Jackie Johnson recused herself from the case because Gregory McMichael had previously worked as an investigator in her office. The case was transferred to Barnhill's office. The Georgia attorney general's office said neither Johnson nor Barnhill told the office
that Barnhill had reviewed evidence in the case. It was only after a local radio station received a copy of the video taken on the cellphone of William Bryan, a co-defendant, Georgia AG Chris Carr asks Georgia Bureau of Investigation to take over the case. On May 7, 2020, the GBI arrested the McMichaels and charged them with murder and aggravated assault. On May 21, 2020, Bryan was arrested and charged with murder and attempt to commit false imprisonment. The trial concluded on
Nov. 24, 2021, with guilty verdicts for the three. We have two murder trials, two cities with two different outcomes. If nothing else, these events demonstrate that, absent extrajudicial manipulation, accountability is attainable. Neither of these cases is over. Federal charges are pending, and civil litigation is possible. The principal question remains: As a rule, will our nation continue to condone vigilantism and the extra-judicial execution of our people? WI
is one of the most concerning developments." The international community is sounding the alarm because they still care about democracy the way we as a nation did in the past. Citizens in California see the urgency. A coalition of 69 progressive grassroots groups sent a letter to Sen. Dianne Feinstein urging her to support the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act in addition to expressing her willingness to "abolish or create an exception to the filibuster" in order to have the bills pass through the Senate. The groups went as far as to demand the senator's resignation if she is unwilling to take the steps necessary toward protecting our democracy. While it is not expected for conservative groups to make the same type of demand to their Republican senators, it should be a different story for white evangelicals despite being a major part of the Republican political base. The international community views the
subject of voter suppression within the United States not through a political lens but through a moral lens. Both progressives and conservatives voters should be able to do the same. These international organizations are seeing people being oppressed and they are speaking out as we all should. As Christians, I see white evangelicals as being the moral compass and the conscience of the nation. Because of their biblical commands, I see them finding the cruelty behind voter suppression as unacceptable. I see them contacting their elected representatives and expressing an urgency in preserving democracy at all costs. But all of this is not reality. Unfortunately, there is a widening gap between the way things should be and reality. Reality is disappointing. Even at the expense of saving American democracy, a large number of white evangelicals forsake their biblical teachings for political gains. WI
white people to embrace their racism with firearms, whether they are police officers or ordinary citizens. It is frightening to think that we live in a world where white fear, real or imagined, justifies a Black massacre. On the witness stand, one of the murderers admitted that Ahmaud did not say a word to him, did not do a darn thing but try to get away from him. He shot him anyway! So some random white person follows a Black man and attacks him because he is "scared." He should have kept his scared self in his house and called the police. But no, he was a white man with privilege, power and a weapon. Why should he call law enforcement when he could enforce the law himself? So how many pastors does the Arbery family have? As many as they
want. Black folks around the nation and the world prayed for a just result in this trial. We also prayed for a judicial ruling that the massacre of Black people is unacceptable. We are continuing to pray for an examination of this nonsense called "citizen's arrest." And we are praying for our leaders, our pastors, our brothers to keep the faith and keep representing. Kevin Gough does not "get" the Black community, and he doesn't have to. But what he needs to know, when he thundered about Black pastors, is that all of us, Black people, are connected. How many pastors do I have? As many as will claim me. Hundreds of Black pastors claimed the Arbery family because they relate to their pain. Whether you are a pastor or not, you should claim them, too. WI
(Courtesy photo)
MARSHALL from Page 26
BLM from Page 17 not the actual founders or leaders,” he said. “I watched on the news every night in Brooklyn where white people protested for George Floyd. In our community, it’s very rare to hear a person say they ever attended any of those events. For every 100 white protestors, only 15 were Black at best. Meanwhile, with almost 1000 gunshot victims that were Black during the same time period during the pandemic, you never see Black Lives Matter show up,” Jackson said. Entertainer Tyrone Evans Clarke said during protests he participated in following Floyd’s murder, he noticed many individuals willing to make sacrifices for the cause. However, that changed. “It seems the U.S. doesn’t respect Black and Brown people’s lives,” Clarke said. “Cops were attacking peaceful protestors with tear gas and rubber bullets and that didn’t help. On top of that, look how long it took to put Floyd’s murderer behind bars. It feels like there is a knee on our necks every day just by being Black.” WI
ELDER from Page 28
POLITICAL from Page 11
young people and taught them about character. He showed them what it took not just to be a good golfer but what was needed for them to become good citizens.” In 1939, the golf course would be dedicated after John Mercer Langston took his grievances to Congress because African Americans could not use other golf courses in the city. Every professional African-American golf player except for Tiger Woods has played at Langston, said former D.C. Councilmember Harry Thomas. Earlier this year, Mayor Bowser designated April 10, 2021 as Lee Elder Day in the District of Columbia. Cosby Washington, an avid golfer, described a recent visit that brought Elder back to Langston. “Lee Elder came to Langston this summer and he taught a lot of good golfers,” Washington said. “I’m a product of his teaching. A lot of Black golfers got their skills under Lee Elder’s tutelage.” “I met him before and know that he had a rich history here in D.C.,” said Lisa White, who once represented her community as a commissioner (ANC 7D) and lives just a few blocks from Langston. WI
speakers. Nothing works like having elected officials as guest speakers.” Bunn said the general office of the sorority has expressed interest in replicating the academy throughout the country. She added that other Black Greek letter sororities have inquired about the academy with some even sending potential participants to the chapter. Applications for the 2022 cohort, which begins in January, will be accepted until mid-December. Stevenson praises the McKoin Academy Tambra Stevenson, a Ward 8 resident of the Hillsdale neighborhood, participated in last spring’s academy. A doctoral candidate at the American University, Stevenson said she looked forward to networking with “local women who are interested in public service and advocacy.” “I wanted to meet like-minded women who are interested in their community and may run for office someday,” Stevenson said. “Even if you aren’t interested in serving in elected office, it teaches you how to be an effective advocate for your community. This program was great and I got a lot of valuable information. Even better, it was free.” WI @JamesDCWrighter
ing of democracy has expanded explosively." Fernand de Varennes and his colleague are not members of the "liberal press" or "fake news." They are the equivalent to being unbiased referees in a basketball game. They are rightfully blowing the whistle while calling the fouls they see. As international watchdogs, they are calling fouls against the oppression and moral apathy they are witnessing in America. But the United Nations is not alone. The Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance recently added the United States to an annual list of "backsliding" democracies for the very first time. The think tank's secretary general Kevin Casas-Zamora, said "the visible deterioration of democracy in the United States, as seen in the increasing tendency to contest credible election results, the efforts to suppress participation and the runaway polarization …
MALVEAUX from Page 26 maud Arbery, we see ourselves, our sons, our daughters, our mothers. That connects us. That's why more than one hundred pastors rallied with Rev. Sharpton outside the Brunswick courthouse in solidarity. I want Revs. Jackson, Sharpton, William Barber, Freddy Haynes, and so many others rally at every massacre. Cause it's personal. How dare this high-handed man, the offense attorney, question anybody's religion, pastoral relationships, community connections, or anything else? Gough will go down in the racist's hall of fame, but he is not the only one. All these "stand your ground" laws are an absurd attempt to allow white people to shoot Black people with impunity. Southern state legislatures empower
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MARQUEZ from Page 27 that while there are approximately 5 million rural households without broadband access, this problem is three times as large in urban areas — with about 15 million urban or metro households without broadband. Affordable and ubiquitous access to high-speed internet, however, is just the starting point. We also must expand access to the hardware and software
MORIAL from Page 27 ulus bills. Even before the pandemic, Black and Latino Americans owned fewer than 10% of small businesses with employees, despite making up 30% of the nation's population. The landmark Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes the following provisions: • Expands the geographic reach of the MBDA by authorizing the creation of regional MBDA offices, rural business centers, and increasing the number and scope of existing programs. • Creates a presidentially appointed and Senate-confirmed
JACKSON from Page 27 seat. Blake, they say, refused to obey the officers, so they opened his car door and reached inside. Blake was left partially paralyzed by the incident. Racial violence followed in Kenosha. Officer Sheskey was not charged with a crime. As disturbances continued, a white 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse decided to take the law into his own hands. He left home in Antioch, Illinois, with his mother driving him to Kenosha with a loaded military-style semi-automatic rifle (illegal for a person his age) "to assist the police in protecting businesses." He killed two protesters and wounded another, but walked freely past police officers and military vehicles even as onlookers shouted that he had just shot several people. The next day, Rittenhouse was arrested and has now been found not guilty on five felonies and a misdemeanor. A white judge, Bruce Schroeder, who has a history of controversial behavior from the bench, seemed unfair as he told the prosecution they could not refer to the victims of the shooting as victims, but that the defense could refer to them as rioters and
people need to take full advantage of all the internet has to offer and maintain an ecosystem of digital educators, repair workers, designers and other tech specialists who can keep improvements going long into the future. Guaranteeing that all Americans have broadband access would not only help close the digital divide but would also give the United States an edge in global competitiveness as it would bring millions of people more
fully into the digital economy. One study from last year found that only about 30% of African Americans had access to broadband compared with about 60% of whites. There is a broad consensus from civil rights leaders to corporate heads to policymakers inside the Washington Beltway that broadband access is a right of every American. Lawmakers must take note and ensure that all Americans have the ability to log on. WI
Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development to lead the agency. • Increases the MBDA's grant-making capacity to partner with community and national nonprofits engaged in private and public sector development as well as research. • Mandates the creation of the Parren J. Mitchel Entrepreneurship Education Grants Program to cultivate the next generation of minority entrepreneurs on the campuses HBCUs and MSIs across the Nation. • Creates a council to advise the Under Secretary on supporting MBEs; and Authorizes the Un-
der Secretary to coordinate federal MBE programs. "This legislation is transformative and signifies a new era in minority business development and progress toward addressing the long-standing racial disparities in access to capital, contracts, and business ecosystems," said U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Don Graves. The National Urban League and our network of 91 affiliates have counseled, mentored and trained more than 60,000 business owners over the past decade and a half; we look forward to expanding and enhancing our work with the partnership of the revitalized MBDA. WI
looters, if they had such evidence. One juror was removed for making a racial joke about Jacob Blake. The judge also attacked the press in court as unfair in its coverage, and the trial has seemed unfair from the start. Ahmaud Aubery, an unarmed Black jogger, was shot and killed by three white vigilantes who were not even arrested until more than a month later after a video of the shooting went viral. Ultimately, the jury had 11 white jurors and only one Black juror in a city that's 25% Black. Defense attorneys used preemptive challenges to remove multiple potential Black jurors, who were asked questions like what they thought of Black Lives Matter and whether there were racial problems between the Black community and the police. Their answers were then used to remove them from the jury. Additionally, the defense seemed to be trying to put Mr. Aubery on trial by showing pictures of him looking around in buildings under construction, claiming there had been recent robberies in the community, and the defendants were only trying to make a citizen's arrest and hold him until the police came — like they were protecting the community.
Fortunately, the predominately white jury did not fall for the defense's argument. All three white vigilantes — Travis McMichael, his father, Gregory McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan — were found guilty of multiple charges of felony murder. But the simplest way to demonstrate the racial dimension of all three incidents — and one could add the events of Jan. 6 at the U.S. Capitol — is to reverse the racial roles of everyone. Imagine the actual victims as white and the alleged perpetrators as Black. What these cases show is a pattern — a lineage of Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, George Floyd, Michael Brown, the Charleston Nine — that we cannot accept as normal. Would we see these incidents in the same way if they were reversed? Obviously not. Even in the murder of Aubery — despite the guilty verdicts — the delayed arrests, the jury selection, among other aspects of the case remain questionable. The only solution is to engage in mass action and mass voting that will allow the truth to come out that will lead to dramatic reform in our criminal justice system. WI
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Together with small businesses, we’re helping bring hope to the streets.
Small businesses are the heartbeat of every community. They make our neighborhoods vibrant places to live, work, and raise families. Here are just a few ways Wells Fargo is giving hope a hand: • Providing nonprofits with roughly $420 million through our Open for Business Fund to help small businesses • Helping nearly 282,000 small businesses keep 1.7 million people at work through Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding* • Pitching in to help beautify local business districts in cities nationwide • Working together with more than 3 million small businesses to help them get back to thriving Join us in bringing hope to the streets by shopping local. Learn more at wellsfargo.com/impact. * PPP data from Program inception in 2020 through 06/09/2021. © 2021 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. IHA-7112904
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