Issuu

VOL. 52, NO. 10 • DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016

Mayor Bowser Signs Death with Dignity Act - Hot Topics / Page 4

Happy Holidays from Our Family to Yours!

Presidents' Families Have Loads of Fun at ‘Cozy Christmas’ Roundtable WI Charities, Sets Goals Events DC, Partner for 2017 to Host Celebration By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

By Lauren Poteat WI Contributing Writer

Among the primary goals in 2017 for The Presidents' Roundtable is for the group to accelerate the formation of entrepreneurial opportunities for the African-American community and to expand and diversify the business opportunities for the corporations that currently make up the ambitious organization. "[Goals include] starting in Baltimore and the Baltimore region, but then expanding nationally and internationally," said Robert L. Wallace, a member of the Presidents' Roundtable and CEO of the BITHGroup Technologies, Inc., a local information technology services company that specializes in managed security services, health information systems, infrastructure IT services, wireless engineering and biometrics. Among the 2017 goals are to structure and disseminate to the community the corporate knowledge of the organization's family of companies so that the information and experience is readily available to other minority entrepreneurs and the community at large, Wallace said. The Presidents' Roundtable — or PRT — also plans to provide consultative input and services to the political and business leadership on how to effectively integrate African-American entrepreneurs and the community

In the spirit of giving to their community, Events DC and Washington Informer Charities teamed up for the second annual “Cozy Christmas” celebration in partnership with the Washington Nationals at Gateway DC in Southeast. Children received free gifts during the Thursday, Dec. 15 event while also getting the chance to take pictures with Santa, dance with Washington Wizards cheerleaders and eat tasty treats. Just before opening her pres-

ROUND TABLE Page 11

Hundreds of children and families showed up in frigid temperatures at the R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center at St. Elizabeth’s East Gateway Pavilion on Thursday, Dec. 15 to receive gift-wrapped toys during an event hosted by Events DC and the Washington Informer Charities and sponsored by the Washington Nationals. / Photo by Travis Riddick

TOYS Page 30

6A staff member from the Children’s Charity Foundation Coats for Kids program helps a student from Thompson Elementary School choose a coat on Thursday, Dec. 15 in Northwest. Over 2,000 coats were donated through a grant from the Walmart Foundation for children experiencing homelessness in the District. / Photo by Demetrious Kinney

5Metropolitan police officers connected with children from schools throughout the

city to shop at Walmart in Ft. Totten for holiday gifts on Wednesday, Dec. 14. Over 100 children each received a $100 gift card through a grant from WALMART Corporation and the Washington DC Police Foundation. (Pictured) An officer from the Special Operations Division in Northwest shopped with a young student from City Arts & Prep. in Northeast. After seeing the young boy’s shopping cart filled with groceries, the officer, in a gesture of charity of his own doing, bought the student toys and a bicycle to take home. / Photo by Shevry Lassiter

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

C E L E B R AT I N G A H A L F C E N T U R Y O F C U LT U R E , H E R I TA G E , AND THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES

2 DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016 50849_N6110580H.indd 1

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM 12/14/16 4:41 PM

contents

DEC. 22 - 28, 2016

Around the Region...................5-11 PG County......................................12 Business...........................................13 National...........................................16 International..................................17

Health ........................................18-19 Education......................................20 OpEd.........................................21-23 Lifestyle.................................. 24-27 Sports.......................................28-29 Religion............................................31

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016 3

around the region

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

SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY

COMPILED BY D. KEVIN MCNEIR

Metro SafeTrack Surge #11 She Ends; Continues in February law enforcement. said they threat,” she said.

By Tia Carol Jones

www.washingtoninformer.com

WI Staff Writer

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

had come together to bring a Metro’s 11th SafeTrack surge, or maintenance project, with continu- Among the programs Marlow sense of uniformity in the way wants to see implemented are ous single-tracking along the Orange and Silver lines between When L.Y. Marlow's 23-yeardomestic violence victimsEast andFallsstricter restraining order policies, Church andtold WestherFalls in Northern Virginia, endedmore rights for victim's families old daughter the Church father stations survivors are treated. Dec. 20, one day earlier previously scheduled. No workto intervene on behalf of a vicofTuesday, her daughter threatened her than “She's using her own personal willand takethe place restchild, of the year. life, lifeforofthe their story, her own personal pain to tim, a domestic violence assessMetro officialshad plantoto be announce datesDavis-Nickens for the remainingment unit coupled with further she knew something push specific forward,” done. herin frustration surges,Out 12 toof15, January. However, the next surge will begin some-training for law enforcement said about Marlow. with Davis-Nickens said anyone timelaw in enforcement's February with handling continuous single-tracking in Northern Virginiaagencies, a Child's Life Protecofalong the situation, she decided who Road reads and Marlow's book willandtion Act and mandatory counselthe Blue Line between to Braddock Van Dorn Street start the Saving Promise cam“get it.” She said she “puts the ing for batterers. the Yellow Line between Braddock Road and Huntington. In addition, paign. case inthat such a way,late-night the average Metro has new changes to its bus routes include service “If we are ever going to eradi“It seems be a vicious can get the cate domestic violence, we must that begantoSunday, Dec. cycle 18. The person entire plan canit.” beShe readsaid at at http://bit. that won't turn my family end of the day, the book will look at both sides of the coin. ly/2hczWPD. loose,” Marlow said. Marlow help people begin to have a dia- We need to address both the vicshared her story with the audi- logue about domestic violence. tim and the batterer,” Marlow ence at the District Heights Also present at the event was said. Domestic Violence Symposium Mildred Muhammad, the exMarlow would also like to see the approval of the D.C.programs Council on Nov. 15 (11-2 Mayor on May 7 at the District Heights wifeFollowing of John Allen Muhammad, designed tovote), raise Muriel Bowser recently signed the D.C. Death with Dignity Act. The Municipal Center. The sympo- who was sentenced to six consec- awareness among children in bill, which law parole before thepublic act of Congressional review, would sium was sponsored by the utive lifecannot termsbecome without and private schools. She give Family and Youth Services bymentally capable, ill adults the option of medical dying to end a Maryland juryterminally for his role in feels children need toaidbeineducatCenter of the city of District the unbearable Beltwaysuffering. Sniper attacks in ed about domestic violence. Heights and the National Hook- 2002. Muhammad is “We Cheh have (D-Ward to stop being TheMildred bill’s author, Council member Mary 3), saidpasan overUp of Black Women. the founder of After the Trauma, sive-aggressive chilwhelming majority of District residents and members with of the poor Council support Marlow has written a book, antheorganization helpsshould the respect dren about violence,” local bill and that that Congress that thisdomestic is “our thoughtful, “Color Me Butterfly,” which is a survivors choice.” of domestic violence Marlow said. story about four generations of and their children. has and worked “Every terminally ill adult should haveMarlow the freedom libertytotobreak make their domestic violence. The book is “I lived in fear for six years. Six the cycle of abuse in her family, own decisions about how they want to die in comfort and peace, consulinspired by her own experiences, years in fear is a long time. It is and is confident the policiesinshe tation with their family, physicians and spiritual leaders,” said Donna Smith, and those of her grandmother, not an easy thing to come out is pushing for will start that D.C. field and legislative manager for Compassion & Choices. her mother and her daughter. of,” she said. process. The bill follows the recent reenactment similar lawsthese in Colorado She said every time she reads Mildred Muhammad said “Iof plan to take policiesand to California, as well as four other states who had already authorized medical excerpts from her book, she still people who want to help a Congress and implore them toaid in dying: Oregon, Washington, Montana and Vermont. can not believe the words came domestic violence victim must change our laws,” Marlow said. from her. “Color Me Butterfly” be careful of how they go into “I will not stop until these poliwon the 2007 National “Best the victim's life, and understand cies are passed.” Books” Award. that she may be in “survival Tia Carol Jones can be reached “ISandra was justMattavous-Frye, 16-years-old when mode”. People’s Counsel for D.C., recently filedat tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net my eye first with blackened and my “Before you get to 'I'mPepco’s going retestimony the Public Service Commission opposing lips bled,” Marlow to in killthe you,' it started as a verbal quest to raise ratessaid. for its customers District by more than $82 WI Elaine Davis-Nickens, presimillion. She said the request should be reduced by at least $62 million. dent of the National Hook-Up “Pepco is seeking unprecedented authority to recover construction of Black Women, said there is no costs long in before the projects consistency the way domesticare completed and providing any benefit to customers,” Mattavous-Frye violence issues are dealt with by said. “The Company also seeks a huge increase in its rate of return . . . unjustified revenue requests that unduly burden ratepayers [should not] be tolerated.” As the case proceeds, OPC’s Merger Compliance Team continues to monitor all 147 commitments contained in the merger settlement to ensure all of the benefits Pepco promised materialize. In other recent developments, the DC Court of Appeals has set a Jan. 23 deadline to receive briefs from OPC and other parties appealing the Pepco-Exelon merger, placing the case on its April calendar.

Mayor Bowser Signs Death with Dignity Act

Wilhelmina J. Rolark In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER PUBLISHER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published THE WASHINGTON INFORMER Denise Rolark Barnes published on each Thursday.postage weeklyweekly on Thursday. Periodicals paid at Washington, D.C. and additional Periodicals Washingmailing postage offices. paid Newsat and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. ton,Announcements D.C. and additional mailing of- twoSTAFF must be received weeks prior to event. Copyright 2000 by The fices.Washington News andInformer. advertising All deadline rights reserved. POST McNeir, MASTER:Editor Send change of addressD. Kevin is Monday to publication. Anes to Theprior Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, Ron Burke, Advertising/ Marketing D.C. 20032. Nobe partreceived of this publication may be reproduced without writtenDirector permisnouncements must two Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor the return of sionprior fromto the publisher. The2016 Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee weeks event. Copyright Subscription rates All are $30Lafayette per year, two years $45. willPhoto be received by photographs. The Washington Informer. Barnes, IV, Papers Assistant Editor notreserved. more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: rights POSTMASTER: Send John E. De Freitas, Sports Photo Editor change of addresses to The WashDorothyINFORMER Rowley, Online Editor THE WASHINGTON ington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther 3117 Luther King, Ave., S.E. • Washington, D.C.&20032 Design Layout King, Jr. Ave., S.E.Martin Washington, D.C. Jr. ZebraDesigns.net, Phone: 202 • Fax: 202 574-3785 20032. No part of this publication may561-4100 Mable Neville, Bookkeeper E-mail: news@washingtoninformer.com be reproduced without written permisMickey Thompson, Social Sightings columnist www.washingtoninformer.com sion from the publisher. The Informer Tatiana Moten, Social Media Specialist Newspaper cannot guarantee the return Angie Johnson, Circulation of photographs. Subscription rates are PUBLISHER $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will Denise Rolark Barnes be received not more than a week after REPORTERS STAFF REPORTERS publication. Make checks payable to:

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

OPC Urges PSC to Reject Pepco Rate Increase Request

“

We have to stop being passive-aggressive with poor children about domestic violence. I plan to take these policies to Congress and Clergy Join Coalition, Ask Congress to Reject ‘Cabinet of Bigotry’ implore them to change our A coalition of community leaders and clergy, including the Rev. William Lamar IV, pastor of D.C.’s historic Metropolitan AME Church, gathlaws. will not until ered on the steps of the I Lutheran Church of thestop Reformation in Northeast on Dec. 14 with a message for Congress. Theythese called on President-elect Trump and other political leaders policies are passed.

“

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

to reject bigotry and appoint advisers who understand the importance of forging a more tolerant, united and inclusive America.L.Y. TheyMarlow also delivered John E. DeFreitas, CIRCULATION Shevry Lassiter, a national petition to Congressional leaders reiterating their demands. Paul Trantham Roy Lewis, Patricia Little, Travis Riddick “Congressional leaders must reject President-elect Trump’s cabinet of bigotry and demand advisors who embody the values that make our nation great: liberty and justice for all,” said the Rev. Jennifer Butler, CEO of Faith in Public Life and the petition’s primary author. 4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com “I stand firmly with those who are cut out of Trump’s vision of our nation. Americans of every race, color, sexual orientation and religious background must be included and valued in this nation we call home,” Butler added. PHOTOGRAPHERS

4 DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Tips for Enjoying the Best Holiday Light Shows By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer For those looking for a little sparkle this holiday season, several local outlets have prepared various lists of the top destinations in the District area to see winter lights displays, parades and other festive happenings. Topping NBC News Washington's list is ZooLights at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Northwest where live music, winter treats, holiday shopping opportunities and the chance to walk through the illuminated wonderland of more than 500,000 environmentally friendly LED lights will be available through Jan 1. The Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple in Kensington, Maryland also made the list. The Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints hosts its spectacular Festival of Lights each year, when temple grounds are covered with 650,000 lights and a life-sized nativity scene. Nightly performances include solo artists, groups, bell ensembles, choirs and orchestras. Also through Jan. 1, Georgetown GLOW, an outdoor light exhibition, will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly. The exhibition features dazzling displays throughout the neighborhood as revelers are encouraged to "bundle up and take a walk through the night." Seneca Creek State Park plays host to Winter Lights Festival in Gaithersburg through New Year's Eve. Tickets range from $12 to $70, depending on the size of the vehicle. Those driving through the 3.5

mile illuminated light show are promised to see a display that features more than 380 illuminated displays and 65 animated vignettes that "light up the night." Not to be outdone, Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland, hosts Garden of Light, which features 1 million colorful lights through Jan. 1. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia, features more than 1 million lights of its own along a more than half-mile path that includes many animals and a fire pit. In Columbia, Maryland, Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods presents the Symphony of Lights Drive-Through which takes places nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. through New Year's Day. More than 100 light displays use color, design and animation to enchant guests on their trips through the Symphony of Lights. This year, visitors will find new LED lights, new displays, a laser light show and a 3-D holiday video. Tickets are $20 and $25 with proceeds earmarked to benefit Howard County General Hospital. Through Jan. 8, the Bull Run Festival of Lights takes place in Centreville, Virginia, and features a drive-by display of 40,000 lights, Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, elves, penguins and more. Prices range from $15 to $25 per car. For an extensive list of holiday lights and displays in the region and dates, times and admission prices, visit the travel website About at www.dc.about.com/ od/holidaysseasonalevents/a/ christmaslights.htm. WI

AROUND THE REGION

5 ZooLights is among the more popular holiday light displays in the region. / Courtesy photo

WASHINGTON CONVENTION CENTER Admission is FREE! Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday 9am-4pm FOR MORE INFORMATION

For those looking for a little sparkle this holiday season, several local outlets have prepared various lists of the top destinations in the District area to see winter lights displays, parades and other festive happenings. WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

DOREEN GENTZLER

Expo Host & NEWS4 Anchor/Health Reporter

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016 5

AROUND THE REGION

WEEK OF DEC 22 - 28, 2016 DEC. 22

1883 – Arthur Wergs Mitchell, the first African-American to be elected to the U.S. Congress as a Democrat, is born near Lafayette, Alabama. 1893 – African-American writer and historian Chancellor Williams, author of "The Destruction of Black Civilization," is born in Bennetsville, South Carolina. 1905 – African-American art history pioneer and longtime Howard University educator James Amos Porter, whose "Modern Negro Art" in 1943 was the first comprehensive study in the United States of African-American art, is born in Baltimore. 1939 – Award-winning children's book illustrator Jerry Pinkney is born in Philadelphia. 1960 – Famed artist Jean-Michel Basquiat is born in New York City.

DEC. 23 BUILD YOUR IMAGE, ONE SIGN AT A TIME 8930 Brookville Rd Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-273-3462 signarama-silverspring.com

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

Stacey Brown

“Chief Image Builder”

stacey@signarama-silverspring.com

BUYING RECORDS

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

CALL JOHN @ 301-596-6201 6 DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016

1867 – African-American entrepreneur, philanthropist and activist Madam C.J. Walker, considered the first black woman millionaire in America, is born in Delta, Louisiana. 1919 – Inventor Alice H. Parker patents the gas heating furnace. 1935 – R&B singer Esther Phillips is born in Galveston, Texas.

DEC. 24

1832 – The Georgia Infirmary, the first hospital established for blacks in America, is chartered in Savannah. 1898 – Irwin C. Mollison, the first Black to receive a federal judgeship in the U.S., is born in Vicksburg, Miss. 1951 – North African country Libya declares its independence as the United Kingdom of Libya.

DEC. 25

1760 – Poet Jupiter Hammon becomes the first published black writer with his work, "An Evening Thought: Salvation by Christ with Penitential Cries." 1863 – Robert Blake, a Union Navy sailor during the American Civil War, helps fend off an attack upon a naval gunboat by Confederate forces, actions which resulted in him being the first African-American to be presented with the Medal of Honor. 1870 – Henry McKee Minton, an African-American doctor who was one of the founders of Sigma Pi Phi and superintendent of the Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia for 24 years, is born in Columbia, South Carolina. 1907 – Famed entertainer Cab Calloway is born in Rochester, New York. 1951 – Harry T. Moore and his wife, Harriette Vyda Simms Moore, both educators, are killed in a bombing of their home in Mims, Florida, by suspected Ku Klux Klan members. The two are the first NAACP members to be murdered for civil

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

rights activism. 1971 – The Rev. Jesse Jackson founds the Rainbow/PUSH organization.

DEC. 26

1894 – Harlem Renaissance-era poet and novelist Jean Toomer, author of "Cane," is born in Washington, D.C. 1908 – Boxer Jack Johnson defeats Tommy Burns to become the first African-American world heavyweight boxing champion. 1915 – Una Mae Carlisle, a jazz singer, pianist and songwriter, is born in Zanesville, Ohio. 1924 – Harmonica player DeFord Bailey becomes the first black musician to perform on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. 1966 – Black professor Maulana Karenga creates Kwanzaa, a week-long celebration of African heritage in African-American culture. 1999 – Singer/songwriter Curtis Mayfield dies from complications of type 2 diabetes in Roswell, Georgia, at 57.

DEC. 27

1892 – The first black college intercollegiate football game is played between Livingstone College and Biddle College.

DEC. 28

1903 – Pioneering jazz pianist Earl "Fatha" Hines is born in Duquesne, Pennsylvania. 1954 – Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington is born in Mount Vernon, New York. 1977 – Karen Batchelor Farmer is nationally recognized as the first African-American member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. WI

JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

VIEW P INT

AROUND THE REGION

By Sarafina Wright

What do you do when you receive an unwanted gift? And what are you thankful for this holiday season? WILLIAM CLARK /

FORT WASHINGTON, MARYLAND.

I regift it and give it to somebody. That's the best thing to do. I don't typically get bad gifts but if I do, I just regift it and give it to someone, nobody will know. This season I am thankful for being alive, healthy, roof over my head and bills are being paid. Just thankful.

WILLIAM WARD / WASHINGTON, D.C.

I just keep it, and probably find someone later on down the line and give it to them. I'm blessed this holiday. I was on a dialysis machine and just came off Wednesday, so I'm blessed. I know some people who have been on the machine 18 years and I was on it just for a few months.

DARRELL GATHERS /

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

I sell it, because I don't want to throw it away. I will just give it away. This holiday season, I'm thankful for the new house I am moving into before the year is over. It's been a long time coming and I am glad.

MONICA LEE /

WASHINGTON, D.C

I keep it and then if anyone has a birthday or something, I give it away. I'm thankful for my house, because that is something that I wanted all my life was my very own house. Every year I wished for it and it's finally here.

BRANDON BLAKE /

MANDARIN, FLORIDA

I'm so blatant, so I would just tell them, "Why did you buy me this?" I would still say thank you, but I will just let them know for next time what I like. I'm thankful for my son and my mind frame. My son grounds me to reality and my mind frame takes me to positive places I know I should be.

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

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

DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016 7

AROUND THE REGION CAPTURE THE MOMENT

COZY TOY GIVEAWAY

Metropolitan Police Department 7th District Commander Vendette Parker and Denise Rolark Barnes, director of the Washington Informer Charities, pose for a playful picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus and a few fun elves during the Cozy Christmas toy giveaway at the Gateway Pavilion in Southeast on Thursday, Dec. 15. / Photo by Travis Riddick

Who’s Reading the Informer? Linwood N. Watson, former governor of the Capital District of Kiwanis International, says he reads The Washington Informer "every week."

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

(301) 864-6070

EMPLOYMENT LAWYERS

WORDS TO LIVE BY

MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC ADA, Age Discrimination, Benefits, Civil Rights, COBRA, Contracts, Deaf Law, Defamation, Disability Law, Discipline, Discrimination, FMLA, FLSA, FOIA, Family Responsibility, Harassment, HIPPA, OSHA, National Origin Discrimination, Non-Compete, Race Discrimination, Rehabilitation Act, Retaliation, n upper and lowercase, flush left as indicated on artwork at these pointHarassment, sizes: Consultant name in 11-point Helvetica Neue Bold; Independent Severance Agreements, Sexual Torts, n 9-point Helvetica Neue Light; Web site or e-mail address in 9-point Helvetica Neue Light; phone number in 9-point Helvetica Neue Light. Personal Web Site program may be utilized. t Beauty Consultant: Only Company-approved Web sites obtained through the Mary Kay Whistleblowing, Wage-and-Hour, Wrongful Discharge ®

SERVING MARYLAND, DC, & NORTH CAROLINA

www.jmlaw.net

(301) 864-6070

8 DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016

Marian Anderson

“There are many persons ready to do what is right because in their hearts they know it is right. But they hesitate, waiting for the other fellow to make the first move – and he, in turn, waits for you.” “My Lord, What a Morning”

jmccollum@jmlaw.net

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

AROUND THE REGION food. But I found myself sad and somewhat disappointed as I watched my parents and my sister open their gifts. I realized that there was nothing to excite me. All if felt was boredom – and regret. I had spoiled my surprise moments hours earlier. I had taken away the excitement that comes from discovering the unknown, of solving the mystery and discovering treasures that I could have never imagined were awaiting my inquisitive little fingers. Now, as a father, grandfather and the patriarch of our family,

By D. Kevin McNeir / WI Editor

The World According to Dominic

“Why Christmas Gifts Don’t Matter to Me Anymore” As Christmas Day approaches and with the recent visit from my firstborn child, now a 26-yearold married woman, her husband and their precious baby boy (my grandson), I found myself thinking about years past when I was much, much younger – eager, exuberant and extremely excited about what I’d find under the tree on December 25th. One Christmas in particular when I was probably about nine or 10, I was so anxious about the toys, games and specially-re-

quested things that awaited me that I literally begged my parents to let me go downstairs way before sunrise to rip off the wrapping paper and put my curiosity to rest. Finally, as I recall, my Mother agreed, albeit reluctantly, countering our family’s established tradition of opening presents together while still decked out in smoking jackets (Dad), pajamas, robes and hair rollers (that was Mom of course and my older sister, Pearl). But I had to agree to

one thing: after opening my gifts I had to return to bed for a few more hours of rest. I agreed, thinking nothing of how that decision would soon impact me. After squealing with joy untold times and making a mess of the living room, I obeyed my mother’s demand, ascended the stairs and returned to bed. Hours later, we all went down to officially begin the day – one that was always replete with gifts, guests and goo-gobs of delicious

Christmas brings a different assortment of emotions for me – and a new world of joy. It’s not what’s under the tree that matters anymore. In fact, I rarely even ask my family for anything. Nowadays, I prefer to make others smile – those people who mean so much to me, who love me unconditionally and who encourage me when life seems a bit overwhelming or when sadness seeks to engulf me. They are the only gifts that I need – on Christmas Day and on every day throughout the year. The only gift that matters now is the gift of love. And I’m blessed to have that gift in abundance. WI

The only gift that matters now is the gift of love. And I’m blessed to have that gift in abundance.

Health Insurance Issues? Claim Denied? Confused about what your plan covers? c all the

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

The Knowledge to Guide You.

GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

MURIAL BOWSER, MAYOR

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016 9

AROUND THE REGION The Law Office of Nigel M. Atwell Special Education Lawyer

• • • •

Does your child have a learning or other disability? Is your child failing in school, especially in reading? Has the school repeatedly suspended or sent your child home early? Does it feel like your child’s IEP is not working?

Is your child’s school ignoring your questions or concerns? Contact The Law Office of Nigel M. Atwell for a free consultation. We serve children in traditional public schools and public charter schools. We specialize in serving low and moderate income families.

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

10 DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016

Salvation Army Donation Goals Falling Short Dallas Cowboys' Elliott Helps Boost Numbers By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer With just under a week left, The Salvation Army faced difficulties reaching their holiday fundraising The goal Law until Office Dallas of Cowboys Nigel M. Atwell running back Ezekiel Elliott gave Special Education Lawyer them a boost. On Sunday, Dec. 18, the rook•Does your child have a learning or other disability? ie sensation jumped into a jumbo-sized Salvation Army Redespecially in reading? •Is your child failing in school, Kettle after scoring a touchdown •Has the school repeatedly suspended or sent your child home early? against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. •Does it feel like your child’s IEP is not working? Though the act may have got- 5Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott jumps in a giant Salvaten Elliott in a bit of hot water — tion Army Red Kettle during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on he was penalized and nearly fined Sunday, Dec. 18 in Dallas. / Courtesy of ESPN Is your child’s school ignoring your questions or concerns? for the display — The Salvation temperatures and snowy conArmy has been theOffice beneficiary, Contact The Law of Nigel M.ing Atwell for a free consultation. We servegency shelter, for children and families in need. ditions. children in traditional public schools and public charter schools. We specialize in seeing a 61 percent increase in servingaslow moderate income Call us at 202.627.6926. See us atThey urge supporters to donate "With only one week of funddonations of and Monday, Dec. 19. families. www.lawofficeofnigelmatwell.com. "We've seen an $80,000 in- raising remaining for the Red to the Red Kettles both in person crease in digital donations since Kettle campaign, the impact of and online as soon as possible. The Red Kettle campaign ends the touchdown versus this time less dollars in the kettles for even a few days will affect how we can on Christmas Eve. Those looking last week," Lt. Col. Ron Busroe,   community relations and devel- serve those in need all year long," to donate online are urged to start opment secretary for the organi- Busroe said. "The wintry weather a #RedKettleReason fundraising zation, told CNBC. "That brings we are seeing across the country page by visiting RedKettleReason. the total raised in 24 hours to is among things keeping people org and clicking "Start a Fundrais$180,971. Many of the donations from getting out and dropping er." Users will be asked to specify are coming in the form of $21 — contributions in our 25,000 ket- the community for which they want to raise funds, fundraising tles." Elliott's jersey number." goal and designated cause to supDuring the holiday season, over The NFL, which has notoriousport. 3 million families rely on The Sally cracked down on excessive in"We need people to know how game celebrations in recent years, vation Army to provide them with announced Tuesday that it would a warm meal or toys for their chil- important this short period is for us and to do what they can — at dren, the organization said. not fine Elliott. The donations to the Red Ket- the kettles or online," Busroe said. Elliott tweeted in response to not being fined that he would tles also enables the Army to serve "In addition to hundreds of year"still be making a donation to the more than 25 million people a round programs, ironically, it's year by providing over 10 million urgent-need programs like warmSalvation Army." Days before the game, the nights of shelter and 57 million ing shelters for the homeless that foundation put out a request for meals a year, along with sub- can suffer if weather keeps people donations, as giving had been stance-abuse recovery programs, from donating." WI down 16 percent due to fluctuat- after-school programs and emer-

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

AROUND THE REGION

Find more ways to save. 5PRT members strike a pose: Pictured are (left to right): James Scott, Jr., founding partner, Penan & Scott, P.C.;

Jeffrey Hargrave, president, Mahogany, Inc.; Dr. Sheila Brooks, founder, president and CEO, SRB Communications; John Walters, owner and president, Walters Relocations, Inc.; Robert L. Wallace, president & CEO, BITHGroup Technologies, Inc. / Photo courtesy PRT

ROUNDTABLE from Page 1 into the economic mainstream. Further, the group wants to facilitate the formation and acceleration of strategic alliances and partnerships between PRT corporate members and the overall business community, Wallace said. Founded in 1983, the PRT consists of 21 African-American entrepreneurs in the D.C./Baltimore region who employ more than 1,750 workers and oversee and control assets that exceed $1.1 billion. B. Tyrous Addison of the Atlas Insurance Agency, Dorothy Brunson of Brunson Communications, Raymond V. Haysbert of Parks Sausage Company and William March of March Funeral Homes are among the founding members. Sheila Brooks, president and owner of SRB Communications, Stanley Tucker, president of Meridian Management Group, James Davenport, president of American Technology Corpo-

ration, and Donna Stevenson, president of Early Morning Software, are among current PRT members. In November, the PRT held its annual awards gala in Baltimore, where it awarded entrepreneurial scholarships to needy HBCU students in the region. "The organization has now awarded $80,000 in scholarships over the past three years to five HBCUs in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore region," Wallace said in an email. "We are committed to entrepreneurial education for students attending HBCUs in this region." To help accomplish its goals, the PRT has partnered with such businesses as Merrill Lynch, State Farm, MedStar Health; Cadillac; M&T Bank; the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development; Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development; Mahogany Inc.; Washington Gas; Edwards & Hill Office Furniture; the Commercial Group; SRB Communications;

Penan & Scott, P.C.; Giant; Mercedes-Benz of Silver Spring; Earth's Enrichments; the MTA; Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport; Pepco; Exelon; BGE; and the Harbor Bank of Maryland. Also, the PRT's Reach Foundation works in close collaboration with the leaders of PRT to promote social welfare and to improve the economic conditions of small and minority businesses, and the community at-large, Wallace said. "PRT Reach Foundation supports education and encourages college students to become entrepreneurs," he said. "PRT Reach seeks to achieve its goal through professional development activities, outreach programs and intellectual works that are not readily accessible from community and business advocacy groups, government agencies and others." For more information about the Presidents' Roundtable and its future plans, visit www.presidentsroundtable.net. WI

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

What kinds of resources are available? n n

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

Who can save? You’ll find options for everyone, even kids. And if you need help, just call 202-833-7500. We’ve made major improvements in our electric system over the past three years, including new technology that helps us offer more ways than ever for you to save.

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

Find tips for saving money and energy

Visit pepco.com/everyonesaves to learn how.

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

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

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016 11

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Prince George's Residents Celebrate the Holidays in Style By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill Hundreds of Prince George's County residents celebrated the holidays early by gobbling down a variety of dishes and desserts while wearing dashing attire and a few ugly sweaters. They enjoyed free cuisine with two county council members who hosted the festive atmo-

spheres during annual holiday parties. Councilwoman Karen Toles (D-District 7) of Suitland spoke to about 200 people from her district highlighting projects taken place such as the $30 million renovation of The Shops at Iverson and a $360 million mixed-used development called the Town Square at Suitland Federal Center. "It's just a way to talk about

5 (L-R) Prince George’s County Sheriff Melvin High, Deputy Chief Raphael Grant, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor, PGF/EMS Batallion Chief C.H. Hunt, Assistant Fire Chief Alan Doubleday, and Captain Kevin Hughes pose with local resident Anna Godfrey at the fifth annual "District 7 Review" and dessert reception held at Hillcrest Heights Community Center on December 18. / Photo by Mark Mahoney

the highlights of the year," said Toles, who hosted her fifth annual holiday event at Hillcrest Heights Community Center in Temple Hills on Monday, Dec.

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

Accepting applications for next school year.

11914 Chantilly Lane Mitchellville, MD 20721 301·464·5602 12 DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

19. "We want to hold a holiday celebration to come together as a community and the district." Besides dining on roast beef sandwiches, spicy sweet chicken and vegetables and crab dip, residents also got the opportunity to speak with officials from county agencies such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. Members of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity informed residents about its annual Youth Leadership Development Institute starting next month at the SKC Early Education Center in District Heights. The fraternity's Pi Upsilon Lambda Charitable Foundation (www.apapulcf.org) manages the program to work with boys in grades 6-8 on proper attire and etiquette and offer field trips. "This seems really interesting," Charlotte Jefferson said to Alex Bailey, who runs the youth institute. Jefferson, a member of the Suitland Civic Association, said it's her third year attending Toles' function at the community center. "I always enjoy coming out," she said. "It's good to spend time with friends and learn about what's been going on in the district." At a similar soiree on Dec. 14, Councilwoman Andrea Harrison (D-District 5) of Springdale hosted about 300 people from her district at her annual cele-

bration at the VFW Post 8950 in Lanham in the county's District 3 area. Harrison said the get-together has taken place in Lanham for the past two years because the VFW can accommodate more people for the increasingly popular event than available locations in her district. "Holidays are really for families and those who are like family," she said. "When family gets together and has a good time, that's what the holidays are all about." Twenty-two high school students, mostly from Bladensburg High School, helped serve senior citizens as part of a youth program housed in Harrison's district. The menu included fried and baked chicken, baked macaroni and cheese, string beans, salad and chocolate cake. Besides the cheerful students, music and food, Marilyn Davis of Landover said Harrison's the main reason she attended the holiday event for the past five years. "She is such a charming person," Davis said. "She's very personable and nice to everyone she comes around. She just makes you feel at home and that's why I come." Prince George's Sheriff Melvin C. High, who attended both events, had a simple message for everyone in the county: "It's important that we be safe as we go through the holidays … and look forward into the next year." WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

BUSINESS Business Exchange

by William Reed

The False Promise of Black Political Representation Santa Claus, go straight to the ghetto. Hitch up your reindeer and fill every stocking you find. — James Brown Where is the "hopelessness" mentioned by Michelle Obama evidenced more than in America's urban enclaves? Nobody, neither whites nor blacks, cares about the poor among us. If Santa can't find hiAs way from the North Pole to your house, don't expect any assistance in direction course or route from people in the city, county councils, Congress or the White House. Masses of blacks are under a false promise of black political representation. Black elected officials are too busy representing the interests of "all people" and not just one race. Black political operatives are resistant to legislation, laws or practices that is "race-specific." In essence, the masses of blacks and the middle class just want to go along to get along. Black leadership is effectively leading us nowhere. Blacks have held high government offices for decades as the environments

the represent decline and deteriorate. The black middle class and leadership is too busy chasing and condemning racism to take time to help the "havenots" among us. Blacks are enjoying the fruits of American democracy and are well-represented at all levels of government. Record numbers of African Americans hold elective office, but policy preferences of black voters remain unlikely enacted. There are black mayors and majority-black city and county councils. There are 45 black members of Congress and so is the current occupant of the White House. The appearance of black political clout is deceiving, because despite their gains in participation and representation, blacks continue to fare worse than whites. Jolly old St. Nick is about the only name of note that journeys into urban jungles. The issue of race was often in the forefront of the 2016 campaign, but received little discussion or platforms. It's time the nation's underprivileged start built political agenda and platforms. The formation of black neighborhoods is closely linked to the history of segregation in the United States. Today's urban black residents are routinely ignored and capriciously violated by political office-holders and official policies. When evaluating whether it's worthwhile for urban dwellers to step forward on their own, it's worth noting wealth dynamics taking place within the black community and the widening wealth gap between 'black elites,' and other African-Americans. It prompts the question: who is carrying water for us? In today's two-party system, the political interests of black Americans aren't represented well. Black voters are "captured" — ignored by one major party and taken for granted by the other. Black

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

voters' issues are routinely ignored and overlooked resulting in African Americans being left behind. It's time to measure African-American leadership. The typical white household has 16 times the wealth of a black one. Who do you know that's advocating affirmative action for historically disadvantaged groups? Blacks in the United States continue to lag behind whites in key areas of economic well-being like wealth, income

and homeownership, If current economic trends continue, the average black household will need 228 years to accumulate as much wealth as their white counterparts hold today. The top 10 percent of African -mericans accounted for 67 percent of wealth held by African-Americans. African-Americans have the highest poverty rate, 27.4 percent among racial and ethnic groups. Forty-five percent of young black children (under age 6) live in poverty.

If they want "real justice," black Americans need remind the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) to either lead, follow or get out of the way on the issue of reparations. Each black household is due $1.5 million. Three-fourths of Blacks are owed a million dollars each but too few exercise the political muscle to prompt H.R. 40. Black leaders have the power to initiate plans, discussions and campaigns toward CBC adaption. WI

It’s the End of the Year!!! It’s time to Assess!!! “ Planniversaries”! Most of us start or think of at least one New Year’s resolutions. Some of us even write and establish goals. Now that the end of the year has come have you carried out your resolution? Have you achieved your 2016 goals? Stephen Covey has been quoted for writing with “the end in mind.” It is “with the end in mind” I encourage all of us to Create the Legacy that we want to leave behind. We start life clueless and our desires change as we grow older and our circumstances change. With each year comes new priorities and a different starting point to achieve the priorities. Well now is a good time for assessment as to what we were able to accomplish or not. Will we formalize new priorities or not? As an estate planning attorney, and as a person, I love to celebrate many little things. The Griffin Firm believes in reaching out for what we call “planniversaries”. This is the annual review of the estate plan that you created. We know that circumstances change and subsequently we should review the current plan to be sure that it still meets your new circumstances. While we only work to create estate plans at The Griffin Firm we know that there is more that is necessary to build a complete strategy for legacy. I encourage everyone to have a personal Board of Directors. Your Advisory Board should provide for you the strategy for building your legacy based upon your mission statement. The mission statement need not be as thought out as that of a fortune 100 company but it should be important for you and inspire, encourage and direct your actions and resources. If you have one trusted advisor, for example, an estate planning attorney, get a recommendation for a life insurance professional, a financial advisor and a tax accountant. This team will work together with you to shape the action plan to build your legacy. Assessment should begin with taking reflective time to review the goals that you have that identify success for you. Success has a different meaning for each person. Our values and our circumstances help us to determine what our success looks like. As is reflective in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs one must look to have physical needs met before seeking the need for belonging. The ultimate need is described as that of self-actualization. The self-actualization is the focus of the legacy. We are multifaceted beings. We can’t disregard one for the other as we know that we can’t be happy if we have a great deal of money but are in great physical pain. Our assessments must include the different facets of our being. We must also look not to fulfill our today needs. As a 20 something year old I had the physical stamina to work multiple jobs when needed. Today as a 50 something year old I know that it is necessary to work smarter because I need to get adequate sleep. As we assess where we are from this New Year to the end of the year while planning for the future we should surround ourselves with Advisors who have proven wisdom in their field, compassion for others and values that reflect yours. Make every year a greater year because you have planned for it. Aimee D. Griffin, Esq., The Griffin Firm, PLLC 5335 Wisconsin Ave NW - Suite 440 • Washington DC 20015 www.thegriffinfirm-PLLC.com 202-379-4738

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016 13

Now Published by Dr. Charles Vincent

Her Legacy Continues.

In memory of Mickey Thompson Vincent, Founder and Publisher.

Dr. Charles & “Mickey” Vincent

2016 Winter Wonderland by Events DC

Luceid Sanchez with her father, Antonio, having a caricature made by Caricatures for All Occasions

Mr. Antoine Goode and his kids with Santa Clause

The Perez Family

Events DC hosted a fun-filled Winter Wonderland toy-distribution event at the Walter Washington Convention Center with WPGC Radio (95.5 FM) as emcee. Greg O’Dell (President & CEO of Events DC) welcomed the parents, the kids, and the Shaw community to the celebration. ANC Commissioner Rachelle Nigro (6E04) also served as an event facilitator. The morning included a hot and cold buffet, beverages, arts and crafts, a cupcake decorating station, entertainment, games and photos. Each child Arts and Crafts for the kids lead by Theresa DuBois of received a gift-wrapped present and a visit Events DC with Santa Clause. There were lots of smiles on little faces!! The Events DC calendar of future events may be found at www.eventsdc.com.

Greg O’Dell (Pres. and CEO, Events DC) and the Ice Princess about to make cookies with young revelers

WPGC Prize winners: Hannah, Abi and Thomas Temesgen

Musical Chair competition sponsored by WPGC

kids enjoying arts and crafts

Social Sightings - THE MAGAZINE Kendra Handy/Editor

ANC Commissioner Rachelle Nigro (6E04) with Greg O’Dell (Pres. and CEO, Events DC)

ANC Commissioner Rachelle Nigro (6E04 enjoying a meal with some of her constituents.

The WPGC “Street Team” : Alexa, Mia, and Issa

The sorting of the children’s gifts by Events DC staff.

Santa taking Christmas wishes

Fast Freddy the Clown treatsTiara and Jerimiah Howard to a balloon blowing exhibition

Subscribe www.SocialSightings.com

Dr. Charles Vincent/Photographer

Brian Young/Graphic Designer

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

14 DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Now Published by Dr. Charles Vincent

Her Legacy Continues.

In memory of Mickey Thompson Vincent, Founder and Publisher.

Dr. Charles & “Mickey” Vincent

2016 Cozy Christmas by Events DC

Ed Fisher (Executive Director, St. Elizabeth’s East Campus Development) with Denise Rolark Barnes (Publisher, The Washington Informer and Chairman of the Washington Informer Charities), and Greg O’Dell (Pres. and CEO Events DC)

Events DC’s Cozy Christmas brought joy and smiles to the faces of many Washington youngsters at the Gateway DC campus on Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave in Southeast Washington. In addition to an appointment with Santa and receiving gifts, children and their parents enjoyed sweets, hot chocolate and hot cider. Kids did arts & crafts, sang Christmas carols, and delighted to the magician’s tricks. Greg O’Dell (President and CEO of Events DC) thanked the many volunteers and community activists who participated and helped make the event one that the kids will remember for years to come. Travis Thomas was the event MC (Comcast SportsNet and 106.7 the FAN CBS Radio). Joe Clair was the storyteller (WPGC 95.5 CBS), and DJ Flava (93.9 WKYS FM Radio) provided the music and the Christmas spirit.

The Washington Wizards Cheerleaders and Mascot

Arts and Crafts for the kids lead by Theresa DuBois of Events DC

The kids met Santa and his elves.

Santa’s Elves distribute gifts with Eric Moses (Sr. VP and Managing Dir of Sports and Entertainment, Events DC)

Dancing and singing by the Premier Models: L-R Tamia, Kyra, Ciara, Keicha, Terri and Nytasha.

Children and adults alike were spellbound by the Magic Show (Jay Mattioli Productions)

Denise Rolark Barnes of the Washington Informer Charities and the Washington Nationals partnered on the toy drive for the kids. For Events DC’s calendar of events go to: www.eventsdc.com.

The Christmas revelers enjoyed the beautiful holiday music by singer Jayna Brown.

Magical Levitation!!

Father and Daughter marveling as it snows indoors!!

Social Sightings - THE MAGAZINE Kendra Handy/Editor

Storytelling by Joe Clair, (WPGC 95.5, CBS Local)

Music and the Christmas spirit provided by Dj Flava (93.9 WKYS FM Radio)

The event MC was Travis Thomas at Comcast SportsNet and 106.7 the Fan (CBS Radio)

Subscribe www.SocialSightings.com

Dr. Charles Vincent/Photographer

Brian Young/Graphic Designer

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016 15

NATIONAL Black America's Kwanzaa Celebrates 50 Years Local Events Honor Tradition By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer The African-American weeklong celebration of heritage and culture returns this year for its 50th anniversary. From Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, millions of Africans throughout the diaspora, particularly the United States, will observe Kwanzaa, or "first fruits" in Swahili. Created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, who started the holiday as a way to bring African-Americans together as a com-

munity, according to history.com. Karenga combined aspects of several different harvest celebrations, such as those of the Ashanti and those of the Zulu, to form the basis of Kwanzaa. The celebration includes songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading and a large traditional meal. On each of the seven nights, the family gathers and a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara (candleholder) then together they discuss the principles. The Nguzo Saba (seven principles in Swahili) are values of African culture which contribute to build-

5 A worker makes preparations for Kwanzaa and Hanukkah celebrations with installations at the Congress Heights School in Southeast on Friday, Dec. 16. / Photo by Roy Lewis

ing and reinforcing community among African-Americans. They are Unity/Umoja, to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race; Self-determination/Kujichagulia, to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves; Collective work and responsibility/Ujima, to build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's

THE DC HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY (DCHFA) BID OPPORTUNITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – CONTRACT SERVICES TO DEVELOP CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS PLAN (COOP) The DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA), located at 815 Florida Ave, NW, Wash., DC, is seeking qualified companies for Contract Services to Develop Continuity of the Operations Plan. Preference given to CBE’s and companies located in the District of Columbia. For the detailed RFP visit our website at www.dchfa.org or contact Thursday Ramey or Fran Makle at (202) 777-1600. Deadline for submission of responses is Friday, February 3, 2017 at 4:00pm (ET).

Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative, Inc. 2041 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Suite 304 Washington, DC 20020 (202) 889-1425 Office (202) 889-2213 Fax

Accountant sought by Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative, Inc. in Washington, DC. Required Bachelor's or foreign equivalent degree in Accounting, Bus Admin or related field & 1yr of experience utilizing accounting software & advanced Excel functions; analyzing, reconciling, balancing & maintaining accounting records & financial reports. Email resume to HResources@fsfsc.org (Job Code: 17563). 16 DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

problems our problems and to solve them together; Cooperative economics/Ujamaa, to build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together; Purpose/Nia, to make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness;

Creativity/Kuumba, to do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it; Faith/Imani, to believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle. WI

Kwanzaa Events 2016 Annual Kwanzaa Celebration - Day 1 Kujichagulia Live with Culture Queen Join Culture Queen (Jessica Smith) as she brings to life the Kwanzaa principle Kujichagulia, which means "self-determination," through live music, interactive movement and storytelling. Tuesday, Dec. 27, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Fort Stanton Recreation Center • 1810 Erie Street SE National Black United Front Kwanzaa 101: An Interactive Workshop Series on Understanding Kwanzaa and How to Celebrate It Thursday Dec. 22: The Symbols and Activities of Kwanzaa Thursday Dec. 29: Ujamaa Kwanzaa Celebration Emergence Community Arts Collective • 733 Euclid Street NW Annual Citywide Umoja Kwanzaa Celebration Honoring the 50th Anniversary of Kwanzaa featuring Farafina Kan Youth Ensemble, KanKouran West African Dance Company and Ujamaa Shule Afrikan Drummers and Dancers. Monday, Dec. 26, 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Four Walls Education Center • 1125 Neal St NE The Kwanzaa Children's Party A free event featuring a host of entertaining and engaging educational activities for children including cultural arts & crafts, African dance and drumming classes. Storytelling, face painting, healthy kids cooking class, Karamu feast, candle lighting ceremony, and performances featuring Ayanna Gregory, Farafina Kan Youth Ensemble, Ka'ba SoulSinger, and Iya and the Kuumba Kids will also be on the agenda. Every child in attendance will receive a Kwanzaa gift bag full of goodies and a t-shirt. Friday, Dec. 30, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. St. Martin's Church • 1908 North Capitol Street NW WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

INTERNATIONAL Quality PrinterS

301 Kennedy Street, NW ~ Washington, DC 20011

Compiled by Lauren Poteat / WI Contributing Writer

202-291-6565

Tanzania Battles Dynamite Fishermen

5 Tanzania is struggling to stem illegal dyna-

mite fishing, which officials say is harmful to the environment. / Courtesy of Julia Amberger

Waters in Tanzania are beginning to rumble as country officials demand the end of illegal dynamite fishing, despite support from some residents. The fisherman toss up to 50 bombs a day into the coral reefs in particular areas like the port city of Dar Es Salaam, netting fishermen up to 100 fish a round and lots of money. However, the shock wave from the blasts also destroys the air bladders in every other living creature within a 5 to 20 meter radius. Despite the environmental harm and physical danger, some natives claim the practice is necessary. "It's dangerous," said Omari Mussa, a native Tanzanian who until recently made his living as a fisherman, with a missing finger from a bomb accident to show for it, German news organization DW Akademie reported. "Nevertheless, everybody here used this technique. Fishing with the usual methods is hardly worthwhile."

www.QualityPrintersDC.com

Printing & Design

Color & Black & White Printing l

Booklets

Programs

Brochures

Postcards

Business Cards

Promotional Products

Canvas Bags

Posters & Signs

Banners

Tithe Envelopes

Color Copies

Tickets & Flyers

Contracts & Vouchers

Tee Shirts

Notary

Fax & Scan

Boston Museum Displays Ancient Nubian Jewelry The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston boasts the most comprehensive collection of Nubian jewelry and adornments outside of Khartoum. In "Gold and the Gods: Jewels of Ancient Nubia," an exhibit showing through Jan. 8, visitors can view these works up close. Stemming from a joint excavation of Kurshite royal cemeteries carried out with Harvard University between 1913 and 1932, the 95-piece display highlights ancient figures of worship, 5 Winged Isis pectoral / Courtesy of Boston/Harvard University--Boston romance and magic, all created out of Museum of Fine Arts gold, a sacred substance associated in both Egypt and Nubia (which some scholars suggests means gold) with the powerful sun god, Amen-Re. A neighbor to Egypt in what is present-day Sudan, Nubia's history can be coherently traced all the way back to 2000 B.C. onward. With over two millennia under their belt, the region is still noted for their developed specific sets of aesthetics and fine craftsmanship, including jewelry, which was more often than not used to express opulence, status, resurrection, spirits and protection.

10% off

Printed Products With Mention Of This Ad

Online Store: www.QualityPrintersDC.com

AMERICANS SAVE MONEY AND GET THE INSURANCE YOU DESERVE!

FRERED CA

UNINSURED? DENIED COVERAGE? STRUGGLING TO PAY?

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

More Black Americans Tracing Ancestry With emergences of less expensive, intrinsic DNA techniques, more African-Americans are retracing historical roots. Using U.S.-based companies such as Ancestry.com and Family Tree DNA, many Black Americans are now reconnecting themselves to Ghana, Joy News reported. "When you order your DNA kits ... they see in your DNA kits, your origins," Joy News' Richard Kwadwo Nyarko who has been exploring the phenomenon. "You just swab the inner part of your mouth with a cotton bud and then put it in an envelope and send it back to their company, they analyze your DNA. They are able to tell you your ethnicity, the breakdown of your family tree and what percentage of Africa is in 5 Black America has seen a surge in tracing historical roots. / Courtesy you, through your DNA." of Pete Marovich/Corbis WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

CALL TODAY! 1-800-970-0190

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

View

Sports Photos by John De Freitas

at:



THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016 17

H E A LT H

‘Mentors in Medicine’ Inspires D.C. Youth Program Introduces Students to Health Care Careers By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill High school students from the Greater Washington Area listened to science experts like Andrew K. Sanderson II, a specialist in gastroenterology at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as who shared

stories about what led them to choose careers in the medical profession during a Mentoring in Medicine [MIM] program in Northwest. Students from nine high schools who visited the Association of American Medical Colleges on Monday, Dec. 19 found themselves divided into small groups for hands-on work that included the use of a needle and thread to suture, or sew, the peel around a banana. The simulation illustrated how physicians would close the wound on a patient. The MIM program, which targets high school students throughout the U.S., exposes disadvantaged youth to opportunities within the health care profession. Monday’s session lasted just under five hours. Given the recent emphasis on regular checkups and early intervention of life-threatening

diseases generated by President Obama’s Affordable Care Act, one program participant said she’d like to expand the session to an entire day so there would be time to talk about the importance of preventive care “I think if this were a full day, we could definitely [talk about preventive care] . . . from a holistic approach,” Donna GrantMills, associate dean at Howard University’s College of Dentistry in Northwest, said after participating in a panel discussion. “There needs to be more emphasis all around. We are in a society today where we all take Uber. We’ve gotten away from that combination of exercise, diet and rest that our bodies require.” Last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided data related to childhood

MENTORS Page 19

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

Learn the facts about HIV and take the steps to protect yourself. THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW. By knowing your status, you can help raise awareness about HIV so that we can move closer to the goal of an AIDS-free generation. Ready to Quit. We’re ready to help. Call UMCCall at 202.574.6141 to access free HIV support, and us at 202.574.6141 to testing, learnget more reduce your risk. about our smoking cessation resources.

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

202.574.6000 www.united-medicalcenter.com

UnitedMedicalCenterDC

@UMC_DC

Working for a healthier community.

18 DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

5 Howard University medical students demonstrate to DC high school students how to hear a heart beat and check blood pressure during the Mentoring in Medicine event at the Association of American Medical Colleges in Northwest on Monday, Dec. 19. / Photo by Roy Lewis

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

S:5.15”

MENTORS from Page 18 obesity which has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years. Lynne Holden, president of the mentoring program and a certified physician, said preventive care and other health topics are highlighted through MIMs after-school programs. This semester students are focusing on the human brain. “This is just like a field trip for them where they can see different profession that we talk about in the class,” she said. According to the mentoring website, http://medicalmentor. org/our-programs/, middle and high school students participate for eight to 10 weeks through a STEM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curriculum with a concentration on a particular organ and its system. And under the guidance of George William Franklin, one group of students learned how to access health information on the Internet. Franklin, an information technology specialist with the National Institutes of Health’s [NIH] National Library of Medicine, showcased the agency’s website where one can learn

more about the ingredients in processed food, download a guide to healthy eating tips and even view pages developed just for children. (See: https://www. niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/ Kids/default.asp). Donja Wilkinson, 17, said the amount of information on the NIH website surprised her. “I didn’t even know all this was available,” said Donja, a 12th grader at Paul Laurence Dunbar Senior High School in Northwest who wants to become an orthodontist. “When we use Google we have to research much deeper. It seems like the NIH website has the information right there for you to access,” she said. Donja added that even with her newfound knowledge, she still enjoys eating both healthy and unhealthy foods. However, she doesn’t eat candy anymore because she wears braces. K’Von Nix, 15, said the way food looks can make a difference on whether he eats it. “A bakery makes cakes and muffins that are gluten free, but they still look like actual cakes and they taste good,” said the 10th grade student at Dunbar. “If it doesn’t look appetizing, then I won’t eat it.” WI

HEALTH

1,500

LIMITED-TIME OFFER

TOTAL CASH ON SELECT VEHICLES

TOTAL CASH INCLUDES:

$1,000 FORD SMARTBONUS™ CASH $500 FINAL DAYS CASH

Now get the season’s best offers, on a huge selection of Cars, Trucks and SUVs. Hurry, ends January 3.

Our Mission

To inspire and equip disadvantaged and low-income students to become health through academic • To care inspireprofessionals and equip disadvantaged and low-income stu-enrichment, dents to become health care professionals through academic enleadership development, civic engagement and mentoring programs.

richment, leadership development, civic engagement and mentoring programs. To engage, educate and empower students – from elementary to • To engage, educate and empower students – from elemenprofessional school – byschool providing resources, tary to professional – by providing resources,support support and guidance to and guidance to help them reach their true potential. ** help them reach their potential. • To help meettrue the nation's healthcare and science needs by diversifying the biomedical workplace. To help meet the nation's healthcare science needs by diversifying Please Help to Support Mentoring inand Medicine MIM workplace. depends on its family of friends and supporters for the biomedical charitable giving to meet our operating and programmatic costs in order to bring outcome driven programs to our underpriviHelp to Support Mentoring in Medicine leged student population. Your gift and involvement not only opportunity to worthy and students and their families but epends onprovides its family of friends supporters for charitable giving to also return immense rewards to you and your organization. BuyFordNow.com ur operating and programmatic costs in order to bring outcome driven Visit us at: http://medicalmentor.org/donate/ If you have any questions you canpopulation. e-mail us at: ms to our underprivileged student Your gift and *Supply of vehicles with Ford SmartBonus is limited. Not available on Focus RS, Shelby GT350®, Ford GT, F-150 Raptor, F-650/750. info@medicalmentor.org or call us at 212-252-4086 See dealer or go to BuyFordNow.com to find specially tagged vehicles and for qualifications and complete details.

Best Time to Shop America’s Best-Selling Brand.

ement not only provides opportunity to worthy students and their For all offers, take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 1/3/2017. **Based on 2015 calendar-year sales. s but also return immense rewards to you and your organization. Visit us at: http://medicalmentor.org/donate/ DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016 19 WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM THE WASHINGTON INFORMER If you have any questions you can e-mail us at: info@medicalmentor.org or call us at 212-252-4086

S:10”

ission

T:5.65”

EDUCATION DCPS

BRIEFS Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer

EXPERTS ADVISE BOARD ON ESSA

The D.C. State Board of Education received input Wednesday, Dec. 21 from two policy experts re-

garding the crafting of a new school accountability plan, just weeks after the board heard from community members on the issue. The city will eventually implement the Every Student Succeeds Act, which replaces No Child Left Behind as the new federal education law. ESSA gives the District more flexibility determining what constitutes a successful school, and what needs to be done to support increased student achievement. In November, the board heard testimony from roughly two dozen community members concerning the implementation of the new law. For more information about ESSA, including upcoming engagement opportunities and previous meeting materials, visit sboe.

5 State Superintendent of Education Hanseul Kang (left) congratulates 2017 D.C. Teacher of the Year Elizabeth Dewhurst. / Courtesy of D.C. Public Charter Schools

dc.gov/essa and osse.dc.gov/essa. Also, the terms of three school board members — Mary Lord, at-large representative, Kamili Anderson, Ward 4 representative, and Tierra Jolly, Ward 8 representative — end on Jan. 2.

NEW OSSE REGULATIONS

The Office of the State Superin-

Celebrating 10 Years!

tendent of Education has updated regulations governing the licensing of child development facilities throughout D.C. These regulations not only ensure that safe care is provided at the city's licensed child development facilities, but that they also support children's healthy development, future academic achievement and success. "Ensuring the District's earliest learners develop in healthy and safe environments served as one of the motivating factors to update the regulations for licensing child development facilities, which were last revised in 2008," said State Superintendent of Education Hanseul Kang. "Every child in the District deserves a quality education, and through the new regulations we are able to ensure that happens." The updates are in alignment with the District's regulatory framework for child development facilities as well as with national health and safety standards.

CHARTER SCHOOLS TEACHER OF THE YEAR

G S F C E L E B R AT E S 10 YEARS T h e G l o b a l Sc h o l a r s F o u n d a t i o n ( G S F ) w a s f o u n d e d b y t h e H S t r e e t C o m m u n it y D e ve l o p m e n t C o r p o r a t io n ( H SC D C ) i n 2 0 0 6 a s a la n g u a g e a n d c u lt u r e e d u c a t i o n a l p r o g r a m e x p o s in g D C t e e n s t o t h e M a n d a r in la n g u a g e a n d C h in e s e c u lt u r e . I n t h e l a s t s e ve n ye a r s , t h e p r o g r a m h a s e x p a n d e d t o in c l u d e s t u d yi n g S p a n is h , Ar a b ic , P o r t u g u e s e a n d t r a ve l i n g t o Af r ic a , Eu r o p e a n d S o u t h Am e r ic a . T h e p r o g r a m h a s t h r e e c o m p o n e n t s — c o ll e g e r e a d i n e s s , la n g u a g e a n d c u l t u r e , a n d f in a n c i a l l it e r a c y a n d i s d e l i v e r e d i n t h r e e p h a s e s o ve r a o n e - ye a r p e r io d . S t u d e n t s r e p r e s e n t D C p u b l ic a n d p u b l ic c h a r t e r s c h o o ls a n d a l l e ig h t wards. A p p r o x im a t e l y 9 5 % o f G S F Sc h o l a r s a t t e n d c o l l e g e a n d m o s t e v e n s e i ze t h e o p p o r t u n it y t o m a k e t r a ve l i n g a b r o a d c r i t ic a l t o t h e ir m a t r ic u la t io n .

PLEASE HELP GSF CONTINUE TO GROW!

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

Donate by PayPal

Donate by Check

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

916 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., SE WASHINGTON, DC 20003

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

20 DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Elizabeth Dewhurst, a reading intervention teacher at Stuart-Hobson Middle School in Northeast, and leader of the school's Reading Intervention Team, was named the 2017 D.C. Teacher of the Year in a surprise event at the school on Monday, Dec. 19. The prestigious honor, which is awarded annually to a public school

teacher who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to student achievement, includes a $7,500 cash prize. Dewhurst, a 10-year educator, has taught eighth-grade reading intervention courses at Stuart-Hobson since 2013. D.C. Teachers of the Year are also nominated for the National Teacher of the Year competition.

CLASS OF 2017 GOING TO COLLEGE

For 12 years in a row, 100 percent of Thurgood Marshall Academy seniors have been accepted into the various colleges and universities — a tradition the Class of 2017 is on a mission to continue. TMA recently hosted its annual On-Site Admissions Day, where representatives from 10 universities and colleges — including Bowie State, Trinity Washington University and Delaware State University — filled the gym to meet with more than 40 seniors. While the students had the chance to advocate for themselves and present their application to the colleges of their choice, 46 seniors were accepted on the spot. "On-site Admissions Day is such an exciting [event] because you are able to watch students' dreams come true," said TMA Principal Melanie Sala, who called it "a true testament to why TMA is such a special place." WI

Drive with Uber. No experience is required, but you’ll need a Smartphone. It’s fun and easy. For more information, call

800-950-0716 WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

EDITORIAL Reach Out to Those Who Live Without Holiday Joy

On Sunday, December 25th, Christians from Alabama to Albuquerque will celebrate the religious holiday known as Christmas – marking the birth of Jesus. Churches will be packed for morning services while ovens will remain piping hot as sumptuous meals are prepared before being served to friends and family. But we should remember that while some will exchange gifts, share hugs and kisses under mistletoe and tell tales of Christmases long ago, others will rise on Sunday morning feeling, lonely, lost, downtrodden and depressed. For reasons too many to list, they will find very little for which to give thanks or to celebrate. In many ways, these men, women and even children, often go unnoticed – like the growing number of homeless people in D.C. who we often pass in our cars, ignoring their plight and their pain. And while we cannot save the entire world, if we really want to illustrate the kind of unconditional love for “the least of these” that Christians profess serves as one of the primary tenets of our faith, perhaps we should be more intentional about spreading good tidings and joy and reach out to someone less fortunate. Visit a nursing home or a senior citizens center, taking cakes and cookies, singing songs of praise and giving heartfelt hugs to people who rarely feel the warmth that comes from the human touch. It’s not too late to consider spending a few less dollars on gifts for your loved ones and providing funds for a local non-profit, church or community organization that feed the homeless, clothe the naked, and give shelter to those shivering in the cold. Spread joy with and blessings to a stranger this Christmas. That’s what the day is really all about. WI

Has Rage Replaced Reason in the Black Community? The city of Little Rock, Arkansas and the FBI have offered a combined reward of $40,000 for information leading to the arrest of a gunman, described as a Black male, who fired into a car over the weekend, killing a three-year-old boy in an alleged outburst of road rage. The tragedy occurred when an impatient driver blew his horn at an Arkansas grandmother who had paused at a stop sign and was out for a drive with her grandson. She blew her horn back at the driver who then fired off a shot before traveling on his way – one she thought had been harmlessly dislodged into the sky. When the grandmother arrived at a shopping center some 10 miles away, she realized that the child had been shot. Paramedics rushed him to a nearby hospital where he died shortly after. Is this where we are now in the Black community? Are we so angry, so mean, so thoughtless and do we have such little regard for the lives of others that we would shoot a stray bullet into an automobile as an expression of our frustration? Whatever happened to the Black man’s respect for Black women? Has that too disappeared from our homes, our neighborhoods and our cities? Are we humans or are we animals? As we complain about the pending plans of the president-elect, the conservatism of a Republican-dominated Congress or the apparent rise of hate groups in America, perhaps we need to also take a closer look at ourselves – our own brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers and children – and our collective descent into madness where evil rules with few objections. WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

TO THE EDITOR Homebuyers Program Good for District Residents

Not Everyone Wins as MGM Opens for Business

Mayor Muriel Bowser and her staff should be applauded for securing enhancements to the 2017 homebuyer programs as highlighted in “Bowser Administration Celebrates Homeownership” by Sarafina Wright. Our city’s face has changed so drastically in the last few years that for many deserving residents purchasing real estate has been beyond reach because of the outrageous price hikes associated with gentrification. It has been said that if you own a home in D.C. you’d better hold on to it, because if you sell it or lose it you’ll never be able to buy anything like it again. The enhancements to the homebuyer programs will enable more people to buy properties. Fewer people will be shut out by newcomers with big money who come to town and sweep up houses because only they can afford the high price tags. This will help to preserve the face of our city as we longtime residents remember it.

So the big moment finally came – and went. MGM National Harbor opened for business last week on December 8 (see “MGM National Harbor Opens to the Public” by William J. Ford in the December 15th edition). All the hoopla leading up to it included promises of grandeur and chances to strike it rich. From what I have heard and read, everything there is expensive including food at the high-end restaurants and clothes in the high-fashion boutiques. If you don’t spend your money on any of these “trifles” you might have enough to feed the slot machines or play the blackjack tables. Sadly, MGM has given gambling addicts yet another venue to be lured into where they can gamble away money that they don’t really have. Yes, a lot of people now have jobs in this mammoth casino-hotel but many more are risking everything they and their families own to play the expensive games of chance. We already had Maryland Live and Horseshoe. Did we really need another money pit? Tensions were so high on opening night that a big fight broke out over “personal space.” Do we really need this? Isn’t there some more productive way to raise revenue for Prince George’s County? Just wondering.

Janice Bailey Washington, DC

Danielle Dawson Prince George’s County

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016 21

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

By Julianne Malveaux

We Are Not Exceptional — Just Average

We in these United States love to bask in the glory of our "exceptionalism." We are great, we are wonderful, we dominate the world. Scholars who study "us" say that our exceptionalism is rooted in the fact that we have offered leadership in international affairs. We have committed more resources than other countries to the United Nations, to NATO, and to other organizations committed to international peace. But we do this with a sense of paternal largesse, as if we are

the greatest, the most wonderful, the benefactor. But we have allowed our electoral system to be thrown into chaos because Vladimir Putin has a grudge against former secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, and he used his minions to actualize his grudge. He has had a man-crush with Donald Trump, who asked that Russia hack Hillary's emails, and obeying Trump's bidding, the Russians did. This whole electoral drama is a nightmare. Hillary Clinton got nearly 3 million more votes than Trump, but he has (maybe) an Electoral College victory. Is this American

Guest Columnist

exceptionalism? A hacked democracy vulnerable to the intrusion of foreign powers? If the Russians are hacking now, imagine what they will do in the future. A recent study by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) shows that 15-year-olds in the United States lag behind others in an international context. We talk as if we are number one or number two in achievement, but the fact is that we are number 14 or 15 by many measures. We aren't exceptional — we're just average, ranking below a dozen countries, hitting the median mark.

When science literacy is measured, 24 countries rank higher than the United States. The OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) average score on science literacy is 493, and the US was close to the average, at 496. Singapore, Japan, Finland, Canada, Vietnam, Australia, the U.K., German, Switzerland, Ireland and Portugal were among those with higher scores. Really? These folks will be among those hacking us in a decade if we don't make better investments in education! We're kind of average with reading literacy, as well. The OECD average

is 493, and the U.S. average is 497. Singapore, Canada, Finland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Germany, Poland and the Netherlands outscore us. We're in the band with France, the U.K., and Spain. What are Singapore, Canada and Ireland doing that we aren't? In a global economy, how do we compete with them? Our math comparisons with other countries are especially alarming. The OECD average for math literacy is 490, but the US score is 470. At least 30 countries, including Singapore,

MALVEAUX Page 37

By James Clingman.

Bob Johnson on Blacks' Path Forward

One post-election highlight for me was the meeting between Donald Trump and Bob Johnson. Billionaire to billionaire, Democrat to Republican, black to white, businessman to businessman, capitalist to capitalist, meeting on a relatively even playing field to discuss some of the "what now?" issues — intriguing to say the least. After the meeting, Mr. Johnson issued a press release and did several interviews to disclose the particu-

lars of that meeting. While the press summed up Johnson's comments in one sentence, "Let's give Trump a shot," there was much more to it than that. How do I know that? I'm glad you asked. Mr. Johnson graciously allowed me to interview him as well, and during our nearly one-hour conversation he spoke openly about his political position vis-à-vis the election of Donald Trump, and his thoughts, recommendations and reflections on a black strategy moving forward. One of the main things Johnson

Guest Columnist

discussed is our penchant to vote as a bloc for one party, in this case the Dems, without reciprocity. His words brought to mind similar words by Carter G. Woodson and Malcolm X on that same point. Mr. Johnson recommended that black folks should be independent and bloc-vote only for candidates who support our interests, locally and nationally, regardless of their party affiliation. "Amen!" Bob Johnson, based upon what he called a "seismic shift" in our politics, said we must follow what former U.S. Representative William "Bill" Clay Sr. told us: "Your political philoso-

phy must be selfish and pragmatic. You must start with the premise that you have no permanent friends, no permanent enemies, just permanent interests." My follow-up question was, "Then would you recommend that black voters register as 'non-party-affiliated' at their local Boards of Elections?" His answer: "Absolutely yes." Bingo! Remember when Donald Trump was asking black folks, "What do you have to lose" by voting for him? My immediate answer to his question was another question: "What do we have to gain?"

Without my leading Mr. Johnson in any way, he shared his message to Trump during their conversation on that question by saying, "You should be telling black people what they have to gain by voting for you." Johnson cited some very basic business principles, which he has put into play via his conglomerate of ventures, for instance, an equity fund to assist mid-level businesses. I asked if he thought blacks should form a similar collective fund for startups and micro businesses, and why we don't have such a fund now. He agreed that

CLINGMAN Page 37

By Angelo C. Louw

Black People Still in the Dark About HIV

With new infection rates and AIDS-related deaths on a decline globally, it seems we are finally gaining ground in the fight to end the epidemic. However, an alarming world trend in new HIV infections suggests that black people have been left by the wayside. In an open letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the L.A.-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation noted that while African-Americans made up a mere 12 percent of the

total U.S. population, they accounted for close to half of new infections in the country. Yet, only one in every ten people on Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a drug which has been proven to be effective in preventing the spread of HIV, were black. "We call on you to re-balance your prevention efforts to align with what patients want and need so that we can achieve better success in preventing new infections," the letter said. As an HIV-prevention campaigner, I know very well the struggle of addressing the "wants and needs" of people who are most likely to get

22 DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016

HIV. Sometimes health care workers are guilty of making broad assumptions about their daily lives — I suppose, a consequence of the shoestring budgets at our disposal. "Black African men and women are advised to have an HIV test and a regular HIV and STI screen if having unprotected sex with new or casual partners," suggests HIV in UK - Situation Report 2015 for targeted HIV-prevention messaging. This report found that even in the U.K., where white people make up the larger population of people living with HIV, black people were more

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

likely to contract HIV, because it was much more prevalent in that minority population. However, making sweeping assumptions about black sexuality is counterproductive and it also feeds into the social stigma that is attached to the virus, a major driver of HIV, deterring people from seeking health care and family planning, because of what others might say. Growing up in what has been dubbed the world's HIV capital, South Africa, I am all too familiar with false, racist rhetoric blaming high HIV prevalence among black people

on wayward sexual behaviors. The fact of the matter is, as Brazilian researcher Kia Caldwell points out, HIV is spread due to socioeconomic circumstance and not bad sex habits. In a 2016 report on how HIV affects Afro-Brazilian females, Caldwell stressed the need for an intersectional approach to HIV research and health policy in her home country, which saw a decline in new HIV infections in all population groups, but black females.

LOUW Page 37

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

By Raynard Jackson

Does CBC Really Care About Black People? In a previous column, I discussed the hypocrisy running rampant within the Democratic Party when it comes to the hiring of black staffers. I must have struck a serious nerve, because I received an anonymous email from someone with seemingly high-level Democratic credentials that was most surprising. I have no idea who this person is, or what his/her agenda may be, but I was able to verify the

details of the email I received. I called several friends who work for Democratic elected officials in the United States Congress and the Democratic National Committee. While not wanting to comment on specific members of the Democratic caucus, they agreed that the essence of the content of this anonymous email was very accurate. This email contained such detailed information on each Democratic member of Congress that it had to come from someone

Guest Columnist

with intimate access to this type of sensitive data. What was sent to me was a listing of every Democratic member of Congress and who their fundraisers were. What's ironic is that only one member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has retained a black fundraiser. The rest have either a white, Asian, or Hispanic person doing their fundraising. Yet, these same members of the CBC have the gall to criticize the U.S. Senate for their lack of di-

versity when it comes to hiring black staffers. Mind you, that most CBC members themselves have very few blacks in positions of power on their personal staffs or committees. Maybe, Black Democrats should simply "self-identify" as illegal, transgendered or radical Muslim extremist refugees, because they seem to get all the benefits that only American citizens are supposed to get, but I digress. Last year, members of the

CBC traveled to Silicon Valley to lecture executives from Apple, Google, Intel, SAP and Pandora about the lack of blacks in their workforce. Their then-chairman, U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield of North Carolina, said, "All of them are deficient. None of them have African-Americans on their boards of directors, and that is very disappointing because African-Americans are part of the customer base of all five of these

JACKSON Page 38

By Marc H. Morial

Foreign Influence and the Integrity of America's Democracy ident George Washington, farewell address, Sept. 17, 1796 "Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you to believe me, fellow-citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government. … The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is … to have with them as little political connection as possible." — Pres-

In 1840, President Martin Van Buren was fighting for re-election. He ultimately lost his presidential bid to a war hero, William Henry Harrison, who easily won over the widely unpopular Van Buren, nicknamed, "Van Ruin," for presiding over the nation during an economic depression. The presidential campaign of 1840 was heavy on image, and light on substance, painting Van Buren as an elitist and Harrison as an everyday man. Harrison — accused

Askia-At-Large

of being helped by British bankers during his campaign — won the Electoral College vote and an extremely close popular vote. In 1888, Grover Cleveland was favored to win his presidential re-election campaign, but ultimately lost the presidency because he appeared partial and subservient to British interests. The voters turned against him and his perceived British sympathies. While he managed to win the popular vote, he lost the Electoral College vote and, hence, the presidency. If the past is prologue, histo-

ry suggests that Americans resent the interference of foreign governments and interests in our presidential elections. As evidence of Russian tampering via cyber-attacks and hacking continues to mount, and President-elect Trump has tapped Rex Tillerson as his secretary of state — who Trump described as doing "massive deals in Russia" and was awarded the "Order of Friendship" by Vladimir Putin — it is the duty and obligation of our Congress to thoroughly investigate whether or not Russia has interfered with our elec-

tion process to tip the scale for a Trump win and, in the process, undermine and sow distrust in our democracy and its institutions. President Obama has ordered a full intelligence review of the alleged Russian hack into the Democratic and Republican National Committees to be completed before inauguration day. In a break with Trump, the top two Republicans in Congress have lent their support to a bipartisan congressional effort to

MORIAL Page 38

By Askia Muhammad

Marcus Garvey Deserves Presidential Pardon American literature is dotted with romantic episodes when the very last acts of some departing Southern governors was issuing a pardon for some deserving, but otherwise hopeless black convicted murderer. At that moment, the convicted soul is revived. He is reborn and his life soars. Life imitates art? I hope and pray, while he still has the power of his signature, President Obama will pardon Marcus Mosiah Garvey. It is the right thing to do. Garvey was

unjustly convicted by a federal conspiracy 93 years ago and justice demands his formal exoneration now! Garvey's life and the vindication of his legacy are already unassailable. "The passage of time has confirmed his place in history but has not removed the stain of this injustice from his legacy," said a letter written to the president in early December by numerous Congressional Black Caucus members including Yvette D. Clarke of New York and John Lewis of Georgia, making the case that Garvey's conviction in 1923 was inspired by racism.

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

"We appreciate your consideration of this matter and we look forward to working with you in these final weeks of your Administration," the letter said. Garvey was the first popular black leader who advocated, outright, for black solidarity as the key component to black liberation. Amen, brother. Garvey was a race-first black leader, advocating "Africa for the Africans...those at home and those abroad." He advocated repatriating millions of black people "back to Africa," in order to liberate that continent from colonialism, and

to remove the former enslaved Africans in America back to their homeland at a time when integration and assimilation of the black community's "talented tenth" into the white-American mainstream was the elusive, never-to-beachieved goal. He organized the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League, attracting talent from the U.S. and the Caribbean. He founded the Universal Black Legion, the Negro Factories Corp., the Black Cross Nurses, the Black Star Shipping Line and the Negro World news-

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

paper. At one time his movement boasted as many as six million members in 38 states and 41 other countries. His organizing also attracted the attention of the 24-year-old director of the Justice Department's General Intelligence Division, a lawyer named J. Edgar Hoover. Complaining in 1919 that Garvey had "not yet violated any federal law" to justify his deportation. Hoover suggested going after Garvey for fraud in connection with the sale of Black Star Line stock

ASKIA Page 38

DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016 23

LIFESTYLE

Peck assembles archival footage, photographs and contentious TV clips, particularly the fledgling “The Dick Cavett Show” where discussions of the state of the “Negro” often grew heated. He includes modern day camera feeds of demonstrators angry over police shootings. The results are a blistering indictment of race relations both old and new. Voiceovers by Samuel L. Jackson verbalize passages from Baldwin notes. You hear the author chide oppressors, confront Hollywood and challenge the American government. His words recount the intimate relationships and mutual respect he Baldwin: “I could no longer sit had with the iconic civil rights around Paris discussing America. legends Medgar, Malcolm and I had to come and pay my dues.” Martin, effectively humanizing Baldwin started his book, “Re- these political/social deities. He candidly explores their member This House,” in 1979. The manuscript focused on the differences and similarities. He lives, views and assassinations of reveals the absolute despair he his three friends and colleagues, felt each time he heard that one Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and of them had been killed. His Martin Luther King, Jr. But by ruminations glow with a truth the time of his death he had only that is timeless. Raoul Peck and Editor Alexcompleted 30 pages. Director Raoul Peck (“Lu- andra Strauss have masterfully mumba”) took those few, initial fulfilled the arduous and artful pieces of Baldwin’s non-fiction task of pulling all the pieces tome and developed them into a of Baldwin’s contemplations searing documentary that exam- together and forming a fiery ines the struggles of the 1950s narrative that makes audiences and 1960s making them relevant recalibrate their feelings about in today’s age of Black Lives Mat- race in America. The musical score by Aleksey Aygi adds a ter.

I Am Not Your Negro By Dwight Brown NNPA Wire Service Film Critic Just in case you need a reminder that racism is not dead, James Baldwin, the intellectual, civil rights activist and renowned author, has left behind some biting and enlightening words about the subject. Baldwin was born in Harlem in 1924. He moved to Paris around 1950, eventually taking up residence in the south of France. At some point in his self-imposed exile, he came to the conclusion that he had to turn his attention back to his home country.

CITYWIDE COMMUNITY MEETING

piqued sense of urgency and gravitas. Medgar Evers was killed on June 12, 1963. Malcolm X was assassinated on February 21, 1965. Martin Luther King Jr. was murdered on April 4, 1968. James Baldwin died of stomach cancer on December 1, 1987. Together, collectively, they left behind a tremendous social/political legacy that finds its due

respect in this powerful and enlightening documentary. In 93 thought-provoking minutes, “I Am Not Your Negro” poignantly connects the past to the present without apologies. VisitNNPANewsWire Film Critic Dwight Brown at DwightBrownInk.com or at BlackPressUSA.com. WI

DC Housing Enterprises (DCHE) OPPORTUNITY Notice # DCHE 2017-1 NOTICE OF NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT ALLOCATION AVAILABILITY DC Housing Enterprises (DCHE), a wholly owned subsidiary of the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA), was awarded a $45 million allocation of New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC).

RFK CAMPUS REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT UPDATES

THURSDAY, 1/5

DCHE will accept funding applications beginning December 22, 2016. The first round of applications are due January 30, 2017 through full allocation of NMTC Funding. If allocation remains after the first round review is completed, DCHE will continue accepting applications until NMTC funding is fully allocated.

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 146ABC

METRO ACCESSIBLE

Any interesed party may contact DCHE to discuss the proposed project for NMTC funding.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: OfficialEventsDC

5 The internationally-acclaimed author and scholar James Baldwin. / Courtesy photo

DCHE Contact information: Lolita Washington, (202) 535-1212 or via email at lwashing@dchousing.org

EventsDC

TheEventsDC

24 DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LIFESTYLE

D.C. Area Among Most Charitable, Survey Finds By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Maryland residents know how to keep the spirit of giving alive all year long. And Virginia is good at opening their wallets for the less fortunate as well. When it comes to the most charitable states in the country, Maryland ranked fourth while Virginia landed in the 18th spot, according to the District-based personal finance website WalletHub. The District itself did not rank as only states were considered. The WalletHub survey reported that Maryland has the highest percentage of taxpayers who donated money to charity — 38.2 percent, or 3.1 times higher than in West Virginia, which has the lowest at 12.3 percent. And Maryland ranked No. 3 overall for volunteering and service done by residents. Several factors were considered while creating the list, including volunteer rate, percentage to income donated and percentage of sheltered homeless. Virginia came in 22nd in the volunteering and service rank and 9th in the charitable giving rank. To determine the most generous states, WalletHub compared them based on 13 key metrics including volunteer rates, the percentage of taxpayers who donated to charity, growth in charitable giving and the percentage of sheltered homeless. WalletHub's ranking of the Most & Least Charitable States named Utah as the most generous state for the second straight year, followed by Minnesota, North Dakota, Maryland, Oklahoma, Delaware, and New Hampshire. Rounding out the top 10 were Ohio, Wisconsin and Arkansas. The 10 least charitable states are Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Louisiana, Florida, Montana, Hawaii, Nevada, Texas, California and Arizona, per the website. "Because the election painted both the Clinton Foundation and the Trump Foundation in a negative light and because these negative stories were basically the only mentions of charity during the campaign, a lot of U.S.-based charities — and nonprofits more generally — are worried that we will see a decline in trust from the public for all kinds of charitable organizations," said Joannie Tremblay-Boire, a WalletHub expert and assistant professor in the Department of Public Management and Policy at

the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University. "The fear is that we will see a contamination problem: these two very mediatized bad apples will lead people to stop trusting all charities," Tremblay-Boire said. Further, U.S.-based charities are concerned about what a Donald Trump presidency and a Republican-controlled Congress will mean, she said. "Reduced government spending would mean fewer grants and contracts. President-Elect Trump's plan also caps the charitable deduction amount, which could possibly result in lower donations from high-income households," Tremblay-Boire said. "Finally, a lot of nonprofits serving vulnerable populations — women, immigrants, Muslims, people with disabilities — are worried that demand for their services will rise while they are under fire from the administration," she said. Still, donors should pursue charities that have a mission they feel is important, said fellow WalletHub expert Elizabeth T. Boris, an Institute Fellow at the Center on Non-

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

5 Maryland and Virginia rank among the most charitable states. / Courtesy photo

profits and Philanthropy at Urban Institute in D.C. "They should check out the charities on their websites, and look at reports available on GuideStar, Charity Navigator, and Global Giving websites to see what information the charities provide about who they serve, their finances, and their achievements," Boris said. For the complete report, go to https://wallethub.com/edu/most-andleast-charitable-states/8555. WI

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016 25

LIFESTYLE

'Hip Hop Nutcracker' Infuses New Life into Holiday Classic By Lauren Poteat WI Contributing Writer

“Deliriously funny” -Washington Post

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

5 The “Hip Hop Nutcracker” re-imagines Tchaikovsky’s classic score through explosive hip-hop choreography. The cast includes a dozen dancers, an on-stage DJ and an electric violinist who bring the traditional Nutcracker story to life in contemporary New York City. / Photo courtesy Strathmore Theatre

Comprised of dazzling lights, vibrant colors, eccentric costumes and intricate dance skills, "The Hip Hop Nutcracker" proves to be a wonderful and unique remake of a timeless classic. Produced by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the production came to the Strathmore Music Center in Bethesda, Maryland, on Dec. 16, combining Tchaikovsky's timeless classic with hip-hop flavor and bounce. "People love our production," said Jennifer Weber, director and choreographer. "This is a newly invigorated, youthful production that brings excitement to anyone that sees it, because hip-hop is the bridge that brings everyone together. It's a cultural classic language." Taking place in the wintry streets of New York city, beside a bench, a streetlight, a bar and growing Christmas trees, viewers

aren't quite sure what to expect from the youth on stage, hanging around some snow. Just then, the audience is presented with ball caps and black leather-accentuated ball gowns, as Drosselmeyer (Shestreet), an infectious toymaker, shows the street kids her dancing dolls that lead into an intricate hip-hop dance number. Filled with brilliance and panache, the scene quickly segue into the introduction of the Nutcracker (Josue "Beast" Figueroa), who is seen selling nuts from a pushcart right before he saves Clara (played by Ann-Sylvia Clark) from none other than the Mouse Gang. As the Nutcracker defeats the mice, they dance through the snow, traveling back into time to New Year's Eve 1984, where a troupe perform variations of classic Spanish, Arabian, Chinese and Russian dances, successfully blending genres and adding some spice to a well-loved classic. WI

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

26 DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LIFESTYLE

wi book reviewA

Horoscopes

DEC 22 - 28, 2016

ARIES Later this week, someone will ask you to give a presentation for a small group. The preparation for this talk requires quite a bit of your time and attention. Don't spend too much time on this though, because you risk overfeeding yourself with information and not being able to see the wood for the trees. Lucky Numbers: 11, 18, 22

"Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance"

TAURUS This week you may have very original dreams. If the creative ideas from these dreams just "evaporate," you can't use them anymore for the realization of your plans. You'll be surprised by what you write down in the middle of the night waking up after a creative dream! Your inventive ideas must not be wasted. Lucky Numbers: 7, 12, 37

Michelle Burford foreword by Mary Lou Retton c.2016, Zondervan $24.99 ($31 Canada) 251 pages

GEMINI Love is in the air on Sunday or the days preceding or following this day of rest. Take it easy. Then all will go well. Strengthen the ties with a couple of friends. Don't let these friendships disintegrate. Remember Gemini: a dear, warm friendship is irreplaceable. Lucky Numbers: 2, 28, 58 CANCER The relationship with a couple of your friends and acquaintances has grad-

ually changed in the course of time. You all know better now what you mean to each other. The change may therefore turn out to be an improvement. A few other friendships will probably disintegrate completely due to the fact that you have grown apart. Lucky Numbers: 6, 8, 13

It took A Leap of Faith

LEO You let yourself be walked all over. This is remarkable, because normally you are

By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer A new job, a big move, a new skill, a major purchase, a ring on your finger and "I do." Even if you knew you were on the right path and you could handle whatever came next, you still felt like you were stepping off into the unknown. It definitely took a leap of faith, but, as in the new book "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles (with Michelle Burford), sometimes, you just have to close your eyes and jump. It all began with a rainy-day field trip to a Houston gymnasium. Simone Biles was 6 years old then, but she'd already endured more than many adults. She and her siblings were born in Ohio to a mother who was unable to care for them, so the children circled between foster homes, grandparents, and mother. Finally, it was decided that the younger two would be adopted by their grandparents and would stay in Texas, which turned out to be a fortuitous decision: there was a trampoline at their Texas home, and Biles couldn't stay off it. Always an active child (and later diagnosed with ADHD), Biles was a tiny tornado on that first day in the gym. She flipped and ran and tumbled until she caught the eye of a trainer who invited her and her younger sister to classes. It turned out to be "the perfect outlet" for a "little bouncing bean" like Biles. In short order, she worked her way up the various levels of training with her eyes on winning more and bigger. She was "a dork" at school and sometimes a "brat" but always a star on the mat and she knew she wanted to "go the farthest I can," even if a dream of a gymnastics career meant giving up a dream of "normal" high school and being on an NCAA team. Her parents helped her find the best coaches. They even built a gymnasium for her and her team. And after achieving the goal of landing a spot on the junior national team, Biles then "quietly asked God to please help me do everything I could to be part of the 2016 Olympics team." Out of my chair. That's where I was last summer when author Simone Biles nailed that floor routine at Rio. But in my chair is where this book kept me this week because I really couldn't put "Courage to Soar" down. Fans who notice that Biles (with Michelle Burford) is bubbly but focused will be happy to know that that's how her biography reads, and it's a delight. What's also refreshing is that it's not boastful athletic chest-thumping. There is some teenage-angsty drama here, but mixed with the pressure of competition, it's not a distraction. Instead, it and the pure joy inside both serve to enhance the appeal of this book. This is a story you can share with anyone — in fact, when you've finished "Courage to Soar," you'll probably want to. A book like this, you'll fall head over heels for. WI WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

assertive enough to stand up for yourself. In the meantime, you seek out people who increase your powers of observation and your awareness. Because of this, you are less able to face up to your day-to-day life in your usual way. The only thing you can do against this is to make your everyday life as simple as possible. Lucky Numbers: 19, 27, 43

VIRGO Someone may ask your help to do something for others which will not achieve any results directly. You have the tendency to yield to this demand. Your normal work is therefore liable to be pushed aside and suffer as a result of this. Make quite sure that you only help those people who really, truly deserve it. It would be a good thing, this week, to give your partner a call now and then while you are at work. Lucky Numbers: 18, 26, 38 LIBRA There may be a conflict this week between your feelings and your mind. In other words, you know what you should do in a certain situation, but your feelings dictate that it should be done in another way or that you should react differently. This stems from your youth. In this emotional state, it is not wise to start negotiations or to sign important documents. Lucky Numbers: 3, 34, 41 SCORPIO You feel that everything is going in the right direction, that your life is in harmony with your ideals. Despondency, disappointment and pessimism have disappeared. Your whole way of thinking is becoming positive and you are starting to bubble over with energy, at work as well as at home. This sense of security gives you a lovely and safe feeling. Lucky Numbers: 11, 45, 53 SAGITTARIUS Love prophesies are something pleasant. It's alright, because you'll

probably hear a piece of lovely news via a telephone call. Go for it and follow your feelings. And try to reserve a bit more leisure time for yourself. Due to a slice of unexpected good fortune, your financial situation won't be too bad either. Lucky Numbers: 15, 16, 38

CAPRICORN This week you will solve different problems at work without fretting about it at home. You're able to shake everything off before you cross the threshold. This is going to be an important and busy week for you, no question about it! Mind that you don't impede your social improvement by rejecting an offer out of loyalty to your current colleagues and employer. Lucky Numbers: 7, 10, 28 AQUARIUS You'll have a lovely encounter this week with a couple of friends and acquaintances. New opportunities — which may just turn your life upside-down — may appear like a bolt from out of the blue. Generally speaking, it'll do you good to be gregarious, to get in touch with as many people as possible this week. Be open to new information and fresh experiences. Lucky Numbers: 5, 19, 20 PISCES You'll possibly get in touch with "the law" this week. Not in a negative sense. You won't be asked to appear in court or to answer to a judge or anything like that. Don't be afraid that it'll be a negative experience for you! This is an excellent time to go traveling. The new impressions you'll gather during your trip will gratify your curiosity. This week you may expect a couple of telephone calls and letters with bits of news from different friends. Lucky Numbers: 7, 32, 53

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016 27

SPORTS St. Thomas Aquinas Takes Down UDC

5 St. Thomas Aquinas College forward Adiya Henderson blocks the shot attempt of University of the

District of Columbia point guard Kaiya Coleman in the first quarter of St. Thomas Aquinas's 78-62 win at UDC Gymnasium in Northwest on Saturday, Dec. 17. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

3 University of the District of Columbia point guard Shantrel Oliver shoots around St. Thomas Aquinas

College forward Adiya Henderson in the second quarter of St. Thomas Aquinas's 78-62 win at UDC Gymnasium in Northwest on Saturday, Dec. 17. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

Charity Fashion Show Brings Out Sports Stars Becky's Fund Shines Light on Domestic Violence

By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer A foundation in D.C. brought some of Washington's most prominent professional athletes to the catwalk for a cause affecting one in three women. Becky's Fund, a nonprofit organization that combats domestic violence, hosted its eighth annual Walk This Way charity fashion show on Thursday, Dec. 8 at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Northwest. "I founded Becky's Fund 10 years ago with the mission to end and prevent domestic violence through education and advocacy," said Becky Lee, the organization's founder. "I wanted to build an organization that breaks the cycle of violence through education and empowerment, and an organization that is proactive instead of reactive. "Through lessons on positive

masculine roles, violence prevention, and leadership, our Men of Code will learn what it means to have integrity both on and off the field, and they are given the tools to take a stand against dating and domestic violence," she said. The proceeds from Becky's Fund fashion show of more than $100,000 went to the nonprofit's Men of Code program. The funds raised at "Walk This Way" will allow the foundation to bring the program to three additional schools in 2017. The initiative engages and educates coaches and young male athletes to become leaders and allies in the movement to end domestic violence. Football players from Friendship Collegiate Academy Public Charter School in Northeast walked the runway and creatively spoke of their involvement through a poem. The student-athletes hit the

28 DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016

runway with pro athletes such as Washington Redskins Vernon Davis, Pierre Garรงon, Chris Baker and Nick Sundberg, and Washington Wizards Otto Porter Jr., Kelly Oubre Jr. and Ian Mahinmi. United States women's national soccer team members Ali Krieger and Crystal Dunn, D.C. United's Bill Hamid and Marcelo Sarvas, former NFL stars Dhani Jones, Gary Clark, John Booty and Brandon Frye and former U.S. Olympian Giuseppe Lanzone also walked in the show. The female models were styled by One80 Salon and Kingsley Model and Management. Fashion entrepreneur Shivani Dhingra Bajaj served as event chair, and WPGC-FM (95.5) radio personality Sunni and broadcaster Guy Lambert emceed the event. Attendees sipped specialty drinks and noshed on gourmet

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

5 Athletes took to the runway in a fashion show fundraiser for local programs that support and assist victims of domestic violence. / Courtesy photo

food by Rouge Catering, while mixing and mingling with some of the D.C. region's favorite sports stars, performers, political power brokers, business leaders and fashion trendsetters. "This evening's event went to

benefit the Men of Code with the hopes of empowering them to understanding what positive masculinity is," Lee said. "We encourage everyone to continue to break the silence of domestic violence." WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

SPORTS

Wizards Upend Clippers at Home 3 Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin takes a charge while

defending Washington Wizards guard John Wall in the first quarter of the Wizards' 117-110 victory at Verizon Center in Northwest on Sunday, Dec. 18. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

6 Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. drives to the basket

against Los Angeles Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute in the first quarter of the Wizards' 117-110 victory at Verizon Center in Northwest on Sunday, Dec. 18. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

5 Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal is double-teamed in the second quarter of the Wizards' 117-110 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at Verizon Center in Northwest on Sunday, Dec. 18. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

3 Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin jab-steps against Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris in the

third quarter of the Wizards' 117-110 victory at Verizon Center in Northwest on Sunday, Dec. 18. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016 29

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

Ask us how! TOLL FREE USA/CANADA

1-888-859-4853

Experience the Difference

itbgn.com/projects

TV AND INTERNET

5 Screech, the Washington Nationals' mascot, entertained children and fami-

lies at the "Cozy Christmas" toy giveaway at the Gateway Pavilion in Southeast hosted by Events DC and Washington Informer Charities and sponsored by the Washington Nationals on Thursday, Dec. 15. / Photo by Travis Riddick

OVER 190 CHANNELS TV & INTERNET

LIMITED TIME PRICING

(installed and billed separately)

FREE SAME DAY INSTALLATION

TOYS from Page 1

3 MONTHS OF PREMIUM CHANNELS

ent, Adira Cavanaugh, 7, could hardly contain her excitement. “I hope I get a doll,” she said to her mother, Jamelia Cavanaugh. “I already got my cookie.” Adira’s mother described the event as “wonderful.” “I am so glad that I brought my two children here after I heard about this event from Adira’s school,” she said. “She’s having a really good time with all the music and sweets and dancing and this is just a really great way for people that you don't normally see to all come together.” In addition to the old-fashioned holiday lights and upbeat Christmas music, event organizers surprised fortunate attendees with an elaborate magic show, adding to the evening’s success. A representative for Washington Informer Charities, responsible for coordinating many of the celebration’s details, said helping others matters especially during the holidays. “The holidays can be rough for people and sometimes when people are struggling, they are reluctant to attend events like

(WHERE AVAILABLE)

OVER 50 CHANNELS:

BUNDLE HIGH SPEED INTERNET ASK ABOUT OUR 3 YEAR PRICE GUARANTEE AND GET

CALL TODAY & SAVE UP TO 50%!

INCLUDED FOR A YEAR

800-530-2924 Call for more details

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

Call 1-888-900-3149 to apply today! Free phone is provided by Access Wireless. Access Wireless is a service provider for the government-funded Lifeline Assistance program. Lifeline assistance is provided by i-wireless LLC, d/b/a Access Wireless, an eligible telecommunications carrier. Lifeline service is non-transferable. Lifeline benefits are limited to one per household. A household is defined, for the purposes of the Lifeline program, as any individual or group of individuals, who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Violation of the one-per-household rule constitutes violation of FCC rules and will result in the customer’s de-enrollment from Lifeline. Only eligible customers may enroll in the program. Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain a Lifeline benefit can be punished by fine, imprisonment, or can be barred from the program. Customers must present proper documentation proving eligibility for the Lifeline program. Your information will be validated against public records and any discrepancies could result in delays or denial of service.

WET BASEMENTS STINK !! Mold, mildew and water leakage into your basement causes health and foundation damage. What can be done to fix the problem? Allstate American Waterproofing is an honest, hardworking local company. We will give you a FREE evaluation and estimate and a fair price. We have repaired thousands of basements in the area; we can provide local references. When your neighbors needed waterproofing, they called Allstate American. Why don’t you? Call now to receive a 20% discount with your FREE ESTIMATE. MHIC#36672

CALL 1 800 420 7783 NOW!

this where food and gifts are given away at no cost,” said Angie Johnson, Washington Informer administrative assistant. “That’s why I didn’t mind standing in line for hours handing out presents or wrapping them before we distributed them to the children,” she said. “That’s what it’s all about. Helping and serving others with the hope that we’ve made their Christmas special. The smiles on those children’s faces was invaluable and I would do it every day if I could just see those smiles again.” Events DC first spearheaded “Cozy Christmas” in 2015, taking over the annual event first sponsored in 2013 by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development [DMPED]. One executive for Events DC said partnering with other organizations allowed them to make this year’s “Cozy Christmas” bigger than ever. “This event is very important to the local Congress Heights community, not simply because of the toy distribution, but because it brings families, neighbors and community stakeholders together to celebrate

LOSE 5 PDS. in 5 DAYS!

GUARANTEED! No Workout Required!

RAPID WEIGHT LOSS

SAFE NATURAL DETOX TEA INSTANTLY CURBS APPETITE & BOOST ENERGY

ATTENTION MARYLANDERS WITH HOMES CONSTRUCTED BEWEEN 1989 -2009 THAT HAVE FLEXIBLE CORRUGATED STAINLESS STEEL GAS PIPE (CSST) We represent CSST homeowners in a class action to recover inspection and repair costs from the manufacturers of this product. If your home was built with CSST, you may be entitled to a free inspection, repairs or replacement. Call (202) 640-1166 or email “CSST” to info@wbmllp.com for more information. GARY E. MASON WHITFIELD BRYSON & MASON LLP 1625 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Ste. 605, Washington, DC 20036 No specific results implied

! 30 DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016

http://www.gotlcdiet.com/8683931

877-550-3637

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

the spirit of the holiday during a time of increasing change in Ward 8, Congress Heights specifically,” Erik Moses, senior vice president and managing director of Events DC, said. “We are dedicated to providing unforgettable experiences for the community,” he said. “After agreeing to manage the Gateway DC Pavilion for DMPED, we wanted to continue to host a holiday event to which the community had become accustomed while revitalizing the event’s programming and ensuring that ‘Cozy Christmas’ would be a true holiday celebration.” Moses emphasized the importance of making the event free to families. “It’s free to pre-registered families so they are able to enjoy the live entertainment, activities and take photos with and receive gifts from Santa – all without the weight of financial burdens,” he said. “We are so grateful to the Washington Informer Charities for their partnership which allowed us to give toys to nearly 1, 000 more children than we did in 2015,” Moses said. Denise Rolark Barnes, Washington Informer publisher, said she connected the charitable arm of the newspaper with Events DC, believing that their collaboration would have a greater impact on the community. Just days earlier, Washington Informer Charities successfully partnered with the Washington Nationals for a toy drive held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest. “For our ‘Winterfest Toy Drive’ it was important to the Nationals to work with local organizations that are deeply connected to the community, have identified areas of need within our community and are committed to serving those needs,” said Shawn Bertani, senior director of community relations for the Washington Nationals. “We had a great platform for collecting toys and wanted to work with partners that had boots on the ground and could get the toys directly into the hands of area children and families. We believed Washington Informer Charities and Events DC could do just that,” she added. “It’s because of the relationship between the team and our fans that we believe we have a responsibility to give back. We recognize and appreciate that we are uniquely positioned to impact the community,” Bertani said. WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RELIGION THE RELIGION CORNER

The Griffin Firm, PLLC

Charles Jenkins Spreads Yuletide Cheer With No. 1 hits such as "Awesome" and "War" under his musical belt, Charles Jenkins has crafted a new holiday gem with the rhythmic, upbeat stepper's tune, "Christmas Music." With the infectious song reaching adult R&B and gospel radio formats, Jenkins has undertaken his biggest project yet, producing the hourlong musical television special "Holiday Praise." You must tune in to "The Lyndia Grant Show" on Friday, Dec. 23 at 6 p.m. on Spirit 1340. Hear an exclusive, live interview with Jenkins, as he shares more details of his new Christmas release. During the interview, you will also hear details of how God gave him the vision to host this exciting holiday special. Shot before an enthusiastic audience at the historic Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, the show is hosted by Jenkins and features unforgettable performances of holiday songs by artists such as Erica Campbell, Dorinda Clark Cole, Deitrick Haddon and Jonathan McReynolds. Others performing in the special, which will air Christmas Eve at 3 p.m. EST, include Brian Courtney Wilson, Jonathan Nelson, Isaac Carree, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Donishia Ballard, Dexter Walter and Zion Movement, along with Jenkins and the Fellowship Chicago. Born in St. Petersburg, Florida, Jenkins grew up around music. His grandmother was a pianist for local churches and his uncle was a member of Earth, Wind & Fire. At the age of 5, he began taking what became seven years of classical piano lessons but his heart longed to become a professional dancer. Turning Hearts Church

"I was good enough to do it, too," he recalls. Instead, he became a licensed minister at 16, ordained at 18 and founded the Chicago youth choir Joshua's Troop in 1997. Jenkins graduated from Chicago's Moody Bible Institute with a B.S. degree in Christian Education and later earned a Master of Arts in Religion from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He penned the song "You've Been a Friend" for Israel and New Breed's Grammy-winning 2005 album "Alive in South Africa." In 2012, Pastor Jenkins released his first album with the Fellowship Chicago choir "The Best of Both Worlds." Off of the strength of "Awesome" (which he composed), the album topped Billboard's Gospel Albums sales chart for three weeks and eventually was nominated for eight Stellar Awards. At the age of 24, he was handpicked by Rev. Clay Evans to succeed him as senior pastor of Fellowship Chicago (formerly known as the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church). Under his leadership, weekly attendance has grown to over 8,000 and he's instituted a variety of life-changing programs and benevolent services for the church and the Chicago community at large. Jenkins is married to Dr. Tara Rawls-Jenkins. Together, they have two daughters, Princess and Paris, and one son, Charles Jenkins III. Merry Christmas to each of you, and a special thank you to those of you who have read my column regularly. It is my prayer that you have been encouraged, as I've shared with you, what God has given to me for you. I'm asking regular readers to drop me a line, let me hear from you.

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

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

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

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

• • • • •

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

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq., The Griffin Firm, PLLC with Lyndia Grant Share with me how your life has improved because of a Word from the Lord, from the many times you have read this religion column. Many of you have given me a phone call, and others have encouraged me. Tune in to "The Lyndia Grant Show" on Friday, Dec. 23 at 6 p.m., on WYCB-AM (Spirit 1340) to hear my interview with Charles Jenkins. May God continue to bless each of you, and I pray the New Year will bring forth your dreams! WI

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

202-379-4738

ChurCh Printing

(301) 864-6070

20% Off

l l l l l l

PrOgrams & BOOklets

CHURCH LAWYERS

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

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

Quality Printers 301 kennedy street, nW Washington, DC 20011

tel: 202-291-6565

MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC

SERVING MARYLAND, DC, & NORTH CAROLINA

www.jmlaw.net

(301) 864-6070

jmccollum@jmlaw.net

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher

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

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

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

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016 31

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

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

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

Church of Living Waters

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Crusader Baptist Church

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor

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

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor

Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Third Street Church of God

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

Drs. Dennis W. & Christine Y. Wiley Pastors

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor

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

Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor

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

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

5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555

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

610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax

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

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

Blessed Word of Life Church

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

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

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

Services and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45am Church School: 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45am Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 pm Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30am

Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11:00am Prayer Meeting and Bible Study: Wed. 7:30pm

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

www.thirdstreet.org

“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital”

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church

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

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

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

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

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Rev. John W. Davis Pastor

Joseph N. Evans, Ph.D Senior Pastor

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

901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 8:00am and 11:00am Sunday School: 9:15am Holy Communion 4th Sunday 10:00am Prayer and Bible Study Wednesday 7:00pm TV Ministry –Channel 6 Wednesday 10:00pm

Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

Service and Times Sunday Church School : 9:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10am Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00pm Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00pm Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10am themcbc.org

gsccm.administration@verizon.net

32 DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church

All Nations Baptist Church

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Israel Baptist Church

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office - (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Come Grow With Us and Establish a Blessed Family”

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

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 7:30am & 10:45am Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30pm Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00pm www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

“Where Jesus is the King”

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Rev. Dr. Diane Dixon Proctor Pastor

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

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

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

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

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10: am Holy Communion: First Sunday 10: am Sunday School: 9: am Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30pm Motto: “A CHURCH ON THE GROW”.

Mount Moriah Baptist Church

Eastern Community Baptist Church

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

New Commandment Baptist Church

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor

Damion M. Briggs Pastor

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rehoboth Baptist Church

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

Salem Baptist Church

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Clinton W. Austin Pastor

Rev. Dr. Morris L Shearin, Sr. Pastor

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

St. Matthews Baptist Church

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

Emmanuel Baptist Church

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

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

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church Dr. C. Matthew Hudson, Jr, Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Early Worship Service: 7:30a.m Worship Service: 10:45a.m. New Members Class: 9:30a.m. Holy Communion : 1st Sunday -10:45a.m Church School: 9:30a.m. Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: Wednesday 7p.m Bible Study : Saturday: 11a.m. Baptism: 4th Sunday – 10:45a.m “Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”

Peace Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship Service: 7:15 am & 10:50 am Sunday School: 9:30am Wednesday Prayer & Testimonies Service: 7:30pm Wednesday School of the Bible: 8:00pm Wednesday - Midweek Prayer Service: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

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

Christ Embassy DC

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

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

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

Shiloh Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Maxwell M. Washington Pastor

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

Rev. Alonzo Hart Pastor

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

Rev. Oran W. Young, Pastor Pastor

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

Worshiping Location Knights of Columbus - 1633 Tucker Road Fort Washington, MD 20744 (240) 838-7074

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 am Sunday School: 9:00 am Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer / Bible Study: 6:15 pm - 7:20 pm (Tuesday) Theme: “The Kingdom Focused Church” Matthew 6:33 and Mathew 28:18-20, KJV Email: stmatthewsbaptist@msn.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

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

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

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

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

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

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

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

DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016 33

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration Number 2015 ADM 001484 Estate of Maurice T. Toler Deceased NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Lesa P. Horton for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representative. Unless a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. Admit to probate the will date October 26, 2006 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of witnesses appoint a personal representative. Appoint Lesa P. Horton personal representative of this estate.

Date of first publication: December 8, 2016 Barbara J. Mann, Esq., #330274 903 Hamilton St., NE, Washington, DC 20011 Petitioner/Attorney

LEGAL NOTICES

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

Administration No. 2016 ADM 1398

Administration No. 2016 ADM 1395

Administration No. 2016 ADM 1400

Administration No. 2016 ADM 000781

Barnie McLeod Decedent

Emma E. Gyant aka Emma Ester Mae Gyant Decedent

Ada E. Wilson Decedent

Joyce A. Thomas Decedent

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

Dalton Howard, Esq. 4020 Lee St., NE Washington, DC 20019 Attorney

Paule G. Levadas, Esq. 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

Ronnie McLeod, whose address is 231 Oakwood St., SE, #2, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Barnie McLeod who died on November 17, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 8, 2017. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 8, 2017, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Antoinette Gyant, whose address is 4716 Southern Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Emma E. Gyant aka Emma Ester Mae Gyant who died on November 8, 2016 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 8, 2017. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 8, 2017, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

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

Date of first publication: December 8, 2016

Fred J. Wilson, Jr., whose address is 4020 Lane Place, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ada E. Wilson who died on July 1, 2015 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 15, 2017. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 15, 2017, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Paule G. Levadas, Esq., whose address is 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joyce A. Thomas who died on February 18, 2015 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 15, 2017. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 15, 2017, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Ronnie McLeod Personal Representative

Antoinette Gyant Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

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

Administration No. 2016 ADM 787

Foreign No. 2016 FEP 140

Emma Geraldine Hunter Richardson Decedent

September 24, 2011 Date of Death

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

Jerry Kenneth Reed Name of Decedent

Date of first publication: December 15, 2016 Fred J. Wilson, Jr. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016 ADM 1414 Rosie Lee Stewart Decedent Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. 1308 9th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Johnny Thomas, whose address is 12805 Golden Oak Drive, Laurel, MD 20708, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rosie Lee Stewart who died on November 3, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 22, 2017. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 22, 2017, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication: December 22, 2016 Johnny Thomas Personal Representative

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2010 ADM 000824 Clara Belle Jeter Scott Decedent Ronald Dixon Bynum & Jenkins 1010 Cameron Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Ronald Dixon, whose address is Bynum & Jenkins 1010 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Clara Belle Jeter Scott who died on December 12, 2009 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 22, 2017. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 22, 2017, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Anne Meister Register of Wills

John Luther David Hunter, whose address is 1139 Dove Valley Road, Decatur, GA 30032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Emma Geraldine Hunter Richardson who died on April 30, 2015 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 22, 2017. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 22, 2017, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: December 22, 2016

Ronald Dixon Personal Representative

John Luther David Hunter Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY TRUE TEST COPY

LEGAL NOTICES

Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

Washington Informer

34 DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

TRUE TEST COPY

Date of first publication: December 15, 2016 Paule G. Levadas, Esq. Personal Representative

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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

Gayle A. Hall whose address is 2519 Bellefield Court, Fort Washington, MD 20744 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Jerry Kenneth Reed, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on December 13, 2011. Service of process may be made upon Peg Shaw, 2147 O Street, NW, Apt. 306, Washington, DC 20037 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property; 705 49th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Stanley Farmer, whose address is 16 Newbury Drive, Stafford, VA 22556, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joyce M. Moore who died on October 26, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 22, 2017. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 22, 2017, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: December 22, 2016 Gayle A. Hall Personal Representative Anne Meister Register of Wills

Date of first publication: December 22, 2016 Stanley Farmer Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES

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

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

Administration No. 2016 ADM 1432

Foreign No. 2016 FEP 141

Raymond Joseph Milefsky Decedent

November 14, 2016 Date of Death

Nina Masonson, Esq. 1899 L Street, NW Suite 1050 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney

Dennis Michael Mahoney Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Anna Minor Engel, whose address is 149 Putnam Street, Quincy, MA 02169, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Raymond Joseph Milefsky who died on August 1, 2016 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 22, 2017. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 22, 2017, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication: December 22, 2016 Anna Minor Engel Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016 ADM 1063 Thelma O. Jenkins Decedent Jacqueline Jones Moore 7605 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20012 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Jan C. Jenkins, whose address is 234 34th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Thelma O. Jenkins who died on June 5, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 22, 2017. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 22, 2017, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: December 22, 2016 Jan C. Jenkins Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Robert Moseley aka Robert Milton Mosely, Jr., whose address is 9308 Cougar Court, Manassas Park, VA 20111 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Dennis Michael Mahoney, deceased, by the Circuit Court of Fairfax County Court for Fairfax County, State of Virginia, on December 5, 2016. Service of process may be made upon Deborah D. Boddie, 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property; 516 Varnum Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice. Date of first publication: December 22, 2016 Robert Moseley Personal Representative Anne Meister Register of Wills

Administration No. 2016 ADM 1411 Pearline S. Lee Decedent Johnny M. Howard Houston & Howard 1001 Connecticut Av., NW, Suite 402 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Darline Merriwether, whose address is 6203 Walbridge Street, Capitol Heights, MD 20743, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Pearline S. Lee who died on August 5, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 22, 2017. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 22, 2017, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: December 22, 2016 Darline Merriwether Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

Administration No. 2016 ADM 1399 James Francis Foreman Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Nancy E. Foreman, whose address is 1713 17th Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James Francis Foreman who died on October 14, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 22, 2017. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 22, 2017, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication: December 22, 2016 Nancy E. Foreman Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Administration No. 2016 ADM 1430 Pauline B. Bates Decedent Angela L. Lee, Esq. 1848 Bryant Street, NE Washington, DC 20016 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Deon R. Clark, whose address is 4602 Sharon Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Pauline B. Bates who died on October 14, 2016 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 22, 2017. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 22, 2017, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: December 22, 2016 Deon R. Clark Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

CL ASSIFIEDS

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

CL ASSIFIEDS

Drive with Uber. No experience is required, but you'll need a Smartphone. It's fun and easy. For more information, call: 1-800-950-0716

Any laptop repaired just $79. Macs too. REALLY! FREE Fedex shipping! $69 extra for screen or motherboard replacement. CALL Authorized Laptop Repair Specialists 1-866-437-6184

Meet singles right now! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now: 202-448-0409

Ever Consider a Reverse Mortgage? At least 62 years old? Stay in your home & Increase cash flow! Safe & Effective! Call Now for your FREE DVD! Call Now 888-420-4716

PHOTOS and VIDEOS Unique, reliable and competitivelypriced professional photography packages & gifts for weddings, schools, civic organizations and athletic leagues. TRUST REA3L PHOTOS & VIDEOS with making your special events "more than just photos in a flash!" CALL 202-670-7495 or Rea3lenterprises@gmail.com

READERS & MUSIC LOVERS. 100 Greatest Novels (audio books) ONLY $99.00 (plus s h.) Includes MP3 Player & Accessories. BONUS: 50 Classical Music Works & Money Back Guarantee. Call Today! 1-866-6801822

Canada Drug Center is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call today 1-800308-9817, for $10.00 off your first prescription and free shipping. Medical Alert for Seniors - 24/7 monitoring. FREE Equipment. FREE Shipping. Nationwide Service. $29.95/Month CALL Medical Guardian Today 888-710-6484

Reader Advisory: the National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the following classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it s illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. 800 numbers may or may not reach Canada. MEDIABIDS MISCELLANEOUS SAVE 67% PLUS 4 FREE BURGERS The Favorite Feast - ONLY $49.99. ORDER Today 1-888-318-1190 Use Code 48643VFW or www. OmahaSteaks.com/ ffmb93 Do you know your Testosterone Levels? Call 888-692-5146 and ask about our test kits and get a FREE Trial of Progene All-Natural Testosterone Supplement Diabetes/Cholesterol/Weight Loss Bergamonte, a Natural Product for Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and weight. Physician recommended, backed by Human Clinical Studies with amazing results. Call today and save 15 percent off your first bottle! 866-640-5982 ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE talking meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 888-421-1874 Canada Drug Center is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call today 1-800308-9817, for $10.00 off your first prescription and free shipping.

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Diabetes/Cholesterol/Weight Loss Natural Product for Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and weight. Physician recommended, backed by Human Clinical Studies with fast acting results within 30 days. Call to hear about our special offer 866-640-5982 ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE Talking Meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 888-421-1874

CREDIT RESTORATION & DEBT ELIMINATION Restore your credit and change your life!!! Derrick Jason Smith (301) 383-1333 - Office (301) 744 - 7472 Direct brokerderrick@gmail.com

READERS & MUSIC LOVERS. 100 Greatest Novels (audio books) ONLY $99.00 (plus s h.) Includes MP3 Player & Accessories. BONUS: 50 Classical Music Works & Money Back Guarantee. Call Today! 1-866-6801822

Personalized holiday gifts for Everyone on your list! Save 20 percent off qualifying products from Personal Creations! To redeem this offer, visit www.PersonalCreations.com/Beauty or Call 1-888-732-0679

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. You WIN or Pay Us Nothing. Contact Disability Group, Inc. Today! BBB Accredited. Call For Your FREE Book & Consultation. 888-6495110 Attention Joint & Muscle Pain Sufferers: Clinically proven all-natural supplement helps reduce pain and enhance mobility. Call 888-760-5952 to try Hydraflexin RISK-FREE for 90 days. HEAT YOUR HOME FOR 5¢ AN HOUR! Portable infrared iHeater heats 1000 sq. ft. Slashes your heating bills by 50%. FREE Shipping too! Use claim code 6239 WAS $499 NOW $279 Call 1-866-784-5182 CADNET AUTOS WANTED CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Makes/Models 2000-2016! Any Condition. Running or Not. Top $$$ Paid! Free Towing! We're Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-985-1806 HEALTH & FITNESS VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 50 Pills $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW! 1 -866-3126061 Hablamos Espanol MISCELLANEOUS Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: 1-888-909-9905 18+. Lung Cancer? And Age 60+? You And Your Family May Be Entitled To Significant Cash Award. Call 866-4281639 for Information. No Risk. No Money Out Of Pocket. WANTED TO BUY CASH PAID- up to $25/ Box for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. 1-DAYPAYMENT.1-800-371-1136 Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201 MID ATLANTIC COMMUNITY PAPERS ASSOCIATION CLASSIFIED NETWORK (MACNET) ANNOUNCEMENTS A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation's largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-800-880-1686 Acorn Stairlifts. The AFFORDABLE solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!** Buy Direct & SAVE. Please call 1-800-4107127 for FREE DVD and brochure. Got Knee Pain? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain? Get a pain-relieving brace -little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients

DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016 35

INTRODUCING THE NEW

CL ASSIFIEDS

FLEX PACK

Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 800-4193684 Lung Cancer? And 60 Years Old? If So, You and Your Family May Be Entitled To A Significant Cash Award. Call 800897-7205 To Learn More. No Risk. No Money Out of Pocket. SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-800-208-6915 to start your application today!

Add Additional Flex Channel Packs!

Create Your Own TV Package

Call 1-800-530-2924

SPECTRUM TRIPLE PLAY TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99 ea. 60 MB per second speed. No contract or commitment. We buy your existing contract up to $500! 1-800-806-5909

for more information

- Over 600 vacation homes in all price ranges! - Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and Southern Shores to Corolla - Fall Weeks... Still feels like summer - Discounts!!!

Stop OVERPAYING for your prescriptions! SAVE! Call our licensed Canadian and International pharmacy, compare prices and get $25.00 OFF your first prescription! CALL 1-800254-4073 Promo Code CDC201625 AUTOS WANTED CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Makes/ Models 2002-2016! Any Condition. Running or Not. Competitive Offer! Free Towing! We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-368-1016 BUILDING MATERIALS Truck Load of Closeout Caulking Tytan, 10oz tubes: 8 colors, mostly clear Neutral Cure Silicone Full skid $.99/ Tube. 2 Skids $.89/Tube, 3 skids $.79 tube Shipping Available 717-445-5222 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Drive with Uber. No experience is required, but you’ll need a Smartphone. It’s fun and easy. For more information, call: 1-800-354-4313 BUSINESS TO BUSINESS Advertise to 500,000 Homes with a business card size ad. You choose the area of coverage in free community papers...we do the rest. Call 800-4507227 or visit macnetonline.com EVENTS Holding a Carnival! Fair! Festival! Jubilee! Promote it to over 1 Million readers for only $200!!! Visit www. midatlanticevents.net for more details or call 800-450-7227. FOR SALE Safe Step Walk-In Tub Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door. Anti-Slip Floors. American Made. Installation Included. Call 1-800-906-3115 for $750 Off

REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.

Try FREE: 202-448-0409 Ahora español/18+

MARYLAND STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK

DONATE AUTOS, TRUCKS, RV'S. LUTHERAN MISSION SOCIETY. Your donation helps local families with food, clothing, shelter, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA License #W1044. 410-636-0123 or www. LutheranMissionSociety.org AUTOS WANTED CASH FOR CARS: We Buy Any Condition Vehicle, 2000 and Newer! Nation’s Top Car Buyer! Free Towing from Anywhere Call Now: 1-800-8645952 BUSINESS SERVICES Bulk advertising at its best: advertise in over 70 newspapers and reach millions of readers with ONE call. Broaden your reach and get results for pennies per reader. Call Wanda at 410-212-0616 or email wsmith@ mddcpress.com. Place a business card ad in the Regional Small Display 2x2/2x4 Advertising Network - Reach 3.6 Million readers with just one call, one bill and one ad placement in 71 newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and DC TODAY! For just $1450.00, Get the reach, Get the results and for Just Pennies on the Dollars Now...call 1-855-721-6332 x 6 or email wsmith@mddcpress.com HELP WANTED: SALES EARN $500 A DAY: Insurance Agents Needed*Leads, No Cold Calls*Commission Paid Daily*Lifetime Renewals* Complete Training* Health & Dental Insurance* Life License Required. Call 1-888-713-6020 REAL ESTATE Delaware: New homes – Sussex and Kent counties from $169,000. 9 communities close to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Bay (Bower’s Beach) or Nanticoke River Seaford. 302-6537000 www.LenapeBuilders.net Delaware New Move-In Ready Homes! Low Taxes! Close to Beaches, Gated, Olympic pool. FOUR New Homes from $90's. No HOA Fees. Brochures Available 1-866-629-0770 or www. coolbranch.com. SERVICES-MISCELLANEOUS Want a larger footprint in the marketplace consider advertising in the MDDC Small Display 2x2 or 2x4 Advertising Network. Reach 3.6 million readers every week by placing your ad in 71 newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. With just one phone call, your business and/or product will be seen by 3.6 million readers HURRY....space is limited, CALL TODAY!! Call 1-855721-6332 x 6 or 410-212-0616 email wsmith@mddcpress.com or visit our website at www.mddcpress.com

AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS

NATIONAL ADVERTISING NETWORK, INC. (NANI)

New Life Wellness Center featuring

Colon Hydrotherapy & Aqua Chi Detox System Where Have You Been? It’s Time for Your HEALING &

202.544.9595

Meet sexy friends who really get your vibe...

426 8th St. SE – 2nd Floor WDC 20003 www.newlifewellnesscenter.com

Try FREE: 800-603-6297 18+

36 DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016

Email: carmelvoice@aol.com

Hours: 7am – 7pm M - F / 7am – 12pm SAT. Walk Ins Welcome

SPECIAL $59 OFFER – CALL FOR DETAILS THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

CL ASSIFIEDS AUTOMOTIVE Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398 CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Make/ Models 2000-2015! Any Condition. Running or Not. Competitive Offer! Free Towing! We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-416-2330. EDUCATION ACCOUNTING & QUICKBOOKS TRAINING! Online training gets you job ready! Train at home! Job placement when completed! 1-888-407-7162 GED/HS Diploma needed. 25 DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED! Become a driver for Stevens Transport! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! New drivers earn $800+ per week! PAID CDL TRAINING! Stevens covers all costs! 1-888-734-6714 drive4stevens. com AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING - Get FAA certification. Approved for military benefits. Financial Aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-686-1704 EMPLOYMENT Make $1,000 Weekly! Paid in Advance! Mailing Brochures at Home. Easy Pleasant work. Begin Immediately. Age Unimportant. www.HomeMoney77.com HEALTH/MEDICAL VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 40 Pills + 10 FREE. SPECIAL $99.00 100% guaranteed. FREE Shipping! 24/7 CALL: 1-888-223-8818 Hablamos Espanol VIAGRA & CIALIS! 50 pills for $95. 100 pills for $150 FREE shipping. NO prescriptions needed. Money back guaranteed! 1-877-743-5419 OXYGEN - Anytime. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. Only 4.8 pounds and FAA approved for air travel! May be covered by medicare. Call for FREE info kit: 844-558-7482 MISCELLANEOUS Diagnosed with Mesothelioma or Asbestos Lung Cancer? If so, you and your family may be entitled to a substantial financial award. We can help you get cash quick! Call 24/7: 844-865-4336 A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation's largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-800-217-3942 CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. HIGHEST PRICES! Call 1-888-7767771. www.Cash4DiabeticSupplies. com DIGITAL HEARING AIDS - Now offering a 45-Day Risk Free Offer! FREE BATTERIES for Life! Call to start your free trial! 888-675-5116 Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: Call 1-877-737-9447 18+ SWITCH TO DIRECTV. From $50/ Month, includes FREE Genie HD/ DVR & 3 months HBO, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX, STARZ. Get a $50 Gift Card. Call 888-672-1159 SUPPORT our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need. For more information visit the Fisher House website at www. fisherhouse.org MOTORCYCLES WANTED OLD JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI Z1-900 (1972-75), KZ900, KZ1000 (19761982), Z1R, KZ 1000MK2 (1979,80), W1-650, H1-500 (1969-72), H2-750 (1972-1975), S1-250, S2-350, S3400, KH250, KH400, SUZUKI-GS400, GT380, HONDA-CB750K (1969-1976), CBX1000 (1979,80) CASH!! 1-800772-1142 1-310-721-0726 usa@ classicrunners.com TRAVEL ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT packages at Sandals, Dreams, Secrets, Riu, Barcelo, Occidental and many more. Punta Cana, Mexico, Jamaica and many of the Caribbean islands. Search available options for 2017 and SAVE at www.NCPtravel.com

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

She blames the Afro-Brazilian experience of HIV on widespread poverty and violence, and a lack of access to health care and employment, perpetuated by structural bias based on skin color. The South African Studies in Poverty and Inequality Institute noted this exact experience in its 2013 study of access to health care in South Africa. It found while health care services are available, poor black people were less likely to visit local clinics as it often meant a day of unpaid leave, a precarious proposition for a casual employee. A researcher friend working in rural South Africa once told me that for a lot of men-who-sleep-with-men in these more remote communities, access to a safe setting for sex was hard to come by, let alone condoms or the time to find them. They struggle to have sex safely, even if they wanted to. The intricacies in the way HIV affects different groups of people can no longer be ignored, if we are to achieve UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals by 2020. The inclusion of local voices in HIV research, messaging and advocacy is essential — and I am not the only one

who thinks so. UNAIDS states in its 2016 global HIV update: "Beneath this global figure lies multiple disparities — across regions, within countries, between men and women and young and old, and among specific populations being left behind. These disparities must be addressed

in order to achieve the reductions required to end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030." If we are to stop the spread of HIV, we need to understand the real reasons why it's still spreading in certain communities. To that end, including the voices of those most at risk is vital. WI

■ Executive Presentation Coaching ■ Media Training ■ Image Branding ■ On-Camera Coaching Doris McMillon President

nis.com deden

LOUW from Page 22

and our votes against the two systems that run this nation and the world: Economics and Politics. The OMCCBCV has already planned to kick off one part of that strategy in February 2017. Stay tuned. Please watch for my entire interview with Bob Johnson and start planning for major changes in the way we play politics and the way we use our economic clout to build a strong foundation for our children and grandchildren. What Mr. Johnson shared with me is not esoteric or proprietary, and it's certainly not new. However, sometimes with our people, the same message can come from different sources and depending on the messenger our people will follow it. I am grateful that Mr. Johnson chose to speak out on these issues. More to come. WI

Let us help you develop the communication skills to compete and win!

ww.sa

we should have a fund, but on why we don't have one, he simply said, "That's a head problem, Jim." In other words, the only thing stopping us from doing that is our lack of consciousness and willingness to sacrifice for and support one another. Again, that's much of what I have written and spoken about for 20 years — psychological enslavement. By that time in our interview I was on cloud nine because Robert L. Johnson, owner of numerous businesses and donor of millions of dollars to political campaigns, was confirming the work and philosophy of THE One Million Conscious and Conscientious Black Contributors and Voters (OMCCBCV). I never mentioned our movement to him during our conversation, but his answers to

my inquiries definitely substantiated the direction THE One Million is taking to move black people from our current status to our highest potential. There was so much we discussed, and Mr. Johnson's responses, insights, and directions are just what we need to do NOW. We cannot afford to wait, to analyze, to meet, to hold a convention or continue to theorize the future and lament the past. We can shape our future, we can determine our destiny simply by doing what not only Bob Johnson said but what many of our elders have said over the years. We simply need to ACT. My entire Q&A with Bob Johnson will be published soon, but I wanted to let my readers know about it now, so that we can start moving immediately to leverage our dollars

You Can Say It Like A Pro!

ennis/w

CLINGMAN from Page 22

I think, though, that when students from 73 educational systems tackle the same tests, objections can be pushed aside. Even with a flawed measure, even with adjustments, we must conclude that the United States is not exceptional, just average. If we want to be exceptional, we need to do more than sell wolf tickets and crow over our competitors. Here's the bottom line: the Russians were smart enough to hack us and mess with our elections. Are we as smart as they are, or are we average? Mr. Trump says he will create jobs. He needs to make resources available to the Department of Education. If he wants to "make American great again," he needs to make American smart again by investing in education. WI

D : Sade Photo

Japan, Switzerland, Estonia, Canada, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Iceland, Norway, Austria, Italy, Scotland and the Russian Federation have higher scores than the U.S. Why? The federal Department of Education should deal with the matter of standards. Common Core, while not popular among some educational leaders, is a way of ensuring that those who graduate from our nation's high schools have a common foundation of knowledge. Implementing Common Core may be challenging, especially when some high schools, especially inner city high schools, lack the resources to offer the broadest curriculum. While many schools off

advanced course, including advanced placement (AP) and international baccalaureate (IB), some do not. Every student needs to have an opportunity to access advanced learning. More importantly, those who do educational policy must look at the ways our students are lagging in the international environment. Are we content to be 14th, 22nd, 34th in international measures, while, at the same time, talking exceptionalism? We aren't especially exceptional when it comes to learning, we are merely average, and often below average when we review international measures. There are those who will quibble with the ways that the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) measures learning outcomes.

C O M M U N I C AT I O N S

301.292.9141/FAX 301.292.9142/Mobile 703.819.0920 doris@mcmilloncommunications.com/www.mcmilloncommunications.com

AIRLINE CAREERS Get FAA approved maintenance training at campuses coast to coast. Job placement assistance. Financial Aid for qualifying students. Military friendly. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance

800-481-7894

Wow! A Simple to Use Computer Designed Especially for Seniors! Easy to read. Easy to see. Easy to use. Just plug it in!

NEW

Now comes with... Larger 22-inch hi-resolution screen – easier to see 16% more viewing area Simple navigation – so you never get lost Intel processor – lightning fast ®

Computer is in the monitor – No bulky tower Advanced audio, Better speaker configuration – easier to hear

• Send & Receive Emails • Have video chats with family and friends • Surf the Internet: Get current weather and news • Play games Online: Hundreds to choose from! “I love this computer! It is easy to read and to use! I get photo updates from my children and grandchildren all the time.”

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

– Janet F.

Text to Speech translation – it can even read your emails to you! U.S. Based Customer Service

Call today! Now available for only $1099 plus shipping and handling.

1-800-416-2997 Please mention promotional code 65331.

81059

MALVEAUX from Page 22

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016 37

Are You Still Paying Too Much For Your Medications?

Their Price

Our Price

CelebrexTM $

Celecoxib* $

910.20

Typical US Brand Price for 200mg x 100

You can save up to 93% when you fill your prescriptions with our Canadian and International prescription service.

JACKSON from Page 23

76.67

Generic equivalent of CelebrexTM Generic price for 200mg x 100

Get An Extra $15 Off & Free Shipping On Your 1st Order!

Call the number below and save an additional $15 plus get free shipping on your first prescription order with Canada Drug Center. Expires June 30, 2016. Offer is valid for prescription orders only and can not be used in conjunction with any other offers. Valid for new customers only. One time use per household. Use code 15FREE to receive this special offer.

Call Now! 800-686-4436 Please note that we do not carry controlled substances and a valid prescription is required for all prescription medication orders.

Use of these services is subject to the Terms of Use and accompanying policies at www.canadadrugcenter.com.

Stay independent and safe in your home! Discover the world’s best walk-in bath from

Learn How to Save $1,000 on Your New Walk-In Bath

Call Now Toll Free

855.371.5348

or visit us at: www.AmericasBestTub.com

Pick a state! , any state MDDC Press works with fellow press associations across the country to give you the best possible buys on advertising wherever you need it. We take care of scheduling and placement at no extra cost to you, and you save time and money. Call Wanda Smith at ext. 6 today.

Press Service 2000 Capital Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401

1-855-721-6332 www.mddcpress.com

Each week you’ll get news from The District of Columbia, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Northern Virginia.

The Washington Informer is all about you! Name....................................................................................................... Address................................................................................................... City, State, Zip......................................................................................... Phone number (daytime)......................................................................... Yes! I want to subscribe for: 2years/$60.00

Method of payment: Check Enclosed

Visa/MasterCard

Credit card number.................................................................................. Signature........................................................................................

38 DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016

MORIAL from Page 23 investigate the alleged Russian cyber-attacks. Calling any breach of American cyber-security measures "disturbing," Sen. Mitch McConnell added that, "the Russians do not wish us well. … It defies belief that somehow Republicans in the Senate are reluctant to either review Russian hacking, or ignore them." As of my writing, it has been reported that more than 50 Democratic voters in the Electoral College are asking for an intelligence briefing from the director of National Intelligence into possible foreign intervention in the presidential election before the college meets to cast its vote for our next president and vice president.

ASKIA from Page 23

You will discover Arts and Entertainment, Social Tidbits, Religion, Sports, People’s Viewpoints, Letters to the Editor, Classified Ads and more! And best of all… No crime, no dirty gossip, just positive news and information each week, which is why…

1 year/$45.00

companies." Maybe, just maybe, members of the CBC should have a visit to their own member's offices and determine why most of them have no black chiefs of staffs and no black fundraisers. In the immortal words of Michael Jackson, maybe members of the CBC should take a look at that man in the mirror, and ask him to change his ways. If they want to make the world more diverse, take a look at themselves and make that change. So before black folks continue to complain about what "whites" are not doing for us, maybe we should look at what we're not doing for ourselves. Why should others do for us what the black members of Congress are not willing to do for us?

through the mails. False charges were literally trumped-up against Garvey beginning in January 1922, until he was convicted of one count of mail fraud and conspiracy on June 18, 1923. Garvey launched an immediate campaign for a pardon. He wrote President Calvin Coolidge a series of letters until, in 1927, nine of the 10 jurors who'd convicted him and could be found had recommended his pardon or the commutation of his sentence. On Dec. 2, 1927, Garvey's sentence was commuted and he was released from prison. He was transferred from Atlanta Federal Prison, to New Orleans, where he was immediately deported on board the S.S. Sarmacca, to his native Jamaica. Now, almost 90 years after Garvey was deported, the clock is

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Why do they refuse to hire capable black Democrats with fundraising experience? The CBC, like Africa in the United Nations, is the largest voting bloc in the U.S. Congress. So they can stop any piece of legislation presented in the House, thus they have supreme leverage and never use it to push forward any policy that they claim to care about. Blacks are the largest voting bloc, but have no blacks in leadership positions in the House. Why did they turn their backs on esteemed Congressman Jim Clyburn when he was ousted from leadership so that Steny Hoyer could assume a leadership post? So let's get this straight: the CBC goes around the country lecturing Silicon Valley about their lack of diversity, though

they are guilty of the same thing. They complain about the lack of diversity on corporate boards, but at least corporate America takes care of their own — whites. But the CBC won't even hire their own when it comes to fundraising jobs. So, if whites hire those that look like themselves, why won't the CBC do the same? Diversity is not an either/ or proposition, it's a both/and. CBC members criticize Silicon Valley for having few black staffers, they criticize the U.S. Senate for having few black staffers, but they're silent when it comes to their own conscious decisions not to hire black fundraisers for their own campaigns. So, if Silicon Valley and the U.S. Senate can be labeled "racist" for their lack of black staffers, shouldn't the CBC have to wear the same label? WI

Trump and his associates have dismissed the allegations of Russian interference, painting them as "ridiculous," and "another excuse." Trump has — quite characteristically — explained away the legitimate concerns of our institutions, political leaders, the press and the people by blaming the Democrats for disseminating conspiracy theories because "they suffered one of the greatest defeats in the history of politics in this country," to conceding that if there was any interference or hacking, "they have no idea if it's Russia, or China, or somebody. It could be somebody sitting in a bed someplace," he said in a televised interview. Trump, and I'm sure many of his supporters, see the investiga-

tion into possible Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election as an attempt to — yet again — delegitimize his recent win. But the president-elect would do better to understand that to not thoroughly investigate these allegations would leave a permanent stain on his administration, his tenure and his motives. To not look into these allegations seriously would further erode public trust in the already embattled mechanics of our democracy. If domestic voter suppression sits on one side of the coin, the unwanted influence of a foreign power in American elections sits on the other. Rather than enrich us, and our system of representative government, both serve to undermine true democracy. WI

ticking and President Obama can — as late as Jan. 19, 2017 — give this innocent man the pardon he deserves. Garvey's son, Dr. Julius Garvey, a New York surgeon, also asked President Obama to issue a full pardon of innocence to Marcus Garvey. In 1987, a concurrent resolution in the House of Representatives "expressing the sense of the Congress that the mail fraud charges brought against Marcus Garvey by the Federal Government were not substantiated and that his conviction on those charges was unjust and unwarranted." I agree. In 1987, coinciding with Garvey's 100th birth anniversary, a House Judiciary subcommittee chaired by John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.) held hearings to examine Garvey's unjust conviction. Ironically, it was not the first Congressional proposal to pardon him.

As unlikely a supporter as Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) offered an amendment to the Martin Luther King Holiday bill in 1983, calling for the president to "remove this cloud over the reputation of Marcus Garvey" by granting a full pardon. In the words of Garvey himself, written from the Atlanta prison: "When I am dead, wrap the mantle — the red, black and green around me. For in the new life I shall rise with God's grace and blessing to lead the millions up the heights of triumph with the colors that you well know. "Look for me in the whirlwind or the storm. Look for me all around you, for, with God's grace, I shall come and bring with me countless millions of Black slaves who have died in America and the West Indies and the millions in Africa to aid you in the fight for liberty, freedom and life." WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

TIME TO CASH IN!

USE YOUR MACY’S MONEY NOW:

EVEN ON TOP OF COUPONS AND SALE PRICES! NOW-SAT, DEC. 24

YOUR MACY’S MONEY REWARD CARD may not be: redeemed for cash, used to purchase Macy’s gift cards or applied as payment or credit to your credit card account. If a purchase used to accumulate Macy’s Money is returned, your return may result in a reduction of the value of your Macy’s Money Reward Card and/or a reduction of your total refund amount. The remaining balance of your Macy’s Money Reward Card will reflect the Macy’s Money amount you qualify for after deducting the returned item(s) from your original purchase amount. For more information, go to macys.com/macysmoney

NOW-SAT, DEC. 24

LAST MINUTE GIFT SALE 3O%-75% OFF STOREWIDE OFF WITH YO % 5 UR 1 R M O AC % O

VALID 12/21-12/23/2016

OR RD CA

SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE CLOTHING EXTRA EXTRA 15% OFF SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE JEWELRY, SHOES, COATS, SUITS, DRESSES, LINGERIE, SWIM FOR HER, MEN’S SUIT SEPARATES & SPORT COATS & HOME ITEMS MACYS.COM PROMO CODE: GIFT EXCLUSIONS MAY DIFFER ON MACYS.COM NOT VALID IN PHOENIX, AZ, PORTLAND, OR & ST. LOUIS, MO AND SURROUNDING AREAS. Excludes ALL: cosmetics/fragrances, Deals of the Day, Doorbusters/web busters, electrics/electronics, Everyday Values (EDV), furniture/mattresses, Last Act, Macy’s Backstage, rugs, specials, Super Buys, watches, Breville, Coach, Dyson, Fitbit, Frye, Hanky Panky, Jack Spade, Kate Spade, KitchenAid Pro Line, Le Creuset, Levi’s, Locker Room by Lids, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors Studio, Michele watches, Natori, Sam Edelman, Samsung watches, Shun, Stuart Weitzman, The North Face, Theory, Tumi, Vitamix, Wacoal, Wolford, Wüsthof, Tory Burch, UGG, littleBits, 3Doodler, Movado Bold, M by Macy’s Marketplace, athletic clothing, shoes & accessories, designer jewelry/watches, designer sportswear, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, previous purchases, select licensed depts., services, special orders, special purchases, tech watches/jewelry/accessories; PLUS, ONLINE ONLY: baby gear, kids’ shoes, Allen Edmonds, Brahmin, Birkenstock, Hurley, Johnston & Murphy, Merrell, RVCA, Tommy Bahama, toys. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer except opening a new Macy’s account. Extra savings % applied to reduced prices.

PASS

TAKE AN E XT RA

2O% OFF

S Y’

EXTRA

BUY ONLINE, PICK UP IN STORE

IT’S FAST, FREE AND EASY! DETAILS AT MACYS.COM/STOREPICKUP

FREE SHIPPING ONLINE & FREE RETURNS

FREE SHIPPING WITH $99 PURCHASE. EXCLUSIONS APPLY; SEE MACYS.COM/FREERETURNS

LAST MINUTE GIFT SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 12/21-12/24/2016. MERCHANDISE WILL BE ON SALE AT THESE & OTHER SALE PRICES NOW THROUGH 1/2/17, EXCEPT AS NOTED. N6110018 50849_N6110018X.indd 1

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

12/14/16 4:19 PM DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016 39

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

XFINITY X1 Triple Play

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

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

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

Offer ends 1/31/17, and is limited to new residential customers. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Requires subscription to Starter XF Triple Play with Digital Starter TV, Performance Pro Internet and XFINITY Voice Unlimited services. Early termination fee applies if all XFINITY services are cancelled during the agreement term. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees, including regulatory recovery fees, Broadcast TV Fee (up to $7.00/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $5.00/mo.) and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after the promo. After promo, or if any service is cancelled or downgraded, regular charges apply (pricing subject to change). TV and Internet service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. TV: Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. XFINITY On Demand selections subject to charge indicated at time of purchase. Internet: Actual speeds vary. Voice: $29.95 activation fee applies. If there is a power outage or network issue, calling, including calls to 911, may be unavailable. Two-year term agreement required with prepaid card offers. Early termination fee applies if all XFINITY services are cancelled during the agreement term. Cards issued by MetaBank®, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa® U.S.A. Inc. Cards will not have cash access and can be used everywhere Visa® debit cards are accepted. Prepaid Card mailed to Comcast account holder within 18 weeks of activation of all required services and expires in 180 days. Money-back guarantee applies to one month’s recurring service charge and standard installation charges up to $500. © 2016 Comcast. All rights reserved. NPA196590-0001 DIV16-4-203-AA-$89TP-A6

40 DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2016 119625_NPA196590-0001 Kitchen ad_A6_9.5x12.375.indd

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM11/28/16

3:57 PM