This Week's Edition : 2-19-26

Local Figures Honor

Rev. Jesse Jackson, a Civil Rights and Statehood Champion

By Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr. and Hamil Harris

WI Senior Local Politics and Education Writer, WI Contributing Writer

The Rev. Jesse Jackson died on Feb. 17 at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of activism and public service matched only by those who preceded him in death.

After the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1968 assassination, Jackson carried on the battle for social justice and economic parity via the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and what would eventually become the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Decades later, as a two-time presidential can-

JACKSON Page 30

Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler, D.C. Pastor, Activist and Prophetic Voice for Justice, Dies

A Fearless Advocate for Justice in the District and World, ‘He was a Hero’

By D.R. Barnes, Sam P.K. Collins, and Hamil Harris

WI Publisher, WI Senior Writer, WI Contributing Writer

The Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler, 71, a longtime Washington, D.C. pastor, theologian and fearless advocate for social justice, died Feb. 17 in the District, leaving behind a decades-long legacy of faith-rooted activism and community leadership.

“Today, with a heavy heart—one that feels the weight of an anvil—we announce that our community has suffered a tremendously terrible loss. Our Pastor Emeritus, Rev. GrayHAGLER Page 15

As Disapproval Resolution Advances, Four

Black Women

Mull

Return of ‘Recess at the Capitol’

By Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr. WI Senior Local Politics & Education Writer

The Senate recently approved a disapproval resolution that threatens to throw the current tax season out of whack while nullifying the child tax credit funded by the D.C. Council last year. For Christina Hanson, an educator and one of several mothers who stood to benefit from the child tax credit, ongoing developments on the Hill call for an act of civil disobedience like what she

RECESS Page 14

5As the Senate moves to vote on a disapproval resolution that would eliminate the D.C. Council-funded child tax credit, advocates are calling for acts of civil disobedience similar to last year’s Recess at the Capitol, organized by four local Black women leading a charge for change and progress. (Courtesy Photo/Instagram)

With Arrival to D.C., Monks Promote Power of Peace After 2,300-Mile Walk

Onlookers Inspired by Lessons of Mindfulness, Reflection, Unity

By Kree Anderson WI Intern

The classic District soundscape of vrooming vehicles and street hustle and bustle temporarily came to a standstill on Feb. 10-11 as 19 Buddhist monks, and their rescue dog Aloka, arrived in Washington, D.C. as part of their 2,300-mile Walk For Peace, which also promoted mindfulness, kindness, reflection and unity.

“Let peace bloom and flourish among all of us throughout this nation and the world, so that this world can become the better place for all beings to live,” said Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, vice president of the PEACE WALK Page 43

5 After a 2,300 mile, 108-day trek, Buddhist monks gather on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 11. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 The Rev. Jesse Jackson during his presidential campaign in the 1980s. (WI File Photo)

5 The Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler boycotts in front of the Columbia Heights Target in April 2025. He died on Feb. 17 after a long battle with laryngeal cancer. (WI File Photo/ Jacques Benovil)

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STACY M. BROWN, WI SENIOR WRITER

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Fight Flares Again as Gene Simmons Targets Rap Inductions

Continuing a nearly decade-long crusade against hip-hop music, Gene Simmons stepped back into a fight against the genre, this time during Black History Month,

On the Legends N Leaders Podcast, Simmons questioned why rap and hip-hop artists are inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The KISS co-founder did not couch his view in diplomacy.

“Hip-hop does not belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,” Simmons said. “I just want to know when Led Zeppelin’s going to be in the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame.”

5 Don Lemon is defending his rights as a journalist, pleading not guilty Friday in a U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota, to charges stemming from his reporting at a January protest inside Cities Church. (WI File

Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

He cited the absence of bands such as Iron Maiden as evidence that the institution has strayed from its name. Rap, he said, is “a spoken-word art” that “doesn’t speak my language.”

“It’s not my music. I don’t come from the ghetto,” he said. “I said in print many times: hip-hop does not belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, nor does opera, symphony orchestras … it’s called the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.”

The reaction moved quickly across timelines and the comment sections on social media.

“So nobody notices the racist undertone that Gene Simmons used to blast [the] Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for in-

Page 5

Case

Don Lemon walked into federal court in St. Paul not as a defendant in hiding, but as a journalist insisting the Constitution still applies.

The former CNN anchor pleaded not guilty Feb. 13 in U.S. District Court to charges stemming from his reporting at a January protest inside Cities Church, where demonstrators disrupted a service over federal immigration enforcement.

Magistrate Judge Douglas L. Micko asked Lemon whether he understood the charges against him, and Lemon answered in the affirmative. The judge told him he could continue to travel so long as he did not violate

state or federal law.

A prosecutor revealed during the hearing that authorities seized Lemon’s phone at the time of his arrest and obtained a search warrant. Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, called the seizure a possible over-execution.

“We have serious concerns about the application of these statutes to our client,” Lowell argued.

The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury after a magistrate judge had declined to sign arrest warrants, charges Lemon, Georgia Fort and others with con-

Page 16

Grammy History, Cultural Impact, and the Return of Michael Jackson

This year's Grammy Awards opened Black History Month while also setting the tone for a year that will once again bring Michael Jackson to the forefront of popular culture.

When Jackson made history in 1984, winning eight Grammys for the Thriller album, the awards field was far more limited than it is today. With the dramatic expansion of Grammy categories since then, music appreciators and critics note it could have produced well over a dozen wins from an even larger number of nominations.

More than 40 years later, the King of Pop is preparing to command attention again, this time through a major motion picture.

Lionsgate has released a new trailer for “Michael,” its long-anticipated biopic charting Jackson’s rise from his earliest days with the Jackson 5 to his emergence as a global phenomenon. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua from a screenplay by John Logan, seeks to balance the spectacle of his success with the complexity of the man behind the music.

Taking on the title role is Jaafar Jackson, nephew of the movie’s namesake, in his first major film performance. Fuqua has expressed strong confidence in Jackson’s portrayal.

“But most importantly, it’s Jaafar who embodies Michael,” Fuqua told People. “It goes beyond the physical resemblance. It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it.”

The production features a notable ensemble cast. Colman Domingo plays family patriarch Joe Jackson, alongside Nia Long as Katherine Jackson. Miles Teller portrays entertainment attorney John Branca, with Laura Harrier appearing as music executive Suzanne de Passe. Additional roles include Kat Graham as Diana Ross and Larenz Tate as Motown founder Berry Gordy. Jackson’s siblings are portrayed by Jamal R. Henderson as Jermaine, Tre’ Horton as Marlon, Rhyan Hill as Tito, Joseph David-Jones as Jackie and Jessica Sula as La Toya. According to the film’s official synopsis, “Michael” offers a cinematic portrait of one of the most influential artists in history, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead singer of the Jackson 5 to the creative force driven to become the biggest entertainer in the world. The film explores his life away from the stage while recreating some of the most iconic moments from his early solo career, placing audiences closer to Michael Jackson than ever before. WI

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In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark

Don Lemon Enters Not Guilty Plea in Minnesota Church Protest

LEMON

The Architects of America’s Fall Take a Step Back as the Nation’s House Burns

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Washington has spent decades watching power operate behind closed doors. This month, that power has displayed signs of cracking in public.

More than 60 senior figures have resigned from the Heritage Foundation, the influential think tank blocks from the Capitol that helped shape Project 2025, signaling rare internal rupture as its agenda now drives the Trump administration from the White House.

The departures come as Project 2025 has moved from theory to governing reality, reshaping federal enforcement, immigration policy, and civil rights oversight in ways critics say place Black communities and immigrants at heightened risk.

“When an institution hesitates to confront harmful ideas and allows

SIMMONS from Page 4

ducting rappers,” a social media user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “He says he [is] not from the ghetto and while that could be true, [does] he know [people] in the ghetto know what white privilege is.”

Another social media user emphasized the history behind the rock ‘n roll genre.

“Gene Simmons knows rock and roll was started by Black Folks, right?!! He literally WANTED to be ghetto,” Stephen Junior posted on X.

The argument is not new. In 2016, when N.W.A. was inducted, Simmons sparred publicly with Ice Cube, who countered that rock ‘n roll is “a spirit,” not a fixed genre defined by instrumentation.

This week, Public Enemy’s Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Chuck D entered the fray with a broader view of the term itself.

“Gene definitely has his opinion, and it carries major weight,” Chuck D wrote. “However, it is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame … not considering it ‘ROCK’ may hold a debatable point but clearly RAP and some other genres of movement are the ‘ROLL.’ Rock n’ roll clearly splintered all over the place in the 1960s and big banged ever since.”

There were reminders of Simmons’

lapses in judgment to stand, it forfeits the moral authority on which its influence depends,” former Heritage trustee Abby Spencer Moffat said in a statement explaining her resignation.

For District residents, Project 2025 is not an abstract policy document. It has already shaped executive orders, agency purges, and enforcement priorities that affect daily life.

The plan called for shrinking civil rights enforcement, restructuring federal agencies, and concentrating authority within the White House. Legal experts say many of those ideas have come to fruition, including federal policing in the District and other parts of the country.

Trump once said he had nothing to do with Project 2025. That claim unraveled when he appointed Russell Vought, one of its chief authors, to oversee the Office of Management and Budget. From that office flows budget authority, staffing power,

own past remarks as well.

One user resurfaced a quote attributed to him: “We don’t work on cars, that’s what gentiles are for.”

In comments to People magazine, Simmons held his ground.

“I stand by my words,” he said.

He also attempted to clarify his use of the word that drew the most criticism.

“Let’s cut to the chase. The word ‘ghetto,’ it originated with Jews,” Simmons said. “It was borrowed by African Americans in particular and respectfully, not in a bad way.”

He said he believed the word “ghetto” did not have a racist undertone, noting the history of rock ‘n roll.

“Ghetto is a Jewish term,” Simmons said. “How could you be, when rock is Black music? It’s just a different Black music than hip-hop, which is also Black music.”

What Simmons defends as a matter of genre has been heard by many as a question of ownership. If rock and roll grew out of Black sound, and hip-hop grew out of Black sound, the walls between them are thinner than the name on the building suggests.

“Rock ’n’ roll owes everything to Black music, statement of fact, period,” Simmons said. “All the major forms of American music owe their roots to Black music.” WI

and pressure over nearly every federal agency

Inside the District, residents have watched as immigration policy tightened, federal enforcement expanded, and protests grew louder nationwide. Civil rights organizations warn that Black Washingtonians face heightened risks as voting protections weaken and federal oversight narrows. The same blueprint driving national policy also threatens local safeguards that have taken decades to build.

Abroad, the administration’s actions have sent shockwaves back to Washington. The military operation in Venezuela, the seizure of oil assets, and the escalating dispute over Greenland have drawn international condemnation and raised concerns about long-term consequences for U.S. credibility. Diplomats based in the city say alliances are being tested in ways not seen in generations.

The departures at Heritage matter in the District because Washington is

where ideas become law. When the authors of a governing agenda begin to walk away from it, residents are left to ask who remains and why.

Analysts claim the concern voiced by former trustees is not about disagreement, but moral failure and the refusal to draw lines when lines mattered.

“No institution that hesitates to condemn antisemitism and hatred can credibly claim to uphold the vision that once made the Heritage Foundation influential,” former trustee Shane McCullar said in a statement explaining his resignation.

5 Tents for unhoused residents sit outside of the Heritage Foundation in Northeast, D.C. in January 2021. Some analysts are noting the Heritage Foundation is starting to show signs of internal discord, with more than 60 senior figures having resigned. (WI File Photo/Roy Lewis)

AROUND THE REGION

Feb. 19

FEB. 19 - 25, 2026

East Meadow, New York.

1919 – W.E.B. Du Bois organizes the first Pan-African Congress.

1940 – Music legend Smokey Robinson is born in Detroit.

1992 – John Singleton becomes the first Black director to be nominated for an Academy Award with his debut, "Boyz n the Hood."

1997 – Virginia's House of Delegates votes unanimously to retire the state song, "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny," which glorifies slavery.

Feb. 20

1895 – Famed social activist and abolitionist Frederick Douglass dies of a heart attack in Washington, D.C., at 70.

1900 – John Frederick Pickering receives patent for the airship.

1927 – Sidney Poitier, the first African American to win an Academy Award for Best Actor, is born in Miami.

1937 – Grammy-winning singer Nancy Wilson is born in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Feb. 21

1933 – Singer/songwriter and civil rights activist Nina Simone is born in Tryon, North Carolina.

1936 – Civil rights leader Barbara Jordan, the first Southern African American woman elected to the United States House of Representatives, is born in Houston.

1940 – John Lewis, longtime U.S. congressman and and renowned civil rights leader, is born in Troy, Alabama.

1961 – Inventor Otis Boykin patents an improved electronic resistor.

1965 – Civil rights activist Malcolm X is assassinated in the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan at 39.

Feb. 22

1950 – Basketball icon Julius "Dr. J" Erving is born in

1989 – DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince win the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance for their hit song "Parents Just Don't Understand."

Feb. 23

1868 – W.E.B. Du Bois, author, sociologist and civil rights activist, is born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

1979 – Frank E. Petersen Jr. is promoted to brigadier general, becoming the first African American general in the Marine Corps.

Feb. 24

1864 – Rebecca Lee Crumpler becomes the first African American woman to earn a medical degree.

1999 – Rapper and singer Lauryn Hill wins five Grammys including Album of the Year, setting a one-night record for a female artist.

Feb. 25

1903 – Albany State University, a historically Black college, is founded in Albany, Georgia.

1948 – Civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. is ordained as a minister at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where his father was a pastor.

1964 – Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, defeats Sonny Liston by a 7th-round TKO in Miami Beach, Florida, to win the heavyweight boxing championship for the first time.

Feb. 26

1926 – Boxing great Theodore "Tiger" Flowers becomes the first Black middleweight champion.

1928 – R&B legend Fats Domino is born in New Orleans.

1965 – Civil rights activist Jimmie Lee Jackson dies eight days after being shot by police during a peaceful voting rights march in Marion, Alabama. WI

Sidney Poitier (left)

Barbara Jordan (center) John Singleton (right)

AROUND THE REGION view P INT

BY KEITH GOLDEN JR.

With this year marking the centennial celebration of Black History Month, how do you feel celebrating African American history contributes to society overall?

TERRENCE WADE / SOUTHEAST D.C.

“[It] gives us the opportunity to learn about our past and how to go about our future. And what we need to do to come together in the Black community as well.”

DARRYL MARTIN / SOUTHEAST D.C

RICK HENDERSON / SOUTHEAST D.C.

“It informs people [about] how important Black people are in America. It also educates people [about] the inventions and things we made possible for people, to live, to walk, to talk. All the things we’ve done throughout history."

“If it wasn’t for African Americans, a lot of stuff wouldn’t be accomplished; Like George Washington Carver. We contributed a lot and should be appreciated but I don’t think a lot of people appreciate it. Especially the Caucasians. It’s a big celebration and people take it for granted.”

MAKIYA SMITH

SOUTHEAST D.C

“I love Black history, especially old school. Our history is very educational to learn about, [because] there is still slavery going on in the world…A lot of people need to learn to be respectful with [all of those] who been here longer than us. You'll learn from a lot of these generations.”

In Ward 1 D.C. Council Race, the Fight Continues for Affordability and Responsive Government

By Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr. WI Senior Local Politics & Education Writer

Since D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1) announced she wouldn’t run for re-election, a handful of candidates, one of whom Nadeau endorsed, have taken aim at the Ward 1 D.C. council seat.

For at least one Ward 1 resident, however, there might be too many hands in the pot.

“It’s time for us to be shrewd and analytical about these races,” said Lydia Curtis, a longtime Park View resident. “Sometimes you have to get together and make a strategic plan that may not include everybody. There are five candidates and I'm only familiar with the platforms of maybe one or two.”

Our staff is made up of writers, just like you. We are dedicated to making publishing dreams come true. Trusted by authors for nearly 100 years, Dorrance has made countless authors’ dreams come true.

Those five candidates are: Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners Rashida Brown and Miguel Trindade Deramo; former D.C. Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs director Jackie Reyes-Yanes; democratic socialist and tenant advocate Aparna Raj; and longtime Mt. Pleasant community leader Terry Lynch.

Curtis, an activist and substitute teacher who’s in her 36th year of living near Georgia Avenue NW, commended Nadeau for, as she said it, standing alone on issues of significance to women and other marginalized populations.

Though she has yet to choose a candidate, Curtis said she wants a prounion council member who's passion-

ate about housing affordability.

“They have to be strong and anti-displacement,” Curtis told The Informer, “not just window dressing, pandering to the rich, the corporations and the developers. Someone creating legislation that creates spaces and neighborhoods for the average working person.”

Also noting Nadeau’s efforts to prevent displacement, Curtis told The Informer that she wants the next Ward 1 council member to take on a similar posture.

“They have [to be] really mindful of lifting the poor and the homeless off of the streets,” Curtis said. “There’s too many unhoused people, and it’s just not necessary.”

The Announcement that Kicked Off the Ward 1 D.C. Council Race

Ward 1, which includes the neighborhoods of Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, LeDroit Park, Pleasant Plains, and U Street, counts among the District’s most racially diverse wards.

Nadeau’s departure from the council after three terms comes amid concerns about public safety, gentrification, and quality of city services and public schools. Last fall, shortly after announcing that she wouldn’t seek re-election, the Ward 1 council member threw her support behind Brown,

a social worker and Howard University alumna who, if elected, would become Ward 1’s first Black woman council member.

Brown told The Informer that, as Ward 1 council member, she would cooperate with her council colleagues to make the District safer for residents.

“That is what being a policymaker is,” Brown told The Informer. “It is keeping our residents at the forefront of policymaking. It is influencing those that are going to be working with you on the dais. It is working collaboratively with people to get things done, because at the end of the day, it's about taking action.”

By the end of January, Brown’s camp collected a total of $15,886 in campaign contributions from District residents and $12,820 from non-D.C. residents. Documentation sent to The Informer also shows a total of $94,380 in public funds received, as of Feb. 3. That makes a total of $123,086 raised by Brown since jumping into the race. Per an amended January report, Raj’s camp has collected $44,859 in D.C-based contributions and $14,115 from non-D.C. residents. Since jumping into the race, Raj had also tapped into more than $200,000 in public funds, bringing her to a total of $268,259.18.

An amended Jan. 31 report from Reyes-Yanes’ camp shows that

WARD 1 Page 9

5 (Clockwise) Ward 1 D.C. Council candidates Terry Lynch, Jackie Reyes-Yanes, Rashida Brown, Miguel Trindade Deramo, Rashida Brown, and Aparna Raj. (Courtesy Photos)

WARD 1 from Page 8

Reyes-Yanes has collected $17,098 in D.C.-based contributions and $5,432 in non-District resident contributions. Reyes-Yanes too has tapped into nearly $71,000 in public funds, for a cumulative total of $93,725.50 in contributions reported last month.

Trindade Deramo’s amended Jan. 31 report shows individual D.C. resident contributions totaling $9,638 and individual non-D.C. resident contributions totaling $1,865. The Ward 1 advisory neighborhood commissioner has also tapped into $53,340 in public funds, which brings his campaign coffers up to at least $64,893.

Lynch’s campaign, per a Jan. 31 report, has raised $6,794 in individual D.C. resident contributions and $4,763 in contributions from nonD.C. residents, while tapping into $48,115 in public funds. With an additional $1,000 from Lynch, this brings the funds cumulatively raised by the campaign to at least $60,672.

As the clock winds down to June 16, the date of the D.C. Democratic primary, Brown continues to engage voters. She told The Informer that she will build on Nadeau’s legacy, especially as it relates to her fight for housing affordability.

Brown, however, said she will do it on her own terms if elected.

“When she hands the baton to me, I will have my own ideals because I’m running as myself,” Brown said. “My platform runs on the legacy that I have as a social worker. as a Howard University graduate, as a longtime Ward 1 resident who served her community and a Black woman leader.”

Terry Lynch: The Man Who Challenged Nadeau Before Her Announcement

By the time Nadeau and Brown stood as a united front, Lynch had already made known his intentions to run for the Ward 1 D.C. Council seat. As he recounted to The Informer, he reached out to Nadeau to let her know about his candidacy.

Lynch said he took on this endeavor out of frustration with Nadeau's stewardship of ward-level affairs.

“I was not getting the responses that I would expect from a ward council member,” Lynch said about his engagement with Nadeau. “She’d run my ward over these past years, and

throughout that period of time, she did not channel [her predecessor] Jim Graham.”

In a text message, Nadeau addressed Lynch’s take on their engagement.

“I always appreciate constituent efforts to improve the community and do my best to address all concerns that come to me,” she said.

As it relates to the events surrounding Lynch’s run, the Ward 1 council member was a bit more direct.

“He did not reach out to me to let me know he was running,” Nadeau wrote. “There’s a slight chance that he mentioned it in passing in an email where he was insulting government services, but it wasn’t a like a ‘Heads up, I’m gonna run.’”

Lynch, a Mt. Pleasant resident of more than 40 years, moved to that community after graduating from Georgetown University and spending a year in Nicaragua.

Throughout the decades, as his two children matriculated through D.C. Public Schools, and well after, Lynch took on a number of roles, including as a member of D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams’ Task Force on the Future of the DC Public Library System and the D.C. State Athletic Commission.

He is also co-founder of the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF).

As executive director of the Downtown Cluster of Congregations, Lynch recently condemned a racially derogatory image of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama that President Donald J. Trump posted online. Lynch has also led local houses of worship in distribution of food during the federal gov-

AROUND THE REGION

ernment shutdown last year, all while raising awareness about the economic challenges facing small Black churches that have had to move to the D.C. suburbs in recent years.

Lynch said, long before Trump’s return to the White House, Ward 1 has gone to the wayside.

“The ward has fallen behind, far from where it should be today, so what we need is a ward council member who's going to be focused on every piece of the thousand-piece puzzle,” Lynch told The Informer. “I'm going to give residents my very best work [that] we brought to downtown. I want to bring that to the streets of Ward 1 before it's another four years, another 10 years, another 30 of ‘that’s just how it is.’”

If elected, Lynch would focus on: public safety, public education, increasing economic activity along Georgia Avenue and other blighted corridors, housing affordability and the efficiency of city services. He said that local issues should take precedence, more so than what he called crusades of national relevance taken on by the D.C. Council in recent years.

“Residents want to know that the snow's removed, that the alley's clean, that the streetlight works so they can go about their day-to-day life,” Lynch said. “Those are the services that could come first for a ward council member, but then followed up, of course, with activism on the national, regional issues that are important.”

As the District reels from federal infringement on local affairs, Lynch said

WARD 1 Page 11

5 D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1) endorsed Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Rashida Brown as her successor. Brown said that she will build on Nadeau's legacy, but on her own terms. (Courtesy Photo)

AROUND THE REGION

CAPTURE

THE MOMENt

Howard University’s Dr. Raquel Monroe, dean of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts and Dr. Kenyatta Gilbert, dean of the School of Divinity, reading The Washington Informer. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer

“At the end of the day, we must go forward with hope and not backward by fear and division.”

Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) celebrated District seniors at the third annual Red, White, and You celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 11, a signature event focused on reducing senior isolation and strengthening social connections during the winter months. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

1 from Page 9

that solid governance will be its saving grace.

“We have to continue to work responsibly and show that we can govern successfully,” Lynch told The Informer. “That, yes, we can clean the snow during a snowstorm. Yes, we can have our schools open for and have them heated. We've got to show we know how to run a city, can run a city, and will run the city competently.”

Jackie Reyes-Yanes: An Advocate with a Special D.C. Story

If elected as Ward 1’s next D.C. council member, Reyes-Yanes will become the District’s first Latino council member.

However, as Reyes-Yanes explained, an electoral victory will yield dividends not only for Latinos in her ward, but other racial groups she said are clamoring for more than representation.

“They can't use our people for their own reasons, so I need to make sure that people feel treated with dignity and respect,” Reyes-Yanes said. “But not only Latinos. African-Americans [are] here. How do we keep Ward 1 diverse? Not only the culture, but the socioeconomics also.”

During her campaign launch party at The Oliver last fall, Reyes-Yanes reflected on an upbringing that started in Cantón Las Marías, Nueva Esparta, La Union, El Salvador and brought her to D.C. as a pre-teen. Weeks prior, while speaking with The Informer, she delved into an adolescence peppered, not only with pregnancies and homelessness, but D.C. summer jobs and what she called the saving grace of the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC).

“By the age of 20, I had three children [I was] raising here in Washington, D.C.,” Reyes-Yanes said. “It was not easy but I [turned] my life around. I'm a direct product of what works in the village. Having organizations like the Latin America Youth Center teaching me how to take care of my daughter, making sure that I was connected to services.”

Reyes-Yanes said it was at the LAYC that she discovered her knack for grassroots activism during one of Ward 1’s most critical moments.

“When the Mt. Pleasant fire happened [in 2008], I organized and kept the 200 victims of the fire in the neighborhood,” Reyes-Yanes said, “paying the rent [and] making sure that we… secured funding for that building. It

5 Jackie Reyes-Yanes, a native of El Salvador who has spent most of her life in D.C., will become Ward 1’s first Latino council member if she wins the June 16 Democratic primary. She says her victory will yield dividends for all Ward 1 residents. (Courtesy Photo)

caught the attention of Councilmember Jim Graham.”

Reyes-Yanes, who later served as Graham’s director of Latino affairs and community outreach, credits him with acclimating her to a professional environment and allowing her to help some of the District’s most vulnerable residents.

“That's when we did the legislation for the [undocumented immigrant] driver's license,” Reyes-Yanes recounted. “He introduced legislation and then he passed it with then-Mayor Gray.”

More than a decade later, as President Donald J. Trump unleashed federal immigration agents on the District via Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act, Reyes-Yanes walked a tight rope in her role as D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Latino affairs director.

Commending Bowser for the manner in which she engaged the Trump administration, Reyes-Yanes said she and other members of the D.C. government did their best to help constituents under the unprecedented circumstances.

“There are some things that she can do as a mayor, but there is also outreach to make sure that people know about their rights,” Reyes-Yanes said. “We have programs, and it doesn’t come out like the flick of a finger. It takes time.”

As Bowser engaged the Trump administration, Reyes-Yanes said she leveraged her role to provide community members with resources. Even so, she acknowledged how, during and well after the federalization period, many residents felt uncomfortable seeking local services.

WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

AROUND THE REGION

Waiting for the Call: A Journey of Resilience Through Chronic Illness

By DC Black MBA

An important phone call can bring news of a new job, medical results, or an update about a loved one. For Marquita Sams, it meant the possibility of a life with less pain and more time. Sams was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) in 2002 at 17 years old during a routine physical the summer before leaving for college. “I was young when I was faced with living with a chronic illness and the possibility of death,” Sams said. “I had just seen my father nearly face death. I was afraid. But I had a lot of goals, hopes, and dreams.”

That determination pushed her to pursue those dreams with urgency. As a professional dancer, she had to learn to prioritize her health by properly taking care of her body through food and exercise. The physical demands of dance required care beyond what many of her peers experienced. Over time, Sams also learned the importance of asking for support. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to dealing with any illness,” she said. “I spent a lot of time grappling with shame about having PSC and didn’t tell people. But there were times when I needed support. I had good friends who took care of me. I wish I hadn’t felt like I needed to hide my illness.”

After receiving a liver transplant in December 2016, Sams faced a four-month recovery period. The process was physically and mentally challenging. “Recovery was hard, mentally and physically,” she said. “Even after I physically recovered, I still had to take it easy. I was off work and couldn’t be around large groups because I was immunocompromised.”

Following her transplant, Sams embraced her renewed health with purpose. She founded a nonprofit to raise awareness about organ donation, married, became a mother, and transitioned into a new career as a therapist and social worker. She also launched Miracles in Motion, a healing practice that integrates movement, therapy, and spiritual wellness, and published an e-book, A Real Talk Survival Guide for Women with Chronic Illness.

“My family has always been my biggest champion,” Sams said. “My parents have gotten me through a lot of hard times. My brother, Marques, has always been there with encouragement. My brother, Marcellus, and my extended family visited me while I was at the Mason House in Atlanta during recovery. It was during the holiday season, and it meant so much that they came.”

Nearly a decade later, Sams is once again waiting for a transplant as a result of reoccurring PSC. She now approaches the journey with perspective and faith. “I spend time with my family and try to stay present,” she said. “I focus on keeping myself as healthy as possible and not getting too stressed. I focus on my mental health. I know that whatever happens, I have support and I am resilient. I’ve been through this before, and I can do it again. I am hopeful that my life after transplant will be full of love and life.”

Now a therapist/social worker, Sams encourages others facing chronic illness to seek professional and community support.

“When I was younger, therapy was not something that was readily offered,” she said. “Now, I strongly recommend that anyone living with chronic illness or going through a transplant journey seek therapy and group support. You do not have to carry it alone.”

For more information about Sams’ journey, visit www.marquitasams.com.

5 Courtesy of Marquita Sams.

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Maryland Federal Leaders Sponsor Bill to Protect Black History

Mfume Offers Message to Trump:

'You Erase It, We Will Replace It'

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Amid concerted efforts from national Republicans to censor, erase, and obscure Black history, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.) are sponsoring legislation to ensure that African Americans remain represented on the national stage.

Alsobrooks is the Senate sponsor for the National Council on African American History and Culture Act, a bill to establish a 12-member

advisory council within the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) endorsed by the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture and the Black Heritage Council.

“Preserving and promoting Black history is not just essential for ensuring we don't repeat the mistakes of the past – but it is also inspiring. I am proud to partner with Congressman Mfume on the National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2026,” Alsobrooks told The Informer in a statement. “Our

bill would establish an advisory council dedicated to preserving our history and culture. As our current president attempts to rewrite American history by erasing so much of it, we owe it to our future generations to preserve and promote the truth of our past.”

Appointed by the president with Senate confirmation, the council would be composed of private citizens recognized for their expertise and contributions to African American history and culture. The council’s duties would include gathering data, assessing NEH programming, making policy recommendations, and submitting annual reports to guide and enhance federal support for the preservation

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and celebration of African American history and culture. The legislation is co-sponsored by Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

Mfume, the House sponsor, served as the chair of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from 1996 to 2004.

3 Maryland Democratic Sen. Angela Alsobrooks is sponsoring legislation to protect Black history within the National Endowment for the Humanities. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

“African American History is American history, and it is both our duty and responsibility as a nation to conserve and protect it. The empowering and liberating story of Black people in this country—woven into the founding of this country—is amidst a series of attacks from the Trump administration and is at risk of erasure,” said Mfume.

The veteran congressman emphasized the importance of the legislation before offering a call to action.

“The National Council on African American History and Culture Act serves as a lifeline to ensure Black History is nurtured, supported, and truthful,” he continued. “We must be resolute in our message back to Trump: you erase it, we will replace it.” WI

Alsobrooks Sponsors Bill to Examine Fiscal Effects of Federal Mass Firings

By Richard D. Elliott WI Contributing Writer

Maryland Democratic Sen. Angela Alsobrooks is sponsoring the Fiscal Harms of Federal Firings Act in the Senate, which would direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a comprehensive study of the financial effects of the Trump administration’s mass firings on state and local governments.

Mass firings of federal workers have had massive impacts on the economy and day to day lives of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia residents in particular, with more than 317,000 federal workers losing their jobs over the past year.

“This administration has spent its first year driving up costs of goods, increasing health care costs, and spending our taxpayer dollars on a goon squad of masked men who are killing American citizens,” said Alsobrooks on Feb. 12. “But what’s the real threat in their eyes? Our patriotic civil servants. It’s a cruel lie meant to cause division and distract the American people from the awful things Republicans are doing.”

The bill, sponsored by Rep. April

McClain Delaney (D-Md.) was also endorsed by the AFL-CIO, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, National Federation of Federal Employees, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and National Treasury Employees Union.

“These firings were reckless and cruel, upending the lives of dedicated public servants, disrupting critical services the American people rely on, and leaving state and community budgets, such as those in Maryland, in deficit,” said Delaney, who represents District 6 in the House, in a statement. “The fight isn’t over. As Congresswoman for a district home to more than 35,000 government workers and active-duty service members, I will continue to push legislation to understand the full impact of these cuts so we can do right by these workers and the state and local governments that stepped up to help.”

Alsobrooks said she was proud to work with Delaney on the bill.

“Our legislation,” she said, “will force the administration to come clean about the financial impacts of this administration’s mass firings on state and local governments.” WI

BUSINESS

States Allow Debt Collectors to Drain Bank Accounts as Household Debt Tops $18 Trillion

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

American families are carrying more debt than at any point in the nation’s history. As debt collection lawsuits climb back to pre-pandemic highs, millions face a little-known but devastating risk: the legal seizure of their entire bank accounts, sometimes overnight.

Household debt exceeded $18 trillion as of September 2025, with credit card balances alone rising by $24 billion in a single quarter, according to the National Consumer Law Center’s (NCLC) February 2026 report, “Safe Deposits: How to Protect Family Bank Accounts from Debt Collectors.” Each new collection lawsuit exposes families not only to wage garnishment but to the freezing and draining of checking accounts that often contain rent money, grocery funds, and a worker’s most recent paycheck.

“Seizure of a family’s bank account balance can be devastating for families that are confronted with the harsh reality that the money they’ve set aside for rent, food, utilities, and other basic necessities is gone,” said Carolyn Carter, senior attorney at NCLC and co-author of the report.

In most states, once a creditor wins a court judgment, it can initiate what is commonly called a bank account garnishment. Once a bank receives the paperwork, it is generally required to freeze the account immediately, blocking access to funds even if some portion is legally exempt. Outstanding checks bounce. Debit transactions fail. Families can be left without access to food or transportation within days.

Federal law provides limited protection, requiring banks to safeguard

two months of electronically deposited Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and veterans’ benefits. But wages, pensions outside Social Security, and most other deposits receive no automatic federal protection.

The NCLC report assigns grades to states based on how well their exemption laws protect families from wage and asset seizures. States that protect less than $500 in a bank account receive an “F.” States that offer moderate protections without automatic safeguards typically earn a “C.” States providing meaningful, self-executing protections in the $1,000 to $3,000 range receive higher marks. The grading system reveals a fractured national landscape where a family’s financial survival may depend largely on geography.

Arkansas, for example, effectively protects nothing in a bank account after accounting for competing uses of its minimal wildcard exemption, earning an “F.” Alabama receives a “C” because its wildcard exemption can theoretically protect funds but is not automatic and requires affirmative action by the debtor. By contrast, states such as California and Massachusetts receive higher grades for enacting self-executing protections that require banks to leave a defined amount untouched.

The difference between paper protections and automatic protections is more than technical. In many states without self-executing laws, consumers must navigate dense court paperwork under severe time pressure. In Nebraska, for example, debtors have only three business days to file a claim of exemption. Other states require consumers to itemize and value all personal property before asserting protection—

an exercise many cannot complete without legal assistance.

A vivid example appears in New Mexico’s writ of garnishment form. The document instructs the garnishee bank to hold funds, notify the debtor, and include a separate notice of the right to claim exemptions. The debtor must then complete and submit a formal claim under oath, triggering potential hearings. Failure to respond correctly can result in funds being turned over in full. For families already in financial distress, the procedural complexity alone can be overwhelming.

Weak exemption laws also compound racial economic disparities. Research cited in the report shows that communities of color face high-

er rates of debt in collections, more frequent lawsuits, and more garnishments per judgment than majority white communities. In Michigan, collection filings in majority Black communities were two to three times higher than in majority white communities. A St. Louis study found a 40% higher rate of debt judgments in Black neighborhoods even after adjusting for income and credit scores.

The report’s central recommendation is straightforward: states should create a flat, self-executing exemption that automatically protects at least $3,000 in every bank account, without requiring the account holder to file paperwork. The protection should also be indexed to inflation

to preserve its value over time.

“If the affordability crisis has taught us anything, it’s that many families are one unexpected event away from a financial crisis that can push them into a downward spiral of debt,” said Michael Best, director of state advocacy at NCLC. “Protecting up to $3,000 in a family’s bank account will stop families from being driven into homelessness by an old debt and periodically adjusting the protected amount for inflation will ensure the adequate protection of resources needed for a family’s survival.”

Thirteen states have implemented self-executing protections in some form, spanning diverse political and geographic regions. In these states, banks are required by statute, court rule, or standardized court forms to automatically leave a defined amount accessible. The report argues that this approach is not only feasible but administratively simpler for banks and courts alike.

With household debt at historic heights and collection activity accelerating, the mechanics of garnishment law are no longer obscure procedural details. They are determinants of whether a family can pay rent next month or fall into cascading financial crisis.

“The policy question before state legislatures is no longer theoretical,” one financial expert stated. “It is whether basic survival funds should remain shielded from immediate seizure.”

WI

Publicand Media Relations Services

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) requires licensed, qualified professionals to provide Public Media and Relations Services to support its Office of Communications operations.

SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available Sunday, February 15, 2026, full solicitation documents will be posted to our e-procurement system Housing Agency Marketplace at: https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com/requests.html?company_id=506

Respondents must log in to view this RFP for all related documents. It is the respondent’s responsibility to check the Housing Agency Market Place site regularly to stay current on all available documents as this is the primary communication site solicitation.

PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Friday, February 27, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.

Email Deborah Barnes, Contract Specialist (OAS), at dybarnes@dchousing.org for additional information.

5 A new National Consumer Law Center report reveals American families are carrying more debt than at any point in the nation’s history. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

RECESS from Page 1

and three other Black women organized last year.

“I never thought that we'd be almost a year later, still needing to go to Capitol Hill in this way, fighting for the District of Columbia, and the… little autonomy and home rule that we do have,” Hanson told The Informer. “They're playing with our health, they're playing with our pockets, they're playing with our food. Literally everything that we navigate as human beings to survive in this world.”

Last year, as Republicans and some Democrats in both chambers of Congress advanced a continuing resolution eliminating more than $1 billion from D.C.’s local budget, Hanson, Dr.

LaJoy Johnson-Law, Allyson Criner Brown, and Jhonna Turner conceptualized “Recess at the Capitol.”

That day-long event, hosted in conjunction with Free DC, DC Action, Washington Teachers’ Union, EmpowerEd, and D.C. Charter Alliance, among others, brought more than 700 District students and parents to the Hart Senate Office Building. That's where students made signs and accompanied their parents, teachers, advocates on visits to the very people deliberating on the measure that would trigger school and recreation center closures in the middle of Fiscal Year 2024.

Subsequent iterations of Recess at the Capitol, in person and virtual, took place while and well after the Senate’s

passage of an amendment on the night of March 14. Ultimately, President Donald J. Trump signed a six-month stopgap measure to fund the federal government for the rest of the fiscal year, but without a solution to D.C.’s $1.1 billion quandary.

The Bowser administration took matters into their hands weeks later, in part, with the use of contingency funds to ensure the continuity of essential government functions throughout the duration of 2024 fiscal year.

As Democrats and District residents engage congressional Republicans in another local budget battle, Hanson says that “Recess at the Capitol” made tangible what these federal representatives often ignore when they use legislation to infringe on local affairs.

“We got families and children involved,” Hanson said. “In some ways, we're trying to protect our children from those things, but this was the reality check that we all needed, that there are people trying to make decisions that are going to negatively impact our children tomorrow.”

The Resolution in Question, and Reflections about a Seminal Moment

During the latter part of last year, the D.C. Council approved the D.C. Income and Franchise Tax Conformity and Revision Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 with an amendment re-establishing the D.C. child tax credit for the 2026 tax year and the District’s 100% match of federal earned income tax credits for the 2025 tax year.

The council legislation, which was up for congressional review, would have secured at least $670 million in anticipated revenue. However, if the disapproval resolution currently before the Senate makes it to the White House, the District would experience a loss of an equal amount over the next four fiscal years.

Earlier this month, the House approved the disapproval resolution, introduced by Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas 26), with a 215-210 vote.

The votes split across party lines, with all affirmative votes coming from Republicans. On Feb. 12, as D.C. Council Chair Mendelson raised issues about the 30-day congressional review, the Senate approved the resolution with a 49-47 vote.

The resolution now goes to Trump for his signature.

On Feb. 2, shortly before the House vote, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson sent a letter to House and Senate leadership expressing their dismay about

the continuing resolution's more immediate effects. They pointed out that, if passed, the resolution would disrupt a tax season that’s already in motion. Bowser later told reporters that such an outcome could delay revenue streams of benefit to the District and its residents.

“Instead of paying your D.C. taxes on April 15th, you would pay them some other day, some other new deadline that the tax office comes up with, which we don't know what that would be,” Bowser said on Feb. 4. “It also would mean that those who pay their taxes other than withholding would also not be paying until that later deadline, which could present cash flow issues for the city.”

Bowser, though hesitant to compare the disapproval resolution to last year’s continuing resolution, pointed out what some call the most obvious similarity.

“It is quite different, but what is the same is that they would be interfering with a locally passed law,” she added. “We don't want to deal with the tax nightmare because it introduces a lot of chaos for taxpayers.”

During the latter part of January, as Gill introduced the disapproval resolution to the House’s Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Johnson-Law spoke about the work left to be done.

“The recess movement continues,” said Johnson-Law, Ward 8 representative on the D.C. State Board of Education. “It’s important to have [recognition for] Christina Hanson, Jhonna Turner, Allyson Criner Brown, and Dr. LaJoy Johnson-Law to let people know not only what we did, but what we're continuing to do, because it's not over.” WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5Students, educators and advocates participate in Recess At the Capitol, organized by Christina Hanson, LaJoy Johnson- Law, Allyson Criner Brown and Jhonna Turner. (Courtesy Photo/Instagram)

HAGLER from Page 1

lan Scott Hagler, passed away this morning after a courageous bout with cancer,” said the Rev. Jamall Calloway, senior minister at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) in Northeast, who succeeded Hagler after more than three decades of leadership in 2023. “This world will never know the true depth of our loss. He was utterly amazing. Now the days ahead will forever be filled with unimaginable grief and mourning.”

After longtime leadership at Plymouth, Hagler retired from the pulpit in 2022, but never from the justice fight.

In April 2025, even as his health worsened and his signature voice became weaker, Hagler supported organizers who stood outside of DC USA Shopping Center in Columbia Heights to kick off the District-based Target boycott on the anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination. They urged shoppers against patronizing Target, one of several corporations that rolled back diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, in the wake of President Donald J. Trump’s 2025 return to the White House and anti-DEI policies.

Until he was no longer able to, Hagler showed up every weekend along 14th Street NW to protest the corporation. In his absence, the D.C.based Target boycott group expanded Hagler’s work, with organizers conducting a similar act of resistance in the city where former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd in 2020.

His commitment to justice served as a source of inspiration for local leaders and national activists alike, who, in November 2025, honored Hagler for his contributions— from a Nov. 21 celebration at Busboys and Poets, to the Rev. Jamal Bryant and Tamika Mallory joining in the D.C. Target boycott on Nov. 29.

“We are so happy that we were able to give him his flowers before he passed away,” Andy Shallal, founder and owner of Busboys and Poets, told The Informer. “He stood on the right side of justice for causes including Black Lives Matter, Cuba, and the Iraq War, despite knowing that it could end up being costly.”

When taking to the streets to protest on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Bryant and Mallory, as popular voices in the national Target fight, paid

homage to Hagler’s leadership.

“The action on the 29th was a culmination of [Hagler’s] decades of struggle and experience of bringing people together to fight on bread and butter issues while connecting them to broader struggles like Palestine and otherwise,” organizer Dante O’Hara explained last year. “He is a true revolutionary and visionary whose presence has been felt throughout this entire process.”

‘Wonderful Community Advocate’

Born in Baltimore on March 1, 1954, Hagler became one of the city’s most recognizable faith leaders during his more than 30 years as senior minister of Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ in Northeast, D.C., advocating from the pulpit to D.C. streets.

The Rev. Wanda Thompson, pastor of Ambassador Baptist Church in Southeast, D.C., called him a “wonderful community advocate” who fought for the marginalized and oppressed.

“He is going to be sorely missed,” she told The Informer.

Under his leadership, Plymouth grew beyond a traditional congregation into a hub for civic engagement, global outreach and public witness on issues impacting marginalized communities.

Known for his bold preaching and uncompromising stance on justice, Hagler often challenged systems of inequality through both ministry and movement-building. He was a visible presence in demonstrations and in-

terfaith coalitions addressing poverty, housing inequity, racial justice and peace advocacy. He served as co-chair of the D.C. Poor People’s Campaign and worked with national and international partners on human rights and anti-war efforts.

In November, Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (D) said Hagler was “unafraid and unapologetic to fight for those who don’t have

5 The Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler is being remembered for his early advocacy against the corporation after the decision to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in alignment with President Donald Trump’s policies. (WI File

Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

HAGLER Page 29

NATIONAL

spiracy against the rights of religious freedom at a place of worship and interfering with access to a house of worship. The protest targeted a pastor whom demonstrators alleged worked for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Video reported from several outlets appears to contradict central claims in the indictment, which describes the group as having “entered the Church in a coordinated takeover-style attack” and alleges that they “oppressed, threatened, and intimidated” parishioners.

In footage from inside the sanctuary, Lemon can be heard identifying himself clearly.

“I’m not part of the group; I’m just here photographing,” he said. “I’m a journalist.”

The indictment alleges that Lemon “caused the pastor’s right hand to graze Lemon” during an exchange. Video cited by The Washington Post shows the pastor placing his hand on Lemon’s side as the two spoke.

Lemon responded, “I want to be respectful, but please don’t push me.”

After being asked to leave unless he was there to worship, Lemon answered, “I always worship; I am a Christian.”

Outside the church, the indictment claims Lemon “physically obstructed” congregants exiting the building.

Video appears to show Lemon holding the door open. When one parishioner declined an interview, saying, “I don’t want to interview right now,” Lemon replied, “Okay, thank you, I appreciate it.”

After his initial arrest, Lemon made a statement to reporters.

“Last night, the DOJ sent a team of federal agents to arrest me in the middle of the night for something that I’ve been doing for the last 30 years, and that is covering the news,” he said. “The First Amendment of the Constitution protects that work for me and for countless of other journalists who do what I do. I stand with all of them, and I will not be silent.”

Hellams Fitness Inc

4715 13th Pl NE Washington, DC 20017

February 12. 2026

The State Health Planning and Development Agency

DC Department of Health

899 N. Capitol St. NE 2nd Floor Washington, DC 20002

Dear Director,

Hellams Fitness Inc. is submitting this letter of intent to apply for a certificate of need to establish outpatient services with ADHP 1915 (I).

Hellams Fitness Inc. will address the unmet needs of patients in an outpatient setting (ie) at their residence. The services will include: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Nutrition, Massage Therapy, and Fitness. Hellams Fitness Inc will work closely with DC Department of Health.

The estimated capital expenditure associated with this project is $175,000. On Feb 13, 2026. Hellams Fitness Inc. published a notice in the Washington Examiner informing the public of its plans to establish the services. A copy of the notice is attached. Mr. Eugene Hellams, Jr. CEO/OWNER of Hellams Fitness Inc is authorized to respond to questions regarding the application. He can be reached at 301 602-0194 or by email at ceo@hellamsfitnessinc.com.

Sincerely,

Eugene Hellams, Jr.

3 Activists are saying the

R Roberts)

parency and accountability, particularly during moments of civic action.”

“The unjust arrest of a member of the press not only violates their rights, it undermines the public’s right to know. This incident is deeply troubling and demands a full, transparent review,” he continued. “We stand in solidarity with all journalists who courageously report from the front lines of our nation’s ongoing pursuit of equity and justice.”

Fighting for a Free Press

Georgia Fort, an Emmy-winning journalist who was also charged, captured her arrest on video as agents descended upon her home.

“It’s hard to understand,” she said, “how we have constitutional rights when you can just be arrested for being a member of the press.”

After her release, she asked, “Do we have a Constitution? That is the pressing question that should be on the front of everyone’s minds.”

National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial condemned the prosecution.

“A free and independent press is a foundational pillar of our democracy, and any effort to intimidate, silence, or criminalize journalistic activity is an affront to the constitutional rights we all share,” Morial said. “The arrest of journalists is the act of an administration bent on deception and secrecy and a clear intimidation tactic.”

Morial emphasized how journalists play a crucial role in “ensuring trans-

Esha Bhandari, director of the ACLU Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, added that the federal government prosecuting journalists for their reporting is extremely concerning.

“Made more so by its continued pursuit of these charges after a magistrate judge refused to sign-off on the arrest warrant and over the reported objections of career prosecutors,” Bhandari offered. “This will send a chilling message to other journalists reporting on the administration's actions and should be understood in the context of the government’s broader crackdown on freedom of the press.”

Deepinder Mayell, executive director of the ACLU of Minnesota, said “the Trump administration has abused the rights of Minnesotans for months.”

“Arresting journalists should alarm everyone,” Mayell demanded. “These arrests are a bold escalation of the Trump administration’s quest to target a free press, avoid transparency and shape the truth. They are trying to send a message to journalists across the country that they could be next.”

WI

First Amendment is under attack after journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort were arrested for reporting at a January protest held at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota. (WI File Photo/Robert.

LEMON from Page 4

HEALTH

From IV Lines and Hospital Tubing to Punchlines and International Stages

J. Snow’s Documentary ‘You Look Fine' Reveals the Unseen Truth of Living with Sickle Cell Disease

By Dr. Patrise Holden WI Contributing Writer

On a hospital bed, surrounded by white walls, beneath fluorescent lights, and a hum of medical machinery, filmmaker and comedian Jared “J.” Snow lifted his phone and pressed record. Hooked to an array of life-sustaining tubes and flanked by medical specialists, he did not yet know that this simple act of recording would be the act of bold courage that ultimately saved him.

“Honestly, I was in a low place when I started recording on my phone,” said Snow. “My recordings were meant as a goodbye, something to leave behind in the event that the disease ultimately won.”

Premiering at the Landmark Theatre in Hollywood, California, Feb. 20 and 23, “You Look Fine” is a groundbreaking new documentary, offering an intimate, first-person account of living with sickle cell disease. The documentary by Snow, co-produced by Marlon Wayans, is the first of its kind to turn the lens inward on sickle cell disease, giving viewers a vulnerable, never before seen look at a lifetime spent behind hospital curtains.

“If my illness was going to be misunderstood by the world, I decided to start documenting the truth,” Snow said.

In January 2025, before Hollywood took notice, Snow had built a following on YouTube and social media, crafting bold sketch comedies shaped by the era of Dave Chappelle.

“I’ve always needed to create,” Snow recounted. “I was the kid holding court at recess.”

But, at this critical juncture in 2025, medically, he was facing significant complications, financially, he was struggling, and emotionally, he was sinking.

Snow’s own revolution began with an email. Once his script was polished, he sent it everywhere, to friends, to major creators, to anyone who might listen.

One day, his phone rang. Wayans, calling from vacation in Italy, said: “This film is incredible. What do you need?”

The celebrated comedian then brought in producer Rick Alvarez, expanding the project’s reach.

Intimate life moments, recording his intense struggles, allowed Snow to tap into his creative skills as he pushed through painful treatment towards healing.

“Filming restored my will to live,” he said.

Peeling Back the Hospital Curtain

Disproportionately affecting people of color, sickle cell disease is a hereditary blood disorder that contorts red blood cells from soft, round carriers of oxygen into rigid, sickled shapes. The result is excruciating pain, organ damage, chronic fatigue, severe mental strain, and shortened life expectancy.

Nivia Charles, diagnosed with the most aggressive form of sickle cell disease at birth, calls the disease “relentless” and “wholly unpredictable.”

“And too often, it is to a large degree completely misunderstood,” added Charles, a fourth-year student at Howard University.

Understanding the challenges of

sickle cell warriors firsthand, Charles explained that the intentionality and realness revealed in “You Look Fine” will help foster further understanding about the disease.

“It is excruciating to go through having sickle cell disease. This disease can bring you to your knees in pain, in sorrow, in grief, in abject sadness,” she related.

“It feels like something is taking away your agency. The one thing that you should have dominion over, your body, you don’t.”

In “You Look Fine,” Snow, with incredible vulnerability, seeks to boldly chronicle what occurs in the life of a person who, to most, looks fine.

“I kept my camera filming as long needles pierced my skin, the many times I was hooked to tubes and willed myself to get out of bed and walk, and as I watched gallons of my own blood withdrawn from my veins and replaced with a stranger’s,” Snow quietly reflected.

Then, almost defiantly, the footage in his documentary cuts to Snow in Egypt, Paris, and joyfully leaping from a plane with his arms flung open to the sky.

“Seeing those parts, you think, ‘Wow, that person has a great life,’” he said. “And that’s exactly what I want you to feel. Despite what some might call insurmountable challenges, I’m embracing life in a way many never get to do.”

The documentary’s power lies in that juxtaposition: life-sustaining restrictive tubing and skydiving; overwhelming sadness and Snow taking center stage as a comedian, fostering smiles and laughter on national stages like BET and The Laugh Factory.

From the first time Charles met

Snow, she witnessed his uncanny gift of bringing joy to others.

“We were seated side by side as speakers on a panel. He was cracking jokes under his breath the whole time,” she said while laughing. “From that moment on, we’ve been like family.”

With the premiere of “You Look Fine,” Charles looks forward to the world getting an up close look at Snow’s journey, from being hooked to hospital intravenous lines to deliv-

ering punchlines on national stages. She vividly remembers how she felt during a prescreening of the film.

“A huge sense of pride came over me,” she recalled. “To bravely show some of the gruesome parts of what I, and the rest of my community experience, then turn around and show artistry, talent, beauty, and laughter only frames later, it was revolutionary for me.” WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5 Triumphantly commanding the stage at The Laugh Factory, comedian Jared “J.” Snow uses comedy to unite and foster understanding of those with chronic illnesses. (Courtesy Photo/J. Snow Pro) 5

Look Fine,” produced by Marlon Wayans, Jared “J.”

(Courtesy Photo/J. Snow Pro)

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Should Black Americans Consider Dual Citizenship?

By Laura Onyeneho Word in Black

This article was originally published online with Word In Black, a collaboration of the nation's leading Black news publishers (of which The Informer is a member).

Programs

n

When Vannessa Wade thinks about her future, she no longer sees herself confined to only the United States.

The Houston resident and business owner has spent the last few years seriously considering dual citizenship, not as a trendy lifestyle choice, but as what she calls an “insurance policy” in an increasingly uncertain America.

The decision isn’t driven by celebrity influence or social media trends. It’s about having options.

“Everyone should consider it if it makes sense for them, financially, and emotionally.”

Wade is part of a documented surge in Black Americans seeking dual citizenship or permanent residency in African nations. While celebrities like Russell Wilson, Ciara, Meagan Good, and Jonathan Majors have made headlines for their efforts to obtain African citizenship, the movement represents a formal legal and financial strategy driven by economic opportunity, political reprieve, and cultural reconnection.

The NumbersTell the Story

In November 2024, Ghana granted citizenship to 524 members of the African diaspora, more than four times the number granted in 2019, bringing Ghana’s total to over 950 diaspora citizens since the country’s historic “Year of Return” campaign. That 2019 initiative, commemorating 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in America, attracted 1.13 million visitors to Ghana and generated $1.9 billion in tourism revenue.

But Ghana isn’t alone.

According to recent polling data, 34% of Americans expressed a desire to live abroad in 2024, up dramatically from just 10% in 1974. While comprehensive data on Black American emigration specifically remains limited, experts tracking expatriate trends report a noticeable spike in Black Americans seeking citizenship abroad.

Dr. Lindsay Gary, the founder of The Re-Education Project and Dance Afrikana, contextualizes the current movement within a longer historical

trajectory.

“This idea of returning home, although it’s very trendy, is like a new wave of a longer trajectory of our people wanting to be where their homeland is,” she says. “I think about people like Paul Cuffe in the 1700s, Marcus Garvey with the Black Star Line. This is nothing new.”

Yet Gary cautions against repeating historical mistakes. She points to Liberia, where some 19th-century Black American settlers arrived with colonizer mindsets that created tensions with indigenous Africans.

“We have to be very mindful not to repeat those types of things,” she warns. “Don’t go there with a white mentality. Don’t go there with a Western mentality. Go there for genuine connection, reconnection.”

Living the Reality

For Sentwali Olushola and his family, that reconnection became reality six years ago.

The Houston native, CEO of Beulah Land Holdings and Farm, and lead instructor at Whole Living Academy in Rwanda, moved to East Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic and has never looked back.

“I don’t really have very much of a desire to go back,” Olushola says of returning to the U.S. “But I miss my people. I think the people are probably the biggest factor that would influence my return.”

Olushola and his family spent nearly three years in Tanzania before settling in Rwanda, where they’re now pursuing citizenship after meeting the country’s five-year residency requirement.

“As long as we’ve been here, people will still come up to me and start speaking Kinyarwanda,” he says. “They expect me to immediately know the language because of my appearance. I look very Rwandan.”

Nikala Asante, founder of Whole Living Academy and another Houston expatriate now living in Rwanda, moved with her young daughter in search of a healthier environment, better financial opportunities, and freedom from daily racial microaggressions.

“I don’t think there is any place in the world more dangerous for an African American than America,” says Asante, who pays just $343 monthly for a fully furnished seven-bedroom home with fruit trees and herb gardens. In Houston’s Third Ward, she paid significantly more for far less. “I’m in a better position as a single mom and as a school leader to support Houston from here than from being there.”

Asante’s move to Rwanda represents both a personal transformation and a continuation of lessons learned growing up at Houston’s SHAPE Community Center, where she volunteered for nearly two decades.

“I’ve seen so many elders from the elder circle of wisdom pass away from heart attacks, from stress-related illnesses, or from not being able to get quality foods,” she says. “If they could have left, they would have left.”

Watching community leaders succumb to the daily toll of American racism and economic stress taught her a crucial lesson on legacy building. As a single mother with a four-year-old daughter, Rwanda’s lower cost of living freed her to focus on wealth creation rather than mere survival.

She’s launched Legacy Landowners, a company that provides affordable land to other Black Americans; started a six-acre moringa farm in Ghana; opened a tech company in Rwanda; and now employs over 20 staff members across her ventures. The same woman who couldn’t afford holistic childcare in Houston now pays her Rwandan home assistants to pursue degrees in accounting and law while building generational wealth her grandmother lost to tax liens in Tamina, Texas, land that would be worth $3.5 million today. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5 Dr. Lindsay Gary, founder of The Re-Education Project and Dance Afrikana. (Courtesy Photo)

EARTH OUR

Potomac Interceptor Collapse Leaves Residents, Advocates Concerned

As DC Water Continues to Address the Sewage Line, Many Worry for the Potomac River

By Mya Trujillo WI Contributing Writer

As the last month of the winter season approaches, ensuring the Potomac River is healthy enough for residents and visitors to partake in waterfront activities is a priority for many. Still, the river’s health was put at risk after the Jan. 19 collapse of the Potomac Interceptor (PI) – an incident that has sparked concern among residents and water health advocates alike.

The collapse of a 72-inch pipe along the Clara Barton Parkway in Montgomery County caused an overflow of more than 200,000 million gallons of wastewater into the river. Since the incident, DC Water crews have been working to contain the discharge, monitor the water’s health and ecological impacts, and strengthen the system’s infrastructure.

“This incident has also underscored a broader reality facing utilities across the country: much of the infrastructure that protects our waterways was built decades ago, long before today’s environmental standards, population growth, and climate pressures,” said DC Water CEO David L. Gadis in an open letter to the public on Feb. 11.

Since the PI collapse, DC Water has provided the community with daily briefings on the situation, detailing any overflow events and infrastructure changes. Per the Feb. 16 update, crews and contractors have almost complet-

ed an enhanced bypass system that will allow for repairs to begin on the damaged parts of the Potomac Interceptor.

Earlier in February, CCTV footage revealed a rock dam spanning approximately 30 feet downstream of the collapse site. Before crews can accurately analyze the damage and proceed with repairs, they must remove the blockage. Once the bypass system is finished, the emergency repairs are expected to take between four and six weeks.

DC Water has programs in place to inspect sewage infrastructure and make upgrades where needed, including part of the company’s Capital Improvement Program that will allocate a $625 million investment over 10 years to restore the sections of the PI that are most at risk.

“Once the emergency repairs are complete, we will be accelerating part of the planned rehabilitation for this section of the sewer line,” DC Water said in a statement sent to The Informer. “This will include more than 2700 linear feet of the Potomac Interceptor around the collapse site.”

Concerned Advocates Put Pressure on DC Water

While DC Water has worked to keep the disaster at bay and the public informed, some residents and river health advocates remain concerned about the long-term plan to ensure the stability of the

water system’s infrastructure and prevent incidents like this from occurring.

In a motion to demand accountability, transparency and a clearly outlined course of action, more than 2,100 residents and 20 environmental groups signed a public letter released by the Potomac Conservancy to DC Water and Gadis expressing their concerns and expectations.

The letter, which gives DC Water a deadline to respond by Feb. 27, asks that the company provides continuous updates regarding contamination and how public health may be impacted; grants the public access to the most recent assessment of the PI’s infrastructural integrity; commissions a study to assess causes and possible warning signs of the disaster; and outlines a plan to address the line’s weak spots by the end of March. It also includes other demands that would ensure longterm infrastructure integrity and, in turn, disaster prevention.

“I think the challenges will be ensuring that there are public voices calling on the decision makers to invest in their communities and invest in this infrastructure, and that's why we're trying to build a movement for clean water,” Potomac Conservancy President Hedrick Belin told The Informer. “I think

this is an opportunity for people to voice their commitment to, love of and passion for our hometown river.”

While they acknowledge the swift emergency response to the collapse, Hedrick said that many community members were expressing concern regarding the fact that Gadis hadn’t directly addressed the public regarding the incident before his open letter was published, which is one of the reasons why they felt inclined to release the joint letter to him and DC Water.

The independent authority says they are indeed prioritizing transparency, mitigation and infrastructure longevity.

“As CEO and General Manager of DC Water, Mr. Gadis has taken the lead in this incident by engaging with our federal, local, and state partners to coordinate our efforts at every level, keeping them informed and working to ensure we had the necessary resources,” DC Water told The Informer. “Our first priority was to contain the sewer overflow, mitigate further impacts as much as possible, and advance our plans for emergency repairs.”

A Lifelong Dream for a Swimmable River

Ensuring the river’s water health is restored as soon as possi-

ble is a pressing matter for many, especially those who are committed to making the Potomac and its tributaries swimmable and fishable. As of 2025, the river’s health is at a five-year standstill, as it, yet again, scored a ‘B’ in the conservancy’s most recent report card. An event like this could put the progress made thus far at risk, especially without a combined effort from multiple parties to fortify the system’s infrastructure.

For Tendani Mpulubusi, Ward 6 resident, artist and longtime riverkeeper for the Anacostia River, this concern for the health of the region’s water network dates back to 2002 when he was 19-years-old and first joined AmeriCorps via the Earth Conservation Corps. For the last 24 years, Mpulubusi has been dedicated to cleaning the Anacostia River, restoring its health and reclaiming the watershed.

“To be able to actually swim in the Anacostia River, it’s almost a lifelong dream of mine now,” Mpulubusi told The Informer. “Being able to be on the waterway raises property value and has economic interest,... but to interact with the river, it’s just the energy.”

He described the waterfront and its wildlife and vegetation

OUR EARTH Page 21

5Emergency crews work toward completing the installation of an enhanced bypass system so they can begin to make repairs to the Potomac Interceptor’s vulnerable spots. (Courtesy Photo/DC Water via X)

OUR EARTH from Page 20

as something that is necessary to preserve, something that holds an immense amount of beauty and alluring energy. He told The Informer that safeguarding the region’s water network is one of the key ways in which the community can respect and honor the nature that surrounds it.

Mpulubusi believes that repairing the damages caused by the PI’s collapse requires an all-hands-on-deck approach that is properly funded and educates the public about the significance of the river’s health.

“To be in a city with a nice waterfront is a privilege,” he told The Informer. “We’ve got to protect it [because] not everybody’s blessed with what we have in our backyard [and]

it is in our utmost duty to protect it and preserve it for so many reasons.”

DC Water recognizes that efforts to strengthen infrastructure, not just in the District, but across the nation, are imperative in all areas, including bridges, roads, sewer systems, the electrical grid and more. To combat the issue of water system infrastructure integrity and mitigate overflows of stormwater and wastewater into the region’s waterways, the independent authority has a $9.6 billion Capital Improvement Program, which includes the Clean Rivers Project.

“We will continue to invest in proactive inspection and maintenance and prioritize the most critical rehabilitation and repairs to ensure we have a safe and reliable system,” DC Water told The Informer. WI

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5District resident and water health advocates alike are concerned after the collapse of a 72-inch pipe along the Clara Barton Parkway in Montgomery County caused an overflow of more than 200,000 million gallons of wastewater into the Potomac River. (WI File Photo/Anthony Tilghman)

EDUCATION

D.C. Students Kick off 44th Annual Spelling Bee Season

By: Demarco Rush WI Contributing Writer

More than 260 of the top spellers from 88 public, private and charter schools in Washington, D.C. took to Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC) to compete for 30 final spots in the upcoming Washington Informer Citywide Spelling Bee this spring.

Although about 11% of the students made it to the next round, and only one person will represent the District in the nationwide Scripps National Spelling Bee in May, the annual competition highlights something far beyond winning.

“I was a teacher early in my career for 15 years, [so] it is my absolute favorite thing to work with students and families to see what excellence is and show, not how easy it is to attain it, but how attainable it is,” Jason Moore, the

competition’s coordinator said during the Cluster Bees on Feb. 11.

For Moore, the focus is not about who wins or loses, but that students build skills and learn life lessons.

“When I see kids come in and do the spelling bee, I always tell them, look at this fun, weird skill that you have that people will reward and it's because you showed up, you volunteered, you participated, and you said yes,” he told The Informer. “No matter how nervous or frightened they are, they’re pushing through their fear and nerves, and that is about the best life lesson a child can get.”

A former educator like Moore, Cynthia Ajuzie, one of the four judges working the competition said she volunteered in order to get a “chance to interact with students,” particularly because she no longer has a position that directly works with young people.

Now working with the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) Office of Teaching and Learning, Ajuzie enjoyed seeing students support one another during the competition, building a sense of camaraderie and unity overall.

“I think it's cool seeing the subtle ways that the kids are encouraging each other,” she told The Informer. “You can tell that everyone is rooting for each other.”

Although she did not advance to the next round, Caiyah Floyd, a student from Browne Education Campus, was one of the students just happy to see her fellow class-

mates succeed.

“I had a good time [competing] in the spelling bee,” she said, “because I knew that even if I didn't win, at least one of my best friends would win and get an opportunity to go to the next [round].”

For judge Christina Rodriguez, volunteering with the Cluster Bees not only allows her to give back, but tap into something that brought her joy in her youth.

“As a kid, I loved spelling bees and I’m a very big reading and literacy person, so I was really excited to be asked to judge and support our students who are passionate about language, spelling and reading in general,” said Rodriguez, DCPS elementary and social studies manager.

‘Study a Lot and Be Confident’

Caiyah knew the road to the Clusters and then Citywide Spelling Bee would not be easy, but she worked to be as prepared as possible.

“It was kind of hard because there were 4,000 words to [study from],” she told The Informer at THEARC on Feb. 11, "but if you actually memorized your words and practiced every day, it [made it easier].”

Many students like Caiyah spent months studying for their school competitions and the Cluster Bees.

While she was eliminated Feb. 11, Quinn Koester, a student from

Hearst Elementary, is already looking forward to competing in next year’s bee.

“I got out on ‘concierge.’ I was trying to follow the rule that my sister [taught me]: ‘i before e except after c,’” she said, “but it turns out there's hundreds of different variations.”

With this year’s bee under her belt, Quinn offered advice for students who decide to participate in the future.

“Celebrate yourself on the words that you get right,” said the young scholar. "Don't get mad mad at yourself for the words you got wrong, and if you do get something wrong, just try again next year.”

As Quinn geared up for this year’s competition, she worked alongside her schoolmate Maia Elliott, who also participated in the Cluster Bees.

“We studied together every Tuesday because we're from the same school,” she told The Informer. “There was also a lot of mental preparation.”

Although she didn’t make it to the spring matchup, where 30 District spellers will showcase their skills, Maia learned a lot from participating in the Cluster Bees, noting there’s a special science to navigating the competition.

“My advice is to really take your time and break [the words] down,” she said. “Study a lot and be confident because if you're questionable, [you’ll] have a lot of nerves.” WI

5Jason Moore breaks down the rules to students during the Feb. 11 Cluster Bees at THEARC in Southeast, D.C. The winners of the Cluster Bees, held Feb. 11-13, go on to the 44th Annual Washington Informer Spelling Bee this spring. (Demarco Rush/The Washington Informer)

5Students compete in the Cluster Bees on Feb. 11 at Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus, better known as THEARC, in Southeast, D.C., ahead of the 44th Annual Washington Informer Spelling Bee. (Demarco Rush/The Washington Informer)

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When Media Attention Depends on Who Is Missing

Hope for One Family Should Not Eclipse Justice for So Many Others

The nation is right to hope and pray for the safe return of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of journalist Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor on NBC’s “Today.” Any disappearance is terrifying. Any family thrust into uncertainty deserves compassion, urgency, and relentless attention. But compassion should never be selective— and that is precisely where the media’s response exposes a troubling, long-standing inconsistency.

Wall-to-wall coverage, push alerts, and breathless updates appear almost instantly when there is a missing person linked to fame, privilege, or proximity to power. Yet, when Black people—especially children—go missing, the silence is often deafening. Their faces rarely dominate news cycles. Their names seldom trend. Their families search with fewer resources, far less attention, and almost no national urgency.

This disparity sends a cruel, unspoken message: some lives are more “newsworthy” than others. It reinforces a hierarchy of empathy that mirrors broader inequities in American society and in the media. Black families do not love their children any less. They do not ache

any less. And the fear, danger, and possibility of tragedy are no different.

In Washington, D.C., and cities across the country, Black boys and girls disappear with alarming regularity. Many cases receive minimal coverage, framed as fleeting statistics rather than urgent human stories. Without sustained attention, tips dry up, public pressure fades, and the chances of a safe recovery diminish.

Derrica Wilson and Natalie Wilson have spent years confronting this injustice. In 2008, they founded the Black and Missing Foundation, Inc. (BAMFI) to ensure that missing people of color do not slip through the cracks and to help families navigate police departments and media environments that can be hostile or dismissive.

According to BAMFI, headquartered in Hyattsville, Maryland, 563,389 people were reported missing in 2023. While Black people make up just 13% of the U.S. population, minorities accounted for 40% of missing-person cases.

“Our first hope is always for a safe recovery, and we certainly want that for Nancy Gutherie. No family should have to experience

the trauma of a disappearance,” Natalie Wilson of BAMFI told The Informer in a statement. “We believe that pressure and attention shouldn’t be a rarity, but a standard we fight for in every case we represent.”

This moment should be bigger than one family. Regardless of the outcome— and we pray for the safe return of her mother— as a celebrated journalist, Guthrie has an opportunity to use her platform to help correct this imbalance by consistently amplifying the stories of missing Black children and adults and demanding equal urgency from her industry.

We must search for Relisha Tenau Rudd, 8 years old when she disappeared from a D.C. homeless shelter on March 1, 2014, with the same determination shown in high-profile cases. Loss knows no racial, ethnic, or economic boundaries. Neither should our compassion nor coverage.

“Extensive coverage is a powerful tool because it directly results in recoveries through community engagement,” the BAMFI co-founder said, “and puts necessary pressure on law enforcement to allocate more resources.” WI

The SAVE Act: Another Effort of Voter Suppression Under the Guise of Election Integrity

In the aftermath of the Civil War and with the ratification of the 13th Amendment in December 1865, an estimated 4 million former slaves – men, women, and children – were finally granted their freedom.

But as Frederick Douglass said in May 1865, one month after the Union victory at Appomattox signaled the end of the war: “Slavery is not abolished until the Black man has the ballot.”

For Douglass and other Black Americans, the right to vote was an essential characteristic of full citizenship because it secured true freedom and self-determination. When the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified in February 1870 – which prohibited the denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or previous

condition of servitude – there was reason for optimism.

However, white Southerners who opposed Black men having voting rights – and it was only men to whom the amendment referred – merely intensified their efforts to maintain control, using violence, intimidation, and legal shenanigans to circumvent the Constitution and restore white supremacy.

But an unredacted reading of American history illustrates that white supremacy never had to be restored. Rather, it has always been maintained, firmly rooted in the soil of our nation, even before our independence from England. And for African Americans, the fight against this injustice continues today.

Despite the Voting Rights Act,

the landmark federal statute signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on Aug. 6, 1965 and enacted to derail the political chokehold of the Jim Crow South and related discriminatory structures nationwide, African Americans still battle against white supremacy and voter suppression.

What’s at stake? Power, privilege, prestige, and a lot of money.

For many the latest iteration of Jim Crow is the SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility), all dressed up for the party in the yet-to-be-completed Trump ballroom in the guise of “election integrity.”

As the U.S. Senate votes on this legislation crafted by the president, Americans must not be fooled. This is a direct assault on the hardwon voting rights of Black peo-

TO THE EDITOR

“Your article offers such a heartfelt reminder that love, when rooted in faith and lived through everyday action, becomes a transformative force for both individuals and communities. I truly appreciated how you elevate love beyond sentiment and present it as a conscious practice, something we choose, nurture, and share in times that most need healing and unity. As someone who writes about growth, teaching, and the imaginative ways we turn values into lived experiences, I found your reflections deeply moving and hopeful. The voices you bring together create a beautiful mosaic of wisdom, showing that resilience, compassion, and faith are not separate paths but one shared journey toward deeper human connection and purpose.

-Irwin (In reference to the article: “Faith Leaders Emphasize Power of Love Beyond Valentine’s Day”

“This article is fire! Thank you not only for this article, for all that you write with authenticity, integrity, authority, and truth! It definitely lifted my spirit and mindset to continue to fight the fascist, racist, regime for their days are numbered.”

-Rhonda (In reference to the article: “Bad Bunny Turns Super Bowl Halftime Show Into Cultural Power”

ple. African Americans— and all Americans for that matter, can ill afford to let centuries of struggle and victories be erased with the stroke of a pen.

“Our democracy works best when every voice is heard, not when the government creates a bureaucratic maze to silence its cit-

izens,” Melanie L. Campbell, president and CEO of the, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, said in a statement. “The SAVE Act is a solution in search of a problem that only serves to disenfranchise Black, Brown, young and low-income voters. We cannot let this bill take us backward.” WI

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Julianne Malveaux

From Reconstruction to the SAVE Act: The

and Douglass later chose Feb. 14 as his birthday — an act of self-definition in a country that refused to define him as fully human. That act matters.

Frederick Douglass did not know the day he was born.

Like many enslaved people, he was denied even the dignity of documentation. Birth dates were approximations. Family lines were severed. Identity existed in property ledgers, not in public record.

His mother, Harriet Bailey, called him her "little Valentine,"

Douglass understood something fundamental: Identity is not granted by paperwork. It is asserted through presence, voice and participation. He claimed authorship over his own life in a nation structured to deny it. Today, we are debating whether documentation should determine access to democracy.

Guest Columnist

Politics of Paperwork

The SAVE Act would require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. Passports. Birth certificates. Paper trails. Supporters frame it as administrative protection. But the history of American democracy teaches us that administrative mechanisms are rarely neutral.

Paperwork has always been political.

After Reconstruction, when Black political participation expanded, new rules narrowed the electorate. Literacy tests. Poll tax-

ICE Has Run Rogue. These Leaders

"If the federal government will not hold these rogue actors accountable, then Chicago will do everything in our power to bring these agents to justice." — Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson

There comes a point when euphemisms fail us. What ICE has done in Chicago and Minneapolis

is not mere "overreach." Agents did not make "missteps" or "tactical errors." These are clear, documented violations of the law and abuses of power that have endangered the lives of American citizens — and they demand a forceful reckoning. State and local leaders in Illinois and Minnesota have been forced into a role that should shame the federal government: They are defending the Constitution against the very agents sworn to uphold it.

In Chicago, a federal judge confirmed what communities have

es. Grandfather clauses. Each was presented as procedural. Each functioned as a barrier.

The methods change. The objective — control over who counts — does not.

Documentation requirements would fall hardest on those least likely to have ready access to formal records: seniors born at home in the Jim Crow South, low-income Americans without passports, married women whose legal names no longer match their birth certificates. Even producing

Are Democracy's Last Line

been shouting for years: ICE repeatedly carried out warrantless arrests in violation of a court-ordered consent decree, blatantly disregarding the most basic protections of the Fourth Amendment. These arrests were not accidents or technical mistakes — they were a pattern of unlawful detentions, carried out by an agency operating with impunity. Chicago's own leadership has described ICE's conduct in the city as a series of actions that violated constitutionally protected rights, destabilized neighborhoods and

provoked life-threatening confrontations. This is the language officials use when an agency behaves like a lawless paramilitary force, not a legitimate arm of the federal government.

In Minnesota, federal agents went even further — storming homes without warrants, conducting stops without legal justification and seizing people who had no criminal records, including children and U.S. citizens. These are illegal acts, full stop. Legal analyses make clear that ICE simply ignored

paperwork can become a test of belonging.

Documented cases of noncitizen voting are exceedingly rare. The question is not fraud prevention; it is access.

Reconstruction was not only about emancipation. It was about participation. Black men voted. Black officials were elected. Black institutions were built. And when those gains threatened entrenched power, backlash followed.

MALVEAUX Page 45

the limits of its own authority. And then came the deaths. Renee Good. Alex Pretti. Both killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis — killings that shocked the conscience of the nation and ignited statewide protests. These tragedies did not occur in isolation; they happened amid an operation so sweeping and unrestrained that Minnesota's own governor called it an "occupation."

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker saw Operation Midway Blitz for what it

Locked Out of the Game: Why Access to Sports Media Matters to Local Communities

tions in protest. This moment became more than a newsroom shift. It became a reckoning about what local sports coverage has meant in Washington and what it still means to the people who live here.

When The Washington Post recently announced it would lay off hundreds of employees and eliminate its entire sports department, the reaction reached far beyond newsroom walls. Reporters protested outside the building. Readers flooded social media with criticism of the paper's ownership. Some longtime subscribers even ended their subscrip-

For many Washingtonians, sports coverage was not just another section of the newspaper. It was part of how people experienced the life of their city. Morning scores reports and game summaries were common conversation starters. Writers who knew the teams and the community helped fans make sense of the wins and the losses. That

kind of storytelling helped people feel tied to a place, even as the city continued to change.

The loss of that coverage comes at a time when access to sports is narrowing across the country. Some of the biggest moments in sports — like the Super Bowl, which set an all-time media record for peak viewing, and the Olympic Games — remain accessible to a wide audience; others now require planning, money and multiple subscriptions to tune in.

This shift is especially noticeable during holidays, when sports have

traditionally served as a backdrop for gatherings of family and friends. Many fans know in advance that a game they hoped to watch will not air on their local station. The frustration is not about misunderstanding. It is about fatigue from the constant maneuvering through streaming services and subscriptions. Following a team should not feel like solving a puzzle, especially for older viewers and households that depend on basic cable or broadcast television — a position that has been defended by advocacy organizations like the National Association of Broadcasters.

At the same time, the traditional pipeline that fed local sports coverage has weakened as regional sports networks have collapsed or consolidated. These networks once partnered with local newsrooms and served as the main source of televised games for many fans. Now, as those networks disappear or restructure, teams increasingly turn to league-managed streaming platforms or national distributors that prioritize scale over neighborhood connection. What once felt locally rooted now feels

SMITH Page 45

Marc H. Morial

Ramzey Smith

Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist

Advocates Urge D.C. Council: New PSC Leaders Needed for Lower Bills

higher energy bills are straining D.C. residents and the need for new leadership at the commission.

Amid repeated failures by the D.C. Public Service Commission to keep energy bills down, a coalition of consumer, housing and climate advocates is urging the D.C. Council to pause new appointments to the commission until after the new mayor takes office Jan. 2. Advocates will testify at the Feb. 27 public oversight hearing of the commission, emphasizing how

"To build a more affordable energy future in D.C., we should use new architects. January's 13% gas rate hike is only the latest chapter in a history of lax oversight and deference by the D.C. Public Service Commission to let utilities jack up their rates no matter the cost to District residents," said Claire Mills, D.C. campaigns manager at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. "Time and time again, Chair Thompson and Com-

missioner Trabue have sided with Washington Gas and Pepco instead of with hardworking D.C. residents, rubber-stamping nearly half a billion dollars in excessive spending that allows these companies to increase profits for their shareholders. With affordability top of mind for D.C. residents this election season, voters deserve a say in choosing a leader who will hold utilities accountable and help bring costs down. That means no reappointments before the November election."

Since 2021, under Chair Emile

Thompson's leadership, the commission has approved $398.5 million in utility spending by both Pepco and Washington Gas. That included a controversial multiyear electric rate hike approved in November 2024 that increased D.C. electric bills by $7.54 per month in 2025 and $3.80 per month in 2026, and a 13% gas rate hike approved in December 2025 that boosted Washington Gas' return on equity to 10.5%, an industry high. The commission has continued to approve spending requests from Pepco and Washington

Gas even as both utilities face lawsuits from consumer advocates alleging mismanagement of ratepayer dollars and research showing utility infrastructure spending has failed to measurably reduce gas leak risks. The commission is expected to rule on a request from Washington Gas for an additional $215 million in fossil fuel pipeline spending later this spring.

"Decisions about utilities affect D.C. residents every single day, yet we have limited power over how

How Dissidents and Survivors of Economic Collapse Taught Me to Believe in Bitcoin

people who lived through economic collapse. For them, Bitcoin was not about getting rich. It was about staying free.

Bitcoin is back in the headlines again. As always, the story is volatility. Prices fall. Prices rise. Critics cheer. Believers celebrate. The cycle repeats.

But the headlines miss the deeper story.

I learned to respect Bitcoin not from traders or tech executives. I learned from dissidents and from

It has been nearly four weeks since Alex Pretti was senselessly killed by CBP agents in Minneapolis. Americans across the political spectrum have spoken out. The message is clear: There must be real and meaningful reforms to ICE and CBP (Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection).

Across the world, people facing repression or broken economies have learned the same lesson. When institutions fail, the ability to hold value outside the reach of rulers can mean the difference between fear and agency.

For many, this is daily life. Governments freeze bank accounts to punish journalists. Activists lose access to wages. Savings disappear

under inflation. In those places, economic freedom and personal freedom are the same thing.

Look at Venezuela. At the height of its collapse, inflation soared toward 1 million percent. Teachers were paid in bills worth less than bus fare. Millions fled. Those who stayed survived with dollars, remittances and, increasingly, Bitcoin. The state could not inflate it away or block it with a phone call.

In neighboring Colombia, artists began weaving worthless Venezuelan banknotes into bags and purs-

es. Money that once held savings became craft material. It was worth more as fabric than as currency. That image stays with me.

Look at Nigeria. A government cash redesign left families without money. Activists saw accounts restricted. Many turned to Bitcoin simply to keep life moving — paying school fees, receiving money from relatives abroad, keeping businesses alive. Not out of fashion. Out of necessity.

A former graduate student of mine, Jacqueline Escobar from Peru,

wrote to me about why she believes in Bitcoin. She grew up during hyperinflation. As a child, she played with paper money that had suddenly become worthless. "I played with money that no longer had value," she told me. "That's when you learn that systems can fail." Her father lost his business. Her family lost their home.

The experience shaped her path. She became a fintech lawyer, drawn to how financial systems can expand

Page 46

In response, Democrats proposed a set of common-sense reforms. These changes would protect people's constitutional rights, improve public safety, and ensure law enforcement acts responsibly:

1. Targeted Enforcement: Require a judge's warrant before entering private property.

2. No More Masks: Ban ICE agents from wearing face coverings.

3. Officer Identification: Require agents to show identification and state who they are when asked.

4. Protect Sensitive Locations: Stop enforcement actions at schools, day cares, churches, hospitals and similar places.

5. Stop Racial Profiling: Ban DHS officers from targeting people because of their race, job or the language they speak.

6. Use-of-Force Rules: Set clear limits on the use of force and require certification of officers.

7. State and Local Oversight: Allow state and local governments to run independent investigations

and require evidence to be preserved and shared.

8. Detention Standards: Make sure detention facilities meet basic standards of care and access.

9. Body Cameras for Accountability: Require body cameras, but ban their use to monitor people exercising their First Amendment rights, such as protesting.

10. No Paramilitary Policing: Set clear rules for the uniforms and equipment used by DHS officers.

Unfortunately, President Trump and Republicans in Congress have refused to agree to these com-

mon-sense reforms.

Democrats are continuing to negotiate in good faith. So far, the White House has offered only a vague counterproposal that does not seriously address the concerns raised by the American people. At the same time, funding for the Department of Homeland Security — which oversees ICE and CBP — expired Friday night at midnight. Let me be clear: I will not vote to extend ICE and CBP's funding unless these negotiations yield real progress toward reforms that stop these agencies' lawless behavior and restore accountability. WI

Ben Jealous

Here's How We Fix ICE

Guest Columnist

Ali Hameed

Rep. James E. Clyburn

Guest Columnist

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Mimi’s Musings: Black History Month 2026

Local and National Faith Leaders and Freedom Fighters Leave Blueprint for Continued Justice Fight

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

The District, nation and world lost two civil rights giants on Feb. 17.

3Political, faith leaders and freedom fighters alike are remembering the Rev. Jesse Jackson, 84, and the Rev. Graylan Hagler, 71, who both died on Feb. 17 after decades of freedom fighting. (WI File Photos/Roy Lewis)

to The Washington Informer, sharing his viewpoints on happenings in the world and offering advice on moving forward.

For instance he talked about holding churches and faith leaders accountable when entering the political fray after the arrest of Don Lemon for covering a protest in St. Paul Minnesota.

Rainbow PUSH Coalition, trailblazing presidential campaigns, and barrier-breaking service as the District’s first shadow senator, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, 84 died early on Feb. 17, leaving a legacy of fearless advocacy in the modern day Civil Rights Movement and be-

From his work with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., founding of yond.

While Jackson was groundbreaking locally and nationwide, the Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler, who also died Tuesday morning, brought attention to global fights from the heart of the nation’s capital. An advocate from the

WASHINGTON GAS CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Washington Gas is honored to celebrate Black History Month and each week during February 2026 we will profile one of our employees and what Black History means to them.

Tamara Neal Director and Senior Station Leader

Since starting at Washington Gas in 2012, I have had the privilege of building a career that has challenged me, shaped me, and allowed me to grow into the leader I am today. I am proud to work for a company that truly believes in developing its people and creating pathways for growth.

Just as important, I am grateful to serve a company committed to meeting the needs of a diverse community that reflects the region we are so proud to support.

I began my journey at Washington Gas on the belowground crew truck as a helper mechanic.

In that role, I was one of the first Black women to step into that position, an experience that taught me resilience, confidence, and the importance of representation. Those early years in the field grounded me in the company’s mission and gave me a deep respect for the men and women who work every day to keep our system safe.

After two years in the field, I transitioned to the Dispatch team. This role strengthened my operational knowledge and tested my ability to stay calm and focused under pressure. I was often the first point of contact for customers facing urgent or stressful situations, and that responsibility taught me the value of empathy, professionalism, and clear communication.

From there, my journey continued through several leadership roles. I became the Supervisor of our Damage Prevention program, then returned to Dispatch as a Manager before ultimately becoming the Director of Dispatch.

Today, I proudly serve as the Director and Senior Station Leader for the Southeast Station in Forestville, Maryland. I oversee the teams responsible for delivering affordable, reliable, and safe natural gas to customers in Prince George’s County, Charles County, and St. Mary’s County. My focus has always been, and will always be, on safety, operational excellence, and supporting the people who make our work possible. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is working closely with the crews to help ensure they go home safely every day. Our station has truly turned a corner when it comes to safety, and I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made together.

Looking back, I am deeply grateful that Washington Gas has provided me opportunities to advance, lead, and serve the community by helping deliver essential energy every single day.

Black History Month holds a special meaning for me. It is a time when I intentionally celebrate our history with my grandkids and teach them about the strength, courage, and brilliance of those who came before us. I want them to know where they come from, the foundation they stand on, and the limitless possibilities ahead of them. They are the future, and it’s important that they recognize the legacy they will carry forward for generations to come.

pulpit to District streets, Hagler, 71, used his faith and foundational belief in equity for all as a source of inspiration to lead and join many justice efforts over the years, serving as a mentor for local and national organizers.

While both faith leaders and freedom fighters are now ancestors, their legacies continue, offering inspiration for the next generation of organizers and justice leaders. Both men served as torchbearers in the civil rights fight. As the nation marks 100 years of Black History Month, it is important to highlight the work of two Black history-makers in D.C. and around the globe, whose legacies can be used as sources of wisdom today and for the future.

Standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, where King was assassinated, a 26-year-old Jackson made it his mission to further the civil rights martyr’s work— rallying from the streets, to churches, to Capitol Hill. He worked toward equity by holding leaders accountable, fighting for legislation that supported equal rights for all, organizing national and worldwide justice efforts, and serving as a mentor to many.

From an early age, Hagler also started his justice work, and has been unapologetic in his fervent freedom fight. From speaking up for marginalized District residents, fighting against mass incarceration, endorsing gay marriage and supporting vulnerable groups abroad, Hagler’s local leadership encouraged faith in action for people in D.C. and worldwide.

While they are no longer on earth to organize rallies, preach from pulpits, and offer advice, the two have provided a blueprint for current and future justice work.

Hagler, was a regular contributor

“Those of us fighting bias and exclusion in the church observe how God loves all the people that people in the church love to hate,” he wrote in a February op-ed.

In a 2022 op-ed, Hagler also offered suggestions on how to address substance abuse in the District.

“We must adopt a humane, evidence-based public health approach to address drug use and addiction rather than continuing with the failed strategy of punishment,” he wrote, “which rarely, if ever, provides real justice or support.”

Similarly Jackson has spent decades offering affirmations for the Black community like “I am somebody,” and creating plans of action for the fight ahead. In 2018, during the first Trump administration, he came to Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Oxon Hill, Maryland, delivering a message to help combat modern-day hatred and injustices.

“Our challenge today is to deal with the Trump era,” Jackson said. “Trump has vowed to unravel everything that Dr. King bound and everything that [former President] Barack [Obama] bound. What would [King] do today? Number one, he would not exchange nastiness, put out fire with water, put out hate with love. It would not be a tweeting contest,” Jackson said from the pulpit.

He also offered a call to action that serves as an important reminder in an election year.

“We have seen God do so many marvelous things in the past when we didn’t have the right to vote,” he said, before emphasizing a notion that remains true eight years later ahead of the 2026 midterms. “Now we have power… [We need] mass voting to bring people together to end the hatred and the bitterness.”

WI

HAGLER from Page 15

the voices to fight for themselves.”

“He’s unafraid to call out any leader,” she told The Informer, having worked with the faith leader before and after he pastored Plymouth, which is in Ward 4. “He’s okay with the consequences because his ultimate goal has always been protecting and fighting for our most vulnerable residents, whomever they may be.”

Despite his nearly six-year battle with laryngeal cancer, Hagler led the local Target movement, was co-founder of Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA) and advocated for affordable housing and against predatory landlords. He also co-chaired the D.C. Black Homeownership Strike Task Force established by Mayor Muriel Bowser in 2022.

The Rev. Willie Wilson, pastor emeritus of Union Temple Baptist Church in Southeast called him a brother and a friend. He recalled Hagler joined him in a protest before the D.C. City Council against the rising cost of water bills.

“We were able to get help for D.C.

residents who received help to make their payments,” Wilson said. “He fought for all of us, and I feel his loss deeply.”

Faith in Action

Colleagues and congregants described Hagler as a pastor who believed faith demanded action. Whether organizing prayer vigils, speaking at rallies or mentoring young clergy and activists, he consistently urged communities to connect spiritual conviction with civic responsibility.

Throughout his career, Hagler’s outspoken positions sometimes sparked debate, but even critics acknowledged his deep commitment to uplifting those often left unheard. Supporters say his willingness to speak truth to power made him a prophetic voice in Washington’s faith and political landscape.

“He manifests what I think the attributes of Jesus are, which is to be a revolutionary in his own way,” Thompson told The Informer in November 2025. “A person who stands up for the least, the last, and the lost, the oppressed. People recognize what

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

he's done. He’s not one to self promote.”

Hagler retired from Plymouth Congregational UCC in 2022, closing a historic chapter in the church’s life while remaining engaged in advocacy and public dialogue.

The faith leader, activist and father also led movements in support of Palestine, gay marriage and the struggle to support workers receiving low wages and the right to create collective bargaining units. His ministry helped shape generations of leaders and expanded the role of the Black church in conversations about justice at home and abroad.

The Rev. Kenneth King, a man who called Hagler his mentor, credited him with opening his eyes to the plight of the Palestinian people. He also said that Hagler never hesitated to challenge the theological perspective that solidified the Black church’s relationship with Israel.

“The Black church really was going along with Israel [being] God's appointed people,” King told The Informer. “Graylan went up against many Black preachers to deconstruct

their understanding and theology as it relates to the Biblical text, when it came to Jews and their belief that that land was given to them, thus being able to treat the Palestinian any kind of way.”

According to close friend Parisa Norouzi, a memorial service will be held at Plymouth, 5301 North Capitol St NE, March 1at 2 p.m., on what would have been Hagler’s 72nd birth-

day. In lieu of flowers, the church is requesting donations to establish a fund in honor of Hagler’s legacy.

“He was a larger-than-life pastor. A valiant social justice warrior. A loving and doting father. An advocate. A mentor. He was a hero,” Calloway wrote in a statement posted to Plymouth’s website. “We are gutted. But we are thankful for his life, his service, and his witness.” WI

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

As we celebrate Black History Month in February, we recognize and honor the accomplishments of so many who have helped shape the face and future of our nation.

5 The Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler, Dante O’Hara and other activists protest in front of the Target in Columbia Heights in April 2025. Activists and faith leaders alike are remembering Hagler, who died on Feb. 17, for his longtime organizing and leadership in several justice fights. (WI File Photo/Jacques Benovil)

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR,

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

didate, he challenged a Democratic Party that wasn’t quite ready to accept grassroots representation. Amid these and several other feats, many young Washingtonians, including Markus Batchelor, came to appreciate Jackson’s contributions to the statehood movement.

“Rev. Jackson’s vision of a broad, diverse, inclusive movement for digni-

ty, justice and equality is needed now more than ever,” Batchelor, 33, said about Jackson, who served as one of the District’s first shadow senators between 1991 and 1997. “It’s a major part of the reason I decided to run for the seat he held at this moment. It’s the type of movement we’ll need to build and sustain here at home and across the country to finally win D.C. statehood.”

Batchelor, national political director at People for the American Way, launched his bid for D.C. shadow senator on Jan. 14. He’s running, as he says on his campaign website, to tie D.C.’s fight for statehood to the ongoing fight for democracy and inclusion.

For more than a month, Batchelor has been making the rounds, spreading his message and challenging misconceptions about what some may see as a ceremonial role. The Southeast resident, born during Jackson’s stint as shadow senator, said the late civil rights figure exemplifies the execution of people power.

“Like so many in my generation, I grew up witnessing leaders like Jesse Jackson insist that change requires courage, persistence, and a willingness to challenge systems that exclude,” Batchelor told The Informer. “His life reinforced a lesson that continues to guide me: that progress is never inevitable. It is built by people willing to organize, to speak out, and to push forward even when the path is difficult.”

Cora Masters Barry Remembers a Family Friend

In spite of a global profile that took him as far as Iraq and Syria in rescue of hostages, Jackson remained a local fixture. In 1963, he watched King’s “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial. Other instances on the National Mall include the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign, the 1995 Million Man March and the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington in 2013.

During the early decades of District home rule, Jackson also deepened his relationship with Marion Barry, D.C.’s mayor for life. Barry’s widow, Cora Masters Barry, said the duo’s rapport, as depicted in a 1989 photo of their one-on-one basketball at Potomac Gardens in Southeast, represented mutual respect.

“Oh God, they were funny. They finished each other's sentences,” Masters Barry told The Informer. “They were competitors, but extremely supportive of each other.”

That support came in handy one year prior, when Jackson took a momentous step in national politics.

“When Jesse wanted to run for president of the United States, he wasn't getting a lot of support,” Masters Barry recalled. “The only two mayors that would support him [were] Maynard Jackson and Marion.”

Masters Barry said her late husband went the extra mile for Jackson.

“He staged Jesse's announcement for president of the United States at the D.C. Convention Center,” she told The Informer. “All the D.C. government workers there gave them three hours liberally to be there.”

Masters Barry first met Jackson during the 1976 Democratic National Convention. As she recalled, Jackson stood among Basil Paterson, David Dinkins and other members of the

Black political elite as they shaped a platform to present before the party that would eventually nominate Jimmy Carter.

Masters Barry told The Informer that Jackson held nothing back in his mission to make the Democratic Party the party of the people.

“If you didn’t get…so many delegates to go to the convention, you couldn't get on the floor of the convention,” Masters Barry said. “He made them stop doing that, so he was a transformative figure.”

Four years later, when Ronald Reagan defeated then-President Carter, Masters Barry heard what she described as Jackson’s passionate cry to Black voters who didn’t go to the polls.

“He likened that to the Bible story of David and Goliath— how David stood in front of the giant and had nothing but a slingshot. He looked around and he saw all these rocks laying around and he would pick the rocks up and he slayed the giant,” Masters Barry said. “He said our votes that are not being used are like rocks laying around. If we just use those votes, we could slay the giant. If we vote, we could be victorious.”

Jackson officiated the Barrys’ 1994 wedding and even eulogized Barry when he died in 2014. Less than a decade later, despite his own maladies, Jackson honored his late friend in a video that aired at the naming ceremony for Marion Barry Avenue in Southeast.

“He wanted to be there, but he was too fragile to make it,” Masters Barry said. “It took a lot for him to do [the video] because he was at the stage in his health that everything was very difficult.”

5 The Rev. Jesse Jackson, Chicago Mayor Harold Washington and the Honorable Min. Louis Farrakhan. (WI File Photo)

JACKSON from Page 1

JACKSON Page 31

5 Civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson, then president of Rainbow PUSH Coalition, speaks at an event in Washington, D.C. in 2021. Politicians, faith leaders and activists are remembering Jackson, who died on Feb. 17. (WI File Photo/Roy Lewis)

from Page 30

Hours after learning about Jackson’s death on Feb. 17, Masters Barry was still in awe about what she calls the changing of the guard.

“There’s bravery and courage and a fearlessness that they possessed that I've not been able to see in many generations,” Masters Barry said about Jackson and her late husband. “The moments that they faced and the things that they had to deal with came from the condition of a dynamic environment that they grew up in where Black people were treated as second-class citizens, and it developed a condition in them that made their leadership sacrificial.”

Though she remains hopeful about the current fight against fascism, Masters Barry noted that the type of leadership exhibited by Jackson and Barry only comes from living amid Jim Crow.

“They stood in the gap for our people and risked their lives [when] killing Black people was a sport, not a crime,” she told The Informer.

Jesse Jackson:

A Civil Rights Legend Remembered

Tributes continue to pour in for Jackson, a one-time resident of LeDroit Park and frequenter of Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street NW, where Black history aficionados can find a photo of him and King.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged Jackson as a trendsetter.

“For many in our country, he was the first person they heard make the case for D.C. statehood,” Bowser said in a statement. “The first person they heard say: It’s the right thing to do. He preached the stories and lessons of the

giants whose shoulders we stand upon, and in time, became a giant himself. I am blessed to have known and learned from Rev. Jackson.

On Tuesday, D.C. Councilmember Anita Bonds (D-At large), a member of Jackson’s 1984 presidential campaign team, heralded him for holding power accountable and expanding the nation’s collective imagination about what’s possible.

“When I think of good government, where all share in the shaping of our democratic republic, I think of the impact Rev. Jackson had on it,” Bonds said in a statement. “So much of what our country desires most - inclusion, government by the people with justice, equality and equity for all -is because of his work and leadership.”

District Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton paid homage to a comrade in the struggle for the District’s self-determination.

“In his years representing the District, Rev. Jackson stood firmly for D.C. statehood and full self-governance,” Norton said in a statement.

“He recognized that the denial of representation to D.C. residents was a civil rights issue at the heart of America’s unfinished democratic promise.”

As Frank Smith, a former D.C. council member, told The Informer, Jackson made the world better.

“Jesse has been a force in the Civil Rights Movement for the last 60 years,” Smith said. “He spent his entire life fighting for civil rights and the betterment of this nation. I knew him as an activist, as a neighbor and as a politician, when he was a shadow senator fighting for statehood of Washington, D.C. He gave his best as long as he could and for that we owe him a debt of gratitude as he goes home to take his rest.”

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5 The Rev. Jesse Jackson, Jesse Jackson Jr. and D.C. Mayor Marion Barry during his 1984 presidential campaign. (WI File Photo)

JACKSON

LIFESTYLE

Washington Informer Weekend Checklist

WASHINGTON INFORMER'S

Things To Do, DMV!

By Kree Anderson WI Intern

February is a busy month filled with Black History-related events and vibrant activities to enjoy in the DMV.

From African American arts and archives, to fitness fun and community healing, stay active, social and connected with these engaging experiences, and keep the momentum going with the Washington Informer Calendar!

Thursday, Feb. 19

In Living Memory: A Conversation on African American Archives

6 p.m. | Free Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center, 555 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C., 20001

The John Hopkins University Bloomberg Center will be hosting an intimate conversation with Lindsay Adams, Jason Reynolds, and Savannah Wood, coinciding with the Irene and Richard Frary Gallery’s exhibition, “Ceremony,” which highlights new works by Adams in conversation with never-before-seen objects from Johns Hopkins University Sheridan Libraries.

Moderated by Ceremony’s guest curator, Claudia M. Watts, the discussion will address each panelist’s relationship with archival materials, exploring the similarities and differences while underscoring the importance of archives and their afterlives.

For Adams, archives are sites of collective memory that inform her compositions and mark-making. To Reynolds, they are tangible moments from which he draws inspiration and feels called to preserve.

Wood is also a steward, managing more than 130 years of the AFRO American Newspapers publications as she creates meaningful opportunities for community engagement. Together, artist, collector, and steward will illuminate their spiritual connections to ephemera, the ways in which they navigate archival inconsistencies and biases, and the long-term impact they hope to create.

A reception with light fare will directly follow.

Black Arts In the Wake of Change: African American Women at the Helm of Community Arts Organizations 7 p.m. | Free This event is virtual.

Hosted by curator and doll artist Camila Bryce LaPorte, “Black Arts In the Wake of Change” explores the historic contributions of Black women in education, art, and social activism.

Panelists include Kibibi Ajanku, founder of The Sankofa Project; Dinana Baird N’Diaye, artistic director for the African American Craft Alliance; Julee Dickerson-Thompson, director of Young Masters, Inc., and more –– among some of the first beneficiaries of the Civil Rights and Black Arts Movements.

Emerging as artists during AfriCOBRA and the Golden Age of Black Arts (GABA), these women, like their predecessors, continue to expand Black arts and arts education to encompass social advocacy, community engagement, civic responsibility, global lineage, and cross-cultural bridging.

There will also be a focus on the legacy of the Black Arts Movement

along the Baltimore-Washington corridor, highlighting some of the greatest visionary leaders such as Harriet Gibbs Marshall, founder of the Washington Conservatory of Music, and Mary Cardwell Dawson, founder of the National Negro Opera Company (NNOC). Further, the virtual event will also include a discussion about the emergence of late 20th-century Black arts organizations and cultural enterprises.

Friday, Feb. 20

Postpartum and Prenatal Fitness Series with Barre3

11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.| $41.92+ Pink Moon, 7610 Old Georgetown Road Plaza Level (2nd Floor), Bethesda, MD, 20814

Bethesda-based community space Pink Moon is partnering with Barre3 to offer a special four-week prenatal and postpartum fitness series.

Participants will be able to connect with other moms and momsto-be as they learn the safest and most effective ways to exercise during pregnancy and in postpartum. Each session includes feel-good movement, small-group instruction, and discussions that will deep-dive into common postures and how they can be modified during pregnancy.

After class, connect each week with Pink Moon preferred providers, the organization’s vetted network of local health and wellness experts who make it easier for moms to navigate motherhood.

Exoplanets: Exploring

3 Participants at Merry Pin – a craft store, coffee shop, bar, and community space – present their finished art pieces. The cafe’s Feb. 21“Crafted Dialogues” event will feature fidget jewelry and neuroinclusive discussions with featured guest Tara Garwood. (Courtesy Photo)

Davis Boxing Promotions brings an explosive night of championship boxing to Washington, D.C.: Grind and the Glory!

Outside the Solar System

6:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. | $25.00+

This is a virtual event.

The search for planets outside the solar system has found more than 6,000 such worlds, known as exoplanets, over the past 30 years. Now the race is on to find Earthsized temperate planets, understand their atmospheres, and discover any signs of life on them.

Powerful NASA missions such as the James Webb Space Telescope and the future Habitable Worlds Observatory hold the promise of yielding breakthroughs revealing that humans are not alone in the universe. Learn how astronomers are carrying out this search and what they’ve been finding along the way.

Peter Plavchan, the NASA Landolt Space Mission’s principal investigator and associate professor of physics and astronomy at George Mason University, shares his research on exoplanets, describing how scientists determine their mass and details of their orbits.

Event highlights also include a Q&A; discussions of the 2029 NASA Landolt mission, set to improve common knowledge of exoplanets; and George Mason Observatory Director Rob Parks bringing the skies into your living room with remote control of the university observatory, weather permitting.

Saturday, Feb. 21

Davis Boxing Promotions Presents “Grind and the Glory” 6 p.m. | $64.08+

CareFirst Arena, 1100 Oak Drive SE, Washington, D.C., 20032

Topping the bill is Maryland’s undefeated standout Chris “The Blueprint” Glenn, who will defend his NBA Super Bantamweight Title in an eight-round showdown against dangerous Dominican Republic puncher Erick “El Flash” Rosado. Glenn enters the bout unbeaten and confident, but Rosado’s reputation as a heavy-handed finisher adds real intrigue to this title defense. With both fighters eager to shine on a big stage, fans can expect a high-stakes clash with championship implications.

The co-main event features a major welterweight collision as Greg “Sharpshooter” Outlaw, the #11 ranked fighter in the WBA and reigning NABA Welterweight Champion, steps into a 10-round battle against New Jersey’s tough and tested Micheal Lee. Outlaw’s precision and ring IQ will be put to the test against Lee’s grit and knockout power in what promises to be a fast-paced, competitive fight.

With championship bouts, regional rivalries, and rising prospects all on one night, Grind and the Glory is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated boxing events in the Washington, D.C. area.

Don't miss this unforgettable night of relentless action and rising stars.

Crafted Dialogues: Fidget Jewelry + Neuroinclusive Communications with Tara Garwood 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. | $15.90 Merry Pin, 7350 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20012

Join Merry Pin for “Crafted Dialogues,” a gathering where creativity meets meaningful conversation.

As participants craft fidget jewelry, the event hosts and tells the story of featured guest Tara Garwood, diagnosed with ADHD in her mid-40s and autism a few years later, who found community

TO DO Page 33

DO from Page 32

through co-founding and co-leading a neurodiversity employee resource group at her government agency – until all such groups were dismantled in early 2025.

In this discussion, Merry Pin will share tips for communicating with neurodivergent family, friends, and coworkers.

Fifty percent of ticket sales go to support the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.

Sunday, Feb. 22

Maryland Indoor 5K & Family Fun Run

Time depends on package selection | $32.80+

Arundel Mills Mall, 7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, MD., 21076

Warm up this winter with a one-of-a-kind racing experience at Arundel Mills!

Peake (Social) Events hosts an indoor 5K that takes place entirely inside the mall, giving participants the rare chance to run the milelong loop of Arundel Mills without braving the cold.

Choose between completing multiple loops for the full 5K or opting for the family-friendly fun run or walk, which features a shorter distance perfect for kids and new runners. After participants cross the finish line, stick around for post-race activities including fitness demos, recovery stretches, training tips, and workout ideas for all ages.

Additionally, the event aims to benefit Girls on the Run Greater Chesapeake Chapter, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designed to

enhance young girls' social, emotional and physical skills to successfully navigate life experiences. Register online!

Course distance and start times may adjust slightly based on registration numbers and logistics. Waved starts will help ensure plenty of space for running through the mall corridors.

Candlelight: From Bach to The Beatles 3 p.m. | $51.84+

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, D.C., 20024

Candlelight Concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Washington D.C.

“From Bach to The Beatles” will include the sounds of Mozart, Beethoven, and Claude Debussy, plus the Beatles’ 1960s classics, such as: “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Here Comes the Sun,” and more. Attendees – all of whom must be 8 years old or older – can expect an immersive and welcoming atmosphere, with numerous candlelights painting the arena with a bright, yellowish-orange hue and other visually appealing scenery.

The arrangement of classical music pieces played by exceptional musicians from the Listeso String Quartet will immediately captivate the ears and minds of listeners.

Doors open 45 minutes before the show, and there will be no entry once it starts. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Seating is first-come, firstserved. WI

5 Maryland-based community space Pink Moon partners with fitness program Barre3 for a four-week prenatal and postpartum series connecting moms and moms-to-be with safe, effective exercise tips during pregnancy and in postpartum. (Courtesy Photo)

review wi book

"I'll

Make Me a World: The 100-Year Journey of Black History Month"

By Jarvis R. Givens

c.2026, Harper

$24.99

256 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

You gotta start somewhere.

First, you crawled, then you toddled before you ran, which is exactly how most things are. There's a foundation from which to spring, a base from which to jump, and you need to figure out how to best proceed so you can succeed. You gotta start somewhere, and in the new book "I'll Make Me a World" by Jarvis R. Givens, it started with racism.

James McCune Smith was just 14 years old the day New York passed its Emancipation Act. Smith had been born into slavery but was officially freed that July 4 of 1827. He later wrote about the celebration. He never forgot it. Neither did those who learned of their freedom in Texas on June 19, 1865, or William Cooper Nell, who is credited with the first Crispus Attucks Day. And yet, these were early parts of the foundation of Black History Month.

In February 1926, public school teacher Carter G. Woodson, in conjunction with the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in Washington D.C., established the first Negro History Week. Givens says that it was an entirely political move, meant to call Americans. attention to Black life and culture. Black newspapers picked up the story, and spread it around the country to Black readers and Black churches. By 1935, the Negro History Week was celebrated widely in Black schools and communities.

In the fall of 1975, esteemed members of the renamed Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History gathered in Atlanta to celebrate Woodson's birthday and to change things up. With America's bicentennial coming the following summer, and considering all that had happened since Negro History Week was founded, it seemed that a Black History Month was appropriate. The members asked the White House for a proclamation, but President Ford could only send a customary "presidential message" because he didn't have congressional support. Ford's letter, says Givens, did not acknowledge historical suffering.

It was not until 1986 that President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation for Black History Month …

Black history, says author Jarvis R. Givens, is much more than what has been written. So is "I'll Make Me a World," in that it's considerably more than what its subtitle seems to offer.

That's not necessarily a good thing.

Packed with a timeline that runs longer than a century on both sides, Givens includes so much Black history here that it becomes overwhelming at times. Readers are taken back to the 19th century quite often and, as such, it generally takes awhile to wind back to the hundred year window that you're expecting. That might not be a bad feature but strictly speaking, this book is an abundance of history but not as much Black History Month history as it promises. More of the latter, slightly less of the former, would have made this book stellar.

As it is, though, it's a worthwhile read, informative, and eye-opening, but just know what you're getting. Do that, find "I'll Make Me a World," and get started. WI

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE

FEB. 19 - 25, 2026

ARIES A partnership opportunity on Thursday asks you to let go of how you think things should unfold. Focus your physical energy on one or two goals rather than spreading yourself thin. A financial conversation requires honesty about your needs, even if it feels vulnerable. Your creative work shines when you stop worrying about perfection. Lucky Numbers: 7, 38, 68

TAURUS A conversation on Wednesday clears up an assumption causing tension in a relationship. You're holding onto something because it's familiar, but growing frustration signals it's time to let go. Money could come from an unexpected source — that side skill you haven't considered lately. Push yourself out of your comfort zone this week. Lucky Numbers: 15, 43, 72

GEMINI On Thursday, your focus helps you finally finish something you've been avoiding. An important commitment needs emotional follow-through, not just intellectual interest. Be specific in communication to avoid future misunderstandings. Get your finances organized with actual records instead of rough estimates. Lucky Numbers: 4, 31, 59

CANCER On Tuesday, protect your boundaries even if it disappoints someone with unreasonable expectations. Trust your gut at work, especially if logical analysis doesn't feel right. A small home investment makes a big difference in daily comfort. You're recognizing a pattern from your past — now you can avoid repeating it. Lucky Numbers: 19, 46, 70

LEO Being vulnerable on Wednesday attracts the right people — better than trying to impress everyone. Create for yourself first, not for likes or sales. Collaboration means sharing the spotlight, which isn't your favorite but necessary. Romance deepens when you're honest about flaws instead of performing perfection. Your professional reputation grows through consistent good work, not one flashy moment. Lucky Numbers: 13, 37, 65

VIRGO On Thursday, let something go instead of perfecting it forever — done beats perfect. Delegate tasks and trust others, even if they won't do it your way. Moderate, realistic health changes stick better than extreme measures. Someone in authority notices your competence, even if you think it's basic work. Weekend rest is a priority, not a luxury. Be accurate with yourself instead of overly critical. Lucky Numbers: 17, 44, 67

LIBRA On Tuesday, trust your own judgment instead of polling everyone for their opinion. An educational investment pays off long-term. Question beliefs you've always accepted without examining. Choose what you genuinely like aesthetically, not what's trendy. Someone's perspective could shift how you see something you thought was settled. Lucky Numbers: 6, 35, 61

SCORPIO Financial honesty on Wednesday prevents future resentment, even though it feels exposing. Opening up could transform a relationship you thought was stuck. Investigating something explains the anxiety you've been feeling. Share selectively with trusted people instead of isolating completely. The discomfort you're feeling might be growth, not something wrong. Lucky Numbers: 3, 27, 53

SAGITTARIUS On Thursday, evaluate whether a partnership needs adjustment or has run its natural course. Watch what people do, not just what they say. Make sure you're getting as much recognition as you're giving. Romance requires real compromise while keeping your core identity. Have the direct conversation instead of avoiding tension diplomatically. Lucky Numbers: 21, 49, 74

CAPRICORN On Wednesday, eliminate what isn't working instead of trying to optimize a broken system. Realistic, sustainable health practices beat ambitious temporary fixes. Let your productive structure have some flexibility and spontaneity. Collaboration gets you further than stubborn solo effort. You'll finally get the recognition and compensation you've earned. Lucky Numbers: 10, 40, 76

AQUARIUS On Wednesday, implement your ideas instead of just theorizing. Connect romantically through actual emotion, not just intellectual conversation. Your unconventional approach creates a breakthrough after conventional methods plateau. Something you dismissed before suddenly feels important for your mental balance. Lucky Numbers: 23, 51, 78

PISCES On Tuesday, have an honest conversation or make a practical decision about your home situation. Adjust your environment to create a sanctuary instead of a draining space. Trust your intuition about housing but balance it with practical considerations. Shift a relationship dynamic toward what's healthy rather than what's familiar. Set boundaries firmly but compassionately — you've put this off too long. Weekend home time restores you after exhausting obligations. Escapism feels good temporarily but prevents real solutions. That difficult boundary? People will adjust better than you fear. Lucky Numbers: 26, 57, 81

SPORTS

Marlon Calhoun: A Young Father and Student-Athlete

Weeks prior to that matchup, Calhoun broke KIPP DC Legacy Prep’s scoring record by surpassing 2,000 career points during a Jan. 17 home game against Coolidge High School. He said the significance of that milestone didn’t dawn on him until well after the matchup.

“I knew I got my 2,000 points, but I still had a game going on,” he told The Informer. “I had to finish. I had to still win a game, and we won a game. It was a good accomplishment.”

A Match Made in Basketball Heaven

By Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr. WI Senior Local Politics &

After an electrifying season, basketball phenom and college team prospect Marlon Calhoun is leading his team into playoffs that promise to further cement KIPP DC Legacy College Preparatory Public Charter School’s reputation as a top-notch varsity basket-

However, as Calhoun, senior point guard for the KIPP DC Legacy Prep Bulldogs, explained, he has more immediate concerns.

“I’m just worried about all that after the season,” said Calhoun, 18. “We got playoffs, so I'm really locked in on trying to get a championship. I try to be more vocal with my teammates because they look at me, so I just try to lead by example.”

The Bulldogs’ home playoff game against E.L. Haynes Public Charter School, scheduled for Feb. 17, takes place just days after the Bulldogs (22-2) defeated the KIPP College Prep

In the fall of 2022, Calhoun joined the Bulldogs during his freshman year. He made the transition after spending a summer as a point guard on The District Sports AAU Program.

Jimmie Jenkins, president of that organization and coach of the Bulldogs varsity boys basketball team, said he encouraged Calhoun to join his squad at KIPP DC Legacy College Preparatory PCS. As Jenkins recounted, he and Calhoun’s relationship blossomed after a rocky AAU season during which he had to briefly remove Calhoun from his team.

“Sometimes when you're a leader, everyone is quick to be around you and we are rebellious to authority,” Jenkins told The Informer. “I saw that and I wanted to break that..so he could go further than me.”

Jenkins said that Calhoun’s development represents what’s possible for any young person who picks up a basketball.

“The game will take you to places that you've never been before and heights you've never seen. It will take you on a journey that prepares you for life,” Jenkins said. “Adversity [like] tough losses, running into people who may be slightly better than you or people getting attention right now and you may get the attention later. So many different things that the game will bring before younger men and women.”

Calhoun has channeled that energy into a challenge that often eludes young people in his position: balancing his obligations on the court and in the classroom. These days, he counts statistics among his hardest, but most fulfilling courses.

“That class gives me a little bit of struggle, but I'm working on it,”

Calhoun told The Informer. “It's math based and all about percentages. I love math. That’s my favorite subject.”

A Young Father on a Mission, and More to Come for KIPP DC Legacy Prep

Though Calhoun has flourished as a player, Jenkins said the young baller really embraced his voice as a team leader, especially after the birth of his son.

“I think having a baby and just getting older and getting tired of hearing me has made him more vocal,” Jenkins said. “At the same time, I see the humility within him. He's not complacent with the 2,000 points. He's not complacent with the championship or the accolades.”

Calhoun said his now 1-year-old son inspires his daily movements, which mostly include school, practices, and time spent at home.

“I don’t want to be locked up,”

he said. “I got to be there for him… because I don't have a father in my life. I just want to just do the right thing to stay in this life and be with him.”

Calhoun said that Jenkins, in his fourth year as head coach of the KIPP DC Legacy Prep Bulldogs, stands as his primary influence.

“A lot of coaches don't do a lot of things for you,” Calhoun said. “He gives me rides and everything [but other] coaches make you go on the bus. With all these other things going on in D.C., he makes sure we good. Not just me, all the players, so I’m thankful for him.”

As Jenkins explained, Calhoun is not a one-off.

“What you're seeing right now with Marlon Calhoun is what you're going to see for the future of KIPP Legacy Basketball,” Jenkins said. “We have so many great young men who will be coming through this program…next year, the year after that, and many years to come. We're recruiting student athletes. We're recruiting great families. We're recruiting people who want to be students first.”

WI

5 During a Feb. 5 game against the Roosevelt Rough Riders, Marlon Calhoun takes it to the paint with his coach and mentor Jimmie Jenkins behind him. (Courtesy Photo/KIPP DC Public Schools)

Marlon Calhoun, during a Feb. 5 game against the Roosevelt Rough Riders. The young athlete broke the KIPP DC Legacy College Preparatory Public Charter School’s all-time scoring record of 2,000 points in January. (Courtesy Photo/f KIPP DC Public Schools)

CAPTURE the moment

The Chinese Youth Club took to D.C.’s Chinatown on Feb. 15, performing a traditional Lion Dance in celebration of the arrival of the Lunar New Year on Feb. 17. Welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse, the vibrant event kicks off a week of celebrations leading to the parade on Feb. 22, allowing District residents to gather in Chinatown in hopes of fresh beginnings, prosperity, and good fortune. (Ja'Mon Jackson/ The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

Ramadan Began on Tuesday: Here’s What Local Mosques Have Planned

The Muslim Month of Fasting Brings Communities in the DMV Together

By Sumaya Abdel WI Intern

With the start of Ramadan this week, 2 billion Muslims across the globe kick off a month of fasting, devout worship, and creating safe spaces for worship and gathering, including faith leaders surrounding the DMV area.

From providing places for rows of worshipers to pray into the night to feeding thousands of fasters, mosques in D.C. and Baltimore are working to serve local Muslims by fostering unity in a divided time for the nation and world.

“The entire community is excited about the arrival of such a blessed time of the year,” said Yaseen Shaikh, the lead resident scholar at The Islamic Society of Baltimore (ISB), the largest mosque in the Baltimore area. “It’s a time for families to come together, to break bread

together after fasting the entire day, to worship together, to nurture their faith together and to build bonds of community.”

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, during which they abstain from food and drink from just before sunrise until sunset. It’s also a time of increased reflection and worship, where Muslims gather in mosques to perform a prayer special to the month known as taraweeh.

“Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds profound spiritual significance for Muslims,” said Imam Talib Shareef, president of Masjid Muhammad, also known as The Nation’s Mosque, in a statement submitted to The Informer. “The month commemorates the period in which the Qur’an was first revealed and is widely regarded as a season of mercy, forgiveness, and spiritual elevation.”

For Shareef, the season is all about “charitable giving, and renewed commitment to faith, family, and service to humanity.”

Throughout Ramadan, Muslims around the globe are called to increase their worship through individual action, particularly community engagement and service.

“As communities prepare,” Shareef continued, “Muslims are encouraged to approach Ramadan with intentionality—strengthening moral consciousness (taqwa), fostering compassion for those in need, and deepening bonds across families and neighborhoods.”

Mosques Offer Spaces to Worship, Gather During Ramadan

Across the area, local mosques are opening their doors and offer-

ing spaces for increased community gatherings and worship. Through hosting community iftars, Taraweeh prayers, and educational and spiritual programs throughout the month, these mosques help foster community and unity during Ramadan.

“Mosques, community centers, and service organizations will mark the month with special prayers, educational programs, and charitable initiatives aimed at uplifting both the spiritual and social well-being of the broader community,” Shareef said.

Just outside of Washington, D.C. stands the Diyanet Center of America (DCA), an intricately designed mosque with tall white minarets and Turkish-style domes that serves as a popular hub for Muslims in the DMV and welcomes up to 30,000 worshipers during the month.

Since 2016, the mosque has been offering thousands of people free iftars — the meal where Muslims break their fast — each night of Ramadan. Run by a group of volunteers, all meals are prepared fresh in the mosque’s kitchen and sponsored by the local community. Tents are set up outside in the mosque’s courtyard for people to eat in, and the annual banner is lit in between the two minarets.

“The DCA community, like mosques around the nation and world, welcome Ramadan with a full heart. It's a spiritual season for Muslims,” said Ahmet Salih, the executive director of DCA. “It’s a full month with people and families gathering together.”

At the Islamic Society of the

Washington Area (ISWA), the mosque's spiritual leader, Faizul Khan, said his mosque’s community is excited to welcome Ramadan, noting that the month is a time for the community to come together and be thankful.

ISWA also holds free catered iftars for the local community and often feeds up to 300 people each night.

“This is a month of opportunity,” said Faizul Khan, the mosque’s spiritual leader. “Our community comes together every day to break our fasts.”

In Baltimore, ISB features a 68-foot-tall minaret and has become increasingly popular, boasting a large social media presence of more than 200,000 Instagram followers. With its rising popularity, the mosque has hosted several open houses for the entire local community to visit the mosque and learn about Islam.

During the first week of Ramadan, on Feb. 22, ISB will host an open house for community members interested in touring the mosque and speaking with Muslim scholars. Further, people are invited to learn more about Ramadan and attend an iftar dinner at the mosque.

Shaikh, who also serves as the mosque's head of community affairs, emphasized that while Ramadan is a time for internal spiritual reflection, it's also a time for community action and service, particularly amidst tensions across the country.

“There's so much noise going on in the world right now that Ramadan is a bit of a nice escape from all the noise of injustices that we're seeing in our country and injustices that we're seeing worldwide,” Shaikh told The Informer. “Ramadan is an opportunity for us to donate, stand up and support whatever causes there are to help.”

WI

3 Imam Talib Shareef of Masjid Muhammad, also known as The Nation’s Mosque, speaks at the 2024 MLK Holiday DC Prayer Breakfast. (WI File Photo/ Robert R. Roberts)

The nation's capital has lost a true architect of justice. Pierpont Morgan Mobley, MLS, HistoryMaker and author, a man who transformed his childhood encounters with discrimination into a lifelong crusade for equity, passed away at Washington Hospital Center on Jan. 22, 2026, at the age of 88. He leaves behind a legacy that stretches from the pews of Northeast D.C. to the most powerful corridors of the West Wing.

A Historic Force in the West Wing: Pierpont Mobley's tenure at the White House was nothing short of revolutionary, marking him as a pivotal figure in the evolution of American governance. Serving under Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Jimmy Carter, Mobley's ability to navigate while working closely with the highest levels of power was his gift. He was capable of handling himself with grace and a steadfast commitment to justice, and he did so with ease.

He shattered the ultimate glass ceiling as the first African American ever appointed to a professional position within the White House Personnel Office.

His influence reached its peak during the Carter administration, where he personally authored the first-ever Affirmative Action Program for the White House and the Executive Offices of the President. This landmark document transformed federal hiring practices, turning the promise of equal opportunity into a tangible reality. His extraordinary contributions to the nation and his hometown did not go unnoticed; in 2020, he was officially inducted into the Washington, D.C., Hall of Fame, cementing his status as a local hero who changed the face of the American presidency. Armed with a master's in legal studies

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Pierpont Mobley's Legacy: From Northeast D.C. to the West Wing the religion corner

from the Antioch University School of Law, Pierpont didn't just witness history — he wrote it.

Serving under four U.S. presidents — Johnson, Nixon, Ford and Carter — he acted as a silent force for progress. His crowning achievement came during the Carter administration, where he authored the first-ever fair hiring practices, widely known as the Affirmative Action Program for the Executive Offices of the President, ensuring the door he walked through would stay open for generations.

The Voice for the Voiceless: Mobley's 32-year federal career was defined by his "people first" philosophy. Whether at the National Security Agency or the Department of the Interior, he fought for fairness. Most notably, his advocacy at the Department of Agriculture for Black farmers sparked a national movement, ultimately leading to the multibillion-dollar settlement signed by President Barack Obama.

A Pillar of the Community, despite his global influence, Pierpont's heart never left Northeast D.C. A 50-year member of Second New St. Paul Baptist Church, he mentored young men on job readiness, thus earning him yet another award for the fruits of his labor. His wall was a testament to his service:

• 2012: Inducted into the National HistoryMakers for outstanding government service and commitment to civil and human rights

• 2014: Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton for

outstanding and invaluable service

• 2020: D.C. Council Resolution by Chair Pro Tempore in recognition of community work and induction into D.C. Hall of Fame

• 2021: The Man-Made Award for mentoring and training young men on job readiness and manhood issues

• 2022: President's Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Services

• 2025: Global Couples Awards for Community Services (Sept. 26, 2025)

A legacy in print: in November 2024, Pierpont shared his journey with the world in his newly published book, "Black Side of the White House," which chronicles 16 years of navigating power and race at the pinnacle of his career.

Pierpont Mobley and his wife, Jeannette, built a life centered on public service and family. The couple operated the JPM Group, a D.C.-based consulting firm, and were known for their collaborative work in mediation, human resources, and mentoring. Together, they raised two children and were actively involved in their community, described as loving parents who fostered a structured, faith-based, and disciplined home environment. Recognized as a "loving family" by friends, Pierpont and Jeannette were pillars in the D.C. area, with Pierpont noted for his work in four presidential administrations and as a dedicated mentor to younger generations. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

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

Mount

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

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

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant

401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012 Office (202)-882-8331

Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:30 am Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331 Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Communion Every First Sunday "Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."

Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “ The Rev. E. Bernard

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

Website: Theplbc.org Email: churchclerk@theplbc.org

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rehoboth Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Promised Land Baptist Church

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2026 ADM 000029

Corita Lorraine DeVore

Decedent

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

Savannah Winona DeVore, whose address is 1227 Savannah Street, SE, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Corita Lorraine DeVore who died on 11/14/2018 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 8/5/2026. 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 8/5/2026, 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:

2/5/2026

Savannah Winona DeVore

Personal Representative

TRUE

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2026 ADM 000031

Patricia Ann Mayfield

Decedent

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

Eric Watson, whose address is 4420 Morgan Road, Morningside, MD 20746, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Patricia Ann Mayfield who died on 2/2/2025 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 8/5/2026. 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 8/5/2026, 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: 2/5/2026

Eric Watson Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 001355

Harry Millner aka Harry Davis Millner

Decedent

Cecilia R. Jones, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite #440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

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

Alfred Ramon Millner, whose address is 4415 Ord Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Harry Millner aka Harry Davis Millner who died on June 15, 2022 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 8/5/2026. 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 8/5/2026, 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: 2/5/2026

Alfred Ramon Millner Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2025 ADM 001392

Rosa E. Kelly Decedent

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

LaShawn Smith, whose address is 12602 Monarch Court, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rosa E. Kelly who died on 1/13/2018 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 8/5/2026. 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 8/5/2026, 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: 2/5/2026

LaShawn Smith Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2026 ADM 000076

Estate of Louis Rine aka Louis Edward Rine aka Louis E. Rine

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Carol Ann Crane for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

Admit to probate the will dated June 19, 2023 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise

In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative

Date of first publication: 2/5/2026

Carol Ann Crane 345 Elmcroft Blvd., Apt. 5205 Rockville, MD 20850

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 001422

Terry Franklin, Jr. Decedent

Julius P. Terrell, Esq. 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20004

Attorney

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

Julius P. Terrell, whose address is 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20004, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Terry Franklin, Jr. who died on 8/18/2023 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 8/5/2026. 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 8/5/2026, 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: 2/5/2026

Julius P. Terrell Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 001211

Marie Walker aka Rebecca Marie Walker Decedent

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015

Attorney

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

DeAnna Walker, whose address is 5413 Central Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Marie Walker aka Rebecca Marie Walker who died on 2/26/2025 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 8/5/2026. 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 8/5/2026, 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: 2/5/2026

DeAnna Walker Personal Representativ TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2025 ADM 001418

Yemaya Wilson

Decedent

Danielle Oglesby, Esq. 1150 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 802 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney

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

Anasa Wilson, whose address is 253 Newcomb Street SE, Apt 2, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Yemaya Wilson who died on 7/22/2024 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 8/5/2026. 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 8/5/2026, 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: 2/5/2026

Anasa Wilson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 643

Mary Judd Decedent

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

J. Anthony Concino III, Esq., whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Judd who died on 11/22/2023 without a Will. 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 8/5/2026. 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 8/5/2026, 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: 2/5/2026

J. Anthony Concino III, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2026 ADM 000056

Egypt Elaine Jones aka Egypt E. Jones Decedent

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

Virdella Maple, whose address is 247 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Egypt Elaine Jones aka Egypt E. Jones who died on 2/28/2025 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 8/12/2026. 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 8/12/2026, 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: 2/12/2026

Virdella Maple Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001361

Laura Long Decedent

Brian L. Kass, Personal Rep. 4301 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 434 Washington DC 20008

Attorney

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

Brian L. Kass, whose address is 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 434, Washington, DC 20008, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Laura Long who died on 2/25/2020 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 8/12/2026. 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 8/12/2026, 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: 2/12/2026

Brian L. Kass Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2026 ADM 000075

Lorraine Wilson Archey Decedent

Lynee C. Murchison, Esq. Adams Law Office, LLC 4201 Mitchellville Road, Suite 500 Bowie, MD 20716 Attorney

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

Eric N. Archey, whose address is 9501 Oak Leaf Place, Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lorraine Wilson Archey who died on 2/4/2018 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 8/19/2026. 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 8/19/2026, 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: 2/19/2026

Eric N. Archey

Personal Representative

TRUE

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2026 FEP 000016

2/17/2023

Date of Death

Tennie Waller

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Brian Waller whose address is 10103 Grandhaven Ave., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Tennie Waller, deceased, by the Circuit Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on March 15, 2023.

Service of process may be made upon Keith Lomax 4635 Minnesota Ave., NE, Washington, DC 20019 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:

4107 Massachusetts Ave., SE, 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.

Date of first publication: 2/19/2026

Brian Waller Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2026 ADM 000073

Rita Lorraine Cashwell Decedent

Lynee C. Murchison, Esq. Adams Law Office, LLC 4201 Mitchellville Road, Suite 500 Bowie, MD 20716 Attorney

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

Kellie Cashwell, whose address is 4594 Grebe Place, Waldorf, MD 20603, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rita Lorraine Cashwell who died on 10/14/2025 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 8/19/2026. 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 8/19/2026, 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: 2/19/2026

Kellie Cashwell Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2026 FEP 000013

November 25, 2024

Date of Death

Albert Jean Emile Mauger

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Beatrice Anne Solange Mauger and Jean-Albert Benoit Mauger whose addresses are 414 E. 88th Street, Apt. 1B, New York, NY & 4 Horizon Rd., Apt 618, Fort Lee, NJ 07024 were appointed personal representatives of the estate of Albert Jean Emile Mauger, deceased, by the Circuit Court for Miami-Dade County, State of Florida, on July 16, 2025.

Service of process may be made upon Graner S. Ghevarghese; 600 14th Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned District of Columbia personal property. 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: 2/19/2026

Beatrice Anne Solange Mauger Jean-Albert Benoit Mauger Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2026 ADM 000096

Ronald Nehemiah Douglas-Gooden Decedent

Lynee C. Murchison, Esq. Adams Law Office, LLC 4201 Mitchellville Road, Suite 500 Bowie, MD 20716 Attorney

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

Barbra Douglas-Gooden, whose address is 1613 Upton Court, Marion, IN 46953, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ronald Nehemiah Douglas-Gooden who died on 10/18/2011 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/19/2026. 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 8/19/2026, 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: 2/19/2026

Barbra Douglas-Gooden Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2026 ADM 000069

Allen Gregory Brooks II Decedent

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

Allen Brooks III, whose address is 1821 Corcoran Street NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Allen Gregory Brooks II who died on 5/8/2021 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/19/2026. 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 8/19/2026, 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: 2/19/2026

Allen Brooks III Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2025 ADM 001096

Stephanie M. Saunders Decedent

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

Kevin Judd, Esq., whose address is 601 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 900-South Building, Washington, DC 20004, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Stephanie M. Saunders who died on 11/13/2024 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 8/19/2026. 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 8/19/2026, 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: 2/19/2026

Kevin Judd, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

PEACE WALK from Page 1

Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center, the Buddhist temple that initiated the Walk for Peace from Fort Worth, Texas to the nation’s capital on Oct. 26.

With flowers, signs, smiles and support, people flooded District streets— from American University’s Bender Arena, to the Washington National Cathedral, Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial— to catch a glimpse of the monks, thank them for their commitment to peace, and listen to their wisdom, particularly at a time of major tension and division in the U.S. and across the globe.

“If anyone does not understand the significance or importance of what this means, they need to wake up,” Angelina Mosher, a student at Georgetown University working toward an MBA, told The Informer, during the Feb. 10 peace demonstration along Embassy Row after the service at the National Cathedral. “They need to open their eyes because there is a lot of hate, hurt, and acrimony on all sides of the political spectrum, from all religions, from all socioeconomic classes, and to think that everything is just fine right now is being ignorant to the suffering of your neighbor.”

As she takes in brewing national and international turmoil, navigates life as a student nearing graduation, and worries about the economy and job security, Mosher was moved by the monks’ message, emphasizing the crucial nature of promoting peace at this time.

“I think people are feeling a lot of worry right now,” she said. “It really is inspiring to see how a simple act like walking can galvanize and inspire so many people.”

As the group of monks traversed the District, leading up to a rally at the Lincoln Memorial on Feb. 11, their focus was not on celebration– even after completing such a feat. With thousands gathered in the name of peace, and inspired by their long journey, the group focused on their mission, using the massive platform to offer a call to action.

“Choose harmony over winning. Harmony does not mean sameness. It means respect without agreement and coexistence without fear,” said Paññākāra. “Peace does not come from victory. Peace comes from the ability to live together.”

Gaining Inspiration from a Peaceful ‘Act of Resistance’

PEACE WALK Page 44

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Witnessing the monks in person was awe inspiring for many as the monks walked by determined to spread their message of peace.

“I think the monks have done a beautiful job of representing peace and unity in a nonviolent, non-reactionary, beautiful way,” said Kimberly, an onlooker who did not feel comfortable disclosing her last name.

Frustrated by division and civil unrest globally, Kimberly said participating in the first day of the monks’ District programming, including going to the Washington National Cathedral, offered hope and encouragement.

“People just judge based on the way we look, the color of our skin, what school jersey you happen to wear,” she said. “People have just stopped listening and talking with each other. So, I think [this walk] is just a beautiful representation of what the world could be.”

Additionally, Kimberly was inspired by the monks’ message of mindfulness.

“I do not take the time to stop and... slow down...I’m a news junkie. This actually has been helping me stop, and listen to their evening talks, so I can stop reading the news,” she said. “[Their journey] has been a reminder to be more reflective,” she said.

For Mosher, witnessing the monks has offered a lesson about the power of peace.

“It is an act of resistance. It is saying that we are not going to partake in anger, in frustration, in hatred,” she told The Informer, “and we're going to do something positive and inspire others while calling for national attention [and] international attention.”

Excited to be part of the peaceful moment and movement, District resident Don Alley was among the massive crowd at the Lincoln Memorial during the Wednesday afternoon celebration of the monks’ long journey.

“It's a simple thing they're doing, but it's so powerful. So, you want to be involved in something that is very simple, very crisp, very powerful, and very concise. It speaks volumes,” he said, before noting one of the other lessons the monks have to offer. “I think they're saying a lot by just being who they are.”

Next Steps, Continuing the Peace Movement

As Alley stood in awe of the monks at the Lincoln Memorial, he considered how their message of peace could be used across D.C.

For Alley, achieving a more peaceful District and nation would involve open

Read more on washingtoninformer.com. PEACE WALK from Page 43

discussion, tackling unemployment issues and food disparities, and greater engagement between government officials and community members.

“We need communication. We need accountability,” Alley told The Informer. “We need to re-earn trust in one another and define the parameters of what our expectations are of each other.”

Although the nation’s capital was the final destination for the monks in their journey, Alley doesn’t view their presence in D.C. as closure, but rather a beginning.

“This is one step in understanding where we’re moving in terms of the people, not the government or the people in charge, but the people themselves,” he said. “We want you to understand that even though we stand in peace, even though we stand here and present ourselves in a large group, continue to realize how we’re building grounds, for there are more of us. We believe this is the way versus conflict, chaos, anger [and] rage baiting.”

While witnessing the monks at the Lincoln Memorial, Vio Trapsila said she feels that true peace work starts internally, which will then translate to how a person responds to external situations.

“Peace is within ourselves. What is bothering [you] first, you just have to deal with that first,” she said. “After dealing with yourself, then you can spread peace to others.”

Trapsila said she’ll take the lessons learned from the monks' long journey as she navigates the world.

“It gives me movement or something because they walked very far, especially in this kind of weather,” she told The Informer. “It just [provokes] some feelings that I cannot describe. That’s just the peace I can feel.”

With the monks in the nation’s capital, Trapsila said that she believes leaders could glean some wisdom from the group’s message.

“Everybody deserves a time for themselves, to just connect with their God,” she said. “Public policy needs to have that. [Employers] have to give their employees time to pray.”

After her own journey to the National Mall to see the monks in a beautiful celebration of peace, diversity and unity,Trapsila encouraged others to be inspired by the brave group of peaceful walkers.

“Just be present. We need to have kindness. And then realize that we are all different. We have to embrace our differences,” she said, “and we will bring peace eventually.” WI

MALVEAUX from Page 26

In 1898, in Wilmington, N.C., a legitimately elected multiracial government was overthrown. Black political power was dismantled. The ballot was replaced by the bullet. It was not disorder; it was organized suppression.

The lesson is sobering. When participation expands, resistance emerges.

Today's debates unfold in leg-

MORIAL from Page 26

was: an unannounced, militarized federal invasion of his state. He immediately began preparing legal action against the Trump administration for its reckless deployment of ICE and Border Patrol agents into Chicago communities.

But Pritzker didn't stop at mere rhetoric — he backed one of the strongest state-level countermeasures in modern immigration policy. House Bill 1312 would create "safe zones," ban ICE from courthouse arrests and allow residents to sue federal agents who violate their constitutional rights. This is a di-

distant.

Washington, for now, stands apart from much of this trend. Monumental Sports Network remains the local television home for the Capitals, Wizards and Mystics, offering regional access to games and programming. In today's media environment, that level of continuity is valued by fans. But access even here has become more complicated. The network is no longer included on many basic cable packages and requires upgraded subscriptions for many viewers to receive it. It was also dropped from three major streaming services after negotiations broke down, forcing fans who rely on streaming platforms to find alternative apps to watch or subscribe directly to Monumental's standalone service. What was once a straightforward local broadcast has become another example of how sports access is shifting in ways that create barriers for fans.

The Washington Nationals provide another example of how access is changing in real time. After years under a regional sports network model, the team is moving toward a league-produced local broadcast and streaming approach beginning with the 2026 season. Games will be available through select cable providers and a paid sub-

islative chambers rather than in armed mobs. But the question remains: Who has the authority to define citizenship?

Douglass claimed his identity in a system that denied him documentation. He did not wait for official recognition to assert his humanity. He understood that democracy depends not on perfect records, but on inclusive participation.

When paperwork becomes a

rect and unapologetic challenge to ICE's culture of impunity.

Meanwhile, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz took the federal government head-on, calling the ICE surge "a campaign of organized brutality" and demanding it end immediately. Walz publicly condemned the indiscriminate stops, the home invasions and the terror inflicted on families — stating plainly that the operation had caused generational trauma, economic devastation and profound civic harm.

These are not the words of timid officials. These are the words of leaders who know their people are under assault.

scription option. This shift reflects a broader direction across professional sports, where access increasingly assumes reliable broadband, disposable income and comfort managing multiple digital platforms rather than one simple channel.

For many fans, radio remains the most dependable way to follow games. Nationals broadcasts continue to air on 106.7 The Fan and a network of regional affiliates, providing play-byplay coverage that does not require additional subscriptions. That reach is meaningful. According to recent Nielsen data, radio reaches more than 90% of Black adults each month, making it one of the most trusted and consistent media platforms in the country. Radio endures because it was built to be accessible to large and diverse audiences across income levels and communities.

It is a reminder of what intentional access looks like.

The elimination of The Washington Post sports department sharpens the stakes of all these changes. For many readers, sports coverage was a gateway into local news and a way to feel connected to their city and community. When a major institution steps away from that role, the need does not disappear. It falls to smaller outlets with deep local ties but fewer resources.

This is where community-rooted

prerequisite for political voice, we should ask whether we are strengthening democracy — or narrowing it.

The struggle over the ballot has never been merely procedural. It has always been about power.

Douglass defined himself when the state would not.

The question now is whether we will let the state decide who counts.

WI

In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson did what the federal government has refused to do: He moved to hold rogue federal agents criminally accountable. His "ICE On Notice" executive order requires Chicago police to document illegal ICE activity, secure body-camera evidence and report violations of state and local law. This order makes Chicago the first city in America to build infrastructure capable of prosecuting ICE and CBP agents for misconduct.

Johnson's message is unambiguous: If the federal government will

journalism matters. Outlets like The Washington Informer, The Afro and The 51st were founded to serve audiences who are often overlooked when markets tighten and priorities change. Sports coverage is part of that mission. For these outlets to succeed, they also need access to teams, players and information that historically flowed most easily to larger organizations.

None of this is an argument against technology or innovation. New platforms have expanded how fans engage with sports. But when progress moves faster than access, the result is exclusion. The responsibility for protecting access does not rest with fans. It belongs to team leadership that sets distribution priorities, to broadcasters and platforms that negotiate exclusive rights, to funders who support journalism and to policymakers who shape the rules governing media and communications. It also belongs to readers who choose to support outlets committed to community coverage.

Sports still have the power to bring people together, particularly at a time when political and cultural divisions feel sharper than ever. Local journalism still has the power to reflect the life and vibrancy of a city. Keeping both accessible is a choice about what kind of civic life we want to sustain and who gets to be part of it. WI

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SMITH from Page 26

MORIAL Page 46

HAMEED from Page 27

those decisions are made, since commission members are appointed and not elected," said Claire Hacker, organizer with Extinction Rebellion DC. "For years, in hearings before the commission and council and in the streets, residents have made it clear that we want a fast and equitable transition to clean energy, and we don't want more of our paychecks going to line Washington Gas' pockets. But Chairman Thompson and Commissioner Trabue aren't listening. The D.C. Council needs to act in the public's interest and stop these commissioners from continuing their ir-

JEALOUS from Page 27

— or deny — human freedom. For her, Bitcoin became a lifeline. It offered a road back toward middle-class stability and a steadier alternative to a system people no longer trusted.

This past fall, at the Black Blockchain Summit at Howard University, activists from the African continent reminded me that refugees face the same reality. In conversations there, people told me that crossing a border often means losing access to banks, documents and savings overnight — and that Bitcoin can travel when everything else is confiscated or left behind.

Years ago, dissidents living inside a wealthy Asian nation known for severe repression told me how the state could erase people economically before ever touching them physically. Control the money and you control the person.

MORIAL from Page 45

not restrain its own agents, Chicago will do it for them. He has also strengthened sanctuary protections and barred ICE from using city property as operational staging grounds — a direct counterstrike against Washington's authoritarian overreach.

In Minneapolis, Mayor Jacob Frey has been just as explicit, calling for a nationwide end to the "ICE siege" and condemning the agency for transforming his city into the epicenter of an unconstitutional crackdown. Frey has repeatedly demanded the withdrawal of federal forces and highlighted the catastrophic impact of ICE's actions on Minneapolis residents,

responsible bias toward monopoly utilities."

Approximately one in seven D.C. households are behind on their gas bills alone, while Pepco disconnection notices spiked by nearly 20% in December 2025. Meanwhile, volatile fossil fuel prices have worsened the crisis, with the residential price of electricity rising 5.5% in November 2025 compared with the year prior and gas prices rising 88.5%. At the same time, Pepco and Washington Gas continued to make record profits, with Pepco earning $40.95 million in December 2025 and Washington Gas giving its shareholders a 6% dividend increase that same month.

Bitcoin matters because it is different from the carnival of other digital coins. It has no company. No CEO. No marketing department. Its supply is fixed. Its rules are public. It is recognized around the world the way gold is recognized — by habit and trust, not by decree.

I do not confuse Bitcoin with the broader digital-coin marketplace. Stablecoins tied to the dollar have practical uses for remittances and payments. But many alternative coins look like casinos dressed as technology. Bitcoin stands apart because it answers one narrow question well: How can ordinary people store value beyond the reach of rulers?

There are real concerns. Bitcoin uses significant energy, and that energy increasingly needs to come from renewables if the technology is to align with climate goals. Those debates matter. None erase the core fact that the network itself belongs

including shuttered businesses, terrified families and the deaths of two community members at ICE's hands.

This is what constitutional leadership looks like.

Let's be very clear: ICE did not enforce the law — it violated it. It terrorized communities, conducted illegal operations and left death in its wake.

And when federal leadership refused to enforce accountability, it was state and local officials — Pritzker, Walz, Johnson and Frey — who stood up in its place.

Their defiance is not radical. It is not partisan. It is not symbolic. It is constitutional patriotism. At a time when a federal agency behaves as if it is above the law,

"Across the board, D.C. families are forced to make difficult choices when it comes to keeping the lights on and staying warm in their homes," concluded Harrison Pyros, communications coordinator for We Power DC. "With electric and gas bills skyrocketing, we need utility regulators on the Public Service Commission who will put the interests of D.C. households before those of for-profit utility corporations like Washington Gas and Pepco. Rather than allow D.C. leaders already on their way out the door to rubber-stamp another five years of rate hikes, D.C. voters deserve a say in choosing a mayor who will ensure a new commission puts people over profits." WI

to no government and no bank. Critics say Bitcoin is volatile. They are right. So are currencies run by politicians. Critics say criminals use it. Criminals also use dollars and shell companies and a banking system that launders far more dirty money every year than Bitcoin ever has. The question is not whether a tool can be abused. The question is who controls it.

I pray we never need such tools here. I want my children to trust courts more than code. But history humbles proud nations. Emergency powers sold as temporary have a habit of stayng.

Whenever I listen to people who escaped repression, they speak of Bitcoin the way earlier generations spoke of safe houses — as the difference between begging and choosing. Markets will rise and fall. Human beings will still need freedom. That is why I believe the world will always need Bitcoin. WI

these leaders have reminded the country that:

The Constitution still applies. States still have rights. Local governments still have a duty to protect their residents. And no federal badge grants immunity from the rule of law.

America needs more leaders willing to confront unlawful federal power with this level of clarity and courage. Because if ICE can trample constitutional rights in Chicago and Minneapolis today, it can do the same in any American city tomorrow.

And if that happens, we will depend — desperately — on leaders like Pritzker, Walz, Johnson and Frey to stand firm once again. WI

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