This Week's Edition : 2-5-26 by The Washington Informer

5 - 11,

Black History Unfolding in the Wilson Building in Real Time

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

As is often the case, portions of this edition of The Collins D.C. Council Report were completed in the Maurice Williams Memorial Press Room, located on the fifth floor of the John A. Wilson Building.

For those who don’t know, Maurice Williams was a WHUR reporter who lost his life during the 1977 Hanafi Siege on the Wilson Building, then known as the District Building. This particular council report, written in commemoration of the Black History Month centennial, is written in honor of Williams, whose picture this reporter sits across from while filing copy in the press room.

At a time when people in power apply pressure, overt

WILSON Page 13

D.C. Students Lead Walkout Against ICE

Amid National Outcry, Activists Seek General Unity

5 Students across local college campuses, including Howard University and the University of Maryland, march on Georgia Avenue in Northwest, D.C., during a nationwide shutdown against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Jan. 30. (Keith Golden Jr./The Washington Informer)

By Sumaya Abdel and Keith Golden Jr. WI Interns

In the wake of a new year sullied by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Howard University freshman Zahir Kalam Id-Din found inspiration in youth protests, igniting his own interest in encouraging a call for collective action.

A week ahead of a nationwide anti-ICE shutdown, 20-year-old Kalam Id-Din was on a FaceTime call with his brother discussing the latest news of recent ICE arrests and violence that not only sparked high school walkouts in cities across the country, but would catapult his vision for a movement in D.C.

STUDENTS Page 9

5 Since the short-lived arrests of Black journalists Don Lemon (pictured) and Georgia Fort, in relation to an anti-ICE protest in St. Paul, Minnesota, people are calling for renewed protections of the First Amendment. (WI File Photo/ Robert R. Roberts

By Jada Ingleton WI Content Editor

It’s been 100 years since Carter G. Woodson created a celebration recognizing African American history, and his mission is still a waging battle for Black America.

Before the annual commemoration throughout February, Woodson established Negro History Week in 1926 and, as founder of the Association for African American Life and History (ASALH), set a precedent for what it means to uphold the truths of America – plus the roots engraved by the culture.

From correcting the record on more than four centuries of enslavement, to recognizing the pioneers of

Page 29

Black Journalists Arrested for Reporting: Don Lemon and Georgia Fort Lawmakers,

Activists Warn of Attack on First Amendment and Other Rights

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Two Black journalists— Minneapolis-based Georgia Fort and national reporter Don Lemon—were arrested on Jan. 30 in what many are calling an attack on the First Amendment.

The Black journalists' only apparent offense was documenting protests critical of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.

Lemon, a veteran broadcaster and longtime critic of

LEMON Page 4

ASALH

5 A photo of Maurice Williams, a WHUR reporter killed during the 1977 Hanafi Siege, hangs in the press room of the John A. Wilson Building. The room was named in his honor on March 12, 2007. (Courtesy Photo)

The Collins D.C. Council Report

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Kendrick Lamar Makes Hip Hop History at 2026 GRAMMY Awards

5 Kendrick Lamar is a barrier-breaker, having earned the most Grammys of any hip-hop artist. On the first day of Black History Month, Lamar made history at the 68th Annual Grammys, winning five awards and earning 27 total over the years. (Courtesy Photo)

Kendrick Lamar kicked off Black History Month making a major hip-hop milestone at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

Nominated for nine awards for his November 2024 surprise album “GNX,” filled with songs and references that are an homage to Black culture, Lamar won five-–becoming the hip-hop artist with the most Grammys in history.

With 27 Grammy awards, the celebrated rapper, who performed at last year’s Super Bowl, has now surpassed Jay-Z’s record of 25 and that of Kanye West, who has 24.

In accepting the Best Rap Album of the Year award, the artist emphasized the importance of hip-hop on overall culture.

“Hip-hop is gonna always be right here,” he declared.

As Lamar made hip-hop history, the eve-

ning— featuring memorable moments such as Lauryn Hill honoring the late artists D’Angelo and Roberta Flack— highlighted the historic influence of Black artists on culture overall.

“Happy because Black excellence won on Black History Month,” one social media user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Lamar’s historic night at the 68th Grammys, comes at a time when diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and Black narratives are under federal attack. As a rapper, Lamar unapologetically references Black culture with songs such as “TV Off,” which won Best Rap Song and “Chains & Whips,” which won Best Rap Performance, a category created less than 40 years ago and first awarded in 1989.

The barrier-breaking rapper also won Record of the Year alongside Sza for the song “Luther,”

President Donald Trump Says Kennedy Center to Close for Two Years

Arts Venue Suffers Low Ticket Sales After Trump Takeover: ‘He’s Embarrassed’

After purging previous members and reshaping the Kennedy Center Board, taking over as board chairman and putting his name on the building last year, President Donald Trump has made another major announcement for the world-renowned arts venue: temporarily closing it for two years on July 4.

While the president said the decision to close is due to “construction, revitalization and complete rebuilding,” the announcement comes after several artists and organizations canceled performances and residencies after Trump’s 2025 takeover of the center, causing ticket sales to significantly plummet.

“[Trump’s] closing the Kennedy Center he says is to make it better,” social media user Dr. Cynthia Alease

LEMON from Page 1

President Donald Trump, was arrested late Thursday night in Los Angeles after livestreaming an anti-ICE demonstration connected to a January protest at a St. Paul, Minnesota church.

“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,” Lemon said in a press conference immediately following his Friday release.

A short time after Lemon was taken into custody, Fort, an Emmy-winning journalist, was arrested by federal agents in her home state for reporting on the same protest, according to public statements and court records.

“As I reflect, as a journalist who has worked in media for more than 17 years, I leave this federal courthouse today with one question. Do we have a Constitution?” Fort questioned. “That is the pressing question that should be on the front of everyone's minds.”

The arrests occurred after federal authorities revived charges tied to a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul after a

Smith, an anti-racism educator and essayist, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “He's closing it down because he destroyed it and doesn't want the embarrassment anymore.”

In late October 2025, The Washington Post revealed that unsold tickets from Sept. 3 to Oct. 19 were at 43%, in comparison to 7% at the same time the previous year.

That was nine months into Trump’s presidency.

Then, in December, Trump renamed the venue– which officially opened in 1971 as a memorial to late President John F. Kennedy— by adding his name.

Despite reporting low viewership in 2024– with more

magistrate judge had already declined to approve arrest warrants against Lemon and others, citing insufficient evidence.

Prosecutors then pursued indictments through a grand jury, a move civil liberties advocates say appears designed to sidestep judicial scrutiny and chill coverage of protests against ICE operations.

Fort documented her own arrest in a brief livestream as agents arrived at her door, telling viewers she was being taken into custody for filming the protest as a member of the press. Her arrest, announced publicly by Attorney General Pam Bondi, placed the journalist alongside protesters in a case the administration has described as a coordinated attack.

“I should be protected under the First Amendment, just like all of the journalists who I've been advocating for, too,” Fort said after being released. “I've been advocating for mainstream media journalists who have been brutalized for months.”

Lemon also reflected on the importance of honoring

Page 14

LEMON

KENNEDY Page

LAMAR Page 5

AROUND THE REGION

New D.C. Proposal Sends Every Child Support Dollar to Families, Not Government

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Attorney General Brian Schwalb introduced the Child Support Improvement Amendment Act of 2026, a sweeping proposal aimed at dismantling what advocates describe as a cost-recovery child support system that has long shortchanged D.C. children most in need.

The legislation would ensure that every dollar of child support collected from non-custodial parents goes directly to the children and families it is meant to support, rather than being diverted to reimburse the District and federal government for administrative costs, a practice that currently applies to families receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, or TANF.

“Dollars paid for child support should go directly to supporting kids — not to covering the cost of government collection operations,” Schwalb said in a statement. “We must do everything in our power to alleviate child poverty and make the District more affordable for all of its residents.”

The bill, championed by Councilmembers Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2) and Matthew Frumin (D-Ward 3), would significantly increase monthly support for some of the District’s most economically vulnerable families.

To qualify for TANF, a family of four must earn less than $13,000 a year. Under the proposed reforms, current and former TANF recipients could receive hundreds of dollars more each month

from Page 4

named after the late legendary singer Luther Vandross, whose 1982 song with Cheryl Lynn “If This World Were Mine,” was sampled for the song. When announcing the winner, the celebrated singer Cher accidentally said the Grammy was to be awarded to Vandross, as opposed to for the song named in his honor.

While she quickly clarified her words, and the audience and artists alike treated Cher’s mixup as an honest mistake, Kendrick Lamar also emphasized the importance of

“This is special for me,” Lamar said. “[Vandross] is one of my favorite artists of all time. They granted us the privilege to do our version of it. When we got that clearance, I promise you, we

once the changes are fully implemented, resources that supporters say will improve health, education, and public safety outcomes across the city.

With the current framework, child support for TANF families operates largely as a debt-collection model. Federal law requires parents applying for TANF to assign their child support rights to the government, allowing the District to split collected payments with the federal government to recover benefit costs and fund enforcement operations. As a result, custodial families often receive only a fraction of the payments, if any at all.

Advocates argue that this structure discourages compliance. They said non-custodial parents are less likely to pay when they know their money is not going to their children, which drives up enforcement costs while delivering little benefit to families.

The system also places custodial parents, often mothers, in the position of being required to help the government pursue court action against the other parent. Sometimes this happens without that parent understanding why the action is being taken, a dynamic that can deepen family conflict while yielding minimal financial relief.

“These reforms refocus our child support system on what truly matters — supporting children,” said Vikram Swaruup, executive director of Legal Aid DC. “Instead of diverting payments away from DC’s poorest families, the District can now ensure that child support reaches the parents and

damn near all dropped a tear, because we know how much [Vandross] and Cheryl Lynn poured into that record. And being able to put our vocals on it, proves that we were somewhat worthy to be just as great as them individuals.”

In accepting the award, singer Sza used the moment to offer encouragement for all those tuning in.

“I just want to say thank you to Kendrick for lifting me up. I just am a small part of this record, but what I really wanted to say is please don’t fall into despair,” she told the crowd and fans watching from home. “I know that right now is a scary time. I know the algorithms tell us that it’s so scary, and all is lost. There’s been world wars, there’s been plagues, and we have gone on. We can go on, we need each other.”

kids who need the help.”

‘Benefits of Legislation: ‘These Reforms Focus on Improving How Child Support is Delivered’

The Child Support Improvement Amendment Act takes advantage of recent changes in federal law that give states and local jurisdictions more flexibility in allocating child support payments.

The legislation would require that all current child support collected for families receiving TANF be paid directly to those families, removing the long-standing monthly cap.

Until this year, families could receive no more than $150 per month in passed-through support. The FY2026 budget raised that limit to $200, and the proposed law would eliminate the cap entirely once fully in effect.

The measure would also direct all collected overdue child support, known

as arrears, to families who currently or formerly received TANF, ending the practice of diverting those funds to government recovery.

In addition, the bill restructures enforcement timelines to prioritize payments while children are still young. For new cases filed after the law takes effect, child support judgments would remain enforceable until five years after the emancipation of the youngest child, rather than expiring on a rigid 12-year clock that can delay meaningful support.

“All children deserve to have the fi-

nancial support they need at home to thrive,” Pinto said. “Our child support reform bill will mean many District families in need will receive hundreds more dollars a month to cover costs like housing, food, transportation, and more for DC children.”

Frumin said the legislation is designed to simplify a system that too often works against the families it is supposed to help.

“Families should not have to work their way through a complicated system to receive support meant for their children,” he said. “These reforms focus on improving how child support is delivered, making it more straightforward, more dependable, and better aligned with families’ needs.”

DEADLINES

February 2: Grades 9-12

March 2: PK3 — Grade 8

Have

(202) 888-6336

The Child Support Improvement Amendment Act of 2026 works to dismantle what advocates describe as a cost-recovery child support system that has long shortchanged D.C. children most in need. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb introduced the legislation, which is championed by Ward 2 and 3 D.C. Councilmembers Brooke Pinto and Matthew Frumin. (WI File Photo)

LAMAR

AROUND THE REGION

Feb. 5

1869 – Educator Minnie Cox, one of the first Black female U.S. postmasters, is born in Lexington, Mississippi.

1884 – Inventor Willis Johnson patents the egg beater.

1934 – Baseball legend Hank Aaron is born in Mobile, Alabama.

1972 – Bob Douglas, "the father of Black professional basketball," becomes the first African American elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

1990 – Barack Obama becomes the first Black elected to Head Harvard's Law Review.

1994 – Avowed white supremacist Byron de la Beckwith is convicted of murdering civil rights activist Medgar Evers in 1963.

Feb. 6

1882 – Famed Black poet and civil rights activist Anne Spencer is born in Henry County, Virginia. 1933 – Walter E. Fauntroy, longtime former delegate to the U.S. Congress and former pastor of the New Bethel Baptist Church in the District, is born in D.C. 1945 – Reggae music icon Bob Marley is born in Jamaica's Saint Ann Parish.

1993 – Tennis great Arthur Ashe dies in New York City from AIDS-related pneumonia at age 49.

Feb. 7

1887 – Famed pianist Eubie Blake is born in Baltimore.

1965 – Comedian and actor Chris Rock is born in Andrews, South Carolina.

1974 – The Caribbean country of Grenada declares its independence from the United Kingdom.

1991 – Jean-Bertrand Aristide takes the oath of office as Haiti's first democratically elected president.

Feb. 8

1944 – Harry S. McAlpin becomes the first African American journalist admitted to a White House press conference.

1986 – Oprah Winfrey becomes the first African American woman to host a nationally syndicated talk show.

Feb. 9

1944 – Writer Alice Walker, author of "The Color Purple," is born in Putnam County, Georgia.

1965 – Martin Luther King Jr. meets with President Lyndon Johnson to discuss Black voting rights.

1971 – Pitcher Leroy "Satchel" Paige becomes the first Negro League veteran to be nominated for the Baseball Hall of Fame.

1995 – Bernard Harris becomes the first Black astronaut to walk in space.

Feb. 10

1927 – World renowned opera singer Leontyne Price is born in Laurel, Mississippi.

1939 – Singer Roberta Flack is born in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

1992 – Author Alex Haley of "Roots" dies in Seattle of a heart attack at 70.

Feb. 11

1920 – U.S. Air Force fighter pilot Daniel "Chappie" James Jr., the first African American to reach the rank of four-star general, is born in Pensacola, Florida.

1977 – Clifford Alexander Jr. is confirmed as the first Black secretary of the U.S. Army.

1990 – Human rights activist Nelson Mandela is released from a South African prison after serving 27 years. WI

Bob Marley (left)

Chris Rock (center)

Alice Walker (right)

AROUND THE REGION view P INT

BY RICHARD ELLIOTT

What are your thoughts on the arrests of Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, particularly considering the First Amendment?

CARLOS CHILDS

WALDORF MARYLAND

"As an up-and-coming journalist and podcaster it's horrifying to watch our First Amendment constantly being eroded. The Trump administration is targeting journalists in an effort to keep the public in the dark about the Gestapo tactics and executions being carried out by ICE agents. This attack on freedom of the press is not just being done by Trump but also by corporations and the wealthy elites who are buying up news and social media outlets with the goal of censoring people who they disagree with. Everyone, no matter your political ideology, needs to stand up against this regime and their assault of our First Amendment rights."

RYAN TURNER / BALTIMORE MARYLAND

FATMATA BARRIE / WHITE OAK MARYLAND

“Since our country’s founding freedom of the press and the protection of journalist’s right to question our government has been a symbol of our democracy. When journalists— particularly Black journalists— are targeted and arrested for documenting state action, it sends a chilling message about who is allowed to tell the truth and who is meant to be silenced.”

“What happens in Minneapolis won’t stay in Minneapolis. When government normalizes the arrests of journalists, it sets a dangerous precedent that invites intimidation, reduces transparency, and erodes free speech nationwide. In a democracy, we don’t silence scrutiny: we protect it, because the public’s right to know is not negotiable.”

ANTHONY LEE WRIGHT

“The arrest of journalists in Minnesota is to be expected of a president, who not only is willing to ‘kill’ other Americans, but also wants to silence the media that is covering the events.”

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.

Groups Urge House to Block Bill Letting President Pick D.C. Attorney General

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

A coalition of 19 nonpartisan nonprofit organizations urged House leaders to oppose legislation that would end the District of Columbia’s elected attorney general and replace that system with a presidential appointment.

“We strongly urge you to oppose the passage of the District of Columbia Attorney General Appointment Reform Act of 2025 (H.R. 5179 in the 119th Congress), which, if enacted, would take power away from the people of the District of Columbia and place it directly into the hands of the president,” the groups wrote in a Jan. 28 letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas), would amend the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to provide that the attorney general for the District of Columbia is appointed by the president and serves at the president’s pleasure without Senate confirmation. The legislation also provides that the term of the D.C. attorney general would coincide with the president’s term.

“The bill provides that the appointment is not subject to confirmation in the Senate,” according to Congress.gov. “Under current D.C. law, the Attorney General is elected by D.C. voters for a four-year term that coincides with the term of office

on Jan. 19. A coalition of 19 nonpartisan nonprofit

to oppose a new bill that would end the District of

elected attorney general and replace that with a presidential appointment. (Ja’Mon

of the D.C. Mayor.”

In the reported text posted by Congress, the measure states that the service of the individual serving as D.C. attorney general – currently Brian Schwalb – on the day before enactment would terminate on the date the act becomes law.

The organizations opposing the bill said the change would break with the prevailing model across the country, noting that 43 states elect their attorneys general and that D.C. currently does as well.

The groups also warned that placing the office under presidential control could damage prosecutorial independence. In the letter and a separate public statement, the coalition pointed to President Donald Trump’s public encouragement of investigations and indictments of political opponents, including repeated attacks on New York Attorney General Letitia James after she brought a civil fraud case against Trump.

The coalition also cited the D.C. attorney general’s consumer protection and civil enforcement work. The letter said that in 2024 the office secured more than $661 million in savings and benefits for District residents and reported a 330 percent return on investment based on a $153.7 million budget.

Local-control disputes involving the District have drawn broader attention on Capitol Hill. A November 2025 report by WJLA said the House had advanced multiple bills aimed at D.C. laws and that additional measures scheduled for votes included H.R. 5179, the attorney general bill.

“The residents of DC deserve an independent, democratically elected attorney general who fights for the best interests of the people,” the organizations wrote, urging Congress to vote no on H.R. 5179.

than 4 million people tuning in–fewer people watched the Kennedy Center Honors on Dec. 23, with Nielsen reporting a 25% decrease from last year to about 3.01 million in 2025.

For many, the president’s recent move to close the Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, has more to do with low ticket sales and continued pushback from artists and audiences alike.

“A few weeks ago, Trump said he ‘saved the Kennedy Center,’ and now

it’s closing down for two years,” disability activist Ola Ojewumi wrote on X. “He’s embarrassed that no one wants to perform at a venue named after him. He closed it down since the low sales and performance cancellations remind him how hated he is.”

The president said he plans to close the venue on July 4, in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, and begin construction of a “new and spectacular entertainment complex” noting that financing is “fully in place.”

AROUND THE REGION

enforcement throughout the country is absurd, encouraging people to resist.

“It's the brutality that we're seeing, the violence we’re seeing, the callousness we're seeing, and the lack of training that we're seeing in these new ICE agents,” Amani said. “You can tell that these people have not been trained because there's no reason any officer of the law should be panicked enough to shoot people in the streets when you're doing a deportation or an arrest.”

Coupled with the support of Howard students such as Amani and Kalia Bain, among others, Kalam Id-Din told The Informer the student walkout was not about one particular organization;, it was a call to action “for students, by students.”

“We do not want the system of terror to stand,” he said.

As D.C. residents planned a protest for the same day, Kalam Id-Din noted the importance of students leading

their own movement.

“We are standing with those who have passed before us, who have fallen by the hands of ICE,” he continued. “We are standing with the Black and brown people in the immigrant communities who are faced with fear.”

Dressed in all black, the student-led protest scaled the streets of D.C., walking from Georgia Avenue, to Franklin Square and to the White House, with the support of blockades from the Metropolitan Police Department. People on the sidewalk stopped to film videos, residents in their homes opened their windows to take in the action, and drivers honked their horns as they passed students, championing their cause.

Throughout the frigid walk, students chanted, waived signs and offered bystanders a call to action.

Page 17

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 13-2026 financial analysis and advisory services

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) Office of Capital Programs (OCP) requires licensed, qualified professionals to provide Financial Analysis and Advisory Services for the District of Columbia Housing Authority.

SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available Thursday, January 29, 2026, 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 Monday, February 17, 2026, at 12:00 PM

Email Destinee Simmons, Procurement Analyst (OAS) at dmsimmons@dchousing.org for additional information.

5 Culminating an over-mile-long journey in 20-degree weather, students chant outside the White House to demand the removal of ICE agents from communities across the nation. (Keith Golden Jr./The Washington Informer)

STUDENTS

AROUND THE REGION

CAPTURE THE MOMENt

Howard University students lead a walkout and march to the White House on Jan. 30, as part of the nationwide “ICE Out” protests. (Keith Golden Jr./The Washington Informer)

Dr. Cashenna A. Cross, mayor of Glenarden, Maryland, gets the latest news from The Washington Informer. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

BUSINESS

Ingrid S. Watson Takes on New Role in Prince George’s

By WI Web Staff

With more than three decades of public service and community investment, former District 4 Councilmember Ingrid S. Watson (D) is expanding her impact as the newly minted president and CEO of Prince George’s County’s Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC).

Effective Jan. 16, Watson, who previously served in PGCEDC’s Workforce Services Division, returns to the corporation in a new realm dedicated to propelling busi-

ness development and economic opportunity throughout the heart of Maryland’s second most-populous county.

“Ingrid Watson brings a deep understanding of Prince George’s County and a strong record of public service to this role,” said Orlan Johnson, chair of the PGCEDC Board of Directors. “Her prior experience within PGCEDC, combined with her leadership on the County Council and her deep knowledge of workforce development and economic policy, provides valuable perspective as

we continue our work to support businesses, create jobs, and promote inclusive economic growth.”

A longtime champion of community betterment, Watson brings a deep background in expanding economic opportunity, workforce development, infrastructure investment, and grassroots outreach.

In addition to strengthening workforce and education pipelines, the former at-large council member of the City of Bowie has led initiatives that support sustainability and public health and safety, among others, while championing the causes of seniors, youth, nonprofits, and small businesses.

Beyond managing day-to-day operations at PGCEDC, her new role welcomes an opportunity to advance a collective vision to strengthen communities through business development and job creation – furthering a vast commitment to helping Prince Georgians thrive.

“Having previously worked within PGCEDC and spent my career focused on workforce development, economic growth, and community engagement, I

UNPACK A NEW BEGINNING

understand the critical role the organization plays,” said Watson in a press release, “in supporting existing businesses, attracting new businesses, and expanding opportunities across our County.”

During her tenure on the council, the District 4 representative is also credited with chairing the Accessory Dwelling Unit Task Force and the Council’s Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee, where she oversaw a $5.8 billion county budget, and serving in leadership and representative roles across education, workforce, and health and human care services.

More than 30 years into her public service mission, Watson views the appointment as a fitting capstone to establish what’s next for the area.

“I am honored to return to the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation and to serve as president and CEO,” said the PGCEDC president. “I look forward to working with county leadership, the business community, and regional partners to continue building a strong, inclusive

economy that benefits all Prince George’s County residents and businesses.”

5 Ingrid S. Watson (D), former District

4 Councilmember of Prince George’s County, is stepping into her newly appointed role as president and CEO of Prince George’s County’s Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC). (Courtesy Photo)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Maryland’s 5th Congressional District Race Heats Up Hoyer Endorses Boafo, Blegay Announces Run,

Solis Talks Hopes if Elected

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Writer

The race to replace longtime Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) has nearly a dozen rumored candidates, including Del. Adrian Boafo (D-District 23), Prince George’s County Councilmember Wala Blegay, and Alexis Solis.

Jason Fowler, who recently announced his candidacy for District 27’s State Senate seat, is hoping to see strong congressional representation to continue Hoyer’s legacy.

“I would like to see a congressional candidate who can be a check on the worst and most malignant president of our lifetime, leverage federal resources to address the growing hunger crisis in our state, and secure funds for vital transportation priorities such as the new Thomas Johnson Bridge, Southern

Md light rail and improvements to the Route 4 corridor,” Fowler told The Informer.

With the race already heating up, candidates are working to garner all the support possible to achieve their goal of filling Hoyer’s seat and representing the people of Maryland’s fifth Congressional district.

Boafo is getting an early start and announcing endorsements from Sens. Ron Watson (D-District 23) and Kevin Harris (D-District 27), and even the retiring congressman— his former boss and mentor.

“With deep respect for his character, admiration for his experience, and faith in his ability as a leader, I am proud to endorse Adrian Boafo for Representative of Maryland's Fifth District,” Hoyer said in a Jan. 23 statement. “I have

Adrian for years. He is as warm as he is smart, as principled as he is pragmatic. He genuinely loves our community and our people. Public service defines Adrian.”

Boafo served as the campaign manager for Hoyer, and was elected to the Bowie City Council in 2019.

“It came as no surprise when Adrian's neighbors called on him to represent their interests on the Bowie City Council,” Hoyer continued. “Even though he was only 25, Adrian won his race handily because voters knew from experience that he was someone they could count on to resolve their problems.”

The delegate is a key sponsor of a bill to raise the minimum wage for tipped workers and is sponsoring legislation during this session to prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers from becoming law enforcement officers in Maryland.

“Today, there are Prince Georgians who have access to clean water, military families who are now protected from discrimination, workers who earn higher wages, and countless other Marylanders whose lives are better because of Adrian Boafo,” Hoyer explained. “Adrian delivers results. He will continue to do so as the Congressman from Maryland’s Fifth District. I encourage my fellow Marylanders to support Adrian Boafo for Congress.”

Del. Boafo thanked Hoyer for support and decades-long commitment to serving Maryland.

“Rep. Steny Hoyer’s legacy of service and his ability to get things done for the people is awe inspiring. His endorsement and his con-

3 After announcing his retirement, longtime Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer is endorsing Del. Adrian Boafo to succeed him in Congress. (Courtesy Photo/ Boafo For Congress)

represented nurses in the past. We can’t have people in Congress who are afraid to fight.”

Lisa Ellis, a Charles County advocate, called Blegay “a warrior and a giant slayer.”

fidence in my ability to represent our home in Washington means the world to me,” said Boafo.

“Rep. Hoyer taught me– and so many public servants across the country– the importance of knowing your constituents, how to fight like hell to deliver for them, and how to work with anyone for the common good. I hope to take those lessons to Washington as we work to fortify a promising future for Maryland’s Fifth District.”

Councilmember Wala Blegay Announces Congressional Race

Blegay, who was recently appointed to one of the two at-large positions on the Prince George’s County Council, officially announced her congressional campaign on Jan. 28.

“This is about our community, our future, and leadership that fights for people,” she wrote in a social media post ahead of the announcement.

Blegay plans to launch her campaign on Feb. 4; her original launch was delayed due to the recent snowstorm.

LaTasha R. Ward, a small business owner and advocate who is planning to run for the House of Delegates, is supporting Blegay for the congressional seat.

“I have known Wala since 2014, and she’s always been an advocate and a voice for the people. I’m happy she’s running,” Ward told The Informer. “Right now in the state of Maryland, we need someone who can advocate for health care, who can advocate for women and children. I trust Wala will stand up on these issues as she has

“I’ve stood in the trenches with Wala Blegay, and I’m telling you: she is the leader this moment demands,” Ellis wrote in a statement supporting the councilmember’s candidacy ahead of her announcement. “I first met Wala after a tough loss in her run for Delegate in 2018. Most people would have walked away, but not Wala. We fought side-by-side in ‘Our Prince George’s’ to challenge the status quo and demand a community that actually includes our families and minority businesses.”

Ellis likened Blegay’s fighting spirit to Reps. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).

“I have seen the fire in her up close,” she continued. “I saw her navigate being locked out because of race, gender, and ethnicity— and she never blinked. I saw her maintain unshakable integrity while others played politics.”

Alexis Solis Talks

Congressional Campaign

Even before Hoyer’s retirement, Solis, who previously ran for the House of Delegates in District 24, announced her interest in a Congressional run.

“Washington has become increasingly disconnected from everyday people. I am running to bring MD-05’s voices directly to Congress,” Solis told The Informer. “I believe this race is about representation that listens, leadership that acts, and a future that works for everyone.”

Solis is aiming to lower costs, grow opportunities for local families, expand access to health care, and support education.

“I’ve spent my time listening to people here — not just because it's election season, but because this is home,” she continued. “Too often, decisions are made in Washington without our voices at the table. I’m going to change that on day one.” WI

known

5 Prince George’s Councilmember Wala Blegay is running for Congress after officially announcing her campaign on Jan. 28. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

WILSON from Page 1

and covert, on Black journalists, it’s incumbent upon the masses of Black people, and other groups for that matter, to ras-pect the Black Press as the vanguard of accountability journalism. Long before the “mainstream” press siphoned our best and brightest reporters, those reporters advanced causes related to abolition, civil rights and more -- all from these community-supported, family-owned institutions.

More of that for the week of March 16, when the nation celebrates 199 years of the Black Press. For now, I invite readers to immerse themselves in contemporary Black History matters taken on by the D.C. Council during its Feb. 3 legislative meeting. History is indeed cyclical.

The Council Honors Donna Lorraine Wright-Miller, Community Servant and Lover of Family

The D.C. Council unanimously approved a ceremonial resolution in honor of the late Donna Lorraine Wright-Miller, a longtime social worker and holistic healer who spent much of her life in service of youth, elders, and members of her Petworth community.

Upon learning about the council resolution on Monday morning, Kevin Orlando Miller, Wright-Miller’s widow, pledged to tune into the Feb. 3 Committee of the Whole and legislative meetings. He told The Informer that the council, and D.C. Coun-

cilmember Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) in particular, honored his wife in the right way.

“They saw that Donna was diligent [and] she cared for the people,” said Miller, Wright-Miller’s husband of 10 years. “I can’t say too much more than that.”

Wright-Miller died on Nov. 19, 2025 at the age of 61. Her legacy is rooted in her role as a social worker at D.C. Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) and MBI Health Services, LLC. Wright-Miller, an alumna of McKinley Technology High School, New Sewell Music Conservatory, and Howard University, garnered a reputation as a host of lively community functions and stalwart of healthy living, as evidenced through her vegan diet and insistence on breath work.

On Dec. 13, family, friends, and community members honored Wright-Miller during a standing-room homegoing at Asbury United Methodist Church, one of two houses of worship that she attended.

Forty days later, an ascension ceremony at Everlasting Life Cafe in Capitol Heights, Maryland allowed time for vegan treats, breathing exercises, and hours of dancing that Ras Ziah Ayubu DjzeeLion facilitated on the ones and twos.

During the Jan. 3 ceremony, Miller, a go-go saxophonist and son of the late Pan-African organizer Hasinatu Camara, sat in the front of the packed venue. Weeks later, while reflecting on Wright-Miller’s legacy, her husband said his late wife will always be remem-

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WILSON Page 27

Trump Signs Funding Measure, Ending Partial Shutdown as DHS Fight Looms

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

After lawmakers narrowly pushed legislation through the House earlier in the day, President Donald Trump signed a sweeping funding measure Tuesday evening, ending a partial federal government shutdown that had stretched into its fourth day.

The legislation restores operations across most federal agencies and sends furloughed workers back to their jobs, while setting up another confrontation over immigration enforcement and Department of Homeland Security funding later this month.

“Very important day,” Trump said as he signed the bill in the Oval Office, calling the measure a victory for the country and praising what he described as spending restraint paired with continued support for federal priorities.

The House approved the funding package by a 217 to 214 vote after hours of maneuvering by Republican leaders to secure enough support to advance the legislation. The package funds five federal departments through the end of the fiscal year, including De-

the First Amendment in his statement to members of the press after being released.

“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,” he declared. “I look forward to my day in court.

Lawmakers, Activists Warn of Escalation

Once news spread of their arrests, lawmakers such as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, activists like the Rev. Al Sharpton, and even former Vice Presi-

fense, Education, Treasury, Labor and State, while extending funding for the Department of Homeland Security only through Feb. 13. That short extension leaves unresolved Democratic demands for changes to immigration enforcement practices, including accountability measures for federal agents.

Democratic leaders opposed the overall agreement despite backing most of the full-year funding bills, arguing that DHS operations require tighter oversight following recent enforcement actions and fatal encounters involving federal agents. Republicans responded that delaying DHS funding could disrupt essential services unrelated to immigration enforcement, including disaster response and airport security, even as Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection continue operating with previously approved funds.

Sen. Patty Murray of Washington (D) said future funding votes will depend on changes at DHS.

“We’re going to have accountability at DHS,” Murray said, “or there will not be Democratic votes to fund a lawless agency.” WI

dent Kamala Harris, called for authorities to immediately release them, while also offering warnings to others.

“Today, Donald Trump and his administration are once again trampling on our rights and our freedoms. Journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort were fulfilling their duty to the American people to report and inform, and they have been arrested for it,” Harris wrote in a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter. “Donald Trump continues to consolidate power and show a flagrant disregard for the rule of law. This arrest is another affront to our rights and freedoms and should alarm and enrage us.”

HEALTH

Lifelong Stress and Inflammation Tied to Earlier Deaths Among Black Americans

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

A new peer-reviewed study offers one of the clearest examinations yet of why Black Americans continue to die earlier than their white counterparts, pointing not to biology, but to the cumulative weight of stress carried across a lifetime.

Researchers writing in JAMA Network Open analyzed nearly two decades of data from more than 1,500 adults in the St. Louis region and found that Black participants experienced significantly shorter survival times than white participants, even when measured across the same age range.

The study tracked participants from late middle age into older adulthood, examining how lifelong exposure to stress and inflammation intersect with mortality.

The findings accentuate “the continued need for preventions, interventions, and policies that limit stress exposure and its potential impacts on health to reduce mortality risk as well as mortality disparities between Black and white populations in the U.S.,” the study’s authors wrote.

The cohort included 505 Black adults and 1,049 white adults, all of whom were followed for up to 17 years. By the end of the study period, 25.3% of Black participants had died, compared with 11.9% of white participants. Researchers found that Black participants not only faced higher mortality rates but also reported higher levels of cumulative stress across their lives and higher levels of inflammatory markers later in life.

Stress was assessed using mul-

tiple measures spanning different life experiences, accounting for childhood maltreatment, lifetime trauma, verified stressful life events, experiences of discrimination, and socioeconomic factors such as income and education. Inflammation was assessed through blood markers including C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, both of which are associated with chronic disease and aging. Taken together, cumulative stress and inflammation accounted for nearly half of the observed racial gap in mortality. The researchers determined that these factors explained 49.3% of the difference in survival time between Black and white participants, even after adjusting for age and sex. Higher stress levels were associated with higher inflammation, which in turn was linked to earlier death.

Arline

Geronimus, a University

of Michigan professor who developed the weathering theory and was not involved in the research, said the findings likely understate the full scope of the problem.

“The most weathered have already died,” Geronimus said, according to U.S. News & World Report.

She described ages 35 to 60 as “the hardest, most stressful period of life for marginalized groups.”

Importantly, the findings did not attribute disparities to race itself. Instead, the study emphasized that unequal exposure to stressors tied to discrimination and socioeconomic conditions plays a cen-

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While stress and inflammation explained a substantial portion of the mortality gap, more than half of the difference remained unexplained, pointing to additional factors such as environmental exposure, access to care, and longterm social conditions.

The authors cautioned that the study focused on one metropolitan area and that patterns may vary

3 A new study offers insight as to why Black Americans continue to die earlier than their white counterparts, noting unequal exposure to stressors tied to discrimination and socioeconomic conditions plays a central role. (File

across regions. Still, they noted that the results align with longstanding research showing that chronic stress accumulates over time and takes a measurable toll on health.

“Cumulative lifespan stress and inflammation accounted for a large portion of the increased mortality risk among Black individuals,” study authors concluded. WI

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Climate Change Poses Threat to Future of Winter Olympics

Scientists and Winter Athletes Raise Concerns Over Warming Winters, condemning fossil fuel emissions and Big Oil sponsorships during the 2026 Winter Olympics

By Mya Trujillo WI Contributing Writer

While Italy gears up to host the 2026 Winter Olympics, kicking off on Feb. 6 in Milano Cortina, the winter sports community is planning to present a letter to the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Feb. 4 expressing concerns over the risks that a warming planet poses to the longevity of winter sports due to excessive greenhouse gas emissions.

The petition will also condemn professional skiing and snowboarding for promoting fossil fuel corporations that contribute to global pollution— especially as the supermajor oil company Ente Nazionale Idrocarburi (ENI) is one of the main sponsors of this year’s Winter Olympics— and as similar companies support many national teams.

“This is a moment where the world is looking at winter sports

and paying attention to these athletes and listening to their voices and watching what’s going on,” said professional alpine climber with Protect Our Winters (POW) Graham Zimmerman, “and that means it is a crucial moment for us to be using that… to talk about climate and… the impacts we’re seeing on winter.”

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported that the snow cover extent for the Northern Hemisphere during the August 2024 to July 2025 period averaged 23.9 million square kilometers– one million square kilometers below the 1991-2020 mean. As 2025 was ranked the third-warmest year since global records began in 1850, the planet is rapidly approaching the 1.5°C (34.7°F) critical warming threshold that scientists deem a point of no return.

With snowfall becoming less consistent and winter precipita-

EDUCATION

STUDENTS from Page 9

“As students, we have a privilege in academia to be in constant relationships with knowledge, with learning,” said Bain, a sophomore English major and Africana studies minor. “This is the best place to start. We are just at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to adulthood, so we have that fire and passion.”

‘Elders for Wisdom, Youth for War’

While the student-led protest charged college students to stand up against ICE, the protest emphasized the importance of collective activity, particularly seeking support from the elders before them.

Take 48-year-old Doshon Farad, a representative of the D.C.-based Black Panther Movement, who joined the Jan. 30 protest as one of the speakers before the march.

“It's important as Black people to follow the words of [Trinidadian American activist] Kwame Ture,” Farad said. “Either join an organization or start an organization – organize, organize, organize.”

The student organizers reached out to the local Black Panther Movement to request speakers, security, as well as participants who could serve as advisers and legal observers to promote

intergenerational collaboration and taking counsel from those who have done it before.

Reflecting on a time of his introduction into civil rights activism, Farad recalls when his elders expressed the importance of picking up the baton, which instilled the mission he carried throughout his service in the Civil Rights and global Pan-African movement.

More than that, when the time came for him to dawn the elders' wisdom, he saw a need to fulfill.

“There's something that I believe the Bible would always say: ‘elders for wisdom, youth for war,’” he told The Informer. “At some point, you're gonna have to sit back and allow the young people to shine. That doesn't mean you do nothing, but you have to give young people their own space, give them time to make their own mistakes and to revive.”

Amani shared her own sentiment behind preserving an intergenerational fight.

For her, without the combined experiences of older generations and young adults on the front line, it wouldn’t be enough to effect proper, lasting change.

“We need the movement to continue once they're gone, and we need us

Resources for Buying a Home in D.C.

5Howard University sophomore Ezra Easterly performs a poem for protesters outside of Sanfoka Videos, Books and Cafe in Northwest, D.C. on Jan. 30, where he prompted the question: “How can you be illegal on stolen land?” (Keith Golden Jr./The Washington Informer)

INTERNATIONAL

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OLYMPICS from Page 16

tion beginning to show up more frequently as rain, a University of Waterloo study estimates that of the 93 host locations that meet the IOC’s qualifications for hosting the winter games, only 52 would meet the criteria for the Olympics and 22 for the Paralympics if countries don’t change their climate policies.

“I think that a lot of people kind of get zoned in on the sports aspect of it, but warming winters have so many more impacts than just on sports,” said Kaitlyn Trudeau, senior research associate for climate science at Climate Central. “There’s a lot of impacts that cascade throughout our lives, but sports is an obvious one… because without winters, you can’t have winter sports.”

Artificial Snow: An Unsustainable Quick Fix

A 2024 study found that between 2000 and 2019, the average ski season shortened by 5.5 to 7.1 days. Economic losses due to decreased skier visits and increased dependency on artificial snowmaking were estimated to cost $252 million annually in the United States. Across the U.S., artificial snow makes up for 20% of skiable acreage, but in places like Italy and Austria, 90% and 75% of skiable acreage is covered by snowmaking, respectively.

According to Eurac Research, the Alps as a whole experienced a 34% decrease in snowfall between 1920 and 2020. Southern parts of the Alps, which include northwestern Italy, experienced a 50% decrease in snowfall over the analyzed 100 years. To combat dwindling snowpack due to warming temperatures, Italy is relying on 1.6 million cubic meters of artificial snow for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

“There’s a huge energy suck of running [snow guns],” said Ben Tracy, a journalist with Climate Central. “There’s a huge water resource issue, so there’s cascading problems. Even if you had the ideal conditions to use them, you’re depleting other resources to do so.”

Snow guns spray water into cold air, and as the droplets fall, they freeze and become artificial snow.

According to the sustainability consulting company Hedgehog, snowmaking can use approximately 405 liters of water per minute, which is equivalent to if 40 household taps were left running.

In 2023, researchers from the Universities of Innsbruck and Waterloo studied the skiing industry and snowmaking practices in Canada. They found that the annual energy consumption of 17,000 homes is required for the country to produce the 42 million cubic meters of fake snow needed to sustain its winter sports resorts, which causes approximately 130,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

“We always try to find some sort of solution or what people are doing to respond and adapt, but ultimately,... it comes down to if we continue to pump fossil fuels, emissions into the atmosphere, things are going to continue to warm, and this is going to continue to be a problem,” Tracy said.

Too Warm for Winter Sports

Athletes like Zimmerman have experienced the effects of winter warming firsthand. In 2021, he and others were climbing K2, the second-highest mountain on Earth, and the highest point in Pakistan. To the group’s surprise, at 23,000 feet, they were experiencing temperatures of 42°F in the shade. K2’s summit reaches 28,251 feet, where temperatures are usually supposed to be well be-

low -85°F.

During the same climb, Zimmerman and the group were stuck on a ledge for about 14 hours, dodging avalanches and rockfall as the mountain suffered the consequences of solar radiation. He hopes that efforts in combating climate change will help preserve the ability to participate in winter sports and keep the Olympics alive.

“It’s really been a rallying cry for me personally for us to leverage our stories from these high places… to drive the change that we need… so that we can continue to have winter games, but also so that we can be protecting those frontline and fenceline communities that are actually seeing these impacts on a day-to-day basis,” Zimmerman said.

Even past snow sports, events such as figure skating, speed skating and curling will need to be held indoors as Milan is warming. Data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) shows that the number of freezing days in the Italian city decreased from 24.8 days in the 20th century to 10.5 since 2000.

Trudeau says that the technology needed to keep these venues cold enough will have high energy costs in the warming city.

“Looking out into the future, unless we address human-caused climate change and the fossil fuel burning that we’re doing, the possibility of having Winter Olympics is literally melting away,” she said. WI

CHARON P.W. HINES

Dear Seniors,

As we move through February, I want to take a moment to reflect on the power of community, history, and shared values that guide our work every day at the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL).

This month, we proudly celebrate Black History Month, a time to honor the generations of African American leaders, advocates, and pioneers who paved the way for progress and possibility. Many of the seniors we serve in the District lived through pivotal moments that shaped our city and our nation. Their resilience and wisdom continue to inspire our work, and it is a privilege to uplift their stories while ensuring they are seen, heard, and supported.

Live Boldly –February 2026 Message from Department of Aging and Community Living

February is also American Heart Month, a reminder of the importance of heart health and overall wellness. Heart disease remains a leading health concern for older adults, and we encourage all District residents to take small but meaningful steps toward healthy living, whether through staying active, eating nutritious foods, managing stress, or keeping up with regular checkups. Through our programs and partnerships, DACL remains committed to promoting healthy aging and connecting seniors to resources that help them thrive. For more information on heart health, please visit dchealth.dc.gov, give us a call at 202-724-5626, or visit your nearest senior wellness center.

Speaking of the heart, I am delighted to invite you to DACL’s third annual Red, White, and You Celebration, our signature Valentine’s Day event that celebrates love, community, and togetherness. Join us for food, fun, dancing, and laughter on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. This year’s celebration will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help –Panorama Room, 1600 Morris Road SE, Washington, DC 20020. To RSVP, please visit www.tinyurl. com/DACLRWY2026.

Looking ahead, we are excited for the opportunity to share our impact and partnership with DC seniors during DACL’s FY2026 Performance Oversight Hearing with the DC Council. This hearing allows us to highlight the incredible work accomplished together over the past year and provides District seniors an opportunity to share their experiences

as well. We invite you to join us on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. to testify before the Committee on Executive Administration and Labor at the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. For questions about how to testify, please contact dacl.communications@dc.gov.

As we move forward, we remain

focused on upcoming events, initiatives, and opportunities to strengthen our services, and expand our impact across all eight wards. Together, we will continue building a city where aging is not just about living longer, but living boldly with dignity, purpose, and joy.

Thank you for being a part of

our community. Stay safe and warm, and we look forward to seeing you on the dance floor at Red, White, and You!

In Service,

Charon P.W. Hines Director, Department of Aging and Community Living

DIRECTOR

LIFESTYLE

By Jada Ingleton WI Content Editor

The spirit of love and Black excellence is taking over the DMV as this weekend highlights sweet celebrations and educational explorations, kicking off the momentum for Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) and Black History Month!

Dive into a handful of the many events happening, and

don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.

Thursday, Feb. 5

Valentine’s Fete

5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | $20.00

The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20009

Celebrate self-love and new connections with lively music, fun

cocktails, and love-inspired arts and crafts at the Phillips Collection’s Valentine's party.

night of love songs and duets to spread the holiday spirit!

3 Love is in the air as Arena Stage celebrates Valentine’s Day and its latest production of “Chez Joey” with Cupid Karaoke on Friday, Feb. 6. (Courtesy Photo)

Kick off Black History Month with Ford’s Theatre's powerful exploration of how free Black Americans shaped the very meaning of citizenship.

As the nation nears its 250th anniversary, historian Dr. Christopher Bonner draws from his acclaimed book, “Remaking the Republic: Black Politics and the Creation of American Citizenship” (2020), to illuminate the activism that expanded the promise of “We the People.”

He’ll be joined by dramaturg Chess Jakobs and Dr. Quincy Mills, director of the Frederick Douglass Center for Leadership Through the Humanities at the University of Maryland, for a dynamic conversation, followed by a book signing.

Led by Femme Fatale DC, this drop-in workshop – titled "Visible Mending: Stitching Love into What We Keep" – invites participants to repair, decorate, and reimagine fabric through mindful hand stitching.

Groove to a blend of jazz, soul, and rock from Noah Pierre Band in the Music Room, while basking in a special, limited reservation for Singles on Socials DC happy hour.

Additional event highlights include: decorating fold-out heart envelopes and paper fortune cookies; making a 3D valentine for yourself or loved ones; exploring love-inspired art with Phillips educators; and a taste of sample liqueurs from exclusive tasting partner Spirits & Spice.

Friday, Feb. 6

Chez Joey Cupid Karaoke 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Free, registration encouraged Sid Gold’s Request Room, 1262 5th Street NE, Washington, D.C., 20002

Running through March 15 in Arena Stage’s Kreeger Theater, “Chez Joey” follows the story of a slick-talking, velvet-voiced songster with dreams bigger than the bandstand.

Inspired by the show, join a

Bring a sweetheart or closest friends and join Arena Stage at Sid Gold’s for a Valentine's Day celebration, where guests will sing their hearts out in a toast to love, music, and “Chez Joey.”

Saturday, Feb. 7

35th Annual Chocolate Lovers Festival

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Free Downtown Fairfax, 10415 North Street, Fairfax, VA 22030

The Chocolate Lovers Festival is a beloved annual tradition hosted by the city of Fairfax, in collaboration with local partners, community organizations, and businesses throughout Old Town Fairfax.

This year’s event highlights will feature: a liquid chocolate tent in Old Town Fairfax Square serving non-alcoholic and adult chocolate beverages (tickets available for purchase at the door), along with regionwide chocolate vendors, a chocolate stroll through Old Town Fairfax shops and restaurants, a festive one-mile run, and live entertainment and family-friendly performances, plus so much more.

Written Then, Spoken Now: Remaking the Republic

7 p.m. | $15.00+ Ford's Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20004

A $25.00 ticket comes with a copy of Bonner’s book. Students with a valid ID are free, book not included.

Sunday, Feb. 8

Horizon of Khufu: Journey to Ancient Egypt Varies based on ticket selection | $32.00 for adults, $24.50 for children under 18, seniors, and students

Fever Hub Washington DC, 926 F Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20004

Washingtonians can now walk through the streets of ancient Egypt, witness ancient rituals, and soar above the pyramids— all without getting on a plane.

Horizon of Khufu: Journey to Ancient Egypt is now open in downtown D.C., transporting guests through history using stateof-the-art, free-roam VR technology.

From Fever, the team behind the famed Van Gogh exhibition, and created by immersive studio Excurio in collaboration with Egyptologist Peter Der Manuelian and the Giza Project, the experience brings one of the world's most iconic wonders within reach for audiences across the DMV. WI

review wi book

Books on Black History and Black Life for Kids by Various Authors

c.2025, 2026, Various publishers

$17.99-$18.99

Various page counts

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

Everybody in your family has stories to share.

Your parents have told you some, no doubt. Your grandparents have offered few, too, and aunties and uncles have spun some good tales. But there's so much more to know, so grab one of these great books and learn about Black history and Black life …

For the youngest reader, "As You Are: A Hope for Black Sons" by Kimberly A. Gordon Biddle, illustrated by David Wilkerson (Magination Press, $18.99) is a book for small Black boys and for their mothers. It's a hope inside a prayer that the world treats a child gently, and it could make a great baby shower gift.

If someone said you couldn't do something that you were clearly able to do, would you fight to do it anyhow? In the new book, "Remember Her Name! Debbie Allen's Rise to Fame" by Tami Charles, illusrrated by Meredith Lucius (Charlesbridge, $17.99), a young girl in the Jim Crow South is told that she can't dance because of the color of her skin.

She didn't listen, though, and neither did her mother, who took her daughter to Mexico, where the girl soared! This is an inspiration for any 5-to-7-year-old; be sure to check out the back-of-the-book information, if you're an adult fan.

Do you often hear your elders say things that sound like lessons? They might be, so "Where There is Love: A Story of African Proverbs" by Shauntay Grant, illustrated by Leticia Moreno (Penguin Workshop, $18.99) is a book you'll like. It's a quick-to-read collection of short proverbs that you can say every day. Kids ages 4-to-6 will easily remember what they find in this book; again, look in the back for more information.

Surely, you love your neighborhood, which is why the tale inside "Main Street: A Community Story about Redlining" by Britt Hawthorne and Tiffany Jewell, illustrated by David Wilkerson (Penguin Kokila, $18.99) is a book for you.

Olivia's neighborhood is having a block party, but she's sad when no one shows up. That's when she learns that "the government" is discriminating against the people and businesses near where she lives. So what can she and her neighbors do? The answer might inspire 6-to-8-year-old kids to stand up to wrongs they see, and to help make their neighborhoods stronger and safer.

And finally, if a kid wants a book, where can they go to find it? In "I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy" by Mychal Threets, illustrated by Lorraine Nam (Random House, $18.99) is a good introduction to the best of what a library has to offer. The freedom to walk into a library and borrow a book is the theme here, as is the sheer happiness of being welcomed, no matter who you are. This is an easy book for kids as young as two and as old as five to enjoy.

On that note, if you want more, head to that library, or a nearby bookstore. They'll be glad to see you. They've got stories to share. WI

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE

FEB. 5 - 11, 2026

ARIES Patience Wednesday yields superior outcome over forced acceleration. Financial partnership requires transparency despite independence preference. Thursday opportunity materializes through maintained connection previously considered insignificant. Competition transforms into collaboration when ego releases control. Lucky Numbers: 14, 38, 67

TAURUS Investment reconsideration Wednesday protects resources despite attachment to original plan. Creative expression generates unexpected income through unconventional channel. Someone's criticism contains useful information beneath uncomfortable delivery. Thursday tangible accomplishment provides satisfaction intellectual pursuits haven't delivered. Lucky Numbers: 19, 43, 70

GEMINI Communication precision Thursday prevents cascading misunderstandings consuming future energy. Documentation proves essential when memory and verbal agreement prove insufficient. Focus consolidation through ruthless prioritization breaks persistent stagnation cycle. Someone requires decisive answer over continued exploration maintaining ambiguity. Lucky Numbers: 6, 31, 58

CANCER Emotional honesty Thursday deepens connection despite exposure anxiety. Home environment modification generates disproportionate wellbeing improvement beyond minor investment. Past relationship resurfaces requiring honest evaluation about genuine renewal versus comfortable nostalgia. Criticism validity exists beneath reactive delivery triggering immediate dismissal. Professional instinct proves reliable when analytical approach produces confusion. Lucky Numbers: 17, 40, 65

LEO Genuine self-expression attracts appropriate opportunities better than calculated positioning. Creative satisfaction trumps market considerations for sustainable momentum. Tuesday collaboration demands spotlight sharing despite natural preference. Recognition arrives through consistent excellence rather than isolated dramatic performance. Generosity impacts meaningfully when offered without reciprocity expectation. Lucky Numbers: 10, 37, 63

VIRGO Progress Wednesday requires completion over perfectionist revision preventing advancement. Delegation produces superior outcome. Authority values competence you dismiss as basic expectation. Health improves through sustainable modification not extreme temporary overhaul. Simplification creates efficiency complexity inadvertently prevented. Lucky Numbers: 15, 44, 68

LIBRA Personal conviction Tuesday outweighs consensus habitually prioritized for validation. Educational investment delivers lasting value justifying immediate cost. Belief examination reveals inherited assumptions requiring independent verification. Outside perspective fundamentally shifts settled understanding considered permanent. Lucky Numbers: 4, 32, 59

SCORPIO Financial discussion Wednesday prevents future resentment despite uncomfortable vulnerability. Resource imbalance acknowledgment improves dynamic honesty enables. Unexpected openness transforms fixed pattern considered unchangeable. Lucky Numbers: 3, 27, 53

SAGITTARIUS Partnership assessment Thursday clarifies modification necessity or natural conclusion. Behavioral consistency reveals truth enthusiastic declarations obscure. Balance improves when contributions receive equivalent acknowledgment. Romance requires compromise preserving authenticity over identity sacrifice. Lucky Numbers: 21, 46, 72

CAPRICORN Elimination outperforms optimization of fundamentally dysfunctional system. Health enhancement through sustainable adjustment over ambitious temporary overhaul. Structure energizes when rigidity permits spontaneity within framework. Tuesday collaboration yields superior results than isolated determination. Lucky Numbers: 13, 49, 76

AQUARIUS Action Wednesday surpasses continued theoretical development postponing implementation. Romantic potential through emotional participation over intellectual observation. Unconventional approach provides breakthrough after conventional method plateau. Previously dismissed interest suddenly feels essential for maintaining equilibrium. Social gathering exceeds expectations when attended without preemptive cynicism. Venture justifies uncertainty through meaningful potential return. Lucky Numbers: 23, 51, 77

PISCES Domestic clarity Tuesday through direct conversation or practical decisive intervention. Space modification creates restorative sanctuary replacing depleting draining environment. Housing decision benefits from intuitive awareness balanced with practical patience. Relationship dynamic shifts prioritizing functional health over comfortable familiar dysfunction. Stability through boundary implementation compassionately yet detrimentally postponed. Relative demonstrates surprising understanding you hadn't anticipated or expected receiving. Lucky Numbers: 26, 52, 78

Early Detection Starts with Screenings

Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia (DC)

Every child develops at their own pace, but sometimes differences in how they move, speak, learn, or play may be a sign of developmental delays. These signs are often subtle and can go unnoticed until children reach school age. Early screenings help identify these delays sooner, making sure that children receive the support they need to thrive.

Why early screenings matter

Developmental screenings use tools and questionnaires to check how a child is growing, learning, and interacting. These tools go beyond the typical “How are they doing?” questions. When delays are caught early, children can receive therapy, early intervention services, and targeted support that helps them build key skills and thrive in school and life.

Without timely screenings, delays can:

• Go unnoticed until a child enters kindergarten or later

• Affect speech, behavior, learning, and social interactions

• Postpone access to services and support

With screenings in place, families can spot concerns early and get referrals for evaluations or interventions. Parents can also work with their child’s provider to help support development at home and monitor progress over time.

Developmental screenings

To align with Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) and guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), developmental screenings should happen on a regular schedule and when you have concerns.

EPSDT is a Medicaid benefit that allows children and adolescents to receive preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services. It focuses on catching potential health and developmental issues early through scheduled well-child visits and screenings.

According to the AAP, children should be screened for developmental delays and disabilities during well-child visits at the following ages:¹

• 9 months

• 18 months

• 24 months

• 30 months

Parents should also schedule regular well-child visits:²

• Within 3 – 5 days after birth

• At 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 months

• Every year after age 3

Signs of developmental delays

Parents and caregivers know their children best. If a child falls behind in important areas, it might be time for a screening and visit with their provider. Some warning signs include:3

• Delays with fine motor skills

• Trouble with problem-solving

• Problems with social skills

• Poor memory

• Inability to connect actions with consequences

Tips for parents and caregivers

You are your child’s best advocate. Even if everything seems fine,

closely monitoring your child’s development can make a difference.

• Support development at home. Talk, read, play, and interact frequently with your child. These experiences support language, thinking, and social skills.

• Ask questions. During wellchild visits, ask about your child’s development and request a devel-

opmental screen if one hasn’t been done recently.

• Request screenings anytime you are concerned, even between scheduled visits.

• Use community resources. Seek out local early intervention services such as Help Me Grow or the DC Early Intervention Program.

Your Best Defense for A Healthy Year

Staying up to date on vaccines is one of the best ways to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. Vaccines help prevent serious illnesses and keep families healthy all year long.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated the 2025 immunization schedules for children and adults, including new guidance for COVID-19 vaccines.4 In Washing-

ton, DC, school-entry vaccine requirements still apply, and adults should check with their providers about the latest recommendations.

If you’re an AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollee, you can get recommended vaccines, such as flu, COVID-19, and RSV, at no cost through your provider or local network pharmacies. Be sure to:

• Review your family’s vaccine records.

Developmental screenings are one of the most effective ways to give children a healthy start in life. By scheduling screenings at the recommended ages, watching for early signs of concern, and actively engaging in your child’s development, you help ensure they can grow, learn, and thrive in every way.

• Talk with your provider about updated shots.

• Schedule vaccines early for school or day care. Need help schedulin g an appointment? Contact the AmeriHealth Caritas DC Community Outreach Solutions Team at 202-216-2318 or visit amerihealthcaritasdc.com/covid-19 for more information.

Black History Is World History and Demands Recognition Every Day

As Black History Month Nears, Efforts to Erase the Truth Make Year-Round Remembrance

With Black History Month in full effect, this moment demands more than ceremonial reflection. It calls for a recommitment to recognizing the indispensable contributions of Black Americans, not only during the 28 days of February, but throughout the 365 days of the year.

Black history is not a niche narrative— it is foundational to American democracy, deeply intertwined with African heritage, and influential in the global struggle for freedom, justice, and human dignity.

From the forced migration of Africans whose labor built the United States' economic backbone to Black intellectuals, artists, scientists, faith leaders, and activists who reshaped society, Black Americans have continuously pushed this nation closer to its stated ideals. Their influence has extended well beyond U.S. borders, inspiring liberation movements in Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and around the world. To minimize or compartmentalize these

contributions is to misunderstand history fundamentally.

Yet, even as we prepare to honor Black history, renewed efforts to dilute, sanitize, or erase it persist. Under President Donald Trump, federal agencies were directed to remove or revise historical interpretations deemed “divisive.”

In Philadelphia, this led to the removal of exhibits at the President’s House site that documented the lives of enslaved Africans held by President George Washington— a decision widely criticized as an attempt to whitewash slavery’s central role in the nation’s founding. The City of Philadelphia has since challenged this action, arguing that confronting historical truth is essential, not optional.

These actions reveal why Black History Month cannot be merely symbolic or seasonal. When truth itself is under threat, remembrance becomes a responsibility, not a ritual.

Black history is American, African, and global history— marked

by resilience, resistance, creativity, and leadership. Honoring it yearround is not about the past alone; it is about shaping a more honest, informed, and just future for us all.

Howard University Student Protesters Illustrate Commitment of Living for a Cause, Not Just Because

Hundreds of Howard University students, in a well-executed plan, walked out of classes on Friday, Jan. 30, exercising their First Amendment right– freedom of speech–during a march to the White House. The students carried with them a list of concerns and the demand that the federal government and its

Once again, African American youth are stepping up to the plate, moving beyond the classroom to the streets in peaceful fashion, and showing that this land is their land, too.

affiliates put an end to the strategies and inhumane tactics currently followed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials.

Once again, African American youth are stepping up to the plate, moving beyond the classroom to the streets in peaceful fashion, and showing that this land is their land, too. As some of the students who organized a recent march in the District said, young people are not only concerned about the future – a future where they will become the recognized voices of authority. But, for a myriad of reasons, they’re also troubled about the present.

The nation and beyond should keep an eye out for the three Howard University students, Mahoro Amani, Zahir Kalam Id-Din and Kalia Bain, who, in protest to what is happening with ICE in Minneapolis and across the country, conceived, crafted and executed a walkout, rally on the steps of Sankofa

Video, Books and Café, and march to the White House— all accomplished without any incidents. None of the three have reached their 21st birthdays, but the world can anticipate great things from them and their peers.

In the meantime, as historians note, they follow in the footsteps of ancestors, who, in their youth, answered the clarion call of the trumpet and embarked on similar quests for equal rights, justice, and for the dismantling of Jim Crow and its many iterations.

The late Rep. John Lewis, was 20 years old when he helped found the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Council (SNCC) in April 1960. He then went on to lead sit-ins in Nashville and was severely beaten on “Bloody Sunday” during the march to Selma, Ala. on March 7, 1965.

James Earl Chaney, a civil rights activist, was 21 years old when he was murdered by Ku Klux Klan

TO THE EDITOR

“A very accomplished individual and friend throughout the many years. I met [Pierpont Mobley] and Jeannette many years ago through my late brother Virgil Thompson. Unlike many persons who had notoriety, titles, and accomplishments, he never portrayed an air of arrogance nor looked down on any one. I surely will miss him but I’ll have and remember him in spirit. Rest in peace my friend. Condolences to you Jeanette and the rest of the family.”

– Camille Anderson in reference to the article: “Remembering White House Appointee and Equal Employment Activist Pierpont Mobley.”

“Thank [you], from a loving family who nurtured Aaron, especially after the untimely death of his beloved mom when he was just a kid. Blessings!”

– the family of Aaron Marckell Williams in reference to the article: “Washington Informer Photographer Fatally Struck in Police Chase Near the White House”

members in Neshoba County, Mississippi, on June 21, 1964. He had been working with two white Northerners, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner, both members of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), while working to register Black voters.

In a more recent event, Jerome Deangelo Richardson, a 21-year-old Temple University student, activ-

ist, and executive director of Minnesota Teen Activists, was recently arrested by federal agents regarding an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church. He now faces charges of civil rights conspiracy and violating the FACE Act.

These young men and women are not living just because. They, instead, have chosen to live for a cause. WI

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Benjamin F. Chavis Jr

Stop Corporate Consolidation Silencing Local Media Voices

for Black American communities and other communities of color across the nation. Local-owned news media is crucial to community empowerment and civic participation.

American democracy is under siege across the board in different industries. Diversity is good for business and diversity is good for American democracy. Exclusive corporate policies and regulations erode democratic principles.

Local journalism is indispensable to the protection of civil rights and equality for all Americans, and in particular

Today we are facing another pivotal moment: huge corporate TV station groups seeking to weaken or eliminate the 39% national audience reach cap, alongside Nexstar's proposed takeover of TEGNA. The cap is set by Congress and is not the FCC's to discard. Media consolidation on this scale threatens the diversity of viewpoints, the independence of local newsrooms, and the

Guest Columnist

Immigration

"Officers in unmarked cars and masks are indiscriminately arresting people based on the language they speak or the color of their skin. They're detaining U.S. citizens! Even folks without criminal records. They're disregarding Americans' constitutional rights and throwing due process to the wind. This is NOT

When Mike Espy lost his U.S. Senate special runoff election in 2018, one has to contemplate what the outcome would have been had more Black voters turned out. Espy was well-known statewide. He previously served as U.S. representative for Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District from 1987 to 1993. He later became the first African American and the first

public's access to locally grounded information.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and other local print and television news media organizations take an urgent exception to the current attempts by huge corporate consolidations to effectively silence local media voices and businesses. Millions of Americans rely on local TV stations and local community-owned newspapers as their most trusted news sources.

Consolidation among the big station groups has already led to: shrink-

ing newsrooms, fewer reporters, and worse working conditions; must-run corporate segments displacing locally-focused reporting: and, word-forword duplication of newscasts across stations held by the same owner. The steady erosion of localism means fewer culturally relevant perspectives, diminished investigative reporting, and weakened community accountability.

The growing devastation of the print journalism ecosystem offers a stark warning: corporate roll-ups prioritized margins over missions; local newspapers were hollowed out by

Enforcement Is Breaking Public Safety. Here's the Fix

what a safe city looks like: Kids are terrified to go to school. Families can't go to the grocery store. It's horrifying." — Sen. John Hickenlooper

A violent death at the hands of law enforcement. An official account riddled with falsehoods, clearly contradicted by video evidence. A citizen uprising against injustice and brutality.

Nearly six years after the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police inspired a nationwide reckoning on civil and human rights, history appears to be repeating itself with the

fatal shooting of Minnesota nurse Alex Pretti by immigration enforcement agents.

Law enforcement doesn't have to look like this. In the wake of Floyd's murder, the National Urban League developed "21 Pillars for Redefining Public Safety and Restoring Community Trust," a framework for criminal justice advocacy.

Each of the 21 Pillars addresses one of five goals — goals that current immigration enforcement agencies not only fail to meet but are actively undermining:

• Collaboration with communities to build a restorative system

• Accountability

• Reform of divisive policies

• Transparency, reporting and data collection

• Improved hiring standards and training

The aggressive and confrontational tactics of federal immigration agents undermine both the fairness and effectiveness of the immigration system — and make communities less safe. Adoption of the 21 Pillars framework would transform the relationship be-

distant ownership; and, communities lost vital watchdogs and trusted sources and valued generational businesses. The same consolidation playbook is now being deployed in local television. The country cannot afford another collapse of local journalism — this time in local TV news, where so many families rely on freely accessible information every day.

Absorbing TEGNA would give Nexstar control over 265 local TV stations reaching 80% of Ameri-

tween immigrant communities and immigration enforcement agencies and restore public safety.

Collaboration: Programs that deputize local police as immigration agents damage longstanding trust-building strategies that help reduce crime. Fear of deportation deters immigrants from calling 911, seeking medical care or sending children to school. Local law enforcement authorities say this fear makes their jobs "harder" and compromis-

person from the Deep South to serve as U.S. secretary of agriculture in the Clinton administration. In the 2018 special runoff election, Espy lost to Cindy Hyde-Smith 53.6% to 46.4%, a margin of about 7.2 percentage points (roughly 68,000 votes).

Mississippi is a tough state for any Black candidate to win a statewide election. It has some of the highest structural barriers to voting in the nation, making it harder for people of color to navigate the bureaucracy when attempting to cast a vote. Analysts describe Mississippi as an extreme

case of racially polarized voting, where white voters will systematically back the candidate opposed by Black voters. Espy did not clear his own stated goal of 35% Black turnout largely because of the structural suppression, chronic low-turnout patterns and the limits of a midterm, off-cycle runoff in a deeply Republican state. The restrictive election rules can be hard for Black voters to overcome in any state, not just in Mississippi. Unfortunately, the lack of motivation and apathy by infrequent Black voters may be even harder to overcome. Too of-

ten, Black voters will deem a contest as unwinnable; therefore, the motivation to turn out and vote doesn't exist for them. After the 2018 election, members of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus later said there was enthusiasm in some Black communities (especially the Delta), but also concern that excitement was not uniform or intense enough to drive truly exceptional Black turnout numbers statewide. This lack of "uniform excitement" is not always related to voter suppression. Espy's 2018 Black turnout share (32.5%) was lower than the 2012

Barack Obama peak (36%-37%). Obama's presence on the ballot in 2012 energized Black turnout in Mississippi, reaching historical levels. In 2018, it was a different story. There was no Black presidential candidate, no national "first Black president" moment and a lower-salience special runoff; as a result, enthusiasm was weaker despite Espy himself being a history-making candidate. Understanding what Mike Espy as U.S. senator would mean to the Black com-

MARSHALL Page 41

Marc H. Morial

David W. Marshall

CHAVIS Page 41

Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist

Taking Back Our Rights

Most of us remember the time we had a few freedoms no matter who was president of the United States. The rights are found in our Bill of Rights. Now, we are not so sure what we have the right to do without standing up to the president and his minions who seem never to have read what those rights are. Recently, the people in Minne-

sota and beyond have discovered that rights like assembly, free press, religion, association and petitioning the government are no longer guaranteed as taught in school, but they are willing to do what is necessary to bring them back and to the attention of those now governing without the slightest idea what those rights are. Minnesotans and those who are protesting are reminding them of what those rights are.

Just over the past few weeks, we've looked closely at what has happened in Minnesota, but Minnesota is not

E. Faye

the only place we must have our eyes and ears open with a plan on what we are prepared to do to stop the madness. On Jan. 7, Renée Good was simply parked in the area where others were assembled and was shot to death in her face as she tried to move her car. A bystander doctor tried to do what doctors are charged with doing after Good was shot, but was abruptly stopped by federal agents who blocked him from providing medical care.

Seventeen days later, Alex Pretti, a nurse, was killed as he tried to help

a woman who'd been manhandled and brutally knocked to the ground by federal immigration agents. For that, he was attacked by agents, thrown to the ground, beaten and shot several times. He was murdered in cold blood by agents who falsely claimed he had brandished a gun. Video shows he was holding his phone. While Pretti did have a legally permitted firearm, it was in his pocket, not in his hand. Federal agents tried to hoodwink the entire world as we saw no gun in his hand.

A few days ago, veteran journalist

When the IEP Is Written — But the Services Don't Show Up

wasn't the hardest part.

What came next was.

In my previous column, "What Parents Should Know Before Their First IEP Meeting," I focused on preparation — the questions parents should ask, the importance of documentation, and the emotional weight of walking into that first meeting on behalf of your child.

What many families told me afterward was simple: the meeting

For a lot of parents, the IEP meeting feels like a finish line. Evaluations are complete. The paperwork is signed. There's relief in seeing your child's needs acknowledged in writing.

But for too many families, that relief doesn't last.

Because what parents quickly learn is this: having an IEP does not automatically mean services will happen the way they were promised.

That's the part of the process few people explain — and where frustra-

Redistricting has once again pushed the nation to a crossroads, and Virginia Democrats now find themselves at the center of it. With strong legislative majorities and Gov. Abigail Spanberger's leadership, Democrats in Virginia face a choice that will echo far beyond the Commonwealth. Should Democrats repeat the mistakes that have corroded American democracy for

tion and distrust often begin.

An IEP Is a Commitment, Not a Courtesy

Once an Individualized Education Program is finalized, it is more than a plan. It is an agreement. The services, supports, accommodations, and goals outlined in that document are not optional or flexible based on convenience.

Yet parents across the country routinely experience missed services, shortened sessions, staff turnover, and long gaps that directly af-

Guest Columnists

fect their children's progress.

Sometimes families are told a specialist is unavailable. Sometimes services are delayed without explanation. Sometimes they quietly stop.

Parents are left wondering whether this is normal — or whether they should speak up.

They should.

Expecting an IEP to be followed as written is not unreasonable. It is the bare minimum.

Advocacy Doesn't End When the Paperwork Is Signed

Democrats Should Lead By Example on Gerrymandering

decades, or model a better path rooted in fairness, transparency and respect for voters?

Across the country, the temptation to gerrymander is proving irresistible. In Virginia, analysis from Princeton's Electoral Innovation Lab shows Democrats could draw maps that lock up nine or even 10 of the state's 11 congressional seats. But the price of that power grab would be steep. Nearly half of Virginians would be forced into new districts and two-thirds represented by members of Congress

they never chose.

When politicians pick their voters instead of voters picking their politicians, democracy fails. That breakdown is already unfolding nationwide. Last summer, Donald Trump launched an unprecedented mid-decade redistricting push, urging Texas Republicans to manufacture five new GOP seats by weakening Black and Latino voting power. Missouri and North Carolina followed suit, targeting Democratic-held districts. Even with legal challenges, these gerryman-

ders could net Republicans up to seven seats — enough to hold onto control of Congress despite low approval ratings and legislative gridlock.

Democrats have responded in kind. California voters approved a counter-map in November that could flip five Republican seats. Now Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has called an April special session aimed at wiping out three to five more Democratic districts the same month Virginians would vote on their own redistricting referendum.

Don Lemon had his home invaded with an arrest warrant and was arrested while working as a member of the press — exercising his freedom of the press right. Georgia Fort, another member of the press, was arrested at her home for a violation of her right to be a member of the press. We saw those federal agents sneaking around her house, looking through her windows and trying to arrest her with no regard for the children in her home.

WILLIAMS Page 42

After the meeting, many parents find themselves in a new role: monitor.

That can feel overwhelming, especially for families juggling work, caregiving, and everything else life demands. But follow-through matters.

Parents should know how often services are supposed to occur, who is providing them, and how progress is being tracked. If something changes, families deserve to know — clearly and in writing.

TILGHMAN Page 42

This is a national arms race, and voters are the casualties. Each gerrymander invites retaliation. Competitive districts vanish. Polarization hardens. Millions of Americans are shuffled into new districts for no reason other than political advantage. Virginia, however, has the chance to break this cycle — and in doing so, set a national example. In 2020, Virginians overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment creating

HARRIS/MCDANIEL Page 42

Kevin Harris and Richard McDaniel

Anthony Tilghman

Guest Columnist

Williams

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Mimi’s Musings: Black History Month 2026

Celebrating 100 Years of Black History in the DMV

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

Happy Black History Month!

This year marks the centennial celebration of Black History commemorations in the United States, and as people honor the month nationwide, The Washington Informer is highlighting

important African American narratives in the DMV.

Every year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)— the organization behind the founding of Black History Month, started by Carter G. Woodson— chooses an annual theme to focus commemorations worldwide.

4A memorial for Carter G. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History,” in Washington, D.C. As the nation celebrates 100 years of Black History, The Washington Informer is digging into African American narratives and change makers related to the DMV area, like Woodson, who founded Negro History Week in D.C. in 1826.

(WI File Photo/D.R. Barnes)

As the association marks “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” The Informer is digging into local African American stories and change makers from 100 years ago and beyond, including Carter G. Woodson, who founded ASALH in 1915 and started Negro History Week in Washington, D.C. in 1926.

“Happy Black History Month, D.C.,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in a social media post waving alongside staff. “We are a city proud to celebrate the history, culture, achievements, and

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.

Brittany Walker Marketing Specialist, Washington Gas

Black History Month is a moment of deep reflection and celebration for me because it honors the monumental contributions of Black Americans throughout history and invites us to connect those legacies to what we do today.

Growing up in Prince George’s County, MD, I was surrounded by stories of resilience, creativity, and community uplift. These stories taught me about everyday people whose strength held their schools, families, and communities together. Black History Month reminds me that our stories matter, and that recognizing them empowers future generations to dream bigger and reach further.

At Washington Gas, I bring that sense of purpose into my work every day. As a Marketing Specialist focused on social media, energy efficiency, and community engagement, I have the privilege of shaping how we communicate with the diverse communities we serve. This includes amplifying voices, sharing resources, and building trust across the region. Our mission is clear: deliver affordable, reliable and safe energy to millions of families, businesses, and institutions while supporting the neighborhoods that make this region thrive.

What motivates me most is knowing that the work I do helps connect people to something essential—energy. Whether it’s crafting a message that helps a customer understand energy-saving tips, spotlighting local partnerships, or launching campaigns that boost awareness of energy assistance programs, I’m proud to be part of a team rooted in service and impact. At Washington Gas, our commitment to community goes beyond providing natural gas. We’re all about uplifting the everyday lives of those we serve, especially during times of challenge and change.

This Black History Month, I’m reminded that history isn’t only in textbooks. It’s in our actions every day. Honoring the past means forging connections, celebrating contributions, and using our platforms to include and elevate voices across all communities. In that spirit, I’m proud to tell our story and help power a future where everyone feels seen, valued, and inspired.

excellence of our Black community.”

From the halls of Howard University, to the John A. Wilson Building, the streets of Shaw, and the U Street Corridor– formerly known as “Black Broadway,” the wealth of historic African American excellence in D.C. has shaped culture in the District and around the world.

One of the interesting things about DMV Black history is the amazing narratives of resilience, bravery and leadership that influenced action nationwide.

Born in Canton, Virginia, Woodson, a primarily self-taught son of formerly enslaved people who were illiterate, would become the second Black man to receive a Phd from Harvard University after W.E.B. DuBois. He was also the first person whose parents were enslaved to receive a doctorate.

After breaking barriers in academia, he was barred from conferences hosted by the American Historical Association, even as a dues-paying member, because he was Black. But that didn’t stop him. He would go on to found ASALH— then called the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.

It was the rejection for his race that ignited Woodson’s visionary work with the association.

“The Negroes must begin to do the very thing which they have been taught that they cannot do,” Woodson encouraged in his 1933 book “The Mis-Education of the

Negro.”

A professor and eventual dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University, Woodson remained dedicated to his work to preserve Black history. In 1926, he intentionally wanted to host Negro History Week to correlate with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln, and 100 years later his vision has turned into an annual, month-long celebration.

While Black History Month is a celebration, it’s a call to action to preserve African American narratives, learn from the past, and use the information gleaned to continue to work toward equity and justice.

“Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history,” Woodson wrote in his 1933 book.

As the Trump administration continues work to erase Black narratives from federal programming, websites and national sites, this February is a moment to focus on the path ahead, walking in the legacy of local change makers such as Woodson.

“Black history and our fundamental rights— are under attack,” said Dr. Karsonya “Kaye” Whitehead, ASALH’s president and CEO in a statement ahead of the celebration. “Democracy, like social justice and our civil rights, is fragile and it requires us to nurture it, defend it, and build upon it.”

from Page 13

bered for pursuing a higher purpose.

“You can't be after the money and then care for the people unless you're giving the people the money,” Miller told The Informer about her 2015 transition from CFSA. “She could’ve stayed at her good D.C. government job, but there were crazy things that didn’t seem in favor of the people. That’s how Donna was raised. That’s why she was around Afrocentric people”

Wright-Miller, a first-generation Petworth resident, was the daughter of Sarah Wright and the late Earl Wright, Jr. With the help of then- Ward 4 D.C. Councilmember Brandon Todd, she secured a ceremonial naming of the 3800 block of 10th Street NW in her father’s name.

Wright, who died in 2017, spent more than 50 years as a contractor and gardener who helped the underprivileged and educated the youth. For more than a decade, he hosted a fish fry on his block for substance users and the homeless. He conducted these activities while organizing community meetings and taking the lead on the upkeep of his block and other blocks along 10th Street NW.

Lewis George, who connected with Wright-Miller during the Spring 2021 event celebrating the ceremonial street renaming, told The Informer that she and the late social worker bonded over their love for their late fathers.

“She really wanted her, her dad and family’s legacy reflected there because they had done so much in the neighborhood,” Lewis George said, “bringing in new families, welcoming new families, and teaching those families about the history of the neighborhood, of the block, of the community.”

Lewis George, chair of the D.C. Council’s Committee on Facilities, said Wright-Miller’s passion for children inspired much of the oversight she’s conducted over CFSA.

“The only thing she said was, ‘You got to make sure they are treating families right, that they're doing right by children,’” Lewis George recounted about Wright-Miller. “She made me actually excited about having the agency. There’s good work to be done there.”

Lewis George evoked the Kwanzaa principle of Ujima as she told The Informer how Wright-Miller brought elements of her personality and ethos into her job.

“She felt deeply this idea that… we are all an extension of each other's family and we all have a collective responsibility to care for each other,” the Ward 4 council member said. “That was just one of the things that are reflective of what made her so effective at being a social worker, because there was a deep love, a deep sense of responsibility for community and family and wanting our community to be whole.”

As Black America commemorates the 100th anniversary of what’s now known as Black History Month, Lewis George said that it’s incumbent upon, not only the government, but District families to follow in Wright-Miller’s footsteps by documenting their history.

“If we don't memorialize it, it can be erased and ignored and dissipated,” Lewis George said. “Remember that Carter G. Woodson went to the White House, came back and said, ‘We got to preserve our history. We got to tell our stories. We have to collect this information,’ and you think about it, a lot of families don't collect information.”

A Ward 6 Community Inches Closer to Immortalizing Gardner Bishop

On its first reading, the D.C. Council unanimously approved the Gardner Bishop Elementary School Redesignation Act of 2025, which would rename a school in honor of Gardner Bishop, a local father and civil rights hero.

If this legislation passes on second reading, the elementary school currently undergoing modernization on North Carolina Avenue SE, would no longer be named for Robert Brent, a 19th century District mayor under whom the city’s “Black Codes” came into existence.

For D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), such a change would further cement Bishop’s legacy.

“Having your school named after [ Bishop]…creates a culture in the school, helps create an opportunity to help teach about that and I hope those are values that get instilled,” said Allen, who introduced the legislation. “It's what I'm seeing happen at [Shirley] Chisholm [Elementary School] where Shirley Chisholm is being held up and those values [are] being taught.”

In 1947, Bishop and other members of the Consolidated Parents Group led a two-month boycott of

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

what were then Browne Junior High School, Blow Elementary School, and Webb Elementary School. This was in response to the overcrowding of Browne Junior High, a dilemma that compelled the D.C. Board of Education to split the Black student population between that school and Blow and Webb, two substandard campuses that white families abandoned.

Two years later, in 1949, Bishop agitated for the integration of John Philip Sousa Junior High School. The lawsuit, Bolling v. Sharpe introduced the unconstitutionality of school segregation as a legal concept while serving as one of four companion cases for Brown v. Board of Education.

Allen said Bishop acted out of necessity.

“He was a dad who just wanted better…when he realized what his own kids were being shut out and left out of schools,” Allen told The Informer. “He is a figure that rightly should be held up and remembered because he saw a problem and wanted to do

WILSON Page 28

ASALH

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WILSON

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WILSON from Page 27

ent instrumentalities of government to make this change.”

Brent Elementary, which is currently undergoing modernization, is scheduled to reopen by the 20272028 school year. During the 20232024 school year, community members embarked on a school renaming process— similar to what took place at what’s now known as Shirley Chisholm Elementary School and Jackson-Reed High School.

A school survey circulated during the earlier part of 2025 led to the submission of 57 names to be considered for the renaming of Brent Elementary. After much debate, the list narrowed down to Bishop and Elizabeth Catlett, a 20th century Mexican-American sculptor known for her depictions of the African-American experience.

As noted in the fall 2025 resolution that Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6B unanimously approved, more than half of the 700 students, caregivers, and alumni who took part in the process ultimately voted in favor of Bishop.

In his Jan. 13 testimony before the council’s Committee of the Whole, Brent Elementary student Billy Schutte-Pratt explained what the renaming would mean to him and his classmates.

“When parents and other people in the community think of our school, they won't think of a racist white guy,” said Billy, one of six public witnesses.

“They'll think of a parent who saw a problem, and instead of accepting it, thinking there was nothing to be done, he took action. He helped others. The overall outcome of his actions is knowing that he needed to do something….to help with education, which everybody, no matter what race, identity, gender, or adversity, deserves to have.”

A Question of Equity in the D.C. Historic Preservation Review Board Nomination Process

The D.C. Council unanimously approved the nominations of Timothy Thomas, Lauren McHale, and Chris Morrison to the D.C. Historic Pres-

ervation Review Board (HPRB). This trio now joins an entity that, under the purview of D.C. Office of Planning, advises the mayor on historic preservation matters while implementing programming specific to that mission.

In the weeks leading to this milestone, one local advocate expressed concern about geographic diversity on the board and how the lack thereof could hinder equitable preservation of District landmarks and communities.

“Once approved by the council, there will be no board members from Wards 1, 4, 7, or 8,” said Rebecca Miller, executive director of DC Preservation League (DCPL), in her December 22, 2025 testimony before the D.C. Council’s Committee of the Whole. “There are, however, three board members from Ward 3, which could exacerbate concerns that historic preservation is exclusionary and exclusive to higher-income areas of the city.”

Miller and her colleagues often testify before HPRB on matters concerning major development projects and landmark nominations. In December, while speaking to D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson (D), Miller

mentioned the Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection Act of 1978 as a guide in ensuring that the HPRB consists of people who understand and can apply historic preservation regulations.

Before the council’s Feb. 3 legislative meeting, the nine-member HPRB had four vacancies.

Now, Thomas, a boxing and wrestling commissioner who lives in Ward 5, will serve out the rest of Linda Greene’s three-year term as the citizen member. McHale, a Ward 6 resident and president of the L’Enfant Trust, will serve as the board’s architectural historian member, while Morrison, managing principal at Perkins&Will,

will serve as an architect member.

With one more citizen vacancy left to fill, Miller expressed her desire for a process that leads to the nomination of a member from an underrepresented District jurisdiction.

“Geographic diversity is vital for communities to feel that their views are considered in decisions about their neighborhoods,” Miller told Mendelson in her Dec. 22 testimony. “DCPL would encourage the mayor to nominate a candidate for the remaining vacancy from one of these wards to ensure the broadest representation across the city.” WI

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

of so many who have helped shape the face and future of our nation.

3 A display during a Carter G. Woodson birthday celebration at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in December 2023.

(WI File Photo/ Shedrick Pelt)

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR,

ASALH from Page 1

“Journal of Negro History,” which is still published today.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

“To celebrate America at this moment, at the 100th celebration of Black History Month…requires us to fully situate ourselves within the narrative— not as a footnote, but as main characters who have helped to shape this American experience and this American story,” said President Dr. Karsonya “Kaye” Wise Whitehead in a Jan. 12 proclamation video.

“We stand in the house of Woodson, and just as he did with the work of so many others, we will uplift our history. We will protect it….promote it, and we will preserve it.”

Marked by a period, as Whitehead calls it, “Trump 2.0,” many national leaders are celebrating this February as a fitting time to realign with the traditions of a century-long promise.

Woodson led the charge, founding the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now ASALH) in 1915 to fulfill an evident gap in “the scientific study of the neglected aspects of Negro life and history,” according to the NAACP.

A year later, with academic roots in education and literature, the Virginia native credited as the second African American to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard University – after W.E.B. Du Bois – called attention to the achievements of his community when he single-handedly launched the scholarly

“Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history,” Woodson once said.

Former ASALH National President Daryl Michael Scott, who served from 2013 to 2015, once pointed out that the celebrated “Father of Black History” saw recognition as more than a one-week affair – even beyond a month.

Woodson officially declared Negro History Week in February 1926 – intentionally coinciding with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) and Maryland abolitionist Frederick Douglass, who marked the occasion on Feb. 14.

Fast forward to February 2026, As centennial celebrations bask in the theme “A Century of Black History Commemorations,”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) was among the first to underscore the importance of ancestral wisdom in a parallel state of Black America.

“Ensuring that the full story of America is told is now more important than ever, with Donald Trump and his sycophants banning books about Black people from classrooms and libraries, sanitizing history at National Parks and Smithsonian museums and repeatedly glorifying the racist

Page 30 justice and equality, what is now a monthlong nod to the architects of the American dream holds a deeper meaning in its centennial milestone for ASALH’s current president.

Celebrating the Freedom to Learn

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5 Dr. Karsonya “Kaye” Wise Whitehead, president of the Association for African American Life and History (ASALH), emphasizes joyful defiance and communal investments in the plan for survival in 2026. (WI File Photo/Shevry Lassiter)

ASALH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

ASALH from Page 29 traitors who fought for the Confederacy,” said the congressman in a Feb. 1 press release.

“We don't have to wait to be proclaimed, we don't have to wait

to be recognized,” she told The Informer in December. “Black History Month will continue because our history is written in the wind…written in the ways you can't stop or outrun. We have visions from people who have come before us – we're going to use those so that we can be prepared to leave [one] for our children.”

endar tailored to all aspects of the culture.

ASALH Carries Torch to ‘Build Something Better’

Having kicked off commemorations with the Annual Black History Month Festival Opening and Convening on Feb. 1, ASALH is amplifying its year-round mission with a cal-

Upcoming featured highlights and educational events include: a Feb. 7 Dr. Carter G Woodson Greater Trenton Branch of ASALH Black History 100th Commemoration; the Annual Black History Month Program: A Labor of Freedom, Then and Now with the Movement History Initiative on Feb. 11, followed the next day by a symposium for the 126th Anniversary of Lift Every Voice and Sing; activations and membership meetings for ASALH’s 45 branches across the country; and honorary tributes and programs rooted in the reflection, evolution and progression of Black people.

“Our history is both bloody and beautiful,” Whitehead said in her January proclamation. “The study of it requires constant and continuous interpretation…the under-

standing of it requires us as Black people to see ourselves and our history only through our eyes.”

Walking the path forged by Woodson shines in a continued dedication to the Freedom Schools established across 23 of the national branches, she added.

The association also prides itself on instilling the importance of collective resistance in the modern movement, such as sustaining boycotts against corporations and policies that don’t move in the interests of communities of color.

In the wake of a new year, the ASALH president is emphasizing another critical task for all: finding ways to reinvest in community, be it the Black dollar or forging more partnerships.

“That's what survival in 2026 is going to look like,” she continued. “Let's focus on building something better – let's actually bring about a situation in this country where we have equity, we have diversity, we have inclusion.”

Jeffries topped his centennial proclamation by highlighting his own commitment to the fight.

“House Democrats will push back aggressively against efforts to turn back the clock on progress and whitewash American history,” Jeffries wrote, before quoting the mantra of the late Georgia Rep. John Lewis. “We remain inspired by the examples of those who got into Good Trouble and committed to pushing forward our country’s long, necessary and majestic march towards a more perfect union.”

While it’s unknown what Woodson would think of the current “war” in the nation, Whitehead said she plans to champion the movement guided by the ASALH’s founder’s cause to commemorate the lives and legacies of African Americans.

“My hope is that we're still here, we're still standing, and we can celebrate our victories on the other side,” she told The Informer. “We are at war – I look forward to seeing you on the other side.” WI

SPORTS

A John Wall Weekend: Wizards Honor Franchise Legend, Wall Captain of the Day at Howard University, Foundation Set to Host Pop-Up Shop With The Museum DC

By Skylar Nelson WI Contributing Writer

A District-wide celebration of Wizards’ legend John Wall brought wins, thrilling energy, and reflection to a sports culture and beyond that he helped shape.

The celebration began where it all started for Wall’s career at Capital One Arena, stretching to Howard University, and various communities across Washington, D.C.

The Washington Wizards

Defeated Milwaukee Bucks 109-99 on John Wall

Celebration Night

In a victorious game for Washington Wizards against the Milwaukee Bucks, the team honored Wall, a five-time NBA All-Star, on Thursday, Jan. 29 at Capital One Arena in a nationally streamed matchup on Amazon Prime Video that highlighted the athlete’s contributions to the franchise and DMV overall.

The first 15,000 fans in attendance received commemorative Wall bobbleheads as the franchise celebrated one of their most accomplished players in team history

“First and foremost, I want to thank the Leonsis family and the Wizards organization for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream, to make it to the NBA,” said Wall. “Coming from Raleigh, North Carolina all I was thinking about was making it to 18 years old. I never thought this was possible. I love you

all. This is my city, this is still my house, and I love you all and thank y’all for tonight.”

The Wizards also announced, in partnership with D.C. Parks And Recreation’s District of Play program, that the next court renovation at Randall Recreation Center will be named the John Wall court. The court renovation is set to debut this summer, expanding on Wall’s legacy in Washington, D.C.

In addition to Wall’s honors and celebration, the Leonsis Family Foundation, founded by the owners of the Washington Wizards, gave John Wall a $25,000 check for his own philanthropic work. Through the John Wall Family Foundation, the basketball star turned commentator, works to uplift District communities.

Selected as the first overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, Wall spent 10 seasons in Washington and remains the franchises all-time leader in assists (5,282) and steals (976). He is ranked top five in games played, minutes, points, and field goals made, while leading the Wizards to three playoff appearances.

Wall earned All-Rookie Team honors in 2011, All-Defensive Second Team recognition in 2015, and All-NBA Third Team honors in 2017— the same season he averaged 23.1 points, 10.7 assists, and 4.2 rebounds, all while leading Washington to a 49-win campaign and a seven-game Eastern Conference Semifinal run.

“The arena was loud,” said Wizards center Alex Sarr. “Obviously it was a great night for him, getting his recog-

nition in the city because he has done so much here [Washington, D.C.]. So you know I was just happy to see the love that the city gave him and yea it’s just great to see.”

With Wall in attendance the Wizards won their 12th game of the season— 25% of those victories were against the Bucks. The firsttime All-Star Rising Star KyShawn George had a thrilling performance on national television, ending the night with 24 points shooting 10of-24 from the field, along with five rebounds and two steals.

Sarr, a fellow All-Star Rising Star, has made his presence known as he continues his campaign of being one of the best centers in the league midway through his second season. He finished the night with 16 points, a career high of 17 rebounds, and two blocks.

Guard Bub Carrington stepped up off the bench after rookie guard Tre Johnson exited the game with a sprained left ankle. With this in mind, Carrington notched 13 points and six assists, with 40% shooting. Forward Justin Champagnie also stepped up tremendously, coming off the bench with 12 points with 50% shooting, and six rebounds. His role in Washington grows with providing hustle and aggression on each play.

Howard University Men’s Basketball Team Honored John Wall As Captain Of The Day For Conference Showdown Against Norfolk State, Bison Secure 80-66 Victory

The celebration extended beyond the NBA floor. This past weekend at Howard University, Wall served as Captain of the Day for the Bison’s highly anticipated Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference (MEAC) matchup against the Norfolk State Spartans. Wall remained courtside throughout the game, engaging with student-athletes and fans as the Bison continued its push in the conference race. means so much to this city and has contributed so much on and off the court, the things that he has done in the community as a person of, you know, celebrity that doesn’t have do those things but means all the right intentions of doing those things, and for what he means to the city is really special.”

His presence helped to set the one for the Bison, as it turned out to be their most thrilling performance of the season so far, as they secured an 88-60 victory over a projected conference contender.

“I think really the story of tonight’s game, obviously we didn’t shoot the ball the way we would’ve liked but we’re winning with our defense,” said Wizards’ Head Coach Brian Keefe. “We were able to get stops, we were able to keep them off the free throw line, and I think those are the things that make us consistent and we got stops down the stretch too. I think that’s really the story of the game. When you’re not shooting well, you still win the game…those are really good positive steps for our team.”

Although the team celebrated history and past through honoring the retired athlete, the night showcased an impressive look on the future as the emerging young core in Washington looks to rise to the occasion and the Wizards back to Wall days.

Supporting his team from the bench, newly acquired guard Trae Young sported Wall’s jersey during the game.

“That’s my guy,” said Young. “We’ve known each other for a minute now so for me to be here in D.C. and for him to have a night like this, I’m sure we’ll have some nights like this in the future for him. It’s only right that I show support and show love because he had this place [Capital One Arena] rocking and hopefully we can get it back to the way he had

Howard led 42-28 at halftime and never looked back, shooting 52% in the first half and 54% from the field in the game overall. The Bison also connected on 47.4% of their threepoint attempts and converted 25 of 29 free throws, underscoring their efficiency on both sides of the ball. Defensively, Howard controlled the paint and glass, outsourcing Norfolk State 36-32 in the second half while allowing zero lead changes.

Graduate student guard Bryce Harris and junior Guard Cedric Taylor III led the effort for the Bison, combining for 54 points. Harris finished the day with 27 points, shooting 8-of-11 from the field, adding eight rebounds, while Taylor matched him with 27 points shooting 9-of-10 from the field. Howard also generated 36 points in the paint, 17 second-chance points, and 16 points off of turnovers.

This win against the Spartans marked a statement performance for a Howard team pushing toward the top of the MEAC standings, aligning defensive intensity with offensive balance on a night influenced and inspired by Wall’s presence.

“We took a step in trust, we took a step in being connected, we took a step in sharing, we took a step into being together on both ends of the ball,” said Blakeney. WI

Culminating in a win against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Washington Wizards honor franchise legend John Wall at Capital One Arena on Jan. 29. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)

CAPTURE the moment

As the nation recovers from the most recent and historic snowstorm, Washington, D.C. hosted six pop-up salt distribution locations to help people clear the sidewalks. Residents were able to bring their own buckets, bags, and boxes to carry the salt back to their destinations. (Ja'Mon Jackson/ The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

The Man with a Plan: Bishop Seawright’s Vision for the A.M.E Second Episcopal District

Faith Leader Touts Economic Development, Empowerment, and Reginald Jackson’s Legacy

By Jada Ingleton WI Content Editor

As he officially steps into his new role in the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, Bishop Harry L. Seawright brings a bold vision of revitalization in his plans as presiding prelate of the Second Episcopal District (SED).

“My basic overall goal is to encourage, enable, and empower people, and that is from babies to seniors,” Seawright told The Informer. “I'm still at it after 49 years of ministry, and I have less than seven before I have to retire. I'm far [more] than excited about the opportunities in the entire district – not only just Washington, D.C., and Maryland, but also Virginia and the state of North Carolina.”

The bishop’s return to the SED comes in the wake of the preceding Rt. Rev. Reginald T. Jackson’s Nov. 25 passing, which marked a moment to expand a collective vision of faith-led resilience.

A fourth-generation AME, Seawright’s roots in community upliftment extend beyond the church to a champion of health equity and generational healing.

While emulating Jackson’s passion for justice and merging his own crop of values, he envisions a future that touts economic power, from job training and housing to eliminating poverty by installing economic development centers in all five conferences.

For the Rev. Krishnan Natesan, pastor of Maryland’s Hemingway Memorial A.M.E. Church, the ap-

of his predecessor.

pointment is just as timely as it is fitting of the man behind the role.

“In all my interactions with him, he's always been a friend,” Natesan recently told The Informer. “I'm grateful for him coming. I believe that his common touch will help us to do great works right here in the SED.”

A Decorated Career and the Legacy of ‘A Dear Friend’

Seawright’s appointment earned congratulatory remarks from congregants and residents throughout the region, including Restoration Inc., founder and executive director, Dr. Fredrica Brooks-Davis.

“The work Bishop Jackson initiated in the [Second] speaks for itself—his legacy lives on,” she wrote on the Facebook post. “I’m grateful God called Bishop and Supervisor Seawright to the [Second], leaders who know how to comfort God’s people, honor the past, and move the assignment forward.”

Seawright’s no stranger to driving the needle forward.

His historic appointment as the 133rd bishop marked only the second time in AME history for a bishop to be elected on the first ballot, ending a 44-year gap since the inaugural moment.

When he’s not forging paths to interfaith relations or bridging generations in prayerful wisdom, the South Carolina native embodies a responsibility to others that not only aligns with his idea of the church but also carries on the legacy

“[Bishop Jackson] was a champion for social action. Among our council bishops, we looked to him for advice and his opinion on whom we should support, what we should do, what [were] the hot button issues in our country,” he told The Informer. “We want to carry out [his] traditions.”

As the 132nd elected bishop, Jackson held a pivotal impact in debt repayment in the Sixth District, the reaccreditation of Morris Brown College, and advocating for civil rights and protections in Georgia legislation.

His official announcement of the broader “Target Target” boycott in February 2025 sparked resistance work among local Black churches––including the historic Metropolitan A.M.E. in Northwest, D.C.––while fueling a charge to protect the Black dollar against injustice.

Seawright plans to sustain in honor of a “dear friend.”

“Thirteen years of friendship, fellowship, and even more than that, because we campaigned together for at least eight years,” Seawright shared. “Yeah, we were dear friends.”

Seawright’s Plans To Boost the SED

In addition to honoring ancestral wisdom, some of what’s to come in this area is stamped throughout Seawright’s nationwide imprint.

As the former presiding prelate of the Ninth District, he helped launch a Birmingham grocery store to address food insecurity in Alabama, assisting low-income residents with affordable – or free for those on SNAP – household essentials and food items.

In his most recent role, the Howard University alumnus signed off

on building charter schools that work to eliminate the prison pipeline for young African American men of the 13th District in Tennessee.

Among other notions to advance the nation’s capital, he touts his integral background in assistive programs for life insurance coverage, as well as forging paths for senior citizens to socially engage and prioritize physical health.

“I love getting involved…and [learning] the needs of the community, and what can the government, as well as elected officials, do to help us,” he told The Informer.

Along with installing economic development centers throughout Washington, Baltimore, Virginia,

and North Carolina, Seawright said he’d also like to implement community hubs that teach preventative health measures – such as increasing exercise and literacy in diabetes, heart disease, and the management of other health issues plaguing generational wealth.

In preserving Jackson’s memory, he shared hopes to see “some type of social justice center” developed in his honor.

Reflecting on his return to the SED, the bishop indulged the power of faith and the strength of knowing God’s voice in a familial-spirited welcome sermon at Greater Bethel AME in North Carolina.

“I believe in prayer because it’s no way I could be at the Second Episcopal District – ‘first for Christ, second to none,’” he told the congregation on Dec. 31, citing the SED motto. “If your home needs you, if you can go back home…I just thank God that I’m able to go back home.”

3 The Rev. Dr. Harry L. Seawright (right), presiding prelate of the Second Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church steps into his new role with a sermon at Hemingway Memorial A.M.E. in District Heights, Maryland, on Jan. 18, hosted by lead pastor, the Rev. Krishnan Natesan (center). (Courtesy Photo/Liletha Davidson)

Every now and then, life hands us a moment that feels unfair, unkind or downright malicious. Someone plots against you, speaks ill of you or tries to block your progress. Yet Scripture reminds us that no human scheme can override God's sovereign plan.

In Genesis 50:20, Joseph tells his brothers, who sold him into slavery, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good." That single verse captures what I call divine reversal: God's ability to transform harmful intent into a platform for success.

Understand that God is the Master Weaver. When we look at our lives, we may only see the broken pieces, betrayals and closed doors. Just know that our God sees the entire tapestry. He knows how to take every frayed thread and weave it into something beautiful, purposeful and strong.

Many of us are not facing literal pits or prisons like Joseph, but we do encounter boardroom battles. I have spoken with countless professionals who have been talked down to by individuals with far less experience or who have watched colleagues attempt to diminish their contributions to promote themselves.

But know this: When you are guided by the Holy Spirit, no amount of opposition can derail your destiny. People may scheme, but they cannot stop what God has ordained. Their attempts to block you often become the very steppingstones God uses to elevate you. Life may throw you a curve-

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Divine Reversal: When God Turns Malice Into Momentum the religion corner

ball designed to destroy you, but watch and see how God will handle the matter, just trust and believe, I promise you!

God uses the evil that men plot against you for your promotion. They may plot your downfall, but I see you rising over them.

Life may throw you a curveball designed to knock you off course, but remember that God is the ultimate Catcher. He doesn't just stop the blow; He uses that momentum to propel you into a higher season of purpose. If you find yourself in a "pit" today, whether it is a difficult workplace, a financial struggle or a personal betrayal, do not be discouraged. Stand firm in the knowledge that your current battle is not your destination; it is your training ground. As you keep your eyes on the Lord and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, every "no" from man will eventually lead to a "yes" from God. Trust the Master Weaver to finish the work He started in you, turning every intended curse into a lasting blessing.

This daily affirmation from Napoleon Hill's book "Think and Grow Rich" has this positive statement that has been memorized by me and the D.C. Department of Employment Job Training students that went through my training. It goes like this:

"I will eliminate hatred, envy, jealousy, selfishness and cynicism, by developing love for all humanity, because I know that a negative attitude toward others can never bring me success. I will cause others to believe in me, because I will believe in them, and in myself."

In conclusion, remember you are reading the Religion Corner, and as the daughter of two Pentecostal preachers, I will always end by reminding each of you that love will be the winner. We cannot and should not take matters into our own hands, no matter what someone does or tries to do to us. Always keep your hand in God's hands, and be on the lookout for your Divine Reversal as God turns malice into momentum!

God uses the evil that men plot against you for your promotion. They may plot your downfall, but I see you rising over them.

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

Mount Carmel Baptist

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."

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

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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2026 FEP 000005

1/31/2023

Date of Death

Anita Tyler

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Brian Spern whose address is 3701 Old Court Road, Suite 24, Baltimore MD 21208 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Anita Tyler, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on 9/10/2025. Service of process may be made upon Jamil Zouaoui - 2911 Arizona Ave., NW Washington, DC 20016 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate: 1221 50th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: January 22, 2026

Brian Spern Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2025 ADM 001386

Annie Rae Gales Bell Decedent

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

Tamara Scurlock Briggs, whose address is 1305 Holy Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Annie Rae Gales Bell who died on 4/21/2020 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/29/2026. 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 7/29/2026, 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: 1/29/2026

Tamara Scurlock Briggs Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 001342

Edith Creech

Decedent

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

Alvin Creech and Diann Hayes, whose addresses are 12811

Steam Mill Farms Dr., Brandywine MD 20613 & Diann Hayes 10 Light St., #722, Baltimore MD 21202, were appointed

Personal Representatives of the estate of Edith Creech who died on 1/4/2012 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 7/22/2026. 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 7/22/2026, 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: 1/22/2026

Alvin Creech

Diann Hayes

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 001344 2021 WIL 001344

Dorothy M. Wilson aka Dorothy May Wilson Decedent

Itta Englander, Esq. 64 New York Ave., NE Suite 180 Washington, DC 20002 Attorney

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

Sadie Edwards-Brown, whose address is 3701 13th St., WDC 20010 & 3709 13th St., NW WDC 20010, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy M. Wilson & Dorothy May Wilson who died on 12/20/2020 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/29/2026. 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 7/29/2026, 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: 1/29/2026

Sadie Edwards-Brown 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 001312

Grace P. Henry aka Grace Pearl Andrews Henry Decedent

Sharon Legall

1325 G Street NW, Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005

Attorney

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

Derek D. Rucker, whose address is 14401 Traville Garden Circle, Apt. 212, Rockville MD 20850, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Grace P. Henry aka Grace Pearl Andrews Henry who died on 3/23/2012 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 7/22/2026. 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 7/22/2026, 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: 1/22/2026

Derek D. Rucker 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 001349

Flonorial Merritt Jr. Decedent

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

Flonisha R. Merritt, whose address is 301 G Street SW #115 Washington, DC 20024, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Flonorial Merritt Jr. who died on 8/14/2024 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 7/29/2026. 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 7/29/2026, 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: 1/29/2026

Flonisha R. Merritt 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 001318

James A. Barmore Decedent

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

Nina R. Williams-Brooks, whose address is 4912 Just Street, NE Washington DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James A. Barmore who died on July 13, 2020 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/22/2026. 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 7/22/2026, 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: 1/22/2026

Nina R. Williams-Brooks 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 001451

George Edward Thomas Sr. aka George Edward Thomas Decedent

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

George Edward Thomas Jr., whose address is 9338 Clifford Dr., White Plains, MD 20695, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of George Edward Thomas Sr. aka George Edward Thomas who died on November 16, 2023 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 7/29/2026. 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 7/29/2026, 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: 1/29/2026

George Edward Thomas Jr. 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 001308

Yvonne Elaine Williams Decedent

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

Shantelle A. Smith, whose address is 4215 Wheeler Rd. SE, Washington DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Yvonne Elaine Williams who died on 1/27/2025 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 7/22/2026. 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 7/22/2026, 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: 1/22/2026

Shantelle A. 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

2025 ADM 001445

Gilbert Mack, Sr. Decedent

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

Gilbert Mack, Jr., whose address is 9010 Phita Lane, Manassas Park, VA 20111, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gilbert Mack, Sr. who died on 9/27/2022 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 7/29/2026. 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 7/29/2026, 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: 1/29/2026

Gilbert Mack, Jr. 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 001353

Jerry Mack Spence, Sr. Decedent

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

LaChelle’ Shania Spence, whose address is 5122 Clacton Ave., Suitland, MD 20746, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jerry Mack Spence, Sr. who died on December 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 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 7/29/2026. 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 7/29/2026, 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: 1/29/2026

LaChelle’ Shania Spence 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 001048

Tornora Michelle Carroll Decedent

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

Beverly Henderson, whose address is 1629 K Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Tornora Michelle Carroll who died on July 5, 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 July 29, 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 July 29, 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: January 29, 2026

Beverly Henderson 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 000016

Maurice D. Philson Decedent

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

Monique Adams, whose address is 8494 Cardinal Lane, White Plains, MD 20695, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Maurice D. Philson who died on 1/10/2025 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 7/29/2026. 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 7/29/2026, 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: 1/29/2026

Monique Adams 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 000246

Willie G. Wooten Sr. aka Willie Gold Wooten Sr. Decedent

Tabitha R. Brown, Esquire Law Offices of Tabitha R. Brown 1200 G Street SE, Suite A Washington, DC 20003 Attorney

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

Christopher Wooten, whose address is 7919 Orchard Park Way, Bowie, MD 20715, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Willie G. Wooten Sr. aka Willie Gold Wooten Sr. who died on 12/31/2023 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 7/29/2026. 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 7/29/2026, 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: 1/29/2026

Christopher Wooten 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 001370

Rhonda Foxworth Decedent

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

Felicia Foxworth Dixon, whose address is 7202 Ballantrae Court, Clinton MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rhonda Foxworth who died on April 9, 2022 without a Will and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/29/2026. 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 7/29/2026, 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: 1/29/2026

Felicia Foxworth Dixon

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

CIVIL DIVISION

Case Number: 2025-CAB-004547

Judge: Maribeth Raffinan

ESTATE OF THEODORE R. BROWN

v. LILLIAN MAE BROWN

ORDER Before the Court is Plaintiffs’ Consent Motion to Authorize Service by Publication, filed on October 30, 2025. Upon consideration of the Motion and the entire record herein, it is this 24th day of November 2025, hereby: ORDERED that Plaintiffs’ Consent Motion to Authorize Service by Publication is GRANTED; and it is further, ORDERED that the Plaintiffs are authorized to publish the following notice in the Daily Washington Law Reporter and the Washington Informer twice a month for three successive months, which notice shall include the caption of this case: The object of this action is to establish title to 4854 Brooks St NE Washington DC 20019, known for assessment and taxation purposes as Square 5141, Lots 12 and 13, in the name of the Theodore R. Brown. The purpose of this publication is to ensure that there are no unknown heirs or devisees of Lillian Mae Brown, who is listed as a tenant by the entirety of this property. The complaint alleges that Lillian Mae Brown was born on or around 1910, and that she died on or around 1980; and it is further, ORDERED that any person claiming an interest in this property or in this action must cause their appearance to be entered herein on or before the fortieth day, exclusive of Sundays and legal holidays, occurring after the day of the first publication of this Order; otherwise this cause will be proceeded with as in case of default. SO ORDERED. /s/ Judge Maribeth Raffinan, Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

Pub Dates: Dec 4, 11, 2025; Jan 1,8; Feb 5, 12, 2026

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 001401

Ricardo Gorrio aka Felix Ricardo Gorrio Larrabure Decedent

Lindsey M. Avedisian 5425 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 600 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 Attorney

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

Oliver Sebastian Rocha, whose address is 182 Clinton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ricardo Gorrio aka Felix Ricardo Gorrio Larrabure who died on 9/13/2024 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 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 7/29/2026. 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 7/29/2026, 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: 1/29/2026

Oliver Sebastian Rocha 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 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 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 000009

July 14, 2024

Date of Death

Rodney Leslie Washington Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Barry James Washington, whose address is 2900 Hatboro Place, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Rodney Leslie Washington, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Montgomery County, State of Maryland, on October 28, 2024.

Service of process may be made upon Bradley A. Thomas, 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006 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: 1/29/2026

Barry James Washington 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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

STUDENTS

from Page 17

to be taught by them,” she explained. “We need to learn from their wisdom and everything they have to offer us.”

Donning a red coat fashioned with “ICE has absolute immunity” and a self-made flag that read: “Alex Pretti, murdered by ICE January 24, 2026” spray-painted on it, Nadine Seiler attended the demonstration as a proud supporter of the young people canvassing all the way to White House.

As a Black immigrant from Trinidad, she told The Informer she foreshadowed the fate of both vulnerable populations when she read Project 2025, the federal policy agenda, published by The Heritage Foundation that outlined a restructuring of the executive branch with challenges to topics such as immigration, abortion, civil rights, focusing on leaning conservative.

“I am being selfish to be honest because I am an immigrant and I knew when I read the synopsis of project 2025, I knew that they were gonna come for the black community and I knew they were gonna come from the immigrant community,” Seiler said. “I happen to be a part of those two communities.”

Additionally, she touted a personal responsibility to be an example for others overall.

“So other people who are like me can see me and say, ‘Okay, she got out, she’s not afraid…I can come out too,’” Seiler said.

Beyond the roots of student-led activism in historic movements, senior chemical engineering major Kelby Hughes highlights his purpose in the foundation of cultural institutions and organizations, especially as a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., one of the historically Black fraternities and sororities also known as the Divine Nine.

After his friends told him about the nationwide activation, the California native knew this was an important event for him to be a part of, calling out those who have been silent and vowing to use his platform to reject complicity.

“I don't care about anything going on with the diaspora wars and its classism and its colorism, anything like that. We're all Black, and that's what the ICE agents see,” Hughes said. “That's what the police officers see, and that's what the administration sees. If we don't unite now, we'll be torn asunder.” WI

CHAVIS from Page 24

can homes. Such a combined entity would far exceed Congress' 39% cap — making this not only a policy concern but also a legal one. This merger would trigger newsroom reductions, more content duplication, and a dramatic narrowing of editorial independence across dozens of cities.

Excessive consolidation gives a handful of corporate headquarters disproportionate influence over what the nation sees and hears. Communities of color are hit hardest when local storytelling disappears or when editorial direction is centralized far from the communities being covered. Local

from Page 24

es their ability to detect and prevent crime.

Law enforcement depends on cooperation from victims and witnesses. When that cooperation collapses, crime increases, offenders go unpunished and public safety declines for everyone.

Accountability: Immigration enforcement agents concealing their identities behind masks undermine due process and equal protection by preventing individuals from verifying the legitimacy of arrests and seeking justice for abuse. "21 Pillars" calls for robust policies and procedures to investigate misconduct and enforce disciplinary standards. The Trump administration

from Page 24

munity was the motivation that made Republican white voters automatically turn out and vote for his opponent. The same understanding should have automatically motivated Black voters to turn out and support Espy. This is true regardless of whether Obama is on the ballot. Given that Obama and Espy shared the same political ideology, which would best serve Black communities, that should have been the common denominator and motivating factor for high voter turnout for both candidates. There should never be an "enthusiasm gap" with the stakes being so high when the election outcome does not benefit people of color. In this year's midterm election, Texas has the potential to flip its U.S. Senate seat blue. In an encouraging sign leading into the midterm election, the Democratic candidate scored a major upset in a special election runoff for state Senate District 9, a district that President Trump won by 17 points in

TV stations and other local journalism have long been essential entry points for young journalists of color; consolidation shrinks those pathways and reduces the diversity of the newsroom workforce.

Consolidation reliably drives up retransmission fees — costs that cable and satellite subscribers ultimately bear. Retransmission fees have risen over 2,000% in the past 15 years.

Nexstar has explicitly told investors that nearly half of its projected merger “synergies” come from raising retransmission revenues — effectively guaranteeing higher bills for millions of families without providing any new content or service. For households

has barred state and local authorities from reviewing evidence related to Pretti's death and is, itself, conducting only a cursory review of the shooting. Meanwhile, the administration has eliminated personnel responsible for investigating abuses within the agency and restricted congressional oversight of ICE detention. As outlined in "21 Pillars," civilian review boards, body-worn cameras, mandatory officer identification and full public reporting of critical incidents would bring accountability to a far-too-opaque system.

Reform of divisive policies: In addition to the use of masks to conceal agents' identities, immigration enforcement is further undermining public trust and community safety

2024. But will the winner of the Democratic primary election between U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state legislator James Talarico for the U.S. Senate run into the same "enthusiasm gap" problem that hurt Mike Espy and Beto O'Rourke in their general elections?

Low turnout among Black voters is not all attributed to Republican voter suppression tactics. Beto O'Rourke lost the 2018 Texas U.S. Senate race to Ted Cruz by approximately 215,000 votes (50.9% to 48.3%).

Because the margin of victory was so narrow, even a modestly higher turnout among infrequent Democratic-leaning voters could have changed the outcome of the election in O'Rourke's favor. O'Rourke's coalition depended on big enough wins in urban and diverse counties to offset Cruz's strength in small rural counties. Will a significant number of Black voters maintain an "it won't matter" attitude and not support Jasmine Crockett in either the primary or general elections?

If James Talarico wins the Demo-

struggling with rising costs of living, these increases are especially burdensome.

The nation should not repeat the mistakes that allowed corporate consolidation to decimate local newspapers. Preserving strong, independent, community-rooted local print and television journalism is essential to democracy, equity, and civic life. The FCC should uphold the 39% cap, reject the Nexstar-TEGNA merger, and recommit to protecting localism, diversity, and the public interest. America's airwaves belong to the people — not to a handful of corporate conglomerates.

with the use of racial profiling, aggressive militarized tactics and indiscriminate use of excessive force. At least eight people have been killed by federal immigration agents or died in custody in the first month of 2026 alone. An overwhelming majority of Americans say it's unacceptable for agents to use people's appearance or the language they speak as a reason to check their immigration status, and a clear majority believe immigration enforcement is too aggressive. Increasingly, enforcement has focused on people who have no criminal history, diverting resources away from those who pose actual public-safety risks.

AIRLINE CAREERS

FAA approved maintenance

MORIAL

MARSHALL

WILLIAMS from Page 25

This is not just Minnesota's fight; it belongs to all of us, and we must be determined to find ways to stop the evil acts against our people.

These are our rights we are being asked to protect. So, think about the meaning for you and your family of the cold-blooded murders of Ms.

TILGHMAN

from Page 25

This isn't about confrontation. It's about accountability.

An IEP only works if what's on paper actually shows up in practice.

When Things Go Wrong, Don't Blame Yourself

One of the most damaging parts of the special education process is how easily parents begin to internalize failure.

If services are delayed, parents assume they didn't push hard enough. If progress stalls, they question their child's abilities.

If staffing changes disrupt services, they're told to be patient.

But these are not personal failures. They are system failures.

Staff shortages, high caseloads, and under-resourced programs affect real children every day. Families should not carry the emotional burden of problems they did not create.

When delays happen, schools have a responsibility to communicate honestly and work toward solutions. Silence and uncertainty only deepen mistrust.

You Can Ask for Another Meeting

from Page 25

a bipartisan redistricting commission, making a clear statement that maps should serve voters, not politicians.

When that commission deadlocked, Virginia's Supreme Court stepped in and appointed special masters to draw fair maps. The results earned an "A" from the Princeton Gerrymandering Project and produced three genuinely competitive districts. This is proof that fair maps can still give voters real power in a rigged national system.

Today, Republicans hold just five of Virginia's 11 seats, and Democrats already have a strong chance to win two or three more through fair competition in 2026. Gerrymandering those gains into certainty would undermine the very idea of elections and strip Virginia of the moral authority it now holds in a national fight over

Good and Mr. Pretti, and how the people of Minnesota are responding, then come up with an action you can and are willing to take if something similar were happening to your family.

Join the people across the country legally protesting to show Trump they are in solidarity with stopping the tyrannical government we now

Many parents don't realize this: you don't have to wait a year to revisit an IEP.

If services aren't working, if goals no longer fit, or if your child's needs change, parents have the right to request another meeting. That request should be made in writing and taken seriously.

IEPs are meant to be responsive documents, not static ones. Children grow. Needs change. Plans should adjust accordingly.

This Is Bigger Than One Child

This series isn't just about individual experiences. It's about fairness.

Families with flexible schedules, legal knowledge, or outside support are often better positioned to push for compliance. Families without those resources are more likely to absorb delays and disruptions quietly.

A child's access to services should not depend on how persistent, informed, or available their parent can be.

That gap is not accidental. And it is not acceptable.

Systems Must Match the Promises They Make

School systems cannot treat compliance as a paperwork exercise. Im-

democracy.

This is not about unilateral disarmament. It is about leadership. If Democrats gerrymander Virginia while Republicans rig Florida, Missouri and North Carolina, the net effect is zero. A few seats change hands, but the country loses competitive elections, accountable government and public trust.

Virginia can show a different way. By honoring the 2020 constitutional amendment and rejecting this April's redistricting referendum, the Commonwealth can demonstrate that democracy is not just something Democrats defend when it's convenient. It can show the nation how to fight back against Republican abuses without becoming what we oppose.

Just as importantly, Virginia Democrats can keep the national focus where voters want it: affordability.

have, and they are standing against such action. We are Americans and our families fought to gain what the Constitution offers us, and "We ain't gonna let nobody take them away."

We applaud Don Lemon, Georgia Fort and the people of Minnesota as they are leading the way in protecting our rights. WI

plementation matters.

That means staffing programs fully, communicating clearly with families, ensuring continuity when personnel change, and treating parents as partners rather than problems.

An IEP that exists but isn't delivered is not a plan. It's a broken promise.

Why I'm Continuing This Series

I keep writing because too many families feel isolated once the meeting ends. Parents second-guess themselves. Fathers sit quietly while carrying a lot of emotion. Caregivers wonder what to do next.

If that sounds familiar, you're not alone.

Fatherhood has taught me that advocacy is an act of love. Sometimes it looks like preparation. Sometimes it looks like persistence. And sometimes it looks like asking the same hard questions again — because your child is worth it.

An IEP is not just paperwork. It is access.

It is equity.

It is opportunity.

And every child deserves to see the promises made on paper honored in real life.

Working families did not hand Democrats power to redraw maps. They did it because costs are out of control. While Republicans in Washington push tax cuts for billionaires and strip health care subsidies, Democrats in Virginia and nationally can prove they are using power to lower the cost of rent, groceries and child care.

That message won elections across Virginia last year. It can win again in 2026 if Democrats don't lose the national plot by playing the same political games voters are desperate to see end.

Virginia Democrats should reject this April's redistricting referendum, uphold the fair maps Virginians already chose and show the country that democracy still works best when voters choose their representatives — not the other way around.

HARRIS/MCDANIEL