The Washington Informer - January 25, 2024 by The Washington Informer

January 2024. Volume 10. Issue 1.

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Amid Grassroots Push for YearRound Youth Employment, Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program Marks 45 Years

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

5A gas explosion on Marion Barry Avenue SE destroyed a convenience store around 10 a.m. Thursday, causing minor injuries to one person hit with flying debris. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Gas Explosion in Southeast Levels Convenience Store, Injures One

By Kayla Benjamin and Ja’Mon Jackson Climate & Environment Writer and Photojournalist

A gas explosion on Marion Barry Avenue SE destroyed a convenience store around 10 a.m. Thursday, causing minor injuries to one person hit with flying debris and requiring the

rapid evacuation of over a dozen toddlers at the daycare next door, along with dozens of people working in buildings nearby. Firefighters extinguished the blaze by 3:45 p.m., Fire Chief John Donnelly said at an afternoon press briefing. Efforts to clear the debris along the block would continue into the night, he explained.

“[The explosion] was just like the movies,” said Andre Campbell, a Department of Housing employee who was evacuated from a building across the street from the explosion. “It was terrifying to see it.” Shortly after receiving a report of a gas leak around 9:30 a.m., first re-

For weeks, Antone White has circulated a petition among District residents and elected officials demanding that young people under the age of 16 be able to receive stable employment throughout the year and access to comprehensive vocational programs. The petition, titled “Youth Empowerment - 5D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, students and District leaders, celebrate the kickoff of the application season to the 2024 Jobs for Youth/Crime PreMarion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program, which vention/Community Safe- is celebrating its 45th year. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington

SYEP Page 48 Informer)

Local Mother Demands Custody of Daughter, Protection of Black P.K. Collins Parental Rights ByWISam Staff Writer

EXPLOSION Page 48

By Kayla Benjamin heavy rainfall. Collapsed Pipe She first called DC Water, Climate & Environment as she normally would, around Writer Floods Over A Dozen 9 p.m. As the night wore on, 5 Teron McNeil, Jr., the 12-year-old son of Smith quickly realized Titania Best, counted among several people When water started to seep Southeast Homes into her basement the evening though, this was not her typical flood is- who took to the front of the Hospital for Sick Children Pediatric Center to protest for parenof Jan. 15, Kayla Smith didn’t sue. with Sewage tal rights for Aziyrah Peters, mother Ramyah “We kept calling every hour, to panic. Since buying her house on

Southern Avenue SE Resident Discusses the Flooding and Aftermath

Southern Avenue SE in 2019, she has dealt with several nuisance flooding issues, usually during

say ‘hey, it's still rising,’” Smith

FLOODS Page 22

Peters, who is at odds with the D.C. Childs and Family Services Agency and medical professionals about health treatment plans for her young daughter. (Courtesy Photo)

Celebrating 59 years. Your credible and trusted source for Black news and information.

For months, Aziyrah Peters has been at odds with administrators at the Hospital for Sick Children Pediatric Center in Northeast about the medical care that her daughter, Ramyah Peters, has been receiving for pulmonary hypertension. Since Ramyah’s birth, when doctors

RIGHTS Page 40

2 JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

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wi hot topics

COMPILED BY STACY M. BROWN, WI SENIOR WRITER; BRENDA C. SILER WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Illnesses Upends Trump’s Sexual Assault Trial The trial of writer E. Jean Carroll’s defamation suit against the twice-impeached and four-times indicted former President Donald Trump faced an unexpected halt on Monday, Jan. 22. The judge suspended the trial after one 5 E. Jean Carroll of Trump’s lawyers, Alina (Couerway Photo) Habba, revealed exposure to COVID-19, and a juror reported feeling unwell while en route to the federal courthouse in New York. Habba, despite testing negative, said she felt unwell. She said she was exposed to COVID-19 during a visit with her parents and requested a one-day postponement while proposing to delay the trial until Wednesday. The trial was adjourned for the day after a juror, experiencing flu-like symptoms, contacted the federal courthouse to report his condition. During courtroom discussions, Trump also reminded

Habba that New Hampshire was holding its presidential primary the following day (Tuesday), fueling some doubts that the “illness” was simply a delay tactic. Judge Lewis A. Kaplan suggested proceeding with eight jurors, a proposal accepted by Carroll’s team but rejected by Trump’s lawyers. Kaplan also rejected Trump’s latest motion for a mistrial, which his attorneys made during Carroll’s cross-examination. Habba had sought a mistrial earlier during Carroll’s cross-examination, emphasizing deleting emails containing threats to Carroll’s safety. Kaplan promptly rejected the request. In a letter to Kaplan last week, Habba reiterated the request, arguing that without the records, it’s challenging to establish the timeline of the threats. This is the second trial by Carroll against Trump. In 2023, a jury found that Trump sexually assaulted Carroll and awarded the writer $5 million in damages. After the former president allegedly continued to denigrate Carroll publicly, the writer sought further damages, which the New York jury will consider once testimony and closing arguments wrap in the current case. WI

'The Color Purple' at the Top in 2024 Black Reel Awards

In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $55 per year, two years $70. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032 Phone: 202 561-4100 Fax: 202 574-3785 news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com

PUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes STAFF Micha Green, Managing Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/Marketing Director Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, Editor, WI Bridge DC Austin Cooper, Our House Editor Desmond Barnes, Social Media Stategist ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Angie Johnson, Office Mgr./Circulation REPORTERS Kayla Benjamin, (Environmental Justice Reporter) Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Curtis Knowles, Brenda Siler, Lindiwe Vilakazi, Sarafina Wright, James Wright PHOTOGRAPHERS Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor, Roy Lewis, Jr., Robert R. Roberts, Anthony Tilghman, Abdula Konte, Ja'Mon Jackson

4 JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

“The Color Purple ” and “American Fiction” won top honors during the 2024 Black Reel Awards, also known as the “Bolt.” A musical, “The Color Purple,” received the top award for “Outstanding Ensemble.” Fantasia Barrino, who starred as Celie, received the award in the category “Outstanding Breakthrough Performance,” and Danielle Brooks, who played Sofia, was honored with “Outstanding Supporting Performance.” In her remarks, Brooks shared her thoughts about this exciting time in her career. “I am just living in every moment of all of this. I am so grateful that I got to step into the role of Sofia, someone so beloved in our community,” Brooks said. “American Fiction” was honored in top categories, such as “Outstanding Film.” Other honors for this film included: D.C. native Jeffrey Wright receiving the award for “Outstanding Lead Performance,” and Cord Jefferson for “Outstanding Director.” Jefferson was also honored with awards

in the categories “Outstanding Screenplay,” “Outstanding Emerging Director,” and “First Screenplay.” Black Reel Awards in television, known as “Bolt TV,” were given to “Abbott Elementary” for “Outstanding Comedy Series,” “Snowfall” for “Outstanding Drama Series,” and “The Best Man: The Final Chapters” for “Outstanding TV Series or Limited Series.” Receiving recognition in other television categories were “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” for “Outstanding Variety, Sketch or Talk - Series or Special” and “Dear Mama” for “Outstanding Documentary.” Recognized in television acting categories were Quinta Brunson in “Abbott Elementary” for “Outstanding Lead Performance in a Comedy Series,” Damson Idris in “Snowfall” for “Outstanding Lead Performance in a Drama Series,” and Dominique Fishback in “Swarm” for “Outstanding Lead Performance in a TV Movie or Limited Series.” Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com. WI

Biden Unveils New Sweeping Student Loan Debt Relief Measures, Surpassing 3.7 Million Beneficiaries President Joe Biden continues to make significant strides in alleviating the student loan debt crisis, announcing the approval of debt cancellation for an additional 74,000 student loan borrowers. The latest action contributes to the record-breaking relief the administration has provided to more than 3.7 million Americans. Earlier this month, Biden announced the accelerated implementation of a crucial provision under the Student Aid for Voluntary Education (SAVE) plan, which the administration said has helped 3.6 million Americans by canceling their student debt. Biden said the plan aims to create a more affordable student loan repayment structure while providing

life-changing support to students and their families. “Today, my administration approved debt cancellation for another 74,000 student loan borrowers across the country, bringing the total number of people who have had their debt canceled under my administration to over 3.7 million Americans through various actions,” Biden said in a statement on Jan. 19. The beneficiaries of the latest round of relief include nearly 44,000 teachers, nurses, firefighters, and other public service professionals who have earned forgiveness after a decade of dedicated service. Additionally, close to 30,000 individuals who have been in repayment for at least 20 years without receiving relief through income-driven repayment plans will now see their debts forgiven. WI

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AROUND THE REGION Michael A. Brown Announces Run for D.C. Delegate Seat

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Michael A. Brown, veteran D.C. politician and lobbyist, is the latest to throw his hat in the ring in a D.C. delegate race that’s been heating up over the last couple weeks. In his latest electoral endeavor, he cites the hemorrhaging of District residents and businesses as a major concern. On Tuesday, Brown, a former at-large D.C. Council member, revealed his intentions to challenge D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D), telling The Informer that, while he respects Norton’s legacy, countering the aforementioned issues, along with conservative attacks on D.C. laws and finances, requires more of an aggressive approach. “We spent time reacting to what happened on the Hill but we need to take the fight for statehood and self-determination to the people,” Brown said. “We need regular people to understand why statehood is important. Why shouldn’t young people understand our plight? One way of getting them involved is giving the advocacy community the resources to fight and build to get more people involved in that effort.” Last year, the GOP successfully struck down the twice-council approved Revised Criminal Code Act (RCCA), during which Brown said he started receiving calls from colleagues to run for political office. His announcement comes amid the FBI’s move to neighboring Greenbelt, Mayland and questions of whether the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals will stay in the District. Another ongoing issue centers on budget negotiations that jeopardize

District traffic safety and public safety resources. Pending a successful ballot petition process, Brown will be on the June 4 Democratic primary ballot alongside Norton, Kymone Freeman, co-owner of We Act Radio and Kelly Mikel Williams. Joan Malone, a Republican, is also vying for the D.C. delegate seat. Brown expressed a desire, if elected, to directly engage congressional colleagues and the White House for untapped federal funds. He touts his experience as an at-large council member as his advantage, citing among his legislative achievements the recalibration of SNAP benefits during the Great Recession, introduction of Uber and Lyft to District, infusion of funds into the Housing Production Trust Fund, “first source” business contracting, and the launch of University of District of Columbia Community College. He said he can exhibit that same doggedness in his engagement with political leaders and D.C. residents who are not in tune with the longstanding statehood movement. “There are so many opportunities for grant funding,” Brown said. “We can go for them for small and large businesses, education, and climate change. It’s about engaging the advocacy community on lobbying efforts to get the extra funding. We’re going against other jurisdictions,” he added. “No one can do this on their own. Getting everyday folks engaged is a special skill and I think I check most of the boxes.” Brown, son of the late U.S. Commerce Secretary Ron Brown, served one term as an independent at-large council member upon his election to the D.C. Council in 2008. In years past, he unsuccessfully attempted to

run for District mayor and Ward 4 D.C councilmember. In 2012, David Grosso defeated Brown in his reelection bid. In 2013, shortly after another unsuccessful bid for the at-large council seat, Brown was charged with bribery for his involvement in an FBI sting during which he accepted $55,000 in cash in exchange for preferential government contracting of businesses. He would later serve a 39-month federal prison term, returning home in 2017. “I may not be perfect, but I’m perfect for the job,” Brown said. “I have major regrets about what occurred and will continue to apologize to my supporters and friends. I paid a price. It doesn’t matter that the Supreme Court overturned the statute on the McDonough case. It doesn’t replace my bad decision making and I apologize for that.” WI @SamPKCollins

“We spent time reacting to what happened on the Hill but we need to take the fight for statehood and self-determination to the people,” Brown said. “We need regular people to understand why statehood is important. "

3 On Tuesday, Michael A. Brown, a former at-large D.C. Council member, revealed his intentions to challenge D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) in the 2024 D.C. primary, scheduled for June 4. (Courtesy Photo)

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black facts

JAN. 25-31, 2024

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

JAN.25

1938 – Famed soul singer Etta James is born in Los Angeles. 1950 – Novelist Gloria Naylor, best known for her book "The Women of Brewster Place," is born in New York City. 1972 – Shirley Chisholm formally announces her bid for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, becoming the first Black presidential candidate for a major political party. 1980 – Black Entertainment Television (BET), a cable television network launched by Robert L. Johnson, begins broadcasting.

JAN. 26

1863 – U.S. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton authorizes the enlistment of Black soldiers in the Civil War. 1892 – Bessie Coleman, the first African American pilot, is born in Atlanta, Texas. 1944 – Political activist, academic scholar and author Angela Davis is born in Birmingham, Alabama. 1948 – Executive Order 9981 is issued by President Harry S. Truman, abolishing racial discrimination in the U.S. Armed Forces. 1958 – R&B singer Anita Baker is born in Toledo, Ohio.

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1961 – Renowned opera singer Leontyne Price makes her debut at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. 1972 – Gospel music legend Mahalia Jackson dies in Evergreen Park, Illinois, of heart failure and diabetes complications at age 60.

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1960 – Famed African American novelist Zora Neale Hurston, author of "Their Eyes Were Watching God," dies in Fort Pierce, Florida, at age 69 of complications from a stroke. 1970 – Tennis great Arthur Ashe is denied entry to compete on the U.S. team for the South African Open tennis champion-

JACKIE ROBINSON ships due to his stance on South Africa's racial policies.

JAN. 29

1954 – Entertainment mogul Oprah Winfrey is born in Kosciusko, Mississippi. 1966 – Charles Mahoney, the first Black American delegate to the United Nations, dies,

JAN. 30

1944 – Former D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt, the first African American woman to serve as mayor of a major American city, is born in the District. 1979 – Franklin Thomas is named the first Black president of the Ford Foundation.

JAN. 31

1865 – The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which outlawed slavery and indentured servitude, is passed by the U.S. Congress. 1919 – Baseball great Jackie Robinson, who broke Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947, is born in Cairo, Georgia. 1931 – Ernie Banks, the Hall of Fame shortstop and first baseman known as "Mr. Cub," is born in Dallas. 1961 – Lt. Cmdr. Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. becomes first African American to command a U.S. combat ship. 1988 – Washington Redskins quarterback Doug Williams becomes the first Black starting quarterback in a Super Bowl, winning MVP honors in Washington's 42-10 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII. WI

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The Collins Council Report

Council Meets with D.C. Sentencing Commission, Henderson Focuses on Pregnant Students By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer This edition of The Washington Informer Collins Council Report unpacks the council’s meeting with the D.C. Sentencing Commission and the Committee of the Whole hearing that took place after. Legislation on the table included a bill that helps pregnant District students continue their education, a resolution for the confirmation of Acting Planning and Economic Development Deputy Mayor Nina Albert, and D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto’s Secure DC Omnibus bill. Read this report for more information.

I. THE COUNCIL MEETS WITH THE D.C. SENTENCING COMMISSION

The D.C. Council preceded its Jan. 23 Committee of the Whole meeting with a sit-down with the D.C. Sentencing Commission. This meeting, coordinated amid discussions about Joel Caston’s nomination to the board, allowed Commission Executive Director Linden Fry and D.C. Superior Court associate judge and commission chair Milton C. Lee, Jr. to break down the development of sentencing guidelines and weigh in on the discussion about the

experience required of commission members. Lee, in response to D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker’s question on the matter, espoused the need for diverse viewpoints and experiences on the D.C. Sentencing Commission, especially as it related to community members who’ve been through the criminal justice system. “They’re connected to the community and give us a good idea of what the community says about what we’re doing,” Lee said. “We’re blessed with folks with a nominal amount of experience. The value is a lot of information coming from a lot of places. I reject the notion that because you served time, you would work for shorter sentences.” This portion of the discussion followed a presentation that Fry and Lee conducted about the sentencing guidelines. They stressed, particularly in their exchange with D.C. Councilmember Anita Bonds (D-At large), that with the congressional takedown of the Revised Criminal Code Act, judges still have some latitude in how they impose sentences for various felonies. Lee and Fry said that judges, in handing down sentences, take into consideration the severity of the offense and the defendant's prior convictions. The duo also explained that judges, based on a defendant’s conviction history, can impose split sentencing where defendants serve up to six months behind bars and the rest of their time under supervised probation.

Fry pointed out that judges can make mitigating departures, where they impose sentences on the lower end of the sentencing guidelines spectrum in exchange for a defendant’s cooperation. He also said that judges, depending on the severity of a victim’s injuries, could go on the other end of the spectrum, a process called aggravating departure. During the presentation, Fry said D.C.’s sentencing guide, now 20 years old as of this week, undergoes adjustments via vigorous debate between all 17 commission members--- ability to vote notwithstanding. Lee, speaking about the compilation of the sentencing guidelines, said that commission members execute “data-driven use of discretion.” That data, he said, comes from the D.C. Superior Court and, as of shortly before the pandemic, the Metropolitan Police Department. That point elicited questions from Parker and D.C. Councilmembers Matt Frumin (D-Ward 3) and Kenyan McDuffie (I-At large) about whether the commission bends toward the will of judges in setting sentencing guidelines. McDuffie followed up by asking whether the commission looked at how often, during plea deals, judges’ sentences aligned with either defense and prosecutor recommendations. Fry pointed out that while the commission, in the process of setting guidelines, gleans data related to the frequency of sentences handed down,

COUNCIL Page 9

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AROUND THE REGION COUNCIL from Page 8 charges at the time of arrest, and the outcome of grand jury trials, commission members could benefit from a complete breakdown of defendants’ criminal history score, which comes from Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA). D.C. Counciilmember Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1 ) later questioned the efficacy of court supervision, as facilitated by CSOSA. Her inquiry preceded commentary by D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson (I-At large), who expressed some apprehension about split sentencing and how defendants are allowed to walk the streets after only a few months of incarceration. In response to Nadeau, Lee designated CSOSA as “the folks on the front line.” D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), chairperson of the council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, pointed out that emergency public safety legislation approved by the council last year mandates that public posting of information about CSOSA’s metrics of success in the arena of court supervision. The Secure DC Omnibus Act, up before the council that afternoon, also addresses Nadeau’s concerns, Pinto went on to mention.

II. COUNCILMEMBER HENDERSON FOCUSES ON PREGNANT SCHOOLCHILDREN IN LEGISLATION

When a female high school student becomes pregnant, her chances of graduating on time declines by 40 percentage points, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As part of an effort to address this phenomenon, D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson (I-At large) introduced the Extended Students’ Right to Home or Hospital Instruction last summer. On Tuesday, the D.C. Council unanimously approved a committee print of the legislation. During a public hearing last November, no one spoke in opposition of the legislation, D.C. Council Chairperson Phil Mendelson (D) said on the dais. The bill will now go before the Committee of the Whole during its early February legislative meeting. If

passed, it will add preterm birth complications, childbirth and postpartum recovery to the list of health conditions for which students are eligible for home or hospital instruction via the Students’ Right to Home or Hospital Instruction Act. The aforementioned legislation, passed in 2020, requires D.C. Public Schools and public charter schools, all of which are designated as local education agencies, to implement a home and hospital instruction program that supports students who’ve been absent from school for at least 10 consecutive days because of a health condition. However, the law, as interpreted by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, currently excludes students experiencing preterm birth complications, childbirth and postpartum recovery. That’s why Henderson, speaking from the dais on Tuesday, celebrated the legislation’s advancement and what it could mean for a group of high school youths vying for some continuity in their academic pursuits. “This legislation would dismantle the biases we have regarding health conditions and help students who find themselves in a situation where they need assistance,” Henderson said. “I look forward to getting this bill passed and ensuring all students whose health needs require accomodation[s] get those needs met.”

III. NINA ALBERT CONFIRMATION, AND A QUESTION ABOUT THE KENNEDY STREET LIBRARY

On Tuesday, Nina Albert, a native Washingtonian and longtime fixture in local and federal development space, inched a bit closer to her official installment as D.C. deputy mayor for planning and economic development (DMPED). Without objection, the D.C. Council placed Albert’s confirmation resolution on the agenda for its Feb. 6 legislative meeting. D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (I-At large) didn’t mince words in speaking about the significance of Albert’s appointment. “There are some pressing challenges for our local economy around a competitive post-pandemic environment, retaining existing businesses and attracting new large and small businesses, like grocery stores and retail across

our city, especially in Wards 7 and 8,” McDuffie said. “For most of last year, DMPED was without a permanent leader so I look forward to working to make sure that the city’s most equitable days are ahead of it.” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) nominated Albert last year, touting her vast experience and expertise needed

to usher D.C. into the next era. Earlier this month, McDuffie, chairperson of the council’s Committee on Business and Economic Development, conducted a public hearing on Albert’s nomination. That hearing took place amid conversation about downtown development, particularly Gallery Place-Chi-

natown, the future of which is in question with the likely move of the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals to northern Virginia. In the days leading up to her hearing, Albert affirmed her focus on equity. Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI

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AROUND THE REGION

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5 Tishaura O. Jones, mayor of St. Louis, discussed the challenges of gun violence at the 92nd Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Northwest, D.C.. (Courtesy Photo)

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Tishaura O. Jones made history in 2021 when elected the first Black female mayor of St. Louis and proudly refers to that achievement. However, on Jan. 17, at the 92nd Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors at the Capitol Hilton in Northwest, D.C., she revealed that despite her power, she could not save loved ones from being killed by firearms. “I have lost four relatives to gun violence,” Jones, 51, said at a forum, “Reducing Gun Violence in Our Cities.” “Three of my relatives lived in the St. Louis area and one was in Chicago. I lost a 7-year old cousin to gun violence in August when he accidently shot himself.” She explained that “there has been a spike in homicides across the country since the start of the pandemic.” “ In 2023, there has been a significant decrease in homicides,” Jones added. “But lives are still being lost and hopes are being shattered.” Jones was joined by many of her colleagues from throughout the country that attended the annual conference, which encompassed a wide range of topics— from municipal finance, to climate change. However, gun violence was talked about publicly even in forums and workshops unrelated to it. At a luncheon on Jan. 18, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her thoughts on the issue. Harris said working as a prosecutor, “I have witnessed and seen autopsies.” “I know what guns do and gun violence does to the human body,” she said. “For so many of you, you too know what gun violence does to people, to a community, to families, to the psyche of a community, to the well-being and health of a community. So, when we have this conversation among us, this is not some intellectual academic discourse. It is very real. It is part of our

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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Prince George’s County County Local Updates By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER REOPENS

Following a temporary closure due to a disease that required dogs to quarantine, the Prince George’s County Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center (ASFAC) reopened on Jan. 20, after 10 days without a new case of a dog infection. Dogs who are infected at the facility are currently quarantined. Temporary restrictions on the number of dogs that can be interacted with have been implemented. Volunteers are also welcomed back. “We would not have been successful in our response and reopening without the valued guidance of our veterinarians and support of other animal service organizations in the local area and nationally,” said David Fisher, associate director of the Animal Services Division. “Their expertise mixed with the hard work and commitment of

our facility staff have enabled us to reopen our doors to the public.” For more information on adopting or fostering a pet, contact (301) 780-7200 or visit princegeorgespets4us.com. WI

COUNTRY CLUB SUES NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION OVER PUBLIC ROAD ACCESS

Disputes over gate fees and access to Pleasant Prospect Drive has Woodmore Country Club suing the neighborhood’s homeowner association, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D), and Department of Public Works (DPW) Chief Michael Johnson. These gate fees purchase cards allowing Woodmore residents to bypass security at both ends of the neighborhood. The country club says these fees would have cost them $240,000 annually. “The lawsuit is an extreme re-

5Pointer Ridge community members advocated to protest the planned closing of their neighborhood school. PGCPS CEO Dr. Millard House announced the school will remain open and host a regional autism center. (Anthony Tilghman/ The Washington Informer)

12 JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

5Fairmount Heights, the first county high school built particularly for Black students, has been transferred back to PGCPS ownership. Plans for the site are expected this year. (Anthony Tilghman/ The Washington Informer)

sponse to minor issues and ignores the fact that both entities benefit from the security that the guardhouse and gates offer,” said a letter from the homeowner’s association. “The Board will be looking at short-term options to provide security should Concert attempt to expedite the removal of the guardhouse or gates.” The federal lawsuit was filed on Dec. 22, with the lawsuit also alleging discrimination over employment and income. A state lawsuit was filed in September. The plaintiffs are Kimberly Jackson, who has a friend who lives in the subdivision, and Brent Taliaferro, an assistant golf pro who works at the Country Club in Woodmore. WI

POINTER RIDGE ELEMENTARY REMAINING OPEN, WILL HOST AUTISM CENTER

In a move that many neighbor-

ing parents fought for, Pointer Ridge Elementary School will remain open. The Board of Education voted unanimously to keep the school open, and the school will also host a regional autism center. “Keeping Pointer Ridge open to continue serving local families while also being a dedicated space for students with autism is truly a win-win,” said Superintendent Millard House II. “This decision reflects our commitment not only to meeting the needs of our special education learners in new ways, but also to maximizing utilization of our school spaces to benefit all students. Community engagement and collaboration were instrumental in helping us reimagine Pointer Ridge — and I will continue to rely on the input of those we serve when making decisions that best serve PGCPS.” The school was being considered for consolidation this year alongside several other schools. The main concerns expressed by parents were the increased commute times, separating children from their peers and further causing overcrowding in other schools. WI

FAIRMONT HEIGHTS TRANSFERRED TO COUNTY OWNERSHIP

A recent video posted by youth visiting the abandoned, old site of Fairmount Heights High School

raised eyebrows and awareness of what the former school building had become. Initially designated for Black students in 1950, the school building was found littered with broken iPads and trash. Online commenters questioned why electricity and water were still on despite the school closing in September 2017. A new building was built on Columbia Park Road to replace the old Fairmont Heights High School at 1401 Nye Street in Capitol Heights, Maryland. An e-waste pickup of remaining technology on site was completed on Jan. 9, and the site is in the process of being transferred back to the County government. Adaptive reuse studies were conducted by the Maryland- National Capital Park and Planning Commission in recent years. The building is nearly 165,000 square feet and the total site is 14.9 acres. The cost of site repair was estimated higher than replacement in 2012 and the 60 feet slope the school sits on presents further challenges in future uses. Anna Mae Crutchfield, who taught at the school for 37 years, emphasized her love of the community fostered around the school during her time there. “We had great students, teachers, custodian workers,” she said in a May interview. “It was family.” Former Delegate Faye Martin Howell told The Informer that she believes the site should include a vocational training program. WI

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Prince George’s County Political Updates By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

GOV. WES MOORE OUTLINES BUDGET PROPOSAL

To begin the 2024 session, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) announced his $63.1 billion budget proposal. This reflects an increase in state spending on public safety, education and housing. His current proposal is roughly $1 billion less than the funding for the previous year. Moore has promised no tax increases, something that Maryland Republicans are applauding. He is redirecting over $150 million from the Rainy Day Fund into transportation, which suffered the brunt of the budget cuts. Some of the biggest investments he outlined are $906 million for school construction, $270 million for pre-K scholarships and $127 million for local law enforcement. This budget will provide over $9 billion for education and has $160 million more for low income students than last year’s budget. Maryland House Appropriations Committee Chairs Del. Ben Barnes (D-District 21) and Del. Guy Guzzone (D- District 13) both view this proposal as a strong start, with Barnes applauding the strong investment into education proposed. Budget Secretary Helene Grady emphasized that population growth

is a part of the strategy to increase the state’s budget and Moore is planning to ramp up housing construction in part to accommodate this need. The state is still projected to have a deficit of $2.7 billion in 2029, but Moore has emphasized that early investments into infrastructure will bolster the state’s economy in the long term. Following the passage of a 2020 ballot question, Maryland legislators have significantly more authority to shift budget allocations compared to previous years. Previously, the legislature could only cut money from the budget proposal. More information on the budget is available here. WI

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY tality rates," said Maryland LBC Chair Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins (D- District 20) at a news conference. "We will seek to increase access to housing and create a more stable environment for renters and Marylanders." Delegate Adrian Boafo (D- District 23) echoed Wilkins in his support for housing issues. One issue that will face serious debate among members of the Black Caucus is criminal justice. Maryland LBC members, Sen. Jill P. Carter (D-District 41) was the author of legislation to expand protections for youth under arrest,

and Sen. Ron Watson (D- District 23) is the author of or a co-sponsor to legislation that would roll back some of these recent reforms. WI

ANNAPOLIS LEADERSHIP SHIFTS

As Speaker Adrienne Jones (D) has appointed members of the House of Delegates to new roles, the Prince George’s County House Delegation has selected their newest leadership cohort. Following the ascension of Nick Charles from the House of Delegates to the State Senate, Del. Nicole Williams (D- District 22) and

Andrea Fletcher Harrison (D- District 24) moved up to become the interim Chair and First Vice Chair, respectively of the Prince George’s County House Delegation. They are both now officially serving in these roles. First-term Del. Kevin Harris (D- District 27) has been chosen as the new Second Vice Chair. “This session is going to be a very interesting one,” said Williams, according to a recent Maryland Matters report. “Everyone is aware of the budget deficit that we’re facing [and] the hard decisions that are going to have to be made.” WI

LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS LAYS OUT PRIORITIES

The Maryland Legislative Black Caucus (LBC), the largest in the nation, has set their goals for the 2024 legislative session. The Maryland LBC is supporting bills to lower prescription costs, increase the number of community schools, expand criminal expungements, improve transparency in state contracts, and create an ombudsman to respond to complaints regarding the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. "Our agenda seeks to address health disparities in maternal health and cancer that plague our communities and lead to high mor-

5The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, the largest of its kind in the nation, announced their legislative priorities for the 2024 session. Pictured: Black Caucus at the State House in March 2023. (Courtesy Photo: Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland)

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JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024 13

BUSINESS ir efs By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

SHEILA JOHNSON ON MONUMENTAL SPORT’S POTENTIAL VIRGINIA MOVE

Sheila Johnson, the team president, managing partner and governor of the Washington Mystics and part owner of the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals– all under the Monumental Sports & Entertainment umbrella— has made evolving statements regarding the company’s move from the District to the Potomac Yard neighborhood of Alexandria, Virginia. “Just chill on this,” Johnson said during a talk at a gathering of the Economic Club on Jan. 4. “It’s a long way from happening. The moving trucks have not pulled up yet. But I’m just saying that if any

The series will focus on honing personal leadership competencies, to navigating hybrid work environments and strategic planning. The program is designed to guide leaders through a comprehensive journey to foster effective leadership in the dynamic business landscape, culminating in a grand in-person graduation ceremony. The series is a Grow Prince George’s certification training program. The initiative is designed to cultivate a robust business ecosystem within the county. There will be an orientation and program kick-off at the headquarters of the corporation. The in-person information session will take place on Jan. 31 from 2-4 p.m. For more information, call 301583-4560. WI

of you are Washingtonians, we have got to embrace this city. I’ve invested a lot in this city. I’m concerned about it. I love this city… And we have all got to fight for this city and help one another to make this city the greatest city in the country. Don’t give up on it.” Two days later, Johnson clarified her remarks on X (formerly known as Twitter), particularly regarding the Mystics playing in the downtown Capital One Arena, leaving the Ward 8-based Entertainment and Sports Arena. “There’s significant work ahead, including engaging in legislative and community processes,” she said. “But I stand with my business partners and Ted Leonsis in navigating this journey.” WI

5 Sheila Johnson is the team president, managing partner and governor of the Washington Mystics and part owner of the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals. (Courtesy Photo)

WILLIAMS BECOMES PART-OWNER OF BALTIMORE SUN

Armstrong Williams, a District-based Black conservative com-

mentator, radio and talk show host and media company owner, recently joined with David D. Smith, executive chairman of Sinclair Inc., to purchase The Baltimore Sun, the largest newspaper in Maryland. Williams would not divulge the size or amount of his contribution to the Jan. 15 edition of Journal-isms, a website about Black media. He did say, however, that Smith is the right partner for him. “There are no egos,” Williams said. He further said his role will be “whatever I want it to be.” “We just want to get back to journalism,” Williams said, emphasizing local coverage, according to Journal-isms. “We will be hiring. We want our reporters on the ground.” The pair will also own the Capital Gazette newspapers in Annapolis, the Carroll County Times, Towson Times, and several other Baltimore-area weeklies. Smith, the primary owner, facilitated the transaction with the investment firm Alden Global Capital. “I’ve always admired his ability to stick his neck out there and call people…for what they’re doing,” Smith, speaking of Williams, once told Journal-isms in 2014. WI

EXECUTIVE EMPOWERMENT SERIES

The Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation will embark on a new Executive Empowerment series.

14 JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

MCDUFFIE ON SPORTS WAGERING

D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (I-At Large), who serves as chairman of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, convened a roundtable on sports wagering in the District on Jan. 18. There are public concerns that usability, customer service, and seriously declining revenue are demonstrating that the current model being utilized by the D.C. Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) is not working. In testimony before the committee, D.C. Office of Lottery and Gaming Director Frank Suarez indicated his agency is working with a vendor partner, Intralot, to identify a new subcontractor for the sports wagering platform. McDuffie questioned Suarez on why it took so long to decide to move to another subcontractor that could have been operational by July. The councilmember noted that Maryland and Virginia’s sports wagering programs are robust and are utilized by District residents. “This contract has been fraught during almost its entire existence,” said McDuffie. “Any changes must be done through a fully transparent process that inspires confidence and generates the type of revenue the District should expect. OLG must move forward expeditiously to build a procurement that addresses the concerns we’ve raised while also satisfying District-wide goals on Certified Business Enterprise performance and making significant improvements to participation and customer service.” WI

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BUSINESS

Capital Divide: Alarming Wealth Gap Puts Washington, D.C. at Forefront of Inequality By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

In a telling exposé of economic inequality within the nation’s capital, WalletHub’s latest report on the States with the Biggest and Smallest Wealth Gaps by Race or Ethnicity in 2024 unveiled troubling disparities

in Washington, D.C. Among the alarming statistics revealed by the personal finance site, are the racial wealth gap and the mortgage debt burden of Black Americans. The District emerged as the most financially unequal place to live, with white residents outearning their Black counterparts by approx-

New Developments: Spring Hills and Hyde Landing Come to Prince George’s

If approved, the Hyde Landing project would convert an abandoned Clinton brownfield site into nearTwo developments in south ly 1,300 new homes and roughly Prince George's are promising to 60,000 square feet of retail. bring new opportunities and life to Dr. Steven Fuller, a George Mason the rural and more sparsely popuUniversity professor, has calculated lated parts of the county. D.R. Horton’s Spring Hills, lo- that the project will pump more cated in Brandywine and zoned than half a billion dollars into the for Gwynn Park High School, is Prince George’s County economy already scheduling tours for the during construction. Further, Fuller predicted that each new resident newly-constructed townhomes. Spring Hills, according to the will pay an average of $1,000 more website, hosts information about in taxes for public services, alongside local banking, entertainment op- an increase in commercial revenues. The Prince George’s Planning tions and more, and features community amenities, such as nature Board will review Hyde Landing on trails, a playground, and amphi- Feb. 1. The development would intheater. The Lafayette floor plan, clude the construction of new roads, complete with three bedrooms, two sidewalks, and public recreational and a half bathrooms, and a two car amenities at the developer’s exgarage, is Spring Hills’ premium pense, along with the reconfiguring of neighboring roads to expand the housing option. Then there’s Hyde Landing, capacity for both commuters and pedestrians. WI which is in the planning stages. By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

imately 66%. The sharp contrast is underscored by profound disparities in unemployment and poverty rates, which portrays a grim economic reality for Black residents in the city. Statistics lay bare the harsh truth, with Black residents having a poverty rate over 359% higher than their white counterparts. The unemployment rate gap in D.C. remains staggering, as systemic hurdles abound in the job market. Black D.C. residents are approximately 488% more likely to be unemployed compared to their white counterparts. “Even decades after the Civil Rights Movement, there is still a high degree of wealth inequality among racial groups in America,” asserted Cassandra Happe, a WalletHub analyst.

Dr. Gregory D. Smithers, professor of History at Virginia Commonwealth University, also delved into the historical context by emphasizing how years of injustices contribute to disparities. “In short, it is a system of laws, tax codes, policies, and economic practices that has us still talking about income inequality over 60 years after Martin Luther King, Jr., identified it as a major scourge on American society. One bright light for Black District residents is that, despite its problems, Washington does have the lowest gap in homeownership in the country, and it has one of the lowest divides when it comes to high school graduation.

WalletHub experts noted that the statistics call for a renewed commitment to addressing economic disparities and fostering an inclusive and just society within the heart of the nation’s governance. “Programs and initiatives aimed at building individual, household, and community wealth for historically disadvantaged groups such as Black people in America would go a long way towards addressing the ongoing racial inequities in America,” said Dr. Lori Latrice Martin, associate dean of the College of Humanities & Social Sciences, and a professor in the Department of African & African American Studies at Louisiana State University. WI @StacyBrownMedia

Events DC is proud to continue to support the future of nonprofit organizations in Washington, DC that promote youth participation in both the arts and athletics. For fiscal 2024, Events DC is pleased to provide $500,000 in funding for the program during two grant cycles ($250,000 in the first cycle and $250,000 in the second cycle). Cycle 2 applications are open with a submission deadline of February 1, 2024. The program provides financial support to qualifying DC-based nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting children through sports, performing arts or cultural arts in the District of Columbia. Informational sessions about the application process will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM, beginning January 9. Learn more about the application and Informational Sessions at eventsdc.com/community/community-grants

5 New developments in Clinton and Brandywine, including Hyde Landing (pictured), offer housing in a quiet and rural part of Prince George’s County. Courtesy Photo/ HydeLanding.Com)

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JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024 15

NATIONAL Biden Takes Aim at Excessive Bank Charges, Propose Significant Reduction in Overdrawn Account Fees By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

President Joe Biden has announced a proposal to dramatically reduce the cost of overdrawing a bank account. The initiative tar-

gets what it views as unnecessary financial burdens on consumers, particularly those living paycheck to paycheck. The proposed regulation could cap the overdrawn account fee at $3, which would represent a sig-

5President Joe Biden has announced a proposal to dramatically reduce the cost of overdrawing a bank account. (Courtesy Photo)

nificant difference from the current banking landscape where fees can soar to as much as $39. “When companies sneak hidden junk fees into families’ bills, it can

Dexter Scott King, Champion of Civil Rights and Son of MLK Jr., Succumbs to Prostate Cancer at 62 By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

5Dexter Scott King (Court4esy Photo)

Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., has died at the age of 62. The King Center, along with statements from the family, confirmed Dexter’s death on Monday, Jan. 22, just one week after the nation observed his father’s holiday. King’s family said he died after a valiant battle against prostate cancer. A stalwart civil rights activist in his own right, family members said King died peacefully in his sleep at his Malibu residence, surrounded by

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16 JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

his loved ones. Leah Weber King, Dexter’s wife since 2013, shared the news through a statement from the King Center. “He transitioned peacefully in his sleep at home with me in Malibu,” she said. “He gave it everything and battled this terrible disease until the end. As with all the challenges in his life, he faced this hurdle with bravery and might.” Martin Luther King III, Dexter’s older brother, also expressed deep sorrow, urging everyone to keep the entire King family, especially Dexter’s wife in their thoughts and prayers. The Rev. Al Sharpton, a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, later shared his condolences. “I am heartbroken to hear that Dexter King left us this morning, but I was comforted by the knowledge he is reunited with his parents and sister,” Sharpton stated. Dexter’s father, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luhter King, Jr., died on April 4, 1968, his mother, Coretta Scott King, died in 2006, and his sister Yolanda Denise King in 2007. Dexter, born on January 30, 1961, carried his father’s legacy forward. According to a King Center bio, he attended Morehouse College, majoring in business administration, and in 2005, took on the roles of chair-

take hundreds of dollars a month out of their pockets and make it harder to make ends meet,” Biden stated. “That might not matter to the wealthy, but it’s real money man, president, and chief executive officer of the King Center. Dexter’s vision for his father’s legacy was clear: to educate the public about the civil rights leader and perpetuate Dr. King’’s message of nonviolence globally. Beyond his activism, Dexter made significant contributions to media and entertainment. He starred in and produced films, records, and television specials focused on the civil rights movement. His animated movie, “Our Friend Martin,” received an Emmy award nomination, and he authored the intimate memoir “Growing Up King” in 2003. Recognized as one of Ebony magazine’s “100 Most Influential Black Americans,” Dexter Scott King worked along with his family to keep his parents’ legacy alive. “On behalf of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), representing the Black Press of America, we pause to mourn and to celebrate the life of Dexter King, who in his own way strived to exemplify the outstanding legacy of his father, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., a civil rights legend who worked under Dr. King in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. “We express our sympathy to the King family, and we rededicate the Black Press to keep Dr. King’s dream alive, not only for all Americans, but for people throughout the world.” WI

to hardworking families—and it’s just plain wrong.” The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) outlined two approaches for banks to calculate overdraft fees. The first requires banks to charge customers only the cost of overdraft services, with a mandate to disclose the costs to the CFPB transparently. Alternatively, a benchmark fee could be implemented across all affected financial institutions, with proposed figures of $3, $6, $7, and $14. Officials said public input and industry feedback will determine the final fee structure. Overdraft fees have long been contentious, with research indicating that the average fee is $26.61. The CFPB and public records from banks reveal that major banks still generate approximately $8 billion in overdraft fees annually. Experts reported that the burden of these fees disproportionately affects low-income households and communities of color. “This is about the companies that rip off hard working Americans simply because they can,” added Biden, who has made eliminating what he calls “junk fees” a cornerstone of his economic agenda leading into the 2024 election. “Banks call it a service—I call it exploitation. Today’s proposal would cut the average overdraft fee by more than half, saving the typical American family that pays these fees $150 a year. That would add up to save families $3.5 billion every year. Unfortunately, some Republicans in Congress continue to defend these exploitative fees.” The proposed rules would apply to banks with assets exceeding $10 billion, impacting approximately 175 large financial institutions. “This is just one part of my administration’s broader plan to lower costs for hardworking families,” Biden asserted. “We’re going to continue doing everything in our power to bring down costs and grow our economy from the middle out and bottom up, while standing up to extreme Republican attempts to provide more giveaways to the wealthy and big corporations and undermine competition.” Should the rule be adopted and withstand political and legal challenges, the new regulations could take effect late in 2025. WI @StacyBrownMedia

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Submitted by Washington Gas January is National Mentoring Month, a time to celebrate the role of mentorship in personal and professional development. At Washington Gas, we’re dedicated to helping amplify mentoring as part of lifelong learning and growth. Mentoring can be formal or informal and will look very different for each of us. Its common core lies in supportive, guiding relationships where experienced mentors share their knowledge with others to help develop skills, knowledge and growth. Ideally, these journeys begin early and continue throughout our lives and careers. As a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, mentoring plays a pivotal role in developing new skills, confidence and potential career advancements. It also serves as a vital bridge for knowledge transfer between worker generations, providing continuity while helping preserve essential skills and institutional wisdom. Research shows that people with mentoring relationships are promoted five times more often, while mentors are six times more likely to receive promotions. *

NEXT GENERATION: NEW GRADUATES

As we begin a new year, Washington Gas is excited to continue developing our New Graduate Program in partnership with area universities. This initiative aims to identify and hire new college graduates for a rotational program leading to engineering, finance, operations and customer experience careers. The first group of engineering students joined the pilot cohort in 2023 and will progress throughout the program in the coming year. Real-world experience and one-on-

The Many Faces of Mentorship

one professional mentorships are critical tools for early professional development. Stay tuned as 2024 unfolds, and more details become available.

ONGOING SUCCESS: WORKFORCE TRAINING

Career development should be a lifelong opportunity. Washington Gas is committed to providing training and workforce skills development for solid job opportunities and careers in the energy and construction sectors. Our workforce training programs with DC Infrastructure Academy and TeamBuilders Academy offer cohort-based accelerated adult career training. These are great opportunities to attend paid training programs that provide knowledge, skills and credentials for construction, energy and utilities careers. We’re excited to announce that these highly successful programs are moving to bigger locations later this year. Washington Gas also hired program graduates to join our corporate family in 2023. We look forward to welcoming more graduates to the energy workforce in 2024 as we provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to our DMV region.

PEER SUPPORT: EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUPS

Washington Gas Employee Resource Groups, or ERGs, are volunteer-led groups bringing together employees who share common characteristics, interests, or experiences and their allies. They provide the space to have courageous conversations, find mentorship/sponsorship and grow professionally. We are proud of our ERG members' strong community involvement and active volunteering. Current groups include the Women's Leadership Network (WLN), Veterans of WGL (VOW), African American Resource Council (AARC), Lati-

no Empowerment and Diversity (LEAD), InspirASIAN and PRIDE (LGBTQ+ Ally).

SPARKING SUCCESS: EARLY OPPORTUNITY Through multiple opportunities and initiatives, Washington Gas enthusiastically supports future professionals' early curiosity while giving back to our community. These programs are instrumental in shaping the future workforce and instilling the values of mentorship among young individuals. For example, our sponsorship of Junior Achievement (JA) Finance Park locations is a collaborative effort among regional school systems, businesses, educators, and volunteer mentors to inspire students to be financially literate. Through hands-on experiences like goal-setting, budgeting and bill-paying, students gain practical skills that serve as a foundation for the future. Washington Gas employee volunteers can also be found supporting the Maryland/DC Regional High School Science Bowl competition each January as judges, moderators, timekeepers and scorekeepers. Hosted by Montgomery College, this annual competition encourages proficiency in math and science, with the winning team representing Maryland in the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Science Bowl Competition. And sometimes, it’s all about the play! The YMCA's annual Thingamajig Invention Convention encourages youth aged 5-14 to showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills. Washington Gas volunteers lead activities, staff

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stations and serve as judges in the Presidential Challenge—a unique event encouraging young inventors to think critically while developing a love of learning. Gaining new perspectives. Fostering fresh ideas. Increasing workforce skills. Improving careers. Developing

leaders. These are just a few advantages of mentoring across its many forms. Washington Gas is passionate about people and their progress, and we hope you will find fresh inspiration in 2024. Happy National Mentoring Month!

JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024 17

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africa now

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Commonwealth Secretary-General Addresses Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Uganda The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC,

5 Commonwealth Secretary-General the addressed leaders from 121 Non-Aligned Movement countries, calling for greater cooperation to protect all humanity from overlapping economic, environmental Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland KC (second from right) addressing leaders from 121 and security challenges. Non-Aligned Movement countries, on She was speaking at the 19th Summit of Heads of State and Government of Saturday, Jan. 20 at the 19th Summit the Non-Aligned Movement in Kampala, Uganda on Jan. 20. of Heads of State and Government of the Addressing leaders, foreign affairs ministers and strategic partners as an official Non-Aligned Movement in Kampala, observer, the Secretary-General said, “Our world is tightly bound by a tangled Uganda. (Courtesy Photo) knot of crises spanning global economic, environmental and security systems.

These crises are serious, complex and increasingly entrenched. Overcoming them will require a level of international political and economic cooperation, which is unprecedented in this century.” While acknowledging the immense pressure on the multilateral system, she remained optimistic. “Together, we have the power to shift the balance of our fracturing world from mistrust and confrontation to dialogue and collaboration. Your perspectives are essential, and your action is imperative,” she said. The Secretary-General congratulated President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda on his chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement and promised the Commonwealth’s full support during his term. She also thanked Azerbaijan, the outgoing chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, adding: “I pay tribute to His Excellency President Aliyev of Azerbaijan for his stewardship of the Non-Aligned Movement over the last four difficult years and commend his government for stepping forward to host the next United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku later this year.” During the summit, the Secretary-General also met with leaders from Commonwealth countries to discuss shared interests and opportunities for further collaboration. WI

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University of the West Indies Gets First Cannabis Research and Development License

The Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Authority (BMCLA) has formally granted the University of the West Indies (UWI) its first research and development 5 Pictured from left: Senator Shanika license to turn marijuana into new products. Roberts-Odle, CEO of the Barbados In a brief ceremony on Friday, Jan. 19, at the UWI at Cave Hill, representatives Medicinal Cannabis Industry; Professor from the drug industry, the authority, and the university joined together to mark the Clive Landis, pro vice-chancellor and beginning of research opportunities now available here for medical cannabis develprincipal of the Cave Hill Campus; and opment. pharmacologist Dr Damian Cohall, the “This research and development license will allow the university to conduct experdeputy dean of UWI’s medical sciences iments and testing as it relates to every form and derivative of cannabis, including live faculty. (Courtesy Photo) plants, fresh dried material, seeds, oils, wax, you name it,” said Shanika Roberts-Odle, the BMCLA’s acting chief executive officer. “The University of the West Indies can go ahead to [engage in] research and development on [those] particular aspects. With that license also comes a complimentary import and export license that allows and facilitates them to get in-depth with what they are doing.” Pharmacologist Dr. Damian Cohall, the deputy dean of UWI’s medical sciences faculty, has been an advocate for medicinal cannabis and other herbs for the treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases. With the license, the UWI gains access to the lucrative and innovative medicinal cannabis industry, which is rapidly expanding globally, he declared. “The newly issued cannabis research and development license provides an excellent opportunity for the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill to have better alignment with a growing and transformative industry in Barbados, wider Caribbean and globally,” said Cohall, an expert on the science behind the Caribbean’s medicinal herbs. “The current scope of this license allows the UWI to pursue drug discovery and other important pharmacological research on cannabinoid compounds, inclusive of the phytocannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, endocannabinoids, and other related phytochemicals from the cannabis plant,” the pharmacologist explained. “These research opportunities are endless within our current research facilities which include over 2,000 square feet of generalized bench research area, a cell culture laboratory and animal testing facilities,” he added. “So we are primed for drug discovery.” WI

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Don’t Fall Victim to Social Security Scams prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency or by mailing cash. • Threaten to seize your bank account. • Offer to move your money to a “protected” account. • Promise to increase your Social Security benefit if you provide personal information. • Direct message you on social media. The real Social Security Administration will never do any of these things.

Louis Davis, Jr. AARP DC State Director

COMMON SOCIAL SECURITY SCAMS

Social Security numbers are key to identity theft. And what better way to get someone’s Social Security number than by pretending to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA)? A common scam involves someone posing as an SSA representative contacting you about a supposed problem with your Social Security number — for example, that your number has been linked to criminal activity and suspended. They ask you to confirm your number so they can reactivate it or claim they can issue you a new one for a fee. Or an imposter may contact you to “activate” your cost-ofliving adjustment (COLA), claiming you must pay a fee or verify your name, date of birth and Social Security number to receive an increase in benefits. These are lies: The SSA does not suspend Social Security numbers, and COLAs are applied automatically to your benefit payment. Once scammers have your identifying information, they can ask the SSA to change the address, phone number and direct deposit information on your record, thus diverting your Social Security payments.

HOW DO SCAMMERS CONTACT PEOPLE?

Robocalls are the most common way scammers reach out, often threatening to seize your bank account due to illicit activity supposedly tied to your Social Security number or offering to help transfer your money for

safekeeping. Impostors also reach out via phishing emails, texts, social media messages and paper mail. To feign legitimacy, some use the real names of Social Security officials, recite “badge numbers,” or stamp mailings with phony SSA letterhead. They may even send you counterfeit versions of credentials to "prove" they're on genuine Social Security business.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU SPOT A SCAM?

If you are targeted by a Social Security scam, report it to the SSA’s Office of Inspector General (https://oig.ssa.gov/) and the Federal Trade Commission (https://reportfraud.ftc.gov).

TELLTALE SIGNS OF A SCAM

A large-scale, multifaceted effort by the government to spread the word about these scammers — and stop them — includes warnings about tell-tale signs of a Social Security scam. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security, you can be sure it’s a scam if they: • Threaten to suspend your Social Security number. • Warn of arrest or other legal action. • Demand secrecy. • Pressure you to take immediate action, such as making a payment or providing personal information, to avoid consequences. • Ask for payment by gift card,

You earned your Social Security. Learn how to maximize it. You work hard and pay into Social Security for your future. So it’s only fair for you to get the money you’ve earned. If politicians don’t take action in the next 10 years to save Social Security, your Social Security could be cut by 20%, an average of $4,000 a year. AARP is urging Congress to find a solution to protect and save Social Security, so you get the money you earned.

Learn more at aarp.org/YouEarnedIt WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024 19

HEALTH Glaucoma Awareness Month: Ocular Disease Affecting Black Americans at High Rates

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. During the first month of the year, ophthalmologists and eye health organizations work to spread awareness about the ocular disease that affects African Americans at significantly greater rates than other groups of people. The National Eye Institute defines glaucoma as a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss

and blindness by damaging the optic nerve. The optic nerve is the second cranial nerve composed of over 1 million nerve fibers responsible for transmitting visual information. Roughly 50% of people with glaucoma across the country are unaware that they have the disease. “Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States. But half of people with glaucoma don’t know they have it,” according to the National Eye Institute. “Because it hap-

pens so slowly, many people can’t tell that their vision is changing at first.” Dr. Leslie Jones, glaucoma specialist and chair of Ophthalmology at Howard University’s College of Medicine, stressed the importance of seeking comprehensive

COMMUNITY COLLEGE PREPARATORY ACADEMY NOTICE OF INTENT TO ENTER A SOLE SOURCE AWARD Gracie Banks LLC The Community College Preparatory Academy has an urgent need for Gracie Banks LLC to provide Human Resources services. This includes the provision of both onsite and virtual support, immediate payroll, staff benefits management, and reporting services as required for compliance with our governing authorities. These services are crucial to support the School’s operations as this Contractor offers unique, critical support which is especially necessary as we transition through turnover and extended vacancy in our Human Resources Manager role. The estimated cost of these services is $40,387.20.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE PREPARATORY ACADEMY NOTICE OF INTENT TO ENTER A SOLE SOURCE AWARD HQBCPA Solutions LLC The Community College Preparatory Academy has an urgent need for the existing Certified Public Accountant contractor to maintain ongoing accounting services. This includes the provision of both onsite and virtual oversight, reconciliation, and reporting services as required for compliance with our governing authorities. These services are crucial to support the School’s operations as this Certified Public Accountant provided unique, critical support during the annual audit; gaining an intimate and expert knowledge of our complex financial and corporate landscapes. Her services are especially necessary as we transition through turnover in our primary financial leadership role. The estimated cost of these services is $33,000.00.

20 JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

dilated eye examinations to know the status of ocular health. “Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve and a lot of things in the eye can happen that lead to end-stage damage of the nerve-that is called glaucoma. For example, you can be hit in the eye, your eye can fill with blood [causing] the pressure to go high and you can have glaucoma. You can have neovascular changes which come from uncontrolled diabetes, and that can cause a very serious kind of glaucoma,” Jones told The Informer. “But what we talk most about is primary open-angle glaucoma, which tends to be a slow, gradual loss of nerve tissue, but it goes undetected because it doesn't have a lot of symptoms.” Common signs of glaucoma that are often overlooked present themselves as hazy or blurred vision, accompanied by other symptoms including severe pain around the eyes or head. Red eyes are also caused by increasing eye pressure or seeing colored bright circles or halos forming around light sources.

AFRICAN AMERICANS FACE HIGHER RISK OF GLAUCOMA DISEASE

While people of any age or race can develop the disease, statistics underscore an increased risk of diagnosis to genetic factors in African Americans. Although the average age of in-

creased risk for glaucoma generally falls around 60 years old, the risk increases at age 40 for Black people. African American patients are found six times more likely to have advanced vision loss following a glaucoma diagnosis than their white counterparts. Access to eye care also is a challenge for Black Americans. “I have some people that come from [long distances]to see me. So, [one factor] can be the distance to the provider, but it can also be [if ] the provider takes your insurance,” said Jones. “I find that is a [concern] that needs to be looked at because there are a lot of insurances in D.C. that [are not accepted] by a majority of eye care providers. That means its population may not have access to the doctors that they need to see.”

TREATING THE PROBLEM

While the damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed, regular checkups and proper treatment can help to slow or prevent vision loss, particularly if the disease is caught in its earlier stages. Dr. Jones emphasized the use of medications and in some cases surgery to help reduce eye pressure and ease symptoms of the disease. “We have five different classes of medications we can use to lower eye pressure and those are the tools that we have. There are laser procedures that we like to do

HEALTH Page 21

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HEALTH

HEALTH from Page 20

early. So we first diagnose you if you have open-angle glaucoma,” Jones explained. “There is a laser called selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) we like to use as a firstline treatment, but then we use all these different medications to lower pressure. There are [also several] surgeries that can lower eye pressure.” As someone who has worn glasses since age 6, Mike Green, 75, told The Informer he has always been intentional about regular visits to ophthalmologists. Though District doctors noted he had elevated eye pressure years ago, they didn’t officially diagnose glaucoma. He also never had any noticeable or worrisome symptoms. Green, who lives between D.C. and Medellin, Colombia, continued regular visits abroad. After having eye trauma and being treated for something else, he eventually got a glaucoma diagnosis in Medellin. “I’m so thankful I have a diagnosis,” Green said. “Though I’ve now struggled with blurred and decreased vision, my ophthalmology team and I have come together for a great treatment plan that has included eye drops, procedures, and surgery.”

GLAUCOMA AWARENESS IN THE DISTRICT

To address ocular health in the District, Your Eyes DC is hosting a string of educational events to spread awareness about glaucoma over the next few weeks into February. The organization is kicking

The Unexpected Crisis: Preparing for the Financial Impact of Alzheimer’s

Submitted The Alzheimer’s Association

5 After years of elevated eye pressure without a diagnosis, Mike Green now works with an ophthalmology team that works to combat the effects of glaucoma. (Micha Green/The Washington Informer)

off festivities with a glaucoma presentation and free screenings on Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Friendship Heights Village Center. Both Your Eyes DC and Dr. Jones work to push the importance of eye care screenings and understanding familial medical history to know potential risks and avoid grim outcomes. “It is important to [talk to] your family members,” said Jones. We have to ask them to find out about our own risk and we need to get regularly evaluated because the only way to know what your risk is to be seen by the doctor.” WI

Stay Informed!

One in nine Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease. That’s more than 6 million Americans across the country, including 268,900 people in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. The costs associated with the disease can be overwhelming and put a huge economic strain on families, jeopardizing their financial security. January is Financial Wellness Month, and the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging individuals and families to take stock making financial plans that will create some security in preparing for an unexpected crisis of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. “Six in 10 Americans are working while managing Alzheimer’s caregiving responsibilities. Many experience financial problems as they are forced to go from full-time to part-time employment, adjust work schedules, or take time off due to caregiving demands. Some give up work entirely. The loss of income can have a significant impact on the family’s well-being,” said Cindy Schelhorn with the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter. The 2023 Alzheimer’s Association Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report found: • In 2022, the lifetime cost of care for a person living with dementia was $392,874. • In 2021, dementia caregivers bore nearly twice the average out-of-pocket costs of non-dementia caregivers ($12,388 versus $6,667). • Nearly half (48 percent) of care contributors must cut back on their own expenses – including

basic necessities like food, transportation and medical care – to afford dementia-related care, while others must draw from their own savings or retirement funds. • Nearly two out of three people incorrectly believe that Medicare helps pay for nursing home care or are unsure whether it does. “In DC, Maryland and Virginia, 615,000 people are providing unpaid care for a family member or friend living with Alzheimer’s. Care needs increase as the disease progresses, so caregivers may need to pay for services or support for the person living with Alzheimer’s. Financial literacy is especially important for caregivers, because it provides them with the knowledge and skills needed to better support themselves and others,” said Schelhorn.

• Avoid financial abuse and fraud. Individuals living with dementia have a greater risk of becoming victims and may struggle with making good financial decisions. • Organize your finances. Conduct an inventory of your financial resources (savings, insurance, retirement benefits, government assistance, VA benefits, etc.). A financial planner or elder care attorney can help. • Create a backup plan. Designate a trusted back-up agent for the person’s power of attorney and consider designating responsibilities to more than one person. For more information on financial planning, visit the Alzheimer’s Association web page: Plan for Your Financial Future or visit alz.org.

To help families navigate these and other financial challenges, the Alzheimer’s Association recently launched a free online education program, “Managing Money: A Caregiver’s Guide to Finances.” Tips from the program include: • Plan early. There are many benefits of planning early when it comes to your finances – both for the caregiver and the person with the disease. • Start a positive discussion about finances. Bring in trusted family members or close friends for a discussion about what the person with the disease wants for the future.

ABOUT THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

www.washingtoninformer.com

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JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024 21

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EARTH

FLOOD from Page 1 said in an interview outside her home a few days after the flood. “‘This doesn't look like rainwater— this looks gross and disgusting.’” A sewer main, situated just over the Maryland border, had collapsed. At least 15 homes on Southern Avenue Southeast and Fort Dupont Street Southeast experienced some effects from the flooding, according to WSSC Water, the utility responsible for the pipe. Raw sewage poured into basements throughout the night. DC Water workers did not arrive until after 10 the next morning. The pipe’s collapse occurred both on a holiday—Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—and during a heavy snowstorm. “We are still investigating the

circumstances, but there are indications that weather conditions and available staffing may have impacted the initial response,” DC Water spokesperson John Lisle said in an emailed response to the Informer. When the first DC Water employees came in the morning, one of their trucks fell into the hole in the road around the broken pipe and got stuck for hours. Meanwhile, Smith had at least two feet of raw sewage in her basement. “I had a brand new 65-inch TV, floating,” Smith said. “My sofa was floating—so much water that it raised it off the ground. It wasn't just submerged, it [was] literally floating around.” Once it became clear that the breakage was on WSSC Water's side of the border, repairs could

4 When a huge DC Water truck first arrived on the scene on the morning of Jan. 16, it fell into the hole left in the road by the collapsed sewage pipe. (Courtesy of Kayla Smith)

5 Workers, contracted by WSSC Water, remove drywall as part of the cleanup and repair process in the basement of one Southern Avenue SE home Jan. 18. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

22 JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

start to happen. Workers had fixed the pipe by the end of the day Jan. 16, said Lyn Riggins, a spokesperson for the utility. “There was sewer rehabilitation work in the area. We are investigating if there is any connection,” she said in an email. As soon as the pipe was repaired and sewage stopped backing up, WSSC Water sent cleanup crews to impacted homes.

AGENCIES “STEPPED UP” AFTER NEIGHBORS WORKED TOGETHER TO “RAISE A FUSS”

As sewage was filling their basements, Smith and her neighbors were not just calling DC Water— they were reaching out everywhere. They contacted the offices of Ward 7 councilmember Vince Gray and the mayor. Then they brought their story to social media, where the popular account Washingtonian Problems posted their message and photos on both Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). The Instagram post garnered thousands of likes and hundreds of comments—and caught the eye of local TV news stations. Smith thinks that may have made a big difference. “[WSSC workers] were just on top of it, working through the night; they're showing up at 7 a.m. to do inspections,” Smith said. “They have been fantastic, and I think a large part of that is due to the media response. It's been a real communal effort.” The repair work is an enormous undertaking for many of the homes’ basements, where several feet of drywall and all flooring had to be completely ripped out and replaced. Some homeowners stayed in hotels—paid for by WSSC Water—during the week after the flood. The water had completely knocked out some homes’ furnaces and boilers at the start of a bitterly cold week, with temperatures dropping as low as 16 degrees. Smith went back and forth, staying at her home during daylight hours so that her dog, Kylo, could run around in the backyard. “I'm kind of bracing and bearing with the cold during the day, and then I leave by the time the sun goes down—‘cause that's when it gets really cold,” Smith said. As of Jan. 23, a full week after

5 Wastewater fills the basement in Kayla Smith’s home on Southern Avenue SE after a nearby sewer main collapsed Jan. 15. (Courtesy of Kayla Smith)

the incident, the heat in several of the homes on the block had been restored. Smith’s home, however, remained without gas, though workers told her it would be repaired soon. “After we had kind of raised a fuss and stomped our feet a little bit, I do feel like everyone is stepping up to make sure that this gets resolved in the quickest way possible,” Smith said.

BEYOND THE BROKEN SEWER MAIN

When the sewage flood first occurred, Smith said she felt “furious, neglected, abandoned.” But things improved as institutions worked in her home and behind the scenes to resolve the issue over the following days. “It does feel like people have understood our loss,” Smith said. “It took them seeing it, to be honest. You hear the word ‘flooding’ and everyone has a different version of what flooding looks like. It took them walking down our steps and seeing feet of water… for them to really understand what was going on.” Sewer main accidents of that scale are not super common in the D.C. area. But basement flooding from heavy rainfall—which can sometimes also cause sewage backups—happens all the time, including on that same block of Southern Avenue SE. “It is the reality of living in a

place where your buildings are old,” Smith said. “With every rain, it is a possibility that you flood—it may not always happen, but you prepare yourself emotionally.” The District is working on creating an “integrated flood model,” which would map where flooding issues occur in the city beyond the FEMA designations. But that model is not set to be finished until next year, according to an Action Plan document produced by the D.C. Flood Task Force. Still, even when the worst problem spots are addressed, the climate crisis is likely to cause more “nuisance” flooding around the District—the kinds of floods that don’t necessarily make headlines. An inch or two of water can cause severe damage, especially for households who can’t afford flood insurance or mold treatments. And even in the cases where insurance pays for everything, or when a pipe breaks and the utility takes on the responsibility for repair—not all belongings can be replaced. “My husband passed away a year and a half ago, and his snowboard was down there; his motorcycle jackets, some of his fraternity items—things that cannot be repurchased,” Smith said. “It’s not as significant, but my undergraduate degree was down there…But it's gone and it's completely saturated and it's been reduced to a pile of dirt.” WI

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OUR EARTH

DC Water Issues Boil Water Advisory For Over a Dozen Neighborhoods

leverage technology, ensure a safe workplace, and enhance our readiness and resilience,” as stated in The Blueprint 2.0. Values such as equity, health, safety, wellness, reliability, resilience, and sustainability are listed as DC Water’s top priorities. However, this major contamina-

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avoid using home filtering devices, discard any beverages and ice made before and during this advisory, run cold water until clear (if discolored) before boiling, run cold water for two minutes if known lead sources are present before boiling, and store boiled and cooled water in a clean, covered container. As DC Water continues to investigate the issue, authorities are prioritizing the restoration of the water system. WI

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DC Water alerted residents in parts of Northwest and Northeast D.C. late on the afternoon of Jan. 19 that a loss of pressure had caused potential water contamination. The agency advised residents across parts of Wards 3 and 4 to adhere to the boil water advisory for 48 hours. Residents can find out if their home is in the affected area by searching for their address on the interactive map at dcwater.com or calling the 24-Hour Command Center at 202-612-3400. DC Water advised residents in impacted neighborhoods to bring their water to a rolling boil for one minute and let it cool before using it for drinking, brushing teeth, preparing and cooking food, washing fruits and vegetables, preparing infant formula, making ice, or giving water to pets until Sunday, Jan. 21. As confirmed by DC Water, the following neighborhoods were identified to have hazardous water conditions: Colonial Village, Shepherd Park, North Portal Estates, Water Reed, Takoma, Brightwood, Manor Park, Lamond Riggs, Queens Chapel, Fort Totten, Pleasant Hill, Brightwood

Park, Crestwood, Petworth, Rock Creek Park, Hawthorne, Barnaby Woods, Chevy Chase, North Cleveland Park, Forest Hills, Van Ness, Cleveland Park, Woodley Park, Massachusetts Avenue Heights, and Woodland-Normanstone. Alerts from Northwest D.C. residents of little to no water coming into their homes sparked the boil water advisory. The loss of pressure has the potential to contaminate filtered water, allowing diseases and various organisms to infect it. The side effects of drinking contaminated water may range from diarrhea, nausea, and headaches to severe immune diseases. Demographics such as children under age five and seniors are highly susceptible. There have not yet been updates regarding the cause of this low pressure. However, DC Water’s Blueprint 2.0 strategic plan – approved in July 2021– intended to launch a five-year plan to improve the overall quality of the drinking water. “The plan is the successor to The Blueprint, launched in 2018, which has pushed us to operate as a high-performing utility, improve employee engagement and the customer experience, better

BLACK

By Asha Taylor WI Intern

tion has residents insecure about the overall quality of water in their businesses and homes across the District. Fort Totten resident and mother Hilary Denise was particularly concerned about the boil water advisory as it related to her children. “It caught me off guard. I don’t drink D.C. tap water anyway, but I am concerned, as a mother of two, bathing my children,” the 32-yearold mother told The Informer. Impacted areas are advised to

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EDUCATION D.C. Student Activists Win “First Step” Vote Passing Green New Deal for Schools

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Writer

On the evening of Jan. 17, the D.C. State Board of Education (DCSBOE) voted to pass the “Green New Deal for Schools,” a resolution written and championed by D.C. Public School students. More than 50 people, most of them high schoolers, attended the hours-long public meeting in support of the resolution. “I want me and my friends to live in an environment where we're comfortable, and where we can have fun

without having to worry about natural disasters or things in the environment that could ruin our futures,” said School Without Walls junior Makena Toldson in an interview after the vote. “We’ve been working on passing the Green New Deal for Schools, and that just passed, which is great—it’s amazing for us.” DCPS is now the second school district nationwide to take up the policy, after schools in Boulder, Colorado passed their own Green New Deal for Schools last month. The resolution is based on a five-point policy platform

3 High schoolers from the Sunrise Movement hub at School Without Walls cheer after the D.C. State Board of Education voted to pass the student-written “Green New Deal for Schools” resolution Jan. 17. (Kayla Benjamin/The Washington Informer)

developed by the Sunrise Movement, a national climate justice initiative. The resolution’s demands include free, sustainably sourced school lunches; curricula focused on climate justice; opportunities for students to pursue good-paying green jobs; school infrastructure running on 100% renewable energy; and improved plans for what to do when climate disasters hit.

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The resolution’s passage is only a first step for the high school advocates, one that board representative Ben Yarkin, a School Without Walls student himself, described as “an easy part” of the process. That’s because the state board of education’s resolutions serve largely as policy recommendations for other governing bodies or executive agencies. “That's the complicated part… the state board doesn't really have any power at all,” said junior Zoe Fisher, one the co-founders of the School Without Walls Sunrise Movement hub. “Them passing this resolution is an endorsement that they, as the D.C. school experts, believe that this is the best way to proceed.” Still, the movement to get the resolution passed has garnered momentum for the cause among DCPS students, particularly within School Without Walls. Anna Mayer, another student and co-founder of the Sunrise Movement hub there told the education board during her testimony Wednesday that the group had more than doubled the number of supporters turning out for the meeting since beginning the campaign two months ago. In December, more than two dozen students testified before the board in support of the resolution. “I’m inspired—you have accomplished something that many professional advocacy groups have not been able to do as effectively,” DCSBOE member Allister Chang said to the student activists during Wednesday’s meeting. The student activists worked closely with Chang, who represents Ward 2, where their school is located, as well as Ward 3 board member Eric Goulet. Fisher said that she and her peers plan

to take their advocacy to the D.C. Council and agencies who would be key for implementation, such as the Office of the State Superintendent of Education and Department of Government Services. “[The students] came with an organized approach; they wrote a draft resolution for us that was better than I see from a lot of attorneys,” Goulet said in an interview following the meeting. “What they're going to be able to do is bring that energy, to make sure that the powers to be on the Council and in the mayor's office, listen to them and make sure that those voices are heard. I think the biggest challenge is funding and I think they're prepared to meet it right now.” Goulet also noted that, in the 20 years he’s spent in the District, he’s already seen how climate change has caused noticeable differences in the weather. Fisher pointed to last summer’s wildfire smoke days, and their impact on her classmates with asthma, for an example of why schools need to prepare for a warmer world. “As the climate changes, adults have been like, ‘Oh, your generation is going to be the ones to fix this, we have to pass the torch to you,’” Mayer said in an interview. “And the headlines have just gotten worse and worse and worse throughout my childhood… I'm inheriting a world, and I have to make sure that it's the best it can possibly be. [But] I also have found that I really enjoy this work—I love talking to different people and working with people and finding similar passions. So even though it started from a place of fear, it has turned into a really good thing.” WI

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EDUCATION

Moorland-Spingarn Director Responds to Concerns about HU School of Divinity Archives By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

5 After a break-in at Howard University’s shuttered Benjamin E. Mays Hall went viral on social media and raised concerns about the left behind artifacts, Howard’s Moorland-Spingarn Research Center has said that the abandoned materials had little significance to instructional goals. (Courtesy Photo)

E B R ATIN

After a break-in at Howard University’s (HU) shuttered Benjamin E. Mays Hall went viral on social media, HU’s Moorland-Spingarn Research Center received numerous phone calls from community members concerned about what appeared to be the abandonment of crucial books and artifacts. However, Dr. Benjamin Talton, director of HU’s Moorland-Spingarn Research Center said that most of the books seen collecting dust in the TikTok video pose little significance to the research and instructional goals of HU School of Divinity students, faculty and staff. “There were books [that are] tied to European and white American theology,” Talton said. “[These are] resources that HU students aren’t requesting. Few if any of them will be assigned to students. There’s no utility.” The TikTok video that circulated during the latter part of December showed at least three young white people breaking into and walking through Mays Hall. The trio is seen sifting through old books and newspapers, marveling at old computers and A/V equipment, using a fire extinguisher, playing a piano, entering a dormitory room, and attempting to climb atop a bell tower. The creator of the TikTok video can be heard in the now deleted post admitting to breaking into the building through a mechanical room after much trouble finding an entranceway. In a statement, the Rev. Dr. Kenyatta Gilbert, dean of HU School of Divinity, called the incident a violation of “sacred boundaries of our sacred HBCU campuses.” Mays Hall, in existence since 1987, shuttered in 2015 when HU School of Divinity relocated to HU’s West Campus. That year, HU conducted an inventory check within Mays Hall and, with the help of a contractor, transported volumes of high-value art collections, administrative files, School of Divinity books, and other archival and instructional material to Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, Founder's Library,

and HU’s Law Library. In the nine years since the closure of Mays Hall, campus police have conducted regular patrols of the surrounding area and there hasn't been much, if any, traffic in the building, university officials said. HU administrators are currently in the midst of an investigation into security procedures and the extent of the damage done by the winter break intruders. Part of that investigation, Talton told The Informer, involves assessing the steps beyond security patrols that HU administration can to prevent future break-ins. “Mays Hall was considered an inactive storage facility until this incident happened.” Talton told The Informer. “HU Police did regular patrols there. There were no windows. The individuals who made the video broke into the library. They didn’t just walk in there. This was a criminal act.” The Informer unsuccessfully attempted to secure the police report from HU’s police department and information about administrators findings about the quality of security at the Mays Building. In 2017, HU started the redevelopment of East Campus, as outlined in the District’s comprehensive plan. A collaboration with the D.C. Preservation League will result in the East Campus’ designation as a historic landmark. Meanwhile, HU Moorland-Spingarn Research Center continues in its efforts to digitize and make its archives more accessible to community members across the world. This mission started in 2015, around the time of Mays Hall’s closure, when Moorland-Spingarn Research Center launched its Digital Production Center. In 2022, a $2 million grant by the Johnson Logan Family Foundation allowed for the digitization of Moorland-Spingarn Research Center’s Black Press archives. This endeavor, to be done in partnership with HU’s Center for Journalism and Democracy, ensures that more than 100,000 issues of historic Black-owned publications can be accessed online. That includes not only newspapers, but records of Black editors, publishers and journalists.

“We’re in a position to bring HU’s intellectual property to the 21st century,” Talton said. “We’re in the process of digitizing audio/visual assets -- large collections of VHS cassettes that are now antiquated. Anything on magnetic tape. We’re preserving the recordings of speeches and performances, getting the resources online. We’re making the collectives available for the next 300 years and equally accessible for the next generation.” WI @SamPKCollins

Materials Seen in Viral Break-In Video Have Little Significance to Instructional Goals

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9/15/23 3:31 PM

January 2024. Volume 10. Issue 1.

Paris Fashion Week FW24 Point of View

@WIBRIDGEDC editor-in-chief & creative director :

info@wibridgedc.com Advertise with us. Email us.

Lafayette Barnes IV

Photography : Courtesy

Layout Design : Contributing Writers :

Lafayette Barnes IV Asma Amani, An Vo, Marlon White

During my ten-hour flight back to the United States from Paris, I immersed myself in the critically acclaimed film “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” written and directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. The film's profound message resonated with me in a way I had not anticipated. In our current social media-driven era, it's common to juxtapose our lives with those of others. Amidst the fil myriad filters, influential personalities, curated lifestyle showcases, and social narratives, we often find ourselves feeling a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction with our own lives. This sensation of life's elusive perfection, seemingly within reach for others yet distant for us, is a feeling with which many can empathize. Over recent years, I have dedicated myself to being present at renowned global events such as Paris Fashion Week and ComplexCon, driven by a desire to delve into the lives of those who inspire me on platforms like Instagram. My discoveries revealed a universal truth: everyone's life is imbued with its own chaos. However, the distinction lies in each individual's journey toward their en envisioned ideal. I found these individuals to be approachable, open-hearted, and supportive, eager for engagement and appreciative of feedback. This is a community of creatives, united in their desire to share their visions with the world. To those who may question their worth or path, I extend this message of hope: every step you take should lead you closer to your ideal existence. Know that you are valued and that your contributions matter. Embrace exploration, document your journey, share your story, and take pride in your identity. Your most authentic self resides within; it is perhaps time to acknowledge and celebrate it. Remove di distractions and progress with purpose and conviction. As Charles Bramesco of The Guardian poignantly noted, "...Our lone hope of recourse is to embrace all the love and beauty surrounding us, if only we're present enough to see it." This sentiment encapsulates the essence of finding fulfillment and joy in the journey of life. - Lafayette Barnes IV

Photo by Ryun “Big Holmes” Daley

"Be here now. Be someplace else later. Is that so complicated?" - David Allen

A Sartorial Tribute to Howard University

Wales Bonner's 'Dream Study' Deenes New Aesthetics"

The Wales Bonner “Dream Study” Autumn Winter 2024 collection unveiled at Paris Fashion Week pays respectful homage to the culture and sartorial codes of Washington D.C’s Howard University. The pieces mediate the nexus between refined tailoring and hip hop-inflected sportswear with lush fabrications. Fluid wrap tuxedos, cozy knitwear, varsity jackets and Originals Superstar sneakers embody the mix of elegant silhouettes and athletic ease designer Grace Wales Bonner witnessed on Howard's campus. Touches like embroidered mirrors, handcraaed eyewear and jewel-toned accessories demonstrate Bonner’s cultural conversancy and artisanal preference while nodding to the campus's self-assured creative expression. Front row sat basketball legend Tony Parker and 'Lupin' star Omar Sy, indicating the collection's resonance. Rapper and musician Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) gave a live performance during the runway show, underscoring sonic culture's role in Wales Bonner's retro-forward vision of the Howard legac Ultimately, she transmits a heritage of legacy. confident, conscious style and elevates possibilities for 21st century fashion.

Written by:

photography by:

Asma Amani

Courtesy Wales Bonner Archive

Grace Wales Bonner is a prominent British fashion designer, renowned for her eponymous label "Wales Bonner." Born in 1990, she has gained acclaim for her unique approach to fashion, which skillfully blends European and African inﬂuences. A graduate of the prestigious Central Saint Martins in London, Wales Bonner's work often explores themes of identity, race, and cultural heritage, particularly focusing on black masculinity and diasporic history. Her designs are celebrated for their meticulous craftsmanship and historical depth, earning her numerous accolades in the fashion industry, including the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers in 2016.

Journal:

An Insider’s Look at Paris Fashion Week by D.C. Creatives

Marlon White: Key Account Manager Moëet Hennessy “Fashion week is always my favorite time to travel to Paris. The creativity and design of the diierent fashion houses are always very inspirational for me. Traveling to Paris for Fashion Week provides a rsthand experience of the global fashion capital, ooering a blend of iconic fashion shows, exclusive events, networking opportunities, and a chance to witness cutting-edge designs from renowned designers. It's an immersive experience that captures the essence of the fashion industry at its peak. My favorite Men’s FW 24 collections were Louis Vuitton, Amiri, and Loewe.”

An Vo: Buyer @SOMEWHERE “Paris Fashion Week is where everyone in the industry can come together to see the glamorous side of fashion. Working as a buyer has allowed me to see the entire buying process from beginning to end. I can see the clothes transform on the models as they bring life to each garment down the runway. Moments like these during fashion week are crucial since they allow buyers to envision how these clothes can translate to our customers. In essence, PFW plays a vital role in shaping the direction of the fashion industry and serves as a showcase for talented designers.”

Asma Amani: CEO/Designer Asma Amani “I was thrilled to attend Paris Men's Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2024 in the always magical city of Paris. The highlight was the playful, techno dance party led by juvenile cheerleaders at the Maison Mihara Yasuhiro show, featuring imaginative, exaggerated silhouettes and unexpected styling. I discovered the brand at Somewhere DC–my preferred local destination for global streetwear. I also greatly enjoyed the exclusive Yasiin Bey concert at La Cigale, where the rapper paid tribute to the late, great MF Doom by covering some of his most beloved tracks. With standout shows like these in such an iconic fashion capital, Paris Fashion Week continues to push boundaries and inspire across artistic genres." 9

As Men's Paris Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2024 unfolds, it stands as a cornerstone event for retailers globally, showcasing the latest trends, innovative designs, and direct engagement with their clientele. This annual fashion extravaganza not only displays clothing but also embodies a source of inspiration, innovation, and identity shaping. It plays a critical role in molding retail brand images while signiicantly innuencing consumer style preferences and purchasing behavior. For this season's event, we focused on the unique approach of Washington D.C.-based retail store Somewhere, delving into their selective buying process. Their participation at Men's Paris Fashion Week FW24 serves as a vital conduit, bringing an array of international fashion trends and styles to the local D.C. market. We explore how Somewhere curates their collection, ensuring that their selections resonate with their customer base while also pushing the boundaries of fashion and personal style. Join us as we unveil the behind-the-scenes strategies and insights that deene the future of men's fashion in our local communities.

written by:

photography by:

Lafayette Barnes IV

check out our website for more photos from our trip. wibridgedc.com

EDITORIAL

Dexter Scott King Death Serves as a Reminder to Black Men about Prostate Checks

On Monday, Jan. 22, the world learned Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, died after what the King Center called a “valiant battle,” against prostate cancer. While the King Center did not discuss much about King’s battle with prostate cancer, the third child and youngest son of the celebrated civil rights leader is among the many Black men who have sadly succumbed to the disease. According to Zero Cancer, every 13 minutes a Black man is diagnosed with prostate cancer and nearly 17 Black men die of prostate cancer daily. Black men are more likely to develop prostate cancer, with one in six Black men receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis in comparison to one in eight men overall. In addition, Black men are 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with and 2.1 times more likely to die from prostate cancer than their white counterparts. Further, Black men are also slightly more likely to be diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. Moreover, a recent study “Urology,” by Dr. Kelvin A. Moses of Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, and his colleagues, concluded that Black men diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer are less likely than white males to receive any type of treatment for the disease. “Persistent disparities in treatment for [African Americans] and emerging disparities in Hispanic men, regardless of stage at presentation, likely represent a significant predictor of higher mortality in underserved populations,” Moses and his colleagues reported. Despite these disparities and grim statistics, many health practitioners contend prostate cancer is highly treatable when detected and treated early. Doctors encourage men to begin regular screening for prostate cancer between the ages of 40 and 70. Talking to doctors about beginning the process of taking prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, used to determine the presence of PSA circulating in the bloodstream is important. While PSA levels can fluctuate, determining a baseline PSA can allow men and their health teams to determine the regularity of screenings for prostate cancer. Chatting with one’s health professional about PSA tests can be the first step in managing prostate health. In addition, speaking with male family members and friends about regular screenings is also an important key in ensuring the men in our lives are prioritizing their health. Help them understand the importance of early detection and emphasize how much you care about their wellbeing. As multiple ills face Black men, from systemic racism, to violence, and other health disparities associated with African American males, let’s work to combat prostate cancer by spreading the importance of screenings, early detection, and advocating for treatment once diagnosed. WI

Remember to Shovel and Help Neighbors During this Snowy Season

Last week, the D.C. area got its first significant snow storms, with about 3 inches Monday, Jan. 15 into Tuesday morning, and then an additional 3.3 inches on Friday, Jan. 19. While such numbers are nowhere near blizzard conditions, the storms still brought inches of snow accumulating on streets, sidewalks and walkways that required shoveling. Despite cold and slippery conditions, shoveling is necessary to ensure that neighbors safely traverse sidewalks while getting to and from their homes. From getting to one’s car or the bus stop, to taking pets on walks, and ensuring sound travel for outdoor snow fun such as snow angels, snowball fights and building snowmen, shoveling walkways is key for residents’ safety. Be sure to prioritize your safe travel and that of others by getting out to shovel after a storm ends. According to the District of Columbia Department of Public Works: “Residential and commercial property owners are asked to clear their sidewalks within [eight] hours of a storm’s end so pedestrians can walk safely.” If you have the energy post shoveling your area of a sidewalk, try to help others by beginning to clear nearby walkways. Particularly consider neighbors who are elderly or have physical limitations or challenges when working to pitch in to shovel. Shoveling for neighbors who can’t, or might have challenges doing so, can be helpful for their health, as well as contributes to the betterment of the entire community. WI

TO THE EDITOR I really enjoyed the special Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. issue. I loved the stories, the photography, and the overall artistry. Excellent work! Ulysses Moore Washington, D.C.

Salute to Donnie Simpson for a storied and illustrious career. Enjoy your retirement. Well done, sir! Janette Tompkins Washington, D.C.

Readers' Mailbox The Washington Informer welcomes letters to

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the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community. Write to news@washingtoninformer.com. or send to: 3117 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20032. Please note that we are unable to publish letters that do not include a full name, address and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you. JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024 27

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Bisa Williams

Preparing Women in Algeria for 21st-Century Technological Tools

Is it often said that countries in Africa provide too few opportunities for women and girls. That, however, is fast becoming "20th-century news." Nearly 70,000 young people in Algeria, including girls, have developed essential 21st-century skills and competencies thanks to the efforts of World Learning, a nonprofit organization that

just marked 10 years of activity in the country. This spring, a group of Yale graduate students from the Jackson School of Global Affairs will join me in Algeria for an education and cultural field visit to see how the country is equipping itself to deal with the challenges of this century. Algeria stands out as a leader in Africa when it comes to promoting women's education. Algerian women are increasingly outperforming men in educa-

Guest Columnist

tion nationally, making up nearly 65% of university graduates. And Algerian women shatter world averages for female representation in technical studies such as engineering — 48% female in Algeria, 16% worldwide. Despite those very encouraging statistics, women in Algeria comprise less than 15% of the workforce nationally and remain under 3% of the technical workforce in the country's massive hydrocarbons sector. With time and effort, however, those low

percentages will soar upward too. Part of the Yale field visit to Algeria will involve a review of a World Learning initiative that focuses on providing opportunities for young women, including in the quickly expanding area of artificial intelligence. Since its inception in 2016, the ongoing initiative has established 12 Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) centers including the Algiers STEAM Makerspace,

Ouargla STEAM Center, the Illizi STEAM MakerLab, and university partnerships that host the STEAM in American Spaces programs. A teacher-training program has graduated a network of volunteers who lead activities at the STEAM Centers. All of the centers emphasize empowering female students and fostering gender equality in the workplace. Through this women-cen-

to teaching. Moses later made the decision to became a teacher and he joined Johnson as part of what is becoming a decreasing number of Black men who serve as K-12 classroom teachers. As of August 2022, there were approximately 36,000 teacher vacancies across the United States. As the teaching profession becomes more politicized and hostile due to culture wars, will the decrease of Black men entering the teaching profession continue to slide? Not everyone is called to be a teacher,

therefore we should encourage and support those who have the passion and drive to do so. Black students who attend public schools are disproportionately taught by teachers from different ethnic or racial backgrounds. Children of color need to see themselves in teachers. They need role models who reflect their culture and background. According to the U.S. Department of Education in 2015 only 2% of the public school teachers in the

WILLIAMS Page 49

David W. Marshall

Getting Black Men Into K-12 Classrooms

Despite the changing society we live in, the honor of being a teacher will never change. Knowing that a teacher can shape the young minds of children for a lifetime is a reward in itself. Both the student and society benefits when a teacher is successful in molding future generations and developing future leaders. In many cases, the teaching profession is a family tradition.

K.J. Johnson is a 23-year-old educator in Buna, Texas, where he wears multiple hats as a girl basketball coach, special education teacher, in addition to being an anatomy and physiology teacher. The various roles in which he serves his students is what makes him priceless. Johnson comes from a family of educators, including a mother who is a math and science teacher, a father who is a superintendent, a stepmother who is a guidance counselor, and grand-

Guest Columnist

mothers who worked as teachers. The family legacy of teaching is deep-rooted and he was encouraged to pursue it as a career. Young Black men like Johnson are defying stereotypes and stepping up to become teachers, but more are needed. Donald Moses, from Houston, never planned on entering the teaching profession. The 25-yearold went to college with the goal of becoming a criminal defense lawyer. However, Moses was inspired by participating in a college program which served as a pipeline

MARSHALL Page 49

Marian Wright Edelman

A Call and Choice

"If I've been blessed to have another 10 years, never, ever, ever have I seen or will there be another Martin Luther King. Never, ever. The baddest dude on the Earth." The Stanford Report noted that Clarence Jones, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s personal attorney, adviser and friend, said this with tears in his eyes when he spoke at Stanford

28 JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

University earlier this month in an event called "An Evening of Living History." The conversation with Jones, which was held on Jones's 93rd birthday, was part of a series of events at the university celebrating Dr. King's birthday and the King holiday. Stanford is home to the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute, and the MLK Institute said they wished to use this year's events to "'reintroduce' Martin Luther King Jr. and the ambitious agenda of his later years" — years Jones saw firsthand.

Among the pieces of Dr. King's work the MLK Institute wants to highlight is the speech Dr. King gave at Stanford University on April 14, 1967, titled "The Other America," where he argued that "we as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values": "We must rapidly begin the shift from a thing-oriented society to a person-oriented society. When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights, are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, extreme materi-

alism, and militarism are incapable of being conquered." Lerone Martin, the MLK Institute's faculty director, said King's focus not just on racism but on all three "allows us to see King's expansive vision of the complex problems that ail our democracy to this day." Clarence Jones has reminded us of the same message. In 2019, Jones convened an intergenerational, interracial, interfaith group of civil rights movement veterans and next generation leaders who issued a call to conscience

on Dr. King's 90th birthday. It opened: "Today, as we remember Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we watch in anguish as many achievements toward a more just and equal society we believed were secure are being eviscerated in front of our eyes. … If we wish to honor Dr. King, we must shake the foundations of our grotesquely unequal social and economic order." The statement then quoted the same passage from the Stanford speech

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist Here We Go Again!

Just when we thought things were getting better around the world, and at home, some of the craziest stuff raised its ugly head not to resolve problems, but to create more. We were heavily impacted by the Israeli-Hamas tragedy. Our hearts were broken for friends caught up in a tragedy they didn't create. Yet, we find ourselves sadly impacted by what happened in Israel and the

Israeli response. We were already in disbelief about how much a former president of the U.S. could get away with as we try to teach our children how our democracy should be working, and how they should stay out of trouble when there comes a former president showing the worst of behavior. He disrespects all women, and now Black men. I would ask Black men who are said to be flocking to the side of Donald Trump to reconsider and think about what a disgrace that is, if true. Black women work so hard for all of our people. AG Letitia James makes us proud

Guest Columnist

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. (Ret.) every day for the way she has been handling the case about the despicable way the orange man disrespects her as she works to uphold the law. We should be honoring her for what she is faced with as the trial goes on. Look at the case against our brilliant sister, Claudine Gay, former president of Harvard University for a brief time, and what happened to her as she sat before a hostile Congress treating her more like a criminal than the acts on which they defend Trump. I was horrified by the disrespect shown to Dr. Gay and the other women college presidents

listening to Ms. Stefanik. Her rude manner was hard to believe. I had to turn her off to breathe for a while. Let's move to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. He's been commanded to appear to explain how dare he get sick and not personally get out of his hospital bed to get permission to take care of his health! Even if it's a law that a sick person has to follow, it must be changed so that the appropriate staff can make the call to interested parties. I can't imagine how a woman in charge could have an emergency miscarriage and have to say to the doctor, "Wait, I have to call

my boss first!" We must have rules, but they should make sense — especially in case of emergencies. Instead of taking time to heal, he's having to defend himself because of his "failure to notify key government leaders of his recent hospitalization!" Give me a break! Is he the only person who can call appropriate officials? DA Willis dares to get the truth for the people about Trump. What happens when she does her job so well that she gets investigated with attempts to destroy her? Gov. Brian

solved not just northern economic elites' "worker shortage" problem, but southern elites' too. By 1910, about 90% of all African Americans were still laboring as farm workers and household servants in the South, primarily on or near the southern plantations where they or their ancestors had been enslaved. Finally,in 1924, public pressure – including from notable Black leaders of the day like A. Philip Randolph and W. E. B. Du Bois – forced Congress to drastically reduce annual immigration. The ensuing tightness in northern

labor markets created a huge demand for underemployed, underpaid southern workers. Some six million African Americans left the South during the Great Migration made possible by tighter labor markets. By the 1960s, the share of Black households that were considered middle class had expanded from two in 10 to seven in 10. African Americans' greatly increased economic clout was an important factor in Congress passing the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts of 1964 and 1965.

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Roy Beck

The "Worker Shortage" Myth Depresses Black Wealth America's business elites have used immigration as a tool to avoid hiring Black Americans for the past two centuries. This pattern of discrimination has depressed African Americans' employment and wages -- and is a significant cause of persistent racial wealth gaps. The trend began even before the Civil War. By the early 1800s, many Northern states had banned slavery and were home to substantial numbers of free Black workers. But starting in the 1820s, northern employers increasingly sought cheaper white immi-

grant workers from Europe -- which stalled Black economic momentum. After the Civil War and emancipation, former slaves began migrating to northern states to staff the factories of a rapidly industrializing nation. This led to huge jumps in African American skills, incomes, and even business ownership. Southern plantations and businesses despaired of their dwindling source of cheap labor. But by the 1880s, they were rescued by the grand political and economic bargaining that ended Reconstruction in the South and resulted

Guest Columnist

in the Ellis Island-era "Great Wave of Immigration." Each year over the next four decades, an average of nearly 600,000 immigrants – roughly 1% of the total U.S. population -- flowed primarily into northern labor markets. That largely blocked the flow of Black workers from the South. In fact, many former slaves and their families moved back to the lower-wage South after they were displaced by desperate immigrants willing to accept low wages and appalling working conditions. In this way, mass immigration

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Ben Jealous

Power Grids Supplied By Clean Energy Are More Reliable. That Saves Lives

February 2021. A rare Valentines Day winter storm wallops Texas with snow and a deep freeze. The storm will knock out power for at least 69% of people across the state. Hundreds will die. That was Winter Storm Uri. Many of us probably remember it as the storm that sent Sen. Ted Cruz packing for a vacation in Cancun

while his constituents suffered. Captain Selena Xie, president of the Austin Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Association, was enraged when she read from a local reporter at the time: "One reader who emailed me about the issue described the power and water outages as a 'minor inconvenience' for most Texans." One of Xie's first calls the morning after the storm was for a man who had planned to die at home, peacefully and surrounded by loved ones. That didn't happen.

Xie recounted, "When his oxygen, that was making him comfortable, went out, he started making awful grunting sounds. It is not acceptable to die like that, in agony. We had no other options at the time than to take the person to the hospital to keep him comfortable, but not before we let his wife cry against his chest for 5 minutes, which was all we felt comfortable sparing at the time." Emergency responders started receiving carbon monoxide calls that evening. With the power out, people were so desperate for heat they

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burned furniture in their homes to keep their families warm. That caused carbon monoxide poisoning. Much of the country is now getting pummeled with below-freezing temperatures and winter storms. Many are rightly nervous about the reliability of their power grids. When grids fail, people die. Medical equipment like dialysis machines and oxygen pumps cannot run without power. The best way to protect grids and make them more reliable? Power them with renewable energy sourc-

es like solar and wind, which are far more resilient than coal, oil, and gas. The five winter storms we have had since 2011 that knocked down power grids should be a lesson to us all. Fossil fuel power plants are prone to mechanical and supply failures in extreme cold when energy demands are often at their highest. Just look at what happened during December 2022's Winter Storm Elliott in the eastern and central US. In the mid-Atlantic, nearly 90% of

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ing fresh insights into on-display artworks. Discover the narratives woven within these pieces, revealing the dynamic shifts in U.S. culture. Join Terra Foundation predoctoral fellow Sadé Ayorinde as she explores the significance of Nick Cave's Soundsuit.

WASHINGTON INFORMER WEEKEND CHECKLIST WASHINGTON INFORMER'S

Things To Do, DMV! By Ra-Jah Kelly WI Contributing Writer Check out a handful of the many events happening in the DMV this weekend. To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar. Keep your outlook vibrant and remember, there’s always something happening in the DMV to keep your spirit-- and social life-lit.

THURSDAY, JAN. 25

9th Annual C. Clyde Ferguson Symposium Time: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP 2900 Van Ness Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20008 The "Voices Unchained: Exploring the Intersection of Expression, Law, and Liberty," symposium delves into complex issues related to freedom of expression, censorship, and the law. It features diverse events exploring the legal, cultural, and social implications. Highlights include a panel discussion

on banned books in prisons with experts like Sonia Kumar and Moira Marquis, a keynote by Gloria J. Browne Marshall on art in advocacy, and a conversation on the right to joy with Brence Pernell, Brittany Cooper, and Dean Lisa Crooms. The event concludes with a fireside chat on rap music censorship

with Emerson Sykes and P. Tuneen Chisolm. The symposium will be a thought-provoking exploration of expression, law, and liberty. Hopin' Mic: A Comedy & Storytelling Open Mic for Causes in Need Time: 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Donation Suggested BloomBars, 3222 11th Street Northwest, Washington, D.C. Hopin' Mic showcases both national touring comedians and local up-and-comers, experimenting with material centered on leftist causes supported by Grassroots Comedy (climate justice, racial equity, immigrant rights, women's rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, etc.). It's a comedic audition platform for progressive humor, interspersed with irreverent hilarity. This donation-based event now benefits Grassroots Comedy as a non-profit, funding comedy-driven engagement, education, and cause support. Grab your woke and non-woke friends for a night of laughter, uniting in the mission to make the world better through humor. Join them in the name of comedy and positive change! BloomBars is an alcohol-free establishment, but your ticket will get you discounted drinks at Buddy's DC, two doors down at 3234 11th St NW.

FRIDAY, JAN. 26

Art Bites Gallery Talk Time: 12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Free National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets, NW, Washington, D.C. Smithsonian American Art Museum's (SAAM) research fellows present a lunchtime gallery talk series unveil-

30 JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

Inua Ellams: Search Party Time: 7 p.m. | $10-20 The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, 8270 Alumni Drive, Suite 3800, College Park, Maryland, 20742 A man walks into a room with his life in his hands. He is the internationally acclaimed artist and playwright Inua Ellams (“Barber Shop Chronicles” and “The Half God of Rainfall”) and he has filled thousands of pages in an ongoing attempt to be heard, to give his genius wings that can travel. Every word he's ever written is captured, all the poems and the theater and the essays, the drafts of projects abandoned and works as yet unknown, indexed, rendered as binary and waiting patiently within the confines of the electronic tablet he's holding even now. Pick a word, any word. Prompted by audience suggestion and open conversation, Ellams searches through his archive, unearths refined or raw gold, and presents his treasure in a spontaneous performance. “Search Party” is an act of call and response that hearkens back to the birth of storytelling. At this uniquely futuristic and puckishly chaotic interactive event, the artist couldn't be more present. He's inviting you to join the work. What do you say?

SATURDAY, JAN. 27

Events DC Housing Empowerment Expo Time: Noon. | Free with registration by Jan. 26 R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center, 2730 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington, D.C., 20032 Discover ways to move forward confidently in your personal housing journey. Get personalized financial tips for managing debt, budgeting, rebuilding credit, and more. Talk one-on-one with an experienced local housing advisor. Demystify housing myths during an interactive panel discussion. Find helpful housing and financial resources available in your neighborhood. Experienced housing advisors will be available to speak with you at no cost. Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

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The Blackbyrds 50th Anniversary Concert Confirms Longevity Has Its Place By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

It was not a flashback; it was the real deal. On Jan. 20, The Blackbyrds were live in concert at the historic Howard Theatre in Northwest, D.C., and performed their hits and some unrecorded songs, with an audience of more than 300 fans having a good time, grooving to the rhythm. With the group opening with one of their biggest hits, “Walking in Rhythm,” from beginning to end, The Blackbyrds had the intergenerational crowd on their feet. Current members of The Blackbyrds include drummer Keith Killgo and bassist Joe Hall, the only two original members, as well as Roberto Villeda on keyboards, Sean Anthony on percussion, Charles Wright on guitar, Marshall Keys on saxophone, Thad Wilson on trumpet, and lead vocalist/ drummer Paul Spires. The band was exceptional. Every musician got a chance to shine. Nothing about the concert felt like 50 years had passed. Every song felt current and full of energy. The spirited crowd enthusiastically gave The Blackbyrds a lot of love and appreciation.

THE BLACKBYRDS COME HOME

All the songs were there, including “Happy Music,” “Dreaming of You,” “Falling Like Dominoes,” and “Mysterious Vibe” which was included on the soundtrack of the Netflix film “They Clone Tyrone.” “People came into the Howard Theatre and this felt like a family

reunion. This is an important milestone,” said Spires, who was a student of Killgo at Anacostia High School in Southeast, D.C. The irony of the concert at the Howard Theatre was that this was the first time The Blackbyrds had performed at the venue. Not affiliated with Howard University, the theater has been one of the most famous performance stages for Black talent since 1910. The Blackbyrds were formed at Howard University by Donald Byrd, a jazz trumpeter/ flugelhornist, bandleader, jazz educator, and National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master. When Byrd organized and produced the six-member group, he was head of the university’s Black Music Department. The sound created by Byrd and The Blackbyrds was a coming together of jazz, R&B, funk, and pop. “Byrd remembered when jazz hit the big time, everybody was dancing,” said bassist Hall about what Byrd wanted to create with The Blackbyrds. “He wanted to bring the feet back.”

working in music education.” The Blackbyrds stay on the road on a global touring schedule. The 50th-anniversary tour began last year, but Killgo admits, it is always good to come home. Of course, it would not be a Blackbyrds concert if we did not hear “Rock Creek Park,” so we got an extended version. “We have some things coming up this year, some festivals and some new recordings,” Killgo said. “We are so proud of what we've done over the years.” Keep up with The Blackbyrds through their website at https://www.blackbyrdsmusic.com WI @bcscomm

LIFESTYLE

5 The Blackbyrds performed before an enthusiastic crowd during their 50th-anniversary concert at the historic Howard Theatre in northwest DC on January 20. (L-R) Guitarist Charles Wright, drummer Keith Killgo, vocalist/drummer Paul Spires, bassist Joe Hall, and percussionist Sean Anthony. (Marckell Williams/The Washington Informer)

THE LEGACY CONTINUES

Before the show began, Donald Byrd, III, founder of the Donald Byrd Cultural Foundation in Bayonne, New Jersey, told the audience about his father. He talked about the significance of The Blackbyrds to his father’s legacy. “It shows me the love people have for the music,” said Byrd, III, about the audience. “I'm ecstatic about The Blackbyrds continuing to keep the legacy going. You see, Keith Killgo is also

5 (L-R) Drummer Keith Killgo and bassist Joe Hall are the only original members in the current lineup of the Blackbyrds. The group performed in their 50th-anniversary concert at the historic Howard Theatre in northwest DC on January 20. (Brenda C. Siler/The Washington Informer)

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JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024 31

LIFESTYLE

Pan-African Business Zawadi to Close on U Street, Cultural Spirit Lives On By Bousaina Ibrahim WI Contributing Writer

Onward

Upward and

a mus ic a l ce le b r ation of b l ack his tory month

SATUR DAY, F EB R UARY 3 • 4 P M w a s h i n g t o n n at i o n a l c at h e d r a l INSP IR AT IO N A L E V E N I N G OF S P OK E N WO RD, DAN CE , AN D MU SI C, FE ATU RI N G

WASHINGTON PERFORMING ARTS CHILDREN OF THE GOSPEL CHOIR KATHERINE SMITH CONTEMPORARY DANCE ENSEMBLE SE TENNIS AND LEARNING CENTER’S “BLACKS IN WAX” CATHEDRAL.ORG/CONCERTS

Stay Informed!

www.washingtoninformer.com 32 JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

After 32 years on the historic U Street, the Pan-African store Zawadi is closing its brick-and-mortar location on Jan. 28. Throughout its years, the store became more than a business enterprise; it grew into a cultural sanctuary in the D.C. area. “Zawadi stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of cultural celebration and community engagement in the heart of Washington, D.C.”, said owner and founder Irene Whalen. Established in 1992 during a time when U Street was “a thriving hub for African American businesses and cultural expression,” Zawadi's presence added to the vibrancy of the community. Since its founding, the store has provided authentic African art, clothing, and home goods directly from the continent. However, Whalen emphasized that Zawadi went beyond business transactions; there was a consistent dialogue, fostering a space where visitors can not only purchase cultural artifacts, but also learn about the histories and meanings behind them. As the cultural landscape of U Street shifted, Zawadi evolved to meet the needs of the changing demographics while staying true to its roots. “By continuing to showcase authentic cultural products and facilitating cross-cultural dialogue, Zawadi not only retained its historical connection to U Street but also became a bridge between the neighborhood's storied past and its evolving future,” said Whalen. Zawadi’s expansion into the growing community included partnering with other Black entrepreneurs by hosting artists’ talks, shopping pop-ups, and fashion showcases; embracing social media and creating a digital website for the store; and engaging with anyone who entered through the establishment’s doors. Marvin Sin, a colleague and friend of Whalen, described Zawadi as “a portal into our world.” Sin held art exhibits at Zawadi of his leather craftsmanship and his wife’s jewelry over the past six years. He also worked with Whalen in the same circuit of African and African American

5 After 32 years, Zawadi is closing its brick-and-mortar store at 1524 U Street NW. (Courtesy Photo)

cultural products and retailing. Sin said through Whalen’s brilliance and collaborative spirit, Zawadi became a retail pipeline for seven African nations and maintained a direct connection with artists from the continent. He added that Whalen’s wealth of knowledge made Zawadi a mini museum. “People think of these spaces as businesses, but they really are cultural institutions,” said Sin. While Sin said he mourns the closing of Zawadi and other establishments, he celebrates the lasting impact the store has had on all its visitors. “Zawadi is a physical manifestation of the culture and cultural expression, but the culture and the cultural expression still exists. It is a part of D.C. history and the lives of everybody who stepped in there. It’s in every home. It’s in any person walking the streets in Zawadi garments or jewelry. It’s everywhere,” Sin told The Informer. While Zawadi will be officially closed Jan. 28, the business will maintain an online presence through a curated section of African art, clothing, and homegoods available on its website. The store’s last sale day will be Friday, Jan. 26, Saturday the shop will be closed, and on Sunday, Jan. 28, Zawadi will host an open house from noon to 4 p.m. “I hope people remember that when you stepped into Zawadi, it was a place of warmth and welcome, a community hub—a space where people came together to celebrate diversity, engage in meaningful conversations, and forge connections,” said Whalen. For more information on Zawadi, 1524 U Street NW #1, visit: zawadiarts. com. WI

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Murjoni Merriweather: Sculpting Her Return By Andrew S. Jacobson WI Contributing Writer

In the vast world of contemporary art, Murjoni Merriweather stands out – not only for her distinctive work, but for her journey. Originally from Temple Hills, Maryland, Merriweather has established herself and is being displayed prominently in some of the most sought-after spaces in contemporary art. Her story is a tapestry of tenacity coupled with the relentless pursuit of evolution.

THE EDUCATIONAL PATH

Merriweather's artistic inclination was identified early on. "I've been drawing since maybe second grade," Merriweather recalled. Her creative spirit was nurtured by her mother, an artist herself. Homeschooled for a time, and later attending The Field School in Northwest, Washington, D.C., Merriweather was exposed to a wider array of art forms. Subsequently, Merriweather elected to attend the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Initially interested in animation, Merriweather found her true calling in ceramics; managing to pair it with film studies during art school. While her early dreams of becoming a music video producer faded, her passion for ceramics broadened.

THE RETURN OF MERRIWEATHER: A TALE OF REINVENTION

Merriweather, a ceramicist and mixed-media artist, is making what she calls a "return" rather than a breakout. Her recent achievements have turned heads in the art world. With important exhibitions at the world-renowned Jeffrey Deitch Gallery and CFHILL in Stockholm, her work has captivated audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. Just miles from her childhood home, the Rubell Museum proudly showcases several of her works in their D.C. outpost. When asked about how she’d define this exciting stage in her career,

LIFESTYLE

she wondered aloud whether this year marked her breakout moment. "A breakout year? No, not necessarily," she humbly asserted. "I think my breakout year happened a couple of years ago. I think it's my return."

A RESILIENT YEAR, A PROMISING FUTURE

This year, especially, her presence is being felt strongly in the art world with a series of shows and residencies. Despite the challenges faced by many artists in the past year, Merriweather's journey is one of resilience and reinvention. This return is marked by a renewed focus and dedication to her craft. The past two years have seen her honing her skills, experimenting, and building a profound relationship with materials. While some may perceive this period as a hiatus, Merriweather views it as an intentional, introspective phase that allowed her to push her creative boundaries. In an era where economic uncertainty touched many, including the art community, Merriweather navigated these challenges with grace. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the struggles artists face, a humanizing reminder of the realities behind the canvas.

5 Temple Hills, Maryland native Murjoni Merriweather is making a strong return to the arts world, with her work featured internationally as well as in the DMV and New York. (Courtesy Photo/ Murjoni Merriweather)

THE RESIN REVOLUTION

Merriweather’s recent work in resin stands as a testament to her versatility. Originally drawn to glass, she found resin a more accessible medium that still captured the translucency and depth she sought. Her resin faces, often perceived as individual art pieces, are, in her eyes, stepping stones to larger, more complex projects. The connection to resin began during a transformative residency at Alma Lewis in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was there that she met Marvin Toure, who she affectionately dubbed "The King of Resin," and helped her to begin to navigate this versatile medium. This pivotal moment marked her artistic evolution and a personal realization that: seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

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JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024 33

5 Tips to Help Improve your Credit Score in 2024 Sponsored content by JPMorgan Chase Establishing credit is one of the most important keys to achieving financial health and creating generational wealth. A good credit score shows you have a track record of borrowing money responsibly and is important to landlords, mortgage lenders, financial institutions and more. The higher your credit score, the lower your interest rates will be on credit cards and loans, helping you save money over time. Building a credit history from scratch can feel challenging since you need credit to build credit. If you don’t have credit, you’re less likely to be approved for loans and credit cards, limiting your ability to make major purchases that create financial stability for yourself and your family.

HOW CAN YOU BUILD CREDIT WITHOUT HAVING CREDIT? First, what does it mean to build credit? All consumers have a three-digit score between 300 and 850. You want your score to be as high as possible, as lenders look at credit scores to make loan and credit decisions. A credit score consists of your payment history, available credit, total balances, the mix of credit type, length of credit history, and the frequency and amount of new credit you're

applying for. If you don’t have a credit history or you’re rebuilding your credit, your credit score will likely be on the lower end. Here are a few simple steps, including some you may already be doing, that can help start the year off on the right foot and improve your score: 1) Report rent or bill payments and pay on time. Ask a service provider, such as a landlord, to report payment activity to the credit bureaus. Also remember to pay bills on time. Paying your utility bills, rent, credit cards and loans on time can demonstrate fiscal responsibility to lenders. 2) Apply for a store or gas card. Retailers and businesses often approve applicants with little credit history for a card. Store cards usually carry a higher interest rate, but payments still become part of your credit profile. Remember to try to pay off the balance each month to avoid raking up interest.

You’ll get an extra card with your name on it, and activity from that card will be reflected on your credit report over time. Be sure this person has a good history of on-time payments and low credit utilization – if they have bad credit habits, it will reflect on your credit, too. 5) Find a co-signer. Apply for credit jointly with someone who already has an established credit history. Remember, the co-signer is putting their credit on the line for you, so keep up with your payments and don’t overspend. These options can help you demonstrate your creditworthiness, and you may start seeing your score rise sooner than you might expect.

RESOLVE TO BUILD CREDIT IN 2024

It’s never too late to build -- or rebuild -- your credit. As you make your resolutions for the new year, put credit building near the top of your list. Not only will good credit help you have a happy new year in 2024, you’ll see your hard work pay off for many new years to come.

3) Open a bank account and consider a new-to-credit card: Although checking and savings accounts don't factor into your credit score, lenders can review them to see how fiscally responsible you are. And in the case of Chase Freedom Rise, which is designed for new-to-credit customers, having a Chase checking account increases your likelihood for approval. 4) Become an authorized user or joint account holder. Ask a trusted family member or friend to be added to their credit card.

The Newsletter Sign up to receive the JPMorgan Chase & Co. Money Talk Newsletter and stay up to speed with the latest financial wellness information.

34 JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

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JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024 35

Make a Groundhog Weather Detector Color and cut out this little groundhog. Glue it onto some heavier paper and cut out the groundhog again. Stand your little groundhog outside and see if it casts a shadow.

For hundreds of years, people have thought that the groundhog can predict the weather. It’s believed that if the groundhog sees its shadow when it leaves it’s burrow on the second day of February, the winter will last another six weeks. But, if the sun isn’t shining, then there are no shadows to be seen. People say when this happens, spring will arrive soon.

Each year on the morning of February 2nd, people in the town wait patiently for Punxsutawney Phil to come out of his burrow. News shows and newspapers around the country will tell everyone whether or not he sees his shadow.

AW B G O J U R T N F LO M R F T H YJ P K EPRYCBELNFT VOZFOTWHVE Y TA I L M R E T

C= D= H= K=

What is another name for a groundhog? NO == U= W=

How do animals know when to hibernate?

Scientists have found a special chemical in the blood of hibernating animals. The chemical is called HIT or Hibernation Inducement Trigger. Although scientists do not know what this chemical is, they do know that it appears when one of three things happen:

The days become shorter and there is less light.

In the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, there is a special groundhog called Punxsutawney Phil.

Punxsutawney Phil is not right about the weather every year. Circle every other letter to see how often Phil is right about the end of winter weather.

There is a big drop in temperature.

Food is scarce.

One summer day, blood with HIT taken from a hibernating groundhog was injected into a lively one. Result: Hibernation! If you were the scientist—what would be your conclusion about this experiment?

Weather Words

Look outside. What is your weather like today? Look through the newspaper for five words that describe your weather. Circle each word. Standards Link: Science: Identify different kinds of weather.

Standards Link: Life Science: Understand that humans and animals have structures that aid in survival.

AUGUST BURROW CASTS W I N T E R F S V E CURL D A U G U S T O W L EATS L N W O T A M C O I END FOOD I C P E E L S A J D GROUNDHOG G B U H N O H S Q L LIGHT H Y K R I D A T U A PHIL T N R S L L D S A N SHADOW SLEEP G O H D N U O R G B SUN T B U R R O W F J O TOWN Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognize identical WINTER words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.

News Photo Pose

Find a newspaper photo with one or more people in it. Mimic the pose of a person. Can you hold it for 10 seconds? Find another photo and repeat.

Standards Link: Language Arts: Apply syllabication rules.

Hello, Spring!

What does spring look like where you live? Write a description of some of the signs of spring in your area.

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36 JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

Standards Link: Science: Understand physical properties of light.

The Most Famous Groundhog

Is Phil correct?

Light travels in a straight line from its source. When light reaches an opaque (solid) object, the light is prevented from moving through the object, leaving an area of darkness on the other side (a shadow). Find the shadow for each of these shapes.

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With hund Kid Scoop features si high-inter activities f school! Ge sample tod

wi book review "Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine" by Uché Blackstock, MD c.2024, Viking $28 304 pages

By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer Ugh, suddenly, just now, you don't feel well. Not at all. It might help to lie down somewhere for a few minutes or maybe there's something in a drawer in the bathroom you could take to feel better. Need a doctor? Having the right skin color might help, as in the new book "Legacy" by Uché Blackstock, MD. Her career choice seemed like the most natural thing in the world. Uché Blackstock and her twin sister, Oni, practically grew up in a hospital, doing homework in a staff room while their physician-mother made her rounds. The girls got a front-row peek into what it was like to be a Black female doctor and because of their mother's influence, it never entered their minds to choose another career. That inspiration lingered: after their mother died young of cancer, Blackstock chose to work as an ER doctor, caring for her Brooklyn and Bronx neighbors like her mother did. Blackstock knew the history: Black people had long been objects for experimentation, without painkillers and without their permission. Early in the last century, Black midwives were forbidden from practicing because of a testing matter. A document called the Flexner Report led to low numbers of Black doctors for nearly a century. She also knew the statistics: Black patients are less likely to get pain medications than are white patients. Black mothers are at a higher risk than white mothers for maternal death, miscarriage, and problems at delivery. Half of all medical treatment in the U.S. today happens in an ER, and many of those patients are Black, poor, and without a safety net. Knowing these things, working under those facts, took its toll. When she was small, Blackstock played with her mother's leather medical bag and the treasures inside it. She dreamed of carrying it to her own patients someday but her job, meant to help people, left her exhausted, frustrated, and emotionally tangled. It was time to try something else … This year, if you're average, you'll spend roughly 15 minutes face-to-face with your doctor at an appointment. You'll come prepared, and so will your physician; bring "Legacy," and you'll come with stats that are alarming, although very little of it is new. Indeed, the news lately has been full of stories of Black patients and subpar care and author Uché Blackstock underscores every bit of that news with personal experiences to support the facts, scattered inside a dual biography of her and her mother. Readers will enjoy the stories of Blackstock women becoming physicians and you'll be dismayed at generational and historical roadblocks they overcame. Read these triumphs, but don't lose sight of the other important thing here: remember, as Blackstock often urges, that advocating for one's self or a loved one is key to maintaining health and surviving. Readers concerned about their well-being will be glad they read this book. Biography fans will love it for different reasons. Either way, getting what you want out of "Legacy" is easy, and you'll feel quite well about it. WI

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE JAN. 25 - 31, 2024

ARIES If you're accused of selfishness at some point in the first half of the week, or if it suddenly dawns on you that you're being selfish, the easiest fix is to turn the glow of your attention onto someone else. By Thursday, you register your own growth as a person. A sense of renewal is definitely within you on Friday. The laziness you feel at the end of the week contrasts sharply with the million-miles-an-hour mode you're in on the weekend. Lucky Numbers: 20, 32, 37 TAURUS There isn't anything particularly unusual about Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, but something wonderful is definitely afoot. Your attachment to your friends is so strong that on Thursday, when you have coffee or dinner with one friend, another may become jealous. This kind of jealousy is ridiculous, but it speaks to how much you adore one another. On Friday, you're moody but you're utterly charming on Saturday and Sunday. Lucky Numbers: 25, 38, 54 GEMINI You're busy this week. Action, romance, partnerships, and new projects all come into play. Those new projects may not all pan out the way you'd like, but your talent is simply getting things started. Thursday and Friday find you more calculating. You're taking measure of your life and work, asking tough question of good friends. But the weekend is filled with plans and pals. On Sunday, watch your dogmatic streak. No one wants to be preached to. Lucky Numbers: 10, 19, 33 CANCER You may be in the mood to buy a new stove or repaint the kitchen or go in a new direction with the layout of the garden, but have you considered that what's really getting under your skin? If something's bothering you at home, deal with it directly. Thursday is defined by emotional upheaval, and Friday you're basically useless at work, what with all that's on your mind. On Saturday and Sunday, get out of the house. Why not take yourself to the movies? Lucky Numbers: 16, 51, 53 LEO You plus friends is a winning combination on Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday as well, whether it's you or them or something in the air that none of you has anything to do with, you seem almost psychically connected this week. Your romantic life is active too. Your needs are being met in just about every realm. It's only natural that on Thursday you begin to think deeply about this state of happiness, such as where it comes from and how to maintain it. On Friday, your thinking is concentrated on thwarting the efforts of plotters, but your attitude is unchanging. Lucky Numbers: 9, 22, 55 VIRGO If you're going to the store at the start of the week, bring a friend. Your shopping is best done with a partner right now. The benefits of the shopping excursion also may have nothing to do with the shopping itself. A conversation with a pal on Wednesday about the difference between the things you want and the things you need sets you up to be in deep-thinking mode on Thursday and Friday. This weekend, if you're feeling stuck, take a risk. Lucky Numbers: 12, 40, 57 LIBRA You'll blush so many times between Monday morning and Wednesday afternoon that someone may ask you if you're having an allergic reaction. What is it that makes everyone want to flirt with you right now? Is it your sly smile? Your social life is in tip-top shape until around Thursday, when work woes weigh you down. Business matters figure strongly on Friday as well. Maybe you're making up for all that time you spent in coffee shops earlier in the week. On Saturday and Sunday, you finally achieve a nice balance between what you have to do and what you want to do. Lucky Numbers: 6, 9, 14 SCORPIO You could go either way. You can see both sides. You'd love a lot of toppings on your ice cream, but ordering it without toppings has an appealing simplicity. How do people make decisions in this world? Toward the second half of the week, an amazing thing happens and many answers become apparent. They reveal themselves. The people you're drawn to are suddenly drawn to you. This weekend you may go on an unlikely adventure. Lucky Numbers: 10, 11, 24 SAGITTARIUS You need some time to think things through. You need to prepare for what you're getting into. The major message broadcast during the first half of the week is that you're loved by your friends. On Wednesday, the law comes into play in some way. On Thursday and Friday, you're contemplating the big picture. Your subconscious is going crazy. But by Saturday and Sunday, the atmosphere of the weekend takes over and lightness dominates. Lucky Numbers: 5, 7, 57 CAPRICORN You're well aware of what everyone else thinks. The pressing question is what do you think? There couldn't be a better period of time to initiate new projects than Tuesday and Wednesday. But if you're unclear about what you want, how will you get it? What should the shape of your next project be? Pay someone a visit on Thursday. Go for a walk and talk it through. On Friday, your deepest hopes suddenly seem clear. Take the weekend to plan. Lucky Numbers: 12, 19, 30 AQUARIUS Your new ally may come in a funny disguise at the start of the week. It may be a zombie outfit or a pumpkin costume. It might not be the season for masquerade parties, but everyone's wearing some kind of mask right now. Try to connect with someone you almost assuredly have nothing in common with. You might be surprised how wrong you are. The energy you get from this burgeoning friendship will have you buzzing on Wednesday. On Thursday or Friday, you're required to say something in front of a group. Saturday and Sunday are a blast. Lucky Numbers: 4, 24, 30 PISCES Just when you feel like you and you-know-who are going to take over the world together they flake out on you. They become distracted. Their reasons may be valid, but the truth remains that if you want something, it's on you. You can handle that. Toward the second half of the week, your resolve strengthens even more and you take someone who's treating you like a doormat to the curb. You do it smiling. This weekend, things finally start going your way. Lucky Numbers: 10, 14, 45

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024 37

SPORTS The Plight of Black NFL Coaches, Moment or Movement? By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

Now that the Conference championship round of the National Football League (NFL) is upon us, there are no more Black head coaches among the four remaining teams. The Houston Texans, coached by Demeco Ryans, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by Todd Bowles, were recently eliminated. There were two more, Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Mike McDaniel of Miami lost in the opening wild card round. The league has long been criticized for its lack of hiring of Black head coaches. There was encouragement a few years ago when the number peaked at seven, only to revert to one the following year. There are currently six Black NFL head coaches as of the season's end. Ryans, Bowles, McDaniel, Tomlin, Antonio Pierce of the Las Vegas Raiders, and Jerod Mayo of the New England Patriots remain standing. Ryans paid his dues as defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers before being hired by the Texans this year. With his leadership, he was able to lead his young team to the playoffs. Bowles helped his team rally from an early 4-7 start to Division title and a coveted playoff berth.

Pierce's story is especially intriguing, serving Raiders. Pierce was given the title of interim coach after a dismal early season and responded by galvanizing the team and leading them to a strong finish. McDaniel has led the Dolphins to

"The NFL is a monkey-see, monkey-do league," declared Bethea, who was a threetime Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion.

5Houston Texans head coach Demeco Ryans is one of the six Black head coaches in the National Football League. (Courtesy Photo)

the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. And there is, of course, the venerable Tomlin, who has just completed the season with another strong finish. He has never had a losing season in 17 years, unheard of in the modern day era of professional football Add to the list Mayo, who was hired recently to replace New England Patriots Hall of Fame Coach Bill Belichick. Mayo was named head coach after serving as defensive coordinator for the past four years. "To be named the first Black Coach in team history means a lot to me," noted Mayo in a press conference. “I would say that if you don't see color, then you don't see racism. The history of African American coaches all started with Hall of Famer Art Shell, who became the first Black head coach in the modern era of the National Football League (Fritz Pollard was the first in 1894). Others followed with minimal success until Tony Dungy of the Indianapolis Colts became the first Black to win a Super Bowl in 2007. Incidentally, that year, Lovie Smith was the opposing coach during Super Bowl XLI, making it the first time that two Black coaches faced each other in the big game.

CALLING OUT THE NFL ON LACK OF BLACK COACHES

One of the loudest critics of the league's hiring policy has been Jim Trotter, the celebrated journalist, who called out NFL Commission-

38 JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

er Roger Goodell on the subject of Black coaches, or lack thereof. An NFL writer for years with the San Diego Chargers and later with SI.com and the NFL Network, Trotter asked Goodell about the lack of Black coaches, not once, but twice. The result was that his contract with the NFL Network was not renewed. Trotter has filed a pending lawsuit against the NFL for its practices. "It is good to see some of the young Black coaches getting the opportunity," said Trotter, a Howard University graduate who is now a columnist for The Athletic. "But we have seen this before. It's a moment. Let's give it time to see how it unfolds before we can say it is a movement. There are a number of strong Black candidates for open positions, including Eric Bienemy, offensive coordinator of the Washington Commanders, whose name is being passed around as a possible replacement for Ron Rivera. Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, is a strong candidate for a head coach position. Anthony Lynn, Brian Flores, Howard University graduate Pep Hamilton, and Byron Leftwich, who went to the local school H.D. Woodson and is a former offensive coordinator with the Buccaneers, have all paid their dues The question is: “Will the NFL start seriously looking at the qualified Black candidates?” "There has always been a pool," noted Trotter. "That is not the problem. The owners choose not to hire

them and that is where the problem starts." Antoine Bethea played years in the NFL after leaving Howard University. During his time, he played for the Indianapolis Colts, the San Francisco 49ers, the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants before retiring after 12 years. Bethea, who played for two Black head coaches (with the Colts and Cardinals), offered his perspective on the current state of affairs of diversity in NFL leadership roles. “The NFL is a monkey-see, monkey-do league," declared Bethea, who was a three-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion. "Whenever it sees something successful, the tendency is to copy it. With the current group of coaches like Demeco, Todd, Antonio Pierce and now Jerod, the success that they had this season served notice.” The twice-minted NFL Man of the Year, celebrated for his community service, reflected on his own time in the league when sharing his hopes for the future. "When we played for Coach Dungy and later for Steve Wilks, we felt a strong responsibility to do what we could as players to ensure that they were successful,” Bethea said, emphasizing the importance of African American coaches in a league that has predominantly Black players. “Hopefully, it will become a movement that opens the doors for a group of young Black assistants who have paid their dues and deserve the opportunity." WI

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

CAPTURE the moment

A gas explosion Jan. 18, on the second floor of a building in the 1200 block of Marion Barry Avenue leveled the building. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

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JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024 39

RELIGION Masjid Muhammad, ‘The Nation's Mosque,’ Starts $6 Million Renovation By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

After decades, Masjid Muhammad, the first mosque in the country built by African Americans, is undergoing a $6 million renovation, an effort that will double the capacity of a place that serves as a spiritual home for more than 1,800 people. Founded by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad in 1937 and erected in

1960, Masjid Muhammad, known as the “the Nation’s Mosque,” has been a bustling house of worship for decades. Imam Talib Shareef, the longtime leader of Masjid Muhammad, said the facility is past due for a significant expansion. “We are doubling the size of the mosque to include more classrooms and space so that we can have larger community gatherings,” Shareef said. “This construction (renovation) to

RIGHTS from Page 1 diagnosed her with the condition, Peters, a mother of three, has rebuffed conventional treatments. Instead, she advocated for homeopathic medicine, which consists of natural, holistic remedies that are not recognized by the medical establishment. While Peters, against the wishes of doctors, successfully secured Ramyah’s removal from an oxygenation machine, she lost custody of Ramyah amid her recent efforts to prevent doctors from giving her ambrisentan, a prescription oral medication known to cause swelling of the face, strained breathing and fatigue. Peters’ hearing with D.C. Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) is scheduled for April, around Ramyah’s second birthday. In the interim, she continues to take childcare classes mandated by CFSA, a process she said she navigated long before losing custody in December. “It’s been stressful on my family. The hospital is not considerate,” Peters said. “I didn’t want Ramyah on the medication and they said it was the only medication.” “They don’t care,” Peters added. “They’re bullying me and forcing me. They called CFSA on me. They’re not helping me.”

40 JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

5 Aziyrah Peters (center) is at odds with administrators at the Hospital for Sick Children Pediatric Center in Northeast about the medical care that her 2-yearold, Ramyah Peters, has been receiving. (Courtesy Photo)

A SNOW DAY PROTEST IN FRONT OF A MEDICAL CENTER

On Jan. 16, as snow shovels and snow plows cleared District sidewalks and streets, Peters and several others converged on the steps of the Hospital for Sick Children Pediatric Center for an early morning protest. Peters told The Informer that she organized the act of civil disobedience upon learning days earlier that hospital administrators organized a Russian

5 The historic Masjid Muhammad, known as “The Nation’s Mosque,” in Northwest, D.C. is undergoing a $6 million renovation. (Courtesy Photo)

The Nation’s Mosque will add more than 10,000 square feet of space for continued growth in the prayer area, enhanced senior activities, classrooms, and community service - of value to the broader community needs.” same-sex couple’s visit with Ramyah. The couple, Peters said, was vying to become foster parents while Peters was still engaging CFSA for custody. Later, while standing outside of the Hospital for Sick Children Pediatric Center, Peters said that hospital officials told her that the foster parents were no longer coming to the facility, which she celebrated as a victory. By that time, she, along with a cadre of local mothers, D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8), and representatives of the ADS Collective and Parent Watch, had been standing in front of the Hospital for Sick Children Pediatric Center with signs in hand. Signs ran the gamut, from photos of Ramyah with her birth parents, to “Stop CPS from Medical Kidnapping,” “Medical Kidnapping: A Threat to the Black Family in America Today,” and even “Support Masculine Heterosexual Black Men.” Peters, who saw Ramyah that morning, described her baby girl as healthy and vibrant. She said that has been the case throughout much of Ramyah’s life, despite doctors’ insistence that Ramyah was unfit to leave the hospital and that, at one point, her condition was going to kill her. Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

Shareef also said the existing building, at 1515 4th Street NW, will become a "green masjid" in D.C., leveraging energy efficiency features and water conservation methods to reduce its environmental impact, a tribute to the city and to the planet on which we live.” The Jumu’ah Prayer service, which takes place every Friday at 1 p.m., has been moved temporarily to 1615 14th Street NW, and many activities are taking place there as well. Parking is being provided at the Vermont Avenue Baptist Church parking lot at 12th and Q Streets NW.

THE RICH HISTORY OF MASJID MUHAMMAD

As he looks forward to the new updates for the mosque, Shareef reflected on the rich history of Masjid Muhammad. “It was in the 1930s when the strongest movement toward establishing the full expression of universal Islam began. That movement was the original Nation of Islam,” explained Shareef, who was also considering Masjid Muhammad’s founding in 1937. “It was a time in American history when just in the rearview mirror, Blacks had been enslaved, mistreated, and oppressed in the most brutal system of slavery ever known in human history.” The religious leader noted that the Prophet Muhammad said, "A father gives his child nothing better than a good education.” He explained that the renovations to the local mosque continue the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and the scriptures in the Quran.

“The expanded space will grow the school to serve more students and provide a more holistic and nurturing Islamic environment for our children,” Shareef said. Shareef also said celebrated civil rights leader Malcolm X was a major fundraiser for The Nation’s Mosque. “In fact he donated $1,400 of his own money towards its construction and this is the only mosque in all of America that he has helped to build from the ground up. In 1959, the masjid became the first to be built in the Capital city from the ground up and by American citizens- the descendants of enslaved Africans,” Shareef explained. The pioneering Muslims of Masjid Muhammad borrowed from the equity in their homes, cooked dinner, sold newspapers and volunteered their construction skills to build the mosque, which sits on what is now designated as "Islamic Way" in D.C. When boxer Muhammad Ali was alive he was a frequent visitor to the mosque and he contributed to its construction. Late last year Ali’s brother and sister-in-law visited Masjid Muhammad on their way back to Louisville, Kentucky. Benjamin Abdul Haqq, special assistant to Imam Shareef, said he has seen the evolution of Masjid Muhammad over the past five decades, and is thankful to learn about the new renovations. "Alhamdulillah, I've had the pleasure and honor of serving our masjid community over the past 50 years in various leadership roles and for the past five administrations since 1974 to the present,” he said. “It is truly a blessing to see the latest developments taking place today.” In addition to weekly services, classes and prayers on Friday, Masjid Muhammad has a range of programs that include a food and clothing pantry, Boy Scouts troop and chess club. Some speculate that the new facility will feature the “Youth and Teen Leadership School,” a resource in combating the loss of young men and women to the challenges associated with poverty and violence on the streets. Anwar Saleem, a board member of the mosque, took the opportunity to view the renovations as a lesson about life. “Life is a grand construction project where we build our future upon the sturdy foundations of our past,” Saleem said. “Each brick laid with yesterday's wisdom, creating the architecture of tomorrow.” WI

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Living With Type 2 Diabetes Part 2

Your body is a temple… — 1st Corinthians 6:19-20 I'm writing this series amid what feels like the final phases of the worldwide pandemic. To say you have COVID now, for the most, part seems more like a bad cold. There are a small portion of our lives, seemingly coming back to a "new" normal. In this lifetime, I'm not sure if we will ever go back fully to the normal we had before the pandemic. This is the second article over about three or four weeks I will share with readers during this month. It is posted to share with readers for three reasons. First, the story of my mother and her sufferings from Type 2 diabetes. Secondly, this series shares what Mother taught us prior to her illness so you can understand her impact. Thirdly, I want you all to understand how Type 2 diabetes overwhelmed her, concluding with how her family learned steps to control and even rid their bodies of this devastating disease. I'm grateful for how it has helped people around the world. After learning about how Type 2 diabetes is caused, and proven research to show how to control it, now I can help others. Though I'm not a trained physician, I have worked with medical doctors who specialize in endocrinology. The information I share in my column and on my radio show is proven via research, and is verifiable. First point is, Mother Grant

suffered for 12 years with Type 2 diabetes, and with major complications as a result of her having had this disease. Christmas Day 2000 was that fateful day mother died! My family skipped Christmas for nearly 10 years after her death. However now, my coping switched to angelic Christmas tree ornaments. The majority of my ornaments are crystal angels, in memory of my mother! Secondly, Mother taught us well! My sisters and I lived together, worked together in business; and now we were going through this battle for life with our mother. Throughout our lives, we had been blessed, becoming successful businesswomen, doing exactly what Mother encouraged us to do. After an impactful death, you must find a new normal. My lifestyle change was going back to Trinity University to get my master's degree in the field of communications. When writing my master's thesis, this story was born. My master's thesis topic was "How I expected this Type Diabetes campaign to become national" — and it has! Lastly, please understand how this disease can cause devastation to your body if you do not follow the rules. Mother lost both of her legs to amputations, had kidney failure, high blood pressure and several strokes. At the young age of 61, Mother had her first major

stroke that caused paralysis. She ended up in Howard University Hospital, and that's when they discovered she had Type 2 diabetes. After learning how to publicize an issue on a massive scale, there was no way I could see the devastation caused in the life of my Mother by Type 2 diabetes, fully understand this disease, and do nothing to share this with others. We didn't understand! Could we have done something differently? We didn't know how an improved diet with extremely limited amounts of sugar and major reductions in eating carbohydrates and getting regular physical exercise could have made a difference in her life. Now that I've learned from her doctor, from research, from the National Institutes of Health, from Johns Hopkins and American Diabetes Association and others, I must share this good news with you! For those of you who refuse to follow the rules, Type 2 diabetes can be associated with serious complications such as losing toes, a foot, legs, eyes, organs and more. Plus, research shows it brings on premature death, as in the case of my mom. On the other hand, people with Type 2 diabetes can turn this thing around by taking measures to reduce the likelihood of having these complications. WI

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RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor 9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724 Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

Blessed Word

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Church of Living Waters

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor

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

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

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

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

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

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

Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423 Service and Times Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10 AM themcbc.org

Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power “An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

“Friendliest Church in the City” Website: mountolivetdc.org Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness - Senior Pastor Rev. Ali Gail Holness-Roland Assistant & Youth Pastor

42 JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

12801 Old Fort Road • Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Office (301) 292.6323 • FAX (301) 292.2164 Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:15 am Sunday Church School 11:00 am Youth Sunday every 4th Sunday Prayer Call @ Noon every Tuesday & Thursday 978.990.5166 code: 6166047# Virtual Bible Study Wednesday Facebook & Zoom 7:00 pm “A Growing Church for a Coming Christ” www.adamsinspirationalamec.org

Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45 AM Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Third Street Church of God

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. / Senior Pastor 5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301.899.8885 – Fax 301.899.2555 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship 8:00 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 AM Tuesday: 7:00 PM – Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday: 12:30 PM – Mid-Day Bible Study Wednesday: 7:00 PM – Evening Bible Study Baptism - 3rd Sunday – Communion 4th Sunday Free Food Giveaway – Every Tuesday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm “We are One in the Spirit” www.ssbcmd.org | secretary@ssbcmd.org

Campbell AME Church

2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org

Service and Times Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m. Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor 800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703

www.livingwatersmd.org

1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards

Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday

Rev. Terrance M. McKinley Senior Pastor

Adams Inspirational A.M.E. Church

Service and Times Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education / School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration

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

John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.

All Nations Baptist Church

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

Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor

Crusader Baptist Church

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study: Wednesday: 12:00 Noon, Wednesday: 7:00 PM, Thursday: 7:00 PM “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address : Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor 1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM “Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor 5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.) Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m. “A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . . 100% Forgiven!

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

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

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

Isle of Patmos Baptist Church Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor 1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661 Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr. Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax

Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6:00 AM & 6:30 PM Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church / Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org / emailus@gmchc.org

Shiloh Church of God 7th Day Elder Jonathan M. Carson Senior Pastor

5701 Eastern Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20782 Phone: 301 559-5262 Service and Times Sabbath Worship @ 1:00 pm in-person/FB/Zoom Tuesday - Prayer@ 7:30 pm on Zoom Wednesday - Bible Study@ 7:30 pm on Zoom Friday - Sabbath School@ 7:30 pm on Zoom Web: shiloh7thday.org Email: shiloh7thdaycomm@gmail.com "A culturally diverse church of edification, deliverance and transformation"

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor 4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

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RELIGION Zion Baptist Church

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor 4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773 Service and Times 9:00 a.m. – Sunday School 10:15 a.m. – Worship Service Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study 7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org

St. Luke Baptist Church

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

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Rev. Lance Aubert Imterim Pastor 1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor

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

Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42

“Where God is Praised, Christ is Obeyed, and People are Loved”

New Commandment Baptist Church

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

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:30 AM Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

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

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

Promised Land Baptist Church

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

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

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

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."

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

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

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

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

Dr. Joseph D. Turner Senior Pastor

Service and Times Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

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

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 9:30 AM Sunday School: 8:15 AM Bible Study: Wednesdays at Noon Baptism: 4th Sunday 9:30 AM

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

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

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

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

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

Rev. Richard B. Black Interim Pastor

Mount Moriah Baptist Church

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

Service and Times Sunday Service: 10:00 AM Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM 1st Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting: 7:45 PM

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church

Israel Baptist Church

Website address: www.mmbcdc.org

Peace Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM “The Loving Church of the living lord “ Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

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

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

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

Service and Times Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 AM Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “

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

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

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JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024 43

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2023 ADM 001435

2023 ADM 001445

Margaret Goode Johnson Decedent

Saeed Savon Smith Decedent

Lawrence B. Manley, Esq. 2026 32nd Street SE Washington, DC 20020 Attorney

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Theoria Johnson, whose address is 55318 Deal Drive, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Margaret Goode Johnson who died on November 18, 2019 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 7/11/2024. 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 7/11/2024, 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: 1/11/2024 Theoria Johnson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Rockelle Smith and Darryl Dickson, whose addresses are 836 Barnaby St., SE 102, Washington, DC 20032, 13209 Darlymaid Drive T2, Germantown MD 20874, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Saeed Savon Smith who died on July 23, 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 7/11/2024. 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 7/11/2024, 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: 1/11/2024 Rockelle Smith Darryl Dickson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2023 ADM 001481 Lorraine W. Brown Decedent Joan M. Wilbon Attorney at Law 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Arni L. O’Donnell, whose address is 213 Huron Dr., Forest Heights, MD 20745, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lorraine W. Brown who died on 2/12/2022 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 7/11/2024. 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 7/11/2024, 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: 1/11/2024

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2023 ADM 001463

2023 ADM 001477

Cherri Fitzgerald aka Cherri J. Fitzgerald Decedent

Cahli Marcus Thomas Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Tina N. Peters, whose address is 4602 Rockbridge Court, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cherri Fitzgerald aka Cherri J. Fitzgerald who died on September 24, 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 7/11/2024. 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 7/11/2024, 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: 1/11/2024 Tina N. Peters Personal Representative

Arni L. O’Donnell Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

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 Carla Thomas, whose address is 257 Tennessee Ave., NE, WDC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cahli Marcus Thomas who died on October 16, 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 7/11/2024. 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 7/11/2024, 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: 1/11/2024 Carla Thomas Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 001476

2023 ADM 001490

2023 ADM 1499

2023 ADM 001447

2023 ADM 1492

Leeroy Bundy Decedent

Ericka Jeanne Orina aka Ericka J. Orina aka Ericka Fredericks Orina Decedent

Janice Almetta Tucker Decedent

Beverly Harris Simmons Decedent

Louise M. Pittman Decedent

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

Colline Silvera Robinson Kirlew & Associates, PC 7731 Belle Point Dr. Greenbelt, MD 20770 Attorney

Brian L. Kass, Esq. 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 434 Washington, DC 20008 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Dimingus Bundy, whose address is 5344 Chillum Pl. NE, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leeroy Bundy who died on August 14, 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 7/11/2024. 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 7/11/2024, 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: 1/11/2024 Dimingus Bundy Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Mike Orina Otachi, whose address is 4811 10th St. NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ericka Jeanne Orina aka Ericka J. Orina aka Ericka Fredericks Orina who died on 9/17/2023 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 (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 7/11/2024. 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 7/11/2024, 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: 1/11/2024 Mike Orina Otachi Personal Representative

Bobby G. Henry, Jr. Henry Legal Firm, LLC 9701 Apollo Dr., Ste. 100 Largo, Maryland 20774 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Janet Almetta James, whose address is 9701 Apollo Drive, Ste. 100 Largo, Maryland 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Janice Almetta Tucker who died on October 8, 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 7/11/2024. 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 7/11/2024, 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: 1/11/2024 Janet Almetta James Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Taylor Travers Simmons, whose address is 10905 Burbank Drive, Potomac, MD 20854, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Beverly Harris Simmons who died on August 25, 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 July 11, 2024. 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 11, 2024, 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 11, 2024 Taylor Travers Simmons Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Yvonne C. Freeland, whose address is 11411 Lake Arbor Way #905, Bowie, MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Louise M. Pittman who died on October 1, 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 7/11/2024. 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 7/11/2024, 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: 1/11/2024 Yvonne C. Freeland Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

44 JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2023 ADM 001482

2023 ADM 001542 Decedent

2023 ADM 001509 2023 WIL 000954

5827 Third Place NW Washington, DC 20011 Attorney

Denis C. Mitchell Stein Mitchell Beato & Missner, LLP 2000 K Street, NW, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

Maria Valero aka Maria Badias Valero Decedent

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

Johnny L. Greene, whose address is 5827 Third Place, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Alma Elizabeth Henson Greene who died on September 27, 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 7/18/2024. 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 7/18/2024, 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.

Jane Briggs, whose address is 13225 Old Chapel Road, Bowie, MD 20720, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joan L. Briggs who died on August 30, 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 7/18/2024. 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 7/18/2024, 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.

Llora Valero, whose address is 2018 Hayden Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Maria Valero aka Maria Badias Valero who died on October 24, 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 7/18/2024. 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 7/18/2024, 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.

Alma Elizabeth Henson Greene Decedent

Date of first publication: 1/18/2024

Jane Briggs Personal Representative

Johnny L. Greene Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES Notice of an unregistered claim by a private living man, sovereign by the grace of God. Their name written in the Book of the Tree of Life, beneficiary in original jurisdiction now coming as Grantor/settler with NOTICE of Unregistered Claim, or priority equitable right, title and interest in the DERRICK THOMAS ESTATE LOUISIANA state file number 119-1974-014-00164/9046223 including all assets, attributes, derivatives and transmutations therefore.

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2024 ADM 000010 Ralph C. Mills Jr. Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Tuesday C. Dodson, whose address is 7701 Mane Lane, Forestville, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ralph C. Mills Jr. who died on June 15, 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 7/25/2024. 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 7/25/2024, 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: 1/25/2024 Tuesday C. Dodson 7701 Mane Lane Forestville, MD 20747 Personal Representative

Date of first publication: 1/18/2024 Llora Valero 2018 Hayden Road Hyattsville, MD 20782 Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

TRUE TEST COPY

Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Washington Informer

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

2022 ADM 001433

2023 ADM 1547

2023 ADM 001555

2023 ADM 001560

2023 ADM 001559

William Kelly, Jr. Decedent

James Steven Turner Decedent

Latoya Brooks Decedent

Michael Nathaniel Harris Decedent

Howard Halley, Esq. The Halley Firm, PC 7600 Georgia Ave., NW #416 Washington, DC 20012 Attorney

Philip B. Zipin Zipin, Amster & Greenberg, LLC 8757 Georgia Avenue, Suite 400 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney

James M. Pridgen aka James Marcellus Pridgen Decedent

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

Alice M. Pearson, whose address is 2972 2nd St., SE Washington DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William Kelly, Jr. who died on January 27, 2021 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/25/2024. 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 7/25/2024, 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: 1/25/2024 Alice M. Pearson Personal Representative

Betsy E. Lehrfeld, whose address is 7214 Blair Rd., NW Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James Steven Turner who died on 1/25/2022 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 7/25/2024. 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 7/25/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Caniya Brooks, whose address is 4925 G St., SE Apt 102, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Latoya Brooks who died on 10/21/22 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 7/25/2024. 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 7/25/2024, 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: 1/25/2024 Caniya Brooks Personal Representative

Date of first publication: 1/25/2024

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Betsy E. Lehrfeld Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

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Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

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Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Arthur Anthony Warren 3131 Connecticut Ave., NW Apt 2509 Washington, DC 20008 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Arthur Anthony Warren, whose address is 3131 Connecticut Ave., NW Apt 2509, Washington DC 20008, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James M. Pridgen aka James Marcellus Pridgen who died on 10/9/2023 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 7/25/2024. 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 7/25/2024, 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: 1/25/2024 Arthur Anthony Warren Personal Representative

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Michael Nathaniel Moore, whose address is 3724 Hayes St., NE #6, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Michael Nathaniel Harris who died on September 9, 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 (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 25, 2024. 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 25, 2024, 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 25, 2024 Michael Nathaniel Moore Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024 45

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2024 ADM 000013

2023 ADM 001550

2023 ADM 1527

2023 ADM 1514

2023 ADM 1530

Edward R. Williams Jr. Decedent

Diane Williams Shelby aka Diane W. Shelby aka Diane Terry aka Diane Shelby Decedent

John A. Green, Jr. Decedent

Timothy John Devine Decedent

Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. Probate Law DC 1308 Ninth Street, NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney

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

Cheryl Brown, whose address is 807 30th Street, SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John A. Green, Jr., who died on June 19, 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 7/25/2024. 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 7/25/2024, 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.

Rachel Erin Carr, whose address is 259 14th Pl., NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Timothy John Devine who died on June 11, 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 7/25/2024. 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 7/25/2024, 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.

Sharon M. Ayers Decedent

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

John T. Ayers and Triston J. Ayers, whose addresses are 17 Michigan Ave. NE, Washington DC 20002, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Sharon M. Ayers who died on December 27, 2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before July 25, 2024. 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 25, 2024, 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.

Ciara T. Williams, whose address is 33 V Street NE, Washington DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Edward R. Williams Jr. who died on April 24th, 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 7/25/2024. 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 7/25/2024, 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 25, 2024 John T. Ayers Triston J. Ayers Personal Representative

Date of first publication: 1/25/2024 Ciara T. Williams Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Washington Informer

Julius P. Terrell 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW #400 Washington DC, 20004 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Bonita Ward and Amelia Nwokeji, whose addresses are 7763 Cromwell End, New Albany, OH 43054 & 12226 Leather Saddle Ct., Houston TX 77044, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Diane Williams Shelby aka Diane W. Shelby aka Diane Terry aka Diane Shelby who died on 7/10/2023 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 (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 7/25/2024. 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 7/25/2024, 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: 1/25/2024

Cheryl Brown Personal Representative

Bonita Ward Amelia Nwokeji Personal Representative

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TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Washington Informer

Rachel Erin Carr Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

COME THIS DAY, on the 29th of January in the Julian Period of 1955 (2435137 2031), under the Aquarius, sign (9º) Mars, house of Shevat (Reuben), at Barracks River, in the Territory of St. Mary Parish, in Jamaica, one of the several states of the United States of America/ Canada, Beryl Harrison (mother and “birthing person”) gave birth to a single man, known as Noel Livingston of Jamaica at approximately 00 UT, precisely at Barracks River, Twickenham Park St. Catherine Jamaica. It is hereby declared by Beryl Harrison (mother) a Jamaican National but not a citizen of the District of Columbia and Lester Livingston (father), a Jamaican National but not a citizen of the District of Columbia, give testament to the witness of the birth of Noel Livingston of Jamaica and has no connection to the after birth of born-alive person, for any claims of salvaging under Pope Boniface VIII, any Papal Bulls of Birth Certificate exist within the Island of Jamaica Certification of Vital Records or with the Parish of St. Mary Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. This Birth Announcement and its property is held in West Lothian Express Trust and shall stand as true with any City, Town, Island, Borough, County, State municipality or United States Department of State.

COME THIS DAY, on the 13th of December in the Julian Period of 2003 (2452987 2033), under the Sagittarius, sign (21º24’40’) Jupiter, house of Tevet (Benjamin), at Arlington, in the Territory of Tarrant County, in Texas, one of the several states of the United States of America, Leslie Jewel Newsome (mother and “birthing person”) gave birth to a single man, known as Dexter Roper of Texas at approximately 20:33 PM UT, precisely at Medical Center of Arlington, 3301 Matlock Road, Arlington, Texas 76015. It is hereby declared by Leslie Jewel Newsome (mother) a Californian National but not a citizen of the District of Columbia and Paul Roper (father), a Arkansans National but not a citizen of the District of Columbia, give testament to the witness of the birth of Dexter Roper of Texas and has no connection to the after birth of born-alive person, for any claims of salvaging under Pope Boniface VIII, any Papal Bulls of Birth Certificate exist within the State of Texas Certification of Vital Records or with the County of Tarrant Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. This Birth Announcement and its property is held in Khord Maxwell Express Trust and shall stand as true with any City, Town, Borough, County, State municipality or United States Department of State.

COME THIS DAY, on the 28th of June in the Julian Period of 1971 (2441131 2031), under the Cancer, sign (6º39’44’) Saturn, house of Tammuz (Reuben), at Lake Village, in the Territory of Chicot County, in Arkansas, one of the several states of the United States of America, Frances Roper (mother and “birthing person”) gave birth to a single man, known as Paul Roper of Arkansas at approximately 00+55 UT, precisely at Chicot Memorial Hospital, 2729 Highway 65 82, Lake Village, Arkansas 71653. It is hereby declared by Frances Roper (mother) a Arkansans National but not a citizen of the District of Columbia and Frances Jackson (father), a Arkansans National but not a citizen of the District of Columbia, give testament to the witness of the birth of Paul Roper of Arkansas and has no connection to the after birth of born-alive person, for any claims of salvaging under Pope Boniface VIII, any Papal Bulls of Birth Certificate exist within the State of Arkansas Certification of Vital Records or with the County of Chicot Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. This Birth Announcement and its property is held in Khord Maxwell Express Trust and shall stand as true with any City, Town, Borough, County, State municipality or United States Department of State.

COME THIS DAY, on the 19th of February in the Julian Period of 1970 (2440637 2033), under the Pisces sign (4º 17’) Saturn, house of Adar (Simeon), at Brooklyn, in the Territory of Brooklyn Borough, in New York, one of the several states of the United States of America, Gail Margo Edghill (mother and “birthing person”) gave birth to a single woman, known as Ayeshah Lowther, The El of New York at approximately 1:15 AM UT, precisely at Kings County Hospital Center, 451 Clarkson Ave., Brooklyn, New York 11203. It is hereby declared by Gail Margo Edghill (mother) a New Yorkian National but not a citizen of the District of Columbia and Michael McNeal Lowther (father), a New Yorkian National but not a citizen of the District of Columbia, give testament to the witness of the birth of Ayeshah Lowther, The El of New York and has no connection to the after birth of born-alive person, for any claims of salvaging under Pope Boniface VIII, any Papal Bulls of Birth Certificate exist within the State of New York Certification of Vital Records or with the Borough of Brooklyn Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. This Birth Announcement and its property is held in Lacy Family Express Trust and shall stand as true with any City, Town, Borough, County, State municipality or United States Department of State.

We, the undersigned, declare (or certify, verify, or state) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America/Canada that the foregoing is true and correct. Signed/Mark: Beryl Harrison Executed: January 18, 2024 Signed/Mark: Lester Livingston Executed: January 18, 2024 January 18, 2024 L######

We, the undersigned, declare (or certify, verify, or state) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the foregoing is true and correct. Signed/Mark: Leslie Jewel Newsome Executed: January 17, 2024 Signed/Mark: Paul Roper Executed: January 17, 2024 January 1, 2024 R######

We, the undersigned, declare (or certify, verify, or state) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the foregoing is true and correct. Signed/Mark: Frances Roper Executed: January 17, 2024 Signed/Mark: Frances Jackson Executed: January 17, 2024 January 17, 2024 R######

We, the undersigned, declare (or certify, verify, or state) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the foregoing is true and correct. Signed/Mark: Gail Margo Edghill Executed: January 18, 2024 Signed/Mark: Michael McNeal Lowther Executed: January 18, 2024 January 18, 2024 L######

46 JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

Date of first publication: 1/25/2024

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SYEP from Page 1

5 A convenience store on Marion Barry Ave SE was destroyed after a gas explosion around 10 a.m. Thursday morning. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

EXPLOSION from Page 1 sponders arrived on the scene and, determining that the leak could not be fixed, began evacuating everyone immediately. Donnelly said that daycare workers, having smelled the gas, quickly buckled the 16 children, aged 2 and 3, into jackets and strollers. Less than 30 minutes after the initial call, an explosion knocked out the windows and started a fire in the upper story of the building where Baby Einstein Child Development Center is located, Donnelly told press earlier in the day. A second blast leveled the adjacent building, which housed Dan Akil Convenience Store. The gas leak appears to have been caused by a car crashing into a gas meter outside the building, Donnelly said. After evacuating from work around 9:45 a.m., Campbell returned to his home nearby to see that his own gas utility had not yet been impacted. Then he grabbed a coat and came back to watch the raging fire and unfolding emergency response for several hours. The fire could not be put out until the gas was turned off, DC Fire and EMS spokesperson Vito Maggiolo told the Informer. Washington Gas cut off the gas around 12:50 p.m., Donnelly said later. Washington Gas declined to respond to specific questions about why it took more than three hours to turn off the gas in the area around the leak. “The safety of our customers and community is our top priority,” the company said around 3 p.m. in an emailed statement. “We are supporting the active response to the incident and do not have further details to share at this time.” Some environmental and public health advocates have long pointed out that the widespread use of methane gas in homes and businesses poses dangers—including explosions, toxic leaks and harmful in-

48 JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

door air pollution. Washington Gas is currently in the middle of a multibillion-dollar, 40-year initiative to replace all of D.C.’s gas pipes, but critics have argued that the expensive project does not prioritize fixing leaks and will make it more difficult for the city to switch to clean energy in the future. “Gas explosions like the one in Southeast D.C. today are terrifying because of the harm they cause and because they could have been prevented if our utilities cared about people instead of profit,” said Marie Therese Kane, an organizer with We Power DC, in a press release. “The DC Public Service Commission allowed Washington Gas to invest millions of ratepayer dollars over the last decade into Project Pipes despite knowing the project was inefficient and failed to adequately address the most dangerous leaks.” Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

5 A convenience store on Marion Barry Ave SE was destroyed after a gas explosion around 10 a.m. Thursday morning. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

ty,” calls for the modification of existing legislation so that young people can be further exposed to employment opportunities. In the petition, White also issues a call for comprehensive youth empowerment programs that promote responsible decision making. As of Jan. 21, White has collected more than 600 signatures. However, he told The Informer that neither D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) nor any member of the D.C. Council responded to his call for youth job opportunities and empowerment programs. While White, founder and CEO of Our City DC, acknowledged the existence of ongoing youth mentorship programs, and even commended the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program as a time-tested community resource, he said that young people deserve a solution that’s much more intentional and available throughout the calendar year. “The majority of the youngsters tell me it’s about the jobs,” White said. “The city comes with violence interruption but they need something else for them. It’s not that they want to beef with each other. If they had constant employment, they would be straight,” he added. “The D.C. summer job program is short term, nothing but two months, and people have no direction of how to sign up for it.”

A QUESTION OF THE BUDGET

The Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP), now 45 years in existence, will start on June 24. The online portal opened on Monday, Jan. 22 at noon. Eligible youth can apply up until March 6. In commemoration of MBSYEP’s 45th anniversary, the Bowser administration increased the award amount for the Mayor’s Opportunity Scholarship, given to MBSYEP alumni who are pursuing post-secondary education, occupational skills training, or military service, from $2,000 to $4,500. Five students who are pursuing a career in the healthcare industry will also each receive a $20,000 college scholarship. On Monday, the D.C. Department of Employment Services, DC Health, and Howard University Hospital (HUH) commemorated the official launch of MBSYEP’s 2024 application period at HU’s Centers of Excellence. Speakers at the event included HU Chief Medical Officer Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, HUH CEO Anita L.A. Jenkins. Jeffrey Wright, award-winning actor,

D.C. native and star of the new film “American Fiction,” tuned in virtually to reflect on his MBSYEP experience, while Bowser and DOES Director Dr. Unique Morris-Hughes made remarks. Mychael Brown, a senior at School Without Walls in Northwest, later spoke about his participation in the Young Doctors Project, a healthcare career pathways program for young boys. Shortly after, he and a peer demonstrated how to perform CPR. This year, there are 12,000 summer slots available for District youth between the ages of 14 and 24. That’s a decline from 14,000 last year when D.C. was receiving COVID-related federal funding. Up to 1,400 young people across the District receive compensation for year-round participation in DOES programming, Morris-Hughes told The Informer. More than 700 public and private partners, including the Young Doctors Project, are serving as employer host sites. Young Doctors Project, in its tenth year as a DOES partner, hosts weekend classes during the school year and up to six weeks of summer programming. While the oldest cohorts of MBSYEP youths across the city will make up to $17.50 per hour this summer, their younger counterparts, designated as work readiness trainees, will make between $6.25 per hour and $9 per hour. For Morris-Hughes, what summer employment assignments lack in substantial income for young adults has more than enough of a foundation for future career success. “The opportunities that we provide are life changing,” Morris-Hughes said on Monday. “Retail is good but [with summer youth employment], you get exposure and mentorship and you're not able to work under the age of 16. Bowser later declined to delve into what efforts could be made to expand

the reach and impact of year-round workforce development opportunities, telling The Informer that such decisions depend on the Office of the Chief FInancial Officer’s February economic forecast and her administration’s other budgetary priorities.

A PAID OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME FOR ONE ASPIRING MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL

Mychael, who aspires to be a cardiologist, is in his third year at the Young Doctors Project. In 2021, Mychael followed in his older brother’s footsteps when he first entered the program. Under the tutelage of Young Doctors Project co-founder and director Dr. Malcolm H. Woodland and several others, Mychael and his peers have been delving into preventative medicine, mental health and the intricacies of health issues that are prevalent in underserved communities. The young men also learn how to perform blood pressure screenings, obesity measurements, vision exams, mental evaluations, along with other basic health screenings. Those lessons snowball into a service-learning component of the program that allows participants to conduct free community health clinics under the supervision of staff doctors. During the school year, Mychael and his peers are in the throes of these lessons for up to four hours on Saturdays. During the summer, they stay on campus at HU while enrolled in the fourweek Summer Health Academy. Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI @SamPKCollins

5 D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and students pose for the kickoff of the application season for the 2024 Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

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WILLIAMS from Page 28 tered initiative and with support from partners and funders, World Learning seeks to provide youth with high-quality learning experiences emphasizing critical thinking, inquiry and problem-solving skills. And, the results are impressive! The training and coaching provided by the Algiers STEAM Center supported the Algeria National Robotics Team in the FIRST Global Robotics competitions where they went on to win championship medals. Take the example of Houa Seghouani. After participating in a technology international exchange program as a teen, Houa wanted to continue her interest

MARSHALL from Page 28 U.S. were Black men. Today that number has dropped to 1.3%. The Black male teacher is basically nearing extinction. As HBCUs produce 50% of Black teachers, these institutions are recognized as being key players in solving teacher shortages while building a more diverse teaching force around the country. The tradition of training educators at HBCUs dates back to the Civil War era as the early HBCUs were founded as teacher's colleges. A study released by DonorsChoose found that HBCU graduates account for some of the most dedicated teachers. Another research suggest the training found at HBCUs plays a part in what makes an effective teacher. In North Carolina, Black elementary school students performed better in math when taught by an HBCU-educated teacher. At Bowie State University, faculty, students and alumni said their training as teachers centered on the impor-

EDELMAN from Page 28 above calling for a "radical revolution of values." We underscored the urgent need to heed that call today. "A Call to Conscience" ended with the conviction that it is time for a massive new nonviolent movement for justice and peace to save America's soul: "We will not stop until we eradicate the systemic violence inflicted on our brothers and sisters, and all

in computer programming and she wanted to share her knowledge by teaching it to others. She connected with the STEAM center in Algiers. "They were very confident in us which (in turn) gave us confidence. I was exposed to new things because there are people there always supporting you," she said. Houa credited the STEAM Center with enabling her to apply in practice what she had learned in theory. She has since gone on to pursue other tech mentoring and teaching opportunities. According to Leah Bitat, World Learning's Country Representative, "Houa's story is just one of many that illustrate the life-changing aspects of our

programs. Our achievements in the field of education are a testament to our steadfast desire to foster a bright future for Algerian youth. As we celebrate our successes, we remain dedicated to expanding our reach, forging new partnerships, and continuously adapting our programs to meet the evolving needs of our participants." It's estimated AI technology alone has the potential to add $1.5 trillion to Africa's gross domestic product by the end of this decade. Algeria — and the girls and women who call it home — are well on their way to ensuring that Algeria's economy will garner a significant portion of this future windfall. WI

tance of building a strong sense of community and connecting with their students as individuals. Almost half of the nation's schools are restrained in teaching on issues concerning race and racism. This growing opposition to having inclusive curriculums in schools cannot be allowed to weaken the current pipeline from HBCUs to the K-12 classrooms. Our schools cannot afford further decreases in the number of Black male teachers who may become politically discouraged from entering the profession. The largely unnoticed crisis is being addressed by the growing number of special programs, such as Summer House and Black Men Teach, whose goals are to encourage Black men in becoming teachers and providing them with the training and preparation that is needed. Both K.J. Johnson and Donald Moses are members of the Summer House Institute, a four week extensive fellowship program where young men are exposed to careers, leaders and networking

opportunities related to K-12 education. The fellows are matched with a current Black male educator for guidance and must complete 80 hours of volunteering in K-12 classrooms after their summer experience allowing them significant exposure to the realities of classroom teaching. The Summer House Institute co-founders, Vincent Cobb II and Rashid Coleman, believe that working with college-age men who are formalizing their career decisions is the right intervention point for the fellowship program. When we consider the fact that less than 2% of teachers are Black men, it should sound the alarm not just for what this absence means to public education, but what it means to the overall idea of public service. Not only are the schools struggling with recruitment and retention, but the same is true with police departments and the military. Public service still remains an honor, despite the fact less people are willing to do serve. WI

of us, by white supremacy, and the legacy of chattel slavery; mass incarceration and militarism at home and abroad; sexism and gender discrimination in all forms; poverty in America among children, their families and adults who are alone; hunger and homelessness in the cities and rural areas of America and throughout the world; the proliferation of guns and opioids into our communities; environmental degradation and the urgent threat of catastrophic climate change.

Are we still able to hear Dr. King's trumpet of conscience? Do we have the collective will to reset the course of our society to realize his vision of the Beloved Community? We have a choice today, and it is the same choice Dr. King identified before his death: 'The choice today is no longer between violence and nonviolence. It is either nonviolence or nonexistence' … We cannot repair America and the world with hate, only with love." This urgent choice still calls. WI

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50 JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

Kemp has opted against a criminal investigation into her private life. This decision comes amidst allegations of Willis' personal life. Who is Greene to decide on an adult relationship? Is she just frustrated that her husband recently filed for a divorce from her?

BECK from Page 29 But the economic boom didn't last. Congress reopened mass migration in the 1960s, and – just as before -- economic progress ceased for most Black Americans. In response, federal commissions in the 1970s called on Congress to reduce the immigration numbers, but lawmakers instead heeded the concerns of employer lobbies that expressed fears of "worker shortages." In 1989, another federally commissioned study found that the nation's declining birth rates would tighten labor markets and likely lead to more Black Americans being pulled into the workforce. Predictably, business lobbies warned of a "worker shortage" – and once again convinced lawmakers to import

JEALOUS from Page 29 the power plant outages when demand was highest were coal and gas plants. In the central region, coal and gas plants accounted for 75% of the power plant outages during peak demand. In Kentucky alone, more than 1.5 million homes lost electricity in sub-zero temperatures due to coal and gas failures. Increasing the use of renewable energy sources is one part of the solution. Incorporating green technologies in demand response, energy efficiency, storage, and upgrading our transmission grid is the other. Together, they offer us the chance to make our electric grids more reliable and resilient than ever. But we need to deploy them at scale to receive these benefits. If we choose not to do this, we need to understand the human toll. As she has reflected on the events from Winter Storm Uri — and storms that have knocked out or threatened to knock out power since then — Selena Xie worries about unhoused populations. When the shelters and businesses where unhoused people typically seek refuge are without power, the consequences for this already vulnerable population are le-

Greene's time would be better spent helping the Capitol Police investigate the 8,000 threats against Congress in the past year. I'm standing with DA Willis and supporting her right to have a personal life so long as she follows the law in doing her work. We can't point a finger at AG James, Dr. Gay, Secretary Austin, or

DA Willis, while defending a man with over 90 charges and promises to be a dictator? Vote for the right reason and the right person this November. Think about how women and minorities are constantly having to fight for basic human rights while the orange man works against us and threatens to do the same if he is reelected! WI

even more foreign laborers. Instead of viewing tight job markets as an opportunity to bring more disadvantaged Black Americans into the workforce and close racial wealth gaps, Congress chose to enable businesses to fill the open jobs with foreign workers. In the decades since, the U.S. government has offered lifetime work authorization to more than 30 million immigrants, not counting millions of foreign workers who have entered the country illegally. The United States doesn't have a worker shortage. For example, approximately four in 10 working-age African Americans with only high school diplomas don't have jobs. Many would jump at the chance to work, if recruited at fair wages and working conditions. It's not difficult to see racial bias

behind the worker shortage narrative. According to anthropologists like Angela Stuesse, many Black workers recognize that the term "labor shortage" has discriminatory undertones. In her words, it's "shorthand" for businesses not wanting to employ African Americans or "adjust working conditions and wages to retain employees." For two centuries, the labor shortage myth has been used to justify immigration policies that disadvantage Black Americans. Today, the median household wealth of descendants of American slavery remains much less than that of recent immigrants – and less than 15% that of the descendants of European immigrants and settlers. Given our history, claims of a "worker shortage" should put any racially sensitive American on high alert. WI

thal. There is more: "When we have our 911 system completely overwhelmed by calls from the housed population, the unhoused population gets overlooked. EMS and other emergency workers are aware of people living on the streets or in the woods and would be checking on those at-risk people. But we end up beyond our capacity, responding to calls for emergencies — and some less-than-emergencies — at people's homes, delivering charging sticks and other relief, while unhoused people are suffering hypothermic events and dying." Xie also says that while reporting often focuses on death tolls during these emergencies, the high number of amputations from conditions like frostbite go underreported and under-appreciated. "People are often able to protect their cores but not their extremities. Not having adequate gloves or footwear means more amputations. These create lifelong disabilities that continue to haunt both the people suffering from them and the public health and emergency response systems that need to provide for their care and services." Emergency responders should not have to choose between who they

"When we have our 911 system completely overwhelmed by calls from the housed population, the unhoused population gets overlooked."

can help and who will be left on their own. Families should not have to choose between freezing to death or risking their health by burning furniture for heat. There is a way to help ensure the power stays on during harsh winter storms. It is a future powered by clean energy. WI

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