No sooner does man discover INTELLIGENCE than he tries to involve it in his own stupidity. –Jacques Yves Costeau Edelman Discusses the Quality of Education See Page 23 •
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Serving More Than 50,000 African American Readers Throughout The Metropolitan Area / Vol. 47, No. 42 Aug. 2 - Aug. 8, 2012
D.C. Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson faced a disgruntled group of parents during a July 24 forum titled, “State of Schools: Ward 5” at Luke C. Moore High School in Northeast. /Photo by Khalid Naji-Allah
Henderson on Hot Seat during Ward 5 Forum By Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer District of Columbia Public Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson strode into the packed cafeteria at Luke C. Moore High School in Northeast on July 24, flashing an infectious smile that reflected her eagerness to en-
lighten the crowd about her fiveyear plan for the beleaguered system. But what Henderson obviously didn’t expect right off the bat, was to be besieged with a torrent of questions and criticisms surrounding the firing of Michael Johnson, the former principal at Phelps Architecture, Con-
struction and Engineering High School in Northeast – and when he might be reinstated. “I was very upset that Michael Johnson was fired, and this new man they hired has some very big shoes to fill,” said Keisha Warner, 45, whose daughter will be attending Phelps this fall. “I’m concerned about the
change of leadership, and I want to know if the objectives are the same. I want to feel more comfortable with what’s going on – and what are the long-term goals for Phelps,” Warner said. “They even went all the way to New York to pull this man out of retirement, so for him to be fired like that, with no ex-
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planation is unacceptable,” said Warner. “As taxpayers, we pay the chancellor’s salary and everybody who works for her, so we demand to know what happened because it’s our right.” Johnson, whose leadership mirrored the no-nonsense prin-
See SCHOOLS on Page 8 and on DCTV 95 & 96
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Visit us on the web at www.washingtoninformer.com A Union solider [portrayed by Marquett Milton] accompanies President Abraham Lincoln after the president visited the former site of Camp Barker on the grounds of Garrison Elementary School on S Street in Northwest. The July 29 reenactment was sponsored by the African American Civil War Museum./Photo by Khalid Naji-Allah
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Eligibility: District residents who have been certified by the District Department of the Environment’s Energy Office (DDOE) as income eligible may apply for the Economy II program this program. To apply, schedule an appointment with DDOE by calling 311. Households in which one or more individuals are receiving benefits from one of the following public assistance programs may be income eligible.
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Women Break the Cycle of Arts and Entertainment: Domestic Violence Some highlights of this week
SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY www.washingtoninformer.com
DED DECI 7 UN
Karen Evans
33 YES
Melissa Rhea
National:
O N 3
3
Karen Evans is a nurse/attorney Attorney/Pediatrician Robert Chabon, M.D., J.D. is Of Counsel.
Results from last week’s Poll Question:
14%
In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark
International:
UN
The Washington Informer Newspaper
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IDE
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THE WASHINGTON INFORMER PUBLISHER In Memoriam NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) Denise Rolark Sr. Barnes Dr. isCalvin W. Rolark, published weekly on each Thursday. Wilhelmina J. Rolark Periodicals postage paid at Washing- STAFF THE WASHINGTON (ISSN#0741-9414) is published ton, D.C. and additional INFORMER mailing of- NEWSPAPER Denise W. Barnes, Editor weekly on and Thursday. Periodicals fices. News advertising deadlinepostage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. is Monday prior to publication. An- Shantella Y. Sherman, Assistant Editor Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2000 by The nouncements must be received two Ron Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POST MASTER: Send change of addressweeks to event. Copyright 2010 es toprior The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, Holt, Photo Editor byD.C. The20032. Washington All Victor No partInformer. of this publication may be reproduced without written permisrights sionreserved. from thePOSTMASTER: publisher. TheSend Informer Newspaper cannot return Lafayette Barnes, IV,guarantee Assistant the Photo Editorof change of addresses to Therates Washphotographs. Subscription are $30 per year, two years $45. Papers will be received John De Freitas, Sports Photo Editor not more than a3117 weekMartin after publication. MakeE.checks payable to: ington Informer, Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. Dorothy Rowley, Online Editor THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 20032. No part of this publication may Circulation Manager 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr.Paul Ave., Trantham, S.E. • Washington, D.C. 20032 be reproduced without written permisPhone: 202 561-4100 • Fax: 202 574-3785 sion from the publisher. The Informer Brian Young, Design & Layout E-mail: news@washingtoninformer.com Newspaper cannot guarantee the return www.washingtoninformer.com AssureTech /www.scsworks.com, Webmaster of photographs. Subscription rates are $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will Mable Neville, Bookkeeper PUBLISHER be received not more than a week after Mickey Thompson, Social Sightings columnist Denise Rolark Barnes publication. Make checks payable to: Stacey Palmer, Social Media Specialist STAFF REPORTERS THE WASHINGTON Brooke N. Garner INFORMER Managing Editor Tia C. Jones, Ed Laiscell, Carla Peay Luther King, Assistant Managing Editor Odell B. Ruffin, Larry Saxton, 3117 Martin Jr. Ave., S.E REPORTERS Ron Burke D.C. 20032Advertising and Marketing Mary Wells, Joseph Young Washington, Mable Whittaker Bookkeeper Phone: 202 561-4100 Misty Brown, Eve Ferguson, Joy FreemanLaNita Wrenn Administration PHOTOGRAPHERS Fax: 574-3785 Lafayette Gale Horton Gay, Barrington John202 E. De Freitas Sports Coulbary, Editor Barnes, IV, news@washingtoninformer.com , Charles E.Fitzgerald, Sutton Victor Holt Photo Salmon, Editor Stacey John E.Palmer De Freitas, Maurice www.washingtoninformer.com Zebra Designs, Inc. Layout & Graphic ,James Design Wright, JoanneJoseph Jackson,Young Roy Lewis, Robert Ken Harris /www.scsworks.com Webmaster Ridley, Victor Holt
1%
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Paul Trantham
NO
DED NDECI
U 6.5%
20.
% 4 . 3 7
John E. De Freitas, Victor Holt, Roy Lewis, Khalid Naji-Allah, Shevry Lassiter
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passive-aggressive with poor children about domestic New Poll NO these %take 7 7 violence. I plan to Question: policies to Congress and Did you feel cheated by NBC’s decision not to stream implore them to change our opening ceremonies for the Summer Olympics? Go to laws. I will not stop until Washingtoninformer.com to these policies are passed. cast your vote!
YES
4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com The Washington Informer
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“
Harlow Case
Jack Olender
When Rap Lyrics Stand Trial Torrence Hatch, the Baton Rouge, La., rapper better known to fans as ‘Lil ByBoosie,’ Tia Carol enforcement. She said they threat,” she said. facedJones the trial of his life law in May. WICharged Staff Writer come together to bring a Among the programs Marlow with first-degree murderhad in the sense of uniformity in the way wants to see implemented are 2009 shooting death of Terry Boyd, When L.Y. Marlow's 23-year- domestic violence victims and stricter restraining order policies, Boosie’ told stoodher accused of paying old‘Lildaughter the father survivors are treated. Parents ofmore rights for victim's families D.C. students grilled his friend Mike ‘Marlo Mike’ of her daughter threatened herLoudon “She's using her own personal to intervene on behalf of a victo life carry thechild, hit. Kaya life,$2,800 and the ofout their story, her own personal pain Schools to tim, aChancellor domestic violence assessshe knew something had to be push forward,” Davis-Nickens ment unit coupled with further Henderson during a July 24 done. Out of her frustration said about Marlow. training for law enforcement “State of the Schools: Ward with law enforcement's handling Davis-Nickens said anyone agencies, a Child's Life ProtecKeeping Watch over Hepatitis of the situation, she decided to who reads Marlow's book will 5” public at Luke tion Actmeeting and mandatory counselViral the leading of it.” She said she “puts the ing for batterers. start thehepatitis Saving isPromise cam-cause “get C. Moore High School in paign. liver cancer and cirrhosis worldwide. case in such a way, the average “If we are ever going to eradiNortheast. WI Staff Reporter 6.5% “It seems to be a1 vicious cycle person can get it.” She said at the UNDECIDED cate domestic violence, we must Approximately in 12 persons, or that won't turn my family look at both sides of the coin. Dorothy Rowley talks with around 500 million people, haveend of the day, the book will loose,” Marlow said. Marlow people begin to have a dia- We need to address both the vicchronic viral hepatitis and most ofhelp them parents and shared her story with the audi- logue about domestic violence. disgruntled tim and the batterer,” Marlow do not know they’re infected. ence at the District Heights Also present at the eventeducation was said. advocates about Domestic Violence Symposium Mildred Muhammad, therecent exMarlow would alsotaking like to see developments on May 7 at the District Heights wife of John Allen Muhammad, programs designed to raise place inawareness D.C. public Municipal Center. The sympo- who was sentenced to six consecamong schools children in What sium wasHappened sponsored When by thea Police utive life terms without parole public and private schools. She and what parents say are Officer Threatened Michelleby a Maryland jury for his role in feels children need to betheir Family and Youth Services educatpriorities. Obama Center of the city of District the Beltway Sniper attacks in ed about domestic violence. Neither House nor the2002. Mildred Muhammad is Heights andthe theWhite National Hook“We have to stop being pasUpmainstream of Black Women. media seem alarmedthe about founder of After the Trauma, sive-aggressive with poor chilMarlow written a book, an organization that helps the dren about domestic violence,” the recenthas threat against the first lady. “Color which a survivors of domestic violence Marlow said. EvenMe the Butterfly,” Secret Service is is playing it story about four generations of andBut their children. Marlow has worked to break down, treating it as a terrible joke. domestic violence. The book is “I lived in fear for six years. Six the cycle of abuse in her family, we can’t help but wonder if it would inspired by her own experiences, years in fear is a long time. It is and is confident the policies she been laughing matter had it andhave those of aher grandmother, not an easy thing to come out is pushing for will start that been Laura Bush or Barbara her mother and her daughter.Bushof,” she said. process. the crosshairs a cop. Mildred Muhammad said Shecaught said in every time she of reads “I plan to take these policies to excerpts from her book, she still people who want to help a Congress and implore them to Is the District Doing Enough to Lower can not believe the words came domestic violence victim must change our laws,” Marlow said. of HIV/AIDS in its Own Backyard? from her. “Color Me Butterfly” be careful of howIncidences they go into “I will not stop until these poliLatest EbolaNational Outbreak in the victim's life, and understand cies are passed.” won the 2007 “Best Books” Award. Uganda Kills 14 that she may be in “survival Tia Carol Jones can be reached “I just 16-years-old Thewas rare disease, namedwhen after a mode”. small at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net myriver eye infirst and my “Before you get to 'I'm going theblackened Congo, strikes again after lipshaving bled,” killed Marlow said. to WI 37 people in western kill you,' it started as a verbal Elaine Davis-Nickens, presiUganda in 2007 and claimed the dent of the National Hook-Up at least said 170there people in northern of lives BlackofWomen, is no Uganda in 2000. consistency in the way domestic violence issues are dealt with by
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Council member Yvette Alexander (D-Ward 7), handily defeated five challengers in the Tuesday, April 3 Democratic primary but polled only 41 percent. /Courtesy Photo
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By James Wright WI Staff Writer Pannell Will Run for Ward 8 State Board of Education Seat Ward 8 political activist Philip Pannell said recently that he’s a definite contender for his ward’s seat on the D.C. State Board of Education. The election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 6. “I am running because overall Ward 8 collectively can improve education,” said Pannell, 61. “You have heard the saying that it takes a ‘village to raise a child.’ Our village is not engaged.” Pannell ran for the vacant Ward 8 position in the special election that took place on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 due to the death of Board of Education member William Lockridge earlier that year. He finished second to Trayon White in a field of nine candidates. White, 28, said that he intends to run for re-election. Nonetheless, Pannell cited an example of low engagement in the ward regarding education. He noted the “appalling low attendance” for the ward’s PTA meetings and said that the ward’s recent town hall meeting on education that featured D.C. Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson had a dismal turnout. “I noted that on the flyer for the town hall meeting that the chancellor and the Ward 8 D.C. Council member [Marion Barry] were listed as the sponsors but the Ward 8 Board of Education member was not listed as a sponsor,” he said. “This is an example of not having people actively engaged. I have a history of involvement of three decades in this city and I can really get people involved.” Pannell has been elected president of the Ward 8 Democrats five times and is a former member of the District of Columbia Liwww.washingtoninformer.com
brary Board of Trustees. He’s the president of the Congress Heights Community Association and works as the executive director of the Anacostia Coordinating Council in Southeast. Over the years, Pannell has served as an adviser – on a formal and informal basis – for candidates vying for various political offices throughout the District. He remains one of the city’s most wellknown gay activists. Pannell said that his single status and the fact that he doesn’t have children shouldn’t be a deterrent for residents who would otherwise vote for him. “I worked to revive Ballou Senior High School’s PTSA which was defunct at one point” he said. “I raised $7,000 for the school and became treasurer of the PTSA for five years. I worked to see that the Anacostia Coordinating Council serves as the fiduciary agent for Ballou’s marching band.” Pannell said that “public education affects us all and we as parents, students, teachers, [and] community members need to do what we can to help.” “I will bring the same type of energy and commitment to the State Board of Education that I have brought to the community,” he said. Alexander, Dismissive Regarding Moten D.C. Council member Yvette Alexander (D-Ward 7), who faces Republican Ron Moten in the Ward 7 D.C. Council member general election on November 6, isn’t excited about debating her opponent. “What debate?” Alexander, 51, said during a Tuesday, July 24 ribbon cutting at the Nannie Helen Burroughs Great Streets Project in Northeast. “Ward 7 is 98 percent Democratic.”
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However, Moten said he will be 301.292.9141/FAX 301.292.9142/Mobile 703.819.0920 doris@mcmilloncommunications.com/www.mcmilloncommunications.com glad to take Alexander on. “She has a past to explain to the voters,” said Moten, 42. “In the Democratic primary, she had 5 candidates to go against and the issues never got addressed.” Alexander and Moten have had a tense relationship. A few years ago, in the D.C. Council chambers, Moten criticized Alexander’s performance as a legislator during a hearing and the council member responded by walking out of the room and summarily dismissing him with a wave of her hand. At the grand opening of the Deanwood Recreation Center in Denise Rolark Barnes Northeast in 2010, Alexander enIndependent Beauty Consultant couraged District residents to supwww.marykay/drolark-barnes.com port then D.C. Council Chairman 202-236-8831 Vincent Gray for mayor. When Moten pointed out that the endorsement at that venue may have been a violation of the Hatch Act, which prohibits District employees from engaging in politics while participating in city business, she responded with one word: “whatever.” Alexander handily defeated five challengers in the Tuesday, April 3 Democratic primary but polled only 41 percent. Moten easily defeated Don Folden Sr. in the Republican contest with 56 percent of the vote. Moten said that the heavy Democratic numbers in the ward don’t discourage him. “I am a better candidate than she is,” he said. “I would like to have the chance to explain to the people of Ward 7 why they should not have a problem voting for a civil ‡ Please set all copy in upper and lowercase, flush left as indicated on artwork at these point sizes: Consultant name in 11-point Helvetica Neue Bo BeautyWe Consultant 9-point Helvetica Neue Light; Web site or e-mail address in 9-point Helvetica Neue Light; phone number in 9-point Helvetica rights Republican. need ain pubTo the Independent Beauty Consultant: Only Company-approved Web sites obtained through the Mary Kay® Personal Web Site program may lic debate in front of the people, not just on television.” Alexander will stand her ground. “If there is a debate, let me know,” she said. “Bring it on.”wi The Washington Informer
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August 4 1901 - Louis Armstrong was born. 1931 - Pioneer in surgery, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams dies. 1936 - Olympic gold medal in the 800-meter run went to “Long” John Woodruff. 1953 - Movement of Black families into Trumbull Park housing project in Chicago triggered virtually continuous riot which lasted more than three years and required assignment of more than one thousand policemen to keep order. August 5 1892 - Harriet Tubman receives a pension from Congress for her work as a nurse, spy, and scout during the Civil War. 1900 - Death of James Augustine Healy. 1962 - Patrick Ewing was born. 1968 - Senator Edward Brooke named temporary chairman of Republican National Convention, Miami, Florida. 1984 - Evelyn Ashford wins a gold medal in the 100-meter race and Edwin Moses wins a gold medal in the 400 meter hurdles in the Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
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August 6 1861 - The congressional confiscation bill freed slaves who were forced to fight against the United States government, or to work in support of the rebellion. 1989 - Congressman George Thomas “Mickey” Leland, members of his congressional staff, and State Department officials die in a plane crash near Gambela, Ethiopia. 1962 - Jamaica proclaimed independent. 1965 - President signed Voting Rights Bill which authorized the suspension of literacy tests and the sending of federal examiners into South. 1967 - Sir Alexander Bustamante, Jamaica’s first prime minister dies. August 7 1948 - Alice Coachman, becomes the first African American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the high jump during the Summer Games in London. 1954 - Charles H. Mahoney was confirmed by the Senate and became the first Black to serve as a full delegate to the United Nations. 1960 - Black and white students staged kneel-in demonstrations in Atlanta churches. 1970 - Angela Davis who was implicated in a shootout during an attempted escape in a San Rafael, California, courthouse, went into hiding to avoid arrest.
Davis was acquitted of all charges on June 4, 1972. August 8 1805 - The African Baptist Church is organized in Boston, Massachusetts. 1865 - Explorer Matthew A Henson was born. 1907 - Saxophonist Benny Carter was born. August 9 1987 - Beatrice Foods is acquired by Reginald Lewis. It is the largest business acquisition ever by an African American. 1936 - Jesse Owens won four gold medals at Olympics, in Berlin. 1963 - Whitney Houston was born in East Orange, New Jersey. 1961 - James B. Parsons became first Black appointed to Federal District Court in the United States. August 10 1948 - Singer Patti Austin was born. 1981 - The Coca-Cola Bottling Company agreed to pump $34 million into Black businesses and the Black community, ending a national boycott called by PUSH. August 11 1873 - Actor and co-composer of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, J. Rosamond Johnson was born. 1921 - Author of “Roots”, Alex Haley was born. 1925 - Carl Thomas Rowan was born. 1949 - Peter Marray Marshall of New York appointed to American Medical Association’s House of Delegates. 1965 - U.S. Senate confirmed nomination of Thurgood Marshal as U.S. solicitor general.
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INTERVIEWS AND PHOTOS BY ELTON J. HAYES
Viewp int
Kevin Rouse, Washington, D.C. I think that they came down really fair. It could have been a little harsher, but it was just due. We should be held accountable for our actions. Children, at that early age, are innocent. The incident killed their innocence; they had no choice it in. It was a fair judgment. This needs to stop.
Shelia Copeland Washington, D.C. I thought that they could have just punished the institution, coaches and all of the people who were in charge [of the sexual abuse cover up] instead of the [football players], who were just as innocent as the babies who were dreadfully harmed during that time.
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DO YOU THINK THAT THE PENALTIES LEVIED ON PENN STATE BY THE NCAA FOR COVERING UP COACH JERRY SANDUSKY’S SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG BOYS WERE TOO SEVERE?
John Reed Silver Spring, Md. I thought they were fair. There was collusion in relation to the people not providing the proper attention to the incident. I thought that it was unfair that they hid it and they didn’t take swift action and left the perpetrators to stay in place and continue to do what they were doing.
Chrystal Williams Washington, D.C. I don’t think it’s fair. I think the school should be punished, not the players. Maybe the players were threatened that if they opened their mouths that things would be revoked and taken away from them. I don’t think it’s fair. That’s my personal opinion.
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Sandra Julius Lanham, Md. I most definitely think that they were fair. Unfortunately, the kids were exploited and the people at the college took advantage of them. They were not protected. The whole educational system is here to bring our youth up, educate them and it’s unfortunate that they were victimized in that way. The college lost sight of its priorities.
Aug. 2, 2012 - Aug. 8, 2012
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Parents challenged D.C. Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson’s decision to terminate Michael Johnson, the former principal at Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School during a “State of Schools: Ward 5” forum on July 24 at Luke C. Moore High School in Northeast.
SCHOOLS continued from Page 1
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8 Aug. 2, 2012 - Aug. 8, 2012
cipal in the acclaimed 1987 movie “Lean on Me,” was given the boot in May. But much to the chagrin of parents like Warner and others, Henderson has been guarded in her comments, citing the matter as a personnel issue. On the other hand, Henderson, 42, who remained poised and confident throughout the three-hour forum titled, “State of Schools: Ward 5,” and which was largely attended by whites, also took a verbal beat-down for not meeting with parents in the first place. Her camp apparently got the message, because just days later, her office announced that Henderson had scheduled a meeting on August 1 at the state-of-the-art high school on 26thStreet with the Phelps community. Meanwhile, during the forum that was attended by Phelps’ new administrator Willie Jackson and principals from several other District public schools, Henderson who just over a year ago, succeeded her controversial predecessor Michelle Rhee, sought to assure the standing-room-only crowd that all would be well at Phelps. She said that while she was aware of how difficult it was for the community to embrace her decision, it was not Johnson’s leadership alone that charted the school’s new course of achievement, but that parents, teachers and the community also figured prominently in Phelps’ academic makeover. “I want to work with you and I don’t have a personal issue at all with Mr. Johnson,” Henderson told her attentive audience. “But there are confidential personnel issues that can’t be discussed out loud … We will work with the Phelps community to make future transitions easier.” Nevertheless, Henderson was repeatedly reminded that Johnson’s ouster was not a done deal. “This is a UVA moment,” shouted Elysia Rucker, who referred to the immediate reinstatement of University of Virginia The Washington Informer
President Teresa Sullivan in June following a heated public outcry. “There’s a lot we need to do, but No. 1 is that we need Principal Johnson back at Phelps,” said Rucker, who suggested that Johnson’s departure might after all, be a “personal rather than personnel” matter. “The reason I say that,” Rucker told Henderson, “is because a member of your staff came up to me during graduation and she said, ‘I work in the chancellor’s office, and I know what Principal Johnson did not do for my grandson.’ So I took that to mean that it was her vendetta to make sure that Principal Johnson got out of there.” Rucker, like a couple other speakers, also made reference to another issue that held Henderson to the hot seat. Currently, 64 percent of schools in Ward 5 have no librarian, and Rucker said efforts to further scale back or to completely eliminate them could be disastrous for students. “It would be a shame for [children] in this city not to have access to 21st century learning, [as] librarians are the ones to facilitate that,” said Rucker. “It’s around that time when [inner-city] children reach third grade that it’s being determined how many jail cells need to be built [and] our children need to be reading long before the second and third grade. If we don’t have a level playing field where librarians are contributing to their education, something is terribly wrong in Washington, D.C.” Henderson, a Ward 5 resident admitted that over the past 40 years, the District has become one of the worst places in the country to be educated. But she said that she didn’t want parents and students to feel a lack of confidence in officials or that they weren’t getting all they deserved from the school system. In saying so, she touched upon expectations outlined in her strategic plan, “A Capital Commitment,” that is set for full implementation by 2017. Henderson said the plan, which
focuses on five goals – including continued improvement in reading and math scores and increased graduation rates – will not only strengthen Ward 5 schools, but all 122 District schools. Meanwhile, Henderson went onto acknowledge several instances of achievement that have occurred at Ward 5 schools since she’s been at the helm. They include a 14 percent drop in the truancy rate at Moore; that two students at Dunbar Senior High School recently won firstand second-place in a regional competition that involved their peers from Northern Virginia and Maryland; the planetarium at Thurgood Marshall Middle School has been reopened for the first time in 20 years; as part of their Science, Technology, Engineering and Math [STEM] curriculum, students at Spingarn Senior High School are learning to create video games; and that science students at the Langley Education Campus have been engaged in dissecting – tasks, that in the past, normally start at the high school level. While Henderson offered little feedback on the library issue, overall she listened intently to the speakers’ concerns. She said she was sensitive to the need for librarians, like she was over the dozens of school closings that took place in 2008 – and for which Ward 5 took the most hits. Henderson also expressed concern that District schools were not utilizing resources as best they could, and that more of the District’s public schools have yet to be exposed to better curriculums such as STEM. “I think there is a unique opportunity here to not just build new schools and to build [and promote] new programs, but to engage the community [more] and to think differently about how we can do this work together,” Henderson said. “This will be challenging and require that we have further collaborations, and that we continue [these forums] with the community.” wi www.washingtoninformer.com
Pallbearers carry the casket of William Raspberry out of the Washington National Cathedral in Northwest on Thursday, July 26. More than 2,000 people attended the funeral services. /Photo by Khalid Naji-Allah
Raspberry Remembered for Loving His Family, City and Profession By Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer Renowned Washington Post columnist and Pulitzer Prize winner William J. Raspberry, 76, was remembered for his generous spirit and strong journalistic voice during his funeral service at the National Cathedral in Northwest on July 26. During the two-hour service, which was attended by thousands, Washington Post chairman Donald Graham, Vernon Jordan, a close friend of Raspberry, Dorothy Gilliam who worked alongside him at The Washington Post, and his children described the pioneering journalist as a family man who loved his city and his profession. “Generosity was at the heart of Bill Raspberry,” said Graham, who noted that his colleague had won his Pulitzer 25 years later than he should have. “But that was one of the least important [accomplishments] for him,” Graham said. “He had a strong voice at The Washington Post … He believed journalists should root for the success of their city. No one ever told him what to say, and he never modified an opinion to please his boss.” Further alluding to Raspberry’s passion for reporting racial injustices that frequently took place in the South where he was born and raised, Graham added that, “He walked into the gigan-
tic story of civil rights in the 1960s, and for 40 years told that story [with stark accuracy].” Graham went on to say that Raspberry was a “scathing critic” of his profession and that through him, many of his Post colleagues “learned how to think, write and listen.” Jordan, who serves as senior counsel for the Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Field law group in Northwest, remembered his friend for his quiet, moral leadership and fierce commitment to educating people – young and old. “Education was very important to Bill. He was a brave and intrepid pioneer,” said Jordan. “He had a gift for the subtle sermon. His writings were always provocative but seldom predictable,” he said. “[His wife] Sondra loved him and he had the good sense to love her back.” Gilliam reflected on Raspberry’s knack for loosening things up in the newsroom. “He was cool, relaxed and accessible to everyone,” said Gilliam, director of Prime Movers Media at George Washington University. “He had a big influence on people in the newsroom [where] he was dedicated to improving quality,” Gilliam said, adding that she was impressed by both Raspberry’s prowess as a writer and prowess in the newsroom. Raspberry’s four grown children recalled the lessons he’d
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taught them. While Patricia, his oldest daughter, described her father as a “magician” who could make the moon change to any color she wanted, and that he instilled in her that “being smart was a pretty special thing.” His youngest son Mark, recalled countless conversations with his dad at home, “down in the man-cave.” Mark described him as “beautiful, wise and inspirational.” Angela, hailed her father as a “remarkable and phenomenal” man who got one of his best ideas for a column from her. It involved a story she told him about elephants in South Africa that he later paralleled with inner-city black males, she said. “It was one of his most powerful pieces and he never gave me the credit,” Angela joked, triggering a hearty round of laughter in the sanctuary. Oldest son Reggie, who said Raspberry was “a great proponent of education,” credited him with helping to turn his life around after he veered off course during his younger days, by returning to college. “I was like the prodigal son,” he said, adding that at both parents’ urging, he had to take “baby steps” to get back on track. “I’ll always love you for that,” Reggie said, looking directly at his father’s closed coffin.wi The Washington Informer
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Around the Region
A Season of Discovery at St. Elizabeths A Fun-Filled Day Draws Crowds to the Southeast Landmark By Elton J. Hayes WI Staff Writer As a teenager, Drew Dunmore recalls scaling the towering black iron rod fence that runs along the perimeter of the 183-acre east campus at St. Elizabeths Psychiatric Hospital with his brothers. Each week,
the boys would climb the fence and comb the property, chock full of mighty Oaks, in search of firewood. The Dunmore brothers would empty their weekly bounties into a Radio Flyer wagon, which they strategically placed on the other side of the fortress, and together they’d haul the branches and broken
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limbs back to their home at Douglass Dwellings in Southeast. “That’s how we would make our little change,” said Dunmore, a retired business owner and Ward 8 resident. Dunmore, 65, returned to his old stomping grounds and relived memories of his youth on Saturday, July 28 when St. Elizabeths East Campus opened its gates to District residents for its Season of Discovery celebration. The event attracted a diverse group of longtime Ward 8 residents and new gentrifiers, along with former St. Elizabeths’ patients and employees who took advantage of the beautiful summer day and headed to the iconic landmark to participate in a host of funfilled activities. D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray, Victor Hoskins, deputy mayor of Planning and Economic Development and Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8), kicked off the celebration with opening remarks before the three blended seamlessly into the crowd to mingle with guests in between stops at the numerous vendor stands located throughout the grounds. Vendors from the Ward 8 Farmers’ Market, McCleaf ’s Orchard and the Rainbow Hill Farm lined tables with an assortment of shiny and succulent red tomatoes, emerald green zucchini and pints of plump blueberries, among
Patricia Allen, watches her niece Kyrsten Wallace, create a work of art during St. Elizabeths Season of Discovery festival on the grounds of the historic hospital in Southeast on Saturday, July 28. /Photo by Roy Lewis
other fresh and organic fruits, vegetables and meats. Some customers filled shopping bags with the tasty treats to enjoy later, while others seized the moment, and quickly peeled the skins off of Navel oranges and popped the juicy slices into their mouths. Farmers weren’t the only ones on-hand to hawk their wares. Proud St. Elizabeths’ patients beamed as they displayed their artwork which consisted of watercolors and charcoal drawings, still photographs of area landmarks and handwoven bracelets and necklaces that caught both the eye of seasoned art collectors and novices during the festival. But, the fun didn’t stop there. Children enjoyed a variety of
activities that included games and arts and crafts. Balloon artists helped youngsters create animals and light sabres, while classically trained artists used young, supple cheeks as their canvasses, daubing an assortment of tangerine orange, black, white, gray, brown and yellow water-soluble paint on their faces and transforming their tiny visages into lions, rabbits and tigers. Carla Merritt brought her young son and his friend to the event. The two Olympicbound fencers engaged in an intense sword fight using balloons as their foils. Touché! “It’s a play date,” said the Southeast resident, with a
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Melvin Deal’s African Heritage Dancers wow the crowd with their steps during the Season of Discovery festival on the grounds of St. Elizabeths in Southeast on July 28. /Photo by Roy Lewis
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Around the Region CELEBRATION continued from Page 10 laugh, as she watched the makebelieve sword fight unfold. Patricia Allen knew that she would be babysitting her niece, Kyrsten on Saturday. So, she decided to bring her to the Season of Discovery celebration. And, judging by the looks of it, Allen made the right decision. The little girl appeared mesmerized with her paintbrush in hand and a bucket of scarlet red paint by her side. She created her very own masterpiece on a gigantic canvas that was specifically set up for young, aspiring artists to hone their craft. “I saw the advertisement from an email I got from a listserv,” Allen said. “It looked like it would be a good activity,” the Southeast resident said. Later during the afternoon, visitors enjoyed a unique musical experience. The shuttered hospital’s red brick buildings served as the backdrop for a stage where an array of singers and musicians showcased their talents before an appreciative audience. But, a spirited performance by the African Heritage Drummers and Dancers brought the crowd to its feet. A group of young men ages eight to 20, jammed on djembes – African hand drums – which reverberated throughout the campus and compelled the crowd to clap their hands to the rhythm of the drums. Public access to St. Elizabeths East Campus has been restricted
in the past, however, organizers used the event to showcase the development of the property to the community on Saturday. The District, sought to drum up local support to revitalize the facility which is set to welcome 4,400 U.S. Coast Guard employees in 2013. Gray, Hoskins and potential developers hope to transform the grounds into a multi-purpose property with residential, commercial and possibly an educational facility. A number of Ward 8 residents said that they also hope the development project will give the ward a whole new look and feel. Merritt, who has lived in Ward 8 for many years, remains optimistic about the ward’s future. She said that the Season of Discovery event on the grounds of St. Elizabeths, counts among many of the interesting locales, breathtaking vistas, art museums and historic landmarks that Ward 8 has to offer. She fully expects that similar festivals and special events will prompt tourists and District residents alike to cross the Anacostia River to learn about the area’s rich and storied past. “I think that it’s going to [spark interest] and grow,” she said, referring to the redevelopment of St. Elizabeths’ grounds and the surrounding neighborhoods. “I’m hoping that it will. Anything that they can do to attract people to this side of the river is good.” wi
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international
D.C. Youth Immerse Themselves in Haitian Life By Barrington M. Salmon WI Staff Writer Neither Javien Davison nor Kierra Adkins has ever traveled overseas before but that all changes when they fly out of Washington, D.C. headed to Haiti. The pair and 13 of their companions comprise a group of D.C. youngsters who will be in Jacmel near Haiti’s capital, Portau-Prince for two weeks as part of the Washington Program for Global Kids. They left the District on July 30 and are set to return August 11. “It’s my first time abroad and I’m excited, scared and nervous. I want to take in the whole culture,” said Kierra, a 17-year-old junior at Bell Multicultural High School in Northwest. “I want to be a journalist and I think this will help me in that career.” Kierra, a Southeast resident who was introduced to the program by her teacher Elizabeth Hill, said she is interested in youth education, and while in the Caribbean, hopes to learn about how much access people have to jobs and to learn to what extent that access is gender-based. Eddie Mandhry, director of
the D.C. program for the past two years, said the students – who will be traveling under the banner of the Global Gateways Program – will work with 15 Haitian counterparts on a film project with the Cine Institute. “They will collaborate to create a film from the Haitian perspective of life after the earthquake, poverty, employment, reconstruction, health care, sanitation and other issues that are so important to people,” he said. “The video will be used to inform and educate.” While there, they will also be immersed in Haiti’s rich and vibrant culture and political history, and learn about different dimensions of the Haitian economy. The program offers young people the opportunity to examine global issues and create change through peer education, social action, digital media, and service projects. The Haiti trip is the culmination of the Global Gateways Summer Institute, a six-week program in which 25 District students spent four weeks at Howard University’s Bunche International Affairs Center, exploring international and do-
12 Aug. 2, 2012 - Aug. 8, 2012
Fifteen students from the District will travel to Haiti for two weeks as part of the Washington Program for Global Kids. While there, they will work with 15 Haitian students on a film project with the Cine Institute. /Courtesy Photo
mestic policy issues. Students visited the U.S. State Department, the World Bank, and KPMG, where they learned about forensic auditing. And they toured other companies
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and agencies linked to issues they discussed in classes. This part of the institute, Mandhry said, is designed to introduce them to a range of international careers and options. “We’re exposing them to role models in places of power and the private sector,” said Mandhry, 36. The key part is making sure that they’re prepared about what they’re going to encounter and make them aware of what they’ll see.” Global Gateways was launched in the summer of 2011 through a partnership between Global Kids and Kimberly McClure, a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State. In 1791, Haiti became the world’s first black republic and the first independent nation in the Western Hemisphere after it won independence in 1804 in a revolt of enslaved Africans against Emperor Napoleon, France and other European powers. The country, one of the poorest in the region, suffered a devastating earthquake on January 12, 2010. More than 300,000 died, more than half a million people were left homeless and about 75 percent of Port- auPrince was leveled. Estimates of the total cost of the devastation
runs between $8 billion and $10 billion and about 635,000 men, women and children still live in tent cities as the national government under President Michel Martelly struggles to restore a semblance of normalcy more than two years after the natural disaster. Mandhry said the program here is an off-shoot of one founded in New York City 21 years ago. “We take underserved kids from D.C. and New York City and work with them during the school year in after-school projects and interactive activities around human rights, social justice, environmental issues and child labor. We introduce them to the world, getting them to understand their place in the world and how the U.S. operates. They’re inherently curious about the world anyway.” Mandhry said it’s no accident that the program is based in two of the nation’s most vibrant cities, one of which serves as the seat of the national government and the crossroads of international affairs, and the other which rivals the District with the United Nations, lobbying groups
See KIDS on Page 13 www.washingtoninformer.com
international
What does it take to really buy a house? By Carla Labat
Haiti suffered a devastating earthquake on January 12, 2010. More than 300,000 died, and more than half a million people were left homeless. About 75 percent of Port-au-Prince was leveled during the natural disaster. /Courtesy Photo
KIDS continued from Page 12 and a range of international organizations headquartered in New York City. “Students don’t necessarily have the exposure. We’re getting them to understand their place in the world. They’re really excited. This is the first experience for many of them and we’re walking them through the process of [getting] passports and visas.” Javien, 18, an incoming freshman at George Mason University, said he is attracted to human rights issues particularly as it pertains to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities around the world. Another area of interest is women’s policy issues, he said. “It’s my first time traveling overseas and I’m ready,”said the Northeast resident, who recently graduated from the Columbia Heights Education Center. “I was hoping to go abroad to get
experience and a better understanding of Haiti’s culture, language and day-to-day-living. I’ll be stepping into a whole new environment and culture. I hope to get a better understanding of the world.” Javien, who has a declared major of global affairs and a minor in conflict analysis and resolution, said he looks forward to being taught about Haitian values and is eager to see how people live their daily lives. Mandhry knows that his charges will connect the dots. “I’m really motivated by seeing young people generate insights they didn’t have before, such as the relationship between the mineral coltran and their cell phones and computers, and chocolates and child labor in the Ivory Coast,” said Mandhry, who has worked with the program for 10 years. “Seeing them make these connections and the role they can play in advocating for change is the most enjoyable part of the job.” wi
I received many calls from my article in the June Homeownership Supplement asking what does it really takes to purchase a home. The simple answer is this; you must have good credit and a steady stream of income in order to get pre-approved for a loan. Income can come in many forms such as disability, child support, rental income, part-time job with a two year history, military benefits, a financial gift (not borrowed) from a relative and alimony. Cash from stocks and bonds, and a 401K can also be used towards your down payment. However, in order to prevent some of the past errors and lending practices that put many into financial ruin, a steady salary with documented income is really what is needed to qualify. Those who are self-employed or retired may have challenges obtaining a loan unless they can show sufficient reserves or the ability to put 20% down. Twenty percent of the purchase price is a large chunk of change and not an option for most people. This is why government programs are in place, to help make homeownership a bit earlier. Still in order to qualify for a low down payment or a government program, the bank will only consider you a good candidate if you have the following: Sufficient Income to Support your Monthly Payments Although programs like HPAP and NACA offer grants that allow you to purchase a home with little-tono money out of pocket, you still need to show that you can afford to pay your monthly mortgage note or what is referred to PITI. This consists of your principle payment, interest, taxes and insurance. The bank considers all of your current monthly expenses and divides them against your monthly income. This is your debt-to-income ratio. If your debt to income ratio is within the 33%-38% range, you may be a good candidate for a loan. However, if you are carrying large credit card bills and only making the minimum monthly payment, along with other monthly expenses or liabilities, in other words, spending more than you make, you may not have sufficient income to qualify. So if your goal is to buy a home, it may be best to get your financial house in order first. Good Credit History We hear about the importance of having good credit, but how do you get it? Simple; by paying your bills every month and on time. Lines of credit that are reported to the credit bureau monthly may come from utility, cable, phone, national and store credit cards bills. If you do not have a credit history or have established lines of credit, it may be near impossible for you to qualify for a loan, even with the aid of government programs. A good way to establish credit is to open a store charge account. Don’t go hog wild on the spending; remember credit cards are our friend. Just make a couple of purchases and then pay them off, on time. By doing this for 6 months or more, you will have established a consistent payment history and it is likely that the bank will feel confident that you will pay your house note on time as well. So, my best advice for preparing to purchase your first home is to put aside as much as you can for your cash reserves. Whether you need it for down payment, closing cost, cosmetic upgrades, repairs or new appliances, you should never purchase a house without extra change in your pocket. If you need assistance in assessing your financial ability to purchase and maintain a home, contact me so I can direct you to the right resources. Carla Labat is a full-time real estate agent with Long and Foster, Realtors. To see how she can help you purchase your first home or sell your existing one, contact her at 202.361.8538, carla.labat@lnf.com, www. capitolhomesd.com.
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Prince George’s County
Process Begins to Find New Superintendent By Gale Horton Gay WI Staff Writer A new chapter in Prince George’s County Public Schools [PGCPS] has started long before the bell officially rings to open the 2012-2013 school year. The county’s public schools are now under somewhat new – although temporary – leadership with two veteran school administrators assisting Superintendent William R. Hite Jr., who is leaving Prince George’s County to head the Philadelphia public school system – one of the largest in the nation. Hite selected Monica Goldson, PGCPS’s chief operating officer, and A. Duane Arbogast, acting deputy superintendent of academics, to assist him in the transition for the next two months. Hite’s contract contained a
120-day notice provision, which he decided to forgo along with a $125,000 severance package – an amount equal to six months’ salary – in exchange for an early release. His official last day as superintendent will be September 30. School board members expect to name an interim superintendent by mid-August. Verjeana M. Jacobs, chairman of the Board of Education, said she wanted to assure parents that “the progress we have made will continue” and school officials “have a continuous process to get the schools open. We got this, but we need your help.” The board is currently reviewing proposals from individuals and executive search firms to conduct a national search for a new superintendent. The board specified it’s seeking a firm with experience in the recruitment
of superintendents of school districts “with 100,000-plus students” and “characteristics of an urban school district.” The timeline released by the school system indicates a search firm should be selected in early August and the search for a superintendent should be launched by fall. They want to secure a candidate who can start work no later than June 2013. Community meetings are tentatively scheduled for November, December and January. Several parents said they hope the search leads to a new superintendent who will take Prince George’s schools and students in the right direction. Elizabeth Corney, 37, of Laurel is both a mother with a child in Prince George’s public school and a teacher in the district. Her son, Nicholas Neal, will be entering the first grade this month. She said she’s saddened to see Hite leave because of the loss of continuity. However as a seventh grade teacher at Samuel P. Massie Academy in Forestville, Corney said she hopes that with a new superintendent will come an op-
portunity for teachers such as herself to have contracts. She said she has been without one for three years since joining the Prince George’s school system. “There have been so many [budget] constraints,” Corney said. “Maybe with a new superintendent we can get some amenities back.” Corney hopes the board chooses someone to fill the superintendent’s post who has experience leading a large, diverse school district. “It’s important to realize within the whole district it’s made up of different diversities. We need somebody who can work to bring the community together,” Corney said. She said the school system is in good hands with the interim leadership, and she isn’t worried about the year delay in bringing in a new superintendent. It’s important to “take the time to get the right person rather than someone [who will be] gone in another year.” Landover resident Linda Wilson, whose 6-year daughter Aaliyah will be starting first grade at Thomas G. Pullen School,
said she wants a superintendent willing to work with teachers, to “get their perspective of what’s going on in individual schools, someone who is going to be understanding, compassionate, get the job done and make sure these kids are reading, learning, prepared for college and ready for work.” In a statement issued by the Prince George’s County Public School Board of Education, transparency and community input are stressed. “We know that this is a critical juncture for Prince George’s County and we are committed to selecting a superintendent who not only represents our community’s interests, but can best respond to its needs,” they said. “The search process will be transparent with meaningful opportunities for community engagement. You will hear from your elected representatives on this board at every stage of the process. That is our promise to you. Nothing less than our children’s education, their future and the county’s progress are at stake.” wi
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Millions of Ex-offenders Given a Voting ‘Death Sentence’
NATIONAL
By Freddie Allen Special to the Informer Nearly 6 million former prisoners –1 million of them Black – will not be able to vote in the November presidential election because of state laws that continue to punish them even after they have completed their sentences, according to a recent report by the Sentencing Project. The report said 5.85 million citizens who were formerly incarcerated will be prevented from voting. That’s five times the entire population of Rhode Island and more than the adult population (18-65 years old) of Virginia. “The most telling indicator of citizenship in the United States is that ability to cast a vote,” stated Desmond Meade, president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, a non-profit group focused on restoring the civil rights of ex-offenders. “If you don’t have a voice you might as well be a slave.” He explained, “Everyday a person is being disenfranchised in the minority community that weakens that community’s political voice.” Eleven states disenfranchise ex-offenders after they have completed their sentences: Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, Tennessee, Virginia and Wyoming. Those 11 states account for 45 percent of the entire disenfranchised population. The report also found that Blacks lose their right to vote at a rate that is four times higher than non-Blacks. If the presidential election were held today, more than 20 percent of Blacks living in Florida, Kentucky, and Virginia wouldn’t be able to vote. Meade, a Florida native, served a prison sentence from 2001-2004 for multiple crimes, the most serious being an ex-felon in possession of a firearm. He won’t be able to vote in this year’s presidential election and maybe the next, because Florida has some of the toughest felon disenfranchisement laws on the books. Meade said that Florida’s disenfranchisement laws basically amount to a lifetime ban from the polling booth for many ex-offenders. According to the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, in Florida, an ex-felon automatically loses his or her civil rights and must apply to have those rights restored through the Board of Executive Clemency. That board consists of the governor, attorney general,
Millions of ex-offenders are unable to vote, having compromised their citizenship with incarceration. / Courtesy photo
chief financial officer and commissioner of agriculture and consumer services. The governor and two cabinet members must sign an executive order for an ex-felon to ultimately have his or her rights restored. Advocates such as Meade liken the ban to a lifetime ban, because of the arduous process it takes for citizens to have their rights restored once they’ve been taken away. Disenfranchisement laws first rose to prominence shortly after the passage of the 15th amendment in 1870 that outlawed disenfranchisement based on race and past enslavement. But southern states with large Black populations found ways to circumvent the constitution. Georgia, for example, passed the poll tax in 1871 that limited voter turnout among Blacks and poor Whites. By 1904 every state in the Deep South had amended their state constitution to limit Black voter participation. “In some respects, disenfranchisement policies go back to the time of the founding of the country; the country was founded as a great experiment in democracy — of course it was a very limited experiment,” said Marc Mauer, executive director of the Sentencing Project. The Sentencing Project was one of the first groups in the late 1990s to study the impact of the disenfranchisement restrictions facing citizens flowing through the criminal justice pipeline. Once the information from the studies started getting out, momentum to change the laws began to build.
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In 2007, Maryland lifted the lifetime voting ban on ex-felons and Maine and Vermont allow prisoners to vote. In Iowa, however, Republican Governor Terry Branstad overturned an executive order that restored voting rights to ex-felons, an executive order signed into law by the former Governor [now Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture] Tom Vilsack, a Democrat. Florida’s Republican Governor Rick Scott reinstated a
five-year waiting period for nonviolent ex-offenders before they could apply to regain their voting privileges. According to Barbara Arnwine, executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, is not surprised by the move to disenfranchise ex-offenders. She said, “I predicted [in 2000] that we were seeing a new movement where people would attempt to win elections by destroying the opportunity to vote
for people who would not vote in their favor.” Arnwine said that ex-offenders, need to organize and see their fight for voting rights as a larger challenge facing the community. “Most states that have done away with the permanent bans did it through their state legislature,” said Arnwine. “People need to be looking at their House members and the state senators. They need to make sure those people are with them.” Courtney Stewart, chairman of The Reentry Network for Returning Citizen, said that many ex-offenders don’t understand the voting process and how crucial the right to vote is when it comes to reclaiming their rights. “United States is about politics,” said Stewart “So we have to get involved in the political process. If you’re saying that you’re a returning citizen and you want your citizenship and you want all of your rights returned to you, the best thing that you can do is [vote].” The Reentry Network for Returning Citizens assists ex-offenders in their transition back into their communities. wi For more information, on voting rights call the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law hotline 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-6878683) Monday-Friday 9am-5pm EST.
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Business
Gaming Battle Lines Drawn By Gale Horton Gay WI Staff Writer
The controversial issue of gaming expansion in Maryland will be the focus of a special session of the Maryland Legislature. The session, announced by Gov. Martin O’Malley last Friday, is set to begin August 9. This follows weeks of point and counterpoint ads on TV, religious and community leaders voicing their concern as well as plenty of behindthe-scene discussions and negotiations. It’s all part of the still-up-in-air debate over expansion of gaming in Maryland. At issue is whether a sixth casino site at National Harbor will be sanctioned, if live table games will be approved and whether changes will be made to the current tax structure that casinos pay to the state. Voters would have the final say on any gaming expansions, possibly as soon as November. “The addition of a sixth site in Prince George’s County, along with table games, will produce hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue and thousands of jobs for the state of Maryland,” said Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III. “I look forward to seeing the governor’s legislation and have confidence that the General Assembly will pass a bill empowering the citizens of the state to have the final say on this issue.’’ Not everyone is pleased that gaming expansion is still up for debate. David Cordish, chairman of The Cordish Companies, developer and owner of Maryland Live! Casino, a $500 million investment, has been vehemently opposed to the expansion of gaming. The casino opened June 6 and is the third largest casino in the country. Robert Hannon, president and CEO of Anne Arundel Economic Development Corp., said approval of an additional gaming facility would have a negative economic impact on the Maryland Live! Casino and the surrounding businesses. The special session announcement came one day after Maryland Live! Casino opened a new portion of the casino with 531 additional slot machines and electronic games. This brings the total number of slots at the facility to 3,731. In early July, Maryland Live! reported paying more than $19 million in gaming taxes to the state for its first partial month of operation.
The taxes were based on the state’s 67 percent portion of approximately $28.4 million in gaming revenue generated by the facility, according to casino officials. “The results are right in line with projections,” said Joe Weinberg, managing partner of The Cordish Companies. “Approximately 500,000 people visited the casino during its first 24 days of operation. Critically, they came from a very wide geographic area, with roughly half of our visitors coming from the District of Columbia, the Maryland counties surrounding D.C., and Virginia. It is clear that if we are going to continue to meet the state’s expectations, we have to be able to continue to draw visitors from these areas.” National Harbor’s developer the Peterson Companies and MGM Resorts International have agreed to develop a “world-class destination resort casino at National Harbor” contingent on a reduction in the casino tax rate and approval of a sixth casino license. Douglas Edwards, pastor and founder of Mission of Love Outreach Ministries, Inc. in Capitol Heights, was one of a reported 2030 individuals including religious and civic leaders who held a press conference outside of Prince George’s County offices in Upper Marlboro on July 20. Edwards said he’s opposed to the possibility of a casino in Prince George’s County because of its proximity to the poor. “It’s made too convenient for the poorest of the poor to get to the casino,” said Edwards, adding the many people use the casino to “supplement their already small income and end up losing their entire paycheck.” “If you go to West Virginia or Delaware, you’ll see automobiles like Lincolns and Cadillacs, and if you go inside you see seniors, people who can afford to be gambling.” “Too many families [are] being destroyed as a result of people thinking they can supplement their income.” Edwards said he wasn’t opposing gaming on religious grounds. “I don’t know if it’s sinful or not.” “I am fully aware of the ills of gambling,” said Edwards, 75, who admits to having had a gambling and alcohol addiction. Asked how he overcame those addictions, he said, “I was delivered by God.” wi
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business Business Exchange
Aspirations
Is Gaining Wealth an “Impossible Dream”? The wealthiest Americans live in gated communities that protect them from the masses. A new poll reveals that many Americans are questioning their prospects for “upward mobility.” The high level of pessimism is reflected among respondents in a recent poll conducted by The Hill newspaper that found half [47 percent] of likely voters believe it’s impossible for them to become wealthy during the course of their lifetime. The survey, conducted as the heated political presidential campaign becomes more acrimonious over the interests of the haves and the have-nots, found that fewer than 2 in 5 likely voters [37 percent] think they can ever become rich. This presidential election will have more to do with the economy and voters personal well-being than ever before. The Hill newspaper’s survey findings suggest pessimism about the possibility of upward mobility as economic growth remains weak and jobs scarce. The national debate over wealth is intensifying as it creates economic divisions across the country’s population segments. Although the economy will improve a bit in the second half of 2012, it will be another disappointing year of slow growth capping the worst three years of economic growth, outside of a recession. Between 2005 and 2010 the median net worth of Americans under 35 fell 37 percent, and the wealth gap between the young and the old in America is wider than it’s ever been. The percentage of the workforce under age 25 has dropped 13.2 percent since 2008, and the U.S. unemployment rate is 12 percent for those age 18 to 29 because this age group’s parents aren’t retiring. The wealth – more specifically, the median net worth – of households in the United States is varied in relation to race, education, geographic location and gender. Wealth in the U.S. is unevenly distributed, with the wealthiest 25 percent of U.S. households owning 87 percent of the total wealth. The median wealth of White households is 20 times that of Black households. And, Blacks vote more on emotion than economic wellbeing. For Black Americans the annual median household income in 2010 was $29,328. It was $35,856 among all races. While Blacks make 62 cents of every dollar of income www.washingtoninformer.com
Passion for travel: Exploring the world within your budget By Michelle Thornhill
By William Reed that Whites make, they only have 10 cents for every dollar of wealth that Whites have. In The Hill poll almost 40 percent of people said that the threshold to being wealthy was a $500,000 annual income, and 20 percent put the bar above $1 million. Thirty-one percent of people said a family earning $250,000 a year is wealthy, 19 percent said $100,000 was the threshold, and 7 percent said $50,000. Each day, America is comprised more and more of economic haves and have-nots. Since the 2007 recession the share of total wealth owned by the nation’s wealthiest one percent grew to 37.1 percent and that owned by the top 20 percent grew to 87.7 percent. The 2007 recession, and aftermath, also increased the wealth gap between the 1 percent and the 99 percent. According to a CBS News/New York Times poll, a majority of registered voters believe that Mitt Romney’s policies favor the rich. Fiftythree percent say Romney’s policies favor the wealthy. Eleven percent says his policies favor the middle class, while two percent say they favor the poor. Thirty percent say Romney’s policies treat all groups equally. Of the social segments that favor President Barack Obama’s policies, 21 percent say his policies favor the rich, while 22 percent say they favor the middle class and 24 percent say they favor the poor. Twenty-five percent say Obama’s policies treat all groups equally. What are your views? The Hill poll’s respondents’ views differed based on income levels, with voters earning between $40,000 and $75,000 strongly preferring Romney over Obama. Among people earning between $40,000 and $60,000, 48 percent trust Romney more compared to 39 percent for Obama. People earning between $60,000 and $75,000 trust Romney more than Obama by a 34-point margin, 61 percent to 27 percent.wi (William Reed is available for speaking/ seminar projects via the Bailey Group.org)
My first trip out of the U.S. spawned my passion for travel. At 17, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Finland as part of the Youth for Understanding program. While I’d traveled to Disney World and lots of other road trips growing up, my trip to Finland was not only my first time traveling abroad but also my very first time on an airplane. In Finland, I was initially out of my comfort zone because there were not many people who looked or talked like me. However, being fully immersed in a culture that was different from anything I’d been exposed to turned out to be a transformative experience. I was among others who shared a common passion: We all wanted to learn more about the world outside of what we knew. It can be expensive to travel, and funding can sometimes seem out of reach. Still, planning your budget with room for a vacation can be very rewarding—and sometimes necessary, given the daily demands we all face. While you might be unable to travel abroad, or outside of driving distance, there are ways to make affordable travel a realistic possibility. Like many things in life, sometimes there must be tradeoffs. One of my biggest tradeoffs is spending less on depreciable assets (like cars and clothing) so that I can direct more money toward travel. My children also like to travel, and we’ve been fortunate to have them explore the world with us—but not without tradeoffs. Throughout the year, they sacrifice toys, video games and other “extras” for the promise of a vacation. While I continue to learn new things about where to travel, how to get the best deals, when to travel and the best places to travel with kids, here are a few tips I have gleaned from experience: zz
Compile a list of places that you would like to visit, and determine what you want to get out of each experience (such as learn a new language). Also, consider developing two lists, one for domestic/local travel and another for international. This way you can make decisions based on your current financial situation.
zz
Obtain a passport for everyone in your household well in advance of travel to avoid rush fees. Children’s passports are valid for five years, and adults’ passports are valid for 10.
zz
Start a travel fund or vacation account (such as a savings or investment account). Birthday gifts, tax refunds, or bonuses are a great way to grow this account. Also consider setting up a regular automatic transfer from your main account to your vacation account.
zz
Establish a budget for what you will spend on travel for the year, including: travel costs, accommodations, meals, excursions and shopping. After travel, apply any unused funds to your vacation savings account.
zz
Monitor your spending while on vacation by keeping an itemized list of all expenses to ensure you stay within your budget. Mobile banking tools are a great way to track expenses on the go.
zz
Research your travel options early, but do not book your travel too far in advance. Some of the best travel deals are available a few months before your planned travel dates. For deeper discounts, you should also be prepared to pay for your travel in full (and be sure to consider purchasing travel insurance if you do).
If your financial situation doesn’t allow you to travel outside of your local area, take advantage of other options that expose you to the world, like day trips, TV programs (I love HGTV House Hunters International), books, magazines and museums. Michelle Thornhill is senior vice president, Diverse Segments for Wells Fargo & Company. Visit www. wellsfargo.com for more information. This article has been prepared for informational purposes only. The accuracy and completeness of this information is not guaranteed and is subject to change. Since each individual’s financial situation is unique, you need to review your financial objectives to determine which approaches might work best for you. © 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.
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Aug. 2, 2012 - Aug. 8, 2012
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health
Water Workouts Attract Loyal Following By Gale Horton Gay WI Staff Writer Olympic dreams are not on the minds of the faithful who come to the Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Center in Landover, Md. every day. They don’t covet ribbons or medals or have visions of achieving personal bests in tournaments. They practice passionately for what they say is a far more important goal: their health. Welcome to Aqua Arthritis, one of many water exercise classes held throughout Prince George’s County through the Prince George’s County Parks and Recreation Department. The Aqua Arthritis class attracts people with a range of ailments and conditions – replaced joints, lupus, multiple sclerosis and arthritis, to name a few. “They move a lot better,” said instructor Sharon McCoy of her students. “The water has
been very beneficial to them.” McCoy, 70, has been leading classes [deep water, aqua therapy and high/low impact water aerobics] at Prince George’s public pools and Prince George’s Community College for 12 years. She’s gratified when students “come to me and tell me they have progressed.” Working against gravity is what makes the wet workouts so therapeutic, she said. Hortense Simmons, 54, of Upper Marlboro, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis [MS] in 1998 and suffered a stroke in 2007, said the classes have helped improve her mobility and balance. “I like it because it gets you up and moving. In the water you can actually do anything,” Simmons said. “In spite of your disability, in spite of your weight, in spite of your handicap, you can do anything in the water.”
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She’s been taking the classes for four years and her husband Miles tags along. “This is a fun type of class,” said Miles Simmons, who was asked by the instructor to lead the final stretch exercises in the pool during a recent sesMiles Simmons, center, marches to the end of the pool with other aqua exercise particision. “I keep them pants. /Photo courtesy of Gale Horton Gay motivated,” he said with a smile. Recently, McCoy started her 8:30 a.m., 40-minute the water, shouting commands, gaged in during her battle with class by having the 16 partici- “Take it out. Pull it back.” “Put the disease. Recently, a cardipants march from one end of your hand in front of you, ologist told her she has an enthe pool to the other repeat- push. That’s where you get that larged heart and needs to lose edly. Using long colorful foam resistance.” weight. He suggested water “noodles” they performed a seParticipants don’t have to therapy, so she returned to the ries of movements while famil- know how to swim because pool. iar upbeat tunes such as “Walk- they workout in water that’s Jones said the activity helps ing to New Orleans” “Mama about 4 feet deep. to strengthen her limbs and Said” and “All the Way” blared Latoya Kidd, 32, of Upper shed some pounds. over the sound system. Mean- Marlboro said that she’s a stuPool manager Harold Eaton, while, McCoy led the group in dent at Prince George’s Com- 76, a retired research chemist, munity College and has had served as a life guard during McCoy’s July 26 class, keepseizures brought on by stress. “I come down here to relieve ing an eye out for anyone who the tension,” said Kidd, after a looked fatigued or listless. He morning workout last week. “It recalled once having to jump into the water and rescue a helps my seizures.” For 68-year-old retiree Rufus man who pushed too hard durHorton of Landover, the class- ing the workout and became dizzy. People with diabetes are es put him in a better mood. He said he was initially ap- particularly prone to such side prehensive about aqua class effects if they over-exert themselves, Eaton said. when a friend suggested it. “When you do exercises in “I thought water aerobics was kind [of] wimpy,” said [the] water the benefits are better than on dry land,” EaHorton. However, once he took the ton said. “You get about one first class, he was hooked. Hor- and a half times more calories ton said he’s never missed any burned than on dry land beof the sessions during the past cause of the resistance of the water.” four years. While McCoy said exercis“It’s so therapeutic,” said ing in water has helped many Horton, who described his people avoid surgery and rehealth as “good.” duce their weight and be taken “This is not torture. It’s pleaoff medication, she added that surable to me.” For 59-year-old Vanessa consistency is the key to achievGantt of Clinton, who has ing such results. She stresses double hip replacements and the importance of continuing MS, the water workouts help workouts from one season to her tremendously. Gantt said the next and said she teaches she benefits mentally, physi- throughout the year. wi The next session of Aqua Arthritis cally and spiritually. classes will begin in September at the “It keeps me on my feet basically and not being depressed,” Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Center in Landover, the Rollingcrestshe said. Cancer survivor Vera Jones, Chillum Splash Pool in Chillum and 59, said she was familiar with the Theresa Banks Memorial Aquatics water aerobics, which she en- Center in Glenarden. The Washington Informer
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Aug. 2, 2012 - Aug. 8, 2012
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Health
HIV Cases among Youth on the Rise Programs Promote Testing and Treatment By Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer At age 16, Christopher Barnhill exemplified the typical teenager – struggling with his identity, pondering his future – even getting ready for the prom. “I had it all figured out about the prom,” said Barnhill, who’s now 25. “I looked forward to going and had selected a white tux to wear.” But Barnhill’s care-free world soon changed. During a visit to a health fare he agreed to be tested for HIV. As fate would have it, he tested positive. “When I found out that I was HIV-positive, I was like ‘Oh my God,’ and I said ‘I guess it’s time to start planning a funeral,” Barnhill, an award-winning HIV/AIDS youth advocate and public speaker, said during an interview. “I had it all [figured out] that I was going to be buried in my white prom outfit since I wasn’t going to be going to the prom.” Barnhill contracted HIV from
Christopher Barnhill learned that he was HIV-positive nine years ago, at age 16. Since then he has used his experience with the disease and how he acquired it to educate other youth on the importance of being tested and getting treatment. /Photo by Khalid Naji-Allah
his late mother. She died from AIDS in 1989, and Barnhill, who has worked with DC Metro TeenAIDS in Southeast for the past four years, recalled that no one in his home or his teachers at Bladensburg High School had
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talked much about HIV. “When I revealed to my guardian that I was HIV-positive, that’s when she disclosed to me that my mom died of AIDS,” he said. “So knowing that, and not finding out I was HIV-positive until I was 16, I felt I had to get the message out to my peers on how to take [preventative] action.” Like Barnhill, most young people feel that when it comes to contracting diseases like HIV/AIDS, they’re immune. But just like anyone else – including their parents and grandparents – they’re also at risk. To that end, local health officials have joined forces with Mayor Vincent Gray to step up preventative measures aimed at youth. In doing so, they’re looking to significantly lower the number of cases with ongoing HIV prevention outreach and education efforts, which include programs on abstinence and getting youth to realize the importance of delaying their first sexual encounter. “The incidences of HIV/ AIDS has been significant among young people,” said Dr. Gregory Pappas, head of the District’s HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration. “The District [is on course] to help reduce the number of cases through [initiatives] centered around testing and education,” he said, referencing the city’s 2011 HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Epidemiology Report. “My [main] message in fighting the virus is to get tested and get treated.” As of December 2011, an The Washington Informer
estimated 1 in 20 District residents tested positive for HIV, meaning that at 11 times the national average, the city has the dubious distinction of having one of the highest rates of infections in the nation. At the same time, studies show that new cases of youth between the ages of 15 and 24 who have contracted the disease, doubled over the past five years. “The vast majority of these new infections are through heterosexual transmission,” said Tyler Spencer, founder and president of The Grassroot Project in Northwest. The Project, which was launched in 2009 and partners with the District of Columbia Public School system, teams area college athletes with at-risk youth to educate them about HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. “We were shocked when we learned what the city’s statistics were,” said Spencer, who added that while the current number of HIV-infected youth in D.C. is “relatively low,” the Project’s goal is to prevent infections before youth reach adulthood. The Project, which offers an eight-week curriculum, targets youth ages 12 to 13 by going into the city’s middle schools where Grassroot mentors provide instruction during physical education and health classes, Spencer said. “We teach HIV basics about transmission and prevention, but also about general life skills,” said Spencer, 26. He said having college athletes reach out to the students helps because they feel more comfortable discussing
HIV with the athletes than with their teachers. “The athletes fill an important niche because they’re cooler than their parents and teachers but less judgmental than their peers,” said Spencer. Meanwhile, Pappas noted that up to 5,000 people with HIV – including a large number of African-American teens – in D.C. are unaware of their status. “By being tested, you protect your health,” Pappas said. “[Teens] also preserve the health of [their] friends, loved ones and community, because by being on medication and knowing [their] status, they’re less likely to spread the disease.” Overall, the prevalence of HIV among District adults and youth now stands at 2.7 percent, according to the District’s health report findings that were released in late June. Today, Barnhill’s work focuses on reaching students in the District’s public and charter schools where he ensures they receive “quality information” through a curriculum called “Making Proud Choices.” “For the most part, young people are definitely listening and are getting the message loud and clear,” Barnhill said. “But we’re still concerned about those who don’t really want to hear what we have to say by boasting that they already know everything there is to know about HIV/AIDS.” wi www.washingtoninformer.com
Editorial
opinions/editorials
D.C.’s Last Frontier Big changes are coming to Ward 8 and residents need to get prepared. Government contractors are gearing up. More than 200 of them showed up at a pre-solicitation workshop at the Lincoln Theatre on Friday, July 27 to hear about millions of dollars in real estate development projects coming to the District this year. Four of them are coming to Ward 8. In addition to the massive development in Ward 8 on the West Campus of St. Elizabeths Hospital where Homeland Security and the Coast Guard are building new headquarters, the East Campus is opening up to vast possibilities for redevelopment for what the D.C. Office of Planning is calling a well-planned, mixed-use, mixed-income, walkable, livable community. Residents from across the District are gearing up, as well. Lured by last Saturday’s Summer Celebration that included walking tours, hundreds patronized the new farmers’ market, now open on weekends, and got a hint of what’s to come once the gates surrounding St. Elizabeths East come down. A pavilion will soon be built to provide residents with a visual of the development as it takes place. Two long abandoned historic homes and a former liquor store on a large parcel on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Ward 8 are on the schedule for development, too. And, Barry Farm, which presently houses more than 500 low-income residents, is slated for redevelopment aimed at attracting new homeowners from the thousands of employees and contractors of Homeland Security who will be able to live close to where they work. Victor Hoskins, deputy mayor for economic development, stated in a press release that, “We [District officials] know that quality development, particularly on once-vacant or federally controlled parcels, must be done with proper engagement of our residents, the development community, and with well-thought out planning that can create viable spaces where the District’s residents can live, work and play in new commercial, office, residential and cultural offerings.” Undoubtedly, Ward 8 is about to go through a metamorphosis of unforeseen proportions. This is the last frontier for the District’s widening economic development program and developers are chopping at the bit for a piece of the action. Hoskins’ vision is shared by many … but mainly by those who know what is yet to come. Just as some agency heads are clearly stating that all of the District’s new developments must include Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) and that all contractors must adhere to the District’s First Source program, it will be incumbent upon Council member Marion Barry, Mayor Gray, related agency heads and the local media to keep the residents informed and engaged. The new developments should create jobs and better housing but with lack of knowledge, the benefits will only impact a few.
Better Approaches Wanted The community conversations taking place across the city concerning the IFF study released in January of school locations and performance is continuing to raise major concerns among parents and residents in neighborhoods where a high number of Tier 3 and Tier 4 low-performing schools are located. The report, commissioned by D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray, suggests that in order to raise the performance and success of D.C. public and public charter school students, many students may need to be moved to higher performing schools which mean leaving their neighborhood school. The report also recommends turning around or in the worst case, closing more than 30 schools that have historically proven to be Tier 4 or failing schools. Closing schools never sits well with D.C. residents who have traditionally supported neighborhood schools. Many parents who are attending the community conversations are leery of the report and unconvinced that moving students or closing schools is the best solution for improving classroom performance, especially when the report is based upon standardized test results, for example, the DC Comprehensive Assessment System (DC-CAS). This report may not lead to the result it recommends, but parents must stay actively engaged in these discussions to help direct the future of D.C. public and charter schools.
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Make Smart Business Moves
Your article, “Getting Smart on Surety Bonds,” by Rhonda Taylor, July 26, 2012, is exactly the kind of article that piques my interest and I enjoy reading. I can only imagine how many small businesses have faced this same situation and didn’t know where to turn. The most important fact about the article is a person like myself, who doesn’t own a small business but who might know someone who does, and who needs this type of information, and I can share it with them. What a gem of an article!
need – that’s it. The article in the July 26, 2012 Informer, “Stress – The True Gateway Drug” is another example of how prayer works. When we’re dealing with stress, we can’t think our way through problems and challenging situations. It can make us sick and ruin personal relationships. Stress makes it seem as if you’re all alone with no help in sight. Prayer works. When you pray, you can talk to someone who is always there to listen to your every need. When you pray, there’s someone who will always share your heavy load and never get tired. Just try it; I think you will like it.
Bobby Langston Washington, D.C.
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Barbara Wilson Fort Washington, Md.
Prayer Works!
It’s true, prayer can solve so many of the problems we have in our everyday lives. So many of us think we have to fall down on our knees to pray; we don’t. All we have to do is take a moment and thank the Almighty for what we have, and ask for the help we
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The Washington Informer welcomes letters to the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community. Write to: lsaxton@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. The Washington Informer
Aug. 2, 2012 - Aug. 8, 2012
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opinions/editorials
Guest Columnist
By Bill Fletcher, Jr.
Mali and the Collapse of Nation-States You may have missed this in the news but over the last several months the West African nation of Mali has been unraveling. There is very little attention in the mainstream media and the situation seems to move from bad to worse to insane. The gist of the situation is that a revolt broke out in the northern part of Mali among the ethnic group known as the Touareg or Azawad. They are a Berber
people who live in the Saharan region of Africa. There has been a long-standing ethnic tension in Mali (going back to when Mali became independent of France) and in the aftermath of the overthrow of Col. Qaddafi in Libya, guns began flowing very freely into northern Mali. The government of Mali attempted to stop the rebellion, but suffered a series of military defeats. This, ultimately, led to a military coup against the government of Mali. In the aftermath of ths coup, the country has, in effect, become a
divided land with the northern part in the hands of various rebel groups and the southern part under a military dictatorship. The fact that the rebellion has resulted in various rebel groups operating in the northern part of Mali–rather than a unified movement–set the stage for chaos and a retreat into Muslim fundamentalist irrationalism on the part of some of the forces. For instance, the historic city of Timbuktu has been occupied by fundamentalists who have proceeded, much like the Taliban did in Afghani-
Guest Columnist
stan in 2001, to destroy historic sites. Muslim burial grounds, for instance, that date back to the 14th century have been destroyed by these forces allegedly because they represent something contrary to Islam. While some people will focus on the problem of Muslim fundamentalism in Mali, the major problems revolve around 1) the inability of states created as a result of European colonialism to survive in the current era without an economy that they control and that serves the needs
of their people; 2) The lack of popular democracy, and 3) An inability and/or unwillingness to resolve long-standing ethnic issues. With regard to ethnic conflict, there is the specific problem faced by the Touareg. They are found not only in Mali but in several countries in that region. They have raised demands for national equality and national sovereignty. Yet, as with many other ethnic groups, these demands have largely been ig-
See Fletcher on Page 45
By Julianne Malveaux
Valuing Some Lives over Others The national support for the victims of the recent Colorado shootings is great. However, if we believe in the equivalency of life, what about the lives of young men in Chicago, where there have been more deaths than in Afghanistan so far this year. While the hospitals in Aurora say they will cover hospital bills for those without insurance (one in three in Colorado), who will cover bills for those who are
hospitalized after a drive-by? We mourn some deaths and ignore others, which suggests that some life is valued and some life is cheap. Does it have anything to do with media attention? In Tuscaloosa, Ala., a crazed man walked into a bar looking for “a Black man”. He shot a man who did not know him, and with whom he had no beef. He also wounded 17 other people. Why has this story received only limited national attention?
If we spend a minute watching any news, we have heard about Veronica Moser, the 6year-old who was massacred in Aurora. We’ve seen pictures of her smiling face and of her playing. Certainly we can all mourn the tragedy of her young life being snuffed out by a madman. Still, some young lives are valued, while others are not. One of the young deaths that rocked my soul was the 2004 murder of Chelsea Cromartie, who sat in her grandmother’s window play-
Guest Columnist
ing with her dolls when she was killed by a stray bullet. She wrote, in a classroom exercise, that she was an “amazing girl”. We don’t have to go back to 2004 to find a child’s death. Two weeks ago, Heaven Sutter, who had just had her hair styled for a trip to Disney World, was shot. Again the culprit was a stray bullet. Details of the lives of those who are killed humanizes them and tugs at our heartstrings. In Aurora, we have learned about a man whose wife just gave birth,
about another who died saving his girlfriend, of a young woman who missed a Toronto mass murder by a few seconds, aspired to be a sports journalist, and was killed in Aurora. Rarely do we hear about the lives of those who are killed in the inner city, about the lives of Chelsea Cromartie and Heaven Sutter. The disproportionality of death commentary hits home when one remembers the sto-
See Malveaux on Page 45
By Raynard Jackson
Blacks Allow Obama to Disrespect Them
While watching Mitt Romney’s speech before the NAACP in Houston, it dawned on me how Romney and President Obama are out of touch with the needs of Black community. Last week, I dealt with Romney. This week, it’s Obama’s turn to be scrutinized. Much has been made of Obama’s decision not to address the annual convention of the
NAACP, the nation’s oldest civil rights organization. It’s troubling how many so-called Black leaders almost tripped over one another apologizing for the president’s behavior. Ben Jealous, president and CEO of the NAACP, said on TV that, “they (NAACP) will give the president a pass because they were told he had a scheduling conflict.” Scheduling conflict? That’s the oldest trick in the book. It’s such a lame excuse that whenever the term “scheduling conflict” is mentioned in Washington –
22 Aug. 2, 2012 - Aug. 8, 2012
which is pretty often – people laugh openly. In most cases, it’s not a scheduling conflict, it’s a case of people scheduling a conflict. But, once again, Obama has concluded that there is no price to pay for such presidential disrespect. Unfortunately, he is correct. Obama believes that pretending that he is not Black will make people believe he is not Black. As one “public intellectual” put it, Obama run from Black people like Black people run from cops. The Washington Informer
I am amazed at the silence from the Black community on these snubs. Blacks seem to have accepted this insulting treatment. The silence in the Black community is deafening. Blacks get exactly what they deserve from Obama—nothing! Ben Jealous is not the only prominent Black person to make excuses for the inexcusable. Consider what Congressional Black Caucus Chairman, Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) said last year on “Meet The Press.” With no sense of shame he said, “If [for-
mer President] Bill Clinton had been in the White House and had failed to address this problem [the high unemployment rate in the Black community], we probably would be marching on the White House…There is a less-volatile reaction in the CBC because nobody wants to do anything that would empower the people who hate the president.” How about empowering the people who put him in office?
See Jackson on Page 45 www.washingtoninformer.com
opinions/editorials
Child Watch©
By Marian Wright Edelman
No Substitute for a Quality Education On July 24, Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, gave a video keynote speech to 3,200 community and youth leaders attending the Children’s Defense Fund’s National Conference in Cincinnati. The speech wasn’t on the details of national fiscal policy, but on the crucial importance of effective early childhood supports and public education to the success of our economy. His remarks
were strongly reinforced by a very distinguished panel of leading scholars, educators and education activists who spoke about the national imperative of preparing all children for school and building a public education system that prepares all children and our nation for the future. Here is most of what Bernanke said: “At the Federal Reserve, we spend a lot of time looking at economic data, such as production and employment. In doing so, we try never to forget that
these seemingly sterile numbers are in fact reflections of the economic aspirations, opportunities, and well-being of millions of Americans. When individuals are denied opportunities to reach their maximum potential, it harms not only those individuals, of course, but also the larger economy, which depends vitally on having a skilled productive workforce. As a result, we all have a stake in the essential work that you are doing for our children. “The Federal Reserve has
Beyond The Rhetoric
long supported increasing educational opportunity for children, including the youngest. Federal Reserve banks have published articles and convened community forums on early childhood issues. For school-age children, we sponsor financial literacy and economic education programs, and for these programs, we make a special effort to reach schools with high proportions of minorities and lower income children. …I hope we will one day achieve the Children’s Defense Fund’s goal of a level educational play-
ing field for all children.” “Another strong plea for early childhood and education investment at the conference came from former Proctor and Gamble chairman John Pepper who said: “I truly believe that…ensuring a level playing field for all children is the social justice issue of our time. It borders on being criminal to me to fail to give children and families who most need our help, childhood support that we know from experi-
See edelman on Page 46
By Harry C. Alford
Obama is ‘Fiddling’ His Way to Failure The American Dream is starting to fade away and that is very scary. The saddest thing about this is the recent behavior or attitude of President Barack Obama. He has abandoned leading us and has gone on full campaign mode with more than four months to go before the national election. He seems to be delirious in his character attacks against candidate Mitt Romney.
It is like Nero sitting down with his fiddle while Rome was burning away. Is Obama our Nero? Let’s take a look. God has blessed our country with natural energy resources such as oil, natural gas and coal. Maybe that’s why he is mad about it – God has blessed us. He is attacking the life blood of our energy needs. He wants us to stop using these products but has no clear solution or even a hint about how we can do without them. Our tariff free trading partner Canada has immense
reserves of oil and would love to ship vast amounts via the Keystone Pipeline. Everyone but environmental extremists is cheering for this to happen. What’s the big problem? Our president is one of those environmental extremists. He wants to decrease oil quantities regardless of the negative affect it has on our economy (prices, jobs, business growth, etc.). Let us suffer; he has a “fiddle” to play. The process of fracturing, a/k/a fracking, has opened vast new reserves of natural gas for
ASKIA-AT-LARGE
our nation. We now have more natural gas than any other nation on earth. That makes most of us happy but it depresses our president. He has his Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) trying to find ways to slow down the process and, at times, to shut it down. We need more natural gas in a desperate way but he would rather play that “fiddle”. Then there is our abundant quantity of coal. This is the cheapest form of energy and many of our utility companies rely on it. The harvesting of coal
is a serious job creator in states such as Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Illinois. Our president doesn’t want to slow this down; he wants to kill it! His henchman, the EPA, has issued the Utility MACT Rule, which requires new mercury air standards that most utility plants cannot possibly meet. The result will be about 32 utility facilities shutting down. That is a tremendous amount of jobs (in this recession) and utility
See Alford on Page 46
By Askia Muhammad
Why Haven’t We Had a Requiem Yet? Why haven’t we had a requiem for the kind of xenophobic thinking which dominates what passes for intelligent leadership of the Republican Party? If liberals were devouring their young the way White Republicans are doing nowadays, we would have already proclaimed a woodenstake-in-the-heart death of socialism in America, for now and forever. But Republicans are the rewww.washingtoninformer.com
cipients of several self-inflicted wooden-stakes-in-the-heart, and yet they are still roaming around casting blame instead of sharing it, over this country and the world teetering on the brink of financial ruin. The solution to our problem is to trust all the decisions and leave them in the hands of rich White people. They will always know the right thing to do, and we can trust they will always do it. Right. Rather than pitch in and see the country succeed under this president, these GOP leaders
would rather permit most people to suffer for another year, than to let this president claim credit for any improvement in the economy which those same Bush-era plutocrats pillaged before President Barack Obama even took office. Their attacks on the powerless are unprincipled and immoral, even from their fringes, even from those who are not even among the favored group – White, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant [WASP] males. Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.) is African American. He
claims that at least 80 members of the U.S. House of Representatives are Communists. Rep. West said they are all members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. There’s not even one single Green Party member of the House or the Senate. A Communist U.S. Congress member in 2012? Absurd. Not just one, 80 Communists! Count them. West insists that Black people in this country who do not agree with his way of thinking are still “on the plantation” slaving for noth-
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ing, for the Democratic Party. No one however, has bothered to tell West that his privileges to utter such inanities in public are under review, and those privileges can be revoked! Rep. Michele Bachmann (RMinn.) and four other members of Congress have gone. West “another-further” [so to speak], is declaring that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s deputy chief of staff Huma Abedin is a card-carrying member of the
See Muhammad on Page 46
Aug. 2, 2012 - Aug. 8, 2012
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Photos courtesy of Wolf Trap
LIFESTYLE
Bill T. Jones:
Still Here
By Barrington M. Salmon WI Staff Writer
Now retired from the physical rigor and demands of being a dancer, renowned theater director, writer and choreographer Bill T. Jones continues to produce a varied, thought-provoking and staggering array of work. In addition to being commissioned to create, he has in recent years tackled subjects from President Abraham Lincoln to Nigerian musician and political gadfly Fela Anikulapo Kuti, a musical he co-conceived, co-wrote, directed and choreographed. This past Tuesday, Jones headlined the debut of his latest creation, Story/Time at Wolf
Trap, an event performed one evening only in the Washington metropolitan area. The piece he had originally intended to be performed in alternate spaces and museums for close friends only, morphed into something bigger. The mini-tour of Story/Time will take the dance company to Europe, later this year, Jones said. Jones has been described as many things, including artistic outsider, controversial, and iconoclast. He laughed at the latter characterization in a recent interview. “Iconoclastic means to break icons, break things. In a world where everything seems broken, that is a hollow job descrip-
24 Aug. 2, 2012 - Aug. 8, 2012
tion,” he said. “I have been very, very vulnerable in public. I have a sense of honor and outrage expressed. I believe in beauty, community, love, change. I’m coming out to you: I believe things will change.” As an artist, Jones said what’s most important to him is maintaining the integrity of everything he produces. An earlier interview captures the essence of what informs his work. “[To] take what you do and try to make something that may have value in the culture and not lose your pride doing it. That’s one thing commercial theater is,” he said. “Belief that an artist can be a popular artist and still be doing something that will hit people in all the proper places.” “… Many people think of me
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as an artist. I am at the bottom of it, a formal person. I live in a world of ideas [and] how and why you’ll make the best work.” Jones said he is driven by a fear of disappointing his parents, his family, his lover and his companion, which may account for the fact that he has created almost 150 works for his Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company and has been chosen to commission dances for a range of ballet companies, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Berlin Opera Ballet, Lyon Opera Ballet and Boston Ballet. While he has gained a reputation as a perfectionist and a stern taskmaster, Jones acknowledges that there are some things he cannot control. When
asked if it mattered much what people say about his work, he was philosophical. “It matters but I can’t control it. It is a very important reality for every artist,” he said. “Hollywood tries to do that with story, character, etcetera.” Art often bumps up against realities such as being commercially successful and this fact of life is one Jones said he jostles with with varying degrees of success. No artist can realistically ignore what he called “the business of art.” The trade-off, Jones said, is the freedom that commercial success provides for him and his dance company to immerse themselves in the art. The business of art and the
See JONES on Page 25 www.washingtoninformer.com
“I have demons and I’m obsessed with failing my parents, lover, companion. And a good dose of love. As a small boy I would make a picture of someone with open arms. Ultimately, I want to love and have the space to love.”
Photo courtesy of Wolf Trap
LIFESTYLE
– Bill T. Jones
JONES continued from Page 24 hunger of his young dancers are factors that push creativity, he added. Jones said what he creates is informed by a need to be immersed in the creative process and is also rooted in a desire to share his unique artistic vision and reality. While at a family reunion in Bunnell, Fla., in late July, Jones said he realized that many of his family members had never seen him perform and had likely only read about him in Jet, Ebony Magazine and other publications. “It was a huge group. People were doing the Electric Slide, barbequing and taking part in a talent show – the runway version of Tyra Banks. Then I started wondering what am I going to do in this little community room in Bunnell,” Jones said. Jones said a cousin, Johnny Lee, began singing. “He has an old-fashioned way of singing, makes you cry,” said Jones of his cousin who performed in the ’70s with Al Green and Wilson Pickett. “I took off my shoes and I was just dancing to his message and
feeling. There were people there who’d never seen my work. The Spirit lifted me up. That was a sacred moment for me and my community of family. I think it was good for me and my family.” Jones, winner of two Tony awards and a 1994 MacArthur “Genius” Award, said the gathering served as a reminder of what’s important. “At the family reunion I want them to remember uncle as a guy who got down on the floor and showed position of feet, encouraged them to dance,” he said. Jones said he has come to terms with aging and accepts the changes that come with it. “I’m not ashamed to be aging, of being gay. My body is changing.” He laughed long and hard when asked about what makes him tick. “A good dose of insanity,” he said. “I have demons and I’m obsessed with failing my parents, lover, companion. And a good dose of love. As a small boy I would make a picture of someone with open arms. Ultimately, I want to love and have the space to love.” He acknowledged that despite his body of work and a frenetic schedule, he has not done this by himself.
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“I sleep but for better or worse, my mind is always awake,” he said. “Bjorn Amelan, my partner, made the omelette I’m eating while I talk to you,” he said to a reporter, while laughing. “I have a sophisticated collaborator Janet Wong, who has been with me since 1995. She is a brilliant maker of movement and an honest, elegant woman.” Jones also singled out Jean Davison who he said “tussles over how we make the budget.” “You can’t be Bill T. Jones all on your own.” But even someone as formidable as Bill T. Jones needs affirmation from time-to-time. Which is what makes winning the MacArthur Award so pleasurable. “I was in a rehearsal in Boston at the Majestic Theatre on a Saturday morning,” Jones recalled. “A trustee called and said, ‘don’t say anything but you’re getting a prize.’ I thought it was a joke. I thought my work was controversial, not mature enough. I jumped up and down with my companion and we began thinking about ways to spend the money.” “It’s a big time validation. That’s probably the most important effect of the award.” wi The Washington Informer
Aug. 2, 2012 - Aug. 8, 2012
25
LIFESTYLE
CTM
The Breakout!
Dancers from the EnKore Dance Company perform a piece called, “Dance with My Father” during their annual dance extravaganza at Laurel Senior High School in Laurel, Md., on Saturday, July 28. /Photo by Khalid Naji-Allah
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A March for Peace
Trayon White, Sr. is joined by Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) and members of the Tarheels Pop Warner football team as a group of around 50 march along Alabama Avenue in Southeast during the “Peacemakers Not Peace Breakers March” on Saturday, July 28. /Photo by Roy Lewis
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Dr. Kwakiutl Dreher
Ruminations on the Carter Family By Dr. Kwakiutl L. Dreher Special to the Informer It used to be that disparaging things said about people transpired in select places. We have talked about Mrs. Jenkins’s crooked wig in the church parking lot or Sunday’s boring sermon at the dinner table. The most scathing comments made about current events, entertainers, athletes, politicians and other public notables occur in the special venues of the barber/beauty shops and even on the street corner. Usually, debates held in these venues stayed there. That was the rule. Filmmakers have dramatized this culture of talk in films such as Shaft, The Mack, Do the Right Thing, Barber Shop 1&2 and Beauty Shop. The audience is privy to the conversations; yet, it is understood that these acts of talk are exclusive to the community represented within the cinematic frame. Now, the rule has been broken. In the context of our use of privileged spaces, it is quite disturbing to know that the slander directed towards the developing facial features of a 6 month old African American baby named Blue Ivy Carter, the newest addition to the family of Shawn Corey “Jay-Z” Carter and Beyoncé Giselle Knowles, has escaped. The appalling comments center on fear that as she develops, nature will curse Blue Ivy with the full and broad facial features of her own father rather than the European features of her mother. Of course this reaction to Blue Ivy has caused an avalanche of responses from the African American community, with right conclusions that the installed standard of beauty—blond, blue-eyed; thin lips and keen nose—and racial hatred within the community are as robust as ever. I am perplexed, though. Did the isThe Washington Informer
sue of nose and lips circulate around Jaden and Willow Smith? Julian Fuego Patton-Thicke? How about Nahla Ariela Aubrey-Berry? Memory fails to bring to bear any calumny towards these babies. Why, then, Blue Ivy? Blue Ivy’s parents have managed themselves well in the world of entertainment. In the intense scrutiny of entertainers, they are the hautecouture of celebrities. There has yet to be a scandal published about them. We have feasted on their talents, and across the board, their performances have been worth the price of the ticket. When Blue Ivy was born, her father blessed her with a song entitled, Glory!, a voiced emotion that church congregants holler when the Holy Spirit has visited them. On February 10, 2012, Beyonce and Jay-Z shared Blue Ivy Carter with us to join them in welcoming her into this/our world. Joy can be seen in Jay-Z’s eyes as laughter spills from his bountiful lips in pictures carrying his daughter. He demonstrates the honor of fatherhood and that of a husband at this point in time of his life. We, in turn, insult them, especially her father. It is safe to hazard that technological advances bear much of the blame. What we spoke in the privacy of the aforementioned venues among each other we somehow knew that we didn’t mean it. It just was the shuck and the jive of the talk. The advent of cyber social spaces such as Twitter, however, has compromised that particular aspect of privacy. A comment removed from the protection of the private space and takes on a life of its own once released. Plus, the post in cyberspace is immediate. This compromise is what R&B singer Gladys Knight meant in her comment on Paris Jackson’s tweets about
the family: “[…] people read into whatever they want to read into, that’s how they get the drama.” (http://tinyurl.com/cz55ybt). Now there is a link entitled Twitter Files: The Jackson Family Drama According to Paris that can be accessed and left up to interpretation by anyone. What I am saying here is this: The comments made about Blue Ivy now are part of the public’s legacy to her. The remarks have been archived, and this legacy will touch her or someone will remind her of it. We have broken the rule. Our talk has moved out of those old school spheres and journeyed to the superhighway of the internet. The same public that facilitated the making of her parents the awe-inspiring entertainers they are today has cast aspersions on them and their offspring. Some are waiting for this African American baby to grow up not in anticipation of her healthy integration into society; rather, in an extreme anxiety over whether or not she will carry her mother’s features and not those of her father’s. We all know the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Beyonce and Jay-Z introduced Blue Ivy to a diverse community; some members blessed her while others chose to malign her facial features. Such is the curse of the standard of beauty in this country, “probably the most destructive ideas in the history of human thought” according the narrator in Toni Morrison’s novel, The Bluest Eye. We all must wonder, then, once Blue Ivy comes of age, in her awareness of the world around her, will she look on us and smile?wi Dr. Kwakiutl Dreher is Associate Professor of English and Ethnic Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. www.washingtoninformer.com
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AM Aug. 2, 2012 - Aug. 8,7/24/12 20129:5129
Don’t miss the celebration!
Horo scopes
aug 2 - aug 8, 2012
ARIES Hidden resentments could surface and you’ll want to be able to gracefully back away from arguments this week. Appreciate the good vibrations and ignore the negative. You’ll be doing the universe’s work! Soul Affirmation: What I’ve been waiting for has been here all along. Lucky Numbers: 15, 16, 36 TAURUS Charming, simply charming is what you are this week! Use your sparkle to set a few dreams in motion by meeting with those who can help you move forward. Wow! Have you got it going on! Keep your spontaneous side in check this week. Soul Affirmation: I know that enjoyment is a state of mind this week. Lucky Numbers: 9, 42, 51 GEMINI Think things through before you act. Concentrate on small details. They will make the difference between success and failure in your endeavors this week. Don’t go for the gusto just yet, your ideas need to be massaged a bit more before you present them openly. Call that special someone that has been on your mind. Soul Affirmation: True friendship is a mirror into which I look to see the beauty of my inner self. Lucky Numbers: 2, 17, 41 CANCER Your financial constraints will soon come to an end. Meanwhile, make a game of spending less. See how long you can go without letting lose a dime and you will be in a better position to make decisions about bigger ticket items soon. Start thinking about where you would like to take a short excursion. Soul Affirmation: I paint my world in colors of the rainbow. Lucky Numbers: 12, 19, 32 LEO For the past two weeks you have been playing it safe. Now you can live on the edge a little. Luck is back with you again. You’ll be aware of love prospects lingering around you. You’ll see that your career is full of bright possibilities. Now is a good time to take a chance. Soul Affirmation: Self-confidence is the key to my success this week. Lucky Numbers: 13, 27, 53
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VIRGO Flexibility is the word for this week. Don’t insist on being right, even if you think you are. You will gain more this week if you allow others the freedom to have their way rather than insisting that people do things your way. Soul Affirmation: He who doesn’t ask will remain a fool forever. Lucky Numbers: 20, 36, 55 LIBRA You don’t have to worry about being alone in the journey that you have undertaken. You are on this path because someone guided you. Take the memory of their guidance as comfort and keep on trucking. Soul Affirmation: Things are as I know them to be. Lucky Numbers: 13, 47, 49 SCORPIO Commit to a way this week, lucky archers! You are developing your craft by practice and more practice. Accept recognition gracefully, and keep on task. You are investing in your art this week. Soul Affirmation: Goodness is its own reward. Lucky Numbers: 18, 32, 45 SAGITTARIUS Your word this week is “Persistence.” Keep at the task of persuading others that your idea or vision is as remarkable as you know it is. You just need to get the word out, and you need to be persistent in your efforts. Make a game out of it and have fun! Soul Affirmation: Often it’s not what I say but the way I say it that gets the message across. Lucky Numbers: 1, 4, 37
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CAPRICORN Results that seemed like they would never show up may arrive this week, and it will make you very happy. Keep the feeling this week in mind so that you’ll remember and benefit from it next time you are impatiently waiting for an outcome. Everything is working to your good. Soul Affirmation: I give thanks for the chance to give. Lucky Numbers: 17, 29, 33 AQUARIUS Your exciting and adventurous self will want to come out and play. You’ll be happiest if you are exploring something, and then topping it off with a visit to a restaurant that serves something you’ve never tried before. Live it up at the banquet of life this week! Soul Affirmation: When I am clear about who I am, the world becomes clearer. Lucky Numbers: 4, 26, 42 PISCES Watch for that item you’ve been wanting to be on sale at a good price this week. While you are feeling pretty confident with money, you don’t want to splurge or overspend just yet. Keep your eye out for bargains for a little while longer! Soul Affirmation: This week I find joy in the gifts that life has already given me. Lucky Numbers: 23, 48, 50
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Griot “The Last Hunger Season” by Roger Thurow c.2012, Public Affairs
$26.99 / $30.00 Canada 273 pages By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer You probably shouldn’t have ordered the super-size fries. That’s what you were thinking after you finished the last of your double cheeseburger-add-bacon. When you ordered, fries sounded good – although maybe not so many. And your soda, well, the word “small” needs redefining. Nothing worse than cold fries, so you wadded them up with your sandwich wrapper, slurped the rest of your drink, and threw everything away. You’ll think twice about that next time, once you’ve read “The Last Hunger Season” by Roger Thurow. Andrew Youn is a man with seemingly unlimited energy. Journalist Roger Thurow met the “skinny, bespectacled… geek from Minnesota” during a snowstorm in Chicago, where Youn told Thurow about the farmers he’d met in Kenya in the early 2000s. Youn explained that Kenya’s use of ancient farming traditions led to wanjala [hunger time] and starvation because of lack of access to modern methods of planting. Youn, an MBA student, had been pondering this, and he had an idea. Thus was born One Acre, a non-profit program that helps sub-Saharan farmers reap higher yields from their shambas through education, seeds, and fertilizer. Thurow, who’d also seen poverty and starvation in Africa, was intrigued. He asked Youn if he might follow four farmers for a year, through wanjala and beyond. www.washingtoninformer.com
Join The Fight for Educational Reform
A
dvisory Neighborhood Commission 7A (ANC 7A) is joining in the fight for education reform in DC. During the June 5th monthly meeting ANC 7A was asked by the Deputy Mayor for Education’s (DME) office to be one of the lead organizations for the Community Engagement Initiative in Ward 7. ANC 7A is excited to be a part of this effort which presents a unique opportunity to ensure education reform positively affects Ward 7 students.
What is the Deputy Mayor for Education’s Community Engagement Initiative? This initiative will provide a thoughtful community input process to help provide information that will inform the improvement and legitimacy of new measures to ensure that all DC Public School and DC public charter school students have access to quality education opportunities. The initiative will include community-wide conversations, “Community Conversations”, in five different wards of DC that will bring together a diverse representation of parents, teachers, school administrators, community residents, elected and appointed officials, and various organizations to identify, discuss and move to action around ways that will improve access and quality of education for DC students. To carry out this initiative, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education is partnering with Public Agenda, a national non-profit, non-partisan research and public engagement organization. Conversations will be held in Wards 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8 throughout the months of July and August. These Wards are home to the ten neighborhood clusters identified as having a high-need for additional quality-seats in grades K-12. Community-based organizations in each Ward have agreed to organize and host each individual Conversation. These lead organizations are recruiting a diverse set of stakeholders to assist in planning and facilitating the engagement events which will each include between 80-100 participants. Current dates for Community Conversations are as follows: Clusters 31, 33, & 34/Ward 7 - Lead Organization: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 7A
As a village elder, Leonida Wanyama needed to set a good example for others, which is why she joined One Acre. She was amazed the first year at the bounty she reaped, but it wasn’t enough. Her husband, Peter, was ill and their son, Gabriel was away at school. School was very expensive: $255 a year. Rasoa Wasike was so pleased with One Acre that she inspired several others to join. But that wasn’t Rosoa’s only endeavor; she was lucky to find other employment so her wanjala wasn’t quite so severe. Zipporah Bikiti had jeered at neighbors who used the One Acre methods, until she saw their lush, bountiful maize fields. She was determined that this wanjala – a particularly long, terrible one – would be her family’s last. Francis Mamati and his wife had a vision. They had three acres and their son, who owned a nearby café, had a small plot, too. A shamba like that, properly farmed, could create dreams. So why, you’re asking, should you read a book about a bunch of miniature farms half a world away? Maybe you won’t want to … but I was blown away by it. “The Last Hunger Season” is, indeed, about four Kenyan farmers and the last time each had little more than tea to feed their families from January through June. But in telling their stories, the politics behind fixing what’s wrong, and the triumph of success, author Roger Thurow also gives his readers a huge lesson in gratitude: chances are you have food, and this book never lets you forget that. I think you’re going to like “The Last Hunger Season,” just don’t be surprised if it makes you a little uncomfortable. Still, if you want something that’s sobering, glorious, and thought-provoking, this book is super-sized.wi
Community Conversation – Saturday, August 11th Community Conversation – Saturday, August 11th (Tentative) Visit www.anc7a.com for the location–of301 the meeting. Kelley Miller Middle School 49th St NE Washington Dc 20019 What are Community Conversations? Community Conversations are carefully constructed problem-solving dialogues that bring diverse stakeholders and community members together to discuss an important public issue. Such conversations are frequently a first step in a larger process of community engagement, collaboration and action and have been put to good use in hundreds of communities nationwide. The Community Conversations in the District will focus on how parents, schools, communities and the city can work together to ensure access to high-quality education opportunities for all children in Washington DC. What are the Results of Community Conversations? For Washington DC, a Community Conversation can have a range of concrete impacts, including: • • • •
identifying the top community priorities for programs that support quality education options building community awareness of and support for new or existing programs informing current or newly developed district and government policies and practices strengthening or building community relationships and partnerships
Following the Community Conversations, the Deputy Mayor for Education will release a brief report that includes summary notes from each Conversation. The Deputy Mayor will use these community suggestions to inform a list of recommendations to DCPS, the Public Charter School Board, and charter LEAs as to how they can increase the number of quality-seats in high-needs neighborhood clusters. This report will be released in Fall of 2012. How can you get involved? ANC 7A welcomes anyone interested in being a participant, co-organizer, or co-host in the Community Conversation scheduled for August 11.
Next PlanningWorkshop Workshop Next Planning July 9th 6th @5:30 PM PM August @5:30 Capitol View Capitol ViewLibrary Library––5001 5001Central CentralAve AveSESE Please contact Kellie Broussard at 202.534.6673 or via email at kelliecass@gmail.com or Lorelle Langhorne at 7a@anc.dc.gov or Villareal Johnson at 7a07@anc.dc.gov or 202.304.3450. More information on the Community Conversation is available in the Initiatives section of the ANC 7A website at www.anc7a.com.
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Starting well under $20k for the base model, the Outlander Sport is compact enough for city driving, provides good gas mileage stands out as an overall good deal – especially if you can overlook its weak engine. /Photos courtesy of Mitsubishi North America
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“What’s in a name?” This question posed in William Shakespeare’s famous work Romeo and Juliet has seared itself into our psyches, even in situations that do not involve young love and tragedy as happens in Shakespeare’s play. Whether one is a Montague or a Capulet, is involved in a forbidden romance, likes roses or not, we are all quite aware that a name is incredibly important and that we make countless judgments based on our perception of what’s implied in a name. I was reminded of this fact when Mitsubishi, the manufacturer of today’s featured vehicle, delivered the Outlander Sport SUV to my house. Looking out on the driveway, I was sure someone had made a mistake. I had expected a heftier version of the seven-passenger Mitsubishi Outlander SUV that I drove a few years ago. I did not get what I expected. Sure, the vehicle sitting in the driveway had a badge that said Outlander Sport, but it was short and stubby compared to its sibling. The joke was on me as Mitsubishi, an adept student of Shakespeare, demonstrated that irony plots quite well when replayed through mistaken identities and prejudice. This vehicle is neither an outlander – which means a person who comes from a foreign country or someone who does not owe allegiance to your country – because it is made in the USA. It is also disappointing to speed jocks because it’s not even remotely as The Washington Informer
fast as its name suggests. Rather than being speedy and agile, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport feels underpowered and has a loud continuously variable transmission (CVT). It is not that I was remorseful for something else the week I drove this vehicle. No, not at all. My first few days involved driving two teenagers, my son and his buddy, on a college tour of D.C. area universities. The ride from Marymount University in Arlington, to American in upper Northwest with brief stops at Howard and G.W., did not disappoint. There were no complaints about the Outlander Sport from the six foot, four inch 17-year-old who preferred to sit in the back directly behind my son who is about 2 inches shorter. As far as they were concerned, the sitting arrangements in the car were fine, it was the cold lunch served at a “so-called prestigious District” university that charges upward of $55k plus a year and the not so impressive basketball program at the Arlington school that were threatening to be deal breakers. As I drove around the city in the next few days, I became more and more convinced that just because the 2012 Outlander Sport is small does not mean it is necessarily a compromised vehicle. It’s designed for city folk looking for a higher view of the road. At a length of 169.1 inches, the Outlander Sport is really not meant to compete with class leaders like the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape, nor is it any good at off-roading. Mitsubishi’s approach to the Outlander is rather simple: pro-
vide a range of SUVs and crossovers meeting a variety of needs. Whereas the Outlander is a seven-passenger SUV serving larger families who need to carry much stuff, the Outlander Sport sits five and is targeted at first-time buyers who want style with their utility. Because there are so many choices available to the serious shopper looking to buy a vehicle in this class, one ought to consider first what they would want from a compact SUV. If you are tight on cash and can only spend less than $20,000, this car may fit the bill. It offers sleek and distinctive styling, a wide array of welcome standard amenities and an exemplary degree of fuel-efficiency. Powered by a 148 horsepower DOHC 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine equipped with Mitsubishi’s advanced MIVEC variable valvetiming technology, the 2012 Outlander Sport garners an impressive EPA fuel mileage rating of 31 mpg highway. In addition to its highly-efficient powerplant, Mitsubishi offers Bluetooth, USB audio inputs, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel, air conditioning, power everything, and Fuse, a Ford Synclike voice-control technology. Safety features include standard all-disc anti-lock brakes, an electronic stability system, traction control, and seven airbags, a driver’s-knee airbag and side curtains for both rows. Price Range: $19,495 - $23,295/ Fuel: Unleaded wi www.washingtoninformer.com
LIFESTYLE
E.U.’s Sugar Bear
Photo by Thomas Sayers Ellis (TSE)
The Informer Interview
By Stacey Palmer and John Richards WI Staff Writers
At the height of the Go-Go scene in the late 1980’s bands included Experience Unlimited (E.U.), Rare Essence (R.E.) Chuck Brown and Trouble Funk. Few teens in D.C. could pass up an opportunity to see these homegrown bands -- made up of their neighbors, school friends and even family members—hit the stage. Fully clad in bamboo earrings (a least two pair), Sergio Tacchini sweat suits, AJ coveralls, and with their hair in box Phillies and asymmetric hairstyles, teenagers flocked by the thousands to places like Crystal Skates, The Black Hole, Triples, and Wilmer’s Park several times a week to dance and sweat into the wee hours of the morning. Sometimes getting there was a mission – sneaking out, getting to the club, getting in the club and of course, getting home. In 1988 the nation’s love of Go-Go caught up with DC’s when Spike Lee’s film “School Daze” showcased E.U. and their song “Da Butt.” The song reached Number 1 on the Billboard R&B charts and remains a show stopper. As the 25th anniversary of “Da Butt” approaches, The Washington Informer sat with E.U.’s leader Gregory “Sugar Bear” Ellis to discuss the anniversary, the Go-Go scene, both past and present, and the future of EU. www.washingtoninformer.com
Washington Informer: Experience Unlimited (E.U.) is one of the early pioneers of GoGo music, but your roots are in rock. How has the band’s sound changed over the years? Sugar Bear: Well, I will always keep my rock flavors and incorporate them most of the time, but you know of course, the sound has got to change because the times have changed. You got to stay commercial so to speak, but I still have my rock flavors in the middle of what I do. Washington Informer: Can you describe the early Go-Go scene for me? Sugar Bear: The greatest scene on Earth - great musicians, bands playing music, it was a very festive atmosphere - very
positive. Back in the day most bands played their own original music but now all the bands are playing cover tunes. It’s definitely changed.
experience. Chuck Brown, E.U., Rare Essence, Little Benny and the Masters, Hot & Cold Sweat and Junk Yard [Band], were all there. So it definitely worked.
Washington Informer: What was the importance of the October 1987 Go-Go Live at the Capital Centre performance? Sugar Bear: That was the first time we did a live Go-Go concert with all the bands because most concerts that came through the city – Earth, Wind & Fire, Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly or whatever - they would add a Go-Go band to sell tickets. We knew we could sell tickets, so we just decided to do it on a larger scale and it worked. We had over 16,000 people at GoGo Live and that was a great
Washington Informer: We are also coming up on the 25th anniversary of the song “Da Butt”. What do you remember about the making of this song? Sugar Bear: I knew it was something different. It had GoGo elements all in it, but I never thought it was going to be as big as it was. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would get that big.
The Washington Informer
Washington Informer: How did E.U. connect with Spike Lee?
See SUGAR BEAR on Page 34
Aug. 2, 2012 - Aug. 8, 2012
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LIFESTYLE
Photo by Gerald Barnes
SUGAR BEAR continued from Page 33 Sugar Bear: It was pretty much being at the right place at the right time. We were at the 9:30 Club and Spike stopped by while promoting his movie She’s Gotta Have It. He approached us right after the show and said he wanted us to perform this song “Da Butt” in his movie. So that’s where it came from. Washington Informer: Besides working with Spike Lee on the School Daze soundtrack, you’ve worked with Kurtis Blow (“Party Time”), Grace Jones (“Slave to the Rhythm”), and Salt-N-Pepa (“Shake Your Thang”). Do you feel that some artists cashed in on a “hot” sound at the time without giving back to the Go-Go scene? Sugar Bear: Oh, yeah, definitely. Because “Slave to the Rhythm”, all the Go-Go elements with Grace Jones, we never really got credit for our instrumentation. She was the mega star, you know. We knew, but nobody else on our side knew. Salt-N-Pepa gave us credit, and Kid-N-Play gave credit you know. Kurtis Blow mentioned “I’m rocking on the Go-Go scene. It’s not much but least he did mention it. Washington Informer: In your opinion why hasn’t Go-Go ever gone national? Sugar Bear: I took it national. Chuck Brown took it national. “Da Butt” is still being played nationally right now 25 years
34 Aug. 2, 2012 - Aug. 8, 2012
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later. The reason why I think it [Go-Go] has not remained in popular mainstream is because nobody has even come close to duplicating that “Da Butt” or taking it to another level. That’s my goal, I guess, to do it again. It’s out there to be had. Washington Informer: We recently lost Chuck Brown, the “Godfather of Go-Go”. Can you tell me what Chuck meant to you and Go-Go music? Sugar Bear: He is the “Godfather,” he is the blueprint for Go-Go. He was definitely an important element in my life because he inspired me to transform from my rock style [laughs] to the Go-Go style, you know? That’s real. Black people didn’t like rock back then, especially when I was coming up. I liked it, [but] it wasn’t selling tickets. It wasn’t bringing anybody through the door. Once we transferred our style of music to Go-Go, the love was there. And that’s when E.U. blew up -- that’s when Sugar Bear blew up. Chuck Brown definitely had a great impact on my life. Washington Informer: You have new release coming out called, “Brick House”. How did that come together? Sugar Bear: Bo Sampson, my manager, thought it’d be a great idea. From his marketing experience and being around various artists he thought that’d be a perfect record for us, so I said let’s go. “Brick House” is in memory of Don Cornelius, to keep that legacy going on, you know? In
the meantime, we are trying to shop this record and an album is definitely being worked on as we speak. We gotta do it again. Nobody else wants to do it, so we gotta do it ourselves. Washington Informer: E.U. has been together since 1976; you guys have broken up and reunited several times. What keeps bringing you back to the music? What keeps you going? Sugar Bear: I never left the music. I love music, I love what I do. I think that [music is] my calling. I bring people together to party, to release that stress. To release those hard times that you may face on jobs or in relationships. Come out and have a party. I think that’s my calling. Washington Informer: Music changes, it evolves. Do you think Bounce Beat is just the natural progression of Go-Go or is it a whole new sound? Sugar Bear: No, that [Bounce Beat] shows you a lack of musicianship. It’s definitely creative [and] if the young generation likes it, then so be it, let them have it; however, the ‘old school’ rules. That’s the name of the game. EU is managed by Bo Sampson for Bodacious One Entertainment. Bodacious One Presents E.U. (feat. Sugar Bear and Michael Bivins) is available on http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/eufeaturingsugarbear wi www.washingtoninformer.com
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‘The Church,’ Community and Economic Impact By Carlee McCullough Special to the NNPA from the Tri-State Defender For many years, African-American churches have been the catalysts of change in society. Churches have pushed the envelope as it relates to spiritual and social issues. Given their collective money, political power and expertise, churches continue to be in a unique position to impact the community from an economic perspective. The challenge of determining where the church begins versus the business venture may forever exist. Nonetheless, the economic development benefit that the community gains is invaluable. According to the New York Times, Bishop T.D. Jakes of Potters House in Dallas participated in the development of Capella Park, a community of 266 homes. And the relocation of Dr. Stacy L. Spencer’s New Direction Christian Church to the old Service Merchandise Building in Memphis is an example of the power and capability of the “mega-churches” in the marketplace. Additionally, after the 1992 riots in Los Angeles, mega-church First African Methodist Episcopal (FAME) Church of Los Angeles rose to meet the challenge. As an economic lifeline for the devastated community, the church created the FAME Renaissance Program to fund community services, business and economic development programs through private and public funding sources. An example of a “private sector/church collaboration is the Renaissance Program which has a Micro Loan Program component
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The Washington Informer
funded by a $1-million grant from the Walt Disney Co. The Micro Loan Program supplies low-interest rate loans of $2,000 to $20,000 to minority entrepreneurs in the area including day-care centers, transportation companies, restaurants, a medical billings business, cosmetics companies and a manufacturing firm. We deal with people who won’t qualify for a bank loan,” said Mark Whitlock, executive director of the Renaissance Program. “We don’t mind if you have a couple of bad nicks on your credit. We don’t mind if you’re a brand new business that has never received a business loan before,” according to Black Enterprise. Today, more and more partnerships are growing between government, business and church communities. While the lines continue to be drawn to separate church and state, the lines are just becoming a little faded. But with all of the ills that exist within our society, can that fade be all bad? Sometimes the bad behavior of government needs a little “God” in it. Understanding that the church, outside of government, is the most powerful institution in the world as it relates to impact and influence provides the opportunity for the church to engage in economic development while never losing its values and relationship with God. As an example of the fading of the line of separation of church and state, in 1992, the United States Congress passed into law “Charitable Choice Legislation,” which gave rise to the establishment of the federal Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives, according to Urbanham. This growing interest at
the federal level in providing public funding for the secular activities of faith-based institutions, while controversial, raises numerous possibilities for increased public and private sector funding. This also appears to be an admission by government that “the Church represents a vast, untapped resource that can more effectively address some social and economic aspects of Urban Community and Economic Revitalization better than it can” said the Rev. Gerald Austin Sr., founder and CEO of the Center for Urban Missions. As African Americans have gained in the areas of politics and job advancements, the economic disparities continue to widen as many in the Black Church failed to tackle the issue of community and economic development, according to Austin. As the economy continues to struggle and families suffer through unemployment, programs encouraging entrepreneurship can be powerful, empowering and uplifting to the spirit of someone who has been turned down for jobs time and time again. The power of mega-churches to simply encourage members to network and do business with each other is a start in the right direction. Just as the church was called on to play a major role in the civil rights movement, it is now being called on to play a major role in the “new civil rights movement” of economic development. Stay with us during this impactful series and learn more about the impressive ministers making a difference in the Mid-south.wi For additional information about McCULLOUGH LAW please visit www.McCulloughLawFirm.com. www.washingtoninformer.com
The Religion Corner
religion
Be Anxious for Nothing “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6 This scripture reminds us that we are to send up our petition by way of prayer, but we must have faith that our prayers will become a reality, and begin to thank God in advance, that’s called faith and belief in what it is you’re praying about. For example: I need a new car, I’m working and saving my money, but I’m sending out my prayer and petition to ask for God’s help; and I’m thanking him each time I pray for my new car; my prayer would be something like this: “Dear Lord, I thank you for waking me up this morning, with a reasonable portion of life, health and strength; I thank you for a home; for a job; for my children; I thank you for food to eat; and a car to drive. And Lord, I also thank you for the new car that I have already in the near future.” The scripture tells us to pray and make our petition with thanksgiving when we make our requests to God. Many of us pray and we don’t believe; we don’t have faith that our prayers will be answered. We pray. We wish. And, we hope. That simply means we are trusting in ourselves and not God. The power of God is that He has the ability to do whatever He wills. God’s will is limited by His nature, and He therefore cannot do anything contrary to His na-
ture as God, such as to ignore sin, He has never sinned and He never will, nor will He do anything selfish, or contradictory to His Word. God is not controlled by His power, but has complete control over His power. This means that if God says something will happen, He has the power to make sure that it happens, and you can count on it. Therefore, when He promises eternal life to those who believe in Christ, He has the power to grant it. You certainly can trust God. Take a look at these scriptures, as proof that He is able to grant our requests; and He will do whatever it is He said He would do. Take a look … “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 “Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:17, 27 “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37 Do not be anxious for anything. God alone has the power to conquer sin and death. Personally, I have decided to follow Jesus. I will rely on God’s power when Satan tries to tempt me, and I encourage you to do the same. I call upon the name of Jesus often, asking Him to provide me with the protection and the peace He promises to those who call upon Him, because He
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with Lyndia Grant is powerful enough to keep that promise. Next time you’re feeling anxious, stop and pray immediately, but be sure that you are praying in faith and you believe that whatever you say, you shall have. Then, wait and listen until you hear from God. He will definitely speak to you. The final scripture that I’ll cite in this column is another one of my favorites, Mark 11:24 which says: “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”wi Lyndia Grant is an inspirational speaker; a columnist and radio talk show host of “Think on These Things” 1340-AM Spirit Radio, WYCB. Listen every Friday at 6:00 p.m. Visit her website at www.lyndiagrant.com; send emails to lyndiagrant@gmail.com
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Aug. 2, 2012 - Aug. 8, 2012
37
religion BAPTIST
african methodist episcopal
Pilgrim Baptist Church
Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Rev. James Manion Supply Priest Foggy Bottom • Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW • Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 • Fax : 202-338-4958 Worship Services Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.
Blessed Word of Life Church Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors 4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax Schedule of Services: 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 e-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org
Campbell African Methodist Episcopal Church Reverend Daryl K. Kearney. • Pastor 2568 MLK Jr., Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20020 (202) 889-3877 (o) • (202) 678-1291 (fax) Services and Times 7:45 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. Small Groups/Church School: 9:00 a.m. Small Group Bible Study Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Wednesday Noon Thursday 7:39 p.m. God our Father, Christ our Redeemer, Humankind one Family www.otfmall.com/camecame reedley5@aol.com
Mt. Zion Baptist Church Rev. John W. Davis, Pastor 5101 14th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20011 202-726-2220/ 202-726-9089 Sunday Worship Service 8:00am and 11:00am Sunday School 9:15am Holy Communion 4th Sunday 10:00am Prayer and Bible Study Wednesday 7;00pm TV Ministry –Channel 6 Wednesday 10:00pm gsccm.administration@verizon.net
700 I. Street, NE Washington, D.C. 20002 Pastor Louis B. Jones, II and Pilgrim invite you to join us during our July and August Summer schedule! Attire is Christian casual. Worship: Sundays@ 7:30 A.M. & 10:00 A.M. 3rd Sunday Holy Communion/ Baptism/Consecration Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @12:00 Noon @ 6:30 P.M. – One Hour of Power! (202) 547-8849 www. pilgrimbaptistdc.org
Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ Drs. Dennis W. and Christine Y. Wiley, Pastors 3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) (202) 562-4219 (Fax) SERVICES AND TIMES: SUNDAYS: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM 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: 9:45 AM – Hour of Power “An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantbaptistdc.org
Morning Star Baptist Church Pastor Gerald L Martin Senior Minister 3204 Brothers Place S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032 202-373-5566 or 202-373-5567
Church of Living Waters
Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew, Assistant Pastor 4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464 Schedule of Service Sunday Service: 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org
St. Stephen Baptist Church Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. State Overseer 5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555 Sunday Early Morning Worship - 7:45 a.m. Church School - 9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship – 10:45 a.m. Tuesday – Thursday - Kingdom Building Bible Institute – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday – Prayer/Praise/Bible Study – 7:30 p.m. Baptism & Communion Service- 4th Sunday – 10:30am Radio Broadcast WYCB -1340 AM-Sunday -6:00pm T.V. Broadcast - Channel 190 – Sunday -4:00pm/Tuesday 7:00am
“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org e-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., • Pastor 2498 Alabama Ave., SE • Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 Fax: (202) 889-2198 • www.acamec.org 2008: The Year of New Beginnings “Expect the Extraordinary”
Crusader Baptist Church
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
Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan, Pastor 800 I Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 Fax No. 202-548-0703
Sunday Worship Services: 8:00a.m. and 11:00a.m. Sunday Church School - 9:15a.m. & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30a.m. 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study - 10:00a.m. Tuesday Topical Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Wednesday Children’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Thursday Men’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service - 6:30p.m. Saturday Adult Bible Study - 10:00a.m.
Sunday Morning Worship 11:00am Holy Communion – 1st Sunday Sunday School-9:45am Men’s Monday Bible Study – 7:00pm Wednesday Night Bible Study – 7:00pm Women’s Ministry Bible Study 3rd Friday -7:00pm Computer Classes- Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org
“The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”
“God is Love”
Third Street Church of God Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor 1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202.347.5889 office 202.638.1803 fax Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m. Prayer Meeting and Bible Study: Wed. 7:30 p.m. “Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org
Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:20 a.m. Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net
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 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 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
ST Marks Baptist Come Worship with us... St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011 Dr. Raymond T. Matthews, Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews Sunday School 9:am Worship Service 10:am Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service 6:45 pm Thur. Bible Study 7:15 pm
We are proud to provide the trophies for the Washington Informer Spelling Bee
Service & Time Sunday Worship 7:45A.M & 11A.M Communion Service 2nd Sunday 11A.M Prayer Service Tuesday 7:00 P.M Bible Study Tuesday 8:00 P.M Sunday Church School 10:00 A.M Sunday “A church reaching and winning our community for Christ” morningstarbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.morningstarchurch-dc.org
Mount Carmel Baptist Church
52 Years of Expert Engraving Services
Joseph N. Evans, Ph.D Senior Pastor 901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423 Sunday Church School : 9: 30am Sunday Morning Worship: 10: 45am Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00pm Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00pm Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10: 45am themcbc.org
38 Aug. 2, 2012 - Aug. 8, 2012
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religion Baptist
All Nations Baptist Church
Friendship Baptist Church 900 Delaware Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20020 (202) 488-7417 (202) 484-2242 Rev. Dr. J. Michael Little Pastor Sunrise Prayer: 6:00 AM Sunday School: 9:30 AM Morning Worship 11:00 AM Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday-11:00AM www.friendshipbaptistdc.org Email: frienshipde1900@verizon.net
Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor 2001 North Capitol St, N.E. • Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591 Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards
Zion Baptist Church
Israel Baptist Church
Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor
Rev. Dr. Morris L Shearin, Sr. Pastor
4850 Blagdon Ave, NW • Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 • Fax (202) 291-3773
1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288
Sunday Worship Service 10:15AM- Praise and Worship Services Sunday School 9:00am Monday: Noon Bible School Wednesday: Noon & 7PM: Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission Zion Baptist Church Shall; Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, and Exalt Our Savior. (Acts 2:41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org
Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 A.M. Sunday School: 8:30 A.M. Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:00 A.M. Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 P.M. Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 P.M.
Mount Moriah Baptist Church
St. Luke Baptist Church Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor 1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851 P: (202) 726-5940 Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m. Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun. Bible Study: Monday - 7:00 p.m. Prayer Meeting: Thursday - 7:00 p.m.
Dr. Lucius M. Dalton, Senior Pastor 1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 Fax: 202-544-2964 Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 am and 10:45 am Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 am and 10:45 am Sunday School: 9:30 am Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon and 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
Rehoboth Baptist Church
St. Matthews Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Maxwell M. Washington Pastor 1105 New Jersey Ave, S.E • Washington, DC 20003 202 488-7298 Order of Services Sunday Worship Services: 9:05 A.M. Sunday School: 8:00 A.M. Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer Meeting: 7:00 P.M. (Tuesday) Bible Study: 7:30 P.M. (Tuesday) Theme: “Striving to be more like Jesus “Stewardship”. Philippians 3:12-14; Malachi 3:8-10 and 2 Corinthians 9:7 Email: stmatthewbaptist@msn.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.com
Advertise your church services here call Ron Burke at 202-561-4100 or email rburke@washingtoninformer.com
Advertise your church
Emmanuel Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Clinton W. Austin Pastor 2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Come Grow With Us and Establish a Blessed Family” Sunday Worship 7:30am & 10:45am Baptism/Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30pm Prayer Service Tuesdays – 8:00pm www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org
Advertise your church
services here
services here
call Ron Burke at
call Ron Burke at
202-561-4100 or email
202-561-4100 or email
rburke@washingtoninformer.com
rburke@washingtoninformer.com
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church
New Commandment Baptist Church
Rev. Terry D. Streeter Pastor
Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Pastor and Overseer
215 Rhode Island Ave. N.W. • WD.C. 20001 (202) 332-5748
625 Park Rd, NW • WDC 20010 P: 202 291-5711 • F: 202 291-5666
Early Morning Worship: 7:45 a.m. Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Morning Worship: 10:45 a.m. Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:45 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. C.T.U. Sunday: 2:45 p.m. Bible Study: Wednesday 11:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service: Wednesday 8:00 p.m. Noon Day Prayer Service: Mondays 12 p.m.
Sunday Worship Service - 11 am Sunday School - 9:45 am Bible Study & Prayer Wed. - 7 pm Substance Abuse Counseling 7 pm (Mon & Fri) Jobs Partnership - 7 pm (Mon & Wed) Sat. Enrichment Experience - 9:30 am
Salem Baptist Church
“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”
Shiloh Baptist Church
Rev. R. Vincent Palmer Pastor
Rev. Alonzo Hart Pastor
Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor
621 Alabama Avenue, S.E. • Washington, D.C. 20032 P: (202) 561-1111 F: (202) 561-1112
917 N St. NW • Washington, DC 20001 (202) 232-4294
9th & P Street, N.W. • W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4200
The Church Where GOD Is Working.... And We Are Working With GOD
Sunrise Prayer Services - Sunday 7:00 a.m.
Sunday Morning Prayer Service: 8:00 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 10:40 a.m. Third Sunday Baptismal & Holy Communion:10:30 a.m. Tuesday Church At Study Prayer & Praise: 6:30 p.m.
Morning Worship: 8:00 a.m Church School : 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship: 10:55 a.m. Bible Study, Thursday: 6:30 p.m. Prayer Meeting,Thursday : 7:30 p.m.
Sunday Service: 10 am Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 am 1st Sunday Baptism: 10: am 2nd Sunday Holy Communion: 10 am Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 pm Prayer Meeting: 7:45 pm
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Motto: God First
The Washington Informer
Florida Avenue Baptist Church
Holy Trinity United Baptist Church
Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert SR. Pastor
623 Florida Ave.. NW • WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 • Study (202) 265-0836 Home Study (301) 464-8211 • Fax (202) 483-4009
4504 Gault Place, N.E. Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184
Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 a.m. Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 p.m. Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 p.m. Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 p.m. Noonday Prayer Every Thursday
9:30AM. Sunday Church School 11:00 Am. Sunday Worship Service The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Wednesday 7:00pm Prayer & Praise Services 7:30pm. Bible Study Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries 10:30am A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net
Matthews Memorial Baptist Church
Mt. Bethel Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Bobby L. Livingston, Sr. Pastor
Dr. C. Matthew Hudson, Jr, Pastor
75 Rhode Island Ave. NW • Washington, DC 20001 (202) 667-4448
2616 MLK Ave., SE • Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 • Fax 202-678-3304 Early Worship Service 7:30a.m Worship Service 10:45a.m. New Members Class 9:30a.m. Holy Communion : 1st Sunday -10:45a.m Church School 9:30a.m. Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: Wednesday 7p.m Bible Study : Saturday: 11a.m. Baptism: 4th Sunday – 10:45a.m “Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”
Peace Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Sunday Morning Worship Service 7:15 am & 10:50 am Sunday School 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship Service 10:50am Wednesday Prayer & Testimonies Service 7:30pm Wednesday School of the Bible 8:00pm Wednesday - Midweek Prayer Service 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm “The Loving Church of the living lord “ Email Address pbcexec@verizon.net
First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church 602 N Street NW • Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 Fax: (202) 289-4595 Sunday Worship Services: 7:45am & 11:00am Sunday school For All Ages 9:30am Prayer Services Wednesday 11:30am & 6:45pm Bible Institute Wednesday at Noon & 7:45pm “Changing Lives On Purpose “ Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org
Sunrise Prayer Service 6:00 A.M. Sunday Church School 8:30 A.M. Pre-Worship Devotionals 9:45 A.M. Morning Worship Services 10:00 A.M. Holy Communion 1st Sunday Worship Services Bible Study Tuesdays, 6:00 P.M. Thursdays, 1:00 P.M. Prayer Meetings Tuesdays, 7:00 P.M. Thursdays, 12:00 P.M.
Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor 3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500 Sunday Church School: 9:30 A.M. Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 A.M. Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 P.M. Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 P.M. Prayer Service Bible Study
Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor 2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 Fax: (202) 529-7738 Order of Services Worship Service: 7:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30 a.m. & 10:30a.m. Prayer Services: Tuesday 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 12 Noon Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.
Aug. 2, 2012 - Aug. 8, 2012
39
sports
Washington Redskins Training Camp Highlights
The Redskins’ defense participated in man-on-man drills, a fan favorite, before cheering fans on Thursday, July 26 at Redskins Park in Ashburn,Va. /Photo by John E. De Freitas
The Washington Redskins training camp [July 26- Aug. 14] opened to the public on Thursday, July 26 at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va. A total of 13 practices will be open to fans and will be highlighted by Fan Appreciation Day on Saturday, August 4 at noon. In this photo, fans wait for the arrival of the players. /Photo by John E. De Freitas
Executive vice president and head coach Mike Shanahan looks on as rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III participates in passing drills on Thursday, July 26 at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va. /Photo by John E. De Freitas
Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III chat after the first session of quarterback drills on Thursday, July 26 at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va. /Photo By John E. De Freitas
View
Sports Photos by John De Freitas
at:
40 Aug. 2, 2012 - Aug. 8, 2012
The Washington Informer
www.washingtoninformer.com
sports D.C. United midfielder Chris Pontius and Paris SaintGermain defender Christophe Jallet race toward a loose ball in the second half of a World Football Challenge International friendly soccer game on Saturday, July 28, at RFK Stadium in Southeast. /Photo by John E. De Freitas
Newly acquired D.C. United forward Long Tan tries to get around Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti in the first half of a World Football Challenge International friendly soccer game on Saturday, July 28, at RFK Stadium in Southeast. /Photo by John E. De Freitas
D.C. United 1, Paris SaintGermain FC 1
D.C. United forward Maicon Santos rides the back of Paris SaintGermain midfielder Clement Chantome in the second half of a World Football Challenge International friendly soccer game on Saturday, July 28, at RFK Stadium in Southeast. /Photo by John E. De Freitas
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The Washington Informer
Aug. 2, 2012 - Aug. 8, 2012
41
CLASSIFIEDS legal notice
legal notice
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
Administration No. 2012 ADM 648
Administration No. 2012 ADM 654
Blondeen S. Gravely Decedent
Hattie Gertrude Patterson Decedent
Joel L. Parker, Esquire P.O. Box 4626 Upper Marlboro, MD 20775 Attorney
James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Brenda D. Perry, whose address is 3107 Good Hope Avenue #307, Temple Hills, MD 20748, was appointed personal representative of the estate of Blondeen S. Gravely, who died on May 28, 2012 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W. Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before January 26, 2013. 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 January 26, 2013, 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.
Jerome Patterson, whose address is 4420 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed personal representative of the estate of Hattie Gertrude Patterson, who died on June 19, 2012 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. Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before January 26, 2013. 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 January 26, 2013, 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: July 26, 2012
Date of first publication: July 26, 2012
Brenda D. Perry Personal Representative
Jerome Patterson Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer
Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2012 ADM 647 John W. Gravely Decedent Joel L. Parker, Esquire P.O. Box 4626 Upper Marlboro, MD 20775 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Brenda D. Perry, whose address is 3107 Good Hope Avenue #307, Temple Hills, MD 20748, was appointed personal representative of the estate of John W. Gravely, who died on May 16, 2012 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W. Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before January 26, 2013. 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 January 26, 2013, 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: July 26, 2012 Brenda D. Perry Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer
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helped to unleash unintended consequences. It is also the case that some of these same forces have been created or backed by various governments in the region in order to serve as proxy armies to carry out their own objectives. Mali must be saved and this will necessitate a dynamic role for the African Union, and perhaps the United Nations. It is not a role that should involve the U.S. military, however, which will certainly be the impulse of those forces that see Muslim fundamentalism as the main threat to
humanity. Mali must be saved through negotiations and the active role of Mali’s neighbors. It cannot be allowed to sink to the levels of another Somalia, a country broken and all but forgotten until yet another disaster unfolds. wi Bill Fletcher, Jr. is a Senior Scholar with the Institute for Policy Studies, the immediate past president of TransAfrica Forum, the co-author of Solidarity Divided and the author of the forthcoming “They’re Bankrupting Us” – And Twenty other myths about unions. He can be reached at papaq54@hotmail.com
sheriffs) guns, there is at least one gun for every man, woman, and child in this country. Some hark back to their Second Amendment rights in their gun ownership, but the Second Amendment was passed before assault weapons and Glocks. If people have the right to bear arms, do they have to right to have 6,000 rounds of ammunition, obtained on the Internet? If we can’t limit guns, can we at least regulate the distribution of ammunition? In the same year that there were 12,000 gun deaths in the United States, there were a scant 11 gunrelated deaths in Japan. Indeed, while the United States has 90 privately held guns per 100 people, the next largest per capita rate of privately held guns is in Yemen. In contrast, China has three guns per
100 people. The National Rifle Association loves to say, “guns don’t kill, people do.” As usual, they display limited thinking. People with guns are the ones who kill! Why won’t we address that by dealing with issues of gun and ammunition control? The 12 people who lost their lives represent a fraction of 1 percent of those who die from gun violence annually. As we mourn these lives, let us mourn the lives of the thousands who were also killed because it is easier to buy a weapon than it is to buy marijuana in most parts of our nation. wi Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer. She is President Emerita of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C.
ernment at every level to make sure Black businesses get a fair shot of landing contracts. After all, Blacks pay taxes too, often at a higher rate. You would think that this would change under President Obama – but it hasn’t. According to a recent story in the Washington Post, “U.S. government contracts to black-and Hispanic-owned small businesses fell last year for the first time in a decade, declining at a sharper rate than awards to all companies. “Contracts to the black-owned firms dropped 8 percent to $7.12 billion in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, compared with fiscal 2010. Awards to Hispanic-owned businesses decreased 7 percent to $7.89 billion, according to federal procurement data. “Contracts to the two minority groups fell at a faster pace than all contracts, which dipped 1 percent as the U.S. government slowed spending to help reduce
the federal deficit. The gap may reflect stiffer competition over a shrinking pool of revenue and the recession’s greater impact on black and Hispanic firms.” I am not surprised by Obama or Democrats. After all, this is the same party that dissed and embarrassed Congressman Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) when they fell into minority status in the House in 2010 and had to shuffle the top leadership posts. Of course, the first Black president sat quietly by and said absolutely nothing. Both parties, in recent times, have ignored the Black vote. Butt under Obama, it has sunk to an all-time low. And if he gets 96 percent of the Black vote in November as he did four years ago, our people will get exactly what they deserve – nothing. Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations government affairs firm. His website is: www.raynardjackson.com. wi
Fletcher continued from Page 22 nored by the dominant forces in the respective countries leading to slippage into ethnic strife and civil war. Muslim fundamentalism of the irrationalist sort that we are witnessing in Mali is not only an embarrassment to Muslims, but a criminal enterprise destroying some of the most important historical features of Mali. Yet these forces did not pop out of nowhere. The Libyan revolution and the NATO intervention
Malveaux continued from Page 22 ries in the New York Times after September 11, 2001. For months, postage stamp sized photos accompanied short but revealing blurbs about those who lost their lives. On one hand, the blurbs were humanizing. For me, though, they were a reminder of the equivalency of life and the lives we choose to ignore. There were 12,000 gun-related deaths in the United States in 2008. Eighty percent of the gun deaths in the world’s 23 richest countries happened in the United States, as did 87 percent of the deaths of children. We have more than 270 million privately owned guns in this country. When we add the number of military (police,
Jackson continued from Page 22 After President Obama’s spoke to the National Urban League convention this week in New Orleans, even the NAACP pretended that he hadn’t snubbed them. For the record, I voted for Obama in 2008. And as a Republican, I took a lot of heat from those in my party for doing so. My vote for Obama had little to do with his race. He was by far the better candidate. There was no way I was voting for a ticket that included Sarah Palin. The Republican Party did not deserve my vote. I will vote every time on a case-by-case basis because nobody owns me or my vote. Last week, I talked about the importance of Black business leaders. They justifiably complain about limited access to capital – which is not good in a capitalistic society – and the failure of govwww.washingtoninformer.com
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EDELMAN continued from Page 23
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Muhammad continued from Page 23 Muslim Brotherhood, or worse. Bachmann and four other House Republicans wrote a letter asking the Department of Defense, the State Department, and other departments to investigate whether the government is being infiltrated by Muslim extremists. It gets better. In particular they
said that Abedin “has three family members – her late father, her mother, and her brother – connected to Muslim Brotherhood operatives and/or organizations. Her position provides her with routine access to the Secretary Clinton and to policy-making.” Some prominent Republican leaders including 2008 presidential candidate Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), Speaker of the House
46 Aug. 2, 2012 - Aug. 8, 2012
without but from our failure to invest in and prepare all of our children for the future right now. Today, 60 percent of fourth and eighth grade public school students in all racial and income groups, more than 75 percent of Hispanic and more than 80 percent of Black children cannot read or do math at grade level. Only 3 percent of eligible infants and toddlers receive Early Head Start and our nation has been unwilling to ensure high quality universal pre-kindergarten and kindergarten systems to get all children ready for school or excellent and equitable public schools to ensure that children are college ready and prepared for productive work. A child unable to read or compute at grade level and graduate from high school, college or workforce ready is being sentenced to social and economic death in
our globalizing and competitive economy. Closing the achievement gap between non-poor and poor children and White and non-White children must be an urgent national priority. We know what to do; what we are missing is the public and political will to do it. It’s time for urgent and transforming change for our children’s and our nation’s sake. WI Marian Wright Edelman is president of the Children s Defense Fund whose Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. For more information go to www.childrensdefense.org.
prices will skyrocket as supplies dwindle. Play that Fiddle! Remember when our beloved President John F. Kennedy said we will put a man on the moon and lead the world in space exploration? Well, the guy we have now just closed down NASA (JFK is rolling in his grave). Our nation is now #3 in space behind Russia and China. If we want to go into space we have to buy a seat from them. Many thousands of engineers are still unemployed as a result of this capitulation. Stop fiddling! “America, the strongest nation on earth” – that saying is becoming passé. Our president has the crazy idea of slashing our military all the
way back to 1940 levels. Hmmm, isn’t that the year Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan considered us punks and later attacked? It is quite clear that Russian President Vladimir Putin considers Barack Obama a punk. He has a look of disgust when they are together. No one respects weakness, especially when it comes with a fiddle. Former President Lyndon Baines Johnson vowed to make war on poverty. He started the food stamp program with a budget of $268 million in 1964. Our president doesn’t fight poverty; he promotes it. Last year, we spent more than $78 billion in food stamps. We are becoming a nation of paupers and he is playing the fiddle. Finally, there is the low regard for the Black Church. How do
you jump into the moral discussion of same sex marriage? That debate belongs to our church, not the White House. This is an affront to our beloved long standing institution – just for a few votes. Mr. President, I am calling you out. Stop the ugliness and tend to the crisis at hand. Raising taxes in a recession and killing jobs via all of the above is a blue print for disaster. Your record with Black procurement is now at 1.1 percent (GAO). Nixon did better than you! WI Mr. Alford is the co-founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®. Website: www.nationalbcc.org. Email: halford@ nationalbcc.org.
John Boehner (R-Ohio) and several of Bachmann’s colleagues on the House Intelligence Committee denounced her actions. “When anyone, not least a member of Congress, launches vicious and degrading attacks against fellow Americans on the basis of nothing more than fear of who they are, in ignorance of what they stand for, it defames the spirit of our nation, and we all grow poor because of it. Our reputations, our character, are the only things we leave behind when we depart this earth. And unjust acts that malign the good name of a decent and honorable person, is not only wrong, it is contrary to everything we hold dear,” McCain said on the floor of the
Senate. But wouldn’t you know it, there are Republicans lining up to defend this indefensible slander against a trusted government official because of her family background, despite the fact that she now happens to be married to Anthony Weiner, a former member of Congress himself. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) defended Bachmann’s slander of Hillary Clinton’s top aide’s loyalty to the United States, saying the Minnesota lawmaker’s “concern was about the security of the country.” Oh, that explains racist xenophobia. It’s all about the security of the country. What I can’t understand is how
this group of people who have demonstrated themselves to be utterly and totally incapable of governing the country can still be vying to lead, and how so many people are still taking them seriously. If progressive forces were beset with this kind of leadership at the top they would be a laughingstock. The only hope these plutocrats have to pull off their scheme in 2012 is: they will be able to convince enough gullible voters that WASP-guys like them [the GOP] should govern, precisely because they’re WASP-guys. That’s what xenophobia, masked as “American Exceptionalism,” is from the get-go. When will we declare it to be permanently dead?wi
ence will make a difference for a lifetime. Why is it that in all the campaign talk that we’re hearing, almost none of it concerns this subject? We should expect and we should demand better. Not only, if I might conclude, is this the social justice issue of our time, it is also the economic issue of our time. We can talk about jobs till we’re blue in the face, but none of it is going to happen if we continue to fail to support the development of those youngest people most in need. It doesn’t have to be this way, and I hope it won’t continue to be.” The Children’s Defense Fund believes that the greatest threat to America’s national military and economic security and democracy comes from no enemy
Alford continued from Page 23
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