The Washington Informer - August 27, 2015

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District Infatuated with Compton Film, Pg. 24

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The city of New Orleans, along with other cities near or on the Gulf Coast, was decimated with an estimated 2,000 people losing their lives when Hurricane Katrina unleashed its fury during the days of August 23 through August 31, 2005. /Courtesy photo

New Orleans Mayor Gives Report

Remembering Hurricane Katrina – Ten Years Later By Sarafina Wright and D. Kevin McNeir WI Staff Writer, WI Managing Editor How well do you remember the last days of August 2005 when a tropical storm formed over the Bahamas and intensified as it made its way toward Florida, back out to sea and then to southeast Louisiana? Hurricane Katrina would make history as one of costliest natural disasters and one of the five deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history. But what often comes to mind is the delay of government officials – several days in fact – before they heeded the call for sorely needed assistance in the way of food, water, medicine and shelter. Now, as the city of New Orleans recalls the day that the levee system catastrophically failed, conversations continue to

be held here in the District and across the U.S., assessing what progress has been made in rebuilding New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana and Mississippi – and what still needs to be done. Criticism has been lodged, and rightfully so, against Mayor Ray Nagin, Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco and President George W. Bush – the three leaders who hemmed and hawed – wasting vital time before initiating emergency response actions. Today, as former Mayor Nagin serves a federal ten-year sentence for wire fraud, conspiracy, bribery and money laundering, Mitch Landrieu, the first white mayor of predominately black New Orleans since his father Moon Landrieu held office in the 70s, has traversed the U.S. to talk about the hurricane on its tenth anniversary and how his city’s landscape has been changed

KATRINA Page 8

Ginika Emor 8 and her sister Ebere Onyeaghala 5 arrive at Harriet Tubman Elementary School in Northwest on the first day back to school on Mon., August 24. /Photo by Nancy Shia

Commission Rejects Proposed Merger Pepco/Exelon Deal Deemed Bad for District By D. Kevin McNeir WI Managing Editor The D.C. Public Service Commission [PSC] held an open meeting in Northwest on Tuesday, Aug. 25 with an outcome that apparently left some residents and leaders “shocked and surprised.” After months of forums, community conversations, editorials and sometimes even protests, the PSC took all of the information into account and made its decision on the proposed Pep-

co-Exelon merger, denying their application – and with sweeping results. Because of the Commission’s decision, other jurisdictions where the merger had been approved, including Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, must now contend with the fact that their decisions have been made null and void. D.C. stands as the only jurisdiction to deny the application of Pepco/Exelon. However, for the merger to have become legal and binding, all jurisdictions

would have had to approve. Commission Chairman Betty Ann Kane summarized the views of her and her two colleagues, Commissioner Joanne Doddy Fort and Commissioner Willie L. Phillips. “The public policy of the District is that the local electric company should focus solely on providing safe, reliable and affordable distribution service to District residences, businesses and institutions,” she said during the meeting that drew over 100

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Lavern Chatman-Brown and Mike Muse Received CYEP 2015 Champions of Change Awards at the Gaines White Party

2015 CYEP Awardees

Lavern Chatman-Brown & Mike Muse

The Annual Gaines White Party is the can’t miss summer charitable event on Martha’s Vineyard. Nestled in the heart of Oak Bluffs, this ultra-chic and elegant, yet ultra-comfortable evening soiree boasts a who’s who of African American and Martha’s Vineyard notables. The tented and catered fundraiser features the island’s most alluring, socially compassionate and sophisticated crowd enjoying: (1) live entertainment, (2) on premises Chefs, and, (3) both an open bar and cigar bar featuring premium libations and tastes for smoking aficionados. They sit back, relaxed and enjoyed the company of old and new friends, danced like no one was watching to special guest entertainers, including the incomparable multi-instrumentalist Saleem Wayne Waters and DJ Rick Love blending old school classics and new school hits. Engage, Exhale, Enjoy & Uplift!!! They were especially proud to recognize former NOVA Urban League CEO Lavern Chatman-Brown as the CYEP 2015 Champions of Change and Obama appointee Mike Muse at this summer’s event. CYEP (Capital Youth Empowerment Program) Visit CYEP.org for more information

Wear White Party Guests with Atty. Camie Maze (Below) Isaac King (Co-Founder CYEP)

Dr. Charles & “Mickey” Thompson Vincent (Publishers of Social Sightings”-The CoLumn & The MagaZine) & Dr. Samuel Guillory Mrs. Lavern Chatman-Brown (Awardee) with the CYEP Board of Directors

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8/27/2015 – 9/2//2015 Around the Region Pages 4 – 10 Prince George’s County Pages 12 –13 Business Pages 14 – 15 Lifestyle Pages 24 – 27 Sports Pages 28 – 29 Congressman John Lewis (D-Georgia), Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland), and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks participate in a Voting Rights Community Forum held at Mt Ennon Baptist Church in Clinton, Md., moderated by Pastor Delman Coates on Mon., August 24. /Photo by Maurice G. Fitzgerald

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Women Cycle W I HBreak O T Tthe OP I C Sof Compiled D. Kevin McNeir | WI Managing Editor Domestic Violence

Homicide Rate Continues to Climb in District By Tia Carol Jones law enforcement. She said they threat,” she said.

Students have returned to school in D.C. in Prince And whileMarlow Mayor had come together to and bring a George’s AmongCounty. the programs Muriel Bowser hassense launched a “slow down” schools in order to make streets of uniformity in campaign the way around wants to see implemented are When L.Y. Marlow's safer23-yearfor children,domestic the real threat remainsvictims the unprecedented wave ofrestraining homicidesorder in the policies, District. violence and stricter old daughter told her On the Monday, father the survivors arehomicides treated. reached 103 – close moretorights forforvictim's number of the total last year.families of her daughter threatened herthe looks “She's usingthis hercrime own wave personal intervene on behalf of asoon. vicAnd from of things, doesn’t to seem like it’s ending any time life, and the life of Not their child, owna personal pain a domestic violence assessunless leadersstory, comeher up with real plan and taketobacktim, our streets. she knew something had bethatpush Davis-Nickens ment unitiscoupled with further One to thing has notforward,” been discussed, at least not to our liking, that the homicide rate done. Out of her frustration Marlow. training law enforcement has been increasing over the past several said years.about We’d like to hear more from the police chief for and believe that citizens with law enforcement's handling Davis-Nickens said anyone agencies, a Child's Life Protecdeserve to know the exact numbers and trends. of the situation, she decided to who reads Marlow's book will tion Act and mandatory counselCitizens are understandably nervous, angry and even afraid. start the Saving Promise cam- “get it.” She said she “puts the ing for batterers. Washington, D.C. has many things to offer. But all of the accoutrements that the District has mean nothing if paign. case in such a way, the average “If we are ever going to eradipeople continue and cycle stabbed to death.can get it.” She said at the “It seems to to bebea shot vicious person cate domestic violence, we must Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police Department upped ante will for those whoatprovide information that won't the turn my family end of thehas day, the the book look both sides of the which coin. leads to the arrest and conviction of a person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District. loose,” Marlow said. Marlow help people begin to have a dia- We need to address both the vicGood that one. believe strategy include aviolence. cadre of local tim activists, to sharedluck heronstory withWethe audi-the best logue aboutwill domestic and using the grassroots batterer,” tactics Marlow bring our communities. ence calm at back the to District Heights Also present at the event was said. Domestic Violence Symposium Mildred Muhammad, the exMarlow would also like to see on May 7 at the District Heights wife of John Allen Muhammad, programs designed to raise Municipal Center. The sympo- who was sentenced to six consec- awareness among children in sium was sponsored by the utive life terms without parole public and private schools. She to changejury the landscape of the restaurants opened at a Family and Youth Gentrification Services continues by a Maryland for his role in District. feelsNew children needhave to be educatpace and farthe fromBeltway affordableSniper housing continues new residents to our city. Center of the city record of District attacks to inattract ed about domestic violence. But Hookon a less positive recent reports indicate that adultshave have experienced a surgepasin Heights and the National 2002.note, Mildred Muhammad is young“We to stop being you founder imagine being a childthe thatTrauma, must somehow contend with tests, Up of Black Women.homelessness. Canthe of After sive-aggressive withreports, poorclasses chiland . a. . hunger? Marlow has written book, an organization that helps the dren about domestic violence,” The District conducted its first-everviolence census that Marlow attemptedsaid. to discern just how many “Color Me Butterfly,” which is a recently survivors of domestic homeless youth on the streets of D.C. One of the things thatMarlow came from survey istothebreak fact story about four generations of areand their children. hasthat worked that there for the – whether they’re young and domestic violence. The bookis no is representative “I livedface in fear forhomeless six years. Six the cycle of adults abuseorinolder hermen family, inspiredInby herwords, own the experiences, women. other stereotypes about the homeless what It we’re in the District. years in fear isjust a don’t long fittime. is seeing andhere is confident the policies she and of her grandmother, We those need more organizations like Sasha Bruce who have been doing and muchfor more, for many not Youthwork an easy thing to come out theirispart, pushing will start years that her and find herandaughter. to helpmother young people anchor. Othersof,” organizations, she said. like Catholic Charities and Covenant process. House, help homeless youth She their saidway every time she make as well. But as the reads survey indicated, it’s not enough. Mildred Muhammad said “I plan to take these policies to excerpts her book, she still way people whoyouth want to and help Summerfrom internships are an outstanding to introduce to work put a fewCongress dollars in their pockets. But given and implore themtheir to canofnot believefew theresources words and came domestic violence victim must change itour Marlow said. lack education, unstable family structures, more youth are doing whatever takeslaws,” to survive. from her. “Color Mehappens Butterfly” careful of women? how they goweinto “I about will not stopto until poliDo we really care what to these be young men and Or do only care catering foreignthese businesses wonthethe 2007 and middle class?National “Best the victim's life, and understand cies are passed.” Books” Award. that she may be in “survival Tia Carol Jones can be reached “I was just 16-years-old when mode”. at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net my eye first blackened and my “Before you get to 'I'm going lips bled,” Marlow said. to kill you,' it started as a verbal WI Elaine Davis-Nickens, presiA recently-released PDK/Gallup poll of attitudes about public schools has confirmed dent of the National Hook-Up something that many parents, educators and scholars have said for years – America has placed of Black Women, said is noemphasis on standardized testing. farthere too much consistency in the way domestic Since President George W. Bush led the movement for greater school accountability violence issues are dealt with with his NobyChild Left Behind legislation, annual tests in reading and math have become the albatross around the necks of many principals and teachers. Schools who fail to raise scores often face severe penalties. And principals become pawns in new versions of “musical chairs” – moved from one school to another before they have a chance to really make a difference. We’ve seen what can happen when educators are afraid of losing their jobs or worry about seeing their careers take a nosedive when student test scores don’t make the mark with the arrests and convictions of top teachers and principals in Georgia last year. But the real issue, and the point that survey takers raised, is whether we should be assessing the skills of our students with a broader list of benchmarks including: student work; written teacher observations; and grades. Those who participated in the poll also said that teacher quality serves as the best way to improve education, followed by high academic standards and effective principals. Standardized tests do serve their purpose. However, when the focus is solely on tests, how much time do teachers really have to do what they’ve been trained to do – teach? WI Staff Writer

Has D.C. Abandoned Its Homeless Youth?

The Washington Informer Newspaper THE WASHINGTON INFORMER InPUBLISHER Memoriam NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414)Dr.isCalvin W. Rolark, Sr. Denise Rolark Barnes published weekly on each Thursday. Wilhelmina J. Rolark Periodicals postage paid at WashingTHE WASHINGTON INFORMER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published STAFF ton, D.C. and additional mailing of- NEWSPAPER weekly Thursday. Periodicals fices. Newsonand advertising deadlinepostage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadlineMcNeir, is Monday prior Editor to publication. D. Kevin Managing is Monday prior to publication. AnAnnouncements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2000 by The nouncements must be received two Washington Informer. All rights reserved. Send change of addressRonPOST Burke,MASTER: Advertising/ Marketing Director weeks event. Copyright 2015 es toprior The to Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, by D.C. The 20032. Washington Informer. All Lafayette IV,without Assistant PhotopermisEditor No part of this publication may be Barnes, reproduced written rights POSTMASTER: sionreserved. from the publisher. TheSend Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of John E. De Sports Photo change of addresses to The rates Washphotographs. Subscription are $30 per year, twoFreitas, years $45. Papers willEditor be received not more than 3117 a weekMartin after publication. Make checks payable to: ington Informer, Luther Dorothy Rowley, Online Editor King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 20032. No part of this publication may Brian Young, Design & Layout 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. • Washington, D.C. 20032 be reproduced without written permisPhone: 202 561-4100 • Fax: 202 574-3785 Mable Neville, Bookkeeper sion from the publisher. The Informer E-mail: news@washingtoninformer.com Newspaper cannot guarantee the return www.washingtoninformer.com Mickey Thompson, Social Sightings columnist of photographs. Subscription rates are $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will Stacey Palmer, Social Media Specialist PUBLISHER be received not more than a week after Denise Rolark Barnes publication. Make checks payable to: Angie Johnson, Circulation STAFF REPORTERS THE WASHINGTON Brooke N. Garner INFORMER Managing Editor Tia C. Jones, Ed Laiscell, REPORTERS Carla PeayLuther King, Assistant Managing Editor Odell B. Ruffin, Larry Saxton, 3117 Martin Jr. Ave., S.E Ron BurkeD.C. 20032 Advertising and Marketing Mary Wells, Joseph Young Washington, Stacy Brown, Sam P.K. Collins, Eve Ferguson, Mable Whittaker Bookkeeper Phone: 202 561-4100 Elton Hayes, D. Kevin McNeir, Dorothy LaNita Wrenn Administration PHOTOGRAPHERS Fax:John 202 574-3785 E. De Freitas Sports Rowley, Editor Kia Lafayette Barnes, IV, Wright Croom, Sarafina news@washingtoninformer.com Victor Holt Photo Editor John E. De Freitas, Maurice Fitzgerald, www.washingtoninformer.com Zebra Designs, Inc. Layout & Graphic Design Joanne Jackson, Roy Lewis, Robert Ken Harris /www.scsworks.com Webmaster Ridley, Victor Holt

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Standardized Tests Excessive According to New Poll

We have to stop being passive-aggressive with poor children about domestic violence. I plan to take these policies to Congress and implore them to change our laws. I will not stop until Serena Williams Close to Making History The story was quietly reported about the recent victory of Serena Williamspassed. who secured a these policies are back-to-back Cincinnati title, defeating Simona Halep last weekend in the warm up for the big

“

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

show in the Big Apple L.Y. Marlow Actually, the real news about Serena these days tends to be when she loses a match – not when she wins. Roy Lewis, Corey Parrish, But as she prepares for the U.S. Open she stands on the precipice of tennis history. If she Travis Riddick, Nancy Shia can hold off her eager opponents and win the Open, Williams would become the first player since Steffi Graf in 1988 to score a calendar Gram Slam sweep. 4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com Serena says she’s ready for New York and the U.S. Open. We’re ready to see her pounce on the other ladies with that booming backhand and a serve-and-volley game that many of us can only dream about. Good luck Serena! PHOTOGRAPHERS CIRCULATION

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Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity Courtney Snowden, addresses the audience on economic opportunities in Ward 8 on Wed., August 12, at the D.C. Government Municipal Building in Southeast. /Photo by Corey Parrish

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D.C. Youth Debut Short Film Condemning Violence Film Screening and Public Conversation are First of Many By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer The once troubled teenagers hailing from east of the river are now young adults in Ward 8 who have turned their lives around and received the opportunity to star in, write and shoot a short film addressing violence in their community examining hypocrisy in the Black Lives Matter Movement. “When Will Black Lives Matter To Us?” debuted on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at the New Municipal Building in Southeast to pose the idea of why members of the black community are desensitized and silent amid violence among blacks but not from the white establishment. The film shows community members’ reaction to helping the police when the perpetrators of violence are black versus a white cop or Klan member. “It’s not right that in the film she didn’t want to help the cops, but you got to understand why,” Erica Briscoe, panelist and member of the Summer Youth Employment Program, said. “Her whole life will be turned upside down by telling. Her life will be in danger. That $25,000 they offer ain’t worth it.” Briscoe explained that the reward the District offers for turning in violent offenders comes with a price. “Your name is listed in paperwork. You have to testify. It’s not worth it,” Briscoe said.

“The problem is people are always worried about what others have to say about them instead of doing what is right,” Johnette Simmons, 22, a participant of SYEP, said. Simmons became one of the many young people this year who are able to take advantage of the extended age limit of SYEP to 24. Mayor Muriel Bowser made good on a campaign promise and extended it in February. “SYEP is a program that makes a difference for young people,” Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity Courtney Snowden said. “Fifty-one percent of the young people in the program live east of the river. Obviously, the young people who need it are getting it.” Snowden also thanked Art of Peace leader Ron Moten for his tireless dedication to the community with little resources. Moten said that shooting the video was a great experience for the kids, but it did not come without its trials. “Man, we had people in the community complaining that they didn’t want the kids in their neighborhood, because they didn’t want their houses broken into,” Moten said. “These are the same people that complain and do nothing while we are trying to do something positive.” Patricia Owens, the mother of a man who was recently murdered in Congress Park,

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appeared to show solidarity against violence. “The problem is there is no community. Back in my day, if I did something, my neighbors would get me, then my parents,” Owens said. “A big reason why the kids are getting in trouble, jumping Denise Rolark Barnes people and gang violence is beIndependent Beauty Consultant cause they don’t have anything www.marykay/drolark-barnes.com to do,” panelist and youth advo202-236-8831 cate Christopher Proctor said. “They shut down all the GoGo’s. We need to bring those back.” Briscoe spoke about gang life, being stabbed and being kicked out of school, but since meeting Ron Moten, he has helped her channel her energy to fashion. “My life dream is to make a clothing line for Check It, and I (301) 864-6070 am doing it,” Briscoe said. Check It, a D.C. “gang” made up of LGBT youth, has a documentary premiering in the near MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC future. ADA, Age Discrimination, Benefits, Civil Rights, Briscoe expressed her COBRA, Contracts, Deaf Law, Defamation, Disability Law, thankfulness for new horizons, Discipline, Discrimination, FMLA, FLSA, FOIA, explaining that she wants to Family Responsibility, Harassment, HIPPA, OSHA, continue doing things like the National Origin Discrimination, Non-Compete, short film ‡toPlease bring set allawareness copy in upper and lowercase, flush left as indicated on artwork at these point sizes: Consultant name in 11-point Helvetica Neue Bo Beauty Consultant in 9-point Helvetica Neue Light; Web site or e-mail address in 9-point HelveticaAct, Neue Retaliation, Light; phone number in 9-point Helvetica Race Discrimination, Rehabilitation to kids born To into trying circumthe Independent Beauty Consultant: Only Company-approved Web sites obtained through the Mary Kay® Personal Web Site program may Severance Agreements, Sexual Harassment, Torts, stances like herself. “I have been through it Whistleblowing, Wage-and-Hour, Wrongful Discharge all,” Briscoe said. “Most people SERVING MARYLAND, DC, & NORTH CAROLINA don’t get a second chance, and I www.jmlaw.net (301) 864-6070 jmccollum@jmlaw.net was one that did.” WI The Washington Informer Aug 27 - Sept 2, 2015 5

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Aug. 27 Civil rights marchers gathered in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the 25th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. 1991 - Central Life Insurance Company, the last surviving African-American-owned insurance company in the state of Florida is ordered liquidated by a Florida circuit court judge. 1989 - Chuck Berry Plays NASA ‘Johnny B Goode’ is performed by Chuck Berry for NASA engineers and scientists in celebration of Voyager II’s encounter with the planet Neptune, 1989 1975 - Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia died in 1975 at the age of 83. During his reign, Selassie’s main ambitions included the modernization of Ethiopia, international recognition for his nation, the abolishment of slavery, expanded eduacation and the elimination of foreign intervention. In 1936, a year after Italy invaded... 1963 - W.E.B. Du Bois died in Accra, Ghana. W.E.B. DuBois was born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, in 1868. He was raised mostly by his mother, Mary, after his father left the family when he was very young. He was the first black person to graduate from his high school 1949 - Paul Robeson’s scheduled singing appearance at the Lakeland picnic grounds in Westchester County, New York, is disrupted by a riot instigated and provoked by whites angry at Robeson’s political stances. Aug. 28 1888 - Granville T. Woods patents railway telegraphy.

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Aug. 29 1924 – Dinah Washington is born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Her powerful voice would enable her to become one of the most influential singers of the 20th Century. Sadly, she died of a drug overdose in 1963. 1958 – Michael Jackson is born on this day in Gary, Indiana. The “King of Pop” was the seventh of nine children. He died June 25, 2009 apparently after being given a powerful drug to enable him to sleep. 1962 – Mal Goode becomes America’s first Black network news commentator when he begins broadcasting for ABC Television on this day in 1962.

stance Baker Motley is confirmed to the U.S. District Court in New York. She thus became the first African American female to hold a seat on the federal bench. Baker-Motley had participated in the historic Brown v. Board of Education case which led to the desegregation of the nation’s schools. Aug. 31 1935 – Frank Robinson, the first African American to manage a major league baseball team, was born on this day in Beaumont, Texas. Robinson became player-manager of the Cleveland Indians in 1975. He kept the job for about a year. He became manager of the San Francisco Giants in 1980. 2002 – Jazz great Lionel Hampton died on this day at the age of 94. Hampton gained international fame as a “big band” leader and for his amazing abilities playing the vibraphone. Sept. 1 1975 – Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James becomes the nation’s first Black four-star general and takes command of the North American Air Defense Command. The position made him a key player in the nation’s nuclear defense system. 1977 – Legendary actress-singer Ethel Waters dies at the age of 80 in Chatsworth, California. Waters became the second African American in history to be nominated for an Academy Award. Sept. 2 1766 – Post-colonial era Black leader James Forten is born on this day in 1766. Little known today but during that period he was one of the most prominent Black men in America. Born free in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania he became a fierce anti-slavery activist, an inventor and successful businessman. 1945 – As World War II comes to an end, official records show 1,154,720 Blacks were inducted into the military services including 3,902 women. The highest ranking African American women during WWII were Majors Harriet M. West and Charity E. Adams.

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Aug. 30 1800 – The Gabriel Prosser-led slave rebellion is stopped before it can start because of bad weather and betrayal by two slaves who told their white masters of the impending revolt. Gabriel had meticulously planned the rebellion and organized an estimated 1,000 slaves to participate in an attack on Richmond, Virginia. 1966 – Prominent civil rights attorney Con-

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AROUND THE REGION INTERVIEWS AND PHOTOS BY ELTON HAYES

VIEWP INT Damein Johnson Laurel, Maryland I think what it has done has raised awareness about an issue that has existed for a long time, and it’s an expression of anger for what has existed. Now, the media is bringing attention to it. It’s biggest benefit is that it is causing us to take a look at the situation and at what’s going on. That’s the biggest thing it’s doing – brining a national awareness to these problems.

Avondale Paul Germantown, Maryland The message doesn’t seem to be clear. I don’t completely understand what they are fighting for. I know they say that black lives matter, and as a black person, I do believe that black lives matter. There was a clear message of the civil rights movement, and that was equality for everyone. I just don’t understand what the Black Lives Matter’s core message is. I do appreciate the fact that they are interrupting these political gatherings and getting attention – that’s a good strategy. But there should be a clear message of what they’re fighting for and their agenda.

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THE BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT WAS STARTED AFTER THE 2012 KILLING OF TRAYVON MARTIN. SINCE THEN, IT HAS BEEN AN ACTIVE VOICE IN CONDEMNING THE KILLING OF UNARMED AFRICANAMERICANS BY LAW ENFORCEMENT. IT HAS ALSO SPARKED DEBATE AS SOME MEMBERS HAVE SPOKEN OUT IN POLITICAL TOWN HALLS. WHAT ARE YOU THOUGHTS ON THE MOVEMENT?

Rose Swain Washington, D.C. I think all lives matter, regardless of their race. That’s more of a humanistic point of a view. I think we should value everyone’s lives and their contributions. Everyone has a purpose, and when violence takes away that person’s life, it takes away from what they could have contributed to society. I think all lives matter.

Nicole Lindsay Washington, D.C. I think it’s a poignant and necessary movement that should continue to be publicized to the extent that it currently is. Some people are not well-informed about the movement and often misinterpret it; there should be a clear identification of what it is and what it means. It’s not intended to separate, but it’s intended to uplift and empower and establish acknowledgement of its purpose and mission.

Quinn Lindsay Takoma Park, Maryland It’s difficult for me to form an opinion of the movement. My whole thing is, What are we doing as a whole to show support in a constructive manner? That’s the question I have. And I think it needs to be better displayed. We see a lot of negative images of the movement on social media, and that’s not helpful. We need to get it together.

一愀琀椀漀渀愀氀

吀漀眀渀 䠀愀氀氀 �甀爀猀搀愀礀Ⰰ 匀攀瀀琀攀洀戀攀爀 ㄀㜀

䀀䈀愀氀氀爀漀漀洀 䄀 簀 㤀㨀  愀⸀洀 ⴀ ㄀㄀㨀㌀  愀⸀洀⸀

刀漀氀愀渀搀 䴀愀爀琀椀渀

䠀漀猀琀 漀昀 一攀眀猀伀渀攀 一漀眀

䈀氀愀挀欀 䰀椀瘀攀猀 䴀愀琀琀攀爀㨀 䔀渀搀椀渀最 刀愀挀椀愀氀 倀爀漀漀氀椀渀最Ⰰ  倀漀氀椀挀攀 䈀爀甀琀愀氀椀琀礀Ⰰ 愀渀搀 䴀愀猀猀 䤀渀挀愀爀挀攀爀愀琀椀漀渀

Comments? Opinions? ⌀䰀䨀䘀䄀 ⌀䌀䈀䌀䘀䄀䰀䌀㄀㔀

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7

AROUND THE REGION

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu at the National Press Club in Northwest on Tues., August 18. /Photo by Shevry Lassiter

KATRINA from Page 1 forever. Mayor Landrieu appeared at the National Press Club on Tuesday, August 18, in Northwest, outlining New Orleans’s progression, obstacles and the seemingly never ending issue of violent crime. “In the last 10 years, New Orleans has had to deal with Hurricane Katrina, Rita, Ike, Gustav, the BP oil spill and the recession,” Mayor Landrieu said. “But by nature we’re resilient and won’t bow down. We went from a city being underwater to one of the fastest growing cities

in America.” Somewhere between 1,800 and 2,000 people died during the storm and in days after the skies had cleared. One million people were displaced and the city experienced upwards of $150 billion in damage. “It was an infrastructure and man-made failure of epic proportion,” Landrieu said. “But in the midst of death and destruction, the sun came up. Bodies were floating in the flooded New Orleans streets and people were stuck on rooftops for days under the blazing New Orleans sun.” “But neighbors helped neighbors

and pulled them out of the water,” the mayor added. While the hurricane virtually destroyed New Orleans, it did create an avenue of change for the city’s faltering school system. Some readers may consider listening to recent reports on National Public Radio [NPR] aired during the month of August where editors and reporters have led discussions about the efforts made to rebuild the city and other parts of the Gulf Coast. “Ten years ago New Orleans was considered one of the worst failing school systems in the country,” Landrieu said. “Today nearly every student attends a public charter school. Students are no longer confined by geography.” The mayor emphasized the city’s concentration on a stellar education system. In 2005, the graduation rate was at 50 percent, today it is at 73 percent. “We have fewer kids dropping out and more going to college than ever before,” he noted. “We’ve received $1.8 billion from the federal government that’s being used to rebuild and refurbish New Orleans public schools.” Mayor Landrieu cautions that while in 2014, New Orleans saw the lowest murder rate in 43 years the

city still has a long way to go. “The storm didn’t create all of our problems – this is a generational thing,” he said. “We are the most incarcerated city, in the most incarcerated state, in the most incarcerated country. But we’re pushing back against mass incarceration.” One way he’s tried to reduce the city’s daunting issue of homicides has been to form NOLA FOR LIFE – a comprehensive murder reduction strategy that uses five points for prevention, which includes street patrols. “In 2014, NOLA patrols made the streets safer, not the police officers. They were able to take some of the load off of the police officers,” Landrieu said. “African Americans are disproportionately killed. We must stop that. Black Lives Do Matter!” In a poll conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation and NPR, data indicated that New Orleans has made significant strides since Hurricane Katrina, but significant racial disparities continue to exist. The mayor contends that race is still something that people often find hard to discuss. “As much as we aspire to be in a post-racial world, we’re not there yet.”

While crime and race-related issues continue to be a source of blight for New Orleans, 78 percent of the residents are optimistic about its future, according to Landrieu. “We are in the midst of a retail and restaurant boom,” he said. “Over 600 restaurants have been added since Katrina. We are a global leader in emergency preparedness. We have invested $1.63 billion for new roads, parks and infrastructure.” “We’ve combatted homelessness since then – from 11,000 to 1,700. Our big four public housing communities that were once a source of pain, violence and drug activity have now been converted to a mixed-income community.” “We use to be called the barn water city, now some say we’re the new south. The new south is a beacon of life. Diversity is our greatest strength.” In three years New Orleans will celebrate its 300 year anniversary as a great American city. “The storm didn’t hit us because we are bad people. We should always remember our history and how far we’ve come,” Landrieu said. “We are America’s comeback city.” WI

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AROUND THE REGION review our options with respect to this decision and will respond once that process is complete.” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, in a printed statement said, “I support the decision against the proposed merger. Moving for-

ward, we want to ensure that D.C. utility ratepayers receive quality service, that we maintain and grow jobs in the District and that we keep D.C. on our continued path toward sustainability.” Meanwhile, Anthony T. Pierce,

chairman of the Greater Washington Board of Trade noted that reconsideration should be given immediately to welcoming “one of the leading electric power companies into the Greater Washington region.” WI

MERGER from Page 9

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A T I O N’

S

people eager to hear how the three-member Commission would rule. “The evidence in the record is that sale and change in control proposed in the merger would move us in the opposite direction,” she added. Referring to the lengthy process that led to her voting against the proposed merger, Kane said the following. “We gave ample opportunity to let all voices be heard and to [see] if points of compromise could have been reached. However, in the end, my view and the view of the Commission was that the merger application as filed is not in the public’s interest and is therefore denied,” she said. Fort said she weighed her decision carefully and had hoped that in the end, all sides would somehow benefit. However, in this case, she felt compelled to vote on the side of a large, boisterous community of D.C. activists and residents. “The proposed merger would diminish Pepco’s ability to directly raise issues that address the needs of District ratepayers while posing regulatory challenges for the Commission and the interested parties who participate in Commission proceedings,” Fort said. “This was a hard decision especially in light of the advocacy on both sides that has taken place.” Phillips said that while he voted against the merger, he felt “disappointed.” “I agree with my colleagues that the merger application as filed is a bad deal for the District,” he said. “However, I’m disappointed in the loss of the many opportunities that could

have achieved benefits for our local community and across the region. I will issue a separate statement concurring in part and dissenting in part with the Commission’s decision,” he said. D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh (Ward 3), who, along with four fellow members, drafted an op-ed that opposed the merger earlier this year, attended the Commission meeting and seemed unable to refrain from celebrating. In fact, a loud roar erupted after Kane made her announcement. “This is a great victory for the District of Columbia and its rate payers,” Cheh said. “I’m delighted that the Commission has determined that this was a bad deal. But I’m also surprised and almost shocked. I really believed that given the murkiness of this Commission that they would have approved the merger. The voices of the many public groups who opposed this deal were obviously heard.” Sandra Mattavous-Frye, representing the Office of the People’s Counsel, said she too was “pleasantly shocked.” “Even allowing for certain conditions, I just never saw any tangible benefits to our approving this merger,” she said. “With the changing landscape, it would not have been in the District’s best interest to enter into a partnership with a distribution-based company. It would have posed a real threat to us. So, this is a tremendous decision.” Exelon Corporation and Pepco Holdings, Inc. issued a joint statement Tuesday afternoon. “We are disappointed with the Commission’s decision and believe it fails to recognize the benefits of the merger to the District of Columbia and its residents and businesses. We will

N

Over 100 community leaders, business owners and residents attended the D.C. Public Service Commission meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 25 in Northwest with an announcement about a proposed merger on behalf of Pepco and Exelon weighing in the balance. /Photo by Travis Riddick

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Aug 27 - Sept 2, 2015

9

AROUND THE REGION

Farrakhan Enlists Black Press for March By D. Kevin McNeir WI Managing Editor As the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March approaches this fall, strategies continue to be formulated and plans solidified by District officials, leaders from the Nation of Islam, black leaders and now the publishers

of the black press. On Friday, the men and women who own and operate over 100 black publications nationwide participated in an exclusive and historic conversation with the Minister Louis Farrakhan, who heads the Nation of Islam and also serves as the national convener of the upcoming

march “Justice or Else 10-1015.” Over 60 publishers and editors joined Farrakhan, National Newspaper Publishers Association President and CEO Benjamin Chavis, NNPA Chairperson and Washington Informer publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, and Richard Muhammad, NNPA Re-

The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan visited Metropolitan AME Church in Northwest on June 24, 2015. /WI File Photo – Travis Riddick

gion 3 president representing the Final Call. When the first march occurred 20 years ago, the black press was instrumental in its success, getting out the word to blacks across the U.S. as October drew near. Barnes said it will play a similar role again. “We have our marching orders to tell the stories up to the date of the march and after,” said Barnes following the conference call. “It’s up to us to keep our communities informed and to empower them to carry on the vision that Minister Farrakhan has laid out.” The black press, including The Washington Informer, will be reporting on the march as plans continue to unfold with ongoing dialogue from Farrakhan, who said the march must take place because of the precarious situation in which blacks now find themselves. “The black race is not as strong as we could be or should be,” he said. “So, the struggle is on two fronts. We cannot go to Washington and appeal to the government to intercede so that black men and women receive justice in our courts but then leave our own communities in shambles with us killing one another. We have to take responsibility for our own communities and work together to rid the

10 Aug 27 - Sept 2, 2015

The Washington Informer

fratricidal conflict that we see all over America.” Farrakhan served as the spark for the Million Man March, which brought hundreds of thousands of black men of all ages, economic backgrounds, religious affiliations and levels of education together on the National Mall. During Friday’s conference call, the minister answered questions posed by members of the NNPA, emphasizing the need for black America to take control of its own destiny through shared economic strategies and greater support of black businesses, families, civil rights organizations and religious institutions. But he also criticized the policies of America that have led to the mass incarceration of black youth, failed public schools and colleges and generations of black families wallowing in poverty. “The struggle cannot end on October 10, 2015,” Farrakhan said. “It will take on a new dimension of strength after the 10th. We should have a legislative agenda. We’re not asking — we’re demanding what’s rightfully ours. We built this country. The world is before us if we take our own foot out of the way.” For more information on the march, visit justiceorelse.com.WI

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11

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

County, District Students Return to School By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer@jabariwill Garvens Vainqueur and Sandra Linguen saw balloons, television cameras, smiling politicians and a large pair of scissors on their first day of school Tuesday, Aug. 25 in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Vainqueur and Linguen are among 200 ninth-grade English-language learners enrolled at two new International High Schools in the county created to help recent immigrants and second-generation students adapt and receive a quality education. The schools are housed at the Annapolis Road Academy in Bladensburg and Largo High School in

12 Aug 27 - Sept 2, 2015

Largo, the first ever in the county and among 22 nationwide. “This is my first time ever at a new school,” said Garvens, 14, who moved to America four years ago from Haiti and attends the international school at Largo. “I want to have a good life and I hope this works out.” Sandra, 13, who also arrived in America four years ago but from Cameroon, looked over her class schedule at the academy with English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher Kristen Ford. “We are the first class to be here, so that’s cool,” Sandra said. Several officials visited the academy to not only tout the new interna-

Avry Davis 9, a student at Ridgecrest Elementary School in Adelphi, Maryland, is cautious while being led into the building on Tues., August 25 to begin the 2015 school year as a 4th grader. /Photo by Shevry Lassiter

tional high school, but also welcome the students amongst 129,000 pupils county-wide in the hopes of better

The Washington Informer

test scores, higher academic achievement and brighter futures. County schools CEO Kevin Maxwell participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremonies in Bladensburg and Largo and visited several other schools to bolster enthusiasm for the 2015-16 school year. “This is really one of the best days ever. I’m always excited the first day of school and the sense of opportunity and potential that it brings to us,” said Maxwell, who enters his third year leading the state’s second-largest school system. “The two international schools is something we are really proud of. We are really trying to address the needs of all our children.” Each international school has a cohort of 100 students with certain teachers working with the group throughout graduation. The schools, which currently have students from more than two dozen countries and speak about 19 languages, will eventually enroll up to 400 students. According to county data, there are 3,950 ESOL high school students this school year, up from about 2,450 last year. Maxwell announced last year a $3 million grant had been secured from the Carnegie Corporation of New York to help fund the two county International High Schools for English-language learners. They will work in partnership with CASA de Maryland in Hyattsville and the International Network of Public Schools also of New York City. In the Washington metropolitan area, T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia established one three years ago. A similar program launched last year at Cardozo High School in Northwest. However, not everyone supports the international high school concept. Bob Ross, Prince George’s NAACP president, said Monday,

Aug. 24 the organization continues to research the legality of operating those schools. He declined to comment further on whether the group plans to file a lawsuit to challenge the plan. NAACP officials have said the school system possibly violated the prohibition against separate but equal schools created in the landmark 1954 decision of the Brown v. School Board of Topeka, Kansas case. Meanwhile, students in the District’s 111 schools started their first day back on Monday, Aug. 24. Mayor Muriel Bowser, her staff and volunteers held “slow down” signs at various intersections in the city to encourage motorists to drive carefully as parents and their children headed to school. Back in Prince George’s, more staff and new programs are expected to help improve all 209 schools and centers. The school system hired new employees that include 869 teachers, 10 principals, six literacy coaches in the high schools and four central-office literacy specialists to support the coaches. A pilot program for Saturday School will launch in October at High Point High School in Beltsville. About 200 students from grades one to 12 will receive additional academic support and instruction. And the county’s arts integration program expanded at another 24 schools this year, increasing the total to 39. One school, Edward M. Felegy Elementary in Hyattsville, introduced the program last year that incorporates the arts curriculum – music, visual arts, dance and theater – into the core subjects of English, math and science. Selena Ward, arts program coordinator at Felegy, showed thirdgrade students Aug. 25 that they can use pictures, sheets of music and other materials to make a collage. “So, you got it? Ward asked. “Yes,” replied some of the students while smiling. As for the International High School students, some are ready to make a difference now. Lenora Byrom, 14, who moved to the U.S. a year ago from Liberia, must figure out which clubs at Largo to join. “I like math. I just like counting, multiplying, addition and subtraction,” she said. “I’ve played soccer [since] middle school. I play baseball and the piano. I’ll do something.”WI

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

County Fair Moving to Rosecroft

Jones said Rosecroft is charging about 75 percent less to rent its space. Lisa Watts, operations director at Rosecroft, could not be reached for

comment. The county fair, established in 1842, could not open at different dates because the same vendors and roller coaster operators will work at

the Maryland State Fair at the Timonium Fairgrounds Aug. 28-Sept. 7. The Charles County Fair runs from Sept. 17-20. Prince George’s fairgoers will see

some differences at Rosecroft. Because the property isn’t as big as the Upper Marlboro tract, only seven food vendors will be there instead of 13. WI

By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer@jabariwill Organizers of the Prince George’s County Fair aren’t too pleased these days. After 32 consecutive years of hosting Maryland’s longest-running fair at the Show Place Arena and Prince George’s Equestrian Center complex in Upper Marlboro, the corn dogs, petting zoo and other attractions will relocate to Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington. “To be there 32 years at the same place at the same time is how people know the fair,” said Joseph Jones, 61, a member of the fair’s board of directors who served as president last year. “They just shoved us away.” Officials with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, who helps manage and oversee all county park facilities, told fair volunteers earlier this year the Maryland Horse and Pony Show will use the Upper Marlboro complex Sept. 9-13. The fair hosts its annual event every second week in September, with games, rides and funnel cake outside at the Equestrian Center. It uses some of the 49,500 square feet of exhibitor space inside the Show Place Arena for residents to enter various contests such as flower arrangement, baked goods and woodworking. Rosecroft allows patrons to watch and bet on simulcasts horse races year round. Live racing at the horse track resumes Sept. 19. “It was the way the calendar fell with Labor Day [on Sept. 7], and it was about a week later than they usually have the fair,” Anita Pesses, spokeswoman for commission, said Wednesday, Aug. 20. “The date conflict for Labor Day is the only reason this happened.” Pesses said the commission helped the fair board to relocate at Rosecroft and provide security with officers from the Maryland-National Capital Park Police. Debbie Herbert, president of the fair board, agreed that happened. However, she said it still isn’t fair, especially when it costs $34,000 to rent the area in Upper Marlboro last year. “We were informed we were in the books, but I was told the horse and pony show gets those dates we wanted,” she said. “Honestly, the horse and pony show makes more money than we do. We are a small operation with volunteers. We do this because we enjoy it.”

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Aug 27 - Sept 2, 2015

13

Chamber, Auto Dealers Strike Deal for Dollars Blacks Projected to Spend $24 Billion on Car Industry for 2015 By Hazel Trice Edney This year alone, African Americans are projected to spend as much as $24 billion on new cars and other vehicles from America’s auto industry. Yet, research shows that, commensurate with their spending, Black consumers have little to show for their support of car dealerships, except the shiny new purchases in their driveways. That’s the reason that a new agreement between the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. [USBC] and the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers [NAMAD] was established to start solving that problem. The purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] is to forge relationships with Black vendors and suppliers with hopes to “open millions of dollars of opportunity to Black businesses across the nation,” said Ron Busby, president/CEO of the USBC. “The end goal of these agreements is to leverage USBC’s professional relation-

14 Aug 27 - Sept 2, 2015

BUSINESS BUSINESS EXCHANGE

Honor Julian Bond by Supporting the NAACP U. S. Black Chamber President/CEO Ron Busby strike deal with NAMAD President Damon Lester as Marc Bland, IHS vice president of diversity and inclusion, looks on. /Courtesy photo

ships to provide more tangible contracting opportunities for our small business members and to facilitate collaboration in the Black community.” Busby expressed his views on the new memorandum and what it means to Black auto dealers and the Black community as a whole. Washington Informer “The amount that African Americans spend on vehicles is 5.65” inappropriately unequal as it relates back to the number of dealerships that we own as well as

the amount of money that those particular brands market to the African-American consumer,” he said. “And so what we hope that this does – this new relationship that we’ve established – is we want to showcase the power of the African-American dollar and recirculate that dollar so that our Black dealers can now increase the number of employees that they have working on their staffs.”

BLACKCHAMBERS Page 16

The Washington Informer

Were you one of the people lamenting the passing of former NAACP Chairman Julian Bond? What of consequence are you doing to memorialize him and his works? A charismatic figure of the civil rights movement, Bond was a lifelong champion of equal rights, notably as chairman of the NAACP. Using their platforms to fund multi-million dollar foundations in Bond’s name, many so-called leadership figures took pride in recounting incidents in which they sparred and “took issue” with Bond during the years he headed the NAACP. It’s not so much that racism has ended in America. What troubled me was the dissention and discord that Bond and the NAACP experienced from African Americans over policy and direction. The organization’s invaluable role in and importance to the civil rights movement has since been eroded through rote repeat criticisms of the group. Many have concluded, particularly Black millennials, that the NAACP has become irrelevant. So much so that fewer blacks are joining the group. Many young professionals see no need for the NAACP as an organization or in their personal lives. They don’t even 6.5” consider supporting the NAACP. Some even say that the NAACP fuels racial tension by only advocating the perception of Blacks and only exists in order to make a few people rich through race baiting. Blacks are at the bottom of the American economy and Jews have risen to the top. If nine out of every 10 Blacks held membership and regularly supported the NAACP, as do Jews and B’nai B’rith perhaps we could weld similar power and leverage politically and economically. B’nai B’rith is the oldest Jewish service organization in the world and states that it is committed to the security and continuity of the Jewish peo-

By William Reed ple and the State of Israel. Is it possible, or even conceivable, that you could ever find a Jew who boasts of being aloof and apart from B’nai B’rith? Well, that’s the story of Blacks and the NAACP. With legally backed racial discrimination a thing of the past, the NAACP appears to have very little to do on behalf of today’s Black Americans – the very audience that group desperately needs to offset an aging and dwindling membership. While successful Jews often reach back to help their own to climb the ladder, many wealthy Blacks do not do the same. When Blacks become wealthy, or middle class and mainstream, it almost seems forbidden to reach back and lift up other Blacks. Our problem is low self-esteem and poor ethnic identification. We refuse to acknowledge our past as a proud foundation for us to build upon so we may become better citizens and, together, form a more perfect nation. Across America, you have no power if you don’t own something. There is no pride in a platform on which you sit if it can be taken away from you. The mission of the NAACP is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination. Its vision is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race. The NAACP says its membership numbers total 425,000, but records only show 50,000 paid members. The group’s $27 million annual operating budget is paltry compared to that of B’nai B’rith.

REED Page 15

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Robert Johnson, Playing By His Own Rules BET Founder Pushes Black Hiring, Launches New Network By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer Robert L. Johnson keeps tabs on BET because, well, he co-founded the network and, he said, it’s like a grandparent making sure the young ones are OK. The network, like so many other business ventures that the distinguished entrepreneur has owned and operated, continues to do well and remains a beacon in the black community. A symbol of leadership and an innovator, Johnson has a legacy that could ultimately be defined by what he’s accomplished to level the playing field for African-Americans and other minorities in corporate America. His RLJ Rule has grabbed the attention of some executives at Fortune 500 companies after already being endorsed by President Barack Obama and by members of the United States Senate who, led by Republican Tim Scott, recently passed a resolution establishing business best practices to fully utilize the potential of the country based on the RLJ Rule. “It’s a way to break up the old boys system, the mindset,” said Johnson, 69. “Hiring is a process busy people do when they have to fill a position. It’s a natural kind of behavior when a position is open to check their email list, see who they went to school with, who they play golf with and the next thing you know, African-Americans are left out.” That’s exactly what Johnson proposes to change with the RLJ Rule, which encourages companies to voluntarily implement a plan to interview a minimum of two qualified minority candidates for every job opening at the vice president level and above. Johnson also wants companies to interview at least two qualified minority-owned firms for vendor and supplier services contracts before awarding a new company contract to a vendor. He said the decision by Xerox this month to implement their version of the RLJ Rule will hopefully motivate other Fortune 500 companies to recognize the compelling need to encourage minority and ethnic diversity in hiring at every level and to encourage procurement opportunities for qualified minority businesses. “We are not telling people that they have to hire African-Americans; what

REED from Page 14 Black Americans are right to mourn and pay homage to Bond’s monumental and hardfought contributions to our struggles. Across the board, Blacks ought to also make it a point to pay homage to the

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Robert L. Johnson /Courtesy photo

we want is for them to be given an opportunity,” Johnson said, noting that the approach has worked well for him. “Tom Baltimore, who is responsible for all of the activities of my RLJ Development, was working at Hilton Hotels, and he wasn’t in line to be a CEO. I gave him a chance and now he’s a CEO,” Johnson said. “The point is to make certain that minorities are given an opportunity to compete as equals and contribute with their talents to the growth of the economy both nationally and on a global scale. Also, once you bring them in for an interview, it may be that they don’t get that job, but when something else comes up, they are in your database and you know them.” Naturally, Johnson said he’s not trying to bully anyone into adopting the rule or mandating that they hire minorities. “The RLJ Rule is principally designed to encourage companies to voluntarily establish a best practices policy to identify and interview the tremendous talent pool of minority individuals and businesses that are often overlooked because of traditional hiring or procurement practices,” he said. It’s also a sort of spinoff of the NFL’s “Rooney” Rule which mandates that teams interview minorities for coaching and executive positions. The league can impose a $1 million fine against teams that fail to adhere to the rule. In his petitions to the Senate and to those in corporate America, Johnson hasn’t advocated a fine, in part because it could not be enforceable and it’s not something he’d like to force-feed anyone.

Born in Hickory, Mississippi, in 1946, Johnson founded BET in 1979 with his wife, Sheila. He became the first African-American billionaire after selling the network to Viacom in 2001. Johnson has since started a new business, the RLJ Companies, and has invested in a National Basketball Association team, a film company, and political causes and campaigns. His latest venture, the Urban Movie Channel, launched earlier this year. The online and subscription-based channel features urban-themed movies and live stand-up comedy performances by such stars as Kevin Hart and Jamie Foxx. “UMC was designed so that the African-American and urban creative community could directly reach consumers in a way that removes many of the restrictions associated with the legacy content development and distribution models,” Johnson said. “As more video is consumed over broadband, we believe that we can quickly become the preeminent provider of quality urban entertainment to what has largely been an underserved, yet highly engaged audience.” The channel and RLJ Entertainment is yet another avenue that provides African-Americans and other minorities an opportunity to showcase their talents and express themselves, Johnson said. “We’re committed to given opportunities and the new digital world can create amazing success stories,” he said. “It’s an example of what I did with BET.” WI

NAACP’s continuing role and importance in that struggle. To honor Bond and the venerable NAACP, consider joining your local NAACP chapter. Or make a donation to the University of Virginia College and Graduate School of Arts and Science where Bond served

as an instructor of civil rights and social justice to assist in the continued teaching and scholarship of the civil rights era. WI William Reed is publisher of “Who’s Who in Black Corporate America” and available for projects via Busxchng@his.com

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Aug 27 - Sept 2, 2015

15

NATIONAL

Watts Riots – Fifty Years Later By Curtis Bunn Urban News Service Fifty years ago, Watts was ablaze, a black Los Angeles neighborhood exasperated with racial inequities, and some lashed out with gasoline. The once-thriving district exhibits little of the promised revitalization. The people and leaders of Ferguson, Missouri, and Baltimore — cities burned after the police-involved deaths of black men — should take note. They also must rebuild after the reactions to Michael Brown and Freddie Gray’s fatalities. Can they learn from Watts’ legacy? The 1965 episode called the “Watts riots” is, instead, dubbed an “uprising” or “rebellion” — anything but a “riot” — by those associated with redevelopment efforts. Violence ignited in Watts that Aug. 11 after police tangled with those who gathered around a

black motorist suspected of drunken driving. The ensuing six-day conflagration was fueled largely by pain over bigotry. “There were more than 30 or 40 black-owned businesses in Watts. Now, you can count the black-owned businesses here on one hand. It’s shameful,” said Minister Mac Shorty, a seasoned community leader. Since ’65, multiple commissions have pledged reconstruction funds, including $1.3 billion for housing. Watts still waits. And, Shorty, among others, is irate. “People have been perpetuating a fraud for years, and it’s hurting the community,” Short said. There’s very little to show in the way of development. … There’s no major trauma center. Schools continue to suffer …. This is something Ferguson and Baltimore … have to look at.” Chris Jordan, executive director of Grant Housing and Economic Development, moved to

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The streets of Watts were burned to the ground during the riots that took place 50 years ago. /Courtesy photo

Watts in 1965 at age 2. “There are areas that have seen progress and areas that have not. … People are ready for change,” Jordan said. Jordan said improvement other cities hope to achieve with police already have happened in Watts. “Now it’s a much more amicable relationship.” But not much else in Watts has appreciated. Most businesses never were replaced. Jobs went up in smoke. Today public housing projects dominate. Businesses seem uninterested in moving in.

BLACKCHAMBERS from Page 14 “We have fewer dealers that are owned by Black folk now than we’ve ever had in history. Yet, we have more Black consumers who are buying vehicles than we ever had. We’ve just got to support them like we have to support our Black banks as well as our Black media.” NAMAD President Damon Lester said there’s been a drastic decrease in Black-owned dealerships. There were only 252 at the end of 2014. That’s down from a peak ownership of 795 in 2005, Lester said. That’s a 31 percent reduction in ownership in less than 10 years. The USBC has researched several national industries to find ways to recirculate dollars back into Black businesses and the community at large. Last year the organization focused on travel and tourism “and we said we were going to spend more money with Black hotel owners,” Busby added. The year before that, it was Black-owned banks. But, the automobile industry is a special challenge given the The Washington Informer

Jordan co-chairs the Watts Reimagined Organization, which attracts resources to Watts. “When you get away from the real emotions of it all, you allow an opportunity to view hope for Watts,” Jordan said. He points to a coalition of people with a vested interest in Watts’ growth. Jordan cited Grant Housing’s purchase of a blighted, empty building and the creation of the Watts Reimagined Pop Up. This youth facility offers a photo booth, wall climbing, a Watts history exhibit and an entertainment stage.

He said the coalition’s primary goal is to create businesses near the train station, which is near freeways. “Because of Watts’ positioning, we can do a lot of job-building and economic development and make it a place to live and work,” Jordan said. “It will take some time.” Homicides in Los Angeles have dropped from more than 1,000 in 1992 to less than 300 in the last two years. Gang intervention programs like Chapter TWO have reduced gang activity. But many residents fear leaving home because gangs persist. Los Angeles Police Department Officer Mark Durell told the Los Angeles Times: “We can’t do it all. … It’s everybody.” Shorty of the Watts Neighborhood Council said a significant fix, even after 50 years, “would take another 50 years. I won’t see the kind of change this place deserves. I hope my kids see it.” Jordan disagreed. “In six-toeight months, you’ll see more progress and programs. A lot of plans sat on shelves. We’ve taken the plans and studied them to execute actionable change. It’s not easy. But we’re determined.”WI

“We want to showcase the power of the African-American dollar and recirculate that dollar so that our Black [automobile] dealers can now increase the number of employees that they have working on their staffs.” – Ron Busby comeback of the industry, which nearly collapsed seven years ago. A multi-billion dollar government bailout largely saved the industry, but Black-owned dealerships have continued to struggle having lost thousands of employees. Marc Bland, vice president for diversity and inclusion for IHS Automotive, which provides statistics and information on the automobile industry among others, says the USBC has the right strategy to deal with the issues – not only as they pertain to the automobile industry, but others as well. Bland said blacks represent about 8 percent of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. By April of this year, Blacks had bought

373,901 vehicles, which, at a conservative $25,000 per vehicle, could end up at $24 billion by the end of this year. He listed the eight top brands selling most to blacks as the following in order of sales: Toyota, Nissan, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Kia, Hyundai and Dodge. Another issue often discussed in USBC circles is the question of how to convince African-American consumers to support black-owned businesses. With an estimated spending power of $1.1 trillion, Black economic power continues to grow exponentially. But, the average Black dollar only stays six hours within the community, the USBC stated in a release.WI

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Aug 27 - Sept 2, 2015

17

HEALTH

Menthol Ban Could Impact Blacks By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer The illegal trafficking of cigarettes along Interstate 95 and in areas across the country has already presented numerous revenue loss and law enforcement problems, but a government ban on menthol cigarettes would create far greater issues, according to police, cigarette makers and others. Two years ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in Silver Spring, Maryland, came close to issuing a ban on menthol cigarettes and some regulators have remained steadfast in their attempts to outlaw them. “When you talk about banning menthol, well if you think you have smuggling problems now wait until that happens,” said Bryan D. Hatch-

ell, a spokesman for Reynolds American Incorporated, the parent company of tobacco giant R.J. Reynolds. Illegal tobacco markets are a crime challenge for governments at all levels and smuggling and the sale of fake cigarettes can fuel a range of criminal activities, ranging from fencing or money laundering to, at worst, violent crimes, said Petersburg Virginia Police Chief John I. Dixon, III, who serves on President Barack Obama’s Firearms Commission. Dixon, a past president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives – NOBLE – said some advocate regulatory action that could make the problem worse by banning menthol cigarettes, which constitute nearly a third of U.S. cigarette sales.

Cigarettes like Newport and Salem, a favorite among African Americans, could eventually face ban. /Courtesy photo

“Banning menthol cigarettes appear to be a back-burner issue at this time with the Food and Drug Administration but the prospect nonetheless deserves careful examination by anyone interested in crime, is-

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sues of decriminalization and the relationship between the black community and law enforcement,” Dixon said. Banning menthol would be a 21st century attempt at prohibition – a past failure of government to restrict a previously legal product, the chief added. “Unfortunately, a menthol ban would be yet another example of government action that disproportionately targets the black community, since roughly 80 percent of black smokers prefer menthol cigarettes,” he said. “People will want to find a way to get menthol cigarettes. If they are illegal, it will increase the interactions with law enforcement, leading to increased disproportionate arrests and incarceration of blacks.” Menthols had a near-death experience in 2009 when Congress passed the Tobacco Control Act which gave the FDA new powers to regulate cigarettes and banned several types of flavored cigarettes – clove chocolate and fruit-flavored smokes, for example. Lawmakers exempted menthol in part because of lobbying from minority groups, according to “The Week” writer Peter Weber. Three major African-American groups urged Congress to leave menthols alone, arguing that it would unfairly affect black smokers and citing concerns about creating a black market for Kools, Newports and Salems. The FDA insisted that a ban wasn’t inevitable, but it did open a 60-day public comment period to help “determine what, if any, regulatory action with respect to menthol in cig-

arettes is appropriate.” That could mean anything from putting restrictions on advertising to an outright ban. “We all know that cigarette smoking is dangerous and leads to disease. Again, let me reiterate that just as with drugs I do not think that people should smoke,” Dixon said. “It is a dangerous product that produces heart disease, stroke, cancer and death. However, we cannot make progress on the drug front with decriminalization while asking police officers to chase down and incarcerate people for smoking menthol cigarettes while allowing others to smoke other types of cigarettes,” he said. Further as an organization, NOBLE remains concerned that illegal activity associated with banning menthol cigarettes could be another challenge for criminal justice in the black community; burden law enforcement, judicial, and prison systems; and divert needed resources from more pressing problems. Organization officials said blacks already suffer from racial disparities in arrests and sentences that expose them to selective prosecution in the “war on drugs,” and this could be exacerbated with this proposed menthol prohibition. “Criminal justice reform is a real possibility and it needs to move forward at the federal, state and local levels,” Dixon said. “With that said, we cannot and should not establish public policy that makes the situation even worse, especially when it is so preventable.”WI

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Back-to-School Basics: Annual Check-ups and Vaccines Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia Summer break is coming to a close. Soon, your child will head back to school with their pencils, notebooks and a backpack. Your child’s school may have a checklist for the things students need. In addition to items on that list, your child will need to see the doctor and be vaccinated before classes start. Your Child’s Check-up and Vaccines Be sure to visit your child’s primary care provider (PCP) before the first day of school. The PCP will perform a check-up and give your child vaccines (shots) they need. If your child is an AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia (DC) member, they will be in the HealthCheck Program. This is also called Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT). The program starts right after your child is born and lasts until your child turns 21. The HealthCheck Program gives your child a number of important checkups. Your child’s PCP will provide or help your child get these services. Check-ups allow the doctor to see if your child is growing and developing properly. During the check-up, the PCP will give your child the shots they need. Just like the ones your child got at birth, your child needs shots before school starts. Every child, from preschoolers to college students, needs vaccines. Attending school without being vaccinated is unsafe for your child and their classmates. Vaccines can prevent several deadly diseases, including the measles. It’s important for your child to get all necessary shots before the first day of school. In fact, it’s required by law. Ask your child’s doctor if they recommend any other vaccines to keep your child safe, like the flu shot. Your Child’s Health Action Plan If your child has asthma or other conditions, be sure to have an action plan for when they are at school. An asthma action plan shows the daily medicine that should be taken, how to control asthma and how to handle asthma attacks. Your child’s doctor can help you create an asthma action plan. Share this plan and other important documents with your child’s teachers and the school nurse. Supply the nurse with enough of your child’s medicines and their medicine schedule. It is also important for them to have any emergency medicine your child uses, like a rescue inhaler. Make sure the school has everything they need to keep your child safe and healthy. Vision and Learning It’s important to know if your child can see well before attending school. To check, visit your child’s eye doctor. Good vision can help with learning. If your child has trouble seeing up close, they may have issues learning to read. If seeing far away is hard, your child may not be able to read the blackboard. Of course, there are safety issues, too. If your child walks to school, it can be unsafe crossing the street with blurry vision. Seeing an eye doctor is the only sure way to know if your child’s eyes are healthy. Get your child’s eyes checked every year to be aware of any changes as he or she grows.

Student Enrollment If your child is attending a District of Columbia Public School (SCPS), you will need to complete Student Enrollment and Health Forms. Some of the forms include: • Student enrollment form • Residency verification • Home language survey • Health certificate and assessment New students will also need 1 proof-of-age document, which can include: • A birth certificate • Hospital records • Previous school records • A passport • A baptismal certificate To complete these forms, visit dcps.dc.gov/DCPS and type “Enrollment Checklist” in the search bar. Ready, Set, Learn! The classroom is an important place for children to learn and feel safe. It’s also great for social development. With the back-to-school checklists complete, your child is ready to tackle the first day of the school year. And with vaccines checked off, your child should have fewer sick days. That’s more time to learn. AmeriHealth Caritas DC wishes your child a safe and healthy school year full of knowledge and success! Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and District of Columbia Public Schools All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model.

…because I get a physical and the shots I need every year. I’m D’Eric. I’m not a little kid anymore, but I know that it’s still important to see my doctor for regular check-ups. She gives me good advice to help me grow up healthy and strong! To see the I am healthy series and get tips on ways to stay healthy, visit www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com/iamhealthy or scan the QR code with your mobile application. SM

5400ACDC-1422-63

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Aug 27 - Sept 2, 2015

19

EDUCATION

Students who are

Good Soil: The Overlooked Aspect of School Reform

fortunate enough to live

“And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” Mark 4:8, English Standard Version

educational learning have

The importance of the home and community role in student learning has for years been shouted by a small but unwavering group of researchers and reform advocates. Even so, the home and community role in student learning is still largely viewed as a marginal appendage to school-based education reform efforts, rather than a significant aspect of overall student learning. In an email to Jim Windham, president of the Texas Institute for Education Reform, surgeon Dr. Eric Chang-Tung expressed a view of the significance of home and community’s role in student learning which may offer a new way of viewing its significance. In his email he wrote, “While successful education delivery is the goal, I personally believe that the substrate (individual student) is more of a problem than the delivery platform (teacher).” Later in the same email, he continued, “I believe that a successful education requires both controlling the teaching

platform but also addressing the substrate.” He goes on to write, “… there needs to be as much effort spent on the student substrate and environment as the teaching platform. This is missing from the current equation…” While the term “substrate” is seldom found in education jargon, it is a fixture in the lexis of biochemistry, materials science and engineering, biology, chemistry, geology and other scientific fields. A search for definitions produces phrases such as: “the surface or material on or from which an organism lives, grows, or obtains its nourishment,”1 or “the earthly material in which an organism lives, or the surface or medium on which an organism grows or is attached.”2 From a biological point of view, we can easily see the relevance of the term. For instance, it is widely understood that the quality of plants grown in one’s garden is significantly affected by the quality of the garden’s soil – the plant’s substrate. A gardener knows well that plants grown in a poor environment 1. http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/ substrate 2 http://www.biology-online. org/dictionary/Substrate

in a home and community environment that consistently supports their a heightened potential for academic success because they are rooted in good soil. It is time to make a much more concerted effort to ensure that all children have the high-quality substrate they need to be Rod Paige

successful.” – Rod Paige

with inadequate moisture, a deficiency of proper nutrients and poorly cultivated soil, will not achieve the quality of production desired, no matter how carefully the gardener tends to the plants themselves. For this reason, the gardener not only nurtures the plants by providing proper pruning, appropriate spacing, removal of weeds, and protection from pests, but also goes to great lengths to improve the soil in which the plants live, grow, or

obtain their nourishment. In other words, the gardener cares for both the plants and their substrate. Similarly, providing a high-quality education for students requires not only effective schools, great teaching, and parental choice, but also attention to the substrate in which students live and grow and from which they obtain their nourishment. Achieving this nation’s public-school education goals will require

attention to students’ school environment and to their home and community environments as well. The education literature is brimming with research and expert opinions supporting the concept that students’ home and community play a major role in their academic learning. Research confirms that students are far more likely to be successful in school when their parents constantly express and exhibit the importance of education; check homework; have regular contact with teachers and school administration; attend school events; and have regular discussions with their children about school programs, activities, and classes. Students who are fortunate enough to live in a home and community environment that consistently supports their educational learning have a heightened potential for academic success because they are rooted in good soil. It is time to make a much more concerted effort to ensure that all children have the high-quality substrate they need to be successful. Rod Paige served as U.S. secretary of education from 2001 through 2005WI

BY 2020, 76 PERCENT OF JOBS IN THE DISTRICT WILL REQUIRE EDUCATION BEYOND A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED The DC ReEngagement Center offers free support to individuals 16-24 living in the District with getting back in school and finding a job, housing or child care. Make sure the young people in your neighborhood know they do not have to do this alone. Refer them to the DC ReEngagement Center to help get them back on track. For more information, call 202-671-2539.

Source: Center on Education and the Workforce, Georgetown University 2012

District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education

20 Aug 27 - Sept 2, 2015

The Washington Informer

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VOL. 1, NO. 7

AUG. 2015

THINKING ABOUT TODAY, PREPARING FOR TOMORROW

Web : http://washingtoninformer.com/news/wi-bridge/

Facebook : www.facebook.com/wibridgecommunity

Email : wibridge@washingtoninformer.com

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CONTENTS

EDITOR’S LETTER

PUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes

Nicki Minaj Wax Figure Sparks Questions 3 ThinkProgress: Ferguson One Year Later 4 Gary Clark, Jr.: Contemporary Musical Revolutionary 5 Thursday Network: Empowering Communities, Changing Lives 6-7 WI Bridge Viewpoints 8

ON THE COVER

University of Maryland (UMD) student and America Reads member Shanai Browne read aloud to a student during Career Day at Cool Springs Elementary School in Adelphi, Maryland in June. That day, pre-kindergarteners drew pictures answering the question of “Where would you fly to if you were a pilot for a day?” Each semester, America Reads, created in the 1990s as part of the Clinton administration’s national literacy campaign, places UMD students in more than 60 Prince George’s County public schools. Mentors work one-on-one with three students, helping them sharpen their reading and writing skills. Browne, a biochemistry major at the College Park campus, has been involved with the program since 2011. / Photo by Dejah Greene

2| WI BRIDGE

Dear WI Bridge readers, Our last issue, themed “A Dream Unfulfilled,” took a pulse of Millennial attitudes toward government, and let’s just say that there’s work to be done. Some may describe that edition, and anything we do as a publication, a warped and overzealous indictment of those in position of power. It’s far from it. We consider our work nothing but community journalism in its purest form. Young people in the United States and abroad are frustrated with the status quo. Contrary to the belief of some, we want to right wrongs and advance our society the way our ancestors would have intended. The events of the last couple years have shown that. As a community media organization, we’re giving young reporters and writers a chance to document history and make a statement. The saga continues with the latest issue of WI Bridge, themed “Thinking about Today, Preparing for Tomorrow.”

members of the Thursday Network look back on the help they’ve given residents of different ages this summer. Our national article, courtesy of ThinkProgress justice reporter Carimah Townes, features the young people on the frontlines of the Ferguson movement a year after Mike Brown’s death. Our two culture pieces delve into blue’s place as a mode of social commentary and the politics of female sexuality. WI Bridge staff photographer Dejah Greene also asks Millennials how they give back to their communities in the “Viewpoints” section. Their responses are very interesting.

STAFF Sam P.K. Collins Editor-in-Chief

Chelsea Fuller Editor

REPORTERS

We hope that you enjoy our assortment of think pieces and news. It’s our pleasure serving the community and we look forward to do more work in highlighting the positivity in D.C. and shedding light on issues that need our attention.

Melvin Graham

Loren B. Coleman, Ph.D.

Yours in the Struggle, Sam P.K. Collins Editor-in-Chief WI Bridge

If you’re a proponent of kujichagulia (Swahili for self-determination), then you will surely love this issue. In it,

Ambre Tomlinson

PHOTOGRAPHER MISSION STATEMENT The WI Bridge sets out to highlight contemporary issues through the experiences of youth and capture the progressive, entrepreneurial spirit of the Millennial generation other publications gloss over. Writers will take to streets and feature people, programs, initiatives, and movements that uniquely address prominent youth issues. This hard-hitting coverage will lay to rest misconceptions of Generation Y and bring all to an understanding of diverse youth experiences.

Dejah Greene

LAYOUT Kelcey Abney

“The controversy points to a paradox. Black women are often blamed for their objectification, while also made to feel they do not control their bodies.”

NICKI MINAJ WAX FIGURE SPARKS QUESTIONS By Daria-Ann Martineau WI Bridge Guest Columnist @carbibeancurly In the summer of 2014, revered artist Kara Walker unveiled her much discussed piece “A Subtlety, or the Marvelous Sugar Baby.” The sculpture, a nude “Mammy” sugar statue in a provocative, sphinx-like pose, was mostly praised by critics. However, it was also subject to crude gestures and “selfies” from viewers. Roughly a year later, rapper and singer Nicki Minaj’s image was unveiled at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. The likeness is taken from her recordbreaking “Anaconda” video in which Minaj brags about her sexual conquests as her male rap counterparts often do. It also displays her slicing phallic foods like bananas, and swatting a crestfallen Drake’s hands away from her behind. The video sexualizes Nicki Minaj, but with a clear message-- she celebrates her sexuality for her own enjoyment, not that of a man’s. Many have been disappointed with the museum’s positioning of her on all fours, and with the ensuing lewd gestures from museum-goers. With this public reaction, the female rap artist’s image has renewed the conversation around the sexualization of black female bodies. However, many fail to answer or even ask the question: who is in control of this sexualization? Some critics, such as rapper Azealia Banks blame Madame Tussauds, allegedly tweeting “Wow, they finally give Nicki Minaj a wax figure and it’s a statue of her bent over on all fours…… White people yo….” The tweet, widely quoted online, appears to have been

deleted. While blogger Rhapsodani writes, “The saddest thing about this is Nicki’s approval. I’m only assuming she had some type of approval and if she did, that’s what’s wrong here. We’ve gotten so used to our image being abused as black women that we mindlessly abuse it ourselves.” Both Banks and Rhapsodani agree in their distaste for the image, but place the blame on different parties. The controversy points to a paradox: Black women are often blamed for their objectification, while also made to feel they do not control their bodies. Nicki Minaj has expressed appreciation for her statue. “I love it and I can’t wait to see it” she posted on Instagram, but has since also expressed disappointment at patrons’ lewd behaviour. While she may have been in creative control of her video, she cannot exercise this same control over her image’s reception on camera or in wax. This same problem was presented in Walker’s “Subtlety.” The sculpture, much like Nicki Minaj’s video, is meant to challenge the public’s discomfort with black female bodies, particularly those that are full-figured and thus deemed more provocative. Though one can posture that Minaj wanted the same effect when she approved the use of that image for her statue, one cannot know. Madame Tussaud’s statues are meant to be interactive. However, Minaj seems genuinely surprised at visitors’ behavior: “Why must y’all b this way (pensive emoji)...” she tweets. Walker, on the other hand, is fully aware of people’s crass tendencies when she reveals months later that she has secretly filmed her audience, and has turned their

reactions into a movie. “I put a giant 10-foot vagina in the world and people respond to giant 10-foot vaginas in the way that they do. It’s not unexpected… Sometimes I get a sort of kick out of... that there’s gotta be this way to sort of control human behavior….I’ve got a lot of footage of that [behavior]. I was spying” Walker tells the Los Angeles Times. While Walker’s actions seem far more intentional, both her and Nicki Minaj’s statues serve as challenges to their audiences to confront their views on black female sexuality. Both audiences have members who meet this challenge with disappointing results. But the problem is certainly not exclusive to black women. In 2002, Madame Tussauds unveiled a similar statue of Australian popstar, Kylie Minogue, which also received obscene treatment from visitors. However, blackness further complicates the narrative when you consider the history of slave rape, medical experimentation, and other forms of misogynoir. Nobody blamed Minogue for the crass interactions with her statue. However, many feel that the historical devaluing of black, female bodies makes Nicki Minaj’s objectification that much worse: an attempt to literally bring a powerful black woman to her knees. She is thus burdened with a greater responsibility to avoid such reduction. While Minaj and Walker have race and gender in common, there are two major differences that make Minaj more vulnerable: First, Walker’s image is of an archetype while Minaj’s is of herself. Secondly, the divide between “high” and “low” art complicates things. Undoubtedly, someone is reading

this piece wondering how I can even compare Minaj to Walker. Walker is praised in academic circles and funded by institutions like the MacArthur Foundation, Nicki Minaj is a rapper, purveyor of a 40-year-old artform that still struggles for mainstream acceptance. Minaj’s stance within the “lower” art form-- one with a deeprooted history of misogyny-- for many, further lowers our perception of her, and hinders us from acknowledging her agency regarding her sexuality and image. Is Nicki Minaj ultimately controlling her sexuality and its perception? The answer is more complex than the issues of racism and gender combined. She undoubtedly makes choices that influence viewers, but those choices cannot excuse others’ inappropriate behaviour. Sexuality, like art, is as much interactive as it is personal. Though Minaj is a public figure, she is, in the end, the only one who needs to be comfortable with how she is portrayed regarding either art or sex. Daria-Ann Martineau was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago. She received an MFA in poetry writing from NYU. She is an alumna of the Callaloo Creative Writing Workshop, The Saltonstall Arts Colony and the Bread Loaf Writers Conference. Her work has been published in The Collagist, Narrative Magazine and Kinfolks Quarterly, among others. In 2014, she was named one of Narrative’s “30 below 30” and her poem, “Mine” was chosen as one of their “Top Five Poems of the Week” for 2013-14. She lives in Washington, D.C.

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THINKPROGRESS: FERGUSON ONE YEAR LATER By Carimah Townes

Justice Reporter, ThinkProgress @carimahwheat Sunday marks the one-year anniversary of Michael Brown’s death at Officer Darren Wilson’s hands in Ferguson — the spark that ignited a national movement of protest against police violence and racial inequality. One year later, that movement is nowhere

indictment, the coalition started the Books and Breakfast program to feed the stomachs — and minds — of Ferguson residents, aged 13 to 30. According to co-founder Tory Russell, the monthly program brought a newfound political energy to the community. “We pick political themes that directly affect [them]. Two months ago, we did Patrice Lumumba, a community organizer who became the first

HUU also provides space for male and female conversation circles where people — however they identify — can gather once a month to discuss community affairs. “We talk about everything: education, economics, inter-community crime. We’ve actually tried to do all things — not just a police brutality banner but a more holistic look at how we solve systemic racism, and how that intersects with class and gender,” Russell said.

reduce grocery costs. “These programs are ways for neighbors to meet and have peaceful communities and show that police don’t have to be called. We can solve our own problems. And hopefully when police come, people are politicized in a way that they know their rights,” Russell said. “It’s a long road, so a lot of legislation and concessions that we would want are just not being met on the state, local, or

“It’s part of a continuum of struggle that black people have been a part of since the inception of this nation. I think that what Ferguson did was wake consciousness in a way that provoked action in other cities with similar landscapes.” near finished. The cameras may have left, but dynamic grassroots programs are changing Ferguson while no one is watching. Since last August, four separate Department of Justice (DOJ) reports have been released, detailing raciallydiscriminatory and exploitative policing, officer misconduct and mismanagement during the unrest that followed Brown’s death, and a troubled Family Court system. Members of law enforcement have been ousted, a new interim police chief has stepped in, and the Ferguson City Council has diversified. But the bulk of the changes have happened because of community organizations that focus on the specific needs of Ferguson residents. Take Hands Up United (HUU), a coalition that first banded together to demand a special prosecutor to review Brown’s death and has since launched several educational programs for adults and youth. Before Wilson’s non4 | WI BRIDGE

independently-elected president of the Congo. We take historical and current issues to connect to every day lives, and we do that around a healthy breakfast,” he said. “We have breakouts with the kids and parents. That leads to informal political education and community organizing, so these conversations continue for weeks. By the end of the year we will see over 1,000 families.” The same coalition launched the Roy Clay Sr. Tech Impact Initiative to teach students web programming skills and prepare them for tech-industry jobs. The initiative, named after the co-creator of the Hewlett-Packard laptop who was raised in Ferguson, came to fruition when youth in Ferguson tried to support black businesses in the area and noticed a dearth of media and promotional materials. The businesses were there — there was just no way to find them. Tech Impact was devised to teach youth how to use the internet to uplift those businesses and strengthen local networks to keep the movement alive.

Freedom Schools run by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) have also popped up in Ferguson and other St. Louis communities, where youth aged 15 to 23 meet to discuss “poverty, race & racism, and internalized racial oppression,” according to Peace Education Program Director Joshua Saleem. Three school sessions have convened since the fall, allowing young people to grapple with systemic oppression and develop ways to stay engaged in the struggle. Community gardens are springing up as well. By contributing to them, Saleem told ThinkProgress, “youth and community members gain the skills and capacity to build community, critically analyze issues, implement community action projects that address health inequities (regarding food justice and urban gardening), build long-term community assets, and advance policies and practices that support the health of their communities.” Along the same lines, HHU is currently setting up a food pantry supplied by local growers to

federal level.” However, the progress that has been made in Ferguson is considered a victory for local residents and has inspired the Black Lives Matter movement over the past year. “It’s part of a continuum of struggle that black people have been a part of since the inception of this nation. I think that what Ferguson did was wake consciousness in a way that provoked action in other cities with similar landscapes,” Kayla Reed of the Organization for Black Struggle (OBS) explained to ThinkProgress. “A lot of people look to Ferguson and the leadership that has emerged out of that space for guidance and support.” This piece can be viewed in its entirety at http://thinkprogress.org/ justice/2015/08/05/3687679/whatferguson-looks-like-one-year-later/.

GARY CLARK, JR.: CONTEMPORARY MUSICAL REVOLUTIONARY

Gary Clark, Jr. / Courtesy photo, © Sweet Alize https://www.flickr.com/photos/alizetranphoto/9681428056/sizes/l

By Adolf Alzuphar WI Bridge Guest Columnist @alzuphar For the last five years, black guitarist and actor Gary Clark Jr. has offered a unique explanation of human and American conditions through the blues, a traditional but relatively unpopular genre. On September 11th, the journey continues on his second studio album, The Story of Sonny Boy Slim. This work follows his 2012 album, Blak and Blu, a modern testament to the black experience that uses blues, rhythm and metaphorical lyrics rooted in dated language. The album’s name uses modern deformations with “Blak” meaning black and “Blu” meaning blue. One of Clark’s songs, ‘When My Train Pulls In” calls to mind images of the 1950s -- “every day nothing seems to change… sometimes I feel like I was born to lose”. He later said he will “be ready when [his] train comes in.” This song gives hope for a better future, serving as an anthem for modern black aspiration, through blues rhythm and language. Clark’s music, a cultural project by which he makes modern traditional American rhythms and language, should

be seriously debated. It presents us with a difficult to understand past. He has taken a plunge that will enrich American culture. A great example of his presenting, or representing, the American past is the first song on Blak and Blu, “Ain’t Messin’ ‘Round.” In it, Clark plays concert blues, a subgenre of blues made for the concert stage. Except in the case of Jimi Hendrix, concert guitar has generally been a “thing for white bands.” In this song, Clark brings back the concert guitar to the blues, where it originated, the soul of the black experience according to Amiri Baraka, and the origins of modern rock and roll music. He, again metaphorically, sings that he “don’t wanna be your exhibition.” Clark combines traditional fight and the origins of concert guitar. We can only guess to what he’s alluding. No society’s concept is a fixed entity as some members of it want it to be. This goes for music. Newly conceived musical genres should not merit all of our attention. In Clark, we find musician that can mean to the lives that we lead in the 21st century. But he’s not the only one to do so. Wynton Marsalis too makes traditions

present with an understanding of American society, an intellectually poor descendant of the enlightenment and individualism that accompanies democracy and revolution because of the irresponsibility of certain local elites. We’re surrounded by entities musicians criticize today. The National Endowment of the Arts, for instance, has less than $200 million at its disposal. Public broadcasting is a shame. It’s the defense budget and American diplomacy however, point to a couple things: the existence of C. Wright Mills’ revolving door elite and a need among that group to create a global economy in accordance with American ideologies. Though many artists do it, stepping back to understand this method will lead us to Clark’s profound social thought. Black music has always been a complex enterprise, and a way to break away, rebel, and to help others fight against a society that doesn’t have their interests in mind. As philosopher Edouard Glissant said, the black cultures of the Western Hemisphere were born on the slave ship. Slavery had existed before the slave ship. It was not slavery that founded a new culture, as much as it had a

massive impact. It was what I like to call “a mind at sea.” It was a mind lost in its own thought about a profoundly scarring situation. This “mind at sea” led to a mentality that produced family, tradition, political thought, business thought and, most importantly, music. This “mind at sea” through deep thought plunges into one’s personal condition and the world around one’s self to come out with a solution, as most humans do. This “mind at sea” led to Rosa Park’s refusal to get up from her seat on the bus to the subsequent moments of the Civil Rights movement leading to the signing of the Voting Rights Act. getting from her seat’s founding the most popular moments in the civil rights. Decades later, the “mind at sea” mentality has led to new plunges. This plunge is, for example, the Afro-vegan movement of today. It is blacks actively seeking a solution that will change life. In Clark’s case, this plunge has enriched the black tradition, identity, and ultimately contemporary life. The music must sell, cultural or not. It’s a sophisticated plunge. While some will call Clark a sell-out for not being indie, he has taken a noble route. 5 | WI BRIDGE

THURSDAY NETWORK: EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES, CHANGING LIVES

Thursday Network members host a Luau for residents of the Victory Heights Senior Center in Columbia Heights. /Photo courtesy of Lenzy Ruffin

literacy, college readiness, leadership and advocacy in the Empowerment Academy. Students at Roots Public Learning Center in Northwest, whose grade levels ranged from 2nd to 8th, kicked off the program by learning about vision boards. Each week we presented a different subject through various interactive lessons. Students then added images and words to their vision boards, conceptualizing what they learned and displaying their thoughts about the future.

By Shanelle C. Patterson

Community Service Programs Chair , Thursday Network @thursdayntwk Many people are critical of Millennials, calling us selfish, out of touch, and unknowing of the struggles previous generations endured. Thursday Network (TN), the young professionals’ auxiliary of the Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL), the local chapter of the National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP), and 2015 recipient of the National Chapter of Excellence award, challenges these critics with our moves within the community. We aspire to foster an environment in which young adults between the ages of 21 and 40 can focus their energy on service, civic engagement and professional development. This year was paramount for Thursday Network. Our community faced complex issues with few resources. Our elected officials and figureheads proposed farfetched solutions. We, as an organization feeling a sense of urgency, took the opportunity to let the people know we were here. But not in the metaphorical or spiritual sense. We took 6 | WI BRIDGE

As young professionals, we understand the importance of financing and attaining an education. Since 1992, we have awarded $150,000 in tuition assistance to high school seniors through the I EMPOWER Scholarship program. This year, Thursday Network will cut checks totaling $3,000 for two deserving young women starting their freshman year of college.

We also chimed in on current events, particularly those focused on policecommunity tensions, holding town hall meetings addressing the issues of police brutality and most recently handing out “Know Your Right Cards” to residents. We stood in solidarity with our neighbors in Baltimore, assisting in whatever way we could. Thursday Network has also been on the forefront of the DCFerguson rallies. Most notably, we led a “Save our City” panel discussion at Howard University that explored the state of black life in the D.C. metropolitan area, identified the issues, brainstormed solutions, and developed actions plans to save our city.

We also mentored our young ones this summer, exposing them to financial

Thursday Network has also partnered with homeless shelters and organizations

Community members participate in a Zumba class at TN’s Family Health Fair, a Young Blacks Give Back Month event at Kennedy Recreation Center. /Photo courtesy of Lenzy Ruffin

to the streets and got our hands dirty. Identified by our bold red or grey shirts displaying the equal sign, our symbol of justice, Thursday Network addressed matters of education, housing, employment, and health concerning D.C. residents and those living in surrounding Prince George’s and Montgomery counties in Maryland. We built upon signature programs and events like the I EMPOWER Scholarship and Empowerment Academy, a seven-week TN volunteer-ran mentoring program.

in addressing the prevalence of homelessness and poverty through food and clothing drives. While it’s important to tend to people’s needs, it’s even more crucial that we equip them with the skills they need to change their lives. That’s why we lead presentations and workshops about financial literacy with a focus on budgeting, and job readiness , targeting interviewing skills and resume building within this same community. A high point of our year was a month of volunteerism called Young Blacks Give Back (YBGB) that kicked off at the beginning of May. To reinforce the importance of giving back, Thursday Network performed a community service “blitz” with a focus on health. People of color overwhelmingly succumb to health issues, including heart disease, depression, high blood cholesterol and blood pressure, and diabetes. This was our opportunity to engage our people in a conversation about proactive steps we all should be taking to live healthier lives.

Thursday Network Empowerment Academy Coordinator Stephanie Hargrove leads the mentees in the lesson of the day. /Photo courtesy of Lenzy Ruffin

We started out the month with a barber shop crawl, in which TN members talked to men across the D.C. metropolitan area as they waited for their haircut and sat in the barber’s chair. Next, we challenged the youth to be different with an interactive scavenger hunt that engaged them in a conversation about bullying, its effects, and methods of prevention. We also held a social fundraiser to support mental health awareness, donating all the funds to a local organization. At the end of the month, Thursday Network organized a family health fair in Northwest that featured free fitness classes, healthy meals, and workshops. We culminated YBGB with a Sports Jam that helped raise money for our scholarship fund and got young professionals active by competing in various sports games. As a service oriented organization, TN can always be found doing something within and for the community. This past year was very active for us, but D.C. metropolitan area residents can expect this upcoming year to be even more engaging as we tackle voter registration, educational gaps, poverty, health, and many more problems our community faces. We are in a very unique time in history, we understand the issues of today, and we are the leaders who are passionate about making changes. To find out more information about Thursday Network, join the movement, or support our efforts, visit www. thursdaynetwork.org.

Thursday Network Board Member James Jeter and Coordinator Chris Austin at a service event at Capital Area Food Bank. /Photo courtesy of Lenzy Ruffin

Nearly 300 volunteers gathered at the Greater Washington Urban League for TN’s Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Blanket & Toiletries Drive. /Photo courtesy of Lenzy Ruffin

7 | WI BRIDGE

WI BRIDGE VIEWPOINTS

Each month, a WI Bridge reporter hits the streets, asks the questions that matter, and compiles the best responses for readers to see. Do you have a suggestion for a Viewpoints question? Email wibridge@ washingtoninformer.com and you might see your inquiry in a future issue.

HOW DOES SERVICE CONNECT YOU TO YOUR COMMUNITY? Working as a substitute teacher in DC public schools helps me to feel connected to my community. In our city, having an education is only one option children have to make money and many kids are aware of the other options before they think of their education as a financial asset. It is the safest option and the one that pays off the most in the long run, but it is also the one that takes the longest time to yield results. Working in DC public schools serves as a reminder to me that progress does not happen overnight and if you want to build last forever, you can’t rush the process. Education cannot be taken away once you have it and there is always more to gain. This is an important lesson I see teachers imparting on their students every day and I’m happy to be a part of that experience.

I try to help younger people and even people my own age see their potential. I used to be obese as a kid and teenager and that can really take a toll on your mental health. Since I lost that weight and I have always been into sports, I realized that helped me focus on myself and improve my physical and mental well being. I want to get young people in the area who may feel down about their appearance that they are not defined by their size. Darryl Felton, 23, Bowie, Maryland

Kesia Alexandra, 25, Northeast

I’ve become passionate about helping cleaning up the streets. I clean the sidewalks sometimes in my neighborhood so the kids that are out don’t get hurt by debris. Sometimes I’ll walk around the neighborhood with them when it’s late just to make sure there isn’t any strange activities going on. I want to help the community feel safer.

Andre Johnson, 27, Baltimore

Answers Compiled by Dejah Greene @greeneuphorias

Through my website Twenties Unscripted and events I curate including the annual “See. Speak. Feel.” showcase held at the Anacostia Arts Center, I make an effort to spark young women to connect to the best, bravest and boldest parts of themselves. Creativity and outlets that give women a chance to find their unique voices are paramount to the work I do.

Tyece Wilkins, 25, Baltimore

YOUR BUSINESS COULD BE ADVERTISED ON THIS PAGE. For more information, send inquiries to WIBridge@washingtoninformer.com

8 | WI BRIDGE

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

EDITORIAL All Hands Needed on Deck

This week, more than 49,000 students kicked off another academic year in the District, walking into school halls eager to glean new information, reunite with old friends and show off their fresh gear. Amid the pandemonium, however, remains some concern about the seemingly indiscriminate gun violence that has claimed many lives this summer, old and young. As we prepared to go to press, 103 people had succumbed to bullets in the nation’s capital so far this year. Last week, after a young man died on the steps of a Catholic church and a mother, reeling from a gunshot wound, took her last breaths in a hospital, community members demanded answers. Some said the answer was getting illegal guns and synthetic marijuana, also known as K2, off of the streets. The issue of strained community-law enforcement relations notwithstanding, many residents even called for a return and increase in controversial “jump out” policing tactics. Sorry to disappoint, but the threat of punitive recourse hasn’t and will not quell the tension that festers in our streets. What we’ve witnessed this summer came out of the city’s unwillingness, and that of many residents, to engage who some may consider “the worst” among our young people. Many of them, particularly those without an adequate education and any hope for the future, have been locked out of the urban renaissance happening around them. Making matters worse, some of our elected officials and mavens of industry have ignored their suffering in an effort to save face, extolling citywide drops in crime in years past and dodging questions about affordable housing, even as violence continued to choke low-income pockets of the District. Although the dropping of bodies continued into the New Year, it wasn’t until a community journalist and two college students died that usually oblivious community members started catching on. While our elected officials, police officers and members of the professional class are understandably frustrated, they must understand that the ongoing gentrification has worsened low-income residents’ standing in the District, all while improving their own. Long ignored, the sons and daughters of longtime D.C. residents have spoken in the worse way possible and it’s time we listen. That means leaving the podium and meeting the young people on their stomping grounds: the street corners, bus stops, apartment building entrances and anywhere else they congregate. That means asking them what they need and giving them tough love. Some of our most influential grassroots organizers are doing this already, building rapport with young people in the process. This week, young men in tailored suits greeted youngsters as they walked into Ballou Senior High School in Congress Heights. Adults also engaged their young employees during the summer through a bevy of internships. Just last Tuesday night, community activist and former candidate for Ward, 8, Trayon White, led a candlelight vigil in his beloved Southeast where the brunt of the homicides have taken place. But the best thing about using the grassroots method is that you don’t need a formal title to execute it. You just have to care. Elders, no matter who you are, please approach a child today and listen to what they have to say while they still feel like talking. Your life and that of your fellow residents may very well depend on it.

Louis Stokes – A Man We Should Never Forget

The home going service for Ohio’s first Black congressman, Louis Stokes, was held on Tuesday morning at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio. Many in attendance paid tribute to the beloved political icon including Vice President Joe Biden, U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge and U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman. Friends and colleagues spoke about his many contributions to America and his love for the Buckeye State, particularly the people of the district where he served with distinction for 30 years. Some of us may be more familiar with his brother, Carl Stokes, who became the first Black mayor of a major U.S. city when he was elected to lead the city of Cleveland in 1967. But Louis, who died at the age of 90 and was raised in poverty by a struggling but determined single parent, was no slouch. Like his brother, he graduated with a law degree and climbed the political ladder, paving the way for today’s Black civil rights leaders and elected officials of color. Louis Stokes also bore the distinction of being a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. One can only imagine the challenges he and his colleagues faced as they made their way to Capitol Hill, entering chambers that were once forbidden territory for Blacks. President Barack Obama, in a prepared statement, said “Lou leaves behind an incredible legacy in the countless generations of young leaders that he inspired and he will be sorely missed.” We echo the president’s remarks. Stokes was known for his kindness, resiliency and willingness to think outside of the box. He blazed a trail that will long be remembered. He was a man that made a difference.

www.washingtoninformer.com

Let the STEM – STEAM Debate Continue

I was very happy to read the article titled, “Gaining STEAM in Education” in the latest edition of WI. I think it is long overdue that educators and policymakers stop trying to present the information and skills needed for students to become proficient in the traditional STEM (Science Math Technology Engineering) areas in isolation from the arts and social studies. As the experts stated in the article, learning about visual and language arts, and well as creative processes, artistic techniques and theories, and historical and political contexts will only make tomorrow’s scientists and engineers more knowledgeable and creative thinkers. For too long, students have been led to believe that if you are a “math person,” you’re not an “arts person” and vice versa. I grew up with an interest in literature and writing, and a dislike for math and science, and was never encouraged to explore outside of my strengths and interests. There weren’t many attempts to integrate the two disciplines in the classrooms I attended over the years either. I hope the debate described in “Gaining STEAM

in Education” continues, and more educators try to approach STEAM subject areas not as separate entities, but holistically, ultimately ensuring future generations of well-rounded and expressive innovators and leaders. Sincerely, Mariah Ledbetter Northeast DC

We Need to Focus on Our Own

My question to you and The Washington Informer is why are we seeing stories about protesters here in Washington D.C. gathering to signify the first anniversary of the death of Mike Brown, the young man shot by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri [“D.C. Protesters Remember Mike Brown” by Kia Groom, August 20, 2015 edition] and no one is writing stories or protesting what happened to Charnice Milton. Remember Charnice Milton, the reporter that was gunned down at a Southeast bus stop while waiting for a bus? She wasn’t shot and killed by a police officer; no, she wasn’t that lucky. She was just shot and killed by a young thug. Maybe if she had been shot by a police officer we

here in D.C. would be protesting her death and keeping her memory alive. Here’s my point: someone out there knows who shot Charnice, and that’s what we should be protesting – the fact that someone right in our own community knows who did it and they would continue to allow those responsible for that crime to get away with it. Someone was shot and killed by a stray bullet in the Shaw neighborhood last week and the police have already announced they have arrested a suspect. How long has it been since Charnice was shot and killed by a stray bullet? Washington, D.C., you have a lot that you should be protesting about right here. Jocelyn Mosley Washington, DC

CORRECTION

In last week’s edition of The Washington Informer, a photograph of President Obama was incorrectly identified as Julian Bond (page 9). The error was inadvertent and was corrected in some, but not all, copies of the Aug. 20 edition. We apologize for the oversight.

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The Washington Informer

Aug 27 - Sept 2, 2015

21

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

By Charlene Crowell

Black Homeownership Declining This week in Houston, the nation’s oldest minority professional real estate trade association held its 68th annual convention. Founded in July 1947, the National Association of Real Estate Brokers grew from a fledgling group of one woman and 11 men from only eight locales into today’s national network of mortgage professionals and an estimated conference attendance of more

than 1,000. Long before civil rights legislation was introduced in Congress, NAREB stood for all those who believed that owning a home in America should be both affordable and obtainable but were somehow locked out of their own American Dream. That kind of leadership and service deserves a celebration. In spite of restrictive covenants commonplace as early as the 1940s, to the years of block-busting and white flight of the 1960s, NAREB and oth-

er housing advocates held fast to their founding principles and never gave up or gave out. The irony is that today despite their dedication and advocacy of other housing groups – or even federal laws that guarantee equality and protections in housing and credit regardless of race or creed – the American Dream is still elusive, especially for consumers of color. Nationwide, black America’s homeownership is shrinking. A 2013 NAREB report titled The State of Housing in Black America found

Guest Columnist

that black homeownership rates dropped from a high level of just of under 50 percent in 2004 to 43 percent by 2013. By late 2014, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 42 percent of black families were homeowners, more than 22 percentage points lower than that of the nation 64 percent and 30 percentage points lower than that of whites (72 percent). The obvious question is: Why is Black homeownership shrinking? An analysis by the Center for

Responsible Lending of the most recent Home Mortgage Disclosure Act report for 2013 showed that both black and Latino home buyers are typically denied access to private sector conventional mortgages that over the life of a loan are far cheaper than the governmentbacked offerings. Little access to private conventional loans leaves consumers of color with disproportionately high use of mortgages underwritten by

CROWELL Page 37

By Dr. Hope H. Murphy

Remembering Family Values I remember a time when Sundays were days of quiet and everyone wondered about those in the community who did not attend church. I remember afternoon drives, fried chicken dinners, Saturday picnics at the park, my father going off to work every day, both of my parents helping me with my homework, and sitting down at the kitchen table to have family dinner and to talk about the activities of

the day. I remember when men held the door open for women and when you couldn’t walk down the street without someone blowing their car horn and whistling as an attractive woman walked by (all changes are not bad.). I remember when my parents would close the door to their room and talk about their plans for our family, plans that at a set time, they would discuss with us. I remember when you had to whisper in the library. I remember when men picked

you up to take you out on a date AND paid the bill. What I am describing are values that guided the family – values that kept us safe and on the right track. There was great security in those days. I always knew where my father was, and somehow when I needed him, I could reach him even though there were no cellphones. I was confident in his love for me and in his commitment to our family. I never wondered where I was going to

Guest Columnist

live, and there was never a need that went unmet. It was safe to play outside, and everyone on our street knew everyone else by name. People used to look at one another and speak when they passed on the sidewalk, and Christmas was the time when everyone was generous and kind. As I look at the world today, I wonder how we got here and where we go now. Where will my sons find wives who have belief systems like their own? How safe are they to navigate a world

that seems to consider men of color to be without significance and value. And so I take pen to paper, and I begin to navigate the process of calling the family unit back to the place where it should be – a place where men take responsibility for their wives and their children and in which women work alongside their husbands, respecting them, both working together to raise children who know that charac-

MURPHY Page 37

By George E. Curry

Planned Attacks on Planned Parenthood Conservatives are attacking Planned Parenthood so viciously that you would be forgiven if you thought that the organization was running for president as a Democrat. It is often said, “The first casualty when war comes is truth.” Actually, the first casualty of politics is truth. That’s particularly true when it comes to the orchestrated attacks on Planned Parenthood. The anti-choice Center for

22 Aug 27 - Sept 2, 2015

Medical Progress has released seven videos that seek to discredit Planned Parenthood. Media Matters said, “The latest video again relies on footage already debunked as highly edited, features conversations with third-party providers who acted as the middlemen between researchers and clinics, and relies heavily on the account of a technician who did not work for Planned Parenthood.” Ben Carson, a retired neurosurgeon, has also launched a major attack against Planned Par-

enthood, and he should know better. In an interview with Fox News on Aug. 12, Carson said that Planned Parenthood erects most of its clinics in black neighborhoods as a “way to control that population.” However, ABC’s Martha Raddatz reported, “Planned Parenthood estimates that fewer than 5 percent of its health centers are located in areas where more than one-third of the population is African-American.” In a detailed rebutThe Washington Informer

tal, The Washington Post awarded Carson Four Pinocchios, indicating a “whopper” of a lie, the highest level of falsehoods. “A 2011 report by Life Dynamics, which opposes abortion, used Census data to determine the African-American and Hispanic population of each Zip code where Planned Parenthood has an office,” the newspaper recalled. “The report was intended to show that the abortion clinics are placed mostly in areas where black residents exceed the average black population of the

state. “But when you look closely at the data, it turns out that there are only about 110 locations (out of about 800) where the black population exceeds 25 percent of the overall population. That certainly does not support the claim that “most” clinics are in ‘black neighborhoods.’ “Separately, in 2011, the Guttmacher Institute surveyed all abortion providers (about 1,700), including Planned Parenthood,

CURRY Page 37

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

By Marc H. Morial

Remembering Julian Bond, a Giant Among Giants “The country has lost one of its most passionate and eloquent voices for the cause of justice. He advocated not just for African Americans, but for every group, indeed every person subject to oppression and discrimination, because he recognized the common humanity in us all.” – Morris Dees, Southern Poverty Law Center Julian Bond was never one to shrink away from a worthy fight. He lived his life as a tire-

less champion of the oppressed and maligned, a battle-worn warrior for civil rights, equality and social justice. Bond fought the good fight, and at the still-youthful age of 75, he completed his course. His longtime dedication to equal rights for African-Americans – and for all – will be celebrated in the days and months to come. But we must guard against fossilizing his life and legacy in tributes or textbooks. Bond lived a life of action, clear mission and steadfast service.

There could be no worthier tribute to Bond than to pick up the baton he has passed and re-dedicate ourselves to the struggle to make the promises and opportunities of our democracy true for all its citizens. That struggle is an ongoing one that neither begins nor ends with one movement or personality. Individually and collectively, we must take up the baton to bring an end to the deadly scourge of police brutality, close persistent economic inequality gaps and address destructive dis-

Guest Columnist

parities in our nation’s education system. We must do it, because as Bond once famously reminded us all: “Good things don’t come to those who wait. They come to those who agitate.” Bond was a student in a philosophy class taught by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Morehouse College in Atlanta. It was there, during the height of the civil rights movement in the 1960s, that Bond began to agitate in earnest, co-founding the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee along with other students,

including now-Congressman John Lewis. He served as the group’s communications director for five years. Bond was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1965, but was not allowed to take his seat because his White colleagues objected to his opposition to the Vietnam War. It took a year, a protest march led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and a Supreme Court order, but the legislature finally allowed

MORIAL Page 38

By Zachary Wood

What Does a Racially Just Society Look Like? As a 19-year-old African-American who aspires to be a transformational president one day, I admire President Barack Obama and have studied his presidency. Throughout Obama’s presidency, I have reflected on the question: If Martin Luther King Jr. were alive today, what would he have to say about the state of American race relations? What would he have to say about what America needs to do to reach the racial Prom-

ised Land? How would King answer if I were to ask him, “What is your vision, specifically, of racial justice?” Considering the insightful scholarship of eminent African-American scholars like Alain Locke, James Weldon Johnson, W.E.B. Du Bois, Cornel West, Henry Louis Gates Jr., and Randall Kennedy in relation to the legacy of King, I gladly perceive a theme of common interest: racial justice. In fact, the common theme at the center of racial

discourse in African-American thought has been the ideal of a racially just society. Yet I think that while many towering black leaders, prominent scholars, and everyday citizens have made tremendous sacrifices in the struggle for civil rights in America, we have yet to define and fully flesh out what a racially just society really looks like. To this point, generations of African-Americans have witnessed milestones and noted benchmarks in courageous forms of activism that have

ASKIA-AT-LARGE

made Obama’s presidency possible. Yet we still face disturbing realities of mass incarceration, police brutality and structural injustices. Thus, we must ask ourselves, what a racially just society really looks like. Does a racially justice society mean that we no longer recognize and act on racial differences? I think our answer to that question is especially relevant to affirmative action. When I envision a racially just society, I do not envision a society that is raceless or without any racial distinctions. I also do

not envisage an America that has compensated for all of its historical wrongdoings. Rather, what I hope to achieve is a society in which race cannot hinder social mobility and constrain economic opportunity. When the social construct of race can no longer circumscribe the futures of youth in communities like mine in Southeast Washington, D.C., we have reached my rendering of the racial Promised Land. As to the question of how we

WOOD Page 38

By Askia Muhammad

‘Straight Outta’ Role Models The movie “Straight Outta Compton” is a runaway box-office hit, dominating weekend ticket sales and earning rave reviews, especially for director F. Gary Gray. As for the script? Not so much because it glossed over the mistreatment of women that was common in the hiphop arena at that time and was a prominent part of the life of the featured ensemble NWA (Ni--az Wit Attitude).

Well, despite the reviews, I’m not planning to see the flick in a theater and may not even watch it when it’s eventually shown on free TV. I don’t want to come around to admiring the movie’s heroes any more than I already do. You see, I’m not interested in the conspicuous artistic merits of any movie about these antisocial thugs turned gangsta rappers who turn around and take movie and TV roles as cops and secret federal agents, tricking, deceiving and betraying our people.

I’d better name some names and cite some cases here. NWA famously recorded the tune “F--k tha Police.” One of the most prominent members of that group is Ice Cube. Cube has dozens of major roles in films to his credit. In some, ironically, he is with folks on the other side of the badge. In “Anaconda,” he is a camera operator for National Geographic. No thug there. “Rampart” is set inside a Los Angeles police precinct. In “All About the Benjamins,” he plays a bounty hunter. And in the TV

sequel to “Are We There Yet?” he has a role as a shadowy, CIA type who frequently says: “If I tell you the answer to that I’ll have to kill you.” Now, it’s more like “Love tha police.” Ice-T, however, may be the biggest hypocrite of this genre. In 1992, he emerged on the scene with the explosive song “Cop Killer.” The song’s lyrics are about killing police and produced a storm of hostility from the law enforcement world. He was also a prominent figure in the underground pimps and

players balls, often serving as a judge to determine the most garish hustler of the year. But he must have done something to make amends because he has an ongoing role as a police officer in the TV series “Law & Order SVU.” So, frankly, I have no use for these talented “code-switching,” political chameleons and hypocrites despite their huge success in the marketplace. If they want to impress me with the talent and

MUHAMMAD Page 38

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Aug 27 - Sept 2, 2015

23

LIFESTYLE Reparations Study Group Reparations Study Group sessions will be Thursday, September 17, 2015 from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Southeast Public Library, 403 7th Street, Southeast, 20003. Come Out and Join in This series features enlightening and educational discussion sessions and research presentations on “The Debt America Owes Black Descendants of Slaves.” 09/17/15 Here’s Your Chance to Declare “I deserve reparations” Tell Your StoryMake a Public Declaration of Support for Your Race and What’s Right RSVP (202)547-4125 The Southeast Library is located on Capitol Hill across from the Eastern Market subway stop.

NWA members Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, DJ Yella and MC Ren. /Photo Courtesy of runthetrap.com

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NWA Film Breaking Box-Office Records By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer Whether it’s the Regal Gallery Place Stadium 14 in Northwest or the AMC Loews in Georgetown, area residents have transformed the District into Compton East. “It is must-see viewing,” said D’Angelo Barksdale, a Georgetown University student who was among the hundreds taking in “Straight Outta Compton,” the hit movie based on the lives of West Coast rap stars NWA. “I think it’s so real and fascinating seeing what they went through, what they accomplished,” Barksdale said. In the first weekend, the film topped such box-office smashes as “Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation,” and “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” The $60.2 million take at the box office makes “Straight Outta Compton” the fifth-highest August opening film ever. Also, the musical biopic outpaces the first weekends of such 2015 summer tent poles as “AntMan” ($57.2M) and “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” ($55.5M), which were playing in close to 1,200 more venues, according to Deadline Hollywood. The film tells the story of five friends who formed the group, which featured the late Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, DJ Yella and MC Ren. Before the group was formed, five young hip-hop artists were just friends creating music, Ice The Washington Informer

Cube said in an interview with the CBS Morning Show. “In some songs, we’re just having fun. You know, rap – you know, the art of rap, a lot of it is bravado. You know, I mean, just, being the one with the slickest tongue,” he said. “It’s not really meant to amount to any kind of social, political nothing. It’s just a song. And then some records are, you’re really getting things off your chest and you really have things to say.” In 1988, NWA released its debut album, “Straight Outta Compton,” which sold over 3 million records, the equivalent of triple platinum. NWA became hip-hop pioneers, speaking to issues facing young black men in their Los Angeles community, including strained relationships with the police. Those provocative lyrics received so much attention and controversy that the FBI sent a warning letter to the group’s record label, CBS reported. “But, you know, to us back then, the FBI was somebody you’d seen on TV. You know, the LAPD, Daryl Gates, those were the real villains, you know, that we thought we had to deal with. So, we didn’t take it as serious as our manager, the record company. They were freaked out. And we were like, ‘Pass the potato chips,’” Ice Cube said. Now, “Straight Outta Compton” has moved from the record store to the movie theater. After a two-year audition process, the

role of Ice Cube went to his son, O’Shea Jackson Jr. “I just wanted him to show people the real me and show people what I’m all about,” Ice Cube said. “[My son] did a wonderful job. I’m grateful and thankful to my son for doing all that work it was so much work.” Jackson said the experience was a dream come true. The film features songs from other artists, as well as several of NWA’s, such as “F--k the Police,” which comes at a crucial time in the movie. According to Ice Cube, it was important that people know why that song was created. “That was the whole reason to do this movie. Everybody knows the where. Everybody knows the when. But not too many people know the why. Why do we do this type of music? And we wanted to show our environment forged NWA and then NWA was affecting the environment,” Ice Cube said. “But the situation at the time was Daryl Gates, who was the chief of police, chief of the LAPD, had declared a war on gangs. “Now, to a law-abiding citizen, a war on gangs seems like a good idea. But if the cops think every single black, young male or brown, young male looked like a gang banger, dressed like a gang banger, well, now it’s a war on young, black males.”WI

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LIFESTYLE

Sesame Street Moving To HBO Angers Some By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer Sesame Street will now be brought to you by the letters H-B-O. The iconic children’s program is moving from the friendly-confines of PBS to the adult world of Home Box Office and the move has left more than just Oscar feeling grouchy. A number of Baltimore area child care agencies and others are expressing their outrage, noting that while PBS is known for offering family and kids’ favorites like Sesame Street, the Electric Company and Masterpiece Theater, HBO is rife with sex, violence, harsh language and is otherwise not child-friendly. “It’s very sad because you could always count on Sesame Street on PBS,” said Jennifer Dorsey, the founder of A World of Friends Learning Center. “This must be a money deal. I know PBS is run by grants and community donations, but it’s a shame that they can’t keep [firstruns] of Sesame Street,” said Dorsey, who also holds a position on the Mayor’s Early Childhood Advisory Committee. The New York Times spelled out how the partnership will work between HBO, the network

known for the Sopranos and its mob hits and scantily clad women and PBS, often praised for its educational Muppets and even teaching kids what to wear. In a new five-year deal between the network and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit group behind the children’s television program, first-run episodes of Sesame Street will run exclusively on HBO and its streaming outlets this fall. The arrangement allows the financially challenged Sesame Workshop to significantly increase its production of Sesame Street episodes and other new programming. The group will produce 35 new Sesame Street episodes a year, up from the 18 it now produces, the Times reported. It will also create a spin-off series based on the “Sesame Street” Muppets along with another new educational series for children. After nine months of appearing only on HBO, the shows will be available free on PBS, home to Sesame Street for the last 45 years. “Kids are getting squeezed in the middle,” said Tim Winter, president of the Parents Television Council, a nonpartisan education group that advocates for responsible entertainment. “In order to watch original episodes of the most iconic children’s

The familiar characters of Sesame Street – a form of education for children that has spanned generations. /Courtesy photo

program in television history, parents are now forced to fork over about $180 per year and subscribe to the most sexually explicit, most graphically violent television network in America. I can’t imagine a greater juxtaposition in television than this.” In a statement, an HBO spokesman said, “We are incredibly proud of our role in securing the future of ‘Sesame Street’ and its availability to PBS for free.” Other child care workers weren’t as enthused. “I don’t think you should be charged to see Big Bird,” said Sheryl Crosby, the business manager at Creative Learning Center, an ethnically diverse preschool and childcare center. “My husband and I don’t have

HBO because of all of the garbage that’s on it and I have a huge problem with this because PBS connects with education while HBO connects with, well garbage,” Crosby said. Debi Karpinsky, the director of the Playtime Learning Center and Child Care, said she hadn’t heard about the Sesame Street to HBO deal until contacted Friday. “I see this as a big problem,” Karpinsky said. “Everything has become one big horrible cycle. Now, kids won’t get what they need which is something simple as a [free] television

show. It’s just inappropriate and more bad news because many of us watched Sesame Street when we were children.” Karpinsky said the Playtime Learning Center and Child Care instructs children using thematic units which teach basic skills through real life and hands-on experience. She said the goal is helping children to realize that learning can be fun. “But, this move to put Sesame Street on HBO is all about the almighty dollar,” Karpinsky said.WI

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LIFESTYLE

Poetry Festival Pays Tribute to Gil Scott-Heron By Eve M. Ferguson WI Contributing Writer There could not have been a more perfect day to hold the 15th Annual D.C. Poetry Festival than last Friday. The usual hot, sticky humidity of August in D.C. gave way to a warm, pleasingly breezy temperate evening, making the audience enthusiastic and lively in the outdoor venue, Carter Barron Amphitheatre, where the annual festival has been staged for the past several years. This year’s festival was dedicated to songwriter/musician and poet Gil Scott-Heron, who passed away in 2011 after years of drug abuse. Host, emcee and president of Genesis Poets Charlotte Fox is the organizer of the festival and also had nominated the musician to receive the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously in 2012, when the children of Scott-Heron accepted the award on his behalf. This year’s festival honored the endowment of the Gil Scott-Heron Scholarship at the University of the District of Columbia, where Scott-Heron once taught creative writing. The festival opened with an uncannily identical rendition of

Scott-Heron’s iconic “Winter in America,” by Kaba. Many local poets then tried out new work. KaNikki J, who has been on the poetry scene for more than a decade and has been a writer for over 25 years, recited what she refers to as “real-life fiction” in two poems in her own creative genre. Her name, which she said is “for real what my mother named me,” allegedly translates to “great writer.” In addition to publishing two novels, “In Real Life & The Color Blue,” and “The Other Side of Pretty,” KaNikki J also hosts local poetry slams and founded the National Underground Spoken Word Poetry Awards. Chris Goines, making his first appearance at Carter Barron, seemed a little nervous at first, but quickly rolled into his comfort zone, reciting two poems centered on faith and God, the focus for several poets that night. Earl Hairston, a West Virginia native and a military veteran, was a repeat performer after winning over the audience at last year’s festival. Back by popular demand, he embraced themes of love and respect for women and self-empowerment. Hairston has also appeared at the cutting-edge

Gil Scott-Heron /Courtesy photo

poetry slams held regularly at Busboys and Poets, which holds open mikes at several of its area locations. A visually compelling and protest-ful poet, Sofia Abdullah, came on stage in a burqa, covered completely except for her mouth and hands. Reciting poems on the silenced voice of women and the mistreatment of black people, she donned a somewhat curious outfit, but her position was unmistakable. As Abdullah raised her hands in militant gestures, her severe black garb reinforced her strength of words of warning and dissent. Following Abdullah could not have been easy, but local poet CeLillianne Green, a former Howard Law School pro-

fessor now living as a full-time poet, made it seem simple. She launched into four powerful poems, such as “Body Language,” which is about the lack of communication between black men and women. She then went into a piece about Sandra Bland, the black arrested for a minor traffic infraction who died in jail. The poem, “Stay in Your Lane,” was written in the second person, as if the audience members experienced the ordeal that ended Bland’s life. “Old School” took listeners on a sentimental journey back to the ways of their grandmothers. Closing her set with “Who’s Your Judas,” Green implored people to discover their betrayer, even if it was they themselves.

“I was pleased to participate in the 15th annual festival,” Green commented. 13th of Nazareth also put in some very powerful words in his popular poem “Word Is,” which is dedicated to his wife, KaNikki J. He called on her strength when, mid-poem in a work dedicated to his grandmother with the backing of Steven B. playing Al Green’s “Love and Happiness,” he drew a blank. In disbelief, he called his wife to the stage, who recited a few lines with him until he was back on track. One particularly personal poem, “Hospital Trip,” recalled a seizure. Liberated Muse, a collective of four women who are poets, singers, actors and writers, took turns in well-choreographed group poems where each voice spoke separately but also finished the thought and word of the previous poet. They ended with a poem that they wrote in tribute to Gil Scott-Heron’s “Reparations for My Soul,” which interwove the song “Strange Fruit” with original poetry, ending with a musical verse or two of Scott-Heron’s iconic song, bringing the festival full circle back to the man whose works inspired so many. WI

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LIFESTYLE

Horoscopes

Griot

ARIES You’ll have lots of contact with folks you wanted to hear from this week. Your telephone is your best tool, and you’ll enjoy talking and listening to many supportive and loving friends. A letter may arrive with an invitation. Soul Affirmation: I smile and trust in the powers beyond myself. Lucky Numbers: 6, 10, 14 TAURUS You are too kind this week, and it’s a wonderful thing. By doing things for others without thought of a reward, you’re racking up beneficial vibrations for your future! Take personal pleasure in what you do for others this week. Soul Affirmation: I let my friendships guide my way. Lucky Numbers: 41, 47, 50

“Lillian’s Right to Vote” by Jonah Winter & Shane W. Evans c.2015, Schwartz & Wade Books $17.99 / $20.99 Canada 40 pages

How many leaves are on the tree outside

your window? That’s a question you may not be able to answer. How could you even count them all? Would you ever get an answer that’s right? It’s a silly question, for sure, and probably not very important. In the new book “Lillian’s Right to Vote” by Jonah Winter & Shane W. Evans, you’ll see why someone would even ask. Lillian stands at the bottom of a “very steep hill.” It’s Voting Day and she’s going to take advantage of her rights. As she looks up the hill, she sees things – not just a hill, but a slave auction. There are her great-great-grandparents: Elijah is wearing chains and Sarah is holding a baby. Lillian sees that they’re standing near a courthouse where only white men could vote. It’s a long way up that hill and, as she climbs, Lillian sees more history: once a baby at that auction, her great-grandfather, Edmund grew up to pick cotton. He didn’t have any more rights than his own parents did – at least not until after the Civil War. Lillian can see Great-Grandpa Edmund, post-War, on his way to vote for the very first time. He approaches the polls, looking dignified in his finest clothes; Great-Grandma Ida is there, too, but she can’t vote yet. That, as Lillian knows, is many years away. Then the hill seems to become higher, and the climb gets harder. Lillian sees her grandpa, Isaac, but he’s not voting because of a poll tax that he has no hope of paying. She hears her Uncle Levi, telling stories about impossible questions that had to be answered before anyone with brown skin

AUG 27- SEPT 2, 2015

could step up to cast a vote. She sees the same angry faces that surrounded her when she was a child, and women finally were allowed to vote. White women, that is. Not people like Lillian. Stopping in the middle of the hill, Lillian remembers. Once, she registered to vote and had to take a test that she didn’t pass. People were hurt and killed over votes. She starts walking again, soon reaching the voting place. And Lillian steps to the door… Did you ever buy a book for the kids that you ended up keeping for yourself ? That’s what could happen once you’ve found “Lillian’s Right to Vote” – and that’s okay. I think you’ll understand it more than your children will anyhow. There’s no doubt in my mind that kids will love this book. Sharp-eyed children, those who wonder what the presidential-candidate fuss is about, will get a basic history of the importance of voting. Children in this books’ target age (3-to-6-year-olds) will appreciate the story that authors Jonah Winter & Shane W. Evans tell here. For sure, they’ll all enjoy the illustrations. The real goodness in this book, however, is that becoming a children’s picture story doesn’t at all diminish its power. Indeed, “Lillian’s Right to Vote” is ten feet tall, and it’s something neither you nor your child will be able to leave. WI

GEMINI Exercise prudence this week in your handling of personal funds. Let your mind wander into the future and you’ll receive the happy answer that you are looking for. Time shared with a partner tonight will be very enjoyable. Soul Affirmation: Helping others is the true measure of my worth. Lucky Numbers: 13, 15, 20 CANCER Work with a partner or colleagues goes exceptionally well this week. You receive praise for a job well done! Feel free to change your mind regarding a personal issue. News from a distance arrives. Soul Affirmation: I go inside myself to find peace and joy this week. Lucky Numbers: 12, 16, 24 LEO You are a superstar at work. Efficiency seems to be your middle name. As you go your charming way, don’t forget to delegate tasks with a smile. Soul Affirmation: I give my mind a holiday again this week. Lucky Numbers: 43, 47, 51 VIRGO A relationship may be heating up. Make sure you know what you want, then go ahead. Minor challenges on the home front are easily dealt with. Soul Affirmation: The widest outlook comes from the look within. Lucky Numbers: 8, 10. 34 LIBRA You make important progress at work this week by seizing the initiative and letting your leadership abilities shine. What you do makes things better for everyone around you, so rock steady. Meetings and conversations go especially well. Soul Affirmation: The word is in me. I bring it forth. Lucky Numbers: 10, 31, 42 SCORPIO Pay attention to the details in your big bright beautiful picture this week. You’ll handle everything that comes up if you keep your focus sharp. A grand social event is in store for the week. Soul Affirmation: I am willing to make changes in my life. Lucky Numbers: 5, 17, 19 SAGITTARIUSThings are going your way in wonderful ways this week. Happy news may arrive from a distance, and on the home front, a romantic question may be answered. Friends are glad to be with you. All in all, a very pleasant week! Enjoy! Soul Affirmation: Success is mine because I feel successful. Lucky Numbers: 44, 51, 55 CAPRICORN Your social life gives big rewards during the week. However, give attention to email contacts. Don’t be afraid as your mental horizon expands into new areas. Soul Affirmation: You are gifted with the ability to give Lucky Numbers: 9, 28, 39 AQUARIUS Your relationships can receive a big boost from a trip that beckons. Business is also highlighted. Your strong mental energy is sustained through the week. Work it out by talking it out. Soul Affirmation: This week is the week the Lord has made. I rejoice in it. Lucky Numbers: 31, 48, 52 PISCES Your vibes are calling to you this week to think fondly of all the love you are now giving and have given. Love itself makes you a better you. So act the fool and love with all your big sunny self. If things get stressful repeat your magic word to yourself: LOVE! Soul Affirmation: Freedom of mind is the greatest gift for me this week. Lucky Numbers: 8, 15, 33

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San Jose Earthquakes 2, D.C. United 0

San Jose Earthquakes forward Quincy Amarikwa takes on D.C. United midfielder Conor Doyle in the first half of Major League Soccer (MLS) on Saturday, August 22 at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Southeast. San Jose defeated United 2-0. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

United defender Taylor Kemp prevents a San Jose player from getting the ball in the second half of MLS action on Saturday, August 22 at RFK Stadium in Southeast. San Jose defeated United 2-0. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

San Jose forward Adam Jahn takes on United defender Taylor Kemp during MLS action on Saturday, August 22 at RFK Stadium in Southeast. San Jose defeated United 2-0. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

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San Jose defender Shaun Francis appeals for an infraction by United defender Bobby Boswell at United goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra collects the ball in the second half of MLS action on Saturday, August 22 at RFK Stadium in Southeast. San Jose defeated United 2-0. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

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SPORTS

Howard Lady Bison 17, Hampton University Women Soccer 0

Hampton defender Kinyeer Kirton and Howard University forward Zion Clarke battle for ball possession in the first half of Division women’s soccer action on Sunday, August 23 at Howard University’s Greene Stadium in Northwest. Howard defeated Hampton 17-0. /Photo by John E. De Freitas.

Howard University defender Isis Wilson defends against Hampton University midfielder Terisha Simmons in the first half of NCAA Division 1 women’s soccer action on Sunday, August 23 at Howard University’s Greene Stadium. Howard defeated Hampton 17-0. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

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Hampton midfielder Nyashia Burke and Howard defender Isis Wilson battle for ball possession during NCAA Division 1 women’s soccer action on Sunday, August 23 at Howard University’s Greene Stadium in Northwest. Howard defeated Hampton 17-0. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

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Aug 27 - Sept 2, 2015

29

Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Advances in America Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr

W

henever I have an opportunity to rejoin the transformational activities of the civil rights organization that was founded and led by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I am always eager to participate. Such was the case recently during a panel on criminal justice reform in Baton Rouge, La., on July 23, 2015, at the57th National Convention of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Principles of multiracial and bipartisan coalition-building are important to any movement that seeks to reform or change the status quo. I had no reluctance to join a panel discussion during the SCLC convention on a topic that is dear to my heart – “Uniting for Progress and Opportunity: Bipartisan Efforts to Reform the Criminal Justice System.” I was pleased to join my fellow panelists: attorney Mark Holden, general counsel and senior vice president of Koch Industries; attorney Norman Reimer, executive director of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL); and noted Capitol Hill journalist Lauren Victoria Burke. The panel was moderated by Curley M. Dossman Jr., president of Georgia-Pacific Foundation. According to Mark Holden, “The criminal justice system as it is set up today is a major impediment to opportunity for disadvantaged and poor people. There is a two-tiered system where if you’re rich and guilty you get a better deal than if you’re poor and innocent.” Holden is accurate, and I agree with his principled position. Holden is a Libertarian and I am a Democrat, but we are now working together to build an effective, bipartisan national criminal justice reform movement across America. If Martin Luther King Jr. were alive today, he would be at the forefront of this movement. The “land of the free” has now become “the land of the imprisoned.” Today, there are simply too many people in prison in the United States. There is, however, good news. A number of major companies and organizations are now following the lead of Koch Industries and the Charles Koch Institute by bonding together on the issue of criminal

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justice reform, including Apple, Starbucks, Walmart, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), NACDL, SCLC, NAACP, Coalition for Public Safety, and the Center for American Progress. Yet there is more good news. There is progress now in the U.S. Congress on this important issue. Congressmen Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wisc.) and Bobby Scott (D-Va.) have introduced the bipartisan SAFE Justice Act. The acronym SAFE stands for Safe, Accountable, Fair and Effective. According to Anthony Romero, executive director of the ACLU, and Mark Holden in a timely article they co-authored for Politico, “. . . the legislation is an important step in addressing America’s ballooning, costly and ultimately unfair federal sentencing and corrections system, which needlessly throws away lives and decimates entire communities.” Recently, I visited the headquarters of the Charles Koch Institute (CKI) in Arlington, Va. When you are building a social change movement, it is also important to get to know something about the integrity of the people who you are working with to achieve the mutually desired change. I was impressed by the diligence of the diverse team of scholars and staff I met with at the institute. I took a selfie with Dr. Richard Fink, president of the Charles Koch Institute. I have that photograph posted in my office at the National Newspaper Publishers Association in Washington, D.C. We took the photo together in front of large poster of another one my freedom movement heroes, Frederick Douglass, which is prominently displayed outside the entrance to Dr. Fink’s CKI office. There is a very relevant quote from Frederick Douglass that serves as the caption of the poster. It states, “I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong.” Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is the President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA): dr.bchavis@ nnpa.org

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RELIGION

The Religion Corner Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

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

The Reverend Lyndon Shakespeare Interim Priest

Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher

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

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

Worship Services Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist

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

www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.

The Griffin Firm, PLLC Committed to providing services and supports to increase the capacity of individuals, businesses, and communities.

• • • • •

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

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq., The Griffin Firm, PLLC 5335 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 440 Washington DC 20015 www.thegriffinfirm-PLLC.com

202-379-4738

It’s Up To You to Believe Have you looked back on memorable days in your life? You’ll cherish those thoughts for a lifetime. Such a day happened for me recently. As I sat writing my newspaper column and preparing for my radio show, I heard my cellphone beep for a new email message. This message had come on July 2 from Value Partnerships, Joshua DuBois, CEO, and the Oprah Winfrey Network. The subject line said “July 7th Conference Call with Oprah Winfrey.” I couldn’t believe my eyes! I thought, “This is remarkable a chance to hear from Oprah Winfrey herself. I’m in!” My life will never be the same since joining that conference call. Oprah spoke with an international community, sharing her desire for the Belief Series to change the world in a positive way. What a joy it has been to work with Values Partnerships leaders, Etoy Rignal and the Rev. Carolyn Wilkins, both of whom have been in contact weekly with me and other leaders in the Washington metropolitan Area. I’ve become one of the lead coordinators of the D.C. Belief Host Committee, meeting many new and exciting people. It has been a marvelous experience. What’s this all about? Oprah Winfrey is presenting a new seven-day series on OWN Oct. 18-24 titled “Belief,” a groundbreaking international television event exploring humankind’s ongoing search to connect with something greater than ourselves. This original series invites viewers to witness fascinating spiritual journeys through the eyes of believers. Oprah Winfrey said: “For several years, my team and I have traveled to 33 countries to film the Beliefs of all races, colors, creeds, religions in an effort to show somehow, we are all very much alike.” What is my belief, you ask?

Throughout my life our family of nine lived on a farm in North Carolina, near Kinston. My father had been a Pentecostal preacher and pastor since1959. I was 9 years old. He had a cute little church with a steeple located near the rail road tracks. It only accommodated 150-200 people. For the family, it was church all the time. Only preaching and spirituals played on our radio. Playing cards was out. His small but dedicated congregation worshiped monthly. Other Sundays we visited neighboring churches, never missing one. A poor family, but we looked good. The boys were wearing suits and ties and the girls dresses with standout slips and ribbons in our hair, riding in a Cadillac. A talented musician, our father played the piano, organ harmonica and guitar, his favorite. After supper he and mother would sing, clap, both patting their feet. We children would join in. At age n19, I married a tall, handsome Catholic Marine. My old-school upbringing taught me my husband’s religion would be the family’s choice. We followed Catholic protocol, from premarital counseling and the big wedding to baptizing our children as Catholics. They even attended Catholic schools. What I believed had changed, from a small Pentecostal church in the South to the National Shrine in Washington. For Catholics, it was acceptable to play cards inside the church fellowship halls. It was totally different from how I grew up. Now 40 years later, I’m divorced, and I’m enjoying the Baptist religion. Though the Baptist faith is different from Catholicism and Pentecostalism, it falls somewhere in the middle. Throughout my life, all churches I’ve attended believe in Jesus Christ and God the Father.

with Lyndia Grant

Over the years, I’ve had Mormon friends, Hari Krishnas, Buddhists, Jews, etc. Recently, with this project, I met Sister Jenna, a lovely spirit, Brahma Kumari, and CEO of Meditation Museum. She travels to 160 countries! What a magnificent opportunity to bring people of all faiths together in one room around the world. But this time, only looking for similarities: love and peace. It is up to you to believe.WI Lyndia Grant is an author, inspirational and motivational speaker, radio talk show host and columnist. Visit her new website at www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrant@gmail.com orcall 202-5582107. Tune in Fridays at 6 p.m. to the radio talk show, 1340 AM, WYCB, a Radio One Station.

(301) 864-6070

CHURCH LAWYERS MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC

Organizational Formation, Governance Issues, First Ammendment, Church Employment, Ministerial Exception, Maintenance Issues, Risk Management, Safety and Security Issues, and Real Property Law SERVING MARYLAND, DC, & NORTH CAROLINA

www.jmlaw.net

(301) 864-6070

jmccollum@jmlaw.net

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RELIGION Pilgrim Baptist Church

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Pilgrim Baptist Church Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

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

Worship Sundays @ 7:30 & 11:00 A.M. 5th Sundays @ 9:30 A.M. 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 P.M.

Schedule of Service Sunday Service: 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

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: 10:00 am 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: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power “An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantbaptistdc.org

Dr. Henry Y. White

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

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”

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

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

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

ST Marks Baptist Come Worship with us... 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

Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor Service and Times Sunday Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Communion every Sunday 11:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Bible Study Tuesday 12Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday 6:30 p.m. Motto; “Discover Something Wonderful.” Website: 12thscc.org Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com

Mailing Address Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE Washington, DC 20020

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Joseph N. Evans, Ph.D Senior Pastor 901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423

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

TV Ministry –Channel 6 Wednesday 10:00pm gsccm.administration@verizon.net

Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Bishop

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

Crusader Baptist Church

(Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340

2562 MLK Jr. Ave., S E Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email:Campbell@mycame.org Sunday Worship Service 10: am Sunday Church School 8: 45 am Bible Study Wednesday 12:00 Noon Wednesday 7:00 pm Thursday 7: pm “Reaching Up To Reach Out”

Holy Communion 4th Sunday 10:00am Prayer and Bible Study Wednesday 7;00pm

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Twelfth Street Christian Church

Campbell AME Church

Sunday Worship Service 8:00am and 11:00am Sunday School 9:15am

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

Blessed Word of Life Church

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

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew, Assistant Pastor

700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849

tel: 202-291-6565

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

Church of Living Waters

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

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RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church 7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471 Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Service 11:00 a.m. Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Motto: “A Church Keeping It Real for Real.” Website: Shabbathcommandmentchruch.org Email: Praisebetoyhwh@gmail.com

Zion Baptist Church

All Nations Baptist Church Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor 2001 North Capitol St, N.E. • Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591

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

“Where Jesus is the King”

Israel Baptist Church

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

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 Institute Wednesday - 1:30 pm Prayer Meeting Wednesday - 12:00 Noon

St. Matthews Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Maxwell M. Washington Pastor Worshiping Location Knights of Columbus - 1633 Tucker Road Fort Washington, MD 20744 (240) 838-7074 Order of Services Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 am Sunday School: 9:00 am Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer / Bible Study: 6:15 pm - 7:20 pm (Tuesday)

2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730 Sunday School – 9:30 am Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 am Baptismal Service – 1st Sunday – 9:30 am Holy Communion – 1st Sunday – 11:00 am Prayer Meeting & Bible Study – Wednesday -7:30 pm

Rev. Dr. Morris L Shearin, Sr. Pastor

St. Luke Baptist Church

Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor

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

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

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

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

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

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church Rev. Dr. Diane Dixon Proctor, Pastor 1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 lpumconthegrow@gmail.com www.lpumcdc.org Sunday worship 10: am Holy Communion first Sunday 10: am Sunday school 9: am Bible Study each Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30pm Motto: “A CHURCH ON THE GROW”.

Eastern Community Baptist 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

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

Christ Embassy DC

Dr. C. Matthew Hudson, Jr, Pastor

Elder Herman L. Simms, Pastor

2616 MLK Ave., SE • Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 • Fax 202-678-3304

Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator

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”

Sunday Worship Service 10:00 A.M.

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

New Commandment Baptist Church

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salem Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert SR. Pastor

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

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

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

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

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Damion M. Briggs Pastor

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton, Senior Pastor

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

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

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

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

Shiloh Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

1864-2014

Rev. Alonzo Hart Pastor

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

Rev. Reginald M. Green, Sr., Interim 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

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

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.

150 Years of Service

Theme: “The Kingdom Focused Church” Matthew 6:33 and Mathew 28:18-20, KJV

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

Email: stmatthewsbaptist@msn.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

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

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

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Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 P.M. Friday Evening Service 7:00 P.M. ; Last Friday “…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor 3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500 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.

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LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

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

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

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

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

Administration No. 2015 ADM 819

Administration No. 2015 ADM 965

Administration No. 2015 ADM 369

Administration No. 2015 ADM 976

Administration No. 2015 ADM 901

Harold Horatio Reid Decedent

Elizabeth D. Ward Decedent

Oria Littlejohn Decedent

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

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

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

Megan Reid, whose address is 4527 Illinois Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Harold Horatio Reid who died on March 21, 2014 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before February 27, 2016. 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 February 27, 2016, 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.

Paula J. White, whose address is 501 Quincy Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elizabeth D. Ward who died on May 5, 2001 with a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before February 27, 2016. 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 February 27, 2016, 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.

Denise D. Woodfolk, whose address is 620 Franklin Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Oria Littlejohn who died on July 12, 2015 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before February 13, 2016. 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 February 13, 2016, 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: August 27, 2015

Date of first publication: August 27, 2015

Date of first publication: August 13, 2015

Megan Reid Personal Representative

Paula J. White Personal Representative

Denise D. Woodfolk Personal Representative

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Marian L. Etheridge Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Carla Freeman, whose address is 8279 Knighthood Place, White Plains, MD 20695, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Marian L. Etheridge who died on May 3, 2015 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before February 27, 2016. 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 February 27, 2016, 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: August 27, 2016 Carla Freeman Personal Representative

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Thelma D. Goodwin Decedent Peggy A. Miller, Esq. 5130 7th St., NE Washington, DC 20011-2625 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Carrie L. Washington, whose address is 3420 Rickey Avenue, Apt. 203, Temple Hills, MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Thelma D. Goodwin who died on July 8, 2015 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before February 27, 2016. 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 February 27, 2016, 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: August 27, 2015 Carrie L. Washington Personal Representative

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LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

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

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

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. 2015 ADM 322

Administration No. 2015 ADM 926

William W. McKinnon aka William Wade McKinnon Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Helen K. McKinnon-Cheatham whose address is 2209 S Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William W. McKinnon aka William Wade McKinnon who died on December 24, 2003 with a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before February 20, 2016. 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 February 20, 2016, 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: August 20, 2015 Helen K. McKinnon-Cheatham Personal Representative

Administration No. 2015 ADM 218

Administration No. 2015 ADM 891

Donald Mills Jr. Decedent

Evelyn G. Stephens aka Evelyn Louise Greene Stephens Decedent

Mattie Benthall Martin Decedent

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

Bernard A. Gray, Sr. 2009 18th Street, SE Washington, DC 20020-4201 Attorney

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

Ailena Denise Mayo-Mills, whose address is 5206 D Street, SE, Washington, DC 20019 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Donald Mills Jr. who died on March 2, 2010 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before February 20, 2016. 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 February 20, 2016, 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: August 20, 2015 Ailena Denise Mayo-Mills Personal Representative

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Stephanie D. Stephens, whose address is 1221 Decatur Street, NW, Washington, DC 200114413, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Evelyn G. Stephens aka Evelyn Louise Greene Stephens who died on October 18, 2014 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before February 20, 2016. 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 February 20, 2016, 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: August 20, 2015

Petrena T. Bloodworth, whose address is 2304 2nd Street, NE Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mattie Benthall Martin who died on May 25, 2015 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before February13, 2016. 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 February 13, 2016, 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.

Petrena T. Bloodworth Personal Representative

Stephanie D. Stephens Personal Representative

call Ron Burke at

202-561-4100 or email

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Anne Meister Register of Wills

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

The Washington Informer

services here:

Date of first publication: August 13, 2015

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CROWELLfrom fromPage Page2424 CROWELL This week in programs. Houston, the government-backed nation’s oldest with minority proThose entrusted leadership fessionalmust realdevelop estate answers trade to aspositions th annual sociation heldhousing its 68dilemmas. these and other convention. Founded in July This national problem, as analyzed 1947, the National Association by CRL, deserves a response equal Real Estate Brokers grew toofits challenge: from fledgling grouploans of Blacksareceived only 36,903 andof11allmen from –one just woman 4.8 percent purchase only eight locales in into today’s mortgage originations 2013, denational network of mortgage spite the black population accountprofessionals andofantheestimated ing for 13.6 percent U.S., exconference attendance ceeded 39 million residents.of more than 1,000. borrowers received Hispanic Longmore before civil rights legslightly mortgage originaislation was introduced in Contions, at 7.3 percent of all purchase gress, NAREB mortgage originationsstood in 2013,forevenall those they whorepresent believed16that owning though percent of a home in America should the population and more than 51be both people. affordable and obtainable million but were in somehow out Similarly, refinancelocked mortgage of theirblack own American lending, borrowers Dream. received kind– only of leadership onlyThat 191,004 4.4 percent and of service celebration. more thandeserves 4.3 milliona the previous In This spite comparatively of restrictive year. low covelevel nants commonplace of lending continues a trendasthatearly beas after the the 1940s, to housing the years gan nation’s crisis.of block-busting white flight “When familiesand receive responof the 1960s,loans, NAREB othsible mortgage they and are able housing advocates fast toerbuild a financial safety held net that to their principles and they can founding access during challengnever gavenoted up orKeith gave Corbett, out. ing times,” a

MURPHYfrom fromPage Page2424 MURPHY a time when Sunter Iisremember their most important asdays were days of quiet andare evset. A time when electronics eryone wondered about those put aside, when no one answers in phone the community who didand not the during meal time attend church. remember everyone stops Ilong enoughafterto noon drives, fried chicken dinHEAR and to connect with one

CURRYfrom fromPage Page2424 CURRY are are attacking and Conservatives found that 60 percent in maPlanned Parenthood so — viciousjority-white neighborhoods and ly that forgiven that feweryou thanwould one inbeten abortionif you thought that the organizaproviders are located in neighbortion was running for hoods where more than halfpresident of the as a Democrat. It isstatistics often said, residents are black. The did “The firstwhen casualty whenwere war not change the numbers comes for is nearly truth.” Actually, that the adjusted 600 providers first casualty of politics is truth. conduct more than 400 abortions a That’s particularly true when year.” itReferring comes totothethe orchestrated founder ofattacks on PlannedCarson Parenthood. Planned Parenthood, said: “I The who anti-choice Center know Margaret Sanger is, andfor I Medical Progress released know that she believedhas in eugenics seven videos thatparticularly seek to endisand that she was not credit Planned Parenthood. amored with black people.” Media Matters said, latest He is correct in saying “The that Sanger video again relies the onidea footage believed in eugenics, that already highly by edthe humandebunked race can beasimproved ited, features with encouraging or conversations discouraging reprothird-party providers whoEven actduction based on genetic traits. as the between so,edCarson tellsmiddlemen only half of the story and clinics, and of re–researchers the half favorable to his point lies heavily on the account of a view. technician who did not work for “I think people should go back Planned Parenthood.” and read about Margaret Sanger, who Ben this Carson, founded place a– retired a womanneurowho surgeon, has also launched maHillary Clinton, by the way, saysa she

The irony is and that executive today despite NAREB panelist vice their dedication and advocacy president with the Center for Reof otherLending. housing – or sponsible “Forgroups most Black even federal laws that guarantee families, owning a home is the key equalityblock and protections housbuilding for their fiinnancial ing andUntil credit of race security. weregardless raise the level of or creed – the American Dream black homeownership, it is doubtful is will stillsee elusive, especially conwe racial wealth gapsfor closing sumers of color. Nationwide, either.” black Earlier America’s CRL researchhomeownerfound that ship homebuyers is shrinking.ofA color 2013 were NAmany REB report titled Thesubprime State of steered into higher-cost, Housing Blackthey America found loans – eveninwhen qualified for that black homeownership rates cheaper ones. After analyzing 50,000 droppedloans, fromCRL a high level ofthat just subprime concluded of under 50 percent 2004 ato blacks and Latinos wereinalmost 43 percent by 2013. third more likely to receive a higherBy loan late than 2014, priced wereaccording whites withto thesame U.S.credit Census the scores.Bureau, only 42Additionally, percent research of black families by the Cenmoreat than terwere homeowners, for Community Capital the 22 percentage than University of points North lower Carolina that of nation 64ofpercent and found thattheborrowers color and 30 percentage points lower than low-wealth families who received that mortgages of whites (72 safe thatpercent). were fullyThe obvious question is: Why underwritten during the housing is Black crisis sawhomeownership their home shrinkequity ing? appreciate by $23,000. An analysis by the Center for Earlier this summer, Harvard Responsible the University’s JointLending Center forofHousmost recent Home Mortgage ing Studies released its annual State reportreport. for 2013 ofDisclosure the Nation’sAct Housing Its thatevenboth and fishowed ndings show moreblack disparities

home buyers are typically inLatino homeownership: denied to private sector Despiteaccess the housing rebound in conventional mortgages that many parts of the nation, minority over the life of a loan are far and low-income recheaper than neighborhoods the governmentmain severely distressed. backed offerings. Little access toAsprivate loans of 2014,conventional the homeownership leaves consumers of color rate for minorities as a whole with redisproportionately high lower use mains 25.5 percentage points of mortgages underwritten by than that of whites. programs. government-backed More 40 percent HispanThosethan entrusted withofleadership icpositions and blackmust households mort-to developwith answers these and other housing dilemmas. gages report paying interest rates This national as analyzed above 5 percentproblem, as compared with by CRL, deserves a response equal less than a third of white and Asian/ to its challenge: other minority households. Blacks received only 36,903 loans findings along with –“All justof4.8these percent of all purchase mortgage 2013, derising homeoriginations prices meaninthat conspite the black accountsumers who wantpopulation to buy their first ing for 13.6 percent of the U.S., exhome, face tremendous hurdles,” ceeded 39 million residents. concluded “It is time to HispanicCorbett. borrowers received make mortgage moreoriginaavailslightly more access mortgage tions, 7.3 percent of all purchase able andatmore equal.”WI mortgage originations in 2013, even though they represent 16 percent Charlene Crowell is of a the population and more than 51 communications manager with the million people. Center for Responsible Lending. She Similarly, in refinance mortgage can be reached at charlene.crowell@ lending, black borrowers received only 191,004 – only 4.4 percent of responsiblelending.org.

ners, Saturday picnics at the park, another. my off toa work Thefather world going has become freeveryplace day, with botheveryone of my parents netic racing with ashelping fast asme they canmy to homework, go where andtositting down what? at the To kitchen and accomplish obtablemore to have family and tain things, to dinner get more to talk about activities the work done, tothe spend more of time day. people I remember whenyour menproheld with who value

the doorbut open womenyou and ductivity, not for the person when you couldn’t walktime down the are. I think it is beyond that street without someone blowing the family becomes a priority. I theirthat car horn as an hope as weand takewhistling this journey attractivethat woman walked (all together we arrive at a by place I rememofchanges balanceare andnot of bad.). personal satisber when my parents faction in who we are would and inclose the the door to their room and WI talk people we call our family.

jor attack against Planned admires,” Carson said in the Fox Parinenthood, andand hesee should know terview. “Look what many better.in Nazi Germany thought people Inher.” an interview with Fox about News on Aug. Post 12, Carson said The Washington did just that. that Planned Parenthood erects “Starting in 1916, Sanger’s clinics its aimed clinicsmainly in blackat neighatmost first of were poor borhoodswomen. as a “way immigrant The to firstcontrol clinic thatinpopulation.” was a neighborhood ‘populated However, Martha largely by Italians ABC’s and Eastern EuRaddatz reported, “Planned ropean Jews,’ according to the 2010 Parenthood estimates thatStreet” fewer book “Birth Control on Main 5 Moran percentHajo. of its health bythan Cathy Sanger did cennot ters aare located areas where open Harlem clinicinuntil the 1930s, morethough than one-third of the rates popeven infant mortality ulation African-American.” there wereissimilar. In found a that detailed rebut“Hajo in the 1916-1939 tal, The Washington period, white activists Post awardwere more ed Carson FourAfrican-Americans Pinocchios, indilikely to exclude cating a “whopper” of a lie, the from clinics rather than include them. highest falsehoods. There werelevel someofhalf-hearted efforts “A 2011 report by Life Dyto create African-American clinics, namics, abortion, but white which activistsopposes actually gave little Census ‘Whatever data to determine orused no assistance. the activthepersonal African-American and may Hisists’ beliefs about race panic population of grand each proZip have been, there was no codetowhere Plannednonwhites Parenthood gram exterminate or haspoor,’ an office,” the newspaper rethe Hajo concluded.” called. “The report intended The Post also noted,was “Sanger in to show that the abortion clinics 1938 appeared to speak positively

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are placed mostly inprogram areas where about the German unblack residents exceed the avdertaken by the Nazis. ‘Reports in erage journals black population the medical state that theofindistate. laid down in the German law cations youobserved. look closely are “But being when carefully Theseat the data, it turns out that there are congenital feeble-mindedness; are only about 110 locations schizophrenia, circular insanity; (out heof about 800) hereditary where thechorea black redity epilepsy; population exceeds percent (Huntington’s); hereditary25blindness of the overall population. That or deafness; grave hereditary bodicertainly does not support the ly deformity and chronic alcoholclaim that “most” clinics are in ism,” she said. “The rights of the ‘black neighborhoods.’ individual could beinequally “Separately, 2011, well the safeGutguarded here, but in no case should tmacher Institute surveyed all the rights ofproviders society, or(about which1,700), he or abortion she is a member, be disregarded.’ including Planned Parenthood, “Yet in 1939, and found thatshe 60 wrote percentthat arebefore in maHitler came toneighborhoods power, ‘I was one jority-white — of and the Americans joined the thatfew fewer than onewho in ten abortion Anti-Nazi andingave monprovidersCommittee are located neighborey,hoods my name and any infl uence where more than half Iofhad the with writers others, to combat residents areand black. The statistics did Hitler’s rise to power Germany.’ not change when the in numbers were She added,for ‘My three600 books were deadjusted nearly providers that stroyed and 400 haveabortions not been a conduct[burned] more than year.” to circulate in Germany.’” allowed to the ItReferring would be great if wefounder could getof Planned Parenthood, Carson said: “I these orchestrated lies about abortion know who Margaret out of circulation. WI Sanger is, and I TheWashington WashingtonInformer Informer The

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“The lost oneseat of its him to country take hishasrightful in most passionate and eloquent voices for 1966. He spent 20 years in the the cause ofLegislature, justice. He advocated Georgia serving not in just for African Americans, but for both the House and the Senate. every persona subIn group, 1968, indeed Bondevery became naject to oppression and discrimination, tional figure after delivering because recognized hua fieryhespeech at the thecommon Chicago manity in us all.” Democratic National ConvenMorris Dees, Southern tion.– His performance was so Poverty Law Center impressive; his name was placed Julian Bond was process never one into the nominating for to shrink away from a worthy vice president – a position he fight. his life a tireless couldHe notlived qualify for as because he champion of the oppressed was too young. Bond went onand to maligned, a battle-worn serve as the first presidentwarrior of the for civil rights, equality social Southern Poverty LawandCenter, justice. Bond fought the remaining on its board forgood the fight, andhis at the age rest of life still-youthful after his tenure of 75,toheancompleted his Later, course.he came end in 1979. His also longtime to would serve asdedication chairman of equal rights for African-Amerithe NAACP.

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WOOD WOOD from from Page Page 23 23 19-year-old getAsthere,a there is no simpleAfriancan-American aspires to swer. But if wewho are to commit be a transformational ourselves to making president headway, one day, reassess I admire we must the President roles and Barack Obama and responsibilities of allhave whostudasied his presidency. Throughout pire to reach the racial Promised Obama’s presidency, I have reLand. flected on the question: This means that weIf Marmust tin Luther King Jr. were re-examine the roles andalive retoday, what would heofhave to sponsibilities not just politi-

MUHAMMAD MUHAMMAD from from Page Page 23 23

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And And best best of of all… all… No No crime, crime, no no dirty dirty gossip, gossip, just just positive positive news news and and information information each each week, week, which is why… which is why… The The Washington Washington Informer Informer is is all all about about you! you! Name. ........................................................................................... Name............................................................................................. Address.......................................................................................... Address ......................................................................................... City, ............................................................................... City, State, State, Zip. Zip................................................................................. Phone number (daytime)................................................................... Phone number (daytime) .................................................................. Yes! Yes! II want want to to subscribe subscribe for: for: 1 2years/$60.00 1 year/$45.00 year/$45.00 2years/$60.00 Method of payment: Method of payment: Check Visa/MasterCard Check Enclosed Enclosed Visa/MasterCard Credit card number.......................................................................... Credit card number ......................................................................... Signature........................................................................................ Signature .......................................................................................

38 38 Aug Aug 27 27 -- Sept Sept 2, 2, 2015 2015

cans and forthe all capacity, – will beBond celeNo– matter brated in the days and months to was first and foremost an activcome. But we must guard against ist for equal rights. In addition to fossilizing life and in his politicalhiscareer and legacy his work tributes or textbooks. Bond lived as a civil rights leader, Bond was aanlife of action, clear mission anda accomplished writer, he was steadfast service. lecturer and a professor, a televiThere be no worthision showcould host and he narrated er tribute to Bond than pick “Eyes on the Prize,” antoiconic up the baton he has passed and documentary on the Civil Rights re-dedicate ourselves to the Movement. Bond never stopped struggle to make the promises agitating because he fundamenand opportunities of humanity our detally believed that, “the mocracy true for all its citizens. of all Americans is diminished That struggle is an ongoing one when any group is denied rights that neither begins nor ends with granted to others.” Bond nevone movement or personality. er limited his philosophy to any Individually andor nationality. collectivecommunity, region ly, we fought must take up segregation the baton Bond against to an end the deadly on bring our shores andtoapartheid in scourge of police South Africa. He brutality, devoted close himpersistent inequality self to equaleconomic rights for all, includ-

The tomovie Outta ability make “Straight the silver screen Compton” is a runaway box-ofcome alive, they can show me fice dominating their hit, movies about poetweekend laureate ticket and earning rave reAmiri sales Baraka. views, F. Theyespecially can showformedirector their Gil Gary Gray. As for the script? Scott-Heron biopic. Show me Not much because it glossed your somovie about The Last over the mistreatment of ducats womPoets. That will get my en that box-offi was common in the at the ce. Let’s seehipthe hop at that time and storyarena about Kwame Turewas anda prominent part ofAfrica, the lifeMiriam of the his wife, Mama featured ensemble NWA (Ni--az Makeba, on the big screen. The Wit Attitude). riveting music is certainly there; Well, despite reviews, the real-life civilthe rights dramaI’m is not planning to see the flick in a there. theater You and wantmay to not telleven the watch story itabout whensome it’s eventually shown on iconic wordsmiths? free TV.your I don’t want torappers come Forget duplicitous around to admiring the movie’s who just want to “get paid.” heroes more than I already Make a any movie about Sweet Hondo. ey in the Rock, women, “cultural You see,who I’m have not interested in warriors” educated an the conspicuous artistic merits entire generation in, yes political of any movieFor about these anticorrectness. my money, you The The Washington Washington Informer Informer

Wow! Wow! Where Where can can II get get aa copy? copy?

gaps and address destructive ing, most recently, the rightsdisof parities in our nation’s the LGBT community.education system. do it,legacy because Bond We left must a lasting for as Bond once famously remindus to explore, celebrate and coned us Whether all: “Good things don’t tinue. it’s challenges to come to those who wait. inThey voting rights or inequity edcome to those whomany agitate.” ucation funding, of the Bond was a student in a phichallenges he faced yesterday losophy taughtour bynation Dr. Marcontinueclass to plague totin Luther King Jr. at Morehouse day. His lifelong fight for equality College in must Atlanta. It wasour there, and justice become lifeduring the height of the long fight for the same. We civil can rights movement all become a part inof the his 1960s, vision that Bonda began to agitate in to create more perfect union earnest, co-founding the Student in our nation. Our prayers and Nonviolent Coordinating Comheartfelt sympathy are with his mittee along with other students, family, along with our promise including now-Congressman to continue Julian’s fight.WI John Lewis. He served as the group’s communications direcMarc H. Morial, former mayor of tor five years. Newfor Orleans, is president and CEO was elected the Georof Bond the National UrbantoLeague.

Just Just go go to to www.washington www.washington informer.com informer.com to to get get informed informed and find and find out out where where to pick up the to pick up the paper! paper!

say about the state of cians, intellectuals, andAmerican activists, race relations? What wouldand he but also of ordinary citizens have to say about what America everyday people. We must ask needs to do the for racial ourselves if ittoisreach enough us Promised Land? to merely bear witness to truth How wouldCan King and justice. weanswer settle ifforI were tospeaking ask him,truth “What is your merely to power? vision, specifically, Although we haveofnotracial defijusned tice?” a blueprint, we must, in being Considering the of insightful faithful to the pursuit justice, scholarship of eminent Afchallenge ourselves and those rican-American scholars like around us to reflect critically

Alain Locke, upon our hopes James so that Weldon we may Johnson, W.E.B. Du Bois, progressively diminish the Cordifnel West, Henry Louis Gates Jr., ference between what we enviand Randall Kennedy in relation WI sionthe andlegacy what of we experience. to King, I gladly perceive a theme of common Zacharyracial Wood justice. is a sophomore at interest: In fact, Williams Collegetheme majoring the common at inthepolitical censcience philosophy. In the ter of and racial discourse in future, African-American thought has been Zach aspires to attend Harvard Law the ideal a racially just society. School andof become president of the Yet I think while many towHarvard Lawthat Review.

social thugs gangsta rapcan keep all turned your sanctimonious pers who turn around and what take “art for art’s sake,” if that’s movie and TV roles as cops and you’re even calling your “craft.” secret federal agents,revolutiontricking, I want to see some deceiving betrayingsake! our peoary art forand liberation’s You ple. I’d better name some brilliant, “Generation X” names Black and citeand somenow casesyou here. artists Millenials NWA famously recorded the have acquired all these skills, and tune “F--k tha Police.” One all you want to do with themofis the members of get most your prominent own “empire.” I for that Ice Cube. Cube has one, group reject isthat thinking. Study. dozens in filmsand to Learn of all major aboutroles yourself, his credit. In some, ironically, he then inspire our people with the is with folks on heroes the other of stories of our andside sherthe badge. In “Anaconda,” he is oes. There certainly are plenty of ainspiring camera stories operator for National to tell. Geographic. No thug there. the Instead of poisoning “Rampart” set inside Los minds of ourisyoung with amore Angeles policetales precinct. In “All misogynistic of depraved About the Benjamins,” he plays thugs living the jungle life, help aliberate bountyus, hunter. And in theloud. TV for crying out sequel to “Are We There Yet?” The jungle life is a life that no he a role have as a shadowy, CIA onehasshould to live. Why type says:a dan“If glorifywho that?frequently Stop creating Igerous tell youon-screen the answer to that I’ll reality which have to kill you.” Now, it’s more folks will only try to emulate on

like “Love tha police.” the streets. Ice-T, however, may be the I mourn the horrible condibiggest hypocrite of this genre. tions our people have endured In he Iemerged the for 1992, too long. yearn foronsongs scene with the explosive song and stories that inspire life, not “Cop Killer.” The song’s lyrics those perpetuating self-extincare about killing police and protion. We have nothing to apduced a storm of hostility from plaud we see a handful of the lawwhen enforcement world. He “celebrity-stars” making pennies was also a prominent figure in on the dollars made by those the underground pimps and who exploit in a cycle of ceplayers balls,usoften serving as fall. Stars alebrity judgerise to and determine thewhom most they use until ofthey useless garish hustler theare year. But to must them have or when speak up he donethey something to againstamends Hollyweird’s wishes. make because he has an What the ongoing roleentire as a entertainment police officer industry needs, my &opinion, in the TV series in “Law Order is its own Black Lives Matter SVU.” So, frankly,Let’s I have for movement. callnoit use “Black these “code-switching,” Storiestalented Matter,” which can help political chameleons and hypobring attention to murderous crites despite theiragainst huge success acts committed black in the marketplace. If they want people and the heroic struggles to with off the talent of impress many tomethrow those and ability toour make the silver shackles from tormentors. WI

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OR

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SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE APPAREL FOR HIM, HER & KIDS PLUS FINE & FASHION JEWELRY EXTRA 10% OFF SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE WATCHES, SHOES, COATS, SUITS, DRESSES, INTIMATES; SWIM FOR HER, SUIT SEPARATES & SPORTCOATS FOR HIM & HOME ITEMS MACYS.COM PROMO CODE: FAVES EXCLUSIONS MAY DIFFER ON MACYS.COM Excludes: Deals of the Day, Doorbusters, Everyday Values (EDV), specials, super buys, cosmetics/fragrances, electrics/electronics, floor coverings, furniture, mattresses, rugs. Also excludes: athletic apparel, shoes & accessories; Dallas Cowboys merchandise, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, Macy’s Backstage merchandise/locations, New Era, Nike on Field, previous purchases, selected licensed depts., services, special orders, special purchases. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer except opening a new Macy’s account. EXTRA SAVINGS % APPLIED TO REDUCED PRICES. TEXT “CPN” TO 62297 TO GET COUPONS, SALES ALERTS & MORE! Max 3 msgs/wk. Msg & data rates may apply. By texting CPN from my mobile number, I agree to receive autodialed marketing SMS/MMS messages from Macy’s to this number. Consent is not required to make a purchase. Text STOP to 62297 to cancel. Text HELP to 62297 for help. Terms & conditions at macys.com/mobilehelp Privacy policy at macys.com/privacypolicy

VALID 8/26-8/30/2015

BUY ONLINE, PICK UP IN-STORE

NEED IT IN A HURRY? NOW YOU CAN SHOP AHEAD ON MACYS.COM AND PICK IT UP THE SAME DAY AT YOUR NEAREST MACY’S STORE. IT’S FAST, FREE AND EASY! DETAILS AT MACYS.COM/STOREPICKUP

FREE SHIPPING & FREE RETURNS AT MACYS.COM

FREE SHIPPING WITH $99 PURCHSASE. FREE RETURNS BY MAIL OR IN-STORE. U.S. ONLY. EXCLUSIONS APPLY; DETAILS AT MACYS.COM/FREERETURNS

CUSTOMER FAVORITES SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 8/26-8/30/2015, EXCEPT AS NOTED. OPEN A MACY’S ACCOUNT FOR EXTRA 20% SAVINGS THE FIRST 2 DAYS, UP TO $100, WITH MORE REWARDS TO COME. Macy’s credit card is available subject to credit approval; new account savings valid the day your account is opened and the next day; excludes services, selected licensed departments, gift cards, restaurants, gourmet food & wine. The new account savings are limited to a total of $100; application must qualify for immediate approval to receive extra savings; employees not eligible. 50711_N5070070Z.indd 1

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The Washington Informer

8/14/15 11:34 AM

Aug 27 - Sept 2, 2015

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The Washington Informer

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