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Girls Charter School Receives Candidates Discuss Array of Donated Computers Page 5 Topics at Forum Page 13
VOL. 51, NO. 26 APRIL 7 - 13, 2016 MY SCHOOL DC - There are still seats available for school year 2016-17. Apply today at MySchoolDC.org.
First Lady Holds Last White Transportation Chief Discusses Highways Page 14 House Planting Page 35
Public Weighs In On RFK’s Future
Two Potential Design Concepts on the Table By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer Events D.C. hosted a citywide community meeting to help shape the future of the RFK campus once it’s demolished in the coming years. People from all over the District were able to voice their opinions on two proposed concepts for the 190-acre waterfront property on Monday, April 4, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime effort to reimagine this site,” Max Brown, chairman, board of directors for Events D.C., said. “This will be a space for
residents and the potential 20 million tourist who visit Washington, DC each year.” “This will be a job driver,” Brown said. “We’re focusing on the short term of the next two to five years. We want to focus on the things we can do now.” Brown said that there are lots of mitigating factors to figure out for the long term, but for now the focus should be guided principal activity that fits into the structure, family-oriented programs and short-term options. There were three concepts presented by Jason Long of the architecture firm OMA lead-
RFK Page 9
5A candlelight vigil held Monday, April 4 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Northwest paid homage to the life of the slain civil rights leader. / Photo by Patricia Little
Norton Seeks Black Women Lead Crucial to Reduce Pow-Wow in District Black Youth Hundreds Attend ‘Urgency of Now’ Luncheon Unemployment By D. Kevin McNeir Club, also recognized the 189th Young Adults Face Rate More Than Twice the National Average By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
5Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton is pitching plan to help unemployed youth. / Courtesy photo
The latest Washington, D.C. jobs report shows the overall unemployment rate held steady at 6.5 percent, which to some might be good news. However, for young people, particularly African Americans, the
UNEMPLOYMENT Page 11
WI Editor
A capacity crowd attended a recent luncheon in Northwest that addressed issues facing African-American women and the numerous challenges facing the nation as the upcoming presidential election draws near. Sponsored by veteran journalist Hazel Trice Edney, “The Urgency of Now: Seizing Our Power to Survive and Thrive” stateswomen for justice luncheon, held at the National Press
anniversary of the Black Press and Women’s History Month. Panelists included: Dr. Julianne Malveaux, economist, author and former president of Bennett College for Women; Barbara Arnwine, founding president, Transformative Justice Coalition; Melanie Campbell, president/CEO, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and convener, Black Women’s Roundtable; and Janice L.
BLACK WOMEN Page 8
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2016 National Cherry Blossom Festival Pink Tie Party The Ronald Reagan International Trade Center was the scene of the Ninth Annual National Cherry Blossom Festival Pink Tie Party. The event was to raise funds and to mark the beginning of the Festival and the coming of Spring. Games, music, an auction and fabulous cuisine highlighted the evening. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc, is a non-profit organization dedicated to art, beauty, and international friendship. For further information go to: nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
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An honest leader with the courage to take on powerful interests and fight for justice Bernie: A Lifetime Leader Bernie has fought for civil rights his whole life. He has one of the strongest civil rights voting records in Congress. From marching with Dr. King to proclaiming that Black Lives Matter, Bernie has a long history of standing with the community. He fights for what is right and has the courage to stand up to injustices—then and now. He is against the death penalty, and has fought his whole life to uplift struggling families and communities. Bernie is a leader who will continue to fight for equality, opportunity, and the protection of our rights.
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WI H O T the T OCycle P I Cof S Women Break Domestic Violence COMPILED BY D. KEVIN MCNEIR / WI EDITOR
Big Wisconsin Winslawforenforcement. Sanders, Cruz Suggest Showdowns She said they threat,” she said.
By Tia Carol Jones WI Staff Writer
had come together hopeful to bring a Ted Cruz Among the programs Marlow Republican presidential Sen. secured his biggest victory in sense of uniformity in the way wants to see implemented are Tuesday’s GOP presidential primary in Wisconsin since the Iowa caucuses, When L.Y. Marlow's 23-year- domestic violence victims and stricter restraining order policies, garneringsurvivors 48 percent the vote, compared with 35 percent for Trump and 14 for old daughter told her the father areoftreated. more rights for victim's families Ohio Gov. John Kasich. While still the front-runner, Trump’s inability expand of her daughter threatened her “She's using her own personal to intervene on behalf of to a vichis delegate chances a contested convention summer life, and the life of their child, story, lead her also ownincreases personalthe pain to oftim, a domestic violencethis assessshe knew something had to in beCleveland. push forward,” Davis-Nickens ment unit coupled with further described his victory as a “rallying cry,” addingfor thatlaw he’s enforcement “more convinced done. Out of her frustrationCruz said about Marlow. training with law enforcement's handling that our Davis-Nickens campaign is goingsaid to earn the 1,237agencies, delegatesa needed win the Repubanyone Child'stoLife Protecof the situation, she decided lican to nomination.” who reads Marlow's book will tion Act and mandatory counselstart the Saving Promise cam-Meanwhile, “get it.” Bernie She said she “puts the ing for batterers. Sanders, the independent senator from Vermont, has conpaign. in states, such adefeating way, theHillary averageClinton, “Ifwho we still are ever going atolead eraditinuedcase to win maintains among “It seems to be a vicious cycle person can get it.” She said at the cate domestic violence, we delegates, in Wisconsin’s Democratic presidential primary. Sanders wonmust 56 perthat won't turn my family end of the day, the book will look at both sides of the coin. cent of the vote compared with Clinton’s 43 percent. Sanders’ win reflects the loose,” Marlow said. Marlow help people begin to have a dia- We need to address both the vicenthusiasm of his base of support in Wisconsin where, in early July, a Madison rally drew 10,000 people. New shared her story with the audi- logue about domestic violence. tim and the batterer,” Marlow York voters could be the key when go to the polls April 19. ence at the District Heights they Also present at the event was said. But Clinton remains in the driver’s seat with a delegate cushion afterlike herto sweeping Domestic Violence Symposium Mildred Muhammad, the ex-far exceeding MarlowSanders’ would also see South,Heights winning more delegate-heavy states like Texas, Ohio and Florida. She maintains a lead onevery Maystate 7 at in thethe District wife of John Allen Muhammad, programs designed to raise of close toCenter. 260 delegates which widens one counts super and elected officials who do Municipal The sympowho ifwas sentenced to sixdelegates consec- – party awareness among children in not have was to votesponsored for whomever states’ Democratic thisprivate summerschools. in Philadelphia sium by won the their utive lifeprimary. terms The without parole convention public and She Family and forYouth Services by a Maryland jury for his role in feels children need to be educatcould make a big fight. Center of the city of District the Beltway Sniper attacks in ed about domestic violence. Heights and the National Hook- 2002. Mildred Muhammad is “We have to stop being pasUp of Black Women. the founder of After the Trauma, sive-aggressive with poor chilMarlow has written a book, an organization that helps the dren about domestic violence,” “Color Me Butterfly,” which is a survivors violence Marlow Whileofthedomestic median sale prices for homessaid. in Prince George’s County story about four generations of and their children. Marlow break remain the most affordable at $223,000 in has the worked Greater to Washington domestic violence. The book is “I lived in fear for six years. Six the cycle of abuse in her family, Area, foreclosures continue to stymie many homeowners. inspired by her own experiences, years in fear is a long time. It is and is confident the policies she to realtytrac.com, county ranked fifth in the state and those of her grandmother, not According an easy thing to come out the is pushing for will start that with one-in-every 426 housing units under foreclosure behind neighher mother and her daughter. of,” she said. process. boring Charles County, Baltimore and Caroline counties. She said every time she reads Mildred Muhammad said “I plan to take and theseCecil policies to According bankrate.com, publishes on to mortexcerpts from her book, she still people who towant to help awhich Congress andinformation implore them gages, insurance, other personal financial data, Marycan not believe the words came domestic violence credit victimcards mustand change our laws,” Marlow said. from her. “Color Me Butterfly” beland ranked number in the “Ination in stop February foreclosures careful of how they one go into will not until in these poliwon the 2007 National “Best thewith victim's life, and understand cies arereceiving passed.” a foreclosure filing. one-in-every 511 housing units Books” Award. that she may be insaid“survival Tia are Carol Jones beby reached Candidates running for the 4th Congressional district people of color hurt the can most the fore“I was just 16-years-old whenthe mode”. at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net closures, which started during financial recession in 2008. my The eye Washington first blackened and my “Beforetoyou get to 'I'm going Informer will continue follow-up on this issue. lips bled,” Marlow said. to kill you,' it started as a verbal WI Elaine Davis-Nickens, president of the National Hook-Up of Black Women, said there is no consistency in the way domestic violence issues are dealt with by The National Park Service and the 11th Street Bridge Park will present the second annual Anacostia River Festival, a premier event and official closing program of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. This year’s Festival celebrates “connecting people to parks” in recognition of the Park Services Centennial celebration. The event, free to the public, takes place on Sunday, April 17 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Anacostia Park, located at Good Hope Road and Anacostia Drive SE and will include art exhibitions, live music performances, free canoeing and other family-friendly activities along the river, in the park, in various venues in historic Anacostia and in Capitol Hill/Navy Yard. For more information and to sign up for event updates go to bridgepark. org/ARF.
Foreclosures Remain High in Maryland
Wilhelmina J. Rolark In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. PUBLISHER Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER Denise Rolark Barnes NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is NEWSPAPER THE WASHINGTON INFORMER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published published weekly on each Thursday. weekly on Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional Periodicals WashingSTAFF mailingpostage offices. paid Newsat and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. ton, Announcements D.C. and additional of- two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2000 by The must mailing be received D. Kevin McNeir, Editor fices.Washington News and Informer. advertising Alldeadline rights reserved. POST MASTER: Send change of addressRon Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director is Monday to publication. Anes to Theprior Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, nouncements mustNobepart received two Shevry Photowithout Editorwritten permisD.C. 20032. of this publication may Lassiter, be reproduced weeks prior to the event. Copyright sion from publisher. The2016 Informer Newspaper cannotIV, guarantee return of Lafayette Barnes, Assistantthe Photo Editor by photographs. The Washington Informer. Subscription ratesAll are $30 per year, two years $45. Papers will be received John E. De Freitas, Sports Photo Editor rights POSTMASTER: Send notreserved. more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: Dorothy Rowley, Online Editor change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther THE WASHINGTON INFORMERDesign & Layout ZebraDesigns.net, King, Jr. Ave., S.E.Martin Washington, D.C. Jr. Ave., S.E. • Washington, D.C. 20032 3117 Luther King, Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Phone: 202 20032. No part of this publication may561-4100 • Fax: 202 574-3785 Mickey Thompson, E-mail: news@washingtoninformer.comSocial Sightings columnist be reproduced without written permiswww.washingtoninformer.com sion from the publisher. The Informer Stacey Palmer, Social Media Specialist Newspaper cannot guarantee the return Angie Johnson, Circulation of photographs. Subscription rates are PUBLISHER $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will Denise Rolark Barnes be received not more than a week after REPORTERS STAFF REPORTERS publication. Make checks payable to: Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K.
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Plans Set for Second Annual Anacostia River Festival
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 these policies Conversation are passed. Prince George’s ASALH to Host Provocative
“
In Memoriam
The Washington Informer Dr. Calvin Newspaper W. Rolark, Sr.
L.Y. Marlow The Prince George’s Truth Branch of The Association for the Study of African American Life and History [ASALH] will host a “Must Attend – Thought Conversation” between County Executive Rushern Roy Lewis, Patricia Little, Corey Parrish, Baker and ASALH National President, Dr. Evelyn Brooke Higginbotham, on Sunday, April 10. The event begins at 3 p.m. on the campus of Prince George’s Community College, Rennie Forum, Travis Riddick, Nancy Shia 301 Largo Road, Largo, Maryland. Dorothy Bailey, local president of the Truth Branch of ASALH and a 4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com member of ASALH’s National Executive Council, said “[our] goal for this special and rare opportunity is to encourage our residents to understand the significance [of ] African-American history and the ASALH mission.” PHOTOGRAPHERS CIRCULATION
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Girls Charter School Receives Donated Computers Gift Benefits District’s Only Female Public Charter School WI Staff Report Washington, DC – The U.S. General Services Administration National Capital Region recently donated more than 65 surplus laptop computers and accessories to Excel Academy Public Charter School for girls through the Computers For Learning (CFL) Program. Julia Hudson, GSA National Capital Regional Administrator and her team, delivered the computers to the school. A ribbon cutting event with Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, Julia Hudson, Houston Taylor, Reg. Commissioner Federal Acquisition Service – GSA, D.C. Councilmember LaRuby May, Deborah Lockhart, Excel Academy CEO, Excel Academy Board of Trustees members, and administrative and academic staff, gathered on Friday, March 25 in Southeast at Excel Academy Public Charter School (2501 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave.) to initiate this new partnership. The CFL program has given thousands of school children access to the technology and skills they will unquestionably need to succeed in the 21st century. “This donation will help scholars at Excel Academy Public Charter School better prepare for immediate needs such as PARCC testing, and more importantly, help to support the young ladies on their mission to become college ready,” said Julia Hudson, GSA National Capital Regional Administrator. “CFL provides so many benefits including giving children better access to technology, reusing technical equipment and maximizing taxpayers’ investment. We hope that more schools will take advantage of the program and that these donations help free up funds for the school to make additional educational investments,” said the GSA Team. “The donation of these computers and supporting accessories to Excel Academy PCS is greatly appreciated,” Lockhart said. “These laptops will support our middle school girls as they continue to prepare for testing and
“This donation will help scholars at Excel Academy Public Charter School better prepare for immediate needs such as PARCC testing, and more importantly, help to support the young ladies on their mission to become college ready.”
5Cutting the ribbon for the over 65 donated computers on stage are from left to right: Julia E. Hudson, GSA National
Capitol Region Regional Administrator; Councilmember LaRuby May, Ward 8; Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (Del- DC); GSA Administrator Denise Turner Roth; EXCEL Academy CEO Deborah Lockhart; Kimberly Bassett, Mayor’s Office on Women; Valerie Holt, Board member, EXCEL Academy; and Houston Taylor, GSA National Capitol Region FAS Commissioner. / Photo courtesy EXCEL Academy
Julia Hudson / GSA National Capital Regional Administrator continue to advance their computer skills. With opportunities like the CFL program, we are able to provide our scholars with access to tools that they can use to compete in the technical world that is constantly changing.” “Thank you to GSA and their ‘Computers for Learning’ program. You’ve made an amazing contribution to our school,” Lockhart added. The U.S. General Services Administration National Capital Region is proud to sponsor the CFL program. Interested schools and educational non-profits organizations are encouraged to find more information on this program at the Computers for Learning website. Schools participating in CFL can browse the available equipment at www. computersforlearning.gov. WI
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APRIL 7 - 13, 2016 5
AROUND THE REGION WEEK OF APRIL 7 - 13, 2016
Black Facts APRIL 7
1915 – Billie Holiday is born. She would go on to become one of the greatest blues and jazz singers ever with songs like “The Man I Love” and “God Bless the Child Who’s Got His Own.” Motown legend Diana Ross portrayed Holiday in the biopic “Lady Sings the Blues” in 1977, immortalizing her life and music for future generations.
APRIL 8
1974 – Hammering Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves breaks the homerun record of the legendary Babe Ruth when he hit his 715th homer during a game at Atlanta Stadium. 1990 – Scientist Percy Julian, who developed drugs to combat glaucoma and methods to mass-produce cortisone, is admitted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
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APRIL 9
1898 – Paul Bustill Robeson is born in Princeton, New Jersey. Robeson would go on to become the greatest combination of an entertainer and social activist in American history. He was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Rutgers University as well as being one of the school’s greatest football stars. After graduation he turned to entertainment, acting and singing on stage and in early movies. However, he was also an outspoken critic of American racism and imperialism while being a strong proponent of socialism. This made him
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BUYING RECORDS
Buying Vinyl Records from 1950 to 1986, Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, R&B, Disco, Soul, Reggae, Blues, Gospel, and record format 33 1/3, 45s, and some of the older 78s. Prefer larger collections of at least 100.
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the target of a government disruption and destruction campaign.
APRIL 10
1943 – Tennis great Arthur Ashe is born in Richmond, Virginia. Ashe’s spectacular abilities on the tennis court enabled him to become the first Black member of the American Davis Cup team, the first Black to win the U.S. Open and the first Black to win the men’s single’s title at Wimbledon in England. Unfortunately, Ashe would die of AIDS after receiving a contaminated blood transfusion.
APRIL 11
1948 – On this day, Jackie Robinson signs the contract that would officially make him the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball. Robinson became a symbol of pride for Blacks as well as a star player.
APRIL 12
1787 – Famous Black clergymen Richard Allen and Absalom Jordan organize the Free Africa Society, which is believed to be the first Black self-help organization or mutual aid society in America. The two, especially Allen, attempted to better life for Blacks through the organization of separate Black-controlled institutions. Allen is also the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal church. 1940 – Contemporary Jazz composer and musician Herbie Hancock is born in Chicago. Illinois. 1975 – Josephine Baker dies. She was born Freda Josephine McDonald in St. Louis in 1906. Baker left the United States for France in 1925, seeking a career as a dancer.
APRIL 13
1873 – The Colfax Massacre takes place in Grant Parish, Louisiana. Still smarting from the loss of the Civil War and enraged by the political powers being given to Blacks during Reconstruction, a White paramilitary, terrorist group known as the White League sets out to restore White rule in Louisiana. The spark was a disputed election and a confrontation near the Colfax courthouse between a 60-member sparsely armed Black militia and nearly 300 heavily armed members of the White League. The Blacks took refuge in the courthouse, and a gun battle raged for hours, leaving three Whites dead. 1946 – R&B great Al Green is born in Forest City, Arkansas. Many considered Green the greatest male R&B singer of the 1970s. Among his greatest hits were “Tired of Being Alone,” “I’m Still in Love With You,” and “Let’s Stay Together.” WI Josephine Baker WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
Interviews and Photos by Rachel Sudduth
WILL $15 AN HOUR MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE AVERAGE AMERICAN WORKER? KAMERON WILLIAMS HYATTSVILLE, MARYLAND
Yes, I think it will make a difference for the average workers because it gives them a chance to earn and make more money than they usually have. They’ll be able to at least get by with the cost of living for a while until that increases again. But it’s enough to stack money and still look for better money opportunities.
LEKWAN FRAZIER, WASHINGTON D.C.
No, Minimum wage increase will not be a cure for the average worker. In consumer economies and capitalistic societies, businesses tend to react to minimum wage by increasing the prices of the goods and services they provide and will put the average worker back where they began. Everything will eventually become unaffordable for these individuals once again.
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FINAL PITCH
The Reality PITCH Competition By Inez Kelley CEO; Kelley Media Marketing, Inc. www.finalpitchtv.com
The State of Race This week marked the much anticipated annual symposium; ‘The State of Race in America’ sponsored by The Aspen Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to humanistic studies. Though engaging and thought provoking, the topic of discussion was filled with a lethargy of recycled dialogue newly framed only by the perspective of the individual panelist personal experiences. What is racism..? How is it identified and what can be done to eradicate its impact on our society..? While surveying the room its clear people of color make up 95% of all attendees and 100% of the panel members. There is the sense of preaching to the choir. In the end, we all mutually agree. The problem is the lack of inclusion into the global society which clearly overlooks a growing population. But what’s absent from the conversation is those who for the most part are considered to be the perpetuators of this racist culture. Just how effective is dialogue without all parties present..? Are race solutions not important to non-people of color..? Or is it that people of color are obsessed with an imaginary adversary, like being afraid of the boogie man lurking behind the door or under the bed. We wrestle against an internal warfare of the mind. Its power lies only in the grip of crippling fear that renders its target useless and ineffective. Some would say racism does not exist. It’s merely a distraction, like a magician’s sleight of hand; its presence camouflages the real enemy… GREED. All the while ethnicity is used as a gauge to control the balance separating the haves from the have not. Considering this to be so, greatly changes the perspective. Greed vs. racism would promote a different kind of resolution another type of conversation; one that would provoke a less separate viewpoint … when you consider that racism may or may not have an impact one’s life, but greed affects us all. Learn more @ FINAL PITCH Inter Active Workshop For More Information Email: vaumediagroup@gmail.com
MARCUS TISDALE WASHINGTON D.C.
Yes, 15 an hour will definitely make a difference because the average worker now makes between 10 and 13 an hour, to provide for their family or their responsibilities.
NICOLE ISSAC
WASHINGTON, D.C.
No, because taxes will raise and the price of living will go up. I believe the minimum wage should be $8.50 or $9 in rural states.
NATHIFA THOMPSON HYATTSVILLE, MARYLAND
Yes, Minimum wage will help average workers because a lot of people have minimum-wage jobs and are living off of that minimum wage that they make. They have to live off of the regular 9.50, which isn’t much to live off of. WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
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You Can Say It Like A Pro!
BLACK WOMEN from Page 1
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Mathis, recently-elected executive director, National Council of Let us help you develop Negro Women. the communication skills April Ryan, White House Correspondent and Washington to compete and win! Bureau Chief, American Urban ■ Executive Presentation Coaching Radio Networks, moderated the ■ Media Training Thursday, March 31 event. ■ Image Branding Rep. Donna Edwards, a candidate for the U.S. Senate for the ■ On-Camera Coaching state of Maryland, made a surDoris McMillon prise appearance in support of President the event. “It’s good to be in a room filled with enlightened Black women and men,” said Edwards who noted that it’s been 23 years since Carol Mosely Braun represented Illinois as a member of the U.S. C O M M U N I C AT I O N S Senate (1993-1999) – the first 301.292.9141/FAX 301.292.9142/Mobile 703.819.0920 Black woman to bear that disdoris@mcmilloncommunications.com/www.mcmilloncommunications.com tinction in America’s history. “Statistics show that Black women vote more often and at a higher rate than any other demographic – and we tend to support progressive politics,” she said. “As one of my sheroes [Shirley Chisholm] once said, ‘if they don’t make a seat for us at the table, we need to bring a folding chair.’” Arnwine said she hoped that the comments shared at the luncheon would be carried back to local communities. “The urgency of now is that we have 100 million Black women Denise Rolark Barnes living in the Americas – and we Independent Beauty Consultant must raise our voices collectively www.marykay/drolark-barnes.com to say ‘no more’ to the increasing 202-236-8831 number of killings of Blacks by police officers,” she said. “Seventy percent of deaths at the hands of the police are Blacks. We’re seeing the longtime legacy of the Fugitive Slave Law being played out in new, creative ways.” “We must demand a restructuring of this country’s law enforcement and a movement away from the re-enslavement imperative which we see played out in the prison industrial complex. (301) 864-6070 Democracy is not just about voting – it’s also about holding officials accountable,” she said. Black women still facing daunting statistics in areas that MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC include health, education, enADA, Age Discrimination, Benefits, Civil Rights, trepreneurship, economic security and political leadership that COBRA, Contracts, Deaf Law, Defamation, Disability Law, Arnwine and other panelists said Discipline, Discrimination, FMLA, FLSA, FOIA, should guide our choices for Family Responsibility, Harassment, HIPPA, OSHA, elected officials to enact sensible and more equitable policies. National Origin Discrimination, Non-Compete, Consider the following which n upper and lowercase,Race flush left as indicated on artwork at these point sizes: Consultant name in 11-point Helvetica Neue Bold; Independent Discrimination, Rehabilitation Act, Retaliation, n 9-point Helvetica Neue Light; Web site or e-mail address in 9-point Helvetica Neue Light; phone number in 9-pointbear Helvetica Neue Light. out in more specific statis® Personal Web Site program may be utilized. t Beauty Consultant: Only Company-approved Web sites Sexual obtained through the Mary KayTorts, Severance Agreements, Harassment, tics: one in four Black women Whistleblowing, Wage-and-Hour, Wrongful Discharge are uninsured; the level of educational attainment for Black SERVING MARYLAND, DC, & NORTH CAROLINA women has risen very slowly and www.jmlaw.net (301) 864-6070 jmccollum@jmlaw.net still sits at a significantly lower nis.com
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EMPLOYMENT LAWYERS
8 APRIL 7 - 13, 2016
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5Barbara Arnwine, president of the Transformative Justice Coalition, serves as a guest panelist during the sixth annual Stateswomen for Justice Luncheon on Thursday, March 31 at the National Press Club in Northwest. / Photo by Patricia Little
level than that of white women; Black women-owned businesses continue to grow despite significant financial and social obstacles; Black women continue to have higher rates of unemployment than white women and have lower amounts of weekly usual earnings and media wealth compared to their male counterparts and white women – making them more vulnerable to poverty and its implications; and while Black women have a rich history of leadership in their communities, they are underrepresented in all levels of government. Malveaux, who recently penned a book of essays entitled “Are We Better Off?: Race, Obama and Public Policy, described the political races of 2016, both local and national, as critical and in many cases, “clear attacks on women of color.” “We will elect our 45th U.S. president in less than 10 months. We have candidates like Donald Trump who think it’s appropriate to punish women who have abortions. We must ask all of the candidates questions, no matter what office they’re seeking. With Obama, we didn’t bring our plates to the table so Blacks didn’t get fed,” she said. “We cannot allow Republicans to hold up the process of securing a ninth Supreme Court justice because they [justices] live
‘forever.’ We have work to do,” she said. Malveaux shared an encounter with a young Black woman that she said peaked her anger to new heights. “She walked up to me and bragged that she didn’t vote,” Malveaux said. “I wanted to slap her. We must vote – even with imperfect candidates. We give up our own power if we don’t go to the polls. What I’ve learned in my life are three things that I want to share: 1) Everyone brown is not down; 2) Every progressive does not seek progress; and 3) When we have unprecedented opportunities, like electing someone like Donna Edwards to the U.S. Senate, we must take advantage of them,” she said. Mathis said that while the messages of yesterday, gleaned from Black women and men leaders remain relatively the same, what has changed are the methods to disseminate those messages. “Blacks have so little knowledge when it comes to the importance of the Supreme Court and the power that they have over our lives,” she said. “In addition, as we go to the polls this year, it will be the first time in decades that we won’t be protected by the Voting Rights Act. We live in potentially dangerous times. We can ill-afford to sit on the sidelines.” WI
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AROUND THE REGION easier for people to get around. Transportation and Metro accessibility rose as one of the major concerns when community members voiced their opinions. Anwar Saleem, The H Street Main Street executive director, wanted to know more about how these concepts would affect his corridor. “Benning Road is at the
back of RFK, so it’s going to have an impact on our community,” Saleem said. “This could also potentially effect the streetcar.” Saleem claimed that H Street Northeast has had the largest reform for small businesses, with an estimated $2 billion in economic growth. He said that happened with inclusion and persistency.
“You have to involve everyone, every stakeholder, everyone is important and beneficial,” he said. Saleem believes that same concept can help the future of RFK’s campus. “D.C. is a tale of many neighborhoods, and we have to find a way to connect the city,” he said. WI
5Events DC President and CEO Gregory O`Dell shares plans for the RFK Sta-
dium-Armory Campus with residents Monday, April 4 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest. / Photo by Roy Lewis
RFK from Page 1 ing the project. The first concept “NorthSouth Axis Design” and second “Stitch” would have anchors that could possibly include a 20,000-seat arena or a 65,000seat NFL stadium, and the third option would include no anchor. None of the concepts put forth included any cost information.
BREAKDOWN OF DESIGN 1
In the first concept, roads would be reconfigured, simplified and integrated in to the existing grid of Washington, D.C. The site work and infrastructure cost are anticipated to be higher than competing concepts. Parking would be concentrated in to a one- to two-level plinth that could significantly reduce the amount of surface parking freeing up space for a park. “Parking takes up 41 percent of the site today,” Long said. “That is a lot of property that could be put to good use.” As far as the buildings, the anchor would be in the center, and recreation, food-related programs and other amenities would be at both ends of the axis adjacent to the neighborhoods. “A key issue is that the area is a historic marshland, which is subject to flooding and sometimes does flood,” Long said. For flood mitigation, the first design would support a parking plinth with two levels, with the lower level in the flood plain. The plinth would
therefore act as a flood wall and raise the buildings above a freeboard level.
BREAKDOWN OF DESIGN 2
The second design concept would use pre-existing major arterial roads (C Street Northeast and Independence Avenue Southeast) theoretically reducing site work and infrastructure costs. Parking for all of the programs elements would be met though both surface lots and parking structures. The building program would be distributed along the site and organized into bands: culture, sport recreation and park. For flood mitigation, all anchor and major programs are located outside of the floodplain. The programs that are in the floodplain are either flexible open space or have separate flood protection measures. Following the presentation, attendees were able to discuss among themselves as groups with what ideas they liked, didn’t understand and suggestions to the project leaders. Classmates, friends and future business partners Sean Sullivan and Kilante McMillan attended the meeting as a part of their public issues in architecture class at Howard University. “As future developers we wanted to come here to further our knowledge,” Sullivan said. “It also gives us the opportunity to see how developers think.” Sullivan said they were leaning more towards the linear concept (North-South Axis Design) because it would be
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APRIL 7 - 13, 2016 9
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5Family, friends and District officials attend a candlelight vigil March 30 at the Deanwood Metro Station in
Northeast to remember the life of Davonte Washington, 15, who was shot and killed at the station by another teenager, one whom it’s reported he did not know. / Photo by Roy Lewis
Who’s Reading the Informer? 4Alton Sumner, principal of North Bethesda Middle School Principal in Bethesda, with his wife, Betty, reading the Washington Informer while enjoying a light lunch. / Photo by Shevry Lassiter
WORDS TO LIVE BY Nikki Giovanni “A lot of people refuse to do things because they don’t want to go naked, don’t want to go without guarantee. But that’s what’s got to happen. You go naked until you die.”
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5The teen unemployment rate is double the national unemployment rate and the teen unemployment rate is currently the nation’s highest. / Courtesy photo
UNEMPLOYMENT from Page 1 numbers continue to tell a different story. The employment picture remains grim for teenagers and young adults and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that youth unemployment is more than double the national unemployment rate, leading some like D.C. Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton to seek solutions. Norton has introduced a bill to help reduce the staggeringly high number of unemployed young Americans, which stands at 2.2 million, representing an unemployment rate of 10.5 percent. The bill would expand AmeriCorps to allow unemployed young people who have completed college or high school to earn a stipend sufficient to support themselves and to gain valuable work experience. Norton’s bill does not require any new or additional administrative structure or bureaucracy and, at the same time, the measure would allow states and localities access to personnel for badly needed services, such as after school and elderly programs, and would boost the economy. “Expanding AmeriCorps has a triple benefit – employing young people who have been left out of the recovery since the Great Recession, boosting our economy and improving our communities through AmeriCorps’ mission of helping others through community service work,” Norton said in a news release. “Young Americans who have worked hard to get their high school education and college degrees deserve better than competing for unpaid internships. They deserve
the opportunity to earn a living to support themselves while serving their communities,” she said. In February, Norton introduced an incentive-based bill to encourage businesses to hire the long-term unemployed by giving employers a $5,000 tax credit against their payroll tax liability for each new net person hired who has been unemployed for 27 weeks or longer. “I rise today to introduce the Promoting National Service and Reducing Unemployment Act to address one of the greatest workforce tragedies resulting from today’s economy – our unemployed young people – and to spur economic growth and alleviate strain on state and local governments,” the longtime Congresswoman said. “This tragedy is not only hurting our young people, it is costing our government $25 billion each year through lost tax revenue and other costs. Unemployment has reached a new low of 4.9 percent, but my bill targets the 2.2 million young people who have not had a fair chance to ever use their high school and college education, which this nation has strongly urged them to get,” she said. What is particularly disappointing is the high unemployment rate for young people who heeded the advice to graduate from high school and college, only to try to enter the workforce in the worst economy in generations, Norton said. The total unemployment rate is currently 10.6 percent for young adults ages 16 to 24 and hundreds of thousands now compete for unpaid internships wherever they can find them. By significantly expanding AmeriCorps, the bill would need no new administrative structure or bureau-
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cracy, and would allow unemployed young people to earn a stipend, obtain work experience and develop a good work history to help them secure future employment, she said. The net cost of the expansion would be low, because participating young people would be providing urgently needed local services that are being dropped or curtailed because of federal, state, and local budget cuts, such as after-school programs, tutoring, and assistance for the elderly. The bill would significantly expand job opportunities for young people who have played by the rules but despite their best efforts remain unemployed in this economy. Participants would also receive a living allowance, be eligible for an education award equal to the value of a Pell grant, and be awarded school-loan forbearance, health care benefits and child care assistance. Further, by expanding the AmeriCorps program, the number of unemployed young people would be reduced and they’d be provided with work skills and experience. It would also help cash-strapped states and local governments provide services that they would otherwise have to cut, Norton said. “For some time, it has been clear that policies to address the most stubborn forms of unemployment need to be targeted in order to be effective. Without significant targeting, young graduates will continue to face their first years as adults without jobs and with no way to acquire work experience,” she said. “They deserve better. I ask my colleagues to support this urgently needed targeted assistance for young, unemployed Americans.” WI
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APRIL 7 - 13, 2016 11
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Maryland General Assembly Approves State Budget By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill The Maryland General Assembly approved a $42.3 billion fiscal year 2017 budget that includes no new taxes. Some of the items in the budget include $6.3 billion toward education, $3.1 billion in capital spending on transportation infrastructure and economic development and $1.4 billion for public safety and law enforcement. According to the budget that remains nearly unchanged from when Gov. Larry Hogan (R) presented it in January, Prince George’s County will receive the most state aid toward local government, at $1.3 billion, $1.2 billion toward education, and $9.3 million in library funding, the most of any jurisdiction in the state.
“As it relates to Prince George’s County, we are getting more than what we did last year. That is a testament to the hard work of the Prince George’s County delegation,” Del. Darryl Barnes (D-District 25) of Upper Marlboro said Friday, April 1. One of the biggest items in the budget remains funding for the $651 million regional hospital in Largo. Hogan agreed in February to provide $15 million in next year’s budget in operating funds toward the Prince George’s Hospital System. About $55 million will be received between fiscal year 2017 and fiscal year 2021 to allow for the closure of the more than 70-year-old Prince George’s Hospital Center in Cheverly. The state will contribute an additional $135 million toward the project and become part of the
University of Maryland Medical System. However, some Prince George’s officials such as County Executive Rushern L. Baker have stated an additional $15 million should be received from this fiscal year originally approved through a memorandum of understanding by the Martin O’Malley administration in July 2011. Meanwhile, the Maryland Health Care Commission has yet to grant approval on determining whether a new hospital would be applicable for Prince George’s. To ensure a new hospital comes to the county, a bill was passed to mandate spending for the hospital. Hogan supports the initiative but without the spending requirements. “It is just a safety mechanism to make sure we secure that hospital. We didn’t want it to be in jeopar-
5Delegate Diana Fennell. / Courtesy photo
5Delegate Darryl Barnes. / Courtesy photo
“As it relates to Prince George’s County, we are getting more than what we did last year. That is a testament to the hard work of the Prince George’s County delegation.”
JADEN SURVIVED! Born almost 3 months early and spent 2 months in the hospital.
Del. Darryl Barnes /
Prince George’s County Saturday, April 30, 2016 Watkins Regional Park
Washington, D.C. Saturday, May 7, 2016 Nationals Park
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dy,” said Barnes, who got selected last week to serve as the first vice chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland and is the only representative on the executive committee from Prince George’s. One budget item negotiated stems from a $5 million private-school scholarship program for low-income families. The grants would be administered by the state Department of Education and be overseen by an advisory board approved by the governor and legislative leaders. “I don’t like giving money to private schools. It was tough to vote on the budget with that in it,” said Del. Diana Fennell (D-District 47A) of Colmar Manor. “It’s a fair budget to what we wanted, and we had to balance the budget.” In terms of higher education, Bowie State University in Bowie plans to receive $31.5 million to complete construction of a Natural Sciences, Mathematics and
Nursing Center. Completion of the 150,000-square-foot building would occur later this year, according to the school’s website. The budget, which has a $400,000 surplus and a $1 billion rainy-day fund set aside for emergencies, got approved before the session ends April 11. The fiscal year begins July 1. “Its completion weeks before the end of the legislative session sends a strong message to Marylanders that the executive and legislative branches work better when they work together,” Hogan said in a statement Tuesday, March 29. Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-District 21) of College Park agreed. “We minimized our philosophical differences in order to reach agreement on a budget that protects important programs and minimizes spending increases,” she said in an email. WI
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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Senate, Congressional Candidates Discuss Array of Topics at Forum
5Four of the Democratic candidates (from left to right), former Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, state Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-District 21), former Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Glenn Ivey and military veteran Warren Christopher participated in the March 31 forum at Reid Temple AME Church. / File Photo taken March 12 by Travis Riddick By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill Attracting businesses, education and bipartisanship were some of the topics discussed by Senate and congressional Democratic candidates at Reid Temple AME Church in Glenn Dale. To ensure it remained civil, candidate paraphernalia was banned. Plus, the moderator gave instructions on when to applaud. “Get out and vote,” said David Harrington, president of the Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce, who repeated the phrase two more times. “In the last election, only 16 percent came out and vote. It is shameful the way we came out last time. If we are going to elect somebody in the Congress … (and) to the Senate, then we need to know that Prince George’s County determined the outcome in a way that whoever wins, they owe us.” Besides the chamber of commerce, the county’s Democratic Central Committee and the county NAACP organized the forum Thursday, March 31, attended by more than 100 people. Reps. Donna Edwards and Chris Van Hollen held a more cordial discussion as compared with two debates held nearly two weeks ago on how they
would help seniors, improve infrastructure and secure procurement opportunities for Black businesses. Both are seeking the Senate seat held by the retiring Sen. Barbara Mikulski. Based on polling data, Harrington said, the top four candidates seeking Edwards’ seat for the 4th Congressional District – former Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, military veteran Warren Christopher, former county State’s Attorney Glenn Ivey and state Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-District 21) – participated in the forum. Brown, Ivey and Peña-Melnyk have aired television ads pushing for voters before the April 26 primary. The winner in the primary will be favored to win the November general election in a heavily Democratic district. All four candidates agreed federal employees deserve salary increases, just like private sector workers. In terms of expanding opportunities for women-owned businesses, Brown said he wouldn’t change any laws but ensure procurement officers and program managers allow those companies to compete fairly for contracts to work with the federal government. “We do have the change the law because small businesses have to compete with corporations,” Christopher said. “We have to redefine what a small
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business is in America so they can get access to prime, government contracts.” The 4th District compris-
es municipalities in Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties, including Bladensburg, Forest Heights, sections of Bowie and Upper Marlboro. Peña-Melnyk, of College Park, reminded the audience she’s the only candidate currently representing both counties and an independent voice. “I am one of a handful that voted against casinos in Maryland because (they) affect our communities of color,” said Peña-Melnyk, who’s been a delegate for nine years. “This is what I will do for you on the federal level.” In reference to helping veterans, Ivey mentioned how his father-in-law, who served as a Buffalo Soldier in World War II, would stop going to a Veterans Administration hospital because it took hours to receive any service. “Veterans were dying in line waiting for the chance to go see a doctor. That’s outrageous,” he said. “We got to do everything we can to expand the resources available in the VA.”
The other two Democrats in the race – retired U.S. Marshall Matthew Fogg and political novice Terence Strait – received permission to give remarks immediately after their opponents.
THE CLOSE SENATE RACE
Edwards and Van Hollen responded to similar questions as the candidates running for Congress, but got asked a question on how would they improve infrastructure and the beleaguered Metro system that turned 40 years old this year. Edwards, 57, of Oxon Hill, said the partnership between the federal Department of Transportation and the general manager and CEO Paul Wiedefeld will ensure safety remains a top priority. She also said more federal money should go toward the agency. “Metro hasn’t enjoyed the investment in its operations and maintenance,” she said. “Met-
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APRIL 7 - 13, 2016 13
BUSINESS
Transportation Chief: Highways Ruined Black Communities By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx recently said that the country’s highway system had been purposely placed through Black neighborhoods, systematically destroying those communities and causing displacement. During a lecture at the Center for American Progress in Northwest on Wednesday, March 30, Foxx explained such decisions can be corrected by “connecting people to opportunities.” “I’d like to talk with you today about how transportation can help or hurt places,” Foxx said. “And how the growing gaps between the wealthy, the poor, and the middle class have been exacerbated by our transportation system. “Nothing in our built environment is accidental,” he said. “To understand this point, we need
14 APRIL 7 - 13, 2016
to step back and understand how most things in our built environment are the product of intentional design.” Foxx explained that in the 1950s, President Dwight D. Eisenhower launched the nation’s interstate highway program. The federal government funded up to 90 percent of project costs. It started with 8 miles in the middle of Kansas, eventually growing to “one of the most expansive and impressive road networks that the world has ever seen.” “As we all know, it has served as an engine for our economy for decades,” Foxx said. “The highways were designed to get people from rural areas and suburbs into urban cores as fast as possible. Inevitably, the highways had to run through someone’s backyard.” Foxx said this prompted protests known as “highway revolt” all over the country – no one wanted these thoroughfares running through
their neighborhood, he said. “We now know – overwhelmingly – that our urban freeways were routed through low-income neighborhoods,” he said. “Instead of connecting us to each other, highway decision-makers separated us.” Highways and Black Neighborhoods Blacks were disproportionately displaced and forced to move because of the highways. Foxx said these actions were a consequence of the times. “What decision-makers thought of low-income communities is reflected in where and how they built our transportation infrastructure – certain values of that time are embedded in that infrastructure,” he said. Foxx said two of the country’s top highway officials at the time advocated for displacement. “Folks, these were leading voices in our country,” he said. “Their views were widely embraced and took root all over America – including in a sleepy Southern city of Charlotte, North Carolina, where I grew up.” “Early on, the neighborhood contained a small network of interconnected streets,” he said. “Later, federal money and state decision-making led to two highways surrounding the neighborhood, destroying the connective tissue.” Foxx said that the highways separated neighbors from neighbors and the local corner store disappeared. He said he grew up with those barriers, not realizing that it was not only physical but also psychological and economic. “This barrier caused my community to become more dangerous and less desirable,” he said. “It became clear to me only later that those freeways were there to carry people through my neighborhood but never to my neighborhood.” “Businesses didn’t invest there. Grocery stores and pharmacies didn’t take the risk. I could not even get a pizza delivered to my house,” he said. Foxx said that when he served as mayor of Charlotte and served on the City Council, he made decisions about new roads, new transit lines and rezoning with his experiences in mind. “And I really understood how much people think about these decisions before they make them,” he said. “The people in my community were not invisible; it’s just that at a certain stage in our history, they didn’t matter.” “Today, if you live near a freeway,
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5U.S. Department of Transportation
Secretary Anthony Foxx speaks at the Center for American Progress in Northwest on Wednesday, March 30. / Photo courtesy of Center for American Progress.
chances are very high that you’re poor. Just look at Charlotte,” he said. The evidence shows that people were forced to sell their homes at below-market value. “As I have surveyed the country, this correlation is not unique to Charlotte,” Foxx said. In place after place, highways cut the heart out of low-income and minority communities.” In Los Angeles, the Century Expressway was one of seven freeways that led to decay in African-American and Latino communities. The list continues with New Orleans, Miami, St. Paul, Seattle, Des Moines, Atlanta, Baltimore, St. Louis and more. History and Solutions Foxx said that federal money and state and local decision-making made this happen. The federal government puts about $60 billion into surface transportation every year. Ninety percent of that goes directly to states through a set formula. “The same federal, state, and local governments that created these problems have an equally powerful ability to solve them,” he said. “We can’t fix this all at once. The way we fix it is one project at a time – one neighborhood at a time.” The Department of Transportation has made access to opportunity a priority for discretionary funding with programs such as TIGER and Ladders of Opportunity Transit grants. “In Texas, we gave the state more than $20 million that will provide rural transportation services across
“In 2001, my “...the growing mom was gaps between diagnosed with the wealthy, the Stage 2 breast poor, and the cancer. She had middle class to turn her been lifehave around and exacerbated change everything, by ourand she did that by transportation juicing, raw system.” fruits and vegetables.”
the state and provide low-income and people with disabilities affordable and reliable transportation and access to jobs,” he said. “In Richmond, Virginia, we gave $25 million to help the city create a rapid bus transit corridor to connect areas residents from economically distressed communities to jobs, education and services.” “In Detroit, Michigan, we gave $37 million to complete their downtown streetcar system, which will now connect the city’s downtown business district to its other economic, cultural and civic assets.” “While we cannot change the past, we can ensure that current and future transportation projects connect and strengthen communities, including areas that have, in the past, been on the wrong side of transportation decisions,” he said. WI
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BUSINESS
Business Exchange
Making Blacks’ Vote Count Many say that “it’s time to kick Andrew Jackson off the $20 bill and replace him with a caricature of Harriett Tubman. What say
with William Reed As a rule, Blacks continually accept racial inequality in America. So, what are you asking of 2016 presidential campaigners in order for them to get your vote? Blacks have the worse “standard of life” indicators of any American ethnic group. Because Blacks are “at the bottom” of financial and political life in America, you’d think that Blacks would be seeking out candidates that best represent our issues and interests. Bottom line, Blacks who participate in electoral activities are at most mere “bit players” in the nation’s power politics. If you are Black, you experience America’s brand of racism every day. Institutional racism is a fact of life in America. Too few citizens admit that racial inequality in the United States has roots in five centuries of cultural, economic, physical, legal, and political discrimination based on skin color. Throughout Blacks’ lives in America, they are marginalized by race. Racial inequalities are manifested in ways ranging from racial disparities in wealth, poverty rates, housing patterns, educational opportunities, unemployment rates, and incarceration rates, yet politically, no one at the forums, rallies or news conferences asks presidential candidates, “What will you do to change imbalances in American power, economic resources, and opportunities? “ Too many Blacks accept “second-class status” in America. The major contemporary voice advocating for Black eq-
uity is Black Lives Matter. The BLM movement originated among African-Americans in 2013 with the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter. BLM is commendable in its campaigns against violence toward Blacks and protests it organizes around their deaths by law enforcement officers. But BLM tactics of disrupting political rallies are counterproductive toward overall discussions on issues of racial profiling, police brutality, and criminal justice inequalities. Blacks’ lives and their economics are in a rut. Too many of us see government as the seat of power and offices in government as adequate compensation for what America owes Blacks. Though Blacks have gained some symbols of power in America, the racial gap in business and income has eluded us over centuries. Why do Blacks use their political clout to vote for people and ideology that support the status quo? Politically, Blacks avoid bringing up or talking about the subject of reparations. Mainstream America has Blacks downplaying reparations, while White families claim six times the net worth of people of color. The billionaires who make up the Forbes 400 list of richest Americans have as much wealth as the all African-American households. With the exception of Oprah, just 400 Whites have as much wealth as 16 million African-American households. Much of the nation’s wealth has been inherited. To be relevant, more Blacks need to step forward to ask: “What can you do for me?” An official apology and check for 500 years of bondage would be a start. From 1619 to 1864, Blacks were the legal property of their owners and forced to obey them while working without pay. Slavery was a heinous crime against humanity and Blacks have to cease being ashamed of asking candidates about “debts owed” them. Blacks continue suffering racism that is the legacy of slavery, yet too few Blacks voice support for reparations.
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Blacks and Whites refuse to discuss slavery, its impact on American society and how to compensate the descendants. Political activists accept the demise of affirmative action programs, set-a-sides and crippling welfare state programs that currently impede Blacks’ economic growth. While they mouth words about “American diversity,” none of the candidates are being forced to say anything about the debt. When will
Blacks make demands on the debt owed us? Reparations represent a mass transfer of wealth toward economic and moral justice. The groundwork has already been laid. Black author Ta-Nehisi Coates has put forth the notion that America must apologize for slavery and pay reparations. Coates says the time is now, and he’s ripped Bernie Sanders for opposing it. Coates wrote, “Sanders’s anti-racist moderation points to a candidate who is not merely
against reparations, but one who doesn’t actually understand the argument.” Coates says “Reparations is indispensable” against White supremacy. Besides taking a similar stance as Sanders on reparations, Hillary Clinton has not made no commitment to right America’s wrongs. WI William Reed is publisher of “Who’s Who in Black Corporate America” and is available for projects via busxchng@his.com.
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY Polly Donaldson, Director, Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), announces a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for funding under the Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) program, the Housing Production Trust Fund (HPTF) program, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program, the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) funds administered by DHCD, the District of Columbia Housing Authority’s (DCHA) Local Rent Supplement Program (LRSP), Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), the Annual Contributions Contract Program (ACC), and the Department of Human Services (DHS) supportive services funds for Permanent Supportive Housing. AFFORDABLE HOUSING CAPITAL SUBSIDY (DHCD and DBH) DHCD, on behalf of its partner agencies, will issue a Consolidated Request for Proposals (RFP) and will consider capital subsidy requests for the following project types: Funding for new construction or rehabilitation of vacant buildings (creating net new units), ONLY for units at 0-30% of AMI and 31-50% of AMI. Funded units may be within a mixed income or mixed-use building, but DHCD will not fund new units at higher AMIs. Preservation of existing affordable housing units for households at all income levels below 80% AMI. For new construction and vacant rehabilitation projects, DHCD will require at least a 5% set-aside of funded units as Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). PSH programs must adhere to the Housing First model and all vacancies must be filled through the Coordinated Entry system. PSH projects will be also eligible for funding from the sources listed below. OPERATING SUBSIDY (DCHA) The District of Columbia Housing Authority’s LRSP will provide project-based rental subsidies to units for qualified persons or households. SUPPORTIVE SERVICES (DHS) The Department of Human Services will provide funding to community based non-profit organizations to deliver intensive supportive services to single adult and family participants (who are chronically homeless, vulnerable, and face significant barriers to achieving self-sufficiency) in permanent supportive housing programs/projects funded through this NOFA. The competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) will be released on Thursday, March 31, 2016 and applications will be due on Monday May 31, 2016. Application materials, further instructions, and information about capacity building workshops will be available online at dhcd.dc.gov. The entire application and submission process will be online this year, and no hard copy submissions will be required or accepted. Muriel Bowser, Mayor of the District of Columbia Brian Kenner, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Polly Donaldson, Director, Department of Housing and Community Development
DBH
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APRIL 7 - 13, 2016 15
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NATURAL GAS SAFETY If You Smell Natural Gas If you suspect a natural gas leak or other gas emergency, evacuate the area immediately and call 911 and then the Washington Gas Emergency Leak Line at 703750-1400 or 800-752-7520 from a safe location. Never attempt to locate the source of the odor.
Man Indicted in Death of Wife, Daughter
State’s Attorney Calls Crime ‘Unspeakable’
RECOGNIZE Natural gas is non-toxic, colorless, odorless and combustible. For safety and detection, Washington Gas adds an unpleasant odorant called mercaptan to the natural gas delivered through most of our distribution system. Call 202-624-6092 for a “Scratch & Sniff” brochure. Large groups and property managers are invited to request multiple copies. REACT If the odor is very strong, or you hear a blowing or hissing noise, vacate the building or area immediately, leaving doors unlocked as you go. Warn others as you exit, if possible. Do nothing that could create an ignition source. Do not light a match or use any type of phone or battery-powered equipment. Do not turn electrical equipment or light switches on or off. Do not start a car or any type of motorized equipment. Call 911 and the Washington Gas emergency numbers listed above, only after you are a safe distance away from the building or area. Because gas traveling through a small portion of our transmission pipelines is not odorized, visible and audible signs of a possible leak are also described below. Follow the same precautions if you: • Are outside and smell gas; • Hear hissing or blowing noises; • See dirt being thrown into the air; • See fire coming from the ground or appearing to burn above ground; • See water bubbling or being blown into the air at a pond, creek or river; or • See a dry spot in a moist field or dead or dying vegetation on or near a pipeline right-of-way. Natural gas is distributed through a network of underground pipes and service lines. If a leak should occur, it is possible for gas to migrate into buildings, including those without natural gas service.
RESPOND Washington Gas responds 24 hours a day, seven days a week to address natural gas leaks and other emergencies. If a leak poses an immediate threat, the company takes quick action to make the area safe. If a natural gas leak does not pose an immediate threat, corrective action may be scheduled for a later date. Prevent Pipeline Damage - Call Miss Utility at 811 Before You Dig Digging related damage is a major cause of pipeline accidents. 811 is the national Call Before You Dig/Miss Utility telephone number that initiates the process of marking the underground utility lines in your yard or on your job. Your call to 811 will be routed to your local One Call Center - in the District of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia. Local One Call Center personnel then notify member utilities, such as Washington Gas, to mark the approximate locations of underground utility lines with high-visibility safety paint and/ or flags. The service is free. Everyone, including homeowners and construction companies, should always call Miss Utility at 811, at least two full business/working days - excluding weekends and holidays - before you are scheduled to begin any digging, regardless of size or depth. When using mechanized equipment, it is required by law to call 811 before you dig. Do not begin digging until the lines have been marked or confirmed as “no conflict.” If you are unsure whether the underground utilities have been marked in your yard or on your job, check back with 811 to be sure there are no underground utilities where you plan to dig. Most importantly, dialing 811 can help avoid serious injury and even fatalities, as well as property damage and significant expense that can occur when underground utilities are damaged. Always call 811 before you dig, each dig, every dig. Washington Gas policy prohibits building an enclosed structure over a natural gas line. If you have an enclosed structure over your gas line, or believe you do, please contact us at 703-750-4360 to arrange for a locating inspection. To learn more, visit washingtongas.com.
16 APRIL 7 - 13, 2016
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
5NeShanté Davis and her 2-year-old daughter, Chloe Nichole Davis-Green. / Courtesy of Facebook
By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill The man accused of fatally shooting his daughter and her mother over child support payments has been indicted. Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks said Daron Boswell-Johnson, 25, of District Heights was charged with two counts of murder and two counts of use of a firearm “To kill your own child is an unspeakable and unthinkable crime,” Alsobrooks said in a statement Friday, April 1. “We will prosecute this case aggressively to ensure that Mr. Johnson is held fully accountable for his actions.” On Feb. 2, authorities said Johnson approached NeShanté Davis, 26, outside her residence in Fort Washington while she was putting her 2-year-old daughter, Chloe Nichole Davis-Green, inside her vehicle. Johnson demanded Davis drop a child support case against him, police said. Then he shot Davis and their daughter, according to court documents. Police interviewed Johnson at his job, Safelite Auto Glass in Gaithersburg. At police headquarters in Prince George’s County, Johnson admitted he fatally shot Davis after being ordered to pay $600 in child support after a paternity test revealed he’s Chloe’s father. Johnson remains in county jail on no bond. A court date hasn’t been determined.
State Sen. C. Anthony Muse (D-District 26) of Fort Washington introduced a bill March 23 to create a domestic violence prevention task force named after Davis and her daughter. Davis worked as a second-grade teacher at Bradbury Heights Elementary in Capitol Heights. She graduated last year from Bowie State University in Bowie. According to the legislative calendar, the Senate unanimously passed the bill Thursday. The legislation will now be discussed in the House. According to Senate Bill 1143, the 21-member board would consist of representatives from the faith community, domestic violence survivors and advocates and a representative from the county’s Department of Family Services. With the exception of a member of the Senate, House and state’s attorney officer, the others would be appointed by the governor. Some of the responsibilities of the task force would include: • Developing policy recommendations to prevent domestic violence; • Studying current legal, behavioral health and family support policies; • Analyzing how the public can better recognize, report and defend against domestic violence. The task force would provide a preliminary report to the governor and General Assembly by Sept. 1 and then present its recommendations by Dec. 1. WI
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Black ‘Edutainers’ Bring History to Life By K. Barrett Bilali Urban News Service Philadelphia resident Antoine Randolph Watts likes to dress up. But most of his outfits are out of date. Like 200 years out of date. And he often changes his voice, accent and beard length with each outfit. “No, I don’t have a personality disorder,” says Watts. “I’m what’s called a first-person impressionist.” He is also part of a growing industry called edutainment. Watts is one of thousands of Americans who transform themselves into real-life historic personalities from this country’s collective past. Their period costumes are accurate. They change their walk, their speech and learn every aspect of people’s lives and times in minute detail — so much so that their audiences may feel as if they have transited a time tunnel. It is live history, up close and personal. Like those from other backgrounds, Black edutainers share a common ability to portray characters, an abiding love of teaching and, somewhere along the way, they all were bitten by the history bug. Watts says he was bitten quite young. “I was 6 years old, watching a John Wayne movie called “The Horse Soldiers,” says Watts, 42, telling the story as if it happened yesterday. “John Wayne took his patrol behind Confederate enemy lines to a final stand at Newton Station.” Watts is clean-shaven and speaks with a French accent when he dons a Revolutionary-era suit and depicts Joseph Bologne, le Chevalier de Saint-George (17451799). Bologne was a French-African composer, violin virtuoso, swordsman and colonel during the French Revolution. When he portrays James Forten, Watts wears mutton chops. Forten (1766-1842) was an American Revolutionary naval veteran, sail maker, abolitionist, writer and owner of a Philadelphia sail loft. But Watts’s favorite and bestknown character is Jacob Clement White Jr. (1836-1902), a role that requires a full beard. White was the first graduate of the Institute for Colored Youth, which grew into Cheney University. White became Philadelphia’s first African-American school principal in 1866. “It takes me three or four
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5Watts as Jacob White Jr. / Courtesy of Watts months to grow my beard to portray Professor White,” says Watts, who acknowledged that he prepares months in advance for all of his roles. He studies the lives of all of his characters in great detail. “We are a part of the Black edutainment industry,” says Ludger Balan, president of Che Nautical Edutainment. Balan is also the communications director for the United States Colored Troops Living History Association. Balan helps coordinate Black edutainment programs and historic war reenactments across America from his office in Queens, New York. “This industry includes historical interpreters, impressionists, reenactors, storytellers and any highly educational event which is a performance,” says Balan. These dedicated and often parttime performers work in schools, colleges and other venues. Most edutainment organizations are non-profits. However, they earn revenues that go back into higher-quality productions, authentic materials for props and constant research and writing, Balan says. “One of our greatest challenges is finding enough interest in our schools,” says Balan. “America just doesn’t celebrate its history anymore.” Sharon Banks discovered the ef-
WARD 2 TOWN HALL MEETING Councilmember Jack Evans and DC Water General Manager George S. Hawkins are co-hosting a town hall meeting to discuss water projects and issues impacting your community. • • • •
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For more information, visit dcwater.com/rates or call the DC Water Office of External Affairs at (202) 787-2200. THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016 • 6:30-8:30 p.m. Georgetown Neighborhood Library (Lower Level), 3260 R Street, NW
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APRIL 7 - 13, 2016 17
HEALTH
Experts on Sugary Drinks: ‘Junk in, Junk Out’ By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Shawn and Vivian Cohen make it a habit of stopping each morning at the Starbucks in the 1500 block of Connecticut Avenue in Northwest. Shawn Cohen usually grabs an expresso while his wife of 13 years snags a Carmel Macchiato. During their daily routine, the couple said what catches their eyes is usually the “extraordinary” packs of sugar that lie on countertops, discarded by those who have used them to sweeten their morning drinks. “I think there are too many people who consume far too much sugar and it just can’t be good for them,” said Vivian Cohen, who works in quality assurance for a federal agency not far from the Starbucks. “My
husband and I say the one good thing about seeing that every day is that it forced us to reflect on the amount of sugar we take in,” she said. It’s recently been noted that a new NHS Department of Health report that some of Starbucks’ products contain far too much sugar. For example, Starbucks’ honey and almond hot chocolate contains 72.5 grams of sugar, more than twice the maximum amount NHS recommends. Eggnog latte, venti size, contains 58.2 grams of sugar which adds 547 calories while the Toffee nut latte, venti size, has 50 grams of sugar and contain 417 calories. The NHS recommends those 11 years old and over consume a total of 30 grams of sugar a day, while the World Health Organization recommends adults have no more than six teaspoons.
Against that backdrop, and at the Anthony Bowen YMCA in Northwest, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell proposed an expansion of a Medicare diabetes prevention program to help enrollees at high risk of developing the disease improve their diets, increase their exercise and lose about 5 percent of their body weight. That March 30 announcement came as The Wall Street Journal reported that soft-drink makers have a new way to pitch their sweet beverages: They contain sugar. “If you had asked me a few years ago, people were moving to diet sodas. Now they view real sugar as good for you,” PepsiCo’s chief executive Indra Nooyi told investors in a conference call last year. “They are willing to go to or-
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18 APRIL 7 - 13, 2016
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5 Dr. Gerald W. Deas says NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg was right to ban soda. / Courtesy photo
ganic non-GMO products even if it has high salt, high sugar, high fat.” However, as Burwell noted at the YMCA, sugar can be a major problem for many, and an expensive one. “Treating diabetes isn’t just a burden on families, it costs our nation $176 billion in direct medical costs every year,” she said. With that, some say that New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg got it right a few years ago when he instituted a soda ban on city residents in an effort to crack down on young people who may have been consuming too much sugar. “For the past 10 years, I have been fighting the beverage industry concerning the high content of sugar and artificial colors that are bought by our children daily at their local neighborhood stores,” Dr. Gerald Deas, a physician, poet, patient advocate, playwright, media personality, political activist and public health crusader, wrote in a column last month for Frost Illustrated in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Often, young ones who drink highly chemical drinks refer to them as “crack juice” due to the fact it makes children act like they are crazy, Deas continued. “I commend Mayor Bloomberg in bringing to our attention the amount of high fructose in sugary drinks and trying to pass a law to reduce obesity in young and older adults,” Deas said. Dr. Benjamin Feingold, a noted allergist, believes that sugar and other food additives can
cause behavioral and other learning problems in children. And a recent report by the Center for Science in the Public Interest in Northwest, identified 17 studies suggesting that diet may adversely affect the behavior of at least some children. Most of the studies focused on artificial colors in foods consumed by children. These behavioral problems cited may include an inability to concentrate and restlessness, which could contribute to difficulty with schoolwork. “In the African-American, Latino and low-income white communities, many children are drinking intensely concentrated, sweetened, colored drinks and eating ice pops with the same ingredients. The ingredients listed on the labels of these drinks – artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, BHA, BHT, and TBHQ, could spell danger to those children who might be sensitive to these substances,” Deas said. “Another ingredient, sulfite, has also been found to cause asthma attacks in susceptible individuals. Reports indicate that African-American children experience a greater frequency of asthma attacks than any other children. In addition, excessive sugar intake contributes to obesity, tooth decay and even diabetes in those genetically at risk for the disease. High sugar diets may also inhibit the eating of more nutritious foods,” he said. There is a saying, ‘if you put junk in the computer, You’ll get junk out.’” WI
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Get Your Allergies Under Control Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia When people think about allergies, many think about sneezing and itchy eyes during the change of seasons. These are symptoms of seasonal allergies. But there are many other types of allergies. Some can cause severe reactions. In certain cases, allergies can become life-threatening. Luckily, there are ways we can reduce these risks.
FOOD ALLERGIES
A food allergy is an irregular response by the body’s immune system to certain foods. Although many foods can cause allergies, about 90 percent of all severe food allergies are to 8 food groups. These are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy, peanuts and tree nuts. Food allergies can range from mild to life-threatening. Some may cause flushed skin or a rash, but other reactions can be much worse. Symptoms may include trouble breathing, throat swelling and unconsciousness. Other symptoms may include a tingle in or around the mouth, cramps, or swelling of the face and lips. Severe food allergies may even cause
anaphylactic (an-uh-fuh-lak-tik) shock. This is a very severe allergy attack and is a medical emergency. It can be life-threatening. If you have food allergies, talk with your doctor about emergency medical treatment. Ask about epinephrine (ep-i-neff-rin) to treat anaphylactic shock. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a medicine that is injected into the body. You may be prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen®) in case of emergencies. No matter how mild or severe your allergies are, it is best to always avoid foods that have caused or may cause an allergic reaction.
MEDICINE ALLERGIES
Medicines can help control our medical conditions and keep us healthy. But some people are allergic to different types of medicines. This can cause the body to have an unexpected reaction. A common medicine allergy is to penicillin (peni-sil-in). Like with food allergies, medicine allergies can range from minor to severe. Some medicine allergies may also cause anaphylactic shock. It can be a life-threatening emergency. Talk with your doctor about needed emergency medical treatment. Be sure to tell your doctors if you
have any allergies or known side effects before they give you a prescription for new medicines.
ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGIES AND ASTHMA
Our surroundings can also play a big role in our health. Inside and outside our homes, we are exposed to many allergens. Allergens are things that cause allergic reactions. These can be unsafe. Some may even trigger asthma attacks. Luckily, there are ways we can lower the risk of an asthma attack and other allergic reactions. Below are some common environmental allergens. • Pollen. Seasonal allergies from pollen are called allergic rhinitis. This is also called hay fever. When pollen levels are high, it is best to stay indoors. Over-the-counter or prescription allergy medicines may also help. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if these are right for you. • Smoke. Smoking is 1 of the worst things you can to do to your body. First- and secondhand smoke can cause breathing problems and strong asthma attacks. Smoking hurts you and the people around you. For help quitting, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW. • Dust. People with dust allergies suffer the most indoors. Dust allergies can cause difficulty breath-
ing and trigger an asthma attack. Keeping your house clean can help. But it is important to know dust allergies are often worse right after vacuuming and dusting. This is because cleaning can cause dust to stir in the air. Talk to your doctor about what may trigger your dust allergies and ways to control them. • Mold. Mold can grow in moist places, so you may have mold in places like your bathroom or basement. If mold reaches your lungs, it can cause a severe asthma attack. Help prevent mold in your home. Use a dehumidifier in moist areas. Fix any leaks you have in your home. It may also help to air out your rooms on days with low pollen
levels. To learn about other types of allergies, visit www.acaai.org/allergies/types. If you or someone you know is having a severe allergic reaction or trouble breathing, call 9-1-1 right away. Sources: American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; MedlinePlus; and National Institutes of Health
Get one-on-one help from a care coach to help reach your health goals. To talk with a care coach or get more information, stop by 2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020 Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Meet with a care coach at our Member Wellness Center.
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APRIL 7 - 13, 2016 19
HEALTH
Bonds Proposes Bill Helping Young Mothers WI Staff Report D.C. Councilmember Anita Bonds recently introduced legislation that would exempt diapers and feminine hygiene products from sales taxes. More specifically, the “Feminine Hygiene and Diapers Sales Tax Exemption Amendment Act of 2016” would eliminate the sales tax imposed on tampons and diapers for children and adults. Currently, there is a global movement to end the “Tampon Tax.” “Women should not be taxed
because they are women, nor should babies be taxed for being babies,” Bonds said. “This legislation will especially help low to moderate income mothers manage these costly expenses.” Currently, items that are considered to be necessities are free from sales tax in most states. In the District, prescription and nonprescription drugs including Viagra are exempt from sales tax, according to the Council of the District of Columbia. Other items that are free from the sales tax include pacemakers,
wheelchairs, crutches and artificial limbs. Maryland has already made the decision to not tax tampons. The state of Maryland also does not tax adult diapers. Based on a report prepared by The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, the poorest families pay state and local taxes at twice the effective rate of the richest families. The bottom 20 percent of wage earners were paying these taxes at a rate of 10.9 percent while the richest 1 percent paid at a rate of only 5.4 percent.
5 At-Large Council member Anita Bonds / Photo by Patricia Little
Currently, five states: Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and New Jersey have actively chosen not to tax tampons while Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont, and Pennsylvania have chosen to exempt diapers from
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sales tax. Additionally, Connecticut, Maryland and North Dakota exempt adult diapers only. Councilmember Bonds was joined on the legislation by co-introducers Councilmembers Alexander, Allen, Cheh, Nadeau, Orange and Silverman. WI
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Every Community Deserves Good Health National Minority Health Month 2016
Did you know that your zip code can be a predictor of your health? So can your place of birth, where you work and play, your income and education, and a host of other factors – in addition to the choices you make each day about what to eat, when to work out and whether or not to see a doctor. These factors, what public health professionals recognize as “social determinants of health,” are linked to the inequities in health and health care (health disparities), among racial and ethnic minorities in America. During National Minority Health Month each April, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) leads the nation in raising awareness about these disparities, their causes and the impact they have on minority communities and on the nation as whole. Health disparities exact a
devastating toll on the productivity and economic growth of our nation, which makes this an issue of importance to all Americans. Over $50 billion of indirect medical costs resulting from illness are attributable to health inequalities. The theme of this year’s National Minority Health Month observance – Accelerating Health Equity for the Nation – reflects both a sense of urgency and a sense of determination in moving the country forward toward health equity. That same urgency and determination in 1985, led a group of concerned health care leaders to convene the first comprehensive federal study of the health status of racial ethnic minorities. The results of the groundbreaking Report of the Secretary’s Task Force on Black and Minority Health (Heckler Report) quickly ushered in a new era in addressing minority health issues, and led to the establishment of OMH in 1986.
There has been progress in the decades since – for example, life expectancy gaps are narrowing, and all Americans, including racial and ethnic minorities, are living longer than ever before. Advances in science and access to quality health care have produced considerable improvements in the health of the nation, because of the Affordable Care Act, the HHS Action Plan to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities and the National Partnership for Action to End Health Disparities. Despite these advances, disparities persist for minority populations when compared to non-Hispanic whites and are evident in higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS and infant mortality, among other conditions. The HHS Office of Minority Health is leading efforts to promote and institutionalize the extraordinary steps taken by HHS and the Obama Administration to reduce disparities, advance
equity and strengthen our nation as a whole by prioritizing high quality education, safe neighborhoods, quality housing, reliable transportation, clean air, stable employment and nutritious foods for all Americans. This year, as OMH celebrates its 30th anniversary, a renewed effort is underway with public and private sector partners and stakeholders to accelerate achieving health equity for the nation through the development of research, policies, programs and legislation. This is a nation-
al movement that needs your support. Every community deserves good health. Everyone can join OMH and its federal, state, tribal and local community partners during April and throughout 2016, in accelerating health equity for the nation. For more information on National Minority Health Month and how you can get involved, visit www.minorityhealth.hhs. gov/NMHM16.
EVERY community DESERVES good HEALTH This April we celebrate National Minority Health Month.
Office of Minority Health | 800-444-6472 | www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov
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GET READY TO DISCOVER THE UNEXPECTED. This summer, our community is getting the opportunity to have our stories told, to have our voices heard and help support the next generation of African American journalists. Eight Howard University communication students will be selected to Discover the Unexpected presented by Chevrolet Malibu in partnership with the National Newspaper Publishers Association. The paired teams will each be assigned to four different cities across the country. It’s a life-changing opportunity to work with industry professionals, share good news about their own community and get the story in an all-new 2016 Chevrolet Malibu.
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this year’s Google-sponsored “Doodle 4 Google” competition. / Photo courtesy DCPS
Congratulations to Akilah Johnson, winner of this year’s Google-sponsored “Doodle 4 Google” competition. Akilah, a 10th-grader at Eastern High School in Northeast, listed among 52 finalists and was the only contestant representing D.C. in the national competition. “My goal with my art was to not only turn heads but souls as well – not only for someone to see it and be amazed by it but also to have them understand and connect with it,” Akilah wrote in a March 21 Google Blog. “My drawing explores childhood themes and then moves into reflections on our society. Everything surrounding the word ‘Google’ depicts my characteristics,” Akilah said. “Of all the things I chose to include, the six most special to me are the Symbol of Life (the ankh), the African continent, where everything began for me and my ancestors, the Eye of Horus, the word ‘power’ drawn in black, the woman’s fist based on one of my favorite artist’s works, and the D.C. flag – because I’m a Washingtonian at heart and I love my city with everything in me.” Akilah’s doodle, which also invoked the “Black Lives Matter” theme, is making her city proud while putting Eastern High School on the map.
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chemistry teacher Ms. Enrich helps students with a lab project. / Photo courtesy DCPS
5Students at Hardy Middle School in Northwest enjoyed “Turkish Food Day.” / Photo courtesy DCPS
Recently, during school meals, DCPS students celebrated “Turkish Food Day” by enjoying traditional Turkish cuisine presented by the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey. Representatives from the embassy along with Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office joined students at Hardy Middle School in Northwest for festivities filled with student presentations and traditional music, dance and culture. DCPS’ “International Food Day” program has introduced students to traditional cuisines from countries across the world, including Uruguay, Haiti, France, Thailand, Singapore, Korea and Indonesia.
The public is invited to help celebrate Thurgood Marshall Academy’s 15th anniversary with its “Shining Star Gala” on Thursday, May 5. Instructors at the Academy located in Southeast, teach a rigorous curriculum to prepare their students for college and beyond. Every day, nearly 400 students from East of the River communities receive high quality instruction thanks to a dedicated corps of teachers, who work tirelessly to ensure the school’s mission. Learn more about how Thurgood Marshall Academy became one of DC’s top performing high schools at this year’s gala.
NEW PARTNERSHIP
DUAL-LANGUAGE EXPANSION PROGRAM
Beginning with academic year 2016-17, more DCPS students will have the opportunity to become bilingual as officials launch three additional dual-language immersion programs at the elementary, middle and high school levels. The expansions mark the first time that students who wish to complete all of their preK-12 instruction in both Spanish and English, will be able to do so in the District, according to According to the Education Writers Association. EWA also reports in a March online article, that dual-language options in D.C. are in high demand “as demonstrated by the long waiting lists each year at the 13 traditional public and charter elementary schools currently offering such programs.” Advocates are optimistic that by 2035, all schools in D.C.’s eight wards will offer instruction in dual languages.
5Students at Friendship Prepa-
ratory Academy in Northeast D.C., proudly show off their drone. / Photo courtesy DCPS
Friendship Public Charter School in Northeast has announced a new partnership with Starship Technologies to sell drones that can interact with humans and undertake deliveries on their own. Friendship’s flagship technology school, which specializes in STEM courses (science, technology, engineering and math) and disciplines with an emphasis on environmental sciences, recently hosted the school’s new partner while showcasing the new technology. WI
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EDUCATION
District Ranks Last in Financial Literacy By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer A new survey of financial literacy has revealed that Washington, D.C. residents rank poorly in understanding how to manage their pocketbooks. In fact, the District ranked last among all American states – which included each of the 50 states and Washington, D.C. – based on the online survey company WalletHub. Jill Gonzales, an analyst with WalletHub, said officials looked at a variety of financial literacy indicators and found the District severely lacking. She said April is National Financial Literacy Month and research shows that a financially illiterate population can negatively affect the overall economy. “Usually, the higher financial literacy we see someplace, it means the less foreclosures, the less unbanked homes, the
less people borrowing from non-bank lenders like payday loans,” Gonzales said. The survey noted that Americans, as a whole, are doing poorly when it comes to their finances. Collectively, U.S. residents have racked up more than $150 billion in new credit card since 2012 and more than half do not have any type of emergency savings, she said. In the survey, the District earned an overall score of 51.3 out of 100, which equated to a C+. On the opposite end, New Hampshire earned an overall score of 69.93 – or a B – which earned it the designation as the most financially literate state in the country. Minnesota, Illinois, New Jersey, and Maryland, Maine, Florida, Utah, New York and Virginia rounded out the top 10 while the District, Alaska, Nevada, Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, Missouri, Ken-
tucky, Louisiana, and Rhode Island were the 10 worst. The District’s financial literacy has long been an issue. In 2013, then-Mayor Vincent Gray began a crusade to try and get residents to open standard bank accounts. At the time, it was estimated that 146,000 District residents were underbanked or unbanked, resulting in those individuals shelling out $117 million a year to check-cashing services. A 2011 report by the Pew Charitable Trust revealed that the District ranked among the top 10 states with the highest percentage of unbanked residents. A year earlier, the Bank on D.C. initiative was launched through which financial institutions, nonprofits and government agencies would team to help residents secure bank accounts. The immediate results were
that 4,000 residents opened bank accounts which saved them more than $3.5 million in fees. Financial literacy experts said it’s important that residents, particularly African-Americans, plan accordingly. “As an African-American woman, I have to focus on the future,” said Vivian Fenton, an assistant vice president and trust administrative officer for U.S. Trust Company in Maryland. A community volunteer who, among other things, mentor young women, Fenton said it’s important to ensure that the black community and the next generation have access to tools and resources like Bank of America’s BetterMoneyHabits.com, a free online resource for all to use that contain tools on a wide range of personal finance topics. “My parents didn’t have a
college degree or financial education, but they understood the importance of savings,” Fenton said. “They didn’t know about investing but were able to create a little nest egg. Where did that understanding come from? It was a strong sense of self-worth and a concern for the future. Looking back, I realized that they exercised due diligence, they sacrificed and they had a vision. I saw and benefitted from that and we have to continue to impart that information into our African-American community.” Fenton recalled one of her favorite sayings that she heard a long time ago; “People perish not because of a lack of faith; they perish because of a lack of knowledge.” “It’s good to know where you came from,” she said. “But, it’s more important to know where you’re going.” WI
LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PUBLIC SCHOOL for your child in school year 2016-17? There are still open seats. Apply today at MySchoolDC.org.
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS EDITORIAL
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – Gone and Forgotten?
Several hundred gathered at the King Memorial in the District last week to commemorate the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who was shot and killed at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis on April 4, 1968. The event featured the changing of the wreath on the balcony of Room 306 where King was slain and included a moment of silence at 6:01 p.m., the time that the fatal show was fired in April 1968. Celebrants gathered in the courtyard beneath the balcony for a program that included musical selections, the wreath laying, a community litany of remembrance and guest speakers. This year’s guest speaker was the Rev. Alvin O’Neal Jackson of Park Avenue Christian Church in New York City. Jackson served as senior pastor of Memphis’ Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church for 19 years (19791997). Other clergy leaders from various denominations also participated as did the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the country’s oldest Black fraternity of which King was a member. Nationally, however, the anniversary date of King’s murder received little attention. When one young journalist and a graduate of a prominent Historically Black College and University was asked why April 4th remained a significant date for the world and nation in general and Blacks in particular, the student was unable to provide an answer. His ignorance leads us to wonder if the legacy of and ultimate sacrifice made by Dr. King has become, as one writer once noted, “a footnote on the pages of life.” Even if mainstream publications or white America chooses to overlook or ignore dates like April 4th, Blacks can ill-afford to forget, lest the past repeat itself. We would do well to take a fresh look at the words of King, the actions he led and the challenges and inequities he addressed during his short time with us. We thank you Dr. King and we salute you as we are reminded of mankind’s tragic tendency of supporting a world and policies that allow for man’s inhumanity to the human race. Rest in peace to the drum major for peace. WI
Don’t Let GOP’s Antics Downplay Importance of Supreme Court Justice Nomination Process An estimated 14,000 American citizens joined Massachusetts U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren on Monday evening for a teleconference that addressed the current GOP blockade of Chief Judge Merrick Garland’s – President Barack Obama’s nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court. The senator noted that the actions, or perhaps more appropriately, the inaction of the Senate Republicans, has more to do with party politics than the candidate’s qualifications and serves as yet another example of their desire to promote unprecedented obstructionism. Seventeen national organizations, led by MoveOn, have pressed for the Senate to do their job and give Garland a fair hearing, fulfilling their job as senators while remembering the oath of service they took upon their election to office. Now that the Senate has returned from recess, Warren and other speakers on the teleconference urged all registered voters to call the Capitol Switchboard (202-225-3121) and ask for their respective senators, demanding that they simply do their job. As one speaker said, the tradition of America as a diverse and progressive is now at stake as many Republican senators appear fearful of the intensity of the “other side’s” hard core. “Banning Muslims from entering the U.S. may be unconstitutional today, but not if a Donald Trump Supreme Court determines that it isn’t,” said Bob Creamer, general consultant, Americans United for Change. Warren added that we’re beginning to see the cracks in the armor of many Republicans who have vowed to block anyone that the president nominates for the Court. “If they won’t do their job, the people need to replace them with Democrats who will – it’s all about accountability,” Warren said. We urge our readers to contact their senators and voice their opinion. WI WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
Raising Minimum Wage Long Overdue
Keep Up the Great Job Informer
Mayor Muriel Bower is on the right track with her proposal of raising the minimum wage to $15 by 2020. The article by Sarafina Wright, “Can $15 Hour Stop Displacement?” in the March 31, 2016 edition shows that the mayor is at least aware of some of the issues facing people trying to live in this city on jobs paying the minimum wage. If you ask me, the minimum wage should have been raised two or three years ago. The price of living in the District of Columbia is out of control. Rent, food, childcare, utilities and transportation costs are getting to the point of being criminal, and those trying to live on minimum wage paying jobs are suffering. Not only do we need to raise the minimum wage in the District, but also we need to do something about the runaway cost of living that is affecting most of us trying to live the District of Columbia. I voted for Mayor Bowser and I think she is doing a pretty good job but I think she could do a little more.
I just want you to know that I feel a real sense of pride each and every week after I finish reading The Informer. You and your reporters do such a fantastic job of providing us with stories and articles that reflect the good and positive news that’s happening in our community. And having a positive attitude helps one deal with the day-to-day stress of living in the Washington DC. area. I have often wondered if the way our community is portrayed in the mainstream media contributes to the negative view a lot of us have of our community and ourselves. But The Informer is like a breath of fresh air each week, giving a different perspective on what’s happening around us. The work you and your reporters do is so important on so many levels, I just wish everybody would see it the way I do. Cameron Wilkins Washington, DC
Robert Downing Washington, DC
Readers' Mailbox
The Washington Informer welcomes letters to the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community. Write to: lsaxton@ washingtoninformer.com or send to: 3117 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20032. Please note that we are unable to publish letters that do not include a full name, address and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you.
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APRIL 7 - 13, 2016 27
OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
By James Clingman
‘Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere’ There is a particular evil going on the state of Michigan, among all the others plaguing that state. During the election hoopla, the debates, the speeches and attention focused on Michigan’s Black voters, I was appalled that no one took the opportunity to point out this quiet yet outrageous situation. No one stepped to the microphone or held a news conference or asked a question or held up a sign about Edward Pinkney. Who is Ed Pinkney? He is a 68-year-old minister from Ben-
ton Harbor, Michigan, former president of the local NAACP, and most of all an unwavering activist who fights against social and economic injustice. Pinkney now sits in an isolation cell at the infamous Marquette Branch Prison, which is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, nearly 500 miles from his hometown, his wife, Dorothy, and his supporters in an “out-of-sight, outof-mind” attempt by the state to make brother Pinkney disappear from the public stage and from public discourse. What we saw during the Michigan primary was an indication
Guest Columnist
No Cap On Ward 8 I am a fourth-generation Washingtonian who lives and works in Ward 8 and has been serving the Ward 8 community consistently as an entrepreneur, historian, environmentalist, arts commissioner and civic leader for the past 10 years. I own and operate a Ward 8-based multimedia design firm as well as managing a Ward 8-based nonprofit that trains students and young adults in multimedia and technical production.
The new sports facility at St. Elizabeths East will benefit my multimedia design firm and create opportunities for the Ward 8 arts commission as well as the students and young adults enrolled in my production nonprofit organization. Additionally, our nonprofit runs a business incubator that could connect businesses to opportunities generated by the arena. We believe having monumental sports and entertainment come to the community would the open the door for increased sponsorship and business oppor-
Guest Columnist
that their strategy is working. Black folks and other Pinkney supporters, to my knowledge, made no real attempt to get the candidates to issue statements of support for Pinkney; the injustices perpetrated against him were not cited in the debates or in the news conferences. Now, as we watch the rollout of a revised relationship with Cuba and folks are talking about political prisoners on that island, why is there nothing mentioned about the political prisoners in this country, especially Edward Pinkney, who is suffering a penalty far beyond the level of crime
he is accused of committing? President Barack Obama spoke to Raoul Castro about human rights and political prisoners while nothing was said or done about Pinkney. He went to a prison in Colorado and issued pardons for prisoners but left Pinkney off his list of those who should be freed. In Pinkney’s own words: “A heavy and cruel hand has been laid upon me. On Oct. 6, 2015, I was transferred back to Marquette Branch Prison, a two-day ride on the bus, shackled, mistreated and intimidated. I was forced to strip on five different
occasions. I am forced into overcrowding, inadequate exercise, lack of clean clothing and inadequate medical care which violates the Eighth Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment. I estimate over 75 percent of the prisoners in Marquette have mental problems.” His history of confrontation with the justice system in Michigan notwithstanding, in this particular case the punishment does not fit the alleged crime. Yes, he has been a thorn in the side of the establishment and local judges in
CLINGMAN Page 53
By Tendani Mpulubusi El
tunities in Ward 8. Voting to cap spending on this project is voting to limit our opportunity for economic advancement. The social issues we face in Ward 8 are results of economic issues. The crime, violence, drug abuse and educational achievement issues we face in Ward 8 are symptoms of poverty. Ward 8 and Congress Heights in particular are in need of serious economic stimulus, and anyone who doesn’t support our city making such and investment in Ward 8 is not only opposed to the economic development of Ward 8
but also the human development of Ward 8. Ward 8 needs an economic anchor that will provide jobs, careers and business opportunities. Building this arena will go beyond construction jobs. We can incubate businesses just to provide professional services for the arena. We can incubate businesses owned and operated by Ward 8 residents that employ and contract Ward 8 residents. There is no reason that the D.C. City Council should vote to cap its spending on this project as it has not done so on other
comparable projects. The estimated cost for the sports facility is between $50 million and 60 million. That is less than a quarter of what it cost to build the Nats Stadium (about $700 million) in a community that has been economically neglected for decades. If this City Council is serious about any of the promises it has made to address unemployment, supporting returning citizens, small-business development and revitalization without displace-
TENDANI Page 53
By Jesse Jackson
Make Election About Economic Justice This year’s presidential primaries have highlighted the importance of people of color to the Democratic Party coalition. Hillary Clinton’s lead in the party’s nomination race comes almost entirely from her strength among African-Americans and Latino voters. When people of color favor one candidate by large margins, they make the difference. That will be true in the general election as well. Democratic
28 APRIL 7 - 13, 2016
nominees win if people of color vote in large numbers. If turnout is down or the vote is split, Democrats — who regularly lose the majority of White voters — will lose. This reality means that African-Americans, Latinos and Asian-Americans can make political demands. Politicians must compete to win our votes. The power of this can be seen with the Dreamers and the Democrats’ embrace of comprehensive immigration reform, with Black Lives Matter and Democratic
candidates putting criminal justice reform at the top of their agendas. Voting rights and equal rights under the law also gain traction. Missing, however, is any concerted demand for economic justice, even though African-Americans and Latinos still face a stark economic divide. African-Americans lost the most wealth in the Great Recession and have recovered the least. They were the most targeted and harmed by the fraud committed by mortgage peddlers. The gap between Black
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and White household wealth has tripled in the past quarter-century (with Blacks’ median level at $11,030 while the White median is $134,230). Black unemployment remains higher and incomes remain lower. African Americans and Latinos are more likely to be in poverty. Thirty-eight percent of Black children are in poverty, as opposed to 11 percent of Whites. Worse, Blacks and Latinos are much more likely to grow up in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty. They are
10 times as likely to be in poor neighborhoods in Chicago than poor Whites are. Nearly 30 percent of poor Blacks live in poor neighborhoods in St. Louis, as compared with 1.6 percent of poor Whites. Concentrated poverty — what scholars term the “double burden” — digs children into a deeper hole of unsafe streets, impoverished schools, inadequate health facilities, poor markets, poor mass transit, lousy parks and more.
JACKSON Page 53
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
By E Faye Williams
Importance of the Supreme Court Scholars often opine that women in decision-making positions of authority would make more positive change in the future of the nation than men. With complete optimism, I believe that a genuine Black woman in a decision-making position of authority would bring even more positive outcomes to our future. In contrast, we haven’t had a genuine Black jurist on the Supreme Court since 1991.
When Clarence Thomas was nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Justice Thurgood Marshall, I allowed myself to believe that a confirmed Thomas would bring a balanced judgment created by surviving an upbringing in the segregated South. That’s among my life’s biggest mistakes! Since then, as we’ve seen justices - both women and men - added who increase diversity of experience and opinion on the Court, we still lack a Black female justice. I held hope that
Guest Columnist
the death of Justice Antonin Scalia would present the opportunity for the selection of a Black female justice, but I’ve been disappointed by the racist and political motivations shaping the selection process. With talk of the critically important role of Black women in the 2016 election, I hope the “right” president-elect will wisely consider bringing the sensibilities of a Black woman to the Supreme Court. From whoever becomes President, I am unequivocal in my demand for greater respect of
the needs and opinions of the community of African-American women. In that regard, I speak for more than a symbolic gesture. I seek the nomination and selection of a Black female justice undertaken without political malice or preference and hope that complete deliberation is made to ensure meritorious selection. Future Supreme Court decisions must be made with the guarantee of thoughtful consideration of the interests of Black women and those persons and issues circumscribed within the pa-
rameters of the Black female experience. And, lest someone attempt to minimize this or suggest otherwise, the experience of the Black female is an integral and consequential part of our national experience. Fairly considered by president and Senate alike, a Black woman on the Supreme Court should be a done deal! If a future Supreme Court vacancy is to be filled by a Black woman, we Black women must lay our cards on the
WILLIAMS Page 54
By Marc Morial
History Compels Blacks to Reject Freedom to Discriminate “All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship. It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent national gifts. For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves
as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.” — President George Washington, Letter to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport, Rhode Island, August 18, 1790 It was not so long ago when one of the most powerful justifications wielded in support of the American practice of segregation was religious belief. Segregation and discrimination against Black citizens was enforced by state-sanctioned Jim Crow laws that legally separated Blacks from Whites and made it illegal for individuals from ei-
Askia-At-Large
ther group to associate with the other. Schools were segregated. Restaurants were segregated. Blacks and Whites could not legally marry. And even water fountains were designated by race. Defenders of these racebased policies employed a variety of arguments to support the institution of discrimination by the books, including arguing that the fact that God “separated the races shows that he did not intend for the races to mix,” as was written by a lower court justice in a landmark civil rights case that would later end all state
bans on interracial marriage. Today, religious freedom bills are cropping up around the nation that would turn back the clock on American progress versus legal discrimination. Cloaked under the mantle of religious liberty, there are those who want to invoke their constitutional right to freedom of association and religion to deny other citizens — those whose lives and lifestyles they say are at odds with their religious beliefs —employment, professional or private services and the right to marry, among other things. The
free exercise of religion sits at the heart of our nation’s founding. But we live in a democracy, not a theocracy. We cannot allow religious liberty to be transformed into a tool of oppression against any class of individuals or citizens. Following huge public outcry and the threat of millions in lost business in the state, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal has announced that he will veto a religious freedom bill that was meant to protect faith-based
MORIAL Page 54
By Askia Muhammad
Who’s Ready for a Race War? I believe there are some powerful, hard-core, do-or-die forces in American life that would be perfectly happy if they could see a modern “race war” erupt. That is, open, organized, violent, military-style attacks against Black people, so White folks can “take back their country” and at the same time put the “uppity” Black leadership class “back in its place.” Race war. I believe there are some White folks in this country who could
work to prevent such an outcome but who in fact want to see it unfold. You see, at the core of the tsunami of race-hatred directed at Black people, directed against Barack Obama, the first Black president of the U.S. and his family there is unrepentant sin. There is no more the sense of guilt among White folks for the crimes against humanity they committed on the way to building the 21st century American empire. Instead of being overly grateful and appreciative for example to the enslaved Africans whose free labor
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made this country rich; instead of gratitude, White, conservative voters seem overly obsessed with dread in their hearts, afraid that those slaves have in four centuries “gamed their system” in order to live unproductive lives of chaos in ghettoes of their own making, at the expense of today’s White workers. “Black pimps and drug dealers whose mamas were Welfare Queens with multiple daddies of multiple siblings, who may or may not deserve to even live in this society.” That’s how some of the otherwise well-meaning conservative politi-
cians and much of the ungrateful White American public view Black life and culture in this country today. Not only did centuries of free labor by enslaved Africans create this country’s wealth, bur Blacks fought and died in every war, on every battlefield to help maintain this country’s world dominance. Still, Whites are ungrateful. They are angry that Black people, who reap only a fraction of the benefits of being American, are not sufficiently appreciative of their second-class status in America.
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In the 21st century, Black Americans must be taught by their betters to get back into and to remain in “their place.” Race war. The Civil War was race war and a “lost cause,” which some folks chose to pursue in order to maintain the immoral and illegal institution of slavery, pure and simple. It was not a “war of Northern aggression” against the peace-loving South. The Civil War was a treasonous uprising against the law and the Constitution of United States of America. “Massive resistance” by segrega-
MUHAMMAD Page 54
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LIFESTYLE
Remembering Marvin Gaye 32 Years Later By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer He was the Prince of Motown and one of the District’s favorite sons. But, as poignantly noted by music critic Michael Eric Dyson, soul singer extraordinaire Marvin Gaye was the man who chased away the demons of millions … and with his heavenly sound and divine art, Gaye was chased by demons of his own throughout his life. Thirty-two years ago, on April
1, 1984, Gaye’s life came to a tragic end, shot and killed by his own father just one day shy of his 45th birthday. Gaye grew up in Southeast; his father was a disciplinarian and a preacher. Movies and television were banned and curfews fully enforced, Gaye’s brother Frankie Gay told the U.K. Independent during a previous interview. “We were a strange family. We were very much sheltered from the neighborhood and I know they
“I got what I wanted . . . I couldn’t do it myself, so I made him do it.”
5 Motown icon and District-born superstar Marvin Gaye died on April 1, 1984. / Photo courtesy of Biography.com looked on us as being very strange,” Frankie Gay said. Marvin, who’d later add an “e” to his name because of accusations of homosexuality he’d been subjected to in school, attended William Randall Junior High where he first took an interest in the music of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Gaye entered a local talent competition, easily winning the contest with a rendition of “Cry” by singer Johnny Ray. Later, of course, he signed with Motown Records and went on to record such classics as “What’s Going On,” “Let’s Get It On,” “I Heard it through the Grapevine” and “Sexual Healing.” In one of his last and most memorable performances, Gaye forever changed the way the “Star Spangled Banner” would be performed at big time sporting events. He was invited to sing the national anthem at the NBA All-Star game in Los Angeles and the per-
30 APRIL 7 - 13, 2016
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
formance overshadowed basketball’s marquee mid-season event and resulted in a new generation of fans for the embattled superstar. “I couldn’t believe the goose bumps that I had, that everyone had just watching it on television,” said Mark Cochran, who used to operate the old Sam Goody record store in Inglewood, California. “I just remembered thinking that it had never been done like that before and, of course later, Whitney Houston sang the national anthem at the Super Bowl and people talked about that performance but that’s because we were at war so it was emotional. Marvin Gaye’s performance was original and breath taking. It was the one time that you didn’t want the song to end.” When Gaye’s career took off, part of his father delighted in the reflected glory, and he certainly enjoyed the trappings of celebrity that came his way, but his overriding feeling was of contempt, according to various reports. The senior Gay, hated his son’s Devil’s music, his sex with loose white women and his constant sniffing. Yet the idea that he had been handpicked by God never left Marvin Gaye, even in the closing stages of his life, when he embarked on his last tour. In January 1983, one month before his seminal All-Star game performance, Gaye’s father returned from a trip away and the two men faced each other for the first time since 1979. Things had not improved. His father disapproved of “Sexual Healing,” and, by this time, Gaye was freebasing cocaine and his paranoia had increased. Gaye’s deterioration was known only to his family, friends and business associates. To the watching world he was a storming success. After the NBA All-Star game, he
picked up two Grammy Awards. Just a year later, the father and son feud reached its zenith. Gaye had moved into his parents’ Los Angeles home in late 1983 at a low point in his struggle with depression, debt and cocaine abuse, the History Channel reported. Gaye, now in horrible physical, psychological and financial shape, found himself living in the same house as the man who must have been at the root of many of his struggles. After an argument between father and son escalated into a physical fight on the morning of April 1, 1984, Alberta Gay – the singer’s mother – was trying to calm her son in his bedroom when Marvin Sr. took a revolver given to him by Marvin Jr. and shot him three times in his chest. Frankie, who lived next door, and who held the legendary singer during his final minutes, later wrote in his memoir that Marvin Gaye’s final statement was, “I got what I wanted . . . I couldn’t do it myself, so I made him do it.” Each year in the District, Marvin Gaye Day is celebrated with some of the best musicians in the area and from around the country paying homage to the great Gaye. “We usually celebrate Marvin on April 2nd, Marvin’s birthday,” Sandra Butler-Truesdale, chair of D.C. Legendary Musicians, said in a previous interview. “It is very important that we keep the history of D.C. Music alive through documentation and action. The African-American Music Association, Inc. under the leadership of the Rev. Saleem Hylton has celebrated the life and works of Marvin Gaye for 30 years,” Butler-Truesdale said. “It is with great pride that The DC Legendary Musicians, Inc. supports Marvin Gaye Day.” WI
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LIFESTYLE
Nationals Show How It’s Done at Youth Game baseball alongside a few Major Leaguers, one word described the outing: exciting. Rocco, a 10-year-old fourth-grader who wore a red Nationals jacket, will now slide feet first into the bases to avoid head injuries. Langston, who sported a gray Nationals Youth Baseball Academy t-shirt, said he first learned
about baseball at the academy. “It’s the reason why I play in a Little League. I get to learn to interact with people,” said the 9-year-old fourth-grade student. When asked about what Langston will tell his friends after his experience, he simply said, “I meet six Nationals players. That was cool.” WI
National Black Memorabilia, Fine Art & Crafts Show April 9-10, 2016
Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM ** Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Montgomery County Fairgrounds
16 Chestnut Street ** Gaithersburg, MD 20877 By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill Langston Speed swung and missed at a baseball about six times, but he crushed it to center field when the ball sat on a tee. Rocco Gilbert dove on the turf field and caught a pop-up near first base at the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy in Southeast D.C. “This is baseball. Football’s played on Sunday,” the academy’s Executive Director Tal Alter said jokingly to Rocco. Rocco, Langston and 68 other D.C. youth not only got to play baseball for nearly an hour Friday, April 1, but also received some tips from several Washington Nationals players. Superstar outfielder and National League Most Valuable Player Bryce Harper gave instructions on how and when to run the bases, catch and observe the field when standing on first base. Third baseman Anthony Rendon bent over and told Langston to always be ready for the ball coming to third base, better known as the “hot corner.” Four other Nationals players – Ben Revere, Joe Ross, Michael A. Taylor and Blake Treinen – played catcher, gave directions in the outfield and joked with the youth and themselves. After working out and playing Spring Training games in Florida, the team played its first game at Nationals Park on Friday night against the Minnesota Twins.
5Washington Nationals players pose with students and staff of the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy in Southeast on Friday, April 1. / Photo by Travis Riddick
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4Bryce Harper, last year’s National League Most Valuable Player, gives pointers on running bases to an Academy youth Friday, April 1. / Photo by Travis Riddick “You know it’s tough, especially early in the morning when you know have a game that night, but they know the cause behind it,” said Rendon, who will now serve on the player liaison to the academy and serve on its board. He replaces Ian Desmond now with the Texas Rangers. “They know how much of an impact they can make, especially with the platform that we all have. It was fun to get them out here.” The Nationals’ first regular-season game begins Monday, April 4, in Atlanta against the Atlanta Braves. The Nationals home opener Thursday, April 7, will be against the Miami Marlins. Also on that day, the team will give its 25 millionth fan a special jersey, a jacket, a visit to the owner’s box and a pair of opening-day tickets for the next 25
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years. The 2-year-old academy works with youth from Wards 7 and 8 to teach math, science and life skills through baseball. Mentors and baseball coaches also teach about nutrition, physical fitness and positive attitudes. The academy, which operates 120 days annually, runs as a nonprofit organization with an after-school program and also hosts games and tournaments. “It’s an awesome opportunity. To have a beautiful space here for kids to participate in holistic development is helping them become solid scholars and athletes,” Alter said. “To have players involved in that process and be here interacting with the kids, just adds fuel to all the things we are working on.” As for some of the youth in grades two through six playing
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LIFESTYLE
Conference Brings ‘Truth2Power’ for Black Women By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins Long before Europeans colonized the Motherland and forever history, Africans lived communally and women sat at the helm of various societies as gatherers, healers and advisers. Centuries later, gaining and applying that ancestral knowledge remains a constant challenge for sisters living amid perpetual dysfunction, squalor and violence. However, a paradigm shift may be near for those who attended Prince Hall Masonic Temple in Northwest last weekend for the inaugural Truth2Power Women’s Conference. Over
two days, a bevy of Black women engaged in healing activities, created bonds and learned about self-care. “This was an opportunity for us to connect spiritually so we can get to the essence of who we are and bring that out of each other. We are divine beings having an eternal experience,” Patricia Patton, co-organizer of the Truth2Power Women’s Conference, said. Patton described the gathering, which took place on April 1 and 2, as an extension of the Truth2Power show, a weekly program on We Act Radio based in Anacostia that she and Kristina Alexis, a D.C.-area community organizer, have hosted for nearly a year. “(Us Black women) give life to ev-
5Artist, educator, and activist Ayanna Gregory graced the stage at the Prince HallMasonic Temple on U Street in Northwest during the inaugural Truth2Power Women’s Conference last weekend. She counted among more than a dozen Black female acts over two days. / Photo by Rodney Ladson and Key Digital Media
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ery man and woman, so it’s up to us to connect and respect one another,” Patton added. “Black women have gotten a bad rap. It’s important to embrace each other.” On Friday, visitors walked into a dim ballroom adorned with African art and flowers. Vendors set up shop along the outskirts of the large space, selling clothes, jewelry, fragrances, sculptures, photos, and other wares. An on-site massage therapist supplied much-needed physical therapy. Holistic health agents also doled out fruit and vegetable juices, healing crystals and vegan meals. D.C.-area poet Raquel Ra Brown served as mistress of ceremonies for Friday evening, introducing renowned acts including Princess Best aka Hip-Hop Momma, Afi Soul, and Ayanna Gregory, all from D.C., along with Watoto from the Nile, Sunni Patterson, Charm Taylor, and spoken-word artist Dominque Christina. DJ One Luv spun the one’s and two’s throughout the evening as each artist seduced the audience with intricate wordplay and hard truths about misogyny, trauma, disunity and ignorance. After her performance, Patterson, a spoken-word artist from New Orleans, explained her purpose. That evening, she recited three poems and called on audience members to yell words of affirmation that she said would vibrate through the U Street Corridor. “Everything has a spirit in it. Whatever I do has a tone of ac-
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knowledgment of the ancestors and gratitude to my guardian spirits,” Patterson said. “It’s one thing to enlighten, but it’s another to inspire. … Our words are medicine to the community and world.” Throughout Saturday, women participated in group meditation exercises and learned how to take care of their bodies. Representatives of BeNature Earth Wellness Center, based in Waldorf, Maryland, stressed the importance of a balanced diet. Afiya Mbilishaka, president of the D.C. Association of Black Psychologists and pioneer of “psychohairapy,” wrapped up the festivities with her keynote address. For Denise Douglass, a designer who represented Ites International Fashion, the Truth2Power Women’s Conference reaffirmed the Black woman’s power in bringing calmness to whatever environment she occupies. “The vibe is very smooth in here. The people are enjoying themselves,” Douglass said. “It’s natural for us [as Black people] to have peace, not all of this chaos. This conference helps women take control of their lives and be free in this place. It brings power and unity. That’s what it’s all about. We can become a stronger race because of it.” D.C.-area mother and community member Asteria Hyera said she looked forward to finding Black-owned businesses that could meet her basic needs and watching Narubi Selah, a spoken-word artist and educator from
Trenton, New Jersey, perform. “I’m always looking to connect with like-minded Black women who are about Black liberation,” Hyera said. For Patton and Kristina Alexis, the most intriguing aspect of last weekend’s conference was the connection between women of different ages. The co-hosts, who have a more than 20year age difference, said the lessons they learn from each other in the course of their work at We Act Radio inspired their goal of placing elders and young people in the same room. Jacobs, 23, expressed plans to continue the work of the Truth2Power Women’s Conference in her daily work. Goals include the purchase of property and collaboration with Black women across the globe. “We’ve also talked about taking the Truth2Power Women’s Conference on the road, because the conversations and connections we’re making need to happen everywhere, not just in D.C. I’m sure there are relationships that will come out of this that we will never even know about, but that will benefit our community in incredible ways. The first step is getting people who are committed to building community in the room together and creating a space for connection and collaboration. These sisters really walk the walk, so I’m excited to see what fruits manifest from this,” Jacobs added. WI This article was originally published on AllEyesOnDC.com.
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LIFESTYLE
Families Converge for Cherry Blossom Kite Festival By Rachel Sudduth WI Contributing Writer For decades, the National Cherry Blossom Kite Festival has been held on the grounds of the National Mall in Washington. This year’s peak bloom for the cherry blossoms came about two weeks earlier than the past two years. According to the National Park Service, the average peak bloom date is around April 4. It is no surprise that rain showers contributed to the slow turnout of thousands who gathered at the National Mall. According to the official Facebook for the cherry blossom events, the Kite Festival had been planned for months and inclement weather would not stop this celebration. Residents from all over the city traveled via bus, Metro, cars, and Uber to show off their homemade and even storebought kites on April 2, including native Washingtonians from Ward 8 Tracy and Myles McKever. Tracy is a single mother who says she creates a memory book called “God’s Grace” for her 5-year-old son, Myles, whenever they take time to go to special events, like the Kite Festival. Dressed in a Spider-Man hat to match his kite, Tracy says she purchased the kite for about $3.99. Cloudy skies and thousands of kites floated over the heads of little children and adults. The Blossom Kite Festival is one of many scheduled events. Here is a list of four events you will not want to miss:
SATURDAY, APRIL 9:
The Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival “Rain or Shine”. Tourists, friends, and family are welcome to attend free. From 1-9pm, enjoy games, rides, and free giveaways. Fireworks will be displayed at 8:30 p.m. Don’t forget to snap a picture with a Cherry Blossom theme, sponsored by Harris Teeter. Location: Southwest Waterfront600 Waterstreet, SW.
SATURDAY, APRIL 16:
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. Starting at 10 a.m., on Constitution Avenue from 7th through the
5The Cherry Blossom Festival’s annual Kite Festival was held Saturday, April 2 on the National Mall. Myles McKever flies his kite. / Photo by Travis Riddick 17th streets Northwest. One of D.C.’s largest events, with the option of Grandstand Seating for $20 or plan to arrive early to watch for free between 9th and 15th streets. Special performances by D.C. native Raheem DeVaughn and pop sensation Tiffany.
SATURDAY, APRIL 16SUNDAY, APRIL 17:
Concerned Black Men National
“Drive for Show…Putt for Dough” Golf Tournament Friday, April 22, 2016 Renditions Golf Club
1380 W Central Ave. Davidsonville, Maryland, 21035
The Cherry Blast. Celebrate Japanese sights, sounds, and good. Anime themes with a taste of Asia’s club and techno music. Location: Carnegie Library at Mount Vernon Square.
APRIL 7-19:
Youth Art Contest & Community Art Show. Free admission for all participants. From Tuesday-Friday starting at noon to 4pm. Will take place at the Pepco Edison Gallery Place. In correlation with the theme “Celebrate 50 years of kite flying on the National Mall”. Students in grades K-12 throughout D.C. public and private charter schools submitted work for this celebratory theme. To learn more information about upcoming events or watch videos of this year’s event, visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org. WI
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To register to play call 202-783-6119 or register on line at www.cbmnational.org before April 19, 2016 Sponsored by:
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APRIL 7 - 13, 2016 33
LIFESTYLE CANDIDATES from Page 13 ro is the nation’s transportation system, but we have to do more.” Van Hollen, 57 of Kensington, Montgomery County, serving the 8th District, criticized Republicans in wanting to cut the $150 million investment in Metro. He also said the Purple Line light-rail system will help relieve stress from the Metro lines. “The Purple Line provides great opportunity for transportation in linking people to job centers and a great economic opportunity for this region,” he said. Van Hollen repeated that a study showed Edwards doesn’t work well with Republicans. “Congresswoman Edwards was rated last among all the Democrats in terms of willingness to work with people to get things done,” he said. The report comes from the Lugar Center and Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy in Northwest. It assessed how often a member of Congress and the Senate co-sponsors a bill by the opposite party and the frequency a person’s bill receives support from an opposing group. Edwards ranked last among Democrats in the 113th Congress (2013-2014), according to the study. The center’s study from the 114th Congress last year places Edwards sixth from the bottom among Democrats. However, last year’s report shows Van Hollen slightly above Edwards, separated by 10 Democrats be-
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tween them. Edwards said she worked with Republicans in the bipartisan women’s caucus and as a member of the House Committee of the Science, Space and Technology to help fund NASA. “I think I demonstrated the ability to work across (party) lines, but also never to forget my principles and values that center me,” she said. A poll released last month by OpinionWorks for the Baltimore Sun and the University of Baltimore shows Edwards with a significant winning margin among women and Blacks and in Baltimore. Another poll published around the same time from Gonzales Research and Marketing Strategies of Arnold, Maryland, has Van Hollen leading by one percentage point, but with a significant lead among Whites and voters in the Baltimore suburbs and Montgomery County. In contrast, Edwards comes out ahead among Blacks and voters in Prince George’s and Baltimore. The poll also shows she has a nearly 12-point advantage among female voters, at 47.2 percent versus 35.8 for Van Hollen. “This election will be decided by Prince George’s County and Baltimore City, where Edwards enjoys substantial margins,” according to the Gonzales poll. “Versus Montgomery County, the Baltimore suburbs and rural Maryland, where Van Hollen leads by a near equally, significant scope.” WI
USPS Honors Sarah Vaughan Newest Addition to the Music Icons Stamp Series
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By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer The U.S. Postal Service has dedicated a Forever Stamp honoring Sarah Vaughan, who was known as one of America’s greatest singers. The ceremony took place on Tuesday, March 29, in her hometown at the Sarah Vaughan Concert Hall at Newark Symphony Hall in New Jersey. “As one of the most compelling vocalists in American history, Sarah Vaughan was renowned for her artistic eloquence,” Deputy Postmaster General Ronald Stroman, who dedicated the stamp said. “Her dynamic vocal range, iconic vibrato, and innovative phrasing helped to transform jazz and popular music.” The stamp is the seventh in the postal service’s Music Icons series, which includes Lydia Mendoza, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Elvis Presley. G r a m m y Award-winning jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Melba Moore joined Stroman in the dedication. The ceremony featured a proclamation from Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and a video tribute to Vaughan that included remarks by legendary singer Tony Bennett. There were musical performances by Moore, vocalist Carrie Jackson, the Mount Zion Baptist Church Choir and the NJPAC Jazz for Teens Ensemble with Jazzmeia Horn. The stamp features an oil painting of Vaughan in performance based on a photograph shot in 1955 by Hugh Bell. The stamp pane is designed to resemble a vintage 45 rpm record sleeve. One side of the pane includes the stamps and a brief text about Vaughan’s career with the image of a sliver of a record seeming to peek out of the top of the sleeve. Vaughan’s achievements include an honorary doctorate in fine arts from Northwestern University in 1978, the Grammy award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance in 1982 for “Gershwin Live!” with Michael Tilson Thomas conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Grammy for Lifetime Achievement in 1989. “The postal service is proud to honor Sarah Vaughan,” Stroman said. “Let this stamp serve as a lasting tribute to her legacy.” WI WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
LIFESTYLE
First Lady Holds Last White House Planting She Will Embark on American Garden Tour
— a conversation that evolved into her Let’s Move! Initiative, in which stars such as Beyonce have participated. During the planting, she acknowledged a group of students who were fifth-graders at the very first one. “The fifth-graders who started with me and planted the first one are now in high school ending the planting,” she said. Other students who joined came from elementary schools with substantial gardening pro-
grams in Wisconsin, Colorado, and Louisiana. NASA Deputy Administrator Dava Newman and Astronaut Cady Coleman joined the group to plant the same variety of lettuce that has been grown on the International Space Station. “This is my baby,” Obama said. “Hopefully, this will not be the last planting and future administrations will keep the tradition going.” WI
5Area students assist First Lady Michele Obama with planting fresh chicory at the White House on Tuesday, April 5. / Photo by Travis Riddick By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer First lady Michelle Obama planted seeds for harvest in her well-known White House Kitchen Garden for the last time. Dozens of school kids from around the country, along with NASA representatives, accompanied Obama on the South Lawn of the White House for her eighth annual garden event on Tuesday, April 5. “This is very special for me,” Obama said. “Eight years ago we cooked up this idea where we would dig up some dirt on the South Lawn and start a garden.” “We always had the idea to have kids involved in everything we do,” she said. “Kids come every planting and every harvest and it’s a fun tradition.” Local elementary school students from Bancroft and Tubman in Northw e s t participated in the planting. “They have been helping me plant the
White House Kitchen Garden for just about eight years,” Mrs. Obama said of the two schools in the District. “We know that the garden has changed the conversation on what you eat especially when you can see where it comes from,” she said to the students. She added that hopefully the tradition will continue because of how it helps the community. “This garden has produced thousands of pounds of food each year that has been given to homeless shelters,” she said. “We know that this garden has
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begun a conversation about community gardening. “They are even doing it in space.” Obama said that in honor of the last planting she will embark on a American Garden Tour. “We’re going to talk about community gardens around the nation to continue to raise awareness and create healthier food and lives for these kids,” she said. In 2009, Obama planted a vegetable garden on the South Lawn to initiate a national conversation around the health and wellbeing of the nation
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APRIL 7 - 13, 2016 35
LIFESTYLE
Broderick Johnson is His Brother’s Keeper
By Michael H. Cottman Urban News Service Broderick Johnson sees young Black men on America’s streets taking long drags off short smokes. “It’s the idleness,” said Johnson, a Baltimore native and adviser to President Barack Obama. “No jobs — or summer jobs — for Black men. Kids are going to hang in the streets. We have to break this cycle. We have to create jobs and mentorships.” As chair of Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Task Force, Johnson manages several socioeconomic programs that aim to improve the lives of unemployed young Black men. Chief among them is My Brother’s Keeper, which Obama launched in February 2014 “to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color,” according to a White House statement. So far, this initiative has prompted private organizations to commit “more than $500 million in grants and in-kind resources and
$1 billion in financing through community banks, including investments in safe and effective schools, mentoring programs, juvenile justice reforms, and school redesign.” As Obama’s second term winds down, Johnson is working to ensure that empowering young men of color is central to Obama’s legacy. Johnson’s early years influence his duties. “Knowing how young Black men make mistakes and get into circumstances,” Johnson says, “we’re trying to give these young men opportunities at a time when Barack Obama is president.” Young men like Malachi Hernandez. The 17-year-old Boston high school student says My Brother’s Keeper changed his life. Hernandez said he grew up in a poor neighborhood where he often heard the crackle of gunfire. He said he also saw his parents physically fight each other before his father left Hernandez, his mother and four brothers
home alone. “Growing up with domestic violence and then a single parent was very difficult,” Hernandez said. “We were low-income. We had a lot of challenges. It wasn’t easy.” But today, Hernandez said, My Brother’s Keeper helped him intern in the Mayor’s Office for Economic Development. He expects to graduate high school and has applied to Northeastern University and American University. He hopes to major in political science or education. “This is about investing in our young people and empowering them to achieve their dreams,” said Mayor Martin Walsh (D-Boston). “It is truly powerful when you can see the results of mentorship and internship opportunities — young boys and men becoming major contributors to society.” But not everyone supports My Brother’s Keeper. More than 1,600 women of color released a June 2014 letter asking why Obama’s program
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5Broderick Johnson, chair of the My Brother’s Keeper Task Force, meets actress and producer Sonja Sohn at the Center for Urban Families in Baltimore. MBK is President Obama’s initiative to expand opportunity for young men of color. / Photo courtesy of André Chung for Urban News Service left women behind. “We are profoundly troubled about the exclusion of women and girls of color from this critical undertaking,” reads the letter, which was signed by, among others, Mary Francis Berry, Angela Davis, Anita Hill, Rosie Perez, and Alice Walker. Others believe My Brother’s Keeper is flawed because the program “should be open to all at-risk individuals, without regard to skin color or what country someone’s ancestor’s came from,” said Roger Clegg, president of the Center for Equal Opportunity, a think tank dedicated to ethnicity- and sex-neutral public policy. “A racially exclusive program would be unconstitutional, and it would be unfair and divisive.” For his part, Johnson said he doesn’t waste time listening to critics. He also knows that skeptics question whether this project ultimately will succeed — especially after Obama leaves office. Johnson recently told Obama about a positive editorial in The Washington Post about My Brother’s Keeper. “‘That’s good, Broderick,’” Johnson said Obama replied, “‘but what are young people
telling you?’” Johnson tried to answer Obama’s question by talking to young Black men in Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and other major cities. Those conversations left Johnson unsettled. “In Chicago, I met a young man whose nickname was Trigger,” Johnson said. “He was part of a gang family. He knows he could be shot to death at 20 years old. He is 17, and I worry that he may make other mistakes.” From the White House’s West Wing, Johnson directs My Brother’s Keeper during challenging times. In Chicago alone, police recorded 468 homicides and 2,939 shootings last year. For Johnson, his full title — “Assistant to the President, Cabinet Secretary, and Chair of the My Brother’s Keeper Task Force” — is more than a job, it’s a longterm crusade. “As the President stated at the launch of the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance in May 2015, he is going to keep doing this work while he’s in the White House,” Johnson said. “This will remain a mission for him and the first lady for the rest of their lives.” WI
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LIFESTYLE
Upper Marlboro’s Own Championship Hero
Three of Villanova’s Starting 5 from Maryland By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer Kris Jenkins, junior forward from Upper Marlboro, hit the buzzer-beater winning shot for Villanova University in the 2016 NCAA Championship game. The Villanova Wildcats won over the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, 77-74, in a battle for the books during the championship game on Monday, April 4, in Houston. “I’m just so blessed to a part of this great university and great team,” Jenkins said to Craig Sadler after the game. “Ryan Arcidiacono fouled me right in stride and I one-two stepped and it was going up.” “We just trying to be legendary,” Jenkins said. “Hard work and dedication. A lot of teams don’t really respect our body of work because we haven’t gone far in the tournament, but this is a great step in the right direction.” “What can they say now they’ve always doubted me my whole life,” he said. “Somebody had the nerve to tell my mom when I was younger all I would be is a fat offensive lineman. “But that fat offensive lineman is a national champion in college.” In a tale of two brothers, Jenkins made headlines for competing against his adopted brother UNC’s Nate Britt. Britt’s family adopted Jenkin’s 10 years ago, so that he could stay in the D.C. area for basketball according to reports. Britt’s father served as both boys AAU coach. Jenkins said their meeting in the championship would be “something their families could cherish forever.” The Wildcats appeared in the national championship game in 1985, where they won over the highly favored Georgetown Hoyas. This event would make their second appearance and second win. Three of Villanova’s starting five are all from Maryland, including Jenkins, Josh Hart, a junior from Silver Spring, and Daniel Ocefu, a senior from Baltimore. The city of Philadelphia has
planned a parade for Friday, April 8. Many noticed that Villanova’s coach didn’t look thrilled after the buzzer-beater he explained why at the postgame press conference. “About my reaction, when you’re a coach, you’re always thinking about the next play. I was really thinking, ‘Is there going to be more time on the clock?’” Villanova coach Jay Wright said during the postgame interview. “I’m the adult. I got all these 18- and 22-year-olds around me,” he said. They’re going to go crazy, and I’m going to have to get them gathered up here and we’re going to have to defend a play with 0.7 seconds. That’s what I was thinking.” Wright praised Jenkins for his leadership and courage leading the Wildcats to a championship. “I was just shocked,” he said. “Kris Jenkins has just been incredible all year . . . Kris Jenkins lives for that moment.” WI
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5Kris Jenkins celebrates after his winning shot. / Courtesy photo
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LIFESTYLE
Lengthy Metrorail Shutdown on Horizon? By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer When Metrorail reopened after a 24-hour shutdown last month for emergency inspections, workers repaired at least 26 damaged cables at three locations that some called so severe that those parts of the track were badly frayed and essentially inoperable. This week, At-Large District Councilwoman Anita Bonds said while the shutdown may have left commuters frustrated and inconvenienced, it proved to be for the best. But, if District residents found it difficult to navigate the 24hour inconvenience, the angst of commuters and their patience could soon be put through an even more severe test. Local officials said another and much longer shutdown could be in the works. Preliminary plans are calling for entire rail lines in the District’s Metrorail system to be shut down for months at a time so workers can conduct more extensive repairs, the
38 APRIL 7 - 13, 2016
transit system’s leaders publicly acknowledged on Wednesday, March 30. Board of directors Chairman Jack Evans reportedly raised the possibility during a Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments conference, saying there is not enough time to complete work during nights and weekends. “So in order to do repairs that are necessary, it may come to the point where we have to close the entire Blue Line for six months,” Evans said. “People will go crazy. But there are going to be hard decisions that have to be made in order to get this fixed.” Paul J. Wiedefeld, the general manager of Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, emphasized that he has not yet made a decision on whether to shut down any lines for repair but officials said it’s still being contemplated. A spokesman said Wiedefeld is expected to unveil a new maintenance plan for the aging Metro system in about four to six weeks.
5Metrorail system faces months-long shutdowns. / Courtesy photo The grim news follows the 24-hour shutdown in March after a cable fire near the McPherson Square station erupted. During emergency inspections, 27 defects were repaired with more than 300 “non-emergency” repairs are now underway. A new inspection process has
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begun while Metro develops a broader plan for a revamped inspection program. Wiedefeld has long warned that fixing the troubled system could result in more delays and disruptions. “I’m keeping all my options open,” Wiedefeld said. “There are some bigger issues here in terms of power and track. In the last few years, we’ve been
trying to do this maintenance in a sort of piecemeal way and basically we’ve alienated everyone.” In regards to the March shutdown, Bonds praised Wiedefeld for his decision to cease operations on a system “that could at any moment have caused another fatality,” she said. “Special thanks to him for listening and engaging the transit workers that operate the system every day. And, my appreciation to Amalgamated Transit Workers Local 869 President Jackie Jetter from her support for WAMTA’s focus on safety and her tireless advocacy for the union’s members,” Bonds said. However, not everyone is pleased with the thought that the system could shut down for much longer periods of time. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who was reportedly very unhappy that she wasn’t fully consulted about the March 16 shutdown, issued a cautiously worded statement warning that any extended shutdown would have serious impact. “Shutting down Metro for one workday was an inconvenience; shutting it down for months at a time will have far-reaching consequences for riders and the entire region,” Bowser spokesman Michael Czin said. WI
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CAPTURE THE MOMENT
5Global Zero activists rally at McPherson Square protest against nuclear weapons during the Nuclear Security Summit on Friday, April 1 in Northwest. / Photo by Patricia Little
5Global Zero activists erect a giant inflatable nuke adjacent to the James B. McPherson statue to protest against nuclear weapons during the Nuclear Security Summit on Friday, April 1 at McPherson Square in Northwest. / Photo by Patricia Little
5A large crowd gathered to honor to Davonte Washington, 15, during a candlelight March 30 at the Deanwood Metro Station in Northeast. / Photo by Roy Lewis 4Despite the rainy weather, visitors came out to attend a candlelight vigil Monday, April 4 to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the MLK Memorial in Northwest. / Photo by Patricia Little
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APRIL 7 - 13, 2016 39
LIFESTYLE
Horoscopes
APRIL 7 - 13, 2016
ARIES Take the lead, especially in romantic matters. Throw modesty out the window. Be in shameless pursuit. You know that your need is great this week. Seek to satisfy it. Your lover might be surprised, but you can make the surprise a pleasant one. Soul Affirmation: I hunt for love in all the right places. Lucky Numbers: 29, 34, 51 TAURUS Heads or tails! Go or stay! What to do? This week you’ll find yourself pulled in two exactly opposite directions. There is no way to satisfy both pulls. Let your friends decide. Take whatever suggestion comes first. Soul Affirmation: I let my friendships guide my way. Lucky Numbers: 41, 47, 50 GEMINI Don’t waste time thinking about the past. Sure they were wrong, but what does it matter now. Enjoy the present. Find something good to do for the rest of the week. Avoid conflict. Nothing is so important that it needs to be resolved this week. Soul Affirmation: This week I forgive myself for everything that has happened. Lucky Numbers: 23, 28, 49
WI Book Review A “My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me” by Jennifer Teege and Nikola Sellmair c.2015, The Experiment $14.95 / $22.95 Canada 240 pages
CANCER Stop thinking about work. Sure there are pressing matters, but they’ll
wait. Tap into the fun side of your personality. Get deep into that side and stay there. Don’t keep pulling back to think about things that need to be fixed. Soul Affirmation: I give my mind a big vacation this week. Lucky Numbers: 30, 37, 42
By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer
LEO Let the pleasure principal win the battle with your sense of duty. Give yourself
You have heard the stories. Great-Grandpa made hooch in the basement during Prohibition. Grandma was arrested for protesting back in the ‘60s. Your great-grandma once chased a man off with a gun. Scandalous then, maybe, but quaint family stories now. You cherish those rebel-rousing ancestors of yours – but in “My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me” by Jennifer Teege and Nikola Sellmair, some tales may lie buried. At thirty-eight years old, Jennifer Teege had everything she wanted: a degree, success, a husband, two healthy sons, and a bright future. And then, while idly browsing in a nearby library, she says, “I found the book.” Photos inside it seemed familiar – then recognizable. They were pictures of her birth mother and the grandmother Teege loved. And between the pictures was a story that was “the key to my family history, to my life”: the mother who gave Teege up for adoption was the child of one of Germany’s most notorious Nazis. The grandmother who cared for Teege as a child was the mistress of Amon Goeth, commandant of Plaszów concentration camp. Did her adoptive parents know the truth? Teege had contact with her mother until she was 7 years old and she knew her father was Nigerian; why didn’t anyone say anything about the bigger secret of their lives? And how could Teege ever reconcile the gentle grandma she loved with the woman who surely knew what was going on at the camp, but who chose to ignore it in favor of a life of comfort? Though it felt like picking at a painful scab, Teege needed to know everything about her grandfather, a man she understood would have been outraged at her very existence. She toured his home near Plaszów, and visited sites of former concentration camps. She looked hard at old photos, and contacted her birth parents to find closure. “I want to walk upright, to live a normal life,” she says. “There is no such thing as inherited guilt. Everybody has the right to their own life story.” Think that’s impactful? Just wait…. Half of “My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me” is what you just learned – which is so powerful, so striking a tale that it’s impossible to tear yourself away. Except that there is more. Author Jennifer Teege tells about her experiences, her memories, and her heartbreaking repugnance for her ancestry, but journalist Nikola Sellmair acts as a sort of narrator, filling in the historical gaps among Teege’s tale. Sellmair’s part of this book puts Teege’s words into perspective, in short, and so we see modern personal anguish side-by-side with past brutality and horror. We read about warm-fuzzies, followed by breathtaking inhumanity and, in the juxtaposition of the two, we become just as baffled as is Teege about events that don’t make sense. Wow. Without Sellmair’s half of this book, I think this would be just another biography; with her half, it’s just incredible for World War II scholars, students, and biographers. Now out in paperback, “My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me” is one amazing story. WI
up to the sunshine, the fresh air, the outdoors. Stop talking and get moving. Your own motion will clear your mind of things that have been hanging on. Soul Affirmation: I celebrate freedom of mind this week. Lucky Numbers: 12, 38, 39
VIRGO There are so many good things to do that the challenge will be in deciding what to do and what to not do. Great place to be. Count your blessings -all of them and flip a coin. What a time to be alive. Call someone. Let them decide what you should enjoy first. Soul Affirmation: I know that my life is full of good things. I enjoy! Lucky Numbers: 4, 29, 38 LIBRA Give yourself a chance to know yourself better. Let others reflect the beauty that is you and that will give you added knowledge of yourself this week. Ask for opinions and listen closely, making something good out of whatever is said. Soul Affirmation: I spend the week celebrating me. Lucky Numbers: 22, 27, 41 SCORPIO You’ll meet someone that you could come to adore. Make sure you’ve laid the groundwork because they might not be ready for all the adoration that you are ready to give. Make sure that you don’t adore a bird in the bush while neglecting a bird in hand. Soul Affirmation: I enjoy the act of adoring. Lucky Numbers: 16, 23, 40 SAGITTARIUS Being an artist doesn’t always mean painting a picture. This week apply your artistry to anything that you do. Look at life as an empty canvas upon which you have the skill to paint almost any wonderful thing that you want. Soul Affirmation: My life itself is my greatest creation. Lucky Numbers: 19, 20, 27 CAPRICORN This week is better than last week for career goals. Think deeply about what you really want for a career. Clarity is easy to come by. Charm is an extremely effective tool for you this week. The smile is needed more than at any recent time. Soul Affirmation: I keep my smile shining, especially at home. Lucky Numbers: 3, 20, 30 AQUARIUS Believe that it is true when a friend or family member praises you this week. There is something good happening with you that you cannot see. Expect good news about a publishing, educational or legal venture. Romance is in the air, revel in it. Soul Affirmation: All the good things said about me this week are absolutely true. Lucky Numbers: 1, 43, 50 PISCES This week let your nurturing spirit shines through. Your tremendous adaptability will make it possible for you to show kindness even where it is not deserved. Know that you kindness is appreciated. All week long you’ll find yourself in helpful conversations with friends or family members. Heed what is said. Soul Affirmation: Everyone deserves kindness this week. Lucky Numbers: 11, 32, 39
40 APRIL 7 - 13, 2016
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APRIL 7 - 13, 2016 41
SPORTS
Furman Stops Howard in Women’s Lacrosse, 20-5 Editor’s note: For more lacrosse photos, visit the Washington Informer Galleries
4 Furham attacker Paige Gamble leaves three
Howard players behind in the first half of Atlantic-Sun Conference Women’s Lacrosse at Howard’s Greene Stadium in Northwest. Furham defeated, Howard 20-5. / Photo by John E. De Freitas
6 Howard midfielder attacks the goal in the first
half of Atlantic-Sun Conference Women’s Lacrosse on Friday, April, at Howard’s Greene Stadium in Northwest. Furham defeated Howard, 20-5. / Photo by John E. De Freitas
5 Howard midfielder Taylor Gainey drives past Furham attacker Abby Shiels in the first half of Atlantic-Sun Conference Women’s Lacrosse at Howard’s Green Stadium in Northwest. Furham defeated Howard, 20-5. / Photo by John E. De Freitas
3Howard defender Asiyah Frank drives past Furman midfielder Ashley Trice in the first half of
Atlantic-Sun Conference Women’s Lacrosse action on Friday, April 1, at Howard’s Greene Stadium in Northwest. Furham defeated Howard, 20-5. / Photo by John E. De Freitas
42 APRIL 7 - 13, 2016
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SPORTS
 Nationals, Twins Play to an 8-8 Tie 3 Twins first base Byung Ho Park waits on the ball to get into his gloves as Nats center fielder Michael A. Taylor gets into base safely in the second innings of MLB action on Saturday, April 2, at National Park in Southeast. Nats and Twins played to an 8-8 tie. / Photo by John E. De Freitas 6 Nats Daniel Murphy is congratulated by base coach Bob Henley
during his home run victory lap during MLB action on Saturday, April 2, at Nationals Park in Southeast. Nats and Twins played to an 8-8 tie. / Photo by John E. De Freitas
5 Minnesota Twins inside fielder Trevor Plouffe slides in safely into first base before Ryan Zimmerman could tag him in the first
innings of Major League Baseball Exhibition action on Saturday, April 2, at Nations Park in Southeast. Nats and Twins played to an 8-8 tie. / Photo by John E. De Freitas
3Twins left
fielder Eddie Rosario sails around the second base under the watchful eyes of David Rackley during MLB action on Saturday, April 2, at Nationals Park in Southeast. Nats and Twins played to an 8-8 tie. / Photo by John E. De Freitas
5 Nats Joe Ross congratulates teammate shortstop Danny Espinosa after he scored a home run in MLB action on Saturday, April 2, at Nationals Park in Southeast. Nats and Twins played to an 8-8 tie. / Photo by John E. De Freitas
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APRIL 7 - 13, 2016 43
SPORTS
Broner Scores Ninth-Round TKO; Beltway Boxers Victorious In DC By Gary Williams Special to The Informer Former WBA Super Lightweight champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner managed to put aside his own personal problems to score a ninth-round technical knockout over Ashley “Treasure” Theophane in front of a sellout crowd of 8,172 at the D.C. Armory and a national television audience watching on Spike TV. Broner, who lost his title during fight week when he weighed in 4 ounces over the 140-pound limit, outclassed Theophane from the opening bell and got the stoppage in round nine. There was a strange ending to the bout. Broner hit Theophane with a low blow, and when Theophane signaled to referee Luis Pabon, Pabon waved the bout off. Time was 1:10. Broner is now 32-2, 24 KOs while Theophane is 39-7-1, 11 KOs. After the bout, Broner’s thoughts turned toward his former mentor, Floyd Mayweather Jr., who was in attendance at the card, which was co-promoted by Broner’s About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with the local Headbangers Promotions. “Y’all probably know about this,” Broner told the crowd and the national TV audience. “Somebody that I looked up to, somebody that I admire, took the chance to do an interview and just talked all bad about me. I don’t know how y’all look at that, but I don’t like it. I wasn’t gonna do this, but I’m a man that burns s__ from physical
activity, so me and Floyd, he’s gotta see me. I’m a man at the end of the day. And I come from the streets, the trenches man, from the bottom, from nothing. I’m talking about water and cornflakes. I come from nothing, and I will NEVER let a man disrespect me like that! So he’s gotta see me. I don’t care if we spar or if we fight. Let’s get it on!” Later in the evening, a still-defiant but calmer Broner told a gathering of media that his relationship with Mayweather will be a strictly business one. “That ‘Big Bro’ is out the window,” Broner exclaimed. “From now on, he will address me as AB, and I will address him as Floyd Mayweather.” “I was actually going to go out there and shake his hand and pay homage because, even though we got this misunderstanding, and that’s what it is, right now, I’ve got to pay homage to him because I learned so much from him. I was going to shake his hand and thank him and for giving me this easy money.” If they do fight, Broner said, “he won’t be 50-0.” In the co-feature contest, undefeated Toledo, Ohio, lightweight Robert “Trouble” Easter Jr. scored an impressive fifth-round TKO over former world champion Algenis Mendez of San Juan, Dominican Republic. Easter (17-0, 14 KOs) laid out Mendez (23-4, 12 KOs) with a huge right hand at 2:43 of round five. Undefeated Baltimore featherweight Gervonta “The One” Davis
5Photo courtesy of Nabeel Ahmad/Premier Boxing Champions 44 APRIL 7 - 13, 2016
5Photo courtesy of Nabeel Ahmad/Premier Boxing Champions raised his record to 15-0, 14 KOs with an impressive sixth-round TKO over Mexico’s Guillermo Avila (16-6, 13 KOs). Davis cut Avila beneath the left eye and punished him at the end of round four. He floored Avila at the end of round five and got a referee’s stoppage 29 seconds into round six. A number of local boxers appeared on the card, and all were victorious. D.C. lightweight Anthony Peterson won a 10-round unanimous decision over a very game Samuel “Untouchable” Neequaye of Accra, Ghana, in a lightweight bout. The contest was fought mostly at close quarters; however, Peterson did most of the damage. Peterson hit Neequaye with strong jabs and solid right hands. Neequaye landed his share of punches but not enough to keep Peterson from coming forward. Peterson won by scores of 100-90, 97-93 and 96-94 to raise his record to 37-1, 24 KOs. Neequaye falls to 22-2, 15 KOs. Laurel middleweight Demond “D’Best At It ” Nicholson was taken to a full distance for the first time in his pro career as he won an eight-round unanimous decision over a very tough Joshua Okine of Accra, Ghana. Nicholson landed vicious body shots throughout the contest, although referee Brent Bovell warned him at times for low blows. Okine was able to land shots at times, actually bloodying Nicholson’s nose. However, Nicholson dictated the pace of the contest and won handily by scores of 80-72, 7972 and 78-74. Nicholson is now 17-1, 16 KOs. Okine falls to 22-5,
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15 KOs. D.C. lightweight Patrick Harris scored the first knockdown of the evening as he stopped Dedrick Bell of Accra, Ghana. Harris landed solid body shots in both rounds, breaking Bell down. Harris landed a wicked right to the body followed by a left to the head that dropped Bell. Bell beat referee Joe Cooper’s count but was in no condition to continue. The bout was stopped at 1:03 of the second. Harris is now 8-0, five KOs while Bell is 21-8, 15 KOs. DC-based super welterweight Shynggyskhan Tazhibay won a four-round unanimous decision over Rairus Dudley of Macon, Georgia. Both men landed good opportunities but Tazhibay, a native of Kazakhstan, did just enough down the stretch to pull out the win. The scores were 39-37 (twice), and 40-36. Tazhibay is now 3-0, two KOs while Dudley falls for the first time and he is 2-1-1, two KOs. In the walkout bout, D.C. welterweight Kareem”Reemo” Martin won a six-round unanimous decision over Somner Martin of Martinsville, Virginia. K. Martin won the bout primarily with one hand as he hurt his right hand in the first round with a punch to S. Martin’s head. K. Martin still won by shutout (60-54) across the board to raise his record to 8-0-1, three KOs. S. Martin is now 5-2, three KOs. In other bouts on the card, Inkster, MI super middleweight J’Leon Love stopped Michael Gbenga of Lagos, Nigeria, in the sixth round. Love, who fights out of Las Vegas,
battered Gbenga throughout the contest until the bout was stopped two seconds into the sixth round with Gbenga on his stool. Love is now 22-1, 16 KOs. Gbenga drops to 17-25, 16 KOs. In the opening contest at the D.C. Armory, Gerald Tucker of Cincinnati, Ohio won a four-round unanimous decision over Anthony Napunyi of Nairobi. Tucker won by shutout, 40-36, on all three cards to remain undefeated at 6-01, three KOs. Napunyi is now 0-4. The card is the second of four boxing events that will be at the D.C. Armory. On Saturday, April 30, Mayweather Promotions returns with a super middleweight championship doubleheader. Badou Jack defends his WBC Super Middleweight title against former world champion Lucian Bute, and James DeGale will put his IBF Super Middleweight title on the line against Rogelio Medina. The winners are slated to meet in a unification bout later this year. The card will be shown on Showtime. Then on Friday, May 13, Throne Boxing and Roc Nation Promotions will bring a card to the Armory that will be headlined by undefeated D.C. welterweight Dusty Hernandez Harrison. Harrison (29-0, 16 KOs) will face “The Silent Assassin” Mike Dallas, Jr. of Bakersfield, CA (21-3-1, 10 KO’s) in a 10-round bout. This card will be shown on BET. The first card took place on March 5 when Heavyweight Luis Ortiz of Miami knocked out DC’s Tony Thompson in six rounds. WI
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CAPTURE THE MOMENT
54Thousands gathered on the grounds of the Washington Monument for the Cherry Blossom Festival’s annual Kite Festival on Saturday, April 2. / Photos by Travis Riddick
5The 38th In the place we call home, you won’t find any borders. Not between D.C., Maryland and Virginia, not between natives and newcomers, not between those just cutting loose and those who grew up to “Bustin’ Loose.” Here, there is only one allegiance that matters: NATIONALS BASEBALL.
5The Da
We come together in the pursuit of happiness. We hop the Green Line to make the 7:05 game time. We celebrate our inalienable right to hot dogs and high fives. We cheer for the MVP on Opening Day — and share the hopes of a child, dreaming of becoming him one day.
4The First
We wear the red, white and Curly W, pursuing a championship, writingour team’s history, together. THIS IS OUR PURSUIT.
NATIONALS BASEBALL. ONE PURSUIT. KIDS OPENING DAY // 4.24.16
nationals.com/promotions WN-April-W-Informer-HP.indd 1
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4:29 PM APRIL 7 - 13,3/28/16 2016 45
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Phife Dawg Dead at 45 ‘You on point, Phife? All the time, Tip.’ Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer
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Phife Dawg, founder of ’90s hiphop super group A Tribe Called Quest, died at the age of 45 due to complications from diabetes. On Tuesday, March 22, the world learned that the 5-foot assassin had succumbed to his health issues, which instantly caused reaction from the hip-hop community on social media. Hip-hop pioneers such as Chuck D of Public Enemy, Quest Love, KRS One, Angie Martinez and more mourned his death. Other celebrities from all different backgrounds expressed their sadness and spoke about the role Phife Dawg played in their coming of age. Kerry Washington, Estelle, Eve, Solange Knowles, Chris Rock, Jill Scott and Marlon Wayans, among many others, saluted Phife Dawg for his contributions to an original African-American art form. On Instagram, Wayans wrote: “Phife dawg... #RIP fam love you brother. You left the world with jewels man. My childhood plays out like a long ass tribe called quest album. Y’all are my friends my peers my comrades my brothers . . . I don’t know what to say.” Phife Dawg, born Malik Izaak
EDUTAINERS from Page 17 fectiveness of Black edutainment. The head librarian at the Queens Library in Cambria Heights, New York, contracted Balan’s organi-
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46 APRIL 7 - 13, 2016
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5A Tribe Called Quest founder Phife Dawg (center) died at 45 on Tuesday, March 22, due to complications from diabetes. / Courtesy photo
Taylor on April 20, 1970, in Brooklyn, New York created the group A Tribe Called Quest with high school classmate Q-Tip at Murry Bergtraum High School in Manhattan. Later the group expanded, adding Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Jarobi White for a short time. In 1990, they released their debut album, “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm.” That same year, Taylor learned that he had diabetes. The disease would plague his life up until his death. In a 2011 documentary entitled “Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest,” he spoke about his diabetic troubles. “It’s really a sickness,” he said. “Like straight-up drugs. I’m addicted to sugar.” A Tribe Called Quest saw major success, developing a cultlike fol-
lowing with hits such as “Can I Kick It,” “Bonita Applebum,” “Vibes and Stuff” and “1nce Again.” In 1998, the group disbanded, and Taylor went on to collaborate with other artists. He released his solo debut album, “Ventilation: Da LP,” in 2000. He continued to struggle with his health and went on the list for a kidney transplant in the mid2000s; he eventually got one but it was deemed unsuccessful. He died in his home in California on March 22, 2016, leaving behind a wife and son. Remaining members of A Tribe Called Quest released a statement on his death. “He’s affected us as much as he’s affected all of you. We’re inspired by his daily joy and courage. He wasn’t’t in pain. He was happy. We take comfort in knowing he will be beside his grandmother.” WI
zation to stage a Black History Month appearance in February. “He made what could be dry, dusty history pages come alive,” says Banks. Balan unveiled a 3-D diorama representing life in the Civil War. It was “like a Lionel train display, without the trains,” Banks says, noting Balan delivered his presentation to students of varying ages. “The younger children were just starting to learn about the Civil War,” says Banks. “They were completely mesmerized by the visuals and what life looked like in the 1800s.” Dressed in complete Civil War soldier regalia and a commanding voice, Balan made the children stand at attention as the program started. “They have never been told to stand at attention,” says Banks. “He knew how to command their
attention from the beginning.” “There is a big difference between studying and reading about an historic figure and having him or her stand in front of the class and answer questions,” says Fred Morsell, drama teacher, actor and scholar on Frederick Douglass, his life and turbulent times. Douglass (1818-1895) was a former slave who became a leading abolitionist. Morsell has written a one-man, two-act play called “Remembering Mr. Frederick Douglass.” He has performed it before hundreds of schools, civic groups, libraries and churches. Now, at 74, he need not worry about his beard and hair. Both are gray, and he keeps them both long — just like Frederick Douglass. “I never know when I will be called on to perform,” says Morsell. WI
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Remembering My Dear Grandma
“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long…” Deuteronomy 5:16
You’ve heard the story of my mother, the Rev. Fannie Estelle Hill Grant. Thank God mother was here 73 years. Though she died on Christmas Day in 2000, her birthday was April 1. Had she lived to see her 89th birthday, it would have been a blessing. Her life “was not lived in vain!” God loved mother, and all of her nine children and every grandchild loved her too. My father, Bishop Benjamin F. Grant, especially loved her. They were married 58 years. Each year, when April 1 comes around, with Mothers’ Day coming up soon, all we can do is remember. Mother had Type 2 Diabetes, two leg amputations, kidney failure and many strokes. Her life inspired me to become an ambassador for the American Diabetes Association. I raised funds and hosted health fairs to bring awareness to this devastating illness. My family knows so much more today about how we could have helped mother. I’ve shared a five-part series about Type 2 Diabetes in this column. This time, I’m sharing a portion of a blog written by my daughter Tanika Tonielle Briggs Belis, who loved her grandmother. Take a look. “I remember hearing the proud stories about how my sweet little grandma would gently take care Turning Hearts Church
of the elaborate gowns and formal dresses of Mahalia Jackson at Swift Cleaners, once located at 19th & E Street NW. There was only one gospel singer to be reckoned with in 1963, and THAT was Mahalia Jackson, the first gospel music artist to receive a Grammy! With the White House and Constitution Hall only blocks away, it wasn’t unusual to have last minute famous customers. Whenever he came to town, grandma also cleaned and prepared costumes for The Hardest Working Man in Show Business, James Brown. Jackson, America’s number-one gospel singer, was referred to as the Queen of Gospel. My grandma was a Pentecostal minister, so Mahalia Jackson was definitely her idol. Jackson performed at the March on Washington in 1963, singing in front of 250,000 people where Martin Luther King Jr. made his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. She also sang at King’s funeral in 1968, and she said she hoped her music could “break down some of the hate and fear that divide the White and Black people in this country” Grandma’s equally proud duty was attending to President Lyndon Johnson, who demanded my grandma personally clean and press his clothing. Johnson was the 36th president of the United States. His term was from Nov. 22, 1963-Jan. 20, 1969. Johnson succeeded John F. Kennedy as president following his assassination. The country was in a raw place, races divided. Kennedy’s assassi-
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with Lyndia Grant nation made the country feel a bit exposed and vulnerable. Johnson, a Texan, was a no-nonsense type of guy. Johnson signed several civil rights bills, banning racial discrimination in public facilities, the workplace and housing. His presidency was monumental. Here was a tiny round woman born and raised on a family farm in Kinston, North Carolina. Blacks were still struggling with rights and racism. But to have this experience had to be very exciting, from the president of the United States and the Queen of Gospel to the Godfather of Soul. It had to give her hope. It certainly does give me hope. As I go through my days, I think about my grandma’s experiences. Whenever my ego overshadows my actual job, quietly, I align myself with my grandma’s stories. You see, it was never about cleaning and ironing those clothe; it was about the pride that this little lady took in doing whatever job she was asked to do.” WI
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Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher
Service and 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
Committed to providing services and supports to increase the capacity of individuals, businesses, and communities.
Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.
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APRIL 7 - 13, 2016 47
RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor 9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 Fax: 301-499-8724
Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 a.m. 7 10:00 a.m. Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”
Pilgrim Baptist Church
Church of Living Waters
Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor 700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849 Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00am 5th Sundays: 9:30am 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30pm
Crusader Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., Pastor
Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor
Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor
Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor
2498 Alabama Ave., SE - Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 Fax: (202) 889-2198 - www.acamec.org
800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703
4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00am Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30am 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00am Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30pm Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30pm Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30pm Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30pm Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00am “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”
Service and Times 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
1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661
www.livingwatersmd.org
E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org “God is Love”
Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ
St. Stephen Baptist Church
Third Street Church of God
Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors
Drs. Dennis W. & Christine Y. Wiley Pastors
Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor
Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor
Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor
4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax
3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) (202) 562-4219 (Fax)
5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555
1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office 202-638-1803 fax
610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax
Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00am Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30pm
Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30pm (dinner @ 5:30pm) Sunday School: 9:00am – Hour of Power
Blessed Word of Life Church
www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org
Campbell AME Church Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White 2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 am Sunday Church School: 8:45 am Bible Study Wednesday: 12:00 Noon Wednesday: 7:00 pm Thursday: 7: pm “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
“An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantbaptistdc.org
Services and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45am Church School: 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45am Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 pm Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30am
Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11:00am Prayer Meeting and Bible Study: Wed. 7:30pm
“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org E-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net
www.thirdstreet.org
“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital”
Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church
Sunday Worship Service: 8 AM and 10:45am Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45am; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45am; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6am & 6:30pm Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org
Service and Times 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... Dr. Raymond T. Matthews Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011 Services and Times Sunday School: 9:00am Worship Service: 10:00am Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service: 6:45pm Thur. Bible Study: 7:15pm
Twelfth Street Christian Church Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor (Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW - Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 am Communion every Sunday: 11:00 am Sunday School: 10:00 am Bible Study Tuesday: 12 Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday: 6:30 pm Motto: “Discover Something Wonderful” Website: 12thscc.org Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com
Mount Carmel Baptist Church
Rev. John W. Davis Pastor
Joseph N. Evans, Ph.D Senior Pastor
5101 14th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20011 202-726-2220/ 202-726-9089
901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423
Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 8:00am and 11:00am Sunday School: 9:15am Holy Communion 4th Sunday 10:00am Prayer and Bible Study Wednesday 7:00pm TV Ministry –Channel 6 Wednesday 10:00pm
Isle of Patmos Baptist Church
Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor
Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00am Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30pm Communion Service: First Sunday
www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
Service and Times Sunday Church School : 9:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10am Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00pm Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00pm Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10am themcbc.org
gsccm.administration@verizon.net
48 APRIL 7 - 13, 2016
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church
All Nations Baptist Church
King Emmanuel Baptist Church
Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor
Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor
Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor
7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471
2001 North Capitol St, N.E. - Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591
2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730
Service and Times 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 Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor 4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:15AM 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
St. Luke Baptist Church Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor 1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851 P: (202) 726-5940 Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11:00 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
Service and Times Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards
Israel Baptist Church
Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor
2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office - (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Come Grow With Us and Establish a Blessed Family”
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
Service and Times 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
“Where Jesus is the King”
Lincoln Park United Methodist Church
Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith
Rev. Dr. Diane Dixon Proctor Pastor
Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor
1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288
1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lpumconthegrow@gmail.com www.lpumcdc.org
5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005
Service and Times 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.
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10: am Holy Communion: First Sunday 10: am Sunday School: 9: am Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30pm Motto: “A CHURCH ON THE GROW”.
Mount Moriah Baptist Church
Eastern Community Baptist Church
Service and Times 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
Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor
Damion M. Briggs Pastor
Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor
1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964
8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240
13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 am and 10:45 am Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 am & 10:45 am Sunday School: 9:30 am Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 pm Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 pm Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 pm
Service and Times Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11 AM Sunday School: 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM
Rehoboth Baptist Church
“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org
Salem Baptist Church
Holy Trinity United Baptist Church
Florida Avenue Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Clinton W. Austin Pastor
Rev. Dr. Morris L Shearin, Sr. Pastor
Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org
St. Matthews Baptist Church
Service and Times 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
Emmanuel Baptist Church
“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”
Service and Times 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
Matthews Memorial Baptist Church Dr. C. Matthew Hudson, Jr, Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Early Worship Service: 7:30a.m Worship Service: 10:45a.m. New Members Class: 9:30a.m. Holy Communion : 1st Sunday -10:45a.m Church School: 9:30a.m. Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: Wednesday 7p.m Bible Study : Saturday: 11a.m. Baptism: 4th Sunday – 10:45a.m “Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”
Peace Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship Service: 7:15 am & 10:50 am Sunday School: 9:30am Wednesday Prayer & Testimonies Service: 7:30pm Wednesday School of the Bible: 8:00pm Wednesday - Midweek Prayer Service: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Service and Times 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
Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator 6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 A.M. 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 Service and Times 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
“The Loving Church of the living lord “ Email Address pbcexec@verizon.net
Shiloh Baptist Church
First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Mt. Horeb Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Maxwell M. Washington Pastor
Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor
Rev. Alonzo Hart Pastor
Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor
Rev. Reginald M. Green, Sr. Interim Pastor
Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor
Worshiping Location Knights of Columbus - 1633 Tucker Road Fort Washington, MD 20744 (240) 838-7074
621 Alabama Ave., 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
Service and Times 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
Service and Times 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.
Service and Times Sunrise Prayer Services - Sunday 7:00 a.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.
602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 Fax: (202) 289-4595
2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 - Fax: (202) 529-7738 Service and Times Worship Service: 7:30 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
Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”
The Church Where GOD Is Working.... And We Are Working With GOD
Service and Times 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) Theme: “The Kingdom Focused Church” Matthew 6:33 and Mathew 28:18-20, KJV Email: stmatthewsbaptist@msn.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
Service and Times 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 Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “
Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.
APRIL 7 - 13, 2016 49
LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration Number 2016 ADM 248 Estate of Lorene J. Stuckey Deceased NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Bernetta J. Stuckey for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representative. Unless a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. Admit to probate the copy will dated December 13, 1989 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of witnesses or otherwise
Date of first publication: March 24, 2016 Personal Representative: Bernetta J. Stuckey
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
Administration No. 2016 ADM 258
Administration No. 2016 ADM 244
Anna B. Magruder Decedent
Register of Wills Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
Administration No. 1996 ADM 02148
Administration No. 2016 ADM 239
Norman A. Middleton, Jr. Decedent
Shirley Theodora Langley aka Shirley Theodara Langley Decedent
Vanilla Spencer Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Dalton Howard, Esq. 4020 Lee Street, NE Washington, DC 20019 Attorney
Dorothy L. Coleman, whose address is 2516 Sheridan Road, SE, Apt. 213, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Anna B. Magruder who died on August 28, 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 September 24, 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 September 24, 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.
Orville F. Middleton, whose address is 536 N. Hampton Street, Easton, PA 18042, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Norman A. Middleton, Jr. who died on November 28, 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 September 24, 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 September 24, 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: March 24, 2016
Date of first publication: March 24, 2016
Dorothy L. Coleman Personal Representative
Orville F. Middleton Personal Representative
Anne Meister Register of Wills
Anne Meister Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Administration No. 2016 ADM 231 Cynthia J. Forrest Decedent Larry C. Williams 7600 Georgia Avenue, NW, Suite 405 Washington, DC 20012 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Terrence Forrest, whose address is 5753 Blaine Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cynthia J. Forrest who died on January 27, 2016 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 September 24, 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 September 24, 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: March 24, 2016 Terrence Forrest Personal Representative
Edward M. Biggin 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 405 Rockville, MD 20852 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Milford A. Williams III, whose address is 5002 Tuckerman St., Riverdale, MD 20737, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Shirley Theodora Langley aka Shirley Theodara Langley who died on June 20, 1996 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 September 24, 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 September 24, 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.
Tifeney Williams, whose address is 203 N. Street, SW, Apt. #207, Washington, DC 20024, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Vanilla Spencer who died on June 18, 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 September 24, 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 September 24, 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: March 24, 2016 Milford A. Williams III Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
LEGAL NOTICES
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister
LEGAL NOTICES
TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer
Date of first publication: March 24, 2016 Tifeney Williams Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills 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
Administration No. 2016 ADM 176
Administration No. 2016 ADM 292
Louise V. Owens Decedent
Doris S. Williamson aka Doris Sawyer Williamson Decedent
Alice Goodman Gause aka Alice T. Gause aka Alice Cause 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
Dorothea Staton, whose address is 1529 Upshur St., NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Louise V. Owens who died on February 12, 2016 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. 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, 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.
Mark S. Williamson, whose address is 1512 Northcrest Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20904, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Doris S. Williamson aka Doris Sawyer Williamson who died on July 9, 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 September 30, 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 September 30, 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.
Maxine Butler, whose address is 11405 Mary Catherine Drive, Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Alice Goodman Gause aka Alice T. Gause aka Alice Cause who died on April 8, 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 September 30, 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 September 30, 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: March 31, 2016
Date of first publication: March 31, 2016
Shirley M. Streat whose address is 703 Eastern Ave., Fairmount Hts., MD 20743 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Guy Eldridge Streat, Jr., deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on September 11, 2013. Service of process may be made upon Romeo Morgan 707 Kenyon Street, NW, Washington, DC 20010 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 707 Kenyon Street, NW, Washington, DC 20010. The decedent owned District of Columbia personal property. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.
Mark S. Williamson Personal Representative
Maxine Butler Personal Representative
Date of first publication: March 24, 2016
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016 ADM 278
Date of first publication: March 31, 2016 Dorothea Staton Personal Representative
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Foreign No. 2016 FEP 30 February 12, 2013 Date of Death Guy Eldridge Streat, Jr. Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Shirley M. Streat Personal Representative
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Washington Informer
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50 APRIL 7 - 13, 2016
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LEGAL NOTICES
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
Administration No. 2016 ADM 315
Administration No. 2016 ADM 284
Administration No. 2016 ADM 309
Melvin C. Riddick aka Melvin Cornelious Riddick Decedent
Leona Ogunade Decedent
Adrian Thompson Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Eva Marie Fisher, whose address is 8302 Ashford Blvd., Laurel, MD 20707, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leona Ogunade who died on August 16, 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 October 7, 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 October 7, 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.
Anthony M. Thompson, whose address is 1107 Buchanan Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Adrian Thompson who died on July 29, 2013 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 October 7, 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 October 7, 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: April 7, 2016
Date of first publication: April 7, 2016
Clyde J. Allen Personal Representative
Eva Marie Fisher Personal Representative
Anthony M. Thompson Personal Representative
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Washington Informer
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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 001433
Administration No. 2016 ADM 294
Yema J. G. Pekanyande Decedent
Lottie M. Flood Decedent
Ronald Dixon Bynum & Jenkins 1010 Cameron Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Attorney
Donald L. Isaac, Sr. 3333 M Street, SE Washington, DC 20019 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Ronald Dixon, whose address is Ronald Dixon, Bynum & Jenkins, 1010 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Yema J. G. Pekanyande who died on October 13, 2013 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before September 30, 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 September 30, 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.
Donald L. Isaac, Sr., whose address is 3333 M Street, SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lottie M. Ford who died on January 3, 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 October 7, 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 October 7, 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: March 31, 2016
Date of first publication: April 7, 2016
Ronald Dixon Personal Representative
Donald L. Isaac, Sr. Personal Representative
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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. 2016 ADM 274 Inez Contee Jackson Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Pamela A. Maynerd, whose address is 3604 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20010, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Inez Contee Jackson who died on November 13, 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 September 24, 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 September 24, 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: March 24, 2016 Pamela A. Maynerd Personal Representative
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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Clyde J. Allen, whose address is 1833 Hamlin St., NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Melvin C. Riddick aka Melvin Cornelious Riddick who died on February 7, 2016 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 October 7, 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 October 7, 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: April 7, 2016
Anne Meister Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
Administration Number 2016 ADM 352
LEGAL NOTICES
Estate of LeRoy J. Brown Deceased NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Denise Thomas for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representative. Unless a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. Admit to probate the copy of the will dated May 13, 2005 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of witnesses or otherwise order any interested person to show cause why the provisions of the lost or destroyed will dated May 13, 2005 should not be admitted to probate as expressed in the petition in the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative.
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Date of first publication: April 7, 2016
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Denise Thomas Personal Representative:
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CLINGMAN from Page 28 Benton Harbor, but Pinkney’s willingness to fight for civil rights should not be used as an excuse for retribution against him by the courts; according to our Constitution, he must be treated fairly and he must not be subjected to “cruel and unusual punishment.” The crime he allegedly committed does not rise to the level of being held in prison without bond during his appeal. By the time his appeal comes around, if he is found not guilty, he will have served prison time for a crime he did not commit. Among the 248 prisoners ordered released by Obama, there are some I am sure who committed crimes far more serious than Pinkney is accused of, yet he was
TENDANI from Page 28 ment, then the City Council should not even consider capping its investment in this project. If the D.C. City Council would like to demonstrate its competence in revitalizing its most neglected communities with sound economic development projects, then support a
JACKSON from Page 28 We need a movement that does for economic justice what Black Lives Matter has done for criminal justice. We need to develop a plan for targeted investment in neighborhoods of concerted poverty (many of which are rural and White). We need a summit on urban reconstruction that brings together the relevant agencies of government and lays out a plan. Movements like the fast-food workers calling for a $15 minimum wage and unions need to gain real support from elected political leaders. Some say targeted investment is inappropriate, even discriminatory. Somehow it is legitimate to target African-Americans for voter registration, legitimate to target us for getting out the vote. Yet targeted investment based on need draws objections. That doesn’t make sense. Some say a rising tide will raise all boats, but we know that is not true. Some boats are stuck on the bottom. Those who came here on ocean liners as immigrants came looking for a job. Those who were brought here on slave ships found themselves up for sale. The former worked for wages and, with struggle, were able to build wealth. The latter worked
not on the president’s list for pardon, clemency, or consideration of any kind. Why not? Well, it could be due to a lack of support and advocacy on Pinkney’s behalf by folks and organizations in Benton Harbor, especially the NAACP (but I am not surprised by its lack of involvement), as well as those who were so excited about the presidential candidates being in their state but forgot to demand justice for Pinkney. The congressional representatives from Pinkney’s district and beyond should be swamped with letters, emails and phone calls from constituents demanding they focus on this case and get this man out of prison pending his appeal. Representatives should contact Obama and ask Attorney General Loretta Lynch to look into the case as well.
And, finally, the president himself should be contacted with demands for Pinkney’s release, if not complete clemency. Remember what George Bush did for Scooter Libby? Why doesn’t Obama exercise the same power for our people? As Pinkney sits in that remote prison, who knows in what physical and mental condition, if something happens to him and, God forbid, if he dies there, Black folks will march, yell and scream and call for justice for brother Pinkney. That’s not the time to do it; the right time is now, while he is alive and has a reasonable portion of health. Don’t sit this one out folks. Our alarm clock went off some time ago; we just keep on hitting the snooze button. WI
project that is going to bring foot traffic for a future retail area and jobs. We are simultaneously building a mixed-use development at St. Elizabeths East that is complementary to the new arena project. The projects should increase each other’s value. Therefore, my last question is whether you care to contribute anything to the people of Ward 8. Or do you think you know
what’s best for us against our own will? I ask the City Council to consider the opinions and will of those who live, work and play in Ward 8, those who speak from experience. The city hasn’t invested in Ward 8 in decades, and now people want to hate on us. My question to the City Council is “Can we get a piece of the pie before we are gentrified?” WI
for the lash and were stripped of any wealth they helped to create. Race-neutral standards simply ignore a reality where race hasn’t been neutral. African-Americans and Latinos remain the most optimistic about America. We are far more likely to believe our children will do better than we have. Part of this is President Barack Obama and the natural desire to defend his presidency. Part of this comes from the progress African-Americans have witnessed, with ancestors who came over on slave ships and parents who grew up
in segregation, and now an African-American in the White House. That appreciation should not, however, stop us from pushing for economic justice. It is clear that Democrats can’t win without the enthusiastic support of people of color. Surely, we should insist on an agenda commensurate with the size of our problems from those who want our support. We now have the political opportunity that Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of to demand justice. The question is whether we have the will. WI
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WILLIAMS from Page 29 table and demand the selection mandated by our participation in the life and history of the nation. No truer axiom exists than “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” We cannot wait for “right to prevail” or express our wishes after-the-fact. The Black women with whom I talk understand the importance of the Supreme Court, know our story is best told by us and realize that no one can make our case as well as we can. The imperative of a Black female Supreme Court justice is more than a priority; it is a
MORIAL from Page 29 groups and individuals from legal repercussions if they refused to provide services or employment to people on the grounds of avoiding the violation of their religious beliefs. In Kansas City, lawmakers are looking at legislation that would amend the Missouri constitution to prohibit the government from punishing individuals and businesses that refuse, on religious grounds, to provide goods or services for same-sex marriage ceremonies or celebrations of same-sex couples. As Missouri lawmakers consider the law for a future vote, the NCAA is considering bids from oth-
tionists in the late 20th Century was another lost cause from which Americans were never led away. The civil rights movement won. The segregationists lost, but that same old antebellum hatred hung on for another generation in the hearts of those who should have SU_Press AssoAD_SAU_2015_Layout 1 learned better. Race war.
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because of their religious beliefs, but like any other right, there are reasonable limits to its free exercise. As our nation’s first president articulated, those who live under the protection of the United States of America must also “demean themselves as good citizens.” You cannot invoke a special right to deny another their rights as citizens. Religious liberty, valuable and necessary as it is, cannot be used to break the law, should not be twisted to oppress a class of people and cannot be tolerated as a means to freely discriminate in a nation whose goal, since its founding, has been to create a more perfect union and establish justice. WI
Now, here we come, making America “Great Again.” This is also seen in the context of belittling someone else, constantly bettering others, “American exceptionalism.” It’s just “manifest destiny,” and everyone else had just better fall in line and “get with the program,” and that especially means the Mexicans (“We’re going to make them pay for 8/20/15 11:24 AM Page 1 Black folks. it”), and Muslims, and
In south Dallas, Texas, a brazen armed confrontation was provoked by an anti-Islam hate group, which organized an armed march to a mosque in the city. The difference between this event and other similar stand-offs was the chosen mosque is associated with the Nation of Islam, and dozens of other local groups stood in solidarity with the mosque. When the provocateurs arrived at the appointed time, they were met with as many as 10 counter-protesters (some also armed) for every anti-mosque protester. Police stood between them. Black people are not going to be intimidated in their own neighborhoods these days. What possible reason — except to provoke hostility — is there for armed White men to go anywhere into any neighborhood at all to throw their weight around among people they declare they don’t like? They want war! They think they will win. They are mistaken. There are some forces in the U.S. society who would gleefully support this country’s pursuit of yet another lost cause, another race war. They should be careful what they wish for. WI
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er cities for their future sports events—potentially costing the city millions in revenue from lost sporting events. But these states are not outliers. Over 20 states have passed some form of a religious freedom bill or poised to put policies in place that violate our country’s core principals of inclusion and the freedom to live and work free from discrimination. In a democracy as diverse in races, religions, ideologies and orientations, collisions between the rights of religion and the responsibilities of civil authority are inevitable. Our country was founded on the idea that people should not be persecuted
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Court decision eliminates any relief from negative impact. This has resulted in citizens waiting for hours to vote. Jurisdictions limit or reduce early voting, Sunday voting, easy registration and impose procedures that make voting more difficult rather than easier. It’s time for women to exercise our power. We must vote and make our demands clear. We cannot stop until we have seated a Black female on the Supreme Court. WI E. Faye Williams is president of the National Congress of Black Women. www.nationalcongressbw.org
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matter of life and death. Supreme Court decisions have been pivotal in our history. They have provided for the expansion of civil rights to larger numbers of citizens or have codified and concretized laws that restrict the full realization of the rights of citizenship. The recent decision that tore the teeth from the Voting Rights Act is a clear example. Instead of having voting laws/ procedures/actions cleared by the Department of Justice for potential discriminatory impact, many states have imposed them with impunity. Consequentially, the Supreme
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