The Washington Informer - June 9 2016

VOL. 51, NO. 35 • JUNE 9 - 15, 2016

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Hillary Clinton Makes History Describes Her Victory as a ‘Milestone’

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor Hillary Clinton, with crucial wins in New Jersey and California, clinched a majority of pledged delegates in the Democratic presidential primary on Tuesday, June 7.

And while the Associated Press and other media outlets had already declared Clinton the presumptive Democratic nominee on Monday

CLINTON Page 30

Northeast Woman Wins the Miss USA Pageant

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

5Muhammad Ali receives an award from D.C. Attorney Jack Olender (left). / WI File Photo by Roy Lewis

Muhammad Ali Remembered Simply as ‘The Greatest of All Time’

She’s tough, she’s black and she’s beautiful.

And, here she is, from Northeast, D.C., Miss USA. Deshauna Barber, who serves in the United States Army Reserves in Maryland and ulti-

mately made her home in the District, became the first military member to win the Miss USA pageant.

Her answer to a question about women in combat may have put her over the top with judges.

“As a woman in the United

MISS USA Page 8

Inside and Outside of the Ring, the Champ Made a Difference

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer George Foreman was perhaps the biggest of all of Muhammad Ali’s greatest ring victories. And, Foreman, who was knocked out by The Champ in Zaire, Africa in an epic 1974 bout, was among the first to pay homage to the fallen champion when news of his death spread late Friday, June 3.

“It’s been said it was ‘rope

a dope’ Ali beat me with,” Foreman said. “No, it was his beauty that beat me. The most beauty I've known. I loved him.”

At the age of 74 and after a long time battle with Parkinson’s disease, the world-renowned champion died at a Phoenix, Arizona-area hospital. The iconic sports figure was fighting respiratory issues that were complicated by the Parkinson's that he was diag-

nosed with in the 1980s, the Associated Press reported. Ali had been hospitalized several times in recent years.

Ali’s family said his funeral would be held in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

In a statement, Ali's family thanked the public for the outpouring of support.

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer ordered flags to be lowered

ALI Page 22

5Northeast Resident Deshauna Barber has been crowned Miss USA. / Photo Courtesy Miss USA Pageant

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By Dr. Charles Vincent & “Mickey” Thompson Vincent

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Jose Cunningham (Left) (Chairman of the DC Republican Party) with Bob Kabel (Right) (Running for re-election as Republican National Committeeman)

VOTE

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Elect Former DC Mayor Vincent Gray Ward 7

VOTE Rachel Hoff (Left) with Jill Horman (Right) (Running for re-election as Republican National Committeewoman)

Re- elect Councilmember Vincent Orange At- Large

Robert White for Councilmember AtLarge

VOTE

The Toppins & Councilmember Brandon Todd Ward 4

Re- elect CouncilmemberYvette Alexander Ward 7

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JUNE 9 - 15, 2016

Around the Region.................. 4-11 PG County................................12-13 Business...........................................14 National...........................................16 Health ......................................18-20 Education............................... 23-24 OpEd........................................25-27 Lifestyle................................. 30-35 Capture The Moment....... 38-39 Sports....................... 36-37/42-43 Religion...................................46-47

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“The hope and promise of Ward 7 cannot slip away. Every day I see our accomplishments slowing or stalled. We deserve better. If we work together as a community our voices will not be ignored.”

– VINCE GRAY

VOTE IN THE JUNE 14TH DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

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W I HBreak O T the T OCycle P I C of S Women Domestic Violence DC Voters Head to the Polls COMPILED BY D. KEVIN MCNEIR / WI EDITOR

Photo by Roy Lewis

By Early Tia Carol Jones law She said they voting has already begun here in enforcement. the District as voters make

threat,” she said. a Among the programs Marlow senseincluding of uniformity the 2,way wants to see implemented are residents are positions in the city council seats in in Wards L.Y. 23-year- domestic violence victims and stricter restraining order policies, 4,When 7, 8 and theMarlow's at-large seat. old While daughter told her the are treated. more rights for victim's families it’s doubtful thatfather Eleanor survivors Holmes Norton will have any of her daughter threatened her “She's using her own personal to intervene on behalf of a victrouble in returning to the U.S. House of Representatives, there are life, and the life of their child, story, her own personal pain to tim, a domestic violence assessother racessomething that will probably Vincent Orange has she knew had to bebe nail-biters. push forward,” Davis-Nickens ment unit coupled with further pulled Out out alloftheher stops with opponents like Robert White battling done. frustration said about Marlow. training for law enforcement hard to defeat the popular incumbent. with law enforcement's handling Davis-Nickens said anyone agencies, a Child's Life ProtecBrandon Todd,she whodecided sailed into Wardreads 4 seatMarlow's previously book held bywill tion Act and mandatory counselof the situation, to thewho Muriel not taken his reelection bid for granted. has made it clear that he start theBowser, Savinghas Promise cam“get it.” She said she Meanwhile, “puts the Vincent ing for Gray batterers. wants to return to the City Council –case taking on thea incumbent, Yvette Alexander a women he once mentored paign. in such way, the average “If we– are ever going to eradi“It supported seems to be a vicious cycle and in Ward 7. And with his legalcan woes him, say they beviolence, surprised we if Gray person getbehind it.” She saidsome at the catewouldn’t domestic musteventhat turn my of the office. day, the will look tuallywon't made another bid tofamily return to end the mayor’s But book that’s something thatatwill have to wait for the future both sides of the coin. loose,” Marlow said. Marlow help people begin to have a dia- We need to address both the vic– not now. shared her voters story in with the8audiloguecandidates about domestic violence. andyoung the batterer,” Marlow Finally, Ward have several to consider includingtim a feisty brother named Aaron ence at the Districtleader Heights Also who present at the said.

Holmes, community Trayon White, almost wonevent in his was previous bid for the Council and the incumDomestic Violence Mildred the from ex- being Marlow would like in to the see last bent, LaRuby May –Symposium another candidate who Muhammad, probably benefited supported byalso Bowser on May 7 at the District Heights wife of John Allen Muhammad, programs designed to raise election cycle.

Municipal Center. The sympo- who was sentenced to six consec- awareness among children in Willwas voterssponsored go for the incumbents the established officials? Or will they go for new blood? We’ll see on Tuesday, sium by the –utive life terms without parole public and private schools. She June 14. and Meanwhile, excitement builds.

Family YouththeServices by a Maryland jury for his role in feels children need to be educatCenter 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 helps the thedren about violence,”open Vice President Joe Biden that has announced launch of adomestic first-of-its-kind, “Color Me Butterfly,” which is a survivors of domestic violence Marlow said. access cancer database that will assist researchers better understand the disease as story about four generations of and their children.

Marlow has worked to break they seek to develop more effective forms of treatment. domestic violence. The book is “I lived in fear for six years. Six the cycle of abuse in her family, Biden called it “good news in the fight against in remarks he made on inspired by her own experiences, years in fear is a long time. It is and cancer” is confident the policies she Monday.

In his role as the head of the Obama Administration’s moonshot,” and those of her grandmother, not an easy thing to come out is pushing for “cancer will start that Biden has continued to stress the importance of sharing scientific data to speed up her mother and her daughter. of,” she said. process. therapies cures for cancer.

She said every time she reads andMildred Muhammad said “I plan to take these policies to Genomic Data will serve an to essenexcerpts from her book, sheMedical still officials people hope who the want to help a Commons Congress [GDC] and implore them tialcame role in domestic transforming the way that must researchers can our access data Marlow while decreasing can not believe the words violence victim change laws,” said. from her. “Color Meneeded Butterfly” the amount of time for them reviewofand find newgopatterns as critical speedbe to careful how they into in “I data will described not stop until these to poliwon thethe2007 National of“Best thetreatments victim's life, understand cies are passed.” ing up development lifesaving forand patients.

Books” Award. aim is to bring information that she mayrelationships be in “survival Tia Carol Jones can be reached The GDC’s about between abnormalities or mutations in genes “I was just outcomes 16-years-old when mode”. at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net and clinical to the fingertips of researchers, displayed in a uniform way. my eye first blackened and my “Before you get to 'I'm going lips bled,” Marlow said. to kill you,' it started as a verbal WI Elaine Davis-Nickens, president of the National Hook-Up of Black Women, said there is no Industrial Bank, oldest African-American community bank in the metroconsistency in the waythe domestic politan issues Washington region, recently appointed Lisa M. Porter as the new Senior violence are dealt with by Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Porter's predecessor, Thomas A. Wilson, Jr., retired on May 6, after 30 years of service to Industrial Bank.

Bank President and CEO, B. Doyle Mitchell, said it’s a “big moment” for the bank with Porter bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience relative to finance and community banking and over 25 years in the financial arena. A calculated risk-taker with deep financial industry knowledge, Porter’s experience includes mergers and acquisitions, capital raising and successfully guiding various financial and compliance audits.

“I am excited to be working with such a wonderful organization, filled with people who have a mission to give back to the community. Through my contribution in the Finance division, my desire is to afford Industrial Bank an opportunity to extend its community outreach efforts,” Porter said.

WI Staff Writer comeimportance together to their way to the polls. At stake and ofhad particular for bring D.C.

Biden: New Database to Help in Cancer Battle

Wilhelmina J. Rolark In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER PUBLISHER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published THE WASHINGTON INFORMER Denise Rolark Barnes published on eachPeriodicals Thursday. postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional weeklyweekly on Thursday.

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“

Industrial Bank Picks Lisa Porter as New CFO

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 Jazz in the Hood Kickslaws. off in Ithe District will not stop until Six nights of Jazz in the Hood kicked off on Wednesday, June 8 at Gallery O on these policies are passed.

H – an official venue for the upcoming 2016 DC Jazz Festival.

“

In Memoriam

The Washington Informer Dr. Calvin Newspaper W. Rolark, Sr.

Performers include: John Lewis and Electrokoustic, a blend of Brazilian & L.Y. Marlow Acoustic Jazz, with a touch of '80's Funk; Integriti Reeves, a dynamic vocal powerhouse whose voice has been compared to the dulcet purity of Ella Fitzgerald Victoria Jones and the smoky effortlessness of Nat King Cole; and the return of the steel drums Rushawn Walters of C.A.I.S.O. – the Caribbean American International Steel Orchestra now marking over 30 years in the business.

On Friday, there will be an artist’s reception gallery show of the artwork of local 4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com DC artists Jay Durrah and D.C. native Julian Weaver. The musical festivities continue through Tuesday, June 14.

SUMMERCIRCULATION INTERNS Paul Trantham

4 JUNE 9 - 15, 2016

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Pastors Hit the Streets to Curb Ward 7 Violence

By Bruce Branch WI Contributing Writer When Nathaniel Newell was attending Spingarn High School three years ago, he says he would have to "literally fight my way home" from the Minnesota Avenue Metro Station to his mother's house near Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue.

"Back then we used to go behind the Big Liquors and hold the fights. Other times, entire 'hoods would gather after school and fight, but it's nothing like it is now. Back then, we would be friends after the fights. Now, people want to shoot or stab you if they lose."

Last week, Newell, 20, was back at the Minnesota Avenue Station with a group of local pastors, talking to teens and residents about the growing violence in Wards 7 and 8. Newell, who said he knew many of the youth at the station, strolled through the crowd like a politician seeking votes, speaking to Metro riders and residents about their community concerns as a youth emissary for the Maryland Business Clergy Partnership and Abundant Life Bible Church in Hyattsville.

"I know a lot of these youth and they can relate to me and I can relate to them," said Newell, a freshman at Prince George's Community College and aspiring business owner. "Not everybody can come down here and talk to these youth who have grown up without fathers and in some cases mothers and who go to bed hungry listening to gunshots a lot of nights. I know that was my story, but I am telling them it doesn't have to be there story. Working together we can make a better life for everyone.

A lot stems from the crack epidemic in the '80s and '90s, but it's good that we are out here showing people that someone cares. You have to start somewhere."

The pastors said the June 1 event was the first in a series of "peace walks" in high-crime areas near the Metro to encourage youth to lay down their arms and seek positive resolutions to street conflicts that far too often end up in deadly tragedies.

Targeted for the peace walks are traditional danger zones such as Kenilworth, Lincoln Heights,

Barry Farms, Condon Terrace, Savannah Place, Clay Terrace, Benning Terrace, Langston Terrace, Mayfair, Simple City and Trinidad.

"We want our youth to know there is a better way," said organizer Rev. Charles McNeill Jr., co-chairman of Maryland Business Clergy Partnership, vice president at large of National Capital Baptist Convention DC & Vicinity and pastor of Unity Baptist Church in Ward 5. "We are reaching out to the entire community to help resolve what we believe is a growing concern in the church and out of the church. We have pastors that are ready to hit the pavement to save not only souls, but a lost generation of youth who have lost hope and lack opportunity."

McNeill, who was joined by seven other pastors, said he has a unique perspective because once patrolled the same streets as a member of the Metropolitan Police Department.

"I am a firm believer that we can't incarcerate everyone," he said. "I believe that we must be proactive in our approach to not only saving lives, but saving our community. We are working across social service lines and grass-roots organizations to get this done."

The movement continues to grow as the Nation of Islam and several other clergy groups have called to join the effort.

"There is a lot of pain in our community," said Ward 7 resident and pastor Nathaniel Thomas. "I live in this community. It's time for pastors to leave the safety of their pulpits and the four walls of the church and do the real work of the gospel.

There are a lot of shootings that just don't make any sense and a lot of it stems from stress. Young people are under stress."

Rev. Andrea Harris is a firm believer of street ministry. Her church, which is located off Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue in Northeast, often holds services in the middle of Simple City open-air drug markets.

"People see us and ask for prayers from their homes," Harris said. "Many of them just open their windows to get a good word. For me, this is what pastors are supposed to be doing: taking the gospel to the streets."

WI

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WEEK OF JUNE 9 - 15, 2016

Black Facts JUNE 9

1845 – Businessman and politician James Napier, who served as Register of the U.S. Treasury under President William Taft, is born.

1934 – Legendary soul singer Jackie Wilson is born in Detroit.

JUNE 10

1895 – Actress Hattie McDaniel, who in 1940 was the first African-American to win an Oscar for her role as Mammy in “Gone With the Wind,” is born.

1946 – Famed boxer Jack Johnson, the first African-American world heavyweight champion, dies.

JUNE 11

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1920 – Hazel Scott, Trinidadian-born jazz and classical pianist/singer who in 1950 became the first woman of color to have her own TV show, is born.

1963 – Vivian Malone and James Hood are the first two African-American students to enroll at the all-white University of Alabama, over the objections of segregationalist Gov. George Wallace, who stood in a doorway in an attempt to block the two students from enrolling.

1964 – South African anti-apartheid activist and human rights icon Nelson Mandela is convicted of conspiracy to overthrow the government. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and remained jailed until his release in 1990.

JUNE 12

1930 - Barbara Clementine Harris, the first woman ordained a bishop in the Anglican Communion, is born.

1963 – Medgar Evers, civil rights leader and NAACP field secretary, is assassinated by a white segregationist in front of his Jackson, Mississippi, home. In the wake

of the Brown v. Board of Education ruling, Evers had fought to help overturn segregation at the University of Mississippi and gain social justice and voting rights.

JUNE 13

1967 – Thurgood Marshall is nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Lyndon Johnson, becoming the first-ever black Supreme Court justice upon Senate confirmation two months later.

June 14 1864 – Congress rules that African-American soldiers must receive equal pay. Earlier that month, Pvt. Sylvester Ray of the 2nd U.S. Colored Cavalry was recommended for trial because he refused to accept pay inferior to that of white soldiers.

JUNE 15

1877 – Henry Ossian Flipper, U.S. soldier and former slave, becomes the first African-American to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point, earning a commission as a 2nd lieutenant in the Army.

1913 – Effie O'Neal, the first Black woman to hold an executive position in the American Medical Association, is born.

1921 – Aviator Bessie Coleman becomes the first African-American woman to earn a pilot's license and an international aviation license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.

1969 – Rapper, actor and filmmaker Ice Cube, member of seminal hip-hop group N.W.A, is born in Los Angeles.

1996 – Iconic jazz chanteuse Ella Fitzgerald, also Ice Cube known as the “First Lady of Song,” “Queen of Jazz” and “Lady Ella,” dies in Beverly Hills.

WI

stacey@signarama-silverspring.com

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.

CALL JOHN @ 301-596-6201 6 JUNE 9 - 15, 2016

Ice Cube

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Ella Fitzgerald

Nelson Mandela

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AROUND THE REGION Interviews and photos by Brian Bradford

FINAL PITCH

The Reality PITCH Competition

THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY HAS PROCLAIMED HILLARY CLINTON AS THE PRESUMPTIVE CANDIDATE FOR THE 2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. DO YOU THINK D.C. ELECTIONS SHOULD BE HELD EARLIER IN THE ELECTION CYCLE? LOU BENNETT / WASHINGTON, DC

They already had everything planned. I think our politicians work with the party to deny us what we want just so they can stay in good favor with the party.

W. CARTER / WASHINGTON, DC

I don’t think a whole lot about what D.C. does because the city has been politically behind the system for decades. I’ve been here since before we were allowed to vote for president. Nothing really changed with Home Rule.

By Inez Kelley CEO; Kelley Media Marketing, Inc. www.finalpitchtv.com

Brand Manipulation Under The Influence When we buy into a brand we allow ourselves to live vicariously the standard and lifestyle the product or service represents. The rate by which consumers have become image conscious has increased dramatically in the age of celebrity worship. The celebrity culture has become the market place, from what we wear, how we live, our entertainment & music and how ever expensive our coffee!

Corporations invest heavily in studies to help determine how they can encourage or persuade the consumer. The conclusion consumer buying habits are based in emotions and not by rationale. Contrary to what we’d like to believe most often purchases are motivated by the efforts of a team of crack marketing strategist, accompanied by an upbeat catchy jingle impossible to get out of your head.

What used to be the bandwagon is now the ‘herd’ mentality. The process of being roped in to the thought and priorities of the masses collectively singing in unison while buying and spending away. Then there are the super brands, those who without so much as giving you a song to sing but still yet we waltz in to their establishment and pay $5.00 for a cup of coffee 500% more than next door. Why? We’ve bought into the story and into the belief of the lifestyle it represents. This is certainly not to say that we are not entitled to our preferences just be sure that it is you making that decision and not the manipulation of the latest ad campaign, then drink up!

For More Information: Email@ Vaumediagroup@gmail.com Master Class: ‘The Anatomy of A Brand’ Instructor; Inez Kelley @InezKelley IAAM Conference June 07, 2016

ERIC HUNT / WASHINGTON, DC

If we voted earlier they would have a true perspective of our needs instead of a bunch of folks from Iowa.

JAMIE QUEZADA / WASHINGTON, DC

I want to vote for Sanders. I don’t think Clinton is a progressive politician. Businesses will continue to make a lot of money but we continue to see more homeless people, more shootings and more mothers struggling.

JULIA ROWE / WASHINGTON, DC California votes today and that’s a bigger deal than us. Moving our elections up may make us feel better, more respected but it won’t change the results. Americans feel so far removed from D.C. that they consider us part of the Hill.

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5Army Reserve officer and IT analyst Deshauna Barner from the District of Columbia crowned Miss USA 2016. / Courtesy photo

MISS USA from Page 1

States Army, I think … we are just as tough as men. As a commander of my unit, I’m powerful, I am dedicated,” Barber said. “Gender does not limit us in the United States.”

Barbara, 26, announced that she will take a break from the Denise Rolark Barnes Army Reserves and, ABC News Independent Beauty Consultant reported that she’s already spowww.marykay/drolark-barnes.com ken with her superiors about 202-236-8831 the possibility of going inactive for a couple of years should she win the Miss Universe title.

She currently serves two days per month in the Army Reserves.

“My commander should be watching right now. Two days a month is definitely not active duty,” she said. “It is an obligation that I signed up for but they are very flexible in the United States Army Reserves.”

In a news conference fol(301) 864-6070 lowing her victory on Sunday, June 5, Barber said her goal is to use the spotlight she’s receiving from the pageant as MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC well as her Miss USA title to ADA, Age Discrimination, Benefits, Civil Rights, support veteran’s causes and to tackle the issue of suicide and COBRA, Contracts, Deaf Law, Defamation, Disability Law, post-traumatic stress disorder Discipline, Discrimination, FMLA, FLSA, FOIA, among military personnel.

Family Responsibility, Harassment, HIPPA, OSHA, When asked about what National Origin Discrimination, Non-Compete, message she had for the presn upper and lowercase,Race flush left as indicated on artwork at these point sizes:Act, Consultant name in 11-point Helveticaidential Neue Bold; Independent candidates, Barber Discrimination, Rehabilitation Retaliation, n 9-point Helvetica Neue Light; Web site or e-mail address in 9-point Helvetica Neue Light; phone number in 9-point Helvetica Neue Light. said they should focus more on ® Personal Web Site program may be utilized. t Beauty Consultant: Only Company-approved Web sites obtained through the Mary Kay Severance Agreements, Sexual Harassment, Torts, veteran’s issues, including the Whistleblowing, Wage-and-Hour, Wrongful Discharge backlog at veterans’ hospitals.

“I think that a lot of the topSERVING MARYLAND, DC, & NORTH CAROLINA ics that they discuss aren’t as www.jmlaw.net (301) 864-6070 jmccollum@jmlaw.net important,” she said.

EMPLOYMENT LAWYERS

8 JUNE 9 - 15, 2016

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Born in Columbus, Georgia, Barber relocated multiple times to places like North Carolina, Nebraska, Minnesota, Virginia and finally Washington, D.C. Each of the moves were due to her father’s military career, according to Pageant officials.

She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management from Virginia State University. Currently an IT Analyst for the U.S. Department of Commerce, Barber joined the Army and was commissioned as a Quartermaster Officer in 2011. She’s currently serving as a Logistics Commander for the 988th Quartermaster Detachment Unit at Fort Meade, Maryland.

Perhaps, the candidates could take a lesson – at least about confidence – from Barber.

The District beauty calmly and, well confidently, nailed another question about confidence from the judges.

“To me confidently beautiful means understanding it’s not always about your appearance.

It’s not always about who you are around and how they feel you look, where they feel you come from or your economic background,” she said.

“Serving in the military has taught me that being confidently beautiful is about being able to earn respect from people regardless of what you look like. As a woman in the military, people associate beauty with weakness and they learn

very quickly that I’m extremely strong, and though I’m small, I’m powerful. Confidently beautiful is being myself and being very happy with who I’ve become.”

Meanwhile, those who watched the pageant and the judges likely concluded what USA Today noted which was that Barber’s competitors didn’t fair quite as well during the interview portion. Miss California Nadia Mejia was clearly rattled by her question about economic equality, struggling to pull her thoughts together. Miss Hawaii was thrown a curve about whether she would vote for Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, which she respectfully sidestepped, which helped her come in as runner-up. Barber broke into a sob as her name was announced as the winner.

Before the pageant Barber said she’d be the same person as she was prior to the fame that’s now began.

“I’m being able to say that no one pageant girl does the same thing or has the same background, and I’m also saying that no one soldier has the same background and does the same thing,” she said. “We can be feminine, we can be in beauty contests and we can be models. So there are stereotypes on both sides that I feel like I’m breaking by even being here and being able to compete for Miss USA.” WI

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JUNE 9 - 15, 2016 9

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5The Greater Washington Boys and Girls Club dance team performed during the Stop the Violence Rally held in River Terrace Park in Northeast on Saturday, June 4. / Photo by Roy Lewis

Who’s Reading the Informer?

4 Sidney Todd, 21, from Dal-

las, reads the WI Bridge section of the Washington Informer during a break at the Joy of Motion Dance Center in Northeast. / Photo by Patricia Little

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" I think it is important to place the women who fought oppression as Black Panthers within the longer tradition of freedom fighters like Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Ida Wells Barnett, who took on an entirely oppressive world and insisted that their race, their gender and their humanity be respected all at the same time. You cannot segregate out one aspect of our reality and expect to get a clear picture of what this struggle is all about."

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AROUND THE REGION

By D. Kevin McNeir / WI Editor

“The World According to Dominic” As a child growing up in Detroit, my parents, my babysitter and all of my relatives were active participants in the voting process. Some worked the polls as volunteers – others worked on local campaigns including those of Congressman John Conyers, Mayor Coleman Young and several members of the city council.

Voting day, whether for the primary elections or the general elections, were celebratory events. My parents got up earlier than usual to go the two blocks where our local library and closest polling place was located -- no matter what the weather. My parents were proud to cast their vote – it was apparent by the badge they would wear all day that indicated that they had voted.

When I became of age, I too followed suit.

My most recent excitement about voting came when then Senator Barack Obama ran for president. But I don’t believe I have ever shirked my responsibility – or perhaps it would be more appropriate to say my privilege. Because as an African American, I understand that voting is indeed a privilege.

Consider that despite the ratification of the 15th Amendment in 1870, Blacks have not always had the opportunity to voice their opinion as voting citizens. Neither did women until 1920 – white women that is. During the 1950s and with the beginning of the modern day civil rights movement, Blacks faced enormous hostility and outright violence as they organized and demanded the right to vote.

The battle continued in the 1960s with some, like Medgar Evers, being murdered because he had the audacity to challenge whites in his native Mississippi in 1963 and rally

My parents were proud to cast their vote – it was apparent by the badge they would wear all day that indicated that they had voted.

When I became of age, I too followed suit. his community in the quest for the right to vote. Blacks would face absurdities like poll taxes, literacy tests and intimidation – but they refused to take no for an answer.

That’s why I cannot understand why Blacks so easily make excuses for not voting.

Some say that none of the candidates speak to their needs or concerns. Others say they can’t find the time to go vote. Others just don’t care – saying that voting won’t make a difference.

The truth of the matter is that voting remains one of the most cherished rights of citizenship in the U.S. and the basis of our democratic form of government. But many have had to fight for that right – women and Blacks in the early part of the 20th century, Blacks again in the 1960s, Latinos in the 1970s, Native Americans in

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the 1920s and Asian Americans following World War II. Now new challenges have been put in the way for a host of Americans – some because they don’t have certain forms of identification – others who are returning citizens and have had their right to vote taken away from them despite having served their time. Other lame reasons for denying the right to vote remain, often voiced by members of the Republican Party.

But I cannot forget the sacrifices made by men, women and even children, mostly Black, but not exclusively, like Jimmie Lee Jackson who was murdered by police in Alabama just days before people like John Lewis and Hosea Williams, leaders of SNCC and the SCLC, respectively, faced armed state troopers on horses on what would later be known as “Bloody Sunday.”

Tragically, as voters go to the polls today, we do so without the guarantees once established as part of the Voting Rights Act. We go to the polls without the convenience of once popular Sunday voting – something that Blacks called “Souls to the Polls.” Have we forgotten our history?

Voting is a right, a privilege and an obligation. And yes, each vote still matters. So, what are you waiting for residents of D.C., Virginia and Maryland?

Honor our ancestors and also remember the youth who have not yet reached the age to vote and make sure your opinion is heard. If the clock continues to be set back, it’s only because we allow it to happen. WI D. Kevin McNeir is the editor of The Washington Informer, the former senior editor of The Miami Times and has been a member of the Black Press for over 20

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

JUNE 9 - 15, 2016 11

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Metro's Lengthy Maintenance Project Underway

By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill

director, twb@thearc

Metro's nearly-yearlong maintenance project was only in its first weekday, and Tracy Roman's commute was already stressing her out.

Consulting her phone's Metro app at the L'Enfant Plaza station in southwest D.C. to board an Orange Line train to Cheverly, Maryland, it ultimately took her more than 90 minutes to travel one way by bus and train from Alexandria, Virginia, to her sales/ marketing job in Hyattsville.

A frustrated Roman said the transit agency’s SafeTrack maintenance plan will not only create longer delays, but also force her and husband to purchase a vehicle.

"This project will have a serious impact on those who don't own a car and are struggling financially," she said Monday, June 6.

"Taking a car service to and from work is not something everyone can afford on a daily basis. Taking Metro is very convenient if you live outside of D.C., plus is less stressful than driving during rush hour traffic."

Roman and thousands of oth-

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er Metrorail riders felt the pinch Monday, the first workday during the massive rehabilitation plan.

The first project, or "surge," started on the Orange and Silver lines between the East Falls Church and Ballston stations in Arlington, Virginia. Single-tracking for those stations began Saturday, and the project is scheduled to be completed by June 16.

During that time, Orange Line trains will run every 18 minutes between Vienna and Ballston, with additional trains between Ballston and New Carrollton during rush hour. However, Silver Line trains will run every 18 minutes.

Officials held a press briefing Monday outside the Foggy Bottom Metro station in Northwest to provide an update on the project. Communication problems arose as riders tried to determine which platform to use at the Ballston-MU station in Arlington.

Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld said about 50 customer service representatives assisted commuters at the Ballston station and more came Tuesday to ensure riders go to the correct platform to board a particular train.

The workers distributed SafeTrack brochures warning of "major service disruptions" and daily midnight closings at all stations. The brochure also encourages riders to consider other forms of transportation during the surges, including buses, biking and carpooling.

Yellow barricades advertise similar information in English, Spanish and other languages at all 91 stations in Virginia, the District and Prince George's and Montgomery counties.

"I want to urge people, whatever you did [Monday], do tomorrow … and do for the duration," said Jack Evans, D.C. Council member and Metro board chairman. "When the surges are over, please come back to Metro."

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Wiedefeld announced Friday that the SafeTrack plan could cost as much as $60 million.

According to documents, the scheduled work includes replacing 48,000 wooden ties, 36,000 fasteners and 12,000 insulators on the second-busiest transit system in the nation.

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5Metro riders can expect longer commute times. / Photo by Roy Lewis One commuter, Dennell Inman of northeast D.C., who mainly uses public transportation to travel to his job in Northern Virginia, said he may purchase a vehicle to avoid the constant delays on Metrorail.

"I've seen the decaying of Metro and now we got to pay the price for it," he said Saturday before boarding the Silver Line heading to the Wiehle-Reston East station.

Meanwhile, AAA's Mid-Atlantic regional office issued a news release Monday on how workers choosing to drive during Metro's surges will add to the 1.9 million daily vehicle trips within and outside the District.

"You might as well face it: It is going to be a miserable summer if you are commuting across the Washington metro area," the automotive group said in the release. "Plan ahead and be ready for anything."

AAA also provide tips for getting around safely during the "nightmare commute scenario," including: • Use crosswalks when crossing the street; • Wear a helmet and brightly-colored clothing while on a bicycle; • Avoid using a cellphone while walking or riding a bicycle; and • Before getting into a taxi, take note of the license plate number and don't sleep inside one.

With Metro estimating that 73,000 weekday trips will be affected by single-tracking between East Falls Church and Ballston, more vehicles will be on the roads, said AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman John B. Townsend II. "You can see it will [cause] a spike in the number of persons traveling by road and will have a significant impact on the commute in the Washington Metro area," he said.

However, public transportation remains the only form of transportation for thousands of D.C.-area residents.

David Roush, a research analyst who moved to Arlington five years ago, said mass transit isn't present in his hometown in rural Michigan.

"This is a godsend," he said while waiting at L’Enfant Plaza to board a train to Farragut West in northwest D.C. Catherine Long of Arlington said said no one should be surprised by the crumbling infrastructure as more and more riders increasingly stress the aging system to its limits.

"Metro was built more than 35 years ago [and] you have all these people living here — it's going to break down sooner or later," the 83-year-old grandmother said before boarding a train at Ballston to meet her grandson at the Waterfront station in Southwest. "Metro is OK. People just have to have patience."

WI

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Prince George's Mulls Potential Revamping of Outdated Zoning Laws

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Commercial properties in proximity to residential neighborhoods in Prince George's County shouldn't tower above them.

Implementing environment-friendly standards would allow contractors to erect electric-vehicle charging stations and possibly decrease gas-guzzling vehicles.

These are just two of the many proposals officials with Clarion Associates will discuss during a public session Thursday, June 8 at the Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center in Laurel.

The county hired Clarion, a Denver-based land-use and real estate consulting firm, to make recommendations and revise zoning and subdivision regulations more than 50 years old.

According to a project description at zoningpgc.pgplanning.com, "the current zoning ordinance is more than 1,200 pages, inconsistent and difficult to use."

"The current ordinance has been cited as an impendent to Prince George’s County," said Chad Williams, a master planner in the county's planning department. "We need a modern zoning ordinance that's written in plain language."

Two other sessions took place June 7 and 8 for residents to offer comments and hear about the proposal officials said will make it easier to comprehend and outline the county's zoning districts.

For instance, the current zoning rules allows a developer to build a 12-story structure adjacent to single-family homes.

Clarion recommends commercial structures are constructed at a similar height as those in a nearby residential neighborhood.

Also, the zoning ordinance doesn't address for businesses who seek to construct solar panels, green roofs and electric-vehicle charging stations. Williams said developers would need special permission through a detailed site plan, or amending a current proposal that could take months to get approved.

"The new proposal would al-

low them to do this by right," he said. "We want to be one of the leaders in sustainable environment, but we also think the zoning rewrite is essential to our economic future. We could attract more businesses to come to Prince George's County."

Other parts of the plan address proposed new standards such as building a walking trail or some other form of pedestrian outlet that connects from a cul-de-sac and public sidewalk along a street.

Another new requirement focuses on traffic-calming measures on certain residential streets, or ways to slow down drivers. The ideas include: adding stop signs or mini-roundabouts at intersections; incorporating bicycle lanes; and constructing elevated pedestrian street crossings.

In January, officials discussed cutting the current zoning districts from 73 to 21.

The zones would be designated into eight categories. The proposed districts and its permitted uses include: • Agricultural residential – Homes with at least 2 acres and farms • Single-family residential: Attached – duplexes, triplexes and townhouses • Neighborhood commercial – Neighborhood shopping/services • Light industrial – Office parks.

Among the ideas officials tout are creating transit-oriented developments with businesses and apartments and condominiums near Metro stations.

With the exception of bringing the MGM Casino to National Harbor and housing the FBI headquarters in Greenbelt or Landover, rewriting the county’s zoning ordinance is a top priority, said county Councilwoman Deni Taveras (D-District 2) of Adelphi.

"In order to get things into control, we have to bring our codes up to date," she said. "We have to consistently put in footnotes. That's not how you do adequate zoning. We want to make these codes easier to understand and make it easier for people to do what they would like with their property." WI AD CODE: BLEED SIZE: PUB:

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JUNE 9 - 15, 2016 13

BUSINESS

Business Exchange

This Land is Our Land, Too

with William Reed This land is your land and this land is my land, but Blacks' lands and Whites' lands haven't been treated the same.

Over the centuries, Blacks have been the ones toiling and tilling the land, and only occasionally owning it. America is built on the premise that only White male property owners had the right to vote. Overall, Blacks have been exploited and marginalized since reaching these shores. America is a capitalistic country founded on slave labor.

Contemporary Black Ameri-

cans should move beyond public-issue protests to take special economic note and record how America was built on the backs of Blacks. Ownership of land and cultivation of it is a capitalist enterprise. Throughout America's existence agriculture has been a major industry.

Improving and expanding uses for agriculture and mechanization of farming was a major turn-of-the-century business thrust that included John Deere's steel plow, Cyrus McCormick's mechanical reaper, Eli Whitney's cotton gin, the Fordson tractor and combine harvesters.

Slavery still has a cultural impact across America. And make no mistake about it, race has always been a constant determinant in American economics. American cultivation of tobacco was extremely labor-intensive and slave labor was integral to tobacco farming and cultivating. Tobacco cultivation and exports formed an essential component of the American colonial economy during the seventeenth and eighteenth

Slavery still has a cultural impact across America. And make no mistake about it, race has always been a constant determinant in American economics.

William Reed / centuries.

Beyond the fields, African-Americans made substantial contributions to the nation's agriculture and commerce. Henry Blair (18071860) was a free farmer and inventor of a seed and cotton planter. George Washington Carver (approx. 1864-1943) was a botanist and inventor who gained wide acclaim as publisher of a research bulletin that included interesting ways to use peanuts. Carver advised Mahatma Gandhi on matters

If Your Ad Were Here Someone Would Be Reading It! Contact me, Ron Burke, at 202-561-4100 or rburke@washingtoninformer.com 14 JUNE 9 - 15, 2016

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of agriculture and nutrition.

Lloyd Augustus Hall (18941971) was a chemist who contributed to the science of food preservation. His research led to improved curing salts and improved meat preservation. Percy Lavon Julian (1899-1975) was a research pioneer in the chemical synthesis of medicinal drugs from plants. Julian helped trigger an explosive growth industry for soybeans. Joseph Lee (1849-1905), invented a device that could mechanize tearing, crumbling and grinding bread into crumbs. Norbert Rillieux (1806-1894) is most noted for inventions toward the development and growth of the sugar industry.

The idea of owning land is an old notion and American mantra forged by the sword through the years. The quote from "Gone With the Wind" — "land is the only thing in the world worth working for, worth fighting for, worth dying for" — has become legendary.

For the most part, Blacks have left the land. In the Great Migration, large numbers of rural African-Americans moved from the South to cities north and east. In these Black enclaves,

urbanization and assimilation have led to European standards of beauty and masculinity. An educated and entrepreneurial Black middle class existed in America before emancipation.

Things only began to change for Blacks with the civil rights movement. A Black middle class has grown in suburban Atlanta's South DeKalb, the D.C. suburb of Prince George's County, and the Baldwin Hills neighborhood in Los Angeles.

But for most of their time in America, Blacks have been shortchanged. While Blacks are engaged in "mainstream" politics, equitable treatment of Black farmers should be ratcheted up. Blacks should not lose sight of basic economics in America and stop losing our share of the land.

According to the Census of Agriculture, the number of Black farmers increased 12 percent since 2007, but now is less than 2 percent of farmers as a whole. In 1920, Black farmers represented about 14 percent of the country's farmers but now operate just 0.4 percent of American farmland and account for 0.2 percent of total agricultural sales.

A culprit in the plight of Black farmers is the United States Department of Agriculture. In the Pigford v. Glickman lawsuit, 400 Black farmers alleged that the department denied them loans based on racial discrimination. In a case of "too little, too late," courts have awarded thousand of payments due to claimants in Pigford I and in 2010, President Obama announced an additional $1.25 billion settlement, known as Pigford II. Blacks should investigate why these claims have not been paid. WI

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JUNE 9 - 15, 2016 15

NATIONAL

Trial of Van Driver in Gray Case Set to Begin Baltimore Officer Faces 30 Years if Convicted of Murder

5Caesar Goodson, Jr., 46, faces second-degree murder charges in the Freddie Gray case in a trial that begins this week. / Photo courtesy Baltimore Police Department

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By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor

Caesar Goodson, Jr., the police van driver facing charges that include second-degree murder in the Freddie Gray case, will have his day in court beginning Thursday, June 9.

Goodson, 46, an officer with the Baltimore Police Department since 1999, has opted for a bench trial in the controversial case. Prosecutors say he’s the one most responsible for Gray’s death – the 25-year-old Black man who suffered a severed spine while in the back of a police transport van last April.

It will be the third trial in the high-profile case against Baltimore offices that so far have resulted in an acquittal and a mistrial.

Goodson opted for a bench trial following the same decision by fellow Officer Edward Nero who was cleared of assault, misconduct of office and reckless endangerment in his court appearance last month. Once again Baltimore Circuit Judge Barry Williams, who presided in the Nero case, will hear arguments in Goodson’s trial.

However, Goodson faces the most serious charges in Gray’s death as prosecutors allege that his failure to buckle Gray inside the van or to seek medical help resulted in the young man’s death.

They argue that Goodson acted recklessly and callously, “despite Mr. Gray’s obvious and recognized need for medical assistance.”

Attorneys for Goodson have countered, saying the officer acted responsibly last April like any other law enforcement official and that “the failure of a police officer to seatbelt [a] detainee cannot alone constitute a criminally reckless omission.”

Goodson faces second-degree

depraved-heart murder which carries a penalty of up to 30 years in prison. He’s one of six officers charged in the case but the only one to face a murder charge.

The crux of the trial will center on what Goodson knew about Gray’s medical condition, the decisions he made as a result of that knowledge and whether he was the individual who had final determination over any decisions made about Gray’s care and custody.

Gray died one week after being injured in the van. And despite protests, civil unrest in the streets of Baltimore and national outcry over the continued mistreatment of Blacks by police officer, all of which occurred following the death of Gray last April, the prosecution faces an uphill battle as they have no eye witnesses and limited physical evidence.

Some experts say this bodes badly for the prosecution in spite of the fact that few question that the ultimate responsibility of Gray’s injuries and his eventual death from those injuries lies with the van driver.

Some witnesses have said that Gray began to scream and kick violently after being handcuffed and placed inside of the van. But while officers eventually stopped the vehicle, removed him from the van and put him in leg shackles, he was never buckled into a seat belt as Baltimore Police Department policies require.

Porter, one of the officers whose trial resulted in a mistrial in December, testified that he told Goodson at one of the stops to take Gray to the hospital – a suggestion that Goodson allegedly ignored. Goodson subsequently made yet another stop in order to pick up a second prisoner.

Goodson’s attorneys have filed a motion to block prosecutors from entering into evidence statements Porter made to an investigator. WI

Goodson opted for a bench trial following the same decision by fellow Officer Edward Nero who was cleared of assault, misconduct of office and reckless endangerment in his court appearance last month.

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JUNE 9 - 15, 2016 17

HEALTH

Md. Resident Leads Way for Cleaner Water in Kenya

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

5 Vicki L. Jones, seen here with two Book Shine students, visited the school and made a financial presentation. Bahari is establishing an email pen-pal relationship. / Courtesy photo

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In the rural parts of the East African nation of Kenya, waterborne illness is a leading cause of death for young children, and untreated water is dangerous to people of all ages.

Reportedly, many Kenyans have to make a daily choice: use polluting woodstoves to purify their water or risk serious ailments.

That is where Maryland resident Vicki L. Jones stepped in.

Jones, the founder and director of Bahari Sisters, a nonprofit that supports Kenyan women and children by providing funds for micro-businesses, health and nutrition initiatives and scholarships, is currently leading a campaign called “The Bahari HabiHut,” a water filtration project that will provide clean and running water.

“Our first annual fundraiser, ‘Sisters StateSide,’ which was held at my church last September, introduced the HabitHut project,” said Jones, who’s also a costume designer, writer and producer with a bachelor’s in clothing design from Drexel University and a master’s from Johns Hopkins University.

Jones has worked in theatre and video designing at the New Federal Theatre, Negro Ensemble Company and Billie Holiday Theatre in New York.

“The board is currently reviewing a lease for land in Nairobi which may be a suitable location to place the structure,” Jones said, noting that Bahari has partnered with HabiHut, a Montana-based company that specializes in the design and manufacturing of rigid modular shelter that’s secure and strong, and WaterStep, a Kentucky-based organization that provides safe water to communities in developing countries.

The project is still welcoming financial and medical partners to support the development in Kenya’s capital city.

Jones first visited Kenya on a mission trip in 2005 and she said it was a realization of a lifelong dream.

The experience ignited a desire to work in Kenya on an ongoing basis. When that desire turned into passion, she took the next step to establish Bahari.

“I think the necessity to visit Africa began when I was in my 30s — 30 years ago,” Jones said. “I was living in New York at the time, working in theatre. I started getting involved in social outreach activities and, as a member of the House of the Lord Pentecostal in Brooklyn I

was introduced to community issues and politics.

“A few years later as a member of Riverside Church, I began to volunteer in their men’s shelter and I realize now that this was God introducing me to another side of myself, she said. “Several years later, after I’d moved back to Maryland, a co-worker asked me to donate to the travel expenses of her pastor for his mission trip to Nairobi. I did, telling her that I was in fact seeding into my future trip. I made my first trip a couple years later.”

With little expectations and the unknown lying ahead, Jones recalled approaching Washington Dulles International Airport and thinking, “is this really happening?

I’m now on my way to Africa.”

Touching down in Africa proved surreal and Jones would meet women she described as living in dire situations and conditions — those who had no means of support for themselves or their children, but had “God-given joy.”

“It was an honor, as a total stranger, to be treated with the love and respect that they showed us,” she said. I returned with a new appreciation of the privileges and benefits that we take for granted living in the States. I returned having begun lasting friendships with several of the ladies.”

After another trip, Jones said she prayed about what she could do to provide ongoing assistance.

The answer was to form a nonprofit, she said.

“I began the process of establishing Bahari Sisters Inc.,“ she said. “It took a while to decide on the name.

Bahari means ocean in Swahili.

That is our channel of connection, across the ocean.”

The mission of Bahari includes strengthening women in Kenya economically, spiritually and physically, Jones said, noting that Bahari puts every dollar to good use and a little goes a long way in Nairobi.

“Bahari supports [Kenyan activist] Jane Muthoni in her work as a community leader, cleaning up raw sewage in the Gatina slums,“ she said. “These efforts prevent disease and death.

“The HabiHut will provide clean water impacting the outbreak of cholera and malaria,“ Jones said. “Most recently, during the flooding in this month, Jane was able to purchase medicine for an ailing 90-year-old woman who was stranded in her tin home, surrounded by water.”

For more information, visit www.baharisisters.org. WI

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Let’s Lower Teen Pregnancy Rates in DC, Together

Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia The birth of a baby is always a blessing. But the responsibility of parenting can be hard.

Being a “teen parent” can be even harder. This is because the baby wasn’t planned and teens might not have the help they need. There is also less time to focus on school, work and having fun. Today, teen pregnancy is at a record low in the United States. And in Washington, DC, teen birth rates are down 53% since its peak year in 1991. Let’s continue to educate teens and encourage them to wait until they’re ready to have children. Together, we can help reduce teen pregnancy rates even more.

May was National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month. This is a great time to talk to teens about how important it is to wait to have children. Encourage them to ask questions and be honest about their feelings.

Teens should also be open with their doctors and ask questions about their changing bodies, as well options for birth control.

This will help keep teens safe and informed.

Babies are best when you’re ready to have one. Getting pregnant as a teenager makes it harder. It has longer-lasting effects. For example: • Only about 50% of teen moms receive a high school diploma by age 22 • Teen fathers are about 30% less likely to graduate from high school • Only about 10% of teen moms complete a 2-year or 4-year college program • Teen parents usually make less money than those who wait to have children Teen pregnancy is not only rough for the parent, but the hardships can affect children too. Children of teen parents are more likely to: • Have a low birth weight • Have less emotional support • Perform poorly in school

• Become unemployed or underemployed when they get older • Also become a teen parent The good news is that teenage pregnancy is preventable. Talking to teens about sex and birth control can help keep pregnancy rates low. It’s important to know that no form of birth control prevents pregnancy all the time. Abstinence, or the decision to not have sex, is the only sure way to avoid pregnancy. If a teenager gets pregnant, early detection and care is the key to a healthy birth.

It’s natural for young parents to be scared and even want to hide the pregnancy. This is very unsafe because both the mother and child need to see a doctor right away.

The mom-to-be will need to see her doctor and get prenatal checkups (care before the baby is born) within the first trimester (the first 3 months of pregnancy). This can help moms-to-be deliver a healthy, full-term baby. The doctor may also suggest seeing an OB/GYN or midwife to help manage the prenatal care.

• For the first 28 weeks of pregnancy, prenatal appointments should be every month • From 28 weeks – 36 weeks, prenatal appointments will be every 2 weeks • From 36 weeks – birth, prenatal appointments take place every week During prenatal visits, the doctor may run tests and ask a lot of questions. Some questions may be uncomfortable, but it is important to be honest. This will help the doctor make the right choices for mom and baby.

Healthy Lifestyles for Pregnant Women of All Ages Although a doctor’s care is needed for pregnant women, a healthy lifestyle is just as important. This can greatly affect the health of the baby. All pregnant women should use these tips to stay healthy during pregnancy: • Go to all prenatal appointments • Take prenatal vitamins as directed by your doctor • Maintain a healthy weight • Don’t drink alcohol or use tobacco products

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• Only take medicines if your doctor says it is OK • For teens, continue your education during pregnancy and after the baby is born Parents of all ages want a “bright start” for their child. AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia members can get free pregnancy care through the Bright Start® program. This helps moms-to-be make healthy choices. It also helps control risk factors during pregnancy. For more information or to refer a member to the Bright Start program, call 1-877-364-6797.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, and Youth. gov All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model.

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JUNE 9 - 15, 2016 19

HEALTH

Maryland Resident Indicted in Deadly Shooting Rampage

By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill The former Federal Protective Service employee who killed three people — including his estranged wife — in a two-day shooting rampage in suburban D.C. last month was indicted Thursday, June 2 in Montgomery County Court in Rockville.

Eulalio Tordil, 62, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree attempted murder and four counts of use of a handgun in commission of a crime.

Tordil, who lived in Adelphi in neighboring Prince George's County, shot and killed his wife, Gladys, on May 5 outside High Point High School in Beltsville while she came to pick up her two daughters, the charging documents state.

The next morning, Tordil drove to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda and shot three people while apparently attempting to carjack a woman, including Malcolm "Mike" Winffel, 45, who died from his injuries after he and a friend ran to help the woman.

About 40 minutes later, Tordil shot and killed Claudina Molina, 65, in a parking lot outside a Gi-

5Malcolm "Mike" Winffel / Photo courtesy of GoFundMe

ant Food grocery store in Aspen Hill.

Tordil was arrested hours later without incident at a shopping center across the street from the grocery store. He remains in the county jail without bond.

Meanwhile, families of the three victims killed continue to receive online donations.

As of 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 4, the GoFundMe accounts for Winffel, Tordil and Molina are: • Mike Winffel's Kid Education Fund – $128,543; • Tuition fund for Tordil daughters – $43,868; and • All for Claudia Molina – $24,679.

Tordil's two daughters graduated from High Point on May 31, while Winffel's daughter, Kayla, will graduate from Clarksburg High School in Montgomery County on Wednesday, June 8.

The Victims' Rights Foundation and six rotary clubs donated $6,000 to all six victims' families.

Each family will receive $1,000.

Greg Wims, president of the foundation, said contributions can still be made to the families by mailing checks to: Victims' Rights Foundation, 814 Diamond Ave., Suite 250, Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20878.

WI

5Gladys Tordil / Photo courtesy of GoFundMe 20 JUNE 9 - 15, 2016

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June Greetings From DC Office on Aging Laura Newland DC Office on Aging Executive Director Happy summer! Every June, the District of Columbia celebrates Gay Pride, and the Capital Pride Alliance hosts two weeks of events that include the Capital Pride Festival and Parade.

The DC Office on Aging (DCOA) is proud (get it?) and excited to participate in both of the main Pride events and celebrate the LGBT community with the rest of the District.

The generation that established DC’s first Pride celebration in 1972 is now part of our aging community, and DCOA is committed to better understanding the needs of our LGBTQ seniors in the District and making sure that the hard-fought gains to allow people to live freely and openly don’t go away when they age.

Nearly 11 percent of District residents identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) —the highest in the country. No other state comes close. Vermont comes in second, with 6 percent of its residents identifying as LGBTQ. This June the DC LGBTQ community has a lot to celebrate: government workers no longer have to fear being fired for being gay or even just suspected of being gay, for one. And last year, The Supreme Court recognized marriage as a fundamental right for everyone. But Pride Month is also an opportunity to shine a light on the host of unique challenges still facing LGBTQ people in the District, particularly as they age.

We know that family and social connections are the key to aging well—relationships are what allow all of us, regardless of age, to live full, meaningful lives. But LGBTQ seniors are statistically less likely to have a support system that would allow them to age in place— they’re twice as likely to live alone, twice as likely to be single, and much less like-

ly to have children than their non-LGBTQ counterparts.

So how can we do a better job of meeting the needs of LGBTQ seniors in our city?

Being visible supporters (like in Capital Pride events) is a good start.

But we’re committed to real work, too. Earlier this year, Mayor Bowser signed legislation passed by the Council requiring LGBTQ cultural competency training for all health professionals who see patients in a clinical setting. This is a striking commitment to making sure that people can receive health care and that partners/ spouses can be a part of health care decisions, regardless of how people identify.

So DCOA has partnered with Whitman Walker Health to provide mandatory LGBTQ competency trainings for our Senior Service Network (Network) and for DCOA staff over the next several months. Most of our Network and DCOA staff aren’t considered health professionals, but we all interact with seniors as part of our jobs. This training won’t just be for our front-line staff—executives and managers will be required to attend as well, because we know that leadership with LGBTQ competency is critical.

These are the easy things that we can do. But to create a true community—one in which all seniors are respected and valued—we’ll need your input, advice, and commitment. How can we better meet the needs of the LGBTQ community, and all underserved seniors in the District?

When Mayor Bowser asked me to lead this agency, I knew that I agreed to a big job. What I didn’t know was that I’d find a new family. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many of you through our work together, and I’ve been surprised and humbled by how welcoming you’ve been. My personal life hasn’t mattered to you. What matters is that I see you, and that my top priority every day is making sure you know that you matter—to this agency, the larger community, and to the District.

How can we embrace every senior, and welcome them as

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warmly as you’ve welcomed me?

I believe that when we do this—when we uplift everyone and exclude no one—that we can make the District of Columbia the best place in the world for seniors to live. Just as they are.

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

JUNE 9 - 15, 2016 21

ALI from Page 1 to half-staff in Ali’s honor. He also announced the city would hold a memorial for boxing legend Saturday morning.

“The values of hard work, conviction and compassion

that Muhammad Ali developed while growing up in Louisville helped him become a global icon,” Fischer said.

“As a boxer, he became ‘The Greatest,’ though his most lasting victories happened outside the ring. Muhammad lever-

aged his fame as a platform to promote peace, justice and humanitarian efforts around the world, while always keeping strong ties to his hometown.

“Today, Muhammad Ali’s fellow Louisvillians join the billions whose lives he touched

5 Alexandria Boxing Club members along with the manager and trainer, Henry Thomas, pay tribute to Muhammad Ali in the early 80's. / WI FILE Photo by Roy Lewis

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worldwide in mourning his passing, celebrating his legacy, and committing to continue his fight to spread love and hope.

Thank you, Muhammad, for all you’ve given your city, your country and the world.”

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama also paid tribute to Ali. “Like everyone else on the planet, Michelle and I mourn his passing,” Obama said in a statement. The president said he keeps a pair of Ali’s gloves on display in his White House study. “But, we’re grateful to God for how fortunate we are to have known him, if just for a while; for how fortunate we all area that ‘The Greatest’ chose to grace our time,” Obama said.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) also released a statement mourning Ali. “We extend to the Ali family our heartfelt condolences. Representing the Black Press in America and throughout the world, the NNPA affirms Muhammad Ali’s outstanding world-class achievement, leadership and courage in boxing, human rights and philanthropy,” NNPA President Dr. Benjamin Chavis said.

“Ali personified power and genius in the ongoing cause and struggle for freedom, justice, equality and empowerment.

We now rededicate to keep his audacious voice and powerful legacy alive in all that we say, print, report and distribute,” Chavis said. “Long live the spirit of Muhammad Ali.” A true great long before the word “great” had been used so loosely, “Ali transformed this country and impacted the world with his spirit. His legacy will be part of our history for all time,” Bob Arum, who promoted 26 of Ali’s fights, said in a statement.

Perhaps the most recognized person in the world, Ali will be remembered for iconic victories over Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier and Foreman. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds in his prime, he also claimed the gold medal for light heavyweight in the 1960 Olympics in Rome, Italy.

Ali famously thundered, “I am the greatest,” and stated he would, “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”

Considered to be one of the greatest boxers ever, Ali fought his way to 56 wins during his career, 37 by way of knockout. He was the first boxer to win the heavyweight title three times.

Of all the legendary wins in Ali’s life, few are as little known as the one he pulled off in 1990 long after his boxing career had

ended.

As beautifully chronicled

by Journalist Maureen Callahan in a 2015 New York Post article, defying the odds and the American government, Ali traveled to Iraq, where 15 Americans were being held hostage by Saddam Hussein in the run-up to the Gulf War. Surely the strangest hostage-release campaign of recent days has been the ‘goodwill’ tour of Muhammad Ali, the former heavyweight boxing champion . . . he has attended meeting after meeting in Baghdad despite his frequent inability to speak clearly.”

At that point, Ali was 48 years old and had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease for six years.

He was more plain-spoken in challenging white America to look at the black experience, especially as it related to his sport. “Boxing is a lot of white men watching two Black men beat each other up,” he said.

In 1967, Ali refused to be drafted and sent to Vietnam.

He claimed conscientious-objector status on religious and racial grounds. He was arrested, and on June 20, 1967, he was tried and convicted of evading the draft. He was stripped of his title, banned from boxing for three years, fined $10,000 and sentenced to five years in prison.

“Just take me to jail,” he said.

While his lawyers appealed, Ali was a free man. He continued to make his case to the media, humor intact. He talked about the money he was losing: “Ain’t nobody wanna see the world heavyweight champion drivin’ a Volkswagen,” he said. “I broke my wife’s piggy bank to get gas money.”

Ali returned to the ring in 1970, knocking out Jerry Quarry in Atlanta in the third round. A year later, Ali’s case made it to the Supreme Court.

After 21 minutes of deliberation, his conviction was unanimously overturned.

“One thing must be taken into account when talking about Ali,” his trainer Angelo Dundee once said. “He was robbed of his best years, his prime years.”

Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984, three years after retiring. By 1985, he had a new mission: He devoted his life to humanitarian aims, especially in bridging divides between the West and the Muslim world. WI

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EDUCATION

Chavez PCS Holds Public Policy Symposium

Standout Seniors Present Global Issues and Solutions

5Alexys Hewlett (L-R), Nicolas Villarroel and Brenda Guevera-Ortiz, sit on a panel June 1 during the Cesar Chavez

Public Charter School's fifth annual Public Policy Symposium at Georgetown University in Northwest. / Photo by Roy Lewis

By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer Three top seniors from Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy presented their solutions on communal and global issues such as housing segregation, the Syrian refugee crisis and college access for undocumented immigrants.

Alexys Hewlett of Parkside campus and Nicolas Vilarroel and Brenda Guevera-Ortiz of the Capitol Hill campus put forth their yearlong research to an audience of 400 consisting of education experts and community leaders on Wednesday, June 1, at Georgetown University in Northwest.

Chavez CEO Joan Massey asserted that the fifth annual public policy symposium stands as a special event for many reasons.

"This event is the culmination of a yearlong effort from our students and their thesis teachers," she said. "The passion and dedication our students displayed is contagious. I couldn't be more proud of what they've done."

David Johns, executive director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans, served as the keynote speaker of the day, highlighting the importance of a high-quality education that challenges students to think critically about global issues.

"We have college prep and traditional course work that you can find in public and private schools, but we also have a theme that runs from sixth through the 12th grade," Massey said. "Our mission is to empower students to have a voice, solve problems and be change leaders in their community and the world. So we think hard about what students need to do that."

Massey contends that the students at Chavez do a significant amount of writing, debating and participating in community action and advocacy projects during their tenure.

"They have worked with the State Department on drug advocacy and the Wilson Building on human trafficking," Massey said of the pupils' field work.

In their junior year as a buildup to their thesis, students work full-time for two weeks with one of Chavez's 150 partners in the District.

As seniors, they focus on national issues where they think of policies to solve problems.

Massey claims the topics the students present on "are not easy, even for adults."

The subjects include the student loan debt crisis, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Syrian refugee crisis and access to in-state tuition for undocumented students, among many others.

"All of the seniors spend a year

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researching, they do a 20-page paper and then a 15-minute presentation in front of a panel of staff and community members," she said. "We have two weeks of that every evening. From that group, a second round is selected and then narrowed down to three finalists."

Massey contends that even though the top three finalists receive scholarships, it isn't a competition among the students.

"Our students are very supportive of each other," she said. "Internally they go through it together as a group. It's really all about being polished and knowing how to give a professional presentation.

"Professors from Georgetown and Howard University attended the symposium and they were very impressed," Massey said.

"They said that our students presented better than some of their college students."

Chavez remains one of the oldest charter networks in the District in its 18th year. Roughly 1,400 students attend over multiple campuses with the running theme of public policy and civic leadership.

"We hear our students say how they were so nervous about their thesis, but now that it's over it is one of the best things they've ever done," Massey said. "It not only prepares them for college, but life after.

"They walk away knowing they are ready for the next level," she said. WI

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JUNE 9 - 15, 2016 23

EDUCATION

DCPS

BRIEFS

In keeping with TMA's college acceptance tradition, every student in the senior class has been admitted to college.

However, the Class of 2016 has gone beyond tradition, breaking a number of TMA senior class records.

TMA ALUMNA RECALLS TREK TO COLLEGE Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer

(Excerpted from TMA publication)

FREE SUMMER MEALS

Free meals will be served this summer through a program administered by the DC Office for the Superintendent of Education. For information on the nearest location text FOOD to 877-877.

BREAKING RECORDS AT THURGOOD MARSHALL

More than 70 seniors at Thurgood Marshall Academy in Southeast are expected to walk across the stage on June 10 to receive their high school diploma during the school’s 12th annual commencement exercises.

24 JUNE 9 - 15, 2016

5Earica Parrish is a 2013 graduate of Thurgood Marshall Academy. / Photo courtesy Thurgood Marshall Academy

Earica Parrish (TMA ’13) didn’t know that several failed attempts at writing her personal statement for college would ironically lead her on a journey to major in Magazine Journalism, a writing-intensive field. During her senior year at TMA, she felt confident after submitting her nicely-typed, double-spaced, 2-page, 700word final essay that explained why her college of choice would be lucky to have her as a student.

“I had already been working with my mentors on my personal essay the summer before senior year, so I had been pretty confident in the work that I produced,” said Parrish, a rising senior at Syracuse University. “So when Mr. Mitchell [TMA’s Director of College and Alumni Programming] ripped up, marked up, and trashed my tens of thousands of drafts, I thought he was picking on me.”

Eventually, Parrish realized that Mitchell wasn’t picking on her, but he was challenging her to write in an engaging tone that would result in a memorable personal statement. TMA’s College Counseling Team work with seniors in the beginning of the school

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year to help them complete their personal statements by November, the start of college application season. By the time students reach the 12th grade, they’re conditioned to writing essays, research, and informative papers. But this is not the writing style that is popular in the college application process.

“The challenge with writing personal statements is that students have to go beyond writing an essay. They have to tell a story,” said Mitchell.

In Senior Seminar, Mitchell introduces students to creative writing prompts that help them explore a descriptive writing style. “Remember, admissions counselors read hundreds of thousands of essays in a given week so it’s essential for our students’ essays to stand out,” said Mitchell.

“Ultimately, his critique of my personal statement challenged me to look inside myself to find a writing voice outside of formal papers,” said Parrish.

“Because of TMA, I have challenged myself to expand my creative writing voice.”

DCPS GOES TO COLLEGE!

5Michael Broadus will attend

Morehouse College in the fall. / Photo courtesy DCPS

Michael Broadus, a senior at Cardozo Education Campus in Northwest, lists among the lineup of DCPS students poised to attend college in the fall.

Michael is currently taking three Advanced Placement classes. He was the DCIAA all-conference linebacker this past fall, and he’s the captain of the football and baseball team.

Michael, who will attend Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, wants to be a physical therapist so that he can still be around sports, even if he doesn’t make it to the majors. WI

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS EDITORIAL

GOP Delay over Zika Funding is Another Stupid Move There is no effective vaccine or therapy for the Zika virus. But Republicans have once again chosen to hold up a request for funding made by President Barack Obama -- $1.9 billion to be exact – in emergency dollars which he requested in February.

Meanwhile, as mosquito season hits the U.S., the chance of citizens becoming infected has become quite real – and for pregnant women very dangerous for their unborn children.

But of course so called leaders of Congress who represent the Republican Party don’t want to budge. And we can’t understand why.

After more examples of senseless jockeying for position, the Senate did make a paltry start, approving $1.1 billion after Obama redirected existing funds to initiate an initial response. But the House continues to play games.

At stake – the public health of American citizens.

It wasn’t that long ago that worldwide concern caused leaders to pay attention to the threat of the Ebola virus. But that threat was unlikely to have the kind of impact that the medical experts say Zika could have here in the U.S. It’s going to take time for researchers to develop a vaccine for the Zika virus and it’s going to take adequate funding. But if our elected political leaders continue to sit on their hands, the time before an effective vaccine is ready will become that much longer.

Meanwhile, more people will become infected, more children will enter the world with serious birth defects and many Americans will suffer needlessly.

When one is elected to Congress, they take an oath to do what is necessary to represent their constituency. In this case, it seems to be a no brainer. It’s not about one’s political party – it’s about doing what’s needed to keep U.S. citizens healthy.

So, what’s the holdup? Once again it seems that Republicans are more concerned about standing up to Obama instead of just doing the right thing.

Once again our so-called leaders have failed to lead by example. Guess we’ll have to wait for the approval of sorely needed Zika funding like we’re being forced to wait for a ninth member of the Supreme Court. WI

Justice Thwarted in Sentencing of Stanford University Rapist A sexual assault case at Stanford University has caused significant outrage around the country after a California judge sentenced the defendant to just six months in jail with several years of probation.

It seems that the female victim was attacked while visiting the campus and attending a fraternity party. As for the defendant, a 20-year-old white male and star member of the college’s swimming team, it appears that he was successful in invoking the privilege associated with class and gender.

The rapist, Brock Allen Turner, could have been sentenced to as much as 14 years in prison. But after his father pleaded for leniency, saying that his son’s life would be ruined unfairly simply for “20 minutes of action” after allowing alcohol and promiscuity to impact his decision making skills, the judge ruled in his favor. Tragic!

One has to wonder what justice the young woman can claim. None as far as we can see.

It doesn’t seem to matter that she was sexually assaulted and left behind a dumpster, half naked and confused. After all, as the young man’s father stated, the incident has left his son without his swimming scholarship, foiled his dreams of competing in the Olympics and left him in a wake of depression – unable to eat his “favorite foods.”

Sadly, we still live in a society and culture that tolerates sexual violence and with a judicial system that does not equitably dole out justice when the perpetrator is of a certain race, class and in this incident, gender.

Campus rape has become an epidemic in America and it is an act that takes place without the presence of another’s consent. We wonder how this all-American father would have reacted had he been dealing with the rape of his daughter instead of standing up for a son who broke the law, violated an innocent woman and then made excuses for his actions?

We have a long way to go until all citizens are treated equally.

The sentence that Brock received surely did not fit his crime. WI WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

TO THE EDITOR Silence is Not Golden in Wake of Unsolved Murder

While reading your newspaper, I saw the photograph of the parents of slain reporter, Charnice Milton, who was tragically gunned down while waiting at a bus stop in Southeast DC. I know there is a policy of silence in our community about crimes of violence, but this crime is very different. I don’t believe Charnice was part of a beef, but an innocent bystander, an accident victim; and whoever did this should come forward and say that. Even more, there is someone out there who knows who did this, and for their sake they should help to get that person off of our streets, because maybe the next time it could be your mother or sister or brother who is accidently hit by a bullet from that same person trying to get someone else. This code of silence or “anti-snitching” thing has gone way too far. I can almost understand it if you are trying to be mob-like and have a gang on gang beef, but when innocent people are killed that’s a different thing, and those who do that need to be off our streets.

Evan Waters Washington, DC

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Proud to be an African American Your article, “New Black History Museum Reveals the True American Story,” by Freddie Allen in the June 2, 2016 edition of The Informer is really great. I am just so excited about our new museum and I can hardly wait for the grand opening. If you really think about it, every Black person in America should feel really proud of Dr. Bunch and all of the people who have worked really hard to complete this mission. No longer will African Americans have to assume that our story is part of the American Story by trying to fill in blanks while going through looking at other exhibits in other museums. Now our story will be on display for the whole world to see: our struggles, our pain and our victories, from the founding of this great country until the present day. It will be a glorious day and I can’t wait.

Johnnie Hardy 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.

JUNE 9 - 15, 2016 25

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

By James Clingman

From Black Power to Green Power Have you ever wondered what happened to Black power? Remember the days of the clenched fist, the Afro, the dashiki, and black berets? Remember Stokely Carmichael, Angela Davis, Huey Newton and Bobby Seale, Eldridge Cleaver, H. Rap Brown and the Black Panthers? How about Shaft and Foxy Brown? Black was beautiful and "powerful" back then, right?

If you were around in those days, and even if you were not, you will also recall J. Edgar Hoover's

Counterintelligence Program, otherwise known as COINTELPRO. It kept watch on MLK, Malcolm, and any Black person who stood up and spoke out against injustice and had the temerity to actually fight for Black power. Those were the days, right?

Wrong. Ask Tommie Smith and John Carlos.

Years before Hoover began his COINTELPRO tactics against those mentioned above, he set up a scheme to destroy the man many believe to be the progenitor of real Black power: Marcus Mosiah Garvey. Hoover called Garvey a "notorious Negro agitator," and

Guest Columnist

did everything he could to dig up dirt on him. Historian Theodore Kornweibel said Hoover and the Justice Department "were clearly hooked on a fixation on Garvey which would before long become a vendetta."

Hoover had relied on part-time black informants to track Garvey's movements and U.N.I.A. activities. Ironically, in December 1919 his determination to go after Garvey led Hoover to hire the first Black agent in the bureau's history, James Wormley Jones.

"His job," Kornweibel said, "was to go into Harlem and infiltrate the Garvey movement and

find evidence that could be used to build the legal case for ultimately getting rid of Garvey."

We know what happened to Garvey when Hoover and his gang found that Garvey would not buckle and was not about to sell his people out.

Notwithstanding Garvey's refusal to sell out, many of our "leaders" in the glorious 1960s — those who chanted "Black power" — were conquered by green power. Hoover was doing his thing on an even larger scale, from character assassination to murder, and in a relatively short period of time, we looked around and saw former

militant Black folks writing proposals to get funding for social service agencies, all of a sudden going from hardcore freedom fighters to CEO's and Presidents of those organizations.

Green power worked the best among all of Hoover's tactics. A few "guvment" dollars here and there and voila! No more Black power. Don't get me wrong, there were those who remained faithful to the principle of Black power, but their numbers slowly dwindled due to lack of funds and certainly the murders on George Jack-

CLINGMAN Page 53

By Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

Make Presidential Race About Issues We're headed to a presidential race with two candidates burdened with record levels of disfavor.

This leads to the widespread expectation of a spitball brawl for a campaign. Donald Trump has already begun branding Hillary Clinton. The Clinton campaign has begun attacking Trump as reckless and unqualified. A negative campaign of branded insults will drive down turnout. It would

be a disservice to this country and its people.

The United States faces major challenges. We have an economy that does not work for working people, who struggle with stagnant or declining wages, increasing insecurity, and soaring costs of basic needs from health care to college education to retirement security. Record numbers are in poverty. Shameless tax scams allow billionaires to pay lower tax rates than the police who protect their homes. Global corporations stash trillions abroad and pay low-

Guest Columnist

er tax rates than mom-and-pop small businesses.

Climate change is a real and present danger that the Pentagon rightly says poses a rising national security threat. The president's efforts to extract us from the endless wars in the Middle East have been frustrated. Tensions are rising with both Russia and China. We're running trade deficits of $500 billion a year, undermining good jobs here. In our cities, the impoverished are more concentrated, more isolated, with less hope and more dope and violence.

We need a real debate about the choices we face. Donald Trump has used insult more than policy to win his nomination. But he's begun to make policy addresses.

Last week, he gave a speech on energy policy. He vowed to unravel the Paris climate agreement, rescind the Obama climate change rules, revive the coal industry and redouble our efforts to achieve pure energy independence. He vowed to "deal with real environmental challenges, not the phony ones we've been hearing about," presumably climate change.

Clinton has a detailed agenda on energy policy. She believes climate change is a real threat. She wants to build on the Paris agreements and capture the lead in the emerging clean energy economy.

The differences between the two positions are stark and worthy of a great debate.

Similarly, Trump earlier gave a speech on foreign policy in which he challenged many of the shibboleths of our foreign policy. He wants a stronger military that is

JACKSON Page 53

By Bill Fletcher Jr.

The Many Delusions of Donald Trump What do you say about someone who apparently sees things that do not exist? I have been asking myself that question while I have watched Donald Trump's presidential campaign unfold.

And as taunts, name-calling and the lack of substance continue to define the tone of Trump's campaign, I have wondered whether we need to think about Trump in a differ-

26 JUNE 9 - 15, 2016

ent way.

Let's review three items.

First, Trump has argued for a wall between the United States and Mexico to prevent Mexican migrants, who he contends are the major source of crime in the U.S., from entering this country. Interesting. In reality, the migration flow in recent years has reversed between the U.S. and Mexico, i.e., people are returning to Mexico. Second, if Mexicans are the major source of crime, what does Trump have to say about Rus-

sian immigrants and the Russian mafia? What about previous generations of criminal organizations that have been associated with immigrant communities, such as the Cosa Nostra (Sicilian and Italian), as well as Irish and Jewish mobs?

Why not expel all of them?

Well, the Donald is silent on this. Besides racist, what does one call such a mischaracterization of reality?

A second example: Trump asserted — and repeated — that on Sept. 11, 2001, masses

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of Muslims in the U.S. were applauding the terrorist attacks. No evidence — I repeat, no evidence — has ever been found to back up his claim. Yet Trump and many of his supporters continue to argue that they saw it. How is that possible?

The third example, and I simply have to bring this up: Trump seized onto the so-called birther allegations against President Obama, suggesting that he is not a true citizen of the U.S. and, therefore,

is ineligible to be president of the U.S. Again, in addition to racism, what do you call someone who, despite all legitimate evidence, continues to assert something which is so obviously false?

This all reminded me of the "Flat Earth Society." I have no idea whether they still exist, but during the 1960s, this group — which believed that the Earth was flat — sent a congratulatory note to an or-

FLETCHER Page 53

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

By Julianne Malveaux

We Need Literacy Warriors in the Black Community The dictionary defines "warrior" as "a person who fights in battle and is known for having courage and skill." In "Roots," reimagined Kizzy Kinte tells her dad, "Reading is my way of being a warrior, my way of feeling free inside." Teaching enslaved people to read and write was illegal in most Southern states, so reading was an act of resistance, an act of rebellion, a warrior act that could get you sold, or worse. Reading

material described as "subversive," such as David Walker's "Appeal," could get you killed.

While enslaved people deeply desired knowledge, and risked their lives to learn to read, an ugly saying emerged about African-Americans and literacy: "If you want to hide something from a black people, put it in a book." I think the saying has less to do with Black folk and reading, and more to do with White people's wishful thinking. Still, the achievement gap suggests that we need more African-American people to be-

Guest Columnist

come literacy warriors.

The education system is replete with racial disparity and unfairness. African-Americans, who make up 18 percent of the pre-kindergarten population, garner 48 percent of the suspensions, and are three times as likely as White students to get expelled.

Black girls are the most likely to experience expulsions. African-American students are also three times as likely to be held back as other students.

African-American students have less access to advanced cours-

es, like Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB). Too often their schools simply don't offer the courses that may make a difference in college admissions. While one in five White students takes calculus in high school, just one in 15 African-American students take calculus. And African-American students are three times as likely to be taught by first-year teachers as whites are.

There are all kinds of reasons for these educational disparities, some of which are a function of in-

come, residential location, wealth and parents' education (and all of these are correlated). There are multiple organizations that advocate for more educational equity and for closing the achievement gap. Billions of resources have gone into addressing the challenges that come with closing the achievement gap, but educational inequality is persistent. We need educational warriors, people who are committed to fighting the educational inequality with courage

MALVEAUX Page 54

By Marian Wright Edelman

Why We Must Never Forget Our Roots On the 40th anniversary of the publication of Alex Haley's landmark book "Roots: The Saga of an American Family," a new television adaptation is bringing renewed attention to the story that opened so many eyes to the harsh truth about American slavery and its aftermath — an aftermath that continues under new guises despite much progress.

The publication of "Roots" in 1976 came at a seminal moment

in American history. Cities across America were hosting celebrations of the nation's bicentennial and the founding creed set forth in the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. reminded our nation and world on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial that America had never fully lived up to that

Askia-At-Large

promise: "When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the 'unalienable Rights' of 'Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.'

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation,

America has given the Negro people a bad check — a check which has come back marked 'insufficient funds.'"

With "Roots," Alex Haley provided an epic lesson in American history through the story of his American family — slavery from the enslaved people's point of view. His book spent months on the bestseller list and the original television adaptation of Roots that aired in January 1977 shattered viewing records, giving tens of millions of people a visual, visceral experience of the true horrors of slavery. For the first time,

descendants of slaves, descendants of slave owners and people of all backgrounds were sharing a common experience and understanding of America's original sin, the aftereffects of which still radiate across our land. Acknowledging that truth together was a transformative experience.

In the past year we have seen a welcome surge — prodded by new books on slavery, campus debates and student protests — of new commitments by some universities and other

EDELMAN Page 54

By Askia Muhammad

Elijah Muhammad and the Making of Muhammad Ali He was born, it seems, at exactly the right moment. Muhammad Ali died June 3, 2016, and it feels like decades too soon.

He was 18 in 1960, at the height of his amateur skills when he won the Olympic heavyweight boxing gold medal in Rome.

But back home in Louisville, Kentucky, he was soon taught to stay in his racially defined "place." As his career in professional boxing soared however, so did his interest in "liberation," and "freedom" from the "oppression" of life in White America,

for himself and for all Black people.

He grew up middle-class, cleancut. He was just a year younger than Emmett Till. And like Emmett, he grew up under American apartheid, in the heart of Dixie. And like so many others in his generation who saw vicious dogs, fire hoses and mass arrests against young Black people, his quest took him coincidentally to Muhammad Mosque of Islam.

In Miami he met Abdul Rahman Muhammad, then known as FOI Captain Sam, who was selling Muhammad Speaks newspapers. He was then recruited to Muhammad Mosque, where he learned to speak

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

and act in a way no Black athlete had ever acted in United States history — not even "unforgivably Black" heavyweight champion Jack Johnson.

Once inside the Nation of Islam, his toughness and swagger fit right in. He was definitely at home among the men, the FOI, the Fruit of Islam.

He was all about quick thinking, fast moving, cleanliness inside and out, right down to the modern time, with an abundant amount of hard hitting thrown in for good measure.

He was also intolerant of the abundant supply of injustice dispensed in this country daily.

Muhammad Ali was like a soundtrack by Curtis Mayfield and Nina Simone, and Black people at the time were ready to get ready with him for the train that was a comin'.

Though he could not sing in tune, he knew the words to one song and invoked those words like an anthem: "A White Man's Heaven is a Black Man's Hell," written by Minister Louis Farrakhan, then known as Louis X. Then the Honorable Elijah Muhammad gave this gifted soul, who was known in the ranks of the Nation as Cassius X, something which was more precious than gold — a

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great name. His, was not just any name to replace the name he'd inherited from his family's slave master.

No. he was given the name of Islamic fighting champion Muhammad Ali Pasha, commander of the Ottoman army in the 19th Century.

The very name itself conveyed its own power. Elijah Muhammad gave Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. a name he could live up to in his own life journey. A name to which he could aspire. And he did aspire to it. And oh, how Ali lived up to the brave commander's name.

ASKIA Page 54 JUNE 9 - 15, 2016 27

Upcoming Statehood Events June 7, 2016 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

June 13, 2016 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Town Hall to discuss draft constitution

The New Columbia Statehood Commission will launch

African American Civil War Memorial & Museum

the Constitutional Convention

1925 Vermont Avenue, NW

District of Columbia Taxicab Commission

RSVP: June7Statehood.Eventbrite.com

2235 Shannon Place, SE, Room 2032

June 8, 2016 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

June 17, 2016 6:00 p.m.

Town Hall to discuss draft constitution

The New Columbia Statehood Commission will

Raymond Recreation Center

Woodrow Wilson High School

3725 10th Street, NW RSVP: June8Statehood.Eventbrite.com

3950 Chesapeake Street, NW

June 18, 2016 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

June 9, 2016 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Working groups present recommendations to the New Columbia Statehood Commission University of the District of Columbia Student Center 4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW

reconvene the Constitutional Convention

The New Columbia Statehood Commission will convene the final day of the Constitutional Convention Woodrow Wilson High School 3950 Chesapeake Street, NW RSVP for Constitutional Convention events at: http://bit.ly/DCStatehoodConvention

28 JUNE 9 - 15, 2016

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THE WASHINGTON INFORMER HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPLEMENT

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PUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes STAFF D. Kevin McNeir, Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, Assistant Photo Editor John E. De Freitas, Sports Photo Editor Dorothy Rowley, Online Editor ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Mickey Thompson, Social Sightings columnist Stacey Palmer, Social Media Specialist Angie Johnson, Circulation REPORTERS Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Eve Ferguson, Will Ford (Prince George’s County Writer), D. Kevin McNeir, Dorothy Rowley, Rachel Sudduth, Sarafina Wright (General Assignment Writer) PHOTOGRAPHERS John E. DeFreitas, Shevry Lassiter, Roy Lewis, Patricia Little, Corey Parrish, Travis Riddick

By Cerita Battles Senior Vice President and Diverse Segments National Sales Manager Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Happy Homeownership Month! Wells Fargo is proud to again be title sponsor of this special supplement published by the Washington Informer to display our commitment to helping those who aspire to become sustainable homeowners.

This year’s theme, Expanding Homeownership, is an important one as Americans still desire and value homeownership. As the nation’s leading mortgage lender, Wells Fargo has a very important role to play in the future of housing and helping first time homebuyers and other low-to-moderate income (LMI) borrowers gain access to credit. We also have a responsibility to help as many Americans as possible – especially Millennials, African Americans, and other diverse segments that are crucial to our nation’s financial health – realize the dream of sustainable homeownership.

We plan to demonstrate our commitment to help customers achieve sustainable homeownership in a number of ways that include: Mirroring the segments we serve by increasing diversity among our sales force, being present in these communities, building and enhancing relationships with key referral sources such as nonprofit organizations and credit counseling agencies, and expanding access to credit by providing homebuyers with products, programs, education and processes that enable sustainable homeownership.

Wells Fargo recently launched yourFirstMortgageSM, a new home loan program that allows for a down payment of as little as three percent for fixed-rate mortgages, lower out-of-pocket costs, expanded credit criteria and a possible rate reduction for those who take incentives for homebuyer education. This is a major step by Wells Fargo to help make owning a home a reality for consumers who think the dream of homeownership is out of reach because of financial pressures, complexities, and uncertainties about exactly what it takes to buy a home in this current environment.

Also, according to Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data, for the fifth consecutive year Wells Fargo was the No. 1 originator of home loans in all key categories, including loans to all ethnic minorities, including African Americans, low- and moderate-income borrowers, and residents of low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. Our five-year corporate social responsibility effort shows our continued commitment to lend to minority households across the economic spectrum and to low-to moderate income consumers in our efforts to expand sustainable homeownership. These goals include: • Donating $500 million to meet critical economic needs such as financial education and affordable housing.

• Extending $150 billion in mortgage originations to minority households and $70 billion in mortgage originations to low-to-moderate income house holds through retail and correspondent networks.

• Providing 12 million customers with credit scores and support for managing overall financial health.

This year’s theme for Homeownership Month, as stated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is “Dare to own the Dream.” At Wells Fargo, we are intentional and purposeful in our efforts to help aspiring homeowners in Washington, D.C. and around the country realize that dream of homeownership. We look forward to serving our customers and helping them reach their financial goals.

Together we’ll go far! n

SUMMER INTERNS Victoria Jones Rushawn Walters

www.washingtoninformer.com / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPLEMENT – JUNE 2016

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Wells Fargo Launches New Home Loan Program Removes Complexities, Barriers for First-Time Buyers

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor Building upon their history of responsible lending, Wells Fargo & Company recently launched a new home loan program that will enable more first-time homebuyers and low- to moderate-income consumers to achieve one of the pinnacles of the American dream – homeownership.

The program, “yourFirst MortgageSM,” offers a down

couraging that by offering an educational and counseling component that, if completed, allows borrowers to lower the rate on their loan by 1/8 of a percent.. ” Battles said initiatives like yourFirst MortgageSM can make the dream of homeownership real for more people, helping to provide access to credit– something that has tended to elude many Blacks and others who have never owned a home.

“It removes a lot of the complexity in the loan application process that often causes consumers to continue renting instead of believing that they can become homeowners.”

CERITA BATTLES / WELLS FARGO

payment as low as 3 percent for fixed-rate mortgages, lower out-of-pocket costs, expanded credit criteria and incentives for homebuyer education.

One company executive describes the new program as “a game changer in the industry.”

“It removes a lot of the complexity in the loan application process that often causes consumers to continue renting instead of believing that they can become homeowners,” said Cerita Battles, senior vice president and Diverse Segments national sales manager, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.

“Sometimes the criteria for loan programs are so complex that it actually creates barriers for many qualified borrowers,” Battles said. “Homebuyer education is important in helping consumers make informed choices and we are en-

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“Wells Fargo is strategically well-positioned to expand sustainable homeownership with a focus on four key pillars: making sure we mirror the markets that we serve by increasing diversity among our salesforce; establishing a greater presence in the marketplace both online and with bricks and mortar so that consumers have easier access to information and services; partnering with our key referral sources – those in the community like nonprofit educational providers, unions, the NAACP and the National Urban League to assist their constituencies who desire to become homeowners; and expanding access to credit with products and programs and processes to enable sustainable homeownership.”

Battles acknowledged that Wells Fargo has a ways to go in order to reach parity with the mortgage industry where about 46 percent of homebuy-

ers in the first quarter of 2016 were first-time homeowners, adding that she believes they’ll be able to reach and serve more consumers through this new program..

“We’re determined to open up the credit box for those who may have heard about similar home loan programs but felt that they’d never qualify,” she said. “Our program offers additional income and credit guidelines that can put a consumer that much closer to owning their own home.”

Brad Blackwell, executive vice president, Well Fargo Home Lending, agrees that the new program provides access to credit while maintaining responsible lending practices.

“We’ve partnered with credit experts such as Fannie Mae and Self-Help, an affiliate of the Center for Responsible Lending, to develop an easy-to-understand affordable loan option that gives homebuyers the best offering in the

market,” he said in a press release.

And with the goal of expanding sustainable homeownership, yourFirst MortgageSM provides fair mortgages to qualified working families which ultimately benefits neighborhoods and local communities.

In summary, yourFirst MortgageSM serves as a tool for those desiring to purchase their own home because it lowers down payment and out-of-pocket costs, encourages buyers to make informed choices, offers additional income and credit guidelines and builds on Wells Fargo’s history of responsible lending.

The new initiative joins Wells Fargo’s existing suite of homebuyer services such as yourLoanTrackerSM, yourHome Matters and My FirstHome®, an interactive online program designed to help first-time homebuyers prepare to purchase a home

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPLEMENT – JUNE 2016 / www.washingtoninformer.com

and become responsible homeowners.

Franklin Codel, head of Wells Fargo Home Lending, explained the purpose behind the creation of yourFirst Mortgage.

“With the industry’s largest team of mortgage experts, yourFirst MortgageSM responsibly expands access to credit with trusted guidance from America’s largest home lender,” Codel said in a press release.

“We developed yourFirst Mortgage to serve the broad population of qualified firsttime homebuyers, including the low- to moderate-income customers and the diverse millennial population which is more than 2/3 of firsttime homebuyers today. This is good for our customers and benefits the economy by building stronger communities through sustainable homeownership,” Codel added. n

Make Sure You Know the Facts from Myths When Seeking to Own a Home

By Donna Greene, Regional Diverse Segments Manager, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage You want to own your own home, but you’ve heard it’s tough to get a loan. You

assume you don’t have enough saved for a down payment, or your credit score or income isn’t high enough. So you put off applying, or you close the door on ever buying a home.

Sound familiar?

Many Americans say they want to be homeowners and

You may be closer to buying a home than you think Get the facts on some common homebuying myths Myths

Facts

I need a 20% down payment to buy a home.

You have options — some financing programs allow as little as 3% down, and in some cases, no down payment is required for qualified homebuyers. Plus, monetary gifts from friends or family may be allowed for all or a portion of a down payment and/or closing costs.

I need a perfect credit score to buy a home.

There are financing programs available for homebuyers with less-than-perfect credit scores, or limited credit history. Some programs allow you to use rent, mobile phone, or utility payments to show credit history.

I need to make more money to qualify for a mortgage.

Financing programs are available for a wide range of incomes. Other factors are also considered when you apply for a mortgage, including your credit score, credit profile, and your savings.

Your home mortgage consultant can help you understand the facts behind these and other myths, and discuss common homebuying concerns, such as: • Renting vs. buying • Required time in a job or profession • Citizenship status Let’s talk about your homebuying options.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage 202-895-5161 4926 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20016 www.wfhm.com/dc-washingtondcbranch-washington

Information is accurate as of the date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2015 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. AS2155079 Expires 08/2016

they think now is a good time to buy, according to Wells Fargo’s “How America Views Homeownership” survey. But many people may be holding back because of some persistent myths about what it takes to qualify for a loan.

If you’re one of those people, you may be closer Trim to Size homeownership than 5.65 x 10 you think. Here are some common myths about homebuying, and the truth behind them.

MYTH #1: I need a perfect credit score to buy a home, or I need more credit history.

If you think this, you’re not alone. In our survey, two-thirds of people believed they need a very good credit score to buy a home, with almost half thinking a “good credit score” is over 780. The truth is that a score of over 780 is generally considered “excellent,” and over 660 is generally considered “good.”

There are financing programs available for homebuyers with a range of credit scores, or limited credit history. Some programs allow you to use rent, mobile phone or utility payments to show credit history. The important thing to remember is that a lender looks at your entire financial picture, not just credit score – so find out what options you may have before excluding yourself.

MYTH #2: I need a down payment of at least 20%.

This is a common misconception. In Wells Fargo’s survey, more than a third of people believe a 20 percent down payment is required.

Among African Americans, the belief was even more common (58 percent of

respondents).

In reality, you have options. Some financing programs allow qualified homebuyers to put down as little as 3 percent. You may be allowed to use monetary gifts from family or friends for all or part of the down payment.

Despite a wide variety of loan options, about one in five people in the survey said lack of funds for a down payment was barrier to homeownership for them.

But it could be less of a barrier than they think. A home mortgage consultant can walk you through your options.

MYTH #3: I need to make more money to qualify for a mortgage.

Income is an important factor in qualifying for a home loan, but don’t assume it has to be high. Financing programs are available for a wide range of incomes. The key is demonstrating your ability to repay the loan.

Lenders look at a variety of factors, including your income, assets, debt-toincome ratio, credit history, credit scores, and the amount of the loan compared to the value of the property.

If you want to buy a home but you assume you won’t qualify, it’s worth a closer look. A home mortgage consultant can discuss your specific situation and options you may have. Wells Fargo also has free resources online like our online learning and planning center at www.wellsfargo.com/mortgage/learning and MyFirst Home® at www. wellsfargo.om/myfirsthome to help you get educated about the homebuying process. Don’t rule yourself out before busting the myths and learning the facts. n

www.washingtoninformer.com / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPLEMENT – JUNE 2016

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Homeownership Can Be an Important Part of Wealth Planning and Management

By Darnell Glover private mortgage banker Wells Fargo Home Mortgage darnell.s.glover@ wellsfargo.com For most Americans homeownership is a dream come true. For some consumers, particularly those who have complex income and/or high net worth, a home purchase also is viewed as a very important part of their wealth management strategy.

Consumers who plan to include their home purchase, whether it’s a primary residence or second home, as an asset in their wealth strategy should have a team of professionals working together to consider financial implications and opportunities for the purchase to meet their goals. Three of these professionals can include: An experienced and trusted lender will help a consumer through the approval process for the loan and offer relevant financing options to help them make an informed choice. At Wells Fargo, private mortgage bankers work with affluent clients on high dollar mortgage financing options that complement wealth building strategies. For jumbo mortgages, which are loans above $417,000 (for a single family residence) in Washington DC, there are strict underwriting guidelines that include mandatory reserve amounts. Wells Fargo also has an experienced underwriting team that is trained to understand the unique aspects of financing with this product for clients who may have complex income and our Recast option is in place on all Wells Fargo non-conforming jumbo loans.

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Consumers who plan to include their home purchase, whether it’s a primary residence or seond home, as an asset in their wealth strategy should have a team of professionals working together to consider financial implications and opportunities for the purchase to meet their goals.

A financial advisor or financial planner who knows and understands the short and long term financial aspirations of a consumer can take a more holistic view of the goals and how the purchase of home will fit into those plans. A financial advisor can answer questions like “Can I afford to take money out of my brokerage account for a down payment and if so how much?”

A knowledgeable tax advisor can help consumers understand tax implications of the home purchase as part of their portfolio and may be able to offer advice to help minimize tax implications.

Consulting an estate attorney is a good idea for consumers who intend to hold title under a Trust or LLC. Wells Fargo is committed to helping customers meet their financial goals. Our Private Mortgage Banking division and Wealth Management professionals work together to comprehensively assess clients’ needs and develop a plan to help meet their financial objectives. n

Trim Size 9.5 x 12.3

yourLoanTracker — puts the process at your fingertips SM

Looking to buy or refinance a home? Now there’s a better way.

With yourLoanTracker, you can:

Confidently move through the home loan process using a computer, smartphone or tablet.

Check the Progressat-a-Glance bar on your eStatus dashboard to know where you are in the process at all times.

Quickly receive, review, and securely upload documents — sign select documents electronically, too.

Count on a home mortgage consultant to guide you every step along the way.

To determine if your home loan is available with yourLoanTracker features, talk to a home mortgage consultant.

Call us. We’re here to help you get started today.

202-895-5161 4926 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20016 wfhm.com/dc-washingtondcbranch-washington

Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2015 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. AS2155180 Expires 08/2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPLEMENT – JUNE 2016 / www.washingtoninformer.com

2016 Prince George’s County Housing Fair Returns Saturday, June 11th with New Panels, New Features and A Chance to Win Up to $10,000!

According to the Washington Business Journal, “Prince George’s County continues to see one of the strongest housing rebounds in the region.” That’s why it important to mark your calendar and make plans to attend the annual Prince George’s County Housing Fair on Saturday, June 11th from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Sports and Learning Complex, 8001 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD. The Housing Fair is presented by the Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community

Development (DHCD) and the Housing Authority of Prince George’s County and sponsored by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Bank of America and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

Housing Fair attendees will have an opportunity to meet with housing industry professionals, such as mortgage lenders, realtors, rental property managers, housing counselors, banks, non-profit organizations and various

government agencies. The MD Department of Housing and Community Development will host its Mortgage Late, Don’t Wait Program, bringing in major mortgage bank servicers to discuss options with homebuyers trying to avoid foreclosure.

The Fair will also hold workshops on financial literacy, foreclosure alternatives, managing your money and more.

This year, two expert panel discussions will open up the Housing Fair: Condominium Ownership: Know Your Rights and the Laws. Many first time homebuyers purchase condominiums without knowing or understanding the governance behind them. This panel will enlighten potential homebuyers considering the purchase of

a condo and answer questions for those who have already made their purchase. Also, the return of the popular panel, Ask the Experts: Understanding the Value of Your Home, Knowing When to Buy and When to Sell. Last year, there was standing room only to hear this free advice from the industry experts.

DHCD will present its House Lottery this year and give pre-qualified applicants a chance to win up to $10,000 toward the purchase of their first home. During the MidDay Event, Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III will draw the names of 4 winners at 12:00 noon.

Applicants can download an application from http://hcd.

mypgc.us and submit it to Ms. P. J. Gardner via e-mail at: pjgardner@co.pg.md.us before 12:00 noon on Friday, June 10th or they can enter on-site at the Housing Fair before 11:00 a.m. All applicants must be present to win.

To be eligible for up to $10,000: • you must be a first-time homebuyer; • you must work with a pre-approved lender; • you must be income eligible; and • the house must be your primary residence.

Call (301) 883-5300 for more information and visit the county website at http:// hcd.mypgc.us for more details. n

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㠀 ㄀ 匀栀攀爀椀昀昀 刀漀愀搀 䰀愀渀搀漀瘀攀爀Ⰰ 䴀䐀 ㈀ 㜀㠀㔀

刀甀猀栀攀爀渀 䰀⸀ 䈀愀欀攀爀Ⰰ 䤀䤀䤀 䌀漀甀渀琀礀 䔀砀攀挀甀琀椀瘀攀

www.washingtoninformer.com / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPLEMENT – JUNE 2016

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THE WASHINGTON INFORMER HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPLEMENT – JUNE 2016 / www.washingtoninformer.com

Housing Expo Spotlights Homeownership Opportunities Free Event Partners DHCD with Greater Washington Urban League

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development [DHCD] will partner with the Greater Washington Urban League and others for a free event in which District residents and business owners can learn more about housing and community development plans.

But the DHCD has other goals – all of which will benefit District residents including housing production, housing

preservation, ending homelessness and finding solutions for vacant and blighted properties, according to DHCD Director Polly Donaldson who also chairs the DC Housing Preservation Strike Force, an 18-member team created in 2015 by Mayor Muriel Bowser charged with developing an action plan to preserve the District’s existing affordable housing.

The DC Housing Expo, now in its eighth year, will be held Saturday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Walter

E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt.Vernon Place in Northwest.

Donaldson describes the upcoming event and other related initiatives as an “unprecedented commitment by the District to increase overall investment in affordable housing.”

“The Strike Force has to contend with existing affordable housing covenants, many of which will expire in 2020, so that we can advise the mayor on how to address one of the District’s top priorities which

JUNE HOUSING BLOOM

This month, Mayor Muriel Bowser and several District of Columbia agencies are kicking off the first annual June Housing Bloom, a month-long initiative that showcases how the public and private sectors are partnering to both produce and preserve affordable housing across the city, and to revitalize neighborhoods.

CALENDAR sneak peek 

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June 1: Release of Five Solicitations of Offers to transform 25 vacant and blighted properties into vibrant neighborhood developments.

June 11: Housing Expo and Home Show held by the DC Department of Housing and Community Development and the Greater Washington Urban League, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

June 16: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 1545 Girard Street NE, which will offer a newly constructed 25 unit affordable housing community with resident and supportive services for seniors.

June 17: Economic Intelligence Roundtable on housing data, hosted by the Deputy Mayor’s Office for Planning and Economic Development and the DC Chamber of Commerce.

June 20: Groundbreaking Ceremony at 1035 4th Street NW/307 K Street NW (Plaza West), which will provide affordable units for grandfamilies as well as 173 affordable units for individuals and families.

To get more information as well as updates on new calendar listings, go to dhcd.dc.gov/2016junehousingbloom.

Department of Housing and Community Development Polly M. Donaldson, Director

GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA MURIEL BOWSER, MAYOR

is preserving and protecting the current affordable housing stock,” Donaldson said.

She added that there currently exist thousands of units, either subsidized or vouchered with rent support or loan income tax credit, that require set rent amounts that she and her committee want to make sure are not converted to market rates or high end condos.

“We realize that there’s a concern about affordable housing in the District and to address that and to preserve current housing, we need to be proactive. One of the things we know is that utilizing the mixed income model which is the best practice example nationwide is something we want to promote. The bottom line is DHCD embraces the concept of homeownership and we are determined to build and revitalize neighborhoods by making programs available that provide down payments, closing costs and also preserving homeownership for seniors who may need some assistance with things like renovations including wheel chair accessibility or roof repairs,” she said.

For the first time, the Expo under the auspices of the District, will add D.C.’s own month-long theme of June Housing Bloom with the month being designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in recognition of the critical role that owning a home plays in communities across the U.S. During the Expo there will be workshops, credit counseling, a home show section with “how to tips” for current homeowners who want to improve the value and quality of their homes, financial literacy resources for high school students and aging in place planning that will address the needs of seniors and small business strategies.

Donaldson said the goal of the Expo is to reach all of their stakeholders at a comprehensive event that is family friendly.

“We have worked in the past 1 ½ years to streamline and make more accessible the application process for those interested in purchasing a home in the District,” Donaldson said.

“Now residents can apply on line and also take advantage of a growing number of resources.

This year’s Expo will be bigger and better than ever with over 150 exhibitors. Last year we had between 3,500 and 4,000 people attend. This year our goal is to exceed 5,000.”

Donaldson added that as it relates to blighted or vacant properties, her department will offer a solicitation for those interested in purchasing those properties with the goal of either renovating or transforming then into affordable housing. Significant opportunities exist in Wards 4, 6, 7 and 8.

“Funding is available for those who want to purchase these properties and we offer resources for nonprofit and for-profit entities. And the application process can be completed online for the first time. We get far more requests than we have funding but we’re able to give every applicant a fair chance.”

Donaldson added that homelessness remains a key concern for her office and the mayor.

“You can’t address homelessness without also discussing affordable housing,” she said.

“We know we need permanent housing solutions for families and individuals and we remain committed to moving them from shelters to permanent housing. That means we must continue to be part of the acquisition and distribution process so that we can help people as they secure permanent housing and are more easily able to reestablish themselves as assets in the community.”

For more information go to dmpcd.dc.gov. which provide details on pending projects, agencies and populations or dhcd.gov. n

www.washingtoninformer.com / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPLEMENT – JUNE 2016

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Government of the District of Columbia

DC Department of Housing and Community Development

EIGHTH ANNUAL

DC HOUSING EXPO AND HOME SHOW Saturday, June 11, 2016 10am – 3pm

Walter E. Washington Convention Center For more information call (202) 442-7200 or visit 2016expo.eventbrite.com to register

Home Purchasing Assistance

Tenant and Landlord Resources

Affordable Housing Showcase

Aging in Place Planning

Small Business Strategies

Remodeling and Repair Demos

Design and Decorating Tips

Youth Financial Literacy Training

THIS FREE EVENT FEATURES: Over 150 Exhibitors • Prizes and Giveaways • Access to Affordable Rentals

Over 20 Workshops • Free Credit Reports • Credit and Foreclosure Counseling GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA MURIEL BOWSER, MAYOR

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THE WASHINGTON INFORMER HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPLEMENT – JUNE 2016 / www.washingtoninformer.com

Welcome Home, Washington Community Bank Offers Special Assistance for Home Buyers With housing costs in greater Washington continuing to climb, homeownership may seem like a distant dream for many Washingtonians. However Sandy Spring Bank has taken steps to make home ownership more affordable.

Our Welcome Home Mortgage is a great alternative to a FHA or conventional loan, because the program does not require mortgage insurance.

Taking into consideration the realities of the local market, a Welcome Home Mortgage is one of the few loan programs that provides up to 97% financing for loan amounts as high as $625,500.

Sandy Spring Bank is commit-

ted to building strong communities and helping people reach their homeownership goals. In addition to the Welcome Home Mortgage, Sandy Spring Bank can also extend special terms to First-Time Home-Buyers or Civil Service employees.

The Welcome Home Mortgage features: • 97% Financing to $625,500.00 • 3% down payment • Purchases, or Rate and Term Refinances for up to 100% of the property’s appraised value • 30 Year Fixed1 Terms or Adjustable Rate Mortgages2 • Loan to value up to 105% in combination with a down payment assistance program • Seller contributions allowed up to 6% of the purchase price of the home • Home Buyer Education is required • The Welcome Home Mortgage is available to applicants with incomes below 80% of the

lower, its APR, once monthly mortgage insurance is accounted for, is higher than the APR for the Welcome Home loan (4.497% vs.

3.3947%). Taxes, insurance and condo fees are estimates based on a sales price of $250,000.Actual fees will vary.The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is a measure of the cost of credit, expressed as a yearly rate. n

area median income. In addition, the program is also available to all home buyers acquiring a primary residence in a low- or moderate-income area.

Take a look at the side-by-side comparison of the Welcome Home Mortgage to a FHA Loan for the purchase of a condo in Washington, DC.The Welcome Home Mortgage saves a home buyer $116.14 monthly. In addition, a home buyer also receives a cost savings of $ 4,222 since Up-

Front FHA Mortgage Insurance (UFMIP) would not be required.

For more information, contact Mortgage Banker Noel Shepherd, NMLS #313280, at 301.617.4245 or nshepherd@SandySpringBank.

While the fixed interest rate for the FHA loan is nominally

1 Rates as of 5/29/2015. Rates quoted are for 1-4 family, owner occupied residences. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. APR shown may vary from final APR based upon borrower’s qualifications and loan program selected. Monthly payments examples are estimates only and may vary. Adequate property insurance is required. Flood Insurance will be required if the property lies in a Special Flood Hazard Area.

2 The Welcome Home Mortgage also has variable-rate programs available. Please contact a Sandy Spring mortgage banker for details.

Offer available for new applications only.This special loan program and terms are available in select communities. Please consult a Sandy Spring Bank mortgage banker for specific loan programs and details.

FROM SANDY SPRING BANK. FOR A HOME OF YOUR OWN. The Welcome Home Mortgage If you want to buy that new home, Sandy Spring Bank’s Welcome Home Mortgage* program is a great value: • Low fixed or adjustable rates • No mortgage insurance • Low down payment • No points

• A second lien to assist with closing costs, ranging from $1,500 to $3,000** • Automatic payment from a Sandy Spring Bank account***

To apply or learn more, visit a branch or call. And from all of us at Sandy Spring Bank—welcome home!

800.399.5919 • sandyspringbank.com

*Loan program, details and offer subject to change and cancellation without notice. Must notify mortgage banker of offer at time of application. Not valid for commercial loan applications. Owner occupied properties only. Offer available for new applications only. Other program restrictions may apply. **Eligibility for the second lien program is determined by the applicant’s income and/or property location. Please contact a Sandy Spring Bank mortgage banker for specific details. ***Auto payment from a Sandy Spring Bank deposit account is available. • Member FDIC

www.washingtoninformer.com / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPLEMENT – JUNE 2016

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If you don’t have access to a computer or if you prefer to receive this information over the phone, call us at 1-855-639-6383.

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THE WASHINGTON INFORMER HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPLEMENT – JUNE 2016 / www.washingtoninformer.com

Facing Foreclosure? The District of Columbia Can Help.

Information provided by the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking and Housing Counseling Services Are you a District homeowner facing foreclosure? If so, the District of Columbia has resources that could help you save your home.

In February 2012, federal and state governments reached an historic $25 billion settlement with the country’s five largest mortgage-servicers to provide relief to people who lost or are in danger of losing their homes because of the companies’ abuses. The District allocated its portion of the settlement exclusively to foreclosure prevention programs to help District residents stay in their homes.

Through a Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB)-supervised contract with Housing Counseling Services (HCS), the settlement funds are paying for foreclosure prevention

counseling, legal assistance for homeowners facing foreclosure, community outreach, education and more.

If you have received a foreclosure notice from your bank, lender or condo association, don’t wait any longer. Call the District’s Foreclosure Prevention Hotline at 202-265-CALL (2255) or 855-449-CALL (2255) now for assistance.

Here are the free foreclosure prevention resources available to District residents: HOUSING COUNSELING District residents have free access to HUD-certified housing counselors to assist them in understanding the best options for their personal circumstances.

Housing counselors will assess the homeowner’s situation and explore all loss mitigation options and the best course of action.

Housing counselors can also assist homeowners to prepare financial packages required to sup-

port the loss mitigation process between the lender, homeowner and condo/HOA associations.To schedule a one-on-one counseling session call the Foreclosure Prevention Hotline at 202-265CALL (2255) or 855-449-CALL (2255).

LEGAL SERVICES Housing Counseling Services also provides referrals for free legal services for eligible District homeowners as a last resort to resolving delinquencies.Attorneys are available to evaluate legal issues related to the mortgage, provide brief advice and offer limited representation for those in the judicial foreclosure process.

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH Housing Counseling Services offers free foreclosure prevention clinics where tools and options are available to at-risk homeowners. Clinics are held every Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. at HCS’s Adam’s Morgan location (2410 17th Street, NW, Suite 100) and by appointment at its East of the River location (Ward 7 Housing Empowerment Center, Antioch Baptist Church of Deanwood, 1105 50th Street, NE).

The clinic includes a presentation on vital information that every homeowner in danger of foreclosure should know.Attendees are then scheduled to meet individually with Housing Counselors who will address their specific situations.To register for a free clinic call the Foreclosure Prevention Hotline at 202-265-CALL (2255) or 855-449-CALL (2255).

BEWARE OF FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS DISB wants you to know the red flags of foreclosure rescue scams. If an individual or a company mentions any of these red flags, you should report it immediately to DISB or Housing Counseling Services.

• Asks for money up front for the service; • Asks you to send your payment to them instead of the lender; • Guarantees that they can stop the foreclosure; • Suggests that you sign the deed over to them; or • Claims to be with the government.

Don’t be lured with false promises and most importantly, you do not have to pay to get assistance with your loan.

Don’t wait, make the call. Call the Foreclosure Prevention Hotline at (202) 265-CALL (2255) or (855) 449-CALL (2255).You can also visit disb.dc.gov/foreclosure to access the resources listed here. n

Don’t hide from a late mortgage.

Make the call...

The service is free.

The call is free.

855-449-CALL

202.265.CALL

No se esconda de su hipoteca atrasada. Haga la llamada.

El servicio y llamada son gratis.

Housing Counseling Services, Inc. DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking

(2255)

www.washingtoninformer.com / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPLEMENT – JUNE 2016

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A Reverse Mortgage? What the “HECM” is It?

By Charlotte Knott

Prospective borrowers are often in a big hurry. They want to rush

through this requirement and HECM is the acronym for just get to the bottom line. How FHA’s Home Equity Conversion much can I get from the loan?

Mortgage, more commonly Because this is a complex loan, known as a reverse mortgage. the required counseling includes Much has been written about the financial implications of the reverse mortgages, both pro and loan and repayment conditions. con. The best known advantages The costs incurred and the are that the loan allows people obligations of the borrower are to remain in their homes without specified. The counselor will covhaving to pay a mortgage. It’s a er the financial details, but it is the non-recourse loan which means questions with answers that are that the borrower or their heirs not quantifiable that really need can never owe more than the to be considered. Why does the home is worth. borrower want a reverse mortThe basic requirements are that gage? Do they need the money the borrower: now or do they have a specific • be 62 years of age or older expenditure in mind? Sometimes • live in the home as a people are motivated because primary residence they have received so many ads by • have enough equity in mail, or several calls from lenders the home to pay off any that they feel pressured to get a existing mortgages or HECM that they don’t want or lines of credit need. It’s like hearing that the Recently, lenders have been lottery is now $500 million so you required to consider how well just have to buy a ticket. loan applicants have handled The borrower should consider home payments, credit cards, if now is the best time to get and installment loans, as well as a reverse mortgage. Waiting a ensuring that they have enough funds to continue paying property few years usually increases the amount of money available to a taxes and home insurance. The borrow because the borrower is borrower must complete HECM older and the value of the home counseling successfully.

Counseling begins with a phone may have appreciated. When the borrower is on the younger side, call to a HUD approved counthere is a risk of outliving the seling agency with a HUD listed equity in the home.

HECM counselor. The intake The balance owed on a reverse includes many questions about the mortgage increases constantly demographics of the borrower or because of accruing interest and borrowers. The counselor must mortgage insurance. Waiting to get specific information about the take a reverse mortgage until it’s value of the property, the balance needed will decrease the amount of any mortgages or liens on the that eventually needs to be repaid. property, the cost of property The prospective borrower also taxes and insurance, and whether needs to consider his/her comfort or not the borrower has any level with this ever increasing debt. outstanding federal debt. These If the borrower needs more facts are used to prepare the income now, are there other loan estimate. The counselor is required to send the applicant this options available? Would selling and moving to a different type estimate and several brochures of housing be a better option? about reverse mortgages. The Would renting a part of the home counseling appointment is schedbe an option? Are there other uled at this time. possibilities to supplement monthThe counseling session can be done face-to-face or by telephone. ly income? Some borrowers are concerned about what will be left The cost can range from free to for their heirs and how a reverse $125 or more. Thorough counmortgage will impact their estate. seling usually requires more than These questions are just as one hour and can easily last two hours. It should never be rushed. important as the financial consid-

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erations. When the answers are explored frankly and supportively with a counselor, the HECM borrower is more confident about their decision. This is especially true when the counseling is done face-to-face with someone who will still be available to answer questions after the appointment.

The HECM experience is much easier when the applicant has a thorough understanding of how it works. n This article is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation. Charlotte Knott is a HUD listed HECM Counselor with Housing Counseling Ser vices, Inc. (www.housingetc. org) where HECM counseling is made available free of charge.

THINKING ABOUT A REVERSE MORTGAGE? GOT QUESTIONS? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS!

Housing Counseling Services, Inc., a HUD approved non-profit housing counseling agency is one of the few housing counseling agencies in the DC metro area that also has certified Reverse Mortgage, also known as Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), counselors on staff. This resource has been valuable for the individuals we counsel and we want to make this resource available to as many people as possible.

HCS have two educational options for homeowners and their family members: • The first option is for those who have never had a reverse mortgage and want to learn more about them. On Tuesday, June 14th, 2016 at 2:00 PM we will have a workshop called “Reverse Mortgages for Beginners, How to Apply?”

• The second option is for those who have a reverse mortgage but need a refresher on how it works. The “Reverse Mortgage Refresher Workshop” will be held on Tuesday, June 21st, 2016 at 2:00 PM. The workshops will be held at Housing Counseling Services, Inc., 2410 17th Street, NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC. All HCS workshops are available in English and Spanish.

Pre-registration is requested at our website, www.housingetc.org. Other languages are available with advance notice. For more information contact us at (202) 667-7006 or training@housingetc.org.

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPLEMENT – JUNE 2016 / www.washingtoninformer.com

Landscape Improvements: Great for Increasing Home Values

A beautifully-landscaped yard and areas surrounding a home could increase the value of the property. / Photo courtesy HGTV.

By Stacy Brown WI Senior Writer Experts said when it comes to your home, it doesn’t hurt to have the best looking property on the block and it’s no secret that a good looking landscaping job can dramatically improve the value of a home.

Minor improvements like landscaping and painting walls in neutral colors save money and attract buyers more swiftly, said Zillow agent Cyndi Lesinski.

“A clean entrance can go a long way toward establishing a positive first impression,” said Lesinski, who recommends adding “fresh potted flowers to increase the life and energy of the entrance.”

Another tip is to simply add a fresh coat of paint to the front door.

“Black, dark charcoal and tasteful reds such as burgundy or cranberry are currently the most popular front door colors and they bring tasteful exuberance to the home without being too overbearing for potential buyers,” she said.

An inviting exterior and landscape, fresh paint in neutral colors and clutter-free spaces will always appeal to a broad range of tastes, said Amy Bohutinsky, Zillow’s chief marketing officer and a guest judge on NBC’s reality

show American Dream Builders.

In the District where home prices have either steadied or increased since the end of the Great Recession, there aren’t too many places where having neatly manicured lawns, blossoming flowers and rose beds could mean more money in a homeowner’s pocket.

“Help your house stand out among other homes in your neighborhood.Add more functionality to your backyard, which means fewer renovations for buyers to make,” said Elena Meadowcroft, a professional content writer for Coldwell Banker.

“Low-maintenance and functional landscaping is highly desirable, said Meadowcroft, who works with and blogs for businesses like Lerch Brothers Landscape Contractors.

Also, District-based American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) suggested investing 5 to 10 percent of a home’s value on landscaping.That rule of thumb can be expensive but the good thing is you don’t have to do it all at once.

On its website,ASLA officials suggest looking at books and magazines and starting a file of plants, trees, gardens, yards, patios, decks and fences that strike the homeowner’s fancy.They also suggest hiring one of their members to bring your ideas to

life. If you go that route, interview several companies and check their references.

If you can’t afford an architect, check out the services offered by local nurseries and big-box retailers such as Lowe’s and Home Depot because many offer design services, often without charge if you are buying your plants at the same place.

In a blog, Meadowcroft also advised that homeowners seeking to improve the appearance outside of their homes should keep it simple.

“Unfortunately, potential homebuyers might get overwhelmed by all the flora diversity in your garden when it comes time to sell,” she said.

“If you are taking a minimalistic approach to landscaping, you might want to add a few shrubs here and there to fill some space and make it seem less empty,” she said, adding that a good balance is having a variety of plants that will please the eye any time of the year.

“For example, evergreens make winter look more colorful and tulip magnolias and cherry trees create quite a spectacle in spring,” she said.

It’s also important to remember that plants do grow and that growth needs to be kept in check.

Meadowcroft advised to first eliminate all obstructions created by plants such as overgrown bushes blocking windows or tree roots disrupting passages.

She said pay attention to large, old trees that may present a hazard during a storm as some of them might have to be removed.

Next, it’s important to replace any dying plants and trees with new ones and keep all of the shrubbery and trees well-trimmed.

ASLA experts said budget-bound homeowners should plan their landscaping over several years, doing a little bit at a time until they achieve their goals.

Note that by planting a big tree too close, the growing roots could cause the foundation to crack.

And if the tree is placed near a

sidewalk or driveway, root expansion could cause the pavement to buckle. So determine how large it will become, what leaf pattern will develop and then decide where to place it, experts say.

With possible large returns on investment, real estate agents and those in the landscape business agree that the best use of time

and money would be to add curb appeal.

“Spend time and money on smaller updates that will bring the home up to market value,” said Chris Speicher, a Zillow agent who also operates The Speicher Group and RE/MAX.“These kinds of products include updating lighting fixtures or door handles.” n

4 Tips to Spruce Up for Less (StatePoint) If you’re looking to make a big change around the house, tidying up can make all the difference.

Spruce up your life -- from your wardrobe to home décor – with these tips from the discount experts at Dollar General.

AUDIT YOUR CLOSET Out with the old and in with the new.As the seasons change, it’s necessary to make room for a new wardrobe. First, go through your closet and select the items you haven’t worn lately and plan to either donate or give to a friend. Consider consigning high-quality garments.The money you earn can be put toward your wardrobe budget.

Only after you’ve made space should you go shopping.You can search for new seasonal apparel without cluttering your house. Be sure to purchase items that are interchangeable, allowing you to mix and match outfits for different seasons, while saving space and money.

HOME CLEANING TIPS There’s such a rewarding feeling of accomplishment after cleaning a house from top to bottom. Instead of waiting to clean the entire house occasionally all at once, take the initiative of completing easy tasks on a more regular basis.The work will seem manageable and you’ll keep your home cleaner

overall this way.

Here are a few easy tasks to help you get started: eliminate odors in your kitchen by setting a bowl of coffee grounds inside your fridge. Clean your dishwasher by pouring white vinegar in the detergent dispenser and running a cycle.Absorb leaks and odors at the bottom of your trashcan by placing a handful of newspapers at the bottom.

HOME DÉCOR AND ORGANIZATION Spruce up your house with a little décor.As you declutter and organize, have fun by selecting new throw pillows, blankets, colorful accessories and new pictures to place around the house.

Simply rearranging your furniture can also change the mood of your space.A few small changes can make a big difference.

DIGITAL COUPONS Save on your sprucing by utilizing online digital coupons.

Routinely check your favorite retail stores for hot deals on supplies for cleaning, decorating and organizing. One retailer making it easy to save on everyday items is Dollar General. Coupons are available at dg.com/coupons, and are a quick and easy way to save money on great products.

By taking a little time to spruce things up, you can feel happy and relaxed at home. n

www.washingtoninformer.com / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPLEMENT – JUNE 2016

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Creating a brighter future.

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We volunteer our time and commit resources to support organizations that foster thriving communities. We are energized by these experiences and inspired to help everyone succeed.

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THE WASHINGTON INFORMER HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPLEMENT – JUNE 2016 / www.washingtoninformer.com

How to Make Your Dream Home a Reality (StatePoint) Spring is peak home-buying season, but for some, a low credit score may make it difficult for their dream home to become a reality.

Nearly a third of millennials (ages 18 to 34) hope to purchase a home within the next year, but more than 40 percent may not have the credit to do so, according to a survey from TransUnion, a leading credit bureau.

In contrast, the survey found older people’s intent to purchase a home better aligns with their financial standing. For example, 17 percent of those ages 35 to 54 said they plan to buy a home within the next year -- the same percent that has a super prime credit score -- an attractive trait for mortgage lenders.

As you start house hunting this spring, what markets are heating up?

The Northeast is a hot market, according to TransUnion findings, with 25 percent of respondents indicating intent to purchase a

home in the region.The West was a close second, with 24 percent, followed by the South with 21 percent and 15 percent of people in the Midwest.

If you’re planning to purchase a home this year,TransUnion offers several important tips to consider to help make your dream home a reality: • CHECK YOUR CREDIT REPORT: Applying for a mortgage?

Mortgage lenders will look at your credit score and report when you apply for a mortgage, so make sure your information is up to date. It’s best to check your report three months before you start looking at new homes to make sure your score is in a healthy range.

• START PLANNING EARLY: Your credit score is built over a lifetime of spending. Keep an

eye on your score and track how your spending habits affect it.

• BUILD CREDIT: Consumers with low or no credit should take steps to build a healthy credit score. How? Paying bills on time, making sure you’re keeping a low credit utilization ratio (the amount of credit you’re using out of your available credit), and even asking your landlord to report rent payments to a credit bureau such as TransUnion are all ways you can build credit.

• SHOP AROUND: Research mortgages and interest rates to receive a competitive offer.Your credit score is of the utmost importance since lenders will check your score and report to make sure you will be able to responsible pay back the mortgage loan.

PHOTO SOURCE: Monkey Business - Fotolia.com

• MAKE A FINANCIAL PLAN: Putting down a larger down payment will lower your monthly mortgage payment, but don’t put down more than you can afford.

Also keep in mind that you will need funds for closing costs, including a home inspection, before you can purchase your home.

• KEEP AN OPEN MIND: It may take time to build credit and save enough money for a down payment. Even if your finances aren’t in shape for a home now, it doesn’t mean homeownership isn’t a realistic possibility for the future.

More home-buying tips can be found at www.transunion.com Happy hunting! n

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Available for fixed-rate purchase loans with terms of 25 or 30 years and on primary residences only. Certain property types are ineligible. Borrower(s) must not have an individual or joint ownership interest in any other residential property at time of closing. Maximum purchase loan-to-value is 97% and maximum combined purchase loan-to-value is 103%. For loan-to-values > 95%, any secondary financing must be from an approved Community Second Program; ask for details. Homebuyer education required prior to closing when all borrowers on the loan are first-time homebuyers. Restrictions apply regarding co-borrowers. Maximum income and loan amount limits apply.

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Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. ©2016 Bank of America Corporation. AR9JRPQB AD-05-16-0600 06-2016

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Renters, Homebuyers, Homeowners Save Money Buy at a Discount – Get Money Back…and, Have Your Voice Heard on Housing Issues that Matter

Latika stands in front of her new home. HomeFree-USA has many success stories of helping homeowners. / Courtesy photo

As a member of America’s Homeowners Alliance, HomeFree-USA welcomes you to sign up for FREE through June 30.

Everyone wants a nice place to live. Most want to buy nice things at a discount and we all want government leaders to know and care about our housing and homeownership issues. America’s Homeownership Alliance does all that.

The Alliance’s mission is to protect and promote sustainable homeownership for everyone in America. One way the Alliance works for consumers is by representing your interests in Congress.

According to Phil Bracken, the chairman and founder of the Alliance, “it’s very, very,

difficult – especially for people of color and working class people – to get a mortgage.

We need the voice of the individual renters, homebuyers and homeowners to change this.”

The Alliance can’t do it alone.

They need your help. “We need 10 or 20 million people to sign up for this Alliance so that we can move Congress to do the things that benefit everyday people,” Bracken says.

Join America’s Homeowner Alliance. Help the Alliance to help you. As an added bonus you will get discounts and money back through member rewards from more than 1,000 merchants.

Go to MYAHA.org. Join today. It’s FREE with discount code, HOMEFREE. n

UPLIFTING Our Community Strengthens people Enhances families Elevates partners Building lives through homeownership HomeFree-USA is a HUD-approved nonprofit public benefit homeownership development, foreclosure prevention and financial empowerment organization.

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Miko opens the door to her new home. HomeFree-USA has many success stories of helping homeowners. / Courtesy photo

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(202) 526-2000 HOMEFREEUSA.ORG

(855) 493-4002

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A Black Millennial Homeowner’s Journey

By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer One 24 year old from Alabama Avenue in Southeast recently made his first step to building wealth for his family.

Deonta Lipscomb and his fiancée Alexis Smith, 23, moved into their three-bedroom townhouse in April of this year joining a burgeoning group of Black millennials who refuse to be left behind in starting a legacy and acquiring assets to leave for their children.

“I was born with nothing, so I want to die with everything.

That’s kind of the motto that I live by,” Lipscomb said. “My motivation to start this journey was definitely my kids. I want to leave them something.”

Lipscomb, a federal security officer and the father of two boys, two and seven months old, said the decision to pursue owning a home came after dealing with the negatives associated with being a renter.

“The rent was always going up. Every year it was rising about $50 dollars, so it wasn’t working,” he said.

He said a Facebook friend often posted the benefits of being a homeowner, eventually piquing his interest.

“Some of the benefits I found out were cheaper mortgage versus what you pay in rent,” he said. “It’s an all-around better investment.

I have a friend in real estate and he pointed us in the right direction with the paperwork, credit score process and attending home buyer classes.”

After learning they qualified for a loan, the search began in Maryland for communities with diversity and low crime rates.

“I grew up in Southeast and I want my kids to have something different,” Lipscomb said.

“I plan to get them dirt bikes when they’re older and they’ll be able to ride them in peace on dirt roads here instead of

on the streets of D.C.” The couple first looked in Prince George’s County but decided against it.

“We definitely had a few options, but due to the outrageous taxes we started to look in Charles County,” he said.

They eventually settled on a place in suburban Indian Head, Maryland.

Lipscomb contends that exposure to information made the difference for him in purchasing a home.

“If it wasn’t for my realtor, I probably would have never made the move to buy a home,” he said. “What discourages a lot of people is the process. They might be afraid of making a 15- to 30-year commitment or simply believe they can’t afford it.”

He also believes that many people believe owning a home is more expensive than it really is.

“The market is really low right now. You can definitely get a nice house for under $100,000. It might not be your dream house, but it’s still a nice home for you and your family,” he added.

Lipscomb notes that since purchasing his home, many of his friends and family members have expressed an interest in buying homes too.

“They want to start the process now because they see it’s attainable,” he said.

The couple has big plans for the future including marriage, vacation homes and a small business in line with Smith’s profession as an early childhood teacher.

What motivates Lipscomb to pursue such responsibilities as a young man can simply be put in one word: family.

“My children are my biggest support and motivation. They influence me the most to be successful,” he said. “I want to live a long life and at the end have something to leave behind for them.” n

/ Courtesy photo

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The Importance of Credit Scores and Homeownership

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer A good credit score is something to which everyone should aspire as it’s one of the key determinants when one seeks to borrow money – and getting a low rate when you do.

But trying to pin down a specific number that means your credit score is “good” can be tricky and there are a few different schools of thought, according to experts at Credit. com.

“Most credit scores – including the FICO score and the latest version of the VantageScore – operate within the range of 301 to 850. Within that range, there are different categories, from bad to excellent,” said Credit.com expert Gerri Detweiler.

Credit.com lists a score of 750 or above as excellent credit; 700-749 as good credit; 650-699 as fair credit; 600-649 as poor credit; and anything below 600 as bad credit.

However, even those aren’t set in stone. Lenders all have their own definitions of what is a good credit score, said Detweiler, the co-author of the books, “Debt Collection Answers: How to Use Debt Collection Laws to Protect Your Rights” and “Reduce Stress: Real-Life Solutions for Solving Your Credit Crisis” which focuses on helping individuals understand their credit and debt.

“One lender that is looking to approve more borrowers might approve applicants with credit scores of 680 or higher.

Another might be more selective and only approve those with scores of 750 or higher,” she said. “Or both might offer credit to anyone with a score of at least 650 but charge consumers with scores below 700 a higher interest rate.”

The Credit Score Range Using Various Scoring Models include: the FICO score whose range is 300 to 850; the

Credit scores can range from 280 to 900 depending. /Photo courtesy MSN Money

“A good score may be one thing when applying for a mortgage and something very different when applying for a credit card or car loan.”

BOB BERGER / FORBES MAGAZINE

Vantage Score 3.0 whose range is 300 to 850; the PLUS Score whose range is 330 to 830; the TransRisk Score of 100 to 900; and the Equifax Credit Score which is 280 to 850.

“With all of the scores listed, the higher the number the lower the risk. That means consumers with higher scores are more likely to get approved for credit and to get the best interest rates,” Detweiler said.

“And they are more likely to get discounts on insurance.

What is considered a high score depends on what type of score is being used.”

Last month Discover announced that it was making its free FICO scorecard available

to everybody. With free FICO score access, there’s reason to remain in the dark when it comes to your credit score.

Still, the question remains “what is a good credit score?”

Bob Berger, a contributor to Forbes Magazine and an investor and lawyer who has worked in private practice and for a regulator in the securities industry, noted in a recent post that what constitutes a “good” score depends on the circumstances.

“A good score may be one thing when applying for a mortgage and something very different when applying for a credit card or car loan,” he said.

With home loans there are

two key credit score requirements. The first is the minimum score necessary to qualify for a mortgage and the second is the minimum score needed to qualify for the lowest interest rates, Berger noted.

The score required to qualify for a mortgage varies based on the type of loan. For a conventional mortgage, the general rule is that a FICO score of at least 620 is required, Berger said.

FHA loans have a lower minimum of 500 to 580 – 580 qualifies an individual for a 3.5 percent down FHA loan; at 500 a 10 percent down payment is required, but not all banks will approve even an FHA loan with

a credit score south of 620.

There is one home loan that has no minimum credit score requirement. A VA guaranteed loan instead requires the lender to review the entire loan profile.

“Your credit report and score are two essential elements used by mortgage lenders to decide whether you’ll be approved for a mortgage,” Mitch Strom wrote for HSH. com which publishes mortgage and consumer loan information.

“Generally speaking, having a high FICO Score makes it more likely a consumer will qualify for favorable loan terms,” said Jeffrey Scott, spokesperson for FICO. “Lower rates mean lower monthly mortgage payments and lower interest payments over the life of your loan. In other words, you can save some major cash by improving your credit before you apply for a mortgage,” Strom said.

“You can really improve your chance of getting the lowest possible mortgage rates by paying your bills on time, keeping account balances low and using credit wisely.” n

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Home-Hunting Tips in a Seller’s Market (StatePoint) Are you on a serious hunt for a new home?

Whether it’s your first time as a real estate buyer or you’ve done this many times before, you may experience a learning curve.After all, the market is forever in-flux, and experts advise that, these days, there are some distinctive challenges involved in becoming a homeowner.

“If you want to snag your dream home in a seller’s market, then you’d better be on your game,” says Grant Simmons, who drives the consumer marketing strategy for Homes.com, a leading online real estate resources site, with close to three million real estate listings for sale or for rent.

Simmons is offering expert tips to give buyers a leg up in today’s competitive marketplace.

• Know what you want: Make a list of the features you desire in your next home, and then separate them into wants and needs.

Having your priorities in order will help you better determine whether a house truly suits your needs and where you’re willing to compromise.

• Use your imagination: Buying a live-in ready home offers convenience, but you can potentially save thousands of dollars on the front end on an ugly or tired home with great bones or personality. Choose a real estate agent with vision who can help you find the diamond in the rough in your desired location.

Remember, there can be large re-

turn on small, affordable updates.

• Know the deal-breakers: In a seller’s market, you may feel pressured to sign on the dotted line as soon as you find that home you really like. Before committing to a mortgage, do your due diligence.A shoddy roof, bad plumbing, foundation issues, outdated wiring and water damage are costly headaches you may not want to take on in a new home.

• Do smart research:The Internet is your friend. So rather than cast a wide net, conduct smart searches. Sites like Homes.com make real estate searches easier by connecting buyers with timely and accurate listing information, as well as the listing agent.The site also features comprehensive, valuable data on the quality of life in local neighborhoods, including market reports, commute calculators, school scores and cost-of-living analyses. For more information, as well as such free resources as downloadable house-hunting checklists, tips and mortgage calculators, visit www.

Homes.com.

• Get serious: Busy real estate agents with a tight schedule prioritize serious prospective buyers. Be first on their list.

Before you discover your dream home, get your financial ducks in a row, because when competition is fierce, you can’t afford to wait for mortgage approval.

It may be a seller’s market, but with smart research, foresight and planning, you can make a wise purchase. n

“If you want to snag your dream home in a seller’s market, then you’d better be on your game.”

GRANT SIMMONS / HOMES.COM

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) NOBU - Fotolia.com

Homeownership is important.

We’re here to help first-time homebuyers navigate the mortgage process and make buying a home affordable, even if you have: • Little money for a downpayment • Little or “less-than-perfect” credit history • A recent job change To get started, call 1-888-253-0993 or visit mtb.com/mortgage.

Equal Housing Lender.

This is not a commitment to make a mortgage loan. Certain restrictions apply. Subject to credit and property approval. ©2016 M&T Bank. Member FDIC. NMLS# 381076 Washington Informer: 5.65” x 6.1”

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What to Keep in Mind When Updating Home Flooring (StatePoint) Updating your home flooring? From durability to style to color, there are many things to consider -- and you’ll want to be sure these elements match your family’s lifestyle.

Here are five great questions to ask yourself before you begin the remodel process.

• HOW DO YOU WANT THE SPACE TO FEEL? Do you want the room to feel calming, fun, classic, dramatic or rustic? When you start to play with adjectives, you may realize you already have a direction in mind.

For a calm look, choose a floor color that is tonal with your wall color. Or if you’re dreaming of a dramatic hotel look, try something deep and rich to contrast with your walls and give an elegant base to your design.

• DO YOU WANT TO PLAY WITH PATTERN? The reason most homeowners have challenges getting a space to feel like that final image on a home improvement show, is that they often chicken out before pulling the trigger on bold updates. Designers however jump in head first, layering patterns and textures to give a space depth and a sense of home. Remember, if you love something, it’s never going out of style.

It’s helpful to think of flooring as the pants to an outfit.

Choose something classic, go patterned and fun, or just wear shorts!

• WHO USES THE ROOM? Who does the flooring have to serve? Is it a high-traffic area? If so, look for waterproof, pet-proof and kid-proof carpet, such as Tigressa H2O, available at Flooring America, which can withstand tough household spills and pet accidents.

If durability doesn’t play as important a role in your choice, consider plush, eco-friendly options like Tigressa’s Cherish line, which is 75 percent finer than current soft carpet standards.

Their color enhancement system protects each fiber, allowing for deeper colors and textures that stay beautiful, new and fresh longer than the average carpet.

Keep in mind that thanks to technology innovations in carpeting, you can have the best of both worlds when it comes to strength and softness. Ultimately, choose soft carpeting that doesn’t quickly show matting, crushing and wear.To learn more about innovations in flooring, visit flooringamerica.com.

• WHAT’S ON TREND? Gray is the new beige, and grays and browns look great together. So if you have an existing brown floor, you can easily partner a room nearby with gray flooring. Most of the time, it’s all in how you accessorize the space.

• SHOULD I BE SCARED OF COLOR? If you have always loved a particular color, have fun in one room with it.There are always ways to accessorize colored flooring in different combinations to change how a space feels, so you’re never stuck with one look.

Flooring choices are sometimes overwhelming. Be sure to check with a trusted flooring retailer who can offer design and performance recommendations that will best suit your home. n

Home Safety Month: New Ways To Protect Your Family (StatePoint) While you may think of smart home technology as a convenience -- something to save you a few steps of walking between the couch and the nearest light switch, smart home offerings also include important preventative measures that can help you protect not only your valuables, but your home itself and everyone in it.

June, which is Home Safety Month, is a great opportunity to learn how to use new technology in order to help protect your family: • BEYOND THE BURGLAR: The first thing that comes to mind when most people think about home security

is almost certainly burglary.

But intruders aren’t the only thing you have to worry about entering your home. Water damage is the second most common cause of property loss and accounts for a quarter or more of homeowner’s insurance claims. A good early detection device, such as a Z-Wave flood sensor, could be the difference between a damp inconvenience and a soaking wet catastrophe in your home, especially when combined with a smart shutoff valve.

• AVOID DANGERS: Some sensors, like GoControl’s Z-Wave Door/Window Sensors, for example, are a great way to keep you alerted to potential dangers -- especially on days when the kids get home earlier than you do. A few placed judiciously around the house -- on liquor or medicine cabinets, for example, or even the knife drawer, are a great way of keeping your mind at ease.

And those same sensors placed on entry points could alert you in the event of an invasion.

• DETER INTRUDERS: When it comes down to it, though, the best way to deal with home invasion is to deter intruders altogether.

When you’re out of town for a vacation or business trip, it’s

PHOTO SOURCE: bmak - Fotolia.com

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THE WASHINGTON INFORMER HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPLEMENT – JUNE 2016 / www.washingtoninformer.com

important to make sure your home still looks lived in, and rigid pre-programmed lighting timers aren’t fooling anyone. Newer smart light bulb systems, like BeON Home, go one step further by recording and playing back your daily lighting routines, and even include a sophisticated listening system that can respond to a doorbell, by turning inside lights on organically, one at a time, exactly the way you would if you were home.

Smart home technology is becoming more versatile than ever. To learn more about how it can be used for keeping people, pets and property safe, visit Z-Wave. com and BeONHome.com for DIY videos, how-tos and live customer assistance.

While there’s no replacement for a caring neighbor’s watchful eye, these days there are a great number of ways of taking home security into your own hands -- no matter where you are. Smart hubs, combined with sensors in and around the home, can take the worry out of being away from home by alerting you when something goes wrong.

With a connected home, you can better keep tabs on your house and keep the things and people in it safe, even when you’re not home. n

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JUNE 9 - 15, 2016 29

CLINTON from Page 1 night, the former first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state chose not to celebrate, saying she wanted to allow people in the six states scheduled to vote on Tuesday to have the chance to cast their ballots before claiming victory.

Appearing before an energetic crowd at the Duggal Greenhouse at Brooklyn’s Navy Yard, she put her success in the context of the women’s movement.

“Thanks to you, we have reached a milestone,” she said. “We all owe so much to who came before.”

Clinton’s celebratory rally began with a video that highlighted pioneers in the women’s rights movement, including Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination, feminist and activist Gloria Steinem, Patsy Mink, the first Asian American woman elected to Congress and the first Asian American to seek the presidential nomination of the Democratic Party, former Texas Governor Ann Richards and a host of others.

“Tonight’s victory is not about one person,” she said. “It belongs to generations of women and men who struggled and sacrificed and made this moment possible.”

“In our country, it started right here in New York, at a place called Seneca Falls in 1848 when a small but determined group of men and women came together with the idea that women deserved equal rights,” she added.

Clinton also spoke to those who supported her opponent, Bernie Sanders. She commented that his campaign to end income equality had bolstered many Democrats as evidenced by the huge crowds and thousands of young voters who turned out at his rallies across the country.

Meanwhile, Sanders, who says he believes the results of several recent national polls that indicate that he has a better chance to defeat the presumptive Republican candidate, Donald Trump, than Clinton does, has indicated that he’s not ready to admit defeat.

But while Sanders seems bent on remaining in the fray right up until the Democratic Convention, which takes place July 25 – 28 in Philadelphia, and with his continued criticism of the super delegate system, Clinton, in her speech, showed that she’s now turning her attention to Trump.

“The stakes in this election are high and the choice is clear,” Clinton said. “Donald Trump is temperamentally unfit to be president and commander in chief,” she said, criticizing her presumptive Republican opponent for using insulting and divisive language that belittles women,

30 JUNE 9 - 15, 2016

immigrants and Muslims.

Clinton also took aim at Trump for going after a judge of Mexican heritage – even though the jurist was born in Indiana. Trump said he doubted the judge could do his job because of his heritage.

Clinton and Sanders have battled over the last four months in their bid to secure the Democratic nomination with Clinton being particularly successful among older voters and

in Southern states with significant Black populations.

Unofficial numbers showed early Tuesday that Clinton took California, 56 percent to 43 percent, after posting earlier victories in New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota.

Sanders won Montana and North Dakota.

With Tuesday’s wins, she can now focus on healing a somewhat divided Democratic Party while appealing to

those who supported Sanders with the hope of persuading them to now support her.

Her campaign manager, Robby Mook, had predicted that with the six state elections on Tuesday night, she’d clinch the popular vote and also gain the majority of pledged delegates. She has.

Clinton, who was clearly moved by the large number of supporters present at the rally and the historical significance of her primary campaign

victory, mentioned her mother, who died in 2011, as another woman who had been profoundly influential in her life’s journey.

“I really wish my mother could be here tonight,” she said. “I wish she could see what a wonderful mother Chelsea has become and could meet our beautiful granddaughter, Charlotte,” she said. “And of course, I wish she could see her daughter become the Democratic Party’s nominee.” WI

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LIFESTYLE CELEBRATING AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSIC APPRECIATION MONTH

D.C. Native’s Legacy: Promoting the Best of Black America's Music Entrepreneur Darryll E. Brooks Still Opening Doors for Local Talent

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor Last week as the Washington Informer began its coverage of African-American Music Appreciation Month, we featured veteran disc jockey Russ Parr who recently returned to the Greater Washington Area, bringing his unique style and long-recognized brand to the DMV as part of the weekly lineup on Radio One DC’s popular station, WKYS 93.9 FM. Now we turn our attention to the eternally-young and District-born Darryll E. Brooks – an entrepreneur and longtime promoter of live events whose penchant for recognizing talent and commitment to improving the lives of Black youth and the D.C. community have benefited District residents and others worldwide for over four decades.

Brooks recalls the early years of the 1970s when a surge in civil disturbances in the city then known as “Chocolate City” led him and several others to develop and promote programs that would honor

local musicians, provide training for youth interested in the arts and offer family-friendly concerts in his beloved Southeast community where he spent his formative years.

“A group of concerned citizens wanted a program that would honor local musicians like Roberta Flack [who stands as one of the youngest students to ever enroll and graduate from Howard University where she majored in voice, served as an assistant conductor of the university choir and went on to establish a successful musical career],” he said.

“I co-created ‘Compared to What, Inc., a nonprofit that worked to broaden opportunities for D.C.’s Black businesses and creative arts entities,” he said. “We had great support including the mayor’s office, the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Parks Service and were able to secure a program held in Anacostia Park, ‘The Summer Hut,’ that provided arts education programs and events as a means of giving youth an alternative to the significantly less safe

5Patti LaBelle chats with Darryll E. Brooks. / Courtesy photo

BROOKS Page 46

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JUNE 9 - 15, 2016 31

LIFESTYLE

NNPA Fellows Seek Unique Black Press Experiences

By Freddie Allen NNPA National News Editor

Working in the Black Press offers journalists experiences that are often hard to come by in mainstream me-

dia and that’s why Victoria Jones, a 21-year-old senior journalism student at Howard University is looking forward to joining The Washington Informer this summer.

“The opportunity to just pitch

[stories] that are important to me, then to go out in the community and research and write them, is what I’m looking forward to the most,” said Jones, who earned a spot in the National Newspaper

Take Metrobus and Metrorail to the...

DC JAZZFESTIVAL JUNE 10 –19, 2016 ANIGHTAT THEKENNEDYCENTER monday

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13

8:00 PM DC JazzFest Salutes Howard University Jazz feat. NEA Jazz Master Benny Golson, gospel master Richard Smallwood, Greg Osby, Loston Harris, Mark Batson, Tim Warfield, Cyrus Chestnut, Paul Carr, Afro Blue, and more!

SIXTH & I tuesday

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8:00 PM (Doors at 7:00 PM) Steve Coleman and Five Elements

EVENTS DC PRESENTS:

DCJAZZFESTATTHEYARDS

3rd & Water Street SE on the Capitol Riverfront Music til 10 PM Visit Ticketmaster.com friday

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saturday

JUNE

18

sunday

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5:00 PM – 10:00 PM – FREE Grrls Rule! Cissa Paz, Introducing Sharel Cassity & Elektra, and Akua Allrich & The Tribe 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM Cécile McLorin Salvant, The Chuck Brown Band, Eddie Palmieri Latin Jazz Septet, DCJAZZPRIX FINALISTS: Cowboys and Frenchmen, Mark G. Meadows and The Movement, New Century Jazz Quintet 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM Kamasi Washington, Igmar Thomas & The Revive Big Band w/Bilal, Talib Kweli, and Ravi Coltrane, Fred Foss Tribute to NEA Jazz Master Jackie McLean, Introducing E.J. Strickland & Transient Beings

Publishers Association Journalism Fellows Program.

The NNPA joined Chevrolet and Howard University to launch the eight-week program this spring.

In an editorial piece about the program, NNPA President Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., said that the program will not only benefit the journalism students, Howard University, and the Black Press, but will also have great value to the African-American community.

“We will have the opportunity to help shape the scholarly preparation of a new emerging generation of freedom-fighting print journalists and social media innovators,” Chavis said.

The program, sponsored by Chevrolet, started June 6 and runs through July. The fellows will also have access to a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu to use as a pool car for a week while they work at NNPA member publications.

The first class of eight journalism fellows is comprised of Howard University students and recent graduates from the iconic HBCU. The 2016 journalism fellows are: Brandi Montgomery and Brelaun Douglas (The Atlanta Voice); Briahnna Brown and McKenzie Marshall (The Chicago Defender); Tatyana Hopkins and Sidnee King (Michigan Chronicle); and Rushawn Walters and Victoria Jones (The Washington Informer).

Walters said that he’s looking forward to getting more experience in the field of journalism and becoming a more skilled writer.

The journalism fellows will use social media to bolster their reporting efforts and to reach a wider audience with their stories.

Government agencies, political

leaders and community stakeholders often use Twitter and Facebook to reach the public, and Walters said that social media can help to supplement their original reporting and can be very important tool.

Jones said that social media platforms can help to get information out to the public faster than traditional media.

“If you have breaking news, you can immediately alert the public or if you’re at an event you can have real time updates,” said Jones. “It’s very important to let people know what’s happening as it’s happening.”

Walters said that he’s interested in investigating the effects of gentrification of historically-Black neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., and the role that young voters will play in the presidential election.

While Walters is looking forward to reporting about national politics, Jones wants to cover politics at the local level.

Jones said that a lot has been changing in Washington, D.C. and with local elections being held next week, she wants to write about the important issues that the candidates are talking about.

Walters said that when Black journalists work in mainstream media they don’t often get the opportunity to write about stories that are important in the Black community.

Walters added: “It’s great that we get this opportunity to use our voices to tell these stories.”

Visit www.nnpa.org/dtu/ to learn more about the 2016 NNPA “Discover The Unexpected” journalism fellows and follow their stories on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #DiscoverTheUnexpected.”

WI

For tickets, artists and a complete schedule, visit DCJAZZFEST.ORG PLATINUM, GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE SPONSORS

The DC Jazz Festival®, a 501(c)(3) non-profit service organization, is sponsored in part with major grants from the Government of the District of Columbia, Muriel Bowser, Mayor; and, in part, by major grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts; and by the City Fund, administered by The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region. ©2016 DC Jazz Festival. All rights reserved.

32 JUNE 9 - 15, 2016

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5Rushawn Walters (left) and Victoria Jones, two of the NNPA "Discover the Unexpected" journalism fellows use Snapchat to document their experience at The Washington Informer office in Southeast, Washington, D.C. The "Discover the Unexpected" journalism fellowship program is sponsored by Chevrolet. / Photo by Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Dance Africa 2016 WI Staff Dance Africa, a celebration to honor the African Diaspora, celebrated its 29th annual festival in the District.

Dance companies from the Washington Metropolitan area held classes, showcased various artwork and handmade instruments May 31 to June 5. The event took place at Dance Place in Northeast.

According to the organization’s website, http://www.danceplace. org/, it offers an array of dance classes and programs for children, adults and schools. Here’s a little bit of the group’s mission: Founded in 1980, Dance Place builds a community of artists, audiences, and students through high quality performances, commissions,

training and educational program to enriching the field of dance locally, nationally and internationally.

Dance Place offers a year-round weekend dance performing series called “Dance Presenter” with dance shows every weekend in modern dance, African Dance, tap dance, performance art, hip hop, and spoken word by Washington, D.C. dance companies as well as regional and international dance companies.

A “Dance School” offers dance classes for adults in modern dance, African dance, hip hop dance, and other dance forms and dance classes for youth in creative movement, tumbling, tap dance, ballet and hip hop.

Established professional dancers come to Dance Place for continu-

LIFESTYLE ous training, renewal, professional networking, auditions, and workshops that further their career development. The group offers work study and internship programs which offer aspiring dancers an opportunity to take dance classes for free.

Dance Place also offers family-friendly performances, workshops, classes, school assembly programs, and school performances at Dance Place and off-site in schools for kids, students, families and community organizations.

An after-school program known

as “The Energizers” provides a model for creative education through the arts for youth living in urban communities.

For more information on Dance Place, go to its website or call 202269-1600. WI All photos by Roy Lewis

Take Metrobus and Metrorail to the...

DC JAZZFESTIVAL JUNE 10 –19, 2016 PRESENTED BY THE WASHINGTON POST friday

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600 14TH STREET NW

Regina Carter Quartet, Ben Williams & Sound Effect 8:30 PM (Door 7:00 PM)

Kurt Elling with Jody Nardone Trio 8:30 PM (Door 7:00 PM)

Etienne Charles Creole Soul, Jimmy Greene Quartet 7:30 PM (Door 6:30 PM)

Cymande with Chelsey Green and The Green Project 7:30 PM (Door 6:30 PM)

Ernest Ranglin & Avila,Yotam Silberstein 7:30 PM (Door 6:30 PM)

Maceo Parker 7:30 PM & 10:00 PM (Door 6:30 PM)

Smoke Sessions Records Presents: Harold Mabern Quartet plus special guest Eric Alexander, Steve Turre Quartet 8:30 PM (Door 7:00 PM) Joey DeFrancesco Trio, Cory Henry and The Funk Apostles 7:30 PM (Door 6:30 PM)

For tickets, artists and a complete schedule, visit DCJAZZFEST.ORG PLATINUM, GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE SPONSORS

The DC Jazz Festival®, a 501(c)(3) non-profit service organization, is sponsored in part with major grants from the Government of the District of Columbia, Muriel Bowser, Mayor; and, in part, by major grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts; and by the City Fund, administered by The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region. ©2016 DC Jazz Festival. All rights reserved.

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JUNE 9 - 15, 2016 33

LIFESTYLE

All-Stars Salute Marvin Gaye

By Eve M. Ferguson WI Contributing Writer

5Comedian and "The View" co-host Whoopi Goldberg (center) hosted a star-studded event during the 24th annual Kennedy Center Spring Gala tribute to Marvin Gaye on Sunday, June 5 in Northwest. / Photo by Patricia Little

34 JUNE 9 - 15, 2016

As the changing photographs of Marvin Gaye, through his many phases, smiled down on the stage of the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, a star-studded lineup of musicians brought their best to celebrate at "How Sweet It Is: A Tribute to Marvin Gaye" for the Kennedy Center's annual Spring Gala.

Emceed by Whoopi Goldberg, the concert was preceded by the awarding of a new honor— the inaugural Kennedy Center Award for the Human Spirit, which went to Chicago artist/designer Theaster Gates Jr. for Citizen Artist, and Wallis Annenberg, director of the Annenberg Foundation, for Philanthropy.

But the night was made to pay homage to Gaye, a D.C.-bred talent who went to Cardozo High School and started his music career in the city with local doowop groups before going on to

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Motown and the fame that has made him legendary among singers and songwriters.

Telling the short story of his life through video, Whoopi Goldberg's distinctive voice recalled his rise to fame, his partnership with the late singer Tammi Terrell and his activism that endured through the rest of his truncated life.

The show was opened by the Mellow Tones, a student vocal ensemble from D.C.'s Duke Ellington School of the Arts, performing a heartfelt "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)."

Andra Day with BJ the Chicago Kid, and Ledisi with Jussie Smollet soulfully performed the famous duets by Gaye and Terrell, "You're All I Need to Get By" and "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing," respectively, while the tap-dancing Manzari Brothers took on an instrumental version of "Let's Get It On," using the syncopation of their masterful tapping to illustrate the sensuousness of the song.

Original Supreme Mary Wilson, looking energetic, fit and enthusiastic, took a minute to get the synchronization right before launching into a memorable "I Heard It Through the Grapevine." Wilson's amazing appearance, with all the flourishes of a true diva, even left hostess Goldberg speechless, saying "Wow, look at HER!" The evening belonged to the soloists who took on some of Gaye's most challenging songs.

Ledisi lent her jazz phrasings to "Inner City Blues," while Jussie Smollet took on "What's Going On," with masterful aplomb.

But the show-stealer came when Grammy-winning performer Leslie Odom Jr., who stars as Aaron Burr, one of the principal soloists in the Broadway smash hit "Hamilton," channeled Gaye on the complex song "Trouble Man." It was if Gaye had inhabited Odom's appropriately attired body and belted out the tune with all the flair and feeling from the original recording.

Odom ended up in the lineup almost by accident. "[Michael] Bublé got sick. John Legend had to bail. I got a call!" he said. "So happy to fill in for these talented gents."

But perhaps it was to the benefit of the audience, which included Gaye's brother, mother-in-law, wife Janis and his daughter and fellow singer, Nona Gaye.

As for his newfound superstar-

dom fame in "Hamilton," Odom added, "We're in something that seems to be touching a great many people in deep and lingering ways. Marvin's music did that to me, to so many of us. That's why we're here tonight. Nothing means more to an artist than that."

The show was closed by the incomparable Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, who said Gaye is "obviously a classic artist, and I think just one of the greatest artists that ever lived.

"Not just his singing voice, but his writing as well, and just what he meant to the Black culture, and ultimately what he meant to the world," Edmonds said. "He's one of those few people who came from what I call that Renaissance period."

Of course, the title song, "How Sweet It Is," was left to the stylings of Babyface, who decided to address it as if he was in church, an institution that was critical to the development of Gaye's talent.

Gaye started his career singing and playing piano in his father's church. And it was his father who ultimately ended Gaye's life on April 1, 1984, when Marvin tried to intervene in an altercation between his parents.

Not wanting to be left on the sidelines of the performances, Whoopi Goldberg asked the audience how there could be a tribute to Marvin Gaye without a performance of his hit, "Sexual Healing." So Goldberg recited the lyrics to the song, in part, as if she was reading a poem. And it worked, lending so much more to the provocative lyrics with emphasis from Goldberg.

The last number of the night brought singer/songwriter Valerie Simpson to the stage to do a duet with Edmonds of a song she penned with her late husband, Nick Ashford, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." Simpson and Edmonds celebrated the synergy of Gaye and Terrell, and the artistry of Ashford and Simpson, joined ultimately by the entire lineup of artists to close out the tribute.

"I've worked with so many artists, I wished I would have had the chance to work with [Gaye]," Edmonds said. "Just to learn and soak up the essence of who he is and how he thought. We were watching a genius at work. No one can sing Marvin Gaye like Marvin Gaye."

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LIFESTYLE

Andre Mack: 'Black Sheep' of the Wine Industry

By Eric Easter Urban News Service In a third-floor loft a few blocks from Madison Square Garden, the wine merchants at Banville & Jones are deciding which wines New Yorkers will drink. Andre Mack has been selling his Mouton Noir wine through these distributors for 10 years, but today they make him wait.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, Banville & Jones staffers swirl, sip and spit around a conference table as global winemakers pitch new vintages and hope that these experts will push their wares just a little harder.

First this morning is an Italian maker, with a new portfolio of Barolo and Chianti. Then a French maker, who runs way over time. Next up is Mack.

He sets out his bottles and begins to spin the tales of his owncollection of “garage wines.” The “Bottoms Up” white blend (75 percent Riesling, 8 percent viognier and the rest Pinot Blanc) has opening notes of diesel and kerosene with floral tones.

“It’s light, easy, not too angular,” Mack said.

Then comes the Oregogne pinot noir (“My workhorse”).

Mack details the source of the barrels and the location of the vineyard used for his 2013, and how he has the grapes picked early to yield less sugar.

Mack ends with “Horseshoes and Hand Grenades,” a syrah/cab/ merlot blend that he says “shows my creativity as a winemaker.”

Mack’s stories compose his narrative. He gets lots of press for being one of the few blacks in the industry. But that’s not just marketing. He is a craftsman.

How important are Mack’s stories to selling his wine?

“Hugely important,” said Vincenzo Guglietta, Banville & Jones’ sales manager. “Andre tells a compelling story. Let’s face it, there are a whole lot of wines out there. Without a story, it’s just juice.”

For the rest of the day and the next several weeks, Mack tells his story again and again — at a food-industry incubator that afternoon, at that evening’s launch of eBay Wine — a new website that Mack is curating — a TV show taping at his house that weekend, then tastings in Boston, dinners in Milwaukee, more

distributors in Kentucky, and then a few days in Texas.

It’s a grueling schedule but, as Mack sees it, more fuel for the wine’s story.

“At some point, Robert Mondavi was walking from store to store carrying bottles in a bag, too,” he said.

Mack has no paid assistants, no sales staff. The wines are about a singular taste, a singular vision, so much so that Mack also designs the stark, black-and-white labels that vie for attention in a market where many drinkers judge wines by their covers.

“I wasn’t able to convey what I wanted to other designers,” Mack said. “So I taught myself.

“For now, it’s just me,” he said.

“I’m the best person to tell my story and the story of the wine.

So far, it’s working.”

And it’s a good story. Wine steward at The Palm in San Antonio. Winner of the Best Young Sommelier competition and the first African-American to do so. Recruited by Chef Thomas Keller to head the wine program at Manhattan’s four-star Per Se, where wines can climb to $24,000 a bottle. Then a calling to strike out on his own — a risky move from a safe gig — self-training, self-doubt, mistakes.

In just under 12 years, Mouton Noir (French for “Black Sheep”)has grown from 36 cases shipped in its first year to more than33,000 cases in 2016. That puts Mouton Noir at the very high end of the small-winery business, a category in which most wineries sell fewer than 2,000 cases per year.

Mack also sells a lifestyle, a concept of fun and approachability backed by disarming quality.

“I’m trying to create something that is not just a wine company, but an experience,” he said.

“Something you can remember after the wine is finished.”

A husband and father of three boys, Mack said what he’s really doing — the hard work, the tough schedule, the constant hustle — is building a family business.

“My children taste my wine. I want them to know what I do and where it comes from," Mack said.

“They travel with me to the vineyards, touch the grapes, walk the farms. That’s what it’s all about.

“This is what I want to be remembered for,” he said. ”This is my legacy.” WI

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5Andre Mack presents his wine portfolio to distributors. / Photo by Eric Easter

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

JUNE 9 - 15, 2016 35

LIFESTYLE

Celebrating Ramadan in the District List of Events for Fasting Muslims

By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer Several local groups are holding events and activities to celebrate Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic year, when believers worldwide fast from sunrise to sunset.

This year Muslims started their mandatory ritual on Sunday, June 5. It will end on Tuesday, July 5.

Fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam, takes place to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to the prophet Muhammad, according to Islamic belief.

During Ramadan, all adult Muslims must participate unless they are traveling, suffering from an illness, pregnant or breastfeeding.

The fast consist of abstaining from food, drinks, smoking and sex while the sun is out.

The process can be strenuous, which inevitably brings Muslims together to lean on each other in their respective communities for strength and spiritual support.

Numerous groups have held community meetings, countdowns to Ramadan and other activities to prepare for the fast.

/ Courtesy photo

For Muslims in the D.C. area, there are numerous events in which to fellowship with other fasters during the monthlong journey:

RAMADAN YOGA: WOMEN ONLY

Location: Shaw Neighborhood Library - 1630 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Dates: June 9, 16, 23, 30 Time: 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Cost: Free *There will be a community meet-up in front of the library to walk to Masjid Muhammad for Iftar (the meal eaten after sunset during Ramadan).

THE GREAT RAMADAN LISTEN

Location: America's Islamic Heritage Museum - 2315 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020 Date: Monday, June 13 Time: 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m.

Cost: $15 *This Ramadan the DC Muslim Writers Collective is launching The Great Ramadan Listen, a storytelling initiative aimed at fostering dialogue and archiving stories from the community.

INTERFAITH IFTAR

Location: Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ, Carpenter Hall 5010 Little Falls Rd, Arlington, VA 22207 Date: Thursday, June 16 Time: 7:30 p.m.

Cost: Free *Join the Clarendon Area Interfaith Group for a night of conversation at an Interfaith Iftar dinner. Rev. Dr. Kathy Dwyer, senior pastor, and Laura Martin, director of Mission Integration and Congregational Care, along with Imam Johari Abdul-Malik of Dar Al-Hijrah Mosque, will give the address.

THE AMERICAN MUSLIM MARCH ON WASHINGTON: LIBERTY, JUSTICE, PEACE

Location: Washington Monument Date: Saturday, July 23 Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cost: Free *Americans from all backgrounds are invited to attend this event to support the celebration of diversity in the United States.

More information for these events can be found on eventbrite. com. WI

LEGENDARY PICTURES AND UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENT A LEGENDARY PICTURES/BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT/ATLAS ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION “WARCRAFT” TRAVIS FIMMEL PAULA PATTON BEN FOSTER DOMINIC COOPER TOBY KEBBELL BEN SCHNETZER ROB KAZINSKY ANDEXECUTIVE DANIEL WU MUSICBY RAMIN DJAWADI PRODUCERSCO- CHRIS METZEN NICK CARPENTER ROB PARDO PRODUCERS JILLIAN SHARE BRENT O’CONNOR MIKE MORHAIME PAUL SAMS PRODUCED

BY CHARLES ROVEN p.g.a. THOMAS TULL p.g.a. JON JASHNI p.g.a. ALEX GARTNER p.g.a. STUART FENEGAN p.g.a.

BASED ON BLIZZARD WRITTEN DIRECTED ENTERTAINMENT’S “WARCRAFT”

BY CHARLES LEAVITT AND DUNCAN JONES

BY DUNCAN JONES A UNIVERSAL RELEASE SOUNDTRACK ON BACK LOT MUSIC

VISUAL EFFECTS AND ANIMATION BY INDUSTRIAL LIGHT & MAGIC

© 2015 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS IMAX® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF IMAX CORPORATION.

STARTS FRIDAY, JUNE 10 CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES 36 JUNE 9 - 15, 2016

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Seniors Go for the Gold

By Brian Bradford WI Contributing Writer

Nearly a hundred seniors competed in the 33rd annual DC Senior Games last week.

Rain delays postponed the track and field competitions for a month before the games could wrap up, but that didn't dampen the spirits of the athletes.

As competitors raced around the track, tossed discs, and long jumped at Spingarn SHS track Monday they talked about winning medals and qualifying for the national senior games.

"The more you go the nationals, the better you get — at each event," said 87-year old Tony Diamond.

"I've gone to nationals 10 times."

Every year, seniors compete for medals in bowling, horseshoe toss, pickleball, softball, swimming, tennis, and track and field. Some are lifelong athletes, such as Roland Hill, who completed more than 40 marathons before participating in a seniors event. Others, like Florestine Jones, began competing later in life.

"I started exercising because I have arthritis," Jones said. "Now I work out every day at the Congress Heights Senior Center. This is my

SPORTS T H E A T E R

fourth year competing and every year I try new events."

Athletes who participate in the 2016 DC Senior Games may qualify to compete in the National Senior Games, which are held every odd-numbered year. In 2015, 37 seniors represented the District of Columbia at the National Senior Games in Bloomington/Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. The 2017 National Senior Games will be held June 2-15 in Birmingham, Alabama. WI

by Bekah Brunstetter | Directed by Colin Hovde

Area Tykes Fight for Bragging Rights

East Coast Premiere June 2–26, 2016 Anacostia Playhouse 2020 Shannon Place SE

5Senior swimmer makes his mark. / Photo by Bill Hart

5Beacon House defenders try to take down Watkins RB Taariq Denson (#20) in recent

A L L I A N C E

www.theateralliance.com | 202.241.2539

Informer

AYF action. / Photo by Demetrius Denson

By Brian Bradford WI Contributing Writer Some of the area's best youth football programs battled each other — and the heat — for gridiron glory Saturday.

Perennial national champions faced each other in the American Youth Football spring football championships at Roosevelt Senior High School.

In the closest contest, the Watkins Hornets 8u claimed the program's lone title of the day when it edged the Beacon House Falcons 6-0. The hard-hitting affair was stopped by referees with seconds remaining in the fourth quarter because injuries were starting to mount. An exciting competition had turned in to a war of attrition.

"Despite the heat, the boys kept fighting," said Watkins head coach Torrey Williams. "I want to play them again in the fall championships."

Tempers flared often as the two teams are becoming familiar with each other. This was the third meeting between the

teams since last fall. Watkins (70), which lost to Beacon House (4-2-1) in the state playoffs in October, got a small measure of revenge, winning a regular-season game a few weeks ago.

Saturday's game was decided by a lone score in the first quarter when Watkins QB Rassan Smith scampered 16 yards around the right side to the end zone for a touchdown.

Here are results from the other championship games: 6u District Heights Chiefs 6

Hyattsville Hawks 0 7u Beacon House South 6

Beacon House Falcons 0 9u Marshall Heights Bison 19

Watkins Hornets 0 10u Beacon House Falcons 19

Watkins Hornets 0 11u Shutdown DC

Beacon House South

7 0

12u District Heights Chiefs 19

Hyattsville Hawks 6 14u Laurel Stallions

Hyattsville Hawks WI

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30 0

Children, ages 18 and younger receive free meals at all open sites; no registration or ID required.

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JUNE 9 - 15, 2016 37

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

A Salute to 'The Greatest'

5Boxing great Muhammad Ali declares Marion Barry a champion of the District of Columbia. /WI FILE Photo by Roy Lewis 5Muhammad Ali, heavyweight champion of the world with Audra McDonald. Ali often frequented events in the D.C. area. / WI FILE Photo by Roy Lewis

Singers and Musicians Needed Artistic Director - Jason Marrow

Do you love to sing, play an instrument and would like to share your gift with others in ministry?

A newly formed gospel group invite you to come and join lifting up the name of Jesus through songs.

All voices are needed (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) Audition: Time & Date (TBA)

Contact Jason Marrow @ 301-257-1544 or organ2167@gmail.com 288410_6_x_6.5.indd 1

38 JUNE 9 - 15, 2016

6/2/16 9:48 AM

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Youth at play

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

The 33rd Annual

5D.C. resident Janay Alston, 9, is excited to explore the inside of a backhoe truck during Mayor Muriel Bowser's Summer Strong DC 2016 Truck Touch event Saturday, June 4 at RFK Stadium in Northeast. / Photo by Patricia Little

AWA R D S

Celebrating excellence in the literary arts by District of Columbia writers

JUNE 9, 2016 | 6:30 PM

Free Admission

THE I STREET GALLERIES 200 I (EYE) STREET, SE WASHINGTON, DC

dcarts.dc.gov • 202-724-5613

5Four-year-old Quentin Gaines

(left), and his eight-year-old brother, Christopher, (right), of Prince George's County, are excited to sit inside a front-end load truck during Mayor Muriel Bowser's Summer Strong DC 2016 Truck Touch event Saturday, June 4 at the RFK Stadium in northeast. / Photo

by Patricia Little

4Five-year-old Clarence Alston II of Washington, D.C., is thrilled to touch the enormous tire on the backhoe truck during Mayor Muriel Bowser's Summer Strong DC 2016 Truck Touch event Saturday, June 4 at RFK Stadium in Northeast. / Photo by Patricia Little

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JUNE 9 - 15, 2016 39

LIFESTYLE

wi book reviewA

Horoscopes

JUNE 9 - 15, 2016

ARIES If it seems like you've reached a stalemate concerning one area of your life, you might have more wiggle room than you think. This week's blend of energies suggests that if you're uncertain as to what your next step should be, it might be wise to slow down for a while. Lucky Numbers: 3, 31, 46

“I Almost Forgot about You”

TAURUS Finances are in focus this week, with Monday bringing an opportunity to splurge. If you've had your eye on a certain purchase, this could be the time you decide to go for it, no matter how much it costs. The weekend could see you shopping for bargains, with the option of a deal that is too good to pass up. Lucky Numbers: 2, 26, 32

by Terry McMillan c.2016, Crown $27.00 / $36.00 Canada 358 pages

GEMINI You'll be in your element this week, enjoying the chance to be your natural, bubbly self. And if you find it difficult to understand where someone is coming from, you'll have plenty of friends to confide in who may be able to offer some advice. Lucky Numbers: 4, 16, 28 CANCER This week's blend of energies could see you taking time out to unwind

Terry McMillan Returns with a Delightful Love Story

By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer In every love life, there’s always The One That Got Away.

He got away because you were both too young, too scared, too broke, or too different. Things were said that couldn’t be unsaid, done that shouldn’t have been done. It just didn’t work out then, but now…? In the new novel, “I Almost Forgot about You”

by Terry McMillan, he’ll never get away twice.

It should have been an ordinary run-of-the-mill Monday.

That’s the way it started for optometrist Georgia Young: new prescriptions, return clients, follow-ups, and one new Monday-morning patient who – big surprise! - turned out to be the daughter of a man Georgia dated in college and had fallen for. She never told the guy she loved him, though, and she never would… because he was dead.

Shaken to the core, Georgia began to think about all the men she’d slept with, and the ones she’d fallen in love with. How would life have changed if she’d stayed with any one of them? She’d been divorced twice; would that number have been higher or lower? Would she have more than her two daughters, live somewhere other than San Francisco, travel, cook for two?

At nearly 55 years old, she figured she’d never find love again, but she at least needed closure. With the urging of her BFF, Wanda, Georgia made a list of the men she’d once loved, and she promised herself she’d find them - not because she wanted to rekindle anything, but because she had so many questions for them and for herself.

Finding her ex-husbands was easy. Michael happened to be moving back to California, and Niles was out of jail for his white-collar crime; both were happy and had moved on with their lives. Georgia was even able to stop hating them.

But Abraham wouldn’t be easy to find. Neither would Lance. There were two Jameses, two Harolds, Thomas, Horace, and others, and one white guy that Wanda remembered, and added to the list. Georgia knew she’d never find them all, especially since she had a business, a busy family, and a life to live.

Still, they were all men she’d remember forever. But would they remember her?

Show of hands: who hasn’t spent girlfriend-time talking about boyfriends? Probably nobody, so “I Almost Forgot about You” is a comfortably familiar story.

That’s not to say that it’s same-old, though. Like she did in many of her other novels, author Terry McMillan gives readers a cast of strong-minded, smart women who lean on other strong-minded, smart women. In this book, however, we see a few more bruises from living, rather than from relationships: Georgia and her friends are looking toward retirement, a little less stress, and no more drama. Even so, they get drama anyhow, and you’ll be glad for it.

Definitely, this is a novel for anyone who’s lost a love and wondered, “What if…?”

It’s a book you’ll want to share with your BFFs. “I Almost Forgot about You” is a book you shouldn’t let get away. WI

40 JUNE 9 - 15, 2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

and put a bit of distance between you and your daily life. The trick to handling this could be to not overburden yourself with unnecessary tasks but allow plenty of leeway.

You'll find it easier to cope if you do. Lucky Numbers: 9, 21, 34

LEO Your friends look like a positive force in your life this week and in the coming weeks, especially if you're feeling weary after dealing with some challenges. In addition, they could be the ones to boost your confidence if you've felt a tad deflated recently.

This is why getting out and about is mandatory for you. Lucky Numbers: 19, 33, 47

VIRGO With a focus on your sector of career and ambition, this week looks perfect for making a splash on the stage of life. Even if you've experienced a few difficulties lately, the confidence you get from showcasing your skills and abilities, closing a deal, or securing a new job will encourage you to persevere. Lucky Numbers: 14, 15, 28 LIBRA With a delightful blend of energies showing up in your sector of travel and learning, this is one week when you could be tempted to book a short getaway or longer vacation. The present backdrop reveals that you would benefit greatly from a chance to see your present situation from a fresh perspective. Lucky Numbers: 12, 24, 43 SCORPIO Wherever you look there could be temptations to spend your hardearned money. And with the present picture encouraging you to be a little more economical, it could leave you feeling left out. Indeed, friends may be actively encouraging you to splurge. What to do? The answer may lie in being creative with your money.

Lucky Numbers: 3, 29, 33 SAGITTARIUS Don't feel you have to explain yourself to others. You don't. In

fact, you may feel like keeping your innermost thoughts to yourself. There's a reason why this might be good idea, and that's because you're gaining insight into certain challenges or issues. While friends can be excellent confidants, there are times when you need to work things out for yourself. Lucky Numbers: 6, 36, 44

CAPRICORN With a focus on your sector of work and lifestyle, this week's bubbly energies could see you eager to take things to the next level. Showcase new skills to prospective employers or talk to your boss about a promotion, because your abilities may be in demand. Regarding exercise, the present picture encourages you to do all in your power to remain as flexible as possible. Lucky Numbers: 5, 13, 35 AQUARIUS With your leisure and pleasure sector in focus, the cosmos encourages you to relax and enjoy life. This can be important, considering the present picture, which suggests that you could certainly do with a break. If you've been out of the dating loop for a while, it might be time to have another go if it feels right. Lucky Numbers: 7, 9, 27 PISCES There's plenty of activity on the home front, which could mean you'll be eager to entertain friends new and old, impress key people, or simply hang out with close pals. Don't deny yourself this opportunity, because you could do with a chance to unwind and even pamper yourself a little. If you get an invitation to a party, you should definitely accept. Lucky Numbers: 18, 23, 45 WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

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JUNE 9 - 15, 2016 41

SPORTS

Chicago Sky Defeat Washington Mystics 86-78 6 Sky forward Tamera Young takes on Mystics

guard Ivory Latta in the first half of WNBA action on Wednesday, June 1, at the Verizon Center in northwest D.C. Chicago defeated Washington 86-78. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

5 Sky forward Elena Delle Donne takes on Mystics forward Emma Meesseman in the first half of WNBA action on Wednesday, June 1, at the Verizon Center in northwest D.C. Chicago defeated Washington 86-78. / Photo by John E. De Freitas 3 Sky forward Elena Delle Donne is defended by Washington Mystics forward

Tierra Ruffin-Pratt in the first half of Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) action on Wednesday, June 1, at the Verizon Center in northwest D.C. Chicago defeated Washington 86-78. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

6 Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot takes on Mystics guard Ivory Latta in the first half of WNBA action on Wednesday, June 1, at the Verizon Center in northwest D.C. Chicago defeated Washington 86-78. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

42 JUNE 9 - 15, 2016

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SPORTS

Seattle Sounders Blank D.C. United 2-0 3 Sounders Zach Scott takes on United forward Lamar

Neagle in the second half of MLS action on Wednesday, June 1, at RFK Stadium in Southeast. Seattle defeated D.C., 2-0. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

5 Sounders defender Dylan Remick and United defender Sean Franklin battle for possession in the first half of MLS action at RFK Stadium in southeast D.C. Seattle defeated D.C., 2-0. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

5 Sounders defender Zach Scott takes on United forward Lamar Neagle in the second half of MLS action on

Wednesday, June 1, at RFK Stadium in southeast D.C. Seattle defeated D.C., 2-0. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

3United midfielder Marcelo Sarvas takes on Sounders midfielder Erik Friberg in the first half of MLS action on Wednesday, June 1, at RFK Stadium in southeast D.C. Seattle defeated D.C., 2-0. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

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THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

JUNE 9 - 15, 2016 43

Discovering the Unexpected on the Journey to Empowerment: Young NNPA Black Scholars

5 (Front: Right to Left) Victoria Jones, Brandi Montgomery, Briahnna Brown, Brelaun Douglas (Back: Right to Left) Tatyana Hopkins, McKenzie Marshall, Rushawn Walters, Sidnee King

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr NNPA, President and CEO The legendary scholar, writer and visionary James Baldwin once personally confided with me that he had come to know that the “power of the pen” for Black people in America and throughout world was “truly transformative and irreversibly impactful on the consciousness of all those who cry out for freedom, equality and justice.” Baldwin’s prophetic words from the 1970’s are still true today.

We take note with pride that currently there are a growing number of young, gifted and talented journalists that are emerging on the campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Uni-

44 JUNE 9 - 15, 2016

versities (HBCUs) and in the offices of our nation’s Black owned newspapers and media companies. Baldwin’s audacity and legacy to write and speak truth to power are finding a new resonance among today’s young journalists.

Thanks to the game-changing efforts and support of General Motors Chevrolet Malibu, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) together with the Howard University School of Communications have launched “Discover The Unexpected” NNPA Journalism Fellows Program.

Over the next several months in Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, and in Washington, D.C. eight NNPA Journalism Fellows from the Howard University School of Commu-

nications will be working with NNPA member publishers to sharpen their pens and to files stories that capture and amplify the challenges, struggles, triumphs and realities of Black America in 2016.

This will be a program that will benefit the students, the university, the Black Press and the African American-community. We will have the opportunity to help shape the scholarly preparation of a new emerging generation of freedom-fighting print journalists and social media innovators.

We should not play down the importance of academic preparation matched with the practicum of putting into practice the craft and skill of journalism from an African-American perspective.

James Baldwin was an activist

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

author, but he also was a scholar. Alex Haley was an activist author, but he also was a scholar. Maya Angelou was activist poet and author, but she was also a scholar.

Remember the names of these NNPA rising scholar fellows: at The Atlanta Voice newspaper are Brandi Montgomery and Brelaun Douglas; at the Chicago Defender are Briahanna Brown and McKenzie Marshall; at The Washington Informer are Victoria Jones and Rushawn Walters; and at the Michigan Chronicle are Tatyana Hopkins and Sidnee King.

MC Lyte is a global icon in hip-hop and popular culture.

MC Lyte is an activist writer and pulsating orator, but she is also a scholar. MC Lyte not only endorsed the launch of the “Discover The Unexpected”

with her motivating presence at Howard University with the NNPA and Chevrolet, she also is a tremendous living role model of what it means to use audacious talent, genius and commitment to promote positive social transformation and empowerment.

We also note that MC Lyte founded and Chairs the Hip Hop Sisters Foundation that has donated thousands of dollars to scholarships for deserving students across the nation.

Learn more about Discover The Unexpected (DTU) at http://www. nnpa.org/dtu/ and use the hashtag #DiscoverTheUnexpected on Twitter @BlackPressUSA and @ NNPA_BlackPress

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

This summer, a select group of Howard University students are bringing you something special - good news! They will share untold and uplifting stories from the African American community as part of the first-ever DISCOVER THE UNEXPECTED program presented by Chevrolet Malibu in partnership with the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Teams will cover stories in Detroit, Washington D.C., Chicago and Atlanta. Plus, they’ll get to navigate the city in an all-new 2016 Malibu. Join them on this exciting journey of discovery and inspiration. #discovertheunexpected

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

DISCOVER MORE OF THEIR STORY AT NNPA.ORG/DTU

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

JUNE 9 - 15, 2016 45

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BROOKS from Page 31 activities on the streets,” said Brooks who now splits his time in Clinton, Maryland and New York City.

Brooks would change the name of his company as time went on but not its focus. In fact, they would branch out first as “G Street Express, Inc.,” then as “CD Enterprises,” presenting the first R&B concert ever at the White House, proving that rap was more than just a musical preference for inner city youth but rather a genre rapidly establishing itself as the preference of American youth and taking on the challenge of talent management after signing folks like hip-hop duo Salt-N-Pepa, while also making inroads for D.C.’s go-go performers including Chuck Brown & the Soul Searchers, Little Benny and the Masters and others.

“I have always been proud of our work behind ‘Human Kind-

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ness Day,’ which we held each May between 1972 and 1976,” he said. “We honored celebrities who made positive contributions to our youth and attracted hundreds of thousands to the Washington Monument grounds. And we never had police officers maintain safety – the men who came out with their families and friends kept things safe both on the Monument grounds and at events in Anacostia Park.

The drug dealers and thugs knew they weren’t welcome if they were going to bring trouble with them.”

Brooks and his partners achieved attendance at the Anacostia Park event in 1972 with close to 2,000 which leaped to over 400,000 by their fourth year with an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 attendees each night. Honorees included Flack, Dick Gregory, Nina Simone and Stevie Wonder.

“It was amazing. We helped expose young musicians and bands and gave them an audience of supportive Blacks. People even came on their bicycles from across the city. But we struggled with funding even as the event rapidly grew after the focus of many funders and supporting agencies changed to the nation’s bicentennial in 1976.”

“Back then the concerts served as a means of communication.

The artists were vested in bringing a kind of soulfulness and spoke to Black life in a positive way. Blacks wanted to see artists like Bobby Womack, Curtis Mayfield, Otis Redding and Marvin Gaye and they were able to live vicariously through their positive lyrics. I still believe that there’s an audience for conscious-raising music in America

even though the economics behind promoting the kinds of concerts that we featured has long changed,” Brooks said.

Brooks and company continue to promote some of the nation’s most popular events including the Summer Spirit Festival 2016, which will be held at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, marking the Festival’s 11th anniversary (August 6 – 7) with headliners that include Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, Jill Scott, The Roots, The Chuck Brown Band and Kindred the Family Soul.

And of course, there will be several local groups who will get their chance to showcase their skills, Brooks said.

He noted some of the concerts that he and his partners have promoted that he believes really made a difference in the lives of the Black community, particularly the incarcerated.

“I’ve had so many highlights in my life. But I look to the free Prince concert we held at Gallaudet University that brought music to the hearing impaired, the show we held at the women’s detention center on Riker’s Island and another free concert for the men at the Lorton Reformatory here in the District.

It was always about reaching out to and supporting local talent too – musicians, artisans, you name it.”

“Music can have a positive effect on people. It makes the daily grind, the daily disappointments and the day-to-day struggles a little more bearable,” he said. “We did it back then because we loved the music and we loved our people. That’s why we still do it today,” Brooks added. WI

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RELIGION THE RELIGION CORNER

The Griffin Firm, PLLC

Has Fate Decided Your Course of Destiny?

This week, the Lord is leading me to write about an issue I noticed while subbing in Montgomery County High Schools.

For the past week, as an English teacher, my assignment was to show the movie "Romeo and Juliet." I was reminded what a terribly negative story that is. It is incumbent upon teachers to share with students the message of the story.

Let's take a quick look at a brief summary of this play by William Shakespeare as taken from study website enotes.com.

The Capulet and Montague families are locked in a deadly feud. Romeo Montague sneaks into a Capulet party and falls in love at first sight with Juliet Capulet.

On Juliet's balcony after the party, Romeo and Juliet swear undying love and, with the aid of Friar Laurence, are married in secret the next day.

Romeo's friend Mercutio takes Romeo's place in a duel with Juliet's cousin Tybalt and is killed.

Romeo kills Tybalt and is banished from the city.

To avoid marrying Paris, Juliet obtains Friar Laurence's help and takes a potion that makes her appear dead. Romeo never receives the friar's message.

In the Capulet crypt Romeo drinks poison. Juliet wakes to find Romeo dead and stabs herself with his dagger. The mourning families put their feud to rest as they bury their children.

As I sat with the class and watched this depiction, my mind

Turning Hearts Church

wondered, "Why are our children watching this violent story?"

Juliet was only 13 years old, and Romeo was from a family that was feuding with the family of Juliet. Yet these two young people loved each other so much that they were willing to die for each other, and in the end, they did. I thought, "Wow, why are our children watching this?!"

The story reminded me of our fate, or destiny. Destiny means the events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing in the future. Fate is the development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power; hidden power believed to control what will happen in the future.

Let's take a look at what scripture has to say about our fate or destiny. In the book of Jeremiah 29:11, it says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Habakkuk 2:3 says, "For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end — it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay." And Jeremiah 17:10 says, "I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds."

And finally, Jeremiah 1:5 says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the

Reverend James Manion Priest

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

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

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with Lyndia Grant nations."

If you are a parent, grandparent or guardian, and you have high school students who are required to read or watch "Romeo and Juliet," please teach them what scripture has to say about their fate and destiny! It is also an excellent reminder for each of us as well.

The couple did marry secretly before having sex, but it is a story that young people with vulnerable minds must be extremely careful while watching. Such movies can influence young people to harm themselves because of love, or the lack of love. God is love!

Please don't go along just to get along. Know what's right for yourself. Read your Bible and understand fully what the Lord would have you do with your life, then teach your children! WI Lyndia Grant is on Radio One, WYCB-AM, 1340, Fridays at 6 p.m. Visit Lyndia's speaker website at www.lyndiagrantshow.com. To contact her, call 202-518-3192 or email lyndiagrant@gmail.com.

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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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JUNE 9 - 15, 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 JUNE 9 - 15, 2016

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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.

JUNE 9 - 15, 2016 49

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 556

Administration No. 2016 ADM 000297

Edward L. Coates Decedent

Mattie M. Moore Decedent

The Griffin Firm, PLLC 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

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

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

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

Deneen Miller, whose address is 308 Madison Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Edward L. Coates who died on January 30, 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 November 26, 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 November 26, 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.

Deborah D. Boddie, whose address is 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mattie M. Moore who died on September 23, 2008 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before December 2, 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 December 2, 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: May 26, 2016

Date of first publication: June 2, 2016

Deneen Miller Personal Representative

Deborah D. Boddie Personal Representative

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Trust No. 2016 NRT 12 Wilhelmina B. Walden Name of Deceased Settlor NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST Wilhelmina B. Walden whose address was 1200 45th Place SE, Washington, DC 20019 created a revocable trust on February 5, 2015, which remained in existence on the date of her death on January 7, 2016, and Deborah J. Walden, whose address is 1200 45th Place, SE Washington, DC 20019 is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee.

Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to Deborah J. Walden at 1200 45th Place SE, Washington, DC 20019.

The Trust is subject to claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors, costs of administration of the settlor’s estate, the expense of the deceased settlor’s funeral and disposal of remains, and statutory allowances to a surviving spouse and children to the extent the deceased settlor’s residuary probate estate is inadequate to satisfy those claims, costs, expenses, and allowances.

Claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors are barred as against the Trustee and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the address provided herein on or before December 9, 2016 (6 months after the date of the first publication of this notice.) An action to contest the validity of this trust must be commenced by the earliest of (1), January 7, 2017(One year from date of death of deceased settlor) or (2), December 9, 2016 (6 months from the date of first publication of this notice) or (3) Ninety days after the Trustee sends the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust’s existence, of the Trustee’s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding.

TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

The Trustee may proceed to distribute the trust property in accordance with the terms of the trust before the expiration of the time within which an action must be commenced unless the Trustee knows of a pending judicial proceeding contesting the validity of the trust or the Trustee has received notice from a potential contestant who thereafter commences a judicial proceeding within sixty days after notification.

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. 2016 ADM 538

Administration No. 2016 ADM 509

Administration No. 2011 ADM 817

Kenneth Ellsworth Mitchell, Sr. Decedent

Vera Chapman Decedent

Mildred McCall Decedent

Shanelle C. Patterson 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney

Paule Levadas, Esq. 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Savienne Michelle Mitchell, whose address is 500 Largo Center Drive, Apt. 102, Largo, MD 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kenneth Ellsworth Mitchell, Sr. who died on December 15, 2012 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 November 26, 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 November 26, 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: May 26, 2016 Savienne Michelle Mitchell Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

50 JUNE 9 - 15, 2016

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Sandra Dee Chapman, whose address is 4328 Gault Pl., NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Vera Chapman who died on October 31, 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 November 26, 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 November 26, 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: May 26, 2016

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Paule Levadas, whose address is 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006, was appointed Second Successor Personal Representative of the estate of Mildred McCall who died on February 11, 2011 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before November 26, 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 November 26, 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: May 26, 2016

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 34

Administration No. 2016 ADM 518

E.P. Hallman aka E. Patricia Hallman aka Emma Patricia Hallman Decedent

Benita J. Nicholson Decedent

Aimee D. Griffin 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

Peter D. Antonoplos, Esq. 1725 DeSales St., NW, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney

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

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

Lorraine Nero and Edgar Page, whose addresses are 1320 Van Buren St., NW, Washington, DC 20012 & 3454 23rd St., SE, Washington, DC 20020 were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of E.P. Hallman aka E. Patricia Hallman aka Emma Patricia Hallman who died on November 5, 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 December 9, 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 December 9, 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.

Kenyett Nicholson, whose address is 431 Decatur Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Benita J. Nicholson who died on March 17, 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 December 9, 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 December 9, 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: June 9, 2016 Lorraine Nero Edgar Page Personal Representatives TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

Date of first publication: June 9, 2016 Kenyett Nicholson 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 415

Administration No. 2016 ADM 551

Avis G. Nix Decedent

Marie G. Ward Decedent

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

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

Lisa Avis Nix, whose address is 3510 Dunlap St., Temple Hills, MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Avis G. Nix who died on August 23, 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 November 26, 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 November 26, 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.

Tyrone F. General, whose address is 6408 Kaslo Court, New Carrollton, MD 20784, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Marie G. Ward who died on March 27, 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 November 26, 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 November 26, 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: May 26, 2016

Date of first publication: May 26, 2016

Lisa Avis Nix Personal Representative

Tyrone F. General Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY

Sandra Dee Chapman Personal Representative

Paule Levadas Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration Number 2016 ADM 639 Estate of

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016 ADM 541 Charisma Chapairs Kennedy Decedent Edward M. Biggin 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 405 Rockville, MD 20852 Attorney

Marjorie Lake Deceased

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been

filed in this Court by Michael Lake 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 will dated December 19, 2011 exhibited with the petition upon proof

satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of witnesses.

Date of first publication: June 9, 2016

Michael Lake

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Shauntrel Kennedy, whose address is 133 Irvington Street, SW, #202, Washington, DC 20032 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charisma Chapairs Kennedy who died on February 24, 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 (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 December 9, 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 December 9, 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: June 9, 2016 Shauntrel Kennedy Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Register of Wills Washington Informer

Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016 ADM 586

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016 ADM 550

Cleopatra C. Walton Decedent

Inez Powell Dade aka Inez P. Dade aka Inez B. Dade aka Inez Powell Battle Dade Decedent

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

Robert L. Bell Esquire 245 Farragut Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 Attorney

Shelley A. Jester, whose address is 3022 Daniel Lane, NW, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cleopatra C. Walton who died on April 5, 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 December 2, 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 December 2, 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.

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

Date of first publication: June 2, 2016 Shelley A. Jester Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills

Helen Felton, Peggy Holly, Rose Marie Osborne and Shirley P. Royal whose addresses are 7535 Alaska Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20012, 1310 Roxanna Rd., NW, Washington, DC 20012, 3280 Arundle On The Bay Rd., Annapolis, MD 21403 and 3442 Conasset Ave., Annapolis, MD 21403, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Inez Powell Dade aka Inez P. Dade aka Inez B. Dade aka Inez Powell Battle Dade who died on March 8, 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 December 9, 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 December 9, 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: June 9, 2016 Helen Felton Peggy Holly Rose Marie Osborne Shirley P. Royal Personal Representatives TRUE TEST COPY

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Date of first publication: June 9, 2016 Linda Jones Personal Representative

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CLINGMAN from Page 26 son and Fred Hampton. Hoover wasn't playing, but the "guvment" was paying. "Party over here!"

Some of the problems for "Black power" advocates back then can be attributed to several things. An article cited by PBS's "American Experience" documentary series explained it this way: Originally motivated by goals of quick reforms, 1960s activists were ill-prepared for the long-term struggles in which they found themselves. Overly dependent on media-oriented superstars and one-shot dramatic actions, they failed to develop stable organizations, accountable leadership, and strategic perspective. Creatures of the culture they so despised, they often lacked the patience to sus-

JACKSON from Page 26 used less. He wants our allies to pay a greater share of the burden.

He seems more willing to negotiate and more skeptical about intervention. Again, there are major substantive differences in direction and policy from Clinton.

The American people would benefit greatly if the election debate were focused on these and other fundamental policy choices. Both candidates should continue to detail their policies and debate their differences. The media should focus less on gotcha questions, stop recycling insults

FLETCHER from Page 26 biting U.S. space vehicle saying to them that while the Earth might look round, it was actually an optical illusion.

tain tedious grassroots work and painstaking analysis of actual social conditions. They found it hard to accept the slow, uneven pace of personal and political change. …

What proved most devastating in all of this was the effective manipulation of the victims of COINTELPRO into blaming themselves. Since the FBI and police operated covertly, the horrors they engineered appeared to emanate from within the movements.

Activists' trust in one another and in their collective power was subverted, and the hopes of a generation died, leaving a legacy of cynicism and despair which continues to haunt us today.

Hoover's 48 years as FBI director taught him — and influenced even presidents — that Black power could be diffused, first through

the use of force, trumped-up criminal charges and clandestineA subterfuge, but later through the use of green power. Pay off a few Black folks and eliminate or at least minimize the positive effects of Black power as we know it.

A great example of this truth is "Little" Al Sharpton, now his alter ego to "Big Bad" Al Sharpton. He didn't have a lot of money, but he had a lot of bluster. He called out someone on Morton Downey's TV show, referring to him as a "punk faggot," while he fought for Black folks (at least that's what we thought). He went from Black power to green power, to the tune of $750,000 on MSNBC. "Sharp" move, wasn't it?

Let's use our own green power to fund and support the Black power we seek. WI

and feeding the spitball fight, and start probing about policy and direction.

The problem, of course, is that insult draws attention. Attention means viewers. Viewers mean advertisers. The media are constantly driven to highlight the latest insult, the outrage and the fake scandal — rather than to focus on the needs of the people and how each candidate proposes to address them.

Similarly, as Trump showed in his primary, insults gain free media. Free media means attention from voters — and saves money.

So the candidates are tempted to

descend into a brawl of jabs and counterpunches. Instead of a debate about the direction of the country, we get a campaign based on branding the other. This is a recipe for dividing and misleading the country.

We're going to be electing a president in a country that faces big challenges. It is time to take this out of the back alley. The only way that happens is if everyone is more responsible: the candidates in choosing issues over insults, the media in the questions they ask, and the voters in what kind of behavior they will reward.

WI

Hmm… So the next time that you hear someone say that they support Trump because he calls it as it is, ask them about Mexican immigration to the U.S., Muslims

celebrating 9/11 and his false citizenship allegations against President Obama and watch their response. If they tell you that it doesn't matter, I can only suggest one thing: run. WI

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EDELMAN from Page 27 institutions to confront the truth about their own histories, especially the ugly legacies of slavery and Native American genocide.

Black Lives Matter protests denounced indefensible deaths of Black youths and citizens at the hands of out-of-control law enforcement officials in Ferguson, Baltimore, Cleveland, New York City, Texas and elsewhere, and the shocking racist vigilante citizen killings of Trayvon Martin in Florida and the massacre of praying Black church people in South Carolina heightened the need for greater racial awareness and national action.

I hope the renewed interest in "Roots" will spark much greater and sustained interest in an honest retelling of our history and promote new dialogue about the ways today's structural, cultural,

ASKIA from Page 27

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and skill.

It is going to take courage to call out the sacred cows that many dare not criticize. Who are the teachers who are inefficient?

What can we do about them?

Are programs such as Teach for America — "highly regarded" programs that send inexperienced teachers to classrooms — a service or disservice to young people? It's going to take skill, too, to call people out in a way that motivates them toward reform, not resistance.

One of the statistics that bothered me most about the condition of education is the fact that young Black people start out behind when they get to kindergarten. Home literacy is an issue.

Ninety-one percent of White children who are not enrolled in preschool are read to at least three times a week by family members,

When he set an example, resisting the American military industrial complex, Muhammad Ali gave me and literally thousands of other young Black men my age the courage to become conscientious objectors to U.S. military service during the Vietnam era.

"Man, I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Cong," Ali said, literally speaking for all of us not yet conscripted into active service in the conflict. "My enemy is you," he said to Whites who challenged his stand.

He was denounced by sportswriters and others, even other Black folks, who famously refused to recognize his Islamic name. The Nation of Islam community, the Black com-

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compared to 78 percent of African-American students. Some say this gap in home literacy is among the factors in producing the word gap, which some say may be as large as 30 million words (some researchers dispute this compilation and its meaning). There is also a racial gap in the availability of books in homes, and African-American youngsters may have less access to libraries.

Where are the literacy warriors who would read to the children who are experiencing gaps? Where are the ones who will ensure that libraries in some communities are adequately stocked? Are there warriors who will give children books to take home, warriors who will fight to expand the offerings of our nation's public schools?

Schools are letting out for the summer in the coming weeks, which means that millions of young people who are not engaged in summer educational ac-

tivities will actually lose learning by the time they return to school in the fall. Are there literacy warriors who will stand in the gap and ensure that every child has some meaningful educational program during the summer? Or will we stand by and watch the achievement gap stay the same or grow even wider?

We need literacy warriors.

These should not only be teachers in classrooms and parents at home, but preachers, politicians and all others concerned with the achievement gap. We need folks who will fight for literacy with persistence, courage and skill. We need warriors as fierce as Kunta and Kizzy Kinte, as committed as Mary McLeod Bethune, as passionate as the teachers, black and white, who were paid little or nothing to go South to teach the newly emancipated. Where are the literacy warriors?

WI

racial and economic inequalities reflect racial seeds from our violent past of slavery and Jim Crow, which still poisons the soil and political discourse of our nation. Only confronting the truth about our nation's profound birth defects and struggling deliberately to overcome them with open eyes, hearts, minds and deeds can make us all free.

The Children's Defense Fund (CDF) has a special connection to Alex Haley. In 1994 CDF bought Haley's 157-acre farm in Tennessee for servant leadership development, intergenerational, interfaith and interracial dialogue and spiritual renewal.

The Harlem Children's Zone was conceptualized in Haley Farm's lodge by Geoff Canada and a cadre of Black Community Crusade for Children leaders.

And thanks to the generosity of Barnes & Noble Chairman Len

Riggio and his wife, Louise, Haley Farm has been blessed as the only place with two Maya Lin designed buildings in existence: the Langston Hughes Library, with its Maya Angelou and John Hope Franklin reading room, and the Riggio-Lynch Chapel.

I thank Alex Haley for reminding African-Americans and all Americans of our roots, our strengths, our struggles, our courage, our faith and our God-given human capacity to overcome adversity. If we all work without ceasing, we will overcome one day and build an America where every child is welcome and safe.

Now is the time to move forward and not backwards in the quest for racial and economic justice.

Now is the time for all citizens to stand up, raise our voices and vote to ensure that Dr. King's dream — America's dream — becomes reality. WI

munity, stood by our hero.

People the world over and especially Americans may love him now, but he was once the most reviled athlete in America. This ugly, hostile treatment went on for at least five years.

In 1967, one writer likened Ali to "those unwashed punks who picket and demonstrate," and another demanded that "boxing should throw Clay out on his inflated head." But by then Ali had already begun his ascent, beyond their reach. He told Howard University students in that same year, shortly before he refused to be inducted into the U.S. military, that he already had 28 invitations from leaders of Muslim countries across the globe.

It's not exaggeration to say that

Muhammad Ali wasn't alone when it came to integrity in the Nation of Islam. In those days there were surely thousands of men all over the country in mosques and temples who also had that same courage, that same dedication to the uplifting of Black people, that same integrity, that same opposition to war.

Don't forget, when Ali first stood, he was a young man with a great deal to lose. Yet he risked it all. In the end, our champion prevailed, and we all — the followers of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, the Black community, indeed the entire American community — prevailed with him.

We love our hero madly. He was our champion who knew when not to fight. WI

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