RECIPIENT OF THE DC BLACK MBA ASSOCIATION 2023 LEGACY AWARD
Serving Our Community in the DMV
Vol 60 No 46
As Federal Takeover Continues, Conversation Shifts to Curriculum, REAL IDs, and Metro Safety
By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer Public and public charter school students in the District have returned to the classroom amid concerns about the heavy presence of federal law enforcement personnel in their neighborhoods and around their Metro stops. That’s why, with the District’s new social studies standards currently in effect, some teachers, like Donroy Ferdinand, are embracing the opportunity to speak with young people about
Wilson Set to Celebrate 30th Anniversary of Million Man March, Revive Unifest
August 28 - September 3, 2025
Capture the Moment Page 37
HU President Vinson Resigns, Frederick Returns
Students Confused By the Decision By Stacy M. Brown and Mya Trujillo WI Senior Writer and WI Contributing Writer
the forces that have paved the way for President Donald J. Trump’s latest action against the District. “Across the city, especially when we see this new curriculum in the eighth grade, I would not be surprised if there was activity in the space of advocating for change, specifically from students,”
Not even a full week into the first day of classes, which started Aug. 18, Howard University announced President Ben Vinson III, who has served as the 18th leader of the historically Black institution since September 2023, will leave his post on Aug. 31. “On behalf of the Howard University Board of Trustees, we extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Vinson for his service and leadership as president,” said Leslie D. Hale
FIRST DAY Page 33 4Teachers, staff and community members welcome students on their first day back to school at Eastern High School. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)
VINSON Page 23
BLACK BUSINESS MONTH SPOTLIGHT
Local Commerce Chambers Celebrate ‘Black Business Month’
Efforts to Bolster Black Businesses Persist Despite Federal Ire By James Wright WI Staff Writer
5Multitudes of African American boys and men gather on the National Mall on October 16, 1995 for the Million Man March. The Rev. Willie E. Wilson plans to bring back The Million Man March and Unifest, to promote unity among Black Washingtonians. (Courtesy Photo/Nation of Islam)
Celebrations Temple Baptist Church in SouthBy James Wright east Washington, D.C. for nearly Highlight Ward 8, WI Staff Writer 50 years. Wilson, the pastor emeritus at The Rev. Willie F. Wilson achieved Black Women, national recognition for his Christian Union Temple, having passed the ministry that stresses Black liberation leadership mantle to his daughter Youth themes and his political and spiritual the Rev. Anika Wilson Brown in Participation activities on behalf of the Pan-African diaspora as the senior pastor of Union
MARCH Page 43
While August is Black Business Month in the United States, many political and business leaders work to encourage African American entrepreneurship and economic development, particularly at a time when the District and nation are facing obstacles from a federal government that has eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and pushed toward erasing parts of Black history. “August is Black Business 5 The D.C. Chamber of Commerce honors the Ali
family of Ben’s Chili Bowl in 2023. (WI File Photo/
BLACK BUSINESS Page 14 Washington Informer)
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