RECIPIENT OF THE DC BLACK MBA ASSOCIATION 2023 LEGACY AWARD
Vol 60 No 19
Serving Our Community in the DMV
A Deeper Look: The District vs. President Trump
5As District residents await an executive order from President Donald Trump that further displaces the homeless, many unhoused Washingtonians are still reeling from encampment removals that the Bowser administration conducted last year. (WI File Photo)
By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer As District residents await a Trump executive order that intensifies prosecution for local crimes and further displaces the homeless, Reginald Black continues to express concern about a population still reeling from encampment removals that the Bowser administration conducted. Last year, Black counted among those who sought
out residents displaced by the destruction of a homeless encampment located near the U.S. State Department in Northwest. He said that President Donald J. Trump’s executive order, if it comes to fruition, could have effects much similar to what he and other advocates witnessed on the federal land located near George Washington University. “People were disgruntled and abandoned most of their belongings,” said Black, a member of the
DISTRICT V. TRUMP Page 52
Collins Council Report: Contracts, Oversight, and an Upcoming Special Election By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer
This edition of The Collins Council Report looks back at two legislative meetings (yes, two meetings) the D.C. Council conducted on Feb. 18. For nearly two hours, the D.C. Council deliberated on matters involving Title IX sexual assault reporting, returning citizens affairs, and funding of affordable housing providers. Council members also approved legislation firmly designating July 15, 2025 as expiration date of the pre-trial provision of the Secure DC omnibus bill. Read more about events of Feb. 18 and
the special Ward 8 D.C. Council election that's underway. A special shout-out goes to the third graders of Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School in Brookland who filled the council chambers during their trip to the John A. Wilson Building.
AN EXTRA LEGISLATIVE MEETING FOR DHCD
Toward the end of the council’s Feb. 18 legislative meeting, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) announced the start of an extra legislative meeting to finalize what he described as
COUNCIL REPORT Page 22
Capture the Moment Page 43
February 20 - 26, 2025 4 Bishop Reginald T. Jackson calls on faith leaders and activists to introduce a plan of action to combat the Trump administration’s attack on diversity, equity and inclusion, hosting a press conference for community members and media at Metropolitan A.M.E on Feb. 17. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
From Pulpit to Protest: Black Faith Leaders Outline the Path Forward for Democracy By Jada Ingleton WI Digital Equity Fellow
As Black America grapples with continuous attacks against African American history and inclusion, local faith leaders and activists gathered at Metropolitan A.M.E Church in Northwest, D.C. on President’s Day under one common notion: it’s time
for organized action, and the Black church is ready to lead the charge. The Rt. Rev. Reginald T. Jackson enlisted the help of trusted advisor Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, civil rights lawyer Sherrilyn Ifill, and the Rev. Dr. William Lamar, pastor of Metropolitan A.M.E Church, to host a press conference for community members
FAITH Page 44
Tenant Organizers and Elected Officials Respond to Mayor Bowser’s Comprehensive Housing Legislation Bowser Administration Continues to Warn of Impending Crisis By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer As D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s affordable housing bill navigates the legislative process, April Jones stands among those demanding that the D.C. Council changes provisions deemed harmful to low-income tenants. Jones, a community organizer, told The Informer that the final version of Bowser's legislation must reflect the desires of District
HOUSING Page 52
5With her new legislation, the Rebalancing Expectations for Neighbors, Tenants, and Landlords Act,” or the RENTAL Act, Bowser intends to recalibrate the local housing market. (WI File Photo)
Celebrating 60 years. Your credible and trusted source for Black news and information.