The Washington Informer - January 22, 2015 by The Washington Informer

I N S I D E

King’s Legacy Remembered Supplement Inside

I N S I D E

Pepco Takes a Bold Step Forward, Pg 4

Malveaux Crisis of Missing Nigerian Girls, Pg 22

Biden, Bowser Tour Tunnel Project in Southeast, Pg 10

“Roots” – The evils of slavery, Pg 26

Vol. 50, No. 15 Jan. 22 - Jan. 28 2015

Community organizations, businesses, and residents throughout the District of Columbia and parts of Maryland participated in the 2015 Martin Luther King Peace Walk sponsored by The Washington Informer Charities on Monday, Jan. 19. /Photo by Roy Lewis

Obama Makes Powerful Case for the Middle Class Uses State of the Union to Set Agenda, Frame 2016 Election By Barrington M. Salmon WI Staff Writer@bsalmondc In a State of the Union address that was perhaps his most energetic and optimistic— before a Congress dominated by Republican majorities for the first time in his presidency – President Barack Obama pro-

claimed the state of the union “strong.” Most people watching the state of the union might have expected a chastening and defensive Obama after the drubbing the Democratic Party received in the Nov. 4 general elections, but in the months since the election, the president has defied conven-

tion and has challenged his opponents at every turn. And his Jan. 20 speech was no different. Echoing Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Obama, who heads into the final two years of his presidency, made a passionate case for the executive and legislative branches to join forces and give the middle class a help-

ing hand. In what many called Obama’s boldest and most progressive state of the union yet, Obama challenged Republicans in remarks that set the table for a range of issues Democrats and Republicans will wrangle with heading into the 2016 presidential election. “ . . . Tonight, we turn the

page. Tonight, after a breakthrough year for America, our economy is growing and creating jobs at the fastest pace since 1999,” Obama declared to sustained applause. “Our unemployment rate is now lower than it was before the financial crisis.

Celebrating 50 Years of Service / Serving More Than 50,000 African American Readers Throughout The Metropolitan Area

UNION Page 8

The CoLumn

(Below L-R) Atty. Robert Bell, Mrs. Tina Hayward, & Mary Burney-Bolling (Pres. WiAC)

Is Everywhere!

UNCF HOST MLK BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION The Washington Inter-Alumni Council of the United Negro College Fund hosted their 32nd annual Martin Luther King Day birthday celebration at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Maryland. Atty. Robert Bell presented the “Measure of a Person Award” to Mrs. Tina Heyward for her late husband Adam Heyward. For more information: www.give.uncf.org

Dr. Claude G. Perkins (Pres. Va Union University) with the Hon. Rushern Baker (County Ex. Prince George’s County)

Maryland Gov.- elect Larry Hogan, Meta Williams & The Rev. Dr. Leonard Smith (Sr. Pastor, Mount Zion Baptist Church, Arl. Va)

Larry Hinton (GEICO), Sylvia Hopkins (GEICO) with Maryland Attorney Generalelect Brian Frosh

Wegman’s Table

Southern Mgmt. Corporation

(Above - Not in order) Nana Sarpong, Abraham Lobo (Marriott) Donald Washington (Diverse) Andrew Roud Raashida Ryan Hayes

i CORE Neworks

Maryland Gov.- elect Larry Hogan (Center) with (L-R) Amina Sharif, Lorena Roberts, Kim Krieger, & Rachael Fitzpatrick

Segue Technologies (Standing L-R) Mike Behrmann, Ron Novak, & Ayub Khan) (Seated L-R) Gwen Melchoir, Denise Rainey, Leah Krynicky & Karen Khan)

Terry Cotton & Adenia Bradley

(Not in order) Chris Watson, Judy Baltimore, Ayana Douglas, Diane Drake, Joyce Harris,Reginald Lawhorn, Brittney McQueen, Brenda Newsome, Michelle Searles, Chris Watson & Travis Christian

Atty. Donna Wilson(Chairman Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce) (Standing) (Seated L-R) Jim Henderson, David Harrington (Pres. & CEO PG Chamber of Commerce), Mark Lawrence (Deloitte Consulting,), J. Kenneth Battle, Jr. (Fund & Bolton), Jeffrey L. Miles St. (BB&T Market Leader)

Larry Hinton (GEICO), Sylvia Hopkins (GEICO) with Amanda Talbert (GEICO)

Mary Burney Bolling (Pres.WIAC/ Dr. Marilyn T. Brown (Trustee of Va UNCF) with Dayna L. Kent (VP ProUnion) with hubby Hugh grams WIAC/UNCF)

James Rogers (CMO iCore Neworks), Stephen G. Canton (CEO iCore Network) , Maryland Gov.-elect Larry Hogan & Brian D. Banks (MGM Resorts International)

The Hon. Rushern Baker (County Ex. Prince George’s County), Jummy Olabanji (Anchor WJLA News 7) & Meta Williams (Regional Development Director WIAC/ UNCF)

(Above) Erica Williams, Giani Clarkson, Tony Williams, Chase Fleming-Williams & Carolyn Williams

Mr. Reese Early (COO WIAC/UNCF), Paulette Jackson (VP Development WIAC/ UNCF) & Atty. Wendy P. Lewis (Partner

Want to have your event published on the Social Sightings - The CoLumn page?

The Rev. Dr. Leonard Smith (Sr. Pastor, Mount Zion Baptist Church, Arl. Va) with Charles Thompson III (Area Development Director WIAC/UNCF)

Maryland Gov.-elect Larry Hogan with “Mickey” Thompson (Publisher Social Sightings - The CoLumn)

Contact socialsightings@aol.com

Kurt Pommonths, Sr, Photographer • Photo Enhancer • Graphic Designer Social Sightings-The CoLumn is published in the Hill Rag, DC Mid City, East of the River & the Washington Informer 2003 © SOCIAL SIGHTINGS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED — DUPLICATION IN ANY FORM REQUIRES WRITTEN PERMISSION | E-mail SocialSightings@aol.com

2 Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

The Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com

1/22/2015 – 1/28//2015 PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY Pages 12-13 BUSINESS William Reed’s Business Exchange Page 15 MLK SUPPLEMENT Pages M1-M12 COMMENTARIES Pages 22-23 LIFESTYLE Pages 24-29

Luis Clavell, a Library of Congress program specialist, displays a photo of Dr. Rosa Parks with Black women leaders, before a discussion with Elaine Steele, co-founder of the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development, Anith Peek, executive director of the Institute, and regional co-founder Ella McCall Haygan on Jan. 15, at the Library of Congress in Southeast. /Photo by Roy Lewis

SPORTS Pages 31-32

VISIT THE

CONWAY HEALTH AND RESOURCE CENTER Medical and Dental services Same-day appointments for established patients Most insurance plans accepted

n e p O w No ! s y a d r u Sat

202.54 0.9857 MEDIC AL APPOINTMENT LINE 202.54 0.98 62 D ENTAL APPOINTMENT LINE 4 ATL ANTIC STREE T SW WA SHINGTON, DC 20 032

“My doctor really cares and treats me with respect.”

Dewayne Mixon, Community of Hope Client

WWW.COMMUNITYOFHOPEDC.ORG

OUR FAMILY CARING FOR YOURS

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

around the region

www.washingtoninformer.com

Women Break the Cycle of Pepco and Violence Exelon Merger Domestic Meets Opposition By Tia Carol Jones WI Staff Writer

ByWhen Barrington M. Salmon L.Y. Marlow's 23-yearWI Writer@bsalmondc old Staff daughter told her the father of her daughter threatened her A proposed utility child, comlife, and themerger life ofbytheir panies Exelon and Pepcohad is to being she knew something be touted officials bothfrustration companies done.byOut of ofher aswith one law that enforcement's will benefit Pepcohandling ratepayEmail comments to: ers, constellation opponents of but the asituation, sheofdecided to rburke@ start Saving camhas linedthe up to opposePromise the proposal. paign. Pepco Holdings stockholders apwashingtoninformer.com “It seems to beon a vicious proved the merger Sept. 23,cycle the that won't turn myCommisfamily Virginia State Corporation loose,” said. Marlow sion gave Marlow its stamp of approval on shared herthe story withEnergy the audiOct. 7, and Federal Regence Commission at the District ulatory did the Heights same on Domestic ViolencetheSymposium Nov. 20. However, transaction on requires May 7 at the District Heights still approvals by public utilMunicipal Center. The sympoity commissions in the District, DelasiumMaryland, was sponsored by The the ware, and New Jersey. Family and Youth Services transaction is also subject to the noCenter and of the city requirements of District tification reporting Heights and the National Hookunder the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and Up of Black Women. other customary closing conditions. Marlow has written a book, Exelon, a Chicago-based utility, is “Color Me Butterfly,” which is a America’s largest nuclear energy opstory about four generations of erator and owns 23 plants. $6.8is domestic violence. The The book billion all-cash dealown would give shareinspired by her experiences, holders a premium of almost 25 perand those of her grandmother, cent the shareand priceher of $25.27. her onmother daughter. “Exelon and Pepco Holdings She said every time she reads have a compelling strategic excerpts from her book, rationale she still In Memoriam for giventhe ourwords geographic Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. canmerging, not believe came Wilhelmina J. Rolark proximity similar Me utilityButterfly” business from her.and“Color The Washington Informer Newspaper models. Our2007 culturesNational are an excellent won the “Best THE WASHINGTON INFORMER match, a shared focus on operaInPUBLISHER Memoriam Books”with Award. NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414)Dr.isCalvin W. Rolark, Sr. Denise Rolark Barnes tional environmental when stew“I excellence, was just 16-years-old published weekly on each Thursday. Wilhelmina J. Rolark ardship, customer service and support my eye first blackened and my Periodicals postage paid at WashingSTAFF WASHINGTON INFORMER lipsthe bled,” Marlowwe said. for communities serve,” says ton,THE D.C. and additional mailing of- NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly Thursday. Periodicals paid at Washington, D.C. and additional Elaine Chris Crane,Davis-Nickens, Exelon’s CEO. presifices. Newsonand advertising deadlinepostage Denise W. Barnes, Editor mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. is Monday prior to publication. Andent of the National Assurances from utilityHook-Up officials Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2000 by The D. Kevin McNeir, Managing Editor nouncements must be received two of Black Women, saidbethere is no that the marriage would beneficial Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POST MASTER: Send change of addressweeks event. Copyright 2015 in the way domestic es toprior The to Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, toconsistency D.C. customers have failed to asRon Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director by D.C. The 20032. Washington Informer. All No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permisviolence are dealt with by suage criticsissues like Robert Robinson, a rights POSTMASTER: sionreserved. from the publisher. TheSend Informer Newspaper cannot return Lafayette Barnes, IV,guarantee Assistant the Photo Editorof renewable energy supporter. He said change of addresses to The rates Washphotographs. Subscription are $30 per year, two years $45. Papers will be received that while Exelon will pay $6.8 billion not more than 3117 a weekMartin after publication. MakeE.checks payable to: ington Informer, Luther John De Freitas, Sports Photo Editor King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. for Pepco’s distribution system assets, THE WASHINGTON Dorothy INFORMER Rowley, Online Editor 20032. No part of this publication may the real beneficiaries will be share3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. • Washington, D.C. 20032 be reproduced without written permisholders and the executives who broBrian• Young, Design & Layout Phone: 202 561-4100 Fax: 202 574-3785 sion from the publisher. The Informer E-mail: news@washingtoninformer.com kered the deal. Newspaper cannot guarantee the return Mable Neville, Bookkeeper www.washingtoninformer.com “This deal sells out the interests of of photographs. Subscription rates are ratepayers who spend a lifetime paying Mickey Thompson, Social Sightings columnist $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will PUBLISHER be received not more than a week after for the grid by prioritizing the interests Denise RolarkPalmer, Barnes Social Media Specialist Stacey publication. Make checks payable to: of PHI shareholders,” said Robinson STAFF REPORTERSCirculation during a Dec. 8 interview. “Pepco has Angie Johnson, THE WASHINGTON Brooke N. Garner INFORMER Managing Editor Tia C. Jones, Ed Laiscell, proposed to sell itself to Exelon. PepCarla Peay Assistant Managing Editor Odell B. Ruffin, Larry Saxton, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Ron BurkeD.C. 20032 Advertising and Marketing Mary Wells, Joseph Young co sells the cheapest energy and reliWashington, REPORTERS Mable Whittaker Bookkeeper ability. Exelon is nuclear and wants to Phone: 202 561-4100 Stacy Brown, Sam P.K. Collins, Eve Ferguson, LaNita Wrenn Administration PHOTOGRAPHERS Fax:John 202 574-3785 sell at the highest prices. It’s a conflict. E. De Freitas Sports Elton Editor Hayes, Lafayette Barnes, IV, D. Kevin McNeir, Dorothy news@washingtoninformer.com Victor Holt Photo Editor John E. De Freitas, Maurice Fitzgerald, “Pepco picked the deal that would Salmon www.washingtoninformer.com Zebra Designs, Inc. Layout & Graphic Rowley, Design Barrington Joanne Jackson, Roy Lewis, Robert give shareholders the greatest return. Ken Harris /www.scsworks.com Webmaster Ridley, Victor Holt Of the $6.8 billion, $1.2 billion is free and clear for executives. Exelon will CIRCULATION Paul Trantham PHOTOGRAPHERS get the grid and the distribution serJohn E. DeFreitas, Shevry Lassiter, vice, and we’re a captive audience. We get $50, which will be eaten up in one Roy Lewis, Travis Riddick , Nancy Shia bill, and we’ll end up paying Exelon for the rest of our lives.” 4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com Robinson, vice president for solar outreach at DC SUN, an umbrella or-

Visit our updated Web site and give us your comments for a chance to win a gift from The Washington Informer

4 Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

The Washington Informer

law enforcement. She said they had come together to bring a sense of uniformity in the way domestic violence victims and survivors are treated. “She's using her own personal story, her own personal pain to push forward,” Davis-Nickens said about Marlow. Davis-Nickens said anyone who reads Marlow's book will “get it.” She said she “puts the case in such a way, the average person can get it.” She said at the end of the day, the book will help people begin to have a dialogue about domestic violence. Also present at the event was Mildred Muhammad, the exwife of John Allen Muhammad, who was sentenced to six consecutive life terms without parole by a Maryland jury for his role in the Beltway Sniper attacks in 2002. Mildred Muhammad is the founder of After the Trauma, Donna Cooper, Regional President, an organization that helps the PEPCO /Courtesy Photo survivors of domestic violence and their children. “I livedfor in 11 fearneighborhood for six years.solar Six ganization years in fear said is a he’s longfears time. It is co-ops in D.C., the Disnot an easy thing come out trict’s energy future will to be constrained of,”into shethe said. well future. Mildred Muhammad said “We will face greater obstacles people who want to help to distributed generation and build-a domestic violence victim ing a grid that meets our needs.must The be careful they go into rates we pay ofwillhow be transferred out theD.C.’s victim's and understand of local life, economy, and we’ll be that she in “survival locked into amay cyclebe of higher wholemode”. sale electricity costs and distribution “Before you get to 'I'm going rate increases,” he said. “Exelon will to kill you,' it started as a verbal manipulate our political process and energy policy with ratepayer dollars. They’re not telling us what will happen if the merger goes through because it’s really not going be good for us.” A Pepco spokesperson detailed potential benefits. “The combination of the companies brings together Exelon’s three top-performing electric and gas utilities – BGE, ComEd and PECO – and PHI’s electric and gas utilities – Atlantic City Electric, Delmarva Power and Pepco – to create the leading Mid-Atlantic electric and gas utility,” the spokesperson said. “(The new blended company) will build on the PHI utilities’ strong track record of improving system reliability, customer service and outage restoration capabilities to bring additional benefits to the customers and communities they serve.” Shared best practices will also result in improved customer service and reliability, the official said. Sandra Mattavous-Frye, head of the Office of the People’s Counsel, said the deal must be balanced against the public interest, which makes the proposal in its present form unacceptable. But if utility officials accept rec-

“

threat,” she said. Among the programs Marlow wants to see are ommendations offeredimplemented by her office, it would stricter restraining order policies, make the merger more palatable. more rights for victim's families “We’re asking the Public Service to intervene on behalf of a vicCommission to reject the merger as tim, a domestic violence assessfiled because the risks exceed the benment unit coupled with further efits,” she said. both training for “We law encourage enforcement companies come backLife withProteca plan agencies, to a Child's to meet comtion Actthe andrequirements mandatory the counselmission established. There has to ing for has batterers. be “If direct to going ratepayers, tracewebenefits are ever to eradicatefinancial domestic violence, must able benefits. Theirwe proposal look at very bothfew sides of the produces of these. Thecoin. only We need to done address bothcustomers the victhing they’ve is offer tim Also, and there the batterer,” $50. may be lessMarlow reliable said. The city has been in the vanservice. Marlow would also guard in sustainability. We like couldtoseeseea programs designed to raise stalling of that program.” awareness among children in Mattavous-Frye said several outpublic and private schools. She standing issues need must to be beaddressed, feels children educatincluding reliability. ed about domestic violence. “They have not fol“We have to committed stop beingto paslow standards established by the comsive-aggressive with poor chilmission with regards to theviolence,” frequency dren about domestic and duration Marlow said.of outages,” she said. Marlow has doesn’t workedaggressiveto break “The proposal cycle this of abuse in her said family, lytheaddress issue. Exelon the and is confident policies she companies probablythe won’t meet this is pushing until 2016. We for don’twill wantstart to seethat any process. retreat in this.” “I planofto the takedozen these groups policiesopto Several Congress and implore them to posing the merger aren’t pleased bechange our laws,” Marlow said. cause they say the District’s getting “I will not stop until these polishort shrift. cies are passed.” “In the can Bill be Credit and Tia Maryland, Carol Jones reached Customer Fund was $113.5 million at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net compared to $14 million for D.C. and $100 million for all four jurisdictions,” WI said Mattavous-Frye. “(In Baltimore), they got a new office building and money for low-income residents. The package was more lucrative for them. Exelon said they have less money and cited generational issues, nothing really rational. They also said it was a different jurisdiction.” Pepco officials say the company, if approved, will maintain its local focus, presence and leadership. At the close of the merger, Dave Velazquez, currently executive vice president of PHI Power Delivery, would become president and CEO of PHI utilities. Donna Cooper would also remain with Pepco as regional president. “As part of this transaction, Exelon has committed to provide what our customers most want: investments in infrastructure improvements, continuation of our long tradition of philanL.Y. and Marlow thropy in our communities direct customer benefits of $100 million,” said Pepco Holdings Chairman, President and CEO Joseph M. Rigby. “Our shareholders will benefit from an immediate cash premium, and employees should enjoy even more opportunities as part of a larger company.” WI

We have to stop being passive-aggressive with poor children about domestic violence. I plan to take these policies to Congress and implore them to change our laws. I will not stop until these policies are passed.

“

SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY

AROUND THE REGION

www.washingtoninformer.com

AROUND THE REGION

You Can Say It Like A Pro! Let us help you develop the communication skills to compete and win! ■ Executive Presentation Coaching ■ Media Training ■ Image Branding De : Sade Photo

■ On-Camera Coaching

nis.c deden ww.sa nnis/w

Doris McMillon President

C O M M U N I C AT I O N S

301.292.9141/FAX 301.292.9142/Mobile 703.819.0920 doris@mcmilloncommunications.com/www.mcmilloncommunications.com Industrial Bank President B. Doyle Mitchell, Jr. and Executive Vice President Patricia Mitchell continue to carry on a family tradition established by the bank’s founder and their grandfather, Jesse H. Mitchell, 80 years ago. / Photo by Shevry Lassiter

Industrial Bank Offering Small Business Grants

Awards from 80-year-old Institution to Total $80,000 By D. Kevin McNeir WI Managing Editor In November 2014, one of the most respected financial institutions in the Washington Metropolitan Area, Industrial Bank, marked its 80th year of service by hosting an unforgettable celebration at the Arena Stage in Southwest. Now the leaders of the bank have earmarked $80,000 in the form of five grants in order to help local small businesses get a leg up on the competition. Specifically, four individual Enterprise Awards, each in the amount of $15,000 and one President’s Award in the amount of $20,000 (for best overall package), are available for local businesses that meet a list of requirements and want to improve the kinds of services they provide while increasing their revenue and therefore keeping their doors open. “We’ve extended the deadline to Sunday, Feb. 15 and anticipate seeing a growing positive response in terms of applications,” said B. Doyle Mitchell, Jr., president and CEO, Industrial Bank. “The benefits for receiving

this grant are endless and we, along with our partners, came up with this strategy hoping that it would make a significant difference in advancing companies from our community forward. It’s a shot in the arm for a business whose revenue totals less than $1 million annually.” Mitchell Jr., 52, knows his job well – in fact, his participation and leadership “run in his blood.” He, along with this sister, Patricia Mitchell, who serves as the executive vice president, head the largest minority-owned commercial bank in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Industrial Bank’s leaders have been serving the needs of blacks and others, in Washington, D.C. and parts of Virginia and Maryland for 80 years – following a tradition established by the two executives’ grandfather, Jesse H. Mitchell and continued by his son. More complete information, including an application, can be found on the bank’s website, however, the eligibility requirements, in summary, include: doing business for at least 12 months and no more than five years; located in the bank’s service area (District of Colum-

www.washingtoninformer.com

bia; Prince George’s County, Maryland; Montgomery County, Denise Rolark Barnes Maryland; Fairfax County, VirIndependent Beauty Consultant ginia; City of Arlington, Virginwww.marykay/drolark-barnes.com ia; and City of Alexandria, Vir202-236-8831 ginia); business must be lien and judgment free; and must possess a current business certificate of good standing or a business license. Applicants for the grant are not required to be customers of the bank. Mitchell, Jr. said helping small businesses succeed equates to a win-win situation. “We are specifically reaching out to small businesses – some may even have less than five em(301) 864-6070 ployees,” he said. He noted that supporting such companies remains one of the MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC bank’s primary goals. “Helping small businesses ADA, Age Discrimination, Benefits, Civil Rights, succeed matters – particularly in COBRA, Contracts, Deaf Law, Defamation, Disability Law, this current economy,” Mitchell Discipline, Discrimination, FMLA, FLSA, FOIA, Jr. said. “Entrepreneurship is growing in and around the DisFamily Responsibility, Harassment, HIPPA, OSHA, trict and we believe that a lot of National Origin Discrimination, Non-Compete, ‡ Please set allfrom copy in startupper and lowercase, flush left as indicated on artwork at these point sizes: Consultant name in 11-point Helvetica Neue Bo new jobs will come Beauty Consultant in 9-point Helvetica Neue Light;Discrimination, Web site or e-mail address in 9-point HelveticaAct, Neue Retaliation, Light; phone number in 9-point Helvetica Race Rehabilitation To the Beauty up companies. So,Independent we want to do Consultant: Only Company-approved Web sites obtained through the Mary Kay® Personal Web Site program may Severance Agreements, Sexual Harassment, Torts, everything we can to make our Whistleblowing, Wage-and-Hour, Wrongful Discharge local economy as vibrant as possible.” WI SERVING MARYLAND, DC, & NORTH CAROLINA For more information and to apply, www.jmlaw.net (301) 864-6070 jmccollum@jmlaw.net visit www.industrial-bank.com The Washington Informer Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015 5

EMPLOYMENT LAWYERS

AROUND THE REGION WEEK OF JAN 15 TO JAN 21

Black Facts JAN. 22 1931 –Sam Cooke is born in Clarksdale, Mississippi. The son of a minister, Cooke began his career with a Gospel group known as the “Singing Children.” He became a member of the famous “Soul Stirrers” but switched to secular music, combining gospel and the blues to produce Soul. Among his hits were “You Send Me” and “Twisting the Night Away.” 1948 – Two-time heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman is born on this day in Marshall, Texas. JAN. 23 1891 – Pioneering black surgeon, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, helps found Provident Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. The hospital becomes one of the main teaching and training facilities for black doctors and nurses who had frequently been denied entrance to white-owned medical facilities. 1946 – Author, editor, writer, journalist Susan L. Taylor born in New York, New York to a father from the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. 1977 – The highly acclaimed television mini-series “Roots” begins airing on ABC. The series was based on a novel by Alex Haley who also wrote the “Autobiography of Malcolm X.”

make a real connection Call Livelinks. The hottest place to meet the coolest people.

TRY FOR

Free

JAN. 24 1874 – Arthur Schomburg is born Arturo Alfonso Schomburg in Puerto Rico. After moving to New York City in April 1891, he became known as the “Sherlock Holmes” of Black history because of his relentless search for Black historical truths and accomplishments. His drive to discover Black history was sparked by a 5th-grade teacher who told him “Black people had no history, no heroes, no great moments.” He eventually collected over 10,000 volumes on black history in America, the Caribbean and Latin America. His collection became part of the New York Public Library system. 1993 – Thurgood Marshall, the first black Supreme Court Justice, died on this day.

JAN. 25 1851 – The first Black Women’s Rights Convention is held in Akron, Ohio. The keynote speaker was anti-slavery activist Sojourner Truth. 1966 – Constance Baker Motley becomes first African American Woman Federal Judge her parents were from Nevis in the Caribbean. 1972 – Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm begins her campaign for President of the U.S. 1980 – Black Entertainment Television (BET), the first black owned company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, begins broadcasting from its headquarters in Washington, D.C. While still black programmed, BET is now owned by media conglomerate Viacom. JAN. 26 1893 – “Queen Bess,” Bessie Coleman, the nation’s first black female aviator, is born in the small town of Atlanta, Texas. Coleman was also the first African American (male or female) to earn an international pilot’s license. Because of the racism and sexism in America, she had to travel to France to earn the license. 1944 – Political activist Angela Davis is born in Birmingham, Alabama. She was a brilliant scholar and philosopher who made the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list because of her suspected involvement in the violent August 7, 1970 courthouse attempt to free jailed black revolutionary inmate George Jackson. JAN. 27 1953 – One of black America’s

most gifted novelists, Ralph Ellison, wins the prestigious National Book Award with his powerful novel “The Invisible Man.” The novel helped him achieve international fame. The main character constantly escapes one disaster after another. The disasters are brought on by a combination virulent racism and the character’s own naivete. Ellison was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 1961 – Opera diva Leontyne Price makes her debut at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. 1972 - Mahalia Jackson, considered the greatest gospel singer that ever lived, dies of heart failure on this day near Chicago (Evergreen Park) Illinois. She was born in New Orleans. Among her greatest songs were “Did It Rain,” “Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho,” and “When the Saints Go Marching In.” JAN. 28 1938 – Crystal Byrd Fauset becomes the first black woman elected to a state legislature when she wins a seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. 1944 – Matthew Henson receives a medal from the U.S. Congress for being co-discoverer of the North Pole along with Robert Peary. The medal, however, came 35 years after the historic feat. 1989 – After 62 years and numerous protests, the Colgate-Palmolive Company ends the sale of “Darkie Toothpaste.” The toothpaste which was only sold in Asia was renamed “Darlie” and the Sambo-style character on the tube was dropped.

Thurgood Marshall

202.448.0409 Ahora en Español 18+

www.livelinks.com

6 Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

The Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com

AROUND THE REGION INTERVIEWS AND PHOTOS BY ELTON HAYES

VIEWP INT Pastor Moses Andrade

Beltsville, Maryland I believe the president’s plan is a noble one. And in the long run, I think it will help this country continue to be a great one, which is something that the forefathers all agreed on. Why shouldn’t America -- which is viewed as the leading country in the world -- not raise the standard of education for our young people? Education is the great equalizer, and to deny someone an education is to deny them life.

Saintcyr Koua

Herndon, Virginia I think it’s a good idea. I don’t think that free access to community college should just be limited to American citizens – I think it should be for everyone. I am an American citizen and I plan to go back to school. But it is just too expensive right now to live in this area and also be a student. It’s not easy. Education is important and colleges need to open their door to everybody who wants to learn.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA LAST WEEK ANNOUNCED HIS PLAN TO MAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE FREE FOR SOME STUDENTS, GIVING THEM ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION. WHILE SUPPORT HAS GENERALLY BEEN WIDESPREAD, SOME PEOPLE HAVE VOICED OBJECTIONS. DO YOU SUPPORT THE PRESIDENT’S PLAN?

Katum Guindo

Bowie, Maryland I think it’s a wonderful idea. It will give everyone who doesn’t have a lot of money the opportunity to go to college and save some money while doing it. It will give people a chance to receive higher education. The more people are educated, the better off this country and society will be. I think the plan is great and I’m glad to see it being discussed.

get

Preston Monroe

Washington, D.C. I think the plan is a good one. It will give our young people the opportunity to get a proper education. A lot of children’s parents cannot afford to send them to college. And while there are grants available, not everyone can get one. I support what the president is doing 110 percent. I have children who have already graduated from college and who are doing well for themselves. I also have a 12-year-old daughter who will eventually go to college, and this plan might work out great for her.

Clarence Lusane

Washington, D.C. I think the president’s initiative is great. It’s extremely important that this country becomes competitive in terms of education. So anything that will give people more educational opportunities is a good thing. The program is long overdue and I hope it extends to other areas of education, as well.

TOP RATED U.S.

fired up.

WEIGHT LOSS COFFEE IS NOW BEINGwww.tipstalent.org SERVED!

bring your

heating bills down.

Replace your old or failing heating system and get up to

Filled with healthy blend of MCT Oil & Ramon Seeds

Featured on the Dr. Oz Show

$1,250 cash back.

Connect at dcseu.com/heating or call us at 202-479-2222

#REPRESENTDC

- Ideal for Home, Businesses, or Special Events - Convenient Single Brew Cup Sizes or 12 oz. bag - $$$ Low Cost – High Health & Weight Loss Benefits TO MAKE A RUSH ORDER DELIVERY, CALL

877-550-3637

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

AROUND THE REGION UNION from Page 1 More of our kids are graduating than ever before; more of our people are insured than ever before; and we are as free from the grip of foreign oil as we’ve been in almost 30 years.” “America, for all that we have endured, for all the grit and hard work required to come back, for all the tasks that lie ahead, know this: The shadow of crisis has passed, and the State of the Union is strong. At this moment – with a growing economy, shrinking deficits, bustling industry, and booming energy production – we have risen from recession, freer to write our own future than any other nation on earth. It’s now up to us to choose who we want to be over the next 15 years, and for decades to come.” As expected, the five Republican legislators who responded to Obama after his more than hour-long speech, disagreed, criticizing most of Obama’s positions and successes, saying more needs to be done. Freshman Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa said Congress, which

was given a mandate by the American people last year, has already begun working hard to reverse the state of dysfunction in Washington. She said the GOP seeks to eliminate the “failed policy of Obamacare,” and pass “a serious job creation program,” the Keystone pipeline project, which she said “will provide thousands of jobs and billions of dollars with minimal environmental impact.” “Will he sign the bill or block good American jobs?” the mother and Iowa National Guard lieutenant colonel asked. “We need to tear down trade barriers in Europe and the Pacific Rim and bring both manufacturing wages and jobs right here. “We want to revise and eliminate loopholes and lower rates. We call on the president to cooperate to pass the trade bill.” Among the proposals Obama offered: offering a free community college for most students willing to work for it; expanding broadband access; renewed climate change action; and paid family and sick leave for American workers. Obama also called for higher taxes on the wealthy, but with steady opposition and

an obstructionist agenda from the GOP since Obama became president, it’s unlikely that any of these proposals will leave Capitol Hill. Obama said his administration remains committed to what he called “middle-class economics.” “Middle class economic works,” he said. “We believed that sensible regulations could prevent another crisis, shield families from ruin and encourage fair competition. Today, we have new tools to stop taxpayer-funded bailouts and a new consumer watchdog to protect us from predatory lending and abusive credit card practices. And in the past year alone, about 10 million uninsured Americans finally gained the security of health coverage.” “At every step, we were told our goals were misguided or too ambitious; that we would crush jobs and explode deficits. Instead, we’ve seen the fastest economic growth in over a decade, our deficits cut by two-thirds, a stock market that has doubled and health care inflation at its lowest rate in 50 years. This is good news people. So the verdict is clear. Middle-class economics

CLARK CONSTRUCTION GROUP, LLC Invites you to submit for your scope of work for the following project:

SQUARE 37 - CBE Subcontracting Employment Opportunities Your bid is due to us on or before January 26th, 2015 @ 5:00 PM

Project Description: Redevelop the West End library into a new 11-story building with library, retail and larger condominiums above. A mix of one-bedroom/den, two-bedroom/den and three-bedroom/den are planned with an average size of approximately 1,500 sq. ft. with one garage parking space per unit. Approximately 7,000 sq. ft. of retail is planned for the street level. Project specific requirements/ emphasis for the above referenced project: Subcontractors and suppliers will be asked to furnish labor and/or materials and equipment to

accomplish work required by the contract documents for the various areas of work listed below. DIVISION 2-- SITEWORK DIVISION 4-- MASONRY DIVISION 6-- WOOD & PLASTICS DIVISION 8-- DOORS AND WINDOWS DIVISION 10-- SPECIALTIES DIVISION 12-- FURNISHINGS DIVISION 14-- CONVEYING SYSTEMS DIVISION 16-- MECHANICAL

DIVISION 3-- CONCRETE DIVISION 5-- METALS DIVISION 7-- THERMAL & MOISTURE DIVISION 9-- FINISHES DIVISION 11-- EQUIPMENT DIVISION 13-- SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION DIVISION 15-- ELECTRICAL

Drawings and Specifications May Be Purchased From: American Reprographics: Ken Karbeling, 301-231-5200 Bid Documents can be viewed at: The Clark Construction Plan Room, 7500 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814 Address all correspondence to: Clark Construction Group, LLC, 7500 Old Georgetown

Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.

Contacts: Matt Villa, Dustin McCrackin, Josh Slocomb

Phone: 301-272-8100

Fax: 301-272-1922

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

8 Jan 22 - Jan 28,

We request bids from small, disadvantaged, minority and 2015 women owned subcontractors and suppliers. The

Washington Informer

President Barack Obama made a powerful, moving case for the middle class in America during his State of the Union address on Monday, Jan. 19, offering hope to millions of citizens. /Photo by Robert Roberts

works. Expanding opportunity works. And these policies will continue to work, as long as politics don’t get in the way.” “We can’t slow down businesses or put our economy at risk with government shutdowns or fiscal showdowns. We can’t put the security of families at risk by taking away their health insurance, or unraveling the new rules on Wall Street, or refighting past battles on immigration when we’ve got to fix a broken system. And if a bill comes to my desk that tries to do any of these things, it will have earned my veto.” Obama’s tenure has been marked by a hostile Congress, hyper-partisanship and rancor. But Obama offered an olive

branch, saying there are a number of issues on which both sides can agree and compromise. “My only agenda for the next two years is the same as the one I’ve had since the day I swore an oath on the steps of this Capitol – to do what I believe is best for America,” Obama said. “If you share the broad vision I outlined tonight, join me in the work at hand. If you disagree with parts of it, I hope you’ll at least work with me where you do agree. And I commit to every Republican here tonight that I will not only seek out your ideas, I will seek to work with you to make this country stronger.”WI

www.washingtoninformer.com

AROUND THE REGION

Courtesy Photo

Volunteers Honor King by Sprucing Up Park By Khari Arnold Howard University News Service WASHINGTON – They could have just taken the day off, or gone to a movie, or stayed inside the warmth of their homes and away from the near freezing temperatures. Instead, over 400 volunteers bundled in coats, gloves and scarves, ventured outside to part of the day laboring outside in Anacostia Park to make a place better for others as their day of service Martin Luther King Day. In roughly 35-degree weather, they pulled up invasive plants, gathered up trash and debris in heavy-duty garbage bags and planted trees as part of an effort to maintain the health of the 1200-acre park. Johnnie Jones 29, said he believed this event allowed all of the volunteers to honor King’s legacy by doing for others. “As a communal area, this a place where everybody gets to participate, partake in and benefit from,” Jones said. “All my family members — my parents, my grandparents — were public servants. Community service and community involvement [have been] running through my blood.” The effort was coordinated by the Student Conservation Association, National Capital Parks East and AmeriCorps, who partnered in the remembrance of Dr. King.

Families, couples and worked the four-hour day of revamping a park that’s considered home to many. “Anacostia Park is not only special to SCA, but a lot people in this community,” said Monique Daily, an event manager who said she visited the park as a child. “It has work that needs to get done,” Daily said. “There are a lot of issues with trash. We wanted to give back to a park that’s really meant a lot to us and the community.” Volunteers were met with some surprises, including wild deer. “It definitely caught me off guard,” Xavier Mitchell, 22, said, “but I wasn’t freaked out enough to stop doing what I came here for. I was just glad it wasn’t a bear or anything.” Hours of work were put in by volunteers as young as the age of five, and the effort was apparent by 1:00 when the event was over and the park was left improved. With loads of garbage placed in the back of pickup trucks, planted trees in place and hazardous plants cut down to the satisfaction of all, the volunteers called it a day. “This was about his legacy,” Jones said. “It’s about doing the most good for the most people. We just wanted to be a part of that and continue that legacy.”WI

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

NATIONAL

Quality printErs 202-291-6565

printers@verizon.net

301 Kennedy st., NW - Washington, Dc 20011

MEnus, postErs BannErs & signs

Vice President Joe Biden toured the Clean Rivers Project in Anacostia with Mayor Muriel Bowser and others on Friday, Jan. 16. /Photo courtesy White House.

Biden Joins Bowser in Anacostia prograMs/BooKlEts rush service & dEsign EnvElopEs, BrochurEs & nEwslEttErs

EvEry door dirEct Mailing sErvicE

10 Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

V.P. and Mayor Discuss Clean Rivers Project By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer A $2.6 billion Clean Rivers Project in Anacostia got the attention of the nation’s second highest office on Friday, Jan. 16. Vice President Joe Biden walked arm and arm with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser as they toured the D.C. Water’s Anacostia River Tunnel infrastructure project near RFK stadium in Northeast. “If we’re going to lead the world in the 21st century, then we have to have the most advanced infrastructure in the world,” Biden said. “Businesses do not come to places where the water is dirty.” The Anacostia project’s goal is to significantly reduce combined sewer overflows in the District for improved water quality and Bowser said the federal government’s help should be counted upon. “We look to Congress to make it easier for this new venture to be successful and create the conditions that allow us to work with regional partners and neighboring states to rebuild other infrastructure projects like our roads and mass transit system,” the mayor said. “Congress has a responsibility to help us move forward,” she said. The Associated Press reported that it has been several years since Congress has passed a long-term measure to pay for spending on highways and other projects. The Washington Informer

Last year, President Barack Obama put forward a $302 billion, four-year proposal partly paid for by overhauling the corporate tax system, but the proposal stalled on Capitol Hill. Obama, Biden and other top officials argue that U.S. competitiveness is being hindered by aging infrastructure. They said projects to replace or upgrade infrastructure will help the economy and create jobs. DC Water reportedly has received $210.8 million in federal funding for the project to-date. The rest of the project cost is paid for by local ratepayers. Earlier this year, DC Water became the first water/wastewater utility in the United States to issue century bonds with a 100-year final maturity, to better match the life expectancy of the tunnels and spread the cost to the generations of ratepayers who will benefit from them, officials said in a news release. The Anacostia project should help with certain problems like combined sewer overflows, which occurs during heavy rain when the mixture of sewage and storm water cannot fit in the sewer pipes and overflows to the nearest water body. DC Water’s plan to significantly reduce combined sewer overflows to the Anacostia River is to build massive underground tunnels that will store the combined sewage and runoff during intense rainstorms and then convey the flow to the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant for treatment, offi-

cials said. The project is expected to produce nearly 2,500 employment opportunities. With several officials in attendance, including D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and D.C. Water CEO George Hawkins, the Biden-Bowser tandem had many eyes watching and ears listening as the vice president also made it known that he’s in favor of Bowser’s desire for D.C. statehood. Biden could be heard telling Norton that the District should be a state. “I’m not making a statement for the administration. I’m making a statement for Joe Biden and I think the president shares the same view,” Biden said. During an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press” earlier this month, Bowser told a national audience of her desire to see the District achieve statehood. “We are Washington D.C. The residents of Washington, D.C. deserve full democracy and statehood,” Bowser said. “The residents really want to forge a new path toward statehood, and we can start with budget autonomy, unhooking our government from the federal government. We’re going to set a pragmatic way to ramp up our federal presence and forge a new path.”WI

www.washingtoninformer.com

WASHINGTONAUTOSHOW.COM

STARTS TOMORROW!

JAN 23 - FEB 1 WHERE HEARTS RACE

2 0 1 5 WA S H I N G TO N

W A LT E R E . W A S H I N G T O N C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R FRIDAY 1/23

SUNDAY 1/25

NFL Legends

AUTOTRADER.COM DAY

PBS Kids Family Fun Zone courtesy of WHUT

6pm–8pm

Tickets $4 off w/ printed coupon or any printed page from AutoTrader.com

Red Bird from Angry Birds 4pm–8pm Sadie Robertson of A&E’s Duck Dynasty Music by WMZQ-FM 6:30pm–8pm

SATURDAY 1/24 PBS Kids Family Fun Zone courtesy of WHUT Daniel Tiger, Peg + Cat, SuperWhy!, Word World Dog and Princess Pea

10am–9pm

SpongeBob & Patrick courtesy of Comcast Spotlight 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm Lion and Dragon Dancers provided by Asian Community Service Center 1pm

Daniel Tiger, Peg + Cat, SuperWhy!, Word World Dog and Princess Pea

10am–9pm

SpongeBob & Patrick courtesy of Comcast Spotlight 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm Lion and Dragon Dancers provided by Asian Community Service Center 1pm Playland Dance Party 3pm Univision’s Ximena Londono Cordoba 3pm–5pm

MONDAY 1/26

Dave Butz, Mark Moseley, Charlie Taylor

Auto Tunes College A Cappella competition 7pm–8:30pm

TUESDAY 1/27 MILITARY TRIBUTE DAY Presented by Audi

FREE tickets to all activeduty military and veterans who present a valid military ID or retired ID, VA ID, or DD214 and photo ID.

Military charities:

American Red Cross Yellow Ribbon Fund

Hyundai “Hands-On” Contest Begins Win a 2015 Hyundai Sonata SE

3pm

STUDENT DAY

Red Bird from Angry Birds 4pm–8pm

Star Wars Characters presented by American Red Cross 12pm–8pm

$7 off with Student I.D.

Playland Dance Party 3pm

U.S. Army Band Downrange 6pm–8pm

SATURDAY 1/31

WEDNESDAY 1/28

Daniel Tiger, Peg + Cat, SuperWhy!, Word World Dog and Princess Pea

Red Bird from Angry Birds 4pm–8pm

10am–9pm

WWE® Superstar Randy Orton® 6pm–8pm

THURSDAY 1/29

Playland Dance Party 3pm

SUNDAY 2/1 PBS Kids Family Fun Zone courtesy of WHUT Daniel Tiger, Peg + Cat, SuperWhy!, Word World Dog and Princess Pea

Red Bird from Angry Birds 4pm–8pm

10am–5pm

Allure Dance DC 7pm Washington Capitals Brooks Laich 6:30pm–8:30pm

FRIDAY 1/30 TENNIS DAY

PBS Kids Family Fun Zone courtesy of WHUT

$2 off for adult USTA/ Mid Atlantic Section member

Hyundai “Hands-On” Contest Winner Announced 12pm Playland Dance Party 3pm Telemundo’s Géraldine Bazán OrtÍz 3pm–5pm

Red Bird from Angry Birds 4pm–8pm

CAMP JEEP® IS BACK AGAIN!

EXOTICS | RIDE & DRIVES | SPORTS HEROES | CELEBS | FAMILY FUN ZONE

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY EDUCATION BRIEFS Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer Evening High School Registration Evening High School classes provide students with an alternative to traditional day schools, while enabling others to earn a Maryland High School Diploma by attending school late in the day or studying online. The classes, in session from 5:50 p.m.-10 p.m., begin on Feb. 2. Registration appointments take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Jan. 20-22, as well as from 6-8 p.m., January 2629, and from 9 a.m.-12 noon, Jan. 31. No registrations take place on Fridays and on-site sign-ups take place at the following Evening High School sites:

Crossland High School 6901 Temple Hills Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 301-449-4994 Northwestern High School 7000 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782 301-985-1460 MySchoolBucks Effective Feb. 2, the MySchoolBucks program will accept payments for student activity fees on a limited basis for the schools system, Department of Food and Nutrition Services and the Before and After School Extended Learning Program. MySchooBucks, an online payment

service that enables parents to securely pay for meals, monitors student cafeteria purchases while also making tuition payments for several other programs. With MySchoolBucks, payments can be made 24/7 using a Visa, MasterCard, Discover credit card, or debit card. Advancement among 9th-Graders School officials announced recently that the 9th-grade promotion rate increased by nearly 6 percent during the 2013-14 school year. Although there’s still room for improvement, Janice Briscoe, schools special projects officer said 81.4 percent of 9th-grade students moved on to the 10-grade for the 2014-15 academic term, marking

a 5.9 percent increase from the year before. In addition, during the previous school, the graduation rate for students who had passed 9th-th grade hovered at 84.2 percent, compared to a rate of just 21.9 percent for students who repeated 9th-grade. School Funding Campaign The Maryland State Education Association has launched a radio campaign and online petition drive urging state elected officials gathered for the newly-launched session of the General Assembly, to refrain from cuts in educational funding. The ads, which began on Jan. 12 focus on radio stations in the Baltimore, D.C. and Frederick markets. The state’s teachers union, which

earmarked $75,000 for the campaign, said schools are “critical” to the state’s economy and any plan that Gov.-elect Larry Hogan and legislators create to attract and retain businesses and families. “The high quality of Maryland’s public schools is essential to attracting businesses and families to our state,” said Betty Weller, MSEA president. “I expect that at least 10,000 Marylanders—if not many more—will sign our petition to urge the new governor and General Assembly to continue the state’s strong support of our students.”

we’re covered and we got help with the cost.

click at the all new

marylandhealthconnection.gov

enroll now

IN HEALTH COVERAGE CONNECT WITH US

12 Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

call 1-855-642-8572 TTY: 1-855-642-8573

come in to enroll

at one of our free events

The Washington Informer

SATURDAY, JAN. 31

Upcounty Regional Services Center 10 am – 4 pm 12900 Middlebrook Road Germantown, MD 20874 SATURDAY, JAN. 31

The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square 10 am – 2 pm 9033 Central Avenue Capitol Heights, MD 20743

www.washingtoninformer.com

I i c a

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

O’Malley, Local Leaders Herald Crime Drop

Governor’s Last Visit Celebrates Prince George’s Safety Strides By Avis Thomas-Lester WI Editor-at-Large Outgoing Gov. Martin O’Malley, Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III, State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks, Police Chief Mark Magaw, Sheriff Melvin High and a host of local leaders gathered at the Community of Hope AME Church at Iverson Mall in Temple Hills recently to announce a milestone decrease in crime over the last four years – including a 40 percent drop in killings. At a Jan. 13 news conference, public safety officials credited the reduction to relationships that have been forged between law enforcement agencies; cooperation between police, prosecutors and the community; and the county’s Transforming Neighborhoods Initiative (TNI), which focuses a variety of resources on troubled areas inside the Beltway. According to statistics, the county has seen a 36 percent decrease in violent crime overall since 2010. There were 54 criminal killings last year, police said – the lowest number since 1985. “Imagine what happens here in Prince George’s County on schools, on development, on jobs, on upward economic mobility when you repeat that 40 percent and the other violent crime achievements for the next four years, and the next four years after that,” O’Malley said. “…Sometimes we talk about crime as if it’s the weather. It goes up; it goes down. It doesn’t just go up and it doesn’t just go down. These men and women make it go down…You should be very proud of what you have going on here in Prince George’s County.” Last year, overall and violent crimes dropped 9 percent compared to 2013. The crime reduction occurred as arrests also dropped in 2014, officials said. The setting of the news conference was significant, organizers said. On Nov. 30, Magaw and

several of his officers accepted an invitation to attend a service at Community of Hope from the Rev. Tony Lee, the pastor. Rev. Lee wanted to open a dialogue between his members and police as protesters around the country took to the streets over a grand jury’s failure to indict the police officer who killed unarmed black teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. In an emotional show of confidence in the police, Rev. Lee and his members prayed for the safety of Magaw and his officers as they go about their work. At the news conference, Magaw said the stats mean that “2,389 fewer Prince George’s County residents were victims” last year. While he celebrated the successes, he decried the killings of seven children under the age of 3 last year – six by family members. Magaw said that an analysis of the 2014 homicides showed that 37 percent involved victims killed by a family member. “The definition of domestic violence in Prince George’s County is broadening,” he said. “We are going beyond the traditional definition of domestic violence as involving intimate partners. In 2015, we are working to focus on the family and the violence that sometimes occurs [within them].” Baker credited Alsobrooks and High, a former police chief, for working directly with his cabinet to address crime issues. He also thanked the local faith community and department heads for county agencies such as family services, social services and health for working with people in need of help. “If we go after these folks and give the services they need on the front end” they are less likely to resort to crime, Baker said. Alsobrooks, who was raised near Iverson Mall, said law enforcement officials did not “stumble into a 40 percent reduction,” but implemented strategies that drove down crime. She said resources provided to the

www.washingtoninformer.com

Outgoing Gov. Martin O’Malley congratulates Prince George’s officials on a 40 percent reduction in homicides in the last four years at a Jan. 13 news conference in Temple Hills. /Photo by Mike Yourishin

Sheriff Melvin High discusses the reduction in crime in Prince George’s at a news conference Jan. 13 in Temple Hills. /Photo by Mike Yourishin

county gave police and prosecutors tools to focus on problems. She said she hopes that someday soon the county will no longer be defined by its crime statistics and that 2015 is the last year when officials hold a news conference about crime stats. “Prince George’s County is so much more than crime…,” she The Washington Informer

said. O’Malley, who made his last official stop in Prince George’s at the news conference, said that as mayor of Baltimore years ago, it took seven years to see the kind of reduction in homicides that Prince George’s has seen in the last four. “My final words to you are

keep doing what you are doing,” he said. “The Jesuits have a saying, ‘age quod agis.’ That is Latin for ‘keep doing what you’re doing.’ You have better day ahead of you. Even with these tremendous results, you can do this again. You can do this every four years. You can do this every day!” WI Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

AROUND THE REGION

Comments? Opinions? Email us at:

Ideas?

We like to hear from you!

news@washingtoninformer.com

Youth, Adults Discuss Policing Issues Town Hall Draws Hundreds During King Weekend By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins

Reparations Study Group The next in a series of Reparations Study Group sessions will be Thursday, January 29, 2015 from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Southeast Public Library, 403 7th Street, Southeast, 20003. The series features discussion sessions and research on “The Debt America Owes Black Descendants of Slaves.” The Southeast Library is located on Capitol Hill across from the Eastern Market subway stop.

14 Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

Amid ongoing conversations about police officers’ use of excessive force against young people of color, questions weigh heavily on the minds of both adolescents and adults about how teenagers can safely and effectively challenge the status quo. During the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, more than 250 middle and high school students, parents and community leaders gathered at a local community center to find answers to their most pressing questions. The three-hour event allowed guests to delve into issues of justice, civic engagement, education and public policy. “We wanted to awaken the children’s consciousness and get them to see that they too could make their own movements within their communities,” said LeVar Jones, program director at the FBR Branch of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington and a lead organizer of the #OurLivesMatter Youth Town Hall on Saturday Jan. 17. “We brought adults and young people to share their experiences. Our goals were to inform, equip, articulate and engage. We wanted the children to be clear about what their rights are and who they are as young people so that they could handle situations they may face with law enforcement in a way that furthers the movement,” said Jones, who also served as a moderator during the youth discussion segment of the program. Last year, dozens of District residents and activists gave firsthand accounts of random jump outs, traffic stops, and assaults by D.C. police officers during a D.C. Council Committee of the Judiciary and Public Safety hearing at Howard University in Northwest. Guests that October morning also criticized what they considered to be the Metropolitan Police Department’s paramilitary tactics against the city’s black population. The fight to raise awareness about community policing issues continued on Saturday. That morning, a steady stream of people, many of whom sported black T-shirts with “Our Lives Matter” emblazoned across the front, entered the Townhall Education Arts Campus in Southeast and chatted among one another while sipping hot chocolate and eating pastries. Guests later took their seats in a state-of-the-art auditorium where they watched a video produced by The Just Us Project titled “My Life Matters” and listened to a panel of communiThe Washington Informer

JaeVonn Flannagan, a member of the FBR Boys & Girls Club, participates in a youth panel sharing his view on how to create a better future during the #OurLivesMatter Youth Townhall held at THEARC in Southeast on Sat., January 17. /Photo by Roy Lewis

ty leaders, educators and activists reveal what they believed to be the best methods of organizing people and engaging police officers. A group of teenagers, each of whom represented a community organization or arts group, later reflected on their experiences with the police and answered some of their peers’ questions. “Officers are in a tense situation, and they come into our neighborhoods with certain assumptions, so it’s up to us to keep them at ease,” Bobby Manning, pastor of First Baptist Church of District Heights in District Heights, Maryland, told the audience. Manning later implored the young guests to understand their options in situations when officers confront them. “If you conduct yourself properly, you can take their badge number and file a complaint later. Also, educate yourself about what you can and cannot do. Research your rights. You may not be a lawyer, but you’re smart and able. The information is out there.” Quentin Paschal, a member of the D.C. Youth Slam Team, echoed Manning’s sentiments. During the youth panel discussion, Paschal relayed some advice that a mentor gave him about interacting with law enforcement officials. “Just because [an officer says] you fit the description doesn’t mean that you should stay,” Paschal told his peers in the audience. “Have you ever seen someone talk their way out of jail? You can’t hold court on the sidewalk. Many of us don’t know our rights. This is about raising the black consciousness, especially when you see the connection between not having a high school diploma and ending up in prison.” While local activist Erika Totten acknowledged the importance of knowing the law, she said that nonviolent resistance can serve as a means of raising awareness about the long-standing

conflict between the police and people of color. Totten, founder of To Live Unchained, an organization that offers spiritual life coach training to people of color, recounted her experiences protesting alongside other young people in Ferguson, Missouri, and later shutting down Interstate 395 with members of Black Lives Matter DMV. “I went to stand with my people because [something similar] happened in D.C. years ago,” Totten told the audience. “[In Ferguson], police tear gassed us and had guns pointed in our faces, but we had nothing to lose but our chains. Once it gets warm again this year, the entire country will be turned upside down, and you want to make sure you’re on the right side mobilizing people. Black Lives Matters DMV is having a militant direct action training where we show people how to safely shut down a street.” After listening to the discussion, Shana Grant said she wants to take matters into her own hands. Shana, a seventh-grader at Basis DC Public Charter School in Northwest, attended the youth forum with her family to support her sister Jala, a panelist in the youth discussion portion of the program. “This conversation inspired me,” said Shana, 12, also a member of the Delta Academy, a program of the Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. “I’m thinking about starting a club where we can discuss important issues like this. It wouldn’t be just for black people but for those who think that change needs to happen. I really care about race and women’s equality. For every dollar that a man makes, a woman makes 75 cents, and that’s just not right.” WI

www.washingtoninformer.com

BUSINESS BUSINESS EXCHANGE

Cato says Congress Should Legalize Marijuana The fight over pot in the District of Columbia has put the GOP in an awkward spot. The conservative Cato Institute is the group setting a positive tone for economic progress in D.C. and says “Congress should legalize marijuana.” And, Republicans seeking more Blacks, such as Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, worry that the party has gone too far in disrespecting the city and its residents. Federal law still outlaws marijuana, but numerous states have now decriminalized or legalized marijuana. So, no one was surprised that in the 2014 midterm elections, citizens of the District of Columbia overwhelmingly passed ballot initiatives that legalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana. Now that the issue is out in the open, it’s become a matter of economics. As lawmakers struggle to find ways to balance their budgets, it’s worth noting that the legalization of marijuana has been a boon to those states that have done so. If all 50 states legalized cannabis, they’d be collectively raking in more than $3 billion a year in taxes. Economists say pot legalization could save the U.S. $13.7 billion per year. After a ballot initiative passed with 70 percent of the vote, elected officials and drug-policy advocates hoped to make the nation’s capital the first place on the East Coast with legal pot. They wanted to use the District of Columbia as further encouragement for states to make their own marijuana laws. The activity of a Maryland Republican shows why that party faces hurdles in its push to increase its appeal to Blacks. Though D.C. voters cast their ballots in favor of decriminalizing marijuana, Rep. Andy Harris, an anesthesiologist, argues

Association for the Study of African American Life and History

By William Reed

that it would make pot more accessible to young people. He says their developing brains can be harmed by the drug and submitted an amendment that the House Appropriations Committee adopted, which prohibited the District of Columbia from spending any of its revenues to carry out any law, rule or regulation to legalize or otherwise reduce criminal penalties for marijuana. Harris, who practiced in Baltimore, said: “I saw firsthand what drug use and abuse is doing to an underprivileged population.” In a Washington Post op-ed, Harris argues that 1) marijuana is dangerous, 2) Congress has the constitutional authority to dictate public policy in the District of Columbia, and 3) allowing marijuana decriminalization “would create legal chaos.” To many in D. C., Harris is a public enemy. Most in the city’s political structure say Harris’s interventions are “arbitrary” and “overly meddlesome.” Many feel that in this overly Democratic, largely minority voting bloc, the will of the people is not being respected. Ralph J. Chittams, an African-American senior vice chairman of the D.C. GOP experienced the Harris’ staff ’s abrasiveness when he took a delegation of D.C. Black Republicans to their Longworth office. Despite their party kinship, the group was callously dismissed. Republicans have had a longstanding emphasis on states’ rights. If the bulk of the Republicans really believed their rhetoric against big government intrusion in personal lives, then the Republicans in Congress would not be overturning a citizens’ initiative, or telling a city council that it may not regulate

www.washingtoninformer.com

A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture

Saturday, February 28, 2015 Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel 2660 Woodley Road N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 202-328-2000

Keynote Speaker Daryl Michael Scott, Ph.D. Professor of History at Howard University ASALH National President

Centennial Honorary Co-Chair Susan Taylor Author and Journalist

Emcee A'Lelia Bundles Author and Journalist

Centennial Honorary Co-Chair Harry Belafonte Singer, Actor, and Civil Rights Activist

Sonia Sanchez Poet, Activist, and Scholar

Featured Authors Event 10am-12 noon 89th Annual Luncheon: 12:30pm

To purchase tables and tickets visit www.asalh.org Contributions of $100 or more will be acknowledged in our program if received by January 21. For sponsorship and advertising information, please contact ASALH at 202-238-5910 or by email at aedwards@asalh.net /ASALH.BlackHistory

REED Page 16

/ASALH

The Washington Informer

Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

BUSINESS

Tax ID Theft Highlights Major Scam Government Officials Warn Consumers By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer

One of the most pervasive scams related to identity theft is an ongoing telephone scam where taxpayers receive calls from scammers who purport to be tax agents from the Internal Revenue Service. “They claim to be calling about unpaid back taxes and proceed to threaten the unwitting taxpayers with arrest, lawsuits, suspension of their driver’s license, and more,” said Michael Raanan, a former IRS agent who now owns and operates a professional tax resolution firm in California. “This is the biggest phone scam the IRS has ever had, and it’s already netted over $5 million after hitting all 50 states and now Canada,” Raanan said. “In many cases, the caller is able to recite the Social Security number of the taxpayer. The caller already has the person’s name, address and mobile phone number,” he said. As tax season swings into full gear, officials said, they want to remind residents that identity theft remains the largest complaint category at the Federal Trade Commission, and, within that category, tax identity theft has emerged as the largest of all subcategories. To that end, the FTC’s Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week kicks off on Monday, Jan. 26, and officials said imposter scams and similar ruses count as a new twist targeting taxpayers. “As of August 2014, the treasury inspector general for tax adminisREED from Page 15

the sale of marijuana Harris and the GOP can learn from Cato. Cato Institute is a public policy research organization – a think tank – dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a myriad of policy issues. David Boaz says his think tank “remains dedicated to providing clear, thoughtful and independent analysis on vital public policy issues and the long federal experiment in prohibition of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and other drugs has given us unprecedented crime and cor-

16 Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

tration had received over 210,000 complaints with victims losing about $11 million to these scams,” Lisa Lake, of the FTC’s Division of Consumer and Business Education, said in a news release. “The FTC’s Sentinel data also shows a significant spike with tens of thousands of these complaints in 2014,” she said. The IRS imposter schemes typically are carried out by someone calling or sending an email pretending to be from the IRS. The scammers rig the caller identification mode to make it appear that the call originated from the IRS. Many times, the 202 area code will show because of the government agency’s D.C. location. The scam artists likely have discovered the targets’ last four Social Security number digits, and they may also use a fake IRS identification number. Officials said scammers will ask individuals to wire money or put funds on a bank or money card while threatening arrest, deportation or loss of a driver license. Further, the scammers sometimes will make a follow-up call pretending to be a representative of the Department of Motor Vehicles or the police. “I had my ID stolen, and it was used by someone to file federal taxes for the tax year of 2013,” said local resident Gary Feld. “It was caught, but the IRS said it would still be another six months before they get around to processing my refund,” Feld said of the nightmare that often accompanies identity theft.

Attorney General Eric Holder speaks at a recent event about tax identification theft. /Photo courtesy of 15minutenews.com

Raanan said that although the IRS scam came to light in 2013, taxpayers throughout the country still receive unsolicited phone calls from individuals claiming to be from the IRS. Many of the calls appear to be targeting seniors and minorities, Raanan said. “The potential phone scam victims are told that they owe taxes that must be paid immediately to the IRS or that they are entitled to big refunds once they pay certain penalties. When unsuccessful the first time, sometimes the IRS phone scammers call back trying a new strategy and from a new number,” he said. Among the tell-tale signs to look for, Raanan said, is that scammers generally use common names and

The biggest telephone scam in Internal Revenue Service history has already netted over $5 million for scam artists who prey on the uninformed and vulnerable. /Photo courtesy of newswire.net.

surnames to identify themselves. Some victims have also reported being able to hear background noise of other calls being conducted to mimic a call site. “Unfortunately, the scammers have worked out an effective system. After calling the unwitting victim on their cellphone, the taxpayer is persuaded to remain on the phone and instructed to travel to a local convenience store or Walmart to purchase a Green Dot cash card. After the purchase, the victim then proceeds to provide the scammer with the account number on the back of the card, which is henceforth as good as cash in the thief’s pocket,” Raanan said. The largest reported loss to a

single victim was over $100,000 to a taxpayer who stayed on the line with the scam artist for about seven hours. “In general, taxpayers should be aware the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email or phone calls to request personal or financial information,” Raanan said. “IRS protocol requires a series of letters or notices to be sent to taxpayers by mail when communicating about their federal tax account.” WI The FTC will host a free webinar during Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 2 p.m. where consumers can visit www.ftc.gov/ taxidtheft to register and to receive more information.

ruption combined with a manifest failure to stop the use of drugs or reduce their availability to children.” Harris is the sole Republican in the Maryland delegation due to Democratic high-jinks. Harris represents Maryland’s 1st Congressional District, which includes the Eastern Shore and sections of Baltimore, Harford and Carroll counties. The district has been reshaped several times to make Maryland’s other seven U.S. House districts safer for Democrats. WI William Reed is publisher of “Who’s Who in Black Corporate America” and available for projects via Busxchng@his.com. The Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com

Hispanic Chamber’s Focus: Making Connections

BUSINESS

Annual Dinner Highlights Improved Relationships By Barrington M. Salmon WI Staff Writer@bsalmondc For the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, connections are the lifeblood of the organization. And that part of the organization’s mission and it was on display at the recent Sixth Annual Embassy Dinner Series. There, ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic corps, national, regional and local elected officials, members of the business community and civil society enjoyed a sumptuous dinner and each other’s company as Chamber officials honored Latin American leaders and organizations whose actions have produced notable growth in commerce and international trade. The dinner’s honorary chairman Albert Ramdin, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States, lauded Chamber CEO Angela Franco for using her organization as a bully pulpit to advance the interests of Latino businesses in the city and region, and for developing closer and more substantial ties to the District’s business community. “You have strong people and a strong leader behind this organization. The chamber works closely with businesses which create wealth and prosperity in the (Caribbean and Latin American) region,” said Ramdin, a veteran diplomat from Suriname. “We celebrate culture and celebrate the brotherhood, unity and strength of our cultures.” “We have worked to support people, secure peace and enhance security in the region. We cannot do it alone. We continue to work for successful and sustained growth and development guided by the principles of fairness and transparency. The Chamber has played a crucial role in this effort.” Ramdin said the challenge of eliminating inequality and catering to an enormous and growing middle class looms large for a region with 600 million people, 54 combined economies which conduct more than $700 billion of trade with the United States. “The connection and conversation should not only be about immigration but also trade,” he said. “Our relationship must be fostered in strategic ways. We have no choice but to increase competition, expand networks and increase wealth. Businesses make life for people better, improves their lives.”

The Chamber awarded the Embassy of El Salvador and its ambassador, Francisco Altschul the Chamber’s Public Service Award, while also honoring the contributions of the vibrant Salvoradan population in the Washington metropolitan region. “I am aware that this prize is much more than an honor to me personally but a recognition and reminder of those who need public services,” Altschul told the estimated 200 guests and online viewers at the event which took place at the Carnegie Library in Mt. Vernon Square in Northwest. “In that sense, this award is all about our Hispanic community, Salvadorans included. I especially accept this award with an abiding faith in my Salvadoran community, for its amazing endurance to turn adversity into opportunities, and for (its) never-ending quest for freedom, justice and prosperity. We all have the opportunity to contribute to the success and strengthening of our great community. They need opportunities. We all, practitioners of the public service in the private and public domain, can be part of that success.” New Mexico Rep. Ben Ray discussed the importance of trade among and between nations in the Western Hemisphere and the importance and connections and family. “What an extraordinary evening to be surrounded by people who make D.C. grow,” he said. “This is a Latino community. Family is who we are … my roots are modest. My parents worked hard and imagined. They believed in friends and neighbors. That’s what the Chamber is about.” Syddia Lee-Chee, an event board member and chair of the Chamber’s International Initiative, announced the kickoff of the “Promoting Trade of the Americas” initiative. Franco and Lee-Chee described the dinner as the perfect place to launch the initiative which will assist members and Hispanic-owned businesses to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the implementation of Latin American and American free trade agreements. She said the Chamber plans to organize trade missions to Latin America in the near future. Guest speaker Jorge Miranda, Panama’s ambassador to the OAS, offered guests insight and data indicating how well Panama continues to perform economically as his

www.washingtoninformer.com

Angela Franco, CEO of the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, stands with New Mexico Rep. Ben Ray Lujan and Hispanic Heritage Foundation CEO Jose Antonio Tijerino at the Chamber’s annual Embassy Dinner at the Carnegie Library/Photo courtesy www.bisnow.com

country prepares to host The Summit of The Americas later this year. Franco said this is a fortuitous time for businesses, especially Hispanic businesses to thrive. There has been a considerable increase in the Hispanic population over the past several decades in the region which has signaled an overall growth in the Hispanic community’s purchasing power and ownership of businesses. As these projections continue to rise, she said, the importance of maintaining a stronger Chamber gains greater currency. “Hence the Chamber strives to support this development by empowering members, business leaders and entrepreneurs through our networking opportunities throughout the year,” said Franco. “These events range from mixers, A.M. Exchange Series, and Power Talks to an annual gala – platforms which successfully strengthen partnerships among commercial, non-profit, and governmental institutions.” Lisa Mallory, CEO of the DC Building Industry Association, agreed. “We’ve had this economic boom because of foreign investment,” she said. “The Chamber has done an excellent job in exposing ambassadors to the opportunities residents and other people have in the District. It’s very important for us, too because we often overlook Latin America.” “We’re interested in retail, housing and commercial buildings. We’re making sure we share this information about these opportunities here and abroad.” WI The Washington Informer

Do you know someone who needs to improve their credit score? Let us help get the good credit you deserve! IT A HIGHER CRED ING: SCORE WILL BR • Better rates on mortgages and refinances on • No or low interest credit cards loans • Lower rates on car • Better rates on insurance job • Positive results for screenings

• • • • •

Get help removing ina ccurate, erroneous and obsole te information in you r credit le, including: Late Payments Bankruptcies Charge-offs Public Records Collections

• • • • •

Judgments Repossessions Tax Liens Foreclosures Student Loans

MAXIMIZE YOUR CREDIT SCORE at “THE CREDIT STORE”

United Credit Education Services 3012 Mitchellville Road, #203 • Bowie, MD 20716

Derrick J. Smith, Vice President 301.744.7472

brokerderrick@thecreditstore.info • www.united-credit.org

Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

HEALTH

Winter Storm Facts Could Save Motorists

ficial, said in a recent CBS News interview. “If you’re going to be in your car for a while, you might be tempted to use your car’s heater to keep warm. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, run your vehicle’s engine and heater only 10 minutes every hour,” she said. “Keep a window cracked for ventilation, and clear snow from the exhaust pipe if it’s safe to go outside. Keep drinking to avoid dehydration, and try not to waste your battery, and only use it for necessary items. It can help if you are stuck at night to turn on an inside light when you run the engine so other people can see you.” Phillips said it’s important that battery power be used carefully because motorists would want to make sure they had enough for heat and not waste it on lights or the radio. Also, having cat litter to put under tires could help if the wheels get stuck on ice. “Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking, which is keeping the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal,” Waskevich said. He also warned not to stop if stops can be avoided. “There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it,” she said. WI

Experts Provide Tips for Those Stuck in Cars

Oretha Bailey digs out her car, which is buried in snow in Silver Spring, during a recent snowstorm. /Photo courtesy of Reuters.

Drug Name

Qty (pills)

Premarin 0.625mg Pristiq 50mg Janumet 50/1000mg Azilect 1mg Ranexa 500mg Aciphex 20mg Evista 60mg Flovent 125mcg Niaspan 500mg Boniva 150mg Xifaxan 200mg Multaq 400mg Flomax 0.4mg Ranexa ER 1000mg Bystolic 5mg Benicar 40mg Lipitor 20mg Actos 30mg Vytorin 10/40mg Nasonex 50mcg Aricept 10mg Rapaflo 8mg Geodon 40mg

84 100 84 100 100 100 100 360 84 3 100 180 90 100 84 90 84 100 90 400 84 90 100

Price*

70.99 129.99 179.99 254.99 84.99 69.99 132.99 109.99 79.99 47.99 134.99 564.99 44.99 109.99 89.99 109.99 28.99 33.99 129.99 89.99 30.99 199.99 109.99

Toll Free Phone

1-800-267-2688

Toll Free Fax

1-800-563-3822

All pricing in U.S. dollars and subject to change without notice. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Personal Check or Money Order. *Prices shown are for the equivalent generic drug if available.

Shop: www.TotalCareMart.com or Call Now! 1-800-267-2688 Mailing Address: ORDER PROCESSING CENTER, PO BOX 121 STN L, WINNIPEG MANITOBA, R3H 0Z4 CANADA

18 Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

CODE: EW40

The Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com

✔ Over 1500 Medications Available ✔ Price Match Guarantee ✔ Call for Free Price Quote ✔ Prescriptions Required ✔ CIPA Certified

IN OW Y N LA P

94.99 74.99 94.99 124.99 104.99 164.99 99.99 179.99 104.99 149.99 114.99 189.99 152.99 92.99 104.99 110.99 104.99 104.99 67.99 204.99 59.99 59.99 104.99 149.99 454.99 93.99 436.99 221.99 114.99 84.99 134.99 33.99 26.99

BO Y

Price*

NW S ET RG RE E.O ST R P AT & THE 00 TH IO .33 14 UD 32 ST 2.3 20

16 16 16 90 30 90 100 180 100 100 600 360 90 84 90 100 180 100 100 90 84 600 100 100 180 24 84 300 90 100 100 84 90

Qty (pills)

Drug Name

Viagra 100mg Viagra 50mg Cialis 20mg Cialis 5mg Levitra 20mg Spiriva 18mcg Celebrex 200mg Advair 250/50mcg Zetia 10mg Crestor 20mg Combivent 18/103mcg Symbicort 160/4.5ug Cymbalta 60mg Namenda 10mg Nexium 40mg Diovan 160mg Aggrenox 200/25mg Entocort 3mg Propecia 1mg Januvia 100mg Quinine 300mg Ventolin 100mcg Pentasa SR 500mg Avodart 0.5mg Pradaxa 150mg Vagifem 10mcg Xarelto 20mg Asacol 800mg Tricor 145mg Colchicine 0.6mg Abilify 5mg Singulair 10mg Plavix 75mg

RE t m yo rad usic DIR LL el ur t itio -fill EC AL ite ru n, ed TE V pr th, com st D IN ep s B o sc et i ing ry o Y K Mc ho n t of f m E CR ol he ag a NT A fo go e sc N r y s an ul GA E ou pe d s init S Y ng l ch pe y a H bl oir ak nd ac o in k fa g m n en .

CALL NOW & SAVE UP TO 84% ON YOUR NEXT PRESCRIPTION

an enclosed area, such as a garage. Make certain that tires are properly inflated, and never mix radial tires with other tire types,” Waskevich said. She also added one other novel suggestion. “Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can,” Waskevich said. “Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.” AAA, Red Cross and State Farm officials all said motorists should avoid panicking. Officials said turn on hazard lights and hang distress flags from windows. If a cellphone is available, call 911 and describe in much detail as possible your location. “Most importantly, stay in your car as much as possible,” Rachel Risinger, another State Farm of-

shovel, a portable air compressor and a tire lug wrench just in case of a flat tire and there’s no one around to change it,” Sforza said. Nina Waskevich, a director of marketing and public relations for the automobile club AAA, also offered several safety tips in preparation for a cold and stormy winter, including carrying extra anti-freeze, water to keep hydrated in the event an individual is stuck, energy or granola bars and a working cellular phone. “Never warm up a vehicle in

CH O

Heavy snowstorms, dangerous ice and some altogether rough driving conditions are a part of the norm, particularly of late in the Washington, D.C., area. And, for the unfortunate motorist, it could also mean unforeseen time stuck inside an automobile. “Nearly two-thirds of drivers had some sort of non-emergency supplies in their trunk ranging from shoes and toys to used food or drink containers, while nearly all drivers had at least one emergency supply in their vehicle [last winter], such as a spare tire or jumper cables, and a mere 5 percent carried all the essential emergency roadside supplies such as hazard triangle and road flares, flashlight, first aid kit, water, and blanket,” said Dave Phillips, a media specialist for State 276469_6_x_6.5 1/13/15 3:22 PM Farm Auto Insurance. Phillips said the brutal winter

of 2013 proved that hazardous weather could come sooner, end later and could mean being stuck inside of a car under a heavy snowstorm. “To ensure drivers are wellequipped in an emergency, State Farm suggests that individuals check that the spare tire in a vehicle is properly inflated twice a year and, at least twice a year, check if your emergency roadside equipment in your vehicle is working and that your emergency supplies are replenished,” Phillips said. He also recommended keeping fuel tanks at least half full at all times, and parents of young children should also keep extra clothing and non-perishable food in their vehicles. Additionally, Tom Sforza, a local automobile mechanic, said other items that can help in an emergency shouldn’t be overlooked. Page“I 1 think it is important to have a blanket, jumper cables, a small

By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer

BUSINESS

Sisters Partner to Tantalize with Tasty Treats in Edgewater By Avis Thomas-Lester WI Editor-at-Large On a typical afternoon, the Sisters Torres are busy at work at their Edgewater bakery, Cake Artista. Sandie Torres, the former business executive, is out front, chatting up customers about the delicious offerings that line glass cases. Toni, who used to work full-time as a nurse, is in the back of the house, arranging cantaloupe, honeydew melon and strawberries into a fruit bouquet scheduled to be delivered later that afternoon. Their days have grown increasingly busy since the sisters formed their culinary partnership two years ago. Sandie, who designed IT systems for healthcare organizations, had been planning for years to open the kind of business that would take her out of the corporate rat race. Toni, a mother and grandmother who has enjoyed cooking for years, always wondered what it would be like to spend her days doing something creative, instead of working to save lives. “One day, Sandie called me up and said, ‘Let’s do this,” Toni recalled. “I was ready. So, we did it.” Today, Cake Artista has a steady following, a collection of confections that draw customers from around the region and awards for their treats’ flavor – and flava. The Torreses serve walk-in customers, but weddings and other large events pay most of the bills. They provide hundreds of cupcakes to a local senior housing complex each week. They are planning to open a second bakery in Annapolis later this year and partner with a national florist to produce fruit bouquets. Both are married. Toni has grandchildren. But they work 12-15 hour days and have no complaints about that. “We enjoy it,” said Toni. “I don’t feel like I’m working,” Sandie said. To understand what is spe-

cial about Cake Artista, customers said, is to sample the desserts sold there. The small, minority-owned business is centered on the mini cupcakes, enough for two or three bites. Standard-sized cupcakes are available by special order. Their repertoire includes 200 flavors, but the menu carries 16 at a time. The varieties range from “Plain Janes,” basic frosted cupcakes, to the designer flavors. Turtlelicious tastes similar to the popular candy; it features a chocolate cake with a caramel filling and chocolate frosting that is drizzled with caramel and sprinkled with pecan pieces. There’s the Coco Loco, a yellow cupcake filled with pineapple, frosted with coconut butter cream and sprinkled with toasted coconut. There are a variety of cakes, including red velvet, banana curry, orange rosemary and apple turnover, which tastes like a slice of apple pie. Other desserts include the special order “libation pies” such as Jack Daniels pecan and bourbon sweet potato, along with standbys like apple and cherry. The most decadent offering is Tres Chiles, a ganache-covered truffle that marries chocolate-cinnamon cake and three peppers – habanera, ancho and cayenne – in a surprising confection that starts out sweet on the tongue and heats up, gently, as it moves down the throat. Glass trophies on a desk behind the counter show that Tres Chiles, Spanish for three chiles, took first place awards in the chocolate category in 2013 and 2014 at an Annapolis culinary contest. Patrons, who name desserts on their Facebook page, said they enjoy the ambiance as much as the desserts. The sisters decorated the front of the shop with walls of Tiffany Blue – there’s a cupcake to match – and fixtures in silver and white. Customers are greeted with cheerful smiles and attentive service. “We can have 500 cupcakes baked, decorated and out the

Sandie and Toni Torres are co-owners of Cake Artista in Edgewater. /Photo by Avis Thomas-Lester

Toni Torres prepares a fruit bouquet. /Photo by Avis Thomas-Lester

door in two hours,” Sandie said. A backroom is the scene of “Cuptivity,” baking-related events for adults and children. For Valentine’s Day, a date night is planned for couples. A recent Girlfriends’ Night featured a chocolate fountain along with the fun. A jazz band played last month at Customer Appreciation Night. Mike Montgomery was a fan long before his band, the Kash Wright Trio, played for other patrons at the bakery on Dec. 23. Among his favorites is the maple bacon cupcake. “It tastes like pancakes and bacon,” he said. The bakery has become one of his favorites for picking up desserts for special occasions, as well as his everyday sweets. For a recent lunch at work, he took one of the sisters’ rosette cakes in salted caramel and truffles. When he shared maple bacon cupcakes with his band members recently, one of them – when asked to describe the taste – sat down at the piano and pounded out a song reminiscent of Sunday church shouting music. Another emailed Montgomery his response: “I damn near called my own mother and cussed her out for giving me sub-par desserts as a child!” WI

QUALITY CARE THAT’S RAISING THE STANDARD. Wexford Health Sources, one of the nation’s leading providers of innovative correctional health care services, offers fulfilling opportunities for medical professionals who want to make a difference. As a team member here, you will work in a setting that is unique, challenging and always secure. Wexford Health is currently seeking the following: Regional Medical Director, Hagerstown, MD Continuous Quality Improvement Physician, Columbia, MD Physician – General Medicine and Nurse Practitioners/Physician Assistants Eastern Correctional Institute, Westover, MD Physician – General Medicine, Patuxent Correctional Institution, Jessup, MD All providers must be licensed in the State of Maryland. Wexford Health appreciates our team’s commitment to the patients we serve. That’s why we support them with training and development programs, comprehensive benefits, competitive compensation, a generous Paid Time Off policy and numerous opportunities to positively impact a population that is greatly underserved. If you’re ready to grow with an industry leader, join the team that is revolutionizing correctional health care. To learn more about opportunities at Wexford Health, or to apply, please contact Kasey Huber at 1-800-903-3616 ext. 209 or email: khuber@wexfordhealth.com

www.washingtoninformer.com

Wexford Health Sources is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

The Washington Informer

www.wexfordhealth.com/careers

Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

MDDC Press Service

EDUCATION

Kennedy – King Vision Found in Indy School By Kevin P. Chavous Executive Counsel, American Federation for Children In the spring of 1968, while growing up in Indianapolis, my mother scooped up me and my three younger siblings and told us that she was going to take us to hear the next president of the United States speak. It was a misty, overcast night but I was excited to go – even if I had to stand in the rain. When we arrived at the near northeast park, the mainly African-American crowd was buzzing with expectation. Though just 11 years old, I knew that this was a big deal. Soon, Robert Kennedy and his staff arrived at the park. But they didn’t look happy. We were about 30 yards away and I could see the tension on the faces of Kennedy and his team. I sensed something was wrong. From the very beginning, they did not look like they were at a presidential campaign rally. Finally, Bobby Kennedy stood on the back of a truck and announced to all of us that Martin Luther King, Jr. had just been assassinated in Memphis. The crowd, including my mother, all began to gasp, scream and then cry. As sad as I instantly felt, I was determined

not to cry. I wanted to be strong. I do remember thinking, however, as the light drizzle fell on my face, that it would help to camouflage my tears – but I did not cry. As people attempted to deal with the shock, some of the folks in the back grew agitated. I could feel the anger rising. Bobby Kennedy then gave one of the most famous speeches in American political history. He quoted the poet, Aeschylus; talked about the need for love, not hate and then calmed the crowd in a way no one else could do by letting them know that he understood how they felt – especially since, as he said, “a white man killed my brother.” With each word he spoke, you could feel his anguish, his agony and his compassion. That night, nearly every major American city burned from rioting because of the anger over Dr. King’s murder – all except Indianapolis. Bobby Kennedy did what no other white man in America could do that night: he connected with an African-American crowd in a way to dissuade them from striking out because of Dr. King’s death. A surreal, spiritual energy descended on us all during that intense emotional moment. For those

of us watching and listening to him, Bobby Kennedy was no longer a white man talking to Black folks; he was a man who had lost a loved one to a senseless act of violence consoling a group of people who had just lost a loved one to another senseless act of violence. We were all connected through our humanity. I thought of that night during a recent visit to my Indianapolis hometown. I was visiting the Oaks Academy, a private pre-K-8 elementary school located just five blocks from the park where Bobby Kennedy gave his now legendary speech. The school is one of a kind. Ninety-seven percent of the 600-plus students are proficient in both reading and math. Indeed, the school’s scores are among the best in the state. Fifty percent of the children are on free or reduced lunch.

Almost 60 percent of the Oaks students are recipients of scholarships from the Indiana Opportunity Scholarship Program. But here is the really remarkable thing about Oaks Academy: the remaining percentage of the students come from middle class to upper middle class families. In fact, some of the wealthy parents drive from as far away as Carmel, a well-to-do suburb, to enroll their kids in the school. The Head of School Andrew Hart works hard to keep the racial and socio-economic balance of the school in place. His waiting list consists of equal parts poor kids and kids from wealthy families. Both groups benefit from the socialization experience of being exposed to someone from a totally different world. For instance, Mr. Hart shakes his head when talking about how extremely different

Christmas break is for his kids. One set of kids may go to Vail to ski over the break, while another group of kids have the primary responsibility of taking care of and watching their younger siblings. How does Oaks do it? “It helps that most of our kids enroll at our school in pre-K and remain here until they are ready for high school,” Hart said. “So all of our kids and their families feel like they are part of a community. The kids all grow up together. And all are close, irrespective of their backgrounds. They are connected through their shared experience at our school, through our values and our humanity.” Today, with America’s schools more segregated than when the1954 Brown v Board of Education Supreme Court decision legally struck down the practice of ‘separate but equal,’ it is exceedingly rare to see a school with such a diverse socio-economic mix of students. It is even rarer to see a school community so dedicated to preserving that mix. When I left the amazing Oaks Academy, I drove by Martin Luther King Park, where I had witnessed history on that tragic night in 1968. As I glanced at the memorial located on the spot where Bobby Kennedy spoke, I thought about both Kennedy and King’s dream of a colorblind society and the irony of how that society is more evident at the tiny elementary school down the street than in most places in America. WI

get

fired up. bring your

heating bills down.

Replace your old or failing heating system and get up to

$1,250 cash back.

Connect at dcseu.com/heating or call us at 202-479-2222

#REPRESENTDC

20 Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

The Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com

EDITORIAL

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

King Deserves More Than Lip Service

Every year since an assassin ended the life of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. – and particularly after his supporters succeeded in making his birthday a federal holiday – the nation has paused to honor the civil rights icon. But, in the annual observances, people focus only on a small slice of the man and what he truly represented. Essentially, the real Martin Luther King Jr. has been hijacked by those seeking to soften the hard edges of a man almost impossible to put into a neat category, and they subvert his message in the hopes that it doesn’t reach the right minds and hearts. Invariably, the King presented is the man of peace who electrified more than 250,000 people gathered in front of the Lincoln Memorial in August 1963 at the historic March on Washington. But, if we take the time to study King in greater detail, we’d see that he represented so much more. King, who died at age 39 on April 4, 1968, evolved from the person most instrumental in orchestrating protests by those seeking to reverse more than a century of Jim Crow segregation to a man who came to understand that perhaps the best way to neuter racial discrimination was to level the economic playing field. Toward the end of his life, King came to the recognition that pursuing equal rights wasn’t enough. When he began questioning the Vietnam War and spoke more forcefully about and called for income equality, economic parity and the redistribution of wealth, he was marked for death. King never had the universal acceptance and approval he now enjoys. He scared most people, black and white, because he was an uncompromising yet peaceful rebel and nonconformist who challenged the status quo and shook it to its core. Even as rogue police officers harass, brutalize and kill black and brown men, women and children around the country, the legions of young people who haven’t stopped protesting since Mike Brown’s shooting death in August are a reminder that we haven’t reached the Promised Land and that the institutional changes King and other civil rights activists sought are still a dream deferred.

Selma Past and Present

A common lament heard from civil rights activists and a number of their contemporaries is that for any number of reasons, young people today are unaware of or unfamiliar with the stories of a bygone era. Many teens and young adults too often don’t know the stories of life for black people in the last century and their myriad struggles for freedom. Children don’t learn about Hosea Williams, Septima Clark, Fannie Lou Hamer, Lawrence Guyot, Kwame Ture, Emmett Till and countless other individuals and stories that make up the rich tapestry of America’s civil rights history. There is truth in the adage that “Those who don’t know their history will be doomed to repeat it,” which is what makes what we saw last week in the District even more heartwarming. Over the Martin Luther King Jr Day weekend, thousands of D.C.’s middle and high schools watched the new movie “Selma,” some at the White House with the Obama family, Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton and others at local theaters. The movie, which was directed by Ava DuVernay and opened to rave reviews, depicts the story of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and other protesters who were brutally beaten by state troopers in Selma, Alabama, in 1965. The viewings are due in large part to Robert Raben, founder of the March on Washington Film Project, who raised money for the showings. Consequently, young people here have been connected to and are hopefully inspired by this story of protest and change with which every young American should be conversant.

Alsobrooks is Making Things Happen

Prince George’s County has made some great strides over the past few years. But one of the greatest achievements the county made was when we elected Angela D. Alsobrooks as State’s Attorney. Ms. Alsobrooks is a no-nonsense, straight to the point, fair and compassionate prosecutor who seems to believe that if you are guilty, you are guilty no matter what your status or title might be. In your article, “Alsobrooks: Funding, Family Violence Top Priorities,” [Avis Thomas-Lester, January 15, 2015], of all the items listed as things she has accomplished, the most important is the relationship her department has with the police department. Most people who have lived in Prince George’s County know that the relations between the community and the police have been somewhat strained for a long time. However, I believe Ms. Alsobrooks has worked very hard to change that relationship for the better. And when you have good relationships between the community and the police, you have a safer community. Prince George’s County is on the move and Ms. Alsbrooks and her department are playing a big role in showing the state of Maryland and the rest of the country that Prince George’s County is a great place to live, work and do business. Harry L. Robinson Landover, MD

No One Chooses to Be Poor, Hungry

I was not surprised when I read the article by Stacy M. Brown, “One Million Could Lose Food Stamps,” in the Health section of the January 15, 2015 edition. Unfortunately, this is only the beginning of what will happen now that the Republicans have gained control of Congress. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe Republicans dislike the poor, or believe poverty doesn’t exist. I think they believe they have a plan to help the poor. The problem is their plans never, ever work. The Republican model has always proposed that if you stop helping the poor, they will help themselves. Don’t raise taxes to give help to those who can’t help themselves. They always want to give the tax breaks to the corporate and wealthy business owners so they can create jobs, but the jobs that are usually created for the poor are low paying, minimum wage jobs that make it impossible for workers to support their families. Corporation and business owners don’t lower the cost of renting apartments or the cost of groceries or the cost of transportation – but they still get tax breaks. Poverty in America is real. Punishing people because they are poor is not the way to solve the problem. I hope Congress understands that it is not the 1950’s and that working for $15,000 annually will not allow you to save money or to buy a house.

Free Community College is a Game Changer

I usually agree with George Curry, but I disagree with his last column: “Is Obama Trying to Kill Black Colleges?” I am a HBCU graduate, two times, but I praise President Obama for proposing an initiative to make community college free for responsible students. This could be a real game changer for many students who are academically ill equipped and financially unable to attend a four-year college, including an HBCU. Hope for a meaningful future for so many young people is lost by 9th grade because they realize upon graduation, college is out of reach for them. Average or below average students can’t even dream about continuing their education because the cost, alone, is a barrier. But free community college, which requires a two-year commitment and a 2.5 grade point average while attending school at least half time, opens up a possibility for a future that many young people would not even consider. This may help to reduce HBCU’s growing investment in remedial education because students may be better prepared to attend an HBCU. Valerie Marshall Alexandria, VA

Jovon Brightward Washington, DC

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

By Julianne Malveaux

World is Indifferent to Missing Nigerian Girls One could not help but be impressed by the millions who turned out in Paris to stand against the Islamist terrorists who killed workers at the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and four others at a kosher grocery store. Two law enforcement officers were also killed, bringing the total to 17. About 40 heads of state and more than a million others crowded into Republique Square;

even more rallied around France. In total, it is estimated that 3.7 million rallied for freedom. They wore shirts and carried signs that said, “I am Charlie.” Some said, “I am Muslim and Charlie” or “I am Jewish and Charlie.” Those crowds transcended race, religious and political lines. President Obama got mixed reaction to his decision to not attend the solidarity rally. Ambassador to France Jane Hartley, someone with much less status, represented the United States. Critics said the president could

at least have sent Vice President Joe Biden; Attorney General Eric H. Holder was in Paris and could have attended. The president may be doing something much more substantive by convening a summit on world terrorism at the White House in February. I wonder if these gatherings will address terror in Nigeria, where the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram abducted 276 girls and still holds 219 of them. A hashtag campaign, #BringBackOurGirls was joined by First Lady Michelle Obama, former

Guest Columnist

Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, British Prime Minister David Cameron and others. Few of the 40 who rallied in Paris have ever mentioned the abducted girls and those terrorists who took them. Indeed, the abducted girls have all but disappeared from the headlines and from the public consciousness. The girls were abducted on April 14, 2014. Since then, our attention has been riveted by other news from the African continent, as the Ebola virus killed thousands (we in the U.S.

were mostly focused on our handful of casualties) and as ISIS has escalated its activity around the globe. While some have forgotten about the Nigerian girls, many have not. Obiageli Ezekwesili, a former Nigerian government official who is now vice president of the World Bank’s Africa Division, has been among those continuing to focus attention on the girls. People fear that Boko Haram may have sold the schoolgirls

MALVEAUX Page 41

By Lezli Baskerville

NAFEO Supports ‘America’s College Promise’ Initiative The National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) applauds President Obama’s proposal to make community college tuition free and views it as the commencement of an important dialogue with the states’ college and university stakeholders that could help move as many as 9 million “would be” students from the margins to the mainstream of American education

and commerce. The proposal would provide additional federal dollars to states that make key reforms that include strengthening the community college experience to move more students to completion, continuing to invest in community colleges and making tuition at community colleges free. The federal dollars to the states would cover three-quarters of the tuition and the states would pay one quarter. Students who attend at least halftime,

maintain a 2.5 GPA while in college and demonstrate steady progress toward completing on time would have the cost of their tuition covered. Forty percent of American college students are enrolled in community colleges. Fifty-one percent of African Americans in college are in a two-year institution. Students who are eligible for and receiving the maximum Pell Grant award may already be receiving “free community college tuition/fees” because the

Guest Columnist

maximum Pell award is currently $5,730. The major costs associated with attending a community college are housing, transportation, food, books, extra-learning opportunities, child care and healthcare. If enacted, the plan would move the nation closer to realizing its 2020 goal of 60 percent of Americans having a 2- or 4-year certificate or degree. This initiative would benefit our nation’s 14 Historically Black Colleges and Universities

(HBCUs) that are two-year institutions, many of which are exemplars of retaining and moving students, members of the workforce, entrepreneurs, servicemen and women, including our veterans, to completion of certificate and degree programs in growth, critical and high-need disciplines. The initiative also will be a boon to our nation’s nearly 80 Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) and their and their

BASKERVILLE Page 41

By George E. Curry

Is Obama Trying to Kill Black Colleges? (Part II) Few things irk me more than hearing someone say or imply that now that we have a Black president, perhaps the time has come to abolish Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). I have zero tolerance for such ignorance. HBCUs are being held to a different standard than other universities that target certain communities. Because Jews and Catholics were refused admis-

22 Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

sion or subjected to quotas at major universities, they established their own institutions. That’s why we have the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana; the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts; and the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Brandeis University, in Waltham, Massachusetts, says on its website that it was “founded in 1948 by members of the American Jewish community.” Like HBCUS, these schools did

not restrict enrollment to Catholics or Jews. HBCUs have always welcomed White students and faculty members on campus. The belief that we should pay our respects, have a proper funeral and send our Black colleges off to a graveyard for relics simply because Barack Obama is president is preposterous. In 1960, John F. Kennedy was elected president amid questions of whether America was ready to elect its first Catholic president. JFK won, but no one declared that it ushered in an era of The Washington Informer

post-religious bigotry. No one said, “Now that we have elected a Catholic as president, Notre Dame and Holy Cross have outlived their usefulness.” If universities established because of religious bigotry have not outlived their usefulness, why should HBCUs be put out to pasture? There are 106 accredited HBCUs, 47 of them public. According the White House Initiative on HBCUs, Black colleges award more than 35,000 degrees each year. In Mississippi, HBCUs handed out 37 percent of

the degrees awarded to African Americans in the state, followed by Louisiana (36 percent), North Carolina (34 percent), Arkansas (31 percent), Maryland (25 percent) Alabama and South Carolina (23 percent each), Tennessee (19 percent), Georgia (18 percent), Texas (13 percent) and Florida (9 percent). As Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in a speech last September, “Too many Americans are unfamiliar with

CURRY Page 41

www.washingtoninformer.com

2015 MLK SUPPLEMENT

FO L LOW U S O N

NEWSPAPER READING IS A HABIT DON’T BREAK THE HABIT!

READ THE WASHINGTON INFORMER YOUR WAY: n In Print – feel the ink between your fingers of

our Award Winning Print Edition

n On the Web – www.washingtoninformer.com

updated throughout the day, every day

n On your tablet n On your smartphone n Facebook n Twitter n Weekly Email Blast – sign up at

www.washingtoninformer.com

202-561-4100 For advertising contact Ron Burke at rburke@washingtoninformer.com

...Informing you everyday in every way

In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2013 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032 Phone: 202 561-4100 Fax: 202 574-3785 news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com

PUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes STAFF Denise W. Barnes, Editor D. Kevin McNeir, Managing Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director Lafayette Barnes, IV, Assistant Photo Editor John E. De Freitas, Sports Photo Editor Dorothy Rowley, Online Editor Brian Young, Design & Layout Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Mickey Thompson, Social Sightings columnist Stacey Palmer, Social Media Specialist Angie Johnson, Circulation REPORTERS Stacy Brown, Sam P.K. Collins, Eve Ferguson, Elton Hayes, D. Kevin McNeir, Dorothy Rowley, Barrington Salmon

PHOTOGRAPHERS John E. DeFreitas, Shevry Lassiter, Roy Lewis, Travis Riddick , Nancy Shia

King’s Relevance and Legacy Live On

any years ago when I was a young, impressionable, first-year student at the Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia, I came across a collection of sermons by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The book was titled, “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” In light of recent events in the U.S., where black men and boys have been used as target practice by those sworn to protect and serve, and with terrorists murdering innocent men and women in Europe and black-on-black crime reaching epidemic proportions on the continent of Africa, King’s question haunts me once more. While I first read his challenging sermons almost 30 years ago, each word leaped from the pages – as they do so today. It does seem that we are at the precipice of destruction, looking over into that vast chasm where man’s inhumanity to man appears to be the order of the day. But King for the most part, remained the eternal optimist – from Selma and Montgomery, to Birmingham, Washington, D.C. and Chicago – even to Memphis where his life was tragically ended. Often times, we attempt to place King on a pedestal – something that we tend to do with those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. But that would be a mistake. King was a man – nothing more, nothing less. But he chose to be obedient, listening to that still small voice. He followed the examples of men and women who believed that every deed of compassion and love for mankind made a difference. Was he a prophet? I believe he was. But then again, so were others: Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Amos; Medgar, Malcolm and Maya; Fannie Lou, Sojourner and Mary McLeod Bethune. In the pages that follow, we highlight the contributions that Dr. King made to our world in general and to the black community in particular. He was our “drum major for peace.” And like the long line of prophets who came before him, other young lions and lionesses now heed the call and stand bravely on the battlefield for justice. If we allow chaos to consume us, it is only because we lack the temerity and courage to rise above our circumstances. King once talked about faith, saying that those who have it will walk on even when they cannot see the bottom of the staircase. That’s who King was and that’s the legacy he leaves behind. We have many miles to go before we sleep. And while we cannot see the ending, we have confidence that the road will end in community. Let the light of Martin Luther King, Jr. continue to shine in all of our lives. D. Kevin McNeir WI Managing Editor

M-2 /JANUARY 2015 / MARTIN LUTHER KING JR SUPPLEMENT

www.washingtoninformer.com

District residents participated in the 37th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Walk and Parade./ Courtesy Photo

District Honors MLK with Peace Walk By Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer Hundreds of District residents, joined by supporters from nearby Northern Virginia and Prince George’s County, participated Monday in the 37th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Walk and Parade in commemoration of the slain civil rights leader. The event – one of many tributes held in the District – also played out in similar memorials across the country, includng Selma, Alabama, where the cast of the movie “SELMA’ marched Sunday, across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in honor of King’s historic protest in 1965 from Selma to Montgomery. Locally, the march began in the 1970s by Calvin and Wilhelmina Rolark, co-founders of The Washington Informer, along with television and radio talkshow host Petey Greene. Several of this year’s participants, who paused for interviews as they walked along MLK Avenue in Southeast to Milwaukee Place, said the gathering served as a reminder that people of all colors and ethnic backgrounds can still come together peacefully for the sake of their beliefs. “We’re here for peace and solidarity. There’s been a lot of violence going on in this community,” said Neva Faulkner from Southeast. “It shows that we’re all her for a common cause.” Ron Thompson from Prince George’s County, concurred adding that there are many people who still believe in what King tried to accomplish through acts

of nonviolence. “It means to me personally, that the struggle for civil rights in this country [has been worthwhile],” said Thompson. “We need to pass that on to our children.” Paul Trantham, also from Southeast, said he participates every year as his way of continuously honoring King. “He marched for, walked for, went to jail and suffered for our civil rights,” said Trantham “[He did that] so that we could be treated equally and fairly in a world where we all live together.” President Barack Obama also chimed in on the memorials by calling attention to King’s courage and strength during his long battle for equality. In addition to asking the nation to pause and pay tribute to King’s “extraordinary life and legacy,” Obama said that in order to truly honor King, citizens must continue to work for a better America. “We have more to do to bring Dr. King’s dream within reach of all our daughters and sons. We must stand together for good jobs, fair wages, safe neighborhoods, and quality education,” Obama said. “With one voice, we must ensure the scales of justice work equally for all -considering not only how justice is applied, but also how it is perceived and experienced. As Dr. King told us, ‘injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” and this remains our great unfinished business.’” WI

www.washingtoninformer.com

The cast and crew of the movie, “SELMA,” marched on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015 across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama./ Courtesy Photo

FROM THE BACK OF THE BUS TO THE HEAD OF THE TABLE. WE CONTINUE TO STRIVE.

Real Possibilities is a trademark of AARP.

Celebrating Black Life, History and Culture

Every day people have the power to do extraordinary things. Like, the soft-spoken African American woman who refused to give up her seat on the bus, not knowing that it would someday lead to African American men and women sitting as heads of boards and running their own corporations. As we celebrate Black History, AARP honors those who believe in Real Possibilities for themselves and for the community. This is your season to do something extraordinary. Get started today at aarp.org/blackcommunity.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR SUPPLEMENT / JANUARY 2015 / M-3

C H R O N O L O G Y

Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer Jan. 15, 1929: Michael King, later known as Martin Luther King Jr., is born at 501 Auburn Ave. in Atlanta. Summer 1941: The King family – Martin Luther King Sr. (Daddy King), Alberta Williams King, Willie Christine King, Martin Luther King Jr., and Alfred Daniel Williams King (known as A. D. King) – moves from 501 Auburn Ave. to 193 Boulevard in Atlanta. Sept. 20, 1944: King begins his freshman year at Morehouse College in Atlanta. Aug. 6, 1946: The Atlanta Constitution publishes King’s letter to the editor stating that black people “are entitled to the

basic rights and opportunities of American citizens.” Feb. 25, 1948: King is ordained and appointed assistant pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. June 8: King receives his bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Morehouse College. Sept. 14: King begins his studies at Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania. May-6-8, 1951: King graduates from Crozer with a bachelor of divinity degree, delivering the valedictory address at commencement. Sept. 13: King begins his graduate studies in systematic theology at Boston University. June 18, 1953: King and Coretta Scott are married at the Scott home near Marion, Alabama.

Sept. 1, 1954: King begins his pastorate at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. June 5, 1955: King is awarded his doctorate degree in systematic theology from Boston University. Nov. 17: Yolanda Denise King, the Kings’ first child, is born. Dec. 1: Rosa Parks is arrested for refusing to vacate her seat and move to the rear of a city bus in Montgomery to make way for a white passenger. Jo Ann Robinson and other Women’s Political Council members mimeograph thousands of leaflets, calling for a one-day boycott of the city’s buses on Monday, Dec. 5. Dec. 5: At a mass meeting at Holt Street Baptist Church,

M-4 /JANUARY 2015 / MARTIN LUTHER KING JR SUPPLEMENT

the Montgomery Improvement Association is formed. King becomes its president. Jan. 27, 1956: According to King’s later account in “Stride Toward Freedom,” he receives a threatening phone call late in the evening, prompting a spiritual revelation that fills him with strength to carry on in spite of persecution. Jan. 30: At 9:15 p.m., while King speaks at a mass meeting, his home is bombed. His wife and daughter are not injured. Later, King addresses an angry crowd that gathers outside the house, pleading for nonviolence. Nov. 13: The U.S. Supreme Court affirms the lower court opinion in Browder v. Gayle, declaring Montgomery and Alabama bus segregation laws unconstitutional. Dec. 21: Montgomery City Lines resumes full service on all routes. King is among the first passengers to ride the buses in an integrated fashion. Jan. 10-11, 1957: Southern black ministers meet in Atlanta to share strategies in the fight against segregation. King is named chairman of the Southern Negro Leaders Conference on Transportation and Nonviolent Integration (later known as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, SCLC). Feb. 18: King appears on the cover of Time magazine. March 6: King attends the independence celebrations of the new nation of Ghana in West Africa and meets with Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah. May 17: At the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., King delivers his first national address, “Give Us the Ballot,” at the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom. June 13: King and Ralph D. Abernathy meet with Vice President Richard M. Nixon and issue a statement on their meeting. Oct. 23: Coretta King gives birth to their second child, Martin III. June 23, 1958: King and other civil rights leaders meet with President Dwight D. Eisenhower in Washington. Sept. 17: King’s first book, “Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story,” is published. Sept. 20: During a book signing at Blumstein’s Department Store in Harlem, New York, King is stabbed by Izola Ware Curry. He is rushed to Harlem Hospital, where a team of doc-

tors successfully remove a 7-inch letter opener from his chest. Feb. 3, 1959: King embarks on a month-long visit to India, where he meets with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and many of Gandhi’s followers. Feb, 1, 1960: King moves from Montgomery to Atlanta to devote more time to the SCLC and freedom struggle. He becomes assistant pastor to his father at Ebenezer Baptist Church. May 25-28: King is found not guilty of tax fraud by a white jury in Montgomery. June 23: King meets privately in New York with Democratic presidential candidate John F. Kennedy. Oct. 19: King is arrested during a sit-in demonstration at Rich’s department store in Atlanta. He is sentenced to four months’ hard labor for violating a suspended sentence he received for a 1956 traffic violation. He is released on $2,000 bond on Oct. 27. Jan. 30, 1961: Dexter Scott, King’s third child, is born. May 21: After the initial group of freedom riders seeking to integrate bus terminals is assaulted in Alabama, King addresses a mass rally at a mob-besieged Montgomery church. Oct. 16: King meets with President John F. Kennedy and urges him to issue a second Emancipation Proclamation to eliminate racial segregation. Dec. 16: King, Ralph Abernathy, Albany Movement president William G. Anderson, and other protesters are arrested by Laurie Pritchett during a campaign in Albany, Georgia. July 27-Aug. 10, 1962: King is arrested at an Albany, Georgia, prayer vigil and jailed. After spending two weeks in jail, King is released. Sept. 28: During the closing session of the SCLC conference in Birmingham, Alabama, a member of the American Nazi Party assaults King, striking him twice in the face. March 28, 1963: Bernice Albertine, King’s fourth child, is born. April 16: Responding to eight Jewish and Christian clergymen’s advice that African-Americans should wait patiently for justice, King pens his “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” King and Abernathy were arrested on April 12 and released on April 19. May 7: Conflict in Birmingham reaches its peak when

CHRONOLOGY Page 10

www.washingtoninformer.com

pepco.com

Working together is the ultimate source of energy. Today and every day we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

www.washingtoninformer.com

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR SUPPLEMENT / JANUARY 2015 / M-5

By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer

Morris Dees delivered the keynote address Jan. 9 during Johns Hopkins University’s annual celebration of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. /Photo courtesy of Johns Hopkins

The 2015 Johns Hopkins Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award recipients. Seated: Margaret Strong, Theresa Barberi, Janine Coy, Adi Noiman and Rochelle Mariano. Standing: Albert Chi, Harlisha Martin and Nelson Moody. /Photo courtesy of Johns Hopkins

Johns Hopkins Host Emotional

King

Commemoration M-6 /JANUARY 2015 / MARTIN LUTHER KING JR SUPPLEMENT

When it comes to celebrating and remembering Martin Luther King Jr., the Johns Hopkins University community certainly counts among those who routinely capture perfectly the legacy of the late civil rights icon. And, on Friday, Jan. 9, Hopkins officials treated a standing-room-only crowd at the Turner Auditorium to it’s 33rd annual commemoration that celebrated King’s journey, and, through song, speeches and an award ceremony, speakers and others were easily able to show the relevance of King’s famous dream and how African-Americans and other minorities still face a mountain of obstacles preventing them from realizing a system that honors the notion that all men are created equal. The two-hour event also paid tribute to the late poet Maya Angelou. “It’s pretty heavy in here right now,” said retired Levi Watkins Jr., the commemoration’s founder and a university distinguished professor at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. The celebration kicked off in earnest with “Unified Voices,” a volunteer gospel choir of Baltimore community members and Johns Hopkins faculty, staff, and students, performing a bevy of civil rights-related songs, including “Oh Happy Day” and the black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” “The march for justice continues,” said Morris Dees, the keynote speaker of the event and the founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center. Dees, 78, spoke with fervor about tolerance and the challenges that America still faces, particularly in the aftermath of several controversial and highly charged police incidents, including the Michael Brown shooting in Ferguson, Missouri, and the Eric Garner chokehold death in New York. “This nation is great because of our diversity, not in spite of it,” Dees said. The son of cotton farmers in Alabama, Dees witnessed firsthand social and economic deprivation, along with Jim Crow laws at their worst, according to his biography provided by officials at Johns Hopkins Hospital. In 1970, he founded the Southern Poverty Law Center, and, in 1980, the center funded the Intelligence Project in response to the resurgence of organized racist activity, he said. The project monitors hate groups and develops legal strate-

gies for protecting citizens from violence-prone groups, and, with that, Dees went on to win a $7 million precedent-setting judgment against the United Klans of America on behalf of the mother of a young black man lynched by the Ku Klux Klan in Mobile, Alabama. Other victories against hate groups include a $6 million judgment that bankrupted the Aryan Nation, a $12.5 million verdict against the California-based White Aryan Resistance for the death of a black student and a $26 million verdict against the Klan for burning black churches. “Our march for justice didn’t end with the Voting Rights Act of 1965,” Dees said. “It continues today.” In introducing Dees, Watkins called the activist “one of the biggest challengers to extremism.” And Dees himself helped to underscore that as he encouraged the overflow crowd to carry on King’s commitment to human rights and social justice. “We must not stop; there’s much to be done,” he said. “We see so much division now in this nation. Mass incarceration is a major issue we must deal with, and we have the problem of how to determine how we stop racial profiling in this country.” Dees also told the crowd that health care reform remains a necessity, and one reason for that is that there’s a fear of the changing minority. He urged all to remain steadfast and to reflect and revisit King’s agenda for equality. “There are lonely pockets of poverty and injustice in America,” Dees said, quoting King. “There are those who are not finding opportunity for justice. Today that continues.” Dees’ speech was met with a standing ovation. The celebration also included addresses by Ronald J. Daniels, president of The Johns Hopkins University; Paul B. Rothman, dean of the medical faculty and CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine; and Ronald R. Peterson, president of The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System and executive vice president of Johns Hopkins Medicine. Each underscored the event’s theme of tolerance. During the event, a video displayed all of those who had served as keynote speaker prior to this year, including Stevie Wonder, Dick Gregory, John Lewis, Jesse Jackson and Harry Belafonte. A special tribute to Angelou featured a poem she recited at Hopkins shortly before her death. “Maya Angelou loved Johns Hopkins,” Watkins said as the audience erupted in applause. MLK

www.washingtoninformer.com

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser joins Harry Johnson, president and CEO of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, and other dignitaries on Monday, Jan. 19 for a wreath-laying ceremony at the MLK Memorial. /Photo by Khalid Naji-Allah

Norman Jones and Zoree Jones show off the medals they won for taking top honors at the Martin Luther King, Jr., Oratorical Contest sponsored by the Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., in Prince William County on Monday, Jan. 19. /Photo by Rob Roberts.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser chats with two young men who attended a screening of the film “Selma.” /Photo by Roy Lewis

www.washingtoninformer.com

Former mayor Anthony Williams holds the trophy he was awarded for exemplary corporate community service at the United Planning Organization’s 31st annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, Jan. 17. /Photo by Rob Roberts

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR SUPPLEMENT / JANUARY 2015 / M-7

Comments? Opinions? Email us at:

Ideas?

We like to hear from you!

news@washingtoninformer.com

Honoring King: Photographs [pages 7 – 9] from events in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Georgia and Prince George’s County, Maryland, on Monday, Jan. 19 and the weekend prior to the national holiday, all illustrate the impact that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has had and continues to have on all Americans. /Photos by Roy Lewis, Khalid Naji-Allah, Nancy Shia and D. Kevin McNeir

“I HAVE A DREAM...”

DC Lottery is proud to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. as we celebrate his vast contributions to American History.

M-8 /JANUARY 2015 / MARTIN LUTHER KING JR SUPPLEMENT

www.washingtoninformer.com

220 East 42nd Street | 14th Floor | NY NY 10017 www.footstepsgroup.com

5.625” x 12.375” 972-775-2510

for a bright future fueled by a rich history.

for a bright future,

5.625" x 12.375"

CLIENT: LIVE SIZE: CONTACT:

PNC

Mary Kuhn

DATE: FINAL SIZE: PHONE:

121814

At PNC, we’re about community. Because community is where our past connects with initiative that helps prepare children from birth to age five for success in school and life. It’s why we’re sponsoring local events, working with local leaders and supporting job-readiness organizations. It’s why we’re fostering relationships with diverse suppliers. And it’s why

Washington Informer DCWA06

we’re building a workplace as diverse as the people we serve. We’re committed to helping our communities keep achieving for years to come. Find out more at pnc.com/diversity

for the achiever in you® JOB NOTES:

AD CODE: BLEED SIZE: PUB:

PNC_GEN_P41875

HEADLINE: TRIM SIZE: ISSUE:

what’s ahead. It’s why we created PNC Grow Up Great®, our $350 million, multi-year, bilingual

www.washingtoninformer.com

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR SUPPLEMENT / JANUARY 2015 / M-9

C H R O N O L O G Y

CHRONOLOGY from Page 4 high-pressure fire hoses force demonstrators from the business district. In addition to hoses, Police Commissioner Eugene “Bull” Connor employs dogs, clubs, and cattle prods to

disperse 4,000 demonstrators in downtown Birmingham. June: “Strength to Love,” King’s book of sermons, is published. Aug. 28: The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom attracts more than 200,000 dem-

onstrators to the Lincoln Memorial. Organized by A. Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin, the march is supported by all major civil rights organizations as well as by many labor and religious groups. King delivers his “I Have a Dream” speech.

Association for the Study of African American Life and History

A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture Saturday, February 28, 2015 Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel 2660 Woodley Road N.W. • Washington, D.C. 20008 • 202-328-2000

Keynote Speaker Daryl Michael Scott, Ph.D. Professor of History at Howard University ASALH National President

Centennial Honorary Co-Chair Susan Taylor Author and Journalist

Emcee A'Lelia Bundles Author and Journalist

Sonia Sanchez Poet, Activist, and Scholar

Centennial Honorary Co-Chair Harry Belafonte Singer, Actor, and Civil Rights Activist

Featured Authors Event 10am-12 noon / 89th Annual Luncheon: 12:30pm

To purchase tables and tickets visit www.asalh.org For sponsorship and advertising information, please contact ASALH at 202-238-5910 or by email at aedwards@asalh.net Contributions of $100 or more will be acknowledged in our program if received by January 21.

/ASALH.BlackHistory

/ASALH

M-10 /JANUARY 2015 / MARTIN LUTHER KING JR SUPPLEMENT

After the march, King and other civil rights leaders meet with President John F. Kennedy and Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson in the White House. Sept. 18: King delivers the eulogy at the funerals of Addie Mae Collins, Carol Denise McNair and Cynthia Dianne Wesley, three of the four children who were killed during the Sept. 15 bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. Carole Robertson, the fourth victim, was buried in a separate ceremony. Oct. 10: U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy authorizes the FBI to wiretap King’s home phone. Jan. 3, 1964: King is named “Man of the Year” by Time magazine. Jan. 18: President Lyndon B. Johnson meets with King, Roy Wilkins, Whitney Young and James Farmer and seeks support for his “War on Poverty” initiative. Feb. 9: Robert Hayling, leader of the movement in St. Augustine, Florida, invites King and the SCLC to join the struggle. March 26: King meets Malcolm X in Washington, D.C., for the first and only time. June: King’s book “Why We Can’t Wait” is published. June 11: King is arrested and jailed for demanding service at a white-only restaurant in St. Augustine, Florida. July 20: King and SCLC staff launch a “People-to-People” tour of Mississippi to assist the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and the Congress of Racial Equality in the Mississippi Freedom Summer campaign. Nov. 18: After King criticizes the FBI’s failure to protect civil rights workers, the agency’s director, J. Edgar Hoover, denounces King as “the most notorious liar in the country.” A week later, he states that the SCLC is “spearheaded by communists and moral degenerates.” Dec. 1: King meets with FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover at the Justice Department. Dec. 10: King receives the Nobel Peace Prize at a ceremony in Oslo, Norway. He declares that “every penny” of the $54,000 award will be used in the ongoing civil rights struggle. 1965: The King family moves to its new home at 234 Sunset Ave. in Atlanta. March 7: In an event that will become known as “Bloody Sunday,” voting rights marchers are beaten at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, as

they attempt to march to Montgomery. March 17-25, 1964: King, James Forman and John Lewis lead civil rights marchers from Selma to Montgomery after a U.S. District Court judge upholds the right of demonstrators to conduct an orderly march. Aug. 12: King publicly opposes the Vietnam War at a mass rally at the ninth annual Convention of the SCLC in Birmingham. Jan. 26, 1966: King and his wife move into an apartment at 1550 South Hamlin Ave. in Chicago to draw attention to the city’s poor housing conditions. Feb. 23: In Chicago, King meets Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad. June 7: King, Floyd McKissick of CORE, and Stokely Carmichael of SNCC resume James Meredith’s “March Against Fear” from Memphis to Jackson, Mississippi, after Meredith was shot and wounded near Memphis. April 4, 1967: King delivers “Beyond Vietnam” to a gathering of clergy and laymen concerned about Vietnam at Riverside Church in New York City. He demands that the U.S. take new initiatives to end the war. June: King’s book “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?” is published. Dec. 4: King publicly reveals his plans to organize a mass civil disobedience campaign, the “Poor People’s Campaign,” in Washington, D.C., to force the government to end poverty. March 28, 1968: King leads a march of 6,000 protesters in support of striking sanitation workers in Memphis. The march descends into violence and looting, and King is rushed from the scene. April 3: King returns to Memphis, determined to lead a peaceful march. During an evening rally at Mason Temple in Memphis, King delivers his final speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.” April 4: King is fatally shot while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. April 9: King is buried in Atlanta. WI

www.washingtoninformer.com

“The Debt We Owe” Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration

By Theodore R. Daniels, Founder and President, Society for Financial Education and Professional Development, Inc. When I think about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, originally entitled “Normalcy Never Again,” I am reminded of a personal financial metaphor he used. Dr. King stated: “In a sense we have come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. 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 and 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.” Dr. King was talking about the moral obligation America had to its minority citizens. I would like to use Dr. King’s idea of a promissory note or moral obligation and apply it to the state of financial literacy today. In the context of Dr. King’s speech, I believe that each of us has an outstanding promissory note or moral obligation payable to Dr. King that requires us to be committed to maximizing the benefits of his work. His work gave Americans of color greater access to education, jobs, economic opportunities, public accommodations and more. There must be a commitment to gain the financial knowledge needed to utilize these opportunities and maximize the financial resources generated from his work. This is true of all Americans, especially those of color. In my mind, the recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s work should not stop with the marches in which he participated or his speeches. One cannot fully enjoy the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit

www.washingtoninformer.com

of happiness as stated in the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence without increasing one’s financial literacy. Financial literacy is very important because it gives individuals the ability to understand the functions of financial transactions and products and the practical application of personal money management concepts. This is accomplished through the acquisition of information, instruction and objective advice that enable individuals to develop the skills and confidence to become more aware of financial opportunities and risks. Armed with this knowledge, they can make better-informed choices and take other effective actions to improve their financial well-being and protect their financial resources. When we look specifically at the status of African Americans, the data indicates that the need for financial literacy is crucial. Far too many African Americans lack a working knowledge of personal money management concepts. For example, many African-Americans experience: higher debt delinquencies than any other ethnic group; comparatively lower savings; a lower homeownership rate with only 45 percent owning their own homes; a higher percentage of subprime mortgage loans, once as high as 55 percent; a greater incidence of home foreclosure than other ethnic group; a greater incidence of predatory lending practices; a greater incidence of higher cost auto or consumer loans; and 55 percent either unbanked or underbanked (not having a bank account or not having the appropriate bank account). A recent survey indicates that the wealth of white households was 13 times greater than that of black households. This means that for every $13 dollars a white household has a black household has $1. Data in related surveys suggest that many African Americans lack a working knowledge of how to accumulate wealth in order to establish a financial legacy. • Nearly 30 percent of older African Americans rely on Social Security for 90 percent of their family income. • Many African Americans and Hispanics solely depend on employer-provided benefits that they may receive instead of making individual investments for retirement. • African Americans and Hispanics report having less than $10,000 in savings and investments.

• •

Many African Americans work and prepare for their current circumstances but place little emphasis on future circumstances. Many confuse having a lot of “stuff ” with being set for life.

However, the good news is that wealth disparities can be closed through financial literacy. The African-American community reflects a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds but that should not limit our ability to acquire the financial knowledge needed to grow wealth. Still, the acquisition of financial knowledge does not eliminate the invisible barriers or discrimination that exist in the market place. But it can serve as a moderator where you equip a person to be aware of the function of financial transactions and personal money management concepts so that they will not be taken advantage of and so they will understand how to efficiently utilize their financial resources. To ensure that each individual fulfills the promissory note owed to Dr. King, one must: • Know how to manage credit; • Know how to save for emergencies and/or unexpected expenses; • Know how to manage debt; • Know how to save and use investment vehicles to accumulate wealth and retirement income; • Know how to manage risk to protect current income and assets; • Know how to manage cash so that you are not living from payday to another – this will require you to develop a budget that will serve as your spending plan; • Know how to protect one’s self from fraud or predatory lending practices; and • Know how to use financial services such as checking, savings and money market accounts. If America is going to be the land of opportunity for people of color, we must gain parity in financial literacy. Only then can we can repay in full the debt we owe Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. At the same time, it will take us into the promised land of economic prosperity. Such parity can not be dependent on chance or luck – we must gain the financial knowledge needed to realize the economic opportunities that were dear to Dr. King.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR SUPPLEMENT / JANUARY 2015 / M-11

MGM National Harbor salutes the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and is proud to honor his dream.

Building Excitement. MGMNationalHarbor.com

M-12 /JANUARY 2015 / MARTIN LUTHER KING JR SUPPLEMENT

www.washingtoninformer.com

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

By Marian Wright Edelman

Honor Dr. King by Serving “If you want to be important – wonderful. If you want to be recognized – wonderful. If you want to be great – wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That’s a new definition of greatness. And this morning, the thing that I like about it: by giving that definition of greatness, it means that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree

to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don’t have to know Einstein’s theory of relativity to serve. You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.” These well-known words are from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s sermon “The Drum Major Instinct,” delivered at Ebenezer Baptist Church on February 4, 1968. He was explaining that we all start

out with the ingrained instinct to be “drum majors” – everyone wants to be important, to be first, to lead the parade. Watch a group of children try to form a line and right away you’ll see this instinct in action. But Dr. King said too many people never outgrow this instinct and by constantly struggling to be the most powerful or the most famous or the wealthiest or the best educated, we forget one of the Gospels’ and life’s largest truths: the real path to greatness is through service. This is one of the key lessons

Guest Columnist

we should teach our children about Dr. King. Many of them have just studied Dr. King in school in the days leading up to his birthday and many have learned to see him as a history book hero, a larger-thanlife, mythical figure. But it’s crucial for them to understand Dr. King wasn’t a superhuman with magical powers. Just as the extraordinary new movie “Selma” is reminding a new generation of filmgoers, our children need to be reminded that Dr. King was a real person – just like all of the other ministers, parents, teachers, neighbors and other

familiar adults in their lives today. I first heard Dr. King speak in person at a Spelman College chapel service during my senior year in college. Dr. King was just 31, but he had already gained a national reputation during the successful Montgomery Bus Boycott five years earlier. He became a mentor and friend. Although I do remember him as a great leader and a hero, I also remember him as someone able to admit how often he was afraid and unsure about his

EDELMAN Page 42

By John W. Whitehead

What You Won’t Hear from the Politicians No matter what the politicians say about how great America is and how we, as a people, will always triumph, the fact is that the nation seems to be imploding. Despite the dire state of our nation, however, you can rest assured that none of the problems that continue to plague our lives and undermine our freedoms will be addressed by our so-called elected representatives in any credible, helpful way, and certainly not during a State of the Union

address. Consider the following facts: Our government is massively in debt. Currently, the national debt is somewhere in the vicinity of $18 trillion. More than a third of our debt is owned by foreign countries, namely China and Japan. Our education system is abysmal. We rank 36th in the world when it comes to math, reading and science, far below most of our Asian counterparts, despite the fact that we spend more than most of the world on education ($115,000 per student). Even so,

we continue to insist on standardized programs such as Common Core, which teach students to be test-takers rather than thinkers. Our homes provide little protection against government intrusions. Police agencies, already empowered to crash through your door if they suspect you’re up to no good, now have radars that allow them to “see” through the walls of your home. Our prisons, housing the largest number of inmates in the world and still growing, have become money-making enterprises for private corporations

Askia-At-Large

that rely on the inmates for cheap labor. We are no longer a representative republic. The U.S. has become a corporate oligarchy. As a recent survey indicates, our elected officials, especially those in the nation’s capital, represent the interests of the rich and powerful rather than the average citizen. We’ve got the most expensive, least effective health care system in the world compared to other western, industrialized nations. The air pollution levels are

dangerously high for almost half of the U.S. population, putting Americans at greater risk of premature death, aggravated asthma, difficulty breathing and future cardiovascular problems. Despite outlandish amounts of money being spent on the nation’s “infrastructure,” there are more than 63,000 bridges—one out of every 10 bridges in the country—in urgent need of repair. Some of these bridges are used 250 million times a day by trucks, school buses, passenger

WHITEHEAD Page 42

By Askia Muhammad

Selma-the-Movie, Pres. Lyndon Johnson, and Voting Rights It’s funny how a publicly inflicted injustice can turn someone or something ordinary into a hero. If there’s an apparent racial component, the hero becomes a martyr. So it is with the very well done film “Selma.” The movie earned four Golden Globe nominations: Best Picture; Best Actor, David Oyelowo as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; Best Director, Ava DuVernay; and Best

Original Song, “Glory” by John Legend and Common. Only the haunting song won the award. I thought “Selma” would be a certain contender for multiple Academy Awards as well. But alas, it only received Oscar nominations for Best Picture and – again – for Best Song. I wonder though, how any film can be the best picture of the year and none of its skilled performers be at least considered the best. But this year, for the first time in two decades, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Scienc-

es—a 93 percent White, and 76 percent male body, of mostly aging Baby Boomers—selected all white nominees in all the acting categories. Selma-the-Movie and all Blacks in Hollywood were made martyrs. On its merits, “Selma” is a well-crafted depiction of the Alabama marches aimed at voting rights. It takes its greatness from portraying the tension caused by blood in the streets of Alabama in the mid-1960s where violent, White racists resisted the legitimate demands for Blacks in the

South to have the right to vote. It is also great for its portrayal of the political push between Dr. King and President Lyndon B. Johnson. The movie takes place mostly over a three month period in Selma, Ala., in early 1965, when Dr. King was invited in by local leaders and by organizers from the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) to help mobilize their fight for voting rights – not to become the movement’s leader, incidentally. Dr. King, SNCC leader Willie

Ricks told me in an interview, was the very best mobilizer there was in the Civil Rights Movement. The bloody, one-sided “beat-down” scenes of non-violent protestors by vicious police, which gained national media attention thanks to Dr. King’s presence, provoked a sympathetic reaction to the voting rights cause. Those scenes remind moviegoers of the moral outrage which turned into overwhelming public support for the

MUHAMMAD Page 42

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

LIFESTYLE

Crowds Celebrate MLK at Parade and Peace Walk Crowds swelled along the ML King Jr. Avenue corridor in Southeast as the Annual Martin Luther King Holiday DC Parade and Peace Walk passed by. The Ballou SHS Majestic Knights Marching Band excited the crowds that also came out to cheer for the hundreds of children who marched in the parade representing their schools or youth programs. The Washington Nationals Racing Presidents, the Nat Mobile and students from the Nationals Baseball Academy located in Ward 7 were cheered on by Counacil member Yvette Alexander who rode the route with Grand Marshal Arturo “Dusty” Harrison Hernandez, the WBC Youth World Welterweight Champion, also from Ward 7. Parade Grand Marshal and Mayor Muriel Bowser led members of her cabinet along the nearly 3-mile parade route from St. Elizabeth’s East in Southeast to Leckie Elementary School in Southwest on ML King Avenue. “We are honored to host this parade and remind the community of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said Stuart Anderson, parade coordinator. Anderson, along with Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, community activist Keith Silver and nearly 30 volunteers planned this year’s event. “It gets better every year,” said Cora Barry, wife of the late Ward 8 Council member Marion Barry, who cheered for the students from the SE Tennis and Learning Center. “I am proud that the legacy continues,” Barry said. The entire parade was broadcast live on WJLA’s News Channel 8 with hosts Sam Ford and Rolark-Barnes. Photos by Roy Lewis, Nancy Shia and Khalid Naji-Allah

24 Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

The Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com

LIFESTYLE

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

LIFESTYLE

STEP INSIDE. Come in from the cold for sizzling shows at Strathmore

Levar Burton starred as Kunta Kinte in the 1977 ABC TV miniseries “Roots.” /Photo courtesy of the U.K. Telegraph.

Author Alex Haley visited Jufureh, the home village of his greatgreat,-great,-great-grandfather, Kunta Kinte. Haley’s book and TV series “Roots” won numerous awards and was one of the most watched shows of all time. /Photo courtesy of the U.K. Telegraph.

Remembering Alex Haley’s ‘Roots’ As Scholar, Students Debate Relevance, Reboot Scheduled By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO Fri, January 30

SAVION GLOVER’S STePz Fri, February 6 Celebrate the Music Center at Strathmore’s 10th Anniversary with a pre-show happy hour! Thanks to WAMU, official media sponsor

Celebrate Mardi Gras!

IRVIN MAYFIELD AND THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ ORCHESTRA Wed, February 18

Easy Me t

NOW HM

O R E .O

y parking tar en

ess • Compli m acc ro

Top down: Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Irvin Mayfield, Savion Glover

STRATHMORE.ORG | 301.581.5100 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852

26 Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

It’s been 32 years since ABC TV aired Alex Haley’s “Roots.” At that time, disco dominated the airwaves, organized crime kept police and federal agents on their toes and race relations were still far from warm as the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. wasn’t even a decade old. Recently, Ben Alpers, a blogger for the Society for U.S. Intellectual History in Northwest, compared the success of Haley’s autobiography of Malcolm X to that of Roots, the author’s family history that starts with his great-great-great-great-grandfather Kunta Kinte, a Mandingo warrior from the village of Jufureh – now Gambia – who was kidnapped into slavery in 1767. “Malcolm X biography paled in comparison,” Alpers said. Roots, an enormous best-seller when first published in 1976, achieved an extraordinary level of cultural salience when ABC’s television adaptation of the book aired on eight consecutive nights beginning on Jan. 20, 1977. “Everything about the show was unconventional: its focus on black characters, its involved and often brutal exploration of the institution of slavery, and its presentation on eight consecutive nights rather than appearing once a week, as earlier miniseries like ‘Rich Man, Poor Man’ had done,” Alpers said. “To nearly everyone’s surprise, including its network and its producers, Roots attracted enormous audiences that grew in size over the course of the week. By the time the The Washington Informer

show concluded on January 30, the eight episodes of Roots were each among the thirteen most watched television shows of all time,” he said. “The others on the list included three Super Bowls and, ironically, ‘Gone With the Wind,’ which NBC had shown in two parts in 1976 to record audiences.” The History Channel now plans to remake the classic miniseries for airing in 2016. Producers already have hired Allen Hughes to direct the reboot, which will also be shown over eight nights. Today, many young African-Americans are still unaware of the cultural significance of Roots, despite the ongoing struggle between blacks and law enforcement and the “Occupy” movement. “It’s not that I hadn’t heard about Roots, but for a while it seemed so outdated and even unnecessary,” said Howard University sophomore Marcus Granderson. “I think young people like me like to believe that we’re just in a different time, that some things, while they’re significant history markers, lessons have been learned and you move forward,” said Granderson, 20. Ardys Ebanks, also a sophomore at Howard, said her parents occasionally mentioned Roots but that the family never discussed in detail Haley’s book or the miniseries. “It wasn’t like it was off limits; it just wasn’t discussed, and besides reliving such a thing could only make you angry,” said Ebanks, 19. “I can imagine when my parents watched it in the 1970s, they probably wanted to go out and do something to a white person to get revenge.” Still, in 1977, an estimated 36.3

million households and 100 million individuals tuned in to watch the final episode of “Roots,” which grabbed a whopping 51.1 rating and a 71 percent share of the audience watching all television shows that evening. The miniseries received 37 Emmy Award nominations, winning nine. “Unsurprisingly, given this enormous viewership, public attention on Roots did not end on January 30,” Alpers said. “The show was discussed in schools across the country. Hundreds of colleges and universities built courses around the book and the miniseries,” he said. “Interest in genealogy exploded, especially, but not only among African-Americans as Haley himself had made a point of paying for someone to research Johnny Carson’s family, so that he could present a family tree to his host as a surprise when the author appeared on the ‘Tonight Show.’” Haley won a special Pulitzer Prize for the book later in 1977, and, today, Roots remains a familiar work, at least to Americans in their thirties or older. “To those of us who were kids when it first aired, the miniseries’ images of slavery were formative. The book remains in print and seems to continue to be read,” Alpers said.

“I’m convinced that we ought to be paying more attention to this book, its television adaptation, and the cultural phenomena that blossomed around them in 1976 and 1977,” he said. “But I remain puzzled that more scholars have not already done so.” WI

www.washingtoninformer.com

LIFESTYLE

Millennials Lead â€œBlack Outâ€? during King Holiday By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins Toward the end of his life, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. espoused the idea of economic independence among people of color, many of whom suffered from unjust labor practices that made their earning potential significantly less than that of their white counterparts. Earlier this week, members of local philanthropic organization Capital Cause put Kingâ€™s ideas into action during a â€œBlack Outâ€? that took place during the annual holiday commemorating the late civil rights leaderâ€™s birth. Under the local philanthropic organizationâ€™s guidance, millennials from across the D.C. metropolitan area did their part to support existing and up-and-coming black-owned businesses. â€œWe realized that there wasnâ€™t much support and infrastructure when it came to black businesses,â€? said Kezia Williams, 32, chair of Capital Cause. In years past, Capital Cause has fed the homeless and held fundraisers in observance of the King holiday. Williams said the idea for the nonprofitâ€™s Jan. 19 collaborative effort with the D.C. chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) came amid ongoing discussions about the economic welfare of black people in the United States. â€œEven with a $1 trillion buying power, statistics show that black businesses arenâ€™t successful. Thatâ€™s why we thought about supporting these businesses during the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. We believe that this will resonate among entrepreneurs, especially since black wealth [as a whole] hasnâ€™t grown beyond less than one percent in decades,â€? said Williams who lives in Alexandria, Va. Data compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that more than 2 million black-owned businesses operate in the United States, with the District having the highest proportion of black business owners at 28 percent. More than 920,000 gainfully employed people of color work for a black-owned business. In recent decades, people of color have pursued a host of ventures including auto repair shops, restaurants, salons, advertising agencies, and consulting firms. While black entrepreneurs have

DeShunaSpencer: Journalist and filmmaker DeShuna Spencer spent the King Holiday with Capital Cause and the National Society of Black Engineers developing a marketing plan for kweliTV, a live streaming network that features independent films, documentaries, and educational programming for people of the African diaspora. Spencer said she hopes to launch kweliTV in the fall. / Photo courtesy of DeShuna Spencer

made some progress, experts say thereâ€™s much work to be done in helping build the solvency of black businesses. A study conducted by BlackBusiness.org showed that an increase in annual revenue would allow black-owned businesses to hire at least two more people, potentially dealing a deafening blow to high unemployment rates among people of color. On Monday, a steady stream of Millennials from across the D.C. metropolitan area representing a host of career fields joined Capital Cause and NSBE in Sankofa Video Books & CafĂŠ in Northwest and offered their services to budding business owners. Capital Cause representatives doled out â€œBuy Blackâ€? stickers that would help consumers of color identify black owned businesses. A web developer also remained onsite to assist entrepreneurs in bolstering their web presence. â€œWeâ€™re doing the same thing that we did in the years between the end of the slavery and the end of desegregation,â€? said Salim Adofo, national vice chairperson of the National Black United Front (NBUF), a coalition of organizations working together to benefit the people of the Black Diaspora. NBUF recently launched a â€œBuy Blackâ€? mobile app that helps users locate local black-owned businesses. The recent project counted among a host of programs the organization sponsored as part of its Buy Black Power Initiative, an effort to help people of color understand the importance of cooperative econom-

www.washingtoninformer.com

ics. Businesses involved in the King Holiday â€œBlack Outâ€? will be added to the â€œBlack Buyâ€? database. â€œIf we want better neighborhoods, we have to look at the science of shopping in our communities. Slavery has hurt our people psychologically. We always leave Southeast to shop in other communities. In the end, those communities take all of our money. Supporting black businesses gives us a chance to build things for ourselves and show our heritage and culture. Itâ€™s self-sustaining,â€? said Adofo, 37, a Southeast resident. DeShuna Spencer shared Adofoâ€™s sentiments. Spencer, a journalist and filmmaker, visited Sankofa in the hopes of developing a marketing strategy that would help her launch kweliTV, a live streaming network that features independent films, documentaries, and educational programming for people of the African diaspora. She recently received a grant of $20,000 to help her get the project ready by the fall. â€œKweli means â€˜truthâ€™ in Swahili,â€? Spencer said. â€œI was frustrated with the images of black people I saw in America and Africa. When it comes to television, you donâ€™t really get a true picture of the people of the diaspora. The content in the media, whether itâ€™s a popular streaming service or television network, doesnâ€™t uplift someone like me. I would really like to support independent filmmakers and host original content that would educate members of our community,â€? said Spencer, an Alexandria, Va. resident. WI The Washington Informer

UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS A BLUMHOUSE/SMART ENTERTAINMENT/NUYORICAN PRODUCTION A FILM BY ROB COHEN JENNIFER LOPEZ â€œ THE BOY NEXT DOORâ€? RYAN GUZMAN JOHN CORBETT EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS COUPER SAMUELSON NATHAN BARR IAN NELSON AND KRISTIN CHENOWETH MUSIBYC RANDY EDELMAN JEANETTE VOLTURNO-BRILL ZAC UNTERMAN PRODUCEDBY JASON BLUMWRITTENp.g.a. JOHN JACOBS p.g.a. ELAINE GOLDSMITH-THOMAS BENNYDIRECTEDMEDINA JENNIFER LOPEZ BY BARBARA CURRY BY ROB COHEN A UNIVERSAL RELEASE Â? <50=,9:(3 :;<+06:

STARTS FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

WASHINGTON INFORMER

LIFESTYLE

Comments? Comments? Opinions? Email us at:

Ideas?

We like to hear from you!

news@washingtoninformer.com

28 Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

The Washington Informer

‘Selma’ Film Reaches Young and Old By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer

The Oprah Winfrey-produced civil rights film “Selma” has opened nationwide, and, while many have concluded that Oscar voters essentially snubbed the movie, it still received a Best Picture nomination from the academy, which will announce winners next month. And, while critics and some historians have raised serious questions about the dialogue in the film between Martin Luther King Jr. and President Lyndon B. Johnson, “Selma” has become a hot talking point for African-Americans who lived during the tumultuous civil rights era and young blacks who still know very little about King. “The story is relevant, and how you tell the story to young folks makes the difference,” said Baltimore resident George Arrington, 80. A retired Internal Revenue Service employee in the District, Arrington is familiar with civil rights protests. He led a sit-in at a Woolworth store during his college days at Virginia State University. “I’m a child of that era, and I attended segregated schools,” he said. “I took my children and my grandchildren to see the ‘Selma’ movie because it’s important that everybody has an idea of our complete history.” Directed by Ava DuVernay, “Selma” is based on the 1965 marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. It delves into the many discussions between King and Johnson about civil rights and other concerns facing African-Americans and other minorities. Civil rights icon and House Rep. John Lewis (D-Georgia) called the film powerful. “It’s very moving. It is so real,” Lewis said. “It says something about the distance we’ve come in laying down the burden of race.” Lewis, 74, who was among those to have taken part in those historic marches, said the film conveys the inner significance of the ongoing struggle for human dignity in America, which is one of the cornerstones of the nation’s identity. “It breaks through our too-often bored and uninformed perception of our history, and it confronts us with the real human

drama our nation struggled to face 50 years ago,” he said. Meredith Hurston, principal consultant for M Squared Health in Brooklandville, Maryland, said the movie proved very timely. She said her mother was a freedom rider, and “Selma” provided visuals to a story she had only heard about as a child. “It brought context to the church bombing with the four little girls. It depicted just how far white supremacists were willing to take their disdain for African-Americans and those in solidarity with them,” said Hurston, 39. “My generation and below have somewhat forgotten about the civil rights movement because racism is more [covert] now,” she said. “Now that we have a black president, we feel that race relations are markedly improved when that may be hardly the case.” Matthew Lynch, the dean of the School of Education, Psychology and Interdisciplinary Studies and an associate professor of education at historically black Virginia Union University, also saw the film and he said the movement still matters today. “I think it is one of the most important movies on the topic of the civil rights movement that has ever been created,” Lynch said. “The movement seemed so far removed from the students in our classrooms today. Their parents weren’t even alive when all of it took place, so it’s important to bring it to life again through something like a movie that I believe will be a powerful teaching tool for years to come.” Actor, hip-hop star and playwright Jaron Marquis Garrett said the film made him appreciate the shared struggle faced SELMA Page 9

www.washingtoninformer.com

LIFESTYLE

Horoscopes

Griot “Whipping Boy: The Forty-Year Search for My TwelveYear-Old Bully” by Allen Kurzweil c.2015, Harper $27.99 / $34.99 Canada 292 pages

By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer You’ve bloodied your share of noses in your lifetime. Whether they were yours or someone else’s, well, you can bet they weren’t ignored. Someone saw the first punch, the ripped shirt, the pulled hair. Somebody heard the shouting, crying and thuds. And, as you’ll see in the new book, “Whipping Boy” by Allen Kurzweil, if you were the one who did the bloodying, someone will remember your name forever. While most kids would never ask to be sent to boarding school, young Allen Kurzweil had been overjoyed at the idea. The school, Aiglon, was nestled in the Alps in an area where he’d once lived with his mother and his late father. Kurzweil had nothing but good memories of Switzerland, especially Villars, a nearby village, and his mother’s offer to let him spend sixth grade there was “better than Disney World.” At just 10 years old, Kurzweil was the youngest boy at the school, the smallest and one of only a handful of Jews. “Strike” one, two, and three, he said. Almost immediately after being assigned to a tower room and four roommates, Kurzweil was a victim of bullying from a boy named Cesar who claimed he was from Manila. For the rest of that school year, Cesar manipulated and controlled others and tormented Kurzweil. The abuse, said Kurzweil, began with threats and anti-Semitic name calling and escalated to physical beatings,

SELMA from Page 32 today by blacks in the wake of the deaths of Ferguson, Missouri, teenager Michael Brown, Florida teenager Trayvon Martin and Eric Garner of New York. “It is our duty and purpose to fight for the life and dignity of humanity,” said Garrett, 31, president and CEO of Dreamapolis, which works

ARIES Co-workers or customers may be grumpy this week. Don’t take it personally. Dwell in your peaceful inner space and the space around you will reflect the peaceful vibrations. Soul Affirmation: Jewelry reflects the beauty of my feelings about myself. Lucky Numbers: 8, 45, 51 TAURUS You feel centered this week and full of efficient energy. Use this week to accomplish tasks, make plans, and finalize arrangements that need to be made. Face into personal responsibilities with love and pleasure now. Soul Affirmation: I enjoy discovering new territory this week. Lucky Numbers: 12, 14, 29

burns, psychological cruelty and theft of a cherished heirloom. Once he left Aiglon, Kurzweil downplayed everything… but he never forgot. Through the years, after he was married, after he’d become a father, Kurzweil still let his bully live in his head. He half-heartedly looked for Cesar occasionally, acknowledging that “the boy I can’t get a hold of still has a hold on me.” He researched, found names, dead-ended, put his quest aside, then searched some more. His wife, then his son, encouraged him to find the person whose abuse left a scar, but Cesar proved to be elusive – until a tiny clue was revealed. Cesar, Kurzweil discovered, was still alive, still bullying, but his methods were more sophisticated, and that tormented Kurzweil further. He knew what he needed to do to heal. “By failing to confront Cesar,” he said, “I had failed to confront myself.” And so, he boarded a plane. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that every North American adult alive has dealt with a bully at some time or another. That universal experience and the accompanying pain are what make “Whipping Boy” such a good book. And yet, this isn’t exactly the most comfortable thing you’ll ever read – in fact, it prickles with obsession. Author Allen Kurzweil doggedly pursued his tormentor for decades and while that makes a great memoir with thrilling, spy-story undertones, it also becomes breathlessly distressing. Then again, who hasn’t dreamed of confronting a childhood nemesis? Those confrontational scenarios make it impossible to look away from this tale, exactly because of its everyman aspect. Just know that once you start this book, you’ll squirm because “Whipping Boy” then can’t be ignored.WI

to help urban entrepreneurs start businesses by connecting them with critical tools and resources. “The blood and tears of our fathers and mothers have stained this earth for us to walk proudly upon it,” Garrett said. “For us to live a life that is anything less than great is to do our ancestors over the past 500 years a great dishonor.” “Seeing the film ‘Selma’

www.washingtoninformer.com

JAN 22 - JAN 28, 2015

made me angered at the state of African-American landmarks and museums around the nation as many of them are struggling to remain open and their properties are slowly deteriorating due to a lack of funding and interest. My pain is that I only see this getting worse as this nation and this culture get further and further away from our struggle.” WI

GEMINI You can build a bridge with your imagination to reach the person you want to meet. Build the very best bridge your imagination can afford. Your soulmate will then cross over to you. Your intentions are warm and sincere. Soul Affirmation: Being true to others is the way to be true to myself. Lucky Numbers: 13, 29, 40 CANCER You need to relax. The urge to do everything will take a toll on you this week unless you make a concerted effort to slow your own vibes down. Think peace love and happiness and let them be real values for you. Feed your soul. Soul Affirmation: I calm my emotions by forgetting about the past. Lucky Numbers: 23, 31, 40 LEO You’ll be efficient and productive this week if you got some rest. Slow down. Sometimes less is more, and you’ll see you’re doing better than most. Use your talents to create some free time for yourself. Soul Affirmation: I go inside myself to find peace and joy this week. Lucky Numbers: 18, 29, 41 VIRGO Someone wants to argue, and it’s up to you to walk away. It’s easy to let go of any idea of control if you remember that you are only responsible for your own feelings. Act healthy this week and enjoy your life. Soul Affirmation: As chances come around again. I take advantage of them. Lucky Numbers: 27, 33, 44 LIBRA Be flexible as others present changes and new schedules for a group activity. Your easy-going attitude will allow you to reschedule appointments easily. Watch the sunrise it’ll be good for your spirits! Soul Affirmation: I release internal pressure by enjoying the beauties of the world around me. Lucky Numbers: 22, 26, 29 SCORPIO Give your busy brain a rest and work your body this week. It’s a great day for physical activity that can loosen up muscles and relieve tensions. You’ll receive some practical advice from a distant relative. Soul Affirmation: Newness of outlook helps me deal with the monotonies of life. Lucky Numbers: 2, 16, 33 SAGITTARIUS Family responsibilities may feel like a chore this week. If you relinquish control of the situation, a natural order will occur, and things will organize themselves. You can let people be who they are. Soul Affirmation: I call on my creative talents to pay my bills. Lucky Numbers: 5, 9, 42 CAPRICORN A secret may be revealed in a casual conversation. Your confidence is valued and appreciated. Take it all in! There’s no returning to what has been once you realize the gift you’ve been given. Soul Affirmation: Helping others is the true measure of my worth. Lucky Numbers: 12, 13, 27 AQUARIUS A friend from the past could suddenly appear in your life. This could be a highly beneficial reunion for both of you. Let bygones be bygones, and renew this friendship. Love isn’t used up just because it’s shared. Soul Affirmation: Charm is my middle name this week. Lucky Numbers: 4, 17, 18 PISCES Drive the speed limit this week or you could wind up with a ticket. Why rush? Serenity is available if you only stop and listen for it inside of you. Discharge your usual obligations with dignity and count your blessings. Soul Affirmation: I am guided by the joy within. Lucky Numbers: 1, 13, 49

The Washington Informer

Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

Why is health insurance important?

Need Health Coverage or Know Someone Who Does? The Capital Region Health Connector (www. capitalhealthconnection.org) is one of six organizations working with the Maryland Health Connection (www.marylandhealthconnection. gov), the state’s online insurance marketplace, to provide outreach and enrollment services to families and individuals in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. Trained health navigators and assisters can help you shop, select and enroll in coverage that fits your needs and your budget. Depending on your income, you may qualify for Medicaid (at no cost to you) or help in paying the cost of a private health insurance plan. By law, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most people over age 18 must have health insurance coverage or pay a fine. The health care law offers individuals and families access to affordable health insurance coverage, including private health insurance (qualified health plans) and Medicaid (Medical Assistance).

Health insurance protects you and your family from large debts due to unexpected medical costs such as medical emergencies, surgery or a serious illness. An unexpected illness or injury can happen to anyone, even someone who is young and healthy. Without health coverage, or without enough coverage, an illness or injury can drain savings. Medical bills are a leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States.

•

Open Enrollment Season is November 15 to February 15, 2015 During this second year of enrollment, we urge you to take care of yourself and your health by making sure you have health coverage. Open enrollment continues until February 15, 2015 but don’t wait—enroll by December 18 for your coverage to begin January 1. If you enrolled last year through Maryland Health Connection, you must re-enroll by December 18 to continue receiving any financial assistance. If you do not re-enroll by December 18, your current coverage will continue but you will lose any financial assistance you currently receive. There are three ways to enroll: •

Go to www.marylandhealthconnection. gov and apply online.

Call Maryland Health Connection’s call center at 1-855-642-8572 (toll free) or 1-855-642-8573 (TTY) and apply over the telephone. Get in-person help—trained navigators and assisters are available at more than 30 locations throughout Prince George’s and Montgomery counties to help you enroll. Go to www. capitalhealthconnection.org and click on “Sign Up Locations” or call the Capital Health Connection at 240-773-8250. There are evening and weekend hours available.

To enroll in health coverage, be sure to have this information ready: • • •

• •

Social security numbers (or document numbers for any legal immigrants who need insurance) Birthdates and general information about every family member applying for health coverage Employer and income information for everyone in your family (for examplepaystubs, W-2 forms, or wage and tax statements) Policy numbers for any current health insurance you are covered by Information about any job-related health insurance available to your family

Are You Enrolled in Health Coverage?

Countdown TO ENROLLMENT

If you are between 18 and 64 and you live in Maryland, you must enroll in health coverage or face a tax penalty. Health Plans: » Cannot deny you coverage » Provide free preventive services » Provide ample benefits for college students » Provide coverage at little or no cost » And more Enrolling Is Easy, You Will Need: » ID and Birth date » Social Security Number » If employed, pay stub or w-2 wage and tax statement » Policy numbers for any other health insurance

How to Enroll:

DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 15, 2015

30 Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

On line: marylandheathconnection.gov Call: 1-855-642-8572 (Toll Free) In Person: Staff can help you enroll Go to: capitalhealthconnection.org for sign-up locations

The Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com

SPORTS UDC demolishes Dowling College, 86-48

Georgetown Squeaks Past Butler, 61-59 University of the District of Columbia (UDC) forward Tatyana Calhoun pulls down a rebound over Dowling guard Christine Verrelle in the first half of Division I women’s basketball action on Saturday, Jan. 17 at the UDC gymnasium in Northwest. UDC defeated Dowling 86-48. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

Photo 8165Georgetown freshman forward Isaac Copeland helped lead the Hoyas to a 61-59 win over Butler, in front of 14,281 fans at the Verizon Center in Northwest on Saturday, Jan. 17. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

UDC guard Diamonique Carr is double-teamed by her Dowling opponents in the first half of Division I women’s basketball action on Saturday, Jan. 17 at the UDC gymnasium in Northwest. UDC defeated Dowling 86-48. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

UDC guard Denikka Brent splits two Dowling opponents to drive to the basket for two points in the first half of Division I women’s basketball action on Saturday, Jan.17 at the UDC Gymnasium in Northwest. UDC defeated Dowling 86-48. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

Georgetown center Joshua Smith drives past two Butler opponents to score two of his 10 points on Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Verizon Center in Northwest. Georgetown defeated Butler 61-59. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

Georgetown forward Jabril Trawick protects the ball from Butler’s Roosevelt Jones in the second half of Division I men’s basketball action on Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Verizon Center in Northwest. Georgetown defeated Butler 61-59. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

BOXING

Renaldo “Misunderstood” Gaines of District Heights, Md., landed a crushing body shot to his opponent Arthur Parker of Lancaster, Pa., during a four round match. Gaines won the match by four-round unanimous decision. Gaines improved to 5-2 and Parker is 1-13-1. /Photo by Khalid Naji-Allah

Kevin “K-Smoove” Rivers, Jr. of Palmer Park, Md., prepares to throw a left hook against Stephon McIntyre of Atlanta, Ga during a six round match. Rivers won the match by way of T.K.O. in the third round. Rivers improved to 11-0 and McIntyre 2-5-2. /Photo by Khalid Naji-Allah

“Monster” Marq Johns of Fort Washington, Md delivers a straight left jab during his match against Jaxel Marrero of Bayamon, PR on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at the Walter A. Washington Convention Center in Northwest. Johns won the match by four-round unanimous decision. Johns improved to 5-0-1 and Marrero is 1-4/Photo by Khalid Naji-Allah

32 Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

SPORTS

“Monster” Marq Johns of Fort Washington, Md delivers a strong left hook during his match against Jaxel Marrero of Bayamon, PR on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at the Walter A. Washington Convention Center in Northwest. Johns won the match by four-round unanimous decision. Johns improved to 5-0-1 and Marrero is 1-4-1. /Photo by Khalid Naji-Allah

The Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com

RELIGION

The Religion Corner

Find a Way

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

• • • • •

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

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

202-379-4738

As a columnist and radio talk show host, it is my obligation to keep up with what matters. In doing so, I pay close attention to particulars, the kind of things that may not matter so much to others. This is the little voice in my head that tells me, “This will be an attention-grabbing story.” While watching Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday on the OWN cable network last week, I heard the story of Diana Nyad. According to her bio from the website Bio. com, Nyad is a broadcast journalist, writer and record-breaking swimmer who, at age 64, became the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage – a dream she had since she was 8 years old. On Labor Day, September 2, 2013—her 50th try—Nyad achieved her dream, swimming 110 miles between Havana and Key West, accompanied by a support team. She was in the water for more than two days, according to the website. When I listened to Nyad tell Oprah her story on a Sunday morning, I wrote down the three points she wishes to leave with the world. They are 1) Never ever give up; 2) You are never too old to chase your dream; and 3) It looks like a solitary sport, but it’s a team. During her interview, Oprah asked Nyad how she have felt during one of her failed attempts, when she was stung by jellyfish so badly that her body felt as if it was on fire. According to the video shown, her team pulled her from the ocean as she cried “Fire! Fire! Fire!” She de-

scribed the painful experience. Only a woman of great resolve would have wanted to persist following such intense pain. Next Oprah asked: “What were you thinking at that time? Did you want to give up on this idea? What was going through your mind?” Nyad said “I was thinking ‘Find a way!’” How courageous! I sat on the edge of my bed in awe; with thoughts of my new journey to take my radio show into syndication. It hit me that I will indeed “Find a way!” My radio show will be nationally syndicated within the near future. The dream dies only when we quit. This target of mine is a ‘new thing,’ my dream given by God; though it must become a microcosm, with each piece as if it is a small world of its own; station-after-station will unfold like a rose as a smaller version of the whole. In the end, it will be like a lovely garden, each flower complimenting the other, a creation of a beautiful landscape. Isiah 43:19 says “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” When you find joy in doing what you were sent here for, it will be for you what Gary Zukav said; “When the personality comes to serve the energy of the soul.” You and I were born with the personalities we need to travel this journey designed by the Greater Power, God. While doing so, remain your authentic self. There is nothing more empowering to your life than to be

with Lyndia Grant

authentic. Remember, I wrote a few weeks ago, how we must learn from everything, set our intentions, meditate and be glad to be alive, no matter what our situations, the way Diana Nyad did! When we do, we learn from divorce, cancer, diabetes, defeat and every good or bad thing happening; and never become discouraged. We “Find a way!”WI Lyndia Grant is an author, inspirational and motivational speaker, radio talk show host and columnist. Visit her new website at www.lyndiagrant. com and, call 202-518-3192. Tune in Fridays at 6 p.m., to the radio talk show, 1340 AM, WYCB, a Radio One Station.

(301) 864-6070

CHURCH LAWYERS MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC

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

www.jmlaw.net

(301) 864-6070

jmccollum@jmlaw.net

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

RELIGION BAPTIST

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church

The Reverend Lyndon Shakespeare Interim Priest

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

Foggy Bottom • Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW • Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 • Fax : 202-338-4958 Worship Services Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

Schedule of Services: Sunday School – 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service – 11:00 AM Communion Service – First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study – Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org e-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org

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

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

www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ Drs. Dennis W. and Christine Y. Wiley, Pastors 3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) (202) 562-4219 (Fax) SERVICES AND TIMES: SUNDAYS: 10:00 am AM Worship Services BIBLE STUDY: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power “An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantbaptistdc.org

Twelfth Street Christian Church

Campbell AME Church Reverend Daryl K. Kearney, Pastor

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

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

5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555 Sunday Early Morning Worship - 7:45 a.m. Church School - 9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship – 10:45 a.m. Tuesday – Thursday - Kingdom Building Bible Institute – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday – Prayer/Praise/Bible Study – 7:30 p.m. Baptism & Communion Service- 4th Sunday – 10:30am Radio Broadcast WYCB -1340 AM-Sunday -6:00pm T.V. Broadcast - Channel 190 – Sunday -4:00pm/Tuesday 7:00am

“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org e-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net

2498 Alabama Ave., SE • Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 Fax: (202) 889-2198 • www.acamec.org 2008: The Year of New Beginnings “Expect the Extraordinary”

Sunday Morning Worship 11:00am Holy Communion – 1st Sunday Sunday School-9:45am Men’s Monday Bible Study – 7:00pm Wednesday Night Bible Study – 7:00pm Women’s Ministry Bible Study 3rd Friday -7:00pm Computer Classes- Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org

“The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”

“God is Love”

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor 1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202.347.5889 office 202.638.1803 fax Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m. Prayer Meeting and Bible Study: Wed. 7:30 p.m. “Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews • Senior Pastor 1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 Fax: (202) 526-1661

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan, Pastor 800 I Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 Fax No. 202-548-0703

Sunday Worship Services: 8:00a.m. and 11:00a.m. Sunday Church School - 9:15a.m. & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30a.m. 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study - 10:00a.m. Tuesday Topical Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Wednesday Children’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Thursday Men’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service - 6:30p.m. Saturday Adult Bible Study - 10:00a.m.

Third Street Church of God

Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

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

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax Sunday Worship Service: 8 AM and 10:45 AM Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6 AM & 6:30 PM Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org emailus@gmchc.org

ST Marks Baptist Come Worship with us... St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011 Dr. Raymond T. Matthews, Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews Sunday School 9:am Worship Service 10:am Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service 6:45 pm Thur. Bible Study 7:15 pm

We are proud to provide the trophies for the Washington Informer Spelling Bee

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

52 Years of Expert Engraving Services

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

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

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

Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Bishop

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

Crusader Baptist Church

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

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

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

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor

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

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

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

Blessed Word of Life Church

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

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew, Assistant Pastor

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

All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.

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

Church of Living Waters

Sunday Church School : 9: 30am Sunday Morning Worship: 10: 45am Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00pm Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00pm Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10: 45am themcbc.org

34 Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

The Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com

RELIGION BAPTIST

Advertise Your Church services here: call Ron Burke at

202-561-4100 or email rburke@washingtoninformer.com Zion Baptist Church

All Nations Baptist Church

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

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

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

“Where Jesus is the King”

Israel Baptist Church

4850 Blagdon Ave, NW • Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 • Fax (202) 291-3773

1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288

Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor 1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851 P: (202) 726-5940 Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m. Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun. Bible Institute Wednesday - 1:30 pm Prayer Meeting Wednesday - 12:00 Noon

2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730

2001 North Capitol St, N.E. • Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591

Rev. Dr. Morris L Shearin, Sr. Pastor

St. Luke Baptist Church

Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

Sunday Worship Service 10:15AM- Praise and Worship Services Sunday School 9:00am Monday: Noon Bible School Wednesday: Noon & 7PM: Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission Zion Baptist Church Shall; Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, and Exalt Our Savior. (Acts 2:41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 A.M. Sunday School: 8:30 A.M. Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:00 A.M. Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 P.M. Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 P.M.

Mount Moriah Baptist Church Dr. Lucius M. Dalton, Senior Pastor 1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 Fax: 202-544-2964 Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 am and 10:45 am Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 am and 10:45 am Sunday School: 9:30 am Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon and 6:30 pm Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 pm Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 pm

ChurCh Printing

20% Off PrOgrams & BOOklets

l l l l l l

Copies Color Copies fax services tee shirts scan & email service lamination

call Ron Burke at

202-561-4100 or email rburke@washingtoninformer.com

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

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Salem Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert SR. Pastor

623 Florida Ave.. NW • WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 • Study (202) 265-0836 Home Study (301) 464-8211 • Fax (202) 483-4009

4504 Gault Place, N.E. Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184

Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 a.m. Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 p.m. Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 p.m. Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 p.m. Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

9:30AM. Sunday Church School 11:00 Am. Sunday Worship Service The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Wednesday 7:00pm Prayer & Praise Services 7:30pm. Bible Study Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries 10:30am A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

Christ Embassy DC

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

Dr. C. Matthew Hudson, Jr, Pastor

Elder Herman L. Simms, Pastor

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

Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator

Early Worship Service 7:30a.m Worship Service 10:45a.m. New Members Class 9:30a.m. Holy Communion : 1st Sunday -10:45a.m Church School 9:30a.m. Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: Wednesday 7p.m Bible Study : Saturday: 11a.m. Baptism: 4th Sunday – 10:45a.m “Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”

Sunday Worship Service 10:00 A.M.

Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 P.M Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 P.M

Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42

services here:

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

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

tel: 202-291-6565

Advertise Your Church

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Prayer/Seeking Wednesday at 8:00 P.M.

301 kennedy street, nW Washington, DC 20011

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Clinton W. Austin Pastor 2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Come Grow With Us and Establish a Blessed Family” Sunday Worship 7:30am & 10:45am Baptism/Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30pm Prayer Service Tuesdays – 8:00pm www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

Quality Printers

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

St. Matthews Baptist Church

Emmanuel Baptist Church

New Commandment Baptist Church

Peace Baptist Church

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell

Sunday Morning Worship Service 7:15 am & 10:50 am Sunday School 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship Service 10:50am Wednesday Prayer & Testimonies Service 7:30pm Wednesday School of the Bible 8:00pm Wednesday - Midweek Prayer Service 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Services: Sunday Worship 11 AM Sunday School 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study - Wed. 7 PM “A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”

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

Shiloh Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

1864-2014

Rev. Alonzo Hart Pastor

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

Rev. Reginald M. Green, Sr., Interim Pastor

621 Alabama Avenue, S.E. • Washington, D.C. 20032 P: (202) 561-1111 F: (202) 561-1112

917 N St. NW • Washington, DC 20001 (202) 232-4294

9th & P Street, N.W. • W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4200

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

The Church Where GOD Is Working.... And We Are Working With GOD

Sunrise Prayer Services - Sunday 7:00 a.m.

Sunday Morning Prayer Service: 8:00 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 10:40 a.m. Third Sunday Baptismal & Holy Communion:10:30 a.m. Tuesday Church At Study Prayer & Praise: 6:30 p.m.

Morning Worship: 8:00 a.m Church School : 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship: 10:55 a.m. Bible Study, Thursday: 6:30 p.m. Prayer Meeting,Thursday : 7:30 p.m.

150 Years of Service

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

Sunday Service: 10 am Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 am 1st Sunday Baptism: 10: am 2nd Sunday Holy Communion: 10 am Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 pm Prayer Meeting: 7:45 pm

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

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

Sunday Worship Services: 7:45am & 11:00am Sunday school For All Ages 9:30am Prayer Services Wednesday 11:30am & 6:45pm Bible Institute Wednesday at Noon & 7:45pm “Changing Lives On Purpose “ Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

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

712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836

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

Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 P.M.

3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500 Sunday Church School: 9:30 A.M. Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 A.M. Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 P.M. Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 P.M. Prayer Service Bible Study

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor 2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 Fax: (202) 529-7738 Order of Services Worship Service: 7:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30 a.m. & 10:30a.m. Prayer Services: Tuesday 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 12 Noon Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.

Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Administration No. 2013 ADM 000981

Administration No. 2014 ADM 1316

Administration No. 2014 ADM 1288

Administration No. 2014 ADM 1297

Administration No. 2014 ADM 1236

Bekele W. Beyene

Grace W. Minor

Louise J. Houston aka Louise Jeannie Houston-Uzzell Bernice C. Minor

Lynne D. Roberts

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Touissaint Jones, whose address is 4412 E Street, SE,

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

#4, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal

Dorothy Wood, whose address is 5707 Blaine Street,

Decedent Ronald Dixon Bynum & Jenkins 1010 Cameron Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Ronald Dixon, whose address is Bynum & Jenkins, 1010 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bekele W. Beyene, who died on June 3, 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 (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 July 15, 2015. 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 July 15, 2015, 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

Decedent Bradley A. Thomas, Esq. 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20005-1631 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Ann P. Rakotomalala, whose address is 5707 29th Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20782, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Grace W. Minor, who died on September 20, 2014 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their

Decedent Allen Wilson 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20008 Attorney

Jerry L. Branch, Gloria Branch and Odell Branch, whose addresses are 2407 Darel Dr., #202, Suitland, MD 20746, 6703 Allentown Rd, Temple Hills MD 20748, 108 17th St., NE, Washington, DC 20002, was

Representative of the estate of Bernice C. Minor, who died on March 20, 2012 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance

appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Louise

in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or

J. Houston aka Louise Jeannie Houston-Uzzell, who died

to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the

on March 16, 2014 without a Will, and will serve with

appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such

Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose

appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall

whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance

A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before

be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street,

in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall

N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001,

be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street,

on or before July 8, 2015. Claims against the decedent

N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001,

shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the

on or before July 8, 2015. Claims against the decedent

to the undersigned, on or before July 8, 2015, or be

shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the

forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees

of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice

copy to the undersigned, on or before July 8, 2015, or be

by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so

copy to the undersigned, on or before July 8, 2015, 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

and relationship.

relationship.

Date of first publication:

January 15, 2015

January 8, 2015

Ronald Dixon

Ann P. Rakotomalala

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.

July 8, 2015. 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

inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lynne D. Roberts, who died on September 27, 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 July 8, 2015. 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 July 8, 2015, 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:

Date of first publication:

January 8, 2015

January 8, 2015 Date of first publication: January 8, 2015

Touissaint Jones

Dorothy Wood

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

PROBATE DIVISION

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Administration No. 2014 ADM 1300

Administration No. 2014 ADM 1060

Foreign No. 2014 FEP 159

Rosetta Henry

Harvey Lee Jones, Sr.

November 2, 2014

Decedent

Date of Death

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Johnell Annette Powell

1353 Sheridan Street, NW

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Name of Decedent

Washington, DC 20011

Juanita Suhana, whose address is 738 51st Street,

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister

Jerry L. Branch Gloria Branch Odell Branch 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

Administration No. 2014 ADM 1279 Juanita G. Covington

Decedent

Decedent Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Eunita M. Davis, whose address is 15001 N. Jenkins Court, Accokeek, MD 20607, was appointed Personal

1308 Ninth Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Representative of the estate of Harvey Lee Jones, Sr.,

who died on November 2, 2014 without a Will, and

Valerie J. Henry Hall, whose address is 8901 Branchview

will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs

Drive, Fort Washington, MD 20744, was appointed

and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter

Personal Representative of the estate of Rosetta Henry,

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 July 8, 2015.

appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills,

and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter

D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor

their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such

Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before July 15, 2015.

undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed

N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001,

with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned,

on or before July 8, 2015. Claims against the decedent

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.

January 8, 2015 Eunita M. Davis Personal Representative

with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned,

believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do

copy to the undersigned, on or before July 8, 2015, or be

not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days

forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees

of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills,

of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice

including name, address and relationship.

by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so relationship.

Date of first publication: January 15, 2015

Date of first publication: January 8, 2015

Juanita Suhana Personal Representative

Valerie J. Henry Hall

TRUE TEST COPY TRUE TEST COPY Register of Wills

undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed on or before July 15, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons

Personal Representative

Anne Meister

Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the

shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the

inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and Date of first publication:

heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their

will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs

be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street,

believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do

serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such

Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the

on or before July 8, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons

who died on April 3, 2014 without a Will, and will

who died on November 13, 2104 with a Will, and

appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall

Anne Meister

Carter McKinley Smith, Jr. Decedent Aimee D. Griffin

Attorney

Representative of the estate of Juanita G. Covington,

Administration No. 2014 ADM 1326

Attorney REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

James Matthew Powell, Sr. whose

address is 9015 Longbow Road, Fort Washington, ND 20744 was appointed personal representative of

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Shadid Adbul-Latif, whose address is 2921 North #408, Leisure World Blvd., Silver Spring, MD 20904, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of

the estate of Johnell Annette Powell, deceased, by the

Carter McKinley Smith, Jr., who died on August 6, 2010

Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of

without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision.

Maryland, on December 5, 2014.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are

Service of process may be made upon

Michelle Ingrid Dillon, 4740 Connecticut Ave., NW, Unit 615, Washington, DC 20008 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned the following

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 July 8, 2015. 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

District of Columbia real property: 1346 L Street, SE,

to the undersigned, on or before July 8, 2015, or be

Washington, DC.

forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees

of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice

The decedent owned District of Columbia

personal property. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

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: January 8, 2015

Date of first publication:

Shaidid Adbul-Latif

January 8, 2015

Personal Representative

James Matthew Powell, Sr.

TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister

Personal Representative

Anne Meister

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

36 Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

Washington Informer

The Washington Informer

Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com

LEGAL NOTICES

CLASSIFIEDS

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Probate Division

Foreign No. 2014 FEP 164

Administration No. 2014 ADM 1287 Dell David Warren, Sr.

November 20, 2011

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

Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Dennis A. Baird, Esq. whose address

is 1323 Fenwick Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20910 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Lonnie

Dell David Warren, Jr., whose address is 15410 Jennings Lane, Bowie, MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dell David Warren, Sr.,

Decedent

Washington, DC 20036

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown

more personal representative. Unless a complaint or an

heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall

Patricia E. Young, who died on November 20, 2014

objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate

enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to

with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision.

Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from

appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such

N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001,

appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor

copy to the undersigned, on or before July 8, 2015, or be

Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before July 8, 2015.

District of Columbia real property: 1840 2nd Street, NW,

forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees

Washington. DC 20001.

of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice

by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so

January 8, 2015

inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the

January 8, 2015 Dell David Warren, Jr. Personal Representative

Personal Representative

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Administration No. 2014 ADM 1295

Administration No. 2014 ADM 1286 Michelle D. Washington

Mary M. Taylor

Decedent

Dalton Howard, Esq. NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

6701 16th Street, NW

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Washington, DC 20012 Attorney

Maurice Gordon, Sr., whose address is 616 20th St., NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary M. Taylor, who died on October 6, 2014 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Michael J. Washington, whose address is 2400 16th Street, NW, Apt. 627, Washington, DC 20009, was

whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance

appointed Personal Representative of the estate of

in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or

Michelle D. Washington, who died on September 5,

to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the

2014 without a Will, and will serve without Court

supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose

A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before

whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance

January 15, 2015

Lacountis Compton

Beverly Young-Luby

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Administration No. 2014 ADM 1222 Marquese Davon Meadow Decedent

Administration No. 2014 ADM 1382 Gertrude Patricia Caviness

6196 Oxon Hill Road, Suite 360

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Oxon Hill, MD 20745

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Attorney

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Ashley T. Graham, whose address is 6311 North Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed

Apt.34A, New York, NY 10025-6271, was appointed

and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter

Personal Representative of the estate of Elizabeth Slade

Meadow, who died on August 24, 2014 without a Will,

their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such

and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown

appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills,

heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall

D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor

enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections

Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before July 22, 2015.

of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice

copy to the undersigned, on or before July 8, 2015, or be

on or before July 8, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons

not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days

by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so

forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees

believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do

of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills,

inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and

of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice

not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days

relationship.

by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so

of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills,

including name, address and relationship.

inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and

including name, address and relationship.

relationship. Date of first publication:

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Personal Representative of the estate of Marquese Davon

believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do

TRUE TEST COPY

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Faith Childs, whose address is 275 West 96th Street,

with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned,

Personal Representative

Attorney

will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs

Michael J. Washington

Washington, DC 20002

Caviness, who died on July 2, 2010 without a Will, and

on or before July 22, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons

Personal Representative

918 Maryland Avenue, NE

Dr., SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed

Benita Dawn Meadow, whose address is 1819 Tobias

undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed

Maurice Gordon, Sr.

Decedent

Personal Representative of the estate of Gertrude Patricia

shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the

January 8, 2015

Elizabeth Slade Childs

James Larry Frazier, Esq.

William C. McCaskill

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Administration No. 2014 ADM 450

Decedent

Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the

Date of first publication:

Personal Representative

Anne Meister

on or before July 8, 2015. Claims against the decedent

January 8, 2015

Michealle R. Carey

Anne Meister

Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before July 8, 2015.

Date of first publication:

Anne Meister

N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001,

forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees

heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive

TRUE TEST COPY

Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor

to the undersigned, on or before July 8, 2015, or be

22, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be

TRUE TEST COPY

be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street,

of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy

Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before July

James C. Carey Personal Representative:

to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of

presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register

copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of

January 22, 2015

in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall

July 8, 2015. Claims against the decedent shall be

20001, on or before July 22, 2015. Claims against the

name, address and relationship. Date of first publication:

January 8, 2015

Anne Meister

Washington Informer

Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C.

Date of first publication:

TRUE TEST COPY

shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th

publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including

not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days including name, address and relationship.

such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will)

a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first

believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do

Personal Representative

Anne Meister

of due execution, enter an order determinging that the

representative.

on or before July 8, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons

Addie E. Care , who died on May 30, 2014 with a Will,

decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court

with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned,

TRUE TEST COPY

take the action hereinafter set forth.

decedent died intestate appoint a supervised personal

of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, Date of first publication:

the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may

undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed

Helen Humes

Dennis A. Baird

were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of

heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their

decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills,

Date of first publication:

21837; 509 Madison St., NW, Washington, DC 20011,

standard probate, including the appointment of one or

shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the

from the date of first publication of this notice.

are 11444 Norris Twilley Rd. Mardela Springs, MD Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in

Mandan Rd, #201, Greenbelt, MD 20770, were

20001 whose designation as District of Columbia agent

Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months

James C. Carey and Michealle R. Carey, whose addresses

serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and

Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of

of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW,

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

on or before July 8, 2015. Claims against the decedent

presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register

Deceased

Attorney

Shirley Mills, 1840 2nd Street, NW, Washington, DC

personal property. Claims against the decedent may be

Decedent

William Carl Taylor, Jr.

are 1903 Curtis CT., SE, Washington, DC and 7807

be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street,

The decedent owned District of Columbia

Addie E. Carey Estate of

Lacountis Compton and Helen Humes, whose addresses

appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall

The decedent owned the following

Administration No. 2014 ADM 1091 Administration Number 2014 ADM 945

this Court by Beberly Young-Luby and Berry Hines for

Georges County, State of Maryland, on July 30, 2014. Service of process may be made upon

1001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 402

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

who died on October 15, 2014 with a Will, and will

Stewart, deceased, by the Orphan’s Court for Prince

Patricia E. Young

Johnny M. Howard, Houston & Howard

Lonnie Stewart

Administration No. 2014 ADM 1294

Decedent

Date of Death

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

January 8, 2015 Benita Dawn Meadow

Childs, who died on December 5, 2012 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

Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the

be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street,

undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed

N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001,

with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned,

on or before July 22, 2015. 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 July 22, 2015, 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

Date of first publication: January 22, 2015

and relationship. Date of first publication: January 22, 2015

Ashley T. Graham Personal Representative

Personal Representative

Faith Childs Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister

Anne Meister

Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

CLASSIFIEDS Cash for your house. Any condition, any situation. No equity, no problem. Ask for James. 240-257-0051

PHOTOS and VIDEOS Unique, reliable and competitively-priced professional photography packages & gifts for weddings, schools, civic organizations and athletic leagues. TRUST REA3L PHOTOS & VIDEOS with making your special events “more than just photos in a flash!” CALL 202-670-7495 or Rea3lenterprises@gmail.com

Canada Drug Center is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call today 1-800-3089817, for $10.00 off your first prescription and free shipping.

Medical Alert for Seniors 24/7 monitoring. FREE Equipment. FREE Shipping. Nationwide Service. $29.95/Month CALL Medical Guardian Today 888-710-6484

CREDIT RESTORATION & DEBT ELIMINATION Restore your credit and change your life!!! Derrick Jason Smith (301) 383-1333 - Office (301) 744 - 7472 Direct derricksmith@remax.net www.vrtmg.com/kocredit

38 Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

CLASSIFIEDS Reader Advisory: the National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the following classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it s illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. 800 numbers may or may not reach Canada. MEDIABIDS MISCELLANEOUS SAVE 67% PLUS 4 FREE BURGERS - The Favorite Feast - ONLY $49.99. ORDER Today 1-888-318-1190 Use Code 48643VFW or www. OmahaSteaks.com/ ffmb93 Do you know your Testosterone Levels? Call 888-692-5146 and ask about our test kits and get a FREE Trial of Progene All-Natural Testosterone Supplement Diabetes/Cholesterol/Weight Loss Bergamonte, a Natural Product for Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and weight. Physician recommended, backed by Human Clinical Studies with amazing results. Call today and save 15 percent off your first bottle! 866-640-5982 ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE talking meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 888-421-1874 Canada Drug Center is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call today 1-800-308-9817, for $10.00 off your first prescription and free shipping. READERS & MUSIC LOVERS. 100 Greatest Novels (audio books) ONLY $99.00 (plus s h.) Includes MP3 Player & Accessories. BONUS: 50 Classical Music Works & Money Back Guarantee. Call Today! 1-866680-1822

CLASSIFIEDS Any laptop repaired just $79. Macs too. REALLY! FREE Fedex shipping! $69 extra for screen or motherboard replacement. CALL Authorized Laptop Repair Specialists 1-866-437-6184 Ever Consider a Reverse Mortgage? At least 62 years old? Stay in your home & Increase cash flow! Safe & Effective! Call Now for your FREE DVD! Call Now 888-420-4716 READERS & MUSIC LOVERS. 100 Greatest Novels (audio books) ONLY $99.00 (plus s h.) Includes MP3 Player & Accessories. BONUS: 50 Classical Music Works & Money Back Guarantee. Call Today! 1-866680-1822 Personalized holiday gifts for Everyone on your list! Save 20 percent off qualifying products from Personal Creations! To redeem this offer, visit www. PersonalCreations.com/Beauty or Call 1-888-732-0679 Diabetes/Cholesterol/Weight Loss Natural Product for Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and weight. Physician recommended, backed by Human Clinical Studies with fast acting results within 30 days. Call to hear about our special offer 866640-5982 ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE Talking Meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 888-421-1874

CLASSIFIEDS

AUTOS WANTED

$19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1-800-615-4064

TOP CASH FOR CARS, Any Car/Truck, Running or Not. Call for INSTANT offer: 1-800-4546951

CASH FOR CARS, Any Make or Model! Free Towing. Sell it TODAY. Instant offer: 1-800864-5784

EDUCATION

WANTED TO BUY

THE OCEAN Corp. 10840 Rockley Road Houston, Texas 77099. Train for a New Career. *Underwater Welder. *Commercial Diver. *NDT Weld Inspector. Job Placement Assistance. Financial Aid available for those who qualify. 800-321-0298.

CASH PAID- up to $25/Box for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. 1-DAYPAYMENT.1-800-371-1136

choose the family. LIVING EXPENSES PAID. Abbys One True Gift Adoptions. Call 24/7. 866413-6294.

HEALTH & FITNESS VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 50 Pills $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW! 1-866-312-6061 VIAGRA 100mg, CIALIS 20mg. 40 tabs +10 FREE, $99 includes FREE SHIPPING. 1-888836-0780 or Metro-Meds.net INSURANCE Need Car Insurance Now? Lowest Down Payment - Canceled? State Letter? Accidents? Tickets? DUI? Instant Coverage! INSUREDIRECT. COM 1-800-231-3603 MISCELLANEOUS WANTS TO purchase minerals and other oil & gas interests. Send details P.O. Box 13557, Denver, Co 80201

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. You WIN or Pay Us Nothing. Contact Disability Group, Inc. Today! BBB Accredited. Call For Your FREE Book & Consultation. 888-6495110

AIRLINE CAREERS. Get FAA approved maintenance training at campuses coast to coast. Job placement assistance. Financial Aid for qualifying students. Military friendly. Call AIM 866-453-6204

Attention Joint & Muscle Pain Sufferers: Clinically proven all-natural supplement helps reduce pain and enhance mobility. Call 888-760-5952 to try Hydraflexin RISK-FREE for 90 days.

DISH TV Starting at $19.99/ month (for 12 mos.) SAVE! Regular Price $32.99 Ask About FREE SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 877-477-9659

HEAT YOUR HOME FOR 5¢ AN HOUR! Portable infrared iHeater heats 1000 sq. ft. Slashes your heating bills by 50%. FREE Shipping too! Use claim code 6239 WAS $499 NOW $279 Call 1-866-7845182 CADNET ADOPTION UNPLANNED PREGNANCY? THINKING OF ADOPTION? Open or closed adoption. YOU

The Washington Informer

CLASSIFIEDS

DirecTV! Act Now- $19.99/ mo. Free 3-Months of HBO, Starz, SHOWTIME & CINEMAX FREE GENIE HD/DVR Upgrade! 2014 NFL Sunday Ticket included with Select Packages. New Customers Only. IV Support Holdings LLCAn authorized DirecTV Dealer. Call 1-800-354-1203 Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: 1-888-9099905 18+. DISH TV Retailer. Starting at

Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201 MID ATLANTIC COMMUNITY PAPERS ASSOCIATION CLASSIFIED NETWORK (MACNET) ANNOUNCEMENTS Acorn Stairlifts. The AFFORDABLE solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!** Buy Direct & SAVE. Please call 1-800410-7127 for FREE DVD and brochure. Got Knee Pain? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain? Get a pain-relieving brace -little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 800419-3684 SUPPORT our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need. For more information visit the Fisher House website at www. fisherhouse.org [Advertising supported by this publication] AUTOS WANTED CASH FOR CARS: Cars/Trucks Wanted! Running or Not! We Come To You! Any Make/Model. Instant Offer - Call: 1-800569-0003 BUSINESS TO BUSINESS Advertise to 500,000 Homes with a business card size ad. You choose the area of coverage in free community papers...we do the rest. Call 800-450-7227 or visit macnetonline.com EMPLOYMENT The path to your dream job begins with a college degree. Education Quarters offers a free college matching service. CALL 1-800-375-6219 EVENTS Holding a Carnival! Fair! Fes-

www.washingtoninformer.com

CLASSIFIEDS tival! Jubilee! Promote it to over 1 Million readers for only $200!!! Visit www.midatlanticevents.net for more details or call 800-450-7227. LOTS & ACREAGE ABANDONED FARM! 25 ACRES - Trout Stream $49,900. Beautiful acreage, views, woods, apple trees! Unadilla River Valley location! EZ terms! 888-738-6994 NewYorkLandandLakes.com BANK REPO’D! 10 acres $19,900! Awesome Mtn views, hardwoods, private bldg site, long rd frontage, utils! No liens or back taxes! Terms avail! Call 888-431-7214 NOW! FOR SALE Safe Step Walk-In Tub Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door. Anti-Slip Floors. American Made. Installation Included. Call 1-800-906-3115 for $750 Off MEDICAL/HEALTH Canada Drug Center is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call today 1-800-254-4073, for $10.00 off your first prescription and free shipping. WANTED TO BUY CASH for sealed, unexpired DIABETIC TEST STRIPS/STOP SMOKING PRODUCTS! Free Shipping, 24hr Payments! Call 1-877-588-8500, Espanol Available www.TestStripSearch. com. MARYLAND STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES Wanted To Purchase Antiques & Fine Art, 1 item Or Entire Estate Or Collection, Gold, Silver, Coins, Jewelry, Toys, Oriental Glass, China, Lamps, Textiles, Paintings, Prints almost anything old Evergreen Auctions 973-818-1100. Email evergreenauction@hotmail.com AUCTIONS AUCTION - Construction Equipment & Trucks, January 27th, 10 AM, Richmond, VA. Excavators, Dozers, Dumps & More. Accepting Items Dai-

CLASSIFIEDS ly thru 1/23. Motleys Asset Disposition Group, 804-2323300x.4, www.motleys.com/ industrial, VAAL #16.

CLASSIFIEDS

DONATE AUTOS, TRUCKS, RV’S. LUTHERAN MISSION SOCIETY. Your donation helps local families with food, clothing, shelter, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA License #W1044. 410-636-0123 or www.LutheranMissionSociety.org

Place your ad today in both The Baltimore Sun and The Washington Post newspapers, along with 10 other daily newspapers five days per week. For just pennies on the dollar reach 2.5 million readers through the Daily Classified Connection Network in 3 states: CALL TODAY; SPACE is VERY LIMITED; CALL 1-855-721-6332 x 6 or 301-852-8933 email wsmith@ mddcpress.com or visit our website at www.mddcpress. com

AUTOS WANTED

EDUCATION TRAINING

*CASH TODAY* We’ll Buy Any Car (Any Condition) + Free Same-Day Pick-Up. Best Cash Offer Guaranteed! Call For FREE Quote: 1-888-841-2110

AVIATION Grads work with JetBlue, Boeing, Delta and others- start here with hands on training for FAA certification. Financial aid if qualified. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-823-6729

AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS

BUSINESS SERVICES Place your ad today in the area’s premier newspapers, The Baltimore Sun and The Washington Post newspapers, along with 10 other daily newspapers five days per week. Reach 2.5 million readers with your ad placement in every daily newspaper in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. For just pennies on the dollar reach 2.5 million readers through the MDDC’s Daily Classified Connection Network. CALL 1-855-721-6332 x 6; SPACE is VERY LIMITED; email wsmith@mddcpress.com or visit our website at www.mddcpress.com.

MEDICAL BILLING TRAINING PROGRAM! Train to process insurance and Medical Billing from home! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Online training at CTI gets you job ready! HS Diploma/Ged & Computer/Internet needed. 1-877-649-2671.

Drive traffic to your business and reach 4.1 million readers with just one phone call & one bill. See your business ad in 104 newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia for just $495.00 per ad placement. The value of newspapers advertising HAS NEVER BEEN STRONGER.... call 1-855-721-6332 x 6 or 301-852-8933 today to place your ad before 4.1 million readers. Email Wanda Smith @ wsmith@mddcpress.com or visit our website at www.mddcpress.com.

EARN $500 A DAY: Insurance Agents Needed; Leads, No Cold Calls; Commissions Paid Daily; Lifetime Renewals; Complete Training; Health & Dental Insurance; Life License Required Call 1-888-713-6020

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Drive traffic to your business and reach 4.1 million readers with just one phone call & one bill. See your business ad in 104 newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia for just $495.00 per ad placement. The value of newspapers advertising HAS NEVER BEEN STRONGER.... call 1-855-721-6332 x 6 today to place your ad before 4.1 million readers. Email Wanda Smith @ wsmith@mddcpress. com or visit our website at www.mddcpress.com.

www.washingtoninformer.com

LAND FOR SALE RECREATIONAL CABIN 6.5 AC, POND SITE $84,900 Park like open and wooded Parcel with 2 state views/1,000+ sq. ft. shell ready for You to finish and enjoy. Elec.,tele available perc CALL OWNER 304-9014931 LOTS & ACREAGE WATERFRONT LOTS-Virginia’s Eastern Shore Was $325K Now from $65,000 - Community Center/Pool. 1 acre+ lots, Bay & Ocean Access, Great Fishing, Crabbing, Kayaking. Custom Homes www.oldemillpointe.com 757-824-0808

CLASSIFIEDS one bill and one ad placement in 82 newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and DC TODAY! For just $1450.00, Get the reach, Get the results and for Just Pennies on the Dollars Now... call 1-855-721-6332 x 6 or email wsmith@mddcpress.com REAL ESTATE Discover Delaware’s Resort

The Washington Informer

Living Without Resort Pricing! Milder winters & low taxes! Gated Community with amazing amenities! New Homes $80’s. Brochures available ] 1-866-629-0770 www.coolbranch.com SERVICES Place your 2x4 Ad in this network in 82 newspapers in

make a real connection Call Livelinks. The hottest place to meet the coolest people.

Free

TRY FOR

202.448.0409 Ahora en Español 18+

www.livelinks.com

WET BASEMENTS STINK !! Mold, mildew and water leakage into your basement causes health and foundation damage. What can be done to fix the problem? Allstate American Waterproofing is an honest, hardworking local company. We will give you a FREE evaluation and estimate and a fair price. We have repaired thousands of basements in the area; we can provide local references. When your neighbors needed waterproofing, they called Allstate American. Why don’t you? Call now to receive a 20% discount with your FREE ESTIMATE. MHIC#36672

CALL 1 800 420 7783 NOW!

Pick a state! , any state MDDC Press works with fellow press associations across the country to give you the best possible buys on advertising wherever you need it. We take care of scheduling and placement at no extra cost to you, and you save time and money. Call Wanda Smith at ext. 6 today.

Press Service 2000 Capital Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401

1-855-721-6332 www.mddcpress.com

THE REAL DEAL! 2 YEARS LOCK IN

OF SAVINGS!

with Advanced Receiver Service.

FREE WHOLE-HOME GENIE HD DVR UPGRADE Advanced receiver fees apply. Minimum 2-room setup required.

NFL SUNDAY TICKET INCLUDED AT NO EXTRA COST. 2014 SEASON

CHOICE™ Package and above.

FREE PREMIUM MOVIE CHANNELS FOR 3 MONTHS. CHOICE™ PACKAGE AND ABOVE

MISCELLANEOUS Place a business card ad in the Statewide Display 2x2 Advertising Network - Reach 3.6 Million readers with just one call,

CLASSIFIEDS

CALL NOW!

800-618-1067 ALL DIRECTV OFFERS REQUIRE 24-MONTH AGREEMENT.** Offer ends 4/9/14

Per Mo For 12 Mos. After Instant Rebate With 24-mo. Agreement

2999

Minus additional $5 off for 12 months for low and medium-risk customers

Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS Maryland, Delaware and DC for just $2900.00. Reach 3.6 million readers every week with just one call, one bill and one ad. Call 1-855-721-6336 x 6 to place your ad or email wsmith@mddcpress.com. Get the reach, the results...maximize your advertising dollars TODAY! Want a larger footprint in the marketplace consider advertising in the MDDC Display 2x2 or 2x4 Advertising Network. Reach 3.6 million readers every week by placing your ad in 82 newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. With just one phone call, your business and/or product will be seen by 3.6 million readers HURRY....space is limited, CALL TODAY!! Call 1-855721-6332 x 6 or 301 852-8933 email wsmith@mddcpress.com or visit our website at www. mddcpress.com

We like to hear from you!

Comments? Opinions? Ideas?

news@washingtoninformer.com

Email us at:

THIS AD! FOR SALE

SPREAD YOUR MESSAGE to over 4 Million readers with an ad this size for just $1,450! For a limited time, BUY 4 ADS, GET ONE FREE!*

VACATION RENTALS OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Resort Services. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com

CALL TODAY! 1-855-721-6332 Wanda Smith, ext. 6 www.mddcpress.com

Press Service 2000 Capital Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401

Select any size from wallet to 20x30 – Frames available! Robert Ridley 202-889-2478

Be sure to ask about Special Discounts!

491-6053

GET CASH TODAY for any car/truck. I will buy your car today. Any Condition. Call 1-800-864-5796 or www.carbuyguy.com

Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: Call 1-877-737-9447 18+

HEALTH/MEDICAL

PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Call us first. Living expenses, housing, medical and continued support afterwards. Choose adoptive family of your choice. Call 24/7. 1-800-741-1410

VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 40 Pills + 10 FREE. SPECIAL $99.00 100% guaranteed. FREE Shipping! 24/7 CALL NOW! 1-888-223-8818 MISCELLANEOUS AVIATION Grads work with JetBlue, Boeing, NASA and others- start here with hands on training for FAA certification. Financial aid if qualified. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-686-1704 Bundle & Save on your TV, Internet, Phone!!! Call Bundle Deals NOW Compare all Companies, Packages and Prices! Call 1-855-978-2608 TODAY! CASH FOR CARS: All Cars/ Trucks Wanted. Running or Not! Top Dollar Paid. We Come To You! Any Make/Model. Call For Instant Offer: 1-800-8645960

AUTOMOTIVE CARS/TRUCKS WANTED! Top $$$$$ PAID! Running or Not, All Years, Makes, Models. Free Towing! We’re Local! 7 Days/ Week. Call Toll Free: 1-888-

Got Knee Pain? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain? Get a pain-relieving brace -little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 800-

NATIONAL ADVERTISING NETWORK, INC. (NANI)

CLASSIFIEDS

416-2330

CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. HIGHEST PRICES! Call 1-888-776-7771. www.Cash4DiabeticSupplies. com

*Certain conditions apply.

Why Leave Home for great photos? Photos on Wheels will come to you!

CLASSIFIEDS

Safe Step Walk-In Tub Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door. Anti-Slip Floors. American Made. Installation Included. Call 800-980-6076 for $750 Off. Sell your structured settlement or annuity payments for CASH NOW. You don’t have to wait for your future payments any longer! Call 1-800-714-4724 SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-800-290-8321 to start your application today! SUPPORT our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need. For more information visit the Fisher House website at www. fisherhouse.org

WANTED OLD JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES

Kids don’t get enough art these days. For Ten Simple Ways to get more art in kids’ lives, visit AmericansForTheArts.org.

m e r i c A n s

o r

40 Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

h e

r T s

o r g

TM 2006 Estate of Mercer K . Ellington by CMG Worldwide

KAWASAKI-- Z1-900(1972-75), KZ900, KZ1000(1976-1982), Z1R, KZ1000MK2(1979,80), W1-650, H1-500(1969-72), H2-750(1972-1975), S1-250, S2-350, S3-400, KH250, KH400, SUZUKI--GS400, GT380, HONDA--CB750K(1969-1976), CBX1000(1979,80)

$$ CASH $$

1-800-772-1142 1-310-721-0726 usa@classicrunners.com The Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com

MALVEAUX from Page 22 into slavery, forced some into marriage and killed others. Given the fact that Amnesty International, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN Security Council have decried the Islamist militant terrorist group, it is alarming that the world community has been so indifferent to the plight of the abducted young girls. Some of the indifference does not start with the world, but in Nigeria. Will Goodluck Jonathan, the Nigerian president who is running for reelection, mention the girls at all before February, when voting takes place? Or, has the fate

BASKERVILLE from Page 22 service communities. Roughly 75 percent of PBIs are two-year institutions. PBI student bodies are 40 percent or more African American and 50 percent or more Pell Grant eligible. The four-year, richly diverse HBCUs could benefit from America’s College Promise, as well. HBCUs are great at expanding student access and increasing success in innovative ways, including offering an increasing variety of degree and certificate programs, transfer, online, GED, high school partnership, 2+2 and continuing education options. They are exploring competency-based education options, as well. For the last decade, many HBCUs have been developing and piloting models of two- to four-year collaborations that can be replicated or taken to scale. NAFEO has worked with various partners to position its members as leaders in the new higher education landscape. In recent years, working with the Links, Inc., four HBCUs and four community colleges, NAFEO and its partners have developed promising practices of two- to four-year linkages that should prove useful as the debate advances about how best to shape

CURRY from Page 22 the staggering accomplishments of HBCUs. Most of America’s civil rights giants were educated at HBCUs – Dr. King, W.E.B. Du Bois, Rosa Parks, Booker T. Washington, and Thurgood Marshall. “In our time, Jesse Jackson, Andy Young, Barbara Jordan, Congressman John Lewis, Marian Wright Edelman, and Doug Wilder all earned their degrees at HBCUs. Legendary artists and authors came out of HBCUs – Ralph Ellison, Alice Walker, Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes and Toni Morrison.

of 219 kidnapped girls been forgotten? Demonstrations have taken place daily in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, despite the fact that the police have ordered these demonstrations to stop. Meanwhile, Boko Haram continues its terrorist plundering in Nigeria, destroying villages and towns in the northeast part of the country and killing thousands. It is estimated that they have destroyed more than 3,700 structures – homes, churches and public spaces. Tens of thousands of Nigerians have fled to bordering Chad because they fear for their lives. I don’t know if it would be effective for world leaders to

rally in Abuja to pressure Boko Haram to return the girls. I don’t know if T-shirts or signs saying, “We Are the Nigerian Girls” would do much more than direct attention back to these young students whose hopes and dreams have been stomped on by irrational terrorists. I don’t know if it would make a difference if Nigerians all over the world came together to demand the return of the girls. I don’t know if the efforts of feminists around the world would make a difference. I do know that about 219 Nigerian girls are gone and a terrorist group is responsible for taking them. I know that they are reputed to be affiliated with

America’s College Promise. America’s College Promise has an added benefit for four-year HBCUs. For more than a decade, NAFEO has urged and encouraged the administration to use the power of the federal purse to prod the states that maintain public HBCUs and public Historically White Colleges and Universities (HWCUs) to comply with a Supreme Court mandate to invest in HBCUs so that they are quantifiably “comparable to and competitive with” the public HWCUs. Despite years of education, legislation, litigation and administrative fiats, the states have not done this. America’s College Promise evidences this administration’s understanding of how to leverage the federal purse to prevent states from disengaging in higher education and to strengthen their public higher education systems. I am confident that when the debate regarding America’s College Promise is completed, we will not only have a new option for college affordability in which states will have a “free community college” system, but that we will also have a new option for college excellence in which more public HBCUs are funded by the states so that they are “comparable to and competitive with” their HWCU counterparts.

For those concerned that the America’s College Promise Initiative will result in a loss of students to HBCUs, I argue that we must be vigilant and weigh in in the federal and state deliberative processes to ensure that is not the case. The students who attend 21st century HBCUs do so for many reasons, including their excellent education and disproportionate affirmative results in graduating diverse students in growth and high-need disciplines. Most students who attend an HBCU go also for what has become known as the “HBCU experience” in which the campus culture is grounded in the best of African American traditions of family, fortitude and faith, independence and interdependence. They want to attend a college in which the values and mores of their parents or guardians are undergirded. A limited pilot initiative in targeted states with public and private HBCUs could test for a loss of students attending HBCUs and other four-year institutions concomitant with increased enrollment of America’s College Promise students in community colleges and other unintended adverse impacts before the initiative is fully rolled out.WI

“Yet what is most impressive about the HBCU record is not just your famous alumni. It is that HBCUs, working with meager resources, almost single-handedly created an African-American professional class in the face of decades of Jim Crow discrimination.” Duncan continued, “Even, more than a half-century after the demise of Jim Crow laws, HBCUs continue to have an outsized impact in educating Black professionals. We have over 7,000 institutions of higher education across the country, 106 of which are HBCUs. But in 2010, HBCUs still awarded a sixth of all bachelor degrees and professional degrees earned by Af-

rican Americans in the U.S.” At a time, when it is projected that we won’t have enough college graduates to meet our future needs, it would be foolhardy to diminish a pool of institutions that have proven their value over the years. While the Obama administration is saying the right things, HBCUs are approaching death by a thousand cuts. Pell Grants were reduced by Congress in 2011, making students eligible for 12 semesters instead of 18. That will hurt Black students who, on average, take longer to complete their undergraduate education. Without consulting HBCUs,

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Al-Qaeda and with ISIS. I know that while the world has rallied to show solidarity in the fight against terrorism in France, there has been no such gathering to show solidarity in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria. I don’t know (and I might be misinformed) if offers to help contain or eliminate Boko Haram have been made by the world community. The war against terrorism has

been embraced in Paris, with millions there, and thousands in the rest of the world, taking it to the streets to express their outrage. Where is the outrage for the more than 200 Nigerian girls? Nine months after they have been snatched from their school, who remembers? Who cares? WI Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist in Washington, DC

IF YOU USED THE BLOOD THINNER XARELTO and suffered internal bleeding, hemorrhaging, required hospitalization or a loved one died while taking Xarelto between 2011 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800-535-5727

ATTENTION H.S. Seniors:

The MDDC Press Foundation is looking for an outstanding senior staff member from a high school newspaper in Maryland, Delaware or D.C.

Win a $1,500 CASH SCHOLARSHIP! Visit www.MDDCPress.com for details. Application Deadline: January 30, 2015

2015 Michael S. Powell

High School Journalist of the Year the Obama administration made changes in the Parent PLUS loans three years ago that made it more difficult for parents with less than stellar credit to obtain a loan. By some estimates, that change, which has since been modified, caused up to a 20 percent drop in enrollment at HBCUs. And now the proposal for the federal government to pay for the first two years of community college, a move that is certain to harm HBCUs. It would have been better to offer to pick up the tab for the first two years at any public university. Some Black college presidents are reluctant to criticize the proposal publicly for fear of fall

ing into disfavor with the White House. The head of some higher education organizations are carefully picking their words because they represent community colleges as well as HBCUs. And some people are hiding behind the timeworn excuse, “The devil is in the details.” In this case, the community college proposal represents the devil for the continued existence of HBCUs. And because we have our first Black president or have other conflicts of interest, not too many people have the temerity to say it. As one educator told me privately, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. must be rolling over in his grave. WI Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

CALL 1 800 420 7783 NOW!

Do you have an event you want to promote? We can help you reach more than a million households in your area!

Find out more at www.midatlanticevents.com Provided by the publishers of the Mid-Atlantic Community Papers Association Contact 800-450-7227 to include your event with Mid-Atlantic Events.

WHITEHEAD from Page 23 cars and other vehicles. Americans know little to nothing about their rights or how the government is supposed to operate. This includes educators and politicians. For example, 27 percent of elected officials cannot name even one right or freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment, while 54 percent do not know the Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war. Nearly one out of every three American children lives in poverty, ranking us among the worst in the developed world.

Patrolled by police, our schools have become little more than quasi-prisons in which kids as young as age 4 are being handcuffed for “acting up,” subjected to body searches and lockdowns, and suspended for childish behavior. We’re no longer innocent until proven guilty. In our present surveillance state, that burden of proof has now been shifted so that we are all suspects to be spied on, searched, scanned, frisked, monitored, tracked and treated as if we’re potentially guilty of some wrongdoing or other. Parents, no longer viewed as having an inherent right to raise

Each week you’ll get news from The District of Columbia, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Northern Virginia. You will discover Arts and Entertainment, Social Tidbits, Religion, Sports, People’s Viewpoints, Letters to the Editor, Classified Ads and more! And best of all… No crime, no dirty gossip, just positive news and information each week, which is why… The Washington Informer is all about you! Name............................................................................................. Address.......................................................................................... City, State, Zip................................................................................. Phone number (daytime)................................................................... Yes! I want to subscribe for: 1 year/$45.00 Method of payment:

2years/$60.00

Check Enclosed Visa/MasterCard Credit card number.......................................................................... Signature........................................................................................

42 Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

next step. But faith prevailed over fear, uncertainty, fatigue and sometimes depression. It was his human vulnerability and ability to rise above it that I most remember. “If I Can Help Somebody Along the Way” was his favorite song. He was an ordinary man who made history because he was willing to stand up and serve and make a difference in extraordinary ways, as did the legions of other civil rights warriors in the 1950s and 1960s. We need to teach our children every day that they can and must make a difference, too. “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” Toward the end of “The Drum Major Instinct,” Dr. King told

the congregation he sometimes thought about his own death and funeral. He said when that day came, he didn’t want people to talk about his Nobel Peace Prize or his degrees or hundreds of awards: “I’d like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to give his life serving others. I’d like for somebody to say that day that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to love somebody. I want you to say that day that I tried to be right on the war question. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry. And I want you to be able to say that day that I did try in my life to clothe those who were naked. I want you to say on that day that I did try in my life to visit those who were in prison. I want you to say that I tried to love and serve

humanity. Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter. I won’t have any money to leave behind. I won’t have the fine and luxurious things of life to leave behind. But I just want to leave a committed life behind.”WI

their children as they see fit, are increasingly being arrested for letting their kids walk to the playground alone, or play outside alone. Similarly, parents who challenge a doctor’s finding or request a second opinion regarding their children’s health care needs are being charged with medical child abuse and, in a growing number of cases, losing custody of their children to the government. Court rulings undermining the Fourth Amendment and justifying invasive strip searches have left us powerless against police empowered to forcefully draw our blood, forcibly take our DNA, strip search us, and probe us intimately.

Americans can no longer rely on the courts to mete out justice. The courts were established to intervene and protect the people against the government and its agents when they overstep their bounds. Yet the courts increasingly march in lockstep with the police state, while concerned themselves primarily with advancing the government’s agenda, no matter how unjust or illegal. Americans have no protection against police abuse. It is no longer unusual to hear about incidents in which police shoot unarmed individuals first and ask questions later. What is increasingly common, however, is the news that the officers involved in

these incidents get off with little more than a slap on the hands. If there is any absolute maxim by which the federal government seems to operate, it is that the American taxpayer always gets ripped off. Now these are not problems that you can just throw money at, as most politicians are inclined to do. As I point out in my book A Government of Wolves: The Emerging American Police State, these are problems that will continue to plague our nation unless and until Americans wake up to the fact that we’re the only ones who can change things. The time to act is now. WI

MUHAMMAD from Page 23

well as scholars at the Johnson Presidential Library, who cite transcripts and audio recordings in which LBJ appears to be the author of the idea of the Selma marches, encouraging them as a way to generate pressure on Congress to enact voting rights legislation for disenfranchised Blacks. Whether or not Johnson was a supporter or a foot dragger in the Selma voting rights campaign, there is no doubt about his conduct toward the voting rights movement just seven months before the Selma marches shown in the film. In 1963, Fannie Lou Hamer, Lawrence Guyot, and others formed the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP) in order to challenge the segregated Democrats in their state, and they took their fight to the August 1964 Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City. They challenged the credentials of the all-White delegation. Instead of replacing the delegation chosen in the racist, and

eventually illegal voting process; instead of even agreeing to seat both delegations and giving each half of the state’s votes, the MFDP was offered a humiliating take-it-or-leave-it “compromise”—two non-voting seats. They rejected the deal, even after Vice-President-to-be Hubert Humphrey pleaded with them to accept. The next day, when Mrs. Hamer began to tell her mesmerizing story of being jailed and savagely beaten trying to get the right to vote to the convention’s credentials committee, LBJ was so incensed that the television networks were carrying the event live that he hastily called a press conference to siphon media attention away from the voting rights crusader. Hindsight is always supposed to be 20-20-vision, so perhaps during the ensuing months LBJ had an epiphany, and recognized the error of his ways and became a full-fledged supporter of voting rights, if so, his was a quick conversion. WI

EDELMAN from Page 23

passage of the Voting Rights Act by Congress later that year. A bit of “artistic license” is taken in the movie with the presentation of, or the exclusion (erasure, really) of important Black figures in the voting rights struggle such as Fannie Lou Hamer, Stokely Carmichael and Ella Baker – all of whom were important characters in the real Selma campaign, but were all absent from the film. However, it is President Johnson’s screen depiction which has garnered the loudest rebuke. Historians and former Johnson administration officials have insisted that the film is flat-out wrong in the way Johnson is shown, as an opponent of the Selma voting rights marches, when in fact the march was his idea, his former aides insist. There are plenty of former Johnson administration officials—Black and White—as The Washington Informer

Marian Wright Edelman is president of the Children’s Defense Fund whose Leave No Child Behind mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. For more information, go to www.childrensdefense.org.

www.washingtoninformer.com

thurs, jan. 22-tues, jan. 27

& sale

new price reductions on

what you want right now!

5o -85 %

storewide

off ORIG.* PRICES

FREE SHIPPING + FREE RETURNS AT MACYS.COM! FREE SHIPPING WITH $99 PURCHASE! Free returns by mail or in-store. U.S. only. Exclusions apply; details at macys.com/freereturns

sale prices in effecT 1/22-1/27/2015.

www.washingtoninformer.com

N4120167I.indd 1

The Washington Informer

1/12/15 9:52 AM Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015 43

APPLY NOW! SMALL BUSINESS GRANT INITIATIVE In celebration of our 80th Anniversary, Industrial Bank is offering small business grants totaling $80,000. A total of five grants will be awarded: One President's Award in the amount of $20,000 (best overall package) Four Individual Enterprise Awards each in the amount of $15,000

Eligibility Requirements: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Doing Business for at least 12 months, no more than 5 years Sales revenue of less than $1 million Must be located in the Bankâ€™s service area (District of Columbia; Prince Georges County, MD; Montgomery County, MD; Fairfax County, VA; City of Arlington, VA; and City of Alexandria, VA) Must be lien and judgment free Bank customers and noncustomers are eligible to apply Current business certificate of good standing and/or business license Only COMPLETE applications received by the application deadline will be reviewed Proof of ownership of the designated business

Submission Deadline: February 15, 2015 Participating Partners:

For more information and to apply, visit our web site: www.industrial-bank.com 44 Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2015

The Washington Informer