RECIPIENT OF THE DC BLACK MBA ASSOCIATION 2023 LEGACY AWARD
Vol 60 No 35
Serving Our Community in the DMV
June 12 - 18, 2025
Homeownership Supplement Center Section
Ward 8 Special Election Profile: Salim Adofo By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer
5People marching in the International Rally + March on Washington for Freedom on June 8, a culmination of WorldPride 2025, in partnership with D.C.’s 50th Pride anniversary. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
50 Years Down, More to Go: WorldPride is Over, D.C.’s Fight Isn’t By Jada Ingleton and Ve Wright WI Content Editor and WI Intern
week series with a nod to the storied rejoice and resilience of the Pride movement of more than 50 years. From parading the streets of Pennsylvania An estimated crowd of hundreds of thouAvenue, to marching in resilience at the Lin- sands – whether atop the floats of Saturday’s coln Memorial, WoldPride 2025, celebrated in WORLD PRIDE Page 19 alliance with D.C. Pride, culminated its three-
NOTE: This is the first of three (or four— depending on whether former D.C. Councilmember Trayon White accepts our invitation for an interview) candidate profiles to be released before the July 15 special election for the Ward 8 D.C. Council seat. Less than a year after losing the Ward 8 D.C. Council Democratic primary to Trayon White, Advisory Neighborhood Chair Salim Adofo (8C) counts among those vying for the very seat that the former council member’s colleagues expelled him from after his federal bribery charge. If elected to serve out the rest of White’s 5Ward 8 D.C. Council candidate Salim Adofo at his term, Adofo said he has his heart set on direct- watch party for the Ward 8 Democratic primary in May
2024, in which he lost to Trayon White, who was then the
ADOFO Page 48 council member. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)
FATHER’S DAY
The Informer, DCPS Substitute Teacher Make Black History Come Alive Emma P. Ward Promotes ‘Black Facts’ Column at Ketcham Elementary Promotion Exercises By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer Tez’Ziah Ransford recently marked the end of her elementary school journey with a walk across the stage at John H. Ketcham Elementary School in Southeast and her acceptance of awards for excellence in math, music, socio-
emotional learning and soccer. For Tez’Ziah, the road to middle school hasn’t been without its ups and down. “It’s been a long time [with] different principals, different students, teachers leaving and a lot more,” Tez’Ziah told The Informer. “Every year I have a mentor that I can talk to and tell, and they can help me…explain my feelings.” Tez’Ziah also reflected on another aspect of her burgeoning academic career: the random, but relevant, Black history facts she learned
BLACK FACTS Page 24
Drumbeats and Unspoken Words: A Father’s Legacy in His Final Days Charles Ray Barnes, Sr., Faces Terminal Health Challenges with Rhythm, Resilience, and Reflection Dr. Patrise Holden Contributing Writer
5Charles Ray Barnes, Sr. (right) basks in the simple joys of fatherhood at a family reunion with his musician son and namesake. (Courtesy of Charles Barnes, Jr.)
Charles Ray Barnes, Sr., age 73, lies in home hospice, knowing his time is short. Terminal throat cancer has returned, and
FATHER’S DAY Page 21
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