This Week's Edition : 10-22-26 by The Washington Informer

Winner of more than 20 MDDC Press Association Awards for 2025

Vol 62 No 2

Jayneil Jackson: A Housing Case Manager Who’s Seen Both Sides

Serving Our Community in the DMV

The Collins D.C. Council Report:

Life in the Big City, as Dictated by the Council

By Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr. WI Senior Staff Reporter

Peer Case Management Institute Graduate Educates Residents Affected in Broader Economic

Many of the matters discussed in D.C. Council Chambers on the afternoon of Oct. 20 concerned aspects of life in a major city— mayoral transition, contracting and procurement, rat abatement, nightlife noise mitigation, and ticket enforcement. In the realm of rat abatement, the council unanimously approved the Rodent Education and Management

By Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr. WI Senior Staff Writer In her role as a D.C. Department of Human Services (DHS) program support specialist, Jayneil Jackson assists District residents who are seeking stable housing and other quality-of-life resources— just as had been the case for her more than a year ago when she was couch surfing and without employment. Jackson says, with this opportunity, she gets to work behind the scenes and better understand what she describes as the forces preventing the D.C. government from providing more housing vouchers during a period of economic uncertainty. “Seeing now what the process is, I would think to myself [that] it's [about having] more patience,” Jackson told The Informer. “I always had patience, but…patience turns into frustration. Being on the inside now, [I under-

JACKSON Page 23

October 22 - 28, 2026

Spirit Defeats Gotham Page 4

Yields ("REMY") Results Amendment Act of 2026 on its first reading. D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson (I-At large) introduced this bill to, among other things, subsidize the purchase of rodent-proof trash receptacles for commercial businesses. For Henderson, however, installment of trash receptacles is not the end all, be all to curbing rodent infestation in the District. “As you know, this has to be a

COUNCIL REPORT Page 15

Washington Informer Celebrates 62 Years with Photo Exhibition, Reception

5 Jayneil Jackson became a program support specialist at D.C. Department of Human Services earlier this year after graduating from the agency’s Peer Case Management Institute, a program where the unhoused train to assist others navigate D.C.’s continuum of care. (Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr./The Washington Informer)

National Mental Health Awareness Month

Under Pressure: Mental Health Challenges Facing Black Communities

Photographs Showcase D.C. Past and Present, Highlights Power of Black Press By Jumana Alsaadoon WI Reporting Intern Local leaders, community members and soulful live music filled 11:Eleven gallery on the evening of

Oct. 16, as The Washington Informer marked 62 years with a reception and photo exhibition highlighting more than six decades of covering District life and culture.

INFORMER Page 9

By Dr. Patrise Holden WI Contributing Writer

5Breast cancer survivor Shalita Lyons (center) offers solace and consolation to Emoni Williams, who lost her mother to breast cancer in Nov. 2024. (Courtesy Photo/ Jemar Atkins)

Shrinking federal and state resources, fears about job security, mounting costs, and simply caring for children and aging relatives are placing many Black families under tremendous emotional pressure, with some forced to make difficult day-to-day decisions surrounding basic necessities. From those living below the poverty line to even the upper middle class, changing economics have caused a ripple effect

MENTAL HEALTH Page 20

5 Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes celebrates the 62nd Anniversary Photo Exhibition & Reception with staff and attendees. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

Celebrating 62 years. Your credible and trusted source for Black news and information. OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026 1

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2 OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026

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CONTENTS

Page 38

Page 14

Page 6

Page 4

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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026 3

wi hot topics

STACY M. BROWN, WI SENIOR WRITER; SKYLAR NELSON, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Trump’s Military Occupation of D.C. Faces Court Test as Judges Question Presidential Power A court is once again reviewing President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy armed National Guard troops across the District, as federal appeals court judges on Wednesday questioned whether the president could use military forces to police the nation’s capital despite objections from its elected leaders. “It violates the law and the principles on which this country was founded to have the U.S. military policing the streets of any American community, including the District of Columbia,” D.C. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb said following the hearing. The confrontation before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit comes more than a year after Trump ordered troops into Washington in August 2025, declaring a crime-fighting mission even as In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark

PUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes

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 2016 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 $96 per year, two years $168. 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

STAFF Micha Green, Managing Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/Marketing Director Shevry Lassiter, WIN-TV Producer Ra-Jah Kelly, Digital Asset Manager Lafayette Barnes, IV, Editor, WI Bridge DC Desmond Barnes, WIN Daily Editor Anthony Tilghman, Social Media Strategist ZebraDesigns.net, Graphic Design Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Angie Johnson, Office/Circulation Manager Jada Ingleton, Content Editor REPORTERS Stacy Brown, National Reporter Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr., Political/Education Reporter Brenda Siler, Lifestyle Reporter Ed Hill, Sports Reporter Richard Elliott, Reporter Skylar Nelson, Sports Reporter Mya Trujillo, Multimedia Reporter

NATIONAL GUARD Page 5

Commanders’ Late Surge Comes Up Short 23-17 to 49ers in MNF Showdown The Washington Commanders fell 23-17 to the San Francisco 49ers after coming up short in a lategame comeback at Levi’s Stadium, Monday night. After trailing 23-3 at halftime, Washington showed signs of life in the second half, with quarterback Jayden Daniels leading the offense and the defense delivering crucial stops to keep them in contention. “It's tough, but you know we got to be a full four-quarter team,” said Daniels. “You know we can't just be a first-half team or second-half team. You know we got to put full, four complete quarters together. In order to win the game, in order to be a championship team.” However, the loss was compounded by an early injury to wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who was forced to leave the game with a knee

injury late in the first quarter. McLaurin was injured while running a route on third-and-9 with 2:16 remaining in the first quarter. As he changed direction in the route near Washington’s sideline, his left leg appeared to buckle. Daniels was also sacked on the play. The team’s medical staff placed an air cast on McLaurin’s leg before he was carted off the field, and he was subsequently ruled out for the rest of the game. Before his departure, McLaurin hauled in a 27yard reception on Washington’s opening drive, helping put the team in position for a Drew Stevens’ 51yard field goal. He entered Monday night’s matchup with 15 receptions for a team-high 230 receiving yards this season, making his absence a significant

COMMANDERS Page 44

Spirit Defeat Rival Gotham FC 1-0 to Secure Third Consecutive Playoff Berth

PHOTOGRAPHERS Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor Ja Mon Jackson, Asst. Photo Editor Roy Lewis, Jr. Robert R. Roberts Anthony Tilghman Abdullah Konte Cleveland Nelson FALL INTERNS Jumana Alsaadoon Kree Anderson Isabella Johnson Draia Shelton

5Spirit defender Lucia Di Guglielmo attempts to juke in a goal against Gotham’s goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, in Washington’s 1-0 playoff-clinching victory on Saturday, Oct. 17 at Audi Field. (Marcus Relacion/The Washington Informer)

4 OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026

violent crime was declining. “For over a year, thousands of armed soldiers who are not from here and have limited law enforcement training have occupied our streets, spreading fear and confusion by patrolling near our schools, deploying next to ballot boxes, and marching through our neighborhoods,” Schwalb said. “This is not normal, or legal, and we cannot become numb to it.” During Wednesday’s hearing, the three-judge panel pressed Justice Department attorney Eric McArthur to explain the limits on presidential authority to deploy National Guard troops.

The Washington Spirit secured a 1-0 victory over rival Gotham FC on Saturday, Oct. 17, earning a spot in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Playoffs for the third consecutive season. Defender Lucia Di Guglielmo scored the game-winning goal in the 70th minute. This marked Di Guglielmo’s first goal since joining the Spirit last December while also delivering a crucial result for Washington as the regular season nears the end. Washington set the tone early on, attacking early and using flanks to challenge Gotham’s defense. In the third minute, forward Trinity Rodman created an opportunity by finding forward Clara Luvanga, whose attempt narrowly missed the target. The Spirit continued their control of possession and built attacking momentum through the midfield. Rodman, along with midfielders Hal Hershfelt, and Leicy Santos combined

SPIRIT Page 5

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NATIONAL GUARD from Page 4 Judge Cornelia T.L. Pillard questioned whether the administration’s interpretation effectively circumvented the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits the military’s involvement in domestic law enforcement. Judge Judith Rogers also questioned the scope of presidential power. “I think the limiting principle in our position is the president has to be calling out the guard in aid of the civil authorities,” McArthur responded. The administration argues that Trump’s authority over the D.C. National Guard permits deployment and that troops are helping protect federal property and support law enforcement. Schwalb’s lawsuit challenges three actions by the federal government. It alleges that the administration illegally deployed the D.C. National Guard for local law enforcement, brought troops from other states into Washington without the District’s consent, and asserted federal command over

SPIRIT from Page 4 effectively to create open opportunities. In the 21st minute, a quick exchange of passes allowed Washington to switch play to forward Sofia Cantore on the right wing. Cantore drove forward and delivered a ball into the penalty area, but Gotham’s defense cleared the danger. Late in the first half, Rodman and Hershfelt tested goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger with shots on target. Rodman came the closest just before halftime, sending a header toward the far post in the 43rd minute. But Berger delivered a diving save and pushed the ball over the crossbar. The breakthrough of the afternoon came in the 70th minute after midfielder Mélissa Bethi entered the match at halftime in place of Santos. Bethi delivered a ball inside the box, then Di Guglielmo positioned herself perfectly to collect it and knock into the net for a 1-0 Spirit lead, marking her first goal of the season. “I think I’m a player that likes to go in that space,” said Di Gugliel-

National Guard personnel who remained in state militia status. The lawsuit also seeks to protect the District’s self-governing authority under the Home Rule Act and to ensure that civilian policing remains in legally authorized hands. On Nov. 20, 2025, U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb ruled the deployment illegal and granted Schwalb’s request for a preliminary injunction. The appeals court temporarily stayed the order, allowing troops to remain as the administration challenged Cobb’s ruling. The deployment has continued, with about 2,900 troops remaining in Washington as of last week, according to an Associated Press report. The Defense Department has extended the mission through January 2029, and the federal government awarded a $292 million housing contract for personnel assigned to Joint Task Force-D.C. Outside the courthouse, protesters reportedly demanded an end to the military presence and questioned why Washington residents should endure prolonged

AROUND THE REGION

5 A court is reviewing President Donald Trump’s August 2025 decision to deploy armed National Guard troops across the District, which he says will remain in effect through the end of his term in January 2029. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

military patrols in their neighborhoods. The appellate judges have not announced their decision. Their ruling could determine whether the president can continue to use

National Guard troops for local law enforcement in Washington without the District’s consent. Schwalb maintained that the military presence has already persisted far too long.

“It is long past time for this illegal deployment to end and for the National Guard to return to their homes, their families, and their regular jobs,” Schwalb said. WI

mo. “I looked at [Bethi], I didn’t know if she wanted to put that ball, but I knew there was that space. And even if that ball wasn’t for me, I knew I wanted to attack that space. I really think I had good timing for that run and I love to make those runs. So if it can help the team, of course, I’m just so happy to bring that to the team.” Washington nearly doubled its advantage after that when Bethi struck the crossbar. The Spirit brought on forwards Rosmonde Kouassi and Ashley Hatch in the 79th minute, for Cantore and Luvanga as Washington looked to protect its lead. Gotham pushed forward during the closing minutes, threatening to spoil Washington’s afternoon. However, the Spirit held firm defensively, fending off a late free kick and corner kick to keep the visitors at bay. In the end, Washington shut down the opposition through three minutes of stoppage time to preserve the clean sheet and secure the victory. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026 5

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black facts

Hattie McDaniel (left)

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1936 – Political activist and Black Panther Party co-founder Bobby Seale is born in Liberty, Texas. 1953 – Clarence S. Green is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery as the first-ever African American neurosurgeon.

1940 – Soccer legend Pelé is born in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil. 1947 – The NAACP issues a formal petition against racism in America to the United Nations. 1958 – Famed academic and author Michael Eric Dyson is born in Detroit.

Oct. 24

OCT. 22 - 28, 2026

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

Mahalia Jackson (right)

1891 – Black inventor Philip B. Downing receives patent for the street letter box, a precursor of the modern-day mailbox. 1922 – Famed actress and civil rights activist Ruby Dee is born in Cleveland.

1798 – Abolitionist Levi Coffin, known as the "President of the Underground Railroad," is born in Guilford County, North Carolina. 1914 – The Omega Psi Phi fraternity, founded at Howard University, is incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia. 1981 – Edward M. McIntyre is elected the first African American mayor of Augusta, Georgia. WI

1855 – James Henry Conyers, the first Black person admitted to the United States Naval Academy, is born in Charleston, South Carolina. 1992 – Toronto Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston becomes first African American to manage a team to the World Series title.

Oct. 25

1940 – Benjamin O. Davis Sr. is promoted to brigadier general, becoming the first African American general in the U.S. Army. 1997 – The Million Woman March is held in Philadelphia.

Oct. 26

1911 – Gospel music great Mahalia Jackson is born in New Orleans. 1952 – Actress Hattie McDaniel, the first African American to win an Academy Award, dies of breast cancer at 57 in Los Angeles.

6 OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026

The Million Woman March

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D.C. Tops Nation in Speed Camera Fines with $257.8 Million in Tickets

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The nation’s capital has become the most expensive U.S. place for motorists caught speeding by traffic cameras, with $257.8 million in fines assessed in 2025, more than New York City, Philadelphia, or any other major city examined in a new national study. The October 2026 report by Virginia-based law firm Weisberg & Weisberg ranked the District first in camera fines per resident at $371.66, more than triple the $110.80 recorded in second-place Suffolk, Virginia. Washington’s cameras generated 2,266,775 tickets, averaging $113.73 apiece, while some individual cameras produced more than $25,000 in daily assessed penalties. “Washington, D.C. is balancing its budget on traffic fines. It’s not about safety. It’s about revenue generation,” said Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), who introduced federal legislation to eliminate the District’s automated enforcement systems. The study examined cities with populations over 100,000 in states that permit automated speed enforcement. Researchers compared 2025 citation counts and fine amounts, ranking cities by penalties per resident rather than total fines. The per-resident figure measures fines assessed relative to population, not what each

5 A new study reveals Washington, D.C. is the most expensive city in the U.S. for motorists caught speeding by traffic cameras. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

resident personally paid. The District’s $257.8 million exceeded New York City’s $223.2 million despite New York issuing nearly twice as many tickets. Philadelphia ranked sixth at $46.8 million, while Baltimore ranked fourth with $23.1 million. Miami Gardens, Florida, placed third in the per-resident rankings. The northbound Potomac River Freeway camera near 25th Street NW was among Washington’s most lucrative locations, generating approximately $25,100 in daily fines, according to the report. That would total more than $9 million annually if sustained year-round. Separate figures compiled by SpeedCams.us identified 377 documented enforcement locations across Washington. A camera along DC-295 near Exit 1 recorded 94,375 violations between September 2025 and August 2026. Another in the 600 block of Kenilworth Avenue NE recorded 78,194, while two cameras in the 2200 block of K Street NW recorded more than 90,000 combined. Mayor Muriel Bowser has fiercely opposed federal proposals to dismantle the city’s roughly 550 traffic cameras, warning that Washington’s finances depend heavily on their continued operation.

“In addition to the public safety implications, removing the cameras would also create a $1 billion hole in D.C.’s financial plan, which would mean cuts to everyday city services,” Bowser said earlier. “We call on our federal partners to stand with us in prioritizing safety and respecting the District’s ability to govern our own streets.” District financial records show automated traffic enforcement produced $620.1 million in actual collections during fiscal years 2023 through 2025. The study’s $257.8 million figure represents fines assessed in 2025, not necessarily payments received. The enormous sums have intensified questions about whether D.C.’s cameras primarily protect residents or provide a dependable source of government revenue. An earlier published report noted that a Maryland-registered Audi accumulated 891 citations and $259,214 in unpaid fines. Another Virginia-registered vehicle collected 689 tickets. Among the 103 most frequently cited vehicles during fiscal 2025, 92 carried Maryland or Virginia plates. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb’s office has secured judgments or settlements totaling $608,292 against 15 Maryland and Virginia motorists. Federal crash records show 189 traffic deaths in D.C. between 2020 and 2024, with speeding contributing to 40% of fatalities. Police reported deaths declining from 52 in 2024 to 25 in 2025. Federal transportation research supports properly operated speed cameras as tools for reducing speeding and crashes. Noah Weisberg, a partner and founder of the law firm behind the report, questioned the financial incentives created when governments depend on citations. “When local governments begin projecting millions of dollars in future ticket revenue, they shouldn’t be surprised when taxpayers become suspicious,” Weisberg said. “A camera positioned at a single intersection generating the vast majority of a city’s fine revenue is very hard to defend as a safety-first deployment decision.” WI

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INFORMER from Page 1 From photos of children playing, families cheering along parade routes, Chuck Brown— known as the Godfather of Go-Go— wowing a crowd, the late Mayor Marion Barry in the community and the historic inauguration of former President Barack Obama, the exhibit not only showcased historic moments, but the importance of the Black Press in highlighting stories ignored by other media outlets. “My father created this newspaper to make sure we told untold stories about the contributions that African Americans made in building D.C.,” Washington Informer (WI) Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes said about the publication’s founder Dr. Calvin W. Rolark. Rolark had a vision to uplift Black communities through reporting, often saying: “If it is to be, it is up to me,” a phrase many speakers referenced in a short program during the celebratory reception, hosted by one of the founder’s grandsons, Desmond “DB Bantino” Barnes. "The Washington Informer taught me that a newspaper is not just a business,” said Barnes, Rolark Barnes’ youngest son who works with the publication and as a musician.” It's a responsibility, it's a promise to a community that its stories will be told, its achievements will be celebrated, its challenges will be examined, and its history will not be forgotten.” Sponsored by DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID), the exhibition served as a reminder of the importance of local news in relaying stories about community achievements, challenges, and work happening to-

ward progress and solutions. “I’ve been in D.C. for 30 years,” said Lukas Umana, senior director of public space operations and activations for DowntownDC BID. “I’ve been able to read The Informer and really get an understanding of D.C. and a celebration of what the city is and the people that have come here and are here, and make our city what it is today.” For Umana, collaborating with 11:Eleven—owned by Nicola Charles— was a perfect way for Washingtonians and visitors alike to engage with The Informer while also offering a homecoming for the publication, which started with an office on 7th and G Streets NW before moving to its longtime and current headquarters on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE. “I thought this was a great opportunity to bring [to downtown],” Umana told the crowd gathered at 11:Eleven, housed inside the National Press Building, 1330 F Street NW. “We brought The Informer back to its original home. I’m very blessed to have been part of that.” The exhibit and evening, which included food and beverages from City Tap House Penn Quarter, showcased The Informer’s longtime coverage and the people who have spent decades contributing to the storytelling, such as longtime photographer Roy Lewis. After seven decades as a photographer for publications such as Jet Magazine and WHMM TV for Howard University, and more than 35 years with The Washington Informer, Lewis has captured historical moments including the 1995 Million Man March.

INFORMER Page 11

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Meet the 1 in 3 of our DMV neighbors currently facing hunger.

HungerIsHere.org 5 Attendees look at a photograph of the late Georgia Rep. John Lewis in an interview with Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026 9

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CAPTURE THE MOMENt

The only Indoor garden that grows 30 plants in just 2 sq ft. The Washington Informer marked 62 years on Friday, Oct. 16, with a reception and photo exhibition entitled, "A Visual Legacy," hosted at the Black-owned 11:Eleven Gallery, inside the National Press Building. Gathering community leaders and District residents alike, the event was sponsored by DowntownDC Business Improvement District, honored longtime WI photographer Roy Lewis and celebrated The Informer’s past, present and future. Running until Oct. 28, the exhibition showcases six decades of powerful photojournalism documenting Black history, culture, and community impact throughout the DMV area. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

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Grammy-winner and National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Terri Lyne Carrington reads The Washington Informer during the 2026 DC JazzFest. (JaMon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

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5 Washington Informer (WI) Managing Editor Micha Green and WI Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes pose for a photo ahead of the Oct. 16 reception, celebrating the 62nd anniversary of the publication and kicking off the photo exhibition at 11:Eleven gallery. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

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where he felt other outlets were unfair in their coverage of Black communities. However, he said he looks to The Washington Informer as a trusted source for uncovering truth. “Different information that we need to get and correct information that we need to get, we will never get it,” said Grant. “One thing about The Informer, they come out and speak to the people within the community, and it's the people speaking to them, telling them what kind of things that's going on in the community, as opposed to some people making up stories that affect our communities.” From covering school events, performances, parades, The Informer’s annual spelling bee, and the Washington football team’s 1988 Superbowl win, the exhibit highlighted The Informer’s promise to deliver news that uplifts Black people across the Washington metropolitan area, nation and world. “We’ll still be here as the District’s longtime leadership changes in a few short months, and we’ll be sure to be there when 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue gets a new occupant. And prayerfully we’ll be here 62 years and 162 years from now and beyond,” Green told the crowd filling the Northwest, D.C. gallery on Oct. 16. “Our team is covering the African diaspora from Anacostia to Addis Ababa, from downtown to Durban, we’re informing.” WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

With photos from Washington Informer photographers across decades d, the exhibit shows how The Informer has captured defining moments in local and national history. “We were here to cover the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Home Rule Act of 1973, the freeing and swearing in of Nelson Mandela, the inaugurations of Mayor Marion S. Barry and President Barack Hussein Obama, Jan. 6 insurrection, and Washingtonians pushing back against the deployment of the National Guard, and federal officer surge that started in 2025, and… is still continuing to this day,” Washington Informer Managing Editor Micha Green told those gathered at the anniversary celebration. “It’s been a lot of news in 62 years… and The Washington Informer is here to bring you the news you can use.” Even with The Washington Informer and 200 publications across the Black Press, studies show media mistrust is a factor for many African Americans. A 2023 study from Pew Research revealed 63% of Black Americans believe news coverage is often more negative than news about other racial groups. In addition, research from University of Miami found Black people are portrayed as criminal suspects in 50% to 60% of local news crime stories, despite making only 26.1% to 26.9% of nationwide arrests. Having lived in the District for 56 years, Roscoe Grant Jr. recalled times

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Having worked with the publication since childhood and served as publisher for 32 years and counting, Rolark Barnes said she has been dedicated to furthering her father’s commitment to being a trusted source for positive news and untold stories about the District’s Black community. "These pictures talk about the strength of the community and how despite the challenges, they were building community, building families and this is what he strived for,” Rolark Barnes said. “This is why he started The Informer.” Celebrating 62 years to the day Rolark founded the publication, people took to the exhibition and reception to honor The Informer’s continued commitment to preserving local stories. “If we didn't have The Washington Informer, Black folks in this town would not know a lot about our history,” said Douglas Foster, host of Today’s Senior Living podcast and a native Washingtonian, whose District roots go back at least three generations.

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“I'm pleased to express my appreciation to Mr. Roy Lewis, for your overwhelming dedication to documenting the people, institutions, culture, and history of Washington, D.C.,” District Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a statement read by her photographer Khalid Naji-Allah, who used to work for The Washington Informer. “As a photographer for The Washington Informer, you have wielded your camera to chronicle the joy of community celebrations, the dignity of everyday life, and the defining milestones that have shaped the District of Columbia's Black community.” For many, the exhibition, which closes Wednesday, Oct. 28, allows attendees to engage with years of Washington Informer photojournalism and celebrate the publication’s continued work today. “It’s a very cool experience to walk through gigantic pictures of the past, some of the present, and just kind of think about the way D.C. has developed,” said District resident Cherisse Rivera said. “It’s just great to see that they're still independently owned news outlets because everything is owned by conglomerates, billionaires, and that kind of thing.”

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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

3 Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen takes in the several tribute images of noted civil rights activist Malcolm X. (Richard Elliott/The Washington Informer) 6 People gather in front of the newly unveiled Malcolm X at Michael Busch Library in Annapolis on Oct. 14. (Courtesy Photo/Uplift Annapolis)

Annapolis Unveils Tribute to Civil Rights Legend Malcolm X

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter The Michael Busch Library in Annapolis now has a new permanent fixture: a monument to civil and human rights advocate Malcolm X that celebrates his work while serving as a call to action for all who visit the site. “The great work of Malcolm X’s life — the struggle for justice, equality, and freedom for his people — is far from over,” Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-District 21) wrote in a Facebook post after the memorial was unveiled on Oct. 14. “More than 60 years later, his legacy reminds us that progress doesn’t always move in a straight line.”

Peña-Melnyk, Maryland’s first Afro-Latina House speaker, was one of many state political and community leaders who gathered for the Wednesday morning ceremony debuting the memorial, which includes images of the Malcolm X smiling, sitting with his family, and with figures such as Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and boxing champion Muhammad Ali. Anne Arundel’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee and the Caucus of African American Leaders began collaborating to erect a memorial in Malcolm X’s honor in May 2025. “I'm so pleased on this day that we're honoring Malcolm X,” said Carl

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Snowden, a longtime activist and former Annapolis alderman who advocated for the memorial. “Freedom is not free and there's some things people have to do for themselves. If we want memorials that reflect our heroes, we must be willing to pay for it. So what we were able to do, we got hundreds of donors...to make sure that this memorial will come to existence.” Pena-Melnyk encourages Marylanders to view history through a full lens and work together for a shared future. “We must continue to confront the painful truths of our history, recognize the injustices that persist today, and do the difficult work of building a more just society for everyone,” she continued. “That work must be rooted in our shared humanity, especially at a time when division continues to cause real pain in our communities today,” the Maryland House speaker continued. “We must be willing to listen, willing to acknowledge painful truths, and commit ourselves to ensuring that every person belongs.”

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Local leaders hope the Malcolm X memorial will not only highlight the civil rights leader’s life, but serve as a source of inspiration. “Malcolm X was a leader whose ability to learn, grow and change was part of his brilliance,” Prince George’s County Councilmember Jolene Ivey (D- At Large) told The Washington Informer. “I’m so proud of Carl Snowden and all the residents of Anne Arundel County who supported this tribute to Malcolm X. Many of the speakers during the Wednesday event, like Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman (D) and state Sen. Shaneka Henson (D- District 30), highlighted how

certain aspects of the activist’s life can influence those visiting the memorial. “Malcolm X instilled pride in communities where the system inflicted shame. He said things in powerful ways that hadn’t been said before,” said Pittman. “This memorial will encourage our residents to read, to think, and to engage.” Henson, who is running in one of Maryland’s most competitive battleground elections, said sharing the activist’s life underscores the critical nature of highlighting all narratives important to America’s past, present and future. “I hope that in telling the whole story of Malcolm X, we are challenged to tell the whole story of everybody whose fingerprint is on the outlines of this nation,” she said. “I hope that what they are reminded to do is to tell their own story so that people will have the understanding of who they are, of the place and time in which they live so that their words are captured and reflected in their own voice.” The $350,000 monument was funded by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee of Anne Arundel, the Caucus of African American Leaders, the Anne Arundel County government, and private donors. Having been dedicated to the cause of the Malcolm X statue from the beginning, Snowden, emphasized the importance of such a tribute to the activist for future generations. “The memorial will serve as the apex for this community,” said Snowden. “He was one of those iconic individuals that come by once in a lifetime.” WI

5 Sen. Shaneka Henson says Annapolis history includes a site of slave markets and the resignation of General George Washington’s commission. (Richard Elliott/The Washington Informer)

5 Raimon Jackson, founder of The Well in Annapolis’ Eastport community, and Prince George’s County Councilmember Jolene Ivey. (Richard Elliott/The Washington Informer)

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BUSINESS Prince George’s County Council Approves Sphere Financing By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter The Prince George’s County Council has unanimously voted to authorize $215 million in bond financing to support the proposed Sphere project, a 6,000 seat venue that will bring thousands of jobs to the growing National Harbor corridor, bringing the idea one step closer to fruition. A final vote is expected on Oct. 27. The Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce said it welcomes the project, the many jobs it will bring, and the estimated $63 million in annual tax revenue estimated by Braveboy. “We thank County Executive Aisha Braveboy (D) for her leadership and vision in pursuing this op-

portunity, and we thank the Prince George’s County Council for its engagement and for moving this important project forward,” said Alexander K. Austin, president and CEO of the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce. “Throughout this process, the chamber has remained focused on ensuring that our local businesses and MBE community have a seat at the table and an opportunity to participate in the economic value this project can create.” Braveboy has advocated for local hiring and the inclusion of local and minority businesses into the negotiations, while a project-labor agreement was not included despite a push from union leaders and multiple councilmembers. “It was actually a major compromise, I feel, because it was so

5 A mockup photo of the proposed Sphere project, which will have 6,000 seats on a 15 acre site near the National Harbor. (Courtesy Photo/Peterson Companies)

far from project labor agreement,” Councilmember Ed Burroughs said. “Essentially, we’re trying to split the baby — provide some guarantee for labor while not forcing the project labor agreement.” The project would also reinvest 15% of the tax revenues into neighboring communities. Jarryd Hawkins, a government affairs expert who previously served on the Bowie City Council, is excited to see the economic development

that the Sphere project will bring to the region. “Bringing the Sphere to Prince George’s County is an opportunity to create an enormous amount of revenue for the county, thousands of construction jobs, and 1200 permanent jobs,” he told The Washington Informer. “It cements Prince George’s County as a world class entertainment destination. Hawkins has been a strong advocate for bringing aerospace indus-

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tries to Maryland, and views tourism and hospitality as an additional part of Maryland’s economic future. “The Sphere coupled with Prince George’s County making significant strides in leading the way on quantum computing development should yield positive results.” Michelle Knox, a South County resident who has been active in politics for years, cautions that this project is not a guaranteed success. “Prince George’s County residents deserve investment in schools, housing, and good jobs—not public financing for a private entertainment gamble,” she said. “The Las Vegas Sphere’s revenues do not guarantee success at National Harbor. Before committing public resources, the county executive and council owe residents an independent financial review, enforceable community benefits, and clear taxpayer protections. Our community should benefit from development—not bankroll its risks.” T.E. Wills, a contractor who recently began his tenure on the Republican Central Committee, is intrigued by the decision to bring the Sphere instead of other potential projects to revitalize the County. “The Glenn Dale water tower has only just been repainted after decades of abandonment; the hospital remains an abandoned eyesore,” he told The Informer. “There’s more housing and no improvements have been made otherwise in this area. We can use our surrounding land better!” WI

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COUNCIL REPORT from Page 1 multi-pronged strategy,” Henderson, responding to D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1), said during the council’s Oct. 20 Committee of the Whole meeting. “It's not just birth control for rats, it's not just fixing the litter cans, it's not just dealing with the rodenticide piece, but so long as rats have easy access to food, they will not go away. They will just keep reproducing.”

The Politics of Noise Mitigation

In the years following the pandemic, the District experienced a slight rebound that brought the population closer to pre-2020 levels. In the years preceding COVID-19’s arrival, the population density in the nation’s capital substantially increased, compelling questions not only about rat abatement, but noise mitigation and traffic enforcement. On Nov. 10, the council will tackle noise mitigation when it conducts its first reading of the Nightlife Noise Balance Amendment Act of 2025, a bill intended to clarify the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration’s (ABCA) response to noise complaints against nighttime establishments. In runup to that discussion, Henderson will more than likely weigh in on how commercial-to-residential conversions could infringe on nightlife in Downtown D.C. “This is something that's going on in Ward 2,” Henderson told Nadeau during the council’s Committee of the Whole meeting on Oct. 20. “I got a row of bars, a little strip club. They've all been operating for decades. And now, all of a sudden, there's an apartment building on the corner that hadn't been there. But for decades, me and my bar, we've been good. And

now, all of a sudden, you move in and now I'm in trouble. I'm being fined. I can get shut down. I can get my license taken.” The Nightlife Noise Balance Amendment Act, introduced by Nadeau, makes clear that ABCA investigators are not required to enter a D.C. resident’s home to substantiate a noise violation, and could instead make such a call if noise is heard within 15 feet of the resident’s property. Other tenets of the bill allow ABCA, with the use of a separate fine schedule, to suspend a liquor license and place restrictions on the endorsements of licensees after four noise complaints within two years. As Nadeau explained, she sought to rectify what she described as a “broken nightlife noise enforcement scheme.” Her introduction of this bill follows the council’s passage of the Harmonious Living Amendment Act of 2024 and Amplified Sound Mitigation Regulation Amendment Act of 2024. “When this bill came to us from the mayor, it just said that ABCA could start issuing penalties based on noise heard right outside a residential zone dwelling. We received very clear testimony from nightlife businesses that that way was too vulnerable, too unreasonable, even bad faith complaints,” Nadeau said on the dais during the council’s Committee of the Whole meeting. “We also heard testimony from ANCs [advisory neighborhood commissions] and other community leaders who are frustrated [that] the existing framework offers no meaningful relief from overwhelming noise. So we put a lot of work into a more balanced, predictable standard and clear enforcement process.” WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

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5D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson (I-At large) says there's more to rat abatement than the provision of new trash receptacles. (WI File Photo)

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Donate online today at wicharities.org Purchase an ad to support our education programs. Email rburke@washingtoninformer.com OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026 15

NATIONAL Onyx Impact Releases a Propaganda Playbook to Combat Disinformation During 2026 Midterm Elections By Isabella Johnson WI Intern In anticipation of the 2026 midterm elections, Onyx Impact released “The Propaganda Playbook,” a field guide that navigates the role of disinformation during election cycles — and provides tools to overcome it. Designed for journalists, content creators and organizations, the 41-page playbook provides in-

depth explanations of propaganda techniques, as well as detailed tactics to employ to combat propaganda and disinformation. The playbook will allow its audience to understand the ways propaganda works and create effective tools against it that will outlast this current election cycle, said Eosa Osa, founder and CEO of Onyx Impact, in a press release. “We are currently living in an era of propaganda, and the 2026

16 OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026

5 Onyx Impact is furthering its work to protect Black people against propaganda with a new 41-page playbook ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

election cycle will see information warfare deployed through tools no previous generation has faced at this scale or speed,” Osa said. The playbook follows Onyx Impact’s overall goal, which was founded in 2023 with a mission to protect Black communities

against propaganda. The playbook is divided into four phases: understanding propaganda during election cycles, preparing journalists, content creators and organizations for an onslaught of disinformation, reacting once disinformation is spread, and building infrastructure to help journalists, content creators and organizations resist the effects of disinformation. “To overcome this era of propaganda,” Osa continued, “we must understand what we’re up against and build the resistance infrastructure that outlasts a single election cycle.” The 2026 midterm elections will occur in the midst of what the playbook calls a “propaganda storm” formed by the “Louisiana v. Callais” Supreme Court decision, the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) generated content, and social media platforms prioritizing engagement over accurate information. “Louisiana v. Callais” is an April 2026 decision that ruled the creation of a majority Black district as a solution against racial vote dilution, unconstitutional, according to the Harvard Kennedy School. Both Onyx Impact and Legal Defense Fund say this decision eviscerated the Voting Rights Act of 1965, threatening the voting power of Black citizens. The playbook notes that the current storm of propaganda and disinformation that all American voters face is nothing

new to Black citizens. The 2026 election cycle will see information warfare deployed through tools no previous generation faced at this scale or speed,” the playbook notes. “Now, communities of every background operate inside the same information warfare infrastructure that Black communities learned to identify and resist long before it had a name.”

Propaganda Tactics

The playbook identified four propaganda tactics that are designed to sow disinformation and confusion among the electorate before journalists, content creators and organizations can effectively intervene. The first tactic is manufactured narratives, targeting reality through AI fabrication, context extraction and character destruction. The second tactic is infrastructure destruction, which targets journalists, creators and institutions through harassment, attacks on credibility and content suppression. The third tactic is wealth extraction, which targets community trust networks like Black-owned businesses, through fake business directories and fraudulent funds. The final tactic is cynicism bombing: targeting Black political participation by weaponizing earned distrust, stripping political

VOTING Page 17

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VOTING from Page 16 context and amplifying confusion. Increased amounts of both misinformation and disinformation during election cycles is a well-documented phenomenon; the playbook describes Russian disinformation campaigns targeting Black voters during the 2016 and 2020 elections as an example. With federal cuts to programs supporting election security and the Trump administration utilizing federal agencies to spread false voting information, the 2026 midterm elections season could be rife with disinformation, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. As a guardrail against disinformation circulation, the playbook poses three questions it says can “limit risk and ensure you remain a credible source for your community.” The three questions are: Can you verify the sources independently? What does this content ask you to feel before it gives you facts? Who benefits from this story circulating right now? The playbook lists several actions it says lawmakers, election officials and organizations can take to create safeguards against propaganda and disinformation during election cycles. Its immediate pri-

orities include funding Black and local media organizations and placing limits on AI generated content in elections, and longterm priorities like federal civil rights legislation targeting online suppression of Black content. “We can not build safer information ecosystems by relying on communities to clean up the damage after it happens,” the playbook says. “Lasting change requires regulatory and legislative action both at the state and federal level that shifts accordingly upstream.” To read the full playbook, visit propagandaplaybook.org. WI

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Inaugural Naija Day Gala Highlights Art, Success, Tradition on 66th Independence Day

By Mya Trujillo WI Multimedia Reporter

While some view October as a turning point in the year as the seasons change, the Nigerian diaspora kicks off the month with lavish and jubilant celebrations commemorating its independence day on Oct. 1. In Washington, the West African country’s 66th year of sovereignty was honored at the inaugural Naija Day Gala, hosted at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center by Nigerian Independence Day Inc., also known as October One. The event honored Nigerian excellence and the value of human connection, highlighting visual arts through exhibitions featuring Ankara textiles and abstract paintings that salute Yoruba mythology, as well as traditional dances and orchestral performances that bridged generations of heritage and culture. It also showcased Nigerian success and achievements by honoring five individuals for their indispensable contributions

3Dr. Sola Olapolder is honored as a pillar of excellence in education for his work as the Associate Dean for Academic Advancement in the Biological Sciences division at the University of Chicago. (Courtesy Photo)

across education, healthcare, industry, philanthropy and community development. October One showcases the importance of cultural exchange by shining a light on the Nigerian diaspora’s triumphs and keeping traditions, customs and histories alive through storytelling and engagement.

“Naija Day is about celebrating who we are and honoring those who make us proud,” said October One President Owen Ogufere. “Seeing our artists, musicians and honorees share the same stage as our friends from the diplomatic and business communities showed what Nigerian heritage can build when it is celebrated and shared.” WI

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HEALTH MENTAL HEALTH from Page 1 that, for many, has become emotionally taxing. Kiana Beekman, a creative event strategist, is skilled at creating unique life experiences that give people safe spaces to process, emote, and even laugh when life has given them little reason to do so. Yet, the single mother admits that she is wrestling with the same uncertainty that weighs on many families: how to keep providing, planning, and showing up for others when the future feels increasingly difficult to predict. “I feel so overwhelmed some-

times; my mind is always in motion. There are times that I don’t sleep well due to fear of the unknown,” said Beekman, 46. “A lot of people depend on me, but sometimes I don’t know where the resources are for those of us who everyone else depends on.”

The Anxiety Behind Everyday Survival

For Beekman, the mental health toll for many people of color is built from pressures that rarely arrive one at a time. Inflation makes necessities harder to afford, professional expertise does not always

5 Kiana Beekman captivates an audience through her innate ability to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood. (Courtesy Photo/Joy Washington)

translate into financial security, and the expectation to care for others can leave little room to acknowl-

edge personal distress. “I did everything I was supposed to do; I went back to school and earned an MBA, graduated top of my class, and established a stable career,” Beekman related. Like many, the cost of maintaining her household has steadily outpaced what her salary is able to cover. “I make a good income, and manage finances quite well,” she said. “Yet, still it isn’t enough. I am in financial warfare.” For many, such rapidly rising costs of living bring heightened concern to not just current, but future

economic status, especially unforeseeable emergency expenses. Shalita Lyons, advocate, understands firsthand how unexpected expenses can detonate a family’s financial infrastructure. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer twice in 2016. The diagnosis is just part of the emotional shock,” said Lyons, 56. “Then comes wave after wave of expenses.” A Fall 2026 study by Pew Research Center found that 53% of Americans do not have emergency funds that would cover their expens-

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5Creative event strategist Kiana Beekman (center) fosters connection and emotional release as a way to improve mental wellness. (Courtesy Photo/Joy Washington)

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Social Security, Voting and the Power of DC’s 50-Plus Voters Social Security Is Earned. Voters Will Decide Its Future.

By Louis Davis, Jr. AARP DC State Director For millions of Americans, including nearly 90,000 here in the District, Social Security is much more than a monthly check. It is the foundation of financial security after a lifetime of hard work. At a time when the cost of groceries, housing, utilities and health care continue to rise, those monthly payments matter more than ever. That is why the future of Social Security remains one of the most important issues for older Americans and one of the key issues voters will be considering as they head to the polls. The importance of Social Security was underscored again recently when the Social Security Administration announced a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 3.6 percent for 2027. While the increase will help beneficiaries keep pace with rising costs, it also serves as a reminder of how vital Social Security is to the financial well-being of millions of older Americans. In the coming years, Congress will need to act to ensure Social Security remains strong for current retirees and future generations. Fortunately, policymakers have numerous options available to strengthen the program and address its long-term financing challenges. At AARP, we are clear about where we stand: cutting the Social Security benefits Americans have earned should be off the table. We will continue fighting to protect and strengthen Social Security, opposing proposals that reduce benefits, weaken cost-of-living adjustments or make it harder for Americans to access the benefits they have earned. This is not a partisan issue. Americans across the political spectrum recognize the importance of Social Security to their

retirement security. And voters are paying attention. More than 9 in 10 voters age 50-plus say they are more likely to support candidates who will protect Social Security. That matters because voters 50plus are the largest and most reliable voting bloc in the country. Election after election, they turn out at higher rates than other age groups and play a decisive role in determining outcomes. Here in the District, voters 50-plus are paying close attention not only to Social Security, but also to issues like affordable housing, caregiving, health care and the cost of living. They want leaders who understand these challenges and are prepared to act. As Election Day approaches, AARP remains committed to providing trusted, nonpartisan information so voters can make informed decisions. We do not endorse candidates or political parties. Instead, we help people understand when, where and how to vote, while providing information about candidates' positions on Social Security, among other issues that matter most to older adults and their families. Check out our 2026 Candidate Voter Guide at aarp.org/ DCVotes or scan the QR code on the page. In an era of misinformation and political noise, access to reliable information is more important than ever. Our goal is simple: empower voters with the facts they need to participate confidently in the democratic process. Social Security has been the cornerstone of retirement security for generations. Americans have earned every dollar of it. The decisions made by elected leaders will shape its future, but voters will decide who those leaders are. Candidates would be wise to listen. The question is whether they are paying attention to the voters who will once again help decide the outcome of the election.

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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026 21

HEALTH

MENTAL HEALTH from Page 20

es for even three months. Lyons advocates for minorities to learn ways to financially plan even when resources are stretched thin. “Are you underinsured? Are there systems in place for those you provide for in the event something happens to you?” she questioned. “It might sound counterintuitive, but assessing critical areas of your finances during economic hardship is important.” In 2019, Lyons founded She Still Smiles to help people under-

going unexpected health battles to find resources and a measure of economic relief. “There has been a huge spike in the number of people genuinely concerned about their health because so many have lost significant health coverage and more wonder whether they will be covered at all,” Lyons said.

Building Connections to Heal

As mental health stressors continue to heighten, both Beekman and Lyons stress that human connection

is one of the most essential ties to healing when life changes suddenly. Trained in mental health, Beekman also works as a senior investigator of allegations of mental or physical abuse. “A great deal of my job is reading people: lack of eye contact, movement, how people respond to simple touch, like a handshake,” she said. “Energy and affect always speak the things that we can’t or won’t say.” The mental health professional gives simple advice for those coping with heightened emotional stress: “Pay attention.”

“We become so overwhelmed that we miss actually seeing each other,” Beekman continued. “Going unseen invalidates all the heavy trials life places on us. Taking a good look at those we love is a huge way to lighten their distress and reconnect us at the same time.” Lyons’ work also centers around the healing power of connection. During her cancer journey, she chose a holistic approach and began inviting relatives to gather on Sundays for laughter and companionship. The gatherings, which she called “Smiling Sundays,” helped her find moments of joy during one of the most frightening periods of her life. “The principle behind my nonprofit is that if you are truly connected and supported, you can find joy in any situation,” Lyons said. “Sometimes that joy can be in the simplest things.” Beekman emphasizes that easing emotional strain begins with finding a place where people can stop bracing for the next crisis. She encourages those carrying layered stress to seek experiences where they feel safe enough to release emotions they may have suppressed while weathering life or caring for everyone else. “You don’t know how much you are carrying until you are in safe spaces where your emotions are free to be released,” she said. “Times of high stress are not supposed to be

navigated alone, yet many of us do exactly that.” Now 10 years cancer free, Lyons continues to draw a key lesson she learned about finding comfort during one of the hardest seasons in her life, her battle with breast cancer. “Pour into others even in your own need,” she said. “During times of scarcity, you’ll find that there are still great riches to be found in the simple act of truly connecting with others.” WI

“You don’t know how much you are carrying until you are in safe spaces where your emotions are free to be released.Times of high stress are not supposed to be navigated alone, yet many of us do exactly that.” – Kiana Beekman

5Karen Frost, Shalita Lyons, Jennifer Myers, and Andrea Driffin-Hubbard, who recently lost her fight with breast cancer, pose during an event. Lyons, founder of She Still Smiles, emphasizes the community’s role in mental health. (Courtesy Photo/Jemar Atkins)

22 OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026

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JACKSON from Page 1 stand] these are the things that need to get done….If you just explain the steps that need to be taken, maybe the process would move a bit faster. On the outside, you don't really know what to do. You're just listening to what they're telling you.” Earlier this year, Jackson completed three months in the Peer Case Management Institute (PCMI), a program by DHS, Howard University’s (HU) School of Social Work, Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness, and Pathways to Housing DC that trains unhoused D.C. residents to become case managers. The program includes hours in the classroom at Howard before participants take on internships and transition into full-time employment through which they help others navigate the District’s continuum of care. By the time Jackson learned about PCMI through a cousin, she had already found an apartment on her own after severing ties with a case manager. Before then, as she recalled, she struggled to maintain housing while taking on roles as a nonprofit executive assistant and nanny. While in PCMI, Jackson interned at DHS’ Adams Place Day Center before supervisory homeless coordinator Brandon L. James recommended her for a permanent role at 801 East Men’s Shelter in Southeast. That’s where, amid a depletion in housing vouchers provided, Jackson follows a system where the most vulnerable gets connected to those resources. She’s also introducing clients to other forms of support, including shared housing and Project Reconnect, a shelter diversion and rapid-exit program for single adults who want to rent a room, move in with a family member, or leave the District altogether. “There are people willing to take other options so I’ve been helping them get housed in ways that they can,” Jackson told The Informer. “Especially for elderly people, I’ll take the time out to go and look up what will be affordable for them, and what type of help they can get when moving into these places.”

The Fight to Fund Housing Resources, and a Director’s Plea for PCMI

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal earlier this year funded no new housing vouchers and left a funding gap of $142.7 mil-

lion throughout the four year financial plan. In the leadup to the D.C. Council’s approval of a modified budget, its Committee on Human Services closed that gap and allocated the equivalent of 216 new housing subsidies. A broad look at the District’s local Fiscal Year 2027 budget shows an allocation of $276 million toward: the maintenance and rental subsidies for existing voucher holders connected to DHS; case management and rental subsidies to permanent supportive housing and targeted affordable housing, and a rental subsidy to more than two dozen families exiting the Family Rehousing Stabilization Program through the Local Rent Supplement Program. A DHS spokesperson said that the agency plans to match 200 new people to permanent supportive housing this year once others exit the program, while leasing 104 others to site-based permanent supportive housing. D.C. Councilmember Matt Frumin (D-Ward 3), chair of the Committee on Human Services, told The Informer that, when it came to funding housing resources, he wanted to strike a balance. “Landlords need to be fully compensated, but the program should not be a source of profiteering,” Frumin said. “At the same time, permanent vouchers aren't the only tool we need. Preventing homelessness in the first place is essential. We scour the full portfolio of options for people in need and work to make them available—whether that be through pressing D.C. Housing Authority to make units available, expanding access at the Aston, or supporting other transitional housing options.” Frumin, who introduced legislation to make DHS’ long-term rental assistance program DC Flex permanent and boosted funding for the Homelessness Prevention Program to $9.3 million, identified PCMI as another resource in curbing homelessness. “When my committee reviewed the institute last year, I was deeply impressed by its high-quality training and the dedication of its graduates,” he said. “People with lived experience belong at the forefront of our response to homelessness. Their leadership in case management is key to helping neighbors transition off the streets and stay safely housed.” The first PCMI cohort, a class of nearly 40, graduated in 2024. Two more cohorts have since graduated

JACKSON Page 42

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OUR

EARTH

Andrew Young Went Looking at a Dam in Africa. The Journey Helped Lead to a Farm Outside Atlanta By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer About 40,000 hybrid striped bass swim inside tanks at a farm just south of Atlanta, producing something that ordinarily creates an expensive problem for fish farmers: waste. Here, they need it. The nutrients produced by the fish travel through water to thousands of lettuce plants, Swiss chard, spinach, and other greens growing nearby. The plants take what they need from the water, which is recycled through a system

designed to grow fish and vegetables together while using a fraction of the water required by conventional agriculture. For Ambassador Andrew Young, the journey to Forever Young Aquaponics began years ago in Africa, where a fast-growing plant clogging a dam caught his attention. Young, the 94-year-old former Atlanta mayor, congressman, United Nations ambassador and civil rights leader, recalled learning that the troublesome plant was duckweed and that it could double rapidly.

3 Inside Ambassador Andrew Young’s Aquaponics Farm. (Stacy M. Brown/The Washington Informer)

Rather than dismissing it as a weed, Young wanted to know what it was. “They were telling them it doubles in size in 48 hours or something crazy,” he recalled before organizing a recent tour of the Clayton County farm. “We took it over, studied it, and found 57% protein. It’s got all these wonderful nutrients.” The plant growing in Africa is not what is cultivated at the Georgia farm, but the discovery helped fuel Young’s fascination with using water, plants and natural biological processes to produce food.

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 09-2027 SECURITY CAMERA INSTALLATION & UPGRADES The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA), Information Technology Division (ITD) Systems seeks qualified contractor to furnish, install, integrate, test, and warrant 1,162 fixed and multi-sensor IP security cameras and 49 license plate recognition (LPR) cameras across 33 DCHA properties. The work expands and standardizes video surveillance at public housing sites to improve resident safety, deter crime, and support incident investigation by DCHA's Office of Public Safety (OPS). DCHA's Information Technology Division (ITD) operates the enterprise network and video management system (VMS) the new devices must join. All devices become DCHA property and DCHA-managed network assets upon acceptance. Work covers 33 properties: 1,162 cameras and 49 LPRs. Quantities are DCHA's planning estimates; the contractor shall confirm them in each Site Survey Report, and any change in quantity is priced only through the unit prices in the Pricing Structure and a CO-issued modification. SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available Friday, October 16, full solicitation documents will be posted to our e-procurement system Housing Agency Marketplace at: https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com/requests.html?company_id=506 Respondents must log in to view this RFP for all related documents. It is the respondent’s responsibility to check the Housing Agency Market Place site regularly to stay current on all available documents as this is the primary communication site solicitation. PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Friday, October 30, at 12:00 p.m. Email Deborah Barnes, Procurement Specialist (OAS), at dybarnes@dchousing.org for additional information.

24 OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026

That interest eventually brought together Young, aquaponics expert Arvind Venkat, and a collection of companies and specialists whose equipment and technology now operate within the one-acre facility. “This is really a new technology here in the United States,” said Carmal, a facility tour guide Carmal, identified only by his first name. “It has been done in different parts of the world but usually at a smaller scale. This is one of the few commercial-scale operations like this, and nobody else in the U.S. has some of the pieces of technology that we have here at the farm.” The concept itself is surprisingly simple. Hydroponic farms grow plants in water and must supply nutrients. Fish farms raise fish in water and must manage the waste they produce. Aquaponics brings the two together, using nutrients from the fish to feed the plants. “The main overhead, the main cost of a hydroponics farm is the fertilizer that you’re putting in,” said Carmal. “Now the main cost for a fish farm is getting rid of that waste.” Connecting the two, he said, attacks both costs at once. “And that’s what helps make the ambassador’s mission so unique,” Caramel added.

Growing in 21 Days

The Clayton County facility is the result of a decade-long effort by Young and the Andrew Young Foundation to explore food production that uses less land and wa-

ter, creates jobs, and brings fresh food closer to the communities where it is consumed. The farm officially opened in June. Inside the fish house, each large tank holds about 2,000 fish, for a total of approximately 40,000 fish across the operation. Hybrid striped bass are a popular food and game fish and are sometimes sold in restaurants as rockfish. The vegetables begin their lives elsewhere in the building. Seeds are planted on reusable, food-grade boards that can remain in service for years. According to the tour guide, a seeding machine can process about 700 boards per hour, with approximately 800 plants per board. After about two days in a warm, humid germination room, the newly sprouted plants are moved into the greenhouse. From there, the growing cycle is remarkably precise. “Twenty-one days,” Carmal said when asked how long the plants remain in the greenhouse. “Almost to the day, actually. It’s very consistent.” That consistency lets buyers order a specific amount of a crop each week and helps the farm move closer to what customers need, rather than harvesting large quantities and hoping they sell. The short growing period also helps with insect control. “Part of the reason why we harvest at 21 days is that that is shorter than the life cycle of most common pest insects,” Carmal noted. The boards are harvested and

YOUNG Page 25

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YOUNG from Page 24 cleaned before the next crop begins. Carmal said the operation does not add herbicides or pesticides to the growing system. The greenhouse itself is constantly changing. Its walls and roof can open and close, and a weather station and about 13 computer algorithms respond to temperature, humidity, and other conditions. The system can anticipate rain and close the greenhouse before it arrives. Shade can move into place when sunlight becomes too intense. On a pleasant day, much of the greenhouse can remain open under protective netting. The operation can grow baby lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, kale, chives, and other leafy greens and herbs. Other aquaponics configurations can support tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Once a crop reaches the end of its 21-day cycle, machinery resumes operation. A harvester with a surgical-grade steel blade cuts the greens from the boards. The produce moves along a conveyor for collection, while the used boards continue toward cleaning equipment with brushes and sprayers. A second stage sanitizes the boards with hydrogen peroxide before returning them to production. The harvested greens are quickly moved into temperature-controlled rooms. Carmal added that every minute the produce remains in heat can shorten its usable life. The farm therefore cools the greens soon after cutting and uses refrigerated transport for deliveries.

OUR EARTH

“We’re committed to getting our produce to our buyers within 24 hours of the harvest,” Carmal declared. “We don’t harvest more than we need, and we don’t let it sit here.” Tests at the farm, he said, have shown that some greens remain usable for more than 20 days when properly stored. Basil requires special treatment because refrigeration can cause it to blacken and wilt. The farm stores basil in a room at about 55 degrees, cool enough to slow deterioration without damaging the herb. Food safety is another aspect of the operation. Carmal said the facility was approaching Global G.A.P. certification and working toward organic certification. He said the farm periodically tests water for pesticides and tests E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria monthly. The enclosed growing system also changes how the farm addresses some foodborne illnesses. Carmal consulted University of Georgia researchers about Cyclospora, a parasite that can contaminate fresh produce. Because the Clayton County plants draw nutrients from water beneath them rather than from overhead irrigation that can splash contaminated water onto leaves, he said the researchers told him the growing method makes Cyclospora contamination extremely unlikely. “This process—what we do here– is immune to Cyclospora and so that worry is eliminated,” Caramel remarked. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

NOV. 24 - DEC. 6

5Ambassador Andrew Young and his vision is plastered along the walls of his Aquaponics Farm outside of Atlanta, Georgia. (Stacy M. Brown/The Washington Informer)

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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026 25

EDUCATION Howard University Yardfest Encourages Attendees to Live Their ‘Wildest Dreams’ Howard University Yardfest brought a celebration of Black culture and Bison pride to Northwest D.C. on Friday, Oct. 16, as hundreds took over the historically Black campus to celebrate this year’s Homecoming. Featuring live entertainment, high fashion, and more, the fan-favorite tradition –– marking the 2026 homecoming theme “Wildest Dreams” –– included student performances and appearances by rappers like Quavo and Sexyy Redd.

TWO RIVERS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS School Bus Transportation Two Rivers PCS is seeking a company to provide

school bus transportation for field trips for students

preschool to 8th grade. To request a copy of the RFP, email Gail Williams at procurement@tworiverspcs. org. Proposals are due by November 13, 2026.

26 OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026

Howard University Celebrates Bison Legacy, Family at Fourth Annual FamFest Howard University (HU)’s WHUT fourth annual FamFest brought Bison of all ages a taste of “The Mecca” on Oct. 17, from vendors and activations to performances and engaging PBSKIDS activities. The free, fun-filled event –– held in the campus’ Lower Quadrangle, affectionately known as “The Valley” –– celebrated generations of Howard legacy while boosting creativity, friendly competition, and unforgettable HU homecoming memories. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

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EDUCATION

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America’s Smartest Broadband Network Comcast is building America’s largest and most intelligent broadband network with a simple purpose: connect everyone, everywhere to what they need and love. With streaming and entertainment driving unprecedented growth in data usage, our teams are constantly innovating to meet the needs of our customers now and in the future. Reaching more than 65 million homes and businesses, our network is powered by AI from our fiber core to neighborhood infrastructure in the communities we serve, optimizing every connection in real time to deliver fast, reliable, and secure Internet. Learn more at comcastcorporation.com/network 28 OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026

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EDITORIAL

The Ballot is a Legacy We Must Not Surrender

63 Years after Mississippi’s Freedom Vote, the Responsibility to Participate in Our Democracy Remains Ours As Nov. 3 approaches, Americans should remember that the right to vote was not freely given to everyone. Ordinary citizens demanded, defended, and secured it through the courage to risk their livelihoods, their freedom, and their lives so their voices would count. October marks the 63rd anniversary of Mississippi’s Freedom Vote, the historic 1963 civil rights initiative that challenged the systematic exclusion of Black citizens from the electoral process. At a time when discriminatory registration requirements, intimidation, and violence prevented countless African Americans from voting, organizers created an alternative election to demonstrate that Black Mississippians wanted— and deserved— a voice in their government. More than 80,000 people participated, sending a powerful message to the nation. The campaign emerged from the same struggle for equality that defined Medgar Evers's work as Mississippi NAACP field secretary, who devoted his life to civil rights and voter registration. Evers understood that

political participation was essential to challenging discrimination and holding public officials accountable. On June 12, 1963, he was assassinated outside his Jackson home, a devastating reminder of the dangers faced by those demanding equal rights. His work, however, did not end with his death. The Freedom Vote featured Aaron Henry, a Black pharmacist and civil rights leader who ran for governor, with white minister Edwin King as his running mate. Their campaign challenged Mississippi’s political establishment and helped lay the groundwork for subsequent efforts to secure fair representation. They demonstrated that democracy cannot fulfill its promise when an entire segment of the population is shut out. Today, that history resonates in Mississippi’s U.S. Senate race, where Scott Colom, a Black Democrat, is seeking a seat in a state where no Black Mississippian has served in the Senate since Reconstruction. His candidacy unfolds against a history of generations fighting to overcome barriers to political participation.

The circumstances differ from those of 1963, but the fundamental principle remains: every eligible citizen deserves the opportunity to choose who represents them. Voting remains one of the most direct ways citizens can help shape public policy, select representatives, and influence decisions affecting their families and communities. Elections determine who exercises public authority and which priorities receive attention. A ballot cannot guarantee every concern will be addressed, but not voting means giving up your chance to have a say. As Nov. 3 approaches, make a plan. Confirm your registration, learn the voting rules where you live, review the candidates and issues, and determine when and where you can cast your ballot. If early voting or mail voting is available, consider those options. The men and women who participated in Mississippi’s Freedom Vote understood that democracy requires participation. Honor their legacy. Exercise your right. Make your voice count. Vote on or before Nov. 3. WI

With D.C.’s Workforce Gutted by the Trump Administration, Families Need More Than Turkeys for the Holidays

What’s Needed are Comprehensive Services, Jobs, and a Little More Compassion No matter who you talk to these days, the topic that’s on many folks’ minds is the economy. And if economic predictions are correct, it’s going to get worse before it gets better. However, for those fortunate enough to have avoided being downsized, have a hefty rainy day account, or have a job that pays a liveable wage with benefits, things may not be so bad. But if you’re a single parent, a former veteran, a returning citizen, a homeless youth or adult, a senior citizen, a high school dropout, illiterate, or living with a disability, the future looks bleak. And while the president attempts to assuage our fears with more promises that probably won’t be kept, touts unverifiable claims that we’ve entered a mythical “golden age,” and urges citizens to wait, then wait some more,

most Americans are finally waking up. In less than two years, under the guise of “draining the swamp” and “cutting the fat,” the president and his inefficient Department of Efficiency (DOGE) have decimated D.C.’s federal and regional workforce. According to labor analyses and research groups, massive workforce reductions, buyouts, and terminations, including over 300,00 Black women who were fired or voluntarily exited the workforce, have occurred since No. 47’s return to office. These initiatives have led to a 30-year low in the District’s federal and regional workforce. In addition, African Americans have been disproportionately impacted by huge federal layoffs with the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. What does all of this mean to Americans who count as low-income,

disabled, unemployed, or vulnerable and may be living on the brink of poverty? The question can be best answered by those who rely on the U.S. government’s five federally designed safety net programs that function as economic failsafes, generally managed at the federal level and often administered in partnership with state governments. These programs include: TANF, SSI, EITC, SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, LIHEAP, and Unemployment Insurance. Meanwhile, if you live in the District, affordability remains a significant concern with D.C. representing one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., where the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $3,100, according to the online rental marketplace Apartments.com. In summary the high cost of living makes staying in

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TO THE EDITOR “The proposed Sphere project could boost economic growth, create jobs, and increase tax revenues. However, its success depends on financial transparency, taxpayer protection, and meaningful community benefits. Balancing economic opportunities with residents’ concerns is essential for sustainable development.” -Urban Insight (In reference to the article: “Prince George’s County Council Approves Sphere Financing.”) “If you want to revitalize downtown, you’ll have to rezone it, destroy it, then rebuild it into a human-scale, mixed-use, and dense-commercial neighborhood like Georgetown or Adams Morgan. Otherwise, it’ll forever remain a boring office park with fewer and fewer office jobs.” -Victor Volz (In reference to the article: “Downtown Revitalization Could be Key to D.C.’s Economic Future.”)

the city while unemployed or underemployed an expensive privilege. So, if you rely on any of the aforementioned programs supported and managed by the federal government, you should be aware that only a handful of people remain to manage the desks in offices who can help you navigate the bureaucratic malaise. But don’t be discouraged after you’ve spent hours “talking” with a virtual assistant that cannot provide

what you need. Don’t give up when you sign on to a website that claims to incorporate a bevy of updates, but which gets you no closer to resolving your pleas for help. Your best bet is to get in your wheelchair, pick up your cane, grab snacks for the baby, pack a lunch, and head over to your closest local social service office. Just remember, you’ll need to arrive early and be prepared to wait all day. WI

OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026 29

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Charlene Crowell

Workers Lose 52 Cents of Every Dollar Gained to Pay Down Debt, Says New Report

As consumers continue to struggle with still-rising costs of living, new research proves that rising household debt levels are as much a cause for concern as prices. The Century Foundation, a progressive, independent think tank, finds that debt payments are rising eight times as fast as take-home pay. As a result, 52 cents of every worker

dollar gained have been lost to paying down debt. "You cannot assess whether workers can truly afford to live without accounting for what they owe and more recently, working families are finding themselves in unprecedented levels of household debt," states the report. Further, this research concludes that racial and gender wealth gaps together make it harder for people of color to pay off these debts — especially for credit cards and auto loans. "In general, people of color pay higher interest rates on credit so that

Guest Columnist

a dollar of debt costs more to service, widening the gap between gross pay and what a worker keeps even more. … The racial income gap grows after including debt obligations because workers of color carry more debt, at higher interest rates, and with less savings to cushion against shocks. The affordability crisis is not race-neutral.” To put it another way, consumers with low or no financial cushions are hit the hardest when rising levels of debt come due. "[S]pending sustained by rising

debt means households are borrowing more to maintain a standard of living their wages no longer support. This is neither sustainable nor a sign of financial health," adds the report. "Over the decade from 2013 to 2023, credit card interest rates have skyrocketed, from 12.90 percent in 2013 to 22.8 in 2023, and are now at the highest level ever recorded. Workers whose paychecks are already not going nearly far enough are spending billions on interest payments alone each year." These disparities are not explained

by differences in creditworthiness. Among super-prime borrowers, Black workers' payments still claim 13.6% of take-home income compared with 8.4% for white workers. The racial gaps exist within every credit tier and income quintile. The most recent Federal Reserve Bank of New York's Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit reached a similar conclusion: Credit card balances rose by $21 billion and stood at $1.26 trillion, and auto loan

CROWELL Page 53

Glynda C. Carr

The Raid on Ilhan Omar's Home Should Concern Every American

Twenty-two days before a national election, with early ballots already being cast, federal agents arrived at the home of a sitting member of Congress with a search warrant. That alone should give every American pause, whatever their party and whatever they think of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.

The questions are simple. Why now? What made this search so urgent that it could not wait until after Election Day? And who signed off on it? These are fair questions, and the American people deserve answers. For decades, the Department of Justice has followed a clear principle in election years: law enforcement may not time investigative steps to affect an election, and it should take special care with highly visible actions involving candidates in the weeks before voters go

Guest Columnist

to the polls. That principle does not freeze investigations. It exists because a raid on a candidate's home cannot be un-seen, and the damage happens whether or not anything is ever charged. Congresswoman Omar is not above the law. No member of Congress is. But she is entitled to the same due process and fair treatment as every other American. When the government takes an extraordinary step this close to an election, the burden is on the government to explain it.

And we cannot look at this week in isolation. For years, Congresswoman Omar has been singled out. A sitting president told her to “go back” to the country she came from, questioned her loyalty to the nation she serves, and turned her Somali heritage into a punchline at rallies. She has received death threats. She has endured a level of hostility no public servant should face for doing her job. We have seen this pattern before, and not only with her.

Attacks on Black women in public office have become routine. They come as misinformation, as personal smears, as threats, and as relentless efforts to question whether these women belong in the seats voters elected them to fill. Too often, the attacks have nothing to do with their records or the issues facing the communities they represent. There is a cost to this, and we all pay it.

Hasan was convicted in 2013 of fatally shooting 13 people and attempting to murder 32 others during his 2009 shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas. In an open letter, the veterans warn that using Hasan's execution as a public spectacle would violate fundamental principles of human dignity, disgrace the military and potentially put the lives of U.S. service personnel in jeopardy. The officers point out that Army regulations strictly limit who can witness executions, ban children from attending and prohibit journal-

ists from conducting interviews at the execution site. They argue that opening the killing to a global audience would undermine the dignity and solemnity the Army rules are designed to preserve. It would also, they argue, hand extremists a powerful propaganda weapon that could turn the convicted killer into a martyr and potentially lead to further attacks on American citizens. "This type of exploitative broadcasting — that debases human dignity — will

CARR Page 53

David W. Marshall

Rock Bottom and the Road to Recovery

Some will say that when you hit rock bottom, there is only one way to go: up. But what happens when you can't sink any lower and still stay stuck? In the context of mental health and addiction, "hitting rock bottom" describes a devastating moment in life when an individual feels completely out of control or hopeless. However, counselors and experts often note that

this point is unique to the individual because it can serve as a powerful turning point toward seeking help and beginning recovery. Politics can follow the same pattern. Rock bottom in the political world can be the worst possible point an elected official or political party can reach in terms of public approval, ethical standards, effectiveness or morale. It occurs when institutional norms and behavior erode. When the norms and political behavior of the executive branch of our government sink to levels considered crude, corrupt and dys-

30 OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026

functional, we have hit rock bottom as a nation. It started in the White House and has extended to the Pentagon. Dozens of retired American military leaders have demanded that U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth end his "barbaric" plan to livestream the execution of a convicted mass murderer. The public stand by 72 former senior officers — including generals, admirals and military lawyers — comes amid growing outrage over the defense secretary's decision to broadcast the killing of former Army psychiatrist Maj. Nidal Hasan by firing squad.

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

E. Faye Williams

Why Trump Hates Black Women

I've tried to figure out why Trump hates Black women. When I look at the list, I think I know the answer. Without ever meeting us, it's obvious his preference is for blondes who are limited in how they operate. Take, for instance, how he seems to get along well with women whose skin is white, and that's fine. Many are limited unless they're reading

from a script someone prepared for them. They generally stay out of sight until he summons them to perform some duty in an effort to make him look good. By now, he should have recognized that even women who think he's someone worth hanging around with soon tire of him. He can only drag them out when it seems a few dollars are at stake. You can't help but notice what his FLOTUS thinks of being around him. She's now rich, has a big title, pretty clothes, lots of opportunities, nice

Guest Columnist

wide-brimmed hats — you name it. But we've learned that the hat has a special purpose and that it isn't for keeping the sun away from her face. My God, I can't help but feel sorry for her! If somebody around me spent so much time trying to make me act as though I were enjoying his presence, I think I'd rather stay in my room while pretending to be ill! He definitely doesn't get her to come out with him often! He brings her along only when he wants company for someone such as the Chinese

president's wife, so she doesn't have to stand alone. Perhaps he doesn't want his spouse to know what kind of money deals are to be made, just in case they ever get a divorce. If I were the spouse, I would check the bank account regularly, just in case he showed too much interest in one of those young blondes he continues to try to keep close. Well, that's not working out too well for him right through here. The last one he selected lasted less than a minute before she had a hard time distinguishing between Trump

and her husband! After that, things began to really fall apart. I guess he made Katie a bit so nervous that she forgot to tell him she really wasn't who she initially told him she was. That trip she made to China really messed with her mind. It made her think she had become an attorney — no bar necessary! Now, I asked at the beginning of this message why Trump hates us — meaning Black women. I think it's because he has had a strong dose of

geted their churches and the schools their children attended. Maine became a Klan stronghold, and the people it went after were French Canadian Catholics. Nobody today would hesitate to call them white. My father was born in Biddeford. My father is white. On Labor Day in 1924, about 300 Klansmen marched through neighboring Saco. Biddeford's mayor, Edward Drapeau, the son of Canadian immigrants, warned them to remain in Saco "at all times thereafter." He or-

dered police to guard the bridges. The Klan did not cross. Biddeford's mayor today keeps that newspaper page in his office. He pulled it out again in July. The Catholics the Klan hunted did something else. The Knights of Columbus named themselves for a Catholic explorer America had made a hero. Then they commissioned W.E.B. Du Bois to write a history of Black Americans' contributions, to answer what their historical commis-

WILLIAMS Page 54

Ben Jealous

hree Months, No Charges

Months after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine, no one has been charged. He was 25. He was Colombian. He had a 3-year-old daughter. He had a federal work permit. Homeland Security says its officer feared for public safety. Sen. Angus

King's office says Durán Guerrero was not the operation's target. The agency acknowledges granting him that permit last year. A fear, a wrong man and a work permit. One dead man, no charges. The agents wore no body cameras. It may surprise people today, but from the earliest colonies through this year's ICE operations, this country has treated immigrants from Catholic countries as expendable. Of every color. In 1891, a mob stormed the parish prison in New Orleans and killed 11

Guest Columnist

Italians and Italian Americans. Emmanuele Polizzi was dragged outside, hanged from a lamppost and shot as he hung there. Some were citizens. A grand jury refused to indict anyone. Nobody answered for those 11 men because nobody with power was made to look. When the Klan was refounded in 1915, it joined its war on Black freedom to a campaign against Catholic immigrants and their American-born children. Being white was not enough. Catholics were accused of owing allegiance to a foreign pope. The Klan tar-

JEALOUS Page 54

Marc H. Morial

Expanding Homeownership Access Isn't a Scandal. Ignoring the Crisis Facing American Families Is.

"Investigating a bank for following the government's own rules to create paths to address longstanding discrimination in lending is an abuse of the agency's investigative authority and a transparent attempt to scare every lender in the nation away from their legal obligation to serve underserved communities." — Nikitra Bailey, executive vice president, National Fair Housing Alliance

The Trump administration's reported investigation into Wells Fargo's efforts to increase Black homeownership is not about fairness, equal treatment or protecting the integrity of our financial institutions. It is part of a growing effort to demonize, dismantle and ultimately eliminate any initiative that seeks to address the enduring consequences of racial discrimination in America. According to published reports, the U.S. Department of Housing and Ur-

ban Development is investigating programs intended to increase homeownership among Black Americans and other historically underserved borrowers. The investigation reflects a growing effort to portray initiatives that address racial disparities as inherently suspect. For much of the 20th century, Black Americans were systematically excluded from homeownership through redlining, racially restrictive covenants, discriminatory lending and unequal access to federally backed mortgages. These deliberate, discriminatory policies created the racial homeownership

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and wealth gaps that persist today. Homeownership remains a primary engine of wealth creation in America, yet Black families continue to own homes at significantly lower rates than white families. The wealth that was denied to one generation cannot be passed to the next. That history matters because the administration is not investigating the discrimination that produced these disparities. It is investigating efforts to address them. At a moment when America faces a housing affordability crisis, a severe

housing shortage and a stubborn racial wealth gap, the federal government has chosen to target programs designed to expand access to homeownership. The chilling message to lenders could not be clearer: If you develop programs to reach underserved communities, you may become a target. Financial institutions do not operate in a vacuum. When government treats efforts to expand opportunity as a legal or political risk, lenders pull back.

MORIAL Page 54

OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026 31

LIFESTYLE

3 Pinktober continues with Hard Rock Cafe Washington DC’s annual breast cancer awareness campaign, which will host food, beverage, and retail specials whose proceeds will support breast cancer charities. (WI File Photo/ Jacques Benovil)

Washington Informer Weekend Checklist WASHINGTON INFORMER'S

Things To Do, DMV! By Jada Ingleton WI Content Editor This weekend in the DMV is nothing short of a seasonal celebration–– from early Halloween celebrations and spooky-themed events to Wyclef Jean bringing Carnival vibes to the nation’s capital. Washingtonians can test their knowledge of the city that raised them, while two Black woman-owned newspapers team up to celebrate contributions from local women leaders. A guide to the weekend starts below. To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.

Thursday, Oct. 22

The 51st's Ask A D.C. Native, Live! Transit Edition 6:30 p.m. | Free Metro Bar, 640 Rhode Island Avenue NE, Washington, D.C., 20002 “Step back, doors opening!” Join The 51st for “Ask A D.C. Native, Live!” — a trivia game show that tests D.C. natives' knowledge about their hometown, in front of a live audience. This time, folks are diving into local transit at Metrobar, featuring chances to win prizes from local businesses and shop merch from local vendors. Curated by Christina Sturdivant Sani, executive editor at The 51st, and hosted by poet and artist Dwayne Lawson-Brown, this

Is This Vehicle Yours? 2015 Lexus ES 350 Crafted Line 54,836 mi Sedan 4 DR I 3.SL V6 F DOHC 24V Gasoline I Front wheel drive VIN: JTHBK1 GG2F2153812 If this is your vehicle, please claim it by providing proof of ownership and you will have to pay for the repair that was done, as well as storage, and bill fees. Please reach out to us within 2 weeks of this posting, otherwise the car will be auctioned. C&W Auto Repair And Body Shop 2626 Evarts Street N.E. Washington D.C. 20018 202-330-9084

32 OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026

event welcomes all — whether a D.C. native, longtime resident, or new to the nation’s capital. Come early to settle in, purchase food and drinks, and show what Washington, D.C. means to you.

Friday, Oct. 23

Pinktober 2026: Dine, Sip & Support 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.| Select reservations Hard Rock Cafe Washington DC, 999 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20463 Through Oct. 31, Hard Rock Cafe Washington DC is transforming into an all-out Pinktober affair, an annual breast cancer awareness campaign. Enjoy limited-time Pinktober food and beverage specials, including: a Pink Power Bowl (at all company-owned locations) with farro, quinoa, lemon whipped feta, roasted red beets, and more; Berry Lychee Spritz (free-spirited); and other healthy, refreshing ingredients. A portion of proceeds from Pinktober food, beverage, and retail collection purchases will be donated to support breast cancer charities. Enjoy the fun while giving back to an important cause. Night of the Living Zoo 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. | $75.00 National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20008

Night of the Living Zoo returns with an exciting evening of fun alongside furry friends. Grab your friends and explore the Zoo after dark at this adults-only (21+) Halloween party with open bars, entertainers, live music, and after-hours animal viewing.

Saturday, Oct. 24

The Fall Calendar in Silver Spring: Halloween Events, Drinks & More Noon | Varies by event and purchase Commas Food Hall, 8661 Colesville Road, Level 3, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Commas Food Hall is bringing families, friend groups and datenight planners plenty of reasons to gather in downtown Silver Spring. The food hall’s October calendar includes family-friendly fun and seasonal events for all ages, with this Saturday featuring Pumpkin Painting for All (Noon–5 p.m.), plus the Commas Costume Party from 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 25 highlights the Jack Skellington Character Brunch and Sunday Movie Night, featuring the “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” at 5 p.m. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy Commas' two new cocktail menus: Breast Cancer Awareness Month –– available through the end of October –– with drinks like the Tata-Tini (guava martini) and Life Elixir (color-changing gin and rose water drink), and its

Fall Menu, featuring beverages like the Apple Pie, Falltini, Day of the Dead, and the Peach Cobbler through November. AFRO Washington Informer High Tea 1 p.m. | $134.15+ National Press Club, 529 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20045 The DC High Tea: Honoring women who educate, build, and lead! Join The Washington Informer and AFRO News for an extraordinary afternoon celebrating phenomenal women whose leadership, vision, and dedication continue to inspire, empower, and shape communities. Featuring distinguished honorees, inspiring hosts, and an afternoon of elegance, the event will honor a lineup of women making a lasting impact across education, media, public service, and leadership, such as: Dr. Dana A. Williams, dean of Howard University’s Graduate School; Dr. Kimberly R. Moffitt, dean of Howard University’s Cathy Hughes School of Communications; Jacqueline “Jackie” Jones, dean of Morgan State University’s School of Global Journalism & Communication; Dr. April Massey, chief academic officer at the University of the District of Columbia; Jacquie Gales Webb, Peabody Award-winning producer, performer and longtime host of “Sunday Afternoon Gospel” on WHUR-FM; and Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, CEO of AARP.

TO DO Page 33

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TO DO from Page 32

Sunday, Oct. 25

That’s So Vintage at The Square 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Free entry The Square Food Hall, 1850 K Street NW, 5th Floor, Washington, D.C., 20006 This fall, Washington, D.C. gets another dose of the good stuff. That’s So Vintage at The Square is D.C.’s biannual vintage shopping event, bringing together 40 of the East Coast’s most sought-after vintage collectors, dealers, and curators under one roof for a weekend dedicated to the rare, the unusual, and the genuinely vintage. From rare designer finds and collectible Americana to vintage jewelry, records, cameras, art, prints, home goods, and one-of-akind accessories, That’s So Vintage is built for serious vintage lovers and anyone who knows that the best pieces are the ones that hold history. Shoppers can expect to uncover everything from antique and vintage jewelry and delicate 1920s slip dresses to midcentury lighters, vintage cameras, 1950s work-

wear, 1970s graphic tees, eccentric 1980s needlepoint, rare Y2K designer pieces, vinyl records, art and prints, vintage home goods, and plenty of unexpected treasures in between. Wyclef Jean Celebrates 30 Years of The Carnival 7 p.m. | $78.90+ Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, VA 22102

LIFESTYLE “an excavation” “a revelation” PbS

“a milestone exhibition” Wbur

Capital One Hall presents Wyclef Jean in an electrifying onenight-only concert. A defining force in popular music for more than two decades, Jean built an extraordinary career as both a solo artist and founding member of the legendary hip-hop group the Fugees. His distinctive sound draws from hip-hop, reggae, R&B, pop, Caribbean music, jazz, and classic rock. Audiences will experience Jean's music reimagined with the full power and scope of this thrilling performance –– conducted by Jason Seber –– and can look forward to favorites like “Gone Till November” and “We Trying to Stay Alive,” along with more from his celebrated career. WI

OctOber 24, 2026-January 24, 2027 PhillipsCollection.org Milton Avery, Black Sea, 1959, Oil on canvas, 50 x 67 3/4 in., The Phillips Collection, Acquired 1965; © 2026 Milton Avery Trust/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

This exhibition is organized by the Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester, Massachusetts, in partnership with The Phillips Collection.

Additional support is provided by Barbara and Bob Hall.

Curated by Eliza Rathbone, Guest Curator. The exhibition’s coordinating curator at The Phillips Collection is Renée Maurer, Associate Curator.

This exhibition and accompanying catalog have been generously supported by the Wyeth Foundation for American Art.

With critical support from The Phillips Collection’s Exhibitions Endowment Fund.

Essential support for the Washington, DC presentation of Avery, Gottlieb & Rothko: By the Sea is provided by Martha R. Johnston and the Linda Lichtenberg Kaplan Exhibition Fund. This exhibition is also made possible by Chevy Chase Trust; Stephanie and Greg Guyett; Daniel W. Hamilton; Paul W. Killian and Carole Goodson; and Alexi and Jeff Whitaker.

This exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.

5Publishers Dr. Toni Draper of The AFRO American Newspaper and Denise Rolark Barnes of The Washington Informer are hosting a High Tea on Oct. 24, themed “Steeped in Legacy,” to celebrate a lineup of women leaders changing the narrative and building a legacy for generations to come. (WI File Photo)

Support The Washington Informer as we Celebrate 61 Years.

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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026 33

LIFESTYLE

José Luiz Martins Band Releases ‘Catalog of Dreams’

DC Jazz Festival Helps Artists to Further Work By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Congratulations and Best Wishes To The Washington Informer and The AFRO on the presentation of

“ ST E E PE D I N L E GAC Y ”

A lot has happened in the year since José Luiz Martins Band— featuring the group’s namesake on piano and flutist/vocalist Alex Hamburger— won $15,000 in the 2025 Jazz Prix, as part of the annual DC JazzFest. “We just came to play,” said Martins about the 2025 Jazz Prix. “Winning was a big surprise.” With the big win, Martins and Hamburger haven’t slowed down. The two performed at this year’s DC JazzFest (Sept. 2-6) and invested in the album “Catalog of Dreams,” for which they held an album listening session on Sept. 25 at Tonal Park, a recording studio in Takoma Park, Maryland. “It’s a huge opportunity to just meet and be a part of the community,” Hamburger said. “Having the backing and support of DC JazzFest is great.” While the new album has been a labor of love for Martins and

Hamburger, who have both had solo projects over the years, “Catalog of Dreams” furthers years of collaborative work for the couple, who first met in Basel, Switzerland, in 2018. Martins was completing his master's degree in Basel after having left his hometown of São Paulo, Brazil. Hamburger, a D.C. native and then a New York resident, was spending time abroad. After they first played together, the two musicians found kindred spirits and like minds and discovered they shared a strikingly similar set of influences and musical visions. Through their collaborations, they have blended sounds deeply rooted in Brazilian styles with jazz, Black American music, the Great American Songbook, and folk music. “We played a week of shows in Europe this past spring, also along the East Coast and the Midwest,” said Hamaburger. “It’s been the catalyst to keep the energy of the

MARTINS Page 36

A Celebration of Six Extraordinary Women Who Educate, Empower, and Lead FAME- Foundation for the Advancement of Music & Education proudly celebrates this special occasion and the extraordinary women whose leadership, service, and commitment to education continue to inspire and empower generations. Since our founding in 2004, FAME has been honored by the mentorship, encouragement, and steadfast support of The Washington Informer and The AFRO. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to both organizations for their enduring commitment to community, education, and opportunity.

W I T H H E A RT F E LT A PPR E C I AT I O N A N D B E ST W I S H E S F O R C O N T I N U E D S U C C E S S ! www.FAMEmusic.org

34 OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026

5“DC JazzFest Jazz Prix winners Alex Hamburger and José Luiz Martins are promoting their latest album, “Catalog of Dreams.” (Courtesy Photo/Katie Simonian)

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UDC didn’t just give me opportunities; it helped me believe I was worthy of them.

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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026 35

LIFESTYLE

MARTINS from Page 34 group up and with the ability to make more music.

What ‘Catalog of Dreams’ Brings In “Catalog of Dreams,” produced by Challenge Records, listeners will hear eight stellar performances from Hamburger’s flute and vocals, balanced with Martins’ creative piano interplay. “The idea is that, with our band being open to different backgrounds, we bring in different perspectives,” Martins said. “Tombo in 7/4” is a bouncy tune composed by Airto Moreira, the long-time admired Brazilian drummer and percussionist. He was also named a 2026 National Endowment for the Arts “Jazz Master.” “Ladeira da Preguiça,” a Gilberto Gil composition, features Hamburger’s sharp, lively flute with the flutter sounds of a wellversed flutist. “Catalog,” composed by Martins and Hamburger, is a mellow, reflective song where Hamburger's vocals try to organize experiences, explore where one’s mind and spirit have been, and where things are going. Hamburger’s flute, along

Support The Washington Informer as we Celebrate 62 Years. 36 OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026

with additional sounds, allows listeners to settle into the process. “Detour Ahead” is another reflective composition where Martins’ piano beautifully supports the storytelling. “Dance Cadaverous” by the late Wayne Shorter feels like the journey Martins and Hamburger have built through respect for each other’s talents. Like many American jazz artists, Shorter embraced Brazilian music. “Shorter's music has stood as a unified bond for the two musicians since their first meeting, and this track provides an ode both to the masterful use of space and harmony by Shorter and to the duo's solidarity in their catalog of influences,” according to the “Catalog of Dreams” album notes. Across the eight songs on “Catalog of Dreams,” Hamburger and Martins showcase their roots, desires, and direction through lyrics, instruments, soundscapes, and rhythms. “We are excited to finally be able to share this collection of stories about our journey together,” said Hamburger. “We’ve been dreaming this up for the past few years.” For more information or to purchase the album, visit: alexhamburger.com or joseluizmartins.com. WI

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5José Luiz Martins, pianist and Alex Hamburger, flutist/vocalist, perform at an album release for “Catalog of Dreams” at Tonal Recording Studio in Takoma Park, Maryland, on Sept. 25. (Brenda C. Siler/The Washington Informer)

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LET’S VOTE, VIRGINIA! The General Election is Nov. 3!

OF F I C I A L V IRGIN I A

ELECTION Head to the polls Nov. 3 for this year’s General IN FOR M ATION

Election! You can vote in-person at your polling place anytime between 6am and 7pm. Not sure where to go? Go to vote.virginia.gov for official information on polling locations.

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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026 37

LIFESTYLE

Camp Souled Out Dates Proves Rain Can’t Dampen the DMV’s Cultural Pulse By Asma Amani WI Contributing Writer Niles Murphy wasn't about to let a nor'easter ruin a good outfit. To cross the waterlogged outfield at Regency Furniture Stadium, Murphy paired a Travis Scott Cactus Jack x Nike windbreaker with Balenciaga Crocs boots, ready for the elements without compromising the look. "I was pulling up rain or shine, so I wasn't about to let the weather derail the fit," Murphy said. "Either way, it was always gonna be a movie." Murphy was among the dedicated attendees who stuck it out at Camp Souled Out Dates (Camp SOD), which expanded into a

two-day music festival at the Waldorf stadium on Sept. 26–27, its most ambitious undertaking to date. Staging a large outdoor production in late September brought challenges from the start. A nor'easter drenched the region that weekend, the same storm system that forced major East Coast cancellations, including the Oceans Calling Festival in Ocean City, Maryland. Organizers did not release turnout figures for the event to local media, but the weather visibly thinned the crowd at the stadium. Mud and scheduling delays created some friction, yet fans persisted through the saturated grounds. Camp SOD wasn't the only

38 OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026

5 Don Toliver performs at Cam Souled Out Dates on Sept. 27. (Courtesy Photo/Nayab Jade)

major DMV event this season forced to contend with Mother Nature. Over Labor Day weekend at Afro Plus Fest in Landover, a severe storm brought wind gusts exceeding 100 mph and caused

power outages affecting more than 45,000 residents. After his set, headliner Davido publicly praised founder Michael Awosanya, calling him a "warrior" for pushing through the conditions to keep the

show going for the community it serves. Asked about facing a similar setback, Camp SOD CEO and

CAMP SOD Page 39

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CAMP SOD from Page 38 co-founder Keith Haynie pointed to that moment. "It's like what Davido said to Michael, we have to keep going because there will always be tomorrow." That persistence has been part of SOD from the start. When Haynie and co-founder Fahn Darkor launched Souled Out Dates (SOD) in 2022 with an impromptu Drake-themed party, few could have anticipated where it would go. Since then, the pair has grown SOD from a single D.C. nightlife gathering into an international live-experiences brand. Per company figures, SOD has generated more than $5.6 million in ticket sales and drawn nearly 250,000 attendees to date—metrics the founders reference as proof of rapid scaling. At its core, Camp SOD runs on "adult nostalgia, live entertainment, community, and of course, fun," said Haynie, who set out to bring the energy of childhood sleepaway camp to a grown-up audience. Darkor saw the stadium itself as central to that vision, saying he hoped its old-school lodge feel would keep attendees coming back. Darkor said his background in lifestyle promotion helped shape SOD’s identity around its core audience. According to internal estimates, roughly 65% of attendees are Black women in their mid20s who are immersed in fashion and internet culture — a crowd that turned the rainy day into a fit check. Day 1 played out under a steady pour, led by headliner PARTYNEXTDOOR, whose set brought together fans who grew up alongside his moody, ambient R&B catalog and newer listeners discovering his foundational sound for the first time. Sets from Cash Cobain, G Herbo and rising

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West Coast artist Allyn rounded out opening night with a mix of national star power and emerging talent. Day 2 featured DaBaby and Yung Miami alongside local DMV acts, including Prince George's County rapper Premo Rice and Maryland-raised singer Sarina. Riding the wave of her viral hit "Spend Dat," Yung Miami delivered an unfiltered set that underscored her growing place in hiphop and landed especially hard with the women in the audience. Backstage, in an interview with 7News, Yung Miami reflected on her recent solo success and on pushing past public doubt. "To have a hit song coming off of a hate train, people doubting you, it just feels so good...it just lets me know what’s for me is for me." Don Toliver capped the lineup with the first live performance of his new collaboration with Drake, an R&B interpolation of Ella Langley’s country hit "Choosin’ Texas." The timing gave the set extra weight: Drake had premiered the track just 12 days earlier during his Sept. 15 Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) livestream, and it wasn’t released until Oct. 2, as "Solar Eclipse" on the expanded edition of his album HABIBTI (FOMO). For a brand that started as a Drake homage in 2022, closing its first stadium weekend with a live premiere tied to the Toronto star brought the story full circle. Haynie told the Informer his ultimate "goal is to build the largest hip-hop festival in the world." If SOD gets there, this rain-soaked weekend in Waldorf will have been an early marker of the D.C.-born company's rise. Murphy, for one, is already counting on a return trip. "Like I said, it was a movie. Action-packed, killer soundtrack," he said. "For the sequel, I just need the sun to make a cameo." WI

LIFESTYLE

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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026 39

Your vote. Your power. Our future. Know when, where, and how to vote. If you want to make sure your voice is heard, it's more important than ever to know when, where, and how to vote. That's why AARP has the latest information on key voting deadlines, where to register, and how to vote. Because when Americans 50 and over show up, we decide elections and can force action on the issues that matter most to us. Stay informed so you can make your voice heard in the upcoming election. Log on at aarp.org/DCVotes to learn more.

facebook.com/aarpdc | AARPDC Paid for by AARP

40 OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026

aarp.org/dc

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wi book review "Hanging & Burning: A King Oliver Novel" by Walter Mosley c.2026, Little, Brown $30 320 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer It's been a while. A while since you saw that smile, since you looked into your beloved's eyes and knew that the next few minutes or days or weeks would be among the best of your life. It's been too long, in fact, since you were together, and you miss that. But in the new novel "Hanging & Burning" by Walter Mosley, beware: the next reunion could be deadly. Joe "King" Oliver wouldn't have given Arman Babylon the time of day, were it not for Joe's Grandma Brenda. It was she who'd vouched for the ailing man, a neighbor in a nearby room at the pricey private Los Angeles hospital where she was getting cancer treatment. Arman had confided in Brenda that he'd been looking for his granddaughter, Twyla, and Grandma B said that Joe, a former New York City cop, would find the girl. Problem was, Twyla Mann didn't want to be found. She had a couple of aliases and she moved here and there around New York City pretty often. This intrigued Joe, as did the fact that Arman gave him only the briefest of clues, claiming that Twyla's mother was not really her mother but Arman was still Twyla's kin. Obviously, the old man was holding something back, but he did hint that he was involved with organized crime on both coasts. An internet search led Joe to even more information, none of it good. Arman wasn't exactly who he said he was — and neither was Twyla or her supposed mother or, for that matter, the woman who ran a nightclub that had distant ties to Arman's past. The man who owned the club apparently had some beef with Joe from way back, and a woman who tied them all together was presumed dead. Finding Twyla Mann before her grandfather died should've been an easy case. Joe knew that it shouldn't have taken long to solve, and it shouldn't have involved two last-century murders. It definitely should not have plunged Joe Oliver's life into danger … So, you're flipping through the TV, looking for something to watch, and you come across an old 1940's mobster movie. You know how easy it is to get caught up in it, right? Well, reading "Hanging & Burning" is a lot like that. Though this novel is set in modern times with modern tools and weapons, you can absolutely picture the criminals here as the mobsters author Walter Mosley portrays them. This old-new mix adds gravel to the tale, with two cities full of witnesses and hideouts, a ruthless pair of mercenaries, and an appealing sense of dark alleys and cement shoes. You'll love Joe Oliver for his smarts, and he'll make you chuckle sometimes. But don't get to complacent; soon enough, this novel grabs you, throws you in the trunk of a fancy car, and races, screaming, to a stunning conclusion. If you love a good mystery-thriller, "Hanging & Burning" — so titled after a Yiddish saying — will make you very happy. Look for it; you'll be glad to take a while.WI

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE OCT. 22 - 28, 2026

ARIES A small interruption could redirect your week in a surprisingly useful way. Rather than treating the change as lost time, look for the option it puts in front of you. You may discover that a plan you've defended is no longer the most practical one. At home, make sure a quick answer doesn't sound like a final verdict. Leave room for someone else to explain what they meant. Lucky Numbers: 4, 28, 61 TAURUS An invitation may appeal to you more once you learn what it actually involves. Ask about the details before committing, especially if your schedule is already full. You can be generous without promising more energy than you have. A familiar task might also benefit from a fresh setting: take your work outside, rearrange a corner, or change the order of your routine. A modest adjustment could lift your mood. Lucky Numbers: 11, 37, 58 GEMINI Not every interesting idea needs to become a project. This week, choose one curiosity and follow it far enough to learn something real, instead of skimming across a dozen subjects. Someone may offer advice that sounds convincing but doesn't quite fit your circumstances. Thank them, then make your own assessment. Lucky Numbers: 7, 32, 69 CANCER You may find yourself playing peacemaker, but pause before stepping between two people who can speak for themselves. Your support is valuable even when it takes the form of listening rather than fixing. Meanwhile, a practical matter you've postponed will feel less intimidating once you divide it into smaller steps. Give yourself a clear starting point and a reasonable stopping time. Lucky Numbers: 14, 25, 60 LEO A chance to show your talent may arrive through an ordinary assignment rather than a grand occasion. Treat the small opportunity seriously; consistency can make a stronger impression than a dramatic flourish. In your personal life, notice whether you are asking for attention indirectly when a direct request would be kinder to everyone involved. A little candor can clear the air and leave more room for genuine fun. Lucky Numbers: 1, 43, 67 VIRGO You could spend too long trying to make a choice that has no perfect answer. Settle on the criteria that matter most, then let the less important details fall into place. A message or document deserves a second look before you send it; a quick check can prevent confusion. Later, resist the urge to turn leisure into another improvement plan. Rest is useful even when it produces nothing you can measure. Lucky Numbers: 16, 30, 54 LIBRA A change in plans may be disappointing at first, especially if you were looking forward to sharing the experience with someone. Before writing off the day, consider whether a simpler version could still deliver what you wanted most. You may also be asked to give an opinion on a sensitive subject. Speak honestly, but don't assume that being truthful requires you to be harsh. Lucky Numbers: 20, 39, 72 SCORPIO You don't need to reveal every thought to prove that you're being authentic. Choose carefully what belongs in a conversation and what needs more time to settle privately. A money or scheduling question may be easier to resolve when you put the facts in writing instead of relying on memory. By the weekend, give yourself permission to enjoy a mystery, puzzle, or absorbing story without needing to solve anything in your own life. Lucky Numbers: 8, 35, 49 SAGITTARIUS A familiar place could offer a new experience if you approach it without your usual expectations. Say yes to a modest detour, but keep enough structure in your day to avoid creating unnecessary stress. A discussion about future plans may reveal that you and someone close have been imagining different timelines. There's no need to settle every detail immediately. Lucky Numbers: 12, 41, 65 CAPRICORN Someone may rely on you to make a complicated situation seem manageable. Before taking charge, find out whether they want advice, practical help, or simply a calm person nearby. The distinction matters. At work, a task that appears routine could expose a process worth improving, but avoid launching a complete overhaul before you understand the cause of the problem. Lucky Numbers: 6, 24, 52 AQUARIUS Your unconventional suggestion may get a mixed response, which doesn't automatically mean it is a bad idea. Ask what concerns people most and see whether the plan can be adjusted without losing its central purpose. A friend could bring you news that changes how you view an old disagreement. Let new information update your perspective instead of defending a position out of habit. A little flexibility may open a more interesting path. Lucky Numbers: 18, 33, 56 PISCES The week's best moments may come when you stop trying to anticipate everyone's reactions. Make a choice based on what feels meaningful to you, then communicate it plainly rather than apologizing in advance. An artistic impulse deserves attention, even if you only have time for a rough sketch, a playlist, or a few lines in a notebook. Lucky Numbers: 9, 26, 63

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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026 41

JACKSON from Page 23 with the fourth cohort scheduled to start in the spring of 2027. Per DHS Director A.D. Rachel Pierre, more than 60% of PCMI alumni have secured employment with service providers. Those not in the number are often connected to D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES)’ American Job Center. “Although we have some fiscal constraints, workforce is a big pillar of this administration, and I know it will continue to be a big pillar in the upcoming administration,” Pierre told The Informer. “This is a program that yields very great outcomes for residents and for the community, because really being able to leverage not only our residents with lived experience of homelessness, and give them the skills and tools to give back to a community, it's a win-win.” On Oct. 15, Pierre joined Jackson at 801 East Men’s Shelter to learn more about her story and see her in action. As the Bowser administration sunsets, Pierre told The Informer that Jackson exemplifies what PCMI, a 2025 Cafritz Award recipient, has been able to do for D.C. residents. “I get very excited when we hear graduates such as Jayneil share their stories and what she's gotten from it,” Pierre said. “It makes it worthwhile to invest in a program that not only supports residents who have experienced homelessness in their lives, but [is] also really a program [where] they feel that they don't just get the skills to get employment, but a program that pours into them.”

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A Long-Awaited Conversation about Revenue Generation

Pierre and Jackson spoke with The Informer on the day preceding a D.C. Council Committee of the Whole hearing about local tax policy. Throughout much of Oct. 16, council members listened to witness testimony and weighed on various aspects of revenue generation, especially as it relates to funding public programs and increasing the tax burden on wealthier D.C. residents. In her opening remarks, D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) said the future of the District’s most vulnerable residents hangs in the balance. “They're relying on us to make this city more affordable. They need public services they can count on and they deserve to know that their dollars they

contribute are being put to good use,” said Lewis George, the Democratic mayoral nominee. “So that means this moment isn't about maintaining the status quo. That isn't going to cut it. This means that this moment isn't about kicking the can further down the road. We can't kick this can any longer. That means taking a hard look at who contributes to those services and who our tax system lets off the hook right now.” Topics discussed in Room 412 of the John A. Wilson Building included the Wealth Proceeds Tax Amendment Act of 2026, legislation that imposes a surcharge on profits accumulated on high earners, along with: the Revenue Stabilization and Land Value Assessment Amendment Act of 2026, a business activity tax, pied-a-terre tax, sales tax, real property tax, and individual income tax. Straight out the gate, former D.C. mayor Anthony Williams, speaking as an invited witness in his capacity as chief executive officer and executive director of the Federal City Council, encouraged the new mayoral administration to understand the current moment. “For decades, as the D.C. economy exploded and with generous federal pandemic-era relief, the council and the mayor continuously matched luxurious tax windfalls with new spending priorities and programs,” Williams said. “Now that the windfalls are coming to an end, a responsible fiscal steward would match sources and uses, would match spending to the tax revenue reality.” Williams, a member of the D.C. Tax Revision Commission, went on in his call to the new mayor and council to scrutinize spending, protect taxpayers, and shepherd the District through a period of anticipated revenue shortages. He made those comments amid the council’s approval of an expenditure commission and a commitment by Lewis George, the likely winner of the Nov. 3 general election, to prioritize government efficiency. “Look at program impacts, look at program evaluation, look at cost effectiveness, and economize where needed,” Williams said. “Get a firm grip on spending that is flowing out of control, whether it be metro or Medicaid. Just because something is important and just because it's urgent doesn't mean it should be satisfied in any way.” The D.C. Tax Revision Commission, appointed by the mayor and council, hasn’t approved any recommendations for improving the local

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JACKSON from Page 42 tax code. This is despite the release and revision of draft recommendations. Months after the impasse, and, more recently, the council’s restoration of one-time funds for social programs in the four-year financial plan, Bowser and D.C. Chief Financial Officer Glen Lee continues to warn of an impending fiscal cliff that will make spending decisions more difficult. For D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1), these conversations have long been part of the job. “In every budget, the mayor and the council are forced to make difficult choices and far too often these choices include cuts to our social safety net and asking our most vulnerable neighbors to figure it out as funds are drained from housing, TANF, clients, child care assistance and other programs,” Nadeau said in her opening remarks during the Oct. 16 tax policy hearing. In the absence of finalized commission recommendations, and even a council Finance and Revenue Committee, Nadeau aimed to influence tax policy earlier this year by amending the Fiscal Year 2027 budget with a 20-cent surcharge on food deliveries.

She also introduced the Wealth Proceeds Tax Amendment Act of 2026 and other legislation that makes the D.C. Tax Revision Commission permanent. These actions came years after the passage of Nadeau, Lewis George, and Ward 6 D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen’s (D) Hearts and Homes Amendment Act, another budget amendment that funds early childhood education programs with tax revenue. “Even when the council re-established the tax revision commission, we made little progress in creating a more sustainable and equitable tax code,” Nadeau said. “With respect to the commission members and staff here today, and I thank you for your efforts, but it imploded and now we have nothing to go from. The changes we have made to the tax code in the last six years have been made outside of the committee process without official recommendations from the commission.”

Lessons Learned for Better Case Management

Jackson’s stint at PCMI marked her return to a college campus. During the pandemic, she left the University

5 D.C. Department of Human Services Director A.D. Rachel Pierre says that Jayneil Jackson represents the effectiveness of the Peer Case Management Institute. (Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr./The Washington Informer)

of the District of Columbia, where she was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education. At this juncture in her career, Jackson’s goals involve the launch of a Montessori school in a majority-Black community and purchase of farmland. “Being in that program gave me the drive to show up for myself even more,” Jackson told The Informer. “It just gave me faith in knowing that

something good was gonna come out of it. That's something that people need [when] going through a lot.” The District’s 2026 point-in-time count, released in May, shows a 4.4% increase in homelessness from 2025. Homelessness among families increased by nearly 16%, due to what officials called longer shelter stays, while the rates for unaccompanied people and young people in transition

remained relatively unchanged. As Jackson interacts with people suffering from the scourge of homelessness, she continues to put into use the lessons imparted on her during her time at HU’s School of Social Work. She said those lessons keep her rooted in reality and work her hardest to guide clients through their storm. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026 43

SPORTS COMMANDERS from Page 4 loss for the Commanders’ offense. Following the game, Head Coach Dan Quinn acknowledged concerns that McLaurin’s injury could be serious. The wide receiver is scheduled to undergo additional testing on Tuesday to determine the extent of the injury. “I didn’t see the full play but I’m just praying for [McLaurin] man,” said Daniels. “He’s been there for me through a lot since I came into this league. Obviously, there are adverse times I went through last year and so far this year, he’s been right by my side. So, I love [ McLaurin], he’s a brother to me, and I appreciate him a lot.” The Commanders began building momentum late in the third quarter when Daniels connected with wide receiver Stefon Diggs for a 1-yard touchdown. The score capped a 65-yard drive and cut San Francisco’s lead to 23-10. Washington’s defense followed by forcing a three-and-out, which allowed the offense to capitalize on another possession. Daniels then found running back Rashaad White for a 9-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 23-17 and putting the 49ers under pressure.

The Commanders kept the momentum going as the defense forced another quick San Francisco punt. Daniels moved the offense downfield, setting up running back Jeremy McNichols for what appeared to be a game-tying 31-yard touchdown run. However, a facemask penalty against guard Chris Paul wiped away the score. The Commanders still had opportunities to pull off the complete, but an incomplete fourth-down pass to wide receiver Treylon Burks kept them from reaching the end zone. After the defense secured one final stop, Daniels led another push downfield, but the rally ended with an intentional-grounding penalty and a game-ending sack by 49ers defensive lineman Romello Height. Despite Washington’s second-half resurgence, missed opportunities and costly penalties ultimately prevented the team from completing the comeback. “I loved the way we ended the third quarter and most of the fourth,” said Quinn. “I think our team demonstrated that these guys are built for tough spots and moments. But… the first half was rough. To have third downs go

5 Commanders tight end Chig Okonkwo looks to gain yardage on reception as 49ers defenders attempt to bring him down. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

44 OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026

5 Commanders linebacker Jordan Magee battles against a 49ers offensive lineman in Washington’s 23-17 loss to San Francisco at Levi’s Stadium on Monday, Oct. 19. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

5 Commanders running back Rashaad White gains yardage in Washington’s 23-17 loss to San Francisco. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer

poorly on both sides of the ball… I’m sick about the ending but proud of the way the guys battled and fought.” Following Monday night’s defeat, Washington fell to 1-4-1 on the season, while San Francisco remains undefeated improving to 6-0. The loss also extended the NFC East’s recent struggles, as the division became the first since the 1970 NFL merger to go winless in consecutive weeks in which all four teams played. Washington will now enter its scheduled bye week, giving Quinn and his staff an opportunity to assess injuries, review the team’s recent performances, and address areas of concern before the second half of the season. The Commanders are set to make their return in week eight against NFC East rival

the Philadelphia Eagles at Northwest Stadium. The divisional matchup is currently scheduled for primetime. However, the NFL has until Tuesday to determine whether to flex the game out of that slot, as both teams have struggled through disappointing starts to the season. “Obviously it’s a weird spot with our division and everything is still wide open,” said Daniels. “You know we have a divisional opponent coming into town coming off the bye week. So you know that’s going to be a rugged match and who knows it will mean a lot for both sides. We get the time off from this bye week. We get to regroup, refocus, and come back, and finish the second half of the season off.” WI

5 Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn walks off the field following a 23-17 loss at Levi’s Stadium on Monday, Oct. 19. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

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CAPTURE the moment

The Washington Informer Turns 62 with a Visual Legacy in Northwest By Robert R. Roberts and Jacques Benovil

District history, culture and the indisputable impact of Black-led journalism shone across 11:Eleven gallery Friday night, as Oct. 16 marked 62 years of The Washington Informer (WI). Made possible through the DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID), the reception unveiled a new temporary home for The Washington Informer’s Photo Gallery Exhibition, an homage first introduced for the publication’s 60th anniversary, bringing new meaning to the notion that “a picture’s worth a thousand words” –– or in this case, more than six decades of history. “Every photograph in this exhibit tells a story––some capture major events, others preserve everyday moments that might otherwise have been forgotten,” said Desmond “DB Bantino” Barnes, son of WI Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes. “Today they remind us that history is not just something we read about in books; it's something that we live, something we witness and pass on to the next generation.” Featuring community leaders, faithful readers, and live entertainment, the evening soiree honored the visual legacy and evolution of the Black newspaper that began with Dr. Calvin Rolark in 1964 and has thrived for 32 years under the leadership of his daughter and current publisher, Rolark Barnes. Honors included a special dedication and mayoral proclamation for Roy Lewis, a longtime photographer of the Black community and historian by lens, as well as celebratory words from staff, partners, and the fearless family bridging generations to build toward the next historic milestone. “We must be doing something right,” Rolark Barnes told The Informer, “not that others weren't, but we figured out a way to get a community that supports us and has been able to sustain us. And we've had our struggles; we had moments where I didn't think we were going to make it another month, [let alone] another year, but we're still here.” WI

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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026 45

RELIGION Freedom Riders Return to Washington, Urging Americans to Defend Democracy and Voting Rights

Historic Journey Retraces 1961 Freedom Rides and Unites Call for Justice By WI Staff More than six decades after courageous young activists boarded buses in Washington, D.C. to challenge segregation in the South, a new generation of Freedom Riders is taking off on a journey of their own to remind Americans that the struggle

for equality, justice and democracy is far from over. The Ride –– a national bus tour turned feature documentary –– is a 12-day, eight-state journey that broadly retraces the 1961 Freedom Ride route through Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi to New Or-

46 OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026

5A replica of the 1960 Greyhound bus used by the Freedom Riders will transport today’s Freedom Riders on a 12-day, eight-state ride from D.C. to New Orleans. (D.R. Barnes/The Washington Informer)

leans — where the original riders, stopped on the road by mob violence in Alabama, ultimately had to arrive by plane. The modern-day Freedom Ride, running from Oct. 17-28, began at the historic Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown D.C., bringing together civil rights activists, their descendants, clergy and community leaders to reflect on sacrifices of the past and the challenges confronting the nation today. "The original Freedom Riders understood something we must never forget: laws do not enforce themselves," said the Rev. Dr. Traci Blackmon, who led a conversation with Metropolitan AME lead pastor, the Rev. Dr. William H. Lamar IV. "Justice does not advance simply because we believe in it, and democracy does not defend itself." Organized in collaboration with Vote Common Good and Faith Out Loud, the journey retraces the historic 1961 Freedom Rides with stops at churches, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and civil rights landmarks from Washington to New Orleans. More than a revival, the multistate trek reflects a broad coalition continuing a commitment of African American organizations to civic engagement, community service and the preservation of civil rights history. “We are seeing a concerted assault on our freedom to vote and on our very democracy itself…[where] we are faced with the question of: what we will do? And this freedom ride… remind(s) us,” said co-sponsor, Sojourners. Members of the 0-Six Ryderz MC

–– the first “sanctioned” Motorcycle Club founded by and exclusively for members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. –– announced they would accompany the Freedom Bus on its journey to Louisiana, an effort to connect the historic courage of the original Freedom Riders with a contemporary call for collective action. While not every motorcycle rider would travel the entire route, club representatives noted that additional riders would join the caravan along the way, including stops in Charlotte, Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee, to name a few. “We want to make sure that people understand that these freedom riders of the 21st Century are not riding by themselves, and that this is a new day,” one 0-Six Ryder told the crowd on Oct. 18. “In this moment, we're going to ride.” Further, the message of the day was unmistakable: Freedoms secured through sacrifice must be defended by every generation. “We must remember that the chain of freedom does not begin with us; that chain of freedom reaches back to our ancestors and lunges forward toward our descendants,” said Blackmon, paraphrasing human rights activist Dr. Loretta Ross. “Our only task is to make sure that chain does not break on our link. That’s why we’re here.”

A New Generation Takes the Road

The contemporary Freedom Ride includes approximately 22 events along its route, all moving to reclaim the spirit of those who believed America could become a more inclusive nation, according to Vote

Common Good’s Doug Pagitt. "We are a better nation when the 'we' gets larger and larger," said executive director Pagitt. “If we want to say ‘we, the people’ in this country, we have to expand that ‘we.’... we are proud to be in this action. We are proud for our faith to be out loud.” The Rev. Dr. Michael Waters, who helped initiate the project, urged participants to transform historical remembrance into meaningful action, particularly by voting and encouraging others to participate in elections. Meanwhile, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington offered prayer and calls for safety and peace at the former Greyhound bus station in Washington, where the original Freedom Riders began their historic journey south in 1961. As the buses and motorcycle riders prepared to depart, attendees were reminded that the Freedom Rides were never simply about access to buses, lunch counters or airport terminals; they were about the fundamental right to see every American treated equally. And 65 years later, that journey continues. “We are in the city of Washington, D.C.: a city where the most powerful lawmakers in the world gather, and we want them to hear the voices of the people here today and to hear the voices of those who stood at this space 65 years ago,” Pagitt declared, “that we will not rest until all can be included in this nation.”

A Church Rooted in Freedom

Metropolitan AME, often called America's Freedom Church, provided a fitting setting to launch a historic rendition of the 1961 Freedom Rides. Lamar reminded attendees that the historic congregation has served as not only a place of worship, but a center for education, political organization, cultural expression and the advancement of African American liberation since the 19th century. "Our ancestors saw themselves to be more than what the United States saw them to be," Lamar said, reflecting on the church's architecture and history. He challenged the audience to confront systems that perpetuate inequality, arguing that the Black

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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Faith, Legacy and Scholarships: D.C. Luncheon to Honor Eleanor Holmes Norton Get ready for an absolute powerhouse of an afternoon! Next week, the Eleanor Holmes Norton Legacy Fund (EHNLF), along with leaders and citizens of the District of Columbia, will roll out the red carpet for the annual scholarship luncheon fundraiser honoring D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton. This year's celebration holds special significance as it serves as a salute to the congresswoman's retirement. Held Sunday, Oct. 25, at The Potomac Hotel, located at 1330 Maryland Ave. SW, the theme is "A living legacy is born by empowering the #NextGenWarrior." This will be an exciting luncheon you will not want to miss! The legacy luncheon will honor D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton for a lifetime of public service as we raise money for scholarships for female students at the University of the District of Columbia's David A. Clarke School of Law. Get tickets and make tax-deductible donations at EHNLFUND.ORG. We are standing at a historic crossroads of deep faith, incredible community triumph and pure celebration. Trust us, you will definitely want to be in the room for this one! This year, our hearts are bursting with pride as we throw this massive celebratory tribute to our legendary leader, the Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton. After an unparalleled, trailblazing career fighting for our city on Capitol Hill, she is retiring. She has been our absolute champion, and we are going to give her the grand, roaring thank-you she so richly deserves! As a brilliant, Yale-educated constitutional attorney, civil rights icon and former law professor, Delegate Norton's legal brilliance has shaped the fabric of our nation. We know firsthand the depth of her incredible legacy. On a personal note, it gives me great pleasure to have worked direct-

ly with the congresswoman alongside then-Ward 1 D.C. Council member Frank Smith. Those days were filled with unmatched momentum. D.C. Council member Frank Smith would always bring me along to our strategic planning meetings to map out the exact path to get her very first piece of legislation submitted. It was H.J. Res. 320, which she shepherded through Congress to authorize the erection of what is now a magnificent national treasure: the African American Civil War Memorial. It passed and is now law! We worked the plan, stayed faithful and got that monument done! We are so profoundly thankful for everything Delegate Norton has done for the citizens of the District of Columbia. We were there when she began with this, her first piece of legislation, and we are certainly delighted to help celebrate this remarkable career on Capitol Hill. She represented the citizens of the District of Columbia from Jan. 3, 1991, through Jan. 3, 2027. There is so much more, but as the author of this column, I wanted to go on record with great pride, stating that our legislation was indeed her very first piece of legislation to pass and become law! That is exactly why this lunchtime tradition is so vital! Launched in 2018, when the Eleanor Holmes Norton Legacy Fund was founded by Linda Jefferson and Janice Davis of the D.C. Federation of Democratic Women, this spectacular event has grown into an unstoppable force for good. Over its history, we have raised tens of thousands of dollars to send brilliant, hardworking students straight to the University of the District of Columbia's David A. Clarke School of Law. We are actively breaking down financial walls and launching a brand-new generation of public-interest lawyers who will walk in Eleanor's historic footsteps! EHNLF President Hazel Bland

Thomas beautifully captured the spirit of this milestone, reminding us that "we are creating history every day by investing in the students who are building on Congresswoman Norton's legacy as an activist, community leader and advocate." Check out these absolute highlights for this year: • The ultimate tribute: An electric, love-filled celebration honoring Congresswoman Norton's historic legacy, her legal genius and decades of fierce advocacy for D.C.! • Major milestone moments: Awarding life-changing scholarships to phenomenal UDC Law students so they can crush their goals debt-free! • High-octane fellowship: High-energy praise, soulful gospel music and a beautifully prepared lunch surrounded by the best community in the District! As we look at the incredible path Congresswoman Norton has paved for our future lawyers, we are reminded of this perfect, timeless truth from Maya Angelou: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Our hearts are completely anchored in the Word, and we are standing tall on these powerful scriptures as we march forward in victory: • Galatians 6:9 (KJV): "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." • Proverbs 31:8-9 (KJV): "Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy." This is our time, this is our community, and it is going to be an absolutely unforgettable, joyous celebration! You do not want to miss a single second of this momentum! See you on Oct. 25! WI

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OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026 47

RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor 9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724 Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

Blessed Word

Pilgrim Baptist Church Rev. Joel R. Limerick Pastor

Rev. Dr. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor

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

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

Service and Times In Person Worship: Sunday @ 9:30 A.M. Streaming: Sunday @ 9:30 A.M. www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org Prayer & Study: Wednesday @ 12 Noon and 7:00 P.M.

Service and Times Sunday Service: 10:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday

www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

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

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

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

3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) / (202) 562-4219 (Fax)

Service and Times 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

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Church of Living Waters

Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am 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.covenantdc.org

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

www.livingwatersmd.org

St. Stephen Baptist Church Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. / Senior Pastor 5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301.899.8885 – Fax 301.899.2555 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship 8:00 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 AM Tuesday: 7:00 PM – Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday: 12:30 PM – Mid-Day Bible Study Wednesday: 7:00 PM – Evening Bible Study Baptism - 3rd Sunday – Communion 4th Sunday Free Food Giveaway – Every Tuesday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm “We are One in the Spirit” www.ssbcmd.org | secretary@ssbcmd.org

Campbell AME Church

Rev. Dr. T. Ashby Banister, III Senior Pastor

John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.

Rev. Terrance M. McKinley Senior Pastor

901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423

1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005

2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org

Service and Times Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:00 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 7: 00 PM Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10 AM themcbc.org

Service and Times Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m. Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday “Friendliest Church in the City” Website: mountolivetdc.org Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

All Nations Baptist Church

Adams Inspirational A.M.E. Church

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness - Senior Pastor Rev. Ali Gail Holness-Roland Assistant & Youth Pastor

2001 North Capitol St, N.E. - Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591 Service and Times Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education / School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards

48 OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026

12801 Old Fort Road • Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Office (301) 292.6323 • FAX (301) 292.2164 Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:15 am Sunday Church School 11:00 am Youth Sunday every 4th Sunday Prayer Call @ Noon every Tuesday & Thursday 978.990.5166 code: 6166047# Virtual Bible Study Wednesday Facebook & Zoom 7:00 pm “A Growing Church for a Coming Christ” www.adamsinspirationalamec.org

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study: Wednesday: 12:00 Noon, Wednesday: 7:00 PM, Thursday: 7:00 PM “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address : Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020

Emmanuel Baptist Church Rev. Christopher L. Nichols Pastor 2409 Ainger Place SE Washington, DC 20020 / Office: (202) 678-0884 “Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . . 100% Forgiven! Service and Times Sunday: Worship Service – 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM 3rd Sunday: Unity Service – 11:00 AM (Only One Service) Sunday School: 10:00 AM Monday: Unity Bible Study – 5:00 PM Call-In Number: (646) 749-3112/ Access Code: 971155757 Tuesday: Prayer Service – 6:00 PM & Family Bible Study – 7:00 PM Call-In Number: (872) 240-3212/Access Code: 164695965 Wednesday: Noonday Worship – 12:00 PM Thursday: Adult Bible Study – 7:00 PM Call-In Number: (646) 749-3112/Access Code: 843069541 Friday: Impact Focus (Online) – 7:30 PM Saturday: Children's Church (Online) – 6:00 PM Website: www.ebcwdc.org

Third Street Church of God Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor

Isle of Patmos Baptist Church Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor

1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax

1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661

Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net

“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor 5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.) Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m. “A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor 3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 PM Prayer Service Bible Study

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor 4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM

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: 8:00 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 6:00 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

Shiloh Church of God 7th Day Elder Jonathan M. Carson Senior Pastor

5701 Eastern Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20782 Phone: 301 559-5262 Service and Times Sabbath Worship @ 1:00 pm in-person/FB/Zoom Tuesday - Prayer@ 7:30 pm on Zoom Wednesday - Bible Study@ 7:30 pm on Zoom Friday - Sabbath School@ 7:30 pm on Zoom Web: shiloh7thday.org Email: shiloh7thdaycomm@gmail.com "A culturally diverse church of edification, deliverance and transformation"

Place your church ad here! Contact Ron Burke rburke@washingtoninformer.com

A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RELIGION Zion Baptist Church

Israel Baptist Church Rev. Lance Aubert Senior Pastor

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor 4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773 Service and Times 9:00 a.m. – Sunday School 10:15 a.m. – Worship Service Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study 7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org

St. Luke Baptist Church

1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

Mount Moriah Baptist Church Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor

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

Rehoboth Baptist Church

1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor 5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005

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

“Where God is Praised, Christ is Obeyed, and People are Loved”

New Commandment Baptist Church Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:30 AM Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

Service and Times Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11 AM Sunday School: 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM

The Reverend Canon Michele Hagans Priest

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

Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958 Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist

www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.

Promised Land Baptist Church

Dr. Joseph D. Turner Senior Pastor

Service and Times Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM

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

“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 9:30 AM Sunday School: 8:15 AM Bible Study: Wednesdays at Noon Baptism: 4th Sunday 9:30 AM

8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

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

Rev. Richard B. Black Interim Pastor

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Service and Times Sunday Service: 10:00 AM Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM 1st Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting: 7:45 PM

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church

“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Website address: www.mmbcdc.org

Peace Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM “The Loving Church of the living lord “ Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor

401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012 Office (202)-882-8331

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:30 am Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331 Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Communion Every First Sunday

Service and Times Adult Sunday School: 8:00 AM Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM Youth/Young Adult Sunday School 12:00 PM Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM

2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 - Fax: (202) 529-7738 Service and Times Worship Service: 7:30 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30AM & 10:30 AM Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 PM. Wednesday 12 Noon

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

"Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ." Website: Theplbc.org Email: churchclerk@theplbc.org

Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180

Join us for our live broadcast every Friday at Noon!

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Denise Rolark Barnes - Publisher of The Washington Informer WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026 49

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2026 ADM 000507

2026 ADM 000986

2026 ADM 000964

2025 ADM 001028

2026 ADM 000996

Angela Maria Cordoso de Vilhena Decedent

Bernard Levi aka Bernard Richard Levi Decedent

Charles Emory Johnson Decedent

Deborah W. Boyce Decedent

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

Julius P. Terrell 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 400 Washington DC 20004 Attorney

Edith Ceaser aka Edith M. Ceaser Decedent

Darrel S. Parker, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW #440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Darrel S. Parker, Esq., whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, #440, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Angela Maria Cordoso de Vilhena who died on May 22, 2025 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 4/8/2027. 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 4/8/2027, 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: 10/8/2027 Darrel S. Parker, Esq. Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Adrienne Linder, whose address is 4644 Minnesota Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bernard Levi aka Bernard Richard Levi who died on July 30, 2018 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 4/8/2027. 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 4/8/2027, 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: 10/8/2026 Adrienne Linder Personal Representative

Nereka Wilson and Dearie Johnson, whose addresses are 1435 Montello Ave., NE Washington DC 20002 & 4502 Payne Dr., Fort Washington, MD 20744, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Charles Emory Johnson who died on June 11, 2024 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 4/8/2027. 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 4/8/2027, 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: 10/8/2026 Nereka Wilson Dearie Johnson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Julius P. Terrell, whose address is 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20004, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Deborah W. Boyce who died on 2/2/2024 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 4/8/2027. 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 4/8/2027, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Alleyah Ceaser, whose address is 11278 Laurelwalk Dr. Laurel, MD 20708, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Edith Ceaser aka Edith M. Ceaser who died on June 9, 2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/8/2027. 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 4/8/2027, 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: 10/8/2026

Date of first publication: 10/8/2026

Alleyah Ceaser Personal Representative

Julius P. Terrell Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2026 ADM 546

2025 ADM 000847

2026 ADM 001017

2026 ADM 000983

2026 ADM 000976

James Edward Williams Decedent

Shirlene Wood-Walker aka Shirlene Wood Walker Decedent

Jean L. Craig Decedent

Bettye M. Young aka Bettye Maureen Young Decedent

Mary F. Henson Decedent

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

Mahsa Alaeian Legal Counsel for the Elderly 601 E Street, NW Washington DC 20049 Attorney

J. Anthony Concino III, Esq., whose adadress is 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James Edward Williams who died on 1/24/2026 without a Will. 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 4/8/2027. 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 4/8/2027, 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: 10/8/2026 J. Anthony Concino III, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS David Walker, whose address is 2809 31st Place, NE, Washington DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Shirlene Wood-Walker aka Shirlene Wood Walker who died on 2/12/2023 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 4/8/2027. 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 4/8/2027, 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: 10/8/2026 David Walker Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

50 OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026

Michelle Lanchester, Esq. 9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 297 Largo, MD 20774 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Timothy A. Craig, whose address is 23007 138th Ave., Laurelton, NY 11413, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jean L. Craig who died on July 20, 2026 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/15/2027. 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 4/15/2027, 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: 10/15/2026 Timothy A. Craig Personal Representative

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Tev Antonette Hatcher, whose address is 8702 Greens Lane, Randallstown, MD 21133, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bettye M. Young aka Bettye Maureen Young who died on July 21, 2026 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/15/2027. 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 4/15/2027, 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: 10/15/2026 Tev Antonette Hatcher Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Donata Edwards 1629 K Street NW, Suite 300 Washington DC 20006 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Cheryl Henson-Everson, whose address is 5506 Yorkshire Drive, Camp Springs MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary F. Henson who died on August 5, 2021 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 4/15/2027. 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 4/15/2027, 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: 10/15/2026 Cheryl Henson-Everson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2026 ADM 000974

2026 ADM 001024

2026 ADM 000875

Edward Matthew Warren aka Edward Warren Decedent

Dorothy Mae Farley Decedent

Gwendolyn Jones Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Shelia Warren, whose address is 1904 M Street NE, #3, Washington DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Edward Matthew Warren aka Edward Warren who died on 4/14/2016 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 4/15/2027. 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 4/15/2027, 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: 10/15/2026 Shelia Warren Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Suren G. Adams Adams Law Office, LLC 4201 Mitchellville Road, Suite 500 Bowie MD 20716 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Melvina Loreese Farley, whose address is 1612 Erskine Street, Hyattsville, MD 20783, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy Mae Farley who died on 2/2/2026 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/22/2027. 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 4/22/2027, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS LaMar Johnson, whose address is 206 Malcolm X Ave., SE Washington DC 20033, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gwendolyn Jones who died on June 25, 2025 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 4/22/2027. 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 4/22/2027, 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: 10/22/2026 LaMar Johnson Personal Representative

Date of first publication: 10/22/2026

TRUE TEST COPY

Melvina Loreese Farley Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

TRUE TEST COPY

Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2026 ADM 000971

2023 ADM 001361

2026 FEP 000134

Jeanette Waugh Decedent

Laura R. Long Decedent

June 21, 2024 Date of Death

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

Brian L. Kass, Esq. 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 434 Washington, DC 20008 Attorney

Frances M. Simmons aka Frances Marie Henrietta Simmons Name of Decedent

Carmiller Dorsey, whose address is 3210 Norbeck Rd., #129 Silver Spring, MD 20906, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jeanette Waugh who died on April 26, 2008 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/22/2027. 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 4/22/2027, 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: 10/22/2026 Carmiller Dorsey Personal Representative

NOTICE OF AFTER DISCOVERED WILL AND NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

TRUE TEST COPY

Agnes H. Simmons whose address is 400 Simmons Lane POB 942, Stevensville, MD 21666 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Frances M. Simmons aka Frances Marie Henrietta Simmons, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on 8/6/2024. Service of process may be made upon Registered Agents Inc., 1717 N Street, NW Suite 1, Washington, DC 20002 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate. 1404 3rd Street NW, Washington DC 20001. 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.

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Date of first publication: 10/22/2026

Brian L. Kass, whose address is 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 434, Washington DC 20008, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Laura R. Long, who died on March 25, 2020 with a Will. 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 4/22/2027. Date of first publication: 10/22/2026 Personal Representative

Washington Informer TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

1. Amended to include two newspapers for publication pursuant to the Order dated September 9, 2026.

Agnes H Simmons Personal Representative Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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FREEDOM RIDERS from Page 46 church must continue its tradition of social and political activism. "We must build something for everyone," said the Lamar. He also urged Black Americans to evaluate elected officials by their commitment to justice and the needs of ordinary people. “We too often give a pass to Black politicians and Black preachers because they are Black, the same way Trump is trading on whiteness with everything he says and does,” Lamar explained. “My argument is that we must hold ourselves [Black politicians] accountable and speak to the world and organize and build the power to make this a democracy.”

Remembering Those Who Rode

Among the gathering's most compelling moments were firsthand accounts from participants in the Freedom Rides. The Rev. Alphonso Petway recalled how the 1955 murder of Emmett Till awakened his determination to challenge racial injustice. As a young man, Petway participated in a Freedom Ride that tested segregation practices in air travel.

His sister, Krendelle Petway Dendy, described being refused service at an airport lunch counter in Montgomery, Alabama, before boarding a flight to Jackson, Mississippi. Upon arrival, she and fellow activists were arrested and transported to the Hinds County Jail, where she spent three days. "It really didn't become a reality until that door to that jail cell slammed," she recalled. Phillips described the fear experienced by her family and the lasting consequences of her arrest, including complications when applying for federal employment years later. Despite those experiences, she emphasized the importance of voting and civic participation. "We need to wake up, stay awake," she said, urging Americans to remain vigilant about their voting rights. Robbie Thomas, daughter of original Freedom Rider Hank Thomas, represented another important link to the movement's legacy. Her father, then a student at Howard University, was among the original 13 Freedom Riders who departed Washington on May 4, 1961, helping launch a movement that challenged segregation in interstate transportation and exposed the violence used to enforce racial discrimination. Thomas recalled learning years later about the dangers her father had faced. “Most people would probably assume that from the time I was old enough to talk and walk, that we were told about the wonderful sacrifices that Freedom Riders made and that I had been hearing stories about these rides all of my life,” shared Thomas. “But unfortunately, that is not the case because for those persons participating in these rides…it was not celebratory. It was not anything they shared.” For those young activists, she explained, participation was not a celebrated achievement but a potentially deadly commitment. Before beginning their journey, they prepared wills, cognizant that they might not return. “I thank you guys for allowing us to recreate this wonderful ride, and to be able to share with all of those along the way exactly the sacrifices that were made by each and every individual that was a part of this ride,” Thomas continued, “and I thank you for allowing me to participate in standing in the gap for my father.” WI

OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026 51

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CROWELL from Page 30 balances increased nationwide by $28 billion to $1.71 trillion. "[N]ew delinquencies for auto loans and credit cards remain at elevated levels, a trend we'll continue to monitor," said Joelle Scally, the bank's economic policy adviser. This September, Experian, one of the nation’s major credit bureaus, found that while the average credit card rate was 19.25%, overall rates ranged from 7.9% to as high as 34.52%. Interest rates varied due to the card type, issuer, and whether the card offers rewards, cash balance transfers, introductory low APRs, or cash advances. In general, cards that include cash advances typically charge the highest APRs, and low introductory rates escalate after the promotional period ends. "Consumers with excellent credit may qualify for rates in the mid-teens

CARR from Page 30 Every minute a Black woman leader spends defending herself is a minute taken from her constituents, and from the fight on the issues they care about most, from the cost of gas and groceries to fair elections. Every threat is a new security burden for her family and her staff. And every public attempt to intimidate her sends a message to the next woman deciding whether to run: this could be you.

MARSHALL from Page 30 taint the honor of the military that employs it, and a nation that allows it. It will be used by our nation's enemies to stoke hatred, harm American soldiers and citizens in the future, and will ensure that Hasan becomes a martyr for attacking and killing his fellow soldiers," the letter reads. The officers called on President Donald Trump and Congress — as well as everyday Americans — to speak up and stop what they see as an abuse of government authority. "As retired General and Flag Officers, Judge Advocate officers, and others with decades of military justice experience, we ask the President, our Congressional representatives, and our fellow citizens to act to prevent this barbaric abuse of authority: Livestreaming an execution debases the values, principles, and commitment to basic human dignity of our military and our nation. The public need not witness Hasan's exe-

or lower, while those with fair or poor credit often see rates in the 20 to 30 percent range," according to Experian. Auto lending is another significant debt sphere for the nearly 92% of American households who rely on a personal vehicle to manage their daily lives. At mid-year, the average monthly payment for a new car was $765, and the average payment for a used car was $542, according to Experian. But consumer credit scores bring vast differences in interest rates that determine how challenging payments become. Today’s average 21.62% interest rate charged for used-car buyers with deep subprime credit scores ranging from 501-600 is three times higher than the 6.29% average for super prime borrowers whose credit scores are 781-850. Subprime borrowers make up

nearly two-thirds of all delinquent loans — those with payments at least 90 days late — according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. Moreover, 62% of these loans taken out from 2021-2023 were in default by this April with higher debt-toincome ratios across all credit score categories. "Rising household debt is a symptom of broader failures within our economy, and in order to address those challenges, policymakers need an agenda that not only addresses the immediate problem of outstanding debt but also takes steps to head debt off at the source," concludes The Century Foundation report. "Enacting debt relief, raising wages and expanding bargaining rights, cracking down on predatory lenders and financial practices, and expanding public provisioning are all necessary steps to strengthen the labor market." WI

That is why we stand in defense of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. We are asking for three things: a public explanation of why this search could not wait, assurance that it followed the department's own election-year guidance, and oversight from Congress to ensure federal law enforcement is not being used to settle political scores. You do not have to share Congresswoman Omar's politics to want those answers. You only have to believe that the next administration, of either party, should not be

able to do the same thing to someone you voted for. In the coming weeks, Americans will decide who represents them. That decision belongs to voters, not to whoever controls the machinery of federal law enforcement. Standing in defense of Black women has never been about shielding anyone from accountability. It is about making sure accountability is never used as cover for retaliation. That should matter to all of us. WI

cution to understand the consequences of his serious crime," they wrote. I applaud the retired military brass for not remaining silent and for encouraging Congress and the general public to take a stand in what can easily be described as a low moment in contemporary politics. When an individual hits rock bottom in their personal life or business, that low point can serve as a wake-up call and the moment when they decide to rebuild, reorganize, rebrand and reform. It can be the turning point for a new beginning. The military brass has challenged Americans to act. No matter how scandal-ridden, polarizing or manipulative this executive branch may be, it will not be in office forever. But can our nation reach a true and effective turning point and begin the road to political recovery if the next president comes from the current administration? Can a true recovery occur if the next occupant of the White House was a Trump enabler?

Can America regain respect and its standing as a world leader if the next commander in chief endorsed Hasan's proposed public execution? People are starting to wake up ahead of this year's midterm elections, but will they stay awake for the next presidential election in 2028? Following intense pushback from military officials, faith leaders and Republican and Democratic politicians, Trump reversed course on the proposed public broadcast and announced that Hasan's execution would not be livestreamed. He still defended the idea of a public spectacle as a "strong deterrent for the World to witness how America deals with terrorists and SCUM," but acknowledged that "many very good and well-meaning people would rather not watch him die, through streaming, or through any other visual device," Trump shared on social media. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

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who Black women really are. I don't blame him for being afraid of us to the point that he doesn't want any of us around. He had a good dose of who we are when he ran into Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, New York Attorney General Letitia James, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, Congresswom-

JEALOUS from Page 31 sion called "the wave of racial and religious ostracism" sweeping the country. "The Gift of Black Folk" appeared in 1924. The Klan was coming for them. They spent their money making somebody else's case. In 2009, during my tenure leading the NAACP, the Knights put that book back into print for the association's 100th anniversary. Len Riggio chose the same way. Len was a friend. I once asked the man who built Barnes & Noble into a national chain why he cared about racial justice. "Because I'm old enough to remember when my people were lynched too." Len was Italian American, born in Little Italy. He supported the NAACP in New York. He and his wife, Louise, funded a chapel at the Children's Defense Fund's Tennessee farm. It carries his name and Bill Lynch's, the Black organizer who became New York's deputy mayor and served on that board beside him. Both men are gone. Their names remain together. My father's grandfather chose another way. A Protestant of northern English stock, himself the grandson of immigrants, he disinherited my fa-

an LaMonica McIver and so many other sisters! I guess he'd be shaking in his boots if Fannie Lou Hamer, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Dr. Frances Cress Welsing, Callie House, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height — and a whole list of other Black women — were still with us! What he doesn't know is that we learned from them, and so many of us

"ain't" no ways tired or scared! The Black women he fired are still around, and when the votes are counted in the coming election, there will be no way for him to steal as many votes as we Black women will work to have cast at the voting booths, while adding to those who've already mailed in their ballots! Black women grew up learning the meaning of the words to "I'm So Glad Trouble Don't Last Always"! WI

ther for marrying my mother, who is Black. My father's mother and brothers refused to go along. A family can produce a bigot and still refuse to follow him. In 2011, Paul LePage, raised in a French Canadian Catholic family in Lewiston, told the NAACP to "kiss my butt." I was the association's president. I reminded him that he owed his own chance to people who stood up to the Klan in his state. This September, he said a member of his own family faced deportation despite holding a work permit. "That's not right," he said. I am glad he said it. But ICE arrested 488 people in Maine through July, more than in 2024 and 2025 combined, according to federal data, and one analysis found nearly 89% had no criminal conviction. LePage has learned the wrong lesson if concern stops at his own family. The family down the street deserves the same. Thirty-nine senators demanded answers from Homeland Security in July. House Democrats held an unofficial hearing in Biddeford in August, because the majority would not call a real one, and even they could not get ICE to confirm whom its agents were looking for. Susan Collins chairs the Senate Ap-

propriations Committee, which writes Homeland Security's budget. She was not among the 39 who signed. It is time for her to demand that the administration account for how a hardworking father with a work permit was shot dead on a Biddeford street despite not being the target of the operation, and that every report, every radio log, every witness statement go to Maine's attorney general. No U.S. senator should have to think twice about asking that question. Congress should also put body cameras and visible identification into law. That is how a country finds out what happened. It is what nobody did in 1891. Most Americans understand we need to move past our nation's patterns of racism and antisemitism. As we do, let us widen the coalition to root out every pattern of abuse built on white supremacy and religious intolerance. Ask your children how your family became American. Tell them who opened the door. Tell them who tried to close it. We came here in different boats. We are in the same boat now. It only stays afloat if we keep one another from sinking. WI

We should be increasing housing supply, expanding responsible access to credit, enforcing fair-lending laws and helping qualified families achieve homeownership. We should be strengthening the foundation of economic mobility, not attacking it. Homeownership is not merely a housing issue. It is a wealth issue. A retirement issue. An education issue. A community stability issue. It is one of the most important pathways through which families build security and pass opportunity to future generations. When government discourages efforts to broaden access to homeownership, it is not defending fairness. It is defending the inequitable and discriminatory status quo.

The National Urban League rejects the false claim that confronting inequality is the same as creating it. We reject efforts to intimidate institutions that seek to expand opportunity. And we reject the notion that America is best served by abandoning the unfinished work of ensuring equal access to the housing market. The scandal is not that a lender sought to expand Black homeownership. The scandal is that in 2026, after generations of documented housing discrimination and decades of bipartisan efforts to address it, the federal government is investigating those who are trying to open doors rather than those who spent generations keeping them closed. WI

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Innovation slows. Investment dries up. Families who might have gained a pathway to homeownership are left behind. It's a recipe for preserving inequality. The administration and its defenders continue to pretend that acknowledging racial disparities is itself discriminatory. But there is nothing fair about ignoring the consequences of discrimination while attacking those trying to remedy it. There is nothing colorblind about pretending barriers do not exist. And there is nothing unifying about telling communities that have been excluded for generations that any effort to address those inequities is unacceptable.

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Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center GW Health. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 266424192-6639201 10/26

56 OCTOBER 22 - 28, 2026

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