WINNER OF THREE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS D.C. AWARDS Spelling Superstar Zaila Avant-Garde Page 30 Vol. 56, No. 39 • July 15 - 21, 2021
Rev. William Barber III Debuts ‘Moral Mondays’ Initiative on Steps of Supreme Court Poor People’s Campaign to Engineer Weekly Voting Rights Rallies Through Aug. 6 Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer
5 The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber III, held the first Moral Monday protest on July 12 and announced the schedule of protests for the Poor People`s Campaign being held through August 8 in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
For the next few weeks, a multi-ethnic coalition of activists, labor organizers and religious leaders will engage elected officials and promote the passage of federal legislation which fully protects voting rights, boosts the minimum wage and abolishes a legislative tool used to protect racist policies. The “Season of Nonviolent Moral Direct Action to Save Our
ACTION Page 44
School Neighborhood Safety Advocates Ready for New School Year
Ward 7 Democrats Play to a Draw in Kickball Against Ward 8 Counterparts
Sam P.K.Collins WI Contributing Writer
James Wright WI Staff Writer
A friendly game of kickball ended in a 6-6 tie, on July 10 between Ward 7 Democrats and their Ward 8 colleagues to strengthen ties between the political clubs and compete for bragging rights, while registering voters. The clubs met at Oxon Run Park in Ward 8. The Ward 7 Democrats wore bright yellow t-shirts with a blue number “7” on the front and back. Members of the Ward 8 Democrats team wore individual athletic wear. D.C. Democratic State Committee Chairman Charles Wilson, a Ward 8 resident, attended the game and expressed satisfaction about the two clubs playing
Democracy,” debuted Monday with a rally on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court under the auspices of The Poor People’s Campaign. Much to the chagrin of The Rev. William J. Barber II and others, the Supreme Court recently upheld voting restrictions passed by the Arizona legislation that allegedly weakened the Voting Rights Act. Barber serves as co-chair for The
5 D.C. Councilmember Trayon White delivers a pep talk to Ward 8
KICKBALL Page 38 Democrats playing kickball. (Photo by James Wright)
In her FY 2022 budget proposal, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) calls for money for an enhanced Safe Passage program to provide a microtransit system for students who live east of the Anacostia River. Under the proposal more than 200 adults associated with more than 40 District schools would help guide students in their daily commutes. With the fiscal year starting in October however, the enhanced program wouldn’t start until next
January – much to the chagrin of student safety advocates. In response, members of a State Board of Education (SBOE) committee have called on District leaders to provide resources that could get the enhanced Safe Passage program started as early as August. “We want students to feel safe on the first day of school. I don’t think it’s intentional [but] our city leaders get stuck into the government timeline that doesn’t align with our school schedule,” said
SAFE PASSAGE Page 29
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wi hot topics
Cornel West Announces Departure from Harvard University Dr. Cornel West, the philosopher, controversial progressive political activist and outspoken social critic, announced Monday his departure from Harvard University for a position at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. West, 67, who stated his resignation in a candid letter on Twitter, said he was leaving his post as professor of African American studies with “absolutely no regrets” after four years of service. He had previously announced in March that he would be leaving Harvard’s School of Divinity in Massachusetts if the school failed to provide him tenure. He believed at the time that the tenure issue centered around his age and support of Palestine, according to The New York Times. “This is my candid letter of resignation to my Harvard Dean. I try to tell the unvarnished truth about the decadence in our market-driven universities! Let us bear witness against this spiritual rot,” West wrote. Earlier this year, West expressed his anger after the university decided not to grant him tenure despite a positive five-year review. The Boston Globe reported that he believed he was denied tenure due to his substance of work. “What I’m told is it’s too risky. And these are quotes. It’s too fraught. And I’m too controversial,” West said he was told. West first parted ways with Harvard in 2002 after a dispute with then-president Lawrence Summers over the school’s responsibility to affirmative action and his scholarship. He returned in 2017. But according to the Globe, he’s not the only professor having issues getting tenure at Harvard. Last January, 100 faculty members signed a letter urging the dean of the faculty of arts and sciences, Claudine Gay, to investigate the process and its commitment to diversity and inclusion. WI
Judge Rules to Keep Maryland Unemployment Benefits Going A Baltimore Circuit Court judge ruled Tuesday, July 13 in favor of unemployed workers who sought to stop Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and his administration for an attempt to end expanded unemployment federal benefits. Judge Lawrence Flether-Hill wrote in his opinion the governor’s action would create “irreparable harm” for the estimated 175,000 unemployed workers if the benefits stopped before the Sept. 6 deadline set by President Joe Biden. “Plaintiffs have been strained economically and emotionally by the pandemic,” Fletcher-Hill wrote. “In its global scope and in the anxiety that almost all people experience over the threat of disease, the impact of the pandemic has been universal, but the brief stories of these plaintiffs remind the court that the impact of the pandemic has been cruelly uneven.” The judge also noted the Maryland Labor secretary “is bounded by Maryland law, not federal law, to maximize those available benefits.” Hogan’s spokesman Michael Ricci said in an emailed statement “we fundamentally disagree with today’s decision.” However, he said fighting the case would extend after the Sept. 6. “While we firmly believe the law is on our side, actual adjudication of the case would extend beyond the end of the federal programs, foregoing the possibility of pursuing the matter further,” Ricci said. WI
Lanham Sworn-In as First Black to Lead Maryland Association
REPORTERS Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Timothy Cox, Will Ford (Prince George’s County Writer), Hamil Harris, Curtis Knowles, Daniel Kucin, D. Kevin McNeir, Dorothy Rowley, Brenda Siler, Lindiwe Vilakazi, Sarafina Wright, James Wright PHOTOGRAPHERS Shevry Lassiter, Roy Lewis, Jr., Robert R. Roberts, Anthony Tilghman
(Photo courtesy of Dashaun Lanham)
4 JULY 15 - 21, 2021
COMPILED BY WI SENIOR EDITOR D. KEVIN MCNEIR AND WI STAFF WRITER WILLIAM J. FORD
Dashaun N. Lanham, a city clerk in the city of Seat Pleasant, will serve as the Maryland Municipal Clerk Association’s first Black president. Lanham, who will celebrate 13 years as city clerk on Monday, July 18, was sworn-in June 29 for a two-year term. Lanham received statewide “Clerk of the Year” honors two years ago, according to a history of the association, a nonprofit organization established at the Maryland Municipal League’s annual convention in June 1976. WI
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AROUND THE REGION
D.C. Mayor Bowser Joins President’s Roundtable on Gun Violence Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer The White House on Monday, July 12, released a memorandum ahead of the release of President Joe Biden’s comprehensive strategy to combat gun violence. Administration officials said the strategy implements preventative measures proven to reduce violent crime and attacks the root causes, including investing in effective community policing and addressing the flow of firearms used to commit crimes. The District counts among those who stand to benefit. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s fiscal year 2022 budget proposal uses American Rescue Plan funding to invest a collective $59 million to reduce gun violence and build safer neighborhoods. The mayor’s proposal would deliver: • $3.4M to add 100 new slots for the Metropolitan Police Department’s cadet program • $11.4M to support returning citizens with financial assistance through community-based organizations, financial coaching and peer navigators as they transition back into the community • $7.8M for additional violence interrupters and $400K for additional credible messengers • $13.8M for youth safety initiatives including an expansion of Safe Passage, out-of-school activities for youth and enhanced training for school resource officers • $6.8M for the Department of Behavioral Health, the District Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Works to respond to non-emergency 911 calls for mental health distress, minor traffic crashes and parking complaints • $5.6M to create 110 dedicated employment opportunities through the Department of Public Works for individuals at risk of gun violence • $4.5M for D.C. Pathways, a transitional employment program, to serve an additional 100 individuals at risk of gun violence • $4.6M to provide more wraparound support services including Pathways Champions positions for at-risk individuals, Project Empow-
erment (a work readiness program for people with multiple barriers to employment), intensive care coordination, housing assistance/relocation and transportation support • $1.9M to expand trauma-informed mental health services • $2.2M for temporary safe housing for residents involved in gun violence • $1.5M for community investment grants to carry out neighborhood action plans in focus neighborhoods In addition, the Biden Administration said it will provide additional support to help the District address violent crime. That includes the Department of Justice launching a new law enforcement strike force focused on addressing significant firearms trafficking corridors that have diverted guns to D.C. “[The District] is part of the White House’s new ‘Community Violence Intervention Collaborative’ of 16 jurisdictions aimed at sharing resources and best practices to maximize the impact of evidence-driven community violence intervention programs,” White House officials stated in a memorandum. “The historic funding from the American Rescue Plan is also being supplemented by additional federal efforts to support communities and crack down on gun crime.” As part of that support, the Department of Justice announced the launch of gun trafficking strike forces in five areas nationwide including New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and the Bay Area. The President also has already taken steps to strengthen regulations to keep guns out of the wrong hands by cracking down on ghost guns – homemade firearms that often cannot be traced by law enforcement due to the lack of a serial number, increasingly being used in crimes. “He also continues to push Congress to take long-overdue action to prevent guns from being used in crimes including strengthening background checks, renewing the ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines and ending immunity for gun manufacturers,” White House officials said. WI @StacyBrownMedia
5 President Joe Biden met with District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, U.S. city police chiefs, other elected officials and a community intervention expert at the White House on July 12. (Courtesy photo)
DCTAG, Apply Now.
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JULY 15 - 21, 2021 5
AROUND THE REGION
black facts
SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB
JULY 15-21, 2021
JULY 15
1961 – Award-winning actor, producer and director Forest Whitaker is born in Longview, Texas. 1970 – James McGee is sworn in as the first Black mayor of Dayton, Ohio.
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1862 – Civil rights activist Ida B. Wells is born in Holly Springs, Mississippi. 1947 – Assata Shakur of the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army is born in New York City. 1977 – Janelle Penny Commissiong of Trinidad and Tobago is crowned the first Black Miss Universe.
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JULY 17
1862 – Congress passes the Militia Act of 1862, which allowed African-Americans to participate as war laborers and soldiers. 1935 – Famed actress Diahann Carroll is born in New York City. 1959 – Legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday (top) dies in New York City at 44. 1967 – Jazz icon John Coltrane (left) dies of liver cancer in Long Island, New York, at 40.
JULY 18
1753 – Lemuel Haynes, an influential Afri-
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can-American religious leader and first Black minister to serve for a White congregation, is born in West Hartford, Connecticut. 1918 – Nelson Mandela, former South African president of South Africa, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and civil rights icon, is born in Mvezo, South Africa.
JULY 19
1849 – Joseph Lee, who invented machinery for processing food and became very prominent in the food-service industry, is born in Boston.
JULY 20
1967 – The first Black Power Conference is held in Newark, New Jersey.
JULY 21 DIAHANN CARROLL
6 JULY 15 - 21, 2021
1864 – The first issue of the New Orleans Tribune — America's first daily Black newspaper — is published. 1896 – The National Association of Colored Women, which later became the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, is established in Washington, D.C. WI
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After a weekslong tenure controversy at University of North Carolina, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Nikole HannahJones announced she will teach at Howard University instead. The HBCU also announced award-winning writer Ta-Nahesi Coates will join its faculty. What are your thoughts?
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MIKE B / WASHINGTON, D.C.
Absolutely wonderful, but it should have been the first option. If they don’t want you there [UNC] under your well-earned requirements, then don’t be there. Thank you, Howard, for opening your loving HBCU arms and welcoming them to the family.
SONYA MORRIS /
WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA
Go where you are appreciated and where you can help. UNC’s loss, HU’s gain.
WENTEMI KANTE / WASHINGTON, D.C.
Good for her! UNC looks stupid now. Howard is a great step for her and the students will gain so much from her. Keep supporting HBCUs and send your kids to them.
Stay Informed! www.washingtoninformer.com
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JULY 15 - 21, 2021 7
AROUND THE REGION Mayor Bowser Announces Second Round of Take the Shot, DC Giveaway Winners D.C. Mayor Bowser recently announced the second round of winners from the Take the Shot, DC Giveaway. All D.C. residents who are 18 and older and who received their first or only shot of the COVID-19 vaccine at the RISE Demonstration Center at St. Elizabeths, Anacostia High School, or Ron Brown High School on or after June 19 were eligible to enter the Take the Shot, DC Giveaway. Residents who are not yet vaccinated and want to enter the Take the Shot DC, Giveaway are reminded that they can enter through Saturday, July 17.
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Currently, these individuals are Potential Winners. Once the District government receives the Potential Winner’s completed Authorization Form within the time specified, determines that the Potential Winner meets the eligibility requirements, and obtains further verification that the Potential Winner has received their second vaccination, if needed, the District government will certify the person as an Official Winner. Each week for four consecutive weeks, winners are being drawn to receive: • A new car (one winner each week) • $10,000 for groceries, to cover approximately a year of free groceries (two winners each week) • A year of free Metro bus and train (multiple winners each week) • July 20 (individuals who were vaccinated June 19- July 10 and did not win a previous drawing are eligible) • July 27 (individuals who were vaccinated June 19- July 17 and did not win a previous drawing are eligible) Currently, all DC residents 12 and older who get their first (or only) COVID-19 vaccine dose at the three select sites are eligible to receive a $51 VISA gift card. While anyone can get vaccinated at District vaccination sites, the gift cards are only available to District residents who can show proof of residency. Residents between the ages of 12 and 17 must be accompanied by a guardian. Additionally, Mayor Bowser announced that individuals who people who help unvaccinated friends, family, and neighbors make a plan to get vaccinated and accompany them to a vaccination site can receive a $51 VISA gift card. Through the Take the Shot, DC Vaccine Buddy Program, individuals can redeem up to 11 gift cards (one card per unvaccinated DC resident that they accompany to a vaccination site). To participate in this offer, both people must be at least 18 years old and have a state-issued ID. The three vaccine buddy sites are the same sites hosting the Take the Shot, DC giveaway: the RISE Demonstration Center at St. Elizabeths, Anacostia High School, and Ron Brown High School. The person getting vaccinated will also receive a $51 VISA gift card. WI
‘The World According to Dominic’ will return next week. 8 JULY 15 - 21, 2021
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AROUND THE REGION
D.C. Auditor’s Report Reveals Lack of Equal Opportunities for Many CBEs Councilmember McDuffie Demands Better Transparency and Accountability
Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
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5 Concerns have been raised by members of the DC City Council after the recently-released DC’s Auditor’s Report cited a lack of both accountability and transparency related to the District’s lottery and gaming initiatives. (Photo courtesy DC auditor)
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McDuffie, who serves as chair of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, raised “numerous concerns about agency compliance with CBE laws.”
counts as the agency responsible for administering D.C.’s CBE program. Its tasks include certifying businesses that meet the criteria outlined in D.C. Code, overseeing the recertification process every three years and overseeing the compliance of District agencies and beneficiaries of all government-assisted contracts. The audit included a review of the specific functions of two divisions within DSLBD – the Certification Division and the Compliance and Enforcement Division. “Each agency contends it is the responsibility of the other to ensure CBEs are actively participating on the contract and performing meaningful work,” the auditors wrote. “A review of D.C. law revealed a lack of relevant guidance regarding CBE oversight. For the OLG contract, we found that DSLBD allowed Intralot to violate the law by using a subcontractor, DC09, to pay CBEs. DSLBD awarded credit toward the 35 percent CBE participation goal for work not performed by two CBEs.” The auditors concluded: “The CBE compliance rate is less than 1 percent one year into a fiveyear contract. We also found that OLG did not require Intralot to provide supporting documentation for CBEs and that invoices are not being reviewed by the Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR).” WI @StacyBrownMedia
GU
rial functions performed in the principal office. Information provided by McDuffie said those findings took into account whether one or more veterans controlled the management and daily operations. McDuffie, who serves as chair of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, raised “numerous concerns about agency compliance with CBE laws.” His office asserted that McDuffie has held oversight hearings and authored bills to strengthen CBE laws, including a recent emergency measure that clarified the meaning of independently owned, operated and controlled for DSLBD – one of the recommendations found in the Auditor’s report. Established in 2005, the DSLBD
N
The most recent DC Auditor’s report reveals “yet another example of agency finger-pointing when what residents and small businesses need is accountability and transparency.” This pointed evaluation from Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie included pushback against findings that claimed neither the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) nor the Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) have meaningfully enforced the 35 percent participation goal for the city’s lottery as required by law. The report arrived at the D.C. City Council with a headline, “Weakness Cited in Monitoring Lottery Contract Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs).” “When executive agencies neglect CBE requirements, District residents, workers and small businesses bear the costs,” McDuffie said. “I will continue to advance legislative solutions and provide vigorous agency oversight that ensures CBE requirements are fully and faithfully followed.” The Auditor’s report revealed that DSLBD failed to provide evidence that it complied with D.C. law in certifying six of the CBEs listed on the OLG Contract Subcontracting Plan. According to McDuffie’s office, the report indicated that DSLBD did not have an appropriate or effective process to validate three CBE certification requirements in the D.C. Code, including how they evaluate manage-
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“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” – Neil Armstrong
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Will Americans Opt for Face-to-Face or Virtual?
Decision in the Works for how D.C. Council to Conduct Business James Wright WI Staff Writer District residents are looking forward to looking their elected leaders in the eye soon after 16 months of conducting city business virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic. “I think government should be able to function whether it be for in-person meetings or if they feel it is necessary, go to a hybrid model where people are in person but can access proceedings virtually,” Charles Gaither, a Ward 4 resident, said. “I would agree that in-person meetings are more engaging and meeting virtually is not an ideal situation sometimes.” Gaither’s sentiments are reflected by many District residents who want to be able to contact their council members or commissioners in a manner that is more personable. While supporters of virtual meetings say it allows more residents to participate in government because they don’t have to come to a physical building to be a part of a hearing or proceeding, some District residents say their leaders don’t engage them enough virtually, especially because at any time technology can be used to cut them off. The discussion throughout the District comes as the council ponders when it will open hearings and meetings to the public for the upcoming fall as it grapples with weighty issues such as redistricting and responding to the emerging delta variant in the city.
Mayor Muriel Bowser lifted coronavirus restrictions in June. “People can come by and visit their council members in their offices now,” Walton said. “But that is up to the council member and what they want to do about constituents visiting them.”
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Jacque Patterson, an at-large D.C. Board of Education member, said he looks forward to resuming in-person meetings. “We have to make technological adjustments so people can come to our meetings and for those who want to participate virtually,” he said. “We have found attendance is better when people can attend virtually because they don’t have to travel to our meetings.” Patterson said he has heard from residents that elected officials use virtual meetings to “hide” from residents, meaning they use the technology to either ignore concerns or cut off comments. “Elected officials should allow the people to confront them on
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Salim Adofo, chairman of the 8C advisory neighborhood commission in Ward 8, said his commission will hold in-person meetings before the end of July. However, Stacey Lincoln, the commissioner for district 4A02 in Ward 4, said his colleagues haven’t decided when they will resume in-person public meetings. “We have not discussed that yet,” Lincoln said. “I do favor returning to in-person meetings. It seems to me that more gets done. When you are virtual, you can turn the camera off but that can’t be done in-person. You have to deal with that person face to face. When you are in person, you can’t hide behind technical issues.” WI @JamesDCWrighter
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5 D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson will play a key role in when the D.C. Council resumes in-person meetings. (Courtesy photo/DC Council)
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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Prince George’s Officials Engage with Counterparts from around the U.S.
NACo Gathering Prompts Panel Discussions About Legislating in a Pandemic William J. Ford WI Staff Writer Erie (N.Y.) County Executive Mark Poloncarz summarized how
his jurisdiction in upstate New York where 71 percent of residents 18 and older received at least panel discussion Sunday, July 11 there remains a challenge for primary
5 Prince George’s County Health Officer Dr. Ernest Carter, second from right, participates on a panel about COVID-19 on July 11 during the National Association of Counties annual conference at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at National Harbor. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
care physicians to bring their own dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, Poloncarz said during a COVID-19 pr practices to the inner city and rural communities where thousands of residents are
uninsured. In his county of one million people, about 160,000 reside in the rural areas. Prince George’s County Health Officer Ernest Carter said that data reflects the county’s “primary
Maryland Hearings on Redistricting Scheduled to Begin in August William J. Ford WI Staff Writer Maryland’s top legislators will lead a bipartisan commission to begin public hearings next month on plans to draw new congressional and legislative maps for the state. Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Adrienne Jones said a seven-member Legislative Redistricting Advisory Commission will hold 10 in-person town hall meetings throughout the state and two online. “The commission’s goal is to ensure that Maryland’s representation reflects its citizens,” Jones (D-Baltimore County) said in a statement Thursday, July 8. “The General Assembly will pass fair maps based on the robust public engagement and feedback of this Commission.” It’s a process done every 10 years to reflect changes in the population, but Republican Gov. Larry Hogan has called the issue of gerrymandering, or manipulating district maps to benefit a particular group, one of the biggest problems in the state. One reason stems from the state’s eight congressional districts with Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.) representing the sole GOP member in the federal delegation.
12 JULY 15 - 21, 2021
Although his district along the Eastern Shore remains heavily conservative, former Del. Heather Mizeur seeks the Democratic nomination to challenge Harris in next year’s general election. RepresentUs, an anti-gerrymandering group, published a report in May, calling this year’s cycle in Maryland “extreme.” That’s why Hogan signed an executive order in January to create an independent commission free “from legislative influence, impartial, and reasonably representative of the state’s diversity and geographical, racial and gender makeup.” The commission has hosted town halls and will submit maps to state lawmakers. However, the legislature doesn’t have to accept the group’s map and can draw its own. A nonprofit group called Fair Maps Maryland to insist lawmakers review and accept the Hogan commission’s maps. As for the legislative advisory group, Jones and Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) will be on the group along with fellow Democrats Senate President Pro Tem Melony Griffith (District 25) of Upper Marlboro and House Majority Leader Eric Luedtke of Montgomery County.
5 House Speaker Adrienne Jones will help lead a legislative redistricting commission. (Screen shot courtesy of Maryland General Assembly)
The two Republicans in the group are House Majority Leader Jason Buckel of Allegany County and Senate Majority Leader Bryan Simonaire of Anne Arundel County. Karl Aro, former executive director of the non-partisan Department of Legislative Services, who has 32 years of redistricting experience, will chair the commission. “Voters in Maryland instilled their trust in this institution when they
overwhelmingly supported our vision and policies in the last election,” Ferguson said in a statement. “The Commission is an essential step in the redistricting process to ensure fair representation for Maryland's democracy. We are confident that Marylanders will participate in this democratic process robustly to make their voices heard in the coming months.” WI Twitter: @jabariwill
problem in health care.” Carter, a physician with 25 years of experience in telemedicine, said the state of Maryland’s second largest county with a population of 909,000 established a “HealthAssure” program that invests money to help uninsured residents pay for doctor visits. Also, community health workers connect with residents through phone calls, home visits and other forms of communication to link them with health care professionals. “We have to establish systems to help get people connected to care,” Carter said at the annual National Association of Counties conference at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at National Harbor. “In Prince George’s County and in the state, we’re concentrating on how do we get people into care. How do we make sure that’s paid for and how do we keep them out of the emergency room and how do we make sure those folks also get vaccinated? A lot of different systems throughout the country have come to the same conclusion in working toward that.” Carter joined several Prince George’s officials who offered advice and greeted conference attendees during the four-day conference housed at one of the most affluent Black communities in the nation. George Askew, deputy chief administrative officer for health, human services and education, offered remarks Saturday, July 10 at
OFFICIALS Page 44
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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY VP Harris Opens and Pelosi Closes Four-day NACo Event
First Major Event in Prince George’s Since March 2020 William J. Ford WI Staff Writer Prince George’s County’s moment as a national stage, opened by the nation’s first Black female vice president and closed by the first female Speaker of the House, featured four days of suburban officials exchanging ideas, picking up best practices and returning home armed with ways to do more with less. The gathering July 9-12 of an estimated 2,000 local elected officials, analysts and policymakers gathered at the National Harbor for the National Association of Counties’ annual convention, marked the first major event held in Prince George’s since COVID-19 forced widespread shutdown in March 2020. “We worked hard to get to a point where we could be maskless
in a room together. It was a tremendous feeling for many of us. It was a relief,” said County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. “We know we are not done, yet. We still have some work to do.” The county and Gaylord officials implemented some safety measures such as hand sanitizer stations throughout the resort and chairs slightly separated inside the spacious ballroom. Some attendees used plastic hand clappers to help decrease the spread of germs from people clapping their hands inside the spacious ballroom. The nonpartisan organization nicknamed “NACo” focused this year’s conference, the first time ever in Prince George’s since it became established in 1935, on COVID-19 recovery and how counties utilize the $65.1 billion from the American Rescue Plan
signed by President Joe Biden in March. The pandemic forced organizers to cancel last year’s in-person conference in Orange County, Fla. A smaller version took place virtually. Several major political figures traveled to Prince George’s with messages for the 2,000 attendees on housing, transportation and health care as part of the $65.1 billion American Rescue Plan. Vice President Kamala Harris headlined the conference Friday, July 9 and for nearly half of her 20-minute speech praised county leaders with “a lot of sleepless nights” working amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. “Each and every day you take our nation’s ideals and you make them real,” said Harris, who served as district attorney in Alameda County, Calif. “That is why Pres-
5 House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, right, participates in an arm-chair discussion July 12 with Larry Johnson, who became president of the National Association of Counties later that day. The date marked the last day of the organization’s four-day conference at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at National Harbor. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
ident Joe Biden and I see county leaders as true partners as we work to rebuild our nation. We are determined to make improvements
Broadband Access, Infrastructure Improvements Seen as Key to Post COVID-19 Recovery William J. Ford WI Staff Writer
5 Nina Griswell, vice chair of the Tyrrell County commissioners in North Carolina, one of the 2,000 attendees at the National Association of Counties annual conference at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at National Harbor. (William J. Ford/The Washington Informer)
Nina Griswell said one of the biggest challenges in her native Tyrrell County, N.C. remains broadband access. Griswell, vice chair of Tyrelli county’s board of commissioners representing 4,000 residents, said the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the gap that exists in technology. Although the county received a $500,000 grant toward broadband, she said officials try to close the gap through partnership with a private company to help boost its technology, such as cell phone reception. “In a rural area where I live, it’s so hard to get internet [access],” she said Friday, July 9. “A lot of the kids are either going to their public libraries, or going to a lot of the churches the schools collaborated with…and children sat outside the churches to get internet. Broadband access is a number one need for our kids.” Griswell joined about 2,000
county leaders and officials July 9-12 at the National Association of Counties (NACo) annual conference at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at National Harbor. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, established in 1935 to advance and promote the nation’s nearly 3,100 counties, listed broadband access as a key need for counties. NACo leaders stressed lack of internet access also negatively affects urban areas such as Fulton County, Ga., which encompasses the city of Atlanta. Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann said about 27 percent of the county’s 1.1 million population is without high-speed internet access. “Even in the highly populated areas there are gaps,” Hausmann said during a media briefing Saturday, July 10. Other important NACo items include additional federal money to provide COVID-19 relief for housing, public health and other ser-
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
vices, strengthen election integrity and safety and promote workforce opportunities such as teleworking. Through the American Rescue Plan instituted by President Joe Biden, it allocated $65.1 billion for counties. Gary Moore, NACo president and county judge/executive in Boone County, Ky., said each county must allocate its funding by the end of 2024 and spend it by 2026. Moore said the goal must be to “wisely invest this money.” “Let’s not go out and rush to spend the money. I’d like to be able to look 10 years from now and really say, ‘We wisely invested and it made a difference,’” he said. “To counties, my advice is to be patience and be wise.” In terms of COVID-19 vaccinations, NACo officials said that according to their data,they estimate that about 52 percent of county residents nationwide have been vaccinated. Prince George’s County an-
RECOVERY Page 35
that are real, that are tangible, that are felt for generations to come.” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) came on the last day of the conference Monday, July 12 encouraging NACo support for the American Rescue Plan with various funding in health care, behavioral health “and build back better with women.” Pelosi, who spoke for nearly 24 minutes, said the proposed $1.2 trillion infrastructure agreed to last month by a bipartisan group of Senators and the White House “is an old view of infrastructure.” Although the California Democrat said she’s pleased billions of dollars are included to expand broadband access, she said more should be added, such as combating climate change that would produce jobs. “Quite frankly for an obligation to our children, we have to have a greater infrastructure bill,” she said. A few members of Biden’s cabinet showed up, too, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who spoke to the NACo urban and rural action caucus and HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge who noted that “millions of Americans still live on the outskirts of hope. “Under my watch, HUD will change the way we do business. Housing is infrastructure. It is where we live.” WI Twitter: @jabariwill
JULY 15 - 21, 2021 13
BUSINESS Gasoline Prices Expected to Rise Through August Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer At the Shell gas station on Benning Road in Southeast, the price of gas is $2.99 per gallon – about 15 cents lower than the national average of $3.14. It is also about 10 cents more than at Costco on Market Street in Northeast. But over the past year, prices have changed almost as often as one changes socks, underwear or brushes their teeth. Just a year ago, with people home because of the pandemic, a gallon of gas in the U.S. cost $2.18
on average. Now, the average hovers somewhere around $3.13. per gallon. And based on a report issued last week by AAA, gas prices have been predicted to rise another 10 to 20 cents through the end of August. “Robust gasoline demand and more expensive crude oil prices are pushing gas prices higher,” Jeanette McGee, an AAA representative, said in a statement. “We had hoped that global crude production increases would bring some relief at the pump this month, but weekend OPEC negotiations fell through with no agreement reached.”
5 AAA announced this week that gas prices were expected to increase another 10 to 20 cents through the end of August. (Courtesy AAA)
From OPEC to natural gas pipelines, speculation continues as to why gas prices, which normally increase during the summer due to higher demand, have undergone such extreme spikes in cost. “This demand is combined with the increase in inflation as well as the multiple repercussions from
Biden Issues Order to Promote Competition in U.S. Economy
Record Number of Job Openings for Another Month Says Feds Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer As the U.S. Department of Labor posted a record-high number of open jobs for the second straight month, President Joe Biden signed an executive order last week to promote competition in the nation’s economy. The economy has gained more than three million jobs since the president took office—the most jobs created in the first five months of any presidency in modern history, according to the White House. While the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic induced slump, Biden says he’s focusing on making U.S. markets “more fair” by way of the order. In a statement, the White House said that in over 75 percent of U.S. industries, a small number of large
14 JULY 15 - 21, 2021
companies now control more of the business than they did twenty years ago. “This is true across healthcare, financial services, agriculture and more,” the White House said. “That lack of competition drives up prices for consumers. As fewer large players have controlled more of the market, mark-ups have tripled. Families are paying higher prices for necessities—things like prescription drugs, hearing aids, and internet service.” They say barriers to competition are also driving down wages for workers. When there are only a few employers in town, workers have less opportunity to bargain for a higher wage and “to demand dignity and respect in the workplace.” The rate of new business formation has fallen by almost 50 percent since
the 1970s as large businesses make it harder for Americans with good ideas to break into markets, says the White House. Economists find that as competition declines, productivity growth slows, business investment and innovation decline, and income, wealth and racial inequalities widen. Biden’s executive order includes 72 initiatives from more than a dozen federal agencies that will include: banning or limiting workplace non-compete agreements; lower prescription drug prices by supporting state and tribal programs; banning excessive early termination fees by internet providers and ending landlord exclusivity arrangements that stick tenants with only a single internet option. The order will also make it easier
NOW HIRING Page 45
COVID-19,” Karen Condor, a travel expert with AutoInsurance.org, told the Informer. “Demand is even higher this year as businesses reopen and the number of travelers and trips surges,” Condor said. “And supply is lower this year since oil production was slashed last year by the OPEC cartels and its allies, as prices tanked from lack of demand.” Miranda Yan, the co-founder of the software development company VinPit, noted the average $3.72 price per gallon in Alaska. “The price started increasing from the second week in February,” Yan stated. “The factor for this sudden drift would be seasonal gasoline demand. U.S. demand for gasoline is generally at its lowest during the first two months of the year, so the refinery maintenance or turnaround is organized during this time.” Yan noted that the transition season for fuel production typically occurs from April to June.
“Refineries direct this transition and switch over to summer-blend output in March and April,” she said. “Summer-blend fuel is also more costly to make than winter-blend fuel.” While motorists on the east coast complain of slowly rising gas prices, those out west have endured whopping increases. According to AAA, Washington has seen one of the most significant spikes, with the price of regular gasoline rising 20 cents in the past month to $3.81. In California, $4.31 per gallon has become the state’s average. Still, many remain philosophical about the rise in prices. “Global factors of supply and demand are driving the price rises. I am sure. In the retail price of gasoline, the cost of crude oil is the most important element,” said Naomi Stone, a development manager at Room Service 360. WI @StacyBrownMedia
Just a year ago, with people home because of the pandemic, a gallon of gas in the U.S. cost $2.18 on average. Now, the average hovers somewhere around $3.13. per gallon.
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BUSINESS
Amtrak Sets Stage for Advancing Rails WI Staff Report With a presidential pep talk to goose the economy, along with a $7.3 billion planned investment, achieving Amtrak’s goal to be a major cog in post-COVID-19 industry is sure to make America’s rails sing. In the works: a fleet of 83 new trains to update its aging rolling stock. “These new trains will reshape the future of rail travel by replacing our aging 40-to-50-year old fleet with state-of-the-art, American-made equipment,” said Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn. Announcing a manufacturing contract with Siemans Mobility, Flynn said the rail utility’s sights are set on boosting the efficiency of the nation’s rail infrastructure with an eye on passenger traffic.
(Courtesy photo)
“This investment is essential to preserving and growing our Northeast Regional and state-supported services and will allow our customers to travel comfortably and safely, while deeply reducing criteria pollutants,” he said. With state of the art equipment, Amtrak is likely to sustain advances in surface transportation, according to federal rail officials. These state-of-the-art trainsets will allow Amtrak to operate and provide services more safely, efficiently, and reliably,” said Federal Railroad Administration Deputy Administrator Amit Bose. “More importantly, doing so will give riders the modern passenger rail accommodations, amenities and comforts they want and deserve,” Bose said. According to Amtrak officials, the new equipment “will feature more comfortable seating, individual power outlets and USB ports, onboard Wi-Fi, enhanced lighting and panoramic windows,
larger vestibules, a more contemporary food service experience, including self-service options, as well as state-of-the-art customer trip information, digital seat reservation system and navigation display systems.” Amtrak predicts the advances will pave the way to 1.5 million riders annually. The move comes as President Biden, in a July 9 executive order, called for U.S. industry to step up the recovery from the COVID-19-related doldrum. The order directs the Surface Transportation Board to enhance passenger rail service and boost freight traffic. “The American promise of a broad and sustained prosperity depends on an open and competitive economy,” Biden’s order said. Meanwhile, Amtrak will continue to enforce health protocols designed to mute and control the coronavirus, the rail firm said. WI
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NATIONAL Protests in Cuba, and in U.S., Challenge Decades-Long Trade Embargo Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer As the United States trade embargo against Cuba approaches its 60th anniversary, Cubans worldwide and their allies have intensified efforts to reverse the policy. Reasons to end the embargo include its devastating impact on Cuba’s economy and a dearth of adequate medical resources. One leading official, Pedro Luis Pedroso Cuesta, further credits the U.S. trade embargo with complicating Cuba’s efforts to test, manufacture and distribute COVID-19 vaccinations. In recent days, scores of protesting Cubans have swarmed the streets of Havana while those in support of their demands have led similar protests in several U.S. cities. “Cuba has been forced to allocate
considerable resources to urgently secure necessary equipment and materials for its national health system,” said Cuesta, who serves as Cuba’s permanent representative to the United Nations. “The impact of the embargo on the health sector, one of the hardest hit during the reporting period, may be seen in the shortages of essential consumer products, as well as the difficulties national industries face in acquiring the necessary supplies for food preservation and drug manufacturing,” Cuesta added.
EXAMINING THE ROOT OF CUBA’S DILEMMA?
In response to food and medicine shortages, and what some describe as a lack of freedom, thousands of Cubans
5 Cuban citizens held an anti-government demonstration protesting food shortages and high prices. (Courtesy photo)
converged on the streets of Havana on Sunday. In a nationally-televised speech, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel blamed U.S. sanctions for Cuba’s current economic situation and rebuffed any notion that he would leave office. U.S. sanctions on Cuba, in effect since 1962, prevent U.S. businesses and businesses with commercial activity in the U.S. from conducting trade with Cuba. Between 2014 and 2016, the Obama administration attempted to normalize relations with Cuba. But President Donald Trump (R) reversed the Obama-era changes that
D.C. Favors Statehood for Puerto Rico Some Think City and Island Should Join Union as a Pair James Wright WI Staff Writer While District leaders advocate for the city to become the 51st state, they also support Puerto Rico achieving statehood and are open to working with the territory’s leadership to see that both join the union together. As D.C. statehood bills go through the U.S. Congress, Rep. Darren Soto (D-Fla.) and Resident Commissioner Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon (NPP-Puerto Rico) have co-introduced statehood legislation for Puerto Rico to become a state, also. Last November, the Puerto Rican residents voted 52.52 percent in favor of statehood and Gonzalez-Colon
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wants to proceed with the process. “The clearest message from the plebiscite vote in Puerto Rico was that the majority of Puerto Ricans— Americans by birth—want equality, a fully democratic form of government, and permanence within the United States that can only be granted through statehood,” she said on Nov. 10, 2020. “Puerto Rico’s different and unequal treatment in federal laws and lack of votes in the government that makes those laws is the primary cause of the island’s economic underdevelopment and decline. It is long past time for the federal government to put Puerto Rico on the path to equality.” Legislation for Puerto Rico to be-
come a state has gained attention due to the progress of the D.C. statehood bills. In April, the House passed D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton’s statehood bill for the second consecutive year and last month, Sen. Thomas Carper’s (D-Del.) companion legislation got its second hearing ever before the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Some political observers have long speculated the District should work with Puerto Rico to achieve statehood for both, saying the city’s Democratic preference and the island’s tendency to support Republicans balances the political equation
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loosened business and travel restrictions. Trump also imposed a series of his own sanctions, including one limiting remittances Cubans in the diaspora could send to the island nation. Since Biden entered the Oval Office, many have looked to him to nullify Trump’s policies and even lift the trade embargo in its entirety. In his statement Monday, Biden did not address the issue of U.S. economic sanctions. Instead, he espoused solidarity with the Cuban masses. Republican Senators Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, and Mitt Romney publicly expressed similar views. Rubio, who has a strong conservative Cuban constituency in Florida, emphasized the need for a stronger rebuke of the Cuban government.
DIFFERENCES OF OPINION PERSIST
In June, the U.N. General Assembly, for the 29th consecutive month in three decades, passed a resolution calling on the U.S to lift the economic sanctions against Cuba. The resolution garnered the support of 184 nations with both the U.S. and Israel voicing their opposition. Brazil, Colombia and Ukraine abstained from voting. With the State Department’s decision in May to renew Cuba’s inclusion on its list of countries not in full cooperation with antiterrorism activities, there’s little doubt that the Biden administration will change course on U.S.-Cuba relations. However, that hasn’t stopped the
U.S.-based activists from pushing forward with a movement decades in the making. As an example, Cuban-American members of the Bridges of Love project remain involved in the trek from Miami to the District, scheduled to conclude on July 27. Their demands to the Biden administration include: reopening the U.S. embassy in Havana, reestablishing consular relations, reestablishing flights and allowing unlimited remittances. In March, protesters in Havana rallied around similar objectives. For some organizers like Medea Benjamin, it’s imperative that the Biden administration follows through on lifting the sanctions. Not doing so, Benjamin told The Informer, could cause more damage than what has already been inflicted in recent years. “President Biden is listening more to the Cuban-American right wing voice, and saying he’s got to punish Cuba even further for what they would say are human rights abuses instead of recognizing that people are on the streets because they need medicine and food,” said Benjamin, co-founder of CODEPINK, a grassroots peace and social justice movement with an anti-war focus. “It’s very dangerous because President Biden might have an all-out migration crisis on his hands,” Benjamin continued. “This type of migration is not popular with American people, even Democrats. This will be a crisis for the Biden administration.” WI @SamPKCollins
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regarding representation, particularly in the Senate. If both achieved statehood, the city would send one representative to the House and the island would have four based on census data.
PUERTO RICO’S GOP TIES
While the District has long been a Democratic bastion, Republicans have tended to be the favored party in Puerto Rico. Officially, Gonzalez-Colon belongs to the New Progressive Party but she caucuses with the House Republican Conference. She has also served as the chair of the Republican Party of Puerto Rico. The Republican Party presidential platforms since 2008 have called for Puerto Rico to become a state but Democrats embraced self-determination for the island in its platform in 2020. Republican presidents Gerald R. Ford, Ronald W. Reagan and George H.W. Bush endorsed statehood for Puerto Rico. In contrast, the three GOP presidents have opposed D.C. statehood even though Ford signaled support for the city to have voting rights in Congress through a constitutional amendment. While many Republicans favor Puerto Rico statehood, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) doesn’t. He has repeatedly dismissed D.C. and Puerto Rico statehood as bad ideas and suggested both jurisdictions will send Democrats to the Senate indefinitely.
D.C. SUPPORT
A spokeswoman for Norton told the Informer in an email “Norton supports PR statehood and often references how two states have come into the union at once in the past (usually a blue state and a red one).”
D.C. Democratic State Committee Chairman Charles Wilson embraces statehood for Puerto Rico and wants to work with its Democratic Party Chairman Charlie Rodriguez, to achieve full citizenship for the city and the island.
THE D.C.-PUERTO RICO DEAL?
The last two states admitted into the union, Alaska and Hawaii, came in 1959 in January and August, respectively. Recently, there has been talk on Capitol Hill about the District and Puerto Rico doing what Alaska and Hawaii did. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in September on MSNBC spoke positively of the two jurisdictions becoming states together. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) has been a vocal supporter of a statehood deal, too. “Let’s get together,” Raskin said on April 21. “The Democrats have been arguing for statehood for Washington, D.C. for a long time. The Republicans have been arguing for statehood for Puerto Rico for a long time. I assume everybody means it. Let’s get together and do it the way this has happened periodically, systematically throughout American history.” However, Ty Hobson-Powell, a lead organizer for 51 for 51 who wants to alter the filibuster rules in the Senate so D.C. statehood legislation could be considered, disliked the idea of a deal. “The deal was when the American people voted in a new president and vice president in 2020,” Powell said. “The deal was when the people of Georgia elected two new senators in January. I don’t think the rights of American citizens should be negotiated. No deal needs to be brokered for this.” WI @JamesDCWrighter
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africa now
COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Another Five-Year Term for Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been elected toa new fiveyear term based on the results on Saturday, July 10, of a landslide victory in a landmark and twice delayed parliamentary vote where the country’s ruling Prosperity Party won 410 seats out of 436. The figures showed opposition parties and independent candidates won a small number of seats. The results were relayed by the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) --which said there would be a rerun in 10 constituencies. President of Ethiopia Sahle-Work Zewde addresses the crowd during an event in Addis Ababa following the announcement. "Given the turmoil of peace in some areas, the complexity in the politics, the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, and also the situation
in the northern part, Tigray region. "Even the geographical vastness and the population of our country show how huge the work was. Therefore, the board has been operating in these difficult situations." Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed hailed the outcome of what he described as a "historic" election. It is the first time he faced voters since being appointed prime minister in 2018 following several years of anti-government protests. In a statement on Twitter, Abiy described it as a historically inclusive election, adding: "Our party is also happy that it has been chosen by the will of the people to administer the country." The winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize had hoped to frame victory at the ballot box as a mandate for political and economic reforms and military operations. The vote was meant to affirm a promised democratic revival in Africa's second-most populous nation, with Abiy vowing a clean break with repression that tarnished past electoral cycles. The ruling coalition that preceded him claimed staggering majorities in 2015 and 2010 polls that observers said fell far short of international standards for fairness. A more open contest in 2005 saw big opposition gains but led to a lethal crackdown on protests over contested results. Although the state-affiliated Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) observed "no serious or widespread human rights violations" at election stations, voting occurred in around one-fifth of the country's 547 constituencies due to ethnic violence or logistical issues. WI
caribbean now Saint Lucia Elections Scheduled for July 26
Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has announced that Saint Lucians will go to the polls on Monday July, 26, 2021. Nomination day will be on July 16, the Prime Minister said in a recent address to the nation. He said that in keeping with the requirements of the constitution, he advised the Governor General to dissolve parliament and issue the writ of elections. “The circumstances of life as we know it now will mark this as one of the most important elections that any of us alive is likely to face in our lifetime,” Chastanet asserted.“We truly are at a crossroad.” According to Chastanet, it was important that people listen and evaluate the plans and programmes being put forward by the political parties. He explained that the upcoming poll is not an ordinary one. “This is an election for the ages,” he said. “While the Labor Party has been beating pans, we have been busy making plans and these plans are for your future, plans which are designed to help hard-working Saint Lucians and to develop our country by moving it forward.” he declared. The opposition Saint Lucia Labor Party (SLP) responded to the announcement of the election date with a post on its official Facebook page. “Saint Lucia, we are ready to serve. Finally, June 26, 2021. We are ready,” declared the SLP, which has been clamouring for Chastanet to “ring the bell.” WI
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APPROVAL
HEALTH COVID-19 UPDATE
CDC Releases School Guidelines Information for Anxious Parents William J. Ford WI Staff Writer For parents trying to determine how schools will reopen in the fall, many in the D.C. region plan to follow recommended guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. In its most recent update Friday, July 9, the CDC highlights teachers, staff and students not fully vaccinated should “consistently” wear masks inside school buildings for students in prekindergarten through 12th grade. Outdoor usage, however, isn’t necessary unless in a crowded environment or limited space. The agency suggests children ages 2 and younger do not wear masks and schools open on a full-time basis. The only COVID-19 vaccine available for those ages 2 to 15 remains the dose produced by Pfizer-BioNTech.
The company announced last month it will begin trials to vaccinated children 12 and younger. “The guidance is intended to help administrators and local health officials select appropriate, layered prevention strategies and understand how to safely transition learning environments out of COVID-19 pandemic precautions . . . ” according to the CDC guidelines. Students in Prince George’s County are scheduled to return back to school five days a week when the first day begins Sept. 8. However, the state of Maryland’s second largest school district has allowed parents with children in grades kindergarten to sixth grade to apply for virtual learning for the first semester. As of June 28, about 800 families enrolled. The application process ended Friday for students in grades seven
5 Jamara Bell, 17, receives a Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine May 14 at a vaccine-a-thon at the Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Center in Landover. (FILE: Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)
through 12 for online learning. These students must have a minimum grade-point-average of 2.5 and “an exceptional attendance record.” “We’re going to continue to follow CDC guidelines to ensure [students] safety when they return in the fall,” public schools CEO Monica Goldson said in an interview June 28. “Right now, there still must be mask-wearing in our school facilities. We will continue to keep our parents and community updated,” she said. School board member Belinda Queen said parents she’s talked with
5 Screening recommendations for school districts based on level of community transition. (Photo courtesy of the CDC)
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children 12 and younger who appear to be concerned about a vaccine not being available for them when the school year begins. “I think [students] should wear masks as much as possible and they should be outside as much as possible to get fresh air,” she said. “Parents need to make the best decisions for their children.” For students 12 and older still in need of a vaccine, vaccination clinics are scheduled between 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. beginning Tuesday, July 13 at Oxon Hill School. The other list of schools can be found at https://bit. ly/2VwkjeO. School guidelines from the CDC can be found at https://bit.ly/3kdRrT5. Here are a few: • Use of a frequent COVID-19 screening testing program for students, teachers and staff who are not fully vaccinated. • Improve ventilation in the buildings by opening multiple doors and windows, child-safe fans and make changes in the HVAC or air filtration systems. • Students stay home when feeling sick.
• Maintain a physical distance of at least three feet. • Constantly reinforce washing hands for at least 20 seconds. If sinks are available, then provide hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol (for those who can use it). “If school administrators decide to remove any of the prevention strategies for their school based on local conditions, they should remove them one at a time and monitor closely…” according to the CDC. “Schools should communicate their strategies and any changes in plans to teachers, staff, and families, and directly to older students, using accessible materials and communication channels, in a language and at a literacy level that teachers, staff, students and families understand,” the CDC said. WI @jabariwill
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HEALTH
Prince George’s AKAs to Harvest 1,908 Potatoes to Feed Food Insecure Families WI Staff Report Psi Epsilon Omega (PEO) Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has launched its “1908 Potato Harvest Gardening” project. Members of the sorority will continue to plant potatoes this summer that will be harvested in the fall and given to county families in need. “The purpose of this initiative is to grow and harvest healthy and nutritious potatoes to fight against food insecurity in Prince George’s County,” said Benita A. Swindell, Psi Epsilon Omega President. “We want to plant and harvest 1,908 potatoes to donate to a local food pantry in September or October (depending on our growing schedule). 1,908 potatoes are significant because the sorority was founded in 1908 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C.,” she said. Potatoes count as great produce to raise as they are low maintenance and have a long shelf life once harvested. The group estimates that it will take 75-115 days to grow the potatoes. Currently, the sorority has an 8 X 8 plot at the Bowie Community Garden Center.
DISB COFFEE & CAPITAL Starting or Expanding a Small Business? Access the capital you need through DC BizCAP. 5 Members of Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. plant potatoes to help food-insecure families in Prince George's County. They will harvest the potatoes this fall and donate them to a food pantry. (Photo courtesy Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.)
Psi Epsilon Omega’s Environmental Justice Subcommittee highlighted food insecurity as an Environmental Justice issue, which is why the chapter is taking action. The potatoes will be donated to the Elizabeth House, a food pantry that serves the homeless and working poor in Laurel, Md. “Serving the community is our priority; we strive to meet the most pressing needs of people and families in
our service areas of Laurel, Bowie and Greenbelt,” added Swindell. “Eventually we hope our potato harvest is going to multiply and feed plenty.” Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated®, Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter was chartered in 2007. Since its founding, the chapter has been aggressively implementing its programs of service in Laurel, Bowie and Greenbelt, Maryland. WI
D.C. Greens Sets ‘Ground Opening’ for Ward 8 Urban Farm
Natalie C. Hockaday WI Staff Writer
DC Greens plans to launch The Well at Oxon Hill with a “ground opening” in Congress Heights July,
14 from 11 a.m. to noon. The Well is bringing a community wellness space to the community that will foster urban farming and resources to fulfill the community. DC Greens previously operated
another urban farm on K Street but it closed in 2018 after a decade of operation.. The new farm, on a site in Ward 8, reflects joint work by the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, The Green Scheme, Friends of Oxon Run, Soul of the City and fellow community members surrounding Oxon Run park. Customers will have access to seasonal crops, a pick-your-own flower garden, a farm products stand, and a large youth garden with outdoor classroom where cultivation and harvest information will be delivered. The group’s announcement voices hope to nourish Ward 8, which struggles with food security due to a lack of nutritious resources. DC Greens officials also express a desire to spread throughout the rest of the District in a fight against hunger. Those interested in attending can register via eventbrite here. WI
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Attend a FREE presentation on DC BizCAP— Access to capital programs for District small businesses. On July 27, join the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) and Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) to learn about innovative alternatives to financing for District entrepreneurs and small business owners.
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DC BizCAP Contact: Aaron Fenwick aaron.fenwick@dc.gov or 202-442-7821 SBRC/Event Contact: Joy Douglas joy.douglas@dc.gov or 202-442-8690
JULY 15 - 21, 2021 21
EDUCATION Health Experts Debate ‘Need’ for 10,000 Steps Exercise Regiment Each Day Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer From pedometers to the fitness tracking band and Fitbit and cellphones, Americans appear to be obsessed with their health and monitoring their daily steps counts as a sure-fire way of determining if you’re healthy. Many health buffs have set a goal of achieving at least 10,000 steps each day, based on theories that the number represents a benchmark leading to a better quality of life.
However, a recent report noted that adhering to the 10,000 steps rule remains something rooted in mere coincidence and lacks the support of medical research. “According to Dr. I-Min Lee, a professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and an expert on step counts and health, the 10,000-steps target became popular in Japan in the 1960s,” reported Gretchen Reynolds of the New York Times. “A clockmaker, hoping to cap-
5 A recent report noted that attaining to the 10,000 steps rule remains something rooted in mere coincidence and lacks the support of medical research. (Photo courtesy eehealth.org)
italize on interest in fitness after the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, mass-produced a pedometer with a name that, when written in Japanese characters, resembled a walking man. It also translated as ‘10,000-steps meter,’ creating a walking aim that, through the decades, somehow became embedded in our global consciousness — and fitness trackers.” Dr. Lee’s study concluded that women in their 70s who managed
Even Unfiled Tax Payers Can Expect Child Tax Credit Checks
Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer For the first time the Internal Revenue Service will distribute checks to those who have not filed federal income tax as part of their expanded Child Tax Credit program. Families eligible will receive checks of up to $1,800 between July 15 and December however, the tax credit has a wrinkle that may prompt some families to bypass the federal program. President Joe Biden signed the enhanced Child Tax Credit bill into law June 21, which he called Child Tax Credit Awareness Day in which children advocates, faithbased organizations and elected officials held events to make people aware of the program. “ For parents working to make
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as few as 4,400 steps a day reduced their risk of premature death by about 40 percent, compared to those with 2,700 or fewer steps. “The risk of early death continued to drop among the women walking more than 5,000 steps a day but benefits plateaued at about 7,500 daily steps,” Dr. Lee found, according to the New York Times report. Still, today’s science continues to insist that everyone needs 10,000 steps each day, or five miles, for good health and potential longevity. “Daily steps have a whole host of health benefits like lowering the risk of high blood pressure or high cholesterol, strengthening your bones and muscles, burning calories and elevating your mood,” Dr. Pouya Shafipour, a physician with Paloma Health, told the Informer. “The number of steps accumulated is more important than the intensity of the steps taken. Really, anything is better than sitting as it relates to the longevity of life,” Dr. Shafipour asserted. So, do you need 10,000 steps? “The short answer is no,” insisted Chris Zehnder, the founder of Counter-Fitness. “The CDC recommendations for adult physical activity is 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity. So, for example, walking is a moderate-intensity activity, or people can do 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity activity,” Zehnder found. “More important and often overlooked is that many benefits
are not realized from physical activity until you hit more vigorous levels of intensity,” Zehnder said. “For example, bone formation typically requires an intensity level of 75 to 85 percent of your maximum. So, rather than using a steps per day metric as your exercise goal, it would be prudent to create a plan that will have results specific to the needs of your body.” Lizzie May, a certified fitness trainer and consultant for Mom Loves Best, observed that the ability to reach 10,000 steps comes down to lifestyle choices. “For example, I worked in a hot climate and owned a scooter to transport me from point A to B. I rarely walked,” May explained. “I opted to drive everywhere because of the heat and I would be sitting all day working. As a result, even a workout in the gym would only accumulate 500 steps. I was shocked when I used a smartwatch and tracked only 2,500 steps per day. To increase my daily activity, I would need to schedule a time to walk for 30-60 minutes,” May said. Instead, May purchased a bicycle and said she relies solely on cycling or walking to get around. “My commuting time has been swapped with low-intensity movement,” May said. “That made a massive difference to my overall energy expenditure for the day. Although my fitness tracker does not convert steps from my time spent cycling, I quickly reached 8,000 to10,000 steps per day.” WI @StacyBrownMedia
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TAX from Page 22 ends meet and raise their children with greater security, dignity, and opportunity, help is here,” Biden said. “ On this Child Tax Credit Awareness day, let us all work together to make sure that the help that is here reaches those who most need it, this year and for years to come.” The action increases the benefit from a $2,000 credit, taken annually when you file your taxes, to $3,600 per child and in communities like Néw Carrollton the checks are a welcome relief. “The tax credits are very important because many of the residents have food insecurity and basic necessities,” said New Carrollron Mayor Phelecia Nembhard. “We are still feeding thousands weekly but the need is so great.” In terms of the tax credit half of the disbursements will be divided into six payments to be paid out in cash, on a monthly basis, from July through December, and the rest will be claimed on individual 2021 tax returns. The IRS offers guidance at ChildTaxCredit.Gov. in English and Spanish, as well as a link to help families sign up. “We want every eligible family in D.C. to benefit from President
EDUCATION
Biden’s expansion of the Child Tax Credit, ” Mayor Muriel Bowser said on June 21. “Whether it is rent relief or the expanded Child Tax Credit, we know that these investments will only help our families if people know about them and know how to access them. Let’s work together to spread the word in D.C. and get all families the relief they need to recover.” From the Arch in Southeast D.C. to city hall in New Carrollton, long lines of people and cars continue to line up for fresh produce and boxes of food that are donated by grocers and organizations across the area. “Nearly all families in Maryland should receive their monthly payment beginning July 15 without any further action required,” said Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) in a statement July 8. “However, families that don’t usually file tax returns should register for the Child Tax Credit and update important information by using the IRS Child Tax Credit Non-filer Signup Tool today.” Hoyer said, “These monthly payments will be critical to improving the well-being of our families, and I will continue working hard to ensure that struggling households have the resources they need to get ahead.” WI
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS
EDITORIAL
Ending Gun Violence Requires Everyone to Get Involved
D.C.’s homicide rate has climbed above 100, surpassing the rate last year at this time. D.C. is not alone. Gun violence is exploding in cities across the country. It’s terrible and getting worse. So much so that Mayor Muriel Bowser was conspicuously seated next to President Joe Biden recently at a White House meeting with law enforcement, community leaders, and mayors to discuss the crisis and solutions to ending it. Biden outlined a five-point plan to reduce gun violence. It includes the “crackdown on rogue gun dealers” and creating new strike forces to crack down on illegal gun trafficking. The president is also seeking to fund, not “defund” the police or “law enforcement” through the American Rescue Plan to hire police and pay them overtime to advance community policing. He plans to invest in intervention programs by engaging “trusted community members” to intervene before violence erupts. The plan also includes funding mental health and substance abuse disorder programs, job training, and summer job programs. And lastly, his plan will fund programs to support formerly incarcerated people to successfully reenter society with housing, jobs, training, and other support services. As the president pointed out, there is no “one-size-fits-all” to ending gun violence. And, a question one young person recently asked the mayor continues to reverberate. “How do you get young people who care little about their own lives to care about the lives of others?” Her question was in response to the reluctance of young people to get the COVID-19 vaccine, but her point is also related to the violence impacting the entire community. Isn’t it amazing how insensitive we have become to the sound of gunshots in our neighborhoods? How we listen briefly for a siren to confirm the gunshots over fireworks weeks after the Fourth of July? How quickly we flip away from a news channel that reminds us daily of the violence surrounding us. Gun violence is a community crisis that requires a total community-involved solution. Each one can do something to save the life of someone. Only then will our leaders’ plans succeed. WI
Go-Go Legends, Like Fine Wine, Get Better with Time The festivities have begun for members of the ground-breaking go-go band, Experience Unlimited [EU], with a fun-filled luncheon held last Saturday. The band, formed in 1971 by students from Charles Hart Middle School in Anacostia, is now celebrating their 50th anniversary. And The Washington Informer could not be more proud of their accomplishments. During the luncheon, which counts as only the beginning of a list of events that will continue throughout the summer, EU’s members, family and friends, soaked up the spotlight – and they deserved it. “This is my life,” said Gregory “Sugar Bear” Elliot, the founding and longest-serving member of EU. “I put a lot of time, grind, sweat and fun into this. Some of my brothers have gone on to glory with Jesus. It speaks volumes that all these musicians are celebrating with me. This is a story that’s never-ending. As long as I'm alive, there will always be an EU.” Sugar Bear was joined by a host of D.C. residents who have been instrumental in the band’s success including Charles C. Stephenson, Jr., Darryll Brooks, Ron Moten and many others. Fifty years later, EU remains a powerful cultural force with a repertoire that spans funk, rock and go-go. Their signature piece, “Da Butt,” featured in Spike Lee’s 1988 film ‘School Daze,’ and which recently drew headlines for Glenn Close and Questlove’s shout-out during the 2021 Oscars, continues to be played by DJs across the U.S. and around the world. And they showed they haven’t lost a step with their Don’t Mute DC-themed per-
TO THE EDITOR Truth Needed in Haiti High Times I'm very disappointed about the assasination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. Though I understand that his term ended in February and he was seeking to extend his term, this was not the way to handle it. I hope the truth of who the gunmen are comes to life, because something is off with this case. Ulysses Eair Washington, D.C.
formance at the 2019 BET Music Awards while also providing that go-go beat during Juneteenth protest parades on Black Lives Matter Plaza during the reign of former president Donald Trump. Hats off to the Traditional Arts DC Project at Howard University, the District of Columbia Office of Cable, Television, Music and Entertainment, the Go-Go Museum & Café, Don’t Mute DC, DC Office of Creative Affairs, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultur-
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I never thought I’d see the day where the Commonwealth of Virginia would legalize weed, but here we are. Maybe this will help the numbers of Black and brown people incarcerated decrease? I’m not sure, but this is a positive step. Lynn Holmes Washington, D.C.
al Heritage for their sponsorship and collaborative efforts in support of EU’s landmark anniversary. Go-go scholar and author Charles C. Stephenson Jr., who began managing the musicians in 1971, said EU is all about family. “When think of EU, it is without any boundaries. I learned so much working with these young men and women. The bond that we have is inseparable. It's forever,” he said. EU, keep making D.C. proud. We love ya! WI
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
A. Peter Bailey
The 'Critical Race Theory' and the Real Deal in U.S. History
I truly understand why most whites and their "Black" allies are so angry with the Critical Race Theory approach to teaching American history. After all, for some 400 years, they and their ancestors have gotten away with misinforming and often lying about that history in educational institutions throughout the country. For instance, from elementary to high school to three years in the U.S. military, I was never taught
the real deal about this country's history, especially when it came to people of African descent. My introduction to Black history came when I was a 20-year-old freshman at Howard University. On the first day of class our history professor, Dr. Harold Lewis, said, "ALL of your lives you have mainly studied the history of people of European descent. In this class you will study the history of the rest of the people in the world." Thus began my learning the true history of this country. For instance, I learned that 24 of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, in-
Guest Columnist
cluding Thomas Jefferson, were enslavers of African men, women and children. Despite this, they signed a document that stated: "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness …" When reading this one can only conclude that Jefferson and his cohorts didn't consider enslaved Africans as human beings. Further along in the much-hallowed Declaration, the signers attacked the king of Great Britain with the following: "He has plundered our seas ravaged our Coasts, burnt our
towns and destroyed the lives of our people. …" Which is exactly what proponents of the Critical Race Theory insists they did to African people. By the way, many, if not most, of the other 32 signors of the Declaration of Independence may not have been slave owners but they did provide the ships that transported African men, women and children to North and South America and the Caribbean. Thus, they benefited financially. Black folks who celebrate historical days honoring enslavers of African people are ignoring what Amos N. Wilson wrote in his book "The Falsification of Afrikan Con-
sciousness: Eurocentric History, Psychiatry and the Politics of White Supremacy": "… The history of the oppressed, as written by the oppressor, shapes the consciousness and psychology of both oppressed and oppressor. It helps to legitimate the oppressive system and to maintain and imbalance of power and favor of the oppressor. …" We, as Black folks, will greatly benefit educationally, psychologically and financially if we celebrate and honor, among others, the warriors and events cited in Lerone Bennett Jr.'s book, "Great Moments in Black History: Wade in the Water." WI
fore that, the U.S. established itself as world economic power on the backs of enslaved persons. Even after the emancipation, extra-legal maneuvers allowed former slaveowners to re-enslave formerly enslaved in a status that recreated systemic slavery. At a snail's pace, social consciousness, mass guilt, and economic necessities eased the difficulty in the progression toward achieving various social amenities. In every U.S. war, enslaved persons
and their progeny were allowed to fight and die for national interests. In percentages no less than that of whites, Black "citizens" made productive contributions to the national good. For their entirety in the U.S., Blacks and other "citizens" of color learned about the value of the vote. After all, the U.S. was a democracy operating on the premise of "majority rule." Although they
E. Faye Williams
Once Upon a Time
Once upon a time there was a country called the United States of America. In the history of humankind, it was a relative newcomer. The United States was hypocritically established under a set of principles and laws that, upon their face, were worthy, but impractical to implement given the mindset of many of its citizens.
Even the author of its most important documents, who exalted the God-given freedoms of MEN, enslaved men, women, and children, and ignored the rights of white women. Essential to its Declaration of Independence, the U.S. affirmed, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit
Guest Columnist
of Happiness." These were empty words for enslaved persons. Comprising 25% of the U.S. and a third of the Southern population, their dehumanization was codified in the Constitution as three-fifths human. They were denied rights given by God and, for most, the only man-given right was the right to work for free — no life beyond enslavement, no liberty, and no pursuit of happiness. Nearly 90 years after declaring independence and 150 years be-
WILLIAMS Page 45
Marc H. Morial
Stimulus Aid Presents Opportunity to Fight Crime with Summer Jobs
"The Harlem Youth Action Project was a city-funded attempt to keep some of the smarter kids off the street … the next time I saw Jet magazine there I was, all the way in the top left-hand corner of a news photo, leaning over Dr. King with my trusty tape recorder in my hand, looking for the last word. I was anything but a Pow-
26 JULY 15 - 21, 2021
er Memorial junior; I was starting to feel like what I thought of as a man." — Kareem Abdul-Jabbar When I was sworn in as mayor of New Orleans in 1994, I was taking the helm of a city that led the nation in violent crime. Although I had many bold and ambitious plans for the city, confronting violent crime had to my first priority. A major component of my anti-crime agenda involved summer jobs for teenagers, which not only would give young people an al-
ternative to criminal activity, but also provide income to families in need. With a lot of hard work, our program was successful. Violent crimes and murders dropped by 60%, the unemployment rate was cut in half, and New Orleans' poverty rate fell dramatically. Today the nation finds itself facing another rise in violent crime. We're also faced with another opportunity to reduce not only the crime rate, but the unemployment
and poverty rates, too. \ The Biden administration has recognized the importance of summer jobs for youth in combating a rising crime rate. In its Comprehensive Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gun Crime and Ensure Public Safety released just over a week ago, the administration noted that young people are disproportionately likely to be involved in gun violence, either as perpetrators or victims. Youth employment programs, including
summer jobs programs, can reduce their involvement in violence by as much as 45%. That's why cities across the nation have an obligation to use the funding they received through the American Rescue Plan to create summer jobs. Of the $350 billion directed to state and local governments, more than $45 billion is directly target-
MORIAL Page 45
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.
The Movement for Justice Will Not Be Deterred
The right-wing majority on the Supreme Court just undercut the Voting Rights Act again. Having gutted the section that required pre-approval of state voting laws to protect the rights of minorities to vote in Shelby v. Holder, Republicanappointed justices now have castrated the backup clause — Section 2 — which bans racial discrimination in election practic-
es in Brnovich v. DNC. The result will open the floodgates even further to the wave of partisan laws that Republicans are pushing in states across the country to suppress the votes of African Americans and other people of color. The right-wing justices continue their assault on the meaning and power of the Voting Rights Act, a triumph of the civil rights movement that Justice Elena Kagan, writing in dissent, noted represents the "best in America." The reaction against the civil rights movement continues. Every
Guest Columnist
movement for equal justice under the law in this country has been met with a brutal reaction. When reformers tried to limit the spread of slavery into new states coming into the republic, the slave states seceded, launching the Civil War, the deadliest war in American history. After losing the war, when the federal government began reconstruction to free the slaves and guarantee equal political and economic rights to all, the reaction was brutal, with lynching and terrorism — led by the Ku Klux
Klan and others — spreading to suppress the newly freed slaves. In the end, segregation — America's version of apartheid — spread through the south and the hope of the civil rights amendments was crushed.Now, after the civil rights movement, the Voting Rights Act and the election of Barack Obama, the reaction has been fierce. Across the country, Republican legislators have sought to make it harder for African Americans and other people of color to vote. The long lines that mark inner-city voting sites are a graph-
ic demonstration of the success of those efforts, for many people can't take the hours off from work to cast a ballot. In each era, the lawless reaction — and blatant violations of the Constitution — have been ratified by disgraceful decisions in the Supreme Court. The court ratified segregation in Plessy v. Ferguson, inventing the doctrine of separate but equal — a concept that existed only in the judge's imaginations not in the realities of any of the former slave
JACKSON Page 46
Marian Wright Edelman
Still Riding
"Boarding that Greyhound bus to travel through the heart of the Deep South, I felt good. I felt happy. I felt liberated. I was like a soldier in a nonviolent army. I was ready." — Rep. John Lewis In 1961, my dear friend and late Rep. John Lewis was a 21-year-old student leader from American Baptist College in Nashville when
he joined an interracial group traveling through the South by bus to test the recent Supreme Court decision banning segregation in interstate travel. These were the Freedom Riders — more than 400 Black and white volunteers who risked their lives and freedom 60 years ago to face down segregation in the Deep South. The original group organized by the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) began with 13 riders who left Washington, D.C. on May 4, 1961, with plans to arrive in New Orleans on
Askia-At-Large
May 17, the seventh anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision. During that ride and the 60 others that followed that summer and fall, John Lewis and many others were beaten, brutalized and arrested. Buses were firebombed and destroyed. But at every step, brave and determined new volunteers traveled to meet the riders and take their places. The 1961 Freedom Rides brought national attention to the cause, led Attorney General Robert Kennedy and the Justice Department to strengthen
the laws outlawing segregation in interstate travel and marked a crucial early turning point in the civil rights movement. For young people today, the fight against segregated buses and train cars might feel like a triumphant victory that is now ancient history. But the dangerous and systemic assaults on voting rights happening across our nation right now are a stark reminder that even though we won that battle and many others, the war is still not over. During a May 1865 Ameri-
can Anti-Slavery Society debate on whether the organization's work was complete with the end of the Civil War, Frederick Douglass issued a famous warning on the need for ongoing vigilance: "Slavery has been called a great many names, and it will call itself by yet another name; and you and I and all of us had better wait and see what new form this old monster will assume, in what new skin this old snake will come forth next."
I have a soft spot for the entire Carter family. In addition to him and his wife, I came to meet Miss Lillian, the president's mother, and Billy Carter, his rambunctious younger brother who wanted to get Muammar Qaddafi of Libya to let that country be a launch pad for his brand "Billy Beer," and his daughter Amy, who turned out to be a wonderfully "normal" daughter. They were a cheerful bunch. I met Miss Lillian at a Con-
gressional Black Caucus Legislative Weekend session, when I burst into an elevator at the Washington Hilton Hotel. There she was, all of 4 feet 11, if she was an inch, no Secret Service agents anywhere to be seen, and here I come, 6 foot 2. She did not flinch, and when I stopped short after recognizing her, she warmly invited me to come on in and share the elevator with her.
EDELMAN Page 46
Askia Muhammad
More Honors Due to President Jimmy Carter
If a mangy, whoremongering, frequently bankrupt son of a Ku Klux Klansman can manage to get impeached twice in just one term, then most certainly there must be one person who's led an exemplary life and deserves honors usually bestowed only once in a given lifetime. There is. James Earl Carter Jr. is that
prince. He should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize a second time, or maybe he could receive a "lifetime achievement" award, because he certainly deserves that recognition, and then some. In 2002 Carter received the coveted Nobel prize: "for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development." In the 19 years
since that award, he has gone on to become the oldest former president of the United States — 96 years — outdistancing George H. W. Bush who lived to be 94; Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan, who lived to be 93; and John Adams and Herbert Hoover who lived to be 90. On July 7, Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalyn celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary, making them the longest-married presidential couple ever.
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ASKIA Page 46 JULY 15 - 21, 2021 27
LIFESTYLE Black Greeks Target Homeless in Day of Service
Handouts Set for McPherson Square, St. Elizabeths in July James Wright WI Staff Writer The leaders of the Black Greek Festival Foundation, a group of African American fraternity and sorority members in the Washington area, will assist homeless persons in the District on July 17 in what the BGFF labels a Day of Service.
28 JULY 15 - 21, 2021
Starting at 10 a.m. on July 17, members of college-based Greek letter organizations will meet at McPherson Square in Northwest to distribute free hygiene products, clothing, sleeping bags and other necessities for the homeless population that tends to congregate there. Natalie Andrade, a co-director of the Day of Service, said “from the very beginning we
5 Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. prepare to feed the homeless. (Courtesy
wanted to focus on serving the homeless in the community.” “Many homeless people are experiencing trauma during the COVID-19 period,” Andrade said. “Not only are they having problems getting permanent housing, but there are food in-
security and personal safety concerns.” Andrade, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, realizes that Black Greeks have a reputation in the Washington area centered on socializing, not social justice. She said the BGFF, through its Day of Service, will give Greek organization members and the general public the chance to help those who are less fortunate. Large Black Greek picnics take place in cities like Atlanta and Philadelphia but Andrade said the BGFF focuses on older and more mature members who want to help people “and not just have a big party.” The Day of Service has received the support of Target, a retail outlet, and DMV Does Good, a Bowie, Md. non-profit service group. Both are providing needed products.In addition, more than 500 hygiene samples, donated by The Honey Pot Company, a female personal products manufacturer, are to be distributed to the Harriet Tubman Women’s Shelter in Ward 7. Andrade said McPherson Square became the focal point of the Day of Service because “it is centrally located and...close to different communities.” “We received recommendations from many people in the city and McPherson Square consistently was mentioned as
a place where homeless people tend to be,” she said. “Next year, we will consider other areas of the city such as neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River. We want to go where the need is.” Andrade said in July, there will be virtual panel discussions focused on the problems of homeless youth and families with experts in the fields of social work, education and the nonprofit sector. Additionally, on July 24, the Black Greek Festival will take place on the campus of St. Elizabeths East. There will be in-person events such as information booths, vendors, food trucks, music and games. Sponsors for the festival include Miles & Stockbridge’s Black Business & Start-Up Initiative and the Sponsorship Concierge, the D.C. Board of Elections, the Mayor’s Office on African American Affairs, Cricket Wireless, Greekaholics, Battery Xchange and Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey are also partnering with the BGFF for the festival. “We want to create an environment where people will remember their roots and celebrate the milestones of our culture,” Andrade said. “Everyone is welcome to attend our events. They are not just for Black Greeks only.” WI @JamesDCWrighter
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SAFE PASSAGE from Page 1 Dr. Carlene Reid, the Ward 8 State Board of Education representative. On July 7, Reid and her board colleagues sent D.C. Council Chairperson Phil Mendelson (D) a letter asking that the D.C. Council does its part to get the enhanced Safe Passage program started at the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year. For Reid, carrying out such a request may require the use of funds left over at the end of this fiscal year, or enlisting volunteers. “We at the State Board gave a gentle tap to remind people that this is what the application of the fiscal budget looks like. We have students who can’t wait until January 2022,” said Reid, also a member of the SBOE’s Outreach & Advocacy committee. “As our letter concluded, the State Board is ready to assist.”
A STATE OF EMERGENCY
Joe Biden (D) at a meeting where she shared her plan for gun violence reduction and requested the federal government’s assistance in amending the local judicial system to ease the prosecution of violent offenders. This week, District homicides climbed past 100 for 2021, according to data compiled by the Metropolitan Police Department. As violence reached levels not seen in more than a decade, many of the bloody incidents involved people under the age of 24. At the beginning of the year, in the aftermath of college student Edward Wade’s gun-related death at the New 7 Market on Good Hope Road in Southeast, violence prevention specialists, city leaders, and community members increased their focus on what many believed to an epidemic caused, in part, by the dearth of extracurricular activities amid the COVID pandemic. In June, Bowser announced, as part of her FY 2022 budget proposal, a $59 million comprehensive, public-health focused approach to
Bowser recently joined President Q4 AMTRAK PRINT 1_Washington
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preventing gun violence. In addition to enhancing the District’s Safe Passage Program, the plan allows for more youth activities and training of school resource officers. Bowser’s plan also involves the city’s violence interrupters and credible messengers, the numbers of which would be increased. This aspect of the plan, which comes with a price tag of more than $8 million, comes on the cusp of a citywide grassroots movement that unites violence interrupters and credible messengers around the goal of quelling neighborhood disputes.
NO SLIDE ZONE LOOKS TO NEW SCHOOL YEAR
This summer, violence interrupters, credible messengers. Roving leaders, and religious leaders have taken to the streets in great numbers, meeting community members of various ages at events throughout the city and connecting them to resources and wraparound services. 10:33 PM
LIFESTYLE
This movement, touted as No Slide Zone, attempts to end acts of gun violence by not only expanding the web of influence and knowledge that these leaders have in pockets of the city, but addressing the apathy young people often feel about the conditions of their neighborhood. Since its launch and adoption by Building Blocks DC earlier this year, the No Slide Zone movement has established a presence in all eight wards of the District, and parts of Prince George’s County, Maryland and Virginia. In anticipation of the 2021-2022 school year, No Slide Zone organizers have met with coaches and administrators at some District public schools. Their goal centers on creating a network of teachers, parents, and community members that can help mediate disputes that have been brewing throughout the pandemic. “Getting the young people back into the schools has been important,”said The Honorary Dr. Warees Majeed, a No Slide Zone organizer.
“Because class has been virtual, a lot of the students haven’t had interactions with the other kids, so the fights and the petty things haven’t happened. We’re just trying to make sure the things that have happened since COVID don’t spill in.” For Duane Cunningham, another No Slide Zone organizer, known to many as Cousin Wayne, the movement’s potential lies in the community’s ability to trust the violence interrupters, many of whom have increased their coordination and dedication to sharing resources and information for a greater impact. “It’s not just about putting the guns down. It’s about bringing resources, and not just jobs and money. It’s like clothes, beds, and someone paying utilities -- all the things we think a person would need in their household,” said Cunningham. “This is the first time all the violence interrupters are learning to work together. This has never been done in D.C.” WI @SamPKCollins
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JULY 15 - 21, 2021 29
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Akron’s 1936 Champ Overcame Racism to Become First Black Spelling Bee Finalist D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Editor
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Spelling Superstar Zaila Avant-Garde Takes Baton from MacNolia Cox
In the weeks leading up to the final round of the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee, those familiar with the prestigious competition probably expected the title to once again go to an Indian-American youth. After all, not only did they comprise the majority of this year’s finalists but in recent years, the champions have come from America’s relatively small community of Indian-Americans. Students of Indian descent have won the competition for the past 12 years. But like “the little engine that could,” 14-year-old Zaila Avant-garde, an African-American girl from Harvey, Louisiana, defied the odds and took home the gold. With her recent victory, she became the first Black to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee in the contest’s 96-year history. Besides claiming her place in the record books, she also took home a cash prize of $50,000. She also serves as the first champion from her home state of Louisiana. Zaila spelled “murraya” correctly to win the spelling bee – a word which most people have never heard or used in a sentence, much less spelled without error. She said she had practiced for the past two years after tying for 370th place in the 2019 competition. During an interview on ABC’s “Good Morning America” one day after her victory, she told reporters “it felt good to be a winner” before adding that she needed the help of her tutors and “a bit of luck” to win. “I’m hoping that in a few years I’ll see a whole lot more African-American females, and males too, doing well in the Scripps Spelling Bee,” Zaila said. “You don’t really see too many African Americans doing too well in spelling bees and that’s a bit sad because it’s a really good thing … and kind of is a gate-opener to be
5 Zaila Avant-garde, 14, holds the trophy after winning the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee Finals in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., July 8, 2021. (Courtesy photo/Scripps)
interested in education.” But Zaila has other interests and abilities besides spelling. She’s also a gifted basketball player and has even set several records for dribbling basketballs and recorded in Guinness World Records. Chaitra Thummala, 12, from San Francisco and Bhavana Madini, 13, from New York City, took second and third place, respectively in the 2021 showdown. And in another little-known fact, Jody-Anne Maxwell of Jamaica, who won the Bee in 1998, counts as the competition’s first Black champion.
AN OFTEN FORGOTTEN HISTORY FROM 1936
However, while the accolades continue for the young girl, an-
other Black girl, rarely mentioned in Scripps’ stories about previous standout youth, should not be forgotten. That youth, MacNolia Cox, 13 years old and from Akron, Ohio, bested 50 other children in 1936 for more than 37 rounds before correctly spelling “sciatica” and “volube.” With that, she became one of the first two Black children to earn their way to the National Spelling Bee. The other youth, 15-year-old Elizabeth Kenney of New Jersey, also qualified for a trip to Washington, D.C. for the finals. Ironically, when MacNolia and her family arrived in the District, they would be forced to stay in a hotel separate from the other competitors and their families because of segregation. WI
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JULY 15 - 21, 2021 31
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Documentary Recounts Brilliance of Choreographer Alvin Ailey Dwight Brown NNPA News Wire Film Critic
BIG TONY AND TROUBLE FUNK
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RAHEEM DeVAUGHN AND FRIENDS AUG 14
TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD
Gifted artists create a spirit so strong it lives on long after they’re gone. Certainly, that’s the case with legendary choreographer/ dancer Alvin Ailey. It’s like he never left. Never passed on. Documentary director Jamila Wignot records the history, evolution and continuation of Ailey’s work during the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s [AADT] 60th anniversary year. Choreographer Rennie Harris, founder of Rennie Harris Puremovement, a hip-hop dance theater company based in Philadelphia, is creating a dance piece (“Lazarus”), which is dedicated to Ailey’s style. As he choreographs, he puts his mission into context: “A dancer is a physical historian. Valued community information is stored in a dancer’s body.” As Ailey’s legacy is brought forward, former members of AAADT and other admirers reflect and pay tribute to their mentor. Judith Jamison (Ailey dancer, 1965-1979; artistic director 19892011): “Alvin breathed in. We are his breath out. That’s what we’re living on.” Bill T. Jones (Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company and guest AAADT choreographer): “Choreography was his catharsis.”
Their reverence, along with that of dancer George Faison, stage manager Bill Hammond and others, attests to Ailey’s ethos and artistry which left a spiritual impression on his disciples and the performing arts community. With photos, footage, performances and vintage interviews with Ailey, Wignot paints a genius’s portrait that was brushed with achievements and adversity. Her archive is aided by Daniel Bernard Roumain’s musical score and Naiti Gámez’s perfectly lit cinematography. The keen abilities of editor Annukka Lilja help the director and archival producer Rebecca Kent assemble all the anecdotes, details, clips and other vestiges of Ailey’s bio into a coherent and respectful life-journey album. The tragedies of the artist’s truncated existence (he died at age 58) are on view, too. Bouts with mental illness. The slow, deadly progression of AIDS – a scourge that challenges his life until its last chapter when he would sit on a couch in his studio to continue his craft. Not the ending one would suspect for a dancer born in Texas who came to New York City in 1954 to live out his dreams. “I had beautiful things inside me I wanted to get out,” he said. Some of those beautiful things
AILEY Page 33
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5 A young Alvin Ailey (Courtesy photo)
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LIFESTYLE
AILEY from Page 32 became classic dance pieces, such as his iconic “Revelations,” his quintessential blend of African-American heritage, music and the Black experience. An 82-minute non-fiction film is not enough time for any documentarian to recount and depict all the aspects of Ailey’s life. It touches on him being a pioneer in the arts at a time when Black dance companies were few and far between. The nuts and bolts of him building AAADT aren’t as in-depth as historians may like. The inside scoop on a man arrested for stalking at Columbia University is not detailed, which may disappoint leering gossips. Respect seems to be the key here. Other details can be found on a Google search or should be included in a bio-feature film or miniseries if some smart producer decides to tell the whole story. There are those in life who were meant to break through and set standards. Ailey is one of them. His accomplishments and legacies are verified by this reverent and galvanizing film – a documentary that celebrates dance that’s a reflection of Black life as created by a gifted pioneer. A trailer of the documentary can be viewed by visiting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e14XoL2D99c. The documentary opens in theaters nationwide July 23. WI
5S
5 Illustrations of spectacular dancing. (Courtesy photos)
WATCH WHAT YOU WANT, WHEN YOU WANT IT. Food, sports, community, music, entertainment and culture—no matter what you’re in the mood for you can find it on GATHER, an all-digital platform of virtual events, venues—and the best of DC on-demand.
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JULY 15 - 21, 2021 33
LIFESTYLE
With the Olympics One Week Away, COVID-19 Clusters Fuel Fears Among Athletes WI Staff Report The 2020 Olympics begin with the festive opening ceremony on Friday, July 23. But it’s going to be a very different Olympics due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, athletes who win gold, silver or bronze medals will put their awards around their necks, instead of an Olympics representative. There will not be anyone in the seats to cheer athletes on to victory. But perhaps more troubling are
34 JULY 15 - 21, 2021
announcements of COVID-19 clusters that continue to spring up among cloistered teams as they await the start of the games. In some regards, participating athletes now understand that they are “entering at their own risk.” Some have chosen to continue in their quest for the gold while others have decided to forgo the prestigious competition. In a report from Reuters, a COVID-19 cluster at a Japanese hotel, where dozens of Brazilian Olympic team members are staying, has raised new concerns about
infections at the Tokyo Games, as the host city recorded its highest number of new cases for six months. Just over a week before the opening ceremony, the spreading infections highlight the risks of staging the world's biggest sports event during a pandemic even without spectators in sports venues. Seven staff at the hotel in Hamamatsu city, southwest of Tokyo, had tested positive for the coronavirus, a city official said. But a 31-strong Brazilian Olympic delegation, which includes judo athletes, are in a "bubble" in the hotel and separated from other guests and have not been infected. The Russian women's rugby sevens team were also in isolation after their masseur tested positive for COVID-19, the RIA news agency reported from Moscow – as was part of the South African men's rugby team after a case on their inbound flight. Highly contagious virus variants have fueled the latest wave of infections and failure to vaccinate people faster has left Japan's population vulnerable. Tokyo, where a state of emergency has been imposed until after the Games end on Aug. 8, recorded 1,149 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, the most since Jan. 22. International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas
5 Dominique Dawes (Courtesy photo)
Bach praised organizers and the Japanese people for staging the event in the midst of the pandemic. “These will be historic Olympic Games . . . for the way how the Japanese people overcame so many challenges in the last couple of years,” Bach told reporters after meeting Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.
Global interest in the Tokyo Olympics remains muted according to an Ipsos poll of 28 countries as many high-profile athletes have already withdrawn from the games. The poll released on Tuesday found a global average of 46% interest in the Games and in Japan 78% of people were against the Games going ahead. WI
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RECOVERY from Page 13 nounced that, by Friday, the majority Black jurisdiction achieved a 70 percent vaccination rate for those 18 and older. The county said success is linked to a program where canvassers knocked on 284,000 doors that included Southview Apartments in Oxon Hill, one of the biggest apartment complexes in the county. Only 35 percent of residents in the mostly Black jurisdiction of DeKalb County, Ga., are vaccinated, said county commissioner Larry Johnson, who also serves as NACo’s first vice president. Johnson attributes the low figure to fewer pharmacies, such as CVS and Walgreen, compared to affluent, high-income areas. Similar to efforts in Prince George’s, community efforts are now underway in DeKalb County such as mobile vaccination units traveling in neighborhoods and homes. “When we first started with the pandemic to get a test, you [needed] a primary care physician to sign off. We found out in our community that 35 percent of the people aren’t insured and these were essential workers. The disparities were there,” Johnson said. “We are just trying to move forward now.” One positive aspect from COVID-19, NACo leaders say, comes from the government becoming more accessible for residents through Zoom and other online forms of communication. In addition, workers are able to telework and handle various responsibilities on laptops and other computer devices at home or remotely. To ensure a post-COVID-19 recovery, county leaders must work with municipal and state officials and maintain trust with their constituents, said Greg Puckett, a county commissioner in Mercer County, W.Va. and chair of NACo’s rural action caucus. “Let’s create an environment where we have trust and open discussion where everybody’s on the same page and totally transparent,” he said. To read about NACo and its policy priorities, go to www.naco.org/ resources/doc/233931. WI Twitter: @jabariwill
LIFESTYLE
Once Homeless, Now On the Path to Homeownership
Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS®, Capital Area Asset Builders work together to close racial wealth gap and help families achieve the American dream Submitted by Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® Some nights he'd ride a D.C. Metrobus to rest and keep warm, cleaning up in a McDonald's restroom the next morning. Homeless in D.C., Ronald E. Armstrong had gone down the wrong path and found himself addicted to drugs and without a place to stay, first living with acquaintances and later at a homeless shelter. "I'm one of the ones who thought becoming homeless could never happen to me, but that's the part of life you never plan for but you deal with it accordingly when it does happen," he said. Eventually getting into a detox program, Armstrong credits his comeback to Back on My Feet, which combats homelessness by setting up running and fitness programs and linking participants to employment and housing resources. Back on My Feet introduced Armstrong to Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB), which provided financial coaching and a grant that helped him set up a trash collection business in D.C. Although the trash business didn't survive the pandemic, Armstrong rebounded once again and is now working as a peer specialist with the HIPS harm reduction and needle exchange program in D.C. Earlier this year, Armstrong received an email announcement about a path to homeownership
program CAAB had launched with the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® (GCAAR). “Homeownership has historically been the best way to build wealth, which is why GCAAR and CAAB partnered on this series - to ensure local individuals and families have an opportunity to achieve financial stability, longterm asset-building and prosperity," said Joseph Leitmann-Santa Cruz, CAAB’s CEO and executive director. Armstrong, who turned 58 in July, was among the 317 who signed up for the CAAB-GCAAR webinar series and said it was a valuable and eye-opening experience. One of the most surprising aspects was the home-buying inspection process, he said. Also of value: the tips on financing and saving that many take for granted. "They said to budget your money and to 'pay yourself first,' and that was the first time I had ever heard anything like that," Armstrong said. "You'd think an adult who has been working for a while and making money would know that, but actually I didn't." The webinars Armstrong attended in June covered topics such as Understanding Your Financial Relationship; The Art of Budgeting; Take Charge of Your Credit; Understanding Your Financial Rights; and Pay Yourself First. "I am in the market to one day own a home. This program was right on time for me," Armstrong said.
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5 Ronald E. Armstrong is on the path to homeownership
"The information was all very helpful to me and now I'm saving money. I never did that before," he said. "They also talked about setting reasonable goals and taking smaller steps toward owning a home." Armstrong and his wife, disabled due to a stroke, are hoping to find a home in the District as they look to their future. Armstrong follows all the news about the hot D.C. residential real estate market and believes homeownership is a worthwhile and attainable goal, even for someone just starting out and with challenges to overcome. "We knew there was a need and an interest in homeownership among this community, but the overwhelming response shows just how important this is to many families," said 2021 GCAAR President Jan Brito. "While the attendees are grateful for the series, we are equally grateful that we can offer them the knowledge and tools to make real estate a part of their future.” “This past year has shown us, now more than ever, the value of homeownership and its role in creating stability and wealth for families and their future generations,” said GCAAR Chief Executive
Officer Edward Krauze. “We are opening the door for a lot of people in the community who never thought they could own a home to become homeowners.”
ABOUT GCAAR
The Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS®, one of the largest local REALTOR® associations in the U.S., is the voice for REALTORS® in Washington, DC and Montgomery County, Maryland. Representing more than 10,000 real estate professionals in the greater capital area, GCAAR provides services vital to its members' daily business needs and works with lawmakers to ensure public policy that encourages homeownership and supports the real estate industry. Visit www. GCAAR.com.
ABOUT CAAB
Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC with a mission to create opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals in the greater DC region to build financial security, savings, and wealth for the future. Visit www.caab.org .
JULY 15 - 21, 2021 35
LIFESTYLE
wi book review "Traveling Black: A Story of Race and Resistance" By Mia Bay c.2021, Belknap, Harvard University Press $35 / 391 pages "Travelling While Black: Essays Inspired by a Life on the Move" By Nanjala c.2020, Hurst $19.95 / 238 pages By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer You've always wanted to do it. You just wanted to go. You'd hop in a car or van, no GPS or map, no real itinerary, no destination in mind. You'd point your headlights in some direction and drive until you got where you felt like you needed to be. No timetable, no worries … and no chance for your ancestors to do that very thing. So this summer, honor their wanderlust by seizing yours, and read these two similarly titled new books … First, the history: it had to start somewhere — but where? You can imagine how Black mobility was affected by slavery but how and why did it continue? Surely, it wasn't arbitrary, not just "no, you can't travel here," so how did restrictions on Black mobility happen, how did African Americans fight the system, and why does it matter now? In "Traveling Black," (Belknap, Harvard University Press, $35), author Mia Bay answers these questions, starting back when travel was largely of the horse-and-wagon type. Starting with Plessy v. Ferguson, Bay explains how segregation in travel began, and how it spread along roads and rails and then spread to accommodations, and the uncertainty of what might await a traveler along the journey. Bay separates each mode of travel to examine how Jim Crow laws affected a Black traveler in different manners, and she looks at the ways in which travel was sometimes used as activism. Now, though, you're free to travel — not just in the U.S., but around the world, if you want. In "Travelling While Black" (Hurst, $19.95), author Nanjala Nyabola shares some stories of her travels and how her skin color matters when she's on the move. Indeed, what's it like to travel as a Black woman, when guidebooks are not written with a Black woman in mind? How can you draw a line from African Americans on the road in the Old Days to travel now? And now that you can travel, what does it tell you about yourself? These are just a few things Nyabola ponders as she takes readers from Haiti to the Far East, Mexico, Africa, Europe, and the American South. She muses about suffering, the need for literature in Black culture, identity, asylum and the meaning of home. This is the kind of book you'll want to read when you want to go somewhere but you're stuck at home for whatever reason. Nyabola goes to the popular places but she also travels to spots that are generally sought by adventurers. This gives readers a sense of travelogue with a hint of the unusual; her musings on the places she goes make this a book you won't want to put down. Her observations will make you glad she took you along with her. If these don't quite fit what you're looking for, there are lots of other books you'll find at your local library or bookstore. As always, be sure to ask your librarian or bookseller for help; they're pros at finding what you're looking for. Do it today. Just go. WI
36 JULY 15 - 21, 2021
horoscopes
JULY 15-21, 2021
ARIES You've been fighting your way through a thicket recently but you come to a clearing. You can see into your future. You can communicate across vast distances with the greatest of ease. Communication with others is key to getting the most of your week — even if it's a bit difficult (as it might be with the family on Wednesday) or the words just don't come out right (as may be the case Thursday). Lucky Numbers: 10, 11, 14 TAURUS Whatever pressures are on you to buy or sign or decide or race ahead, ignore them. This is not the time to buy or sign or race ahead; it's a time to dart into the space between two cute buildings on your way somewhere else and notice the flower boxes and moss and birds along electrical wires. It's a time to, well, waste time. Wednesday and Thursday are similarly fanciful (good food figures strongly). Lucky Numbers: 3, 10, 17 GEMINI There are so many people around you with so many ideas that the sheer possibility of life overwhelms you. Where should you commit your energy? Romance is a theme at the start of the week. Wednesday and Thursday, your financial situation acts as a check on all that you want to do with your life right now, but solutions to this dilemma start to reveal themselves Friday and Saturday. Lucky Numbers: 2, 11, 18 CANCER A walk on the wide side sets your week on an exciting course. Authority is not in the picture. But huge gaps of time to fill aren't in the picture either. You're busy. As you experiment with ways of presenting yourself to the outside world, make sure you aren't misinterpreted. Sometimes the wildest thing you can be is perfectly honest. The middle of the week, emotions and new beginnings are major themes, and Friday and Saturday see you splurging. Splurge on something that will last over time. Lucky Numbers: 4, 17, 21 LEO A party can be a place to get things done. Your friends are some of the most competent people you know — and a brainstorming session may yield some surprisingly helpful ideas. Wednesday and Thursday your thoughts are golden. Friday and Saturday you are blinded by the glare of a spotlight — much to your surprise, you find yourself center stage. Lucky Numbers: 12, 18, 20 VIRGO Monday and Tuesday are seesaw days — they could tip either way: really great or really a drag. Depends a lot on you. Be careful when communicating, and make sure the details are given the attention they need. Wednesday and Thursday, details are crucial as well. Your organizational prowess will be called upon, most likely in reference to a family gathering. Get out the planner. Friday and Saturday require rubber-bandlike flexibility — nothing will go the way you'd envisioned, so go with the flow. Lucky Numbers: 2, 34, 55 LIBRA The right person at the right time is more exciting to you than anything else. You and you-know-who will get involved in the kind of conversation that seems to last for days. Talk about doing new things together. Wednesday and Thursday, you have very little room for newness what with the unfinished business you have to see to, but this weekend your focus should turn outward again, toward others. Lucky Numbers: 13, 28, 46 SCORPIO The small print will get you every time. Or, at least, it will get you at the start of the week, if you're not careful. Tuesday is a day for details too. No shortcuts. Wednesday you can rely more on your intuition — which is your comfort zone. That's how you like to operate. Dinner in a foreign restaurant on Thursday will put you in the path of a beautiful accident of timing — relinquish control and you will be delighted at what comes your way. Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 19 SAGITTARIUS You are attracted to philosophical ideas at the beginning of the week, but nothing seems to be sticking. Nothing seems to apply to you. You're distracted. Wednesday and Thursday, when those distractions fade into the distance and you have nothing but your own thoughts to keep you company, a philosophic mode of thinking will once again figure fairly strongly. Lucky Numbers: 22, 23, 45 CAPRICORN You are not a flake. If you say you're going to be somewhere, you'll be there — with your shoes shined. Sadly, as Monday and Tuesday amply demonstrate, not everyone else is as conscientious as you. Certain people may have to be crossed off the list of all-stars in your life. Happens sometimes. Wednesday and Thursday you continue to deal with people in a no-nonsense way. You also, oddly, take things a bit personally. Lucky Numbers: 15, 26, 30 AQUARIUS Whenever you're alone with you-know-who, sparks fly. Lots of sparks. And Monday and Tuesday offer you lots of time to be alone together. So put on some goggles. Wednesday throws you back into the daily grind (at work, at school, wherever your responsibilities currently lay) and the only way to get your blood pumping on Thursday will be to take a jog around the block. Lucky Numbers: 1, 21, 54 PISCES Monday you will want to dive into a box of Styrofoam peanuts and stay there. Tuesday isn't a good day for doing anything specific either. Your brain is on creative matters; you're effectively useless to the rest of the world. Embrace this. Wednesday and Thursday, create something. If you have a special someone in your life, create something together. (What could be more romantic?) Lucky Numbers: 35, 37, 48
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CAPTURE the moment
For more photos, visit www.washingtoninformer.com
GO-GO 50
3 Long time promoter, Darryll Brooks, talks about the business of GoGo during a luncheon celebrating the 50th anniversary of EU on July 10 in Southeast. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer) 6 Kymone Freeman (right), of We Act Radio and Gregory ‘Sugar Bear’ Elliott jump on social media during a luncheon celebrating the 50th anniversary of EU on July 10 in Southeast. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
5 A guest working at a luncheon celebrating the 50th anniversary of EU on July 10 in Southeast shares one of the earlier flyers promoting the band. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer) 5 Former EU manager and producer Charles C. Stephenson Jr., an advocate and promoter of Go-Go music, along with his wife Judith, at the celebration luncheon honoring the band’s 50th anniversary on July 10 in Southeast. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
5 Gregory ‘Sugar Bear’ Elliott and Charles C. Stephenson Jr. (middle), with original members of EU band during a celebration luncheon honoring the band’s 50th anniversary on July 10 in Southeast. 3 Gregory ‘Sugar Bear’ Elliott (left) reminisces with Angie Walker (right) and one of EU’s former band members during a celebration luncheon honoring the band’s 50th anniversary on July 10 in Southeast. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
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JULY 15 - 21, 2021 37
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kickball to attract folks to a voter registration event. “This game can make east of the river politics stronger than what it is,” Wilson said. “This is the first time I can remember when political clubs in the city got together to play a game. I know the political clubs from different wards have gotten together to hold joint forums, but not much of anything else.” While District political leaders aren’t frequent sports competitors, athletics between congressional members is decades old. The Congressional Baseball Game for Charity, which consists Democratic members of Congress competing against their Republican colleagues, has been an annual event since 1909, except for 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year's Congressional Baseball Game is scheduled for Sept. 29 at Nationals Park. A few weeks later, members of Congress, along with former National Football League players, are to play in the Congressional Football Game—started in 2004-- against U.S. Capitol Police officers in a touch football game Nov. 3, 2021 at Audi
“This is the first time I can remember when political clubs in the city got together to play a game. I know the political clubs from different wards have gotten together to hold joint forums, but not much of anything else.” – CHARLES WILSON Field. A Congressional Soccer Game has been held between Democrats and Republicans in the District since 2013.
PLAY KICKBALL
The Ward 7 Democrats raced to an early start with three quick scores. At halftime, the Ward 7 Democrats held a commanding 3-0 lead, but in the fourth inning, the Ward 8 Democrats surprised their Ward 7
colleagues with two scores, the result of short kicks and quick sprints to the bases. After the Ward 8 Democrats scored their first two points, the Ward 7 team used a timeout for a passionate on-field strategy session. By the top of the sixth inning, Ward 7 led, 4-3. However, a powerful homerun kick by a Ward 8 team member put his team ahead for the first time in the game. However, later in the seventh inning, Ward 7 scored twice with a short kick that brought two members home, regaining the lead. A Ward 8 player kicked another homeroom tying the score tied at 6. The referee declared the game a draw.
THE REMATCH
Wendell Felder, the chairperson of the Ward 7 Democrats, shook off his slight disappointment at not winning the game outright and applauded the event. “This was a good event,” Felder said. “Whether it was people playing for Ward 7 or playing for Ward 8, it showed unity among our wards. We will need the unity as the election for mayor, attorney general, chairman and the at-large council seats are next year.” Felder said the next match against Ward 8 will take place in his ward. He didn’t specify where or when, or even if kickball will be the game. He wanted to make one thing clear, though. “Next time, we will win for sure,” he said. From the crowd of about 30 spectators, several registered, become new District voters. WI @JamesDCWrighter
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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT
The Golden Rule is for Black Lives, Too!
Worldwide, the Golden Rule is known as the law of reciprocity, which is defined simply by saying that when someone does something nice for you, you will have a deep-rooted psychological urge to do something nice in return. As a matter of fact, you may even give back with a gesture far more generous than their original good deed. It is the principle of treating others as one would wish to be treated. It is seen in many religions and cultures, except it is definitely not across the board for us Blacks. Black Lives Matter would not be needed if we were treated like the Golden Rule states. This Scripture can be used in either a positive or negative manner when governing one's conduct which we have seen time after time. The positive way to utilize this Golden Rule is simply to treat others exactly as you want to be treated across the board, and that includes in every situation. We cannot pick and choose to treat others negatively, because all of us are human beings. We all bleed red, and any one of us can have a transplant from any other race. Why? Because the parts of our bodies were created by God, and they function exactly the
same in each and every one of us. Therefore, the way we think, however, is controlled by what we've learned during our lives and what has happened in our lives. Thus, some opt to want to get back at others because they have had such a disastrous life. Quite the opposite is what The Golden Rule is requiring. Christians are to attend worship service, and we must learn that Jesus is love, and that we must treat others the way that we want to be treated. The concept occurs in some form in nearly every religion and ethical tradition. It can also be explained from the perspectives of psychology, philosophy, sociology, human evolution, and economics. Psychologically, it involves a person empathizing with others. Philosophically, it involves a person perceiving their neighbor also as "I" or "self." Sociologically, "love your neighbor as yourself" is applicable between individuals, between groups, and between individuals and groups. According to Simon Blackburn, although the Golden Rule "can be found in some form in almost every ethical tradition," the rule is "sometimes claimed by Christianity as its own." Christians say that the Golden Rule was given by Jesus of Nazareth, who used it to summarize the Torah: "Do to others what you want them to do to you. This is the meaning of the law of Moses and the teaching of the prophets." "Forget about the wrong
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
things people do to you, instead, forgive them, and do not try to get even. Love your neighbor as you love yourself." Romans 12:3 says, "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Late self-help author Napoleon Hill stated he spent three hours both each morning and evening reading the Bible, meditating and visualizing the goals and dreams he wanted to accomplish for that day. Pay close attention to what his research has taught millions. Here, I share enough of his research to inspire you to want to learn more about the process and to go into action too. In life, you do reap what you've sown, a personal testimony I can give. During this pandemic, a once-everyhundred-years experience, I have been blessed beyond my expectation, too numerous to list in this column. Just out of nowhere, friends call me to send money to me by various methods! It has been an eye-opener. I'm someone who has given this column weekly, without payment for my work, and I don't get paid to host my radio show either. The goal of both have always been to help my people in ways that have been proven in biblical terms, just as Napoleon Hill did. WI
John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.
5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089
1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005
“A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org
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headline and photo for LIF Mount Olivet MALCOLMXDAY Lutheran Church
Reverend John W. Davis Pastor
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.
(301) 864-6070
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
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JULY 15 - 21, 2021 39
RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church
Pilgrim Baptist Church
Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor
Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor
9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724
700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849
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 of Life Church
Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM 5th Sundays: 9:30 AM 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 PM www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org
Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ
Church of Living Waters
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor 4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464 Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org
St. Stephen Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., / Pastor 2498 Alabama Ave., SE - Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 / Fax: (202) 889-2198 - www.acamec.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00 AM Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30 AM 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00 AM Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30 PM Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00 AM “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”
Third Street Church of God
Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors
Reverend William Young IV Pastor
Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor
Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior 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)
5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555 Services and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45 AM Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday , 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 PM Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30 AM
1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 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 E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org
Campbell AME Church Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White 2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.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
Turning Hearts Church Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher 421 Alabama Ave. SE Washington, DC 20032 Phone: 202-746-0113 Fax: 301-843-2445 Service and Times Sunday School: 10:15 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11;15 AM Children’s Church: 11:15 AM Tuesday Bible Study: 6:30 PM Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment” Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org Email: gr8luv4u2@gmail.com
40 JULY 15 - 21, 2021
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
“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org / E-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net
Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM “Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org
Crusader Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor 800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703 Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45 AM Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”
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
Isle of Patmos Baptist Church Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor 1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661 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
St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us... Dr. Raymond T. Matthews Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011 Services and Times Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service: 6:45 PM Thur. Bible Study: 7:15 PM
Twelfth Street Christian Church Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor (Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW - Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion every Sunday: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 10:00 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 12 Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday: 6:30 PM Motto: “Discover Something Wonderful” Website: 12thscc.org / Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com
Mount Carmel Baptist Church Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr. Senior Pastor 901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423 Service and Times Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10 AM themcbc.org
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor 7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471 Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 AM Service 11:00 AM Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Motto: “A Church Keeping It Real for Real.” Website: Shabbathcommandmentchruch.org Email: Praisebetoyhwh@gmail.com
Zion Baptist Church 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 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
All Nations Baptist Church Rev. Dr. James Coleman 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
Israel Baptist Church
Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor 2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730 Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Baptismal Service: 1st Sunday – 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday – 11:00 AM Prayer Meeting & Bible Study: Wednesday -7:30 PM “Where Jesus is the King”
Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor
2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . . 100% Forgiven!
623 Florida Ave.. NW - WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 / Study (202) 265-0836 Home Study (301) 464-8211 / Fax (202) 483-4009
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00 PM www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org
Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith
Lincoln Park United Methodist Church Rev. Richard B. Black Pastor
Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor
1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288
1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org
5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005
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
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"
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 Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42
New Commandment Baptist Church
Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor
Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor
1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964
8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240
13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560
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
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
Rehoboth Baptist Church
Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor
Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor
2001 Brooks Drive District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074
621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032 P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112
Service and Times Sunday Worship Experience: 10:15am Sunday School: 9:00am Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Morning Noontime Bible Study: Tuesday @ 12:00pm Prayer Meeting/Bible Study: Tuesday @7:00pm Theme: "Building On A Firm Foundation"
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
Email: revprbstmbc@gmail.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org
Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”
“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org
“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”
Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958
Shiloh Baptist Church
Matthews Memorial Baptist Church Dr. Joseph D. Turner / Senior Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Early Worship Service: 8:00 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM New Member’s Class: 9:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday, 11:00 AM Church School: 9:45 AM Wednesday 12:00pm Bible Study Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: 7:00 PM Saturday Bible Study: 11:00 AM Baptism 4th Sunday: 11:00 AM “Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”
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 “
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 A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net
Christ Embassy DC
Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator 6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Friday Evening Service: 7:00 PM ; Last Friday “…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com
Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor 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
First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Mt. Horeb Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor
Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor
Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor
9th & P Street, N.W. - W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4288
602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 Fax: (202) 289-4595
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
www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org
Service and Times First Sunday Worship Service (one service): 10:00 AM Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sunday Worship service: 7:45 AM and 10:55 AM Sunday Church School/Bible Study: 9:30 AM Thursday Prayer Service: 6:30 PM
All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.
Email: sbc@shilohbaptist.org Website: shilohbaptist.org
Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM Noonday Prayer Every Thursday
Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor
Email Address: admin@pbc712.org
Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest
Holy Trinity United Baptist Church
Florida Avenue Baptist Church
Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor
Rev. Dr. Jerryl V. Moody Pastor-Elect
Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org
St. Matthews Baptist Church
Emmanuel Baptist Church
King Emmanuel Baptist Church
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
Service and Times Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 AM Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM 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.
JULY 15 - 21, 2021 41
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White DISTRICT COURT Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: " Thirkield Laron Gage© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, CLARK COUNTY, NEVADA in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: " GAGE, THIRKIELD LARON© ", corp.sole Dba.: " THIRKCASE NO.: D-21-625518-D, DEPT: X IELD LARON GAGE© ", having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being Gerard Lacey Plaintiff, vs. Katrina Lacey Defendant. duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not SUMMONS a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united NOTICE! YOU HAVE BEEN SUED. THE COURT MAY DECIDE States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague AGAINST YOU WITHOUT YOUR BEING HEARD UNLESS YOU REConventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ UnitSPOND IN WRITING WITHIN 20 DAYS. READ THE INFORMATION ed Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], BELOW CAREFULLY. To the Defendant named above: A civil and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and complaint petition has been filed by the plaintiff against you proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: " Thirkield Laron Gage© ", from this day forward, for the relief as set forth in that document (see the complaint in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be or petition). The object of this action is: Divorce. If you intend known as: " thirkield laron gage el© ". Notice of White Flag to defend this lawsuit, within 21 days after this summons is Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conserved on you (not counting the day of service), you must: 1. ventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and InFile with the Clerk of Court, whose address is shown below, a ternationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of formal written answer to the complaint or petition. 2. Pay the Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice required filing fee to the court, or file an Application to Proceed of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This In Forma Pauperis and request a waiver of the filing fee. 3. order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all Serve a copy of your answer upon the Plaintiff whose name rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: State File Number and address is shown below. If you fail to respond the Plaintiff 109-66-101511, " THIRKIELD LARON GAGE© ", is as a special deposit order conveyed to " Jus Reign Trust© ". All property of can request your default. The court can then enter a judgement the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor petition. STEVEN D. GRIERSON, CLERK OF COURT, By: Desiree / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " thirkield Darris, Deputy Clerk, Date 4/20/2021, Family Courts and laron gage el© ", nom deguerre: " Thirkield Laron Gage© ", as Services Center, 601 North Pecos Road, Las Vegas, Nevada a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " Jus Reign Trust© ", 89155, Issued on Behalf or Plaintiff: June Young, 1290 W. an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit horizon Ridge Pkwy #2212, Henderson, NV 89012, In Proper is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, Person. Published in Washington Informer June 24, July 1, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This 8, 15, 22, 2021 deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente . Notice of Reference: 0112358-13
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
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2021 ADM 000131
2021 FEP 000056
2021 ADM 615
Paul Ferdinand Salditt aka Paul F. Salditt Decedent
June 13, 2020 Date of Death
Mary B. Jordan Decedent
Richard F. Fisher aka Richard Frederick Fisher Jr. Name of Decedent
Valerie Edwards 1725 DeSales Street, NW Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney
In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: " Frimpong Ampadu© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: " AMPADU, FRIMPONG © ", corp.sole Dba.: " FRIMPONG AMPADU© ", having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: " Frimpong Ampadu© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " kwesi frimpong mma-nson© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: Birth And Death Registry, Ghana: A2470282, " FRIMPONG AMPADU© ", is as a special deposit order conveyed to " Frimpong Mma-Nson Private Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " kwesi frimpong mma-nson© ", nom deguerre: " Frimpong Ampadu© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " Frimpong Mma-Nson Private Trust© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente. Notice of Reference : 0112358-13
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
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2021 ADM 613
2021 ADM 000607
2021 ADM 632
Willard M. Berry Decedent
Dorothy Strong Johnson Decedent
Cheryl Chapman Henderson, Esq. 4920 Niagara Road, Suite 200 College Park, MD 20740 Attorney
Michelle L. Evans, Esq. Offit Kurman, P.A. 7501 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1000W Bethesda, Maryland 20814 Attorney
Deborah D. Boddie 1308 Ninth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Sheila D. Douglas and Annette E. Douglas, whose addresses are 4877 Queens Chapel Terrace, NE, Washington, DC 20017 and 920 Sheridan Street, NW, WDC 20011, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Cleora F. Morton who died on 11/30/2020 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 1/8/2022. 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 1/8/2022, 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.
Vanessa Berry Chatelain, whose address is 38 rue de la Chine, Paris, France 75020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Willard M. Berry who died on April 13, 2021 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 1/8/2022. 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 1/8/2022, 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.
Wanda Johnson, whose address is 802 West Orient Street, Tampa, Florida 33603, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy Strong Johnson who died on February 27, 2021 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 1/8/2022. 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 1/8/2022, 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: 7/8/2021
Date of first publication: 7/8/2021
Date of first publication: 7/8/2021
Vanessa Berry Chatelain Personal Representative
Wanda Johnson Personal Representative
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 000573 Estate of Hazel V. Mayers Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Carroll S. Richie, whose address is 10203 Forestgrove Lane, Bowie, MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Hazel V. Mayers who died on December 5, 2020 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 January 1, 2022. 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 January 1, 2022, 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: July 1, 2021 Carroll S. Richie Personal Representative
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42 JULY 15 - 21, 2021
Gretchyn G. Meinken 616 N. Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Miriam Juliette Cutler, whose address is 2700 Calvert Street, NW #313, Washington, DC 20008, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Paul Ferdinand Salditt who died on 8/30/2020 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 January 1, 2022. 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 January 1, 2022, 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: 7/1/2021 Miriam Juliette Cutler Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
Cleora F. Morton Decedent
Sheila D. Douglas Annette E. Douglas Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Janet E. Renfer whose address is 125 Hampden Drive, Mountville, Pennsylvania 17554 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Richard F. Fisher aka Richard Frederick Fisher Jr., deceased, by the Register of Wills Court for Lancaster County, State of Pennsylvania, on July 30, 2020. Service of process may be made upon Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW #700, Washington, DC 20015 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. 2700 Virginia Avenue, NW #808, Washington, DC 20037. 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. Date of first publication: July 1, 2021 Janet E. Renfer Personal Representative Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Inez C. Jordan, whose address is 6001 Euclid Street, Cheverly, MD 20785, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary B. Jordan who died on February 19, 2021 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 1/1/2022. 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 1/1/2022, 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: 7/1/2021 Inez C. Jordan Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
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LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
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
2021 ADM 000621
2021 ADM 000649
Jean D. Wilson aka Jean Delores Wilson Decedent
Betty Jean Ross Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Quiana Sheree Shaw, whose address is 3810 Carpenter Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jean D. Wilson aka Jean Delores Wilson who died on June 11, 2020 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 1/15/2022. 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 1/15/2022, 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.
Tina Smith Nelson, Esq. Legal Counsel for the Elderly 601 E. Street, NW Washington, DC 20049 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Date of first publication: 7/15/2021
Brenda Browne, whose address is 359 Chaplin Street, SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Betty Jean Ross who died on July 26, 2020 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 1/15/2022. 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 1/15/2022, 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.
Quiana Sheree Shaw Personal Representative
Date of first publication: 7/15/2021 Brenda Browne Personal Representative
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Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
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
2021 ADM 623
2021 ADM 000627
Lucian Franklin Tibbs Sr. Decedent
Robert W. Medley Decedent
John M. Bryan, Esq. 2311 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 500 Arlington, VA 22201 Attorney
Valerie Edwards 1725 DeSales Street, NW Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Lucille Tibbs, whose address is 2014 14th Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lucian Franklin Tibbs Sr. who died on February 1, 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 1/15/2022. 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 1/15/2022, 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: 7/15/2021 Lucille Tibbs Personal Representative
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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Tameca Medley, whose address is 9416 Spring House Lane, Apt. 1, Laurel, MD 20708, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert W. Medley who died on December 12, 2020 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 1/15/2022. 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 1/15/2022, 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: 7/15/2021
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JULY 15 - 21, 2021 43
OFFICIAL from Page 12 a luncheon on advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in county government.
PHYSICIAN HAILS COUNTY DIVERSITY
Askew, a certified pediatrician who moved to Prince George’s less than three years ago from New York, spoke at the luncheon with County Council vice chair Deni Taveras (D-District 2) of Adelphi. “One of the things I’m most impressed about is the number and quality and smarts of the women of color in leadership in Prince George’s County,” he said in an interview. “It’s something I’ve never seen anywhere else. It’s such a great pleasure to walk into rooms of leadership and not be the only person of color, or one of two people, which I’ve often been in places where I’ve been. Here you have a county being led by people who look like the people they represent.” Besides Taveras, who is a Do-
44 JULY 15 - 21, 2021
minican, the county has at least 10 Black women in leadership positions such as Chief Administrative Officer Tara Jackson. In Executive Angela Alsobrooks’ absence, she takes the helm as second-in-command in the executive branch. Jackson not only gave welcoming remarks at Saturday’s general session, but she also participated on a panel Sunday offering advice for women to overcome barriers in becoming government leaders. Two words she used: flexibility and multitasking. She also praised Alsobrooks for creating a culture that allows for employees to spend time with their families. “I just came from a baseball game,” Jackson said. “Sometimes I’m happy when my husband and my [7-year-old] son go do whatever they do.” County officials also received resources from other county leaders and resumed face to face conversations that they didn’t have for more than a year. During welcoming remarks at
the conference Saturday, county council member Monique Anderson-Walker (D-District 8) of Fort Washington mentioned a chat with neighboring Montgomery County councilmember Craig Rice on farmland grants. In an interview, Rice said the county established a new farmer program four years ago. According to Montgomery County’s Office of Agriculture, the program provides specialized training in marketing, accounting and sustainable farm practices. According to the county’s Conference and Visitors Bureau agriculture contributes $287 million annually to the overall economy. “Being able to spread that to other jurisdictions…makes complete sense,” Rice said. “With a large pocket of people of color, this is something [Prince George’s County] can also do and be incredibly successful in addressing some of the food insecurity [and] nutrition issues we are seeing primarily in people of color.” WI Twitter: @jabariwill
ACTION from Page 1 Poor People’s Campaign. “This is a Black civil rights issue but it’s an issue for everyone who cares about democracy -- who wants a government that serves all of us,” Barber said during the organization’s “National Call for Moral Revival” on July 12. The event counted as the first of several “Moral Mondays for Season of Action” rallies with more scheduled every Monday through August 6 -- the 56th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. On that day, organizers will demand that Congress end the filibuster, pass all provisions of the For the People Act, restore the 1965 Voting Rights Act and raise the hourly minimum wage to $15. “This is not [just] a battle against Jim Crow. We are facing interlocking injustices and we must have an intersectional movement to stop it,” Barber continued. “When they do this, whoever they are and whatever party they’re in, they’re engaging in politics that are economically insidious and theologically sinful. We must ask the question on what side they are.” Also on Tuesday, President Joe Biden (D) delivered a speech in Philadelphia during which he affirmed his commitment to protecting voting rights and outlined a plan for doing so. The speech followed failed attempts by Democratic lawmakers to circumvent filibuster rules and pass a sweeping voting rights, election overhaul and government ethics package. This, in tandem with the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, has stoked fears about what’s been described as the Republican Party’s assault on voting rights. As the battle over voting rights continues, civil rights leaders joined Biden in a private meeting. Since his election, they’ve demanded that he and Vice President Kamala Harris speak out against the passage of nearly two dozen restrictive voting laws, enacted in 14 states. Harris, in conjunction with the Democratic National Committee, has since launched a $25 million get-out-the-vote effort ahead of the 2022 elections. The primary tenet of the “Season of Nonviolent Moral Direct Action to Save Our Democracy” rests in organizers' desire to go beyond social media and letter writing to make their case to lawmakers.
Linnell H.Stokes Fall, a Baltimore resident who recently faced both COVID-19 and unemployment, said nonviolent moral direct action has become a matter of life and death for her and others in her situation. Monday marked the start of a nationwide call-in to senators and the White House. Upcoming events involve clergy, women and members of historically-oppressed groups, each of whom will continue to target lawmakers with visits and prayer. On Monday, Linnell H.Stokes Fall, a Baltimore resident who recently faced both COVID-19 and unemployment, said nonviolent moral direct action has become a matter of life and death for her and others in her situation. “We have healthcare systems built to violate and ignore poor people. It’s violence,” Fall said. “Denial of healthcare is voter suppression. We have to fight for voting rights now: Black people, white people, indigenous people. We didn’t get the right to vote by writing letters and tweets. We didn’t ask politely. No one gave us that right in the first place. God gave us that right,” she said. WI @SamPKCollins
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NOW HIRING from Page 14
WILLIAMS from Page 26
for people to get refunds from airlines and to comparison shop for flights by requiring clear upfront disclosure of add-on fees; allow the purchase of hearing aids over the counter and make it easier and cheaper to switch banks by requiring banks to allow customers to take their financial transaction data with them to a competitor. The order calls on the leading antitrust agencies, the Department of Justice [DOJ] and Federal Trade Commission [FTC], to enforce antitrust laws “vigorously” and recognize “that the law allows them to challenge prior bad mergers that past Administrations did not previously challenge.” “We're in the midst of a historic economic recovery and because our historic vaccination program has been working…America’s now on track for the highest economic growth in 40 years,” said Biden during a press conference on Friday, July 9. “But what we’ve seen over the past few decades are more concentrations and monopolies that hold our economy back. We see it in big agriculture, big tech and big pharma, the list goes on.” Biden said rather than competing for consumers companies are consuming their competitors. And rather than competing for workers they’re finding ways to gain the upper hand on labor. He added that too often the government has also made it harder for new companies to break in and compete. “We’re bringing fair competition back to the economy,” he said. “Taking another critical step in an economy that works for everybody. Better prices and services, new ideas and products. Fair competition." WI
were locked out of the voting process by extra-legal procedures like counting beans or bubbles in a bar of soap, or by the indifference of futility and frustration, they witnessed and took note of the power and influence that others derived from voting. Taking note led to action, and Blacks and other citizens of color began to pursue an equal measure of participation and reward. It looked like their efforts would bear fruit until an Orange Ogre appeared spouting "Grievance Politics." This Orange Ogre convinced a small, but active group that their lives were being unfairly imposed upon by people of color, or folks who spoke a different lan-
MORIAL from Page 26 ed to metropolitan city governments where violent crime is most serious. One study cited by the Biden administration showed that violent crime arrests dropped dramatically among students who took part in Chicago's "One Summer Chicago Plus." The program offered an eight-week summer job at minimum wage, an adult job mentor, and for some youth, a cognitive behavioral therapy-based curriculum. The researchers wrote: "Summer jobs programs can reduce a hugely socially costly outcome at a relatively low cost; we estimate that so we estimate that social benefits are likely to justify program costs, and may outweigh them by as much as 11 to 1." A Brookings Institution study
Taking note led to action, and Blacks and other citizens of color began to pursue an equal measure of participation and reward. guage, or folks seeking a better life in the U.S. The Orange Ogre convinced his followers that the remedy to their frustration of seeing others enjoyof Boston's Summer Youth Employment Program found a 35 percent reduction in arrests among participants. More importantly, the effects appear to be lasting. These programs do more than keep young people occupied; they teach valuable social and emotional skills that can alter the course of a young person's life. Youth who participated in Boston's program showed improved attitudes toward their communities. They were more likely to report that they had a lot to contribute, and that they felt connected to their neighborhood. They also were more likely to report knowing how to manage their emotions, how to ask for help when they needed it, and how to constructively resolve conflict with a peer. Boston has already announced that it will use American Rescue
ing the fruits of the U.S. was to reject the principles of democracy which had shaped it and brought any greatness it had achieved. Under his tutelage, they developed
alternate realities where truth and facts do not matter. He taught that the undemocratic theft of elections and the unfair retention of power were means to a positive end. And the world would, once again, be the great place for those not cursed with abundant melanin. This fairy tale is far too similar to our own reality. It's not amusing or frivolous. We are at a historic crossroad and our children's future is in the balance. Whether straight facts or fairy tales, you must understand the significance of the problem. Our voice and our right to vote are being challenged into oblivion. YOU must accept a sense of urgency that is proportional to the threat. You must beware of that "great" place to which the Orange Ogre wants to return. WI
Youth who participated in Boston's program showed improved attitudes toward their communities. They were more likely to report that they had a lot to contribute, and that they felt connected to their neighborhood. Plan funds to expand the Mayor's Summer Youth Program. As the nation emerges from the economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic, it's crucial
that we avoid past patterns and practices that created the economic despair that contributes to violent crime. Summer jobs for youth are a proven solution. WI
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states. Voter suppression following the civil rights movement was ratified in Shelby v. Holder and now in Brnovich vs. the DNC, that have essentially gutted the Voting Rights Act, the crown jewel of the civil rights movement. The so-called "conservative" justices on the Supreme Court are rewriting the laws passed by Congress to serve their own partisan purposes. Now the excuse is to limit voter fraud, even though there is no evidence of such fraud
WILLIAMS from Page 26
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Systemic racism, white supremacy and inequality did not end with either Emancipation or the civil rights movement. The same forces that used poll taxes, literacy tests, grandfather clauses and violent intimidation against earlier generations of citizens are continuing to use every voter suppression tool at their disposal to try to cling to power right now, and in many places "election integrity" has become the latest new name for a very old snake. In June, Black Voters Matter held a Freedom Rides for Voting Rights bus tour from Mississippi to Washington, D.C. These 60th anniversary rides both honored the original riders
ASKIA from Page 27 In 1978, I met Billy, in Tripoli, of all places. I was among a delegation of 80 assembled by former U.S. Sen. William Fulbright, and we were official guests of Col. Qaddafi and the Libyan government. Billy was the personal guest of the foreign minister at the time and kept showing up at our delegation's events. He was a fun kind of guy. And then there was Earl Carter, his father. I never met him, but Jimmy said that he was a conventional kind of Georgia peanut farmer in the 1930s, especially regarding race. In his autobiography "Why Not The Best," Carter wrote that his father was actually kind to the Black hands who helped out on the farm. Carter recalls that his father permitted the Black workers — after all their chores were completed, of course — to gather out in the family's backyard to listen
other than in the ravings of partisan politicians. This struggle will continue. Clearly Republicans across the country have decided that rather than seeking to win the votes of African Americans and other peoples of color, they would rather pass measures to suppress their vote — from discriminatory changes in voting practices, to gerrymandering of districts, to (most dangerously) empowering Republican legislatures to overturn the results of an election. Once more people of conscience must stand up and or-
ganize to protect the right to vote and to counter those who would suppress it. Once more, rightwing justices have written another shameful chapter of judicial ignominy that must simply be overturned. Once more Congress must act to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to counter the brazen efforts of the court's right wing to neuter it. Once more, those standing in the way of equality under the law will find that the movement for justice will not be deterred. WI
and showed just how much is still at stake as the fight to protect our sacred right to vote rages today. This week, President Biden and Vice President Harris held a White House meeting with key civil rights leaders, who stressed the urgent need for taking more forceful action immediately during what must become a "summer of activism." The John Lewis Voting Rights Act is one of several legislative battlegrounds. In a White House proclamation on the Freedom Rides anniversary, President Biden said: "Across his lifetime of service in and out of Government, John Lewis was the moral compass of our Nation — though he absorbed the force of human nature's cruelty, he emanated dignity
and grace. On the anniversary of his journey on the Freedom Rides, I am reminded of the message he shared with me before he passed away last summer: that we must stay focused on the work left undone to heal this Nation." He added: "My Administration also supports further legislation to protect that most fundamental right [to vote] — to make our democracy more equitable and accessible for all Americans." But as other lawmakers continue enacting legislation explicitly seeking to do the exact opposite in state after state across the country right now, today's nonviolent soldiers must stay focused, stay organized and stay on the move. WI
to the Joe Louis-Max Schmeling heavyweight boxing championship rematch in 1938 over a radio placed in the kitchen window. That was surely an act of kindness on the part of Old Earl Carter. Jimmy Carter was always a genuine, down-home, grime-under-the-fingernails kind of peanut farmer and patriot. He was a good soul, I would say. But understand, he may have been innocent, pure of heart like a choir boy, but he occupied the seat of the character in Scripture referred to as "Pharaoh." America is a land of torment for Black people and that continues no matter who is president. The president who sits in Pharaoh's seat must perform many wicked and despicable acts, in the name of the United States of America. It goes with the territory. The fact that Carter was a one-term president speaks highly of him when it comes to the wicked deeds he didn't perform,
or didn't perform enough of at first, to get reelected. Jimmy Carter is the absolute best former president ever! With his work around the globe monitoring for free and fair elections, his donning work clothes and helping construct free homes for the needy from Habitat for Humanity, makes him eligible for sainthood, in my book — except for that stint he did as commander in chief. There must be millions of true-hearted families of "Better Angels" like the Carters in this country, but we rarely get to know them because they don't rise to extraordinary heights. Meanwhile, most of the ones who rise to lead are so flawed, so imperfect. Still, pound for pound, inside and outside of office, of the 44 previous presidents, I'll take #39, Jimmy Carter, as my role model, thank you … all except for that Pharaoh thing. WI
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