VOL. 52, NO. 21 • MARCH 9 - 15, 2017
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D.C. Teachers Protest, Demand More Money Union Rejects DCPS Offer By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer Dozens of city teachers took to the streets to protest after the Washington Teachers' Union (WTU) members voted unanimously to reject the latest D.C. Public Schools compensation package. In her opening statements on Friday, March 3 at Freedom Plaza in Northwest, WTU President Elizabeth Davis said the offer fell short of the salary increases that D.C. teachers and related service providers want and deserve. "If D.C. wants to stop the teachers churn in our schools and cultivate and retain the best and
brightest teachers, the city needs to play fair and pay fair," Davis said. "Our students, our schools and our teachers deserve better." Davis said city teachers have not had a pay raise in six years. "While school district officials like to claim that teachers in D.C. are among the best-paid in the country, the National Council on Teacher Quality, December 2014 report, Smart Money, shows that the average teacher in D.C. ranks 32nd in pay compared to other cities when you add in the cost of living," she said. "Even when you add in bonuses that are available to a select number of teachers, D.C.
RALLY Page 23
5 DCPS teachers protest against insufficient salary increases and other issues during a March 3 rally at Freedom Plaza in Northwest. / Photos by Edward C. Jones
Trump Rolls Out New Travel Ban
Marion Barry, Jr. to be Immortalized in Bronze District Shares Plan on Birthday of Former Mayor
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill Dozens of supporters stood marveling at models unveiled Monday, March 6 that will showcase the late Marion Barry, Jr. next year at the John H. Wilson Building in Northwest. District leaders, including Ward 8 Councilman Trayon White, fittingly paid tribute to Barry on the anniversary of his birth, sharing memories about how the former “Mayor for Life” and city councilman influenced their lives. Had Barry lived, he would have been 81. “We would always disagree, contrary to popular opinion. He would always cut me off. I was like, ‘Man, I’m
5 Ward 8 Councilman Tryon White speaks during presentation of celebration and renderings March 6 of the late Marion Barry Jr. at the John A. Wilson Building in
BARRY DAY Page 11 Northwest. / Photo by Mark Mahoney
President Donald Trump signed a new executive order Monday, March 6 banning immigration from six Muslim-majority countries, notably dropping Iraq from January's previous order. The new travel ban comes six weeks after Trump's original executive order was rolled out to chaos and confusion at airports nationwide, and eventually blocked by a federal court. The ban covers Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan
BAN Page 38
Celebrating 52 Years of Service / Serving More Than 50,000 African American Readers Throughout The Metropolitan Area
Now Published by Dr. Charles Vincent
Her Legacy Continues.
In memory of Mickey Thompson Vincent, Founder and Publisher.
Black History Month at the
Dr. Charles & “Mickey” Vincent
Russian Cultural Centre Black History Month at the Russian Cultural Centre.
Hannibal, the great Grandfather of Pushkin, Black African from Chad, brought to St. Petersburg as a child, and adopted by Peter the Great. Ганнибал
The Great Russian Poet, Alexander Pushkin Алехаидр Пушкин
Oleg Zhiganov, Head of the Russian Cultural Centre and First Secretary at the Embassy of the Russian Federation to the United States.
Paul Robeson record label in Moscow
Lloyd Costley, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Russian Cultural Centre.
L-R Sharon Vincent Parks, John Vincent, John Sammons, Dr. Charles Vincent (Keynote Speaker), Dr. Lisa Slade, Helena Sammons Slade (seated)
Dr. Regina Benjamin (Former US Surgeon General), Dr. Clayton Lawrence (Leap Foundation), Lavern Chatman Brown (Northern Virginia Urban League)
Dr. Charles Vincent giving the Keynote Address.
Paul Robeson, American actor and Activist Павел Робсонь
Mary Wilson performing in Moscow Марина Хвилсон
Павел Робсон
Diana Ross in Moscow Диана Росс
T Pianist and Harpist: Ildar KhannanovIraida Poberezhnaya
Shari Partridge
he Russian Cultural Centre held its first annual Black History Month celebration. It included a cocktail reception, a Russian buffet, and a piano and harp mini concert following the Keynote address by Dr. Charles Vincent. The Cultural Centre acknowledged the rich contribution of Blacks to Russian culture. The great Russian poet and novelist, Alexander Pushkin, was of Chadian/Ethiopian descent. Such notable Black Americans as Paul Robeson, Mary Wilson, and Diana Ross, among others, performed and influenced Russian art and music. The welcome was given by Oleg Zhiganov (Director of the Centre) and Mr. Lloyd Costley (President of the Board of Governors) provided the history of the Centre and the symbolism found in many of its exhibits and artifacts. Iraida Poberezhnaya and Ildar Khannanov brought the audience to its feet with their Russian rendition of American Black gospel music on Harp and Piano.
For further info: www.rccusa.org
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Kendra Handy/Editor Dr. Charles Vincent/Photographer Brian Young/Graphic Designer l
Natalia Moroz (Deputy Director, Russian Cultural Centre)
2 MARCH 9 - 15, 2017
Natalia Batova (Former Director of the Russian Cultural Centre)
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Social Sightings-The Column is published in the Hill Rag, DC Mid-City, East of the River Journals, The Washington Informer Newspaper and in the Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlingnton, Loudoun Woman Magazines 2003 © SOCIAL SIGHTINGS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - DUPLICATION IN ANY FORM REQUIRES WRITTEN PERMISSION | E-mail SocialSightings@aol.com
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around the region
W I HBreak O T the T OCycle P I C of S Women Domestic Violence
SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY
COMPILED BY D. KEVIN MCNEIR / WI EDITOR WILLIAM J. FORD / WI STAFF WRITER AND DOROTHY ROWLEY / WI STAFF WRITER
law enforcement. SheLeave, said they Now threat,” she said. MD Delegates Approve Paid Sick Wait on Senate had come together to bring a Among the programs Marlow
By Tia Carol Jones
www.washingtoninformer.com
WI Staff Writer
Visit our updated Web site and give us your comments for a chance to win a gift from The Washington Informer Email comments to: rburke@ washingtoninformer.com
sense uniformity in the way wants to see implemented are Maryland lawmakers in the House of of Delegates approved When L.Y. Marlow's 23-year- domestic violence victims and stricter restraining order policies, paid sick and safe leave legislation Friday, March 3 by a vote old daughter told her the father survivors are treated. more rights for victim's families of 85-51, which mostly fell along party lines. Part of the bill of her daughter threatened her “She's using her own personal to intervene on behalf of a vic(labeled House 1) requires with 15 or more life, and the life Bill of their child, employees story, her own personal pain to tim, a domestic violence assesspeople provide sickhad leave a minimum of 56 hours she knewto something to to be earnpush forward,” Davis-Nickens ment unit coupled with further of paid leave, or seven days, per year. An employer with done. Out of her frustration said about Marlow. fewtraining for law enforcement er than 15 would offer them unpaid leave. The legislation with law enforcement's handling Davis-Nickens said anyone agencies, a Child's Life Proteca person take time to care an ill relative ofhighlights the situation, she can decided to off who readsforMarlow's book will tion Act and mandatory counselstart the Saving cam-a domestic and obtain legal Promise services from “get it.” violence She saidincident. she “puts the ing for batterers. paign. A Senate version of the bill (SB 230) be discussed thisaverage case will in such a way, the “If we are ever going to eradi“It seems to be a vicious cycle person can get it.” She said at the cate domestic violence, we must week. that won't turn my family end of the day, the book will look at both sides of the coin. loose,” Marlow said. Marlow help people begin to have a dia- We need to address both the vicshared her story with the audi- logue about domestic violence. tim and the batterer,” Marlow ence at the District Heights Also present at the event was The Maryland Senate’s said. Rules Committee will soon discuss Domestic Violence Symposium Mildred Muhammad, the exMarlow would also like to see the creation of a safety commission to oversee Metro, also on May 7 at the District Heights wife of John Allen Muhammad, programs designed to raise known as the Washington Metropolitan Transit AuMunicipal Center. The sympo- who was sentenced to six consec- awareness amongArea children in The Senate must approve the legislation that She unanisium was sponsored by the utive life thority. terms without parole public and private schools. mously theinHouse week. Officials in educatMaryland, Family and Youth Services by a Maryland jurypassed for hisin role feelslast children need to be Virginia the District Columbia must each approve Center of the city of District the Beltway Sniperand attacks in edofabout domestic violence. a safetyMuhammad program foris Metro. Once done, the Federal TranHeights and the National Hook- 2002. Mildred “We have to stop being pasUp of Black Women. sitofAdministration will release nearly $9with million thechilagency the founder After the Trauma, sive-aggressive poor Marlow has written a book, an organization thatbecause helps each the jurisdiction dren about failed domestic violence,” withheld to meet a Feb. 9 “Color Me Butterfly,” which is a survivors deadline of domestic violence Marlow said. to approve a commission. story about four generations of and their children. Marlow has worked to break A six-member board would implement relevant federal domestic violence. The book is “I lived in fear for six the cycle of abuse and state lawsyears. and Six regulations to the safety inof her the family, Metrorail inspired by her own experiences, years in fear is a long time. It is and is confident the policies she system; conduct inspections, examinations and testing of the and those of her grandmother, not an easy thing to come out is pushing for will start that property, electronic information and other equipment of the her mother and her daughter. of,” she said. process. Metrorail system; and prepare and publish an annual safety report of the Metrorail system. She said every time she reads Mildred Muhammad said “I plan to take these policies to excerpts from her book, she still people who want to help a Congress and implore them to can not believe the words came domestic violence victim must change our laws,” Marlow said. from her. “Color Me Butterfly” be careful of how they go into “I will not stop until these poliwon the 2007 National “Best the victim's life, and understand cies are passed.” Books” Award.lawmakers are scheduled Maryland Thursthat to shehear maytestimony be in “survival Tia Carol Jones can be reached “I was just 16-years-old when at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net day, March 9 in Annapolis from mode”. fathers who want equal time my eyetheir first children. blackenedSen. andC.myAnthony “Before get to 'I'm26) going with Museyou (D-District of lips Marlow said. kill you,'labeled it startedSBas 905 a verbal WI Fortbled,” Washington has developed to legislation to Elaine Davis-Nickens, help ensure that happens.presiThe bill proposes that “joint legal dedent of the National Hook-Up cision-making is in the best interest of the child.” Frank Malone, of Black Women, said there is no CEO of The Fathers Inc. along with others who endorse the consistency in 100 the way domestic bill, plan to testify during violence issues are dealt with aby1 p.m. hearing before the Senate’s Judicial Proceedings Committee on why it’s important for both parents to have equal time with their children. “What fathers do with their children is important. We must change this antiquated court system that immediately takes away the rights of dads after a separation or divorce. We want a 50-50 proposition, not just visits every other weekend. We just want to be looked at as parents, first,” Malone said.
Maryland Another Step Closer to Forming Metro Commission
Fathers Push for Legislation on Shared Parenting
Wilhelmina J. Rolark In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER PUBLISHER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published THE WASHINGTON INFORMER Denise Rolark Barnes published on each Thursday.postage weeklyweekly on Thursday. Periodicals paid at Washington, D.C. and additional Periodicals Washingmailing postage offices. paid Newsat and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. ton,Announcements D.C. and additional mailing of- twoSTAFF must be received weeks prior to event. Copyright 2000 by The fices.Washington News andInformer. advertising All deadline rights reserved. POST McNeir, MASTER:Editor Send change of addressD. Kevin is Monday to publication. Anes to Theprior Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, Ron Burke, Advertising/ Marketing D.C. 20032. Nobe partreceived of this publication may be reproduced without writtenDirector permisnouncements must two Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor the return of sionprior fromto the publisher. The2016 Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee weeks event. Copyright Subscription rates All are $30Lafayette per year, two years $45. willPhoto be received by photographs. The Washington Informer. Barnes, IV, Papers Assistant Editor notreserved. more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: rights POSTMASTER: Send John E. De Freitas, Sports Photo Editor change of addresses to The WashDorothyINFORMER Rowley, Online Editor THE WASHINGTON ington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther 3117 Luther King, Ave., S.E. • Washington, D.C.&20032 King, Jr. Ave., S.E.Martin Washington, D.C. Jr. ZebraDesigns.net, Design Layout Phone: 202 • Fax: 202 574-3785 20032. No part of this publication may561-4100 Mable Neville, Bookkeeper E-mail: news@washingtoninformer.com be reproduced without written permisDr. Charles Vincent, Social Sightings columnist www.washingtoninformer.com sion from the publisher. The Informer Tatiana Moten, Social Media Specialist Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are Angie PUBLISHERJohnson, Circulation $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will Denise Rolark Barnes be received not more than a week after REPORTERS STAFF REPORTERS publication. Make checks payable to: Brooke N. Garner Managing Editor Tia C. Jones, Ed Laiscell,Will Ford Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Carla Peay Assistant Managing Editor Odell B. Ruffin, Larry Saxton, THE WASHINGTON INFORMER (Prince George’s County Ron Burke Advertising and Marketing Mary Wells, JosephWriter), Young 3117Mable Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Bookkeeper Whittaker Hamil Harris, Tatyana Hopkins, Jade JamesWashington, D.C. 20032 LaNita Wrenn Administration PHOTOGRAPHERS Gist, D. Kevin McNeir, Lauren Poteat, Phone: 202De561-4100 John E. Freitas Sports Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, Dorothy Rowley, Sarafina Wright Fitzgerald, (General Fax:Victor 202 Holt 574-3785 Photo Editor John E. De Freitas, Maurice news@washingtoninformer.com Zebra Designs, Inc. Layout & Graphic Design Joanne Jackson, Roy Lewis, Robert Assignment Writer) Ken Harris /www.scsworks.com Webmaster www.washingtoninformer.com Ridley, Victor Holt
“
We have to stop being passive-aggressive with poor children about domestic violence. I plan to take these Implementing ESSA - Processpolicies Continuesto Congress and With just weeks left tothem present its best D.C. ranks among implore toplan, change ourthose states scrambling to perfect details for implementing the federally-mandated “Every Student Succeeds Act [ESSA].” laws. I will not stop until ESSA, which replaces the “No Child Left Behind Act,” and signed in late 2015 by President Barack Obama, builds on key areas of progress policies are made in recentthese years through the nationwide effortspassed. of educators, com-
“
In Memoriam The Washington Informer Dr. CalvinNewspaper W. Rolark, Sr.
munities, parents and students. L.Y. Marlow D.C.’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education [OSSE] must Paul Trantham John E. DeFreitas, Shevry Lassiter, submit a plan in April to the U.S. Department of Education outlining, among other details, how the city will support specific groups of students Roy Lewis, Demetrious McKinney, Mark and define quality schools. Mahonny, Lateef Mangum, Travis Riddick While ensuring greater equity in outcomes for both the District’s tra4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com ditional and charter public schools, D.C.’s goal is to be the fastest-improving state and city in the country in student achievement outcomes. “We need to get education right in this city,” said Deputy Mayor for Education Jennifer Niles. “If we get education right, public safety and economic development will be right.” PHOTOGRAPHERS CIRCULATION
4 MARCH 9 - 15, 2017
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AROUND THE REGION
Statehood a Long Shot D.C. Officials Willing to Take
Bill Introduced in House, Senate By Tatyana Hopkins WI Contributing Writer D.C. politicians, with some help from Capitol Hill, recently laid out the case for the District's statehood, introducing its statehood bill and formally petitioning Congress during a press conference Wednesday, March 1. The Washington D.C. Act would make the city the nation's 51st state called the "State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth," with federal representation including two senators and one House member. The bill reads: "State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth is declared to be a State of the United States of America, and is declared admitted into the Union on an equal footing with the other States in all respects whatever." D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton introduced the bill in the House with 116 original cosponsors — a record number, according to her office. Delaware Sen. Tom Carper will introduce the statehood bill in the Senate. Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson delivered the council's formal petition for statehood to Congress after the statehood referendum was overwhelmingly passed by D.C. voters, a legal prerequisite in line with the "Tennessee Plan." "While a lot of things happened on Nov. 8 one thing that is very special to us is 85 percent of Washingtonians came out to say 'we see our new streamlined constitution, we
"By proceeding today, we are building our momentum so that when the Congress is correctly aligned, we'll be ready to move." MURIEL BOWSER / Mayor, D.C.
see the boundaries for our state and we agree to a representative government,'" Bowser said. Norton acknowledged the legislation's slim chance of passage. "We know what the Congress looks like, we know what the executive [branch] looks like, but if you stop building momentum, you simply won't be ready when the time comes," she said. "By proceeding today, we are building our momentum so that when the Congress is correctly aligned, we'll be ready to move." However, neither Norton, Bowser nor Mendelson will have a vote if the bill hits the House or Senate floors. "Our detractors say that the Founding Fathers intended this … but we do not need to amend the Constitution to remedy our status," Mendelson said. "We are here petitioning Congress to grant us statehood just as Congress has granted statehood to 37 states since the Founding Fathers." Carper, who Norton described as a "strong advocate," said D.C. was being "denied representation in Congress and the Senate" despite paying federal income taxes. He previously introduced a statehood bill in the Senate and hosted one of first hearings on the issue in nearly two decades, though it was poorly attended. Norton pointed out that no representative from the White House was present at the press conference, but said the process would be the same regardless of who the president is, as presidents do not grant statehood. Bowser noted that D.C. has a larger population than two existing states and pays more taxes than 22 other states. "This issue is not a Democratic or Republican issue, it's an American issue," Bowser said. "We call on Americans from both sides of the aisle to look to our city where we already operate as a city, county and a state; where we are 681,000 people; where we're taxpaying Americans. "We take care of ourselves," she said. "We are a self-sufficient entity and we are a jurisdiction that works better than many. … We had a recent audit, clean audit, no material weaknesses. We have reserve funds in the bank to be able to invest in the things will continue to make our city great." WI
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5 (L-R) Senator Tom Carper (D-Delaware), DC Council Chair Phil Mendelson, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Mayor Muriel Bowser, and Shadow Senator Paul Strauss announce the introduction of the Washington, DC Admission Act during a press conference held on March 1 at the Capitol. / Photo by Lateef Mangum
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MARCH 9 - 15, 2017 5
AROUND THE REGION
WEEK OF MAR 2 - 9, 2017 MARCH 9
1841 – The U.S. Supreme Court rules that the African slaves who seized control of the Amistad slave ship had been illegally forced into slavery, and thus are free under American law. 1961 – African-American corporate executive, educator and philanthropist Clifton R. Wharton is sworn in as U.S. ambassador to Norway. 1966 – Andrew F. Brimmer is sworn in as the first black governor of the Federal Reserve Board. 1997 – Famed rapper The Notorious B.I.G. is shot and killed in Los Angeles at age 24.
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MARCH 10
1849 – Hallie Quinn Brown, an African-American educator, writer and activist, is born in Pittsburgh. 1913 – Iconic abolitionist and escaped Harriet Tubman dies of pneumonia in Auburn, New York. 1969 – James Earl Ray pleads guilty to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and is sentenced to 99 years in prison.
MARCH 11
1972 – Rapper and actor Common is born in Chicago. 1979 – Grenadian politician and revolutionary Maurice Bishop seizes power in a coup in 1979, serving as Prime Minister of the People's Revolutionary Government of Grenada until 1983, when he is overthrown and executed.
MARCH 14
1794 – Eli Whitney receives a patent for the cotton gin. 1933 – Famous music producer and composer Quincy Jones is born in Chicago. 1977 – Fannie Lou Hamer, voting rights activist, civil rights leader and philanthropist, dies in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, of complications from hypertension and breast cancer at 59. 1999 – Chess player Maurice Ashley beat Adrian Negulescu to become the first black International Grandmaster.
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1959 – African-American playwright Lorraine Hansberry opens "A Raisin in the Sun" at Barrymore Theatre in New York.
1947 – Ensign John W. Lee Jr. becomes the first African-American with a commission in the regular Navy and serves on board USS Kearsarge (CV 33). 1988 – Eugene Antonio Marino is named Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta, becoming the first black Catholic archbishop in the United States. WI
MARCH 12
1791 – Benjamin Banneker is commissioned by President George Washington as part of a team to survey the District of Columbia. 1955 – Influential bebop saxophonist Charlie The Lawdies Office of York Nigel M.ofAtwell "Bird" Parker in New City compliSpecial Education Lawyer cations from lobar pneumonia and other health issues•Does at 34.your child have a learning or other disability? 1964 – Malcolm X announced the establish•Is your child failing in school, especially in reading? ment of Muslim Mosque, Inc., four days after •Has the school repeatedly suspended or sent your child home early? his departure from the Nation of Islam. it feel like your child’s is not 1982•Does – Playwright Charles FullerIEP wins the working? Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "A Soldier's Play,"Isayour storychild’s of a black captain's search for school ignoring your questions or concerns? the murderer of a black sergeant on a LouisiContact The Law Office of Nigel M. Atwell for a free consultation. WeCOMMON serve ana army baseinduring World Warschools II. children traditional public and public charter schools. We specialize in serving low and moderate income families. Call us at 202.627.6926. See us at www.lawofficeofnigelmatwell.com.
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VIEW P INT By Sarafina Wright
Do you believe President Trump's claims that Barack Obama wiretapped his phones?
AROUND THE REGION
3 simple words... changed my life forever. NATALIE WILLIAMS - Breast Cancer Survivor
IKE UDECHUKWU / WASHINGTON, D.C.
He is making up stuff as he goes along. He is looking for a distraction from his Russia problems. NSA and CIA will listen to any call when reasonable suspicion exists, particularly in national security matters. All clandestine agencies do so all over the world.
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JOSE MARTINEZ / PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Wouldn't doubt if Obama administration did this. Didn't Trump commit treason when he made a statement that he wished WikiLeaks or Russians should find the emails [Hillary] Clinton deleted?
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KATHLEEN MURRELL, / BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
This is the same person that went on with the ridiculous birther idea about Obama for years, even suggesting that he was going to provide evidence based on investigative findings. He never provided anything and has yet to apologize. Now, because he has the power, he thinks he can waste time and money on another investigation. Let's see how long he keeps this up. He is obsessed, possessed, evil and completely ignorant about how things work. He is in over his toes with the job and is doing what incompetent leaders do. It's about taking the focus off himself and his own shenanigans by creating a stir and blaming others. It's called the "game" of transference. Along with that, there's an obvious hatred, jealousy for and of President Obama. He needs help and may God help him!
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Any distraction to avoid talking about the main issues, and this caters nicely to his core support who will start repeating this in their narrative. Advice to Trump: If you have nothing to hide, disclose all Russian contacts and what was said. It may well be that there was no wrongdoing, and you will gain more support — outside your current core — if you show that there was nothing in meeting the Russians. Truth is, right now you are either decent but getting terrible advice, or you are a total crook and in bed with the Russians like the rest of your buddies. The more you try to hide or distract, the more it is the latter. WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
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If Your Ad Were Here Someone Would Be Reading It! Contact me, Ron Burke, at 202-561-4100 or rburke@washingtoninformer.com THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
MARCH 9 - 15, 2017 7
AROUND THE REGION
Kidney Foundation Urges Congress to Support Health-Related Bill National Kidney Month Brings Issue to Forefront By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer Nearly 150 advocates from six kidney organizations around the country converged on Capitol Hill to meet personally with lawmakers and put a human face on kidney disease. The 4th annual Kidney Patient Summit, organized and led by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), was held in the District on March 6-7, urging members of Congress to support a pilot program which seeks to improve early detection and care for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). "Earlier today these tireless advocates were walking the hallowed halls of the Capitol meeting with lawmakers and their staffs urging them to support three priorities," said Kevin Longino, National Kidney Foundation CEO. "Legislation to establish a pilot program to improve early detection, care and outcomes for people with chronic kidney disease; Support for H.R. 1270, the newly introduced Living Donor Protection Act; and funding for CKD programs run by the Centers for Disease Control [and Prevention], National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)." The Living Donor Protection Act 2017, introduced by Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Wash.), would prohibit discrimination in life, disability or longterm care insurance for living organ donors, add living donation to the Family Medical Leave Act and support funding for CKD programs run by the CDC, NIDDK and HRSA.
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5 Kidney donors, kidney recipients and advocates ended the 4th annual Kidney Patient Summit with a group photo in the lobby of the Hart Senate Office Building of the Capitol in Northwest on Tuesday, March 7. / Photo by Travis Riddick "My own personal story with kidney disease is similar to many of the people here," Longino said. "Even though my grandfather died from kidney disease and my mother had a history of kidney disease, I was still caught off-guard by my diagnosis 18 years ago. "I thought I had escaped kidney disease — but like 26 million other Americans, I had not," he said. The problem with kidney disease is that the symptoms are hidden. In fact, 90 percent of people with the disease don’t even know they have it. Once kidneys fail, dialysis or a transplant is needed just to stay alive." At the summit, individuals who have kidney disease, dialysis patients, living donors, family members and caregivers were united by the affirmation and hashtag #MyKidneysMyLife to underscore the direct relationship between having at least
one healthy kidney and living at all. "'My Kidneys, My Life' is not just a slogan, it's a mantra based on facts and a plea for more public awareness," Longino said. He said that in May 2004, he got his life back. "I received a kidney from a deceased donor, and there isn’t a day that goes by when I am not thankful to this family for giving me a second chance at life," Longino said. "Many kidney patients never get that chance. The wait list for a deceased donor is long and 12 kidney patients die every day waiting. "Increasing living organ donation could help solve the wait list problem, but why do we have to make it so hard for living donors?" he said. "Why do we have so many barriers to donation? It isn’t right. It isn’t fair to the patients and families who are waiting for help." WI
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AROUND THE REGION
By D. Kevin McNeir / WI Editor
The World According to Dominic
“‘Ben Carson’s ‘Slavery Talk’ Suggests the Surgeon May Need Brain Transplant” When I first began learning about our country’s three branches of government, my teachers explained that those who rise to the upper echelons of public service, including the President and his Administration, bring intellect, wisdom, patriotism and common sense to their offices. But that had to be more accurate back in the “good old days.” As for today, one thing is crystal clear – a few of the folks who have membership cards with “Team Trump” are sorely in need of a year-long, crash course in American History – not to mention Black History 101. I guess I can almost overlook U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos celebrating HBCUs as “pioneers” of “school choice” during a recent meeting with some of the college presidents while conveniently omitting the part about why those schools were formed – to provide an alternative for Blacks who, because of state laws that enforced segregation, were denied admittance to white institutes of learning. But when Dr. Ben Carson during his first official address Monday as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development compared slaves, victims of America’s “peculiar, invisible institution” where they were subjected to all kinds of heinous and unimaginable inhumane treatment,” to immigrants exercising their options and seeking a better way of life, I was floored – momentarily unable to breathe or speak. I was amazed, angry and a bit ashamed. How could another Black man say something like that and keep a straight face?
But he went on, saying that what connected slaves to immigrants was their having the same hopes and dreams that their offspring “might pursue prosperity and happiness in this land.” After realizing how ridiculous he sounded, how he had done what seems to keep occurring within the current team – that is, throwing out another “alternate fact,” believing the crowd would go along for the ride, then almost immediately finding himself in very hot water, he should have backpedaled. At the least he should have shut his mouth. Checking the “facts” as presented by Carson is easy. Just look in a dictionary for the words “immigrant” and “slave” or crack open any credible history book. An immigrant is a person who migrates to another country, usually for permanent residence. Slaves brought to America were kidnapped – forced against their will to travel to a place they did not choose where they lived entirely under the domination of another person – that’s the master, specifically, Dr. Carson, or whites in general. Carson attempted to clean up the mess he’d created by going to his personal Facebook page the next evening. But by then the entire world, thanks to social media, had already heard about the doctor’s absurd comments. It all goes to show that more often than not in America, what gets you to the top, in the club and through the door rests not on your intellectual profundity but whether you’re friends with the doorman. WI
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WORDS TO LIVE BY “Although the ideologies of racism and sexism are to a great degree inherited, they are not genetic.” – Johnnetta Cole
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BARRY DAY Page 1 going to say my peace and you’re going to say your peace.’ It was all in love,” White said. “When he finally wanted to unveil certain things, he would always give me a call at 6:16, 6:30 in the morning. He talked about how God impacted his life. He was an inspiration to so many. We need to keep that legacy going along.” Barry also influenced residents with his popular summer jobs for youth programs and hired Blacks in management positions in the city government dominated for decades by whites. “He was a great man. He will always be the greatest like the boxer Muhammad Ali,” said native Washingtonian Susan Woodard of Southeast, who brought her two grandchildren, ages 5 and 7. “He not only fought for us in the District of Columbia, he also fought and did a lot for other people in other states.” The bust, statue and poster of Barry got showcased publicly for the first time at the Wilson Building, home of D.C. government and a place where his widow Cora Masters Barry said he spent many hours.
AROUND THE REGION “He was a great man. He will always be the greatest like the boxer Muhammad Ali.” SUSAN WOODARD / Barry praised Mayor Muriel Bowser in keeping her husband’s legacy alive not only with the statues, but also the installation of a memorial and headstone at his gravesite Nov. 23 at Congressional Cemetery in Southeast. The day marked the second anniversary of Barry’s death. “From the night [Marion Barry] died, she was with us and has been there all the way,” Barry said. “Always remember that when you tell your friends, there’s a friend Marion Barry left behind – one of them is Mayor Muriel Bowser.” The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities will oversee the project scheduled to take one year in the making with step
one being achieved on Monday – showing the bust, statue and poster that give a snapshot of Barry’s family and his 40 years in District politics and activism. Arthur Espinoza, executive director of the DC arts commission, said the models are proposed concepts from two artists – Steven Weiztman and Vinnie Bagwell – and will continue to be designed. The next step: choosing a site on which to hoist a life-sized bronze statue of Barry and transfer a poster into a medallion. “Our goal is to gather one year from today dedicating both of these artworks,” Espinoza said. “I hope you’ll make plans on your calendar to join us. It’s a
very memorable day, yet there is much more work to do.” Barry, born to sharecroppers in Itta Bena, Mississippi, pushed hard to ensure he got a quality education. He graduated in 1958 with a degree in chemistry from LeMoyne College in Memphis. Two years later in 1960, he received a master’s degree in chemistry from Fisk University in Nashville. That same year, he helped create the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee [SNCC] which held demonstrations, boycotts and sit-ins to protest racial injustice. Barry eventually became its national chairman. He moved to the District in 1965 to coordinate SNCC activities and six years later, he got elected to the school board. He won the election for City Council in 1976 and became the city’s
second-elected mayor two years later, serving for three terms until 1990 and again as the fourth mayor from 1995 to 1999. Securing tenures on the City Council, he interrupted his 1998 retirement from politics to run for the Ward 8 council seat in 2004 which he held until his death on Nov. 23, 2014. One idea for Barry’s statue will be a quote from his autography, “Mayor for Life: The Incredible Story of Marion Barry Jr.” In his own words, it says “Most people don’t know me . . . They don’t know about all of the fighting I’ve done to manage a government that was progressive and more oriented to uplift the people rather than suppress them. That’s what I want my legacy to be. I was a freedom fighter and a fighter for the economic livelihood of not only Black people but all people.” WI
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5A proposed replica of the late Marion Barry, Jr. was unveiled March 6 at the John A. Wilson Building in Northwest. / Photo by Mark Mahoney
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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Black Lawmakers, Merchants Seek Change on Marijuana Laws By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill ANNAPOLIS — Maryland lawmakers in the Senate received a high amount of testimony with
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a major focus on medical marijuana. Advocates spoke during a March 2 hearing before the Judiciary Proceedings Committee in support of legislation to expanding the number of dispensary li-
censes from 15 to 25 and change the scoring system to include racial and ethnic diversity. In addition, the advocates called to disband the 15-member Natalie M. Laprade Medical Cannabis Commission and create it as a division within the state's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. "Although I was advised initially that my company's proposal was in order, I was told a year later during debriefing that my application was not reviewed because the electronic version was submitted in PDF rather than a Word format," said Vicky Orem, who owns a law office in Greenbelt and was denied a grower's medical marijuana license last year. "The commission … failed to notify me and give me three days to cure." Black lawmakers seek to approve two bills — SB 267 and SB 999 — that would ensure racial and geographic diversity in the
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marijuana program. Sen. Joan Carter of Baltimore City is the lead sponsor of both bills. Delegate Cheryl Glenn, also of Baltimore City, sponsored companion legislation in the House. The medical cannabis commission is named after her late mother. The current law states the commission should use those two factors in assessing applications, but didn't based on advice from the attorney general's office that race didn't need to be a reason if there was no pattern of past discrimination. The hearing got a bit testy when one of the commissioners, Eric Sterling, defended the commission's process. The state approved preliminary licenses last year for 15 grower applications, 15 processor applicants and 102 dispensaries. Sterling and opponents of the proposed legislation said it will delay the process this summer to distribute medical cannabis to patients. Some people wore white T-shirts that read "#NoMoreDelays." "We are not experts at the administration of the state's business," said Sterling, an attorney who's worked on medical marijuana topics. "We were chosen based on our expertise." Sen. James Brochin of Baltimore City said the commission didn't follow the law. Committee Vice Chairwoman Delores G. Kelley, also of Baltimore City, bluntly told Sterling that he was "clearly over [his] head" serving on his first state board. If approved by July, the new division would present an annual report to highlight the number of minority owners, ownership share of minority owners and number of minority employees of a license grower, processor and dispensary. With the legalization of marijuana in Maryland being approved in 2015, lawmakers are now discussing how to make it legal for recreational purposes. According to Senate Bill 928, the amount of personal use is classified as: • An ounce or less in dried plant form; • Five grams or less of hashish oil, gel or solid extracts or concentrates made from cannabis when intended for smoking or vaporizing; • 12 servings combined with food and beverage products; • 72 ounces in a cream, gel or liquid form for topical applications; or • Any combination of
5Vicky Orem, a Greenbelt, Maryland, lawyer whose application last year to grow medical marijuana was denied, testifies before the state Senate's Judiciary Proceedings Committee during a March 2 hearing in Annapolis on legislation to restructure the current cannabis commission. / Photo by William J. Ford the above. In another comparable bill on marijuana, a person could also possess up to two ounces at any time. Eugene Monroe, a former offensive tackle with the Baltimore Ravens who retired last year, testified last week on trying to promote the use of marijuana as a medical alternative to prescription over-thecounter medicine in the NFL. He also supports the plant being used recreationally. "Recreational marijuana solves issues around medical marijuana," said Monroe, who's invested with Green Thumb Industries of Chicago, which has a pending lawsuit in Baltimore against the state's medical cannabis commission for rejecting its application to open a business. "There's ton of anecdotal evidence around the county to how the medicine has approved the quality of their life. I fully believe in it." However, others aren't so sure such as the Prince George's County Police Department and AAA Mid-Atlantic. Since smoking marijuana remains legal in neighboring District of Columbia, AAA spokesman John Townsend II said recreational use in Maryland would create unsafe driving conditions throughout the region, especially for those who both smoke and drink alcohol. The organization published a report last year that highlighted how drugged drivers still pose a threat on the roads. "The traffic safety implications have not been looked at," he said. "People have a right to smoke in their own home, but you don't have the right to get behind the wheel of a car after smoking pot. That's where the danger comes." WI
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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY
Md. Education Advocates: Stop Using Public Money for Private Schools By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill Education officials and advocates held a recent press conference at the Loews House Office Building with a simple message for state delegates: Use public money for public schools. The group specifically called for the repeal of Gov. Larry Hogan's BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) program and for state lawmakers to reject a $7 million allocation they say essentially uses public money to fund private schools. "The commitment of the state should be to public education," Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker III said after the Feb. 28 press conference. "That's what the constitution requires. Diverting that [money] is shameful." Baker and others at the Lowe House of Delegates Building said the money could be used for school construction, paper, pencils
and after-school programs. Four days after the press conference, more than 1,000 non-public school students rallied Thursday, March 2 at Lawyer's Mall in Annapolis to support Hogan's voucher program. Hogan greeted the students, parents and supporters and took pictures with them. He encouraging the crowd to inform their legislators on the benefits of the program and later chanted, "Boost our education!" Hogan pointed out that top Democratic leaders — House Speaker Michael Busch and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller — helped get the BOOST program approved last year. According to the state Department of Education, almost $5 million will be used for low-income students in the 2016-17 school year, with the majority of them from Baltimore City and Baltimore and Montgomery counties. In Prince George's, the participating private schools include Al Huda School in College Park,
Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville and Excellence Christian School in Upper Marlboro. Hogan announced in December he wants the state to spend $10 million in the next three years toward the program. Betty Weller, president of the Maryland State Education Association, said she didn't approve of lawmakers using public money as private school vouchers last year. Her organization and a dozen others delivered a letter to delegate offices that outlines how nearly 2,500 students who received vouchers about 1,900, or 78 percent, already attended private schools. "There is no accountability for this money, so we don't know if these students are getting a better education because [private schools] don't have to meet the same standards as our public schools," said Weller, a middle school teacher for Kent County Public Schools. "Seven million dollars in the big scheme of
5Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker III speaks during a press conference in Annapolis on Feb. 28. Baker, educational officials and advocates demand state delegates repeal Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan's BOOST program, which uses public money to fund students in private schools. / Photo by William J. Ford things isn't much money … but when you have almost $3 billion in unmet needs in your public schools, every penny counts." Although Hogan hasn't spoken publicly on President Donald Trump and his policies, former NAACP President Ben Jealous said the Maryland governor's actions speak loudly. It coincides
with Trump appointing Betsy DeVos, a Michigan billionaire and supporter of charter schools and vouchers, as secretary of education. "It's the boldest support of the Trump agenda we've seen yet from this governor and it's highly problematic," Jealous said. WI
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MARCH 9 - 15, 2017 13
BUSINESS Olde Towne Inn Chef Donnell Consistently Defies the Odds
Local Restaurant Serving Seafood and Southern Dishes By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer The foster care system, gangs or gun violence didn't deter one chef from betting on himself, eventually landing him the honor of Best Restaurant in Prince George's County 2016. Donnell Long, chef and owner of local favorite Olde Towne Inn (OTI) opened his third location over a year ago with the ambition of building the county's culinary scene. "OTI is your neighborhood restaurant where you're going to meet a few folks, and enjoy yourself with a great intimate atmosphere," Long said. "It's great for everything from meetings to a wedding reception. Everyone meets at the OTI." An extension of a hotel in Largo, Md., OTI's cuisine combines coast-
al and southern influences with their 90 percent scratch made dishes such as fan favorites like the crab stuffed salmon, crab cakes, Hawaiian barbecue ribeye and shrimp pomodoro. "The inspiration for OTI was like a play off of my history," Long said. "I was an original owner of Stonefish Grill when I brought it to [Prince George's County]. "I came up with the menu by taking regional favorites," he said. "It's not Southern but it's Southern-influenced. It's good food for everyone, not overly intimidating but still great dining fare that you can get at places downtown like McCormick and Schmick's or Great American." All of OTI's locations in Anne Arundel, Upper Marlboro and
5 Chef Donnell Long, owner of Olde Town Inn. / Photo courtesy of OTI
Largo have a full-service bar, offers lunch, dinner, brunch on Sundays and has live music on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. However, before embarking on a career path that included being honored as Business Roundtable's 2013 Businessman of the Year, he first had to navigate D.C.'s foster care system in the 1980s. "I was raised in the foster care system and the perception is that we go from welfare to welfare," Long said. "I hated everything about welfare. I never liked the welfare system or anything about
Whole Foods Opening on H Street Grocer Opens Door in Historic D.C. Corridor
By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer The revitalized H Street neighborhood in Northeast will add a Whole Foods Market to the community officially sealing the new direction of a corridor that underwent a major transformation a few years ago. The store, which opens Wednesday, March 15 at 600 H St. NE, is designed to be the goto destination for grocery shoppers east of the Capitol. They will offer natural and organic products, including fresh produce, meat, seafood and prepared foods. "We're thrilled to join the thriving H Street neighborhood," Donovan Morris, the
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store's team leader and a 26year Whole Foods Market veteran said. "We're offering a unique, exciting grocery shopping experience and a new destination for fast casual dining with gathering places for the community." The market touts that every item sold in the store meets Whole Foods rigorous quality standards and is free of artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, preservatives and hydrogenated fats. The 40,000-square-foot store includes the first expanded Paper Horse venue by Chef Erik Bruner-Yang, introducing a larger Chinese diner-style menu, featuring Asian comfort foods.
Collaborations with Atlas Brew Works, including a first-tomarket "Home Rule" brew and baked-from-scratch breads, will be available, as will exclusive local products such as sauces and spice blends from Maketto, Cava restaurant sauces and D.C. based Snacklins' vegan pork rinds. There will also be a mezzanine pub with 16 local beers on tap, wine by the glass and a gourmet hot dog cart to accompany H Street's only outdoor patio. Opening-day shoppers will be greeted with door-buster deals and an array of product demonstrations and samples, officials said. The local community is also invited to join the store leaders in a traditional bread-baking ceremony at 8:45 a.m. WI
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it, so when I had the opportunity to step away at 18, I did. "I was in D.C. at the height of the gun thing where people were getting shot left and right," he said. "My last foster mother had the foresight to move me from D.C. schools because I was in a gang, fighting every day. And then I actually found a passion that I liked and could apply myself to. "I knew instantaneously that this restaurant thing was something I was really passionate about and what I wanted to do. I knew what I wanted to do with my career," he said. Right out of high school, Long went to the Washington Culinary Institute, finished in 1991 and quickly moved up the ranks. "I got my first job with Silver Diner, and I wasn't that good at first, but the chef still took care of me and kept me employed," he said. "I went and did my dues throughout the industry, and landed around." With 20 years in the business, Long wants kids in the foster care system to look at him and his story as inspiration. "Don't get trapped into the same system," he said. "It's easy to start having kids at 15, 16 and get trapped. Break the cycle. Don't fall for it. Persevere and find something that you love and do it." Long backs up his words by hiring teenage boys on the path he once went down. "I feel like anyone that has been uplifted by the community has a duty to give back to the community," he said. "I do it in a myriad of
ways. I have teenage guys cooking for me, I show them you maybe in the drug game but you don't make as much money as me. I change their trajectory. "They told me as a foster kid I couldn't do anything but stay in foster care, they told me as a black man I couldn't own a restaurant, that as a black man I couldn't have food priced beyond a certain point and folks come out," Long said. "I used it as fuel, and I defied the odds." He concedes that though he has seen success in the food industry, black people in the business have a considerably harder time than their white counterparts. "There are challenges that we know we face," he said. "One of the issues I've encountered is of course access to capital and a talent pool." Long asserted that while a culinary institute can't teach students everything about the restaurant business, there are valuable cooking skills that chef hopefuls should know. "A school cant teach you how to deal with customers, but it does teach you the importance of knife cuts and certain techniques," he said. "We can't underestimate the importance of education." Long said most of the training you need to be successful chef happens on the job. "I get my clients from my community," he said. "A great restaurant will make a great first date and close a business deal. I can get you from first to third base." WI
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BUSINESS
Business Exchange
Where Do Blacks Stand Regarding Israel? in power for the past four decades, the peace process is no longer a major political issue. It may be Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, two men who profess to be Israel’s strongest defenders, who definitively shatter the 'unbreakable alliance.'" Trump has spoken with pride about his Jewish grandchildren. His daughter Ivanka is a convert to Judaism, and his Orthodox Jewish son-in-law is Jared Kushner. Trump has largely eschewed the traditional U.S. framework for Middle East peacemaking. During a White House visit with Netanyahu, Trump said, "I'm looking at two-state and one-state [solutions], and I like the one that both parties like." The state of Israel has a popuby William Reed lation of 8.5 million, 74.8 percent of which are Jews (about 6.5 million) and 20.8 percent President Trump will bring in- Arab (about 1.7 million). The dispensable leadership back to the Arab-Israeli conflict refers to Middle East, and the world will the political tension, military be better for it. — Armstrong conflicts and disputes between a number of Arab countries and Williams Israel. The roots of the modern Which side are you on in the conflict are bound in the rise Washington Informer Arab-Israeli conflict? The issue of Zionism and Arab nationalillustrates the power of one ism. Territory regarded by the American group over another Jewish people as their historical homeland is also regarded — blacks and Jews. The Black Lives Matter by the Pan-Arab movement as movement accuses Israel of historically belonging to Pales"genocide" and "apartheid." tinians. Palestine is a de jure sovereign Palestinians in the occupied territories struggle to alleviate state. The Palestine territories poverty, unemployment and has a population of 5 million. other economic woes Ethiopian Palestinian people have lived Jews in particular living in Is- in Palestine over the centuries. rael, have faced overt discrimi- Since establishment of limited nation. While President Trump Palestinian self-rule in the West pays little attention to blacks, Bank and Gaza, the U.S. government has committed more Jews and Israel have his ear. Though smaller in numbers, than $5 billion in bilateral ecoJews have more economic and nomic and non-lethal security political clout than blacks. The assistance to the Palestinians. The J Street organization United States is home to the second-largest (after Israel) Jew- deserves attention. The group, ish community in the world. which touts itself as "the politThe American Jewish popula- ical home for pro-Israel, protion is estimated at 8 million. peace Americans who want This is 2.6 percent of the total Israel to be secure, democratic U.S. population. Jews have 23 and the national home of the Jewish people," advocates polMembers of Congress. The U.S supports Israel be- icies that advance U.S. and cause it’s perceived to be in our Israel's shared interests and best interest. As reported by Po- democratic values, leading to a litico: "In Israel, where the con- two-state solution. "One often-cited key to peace servative Likud has been solidly WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
between Israel and the Palestinians is economic development," The Wall Street Journal report-
ed. "To that end, there seems to be broad agreement about the importance of extending de-
velopment aid to help the Palestinians build the physical and social infrastructure." WI
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MARCH 9 - 15, 2017 15
NATIONAL Dems: Obamacare Must Stay By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
Like most Democrats, Nancy Pelosi didn't mince words when it came to talking about President Donald Trump and the Republicans mission to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. The House minority leader came out swinging this week, accusing the GOP of hiding their plan to repeal and replace the health care law commonly known as Obamacare. "I'm told that Republicans are hiding their ACA repeal bill in a basement room of the Capitol," the California Democrat said. "This is unheard of. Even a Republican, Sen. Rand Paul, is criticizing House GOP leaders for the secrecy,". Democrats, on the other hand,
wrote the ACA with unprecedented openness, including an eight-day markup in the Senate Finance Committee, Pelosi said. USA Today reported that the drama spilled out into the open following the release last week of a health care plan that House Republican leadership was reportedly drafting. The draft plan included at least a half-dozen components that proved toxic for various segments of the Republican Party. Conservatives in the House are rebelling against the draft bill, and Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) dismissed the legislation as an old draft that GOP leaders never intended to advance. But it is not clear what legislation will get enough support of House Republicans to pass and still have a chance of moving
through the much less conservative U.S. Senate. A core group of conservatives raised alarms on Monday and said they couldn't vote for legislation because it relied on a "refundable tax credit" that would give people money in advance to buy health insurance, according to USA Today. In theory, they'd pay the money back when they do their taxes, but conservatives worry it'll end up turning into an entitlement program instead. Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) said that if Republicans introduced legislation similar to the draft, he wouldn't vote for it. Meadows chairs the House Freedom Caucus, a group of roughly 40 hard-line conservatives who are not afraid to break with their party and have threatened to vote as a bloc to halt legislation in the past."In order to get it right, if we have to vote against a partial repeal, a partial replacement, we believe that conservatives will understand that vote," said Meadows, who was joined by Rep. Mark Walker of North Carolina, chairman of the Republican Study Committee, a group of about 170 conservatives. Walker said he would advise his members to vote against the draft plan. Republican Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Mike Lee of Utah also said they'd vote "no" on the
Blacks Need Vital Colon Cancer Screening By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer African-Americans who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer at a young age have significantly worse survival rates than young white patients, according to the
National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. The disparity was found even among those who were diagnosed with early-stage disease, said Dr. Elena Stoffel of the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, who along with her col-
5 Dr. Cedrek McFadden, clinical professor of surgery at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville. / Courtesy photo
16 MARCH 9 - 15, 2017
leagues published their findings last year in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. March kicks off National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, bringing into the spotlight the fourth-most common cancer in the United States and the second-most deadliest cancer. Colorectal cancer affects people in all racial and ethnic groups and is most often found in people 50 and older. But African-American men and women have a higher risk of developing colon cancer and a lower survival rate – about 20 percent higher incidence rate and 45 percent higher mortality rate – compared to Caucasians, Asians, Hispanics and Native Americans, partly because of disproportionate screening. The good news? If everyone 50 and older were screened regularly, six out of 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented, health officials said. Communities, health professionals and families can work together to encourage people to get
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5 Rep. Maxine Waters refused to attend President Trump's address to Congress. / Courtesy photo
legislation without changes, USA Today reported. In Trump's speech to Congress last week, he said governors should be given "the resources and flexibility they need with Medicaid to make sure no one is left out," but offered no details about what those resources would be. Trump's vague comments on the Medicaid expansion are illustrative of a larger issue within the party where lawmakers are trying to figure out what the president's screened. "So here's the bad news: African-Americans have the highest risk of developing and dying from colorectal cancer," said Dr. Cedrek McFadden, a clinical assistant professor of surgery at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville. "African-Americans also have a higher stage of disease at presentation and a stigma that this disease is a disease of older white men exists along with deep-seated mistrust of physicians, which causes many African-Americans to ignore preventive strategies," said McFadden, a double board-certified colorectal surgeon with the Greenville Health System. The good news is that colorectal cancer is preventable and potentially curable if found early, cancer experts said. While screenings using a colonoscopy usually begins at age 50, there has been discussion on whether African-Americans should begin the process at 45, McFadden said. To help fight and prevent the disease, many said black men and women certainly should have a
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intentions are. Reportedly, there's increasing pressure on Republican leadership to come together on a plan. AshLee Strong, spokeswoman for House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), said that there's a plan from late last year, but it wasn't clear what replacement details were available for the plan. "We put forward a bottom up healthcare plan last year and members ran on that plan throughout the campaign," Strong said. "We're now following through on that plan and the promises we made to our constituents." California Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters, who skipped Trump's address, blasted the president and others who want to do away with Obamacare. She said her party have a responsibility to educate and point out the contradictions of the current administration and to understand who Trump is and how he's misled America. "The farmers in California said, 'We never thought that he was going to do those deportations. What are we gonna do about these crops that we have to turn out?'" Waters said in a recently televised interview. "And then up in the coal mining country, people are just now realizing that it's because of Obamacare that black lung disease is being taken care of — these preexisting conditions. "So, I think little by little, some people are going to come to the realization that this is not the person that they want for the president of the United States," she said. "Others are going to increasingly get embarrassed by him." WI
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Ghana's 60-Year Anniversary Breeds Contention Around Kwame Nkrumah's Legacy It's been 60 years since the African country of Ghana gained its independence from Great Britain. However, as citizens engage in weeklong celebrations, many residents have begun to question the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah, their founding father and former president. Though numerous events of praise and triumph took place on March 6, Ghana's day of independence, many residents spent time reflecting on Kwame Nkrumah's legacy, stirring mixed opinions 5 Residents are celebrating the 60-year independence anniverand emotions. sary of Ghana. / Courtesy of alliance/dpa/T. Ridley "Today, Kwame Nkrumah is a name clouded in mystery and controversy," Atsu Aryee professor from the University of Ghana said in a statement. Though some experts say Nkrumah's politics helped to contribute to Ghana's current stable country, others have also noted an authoritarian style rule that in 1964 turned Ghana into a one-party state in which Nkrumah later declared himself president for life. Nevertheless, some residents still speak fondly of Nkrumah's passion for a pan-African union that he cited as a strong force to counter Western influence. Nkrumah is one of the founding fathers of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the predecessor of the African Union.
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Africa's Richest Woman Makes Plans to Leave Office
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With a Forbes-estimated net worth of $3.1 billion, Africa's richest woman, Isabel dos Santos, may be headed in the direction of resignation as chairman of the state oil firm Sonangol, possibly before Angola's General Elections in August. Dos Santos, who acquired the position in June through Jose Eduardo dos Santos, her father and president of Angola, is reportedly facing immense pressure from various quarters to step down amid cries of nepotism, according to The Expresso, a Portuguese newspaper. President dos Santos, 74, has been in power since 1979 and reportedly promised last year to step down as president. As of yet, the family has not made any responses to recent questions.
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5The Dos Santos family continues to face politi-
cal pressures. / Courtesy of thisisafrica.com
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March Greetings From DC Office on Aging Laura Newland DC Office on Aging Executive Director Thanks to everyone who came out to the Performance Hearing for the D.C. Office on Aging (DCOA), and those who testified before the Committee on Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization and Chairperson Anita Bonds. After more than nine hours of testimony from District residents, seniors and service providers, I think it’s safe to say that our community is passionate about making sure the District is a place where all residents have an opportunity to age well and thrive. I especially want to thank the seniors who were willing to share their stories and the important role DCOA plays in their lives. I know we have work to do, but it’s reaffirming to know that so many in our community are truly invested in this process. I look forward to the great work we can accomplish together to make D.C. the best city in the world to age! And we are making great strides. Last year, we partnered with the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to pilot a program to reduce the risk of falls and mobility barriers in the homes of qualified seniors and people with disabilities. Thanks to Mayor Muriel Bowser’s commitment to aging in place, what was originally planned as a $1 million pilot, has become the largest DCOA program with $8.7 million committed for fiscal year 2017. This investment is unmatched anywhere else in the country and will enable more seniors and people with disabilities to remain in their homes and in their communities, where they belong. If you are interested in learning more about the program, contact Home Care Partners at 202638-0050 for more information on program benefits and how you can apply. I was also happy to announce that Mayor Bowser has committed $4 million towards capital improvements of our Senior Wellness Centers. This substan-
tial investment will go towards building upgrades as well as updates to the interior, which participants will help us choose. My highlight of the Hearing was the opportunity to hear so many different perspectives on how best to address the needs of District seniors and people with disabilities, and the programs that have had an impact on their lives. We heard from seniors who began attending Senior Wellness Centers to exercise, but also found fellowship, new hobbies and a support system. We heard about experiences from a participant at the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center in ward 8, who enjoys spending time with other seniors “laughing, and joking, and learning new things.” But we also heard that we need to do a better job reaching underserved and isolated seniors. We need to better engage LGBTQ seniors and ensure they have access to life-sustaining services in a safe and accepting environment. We need to think more broadly about our service-delivery model and ensure equitable access to services across the city. And we need to strengthen our advocacy and ensure that seniors in the District are informed about the policies and issues that will have an impact on their lives. It’s important that we keep these conversations going beyond the Oversight Hearing. These are conversations that need to happen throughout the year in your communities, with your neighbors, families, and friends, and with DCOA—particularly during this period of uncertainty at the federal level that may affect the lives of so many District seniors. Continue to engage with DCOA and tell us about your experiences living in the District. Where do you see yourself in five, 10, and 20 years? What role do you see DCOA playing in your life and your future as you age? How will changes to federal policy change your longterm plans and impact your ability to age in place? These are important conversations that we must have every day. We’ll continue to ask for your
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feedback and we’ll work hard every day to make sure your voices are heard and that you are driving the conversation around aging. Let’s continue to work together, build partnerships and find new and innovative ways to meet the evolving needs of our community in the District.
S
FE HOME AT
The District of Columbia Office on Aging Safe at Home program provides preventative adaptations to reduce the risk of falls in the homes of qualifying seniors and adults with disabilities.
Program Benefits
In-home preventative adaptations that may be provided through Safe at Home include: ◊
Handrails
◊
Shower seat
◊
Grab bars
◊
Furniture risers
◊
Bathtub cuts
◊
Chair lift
Applicants who do not qualify for the Safe at Home program may receive referrals to other programs better suited for their specific needs.*
For More Information Call Home Care Partners at 202-638-0050 for more information on how you can apply for the Safe at Home Program. * Referrals to other programs are not a guarantee of eligibility.
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MARCH 9 - 15, 2017 19
H E A LT H California Fight With EPA Will Affect Nation By Rushawn Walters Howard University News Service California is preparing for a huge fight over its climate with the Trump administration and its new EPA director, a battle that could have ramifications for residents across the nation — potentially affecting more than one of every three Americans. In preparation for what elected officials expect to be a protracted brawl on auto emissions, the state has hired Eric Holder, attorney general under President Obama, to take on the Environmental Protection Agency's new leader, Scott Pruitt.
California, home to 39 million Americans and an estimated 14.5 million cars — both the highest for any state — is fighting to maintain its higher automobile emissions restrictions, which its leaders say have rescued the state from high levels of air pollution. The state wants to maintain restrictions it instituted in 1959 when the air was so polluted by smog — a word Californians coined to describe its combination of smoke and fog — that hundreds of thousands suffered from resultant respiratory problems and just seeing local surroundings was sometimes impossible.
5 California leads fight against climate change. / Photo courtesy of Project Finance News Wire
Under the new law, automakers were forced to manufacture more fuel-efficient vehicles to be sold in California. Since 1959, California requested and received 100 exemptions from the EPA that allowed it to have higher standards than the rest of the nation. The law, state officials said, has paid off. Since 2015, Los Angeles's "smog" days, those days in which air pol-
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lutants are higher than federal regulation standards, have declined by nearly 50 percent compared to the numbers during the 1970s. A study released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration showed certain levels of car-specific pollutants have dropped by 98 percent in Los Angeles since the 1960s, even though drivers use three times as much fuel today. Health care and black elected officials say the fight is particularly important to African-Americans because statistics show African-American communities suffer disproportionately from high levels of air pollution. Due to California's success, 13 other states — Arizona, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington — have adopted its clean car standards. Now, those states fear the EPA will no longer allow the exemptions that it has done through every Republican and Democratic administration since the law was initiated. During his Senate confirmation hearing, Pruitt, who sued the EPA 14 times as Oklahoma attorney general and has called scientific evidence of a correlation between climate change and human activity "religious beliefs," refused to say whether the EPA under his direction will allow states to maintain higher emission control standards. Newly-elected California Sen. Kamala Harris, who opposed Pruitt's confirmation, said in an interview last week she was troubled by Pruitt's response to the state's concerns. "California is a recognized leader on clean energy development and global effort to combat climate change," Harris said. "During his hearing, I asked multiple times if he would uphold California's mo-
tor vehicle pollution standards, and each time he shied away from that guarantee." California's ranking senator, Dianne Feinstein, who also opposed Pruitt's confirmation, said she and her constituency are also concerned about Pruitt's environmental view. "More than 75,000 Californians have contacted my office in opposition to Mr. Pruitt's confirmation," said Feinstein, also a Democrat. "They are worried he won't enforce our existing environmental laws and will refuse to address the real threat of climate change. I agree with them. California Rep. Karen Bass, a Democrat who represents Los Angeles, said if Pruitt doesn't uphold the emissions controls rules, it could have a serious effect on the most vulnerable Americans. "Something that seems to be far from his radar is the disproportionate effects climate change has on poorer communities," Bass said an email to Howard University News Service. "Rolling back environmental protection is going to disproportionately impact communities of color already suffering from brownfields, toxic waste or the type of negligence that led to the Flint water crisis." President Trump, who has already signed executive orders to roll back EPA policies to protect the nation's water, has said EPA is hurting the economy. Before Trump was elected, he called the agency a "disgrace." Despite Trump's claims, the auto industry is flourishing in California under the state's tighter emissions controls. According to Employment Development Department data, jobs in California's automotive industry jobs have grown by 47,000 since 2011, nearly a 26 percent increase. For the full version of this story, go to washingtoninformer.com. WI
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New Recommendations for Back Pain Explored By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer It can occur gradually or suddenly, but whenever it strikes, lower back pain can be intolerable. And sufferers have long sought relief with over-the-counter, prescription medication, or just about anything that will provide some comfort and a good night's rest. Now, the U.S. National Library of Medicine reports that those with lower back pain should try drug-free remedies — from simple heat wraps to physical therapy — before resorting to medication. The recommendations for lower back pain, which is among the most common reasons Americans visit doctors, emphasize nondrug therapies more than in the past. The library stresses that powerful opioid painkillers like OxyContin and Vicodin should be a last resort in some cases of long-lasting back pain. The new recommendations, published in February, also note that when medication is needed, common over-the-counter pain pills containing acetaminophen such as Tylenol are no longer recommended. So what's a person to do? "Staying active is now recommended," said Meredith Hutter Chamorro, a Yoga Tune Up teacher and lifestyle design coach. "Inter-
estingly, my classes combine yoga, mindfulness, self-massage with Yoga Tune Up therapy balls, and corrective exercise to help people live better lives." Chamorro said she focuses on a balance of mobility and stability. "Pain science shows us that pain is actually produced in the brain, so learning to relax and changing our relationship to pain can create a positive outcome for many," she said. Lower back pain causes more than 2.5 million visits to American emergency departments each year. The standard of care often involves prescribing a combination of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as naproxen, and benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, said Dr. Benjamin Friedman, an emergency medicine physician at Montefiore Health System in New York. "There is little evidence to suggest that taking diazepam in addition to naproxen is more effective for alleviating low back pain than taking naproxen alone," Friedman said. In a study spearheaded by Friedman using patients aged 21 to 69 who had been experiencing lower back pain for less than two weeks and did not have a history of frequent back pain, individuals were given 20 tablets of naproxen, to be taken twice daily, and 28 tablets of the investigational medicine, which
was either diazepam or an identical placebo. All patients also received a standardized 10-minute lower back pain educational session before discharge. "Patients were contacted at one week and again at three months' post-discharge and reported their pain levels and medication use," he said. "Differences in functional outcomes between the groups were neither clinically nor statistically significant."
Those who suffer from lower back pain should keep in mind that for every visit to a general practitioner, about six to eight of those patients are in for spine-related problems and patients with headaches, shoulder, arm or hand pain can be related to cervical spine problems, said Dr. Alfred O. Bonati, founder and chief orthopedic surgeon at the Bonati Spine Institute in Florida. Hip problems or pain associated with legs, knees or feet could be a
HEALTH situation with the lumbar spine. A large herniated disc could result in incontinence problems due to compression of the nerves, Bonati said. "The use of narcotic drugs to treat the pain has become a problem not because doctors are bad doctors, but because they have a desire to remove the pain and calm the patient," Bonati said. "However, if the general practitioner is not familiar with the spine, they are going to recommend unnecessary treatments." For the full version of this story, go to washingtoninformer.com. WI
UMC RECOGNIZES MARCH AS COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Meet Gerard & April BOTH TURNING
WHAT THEY DIDN’T KNOW...
Black men and women have a 45% higher chance of dying from colorectal cancer.
African Americans should begin colon cancer screening at age
45. (5 years earlier than other groups)
BLACKS HAVE THE HIGHEST DEATH RATES AND SHORTEST SURVIVAL. Gerard and April are now sharing what they know... Colon cancer is preventable, beatable and treatable with proper screening. SCREENING CAN DETECT AND TREAT COLORECTAL CANCER* BEFORE THE ONSET OF SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS.
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5 Medical experts have a new remedy for lower back pain. / Courtesy photo
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EDUCATION DCPS
BRIEFS
Ballou juniors took the SAT this year compared to 2016. "I think the major story we're getting from this is that it's not just this one class, it's the entire building that's shifting toward college," Ballou Vice Principal Shamele Straughter told WJLA-TV (Channel 7.
CHANCELLOR'S COMMUNITY MEETINGS Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer
BALLOU SENIOR CLASS AIMS HIGH
For the first time in its history, the entire senior class at Ballou Senior High School in Southeast — 189 students in all — has applied for college, with several already receiving acceptance letters. While one student has been accepted at five schools, another has received 11 acceptance letters. In addition, approximately 100 more
Chancellor Antwan Wilson will be meeting with the community in all eight wards where he will discuss the next direction for D.C.'s public schools. Also, with the current strategic plan for DCPS ending in June, school officials will be embarking on the launch of a new plan for the 2017-18 academic year. The community meetings will be held as follows: Ward 4 Thursday, March 16 at Roosevelt High School 4301 13th Street NW
5 Michelle Obama visits Ballou Senior High School in 2011, encouraging them to work hard to get the most out of their opportunities for education. / Courtesy photo
Ward 5 Tuesday, March 21 at Luke C. Moore High School 1001 Monroe Street NE
Ward 1 Thursday, April 13 at Columbia Heights Education Campus 3101 16th Street NW
Ward 3 Monday, March 27 at Deal Middle School 3815 Fort Drive NW
Ward 2 Monday, April 24 at SWW @ Francis-Stevens 2425 N Street NW
Ward 8 Thursday, April 6 at Turner Elementary School 3264 Stanton Road SE
ESSA DISCUSSIONS
Ward 6 Tuesday, April 11 at Eastern High School 1700 East Capitol Street NE
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 0012-2017 BROKEN GLASS/SCREEN REPAIR SERVICES AND PARTS @ VARIOUS DCHA PROPERTIES
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY (“DCHA”) requires Broken Glass/Screen Repair Services and Parts at Various DCHA Properties. SOLICIATION DOCUMENTS will be available at the Issuing Office at 1133 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 300, Office of Administrative Services/Contracts & Procurement, Washington, DC 20002-7599, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning Monday, March 6, 2017; DCHA’s website at www.dchousing.org. SEALED PROPOSALS ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Thursday, April 6, 2015 at11:00 a.m. in the Issuing Office. Contact Lolita Washington Contract Specialist at 202-535-1212 or by email at lwashing@ dchousing.org with a copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information. 22 MARCH 9 - 15, 2017
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The DC State Board of Education will share feedback from a series of community meetings with the Office of the Superintendent of Education as it prepares for the vote on a final plan for the Every Student Succeeds Act. Later this month, SBOE will hold an additional working session to go over the final plan with OSSE, as well as an additional public meeting to consider approval of the plan. Chancellor Antwan Wilson will join the SBOE on March 14 to discuss priorities for the city's public schools, and a working session will be held Tuesday, March 14 at 4 p.m. at 441 4th St. NW, Room 1117. A public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 22 at 441 4th St. NW, the Old Council Chambers, at 5:30 p.m. For additional information about ESSA, including upcoming engagement opportunities and previous meeting materials, visit sboe.dc.gov/essa and osse.dc.gov/ essa.
ENROLLMENT INCREASE
Public school enrollment in D.C. has continued its upward trend with enrollment, increasing for the eighth consecutive year. In releasing the audited enrollment numbers for the current
school year, state Superintendent of Education Hanseul Kang said the increase equates to about 3 percent over the 2015-16 school year, with enrollment gains recorded in both traditional public and public charter schools. "District families recognize the substantial investments we have made in public education and the improvements our schools have made as a result," said Mayor Muriel Bowser. "More and more families want to be part of the positive, sustained growth we are seeing as a District and show their confidence in the quality of education we provide by enrolling their children in our schools."
DCPS HONORS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Statement from John Davis, Chief of Schools, DC Public Schools: "DCPS schools are and will continue to be safe places for all students and all people in our communities, regardless of immigration status, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. "While some may [have planned] to attend the March 8 walk-out on "International Women's Day," all students and staff were expected to be in school throughout the day so that teaching and learning can continue. "We respect the right to self-expression and peaceful protest in support of gender equality. We [encouraged] staff and students to use this as an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women through classroom discussion and activities." WI
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EDUCATION RALLY Page 1
teachers are still not number one as DCPS has suggested. "The school district acts like these bonuses, which are based on test scores and other biased measures, are universal — they are not," Davis said. "According to the District's own numbers, the average bonus is less than $2,500, not $20,000. So when you hear about the high bonuses paid to a few teachers, it is not referencing the bulk of teachers, just a select few."
CANCER Page 16 screening at no later than 50 but they should also pay close attention to any symptoms including — but not limited to — bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss. "African-Americans need to reduce fat intake from animal sources such as pork, beef and even chicken," said Dr. Carolyn Dean, a nutrition and diet expert and author of "Hormone Balance" and "The Magnesium Miracle." "Studies have shown that a diet high in animal fats increase the risk of intestinal polyps along with colon cancer. Whereas a diet high in fatty fish and healthy fats from nuts and oils was shown to prevent polyps and lower the risk of colon cancer." Fitness trainer Carol Michaels, who has worked as a cancer exercise trainer for more than two decades including at Newark's Beth Israel Medical Center with mostly African-Americans, said many patients aren't told to have a timely colonoscopy. "They were not told that they need to have one at an earlier age if there is a family history and perhaps every five years without a family history," Michaels said. "The medical community and health organizations need to do a better job in education and awareness of the importance of the colonoscopy. A good place to start would be the church and in schools." The Colon Cancer Alliance has a plenty of information about screening issues within the African-American community, and its founder and CEO, Michael Sapienza, is often called upon to talk about the stigma issues facing minorities. Sapienza lost his mother to the disease and he's fought to bring awareness ever since. "As someone personally that has dealt with the stigma in talking about the disease in my African-American family, it comes down to a culture who are not comfortable in talking about
WTU officials collaboratively joined with other city leaders at the rally including Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO Executive Director Carlos Jimenez, who assured union members that the D.C. labor movement "is standing with you." Activist and clergyman Rev. Graylan Hagler of Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ in Northeast emphasized that teachers "deserve our respect and support." "They are the people who nurture
"African Americans need to reduce fat intake from animal sources such as pork, beef and even chicken." DR. CAROLYN DEAN / Nutrition Expert, Author their bodies or raise when they are sick," Sapienza said. "It's the feeling they don't want family members to worry about them. I dealt with this a lot personally. In working in this arena for eight years with the Colon Cancer Alliance, I hear the same reasons over and over again particularly with folks in minority communities. I even had a person freak out when I asked them if they have had a colonoscopy at a health fair, as if I just offended them. "We need to get to a place as a society to be comfortable in talking about our backside, like we are about our breast with breast cancer," he said. So what should African-Americans be doing as the nation observes Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month? Here's what experts say: • Push to have conversations with your family about family history. If colon cancer runs in your family and you are aware of it, it can save a life. • African-Americans should get screened at age 45 instead of 50, due to the higher incident rate. For more information, visit www.ccalliance.org. WI
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and teach our children," he said. Elizabeth Falcon, executive director of DC Jobs With Justice, parent Peter McPherson and several teachers also backed the union during the rally, which finished in front of the John A. Wilson Building — the office location for Mayor Muriel Bowser and Councilman David Grosso, chair of the council's education committee. Davis said the union will continue to advance contract proposals that will, among other things, increase support for students, provide for a timely grievance procedure that is fair to teachers, and give WTU members the pay increases they deserve — and have earned. "We are asking that DCPS and the mayor find the money to fund pay raises for teachers that are fair — and settle the contract now so that we can begin our real work together to fix our schools and save them from the war on public education ahead," she said. WI
5 Protesting teacher shares her views. / Photo by Edward C. Jones
REGISTER NOW! JOB FAIR for EDUCATORS
(Teachers, Counselors, Administrators, School Psychologists, Counseling Psychologists, Educational Psychologists)
Thursday, March 30, 2017 Howard University School of Education
WHEN: 10:00am-2:00 pm
WHERE: Blackburn Center 2400 Sixth Street, N.W.
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In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032 Phone: 202 561-4100 Fax: 202 574-3785 news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com
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Are Your Kidneys Healthy? Ignorance Could Yield Fatal Results I must admit that after learning about the role that our kidneys play in keeping the human body healthy while taking a biology class in high school several decades ago, I never thought anymore about the subject. I just assumed that since I felt fine, everything, including my two little kidneys, were fine too. Even more, since I don’t suffer from any of the pre-existing conditions typically associated with kidney disease like diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity, I always believed I was in the clear. But I have since realized that failing to request a urine and/or blood test during my annual physical, tests that can detect problems with my kidneys and catch them in their early stages, could place both my kidneys and my life in jeopardy. Said another way, it’s all about being more aware and becoming better educated. While one popular adage opines the notion “ignorance is bliss,” the truth remains that not knowing, particularly in cases like this, can prove to be fatal. Even if the end does not result in death, failing to be tested regularly and making sure our kidneys are functioning at their best can lead to a significant decline in our quality of ...failing to request life. In this health supplement the Washington a urine and/or blood Informer has chosen to focus on the theme test during my annual “Kidney Health and Wellness,” primarily because we want those who live and/or work in physical, tests that can the communities we serve, the Greater Washington Area, as well as our online readers who detect problems with reside throughout the U.S. and abroad, to my kidneys, could have life-enhancing kidney disease knowledge firmly within their grasp. place both my We have included stories and reflections from medical experts who work each day on kidneys and my life the “kidney frontline,” kidney transplant doin jeopardy. nors and recipients, the developers of a unique health support group for African-American women and one family whose faith and patience on which they stand as they await a kidney for the “man of the house,” eclipse their desperation and fear that death may come before his wait-listed name is called and a successful kidney transplant achieved. Do you know the kinds of foods to eat and avoid or the risk factors of which you should be aware so you can reduce the chances of becoming a person facing chronic kidney disease? Are you an organ donor or have you ever considered what you would do if you needed an organ transplant? Do you tend to consume vast quantities of fast foods, gobble down far too many meals where the prepared foods are fried or indulge in excessive amounts of alcohol? Do you know the last time, if at all, that you had your kidneys tested by a physician? These are questions whose answers matter as the decisions you have made or continue to make may either contribute to a healthy, properly-running body, or put you closer to facing any number of life-threatening illnesses. We hope you take heed of the facts we have included and, above all, make a renewed commitment to know and listen to your body – always seeking new and improved ways to keep your body healthy. After all, while we can always purchase a new home, a new car or a new wardrobe, outlets with new bodies for sale remain in extremely “short supply.” Godspeed and here’s to better health,
D. Kevin McNeir
Editor Washington Informer
www.washingtoninformer.com / MARCH 2017 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
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GWU Kidney Center: Fastest Growing Transplant Facility in U.S. Raises Access, Boosts Hope for D.C.’s Formerly-Ignored Communities
By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor It may seem hard to believe but the District has the highest rate of kidney disease per capita in the U.S. Meanwhile, the epidemic of kidney disease continues to sweep the country. Additionally, those desperately in need of a kidney in D.C. far outweigh the number of donors – more so than in any other city in the nation. But despite such sobering statistics, hope has appeared on the horizon due in great part to the generosity of one local businessman whose personal journey forced him to come to terms with the life or death conditions one must face when kidney disease strikes home. “Kidney disease came out of nowhere,” said Ron Paul, chairman and CEO of Eagle Bancorp and Eagle Bank, who was diagnosed in the 1980s with glomerulosclerosis – a kidney disease that can eventually end in kidney failure. “I didn’t have any pre-existing conditions – no diabetes, no high blood pressure, no issues at all other than I found out I had the onset of kidney failure,” said Paul, who would opt for a kidney transplant from his brother Steven eight years after his initial diagnosis, hoping to avoid a lifetime of dialysis. Later, in 2008, he learned he would need another transplant. Again, he received a kidney donation – this time from a longtime friend, Kathy McCallum, the CFO of his company. His experiences, lasting over several decades, moved Paul and his wife to action, donating a $2.5 million gift under the auspices of The Ronald and Joy Paul Foundation that established the GW Ron and Joy Paul Kidney Center to address the urgent need for greater community awareness of kidney disease diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Paul never forgot how sick he once felt and his consuming fear about how he would be able to support his family on limited means while also trying to keep his company afloat. And so, with the arduous ordeal memories from their past, the Pauls set their sights on tipping the balance of kidney supply and demand – intent on helping others and saving the lives of other Washington area residents. That’s where Dr. Keith Melancon entered – a Louisiana native who became the director of the George
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Washington Transplant Institute in 2013 as a professor of surgery and medical director of the GW Ron and Joy Paul Kidney Center. With an impressive array of experiences, training, accomplishments and a well-earned reputation among his peers, both those living in the U.S. and abroad, most of his colleagues and patients point to his unwavering passion and dedication to extensive research that continue to center on his efforts to increase access to organ transplantation for minority and sensitized patients – all of whom have but few options for kidney transplantation. “We started the center in January 2015 after two years of working to get the program up and running,” said Dr. Melancon, 48, whose successful transplant numbers since the doors first opened total 89, making it both one of the fastest-growing centers in the U.S. with the added impressive caveat of having among the shortest wait for patients in need in America. “Access in the District was among the worst in the U.S. but our outcomes have been phenomenal particularly in Wards 4, 5, 7 and 8 where most of our patients have been Black,” he said. “We’re most proud of the live donor transplants for African Americans – 41 percent versus the average rate of 12 percent – especially since the best kind of kidney to receive is from a living donor.” Dr. Melancon says far too many people fail to receive regular testing for kidney disease which, added to inadequate knowledge and false beliefs, have impacted minorities far more than other ethnic groups. “Many think it’s a disease of the elderly – nothing could be further from the truth. And the assumption is there’s nothing one can do to prevent it – something that’s also false.” “Eating a healthier diet, particularly cutting down on sodium and sugar – major components within African-Americans’ culturally-induced dietary habits – and being more active, like working out or even walking, can normalize one’s blood pressure, eliminate the need for diabetes treatment and help reduce one’s weight. Awareness and knowledge can prove to be lifesavers.” So, is it that simple? Could a combination of heightened education and awareness, maintaining annual kidney checkups and making modifications in one’s diet and
lifestyle, collectively endorsed and followed by Dr. Melancon and the Pauls, be the key to higher-quality and longer lives, especially for people of color? Consider the poignant words of Alana Hunnicutt-Carroll who until recently had suffered from chronic kidney disease, even undergoing an earlier kidney transplant before turning to Dr. Melancon and his staff for help. “He made a third chance at life possible and I’m now doing great – working full-time with my catering business and volunteering as an advocate for the amazing program and people at GWU,” she said. Like many other Blacks, the pool to which she turned when looking for a donor, friends and family members, suffered from a higher rate of ailments like high blood pressure and diabetes which almost always disqualify them as a donor. In her case two potential donors were predictably denied. Then her husband, Reginald Carroll, stepped in. “He was determined to donate one of his kidneys but made me promise that afterwards we could
Dr. J. Keith Melancon has turned a recently-established kidney transplant center at the District’s George Washington University Hospital into one of the country’s most-respected and successful facilities, quickly emerging as a beacon of hope for Blacks and other minorities living in the Greater Washington Area. Pictured are: (left to right) Reginald Carroll, who donated a kidney to his wife (Alana), Dr. Melancon and his patient and kidney recipient, Alana Hunnicutt-Carroll. / Photo courtesy George Washington University Hospital
have a child,” said Hunnicutt-Carroll, the mother of a teenaged son from a previous relationship. “It’s considered high-risk but it’s still very possible for me to conceive and have a healthy child,” she added. “I have a few months to go
before reaching my one-year anniversary since the surgery. Then, I plan on keeping my promise to my husband.” “I’m blessed and even more convinced that God still answers prayers,” she said. HS
SUPPORT ORGAN, EYE AND TISSUE DONATION IT’S A DECISION EVERYONE CAN LIVE WITH
MARCH 2017 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com
Register online or at the MVA when you obtain your license. DonateLifeMaryland.org
Keep Your Family Safe With Poison Prevention Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia National Poison Prevention Week starts Sunday, March 19, and lasts through Saturday, March 25. Celebrate this important week by raising awareness of poison prevention and making sure your home is poison-proof. Follow these steps to help keep you and your family safe. Only take medicines as prescribed by your health care provider Many people take at least 1 medicine to manage their health. Taking these medicines as prescribed by your health care provider (doctor) can be an important part of being healthy. But changing your medicine without a doctor’s approval can be very unsafe. This includes stopping your medicine, taking too many, or taking others not prescribed for you. If you want to make changes to your medicine, talk to your doctor before doing so. It is also important to consider where you and other family members take your medicines. If a child sees someone take medicine in a common area, the child may think it is OK for him or her to take that medicine, too. This can be very unsafe. It is best to take your medicines in private. After you take them, lock them up away from children. If your child is prescribed his or her own medicine, he or she should always take it with a caregiver’s supervision. This helps ensure they take the right dose each time. Take over-the-counter medicines only as directed Over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements can be both helpful and convenient. They are available at most stores and work well when used correctly. But be sure to read the drug facts and labels before using these products. And never take more than the package says. It is also important to talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking over-the-counter medicines. This is because some products can react with medicine you already take. Before adding anything new to your medicine routine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first. Dispose of all expired or unused medicines safely Be sure to check the expiration dates on all medicines. Taking medicines past their expiration dates can be unsafe. If you think
you have old medicine in your home, check your cabinets and dispose of them safely. Safe disposal of medicines is important. There is also a special way to do this. Putting them down the drain can pollute the water supply. And throwing them away makes it easy for someone to find and take them. Here is how to get rid of medicines safely. First, mix all expired medicines in a plastic bag or empty coffee container. Mix these with something unpleasant, like kitty litter or used coffee grounds. Seal the bag or container. Then, throw it away. Remember to scratch out all your personal information on the medicine bottle before throwing that away, too. Keep all potential poisons out of children’s reach In addition to medicines, everyday household items can also be poisonous. For example, soaps and laundry pods can be harmful if swallowed. And these products come in many different shapes and colors. Children often confuse them for candy. This is very dangerous. Keeping these products in their original containers can help. They will be less likely confused for candy. And it is just as important to store these products out of children’s reach. Lock them up in an area children can’t get to, like a high cabinet or shelf. Here is a list of items to keep away from children and locked away at all times: • Medicines • Laundry and dish soaps (liquid and pods) • Bug killers and pesticides • Cleaning products • Bleach • Hair care products • Makeup • Products with alcohol, like mouthwash and hand sanitizer Avoid lead Lead poisoning can happen by swallowing or inhaling lead. Although lead is not used in new products, it is commonly found in old homes. If you live in an older building, you may have lead and not even know it. Lead can come from painted surfaces, old pipes, and old toys. You can help prevent lead poisoning by keeping your home, your family, and household items clean. If you want to check if your home or water has lead in it, you can get a free lead testing kit. Request your free kit from the
District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority at 202-6123440. Use a carbon monoxide detector in your home Another danger in homes may be carbon monoxide (CO). CO is found in the fumes of burned fuel. And this dangerous gas can’t be seen or smelled. To help prevent CO from building up in your home, get your heater and other home appliances checked by a technician each year. It’s also important never to burn anything in your home, on a stove, or in the fireplace without an open vent. Engines can also produce CO. This means don’t run your car or other motors in a closed garage or inside any building. This can cause sickness and even death. The best way to help detect CO in your home is by installing a CO detector. If your detector alarm sounds, leave your home and call 911 right away. Know what to do in case of a poisoning Poisonings can happen anywhere. But there are many ways
to prevent them and keep your family safe. Be prepared and have a plan in case of an emergency. Remember these important poison prevention tips: • If you or someone you know is having trouble breathing or is unconscious, call 911 right away. • If you or someone you know was poisoned, stay calm and call Poison Help at 1-800222-1222. • If you or someone you know inhales a poison, get to fresh air right away. • If you or someone you know gets poison on the skin, take off any clothing the poison may have touched. Then, rinse the skin with running water for 15 to 20 minutes.
• If you or someone you know gets poison in the eyes, rinse the eyes with running water for 15 to 20 minutes. Save these numbers in your phone for help at any time: • In case of an emergency, call 911 • For Poison Help, call 1-800-222-1222 • For AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia (DC) Member Services, call 1-800408-7511 Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and U.S. Health Resources and Service Administration All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model. HS
www.washingtoninformer.com / MARCH 2017 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
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Member Wellness Center
2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020
AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia members are invited to sign up for wellness classes each month. To sign up, visit www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com or call 1-877-759-6224.
March 2017
Care Coach on site Monday through Friday. Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
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Healthy cooking class 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Total Body Dance Fitness for Beginners 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday
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4 Zumba® for Beginners 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Yoga for Beginners 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
6 Total Body Fitness for Beginners 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
7 Zumba for Beginners 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
13 Total Body Fitness for Beginners 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
8 Yoga for Beginners 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
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9 Total Body Dance Fitness for Beginners 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
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Zumba for Beginners 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
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11 Total Body Dance Fitness for Beginners 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
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Total Body Dance Fitness for Beginners 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
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27 Total Body Fitness 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
28 Zumba 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
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Total Body Dance Fitness 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Space is limited. Times are subject to change.
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MARCH 2017 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com
www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com
Family Keeps Faith in Search for Kidney Donor Campaign Raises Awareness and Hope
By Tatyana Hopkins (City Council, the Hill) WI Staff Writer Over 98,000 people nationwide currently have their names on a waiting list for a kidney with less than 20,000 transplants conducted each year. Desmond Padilla, 38, who lives with his family in Connecticut and whose name remains on the waiting list, learned that it could take as much as six years or more before a matching kidney could be found. But after three years passed by, he and his family found their patience waning. With that, they started a campaign on their own to find a donor and to hopefully prolong his life. Desmond received a donor kidney from his sister in 2010. Then, three years later routine blood work showed his body had rejected the transplant. He had already advanced to stage four renal failure, leaving him dependent on four-hour long dialysis treatments three times a week. “We were told a perfect match like this one would last 18 years,” said wife and mother, Evelyn. She compares the dialysis treatments to having another job for her and her husband, both of whom already work full-time while raising a brood of four children. But love conquers all. Even with their job responsibilities, the cost of childcare and a significant commitment of time related to Desmond’s dialysis treatments, the family of six has added even more to their plates – hosting a regular series of events to raise both awareness and funds. The
hashtag: #FindDesAKidney. “You never know who’s looking, who’s watching and whose heart you may touch,” Evelyn said. Many of the events they’ve already held have successfully reached family members, friends, co-workers and even their immediate community. Whenever they receive approval to set up and man a kidney failure awareness stand at local events, they sell T-shirts that include: Desmond’s name and blood type (A); the contact number to the Yale Donor Hotline; the proverbial hashtag; and a verse from the Bible which reads “faith without works is dead.” Desmond’s diagnosis of renal failure can be traced to Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSG), a disease that produces scarring in the kidney. Men and African Americans tend to be slightly more susceptible than others. However, doctors have told the family that Desmond’s FSG appears to have no discernible cause. The Padilla’s campaign efforts continue to generate wide support among family and friends and have even led to two potential kidney donor leads. Unfortunately, neither one resulted in a successful match. However, Desmond says he has not lost faith. “Sometimes it’s frustrating but I try to stay positive,” said Desmond, who despite constant nausea, dizziness and pain, maintains a 60-hour workweek. He says the physical toll the disease has had on his body and the emotional impact to which he and his family have been subjected have made the waiting even harder. His helpmate agrees.
“It’s tough because you know so many people die waiting,” Evelyn said. Desmond added that he’s become more reluctant to developing friendships with fellow patients at his dialysis center after several died while still on a transplant waitlist. Through disappointments, the Padilla family says they’ll continue their campaign, #FindDesAKidney, always believing that everything they do helps them prepare for that one future outcome: a new kidney for Desmond. “We pray we get the call and we hope that it’s on time,” Evelyn said. HS
Evelyn Padilla remains hopeful that an acceptable kidney will be found for the head of the family, Desmond Padilla, 38, who needs a second kidney transplant after his body rejected a previous transplant.
Early Kidney Screening Saves Attorney’s Life
Launches Online ‘Challenge’ to Educate Others By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer It was nearly three years ago when James Goodnow, a licensed attorney, found his life turning upside down. Diagnosed with kidney disease and without a family history of the illness, he sought medical attention that would include hospitalization. Fortunately, he survived. “Kidney disease is a silent killer that affects all segments of the population but it has a particularly devastating impact on African-American communities,” Goodnow said. “Individuals with kidney disease can be largely asymptomatic until they reach the advanced stages of the disease. The key for prevention is early screening. A family doctor or the local chapter of the National Kidney Foundation can offer a simple blood and urine test to identify risk factors. Early detection saves lives – period,” he said. Moved by what he had learned, Goodnow went online with an idea called “The Kidney Challenge.” The goal: to encourage others to speak up about kidney disease by taking a personal challenge. Those who have accepted the challenge have done things like jumping out of airplanes, lifting weights, breaking boards or entering beauty pageants – all as a means of offering support in the fight against kidney disease. Wanting to do even more, Goodnow then faced one of his
greatest fears – entering his name in one of the world’s largest public speaking competitions which to date has over 30,000 participants. “With 27,000 people on our Facebook page, ‘The Kidney Challenge’ serves as a place where kidney disease sufferers and survivors can share stories and be inspired,” Goodnow said. Based on recent statistics, kidney disease ranks as the ninth-leading cause of death in America, claiming more victims than either breast or prostate cancer. For many, particularly African Americans, the cost associated with battling kidney disease can be prohibitive. Alice Andors, a spokesperson for the American Kidney Fund in Rockville, Maryland, said the nonprofit helps one out of every five American dialysis patients better afford the cost of their health care, adding that minorities disproportionately represent those seeking their financial assistance. “One critical area to focus on is the fact that kidney disease often has no symptoms until the later stages,” she said. “In fact, about 38 percent of new cases of kidney failure each year are people who have not been under the care of a nephrologist,” she said. “This is called a ‘crash landing’ into kidney failure,” Andors noted. In January, the NAACP announced the launch of a series of town hall events in communities across the country to improve
knowledge about kidney disease and dialysis treatment options for African Americans. The program, dubbed “NAACP Dialysis Health Imperative for Access, Choice and Equity [ACE],” informs communities about access to care while illuminating the disproportionate impact that kidney disease has on Blacks and other people of color. Blacks comprise 32 percent of Americans with kidney failure – a rate that’s more than double their representation in the national population, based on figures from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “Given the high rates of African Americans and people of color living with kidney disease, it is important that they have the information needed to manage their illness effectively and can access the best treatment modalities available, including home-based therapies,” said Dr. Marjorie Innocent, NAACP’s senior director of health programs. “At the same time, there needs to be more targeted efforts in communities nationwide to inform people about how to prevent kidney disease and live healthier lives. We must focus on disease management while not putting aside basic prevention,” she said. HS
www.washingtoninformer.com / MARCH 2017 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
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Saving Hearts and Lives in the African-American Community
By Patricia A. Maryland, Ph.D. Our heart is the engine that keeps our body running. That’s why problems with the heart —such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure or heart failure — can significantly impact a person’s well-being, and, at worst, be life-threatening. American Heart Month, in February, shines a spotlight on heart
disease, the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. For African-Americans, it’s also a time to raise awareness of how cardiovascular disease disproportionately impacts members of the black community. Indeed, nearly half of African-American adults suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease, compared to about a third of whites, according to the American Heart Association. This trend stems in part from the fact that African-American men and women are more susceptible than other racial and ethnic groups to a number of health conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. African-Americans can take several small steps to manage these conditions and reduce their likelihood of experiencing cardiovascular problems, including adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking. But improving heart health in the African-American community means more than taking care of ourselves as individuals; it requires a concerted effort by policymakers,
healthcare providers and community leaders to address social and environmental barriers and champion proactive strategies for heart health. Only with contributions from all of these stakeholders can we build a culture of health to counter heart disease among African-Americans. Improving access to preventive cardiovascular care is our chief priority in the fight for African-American heart health. As epidemiologists continue to study whether African-Americans might carry a gene that makes us more prone to heart problems, ensuring that our family, friends and neighbors take advantage of regular preventive screenings is critically important to identify their risk as early as possible. The fact remains that African-Americans are less likely to get screened for high cholesterol or have their blood pressure under control — despite being 40 percent more likely to have heart-threatening conditions such as hypertension, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. While care access plays a role in explaining heart health dispar-
ities, African-Americans also face unequal outcomes when they do seek medical treatment for heart conditions. For example, referrals for cardiac rehabilitation are given to African-American patients at a significantly lower rate than their white peers, according to the American Heart Journal. This important type of follow-up care — which includes exercise training, education on heart-healthy living and counseling — is critical for patients. The lack of such care may be one reason African-Americans experience higher readmission and mortality rates than white patients in the year after a heart attack, according to the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust. For our part, healthcare providers must make it our mission to remove barriers for African-American patients to preventive services, specialized care and effective follow-up procedures for heart health. And we must also partner with patients to determine a strategy that can help them effectively monitor and con-
trol their conditions. At Ascension, we are acutely aware of the challenges that keep minority patients from accessing healthy heart care. That’s why we recently established an ambitious goal: to eliminate race-, ethnicity- and language-based (REaL) disparities in preventable hospitalizations related to heart failure by 2022, as well as to achieve a significant reduction in heart failure admissions rates for Medicaid patients in our network. Our goals are bold, but we know how to achieve them: by working side by side with patients to assess risk, consider every treatment angle, deploy the latest management strategies, collaborate with community partners and connect to necessary specialists and subspecialists. These efforts, coupled with education, innovation and a commitment to healthy communities, can help providers, policymakers and the African-American community eliminate disparities and save the hearts and lives of many more diverse patients. HS
— a disease that disproportionately affects African-Americans and can cause serious birth complications — is one such disease that can be managed through a mother’s ongoing relationship with her healthcare provider.
stance abuse and domestic safety — will do more than improve the lives of mothers and babies. Its impacts will be felt throughout the community. Healthy Neighborhoods Detroit, an Ascension Michigan program, provides a powerful example of a community building its capacity to address holistic health needs. By integrating healthcare, education, grocery access and affordable housing in some of the city’s most blighted areas, the effort is creating nerve centers where all residents can access the services they need. The health of our youngest citizens is the yardstick by which we measure the prosperity of our country and communities. Fortunately, we have made great gains in reducing high rates of neonatal mortality. But there is still more work to do to address equity gaps for African-Americans. It will take a comprehensive, coordinated effort to eliminate this quiet crisis. By working together, we have reasons to hope for a future in which African-American babies survive, thrive and lead our communities into the future. HS
Neonatal Mortality: The Quiet Crisis of the African-American Community By Patricia A. Maryland, Ph.D. President, Healthcare Operations and Chief Operating Officer, Ascension Healthcare In my years working in healthcare, I have been blessed to see patients celebrate happy moments, but I have also witnessed times of profound grief. The loss of a baby is one such example that deals a devastating blow to our families, healthcare providers, communities and nation as a whole. Most newborns grow and thrive, but in the United States, almost six out of every 1,000 babies die during their first year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many of these deaths occur in the neonatal phase of development — the critical period from birth to 28 days of life in which babies are more vulnerable to disease, infection and other complications. No mother, family or community in our country should have to endure the pain of losing a child. It’s all the more shocking to learn that African-American mothers lose a child before their
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first month of life at more than twice the rate of white women — the highest rate of any racial group, according to the CDC. In some states, the equity gaps are even wider. These figures should sound the alarm for all Americans, especially African-Americans, policy makers, healthcare providers and community leaders. This cannot be our quiet crisis any longer. There are real lives at stake. It will take all of us, working together, to ensure African-American babies born in America have every opportunity to thrive. Here are five steps we can take to get there:
ACCESS
Increasing access to quality, timely and affordable healthcare is critical to our mission. African-American mothers who lost an infant were 2.3 times more likely than white mothers to not begin prenatal care until the third trimester, or not receive prenatal care at all, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
CULTURALLY COMPETENT CARE
The factors that influence neonatal health are myriad and complex, but we must continue our efforts to build a culture of health in the black community — one that competently serves the unique needs of mothers on their pregnancy journey and ensures they are at her healthiest even before they conceive. This work requires healthcare providers enhance our outreach to communities of color to forge bridges of understanding among medical professionals and the patients they serve — relationships we know lead to better health outcomes across the board.
EARLY INTERVENTION
Caring for healthy black babies begins before conception and continues throughout a mother’s prenatal and post-partum experience. Early care interventions are critical if we are to address and prevent neonatal and infant mortality, because they allow us to address conditions that could lead to poor birth outcomes. Hypertension
SELF-EMPOWERMENT
Importantly, African-American mothers must take full ownership of their healthcare experience. That means taking advantages of every opportunity to access proactive preconception, prenatal and post-partum care, and feeling empowered to ask questions. Understanding what’s normal, when to be concerned and when to call a doctor is the No. 1 thing African-American women can do to ensure their babies are born and stay healthy.
HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
More cities and neighborhoods are waking up to the notion that where you live has a significant impact on your health. Addressing environmental and social factors of health — such as nutrition, stress, sub-
MARCH 2017 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com
The GW/Ron and Joy Paul Kidney Center and The GW Hospital Transplant Institute Aims to Educate about Kidney Disease By Anne Banner Did you know that 1 in 3 American adults is at risk for kidney disease? Twenty-six million American adults suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD), the ninth leading cause of death in the country, and millions of others are at increased risk. Washington, D.C., has the highest prevalence of CKD in the country. Did you know that African Americans are three times more likely to experience kidney failure than Caucasians? African Americans also constitute more than 35 percent of all U.S. patients receiving dialysis for kidney failure, but only represent 13.2 percent of the overall U.S. population. In addition, nearly half of African Americans have at least one risk factor for kidney disease. As a response to these staggering statistics, the Ron and Joy Paul Kidney Center was established at the George Washington University (GW) in 2015, through a generous gift from The Ron and Joy Paul Foundation, to address the urgent need for community awareness of kidney diagnosis, treatment, and donation. The center works handin-hand with the GW Hospital
Transplant Institute and MOTTEP, the National Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program, to deliver the widest spectrum of kidney disease education, prevention, and treatment options available in the city. “Joy and I felt very strongly that if we could better educate the community, then we could hopefully reduce the amount of kidney failure,” says Ron Paul, chair and CEO of Eagle Bancorp and Eagle Bank and founder of the GW Ron and Joy Paul Kidney Center. “Should somebody be in end-stage renal failure, we want to be able to educate them on transplantation. It’s all about awareness and education. That’s what we’re going to be promoting through this center.” For Paul, the center strikes a personal note. In the 1980s, he was diagnosed with glomerulosclerosis, a kidney disease that can ultimately end in kidney failure. “It came out of nowhere,” he says. “I didn’t have any pre-existing conditions, no diabetes, no high blood pressure, no issues at all other than I found out I had kidney failure.” Eight years later, Paul faced a decision: a lifetime of dialysis or a kidney transplant. He chose a transplant, and his brother,
Steven, provided the needed organ. The donated kidney lasted far beyond its typical lifespan, but in 2008, Paul learned he would need another transplant. Again, he received a donation, this time from a longtime friend and chief financial officer of his company. Organs from live donors are ideal; they shorten or completely eliminate a patient’s need to be placed on a waiting list or on dialysis, and the short- and long-term survival rates tend to be better than people who receive kidneys from deceased donors. With outreach from the GW Ron and Joy Paul Kidney Center, the Pauls are hoping to tip the balance of kidney supply and demand, a move that could potentially save the lives of many Washington, D.C., residents. In 2016, the center launched a series of ads featuring CBS Sports/ News broadcaster James Brown as part of an awareness campaign. The ads, which highlight symptoms of kidney disease, have run on the D.C. metro area’s cable networks. Coupled with Metro bus ads, radio, and digital ads, they have also educated and motivated people to speak with their doctor and get checked for kidney disease — or to call the
Staff and faculty from the GW Hospital Transplant Institute provided kidney health education and blood pressure screening at the NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo, in partnership with the GW/Ron and Joy Paul Kidney Center. For more information about upcoming screening events,
GW Ron and Joy Paul Center for screenings and provider referrals. In addition, the center hosted a series of screening events and educational lectures and is working in partnership with MOTTEP, the GW Medical Faculty Associates, the GW Hospital, and the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences to educate the community. Most people don’t find out they have kidney disease until it is very
advanced, but by catching kidney disease in its earliest stages, patients can work with doctors to manage their symptoms and lead a healthier life. To learn more about the GW Ron and Joy Paul Kidney Center and its screening and educational events, or to learn about kidney transplantation at the GW Hospital Kidney Transplant Center, please visit GWKidney.org or call 202715-4330. HS
HEY DOC, HOW’S MY KIDNEY FUNCTION? The best way to find out if you have kidney disease? Go to your doctor and get tested ASAP. It’s that simple.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR FOR URINE TEST
BLOOD TEST
BLOOD PRESSURE
Albumin to Creatinine Ratio (ACR)
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
Hypertension is one of the leading causes of kidney disease.
call 202–715–4330 visit GWKidney.org SMHS_1617_1
www.washingtoninformer.com / MARCH 2017 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
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1 IN 3 PEOPLE WHO READ THIS MAY ALREADY HAVE CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE. COULD IT BE YOU?
Don’t wait. Get tested today. call 202–715–4330
visit GWKidney.org
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MARCH 2017 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com
Your Biggest Cheerleader in Healthcare
By Marsha Greaves Director of Patient Engagement Community of Hope Thinking about a candy bar snack or skipping your walk? I know it is tempting. Before making that choice, think about how limited exercise and healthy food can affect your health for years to come. Many of our neighbors have diabetes. Three times more people east of the river have diabetes than in other parts of the city. If you or someone in your family
or friend group has diabetes, I have some good news for you. You can control your blood sugar levels. Like many patients at Community of Hope’s Conway Health and Resource Center, you can thrive too. Our patient, Vanessa, is one excellent example. She first learned that she had diabetes in 2009. With exercise and a healthy diet, she brought her blood sugar levels down. But a lapse in that routine meant that her diabetes returned. This second time she is also fighting thyroid cancer and some other health challenges. They make her diabetes harder to control. After years of struggling with these health setbacks, Vanessa says “I won’t let diabetes take over me, I will take over it!” Vanessa’s doctor also referred her to our Care Team, a special support for people with diabetes or high blood pressure. Care Team patients meet with a nurse and a care coordinator to create individual health plans. A healthy diet and exercise are included in the plans. The most helpful skill she has learned is how to portion her meals. But she knows that simply
eating healthy does not improve her diabetes. That is why she is excited to combine her healthy diet with exercise. Care Coordinator Seun Ajayi introduced Vanessa to the Capital Bikeshare program that is available to our Care Team patients. Now she can maintain a healthy and active lifestyle as Capital Bikeshare member. Vanessa plans to “get rid of diabetes by riding these bikes.” As the spring has arrived, Vanessa uses the bikes more. She rides with her boyfriend and sometimes with her daughter walking beside her. She plans to use the bikes to ride to her doctors’ appointments across the city. The Capital Bikeshare program is just one of many extra helps you might enjoy as a Care Team patients at Community of Hope. You may also use the DC Greens Fruit and Vegetable Prescription program. You can access other critical services: a foot specialist, an eye health specialist, treatment for HIV, nutrition and dental care. You might also get to join a chronic disease support group, which helps you’ll learn with others and
provide each other support. One of the best parts of Care Team is our Care Coordinator. They assist you in setting self-management goals, such as when to take medicine and when to exercise, and they give you special reminders about your next appointment. “We know our patients want to have healthier habits for themselves and their families. It is my job to be their biggest cheerleader,” said Ajayi. All our patients and neighbors can get fresh fruits and vegetables
at Arcadia Mobile Market from April to October. Breast cancer screenings are provided by Breast Care for Washington. Vanessa’s favorite doctors work at Community of Hope. She is grateful for all of the support she gets from the caring staff. She loves the friendly atmosphere. She says “knowing people care, makes you feel 100 percent better” when dealing with many health conditions. There’s room for you too. Come join us and we’ll cheerlead for you through your healing. HS
“We know our patients want to have healthier habits for themselves and their families. It is my job to be their biggest cheerleader.” Seun Ajayi, Care Coordinator
FiNd YOuR NexT dOcTOR OR deNTisT VisiT The cONWaY healTh aNd ResOuRce ceNTeR
✔ Most insurance and Medicaid Plans accepted ✔ Medical, dental and counseling services available ✔ Open saturdays
call Medical NOW 202.540.9862 202.540.9857
Our expanded services and specialty care are funded in part by the Government of the District of Columbia, Department of Health.
www.communityofhopedc.org
“ I’ve had a physical
transformation from the
crown of my head to the soles of my feet, after
following my doctor’s advice about my diabetes .”
—Alanda Braxton Miles, Ward 8 resident
deNTal
Our Family caring for Yours www.washingtoninformer.com / MARCH 2017 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
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Heart Disease: Is Your Family at Risk?
It could affect you, your parent, your child or your grandchildren. One in three deaths in the United States can be attributed to cardiovascular disease or problems with the heart’s arteries, muscle or other functions according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While this statistic is alarming for everyone, the stakes are even higher for African-Americans. Heart disease in adults is common-
ly linked to risk factors including high blood pressure and obesity, which disproportionally affect African-Americans living in Washington, D.C. The prevalence of high blood pressure among African-American adults is two times higher than among their white peers according to reports from the District of Columbia Department of Health. When it comes to obesity, less than one in ten white District residents are obese, while the condition
affects one in three African-American residents. While many kids’ heart issues are related to congenital defects, most recently increasing obesity among children and teens has increased their risk for cardiac problems. So it’s important to start good habits now in order to avoid early onset of high blood pressure and obesity. As grandparents, parents and guardians, you have the chance to help your children avoid heart issues throughout their lives by making healthy choices now. Here are some heart healthy tips to implement today: • Limit Screen Time – We know that too much time sitting isn’t good for kids. Did you know that children ages 8-10 spend approximately six hours a day in front of a screen using entertainment media? As a parent or a grandparent, limit the time your child or grandchild spends on the phone, a laptop, the TV or a computer. Also, be sure they stop watching before bed. • Choose Healthier Drinks and Snacks – With long work hours and lots of other plans, finding time to make a healthy meal plan can be
hard. To get started, focus on adding more dark green, orange and red vegetables to your plate. Vegetables like sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens and peppers provide essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients and don’t contain excess calories and unhealthy fats. Additionally, cut down on sugary drinks and try adding a splash of lemon or fruit slices to water instead. • Get Moving as a Family – Children model the behaviors of their family members. With warmer temperatures on the way, make time to get outside with your kids and grandkids. Plan an activity that the whole family will enjoy. Kids should spend 60 minutes or more each day doing physical activity. • Schedule Routine Visits to Your Pediatrician – Just like it’s important for adults to have their cholesterol checked, children need to maintain routine visits to their pediatricians. These visits allow physicians to ask questions and monitor changes in health over time. This is especially important to stop obesity before it becomes a problem. Visit ChildrensNational.org to learn more about our primary care practices.
If your pediatrician recommends that your child should see a specialist, it’s important to choose a cardiologist who focuses on children’s heart health, like the doctors at Children’s National Heart Institute. In his forthcoming book, “Healing Children: A Surgeon’s Stories from the Frontiers of Pediatric Medicine,” Kurt Newman, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Children’s National, shares more tips and lessons to help parents find the right doctors and the best care for their kids. His guiding principle is that the more families use experts and facilities that specialize in pediatric care, the better their child’s experience and outcome will be. As the only exclusive provider of health care for kids in the District, Children’s National is dedicated to helping children grow up stronger. This includes caring for nearly 14,000 D.C. kids each month and advocating that pediatric medicine remains a mainstay in our nation’s health care system. HS Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention District of Columbia Department of Health
STRONGER
IS TOP PEDIATRICIANS FOR YOUR TOP PRIORITY. It’s expert doctors and
nurses providing the best quality care. It’s being a leading voice for children’s health needs across our
community and beyond. And it’s doing everything in our power to help every child be their happiest, healthiest self. Because at Children’s National we don’t just want kids to grow up. We want them to GROW UP STRONGER.
1-888-884-BEAR
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childrensnational.org
#GrowUpStronger
MARCH 2017 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com
Doctors Provide Health-focused Support Group for Black Women
Free Program Targets Middle-Aged Females, 40 to 75 By Sarafina Wright (Education) WI Staff Writer Friends and later colleagues for 38 years, two Black female doctors had a vision to help America’s most forgotten and at-risk demographic.
Black women ages 40 to 75 now top the list for having the highest risk of death due to heart disease, stroke and diabetes as compared to any of their female counterparts. The statistics prompted Doctors Gayle Porter and Marilyn Gaston to create Prime Time Sister Circles [PTSC] as
a source of support. “Many years ago we did a special about Black women’s health on BET with Pam Grier and former D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt,” said Porter, a licensed, clinical psychologist. “Afterwards we got great feedback – women wanted to know more. We
UMC RECOGNIZES MARCH AS COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Meet Gerard & April BOTH TURNING
WHAT THEY DIDN’T KNOW...
Black men and women have a 45% higher chance of dying from colorectal cancer.
African Americans should begin colon cancer screening at age
45. (5 years earlier than other groups)
BLACKS HAVE THE HIGHEST DEATH RATES AND SHORTEST SURVIVAL.
looked everywhere and there weren’t many health and wellness books for Black women,” she said.” In 2001, still unable to locate literature specifically aimed at Black women, the duo decided to write their own book which they titled “Prime Time: The African-American Woman’s Complete Guide to Midlife Health & Wellness.” The book remains a novelty in the health category focused on African-American women in the midlife age group, spelling out strategies for Black women to utilize to gain better control over their physical and mental health. In 2003, the two physicians launched their second collaboration, the Sister Circles, throughout the Greater Washington Area. Several years later they expanded the initiative to Orlando, Chicago, Maryland and Pennsylvania. “This is a program that will help you stay healthy in terms of your weight, stress and activity level while also providing opportunities [for Black women] to talk and bond with other women,” said Gaston, a retired assistant surgeon general. PTSC consists of a 12-week session designed to be a culture-, gender- and age-specific program facilitated as an interactive support group. At each meeting the participants receive a free meal. “We meet for two hours a week and on Saturday mornings in community-based settings like churches, libraries, community and health centers and the lobbies of apartment
buildings,” Porter said. Porter added that when necessary the Sister Circles will go to the buildings in which the women live. “Every two weeks throughout the program we bring in dieticians, weight management coaches and specialists in mental health who engage the women and share their expertise,” she said. The doctors assert that the free program has maintained its funding for the past 14 years through donations provided by foundations and government entities. “I think we have been successful because we understand the cultural component,” Gaston said. “It’s not really about race but culture – having a keen understanding of the community with which we are dealing.” PTSC offers sessions twice annually during the spring and fall with goals that include motivating women to improve their health outcomes, reduce obesity and better understand the challenges they face due to their specific chronic illnesses. “We want to help make our community the healthiest it can be,” Porter said. “We know that keeping Black women healthy keeps our entire community healthy.” This year’s spring session of the Prime Time Sister Circles kicked off in March. For more information call 202-403-6266 or visit www.gastonandporter.org. For more information call 202403-6266 or visit www.gastonandporter.org. HS
Gerard and April are now sharing what they know... Colon cancer is preventable, beatable and treatable with proper screening. SCREENING CAN DETECT AND TREAT COLORECTAL CANCER* BEFORE THE ONSET OF SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS.
preventable
With proper screening and early detection, colon cancer is 90% preventable.
Call UMC at 202.574.6141 today to find out when you should be screened and which test is best for you. *colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon and rectum. Not-For-Profit Hospital Corporation 1310 Southern Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20032
202.574.6000 www.united-medicalcenter.com
UnitedMedicalCenterDC
Working for a healthier community.
@UMC_DC
Doctors Gayle Porter and Marilyn Gaston, founders of Prime Time Sister Circles, a women’s support group located in various cities across the U.S. including the Greater Washington Area. /Photo courtesy of Prime Time Sister Circles
www.washingtoninformer.com / MARCH 2017 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
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SUPPORT ORGAN, EYE AND TISSUE DONATION IT’S A DECISION EVERYONE CAN LIVE WITH
Register online or at the MVA when you obtain your license. DonateLifeMaryland.org
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MARCH 2017 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com
Be Kind To Your Kidneys By Brittany E. Tillman, CHES Be kind to your kidneys for the pair are vital anatomical organs that filter waste and extra water out of your blood and they produce your body’s urine fluid. Just how important is the duo (two kidneys)? Together it’s estimated that your kidneys filter 120-150 quarts of blood, which yields 1-2 quarts of urine, collectively of waste and extra fluid. In addition, your kidneys assist in controlling blood pressure and the production of hormones for your body. Imagine the waste that accumulates in your body if your kidneys are damaged.
Maintain a balanced healthy diet to prevent kidney disease or manage kidney disease: • Eat less than 2,300mg of sodium per day - Eat less packaged/process/ convenience foods - Use sodium free seasonings - Check nutrition food labels, select foods with a Daily Value (DV) of less than 20% sodium - Rinse canned fruit/vegetables/beans/fish with water before cooking or eating • Eat protein in small portions - Chicken, fish, meat, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts, grains • Eat heart healthy foods
Greater risk factors for developing kidney disease are: diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and/or family history of kidney failure. Nasty, right? The kidneys are located on the left and right side of your back between the spine. If you have ever heard someone say my back hurts and then an older person will say drink more water or have you been drinking enough water. This associated back pain can occur for several reasons, and to name a few, kidney disease, kidney conditions and/or kidney infections. Along with other risk factors, dehydration can increase the risk of a person developing kidney stones. Kidney stones are minerals that form in one or both kidneys leading to a very painful experience when passing urine. Furthermore, a urinary tract infection (bladder infection) if gone untreated can move to the upper urinary system which the kidneys are components of. The kidneys function outstandingly better in the presence of the abundance of water. There is a heavier burden upon the fluid balance regulation of the kidneys when less water is consumed. Greater risk factors for developing kidney disease are: diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and/or family history of kidney failure. If you have any of the above risk factors it’s highly recommended that you check your kidneys with a glomerular filtration rate test (GFR) or a urine test for albumin (protein) by a medical provider.
- Grill, broil, bake, roast, stir-fry - Limit fried foods - Cook with small amounts of canola oil instead of butter - Trim fat off meat - Remove skin from poultry before eating Maintain proper hydration: Drink half of your weight in ounces of water. Example: 160lb person, drink 80 ounces (10 cups) of water daily. - Cheat tip: you get 20% of fluid from daily food you eat. Watermelon, strawberries, cabbage, celery, spinach, pickles and lettuce have a high water content. In a more drastic state of kidney disease medical providers will limit Phosphorus and Potassium intake. An abundance of Phosphorus and Potassium in the kidneys can cause weak bones, muscle cramps, heart beat issues and muscle weakness. To limit the minerals eat more fresh fruit/vegetables, breads, pasta, rice, apples, peaches and rice milk. Avoid eating meats, poultry, fish, beans, colas, bran cereals and dairy as they are high in Phosphors. Avoid oranges, bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, brown/wild rice, dairy foods, whole wheat bread/pasta and nuts/beans as they are high in Potassium. So be kind to your kidneys by maintaining a balanced healthy diet with proper hydration. HS
www.washingtoninformer.com / MARCH 2017 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
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Attend the 2nd Annual Think Well Be Well Now Conference
Candice Camille, Wellologist™ is bringing an elite group of wellness practitioners together again the 2nd Annual Think Well Be Well Now Conference. She is answering the call for wellness once again this year to assist people in knowing what it takes to attain a state of wellness. This event comes on the heels of her personal wellness journey, which has included beating a deadly throat cancer and using an unconventional approach to becoming well. If you thought the fight ended there, let me tell you, this young lady has successfully bounced back from not only throat cancer, but the woes of business ownership. But, that didn’t stop her. She came back stronger than ever by providing dynamic wellness principles to live by which includes eating well, moving well, breathing and sleeping well, which results in being well. That’s why she is known as the Wellologist™. When asked what does it mean to be well, her response - “Wellness is first nature - it is a natural state of mind. Very much like breathing, it is designed to be constant. It is the belief that wellness is within your capacity to have it and your innate response is to live it daily as an intricate part of your being. You decide – formulating your thinking to keep your mind, body and spirit in perfect harmony - thinking constantly and consistently to be well.” The 2nd Annual Think Well Be Well Now Conference promises to shed a brighter light on health and wellness from a perspective of her 8 doctors that will be in attendance to share their principles on spiritual, meditation, nutrition, movement, air and sunshine, rest, hydration and fun! Here is what others are saying about last year’s event: Candice Camille’s Annual Think Well Be Well Now Conference was life-altering. I learned that I cannot out train a bad diet and abs are made in the kitchen. I also learned that Candice came back from what could otherwise keep a person down and has made it her lifelong mission to get everyone else to a state of wellness, states Joan Wilson, small business owner.
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Who knew that there were 8 doctors of wellness to visit daily? I didn’t, but I know now and I’m making my appointments and plan to keep them, states Diane Milatano. At the 2nd Annual Think Well Be Well Now Conference, you can expect to learn: • Know how to understand your current state of wellness • Balance your body, mind and spirit • Bridge the gap between your health and your wealth • Bounce back from life-altering challenges • Empower yourself to make you the priority • How to cook to be well • And, so much more
ABOUT CANDICE:
Candice Camille is spreading her message and principles to be well through her many appearances at conferences, destination retreats and special television and radio segments. In addition, she has started a raving movement entitled the Plank Talk Challenge. People from around the world are joining this movement and reaping the benefits of planking, which strengthens your core (start of a 6-pack), reduce back pain, provide more flexibility and ultimately, increases energy. Candice is also the founder and owner of Pure Nuphoria, a wellness space located just minutes from our nation’s capital, Washington DC. Pure Nuphoria is uniquely-designed to be a place of solace, warmth and contentment living. It is a de-stress zone where guests are able to quiet their minds, soothe their bodies and restore their souls. She is a licensed respiratory therapist, pulmonary function technologist, provides coaching and training for Girls Running Club of Prince Georges County and member of Women’s Business Owners of Prince Georges County. For more information about the 2nd Annual Think Well Be Well Now Conference and to book Candice for an interview or speaking engagement, please contact: thewellologist@gmail. com or www.CandiceCamille. com. HS
MARCH 2017 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com
Now introducing
No Strings On Me
Doctor referrals are no longer required to see a specialist Always connected, never tied down Staying connected to your primary doctor is important. But your convenience is too. Now, you have the freedom to choose any AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia specialist without the hassle of a referral. Call us at 1-877-759-6224 to learn more. AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com 5400ACDC-17202
www.washingtoninformer.com / MARCH 2017 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS
EDITORIAL Terrapins Make Basketball History – Is Gender Why We’re Quiet? After another phenomenal performance by Senior Center Brionna Jones, the fourth-ranked Maryland women’s basketball team held off Purdue, winning their third Big Ten tournament championship in three consecutive seasons as well as securing the regular season title, again for the third year running. The victory gives them an automatic berth in the upcoming NCAA tournament and secures the Terrapins’ place in Big Ten history. Since joining the Big Ten in 2014, the team has racked up an amazing conference record, 58-3 and with their recent win, become the first team since 2011 to win three straight Big Ten tournaments. Yet for all of their achievements, there’s been little conversation about the records the team has made or the historical mark they’ve achieved in Big Ten history. From what we can see, it’s been “all quiet on the Western front.” And the Maryland women are not alone. Notre Dame’s women’s basketball team, led by their own “Wonder Woman” – four-year starter and this year’s tournament MVP Lindsay Allen – beat Duke with great ease last Sunday, gaining their conference’s automatic bid to the NCAAs. They also captured their fourth consecutive ACC tournament title. We’re sure both teams have enjoyed private moments of celebration albeit briefly before turning their attention to the NCAA tournament. Maybe they’ll have to wait awhile before realizing dreams of ticker tape parades, invitations to their State Houses or the White House – even securing a prominent space on the front pages of their favorite newspapers and magazines. Maybe. Still, we can’t help but wonder how much greater the extent of celebrations, the loudness of the roars or the number of days punctuated by careless carousing by alums and fans alike would be if instead of the victors being proud members of a women’s team, they had been the men’s team instead. Does gender still dominate our preferences, perhaps even fueling deeply-hidden prejudices? We’re just saying. WI
Metro to Raise Fares, Cut Services but Riders Remain the ‘X’ Factor Smoke-filled stations, surges, frequent system breakdowns and heated community forums have dominated the news here in the District for well over a year – all part of the many challenges facing Metro. Now in a statement released Monday, Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld says he’ll proceed with a previously announced plan to balance the operating budget for the coming fiscal year – raising train and bus fares and cutting services. We believe that Wiedefeld has done just about all he can to close a whopping $290 million shortfall, receiving the support of Board Chairman Jack Evans in a concerted effort that has already required fare increases, slicing services, downsizing staff and an overall tightening of Metro’s operations. But it hasn’t been enough to significantly tackle the financial shortfall. Metro needs financial help from the federal government and the three jurisdictions as it looks to its 2019 budget. That’s essential. Even more, it will need riders, many of whom have found other ways to get around after becoming fed up, to return. We see riders who have turned their back on the increasingly unreliable transit system as the real “X” factor. And while we’re hopeful that Metro’s leaders can entice riders to give them another chance, even with rate increases being an all but forgone conclusion, it’s going to take some real smooth talking from the top brass. Good luck Metro! You really have your hands full this time. The good news – it’s not ‘mission impossible,’ but it’s pretty close. WI WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
TO THE EDITOR Top-Notch Informer Worth Its Weight in Gold My job moved me to this area about six months ago, and my neighbor recently turned me on to your newspaper. Because of my job, I have lived in quite a few communities around the country, and I have read most of their newspapers, but I have never read a newspaper quite like yours, for free! Believe me when I say in most other places you would pay a handsome price to get the quality of reporting, writing and photography seen in your newspaper. Your newspaper should be used as a model and copied by newspapers around the country; you are really doing something that's amazing. Whatever or however you are doing it, I hope it continues, because your newspaper is really something special.
WI Building a Better Bridge I wanted to write to you to express my absolute joy in seeing the "Black Love Experience in Anacostia" in The Washington Informer Bridge, February 2017 edition. First of all, that front-page photograph was absolutely the most stunning expression of beauty and confidence in one's self that I have ever seen. Secondly, The Bridge, as a whole, was great. I have watched the progression of this insert in your newspaper and it is getting better and better. When I saw the front-page photograph, I knew I had to write and let you know just how impressive that was. Thank you so much for all of the work you and your staff does. Matthew Brown Washington, D.C.
Robert Kingman Silver Spring, Md.
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The Washington Informer welcomes letters to the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community. Write to: lsaxton@washingtoninformer. com or send to: 3117 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20032. Please note that we are unable to publish letters that do not include a full name, address and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you.
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MARCH 9 - 15, 2017 25
OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
By James Clingman
Time for Reflection March 2017 marks the 24th year this column has appeared in black newspapers and periodicals across the nation and in other countries as well. It's time for reflection. It's time to assess, to evaluate, and decide whether to continue writing the column or bring it to an end. First, I want to sincerely thank all of you, the readers, for indulging what must be an obsession for me: Economic Empowerment. Also, to the publishers, thank you for keep-
ing this column alive all these years. And last but certainly the most important persons, Marjorie Parham, owner of the Cincinnati Herald, and Donald Anthony, Editor, who liked my initial "Letter to the Editor" and asked me to write for them regularly. They, along with William "Bill" Reed, gave me the opportunity to get my thoughts syndicated, via the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). Thank you all. This column continues to open doors to new relationships and allows me to "vent" as well. It is ca-
thartic, but more importantly it is action-oriented and solution-based. Such a privilege to speak to so many people on a weekly basis is something I do not take for granted. Having written an estimated 1,500 articles, hosted radio and TV shows, and authored five books on economic empowerment, I should be content, right? But I am not content, mainly because I have not seen the outcomes I believe black people should have achieved during my tenure as another in a long line of griots, not only because of my writing, teaching, and advocacy, but
Guest Columnist
because we are too intelligent not to have done so. That hurts. I have often said, "The message is more important than the messenger." The same message I write about is the same one written and spoken by the likes of too many great ancestors to list herein, so I will cite just three: Marcus, Malcolm, and Martin. They followed the paths left by their predecessors, spoke the same message to their people, and cared so much that they gave everything they had toward their mission. Marcus Garvey, even though he
faced tremendous resistance not only from the infamous J. Edgar Hoover and his black spy, James Wormsley, but also from black folks in the NAACP and elsewhere, continued to endure. Garvey did so well that the weight of the federal government had to be brought down on him to try to stop his UNIA movement. False charges and a kangaroo court finally got Garvey a prison term and ultimately deportation. And to think Barack Obama, even at the urging of Dr.
CLINGMAN Page 45
By Austin R. Cooper Jr.
I Am a Proud HBCU Graduate
President Trump recently met with the presidents of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The purpose of the meeting was to discuss his Executive Order moving the HBCU Initiative from under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Education to the White House. Such a move has been advocated by many with the hope that a more direct line to the Oval Office would be beneficial to these schools, some
of which are in grave danger of closing. We simply cannot allow any of our HBCUs to close. I am a proud HBCU graduate who represents a family lineage of the same. I attended my father’s alma mater, St. Augustine’s University. My uncle and renowned epidemiologist, Donald R. Hopkins, attended Morehouse College and my mother graduated from Bennett College. Growing up, they were my childhood (s)heroes, along with Martin Luther King Jr., and Arthur Ashe, even though he graduated from UCLA. A significant part of
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the man that I am can be credited, in part, to attending an HBCU. As kids, my sisters Angela, Kimberly and I often discussed going to college with our parents. In these discussions, there was a spoken expectation that our parents would cover our undergraduate education and all academic requirements would be met in four years. There was also an unspoken expectation that we would attend an HBCU. Angela and Kimberly respectively graduated from Howard and Hampton Universities. Morehouse was my first choice
for college. After initially receiving a rejection letter due to an incomplete application package, I was accepted. Unfortunately, campus housing was full and all freshmen were required to reside on campus. I then applied and was accepted by Saint Augustine’s. My plan was to attend St. Aug for one semester, then transfer to Morehouse College. My applying to Morehouse, in addition to my uncle and Dr. King being graduates, was a desire to be exposed to the African-American thought leaders of the time. I wanted exposure to Benjamin Mays,
Julian Bond, Dorothy Height, Jesse Jackson, Ben Chavis, Andrew Young, Coretta Scott King and others. Unless I attended Morehouse, I did not believe that I would gain such exposure. I was wrong. What I quickly learned at St. Aug was that these political giants visited my campus either on their way to Morehouse or having just left. I quickly fell in love with my alma mater and continued my matriculation there. At St. Aug, for example, I had
COOPER Page 45
By Julianne Malveaux
HBCU Presidents and One-Note Betsy Eighty presidents of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) did a "fly-in" to the White House in a meeting organized by Trump whisperer Omarosa, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and others. There was a White House meeting, a meeting at the Library of Congress, and more buzz than that which comes from a beehive. People were prepped to hear that the White House Initiative for HBCUs would
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move from the Department of Education to the White House and that this would have an impact on the resources HBCUs would receive from this president's budget. Can somebody spell hoodwinked? Sure, the HBCU presidents came to Washington and got their photo op with our nation's 45th president (I'll just call him 45). But the listening session they were to have with some cabinet leaders was interrupted in favor of the photo-op, which means that many who were tapped to speak and
who had prepared remarks did not have the opportunity to deliver them. Notably, Dillard University President Walter Kimbrough posted his remarks online, and made a few media appearances sharing his dissatisfaction. And outgoing Morehouse President John Silvanus Wilson shared his disappointment in a letter with the Morehouse community. To be sure, HBCU presidents are caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to this president. HBCUs have often done well under Repub-
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lican presidents because they are low-hanging fruit. Located in the deeply Republican South, the senators who represent their states get points when they do the right thing, as do presidents who increase Pell grants and Title III dollars, as well as encouraging contract opportunities with government departments. Those who didn't show up to the "fly in" probably incurred the wrath of the vindictive Omarosa who said she was "taking names" and that 45's detractors would have to "bow down" to him. Presi-
dents pretty much had to show up, and hope for the best. They went home empty-handed, with an executive order moving the White House Initiative on HBCU office into the White House, but with no additional resources to manage it. There was also lofty, but resource-devoid language in the executive order. Can we just call Lack of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos "one note Betsy"? Wherever she looks, she sees school
MALVEAUX Page 45
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.
Acknowledging Unprecedented Support for HBCUs
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. routinely would remind those of us who worked for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) during the civil rights movement of the 1960s about the vital importance of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). As we celebrated Black History Month 2017, Dr. King's admonition concerning the enduring need
for HBCUs should be reaffirmed every month. Dr. King once emphasized, "The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.” Dr. King was a graduate scholar of one of the leading HBCUs, Morehouse College, in Atlanta. He was not only an intellectual genius and spiritual leader, but also had an enormous moral character that kept SCLC's leadership on the front-line of civil rights social
Guest Columnist
transformation. There should be no rational debate about the contemporary necessity to support the sustainability of the nation's HBCUs. Yet, we do live in times where too many people have been misled to lean on the unfortunate and unstable walls of irrationality, divisiveness and the absence of truth. As we continue to posit and emphasize, there is a glaring need to demand intellectual honesty in all matters pertaining to the pursuit of freedom, justice, equality and empowerment for
black America and all others who struggle to improve the quality of life for all humanity. When it comes to the crucial funding of HBCUs, this is a matter that transcends the partisan divide between the left and the right. Truth is nonpartisan. Truth is therapeutic. Substantial efforts to increase higher education opportunities for black Americans and others should not get mired down in contradictory and self-defeating political discourse. March 16 will mark the 190th anniversary of the Black Press in
America since the first publication of "Freedom's Journal” on March 16, 1827, in New York City. Honesty, integrity, and publishing the truth without fear of consequence have been the hallmarks of the Black Press in the United States for nearly two centuries. We have neither reluctance nor hesitation, therefore, to acknowledge the strategic and unprecedented support that the Charles Koch Foundation and Koch In-
CHAVIS Page 46
By Rep. Robin Kelly
Speak Out to Protect Your Health
For six years, Republicans have repeated the same phrase in every conversation about health care: "repeal and replace" the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Now that Republicans control all levers of government, they are preparing legislation to strip 30 million Americans of the everyday security of health insurance. The impact of any repeal would be massive and disastrous. Experts estimate that repealing
the ACA will kill 43,000 Americans every year. A disproportionate number of these deaths will be from the African-American community. The ACA is the most significant piece of health equity legislation we've had in a generation. It reduced the number of African-Americans living without health insurance by more than half. We know that increased coverage has decreased the number of Americans dying from cancer. A recent report by the American Cancer Society showed that can-
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cer deaths have declined by 25 percent since peaking in 1991. In their report, the American Cancer Society specifically notes that the ACA is driving "these shifts [that] should help to expedite progress in reducing socioeconomic disparities in cancer, as well as other health conditions." The report also lauded the ACA for helping to decrease the "excess risk of cancer death" facing African-Americans. The ACA has also significantly expanded mental and behavioral treatment access, especially to community hospitals and
schools. The Office of Minority Health notes that African-Americans are 20 percent more likely to experience "serious mental health problems." Yet only a quarter of African-Americans seek mental health care, compared to 40 percent of white Americans. Thanks to the ACA, we are starting to see that gap close and more people are receiving the care they need to live healthy, productive lives. We know that the ACA saving lives, so why are President Trump and Congressional Republicans so determined to repeal it?
This question is truly vexing when you consider the fact that, in addition to the tens of thousands of Americans who will die every year, we will also add trillions to the national debt and increase taxes. According to the GOP's budget resolution, repealing the ACA would add $29.1 trillion to the national debt over the next 10 years. That's more than $90,000 for every American citizen. But the fiscal pain doesn't end there. A GOP Senate bill and
KELLY Page 46
By Askia Muhammad
Trump Chumps HBCU Leaders It was a scene befitting a Marx Brothers movie, plenty of moving parts and plenty of laughs to go around. Only this was real life and it happened in the White House Oval Office with President Donald J. Trump and an assortment of several dozen presidents and chancellors from the nation's historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The president himself was in on the fun. He lauded the gathering as the biggest meeting he
had seen in the Oval Office, and then he upset the tone calling the presidents "you people." Oops. Or maybe not. "You people are doing an amazing job," His Nibs said, according to four people who were there, with two saying that he used the phrase three different times. We all know that's typical Trump. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, the billionaire who's made a career out of donating huge sums of money to destroy public schools, got in on the merriment as well. That was when DeVos called the schools — which were
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created in the face of laws which made it illegal to teach black people to read in some places — "pioneers" of "school choice." Some of the assembled college presidents went bonkers, according to published reports. DeVos said HBCUs are "living proof that when more options are provided to students, they are afforded greater access and greater quality." Options? Provided by whom? The NAACP reacted angrily to the insult: "Betsy DeVos' statement concerning Historically Black Colleges and Universities
was a painful display of a fundamental misunderstanding of the tragic history of race and education in America. To consider HBCUs as 'real pioneers when it comes to school choice' is a revisionist rendering of history, at best, and a blatant disregard for the legacy of segregation and resistance in America, at worst," the group said in a statement. And of course, White House Counselor Kellyanne Conway also got a piece of the action. She repeatedly referred to "HBCUs" using the wrong acronym, calling them "HCBUs." Conway was
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being interviewed on Fox News, explaining the skanky picture of her which appeared, her feet — shoes on — on the Oval Office sofa, as she knelt indelicately taking a photo of the proceedings. The 90 or so presidents were called together by the leadership of Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), the only black Republican in the Senate. They came for a variety of reasons, and faced backlash on their campuses back home. At Howard University in Washington — which celebrated its
ASKIA Page 46 MARCH 9 - 15, 2017 27
LIFESTYLE D.C. Celebrates Women's History Month By Lauren Poteat WI Contributing Writer In recognition of Women's History Month, Busboys and Poets' D.C. location recently hosted a free screening of the well-received 2013 film "Girls Rising." The March 5 screening was part of the restaurant's monthly film series "Cinema for a Conscious Community," which focuses on social justice, peace, art, music and community value. Dubbed as 2013's "most powerful film" by The Huffington Post, "Girls Rising" showcases a
global campaign for girls' education and empowerment. Using the power of storytelling, Academy Award-nominated director Richard E. Robbins uses his film platform to journey around the globe and witness the strength of the human spirit and the power of education. Throughout the film, viewers get to know nine ordinary girls living in the developing world who confront tremendous challenges and overcome nearly impossible odds to pursue their dreams, as prize-winning authors put the girls' remarkable stories into words.
"The issue of providing quality education for girls is already making enormous progress," Robbins told The Huffington Post. "We're just trying to fuel the fire. Spread the word. This is an issue where we actually understand the answer. So in some way the biggest obstacle to creating the change we all want is making people aware of the issue and getting them involved. Through screening the film, that's happening not just here in the U.S., but around the world." The event is one of several being held around D.C. in com-
5 Several events are being held around D.C. during Women's History Month to pay homage to influential Black women. / Courtesy of ladiesliveandlearn.com
memoration of Women's History Month: Thursday, March 9 (6 p.m.) — The West End Library will host "Women's History Month Heroines," dedicated to the Celebration of Influential and Creative Women with items such as coloring sheets and books and activities for the youth. Thursday, March 9 (7 p.m.) — The Southwest Library and C.R. Gibbs, an award-winning histori-
an international lecturer, author and historian of the African Diaspora, will present "Hidden Heroes: African-Americans, NASA, and the Quest for the Final Frontier." Thursday, March 16 (4 p.m.) The Shaw (Watha T. Daniel) Library will host an event with the Female Re-Enactors of Distinction (FREED), who will tell important stories of historic women. WI
Congressional Chorus Takes 'Road Ride' Through U.S. Music History By Tatyana Hopkins WI Staff Writer The Congressional Chorus will hold its 11th annual cabaret this month at the Atlas Performing Arts Center in Northeast. The already highly booked event — "Road Trip: Tour the USA in Our Cabaret" — will also mark
the choir's 30th season. The show will run from Thursday, March 16 to Saturday, March 18 at 8 p.m., with a 4 p.m. matinee performance Sunday, March 19. "Our cabarets have sold out in advance for the last 10 years, [and] our Saturday show is already sold out," said chorus representative Rebecca Hall.
Founded in 1987, the choir's mission is to "foster and communicate the spirit, diversity and transformative power off American music while advancing choral excellence, community outreach and affordable music education for all ages in the nation's capital." The choir aims to reach this goal through its affordable music ed-
5 Congressional Chorus members rehearse at Calvary Baptist Church for an upcoming performance. / Photo by Mark Mahoney
28 MARCH 9 - 15, 2017
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ucation programs for those of all ages and multi-disciplinary performances. The cabaret, which serves as the organization's largest fundraiser in support of its education programs, is set to include an online silent auction beginning March 15 and running through production. Auction items range from restaurant reservation to exclusive getaways. Audiences will hear longstanding American favorites that shaped various music genres during the two-hour production, including medleys paying tribute to the Beach Boys, the award-winning Broadway play "Hamilton: An American Musical," Bobby Troup's "Route 66" and Woodie Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land." "This show is about presenting the diversity of American music," said David Simmons, the chorus's art director and conductor. "No one genre of American music is better than another, they're all different with unique characteristics and sensibilities. Like a road trip, this concert has been programmed to provide a whimsical ad entertaining respite from the daily
stresses of our daily lives." The show will also include work by African-American artists such as Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter, Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye and other Motown notables. "Conga" by Gloria Estefan will also be included in show. "It's not just about being inclusive but also recognizing that minorities and people of color have greatly contributed to the culture and fabric of America, and you can't do a musical road trip without touching on where they have had influence," said Christopher Daniels, who joined the choir this year. The high-energy production will feature 80 singers, a 20-person dance troupe and seven-piece band. "I prefer stuffy choirs, when you stand on the stage and sing, but this is not that," soloist and choir newcomer Moshe Adams joked about the difficulties of rehearsing lyrics and dance moves. "Anyone who wants to come and let their hair and get loose for a little bit will enjoy the show. WI
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LIFESTYLE
Local Woman Finds Calling Amid Personal Tragedy By Timothy Cox Special to The Informer A D.C.-area woman has used her own personal tragedies as an impetus for a mission to help others, founding an organization that assists senior citizens and young people who find themselves in dire and life-threatening situations. Wanda Johnson, CEO of Seniors And Youth Support Services (SAYSS), held a successful fundraiser on Feb. 18 at Fire Station No. 1 in Silver Spring, Maryland. The Red & Black Affair featured the Bliss Band, along with the Bowie State University Dance Ensemble and a Lou Rawls impersonator named David Statton aka "DC Lou." In the face of double tragedy, Johnson persevered to create her successful foundation, of which she is now chief executive officer. Johnson's 18-year-old son, Jerome, was fatally shot in 2000 while courting another teenager in the Baltimore suburb of Pasadena. The teen was set to attend the University of Maryland at the time of his death, his mother said. Then a few years ago, Johnson's mother, Clevonia Nicholson, died after being diagnosed with dementia following a debilitating stroke. It was the "deplorable" conditions of her mother's nursing home that spurred Johnson to develop a campaign to assist those who can no longer help themselves, founding SAYSS in the process. Johnson describes her group as a nonprofit organization "designed to make life a little easier" by making non-medical companion care and personal care more affordable by deducting significant percentages from the bills of seniors, considering that large portions of the senior community depend on fixed incomes and have limited funds remaining after bills are paid. "Our program educates our senior community by providing seminars on depression, identity theft, aging safely while gracefully
discussing the effects of dementia and many other subjects pertinent to aging loved ones," she said. The organization also assists youths in healthy growth and development by facilitating a Community Youth Program for youths from ages 8 to 12 and 12 to 18. "That's an age group that's been heavily impacted by domestic violence, cyberbullying, second-degree assault, depression, mental and physical abuse," said Johnson, herself a survivor of sexual assault as a preteen. SAYSS collaborates with The Solace Center — a mental health service that provides mental evaluations and therapy to those who may be in need of additional services, said Johnson. "There's just so many young people who have no one to turn to," she said. "They have issues, but they have no where to work it out — to discuss their pain, in turn, they act in violence. There are ways to stop this activity, and that's why we're here to try and do something — too many of our young people are being lost to the penal system, especially our boys. "Additionally, too many seniors are facing worsening conditions, mainly at assisted living centers, where too many employees don't really care about the clients and are mainly just trying to collect a paycheck," she said. "It's very hurtful to see your loved-ones facing these odds. They were once thriving, hard-working people who contributed to the tax-base and to our society. It's sad to see them in their final days living in such sad conditions." After attending Howard University, she earned a bachelor's degree in human services and gerontology from Kaplan University. Currently headquartered in Largo, she aims to make her program more widespread throughout the D.C. region to serve more constituents. The organization is currently seeking volunteers and interns of all ages, particularly those seeking nursing careers or interested in helping children and seniors. Contributors may make donations via www.sayss.org. For more information, call 240-788-7335. WI
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5 Supporters of SAYSS. / Photo by Timothy Cox
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MARCH 9 - 15, 2017 29
LIFESTYLE Edwards Among Eight Inducted Into MD Hall of Fame By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill
5 Former Rep. Donna Edwards. / WI file photo
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The Maryland Women Heritage Center in Baltimore showcase plaques of nearly 170 contributors to the state's economic, cultural and political landscape. The center's Hall of Fame exhibit feature prominent individuals such as Harriett Tubman, recently retired Sen. Barbara Mikulski and activist Bernice Smith White. Eight other women plan to join them during an annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony March 16 at the Miller Senate Office Building in Annapolis. Those being recognized include former Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Maryland) and 2016 Olympic gold medalist and swimmer Katie Ledecky from Montgomery County. "It was a very tough year to select because the candidates were so strong," said Judith
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Vaughan-Prather, executive director for the Maryland Commission for Women, which sponsors the free Hall of Fame event with the Women Legislators of Maryland. "We had an extraordinary year in the Olympics last summer. We usually pick four to six, but we chose eight. This is an exceptional group of women." Edwards, 58, of Oxon Hill, represents the only person from Prince George's County in this year's selection. She became the first black woman from Maryland elected to Congress and represented the 4th Congressional District since 2008 until her term expired Jan. 2. During her time in Congress, Edwards became known as a staunch progressive, champion of women's rights and hosted a college and career fair for eight straight years. "I am honored by the award, but these awards don't have to be a reminder [the] struggle for women's progress, equality and representation is not over," Edwards said during a telephone interview Monday, March 6 from Tucson, Arizona. "There are 104 women who serve in the United States Congress, a very small percentage of them are Black and Brown women. We need many more women in every step of our elected office." Edwards lost in a fierce battle in last year's Democratic Senate primary to former House college Chris Van Hollen. She sought to become the first Black woman in the Senate in more than 20 years. After Edwards left Congress, she started a cross-country adventure Jan. 5 in an RV she knicknamed "Lucille." She has cataloged some of her adventures on Facebook at locations such as Everglades National Park in Homestead, Florida; she stood on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama; and the Jamie L. Whitten Historical Center in Fulton, Mississippi. She drove along the U.S.-Mexico border to see the Rio Grande River in Texas which made her think about politics and President Donald Trump's plan to build a wall to separate the two countries as a way to control immigration. "It helped me to put this into context. Building aa wall is just the most ridiculous and absurd thing ever," she said. "It's kind of a dumb idea." She will park her RV and fly to Washington to attend the ceremo-
ny in Annapolis and head back west the next day to continue her road trip for one more month. "One of the great things in being out around the country and visiting national and state parks and talking to people … it gives me a sense of people who are not centered around Washington," she said. "It is an amazing, beautiful country and I have a little bit of time to do it. Then I'll have to come back reality and find a job to pay my mortgage." Edwards will join Ledecky, 19, a five-time gold medalist who now attends Stanford University in Stanford, California. Last month, her school won the PAC12 swimming championship. The other six women inducted into the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame, which began in 1985, are: • Marsha Coleman-Adebayo from Montgomery County, author of Pulitzer Prize nominated book, "No Fear: A Whistleblowers Triumph Over Corruption and Retaliation at the EPA;" • Carolyn W. Colvin from Anne Arundel County, former acting commissioner of the U.S. Social Security Administration; • The late Mary Elizbeth Garrett, a suffragist and activist from Baltimore; • The late Katharine Blodgett Gebbie, an astrophysicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) where scientists won four Nobel prizes in physics; • 2016 Olympic gold medalist and wrestler Helen Maroulis from Montgomery County; and • The late Lilian Welsh, a physician educator and suffragist from Baltimore. The event sponsored by the Maryland Commission for Women and the Women Legislators of Maryland will also spotlight five middle and high school students as "Women of Tomorrow" for academic excellence, community service and leadership. "Our tagline is: 'Adding her story to history to tell our story,'" said Diana Bailey, executive director of the Heritage Center. "It is an opportunity to be inclusive to add the contributions of women that hasn't always been there. Just like every month we should celebrate Black History Month, every month should Women's History Month." For more information go to www.marylandwomen.org or www.mdwomensheritagecenter. org. WI
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MARCH 9 - 15, 2017 31 2/13/17 5:32 PM
LIFESTYLE Restoration Stage Offers Rare Spotlight for Black Stories By Jade James-Gist WI Contributor In its final weekend, the D.C. region's only black-owned theater company, Restoration Stage Inc., delivered on Friday, March 3 an arresting performance of "The Very Last Days of the First Colored Circus." The play was written by fifth-generation Charles County resident and playwright Steven A. Butler Jr., the play was inspired by the lives of his great-great-grandparents, Ruby Dyson and Ollie Thomas, and their struggles as circus performers in early-1900s Maryland. It's a story that won't be found in any history book, and that's why Restoration Stage director,
producer and founder Courtney Baker-Oliver decided to produce it. "When mainstream theaters show black people, they hardly stray from thug or slave life, as if those are our only stories," Baker-Oliver said. So Butler and Baker-Oliver write and produce black plays with storylines that would otherwise be ignored by mainstream theaters. They merge history and art to show the diversity of the black experience with an official mission to "restore the black family through storytelling." Previous productions include critically acclaimed plays "The Truth," "All That Glitters" and "Chocolate Covered Ants," each of which highlight hidden narra-
tives of women, the LBGT community and young men in black America. "Even though our stories don't usually get green-lit, I am hopeful in this 'Moonlight,' 'Hidden Figures' and 'Fences' moment," Baker-Oliver said. One of the unfortunate outcomes of this reality is that greenlit black productions lack variety. Popular plays such as "Crowns" and "A Raisin in the Sun" dominate the mainstream stages and run annually, but while entertaining or historically significant, they do not represent a diversity of black experiences. The absence of black theater companies in D.C. has persisted for almost 50 years, and Restoration Stage is now the only
black-owned theater company in the DMV. Restoration currently rents spaces such as Anacostia Stage for their productions. So even in Chocolate City, there's no consistent space where black people can control their narratives, and a multitude of black experiences remain untold.
Now, in light of the new president's goal to "make America great again," Butler and Baker-Oliver say Restoration Stage's work is timelier than ever. "We have to demand our narratives," Baker-Oliver said. "Otherwise 'MAGA' (Make America Great Again) will attempt to erase our history." WI
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5 The cast of "The Very Last Days of the First Colored Circus" during a March 3 performance at Anacostia Playhouse. / Photo by Jade James-Gist
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Historic Black Church Installs New Shepherd Nineteenth Street Baptist’s Dr. Darryl Roberts – Fourth Pastor in 134 Years By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor It seems only fitting that the District’s oldest Baptist church would continue adding to its rich and impressive legacy during Black History Month – installing just its fourth senior pastor in the last 134 years. But given the past accomplishments of the Rev. Dr. Darryl D. Roberts and the vision he brings to the downtown house of worship, it’s clear that the members of Nineteenth Street Baptist Church in Northwest have made the right choice. Roberts, 41, officially took over earlier this year on the first Sunday in January. But as a means of presenting Roberts to the District and to allow the just over 600 members to celebrate their new pastor’s arrival, the church hosted a weekend of memorable events that culminated with two installation services on Feb. 19. Some of the country’s most respected theologians and ministers, representing a diverse group of denominations, shared their gifts in a variety of way in support of their friend and colleague. Participants included: Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., civil rights activist and close friend of both Dr. M.L. King, Jr. and King’s father, “Daddy King;” Dr. Robert M. Franklin, the 10th president of Morehouse College; Rev. Martha Simmons, Rush Memorial United Church of Christ, Atlanta; Rev. Edward Reynolds, Midway Baptist Church, Atlanta; and Alton B. Pollard III, dean and professor of religion and culture, Howard University, School of Divinity. One member of the installation committee said the selection of Roberts came after an intensive 18-month search during which time a host of visiting ministers stepped in as needed. “The process we followed is common within the Baptist tradition – it’s time consuming and there are a lot of meetings – we take our time. We began with 80 applicants from across the U.S., reduced that number to our top 10, all of whom were invited to
preach, and finally presented three candidates to the congregation for a vote,” said Edith Bullard, a Silver Spring resident and marketing and communications specialist who joined the church 10 years ago. “It took several votes before we reached the required two-thirds majority and I think it was his impressive background, leadership in the Baptist church and the social justice programs he led during his years in Atlanta that made the difference,” she said. We wanted someone fairly young who had been a pastor before and who could both engage our elders and bring in younger members.” “We’re a church concerned with what happens beyond the walls outside in the community and wanted someone who shared that view,” she said. Roberts says following in the footsteps of the three previous pastors, Rev. Dr. Walter H. Brooks (1882-1945), the Rev. Jerry A. Moore, Jr. (19461997) and Rev. Dr. Derrick Harkins (1997-2015), who collectively accumulated an impressive total of service years, “is a privilege and honor.” “It’s both a challenge and an opportunity to be in this new season and to build upon the legacy of such great giants,” said Roberts, the former senior pastor of Mount Welcome Missionary Baptist Church (Decatur, Georgia) and a man of letters with a Doctor of Philosophy in Ethics, a Juris Doctorate, a Master of Divinity and a Bachelor of Arts from Emory University, Boston College, the University of Chicago and Grinnell College, respectively. “The fact that they served at our church for such a long time gives me encouragement that I have the support, foundation and the traditions to help me carry out God’s vision for our church,” said Roberts, who also brings the love and support of his wife, Dr. Laura Morgan Roberts and their two young children. He noted that as a downtown-based church, they face unique challenges. “Gentrification has impacted many
businesses and churches and while we are not immune to it, we don’t see it as a threat to us – a church that has served with distinction in the spiritual and cultural life of Washington, D.C. for over 177 years,” Roberts said. “We have members from all over the DMV which means commuting is an issue of concern. Still, churches in the 21st century, no matter where they’re located, if they are committed to growing and thriving, tend to have five things in common: a strong teaching ministry; vibrant youth and children’s programs; exciting worship; strong external and internal media; and a strong administrative infrastructure.” “Our seniors make up the bulk of our membership but we’re seeing many of their children, grandchildren and friends, many of whom grew up in the church but left, now returning. That’s very encouraging and promising.” As for today’s millennials, Roberts believes he has a relatively simple solution to drawing them into the fold. “I believe they’re looking for churches that are busy doing work to build and rebuild our community,” he said. “As the pastor, I must do things
8
5 Rev. Darryl D. Roberts is installed as the fifth pastor of the nearly 200-year-old Nineteenth Street Baptist Church in Northwest on February 19. / Photo by Roy Lewis
that will attract more millennials, like considering what it means to shape the worship experience so that they feel our liturgy, message and music speaking to them. At the same time our worship services must continue to speak to the needs of our older populations and to our children.”
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“It’s all about examining and reexamining our current ministries, asking ourselves if we are creating a welcoming environment that both attracts and prepares our millennials, as well as others, for opportunities in leadership,” he added. WI
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LIFESTYLE
wi book reviewA
Horoscopes
MAR 9 - 15, 2017
ARIES In the week ahead you should take a much more philosophical approach to your plans. This is the time to sort out your priorities and let go of issues that no longer serve you. Then you'll enter a more practical and down-to-earth approach to everyday matters. Lucky Numbers: 7, 8, 28
"Madame President: The Extraordinary Journey of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf"
TAURUS Your social life looks particularly upbeat this week. It’s also possible that an old friend will call up with an offer to reconnect. If you do, this could be a very poignant meeting. There will be no stopping you from making your dreams a reality and showcasing your skills. Lucky Numbers: 2, 4, 22
by Helene Cooper c.2017, Simon & Schuster $27 ($36 Canada) 336 pages
GEMINI Your thoughts could be very important this week, in the sense that what you focus on may have a greater tendency to materialize. It may help you to put your energy into ideas and visualizations that are in line with what you want. Try not to dwell on things that could go wrong, as this could result in a dip in confidence. Lucky Numbers: 13, 15, 27 CANCER Travel and adventure could be your focus this week and for some weeks to
comes. Nostalgia for a certain place might encourage you to return and sample the local culture once again. Socially, things are also picking up. This might mean moving in new circles, joining groups. Lucky Numbers: 3, 6, 44
Madame President By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer Your friends follow what you have to say. Whether on social media or otherwise, they listen to you and understand, ask your opinion, seek your wisdom, and look to your lead. With them, you live a good life. Have followers like those, as you'll see in "Madame President" by Helene Cooper, and you can change the world. "This child will be great." Roughly translated, that's what a local prophet said about Ellen Johnson when she was born in Liberia in October 1938. Those words were repeated in praise and in sarcasm as Johnson grew up, but no one had any idea then how right the man would be. Though illiteracy was very common in Liberia, Johnson's parents strove to educate their children in a manner befitting their upper-class status. Johnson expected to go to Europe for college but when her father fell ill, she knew that college would no longer be possible. Instead, she married Doc Sirleaf, a man several years her senior. The babies started coming almost immediately; shortly after their fourth son was born, Sirleaf and her husband seized an opportunity to go to America, to Wisconsin for college. Leaving her children was difficult for Sirleaf, but it wouldn't be the last time. It would, however, be a few years before she'd leave her abusive husband. By then, she was working for Liberia's Treasury Department and it was obvious that there were problems. Politically and socially, things had been shaky for some time, in part because of a two-tiered society that wasn't functional anymore. Sirleaf attempted to continue working in-place but her connection to Liberia's controversial President William R. Tolbert made her vulnerable, so she applied for a job in America with the World Bank. It — and that she was a native Liberian — probably ultimately saved her life. In 1980, following the overthrow of the government and Tolbert's murder, Sirleaf continued being vigilant while working for the new president as well as for World Bank. She knew she could do more if she stayed in country during Liberia's civil war, but her eventual outspokenness was consequently perilous: for her rebellious actions, she was jailed in 1985, which outraged the country's market women. They helped get her released. It would be two decades before they'd get her elected. Whew. Reading "Madame President" very well could wring you out. Starting with birth and a basic history of Liberia, author Helene Cooper takes us through a half-century of turmoil with a woman that, considering what surrounded her, possessed grit and guts. Cooper tells Sirleaf's story as one that's triumphant but also brutal and raw, with violence in a little too much gruesome detail; still, despite that those parts are uncomfortable to read, they inherently tell readers more about who Sirleaf is and why her presidency is so remarkable. Though you'll cringe often when reading this, it's a book that'll make you want to cheer, too. World history buffs will truly enjoy "Madame President," as will fans of international politics and women's issues. WI
34 MARCH 9 - 15, 2017
LEO A deeper pulse could be why you feel drawn to contemplate key situations and the reasons behind them. A focus on a more sensitive area of your chart hints that the coming weeks could be a time of change, one in which it can be important to let go of anything that no longer serves you. The less emotional baggage you carry, the better for you. Lucky Numbers: 11, 17, 40 VIRGO You may go too far to accommodate other peoples’ needs. But astrological shifts this week, along with a Full Moon in your sign, could see you standing your ground and being a little bit more assertive in this situation. And maybe it’s about time that you were, for your own good. Lucky Numbers: 6, 28, 39 LIBRA Wellness issues may come to the fore in the coming days. You could join with a friend or group to improve your overall health. You might also be eager to change your diet to unburden your body of any toxins. On a more intimate note, the coming weeks especially perfect for romance with all the trimmings. Lucky Numbers: 14, 30, 38 SCORPIO Leisure options are calling out to you, meaning that the week ahead may offer up some sterling opportunities for parties, celebrations, and generally enjoying life. An encounter could coincide with some in-depth conversation, though, and this might encourage you to make a pivotal decision. Exciting interactions could also be more conducive to getting things done. Lucky Numbers: 7, 17, 45 SAGITTARIUS You may feel like taking a back seat this week. This brings an oppor-
tunity to recharge and indulge in a little self-care. Everyone needs this from time to time, so don’t begrudge yourself the chance to rest when you can. Also, you may be ready to put your focus on health and fitness matters, which will do you some good if your intentions have lapsed recently. Lucky Numbers: 4, 10, 20
CAPRICORN Your curiosity may be aroused by snatches of conversations that captures your imagination. The coming days could see you looking into certain subjects and being quite passionate to learn more. Whatever piques your interest could indicate a new trend developing in your life. Romantic opportunities peaking for you right now. If you’re hoping to impress a certain person, appeal to the senses. Lucky Numbers: 7, 23, 45 AQUARIUS With Mars entering the sensual sign of Taurus and your home and family sector this week, it might be time to slow down and enjoy some home cooking. If you can take a break in the coming weeks, try to do so. This could be a golden opportunity to recharge in a very deep way. Shopping could also appeal to you, with a great chance to get a special bargain. There could also be a temptation to splurge this weekend, so don’t overdo it. Lucky Numbers: 6, 27, 31 PISCES A conversation with a friend could result in you collaborating on an idea or project that appeals to you greatly. Although this might seem like a minor matter at the moment, it could blossom into something worthwhile. Later in the week the focus shifts to your communication sector, and here you may be guided to spend more time with those you care about. Calling or e-mailing and generally letting them know that you’re there can help cement those key bonds. Lucky Numbers: 3, 8, 14
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SPORTS United, KC Play to Scoreless Tie in Season Opener
5 D.C. United midfielder Nick
DeLeon (14) gets past Sporting Kansas City midfielder Benny Feilhaber during a scoreless tie in the United's 2017 season opener Saturday, March 4 at RFK Stadium in Southeast. / Photo by John E. De Freitas
3 D.C. United forward Partick
Nyarko (12) drives past Sporting Kansas City midfielder Benny Feilhaber during a scoreless tie in the United's 2017 season opener Saturday, March 4 at RFK Stadium in Southeast. / Photo by John E. De Freitas
5 D.C. United midfielder Jared
Jeffrey (right) is trailed by Sporting Kansas City midfielder Ilie Sanchez during a scoreless tie in the United's 2017 season opener Saturday, March 4 at RFK Stadium in Southeast. / Photo by John E. De Freitas
4 D.C. United midfielder Marcelo
Sarvas (center) beats Sporting Kansas City forward Gerso Fernandes to the ball in the first half of a scoreless tie in the United's 2017 Major League Soccer (MLS) season opener Saturday, March 4 at RFK Stadium in Southeast. / Photo by John E. De Freitas
36 MARCH 9 - 15, 2017
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SPORTS
St. John's, Gonzaga Win DCSAA Tourney
3 Georgetown Visitation Cubs guard Senam Adedze drives past St.
John's Cadets guard Carly Rivera during the Cadets' 63-51 victory in the D.C. State Athletic Association (DCSAA) girls' championship game at the George Washington Smith Center in Northwest on Sunday, March 5. / Photo by John E. De Freitas
6 Maret Frogs center Luka Garza (55) is defended by Gonzaga Eagles
forward Myles Dread during the first quarter of Gonzaga's 77-66 win in the DCSAA boys' championship game at the George Washington Smith Center in Northwest on Sunday, March 5. / Photo by John E. De Freitas
4 St. John's
Cadets forward Sydney Wood goes to the basket during the Cadets' 63-51 victory over Georgetown Visitation in the DCSAA girls' championship game at the George Washington Smith Center in Northwest on Sunday, March 5. / Photo by John E. De Freitas
3 Gonzaga
Eagles guard Prentiss Hubb (3) is defended by Maret Frogs guard Elijah Bowens during Gonzaga's 77-66 win in the DCSAA boys' championship game at the George Washington Smith Center in Northwest on Sunday, March 5. / Photo by John E. De Freitas
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BAN from Page 1 and Yemen, according to CNN. Iraq will "increase cooperation with the U.S. government on the vetting of its citizens applying for a visa to travel to the United States," according to an administration fact sheet. The rollout of the revised travel ban marks an important moment for the administration, which has little room for error after the chaotic debut of the original plan. That failure raised questions about the new White House's capacity to govern and to master the political intricacies needed to manage complicated political endeavors in Washington. It also brought Trump into conflict with the judiciary in the first sign of how constitutional checks and balances could challenge his vision of a powerful presidency built on expansive executive authority. The order makes clear that lawful permanent residents (otherwise known as green-card
"If you have travel [documents], if you actually have a visa, if you are a legal permanent resident, you are not covered under this particular executive action." KELLYANNE CONWAY / holders) are excluded from any travel ban, White House adviser Kellyanne Conway said on "Fox and Friends" Monday. Also, those with validly issued visas will also be exempt from the ban. "If you have travel [documents], if you actually have a visa, if you are a legal permanent resident, you are not covered under
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this particular executive action," Conway said. "Also, Iraq is no longer on the list based on their enhanced screening and reporting measures." The original order — barred citizens from seven countries from entering the U.S. for 90 days, all refugees for 120 days and indefinitely halted refugees from Syria — was blasted as an attempt to bar Muslims from entering the country, and Trump's call during the presidential campaign for a "Muslim ban" was cited in court cases attacking the ban. Administration officials Monday stressed they do not see the ban as targeting a specific religion. The order is "not any way targeted as a Muslim ban," an official told reporters. "We want to make sure everyone understands that." When it comes to refugees, the new order does not prioritize religious minorities when considering refugee admissions cases, the official said. All refugees will be barred for 120 days. The previous version had banned Syrian refugees indefinitely. WI
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The Griffin Firm, PLLC
We All Have Baggage From Our Past While watching a movie on the Hallmark Channel, I heard a line that jumped out at me: "We all have baggage from our past." Such a true statement. It was just this week when I was having a conversation with one of my friends that I shared how I came to love fashion and dressing for success so much. It all started when I was in the ninth grade, attending the now-closed Langley Junior High School. It sits directly beside McKinley Technical High School, also my alma mater. My family had recently moved to D.C. during the Great Migration, one of the largest migrations ever of the African-American population. Many scholars consider it as two waves, between 1916 and 1930 and from 1940 to 1970. The Great Migration saw a total of six million African-Americans leave the South. I arrived in D.C. in 1965, the daughter of a sharecropper, and life would never be the same. Though one of my siblings was grown and gone, there were still eight of us left. Money was scarce, especially for two parents who had lived their entire adult lives working on farms to make ends meet. Who knew what to do? Families simply found ways to make do. Children did without health insurance and ate inexpensive, unhealthy foods, much of which caused health issues down the road. That was my life. There definitely was no money to buy clothing for school. The children in my family wore secondhand clothing from thrift stores or hand-me-downs from other family members. One day, I was thrust into an ugly Turning Hearts Church
situation that would cause my life to change forever, MY baggage from the past, my friends. Let me share how this incident has influenced my life. I would say it was for the good! Now, I have a certain style about me — my personal appearance matters. For the past 30 years, though, my personal appearance finally took a back seat, and I focused more on my inner self. Baggage can be detrimental or, like in my case, it can bring out the best in you. Because of this incident, fashion became my favorite pastime, from reading books to teaching classes on dressing for success. I've studied fashion magazines, always looking for examples of the best packaging. Our personal appearance really does matter. There was an incident during the 1970s when I worked at Children's Hospital in Oakland, California. It happened in the Nursing Office. I was the supervisor, and our receptionist position was vacant. We were getting temporaries in from the agency. One day, a young African-American girl came to work, and her clothes were very wrinkled. It was awful. The director of the nursing office asked me to send her home. She refused to have our office represented that way. This seems to be good baggage to me. However, there are also many of you out there who have allowed something that happened in your life to stop you in your tracks. I have a younger sister who did exactly that. I won't tell her story, but she allowed something our father said to her one day to change her life forever. Don't allow what others may
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Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher
Service and Times Sunday School 8 – 9 AM Worship Service 9 – 11 AM Tuesday Night Bible Study 6:30 – 8:00 PM Wednesday Daytime Bible Study 11 AM – 12:30 PM
Committed to providing services and supports to increase the capacity of individuals, businesses, and communities.
Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.
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RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor 9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 Fax: 301-499-8724
Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 a.m. 7 10:00 a.m. Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”
Pilgrim Baptist Church Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor 700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849 Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00am 5th Sundays: 9:30am 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30pm www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org
Church of Living Waters
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
Crusader Baptist Church
Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., Pastor
Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor
Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor
Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor
2498 Alabama Ave., SE - Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 Fax: (202) 889-2198 - www.acamec.org
800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703
4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00am Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30am 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00am Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30pm Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30pm Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30pm Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30pm Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00am “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”
Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00am Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45am Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00pm Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00pm Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment
1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661
Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00am Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30pm Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org
E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org “God is Love”
Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ
St. Stephen Baptist Church
Third Street Church of God
Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors
Drs. Dennis W. & Christine Y. Wiley Pastors
Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor
Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor
Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-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
1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office 202-638-1803 fax
610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax
Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00am Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30pm
Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30pm (dinner @ 5:30pm) Sunday School: 9:00am – Hour of Power
Blessed Word of Life Church
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: pm “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
“An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantbaptistdc.org
Services and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45am Church School: 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45am Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 pm Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30am
Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11:00am Prayer Meeting and Bible Study: Wed. 7:30pm
“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org E-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net
www.thirdstreet.org
“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital”
Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church
Sunday Worship Service: 8 AM and 10:45am Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45am; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45am; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6am & 6:30pm Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:20 a.m. Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net
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: 9:00am Worship Service: 10:00am Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service: 6:45pm Thur. Bible Study: 7:15pm
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
Rev. John W. Davis Pastor
Joseph N. Evans, Ph.D Senior Pastor
5101 14th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20011 202-726-2220/ 202-726-9089
901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423
Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 8:00am and 11:00am Sunday School: 9:15am Holy Communion 4th Sunday 10:00am Prayer and Bible Study Wednesday 7:00pm TV Ministry –Channel 6 Wednesday 10:00pm
Isle of Patmos Baptist Church
Service and Times Sunday Church School : 9:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10am Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00pm Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00pm Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10am themcbc.org
gsccm.administration@verizon.net
40 MARCH 9 - 15, 2017
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church
All Nations Baptist Church
King Emmanuel Baptist Church
Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor
Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor
Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor
7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471
2001 North Capitol St, N.E. - Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591
2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730
Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Service 11:00 a.m. Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 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 Sunday Worship Service: 10:15AM Sunday School: 9:00am Monday: Noon Bible School Wednesday: Noon & 7PM: Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission Zion Baptist Church Shall; Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, and Exalt Our Savior. (Acts 2:41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org
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 a.m. Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun. Bible Institute: Wednesday - 1:30 pm Prayer Meeting: Wednesday - 12:00 Noon
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
Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor
2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office - (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Come Grow With Us and Establish a Blessed Family”
623 Florida Ave.. NW - WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 Study (202) 265-0836 Home Study (301) 464-8211 Fax (202) 483-4009
4504 Gault Place, N.E. Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 7:30am & 10:45am Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30pm Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00pm www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org
“Where Jesus is the King”
Lincoln Park United Methodist Church
Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith
Rev. Dr. Diane Dixon Proctor 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 - lpumconthegrow@gmail.com www.lpumcdc.org
5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005
Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 A.M. Sunday School: 8:30 A.M. Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:00 A.M. Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 P.M. Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 P.M.
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10: am Holy Communion: First Sunday 10: am Sunday School: 9: am Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30pm Motto: “A CHURCH ON THE GROW”.
Mount Moriah Baptist Church
Eastern Community Baptist Church
Service and Times Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 P.M Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 P.M Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 P.M. 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
Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor
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
“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org
Salem Baptist Church
Holy Trinity United Baptist Church
Florida Avenue Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Clinton W. Austin Pastor
Rev. Dr. Morris L Shearin, Sr. Pastor
Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org
St. Matthews Baptist Church
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
Emmanuel Baptist Church
“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 a.m. Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 p.m. Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 p.m. Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 p.m. Noonday Prayer Every Thursday
Matthews Memorial Baptist Church Dr. C. Matthew Hudson, Jr, Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Early Worship Service: 7:30a.m Worship Service: 10:45a.m. New Members Class: 9:30a.m. Holy Communion : 1st Sunday -10:45a.m Church School: 9:30a.m. Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: Wednesday 7p.m Bible Study : Saturday: 11a.m. Baptism: 4th Sunday – 10:45a.m “Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”
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 Morning Worship Service: 7:15 am & 10:50 am Sunday School: 9:30am Wednesday Prayer & Testimonies Service: 7:30pm Wednesday School of the Bible: 8:00pm Wednesday - Midweek Prayer Service: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Service and Times 9:30AM. Sunday Church School 11:00 Am. Sunday Worship Service The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Wednesday 7:00pm Prayer & Praise Services 7:30pm. Bible Study Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries 10:30am A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net
Christ Embassy DC
Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator 6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 A.M. Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 P.M. Friday Evening Service: 7:00 P.M. ; Last Friday “…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com
Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor 3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 A.M. Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 A.M. Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 P.M. Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 P.M. Prayer Service Bible Study
“The Loving Church of the living lord “ Email Address pbcexec@verizon.net
Shiloh Baptist Church
First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Mt. Horeb Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Maxwell M. Washington Pastor
Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor
Rev. Alonzo Hart Pastor
Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor
Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor
Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor
Worshiping Location Knights of Columbus - 1633 Tucker Road Fort Washington, MD 20744 (240) 838-7074
621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032 P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112
917 N St. NW - Washington, DC 20001 (202) 232-4294
9th & P Street, N.W. - W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4288
Service and Times Sunday Service: 10 am Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 am 1st Sunday Baptism: 10: am 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10 am Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 pm Prayer Meeting: 7:45 pm
Service and Times Sunday Morning Prayer Service: 8:00 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 10:40 a.m. Third Sunday Baptismal & Holy Communion:10:30 a.m. Tuesday Church At Study Prayer & Praise: 6:30 p.m.
Service and Times First Sunday Worship Service (one service): 10:00 a.m. Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sunday Worship service: 7:45 a.m. and 10:55 a.m. Sunday Church School/Bible Study: 9:30 a.m. Thursday Prayer Service: 6:30 p.m.
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 a.m. Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30 a.m. & 10:30a.m. Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 12 Noon
Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”
The Church Where GOD Is Working.... And We Are Working With GOD
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 am Sunday School: 9:00 am Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer / Bible Study: 6:15 pm - 7:20 pm (Tuesday) Theme: “The Kingdom Focused Church” Matthew 6:33 and Mathew 28:18-20, KJV Email: stmatthewsbaptist@msn.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
Email: sbc@shilohbaptist.org Website: shilohbaptist.org
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
Service and Times Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 a.m. Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 a.m. Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30 a.m. Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 p.m. 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.
MARCH 9 - 15, 2017 41
LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2017 ADM 111 Carolyn Juanita Mickens Decedent Elana E. Strom, Akman & Assoc., PC 2560 Huntington Ave., #202 Alexandria, VA 22303 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
LEGAL NOTICES
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
Administration No. 2017 ADM 70
Administration No. 2017 ADM 136
Administration No. 2016 ADM 001197
Barbara J. Williams Decedent
Joseph P. Thomas Decedent
Lance Etchison Decedent
Muriel Williams
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE
Willie Fred Williams, whose address is 2240 S. Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Barbara J. Williams who died on January 12, 2014 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before August 23, 2017. 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 August 23, 2017, 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.
Barry M. Tapp 14662 Cambridge Circle Laurel, MD 20707 Attorney
Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Suite 300 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
Lisa A. Edwards, whose address is 3218 Central Ave., NE, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joseph P. Thomas who died on December 9, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before September 2, 2017. 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 September 2, 2017, 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.
Deborah D. Boddie, Esq., whose address is 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lance Etchison who died on July 14, 2015 without a Will, and will serve with 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 September 2, 2017. 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 September 2, 2017, 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.
Probate Division
Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration Number 2017 ADM 174 Estate of
Deceased
Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Stephanie Rones for
Date of first publication: February 23, 2017
Washington, DC 20018
Anne Meister Register of Wills
LEGAL NOTICES
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
COLUMBIA
standard probate, including the appointment of
TRUE TEST COPY
LEGAL NOTICES
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF
Nicole Mickens, whose address is 6716 W. Forest Road, #204, Landover, MD 20785, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Carolyn Juanita Mickens who died on October 31, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before August 23, 2017. 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 August 23, 2017, 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.
Nicole Mickens Personal Representative
LEGAL NOTICES
one or more personal representative. Unless
a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is
filed in this Court within 30 days from the date
of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.
Admit to probate the will date October 19,
1986 exhibited with the petition upon proof
satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of witnesses
Date of first publication: February 23, 2017
Date of first publication: February 23, 2017
Willie Fred Williams Personal Representative
Stephanie Rones
2218 Randolph St., NE
Personal Representative:
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Date of first publication: March 2, 2017
Anne Meister Register of Wills
Lisa A. Edwards Personal Representative
Washington Informer
Anne Meister
TRUE TEST COPY
Register of Wills
Anne Meister Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
Date of first publication: March 2, 2017 Deborah D. Boddie Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
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
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
Administration No. 1997 ADM 1474
Administration No. 2017 ADM 167
Administration No. 2017 ADM 131
Administration No. 2017 ADM 69
Administration No. 2017 ADM 196
Berdie O. Odom aka Birdie O. Odom Decedent
Cedric Norman Johnson Decedent
Constance V. Bradshaw Decedent
Jeanne H. Wolohan Decedent
Deborah D. Boddie 1308 9th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 Attorney
Elana E. Strom Akman & Assoc., PC 2560 Huntington Ave., #202 Alexandria, VA 22303 Attorney
Michelle Lanchester, Esq. 601 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 900, South Building Washington, DC 20004 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Betty Jonet Johnson, whose address is 1318 Bayside Ave., #8, Woodbridge, VA 22191, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cedric Norman Johnson who died on November 2, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before September 2, 2017. 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 September 2, 2017, 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.
Andrea J. Bazemore, whose address is 4704 New Kent Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Constance V. Bradshaw who died on November 16, 2016 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 August 23, 2017. 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 August 23, 2017, 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: March 2, 2017
Date of first publication: March 2, 2017
Date of first publication: February 23, 2017
Personal Representative
Betty Jonet Johnson Personal Representative
Andrea J. Bazemore Personal Representative
Dorothea R. Carmon aka Dorothea Russell Carmon Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Henrietta C. Mays and Elmira C. Gwynn, whose addresses are 2704 Cator Dr., Ft. Washington, MD 20744 and 9810 Hill Street, Kensington, MD 20895 were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Dorothea R. Carmon aka Dorothea Russell Carmon who died on April 30, 1997 with a Will, and will serve with 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 September 2, 2017. 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 September 2, 2017, 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: March 2, 2017 Henrietta C. Mays Elmira C. Gwynn Personal Representatives
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Brenda Williams, whose address is 1604 Yuhas Court, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Berdie O. Odom aka Birdie O. Odom who died on January 17, 2011 with a Will, and will serve with 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 September 2, 2017. 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 September 2, 2017, 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.
TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer
42 MARCH 9 - 15, 2017
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Anne Meister Register of Wills
Anne Meister Register of Wills
Anne Meister Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
Lois E. Hoover and Carol A. Hoover, whose addresses are 3114 Patterson Pl., NW, Washington, DC 20015 and 148 Oak Springs Drive, San Anselmo, CA 94960 were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Jeanne H. Wolohan who died on June 24, 2008 without a Will, and will serve with 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 September 9, 2017. 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 September 9, 2017, 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: March 9, 2017 Lois E. Hoover Carol A. Hoover Personal Representatives
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LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
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
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
Administration No. 2017 ADM 187
Administration No. 2017 ADM 156
Administration No. 2017 ADM 190
Administration No. 2017 ADM 191
Administration No. 2017 ADM 209
Tyrell Tyrone Waters Decedent
Rounnetta Smith Decedent
Michael Anthony Waters Decedent
Rosemary Brinkley Decedent
Willie M. Hall Decedent
Larry C. Williams, Esq. 7600 Georgia Avenue, NW, Suite 405 Washington, DC 20012 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Larry C. Williams, Esq. 7600 Georgia Ave., NW, Suite 405 Washington, DC 20012 Attorney
Christopher D. Brown, Esq. 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Robin M. Waters, whose address is 2643 Birney Place, SE, Apt. 302, Washington, DC 20020 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Michael Anthony Waters who died on January 7, 2017 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 September 9, 2017. 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 September 9, 2017, 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.
Diane Lewis, whose address is 1106 Trestle Glen Rd., Oakland, CA 94610, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rosemary Brinkley who died on October 21, 2016 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 September 9, 2017. 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 September 9, 2017, 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: March 9, 2017
Date of first publication: March 9, 2017
Robin M. Waters Personal Representative
Diane Lewis Personal Representative
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Anne Meister Register of Wills
Anne Meister Register of Wills
Anne Meister Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Robin M. Waters, whose address is 2643 Birney Place, SE, Apt. 302, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Tyrell Tyrone Waters who died on January 7, 2017 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 September 9, 2017. 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 September 9, 2017, 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: March 9, 2017 Robin M. Waters Personal Representative
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Kian Smith, whose address is 5048 Spearfish Place, Waldorf, MD 20603, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rounnetta Smith who died on November 18, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before September 9, 2017. 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 September 9, 2017, 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: March 9, 2017 Kian Smith Personal Representative
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Cecelia Rose Smith and Johnnie Mack Hall, whose addresses are 10309 Spring Water Lane, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 and 5703 Butterfield Drive, Clinton, MD 20735 were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Willie M. Hall who died on December 8, 2016 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 September 9, 2017. 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 September 9, 2017, 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: March 9, 2017 Cecelia Rose Smith Johnnie Mack Hall Personal Representatives
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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
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
Administration No. 2017 ADM 171
Administration No. 2017 ADM 168
Administration No. 2017 ADM 138
Administration No. 2017 ADM 147
Administration No. 2017 ADM 170
Yolanda M. Reynolds Decedent
Odell L. McCollum aka Odell Landrum McCollum Decedent
Donald Daley Decedent
Elease M. Mack Decedent
William D. Martin, Jr. Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Yvonne Humes, Norma Williams and Annette Daley, whose addresses are 3603 Kingswood Dr., District Heights, MD 20747 and 2004 Fox Meadow Way, Bowie, MD 20721 were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Donald Daley who died on May 14, 2015 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 September 9, 2017. 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 September 9, 2017, 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.
Geterries E. Mack, whose address is 1834 Capitol Ave., NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elease M. Mack who died on September 19, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before September 9, 2017. 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 September 9, 2017, 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.
Matthew F. Shannon, Esquire 1420 N Street, NW #102 Washington, DC 20005 Attorney
Peggy A. Miller, Esq. 5130 7th St., NE Washington, DC 20011-2625 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Keven L. Reynolds, whose address is 522 South Payne St., Alexandria, VA 22314, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Yolanda M. Reynolds who died on November 29, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before September 9, 2017. 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 September 9, 2017, 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: March 9, 2017 Keven L. Reynolds Personal Representative
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Larry C. Williams, Esquire 7600 Georgia Ave., NW, Suite 405 Washington, DC 20012 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Johnnie L. Peterson, whose address is 4007 Cleary Court, Mitchellville, MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Odell L. McCollum aka Odell Landrum McCollum who died on February 1, 2017 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 September 9, 2017. 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 September 9, 2017, 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: March 9, 2017 Johnnie L. Peterson Personal Representative
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Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer
Anne Meister Register of Wills
Date of first publication: March 9, 2017 Yvonne Humes Norma Williams Annette Daley Personal Representatives
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Date of first publication: March 9, 2017 Geterries E. Mack Personal Representative
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Washington Informer
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS William F. Martin, whose address is 2709 Hamman Way, Aurora, IL 60502, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William D. Martin, Jr. who died on January 27, 2017 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 September 9, 2017. 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 September 9, 2017, 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: March 9, 2017 William F. Martin Personal Representative
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Washington Informer
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THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
MARCH 9 - 15, 2017 43
LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016 ADM 001205 Geraldine Enda Jackson Decedent Elizabeth Hughes, Esq. 1100 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 340 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Elizabeth Hughes, whose address is 1100 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 340, Washington, DC 20036, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Geraldine Enda Jackson who died on March 2, 2015 without a Will, and will serve with 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 September 9, 2017. 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 September 9, 2017, 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: March 9, 2017 Elizabeth Hughes Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer
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instead. Charlayne Hunter Gault and Hamilton Holmes chose to attend the University of Georgia, but their matriculation generated headlines because white folks were not prepared to accept black students in 1961. Vivian Malone and James Hood chose to attend the University of Alabama, but Governor George Wallace blocked their entrance in 1963. When James Meredith chose to attend the University of Mississippi, the National Guard facilitated his enrollment. How dare you, Betsy DeVos, talk about school choice to HBCU leaders, when our very reason for being was that choices were few and far between. One-note Betsy is a frightening manifestation of ignorance. She is a songbird that must be muzzled before she further demonstrates her utter lack of knowledge. No matter what his rhetoric about HBCUs, our 45th president's choice for
secretary of education suggests that history and logic are not part of her portfolio. This woman has a clear one-note agenda. It does not include support of the public schools that most students will attend. She is our nation's policy leader on educational issues and yet she simmers in educational ignorance. She doesn't understand history, nor HBCUs, nor the challenges that African American students have overcome in an educational system that is extremely racially biased. Can someone lock her up in the National Museum for African American History and Culture for a week or two? Or present her with classic tomes like "The Souls of Black Folks" (W.E.B. Du Bois, note the spelling Betsy), and The Miseducation of the Negro (Carter G. Woodson) to read before she offers another utterance? WI
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choice, although our educational challenges transcend her myopic agenda. If an ant, enticed by honey, entered a charter school instead of the public school next door, she'd call that school choice. Still, there is no way she can justify her historically ignorant and irresponsible remarks about HBCUs and school choice. In describing HBCUs and "real pioneers of school choice" she ignored our nation's higher education history that offered no choice for African Americans who wanted college educations. She has since back pedaled her remarks, but she clearly is comfortable with her historical ignorance. Dr. Dorothy Irene Height was accepted to Columbia University from a speech scholarship, but was turned away when she turned up and they discovered that she was a Negro. She matriculated at NYU
House should be applauded. However, I have doubts. The presidents of Morehouse and Spelman Colleges, as well as Dillard University, have called the White House meetings unproductive. We have a secretary of education who believes HBCUs were the "original pioneers for school choice." News flash: There was no other choice available for over four million newly freed slaves! The motto of the United Negro College Fund is, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." This slogan will need to be actualized by the White House and others to ensure the longevity of minority institutions of higher learning. HBCUs have always been a primary vehicle for the inclusion of our talent in the American workforce. Much work remains. WI
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in my education. It was also at St. Aug that I witnessed first-hand how Dr. Schwertzman treated my classmates and me in the same manner, even after his beloved wife was robbed and beaten to death by several African-American youth. Dr. Schwertzman never missed class and was back in the classroom on the very day he laid his wife to rest, teaching us through his tears. I hope that President Trump is serious about wanting to do more for HBCUs than his predecessors. Former President Obama provided HBCUs with over $4 billion during his presidency. Regardless of party affiliation, that would be a good thing for thousands of African-American students — many of who are first-generation college attendees — and, if true, the White
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the opportunity to introduce the former 1972 Democratic nominee for President, Senator George McGovern, at a student government program. It was there that I first learned of and attended a lecture by Minister Louis Farrakhan. At an HBCU, I saw men and women everyday, who looked just like me, successfully running an institution of higher learning. As role models, they undergirded my belief in the ability of African-Americans to reach their dreams. While in college, the president, Dr. Prezell R. Robinson, taught my father sociology. My professor for Western European Civilization, Dr. Elmer Schwertzman, also taught him that same class. There was a continuity and personal tradition
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Unlike many "leaders" today, King coupled his actions to his words. He wrote a lot and spoke a lot, but he gave so much more. Looking back at my four decades or so of activism and advocacy for black people, I realize that no one has a proprietary claim on the economic empowerment message. No one has all of the answers and solutions to our problems. My words and my actions also tell me that a relatively small group can do big things, provided we stick together. So while I do not have Marcus's charisma, Malcolm's presence, Martin's eloquence, I am content to have followed their lead by using my particular gift of words and the proof, thereof, by my requisite actions to help our people. WI
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Julius Garvey's petition calling for justice, did not exonerate and clear Mr. Garvey's name before his presidency ended. Go figure. Garvey's words — "The greatest weapon used against the Negro is disorganization" — still ring true today. Malcolm X, our "Shining Black Prince" as Ossie Davis eulogized him, suffered daily threats on his life and his family. His opposition came from all directions and in all colors. Because of his strength and resolve, Malcolm was considered an ominous threat, a "menace to society." Despite all that he faced, he kept going forward, even into harm's way. He "didn't hesitate to die, because he loved us so." His words are
here for us today and, as Ossie Davis also said, "Nobody knew better than he the power words have over the minds of men." Malcolm used his words as laser beams to prick the hearts and minds of men. Martin Luther King Jr. demonstrated his willingness to stay on course despite knowing the risks. He exposed himself to the haranguing voices of fellow ministers who told him to take it slow, to which he responded with "Why we can't wait" and "The urgency of now." He defied hate-filled crowds of angry whites and law enforcement officers who wanted nothing more than to see him hanging from a tree. (No way could I have taken what he went through; I was a very angry black man during that time.)
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dustries have given to HBCU's via the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). Recently, one of the single largest financial contributions to TMCF, $25.6 million, was made by the Charles Koch Foundation and Koch Industries. These funds are dedicated to establish and develop TMCF's Center for Advancing Opportunity. "This is a momentous partnership,” said Dr. Johnny C. Taylor, Thurgood Marshall College Fund's president and chief executive officer. "Historically black colleges and universities are uniquely positioned to lead
KELLY from Page 27
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recently leaked audio from the Republican retreat confirms that Congressional Republicans are plotting a tax hike. If you, like the majority of Americans, get health insurance through work, Republicans plan to give you a bigger tax bill. Even Republicans are skeptical of this proposal. Sen. Bill Cassidy (RLa.), said: "It sounds like we are going to be raising taxes on the
ASKIA from Page 27 150th anniversary during the week of the meeting — there was graffiti left on walkways all over campus, proclaiming, "Welcome to Trump plantation." At Morgan State in Baltimore, President David Wilson explained to the university community before the event why he was attending: "I view this as an opportunity for HBCUs to be a part of an initial dialogue to propose a substantive agenda for our institutions that will call on the President and Congress to invest
the field in this type of research. There are thousands of fragile communities across the United States where there are tremendous barriers to opportunity. It's important to recognize that lasting change to strengthen these communities must begin at the local level. So, we are proud to come together with the Charles Koch Foundation and Koch Industries to help members of these communities identify and study the challenges most significant to them.” The Center for Advancing Opportunity will focus on education, criminal justice, entrepreneurship and other issues the affect the quality of life in African American communities. The
center also will create research think tanks on HBCU campuses, provide academic scholarships, establish graduate fellowships and render grants to selected HBCU faculty members. As a proud graduate of the flagship HBCU Howard University, I have witnessed firsthand the advantages and enormous value of primary research accomplished by Howard and other HBCU centers of research power, ingenuity and innovation. The proposed TMCF Center for Advancing Opportunity is a welcomed development that the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) salutes and applauds forthrightly. WI
middle class in order to pay for these new credits." Now that we know the fact, we have a choice. Do we allow President Trump and Congressional Republicans to undo President Obama's legacy, imperiling and killing thousands of Americans by ripping away their health insurance or fight back? To me, there is only one option. We fight back for ourselves, our families and our community. Here's how to fight back: Add
your senator's and congressperson's phone numbers to your speed dial or call the Congressional switchboard at 202-2243121. Remember, we work for you and Congress needs to hear from you! Together, we can stop the repeal of the Affordable Care Act and stand up for our fellow Americans' right to live a long, healthy life. WI
billions of dollars in a group of colleges and universities that I think are among the most consequential that have dotted the American higher education landscape." Meanwhile, Atlanta's Morehouse University President John Wilson said that he and other college leaders were excited when they heard Trump's usual hyperbole promising to "do more for HBCUs than any other president has done before." Trump, Wilson figured, would at least give them more for this year. Wrong! What happened is that the
president signed an executive order, moving the HBCUs from the Education Department to a new jurisdiction in the White House itself. Morehouse's Wilson was grossly disappointed in the photo op and nothing more, but he tried to put a positive spin on his hope for the future with the Trump administration. "In general, the meetings were a troubling beginning to what must be a productive relationship. Trust that the HBCU community will continue to press for the kind of funding that educational excellence and national competitiveness require!" he said in a statement after the meeting. Putting it simply: The black college presidents got played like a cheap guitar. WI
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