44th Annual Washington Informer Citywide Spelling Bee
Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment (OCTFME)
Serving Our Community in the DMV
Vol 61 No 26
April 9 - 15, 2026
As Mayoral Contest Rages, Zionism Remains Topic of Discussion
3 (L-R) D’yana Forester, Kevin B. Chavous, Candace Tiana Nelson, Greg Jackson, and U.S. Shadow Rep. Dr. Oye Owolewa, count among the nine Democratic at large D.C. Council candidates fighting for the seat currently occupied by D.C. Councilmember Anita Bonds. (WI Photo Staff Graphic)
After DSA Questionnaire Controversy, Lewis George, Other Candidates Call for Unity By Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr. WI Senior Writer Amid D.C. mayoral candidate and Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George’s (D) efforts to allay concerns about her anti-Zionist stance, the Israeli state continues to restrict worship at holy sites in Palestine while killing Palestinians via missile strikes and shootings. That's why, as one Palestinian organizer told The Informer, time is of the essence for the District's next mayor, whoever that may be, to stand against what even the United Nations has designated an ongoing genocide on the Gaza Strip. “The bare minimum that D.C.'s politicians can do is call for a ceasefire, back ‘Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions’ (BDS)
MAYOR CONTEST Page 33
DC Spelling Bee Supplement Center Section
D.C. Democratic At-large Race Focuses on Local and Federal Issues The Candidates Make Their Case to Voters
In a Season of Renewal, Mt. Zion Celebrates 210 Years
D.C.’s Oldest Black Church Sets Tone with Year-Round Community Push By Jada Ingleton WI Content Editor
As the nation marks 250 years and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History commemorates 100 years of Black history, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Northwest, D.C. is adding to the mix with the celebration of a milestone anniversary. Ephiphany Fields, 28, counts among the Mt. Zion United congregants and event captains touting an agenda of celebration, campaigns, and year-round 5 Held at the historic edifice in Georgetown, Mt. Zion momentum as the District’s oldest Black church United Methodist Church kicks off a milestone year with the 210th Anniversary Prayer Breakfast on Satnears 210 years. urday, March 28, featuring lead pastor, the Rev. Selena “This year is about celebrating our history, but also Johnson (center) and longtime church member Pam
MT ZION Page 31 Carter-Coleman (second from right). (Courtesy Photo)
By Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr. WI Senior Writer Each of the nine candidates running for the Democratic at-large D.C. Council seat continue to make their case to District voters about their ability to address several issues, including that which involves federal interference in local affairs. Meanwhile, as the race to replace
outgoing D.C. Councilmember Anita Bonds (D-At-large) rages, Clark Construction and ZGF Architects are carrying out a project that, once completed, will place the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) right in Ward 8. “Long story short, the planned ICE headquarters that’s coming to St. Elizabeths West Campus is continuing to move forward,” said U.S. Shadow Rep. Dr. Oye Owolewa, a pharmacist, Ward 8 resident and D.C. Council Democratic at-large candidate. “Despite all the protest-
DC COUNCIL Page 9
Utility RELIEF Act Enters Final Week of Negotiations
Proposed Legislation Aims to Tackle Rising Utility Bills, Strengthen Maryland’s Energy Grid By Mya Trujillo WI Contributing Writer
As Maryland ratepayers are burdened with surging energy bills due to an increased demand on the energy grid, the state’s General Assembly has been negotiating the Utility Reducing Energy Load Inflation for Everyday Families (RELIEF) Act– an energy and environmental bill aimed 5 Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is championing the Utility at lowering utility costs, increasing RELIEF Act, legislation meant to decrease skyrocketing utility bill accountability for energy companies prices to safeguard ratepayers’ rights, prioritize net-zero emission goals and strengthen the integrity of the state’s v energy grid. (WI
PG ENERGY Page 12 File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)
Celebrating 61 years. Your credible and trusted source for Black news and information. APRIL 9 - 15, 2026 1
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