Vol 61 No 36 / July 2 - 8, 2026
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MIMI’S MUSINGS: THE MEANING OF BOLD, BLACK AND BEAUTIFUL
The Importance of Celebrating Black Beauty as Part of America at 250
By Micha Green WI Managing Editor
In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark
PUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $96 per year, two years $168. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to:
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032 Phone: 202 561-4100 Fax: 202 574-3785 news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com
STAFF Micha Green, Managing Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/Marketing Director Shevry Lassiter, WIN-TV Producer Ra-Jah Kelly, Digital Asset Manager Lafayette Barnes, IV, Editor, WI Bridge DC Desmond Barnes, WIN Daily Editor Anthony Tilghman, Social Media Strategist ZebraDesigns.net, Graphic Design Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Angie Johnson, Office/Circulation Manager Jada Ingleton, Content Editor REPORTERS Stacy Brown, National Reporter Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr., Political/Education Reporter Brenda Siler, Lifestyle Reporter Ed Hill, Sports Reporter Richard Elliott, Reporter Skylar Nelson, Sports Reporter Mya Trujillo, Multimedia Reporter
It’s the first week of July, and this year the United States is not just celebrating any ordinary Independence Day. It’s America at 250. As people around the District and nation commemorate 250 years of independence, there are many others locally and across the country who are questioning where exactly they fit in this semiquincentennial celebration. While the nation recently celebrated Juneteenth– acknowledging the official end of slavery on June 19, 1865— this time makes me consider the speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?,” delivered by the celebrated abolitionist and Anacostia resident Frederick Douglass on July 5, 1852. “What to the American slave is your 4th of July? I answer: a day that reveals to him more than all other days of the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim,” Douglass told the crowd in Rochester, New York. “To him, your celebration is a sham, your boasted liberty, an unholy license, your national greatness, swelling vanity. Your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless. Your shouts of liberty and equality, hallow mocked. Your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings with all your religious parade in solemnity are to him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, a thin veil to cover up crimes, which would disgrace a nation of savages.” Yes, slavery is outlawed, but in the nation’s capital— Douglass’ old stomping grounds— people are still working toward freedom and equity in the form of statehood, health and child care, education, employment, housing and economics. In D.C. and across the country, people who raised families in the U.S. are fighting against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and federal officers. Plus, policies propagated by the Trump administration to “make America great again,” are in ac-
PHOTOGRAPHERS Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor Ja Mon Jackson, Asst. Photo Editor Roy Lewis, Jr. Robert R. Roberts Anthony Tilghman Abdullah Konte Cleveland Nelson INTERNS Evan Aldridge, Summer Intern Tatiana Allen, Summer Intern Jordan Armstead, Summer Intern Will Deffaa, Summer Intern Razak Diallo, Summer Intern
5 This Fourth of July, as the nation celebrates 250 years of independence, The Washington Informer is celebrating the bold and beautiful contributions of African Americans throughout the course of U.S. history. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)
4 JULY 2 - 8, 2026
5 Washington Informer Managing Editor Micha Green reporting during the Black Lives Matter protests in June 2020. (Courtesy Photo)
tuality reversing rights and opportunities for American citizens. Further, while a Memorandum of Understanding was signed on June 17 surrounding the War in Iran (which the president started without congressional approval) is not officially over. “There is not a nation of the earth, guilty of practices, more shocking and bloody than are the people of these United States at this very hour,” Douglass said 174 years ago.
The Importance of Revealing Truths, Celebrating Black Beauty
Since Douglass’ speech there’s been progress for African Americans for sure— from the abolition of slavery, to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the elections of President Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, the first Black U.S. commander in chief. However, this year the Supreme Court of the United States weakened Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act in their April 29 6-3 decision in “Louisiana v. Callais.” The ruling makes it incredibly difficult to challenge racially discriminatory voting districts and maps. Further, with the elimination of federal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, threats to teaching and highlighting African American history in public institutions, and President Donald Trump ignoring Juneteenth for the second consecutive year, it’s no secret that there’s a calculated effort toward Black erasure. Nonetheless, despite attempts to diminish African Americans’ role in society, there’s also no ignoring Black boldness, beauty and contributions to worldwide culture overall. Every day, The Washington Informer works to be honest about the challenges and inequities Black people navigate and highlights the artists, politicians, activists, community leaders, teachers and youth working toward freedom and equity for all. This edition furthers that mission, showcasing the historic contributions of African Americans throughout the nation’s history, while celebrating people in D.C. and nationwide who embody the meaning of Black pride through their expression, work, and passions. Harlem Renaissance writer Alaine Locke said: “Art must discover and reveal the beauty which prejudice and caricature have overlaid.” This managing editor with a background in theatre
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AROUND THE REGION
What’s ‘America250’ to a Black Person?: Reflections and Viewpoints across the Generations By Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr. WI Senior Staff Writer Commemoration of the United States’ semiquincentennial— known as “America250” — is happening as Black people are reeling from rollbacks in civil rights advancements accumulated over decades. That’s why for Ashley Ruff, Fourth of July activities should be rooted in exposing real American history, one in which African Americans, much more than others, always had to rage against a system hellbent on relegating them to second-class citizenship. “When you have all that history, you learn it from your family,” said Ruff, a millennial who lives in Ward 7. “I was learning about civil rights. My grandmother was pregnant [with my mother] when Martin Luther King was writing his letter from Birmingham. These are stories that were passed on to me, so I understand the importance of voting. I understand the importance of being free.” Ruff, a lifelong Ward 7 resident who currently serves as an advisory neighborhood commissioner of Single-Member District 7F02, recounted an upbringing where, in addition to the local newspaper and evening broadcasts, she had the wisdom of elders who told stories about life in the Jim Crow south. “All of them used to teach us about how they ran from [Birmingham segregationist] Bull Connor,” Ruff told The Informer. “They’re just folks from Alabama… It took a lot for my grandmother to deal with, because at one point in their life, they weren't free, but they worked their land. They had their own whole chickens, cheese, everything. A lot of people don't have that stuff anymore.” Decades later, Ruff carries on that legacy while living in one of several District communities that has been under federal occupation. As expected for large-scale celebrations, federal-local law enforcement cooperation will continue during a weekend that includes: the Fourth of July Capital Hill Parade, the 60th annual Palisades Parade, and the Great American State Fair. Ruff told The Informer that, in addition to Homeland Security Investigations personnel, she and her
neighbors east of the Anacostia River continue to fall victim to other intruders— like Drs. Rodney and Adonica Howard-Browne, the white evangelical leaders of Revival Ministries International who, as part of 250th anniversary festivities, conducted what was advertised as a food and toiletry giveaway at Ballou High School last weekend. “Their food was expired. They gave a box of crackers to us that was from 2018,” Ruff told The Informer. “One of the backdrops they had on stage was the 250th anniversary of America. Come to find out these people had Republican signs. The only thing that probably was worth something to everybody was some toiletry kits and toilet paper.” For Ruff, this level of what she called exploitation started long before Trump came back office. The onus, she said, falls on a majority-Black community that has to have pride in their history as they unite around improving their quality of life. “How can you enjoy 250 years here in the District when we don't even appreciate our own communities?” Ruff said. “We should be celebrating our history here in the District. We should be celebrating Benjamin Banneker.”
One Local Leader Reflects on a Struggle to Make America Fulfill Its Promise
D.C. State Board of Education member Markus Batchelor continues to reflect on what he calls the unfinished product of democracy. “It reveals that contradiction over slavery and American freedom was embedded in the nation’s founding before the ink on the Declaration was even dry,” Batchelor told The Informer. “I don’t think this diminishes the ideals of the Declaration. If anything, it challenges us to separate America’s aspirations from its actions.” For the better part of his adult life, Batchelor has served in various leadership roles— oftentimes under the tutelage of veteran organizers. As he explained to The Informer, and even wrote about earlier this year, studying history allows for a patient and scientific approach to changemaking. “We celebrate the promise that ‘all men are created equal,’ but we also have to acknowledge that many of the
5 Ashley Ruff, a lifelong Ward 7 resident and advisory neighborhood commissioner, says she’s had the wisdom of who told stories about life in the Jim Crow south. Amid controversy of a white evangelists' visit to Ward 8, she’s committing to appreciating more Black history and fostering more unity among community members. (Courtesy Photo)
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July 4 will mark 250 years since members of what was then the 13 colonies declared independence from the British empire. Despite Crispus Attucks, a Black man, shedding first blood for the cause, and thousands more like him holding up the mantle of freedom, a significant portion of the Black U.S. population would remain in shackles for nearly 90 more years. While the Declaration of Independence— the document outlining colonists’ grievances against King George II— touched on his abuse of royal power and disregard for the law, it didn’t directly indict the British crown’s perpetuation of the slave trade, due to Thomas Jefferon’s deferece to Continental Congress delegates representing Georgia, South Carolina, and parts of the north. Years after learning this factoid, D.C. resident and former Ward 8
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Bill Withers (left)
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1908 – Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to ever serve on the Supreme Court, is born in Baltimore. 1925 – Medgar Evers, civil rights activist, is born in Decatur, Mississippi. 1943 – Tuskegee Airman Charles Hall becomes the first African American pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft in World War II. 1964 - The Civil Rights Act, which prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin, is signed into law.
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1950 – "The Hazel Scott Show," the first U.S. network television series to be hosted by an African American woman, premieres. 1956 – Television talk show host Montel Williams is born in Baltimore.
July 4
1881 – Tuskegee University is founded in Tuskegee, Alabama. 1910 – Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight champion, defends his title by knocking out "The Great White Hope," Jim Jeffries, in Nevada. 1938 – Singer-songwriter Bill Withers is born in Slab Fork, West Virginia.
July 5
1975 – Arthur Ashe defeats defending Wimbledon champion Jimmy Connors, becoming the first African American man to win the singles title in the tournament.
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Montel Williams (right)
"Satchmo"Armstrong dies of a heart attack in New York City. 1979 – Musician and D.C. native Van McCoy, best known for his 1975 smash "The Hustle," dies in Englewood, New Jersey.
July 7
1913 – Negro leagues baseball legend Leroy "Satchel" Paige is born in Mobile, Alabama. 1913 – Blues pianist Pinetop Perkins is born in Belzoni, Mississippi. 1915 – American poet and writer Margaret Walker, author of "Jubilee," is born in Birmingham, Alabama. 1972 – Hall of Fame basketball player Lisa Leslie, the first player to dunk in a WNBA game, is born in Gardena, California.
July 8
1908 – Swing-era bandleader and musician Louis Jordan, "The King of the Jukebox," is born in Brinkley, Arkansas. 1914 – Famed jazz singer Billy Eckstine is born in Pittsburgh. 2000 – Tennis legend Venus Williams defeats Lindsay Davenport to win the Wimbledon women's singles championship, the first Black woman to do so since Althea Gibson in 1958. Exactly a year later, Williams successfully defended her title, knocking off Justine Henin in the finals. WI
July 6
1957 – Tennis star Althea Gibson became the first Black tennis player to win Wimbledon, defeating fellow American Darlene Hard in straight sets. 1971 – Legendary jazz trumpeter Louis
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founders chose political expediency over fully embracing those principles,” Batchelor said. “Understanding that tension doesn’t weaken patriotism— it deepens it. America has always been a nation striving to live up to its own ideals, and every generation has been called to close the gap between promise and practice.” That fight, Batchelor pointed out, continues today as he and other District residents face a Trump White House that, as of late, has been antagonistic to Ward 4 D.C. council member and Democratic nominee for D.C. mayor, Janeese Lewis George. “The struggle for freedom didn’t end in 1776, 1865, or 1965,” Batchelor told The Informer. “It continues in the fight for voting rights, equal opportunity, and full democratic representation. “There’s no greater contradiction than celebrating American democracy in the nation’s capital while more than 700,000 D.C. residents are denied full voting representation in Congress.” In the countdown to July 4, Batchelor has a mandate to those observing a milestone in American history. “America250 should be more than a commemoration,” he said. “It should be a call to finish the work of building a democracy that truly includes everyone.”
D.C.’s Pan-African Community Shapes an Alternative Universe
As local Pan-African leader Thea Browne-Dennis noted, such an atti-
AROUND THE REGION
5 Former Ward 8 D.C. State Board of Education member Markus Batchelor says he uses history as a means to reflect on the unfinished job of American democracy and the fight for statehood in the nation’s capital. (WI File Photo/Roy Lewis)
tude, like that which permeated the Continental Congress at the signing of the Declaration of Independence, has persisted throughout much of American history and into the present day. “It's not a surprise to the Black community,” said Browne-Dennis, lead coordinator of the annual D.C. Pan-African Festival. “We're not like crazy up in arms because this is something that we've dealt with on a daily basis: microagressions, stereotypes, and policies that make our lives difficult. It doesn't seem like you could even vote it out. That mentality is across the board, even in the Democratic Party as well.” In the two weeks before Fourth of July festivities, Browne-Dennis and other members of D.C.’s Pan-African community came together in celebration of a global African identity that she pointed out as being centuries older than America. As hypernationalism and xenophobia proliferates among African Americans, Caribbeans, and continental Africans, Browne-Dennis posits Pan-Africanism as the great unifier for a people stuck behind enemy walls. “There are systematic ways in which Pan-Africanism is sabotaged,” Browne-Dennis told The Informer. “Colonization in Africa has affected the togetherness that Pan-Africanism represents, and, especially with the younger generation, we are starting to recognize those specific methods of separation, and we have to do more work to see in our commonalities.” With the second iteration of the Trump administration making clear what several Pan-Africanists have al-
ways known, Browne-Dennis also said that Pan-African leaders and organizers must do their part to engage segments of the Black population standing outside of the insular community. “There are times when we as a Pan-African community work in a bubble,” Browne-Dennis told The Informer. “We get comfortable in our jobs, our homes and in our ability to travel to and from the Caribbean, Africa, and other places. We have lost touch a little bit with the communities that we really should be serving more” In the spirit of reversing that trend, Browne-Dennis, for the fourth consecutive year, organized the D.C. Pan-African Festival in Lansburgh Park, a Southwest landmark constructed during the 1964 urban renewal project that displaced tens of thousands of African Americans. For six hours on the afternoon of June 27, hundreds of people enjoyed music, dancing, vendors, and words of affirmation. Iya Bashea Imana, co-founder of Wilson-Baker Academy, served as mistress of ceremonies of a program that started with a drum call and pouring of libation by Nana Malaya Rucker-Oparabea. Other moments, as Browne-Dennis noted, included a singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black National Anthem, along with double dutch, interactive movement coordinated by ASA! Fitness, and a performance by Bomani Armah. Those who took to the podium were: Queen Laureen Butler of UNIA-ACL Woodson Banneker Jackson Bey Division 330,
REFLECTIONS Page 44
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A Legacy That Was Never Meant to Be History
250 Years Later, Nannie Helen Burroughs Still Calls America Forward By Jada Ingleton WI Content Editor
Your local marketing experts with UNLIMITED REACH. 5 As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, local advocates reflect on the life and legacy of Nannie Helen Burroughs, a civil rights champion who chartered academic development and economic democracy in the nation’s capital. (Courtesy Photo)
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From Wealth Creation to Racial Justice: Burroughs Lives On
With the Fourth of July weekend projecting up to 50 million visitors, District landmarks are set to see a boost in tourism –– except those still awaiting preservation. As co-founders of the Nannie Helen Burroughs Preservation Association, Phillips Cunningham and Ward 7 ANC Commissioner Patricia Williams are marking the milestone with a campaign to preserve the land that once was the National Training School for Women and Girls. Currently, the only building listed in the National Register of Historic Places is the Trades Hall, which currently serves as the headquarters for the Progressive National Baptist Convention. “I want this to be alive and well and flourishing for our constituents for generations to come,” Williams said,
GU
Where Burroughs’ legacy resonates most: laying a blueprint for the next 250 years. “If people like Nannie Helen Burroughs were absent from that history… we lose that important example of what Black leadership, women's leadership and community-centered empowerment and innovation actually looks like,” Kirsty Boyette, deputy director of the Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF), told The Informer. “Putting a face to a name and having those examples where people can really see themselves in how this country as a whole has been built on the backs of others, I think [she’s] just a really good example of that.”
Kevin Berrier 443-508-1936 KBerrier@MDDCPress.com
N
From votership and racial justice to the continuous battle for economic equity, America at 250 is not far off from the nation that Nannie Helen Burroughs aimed to improve more than a century ago. Born in Orange County, Virginia, Burroughs left a legacy as a champion of workforce and academic development, though the path she paved reaches far beyond the DMV— and well beyond her lifetime. As today’s Supreme Court rulings and executive orders aim to reverse decades of progress, local advocates say it’s time to walk in the footsteps of one of the nation’s most overlooked heroines. “She is really an unsung leader in the labor movement, the civil rights movement, and the women's suffrage movement,” said Rutgers University associate professor Dr. Danielle Phillips Cunningham. “Her history brings to us the importance of what I call unglamorous everyday movement-building work. We benefited from [the movements], we got the language; now I think some people want to acquire the tools of putting history into action, and that was certainly what Burroughs did.” When Burroughs launched the National Training School for Women and Girls, it was the tip of a revolution, said the professor. The Deanwood campus, now in the throes of a national preservation effort, stood as a monument to community investment, restructuring social limitations that relegated all women to domestic work over autonomy. More than that, the late educator laid a foundation to counter “the failed promises of Reconstruction,” Phillips Cunningham told The Informer. “We are now dealing with people in political power at all levels –– from the White House on down to local school boards –– who are trying to control what we teach. That suppression of Black history has existed since emancipation,” she continued. “What I hope people will take from [Burroughs] is, how do we organize now? Older generations of Black communities know how to do it…but the baton has been handed to us.”
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AROUND THE REGION
CAPTURE THE MOMENt
The only Indoor garden that grows 30 plants in just 2 sq ft. John Garner, Paulette Savoy, wife of the late Ray Savoy, and George Hall present an academic scholarships to Ethan Pair and Faris Smith (second and fourth from left) on June 25 at the historic fairways of Langston Golf Course in Northeast, D.C. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
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"Those who profess to favor freedom and yet depreciate agitation, are people who want crops without ploughing the ground; they want rain without thunder and lightning; they want the ocean without the roar of its many waters." - Frederick Douglass THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
BURROUGHS from Page 11 envisioning the impact of the campus’ preservation. “It would help with revitalization, [eliminating] gentrification. Workforce development programming for women and girls, [and] some for the men and young boys too…to make sure everybody is getting their fair wages, everybody's getting job training, everybody can make a way where they can afford to live here in D.C.” Evidently, that same mentality proved to be the ethos for change in the height of the Great Depression. Burroughs kickstarted what became Cooperative Industries in 1936 as a means to expand economic wealth in D.C., harping on education and ownership as the root of African American freedom. With the classrooms teaching skills like production, sewing, furniture making, plus others, the basement told the stories of a community building infrastructure around cooperation –– be it education, employment, and agriculture, or retail, healthcare, and other mutual aid work. “Long before community wealth building became a part of our vocabulary, [Burroughs] was already putting those ideas into practice,” Boyette told The Informer. “She saw cooperative ownership as this practical strategy for economic freedom, where dignity is required for opportunity and opportunity requires ownership, and that's what the cooperative business model provides you with.” An inductee of the 2024 Cooperative Hall of Fame –– led by the Cooperative Development Foundation –– Burroughs was a force for sustainability and survival throughout the Great Depression. When she wasn’t co-founding the National Association of Wage Earners, or establishing the first international labor periodical, Burroughs used Co4 Laundry workers at the National Training School for Women and Girls, founded by Nannie Helen Burroughs in 1909. Nestled in D.C.’s Deanwood neighborhood, the school was later renamed the Nannie Helen Burroughs School in her honor. (Courtesy Photo)
operative Industries to boost industrial co-ops, worker co-ops, and even farming to bring fresh food and health care into Northeast, D.C. Meanwhile, she served as president of the six-acre land that encompassed the National Training School for Women and Girls, renamed the Nannie Helen Burroughs School in 1964. “A lot of the questions that she was asking back in the 1930s: how do we create good jobs, strengthen local economies, expand ownership, and how do we build wealth that stays in communities? Those are still questions that we're asking today,” Boyette continued. “She wasn't just creating those businesses; she was creating institutions through cooperatives that gave people the economic voice. It's not just a business model; it's a way for communities to create resilience.” Much like Burroughs, Dr. Jessica Gordon-Nembhard, a professor of City University of New York’s John Jay College, said she views co-op ecosystems as a tangible solution to the compounding failures of today’s economy. According to the author and political economist, who chaired Burroughs’ Cooperative Hall of Fame nomination, the benefits can scale from food and housing insecurity to affordable costs, business equity, energy sustainability, and even navigating the growing digital footprint. Even further, she also noted the well-rounded boost in leadership and business management. “I think the 2020s have shown us that we're still struggling, that the current economy and capitalist ownership models that we have aren't really working,” she told The Informer, reflecting on Burroughs’ legacy in the year 250. “During the COVID pandemic, a lot of workers, especially Black and brown workers, found that they were considered essential in terms
BURROUGHS Page 44
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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY
3 North Brentwood, the first African American town incorporated in Prince George’s County, hosts the African American Museum and Cultural Center. (Tyler Wills/The Washington Informer)
Celebrating Prince George’s History at 250
By Richard Elliott and Tyler Wills WI Contributing Writer and WI Guest Photographer
Across America’s 250-year history, Prince George’s has transformed from the Maryland county with the largest population of enslaved Africans, to one of the nation’s wealthiest enclaves of Black people and more than two dozen municipalities. Prince George’s County sits at the nexus of early colonial American history, the tragic legacy of chattel slavery, and the development of groundbreaking African American communities including North Brentwood and Glenarden. The late Senate President Thom-
as V. “Mike” Miller Jr was a student of history who relished in the diverse stories that have contributed to Maryland’s mosaic. “Where I come from in Southern Maryland, it’s Native American history, it’s colonial history, African American history: all right there” said Miller in a 2019 interview with PG Suite. “There’s so much history there, whether it’s George Washington visiting or what have you.” The first telegraph line was constructed in Prince George’s by inventor Samuel Morse, and the ship bearing Francis Scott Key as he wrote the Star Spangled Banner departed from a port in the county. Key himself served as an aide during the Battle of Bladensburg
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during the War of 1812. Many people like Lillie Thompson Martin, the former five-term mayor of the historic town of Fairmount Heights, hold strong pride in the region’s Black history. “I would like the world to know that not only is Fairmount Heights one of the three original African American communities in Mary-
land,” she told The Informer, “but some of the architects of Black history settled right in our historic town and pooled their resources to build up the infrastructure starting with our first town hall on 60th Place.” Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) said he is proud of America’s unique history while also honest about
5 Bladensburg celebrates the history of the first telegraph line, invented by Samuel Morse, which was tested just outside of the locale, near the estate of Charles Calvert. (Tyler Wills /The Washington Informer)
past and ongoing cruelties. “America’s 250th anniversary is an amazing time to celebrate our county’s rich and diverse history. We’ve come a long way, but still have a lot of work to do to reach a more perfect union. Our country brings what’s best of the world together for great human achievement. But at times we display some of the worst in human cruelty, especially as shown by this administration,” Ivey told The Informer. “I hope our next 250 years marks more milestones of our collective efforts to improve our world. My hope for our folks in the DMV is for time with family, friends, and loved ones in peace and prosperity.” WI
5 This placard in Bladensburg tells the story of Francis Scott Key, who wrote the “Star Spangled Banner.” He sought the release of family friend Dr. William Beanes from a British vessel following his capture in Upper Marlboro. (Tyler Wills/The Washington Informer) 3 A sign in Bladensburg’s Waterfront Park highlights the story of Coxey’s Army, consisting of 500 unemployed who sought relief, in what was a precursor to the Bonus Army and Resurrection City seeking redress from the federal government. (Tyler Wills/The Washington Informer)
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4 The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the oldest railroad in the United States, has a century-old retired caboose sitting as a tribute in Bladensburg’s waterfront park. (Tyler Wills /The Washington Informer)
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250 from Page 12
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
5 Cheverly honors their veterans with an American Legion Park and commemorative “Thank You” placards on streetlights dedicated to those who served in the armed forces. (Tyler Wills/The Washington Informer)
Grab a blanket or lawn chair, pack a picnic dinner, and bring your family and friends to various arts performances. Groove to LIVE jazz, rock and roll, soul, R&B, oldies, and dance music. Take in a performance of Shakespeare in the Park’s As You Like It. Relax at these FREE performances at parks throughout Prince George’s County.
5 Glenarden pays tribute to veterans who sacrificed for their nation in a memorial park, located near City Hall and a community center. (Tyler Wills/The Washington Informer)
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BUSINESS
3 People fill The Anthem in Southwest, D.C. for the 44th RAMMYS, hosted by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington on June 29. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)
44th RAMMYS Highlights Best of D.C Culture at 250: Diversity, Community, Care for All Rising Culinary Star of the Year Shines Light on Power of Embracing Various Cultures
By Micha Green WI Managing Editor As the nation celebrates 250 years, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington’s (RAMW) 44th RAMMYS on June 29 highlighted the power of the local food and beverage industry as a source for not only dining and entertainment, but for learning, connecting, building community, celebrating diversity, and making everyone feel welcomed. About a mile from the 2026 RAMMYS celebrations at Arena Stage and The Anthem— both in Southwest—-
Martel Stone sees the importance of restaurants in action as chef de cuisine at Dōgon by Kwame Onwuachi at the Salamander D.C. “I think what's so special about the 250 years is that it started with a gathering… and that connects directly to the core of what a restaurant is. It's a gathering place. It's a place for celebration. It's a place for exchanging ideas. It's a place for discovery,” said Stone, winner of the 2026 RAMMY for Rising Culinary Star of the Year. “When it's time to say ‘great job,’ when it's time to end the meeting, everybody's look-
HOWARD UNIVERSITY PUBLIC CHARTER MIDDLE SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE NOTICE OF INTENT TO ENTER A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT Special Education Consultant Howard University Public Charter Middle School of Mathematics and Science (HUMS) intends to enter a sole source contract with Fairgreen Consulting for contracted Special Education coaching and consulting for the 2026-27 school year. The Sole Source Contract will be awarded at the close of business on July 1, 2026. If you have questions or concerns regarding this notice, contact Leslie Boler at leslie@ hu-ms2.org no later than 5:00 pm on June 26, 2026. 14 JULY 2 - 8, 2026
ing for food…. And what better place to do those very things than to come to a restaurant like Dōgon, who celebrates all the many different cultures of D.C.?” District Mayor Muriel Bowser also sees the D.C. restaurant industry as a way to showcase the diversity in the nation’s capital, particularly as the country commemorates 250 years. “Washington, D.C. has always been a city where cultures, traditions, and people from across the country and around the world come together, and that is reflected in so many aspects of our life in D.C., especially in our food,” Bowser said in a late May statement. “From our Michelin-starred restaurants to the mom-and-pop spots you can find in neighborhoods across D.C., we can’t wait to welcome America250 visitors to experience all our city has to offer.” As part of semiquincentennial celebrations, Bowser and RAMW collaborated for “EAT250: America at the Table,” a citywide initiative that brought together chefs, embassies, museums, libraries and communities across the District from June 14-June 28. “EAT250: America at the Table is a celebration of the cultures, communities, and culinary traditions that continue to shape the American dining
experience,” said Shawn Townsend, RAMW president and CEO. “The Washington region is one of the most dynamic and diverse food communities in the country, and there is no better place to tell the story of America through food than here in and around the nation’s capital.” While the official EAT250 initiative has wrapped, the RAMMYS—centered this year on the welcoming and caring culture of the DMV restaurant industry— served as a reminder
5 Chef Martel Stone, the RAMMY-winner for 2026 Rising Culinary Star of the Year, says he embraces all cultures when creating the menu at Dōgon by Kwame Onwuachi in Southwest, D.C. (Shevry Lassiter/ The Washington Informer)
of the important work happening to provide great food, drinks and experiences for all those living in and visiting the DMV. “This year's theme ‘A Seat for Everyone’ carries real weight with me,” said Ricardo Johnson, executive vice president and chief growth officer at Carefirst BlueCross BlueShield, one of the sponsors for the annual event. “It's a reminder that progress comes from what we choose to do for one another, and making sure no one is left behind. When everyone has a seat at a table, communities grow and they get stronger.”
Providing More Than A Meal, Embracing All Cultures
This year’s RAMMYS offered a reminder that going out for food and drinks is about more than coming together for nourishment and a good time. It’s about creating enjoyable, unifying and healing moments. “What you do reaches further than a meal. The people in this room create places where people feel welcome, they feel seen, and where they belong,” Johnson, a longtime health care leader, said during the ceremony. “You create places where people are welcomed, where neighbors become familiar faces, where our community, for a moment, feels a little more whole. That kind of presence is its own form of care… So tonight is about you, it's about your talent, it's about your dedication, and it is about the impact that you carry into our community.” At Dōgon, the goal for Stone, Onwuachi, and the entire team was to not only create a great place to eat, but offer an overall dining experience
RAMMYS Page 15
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BUSINESS
RAMMYS from Page 14 that serves as “a cultural connector for Washington, D.C.” “I want [people] to get a glimpse at something that they see that's familiar within themselves, maybe culturally,” Stone said, “but also something different that connects them to another culture.” While Stone explained the Southwest, D.C. restaurant is Afro-Caribbean at its core, it’s also a way to honor the many cultures that make the District and nation a melting pot. “The bones, the soul of the restaurant we pulled from the diaspora, in an effort to spread the food, and the message and to celebrate it,” he said about Dogōn, which opened in September 2024. “We wanted to make a restaurant that was quintessentially D.C., so all the many diverse cultures— from the Caribbean, from the [African] diaspora, from some of the French and more traditional dishes.” The Rising Culinary Star of the Year said that such ideas are created from a collaborative team that brings all of their experiences, backgrounds
3 Democratic mayoral nominee and Ward 4 D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis Geroge at The Anthem during the 44th Annual RAMMYS on June 29. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer) 6 Various activations, food stations and more fill The Anthem during the 44th RAMMYS celebration on June 29. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer) 5 RAMW President Shawn Townsend, NBC 4 anchors Jummie Olabanji and Eun Yang (far right), Daddy Clivert and Jules McGuire pose post the RAMMYS awards at Arena Stage on June 29. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)
and inspirations to the overall process. “We really try to make sure that we are using creation by committee. Your intellectual property matters. Your ideas, your stories matter,” he emphasized. “And for me, how can I celebrate all the cultures around D.C. and not think about all the cultures that inhabit my very own kitchen?” It’s the chef’s commitment to embracing all cultures that not only con-
tributed to his RAMMYS win, but what creates an exciting culinary experience for all who visit Dōgon. “So, when you come to Dōgon,” Stone said, “just be prepared to be a part of something larger than just where you are.” For more information on RAMMYS 2026, including a full list of winners, visit therammys.org. WI
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JULY 2 - 8, 2026 15
NATIONAL Proud but Uneasy: Black Americans See Nation’s 250th Through Lens of History, Democracy and Unfinished Promises
16 JULY 2 - 8, 2026
3 A new poll from Elon University reveals 68% of Americans say they are proud to be American, and 65% declared there is no other country where they would rather live. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer As the United States prepares
to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, many Black Americans are approaching the milestone with a mixture of pride, skepticism, and concern about the nation’s future. While commemorations planned across the country will honor the nation’s founding, civil rights leaders, historians, and advocates have argued that any observance of America’s 250th birthday must also confront the country’s history of slavery, disenfranchisement, and racial inequality. “As the nation marks 250 years, democracy, civil rights, and the rule of law are faced with existential tests,” National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said in announcing America 250: A Guide for Defending Democracy, a civic engagement initiative developed by the National Urban League and the Demand Diversity Roundtable. Morial said the project is intended to help Americans evaluate elected officials and candidates through the lens of constitutional principles rather than political affiliation. “Americans need clear, consistent guidelines that help them evaluate public officials and candidates based on constitutional principles—not political affiliation,” Morial said. “This project is rooted in a simple belief: when people understand how systems work, they are more confident in using their voices.” Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, argued the country is confronting challenges that many believe threaten decades of progress. “Today’s unprecedented attacks reflect years of planning to limit social and racial progress,” Johnson said.
The anniversary also has renewed debate about how the nation’s history is remembered and who is included in the American story. Princeton University professor Eddie Glaude Jr., whose new book examines how race has shaped previous national anniversaries, said recent attacks on key civil rights protections mirror earlier periods when Black Americans were pushed to the margins of the national narrative. “We’ve witnessed a simultaneous attack on two major pieces of legislation: the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965,” Glaude said in a recent interview. “Both of them fundamentally changed the trajectory of the nation.” Glaude explained those laws helped create the conditions for a multiracial democracy and warned that current efforts to weaken them represent “a wholesale attack on that vision of the country.” Looking back at previous anniversaries, Glaude said the nation has repeatedly omitted difficult truths from its historical narrative. “‘Disremembering’ is so important,” he said, borrowing from the language of novelist Toni Morrison. “There’s a violence that attends this.” He pointed to the nation’s 1876 centennial celebration, when Frederick Douglass was largely sidelined despite being among the country’s most influential voices. “What has to happen here in order to protect the innocence of the country?” Glaude asked. “Black folks have to be disappeared. We have to be made to play minor, bit parts in the story.” The Rev. Al Sharpton said Black Americans have a unique perspective on the nation’s anniversary because their history predates the country’s founding. “The National Action Network is proud to stand with Marc Morial and the National Urban League for the launch of America 250: A Guide for Defending Democra-
PROUD Page 17
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PROUD from Page 16 cy,” Sharpton said. “As this nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, we must never forget that the history of Africans in America stretches back much further, to 1619.” Sharpton said the work of fulfilling the nation’s promises remains unfinished. “As a coalition, we are continuing the work to see that the nation’s foundational promises are finally realized for every American,” he said. Believing in the American Dream, Concerns About the Future The questions being raised by civil rights leaders closely mirror the findings of a new national survey that found Americans both proud of their country and deeply concerned about its direction. The Elon University America250 Poll found that 68% of Americans say they are proud to
be American, and 65% declared there is no other country where they would rather live. Nearly 80% agreed that the United States plays a uniquely important role in world history. At the same time, 73% rated the health of American democracy as only fair or poor, and 52% said the nation is not successfully living up to its founding ideals. “We found several points of optimism among Americans, including pride in being American and belief that the United States has a uniquely important role to play in world history,” Jason Husser, director of the Elon University Poll, wrote in the survey’s analysis. The survey of 1,000 adults found Americans sharply divided over the nation’s condition. Nearly 7 in 10 respondents said the signers of the Declaration of Independence would be more disappointed than proud if they could see the state of American democracy today. Americans also
expressed little confidence in political leadership. Sixty-eight percent said elected officials over the past decade have been worse than leaders of earlier generations. Forty percent said no major political party often represents their views. Many respondents described a country living through a period of instability. Thirty-nine percent said current times are much more turbulent than average, while another 31% said they are somewhat more turbulent than average. One-quarter said they feel the nation is on the brink of a major crisis every day, while another 15% said they feel that way weekly. Yet Americans have not abandoned belief in the country’s opportunities. When asked about the American Dream, 47% said it is true that people who work hard generally succeed regardless of the circumstances into which they were born. Thirty-four percent disagreed, while 19% were undecided.
NATIONAL
5 A Fourth of July celebration in 2023. As the U.S. prepares to celebrate 250 years, many Black Americans are approaching the milestone with a mixture of pride, skepticism, and concern about the nation’s future. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)
The poll also asked Americans to identify the greatest presidents in U.S. history. Abraham Lincoln finished first with 26%, followed by Barack Obama at 17%, George Washington at 12% and Donald Trump at 11%. Franklin D. Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan each received 9%, while John F. Kennedy
drew 6%. When respondents were asked which public figure best exemplified American democracy’s highest ideals, Lincoln again led the list at 20%. Obama ranked second at 11%, followed by Wash-
PROUD Page 44
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From Shared Roots to Shared Futures: Strengthening Ties Across the Black Diaspora
Global Organizations, Local Leaders Herald the Call for Solidarity By Jada Ingleton and Mya Trujillo WI Content Editor and WI Multimedia Reporter Set against the backdrop of the most culturally diverse World Cup in history and ahead of America’s 250th anniversary, efforts to stimulate global connections are gaining momentum, and EMY Africa is determined to move the mission forward. With the platform’s inaugural Washington D.C. Soirée, June 25 marked a moment of historic recognition as business leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives and diplomats converged in the name of building diasporic bridges. Hosted at the National Museum of African Art in Southwest, the event encompassed the brand’s mission to champion African excellence, all the while pushing the diaspora to reach its fullest potential. “What started as a single awards event has grown to become a living, evolving platform that tells African stories, nurtures its talent and amplifies its influence on a global stage,” said Ghanaian businessman and EMY Africa founder, Daniel “Kojo” Soboh. “Seeds of division have been sold amongst us for a very long time, and it’s because of the greatness that we carry [as a people]. And so our unity is a strength that we need to embrace.” Driven by the mantra to Evolve, Motivate and Yield, EMY Africa was established 10 years ago to uplift the African continent through the strength of collaboration and storytelling. For Soboh, that includes prioritizing and propelling growth, retaining progress, and a commitment to transformative open-mindedness. “For generations, our connection has been rooted in history and heritage, but today, more than ever, we believe that it should be driven by collaboration in business, in creativity, in investment, in technology, in cultural exchange,” he continued, “collaborations amongst us as Africans, as Blacks.” More than that, the founder shared hopes to see the brand dispel generational stereotypes, including that Africa is synonymous with strife
5 Attendees champion cultural exchange and diasporic unity through storytelling, collaborating, and celebrating African excellence during the inaugural EMY Africa Washington, D.C. Soirée, held at the National Museum of African Art on June 25. (Courtesy Photo/EMY Africa)
and need, and, in turn, hopefully, help forge a long-lasting and valuable legacy. EMY holds events like the June 25 soirée as part of its goal to promote its international activation, but its grandiose soirées have never touched U.S. soil before. The brand has hosted similar programming in London three times in the past, and once held a symposium in partnership with New York University (NYU). While Soboh told The Informer that he and his team initially considered Los Angeles for the celebration, ultimately, Washington was the most effective option. With the nation celebrating its semiquincentennial, the Southwest museum served as an optimal backdrop for showcasing global prominence and cultural brilliance. “D.C. is uniquely positioned as a global crossroads of politics, culture and Black leadership,” Soboh shared, “and with the World Cup and institutions like the Smithsonian drawing global attention, we thought it was an ideal place, convening conversations about our identity, opportunity and shared progress.”
Accelerating Economic Coalition Among the Diaspora
While the EMY soirée was a way for members of the diaspora to connect and celebrate one another amid the continent’s recent success in the World Cup, it served as so much more. The room was full to the brim with everlasting pride, where attend-
ees could pour into one another and embody the spirit of cross-cultural connection. For Lisa Kunney, an international business development strategist of Ghanaian descent, the event allowed her to embrace the essence of what Ghana means to her: culture, rhythm and love. She told The Informer that such a celebration in the nation’s capital was incredibly meaningful because of the weight it carries on both the national and global stages. “What you’re seeing here is the diaspora coming back, not only to celebrate culture, but to invest in collaboration,” Kunney told The Informer. “I think this is particularly significant because we’re at a time in society where the love of humanity… has been a little forgotten.” Washington is a hotspot for African pride, especially for U.S. Shadow Rep. Oye Owolewa (D), who is expected to be the city’s first D.C. Council member of African descent as the Democratic at-large nominee. Attending the soirée and being part of such a partnership held immense weight for him, as someone who is no stranger to championing collective impact. “Whether it's the Guinean community, Ethiopian community, whether it's U Street or beyond, the African community has had a tremendous impact in D.C., but it's even more important for our future,” said the Nigeria native. “It can't just
DIASPORA Page 29
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Live Boldly –June 2026 Message from Department of Aging and Community Living DIRECTOR CHARON P.W. HINES
Dear Seniors, As we welcome the month of July, I find myself reflecting on what an extraordinary June we shared together. From celebrating love and inclusion to honoring the accomplishments of remarkable older adults, June was a powerful reminder of the vibrant, diverse, and resilient community that makes Washington, DC such a special place to call home. Last month, we continued a DACL tradition by participating in the Capital Pride Parade, where DACL proudly rolled through the streets of the District aboard our beloved "Silver Trolley." Filled with older adults and allies, the trolley served as a visible symbol of support, inclu-
sivity, and love for our LGBTQ+ community. It is always inspiring to see residents of all ages come together to celebrate authenticity, dignity, and belonging. At DACL, we remain committed to ensuring every older adult feels seen, valued, and welcomed. Last month, we also crowned a new Ms. Senior DC. Congratulations to our 2026 Ms. Senior DC, Betty Entzminger, who will proudly represent the District of Columbia at the Ms. Senior America Pageant in Atlantic City this October. We also celebrate her outstanding court: First Runner-Up Fari Tumpe, Second Runner-Up Dr. Myrtle Alexander, and Third Runner-Up Cynthia Jefferson. These incredible women embody the grace that lives amongst our senior community in the District. I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to our immediate past queen, Valerie E. Robinson, for her exceptional service and dedication throughout her reign. This month, our nation will commemorate a historic milestone as we continue celebrating America's 250th birthday. Here in the Nation's Capital, we are uniquely positioned to reflect on the enduring values of democracy, civic engagement, and freedom that shape our daily lives. As we gather with family, friends, and neighbors throughout the summer, let us take pride in the role Washington, DC, plays in our nation's story and recommit ourselves to building communities where everyone can thrive. As temperatures continue to rise this summer, I encourage everyone to prioritize their health and safety.
Be sure to drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen when outdoors, limit prolonged exposure to extreme heat, and seek cool, air-conditioned spaces whenever possible. Heat-related illnesses can be serious, but together, we can Beat the Heat and stay safe this summer. If you need relief from the heat, DACL's Senior Wellness Centers serve as cooling centers and welcoming spaces for older adults throughout the District. Whether you're looking to participate in programming, connect with friends, or simply cool down during the hottest parts of the day, our doors are open. Ward 1 Bernice Fonteneau Senior Wellness Center 3531 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20011 Wards 2 and 3 Around Town Satellite Wellness Program 4125 Albemarle Street, NW, Washington, DC 20016
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Ward 4 Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center 324 Kennedy Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011 Ward 5 Model Cities Senior Wellness Center 1901 Evarts Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018 Ward 6 Hayes Senior Wellness Center 500 K Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 Ward 7 Washington Seniors Wellness Center 3001 Alabama Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20020 Ward 8 Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center 3500 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20032
Lastly, as we reflect on the Spring celebrations of District parents, I want to recognize Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, a time to shower our loved ones with admiration and gratitude for the hard work, sacrifice, guidance, and unconditional love they pour into raising others. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, guardian, or chosen family, Mothers and Fathers shape our community. We thank you for the countless ways you inspire others each day. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in July. Stay safe, stay connected, and stay cool. In Service, Charon P.W. Hines Director, Department of Aging and Community Living
JULY 2 - 8, 2026 19
HEALTH Health Experts Say Black Americans Continue to Carry the Weight of History
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
The United States will celebrate its 250th birthday with fireworks, parades and patriotic ceremonies. For many African Americans, however, the milestone also stirs memories of slavery, segregation, discrimination and continuing inequities that mental health advocates say leave lasting emotional scars.
A recent Navigator Research survey found that many Black Americans question whether the nation's celebration fully recognizes their history or reflects their lived experience. While Americans broadly view the anniversary as a time for unity, Black respondents were significantly more likely to say the country has yet to fulfill its promise of equality and justice. The survey focused on America’s 250th anniversary and participants
5 For many African Americans, the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration stirs memories of slavery, segregation, discrimination and continuing inequities that mental health advocates say leave lasting emotional scars. (WI File Photo)
widely agreed on several American values, though many simultaneously felt their rights and freedoms are slowly being eroded. With the deterioration of rights and freedoms, participants expressed feeling a lack of belonging in America today. Participants lamented that the erosion of rights and freedoms leads many to feel a lack of belonging, though optimism for the future of the country remains. Further, they said good wages, home ownership,
and providing for a family are seen as tenets of the American dream, though many don’t see it as achievable anymore with inflation and stagnant incomes. “By being an African American, I can come in and be a convicted felon and get an X number of years, but someone else comes in with a different color and may be charged with the same crime but get a different sentence on the color of their skin. And that’s not justice,” said one
survey participant from Mississippi, who identified as a “Black strong Republican.” In arguing that the 250th presents an opportunity to confront the nation's unfinished work rather than simply celebrate its accomplishments, Princeton professor Eddie Glaude Jr. said: “The history of Black people in America is a history of extraordinary resilience, but resilience should never be confused with the absence of pain.” Mental health professionals say that history has measurable consequences. According to Mental Health America, only about 1 in 3 Black adults who need mental health care receive it. African Americans are more likely to experience persistent sadness and psychological distress while facing barriers that include cost, stigma, provider shortages and distrust rooted in generations of unequal treatment by the medical system. Studies also show Black Americans are more likely to seek help first from relatives, pastors and community leaders before turning to licensed mental health professionals. WI
We all have something we want to leave our loved ones – big or small. Have you taken steps to make sure your wishes are honored? Or, has a family member passed without a will? Legal Counsel for the Elderly and DC Affordable Law Firm can help with: • Wills
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20 JULY 2 - 8, 2026
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When the Heat Rises, So Do the Risks Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia (DC) Summer in Washington, DC, can feel intense, especially when temperatures can rise to 90 degrees for days at a time. These stretches of extreme heat, known as heat waves, are becoming more common. A heat wave is a period during which local excess heat builds over a number of unusually hot days and nights.1 While it may seem like just another hot week, heat waves can seriously affect health, especially in cities like DC. City areas tend to trap heat because of buildings, pavement, and limited green space. This is often called the “urban heat island” effect.2 In neighborhoods across the District, temperatures can feel even hotter than what the forecast says. Several factors make heat waves harmful, including heat-related illnesses3 such as: • Heat exhaustion • Heatstroke • Rapid dehydration • Muscle cramps and spasms • Worsening of chronic conditions Heat-related illnesses can be prevented, but they still send many people to the emergency room each summer. For many residents, especially those already dealing with financial stress, that added heat can quickly become dangerous.
Where the heat becomes a bigger risk
Low-income families often face the biggest challenges during heat waves. The issue is not just about the temperature outside, but what resources are available inside the home and in the community. Certain everyday factors can make extreme heat more dangerous, such as: • Limited or no air conditioning in the home • Higher energy costs that make it hard to run fans or AC units all day • Living in older buildings that trap heat • Jobs that require working outdoors or in hot environments
Staying on top of your health can look like many things, from scheduling your annual checkup to keeping up with important screenings throughout the year. These routine visits help catch issues early and keep you feeling your best. As an AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollee, this can also come with an added benefit. Through the Healthy Rewards Program, enrollees can earn rewards for completing routine health activities. That includes annual wellness visits, health screenings, and other preventive care services that support longterm health. Once you complete a health activity,
• Fewer nearby shaded areas or green spaces to cool down • Health conditions that may already put people at higher risk
Staying cool across the District
Across DC, there are several programs and community supports that are available to help residents stay safe and cool this summer: • Cooling centers: The DC government opens public buildings like libraries, recreation centers, and senior centers as cooling spaces during extreme heat. • District of Columbia Heat Plan: Alerts residents when temperatures are dangerously high and shares safety tips. • Utility assistance programs: Programs like LIHEAP can help with energy bills during the summer months. • Community organizations and churches: Many offer water, fans, and safe indoor spaces. • DC Department of Parks and Recreation pools and spray parks: Free options for families to cool off. As temperatures rise, staying informed can go a long way. Heat waves may be a part of summer, but with the right support and awareness, DC residents can stay safe and well all season long. Sources 1. “Heatwave,” World Meteorological Organization,” https://wmo.int/topics/heatwave, accessed April 14, 2026. 2. “What Is an Urban Heat Island,” NASA Science, https://science.nasa.gov/kids/earth/ what-is-an-urban-heat-island/, accessed April 14, 2026. 3. “Heat-Related Illnesses,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, September 10, 2024, https://web.archive.org/ web/20250118080814/https://www. cdc.gov/niosh/heat-stress/about/illnesses. html, accessed April 14, 2026. All images are submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia and are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model
#BestMe
Rewards for healthy choices
you’ll receive a link to choose a gift card from several retailers. Retailers include: • Walmart • Safeway • CVS Pharmacy • Kohl’s • T.J. Maxx • Gap and Baby Gap • The Home Depot • Smoothie King • Apple • Google Play With the Healthy Rewards Program, taking care of your health also comes with something extra. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com.
Earn rewards for good health! Did you know you can earn rewards (gift cards) for doing things that help you stay healthy? Healthy activities include: • An annual wellness visit (ages 9 – 20) • A diabetic blood and urine screening • A diabetic retinal eye exam • A prenatal visit • A maternity postpartum visit Visit www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com/healthyrewards to learn more or call 202-216-2318 with any questions.
Find us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/amerihealthdc. / Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/amerihealthcaritasdc. / Find us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/amerihealthcaritasdc. WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
JULY 2 - 8, 2026 21
OUR
EARTH
Ward 8 Woods Conservancy Hosts Community Clean Up By Robert R. Roberts WI Photographer Braving the summertime heat and humidity, members of Ward 8 Woods Conservancy held a Community Cleanup Day throughout the Trinidad neighborhood on the morning of June 27. Held a week ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary— and with celebrations already happening across the District— this act of neighborhood renewal was part of the organization’s Trash Free D.C. campaign, which aims to reduce litter scattered throughout communities. The effort furthers the conservancy’s mission of restoring woodland ecology and promoting healthy, sustainable living. Washington’s Trinidad neighborhood is a historic community located in Ward 5, a part of the city familiar
with the environmental struggles caused by a high concentration of industrial land use. Therefore, as the nation’s capital and country commemorate 250 years of history, efforts to preserve the ward’s environmental health and, in turn, protect public health are necessary in the long-term fight toward a greener future. WI
5 A volunteer collects garbage from an overflowing trash can.
5 Michael Lynch, summer intern (W8W) and Michelle Minstrell, a waste knowledge consultant, sort through the trash and separate it by categories, such as plastic, cans and paper.
Support The Washington Informer as we Celebrate 61 Years. 22 JULY 2 - 8, 2026
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5 Ward 8 Woods members and volunteers gather in the Trinidad neighborhood, ready to act on their commitment to environmental stewardship by safeguarding the area’s health and beauty through cleaning up litter around the community.
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EDUCATION
6Graduates of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) at the institution’s 48th Commencement Ceremony in May 2025. Home to more than 80 academic programs, UDC is the only public university in the nation’s capital, and the second-oldest historically Black college or University (HBCU) in the United States. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)
America at 250: The HBCU Legacy
By Jada Ingleton WI Content Editor
A 250th anniversary is incomplete without honoring the pioneers who shaped the nation –– or the institutions that paved the way. The founding of the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) in 1836 set a precedent of an education system where opportunity and inclusivity are the standard for all. From the inaugural Cheyney University of Pennsylvania to the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), that vision now scales across more than 100 existing HBCUs nationwide–– all driven by a collective promise to uphold a more equitable future. “In a very specific time in this country, where Black stories are being oppressed, suppressed, and ignored, it's really important that we invest in ourselves,” actress Lauren E. Banks told The Informer during the 2025 HBCU Film Festival. “I am here to champion institutions that champion our stories. As an alumna [of Howard University], [I’m thankful] to preserve these cultural institutions in D.C. or around the world.” HBCUs carry a threshold for pivotal changemaking in American history. In D.C., institutions like Howard University served as an incubator for the minds developing the landmark Brown v. Board of Education. Student activism shone through stories like Priscilla and Patricia Stephens –– two students at Florida A&M University who led the unsung jail sit-ins of the Civil Rights Movement –– along with the resilient “Greensboro Four” of North Carolina A&T University. Among a bevy of notable alumni trailblazers include: late faith activists, the Rev. Jesse Jackson (North Carolina A&T University) and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Morehouse College); culture icons, Langston Hughes (Lincoln University), Nikki Giovanni (Fisk University) and Spike Lee (Morehouse College); as well as Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall (Hampton University) and former Vice President Kamala Harris, both of whom also hold degrees from Howard University. “People are not aware of the full extent of good work that goes on, on our campuses…not just UDC, but all HBCUs,” UDC President Maurice Edington told The Informer earlier this year. “Every single day, we're doing good work to change our lives, impact our lives and communities. We have to continue to do a good job at our core mission, and then we have to tell our story.” Dive into the history of the nation’s historically Black institutions.
From D.C. to Virginia
• Howard University is the No. 1 HBCU in the nation, per the LinkedIn and Forbes’ 2025-26 list, and produces the most Black bachelor’s degree graduates in communications and journalism nationwide. • Founded in 1851 as the Normal School for Colored Girls, the since-renamed University of the District of Columbia is an exclusively urban public land grant university, and the second oldest HBCU in the nation. • Chartered in 1974, the University of the District of Columbia is the only fully accredited public institution of higher education in the nation’s capital. • Virginia’s Norfolk State University was the only HBCU founded during the Great Depression. • Virginia State University in Richmond created the first HBCU history course. • Ranked No. 11 among U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Historically Black Colleges & Universities” in 2026, Bowie State University in Prince George’s County— the oldest HBCU in Maryland— generates 2,524 jobs for its local and regional economies. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.
5Class of 2026 graduate Jamari Robinson celebrates during Howard University’s 158th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9. (WI File Photo/Jacques Benovil)
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EDITORIAL America at 250: A Celebration That Doesn't Feel Like Home
For Many Black Americans, the Nation's Anniversary is Clouded by Policies that Redefine Who is Welcome—and Who Belongs. As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary next year, millions of Americans will proudly wave the flag and honor the nation's history. Yet for many in the Black community, a troubling question remains: What exactly are we celebrating when the promise of America seems increasingly reserved for a select few? America's greatness has never rested solely on its military or economic power. It has rested on the belief that people from around the world could come here in search of freedom, opportunity, and a better life. In his 1989 farewell address, President Ronald Reagan embraced that ideal, describing America as "a shining city upon a hill" whose doors remained open to those with the heart and determination to come. Reagan believed immigrants strengthened America rather than threatened it. Today's immigration debate tells a different story. Recent Supreme Court actions
have cleared the way for the Trump administration to end temporary legal protections for thousands of immigrants from countries including Haiti and Syria, putting many families who have legally lived and worked here at risk of deportation. For Haitian Americans, whose homeland remains gripped by violence and a humanitarian crisis, the prospect of forced return is especially painful. Yet while Haitians face removal, white South Africans have been welcomed under a refugee program based on claims of racial persecution that many international observers and South Africa's government dispute. Reports that these new arrivals received generous resettlement assistance—including housing support, laptops, and other benefits—have only deepened perceptions of unequal treatment. Equally troubling are reports that orientation materials in their welcome packages minimized racism in America, downplayed apart-
heid's brutality, and diminished Nelson Mandela's historic role in ending one of the world's most notorious systems of racial oppression. For Black Americans, whose struggle for civil rights was deeply connected to the global movement against apartheid, such messaging is not merely revisionist history— it is profoundly offensive. For a community whose ancestors endured slavery, segregation, and generations of unequal treatment, immigration policy cannot be separated from the broader question of fairness. It compels Americans to ask whose suffering matters, whose story is believed, and who is truly welcome. America's 250th anniversary should celebrate an expanding promise—not a shrinking one. To honor its founding ideals, this nation must ensure that liberty and opportunity are never determined by race, nationality, or political convenience. Only then will this celebration truly belong to every American. WI
Black Folks Who Feel Unwanted at the 250th Birthday Party Should Try an Alternative
Consider Hosting an Event that Celebrates Black History and Families What are your plans for the Fourth of July? In some respects, your answer may depend on your race, religion, sexual orientation, or whether you were even born in the U.S.A. Because since the most recent changing of the guard, the memos distributed by the White House have been clear. But have no fear – there are options available for those who have been made to feel like they are “the other.” Here in Washington, D.C., the city will host several celebrations to mark the 1776-2026 milestone, including a Great American State Fair (through July 10) on the National Mall and special fireworks on July 4. As for the “Rally to end all Rallies,” headlined by the president, African Americans may, unfortunately, feel more like the unin-
vited guest who crashed the party instead of one who was on the invitation list. But that’s nothing new. Despite Black people’s contributions and sacrifices— consider the blood that’s been shed and whose lives have been lost to build, protect, maintain, and enhance this nation— African Americans are still seeking equal rights. African Americans are still demanding what was promised: “40 acres and a mule.” And African Americans are still being told to wait. Even Frederick Douglass, known as the “Lion of Anacostia,” wondered where African Americans fit into the July 4 holiday. On July 5, 1852, Douglass delivered a scathing oration in Rochester, New York, titled “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” He argued that the holiday was a painful
mockery for enslaved people, famously declaring: “This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.” Douglass challenged America, highlighting the gross cruelty, injustice, and hypocrisy of a nation that boasted of liberty while enslaving millions of human beings. But given his optimism about the Founding Fathers, as well as the “saving principles” laid out in the Declaration of Independence, he was hopeful. He believed that America would eventually live up to its founding ideals. And yet, 250 years later, efforts have recently been ramped up to turn the clock backwards, rather than allow our nation to truly become “one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.” But African Americans should not lament as our nation cele-
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TO THE EDITOR “Great article. Too bad we don’t ask questions about white Cubans' attitudes. Goes to show these two ethnicities lived this close and the Spaniards emerged as racist.” -Forrest (In reference to the article: “Most Americans Have It All Wrong About Castro, Cuba.”)
“Thank you for this article. It was informative and well written.” -Cha (In reference to the article: “Prince Georgians Learn What’s Next for Former Six Flags Site.”)
brates. Black Americans can observe longstanding traditions, rooted in family, faith, and the celebration of our survival. Many of these traditions often blend African heritage with the experiences of slavery, the Great Migration, and the Civil Rights Movement, focusing on building community and preserving history. So, if you’re feeling left out this July 4, why not consider a sacred gathering like a cookout for family
and friends? Just remember to include the sights, sounds, and aromas that would make the ancestors proud. You know, like old-school R&B/soul music; potato salad, collard greens, and ribs; and the echo of cards being slammed on a table while playing games like Spades or Bid Whist. What to Black Americans is the Fourth of July? What is America without the contributions of African Americans? WI
JULY 2 - 8, 2026 25
OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
Julianne Malveaux
The Cuba I Cannot Unsee
Imagine having electricity for only four hours a day. Now imagine not knowing which four hours. Can you make coffee? Refrigerate medicine? Charge your phone? Will your child have school? Will the bus come? Will the internet work? Will your food spoil? For the remaining 20 hours,
you wait. Americans are so dependent on electricity that the thought itself feels jarring. Unless you live in Cuba. I recently returned from Cuba as part of an all-African American delegation organized by the Institute of the Black World 21st Century and led by Dr. Ron Daniels. We traveled to learn, to listen and to better understand a nation Americans are often encouraged to view through slogans rather than lived experience. Our experience was not the expe-
Guest Columnist
rience of most Cubans. We stayed in a hotel that generally had electricity. We experienced only brief outages in restaurants and public spaces. But everywhere we went, people described blackouts lasting as long as 20 hours a day — planned outages, unplanned outages, neighborhoods going dark without warning, daily life organized around uncertainty. Imagine trying to run a school, a hospital, a restaurant or simply a family under those conditions. And still people move forward. One woman traveled nearly three
hours to meet a member of our delegation. Part of her journey involved walking. Part involved hitchhiking. Three hours. She simply wanted to spend time with her friend. We shared lunch together at a paladar, one of Cuba's small private restaurants. She was 31 years old, attractive, warm and funny. I asked whether she had children. She shook her head. "How can I afford it?" she replied. She was once a teacher. Now she picks up part-time work.
She cannot afford to have children. That answer has stayed with me. Because this crisis is not only affecting the present. It is shaping the future. I also spoke with a 10-year-old boy. I asked when he attended school. He shrugged. "Tuesday and Wednesday." That was his answer. Not Monday through Friday. Tuesday and Wednesday. What opportunities disappear when
MALVEAUX Page 45
Marc H. Morial
The Supreme Court's Willful Blindness in the Face of Racial Animus
"The majority claims to see no evidence that race played any role in the Haiti decision. But the evidence is there, plain to see, in the president's statements, which the majority (and for that matter, his own lawyers) cannot even bear to repeat." The president's allies on the Supreme Court have had to jump
through some hoops to justify their decisions supporting his reckless and discriminatory policies. But Justice Samuel Alito's claim not to see racism in the effort to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians defies belief. As Justice Kagan noted in her dissent, even the president's own lawyers avoided repeating his shocking slur against Haiti and other predominantly Black nations when he demanded, "Take them out." But even more telling than the slur was the response in
Guest Columnist
the room: "Because if you do, it will be obvious why." "Obvious" to everyone but Trump's allies on the Supreme Court, apparently. The Trump administration did not decide to deport protected Haitian and Syrian immigrants because it determined those nations are safe. It arbitrarily determined they were "safe" so that it could deport those immigrants. The State Department maintains a strict "Level 4 — Do Not Travel" advisory due to the risk
of "crime, terrorism, kidnapping, unrest, and limited health care" in Haiti and "terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, hostage taking, crime, and armed conflict" in Syria. Haitian and Syrian TPS holders are now expected to do what Americans are explicitly warned against. Just as troubling as the human consequences of the court's ruling is its reasoning. The public record is littered with examples of the president's animus toward Haitians. He stunningly advanced a
baseless — and widely debunked — claim that Haitian immigrants were "eating the pets" of residents in Ohio. At other times, he suggested Haitian immigrants were bringing disease into the United States and accused them of "destroying" a community's way of life. As Kagan noted, these statements "fairly shout" that race played a role in the decision. Justice Alito and his colleagues in the
old bread. No innovation. Nothing to inspire. Candidates won't risk transformative ideas. That's why we haven't solved a single social determinant problem in decades. The D.C. Democratic Party is impotent — more of a "party" than an actual political party. Both front-runner mayoral candidates recycled the same affordability, safety and opportunity language that Muriel Bowser used for 12 years. The language of inclusion is not the same as enforceable equity. East of the River voters have heard these promises before. What East of the River Residents
Should Demand 1. Health equity and opioid treatment. The next mayor must publish quality, staffing, wait-time and patient-safety benchmarks for Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center and fund opioid-use-disorder treatment East of the River at a level that matches the scale of deaths among Black residents. Public safety must include treatment, not only policing and curfew enforcement. 2. Economic security, youth jobs
MORIAL Page 45
Ambrose Lane Jr.
East of the River Voters Demand Action on Key Issues
Congratulations to all the candidates who won elected positions representing the District of Columbia in the primary elections. It was a hard-fought campaign season, but it's not over yet. On to the November general elections, where independents can run against the primary election winners. Delegate to Congress: Robert White | D.C. Mayor: Janeese Lewis George |
26 JULY 2 - 8, 2026
D.C. Council Chair: Phil Mendelson | D.C. Council At-Large: Oye Owolewa | D.C. Council At-Large (Independent): Elissa Silverman While I congratulate the primary winners, I am deeply disappointed with the severe lack of attention paid to issues faced mainly by Black residents in Wards 7 and 8. Overall, only 28% of all D.C. registered voters voted in what was touted as a "generational" election. Very few candidates — and certainly the front-runner mayoral candidates — paid little more than lip service to the serious issues faced by Black men,
Black families and Black youth. Only 136,289 out of 482,968 D.C. registered voters voted (28.2%). In seven out of the last nine primary elections spanning 18 years, no more than 28% of registered voters participated. East of the River, the numbers are worse: in 2026, Ward 7 turned out 22.9% and Ward 8 just 17.6%. Only during Obama and Biden midterms did turnout exceed one in four voters in Ward 7 and one in five in Ward 8. No D.C. mayoral election has ever come close. Our politics is stale like 2-month-
LANE Page 45
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
Corey Arnez Griffin
D.C.’s Future: Growth Must Serve the People Who Call It Home growth alone for progress.
Washington has always been a city of change. From my pulpit, I have watched neighborhoods rise, struggle, and rise again. I have prayed with families who have called this city home for generations, and I have welcomed newcomers chasing opportunity. Today, though, the change feels different. And at this pivotal moment for D.C.’s economy, we cannot afford to mistake
The truth is simple: a growing economy means little if it does not meet the needs of the people who sustain it. And meeting people’s needs, in turn, requires an economy strong enough to support opportunity. In the communities I serve, many of them historically underrepresented, we feel both sides of that tension every day. I see it in the small business owner worried about rising costs and fewer customers downtown. I see it in the
Guest Columnist
working parent who has found stability through flexible work but fears losing it. I see it in young people trying to build a future in a city that feels increasingly out of reach, and in the senior citizens who have struggled to access the DC they grew up knowing. These are not abstract policy debates. They are lived realities. That is why this moment calls for balance, not extremes. There are those who believe the path forward is to simply push for growth at any cost, to bring the city “back” by doubling down on old models of work
and commerce. But we cannot ignore what has changed. The way people work has evolved. Flexible and hybrid work are not passing trends; they are part of a new economic reality. For many in my congregation, that flexibility has meant the difference between holding onto a job and falling behind; between being present for their families and being stretched beyond their limits. Embracing flexible work is not a concession. It is an opportunity. It allows D.C. to remain competitive, to
attract talent, and to support a workforce that is more resilient. Rather than forcing a return to what was, we should be asking how to build something better. At the same time, we cannot lose sight of the role businesses play in the life of our city. A truly pro-business environment is not about choosing corporations over communities. It is about recognizing that thriving businesses create jobs, generate revenue,
GRIFFIN Page 46
Ben Jealous
Hey, Cousin: What I Saw on Juneteenth at Andrew Jackson's Plantation
On Juneteenth, I traveled to the Hermitage, President Andrew Jackson's plantation outside Nashville, to celebrate Black music. Neither Juneteenth nor Black music had ever been celebrated there before. Lela Harris flew in from Maryland. She descends from Alfred, born enslaved on that land. When freedom came, he chose the name Jackson for
himself. He asked to be buried beside the president, and he was. She stood on that same ground and spoke. Other descendants of the enslaved came too. Hundreds of Black folks. Hundreds of White folks. Likely the largest gathering of Black people there since slavery ended. Lela grew up with a tradition. Her family believes they descend from Andrew Jackson himself. Others say that cannot be, that Jackson fathered no children. The family carries the story. The records carry a silence. My cousins are the Hemingses of
Guest Columnist
Monticello. For centuries they said they descend from Thomas Jefferson, through Sally Hemings, the enslaved half-sister of his wife. They were told it was impossible. Then the science proved them right. I told the crowd to call each other cousin, and I meant it plainly. If your family has been in Tennessee or Virginia a long time, the odds are good that — Black, White, or Native — you are kin to people who do not look like you. All afternoon you could hear it across that lawn. "Hey, Cousin!" Cris Corley is an eighth-generation
Tennessee farmer. His family included soldiers who fought alongside Andrew Jackson, and he grew up proud of that. Cris has fought for racial justice in Tennessee. He teared up that day. Cris remembers when his elementary school in Alexandria, Tennessee, was desegregated. A White father stormed in, using a slur for the Black children and swearing his kids would never sit beside them. The principal knocked him down where he stood. He decided that was better than letting a man block the schoolhouse door. Young Cris agreed.
The good people won that day. Cris has a friend, Charlie High, who fights beside him today. Charlie remembers his own father coming home from the courthouse one day, excited. He had watched Diane Nash and the students from Fisk stand their ground. His dad then marched his young White children around the living room, the way Nash had marched, and praised them. I am proud of the Hermitage team for not flinching, for digging into the
ers, and government programs. We shouldn't also have to worry about whether our children's information could be misused, over-collected, or shared without our full understanding. Data can open doors, but it can also expose. For children with disabilities, the stakes are even higher. Misused or poorly protected information can lead to stigma, bias, or missed opportunities. And for Black families, who have historically faced inequities in education and healthcare systems, trust is
not automatic — it must be earned and protected. That's why Maryland must act. We need clear, proactive policies that: - Limit data collection to what is truly necessary. - Ensure families know how their information is being used. - Protect against unnecessary sharing across agencies. - Include parents and advocates in shaping these decisions.
JEALOUS Page 46
Anthony Tilghman
For Families Like Mine, Data Privacy Is Personal
Advocacy didn't start as a choice for me. It started the day I became a father. When my daughter was diagnosed with autism, I entered a world that so many families know all too well — meetings, evaluations, services and systems that require you to share deeply personal information just to get your child the support they need. You learn
quickly that access often comes with a cost: your child's data. And you trust that it will be protected. But today, families are asking harder questions. Where is that information going? Who has access to it? And how much control do we really have once it's shared? These aren't abstract concerns. For parents like me, they are real, immediate, and deeply personal. Recently, Pennsylvania took action to address those concerns. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed executive orders to
limit how disability-related data is collected and shared, making it clear that sensitive personal information should not be distributed beyond what is legally required. Maryland should take notice. To be clear, Maryland has taken steps in recent years to strengthen general data privacy protections. But there is still a gap when it comes to disability-specific data and how it is shared across systems. Because here's the truth: families are already stretched thin navigating education systems, healthcare provid-
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TILGHMAN Page 46 JULY 2 - 8, 2026 27
3 Creators for Democracy, a civic festival hosted by the DC Public Library, will bring together artists, educators, organizers and community members for programs focused on creativity, civic engagement and democratic participation. (Courtesy Photo)
Washington Informer Weekend Checklist
National Archives Museum, 701 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20408
WASHINGTON INFORMER'S
Things To Do, DMV! Happy 250th Independence Day to all! The DMV is bringing in America’s birthday in exciting ways from festivals and local farmers markets to good-ole country line dancing. Check out a handful of the many events happening this weekend— and dive into the Washington Informer Calendar for more.
Thursday, July 2
Creators for Democracy: A Civic Festival
5 p.m to 9 p.m | Free Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street NW Washington, D.C, 20001 Join D.C.'s favorite creators and community builders for activities on photography, business building, design, fashion, storytelling, and health. Explore interactive maker stations, a creator marketplace, and incredible food and music. This is for every kind of creator building the fabric of civic life, and for each community member who believes democracy is a living, evolving practice.
RON PERLMAN, FOR
FIND TIPS FOR KEEPING COMPANION ANIMALS SAFE DURING FIREWORKS HERE:
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Grooming: Aaron Barry • Fireworks: © iStock.com/howtogoto • Wall: © iStock.com/2d illustrations and photos • Dog: © iStock.com/vauvau
By Jordan Armstead WI Editorial Intern
Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the Fourth of July with the National Archives. For more than 50 years, the Archives has celebrated the founding of the United States with a patriotic celebration that includes a ceremonial reading of the Declaration of Independence. This one-of-a-kind event takes place on the museum steps, and there is room for everyone to join in the fun.
Tiki Vinyl Night 7 p.m to 11 p.m | Free Tiki on 18th, 2411 18th Street Northwest Washington, D.C., 20009 Take a bite out of the scariest event happening Fourth of July Weekend--- a retro "summerween" campout at Tiki on 18th in Adams Morgan! Enjoy a zombie while listening to classic tiki, surf, exotica, world, and rock music. DJ Cinema Hearts will also be dipping into her collection of rare 1950s-1960s Halloween vinyl. Hear cuts like "Monster Surfing Time," "The Blob," "Werewolf" and more. Dress on theme! The vibe is summer camp, Hawaiian shirts, Fourth of July, “Are You Afraid of the Dark?,” “Goosebumps,” “Jaws,” “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” and Scooby Doo.
Friday, July 3
Country Line Dancing at The Wharf 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Free Transit Pier at The Wharf, 970 Wharf Street SW Washington, D.C., 20024
Grab your cowboy hat and boots - Country Line Dancing with DC Rawhides is back! Boot, scoot and boogie in true America 250 fashion with lively country dancing welcoming all ages and skill levels. Dance along to a high-energy mix of classic country and rock tunes by Shawn Parsons & The Secret Service. DC Improv Stand Up Showcase 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.| Free DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20036 Enjoy great stand-up comedy in downtown D.C. The showcase lineups feature top talent from the DMV and beyond, performing on one of the country's most famous stages. Audiences will see a variety of styles and get up close with some of the stars of tomorrow. Showcases generally last around 90 minutes. This Friday showcase will feature Patrice Deveaux, Ross Benoit, Justo, Jack Coleman, and David Balagizi.
Saturday, July 4
July 4th at the National Archives 8:30 a.m.- 10 p.m. | Free
What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. | Free Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, 1411 W Street SE, Washington, D.C., 20020 Celebrate Independence Day and the nation's 250th anniversary with the National Park Service at Frederick Douglass National Historic Site’s annual event: “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Hear recitations by a reenactor who portrays the renowned abolitionist and the winner of the Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest, tour Cedar Hill, and participate in a public reading of the Declaration of Independence!
Sunday, July 5
Old Town Main Street Market First Sundays 12 p.m to 4 p.m | Free Old Town Fairfax, 10428 Main Street Fairfax, VA 22030 Check out this free, family-friendly curated street market with 15+ local small businesses bringing vintage finds, handmade goods, unique gifts, and holiday shopping treasures. The Main Street Market pops up the first Sunday of each month in Old Town Fairfax. Whether hunt-
THINGS TO DO Page 29
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LIFESTYLE THEIR SISTERHOOD. THEIR STORY. THEIR LEGACY.
5 Participants take part in a large outdoor group dance during Friday Night Dancing at the Wharf. (WI File Photo )
THINGS TO DO from Page 28
SE Washington, D.C., 20003
ing for fashion, digging for vintage gems, or looking for holiday shopping, the Main Street Market is a chance to shop and support small and local businesses.
Join the excitement as the Washington Nationals take on the Pittsburgh Pirates at Nationals Park. Fans will enjoy an evening packed with thrilling baseball, great food, unforgettable moments, and the electric energy that makes game day in Washington, D.C., one of the city's favorite summer traditions. WI
Washington Nationals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates 1:30 p.m to 3 p.m | Free Nationals Park, 1500 S Capitol St
DIASPORA from Page 18 be business owners; it can't just be elected officials. We all got a part to play.” For Owolewa, this event was not only a way for attendees to recognize the District as a cultural hub or a place to spend money, but a city to revel in all the recreation it has to offer. In his welcoming remarks, he emphasized that Washington allocated approximately $6 billion annually to contracts and procurement, but that representation for the diaspora among contract awardees is low. “It was a really good opportunity to get folks to think about not only Washington, D.C. as the capital, but also the local community and economy, [and] how we can work together and invest,” Owolewa told The Informer. “Whether we’re moving forward with [getting more African businesses] involved with D.C., making sure that we’re rehiring D.C. natives, [or] making sure we’re keeping our economy going is really important.” With 15% of the city’s businesses Black-owned, the city stands as a national leader in that demographic, but there’s still more work to be done.
Additionally, Washington simultaneously leads the nation in unemployment, with a rate of 6.1% as of May 2026. According to the Economic Policy Institute, the nation’s capital suffers the most in the country regarding racial unemployment disparities. In the second quarter of 2025, 10.3% of those without jobs were Black, compared to 3% for their white counterparts. Considering these circumstances, investing in more of these businesses and accelerating job creation would be highly beneficial for the diaspora. Collaboration among employees, business owners, and decision-makers could lay the foundation for the enduring legacy that Africa deserves and that EMY strives to build. “Having folks like myself, who can legislate, provide oversight and have a say in that budget, being just as intentional on making sure those opportunities are met with real resources, is something that I [was] glad to at least jumpstart in the D.C. soirée,” Owolewa told The Informer. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.
JUNE 12 – AUGUST 9 GET YOUR TICKETS! ARENASTAGE.ORG/TLC | 202–488–3300 Jade Milan, Holli’ Gabrielle Conway, and Stoney B. Woods for CrazySexyCool. Photo by Ambe J. Williams.
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Resources for Buying a Home in D.C. “Being a homeowner means taking financial responsibility by creating an investment into myself and future financial planning,” said Kelsi, a first-time homebuyer that used DC Open Doors (DCOD) to purchase her D.C. home. DCOD offers qualified buyers home purchase loans, down payment + closing cost assistance, and below-market interest rates for first trust mortgages. DC4ME provides D.C. government/government instrumentality employees a first trust mortgage at a reduced interest rate. For more information visit dchfa.org/homeownership/
I,
KELS
WNER OMEO
D.C. H
Bold, Black and Beautiful: Celebrating Hair Freedom
By Micha Green, Jada Ingleton, WI Photographers WI Managing Editor, WI Content Editor
From kinky curls and afros to locs, braids, and passion twists, hair has been the crown of freedom and expression for African Americans for centuries. As the nation marks 250 years, While Black culture has set the tone from entertainment to politics, the plight for inclusivity spans generations of trendsetters, pioneers, and advocates who took a nod from their ancestry to redefine “America’s 250th year celebration is different for African Americans. We have fought not only for freedom of body, but for the freedom to wear our hair without shame, discrimination, or apology,” Pamela Ferrell, owner of Cornrows & Co., told The Informer. “For centuries, African Americans have fought to transform America's promise of liberty into lived reality. The freedom to wear our natural hair, preserve our cultural traditions, and create businesses to do it is one chapter in that enduring pursuit of equality, dignity, and economic freedom."
While Black culture set the tone from entertainment to politics, the reality is social acceptance has a ways to go. With the creation of the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) in 2019, race-based hair discrimination in workplaces, housing, and public or charter schools became illegal, but prejudice hardly followed suit. A CROWN Workplace Research study found that Black women’s hair was two-and-a-half times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional in 2023, while two-thirds of those surveyed reported changing their hair for a job interview. According to the 2019 CROWN Workplace Research study, Black women were 83% more likely to report being judged harshly for their appearance, compared to their counterparts. “These biases continue to perpetuate unfair scrutiny and discrimination against Black women and girls for wearing hairstyles inherent to our culture. This is unacceptable, and why it is imperative that everyone join the movement to make hair discrim-
BEAUTIFUL Page 31
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BEAUTIFUL from Page 30 ination illegal nationwide through the passage of The CROWN Act,” said Esi Eggleston Bracey, the former president of Unilever USA and CEO North America Personal Care. For Ferrell, embracing minority hai WI
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D.C. Artists Defining Liberation and ‘Reflecting the Times’ for a Juneteenth Celebration at Lincoln Theater
Defining the Black Experience as Children of Immigrants By Tatiana Allen WI Intern While people took to communities across D.C. for parades and cookouts, music lovers gathered at Lincoln Theatre for a special Juneteenth performance by Tank and the Bangas, featuring a diverse lineup that show-
cased how artistry can celebrate Black liberation. “I think we get very caught up in everything that's wrong,” said fellow performer Cecily Alexa. “It's very important to pay attention to the injustices of the world, respond to them, and do the things that we can in all the ways that we can to make the world that we
envision it [to] be.” The evening performance was part of Tank and the Bangas’ 2026 “Last Balloon” tour, which brought audiences to Northwest, D.C., to experience five opening acts by artists like Ariel J, Akinola Pedro, Cecily Alexa, and creatives Pi-Anir the Poet and Amuche the Poet.
Each performance captured a soulful, poetic and vulnerable message on what it means to have Black artistry reflect the times. “Sometimes we're not granted the opportunity or even access to the people that look like us, talk like us, or say the things that we want to say, but have difficulty saying,” said audience member Raqi Gamble. “We need that representation to further understand how to communicate as artists ourselves.”
Defining the Black Experience as Children of Immigrants
The opening act of the night was D.C. native Pedro, who began his performance wishing the roaring audience a happy Juneteenth. He performed
songs like “audemars piguet ‘19” and “new edition {saint}” off his 2025 sophomore album, “POMEGRANATE?” When Pedro spoke with The Informer last year, in honor of the album’s February release, he reflected on a vision to value and understand the influence of women. This time around, the performer is honoring his identity and political expression by revisiting an older piece of work. “I wanted to get the message across about immigration, about xenophobia, about Blackness, about universal Blackness,” said Pedro, of his 2021 album, “Children of Immigrants!” “I don't see different cultures. I think we all experience the same kind of culture.”
JUNETEENTH Page 33 3 Washingtonian musician Akinola Pedro opening up the Juneteenth show at Lincoln Theatre, performing songs from his sophomore album, “POMEGRANATE?” (Tatiana Allen/The Washington Informer)
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JUNETEENTH from Page 32 Pedro began to produce the album in response to the Black Lives Matter protests that rose in the wake of the 2020 murder of George Floyd. In a heightened political climate for the country, he calls out President Donald Trump and the usage of ICE. “People come to me every single time about how that specific album touches on certain topics. They claim it's ahead. I don't even think it [is],” Pedro said. “It's always going to be a recurring thing.” The album further explores Pedro’s past struggle to fit in as a Nigerian-American amongst other Black peers, losing his accent and developing self-hatred as a result. For song tracks like “Prince,” he touches on the story of a child immigrant’s life being taken away due to gun violence in the D.C. area. “The production being go-go driven, the story being about my experiences and Prince's experience in D.C., but also the idea of the struggle that we deal with of what Blackness is,” Pedro told The Informer, “we tend to write people off. Whether they're from a foreign country or whether they're mixed race.” He says the album helped him better understand the ongoing plight of Black people in America by remembering his origin of having ancestors who were once enslaved. His sound throughout the album and other projects he’s created since then incorporates Afro-beats, jazz, hiphop, and go-go, which he credits to exposure to his parents’ Afro-Brazilian and Nigerian roots. “If you think about it, when you talk about hip-hop, when you talk about soul, blues, punk, it comes from just the liberation of one fighting the power, but also being able to express yourself,” Pedro said.
she made to other family members. “I can never comment on the stories of conversations I overheard,” Amuche said. “By the time I was 15, the running timeline of my mother's life had been etched into the right side of my brain through eavesdropping.” As a first-generation American, the local educator recalls memorable moments of traveling to Western Union, packing barrels of food, and sending money back home. Now that she is older, Amuche is faced with the responsibility of taking care of a terminally ill parent who will eventually leave her in what she calls the “rat race.” “My mother is slowly becoming intangible on this continent. Her retirement is looming, and in one year, she will leave me here alone in Babylon,” Amuche said. “Although I am tempted to leave with her to escape the rat race and the First World false hopes of community and the American dream, I welcome this new season of our relationship.” While Pedro and Amuche used their platforms to voice the struggles of first-generation Black Americans, fellow Washingtonian vocalist Cecily reminds the audience to have joy during these times of strife.WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.
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Kids who complete their library’s summer reading will be eligible for two complimentary Upper Gallery tickets*
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Celebrating Roots
Among other performers emphasizing the lived realities of immigration, and particularly Black communities, Amuche the Poet penned a poem that tackles the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship. The poet first discusses how her mother moved from Grenada to New York City as a teenager, had her first child at 17, and moved to D.C. with her children after a divorce. From there, vulnerability takes the form of a young girl who grows up to only know her mother’s life through phone calls
NATIONALS.COM/SUMMERREADING *SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY. SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.
5 Through the art of poetry, Amuche The Poet explores various topics at Lincoln Theatre on June 19, including intimacy, her worth as a woman, and her complex relationship with her mother as a first-generation American. (Tatiana Allen/The Washington Informer)
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wi book review "Ice Cream Queen: Flavors from Black America's Past, Present & Future" By Lokelani Alabanza c.2026, W.W. Norton $29.99 264 pages
Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer Your tongue can barely stay behind your teeth. Is it Rocky Road that's tempting you, or chocolate chip cookie dough? Maybe something with caramel on top, or just plain vanilla, dressed up in a rainbow of sprinkles. Have you ever had a bad ice cream cone on a hot summer's day? Probably not — so dip into the new book "Ice Cream Queen" by Lokelani Albanza, and have a taste. For nearly three centuries, says Albanza, "African American hands have been touching sugar." Planting it, harvesting it, processing it, every step was loaded with possible danger, loss of limb, and loss of life. Sugar is the first ingredient for ice cream, which was first made some 1,500 years ago but which didn't arrive in this country until around 1744. Thirty years after that, America's first ice cream parlor was opened in New York City, and it was a hit. Take note, though, and stress the word "parlor." An ice cream shop was a totally unacceptable place for unchaperoned ladies. A parlor was completely fine. Writing about memories of her grandma's stash of ice cream, Albanza recalls enjoying it after a good Southern meal cooked by the Tennessean woman. In her career-journey, Albanza learned about other Black cooks and Black cookbooks, "and then I found Sarah Estell." From roughly 1840, until the Civil War, Estell, a Black woman, owned and ran an ice cream "saloon" in Nashville, serving ice cream she made. Known locally as the "Ice Cream Queen," Estell seemed to disappear after 1865. Like her "North Star," Estell, Albanza makes unusual kinds of ice cream. In this book, you'll find a glossary of terms, lists of equipment needed, and directions for different bases to get you started. There are recipes for basic flavors, Parmesan, cream cheese & pepper jelly, burnt almond, and marshmallow You can have blueberry ice cream, cranberry-cherry vodka, summer corn, and more. But why stop there? Says Albanza, "I have yet to come across one person who doesn't like ice cream. Not one." So what's your preference? A waffle cone, a regular cone, or in a bowl? Sprinkles or not and OK, now you want some ice cream but first, check out "Ice Cream Queen." The thing you'll notice about this book is that it's so happy. From the "birth of ice cream," to tales of notable people in frozen-concoction history, to recipes for kids and kids-at-heart, this is one of those books that cooks will love but it's not just for them. Author Lokelani Alabanza satisfies everyone, from historians to foodies, with step-by-step, easy-to-try instructions, so you can create tasty foundations for whatever flavor you might want to try. There's even some encouragement for a little experimentation of your own. Glossy photos will make your mouth water while you're smiling big. Summertime can be a scorcher, and you know what cools you off best? Yep, so find this book, invest in a few tools, and be the hit of the neighborhood. For that, a book like "Ice Cream Queen" can't be licked. WI
horoscopes
JULY 2 - 8, 2026
ARIES The thing you've been treating as a setback is actually a recalibration your next chapter required. A professional opportunity you stopped tracking has resurfaced in a form you won't recognize unless you look sideways at it. Someone in your circle is waiting for you to ask a specific question before they offer something you've needed. Lucky Numbers: 4, 29, 55 TAURUS What you've been calling a distraction is the part of the work that actually sustains the rest of it. A conversation you walked away from feeling like the loser produced a result you haven't noticed yet. Something that required a team effort last quarter is now yours to carry alone, and you're more equipped for it than you're acknowledging. Lucky Numbers: 11, 37, 62 GEMINI The story you've been telling about why something hasn't happened yet has an expiration date you've been quietly extending. A new face in a familiar context carries information about a direction you've been reluctant to name out loud. Something you've been doing in parallel with your main focus is developing into the main focus; let the order change. The energy you've been saving for the right moment has been generating interest; spend some of it now. Lucky Numbers: 6, 43, 71 CANCER The boundary you set without making an announcement has been working exactly as intended; that's the kind that holds. A creative project you filed under someday is closer to ready than the label suggests. Something you've been bracing for landed softer than forecast, and the relief you feel is legitimate, not premature. Lucky Numbers: 8, 31, 66 LEO The praise you've been dismissing as obligatory was not; the source has no reason to perform it for you. A decision that felt final in May has a clause in it you didn't read all the way through. Something you've been protecting from outside input has been protected long enough; let someone capable weigh in. Lucky Numbers: 19, 48, 74 VIRGO The ask you've been building toward doesn't need more preparation; it needs delivery. A system you put in place months ago is surfacing results that look accidental to everyone who didn't watch you build it. Something you've been tracking privately is about to become publicly visible, which means you need the explanation ready before the question arrives. Lucky Numbers: 15, 42, 79 LIBRA The peace you've been manufacturing is not the same thing as the peace you've been needing; that difference is finally worth investigating. A professional relationship that has operated at a surface level is signaling readiness to go deeper, and you have more to gain than to risk. Something you started without a clear endpoint is approaching one; don't extend it out of habit. Lucky Numbers: 5, 36, 81 SCORPIO The loyalty you've been extending to a situation that stopped being mutual is a cost you haven't fully added up. A skill you've been treating as secondary is the one that's going to open the next door; stop burying the lead. Something you've been reluctant to finish is staying unfinished because finished means evaluated; finish it. Lucky Numbers: 20, 54, 88 SAGITTARIUS The move you've been waiting for permission to make has already been implicitly approved; you just haven't claimed it. A relationship that developed through shared circumstances is more portable than you've been treating it. Something you finished last month is still generating output you haven't checked on; look. The restlessness that showed up around the middle of June is pointing at something real, not at a character flaw; take notes. Lucky Numbers: 17, 53, 75 CAPRICORN The progress that feels invisible to you is the most visible thing in the room to everyone watching. A conversation you've been scripting in your head is better delivered unscripted; the preparation is already built into who you are right now. Something you agreed to as a favor has become a genuine part of your portfolio; own it as such. The standard you've been holding yourself to in private is worth stating out loud before someone else defines it for you. Lucky Numbers: 24, 58, 86 AQUARIUS The idea you floated as a hypothetical last month is being taken seriously by people who don't traffic in hypotheticals; update your own assessment. A pattern you've been framing as someone else's behavior is partially a response to something you've been emitting; look at both sides. Something you stopped pursuing because the timing felt off has timing that has quietly corrected itself. Lucky Numbers: 13, 47, 72 PISCES The threshold you keep approaching and stepping back from has a floor on the other side that you've been imagining as a drop. A person who has been generous with their time is waiting for you to be equally direct about what you actually need from them. Something you've been describing as a phase has lasted long enough to qualify as a chapter; name it that and you'll know what to do with it. Lucky Numbers: 2, 34, 68
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SPORTS Mystics Escape Fire 124-123 In Epic Four-Overtime Showdown Tying WNBA Record For Longest Game Played By Skylar Nelson and Jonae Guest WI Contributing Writer and WI Photographer Right as the nation prepares to celebrate 250 years, the Washing-
ton Mystics made major history on Saturday, June 28, when the team battled through a marathon four-overtime showdown before sealing a 124-123 victory against the Portland Fire. “This [game] is history and
5 Mystics forward Michaela Onyenwere shooting a shot over Portland Fire forward Bridget Carleton during the Sunday evening thriller at CareFirst Arena. (Jonae Guest/ The Washington Informer) 4 Mystics guard Coti McMahon looking to make a move while being defended by the Portland Fire’s Sarah Ashlee Barker. (Jonae Guest/ The Washington Informer)
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a new one for me,” said Head Coach Sydney Johnson. “We talk a lot about our players and how a good number of them are going through firsts –– I was right there with them. I’ve never experienced this that I can think of. But I loved the resiliency. Both teams played unbelievably hard. I have to give credit to Portland as well… I thought our Mystics were outstanding just in terms of never quitting.” This contest tied the WNBA record for the longest game ever played, marking the second four-overtime game played in the league, and fittingly, as the Mystics franchise has been a part of both unforgettable battles. The first historic four-overtime game occurred on July 3, 2001, when Washington defeated the Seattle Storm 72-69. “We just felt like we really wanted this game,” said forward Michaela Onyenwere. “It was so close at the end, I was like, ‘Why not go and get it?’... I’m really proud of us for staying down and keeping our heads up.” Guard Sonia Citron delivered the game-winning shot with 21.4 seconds left in the fourth overtime, capping one of the most historic and memorable games in WNBA history that lifted Washington to a thrilling one-point victory. Citron led the charge for Washington, recording a career-high of 32 points, six rebounds, four assists, and one steal, continuing her impressive campaign this season. Washington’s victory was also fueled by career-high performances from forward Michaela Onyenwere, who poured in 30 points,
5 Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen (left) and guard Sonia Citron (right) encourage one another after a historic quadruple overtime win (124-123) against the Portland Fire on Sunday, June 28, at CareFirst Arena. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)
5 Mystics forward Michaela Onyenwere fights to bank a shot against a Portland Fire defender in Washington’s hard-fought quadruple overtime win (124-123) on Sunday, June 28. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)
and forward Kiki Iriafen who notched her seventh double-double of 27 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and two steals. After an exhausting four-overtime classic, the Washington Mystics earned every bit of recovery, and they continue to prove they are a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses. “For such a young team, the best
way to learn is just going through it,” Citron said. “I think early on in the season we had a lot of games that went into [overtime] that were decided by one or two possessions, and I think that all of that just helps us be better. Obviously it’s nice that we won, but just take this lesson and go forward. We’ll just be better for it in the end.” WI
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RELIGION Faith Leaders Reflect on God’s Message for America at 250 By Hamil Harris WI Contributing Writer
sage for the U.S. as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary?
As the United States of America celebrates 250 years and people across the nation navigate division and federal threats to diversity and civil rights, faith leaders in the DMV area are using the time to work toward unity, healing and equity for all. For many religious leaders, the semiquincentennial is not just a moment for celebration, but reflection, growth and offering calls to action in order to achieve a more just and peaceful society. Washington Informer (WI): What do you believe is God's mes-
The Rev. Melanie Mullen, Episopal Diocese of Washington
“God's message for America at 250 is not new. It has been spoken clearly, consistently, and at great cost for four hundred years by the very people this nation tried hardest to silence. Two generations before 1776, enslaved Africans organized churches, sought baptism, and taught their children to read in Sunday schools that colonial authorities blamed for slave
3 The Rev. Melanie Mullen advocates for congressional integrity and health equity during a November 2025 Moral Mondays Prayer Protest, held in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Northeast, D.C. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
rebellions. The moral architecture we celebrate as the American ideal wasn't built by the founders alone. It was built by the excluded, the exiled, the unfree who refused to stop believing a better America was possible. At 250, God is calling America to reckon with that full story. Governments come and go. But people of faith, multigenerational, uncompromising, and prayer-fueled, do not take their hands off the plow. What is best about America has always been called forward by those who loved her enough to tell the truth.”
The Rev. Henry P. Davis, pastor of First Baptist Church of Highland Park in Landover, Maryland
“As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, I believe God's message is both one of gratitude and invitation. We should give thanks for the extraordinary blessings of liberty, opportunity, innovation, and the resilience that have shaped our nation's history. “At the same time, anniversaries are more than occasions for celebration— they are opportunities for reflection. Throughout scripture, God repeatedly called his people to remember his faithfulness, examine their hearts, and renew their commitment to justice, mercy, humility, and love. I believe that same call speaks to us today. Our greatest strength has never been found merely in our economy, military, or political institutions, but in the character of our people and our willingness to pursue what is right. “America's next chapter will not ul-
38 JULY 2 - 8, 2026
timately be written by our divisions, but by our ability to rediscover the values that lift communities, strengthen families, honor the dignity of every person, and inspire sacrificial service. As a Christian pastor, I believe lasting hope is found in Jesus Christ. My prayer is that this milestone will encourage our nation not only to celebrate where we have been, but to seek God's wisdom for where we are going. “After 250 years, perhaps the greatest question is not simply, 'What kind of nation have we become?' but 'What kind of people are we becoming?' “At America's 250th anniversary, my prayer is that we become not only a stronger nation, but a better people. And as for my own calling, it is simply this: to spend the years God gives me helping as many people as possible discover the life-changing hope that is found in Jesus Christ.”
Imam Talib Shareef, president of the Masjid Muhammad also known as “The Nation’s Mosque” in Northwest, D.C.
“The American story is one of promise continually calling us beyond our shortcomings. I believe G-d is reminding America that greatness is not measured merely by military strength, economic prosperity, or technological advancement. Greatness is measured by our commitment to justice, compassion, truth, and the sacred dignity of every human being. “The Qur’an teaches that G-d made
us into nations and tribes so that we might know one another, not despise one another. “Our diversity is not a problem to solve; it is a divine trust to honor. “At this milestone, America is being called to move from independence to interdependence, from polarization to principled dialogue, from simply protecting liberty to practicing responsibility. Freedom without moral responsibility ultimately becomes another form of bondage. “As we commemorate 250 years, I pray we remember that our highest calling is not simply to celebrate our history but to become a more perfect reflection of the ideals we profess. G-d is always calling humanity to higher ground, to repair what is broken, to reconcile where there is division, and to leave the next generation a nation more just than the one we inherited. “Our future will not be secured merely by political victories, but by moral victories.”
The Rev. Joseph Daniels, pastor of Emory Fellowship, in Northwest, D.C.
“I believe God's message for America on its 250th anniversary is to really confront the truth of America. This is a wonderful country. This was a country that was built on many good principles, but it was built on many bad principles and quite frankly, the country was built on land theft, on the enslavement of African people, and on the eradication of Native Americans." WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.
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the religion corner
RELIGION
WITH LYNDIA GRANT
Honoring Our History by Honoring the Temple
The Mirage of Independence vs. The Truth of Freedom As this column reaches your homes for the July Fourth holiday weekend, our nation pauses to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, cookouts, and grand displays of patriotism. Yet, as Black Americans, we must look at this holiday through a lens of profound truth. What can a holiday celebrating 1776 possibly mean for a community whose ancestors were still legally bound in chains when those initial cannons roared? While the Fourth of July marks America's break from British tyranny, Juneteenth holds a far deeper, more sacred value for the Black community. Juneteenth marks the actual breaking of our chains — the day freedom finally reached the margins. It represents the delayed, hard-fought fulfillment of a promise, making it our true day of liberation. As we navigate this holiday weekend, let us shift our focus from a national celebration that initially excluded us to a celebration of ancestral survival, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of absolute freedom. July 4, 1776: America's Independence (Our ancestors remained enslaved); June 19, 1865: Juneteenth (True liberation reaches the Black community).
nary by purchasing and holding 227 acres of land in North Carolina. To truly understand this feat, one must remember the landscape of North Carolina during the Jim Crow era. This was a state scarred by a history of violent economic suppression, from the wholesale theft of generational Black wealth during the 1898 Wilmington coup to the predatory sharecropping systems designed to keep Black farmers in perpetual debt. By 1945, the state enforced rigid segregation through biased literacy tests and poll taxes to strip away Black political power. Black farmers who attempted to buy land were routinely met with night riders, cross burnings, and white supremacist attacks meant to terrorize them into submission. Yet Floyd Hill stood firm against these targeted racist attacks. He kept that soil safe for the generations that followed, turning his land into a monument of Black autonomy and self-sufficiency. The Modern Battlefront:The Assault on the Temple Today, a different kind of devastation ravages our people. We are no longer just fighting external forces — we are fighting the slow destruction of our own bodies. Far too often, we turn to food to pacify the deep, unaddressed psychological pains and stresses of life. We choose comfort over movement, refusing to exercise and treating the symptoms of our trauma with sugar, salt, grease, and heavily processed additives. Holy Scripture provides a strict,
non-negotiable directive for how we must treat our physical forms: "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." — 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 When we use food as an emotional crutch, we desecrate the very temple God built. The physical bill for this emotional eating has come due, and it is devastating Black America. The True Cost of Diabetes and Kidney Failure The data paints a grim picture of our collective health crisis. Black Americans account for a staggering 35% of all kidney failure patients on dialysis in the United States, despite making up only 13% of the total population. Health Condition Statistical Impact on Black Americans Kidney Failure 3 to 4 times more likely to suffer kidney failure than white Americans. Limb Amputations 3 times higher risk of losing lower extremities than other racial groups. Our communities are being systematically dismantled limb by limb, organ by organ. This is a full-blown public health emergency driven by both structural inequalities and our own lifestyle choices. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.
A Legacy of Survival and Resilience in North Carolina Our ancestors fought too hard against historical oppression for us to surrender our lives to preventable chronic illness today. We must look back to move forward, grounding ourselves in the specific, brutal realities of regional history. Consider the story of Fannie Estelle Hill Grant, the resilient firstborn daughter of the late Floyd Hill. In 1945, Floyd achieved the extraordiWWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
JULY 2 - 8, 2026 39
RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor 9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724 Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”
Blessed Word
Pilgrim Baptist Church
Church of Living Waters
Third Street Church of God
Rev. Joel R. Limerick Pastor
Rev. Dr. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor
Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor
700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849
4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464
Service and Times In Person Worship: Sunday @ 9:30 A.M. Streaming: Sunday @ 9:30 A.M. www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org Prayer & Study: Wednesday @ 12 Noon and 7:00 P.M.
Service and Times Sunday Service: 10:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday
www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org
Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ
Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors
Reverend William Young IV Pastor
4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax
3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) / (202) 562-4219 (Fax)
Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org
Mount Carmel Baptist Church
901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423 Service and Times Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10 AM themcbc.org
Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power “An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org
Mount Olivet Lutheran Church
“We are One in the Spirit” www.ssbcmd.org | secretary@ssbcmd.org
Campbell AME Church
2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org
Service and Times Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m. Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday “Friendliest Church in the City” Website: mountolivetdc.org Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com
Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness - Senior Pastor Rev. Ali Gail Holness-Roland Assistant & Youth Pastor
40 JULY 2 - 8, 2026
Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship 8:00 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 AM Tuesday: 7:00 PM – Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday: 12:30 PM – Mid-Day Bible Study Wednesday: 7:00 PM – Evening Bible Study Baptism - 3rd Sunday – Communion 4th Sunday Free Food Giveaway – Every Tuesday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005
Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor
Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards
Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. / Senior Pastor 5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301.899.8885 – Fax 301.899.2555
Rev. Terrance M. McKinley Senior Pastor
Adams Inspirational A.M.E. Church
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
St. Stephen Baptist Church
John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.
All Nations Baptist Church
2001 North Capitol St, N.E. - Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591
www.livingwatersmd.org
12801 Old Fort Road • Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Office (301) 292.6323 • FAX (301) 292.2164 Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:15 am Sunday Church School 11:00 am Youth Sunday every 4th Sunday Prayer Call @ Noon every Tuesday & Thursday 978.990.5166 code: 6166047# Virtual Bible Study Wednesday Facebook & Zoom 7:00 pm “A Growing Church for a Coming Christ” www.adamsinspirationalamec.org
Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study: Wednesday: 12:00 Noon, Wednesday: 7:00 PM, Thursday: 7:00 PM “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address : Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020
Emmanuel Baptist Church
1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661
Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net
“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Reverend John W. Davis Pastor 5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.) Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m. “A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org
Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor 3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 PM Prayer Service Bible Study
Holy Trinity United Baptist Church Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor
2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office “Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . . 100% Forgiven!
4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184
www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org
Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor
1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax
Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor
Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:00am & 12noon Noon Day Worship – Wednesdays at Noon Prayer Call – Tuesdays 6pm & Thursdays 6am Dial: 1-872-240-3212 Passcode: 164695965
Isle of Patmos Baptist Church
Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM
Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr. Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax
Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6:00 AM & 6:30 PM Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church / Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org / emailus@gmchc.org
Shiloh Church of God 7th Day Elder Jonathan M. Carson Senior Pastor
5701 Eastern Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20782 Phone: 301 559-5262 Service and Times Sabbath Worship @ 1:00 pm in-person/FB/Zoom Tuesday - Prayer@ 7:30 pm on Zoom Wednesday - Bible Study@ 7:30 pm on Zoom Friday - Sabbath School@ 7:30 pm on Zoom Web: shiloh7thday.org Email: shiloh7thdaycomm@gmail.com "A culturally diverse church of edification, deliverance and transformation"
Place your church ad here! Contact Ron Burke rburke@washingtoninformer.com
A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net
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RELIGION Zion Baptist Church
Israel Baptist Church Rev. Lance Aubert Senior Pastor
Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor 4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773 Service and Times 9:00 a.m. – Sunday School 10:15 a.m. – Worship Service Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study 7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org
St. Luke Baptist Church
1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM
Mount Moriah Baptist Church Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor
Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor 1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851 P: (202) 726-5940 Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun. Bible Institute: Wednesday - 1:30 PM Prayer Meeting: Wednesday - 12:00 Noon
Rehoboth Baptist Church
1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM Motto: "Faith On The Hill"
Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor
Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor 5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005
Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42
“Where God is Praised, Christ is Obeyed, and People are Loved”
New Commandment Baptist Church Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:30 AM Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org
Service and Times Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11 AM Sunday School: 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM
The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest
621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032 P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112
Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958 Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist
www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.
Promised Land Baptist Church
Dr. Joseph D. Turner Senior Pastor
Service and Times Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM
13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560
“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org
Matthews Memorial Baptist Church
2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 9:30 AM Sunday School: 8:15 AM Bible Study: Wednesdays at Noon Baptism: 4th Sunday 9:30 AM
8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240
Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor
Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”
Rev. Richard B. Black Interim Pastor
Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith
1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964
Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
Service and Times Sunday Service: 10:00 AM Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM 1st Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting: 7:45 PM
Lincoln Park United Methodist Church
“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”
First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Website address: www.mmbcdc.org
Peace Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM “The Loving Church of the living lord “ Email Address: admin@pbc712.org
Mt. Horeb Baptist Church
Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor
Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor
401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012 Office (202)-882-8331
602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 / Fax: (202) 289-4595
Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:30 am Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331 Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Communion Every First Sunday
Service and Times Adult Sunday School: 8:00 AM Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM Youth/Young Adult Sunday School 12:00 PM Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM
2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 - Fax: (202) 529-7738 Service and Times Worship Service: 7:30 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30AM & 10:30 AM Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 PM. Wednesday 12 Noon
Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor
"Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ." Website: Theplbc.org Email: churchclerk@theplbc.org
Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “
Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180
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JULY 2 - 8, 2026 41
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
2026 ADM 000620
2026 ADM 000626
2025 ADM 001115
2026 FEP 000032
2026 ADM 000625
Angela Entin Decedent
Beryl L. Coley aka Beryl Elaine Coley Decedent
James T. Dendy Decedent
November 15, 2024 Date of Death
Wondwosen Tadesse Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Munir Avery, Esq. 2905 14th Street, NE Washington, DC 20017 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Jewell Dukell Fenzi Name of Decedent
Michele Hallman, Esq. Taxology, LLC 10770 Columbia Pike, Suite 300 #1003 Silver Spring, MD 20901 Attorney
Tyelynn Entin, whose address is 1522 Marion Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Angela Entin who died on March 8th, 2026 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/25/2026. 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 12/25/2026, 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: 6/25/2026 Tyelynn Entin Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS James F. Coley, Jr., whose address is 1645 Crittenden Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Beryl L. Coley aka Beryl Elaine Coley who died on February 14, 2026 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/25/2026. 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 12/25/2026, 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: 6/25/2026 James F. Coley, Jr. Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
David A. Marsh, whose address is 1218 Neal Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James T. Dendy who died on April 10, 2004 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 12/25/2026. 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 12/25/2026, 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: 6/25/2026 David A. Marsh Personal Representative
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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Ruth R. Fenzi Reeder, whose address is 2 West Glendale Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Jewell Dukell Fenzi, deceased, by the Circuit Court for City of Alexandria, State of Virginia, on January 28, 2025. Service of process may be made upon Joe R. Reeder, 2101 L. Street, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20037, whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 1824 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Date of first publication: June 25, 2026
Mareshet Habtemariam, whose address is 724 Hamilton Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Wondwosen Tadesse who died on July 1, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/25/2026. 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 12/25/2026, 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.
Jewell Dukell Fenzi Personal Representative
Date of first publication: 6/25/2026
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Mareshet Habtemariam Personal Representative
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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
2026 FEP 000076
2026 ADM 000612
2023 ADM 000824
2026 ADM 000623
2026 ADM 000521
August 29, 2024 Date of Death
Colleen M. Downing Decedent
Estate of Barbara M. Johnson
Jacquelyne Ramonda Clayburn Decedent
Jose Daniel Graterol Pereira Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Edward M. Biggin 200A Monroe Street, Suite 110 Rockville MD 20850 Attorney
George Alvin Thomas Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Barbara Jean Thomas whose address is 35938 Washington Avenue, Chaptico, Maryland 20621 was appointed personal representative of the estate of George Alvin Thomas, deceased, by the Orphan Court for St. Mary’s County, State of Maryland, on February 27, 2026. Service of process may be made upon Monifa Smith 2710 Terrace Rd., SE, Apt 601, Washington, DC 20020 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 2710 Terrace Road, SE, Apt. 601, Washington DC 20020. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice. Date of first publication: 6/25/2026 Barbara Jean Thomas Personal Representative Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Christopher C. Downing Jr., whose address is 1334 Corbin Place, NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Colleen M. Downing who died on April 14, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/25/2026. 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 12/25/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by LaVerne E. Johnson for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of 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. In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative Date of first publication: 6/25/2026
Date of first publication: 6/25/2026
Kathy Brissette-Minus Law Office of Kathy Brissette-Minus, LLC 9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 230 Largo, MD 20774 Petitioner/Attorney:
Christopher C. Downing Jr. Personal Representative
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Ramonda Davis, whose address is 2750 Wigeon Ct., Waldorf, MD 20601, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jacquelyne Ramonda Clayburn who died on February 19, 2026 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/2/2027. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/2/2027, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 7/2/2026 Ramonda Davis Personal Representative
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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Helen Watriss, whose address is 3318 14th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jose Daniel Graterol Pereira who died on May 13, 2025 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/2/2027. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/2/2027, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 7/2/2026 Helen Watriss Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
42 JULY 2 - 8, 2026
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
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
2025 ADM 000340
2026 ADM 000636
Estate of David Brunson
Linda Nellums Decedent
NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Eugene Latson for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of 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. In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint a supervised personal representative Date of first publication: 7/2/2026 Peter Mann 1350 Connecticut Avenue, NW, #606 Washington, DC 20036 Petitioner/Attorney:
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Lynette Holiday, whose address is 5224 Eastern Ave., NE, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Linda Nellums who died on August 12, 2020 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/2/2027. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/2/2027, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 7/2/2026 Lynette Holiday Personal Representative
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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2026 ADM 000630
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS William M. Lyles/Kim M. Lyles, whose addresses are 8908 Doris Drive, Ft. Washington, MD 20744 / 3638 Monte Carlo Pl., District Hgts., MD 20747, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Mary Louise Lyles who died on 12/20/2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/2/2027. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/2/2027, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
William M. Lyles Kim M. Lyles Personal Representative
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Mary Louise Lyles Decedent
Date of first publication: 7/2/2026
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JULY 2 - 8, 2026 43
REFLECTIONS from Page 8 Dr. Kelechi Egwim of APPEAL, Inc., and Imamu Kuumba of the Leadership Council for Pan-African Nationalism, a sponsor of the D.C. Pan-African Festival. “I remember there were more events and festivals that were uplifting towards the Black community,” said Browne-Dennis, a Howard University alumna and District resident of more than 30 years. “They have slowly stopped either by permitting issues, or things being shut down because of off-handed gun violence or violence near the festivals. But it’s important to be able to see yourself in a beautiful light so that you can reflect on what you're seeing in your community.” Since President Donald J. Trump’s return to the White House last year, his administration has deployed National Guard troops to majority-Black cities and cajoled Caribbean nations into no longer supporting Cuba, all while restricting African immigration. In the midst of those developments, Browne-Dennis calls the D.C. Pan-African Festival a foundational step toward the collective liberation of African people living in the United States and beyond. “This administration is showing that we cannot depend on these institutions that enslaved us to make sure that we're okay,” Browne-Dennis told The Informer. “APPEAL is working on trying to have a credit union [because]
BURROUGHS from Page 11 of [having] to show up and be exposed to the germs, but they weren't…paid enough, their health wasn't taken into account well enough. [This] really solves so many of the issues and allows us all to be entrepreneurs, decision-makers in what happens to us economically.” While co-op barriers exist –– such as access to capital, education, and resources –– the power of storytelling can often be the source of vitality in the business. “We use our movement ancestors to remind us of the importance of certain things, like [labor and resistance], education, standing up for what's right,” Gordon-Nembhard continued. “Here we are now in the 21st century…[and] these people really show that we can do it. That we have done it, we should do it…and even show us the way to make sure we're creating a better world.”
Serving The Next 250: ‘We Must Fight Like Nannie’
As Phillips-Cunningham sees it, the
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Lifelong D.C. resident and veteran Black nationalist Dr. Kokayi Patterson said he carries out his role as an intergenerational bridge builder via involvement in Al-Malik Farrakhan's Cease Fire Don’t Smoke the Brothers and Sisters, and his circulation of a Street Code– a document aimed at priming
Black people for unity and self-preservation. By the time Patterson spoke with The Informer, he had recruited 35 street code ambassadors to aid in the distribution of the document. He said his goal is to bring at least 100 into the fold by the end of the summer, and 500 within the next few months. “Solidarity has always been at the front line for any movement in the past and any movement in the future,” Patterson said. “The development of that foundation has always been going on. It's just crumbled at different points of time. It's always under attack, so sometimes you cannot see it.” Patterson, a citizen of the Provisional Government of the Republic of New Afrika, said that, as a youth, he learned firsthand about what the United States means to Black people. Like several others of his generation, he participated in the 1963 March on Washington and the riots that broke out after the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination five years later. After an adolescence filled with poor schooling, hard drugs, alcohol, and near deadly encounters with the police, Patterson came into knowledge of self through engagement with Black Panther Party. He said exposure to the “Autobiography of Malcolm X” opened up his eyes to what can happen for Black people who organize independently of the U.S. system. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.
efforts to preserve the Deanwood stomping grounds––and the legacies that precede it–– are just as much about preserving the past as securing the future of democracy. The associate professor reflected on the state of America in the wake of the Compromise of 1877, when Jim Crow laws prompted a rollback on more than four centuries of resistance toward Black liberation. Among the parallels most jarring in 2026: a sharp decline in Black politicians, reflected in today’s redistricting that threatens more than half of the Congressional Black Caucus, along with repeated attempts to diminish cultural narratives and dismantle diversity initiatives. “It's basically become a crime to teach Black women's history in Texas. There have been state penalties––revoking your tenure, sending harassing emails,” Phillips Cunningham told The Informer. She also highlighted where Burroughs formed the antidote, notably making Black history exams
a graduation requirement of the training school. “She understood that it was essential knowledge for developing a sense of racial pride, knowing where we've been, where we are now, and where we need to go,” said the New Jersey-based professor, “[and] that it was essential to community organizing and political organizing.” Among other vital tools to take from Burroughs’ story, Phillips Cunningham touted her persistence in civic engagement. In addition to advocating for voting rights, the late activist founded the National League of Republican Colored Women, one of the first Black women-voter organizations in the country. What’s more, by researching historic grassroots movements, freedom fighters can find footing in the current political climate, Williams adds, all the while learning the tools to “create a way,” as Burroughs never shied from. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.
5 Thea Browne-Dennis says that the time is ripe for broader outreach to affected Black communities in the District. (Courtesy Photo)
we have to be more mindful of how we spend our money. It’s to just be more intentional so that we do support each other in ways other than moral support.”
An Elder Black Nationalist Continues His Call for Unity
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interprets that brilliant Locke quote a step beyond the artist, but the factbased storyteller, and in this case, the Black Press. It’s the role of the Black Press to report on the beauty that hatred, bigotry and misinformation have blanketed for centuries. Harry Belafonte, in his book “My Song,” says a Paul Robeson quote served as a driving force for his own artivism: “Artists are the gatekeepers of truth.” As both a journalist and artist, I love the original quote, but have remixed it for my own motivating mantra: Storytellers reveal truths. While federal forces work to erase African American history and narratives, The Washington Informer– for nearly 62 years— has served as a way to highlight, uplift and educate through revealing truths about the Black community in the District, nation and worldwide. So while America is trying to bury truths about Black people at 250, The Informer is working to do the exact opposite. Celebrate Black beauty, history, contributions, and culture. Douglass, 76 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, felt it important to call out the hypocritical nature in celebrating liberation when Black people remained enslaved. More than 170 years since Douglass’ speech, I also think it’s important to interrogate the meaning of liberty when so many people are still working toward freedom and equity for all. Instead of simply celebrating the nation’s independence at a time when African Americans, immigrants and marginalized communities are being attacked, it’s a perfect moment to emphasize the beauty of diversity and the greatness that comes from embracing it. Moreover, as African American history and narratives are erased, it’s important to highlight Black, boldness and beauty and emphasize the incredible value it has had on the nation and world. Just as Douglass encouraged in the mid 19th century, 2026 is the time for a bold wake up call. “For it is not light that is needed, but fire. It is not the gentle shower, but thunder. We need the storm. The feeling of the nation must be quickened. And the conscience of the nation must be roused. The propriety of the nation must be startled,” Douglass said. “The hypocrisy of the nation must be exposed and its crimes against God and man must be denounced.” WI
ington and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., each at 9%. Americans were also asked when democracy most fully lived up to its highest ideals. The Civil Rights Movement topped the list at 16%, followed by World War II at 11% and the end of slavery at 8%. Four percent pointed to Obama’s election as president, placing it among the most frequently cited moments in the survey. Looking ahead, respondents expressed more pessimism than optimism about the next 50 years. Majorities predicted the country would become more politically divided, less economically equal and less influential globally by 2076. Only 36% said they were confident political institutions would make mostly good decisions on major issues over the next half century. Still, researchers found an unexpected source of hope. Americans under 30 consistently expressed more optimism about the nation’s future than older generations, even while showing less attachment to traditional expressions of patriotism and national identity. “One of the most surprising findings in the survey was that Gen Z was among the most optimistic generations about America’s future,” Husser said. “This optimism stands out at a time when many Americans are expressing concerns about democracy and the nation’s direction.” For many Black Americans, that combination of hope and concern is familiar territory. Pride in the country’s achievements exists alongside questions about whether the United States will fully honor the democratic promises it made nearly 250 years ago. “At a time when the United States should be coming together to celebrate all that we are, how far we’ve come, and commit to finishing the work to make America a place where freedom and equality are truly for all, a white supremacist faction is pushing our country in the opposite direction, whitewashing our past so they can whitewash our future,” declared Nicole Carty, an organizer and movement strategist who has played roles in movements of the 21st century, including Occupy Wall Street and the Movement for Black Lives. WI
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MALVEAUX from Page 26 school becomes irregular? What happens when uncertainty becomes normal for children? Race hovered over many of our conversations. Cuba's laws prohibit racial discrimination, and senior leaders we met with — including the president and parliamentary leadership — acknowledged that racism persists. Yet when our delegation asked direct questions about race, we often received answers that felt cautious and rehearsed. As an economist, I know laws matter. I also know laws rarely eliminate inequality by themselves. At Cuba's medical school, one of our colleagues asked doctors about mental health. Who takes care of the caregivers? One physician, who had seemed
MORIAL from Page 26 majority have turned a deaf ear. The administration has made no secret of its intent to base immigration policy on race. It has turned our refugee program into a "whites only" pathway to the United States — even planning a "welcome bag" containing racist literature. The president has invoked Nazi terminology to dehumanize immigrants from South America, Africa and Asia. He's expressed a preference for immigrants from "nice countries" like Denmark, Switzerland and Norway, whose populations are more than 90% white. Just as it did with its egregious
LANE from Page 26 and Black wealth-building. The forums did not connect household cash, youth employment, workforce training, certified business enterprise contracts and ownership. East of the River voters should demand a combined plan: guaranteed paid summer jobs, year-round apprenticeships, CBE grant and contract targets, First Source enforcement, direct cash pilots and homeownership support. 3. Land-use justice, childcare, literacy and neighborhood amenities. The Comprehensive Plan, free childcare, literacy standards and grocery, transit, broadband and retail access belong together. Land use determines where housing, schools, health facilities, jobs and retail go. Childcare and literacy determine whether families can work and children can read.
eager to speak, suddenly broke down in tears. That moment stunned me. These are people trained to care for others while living amid shortages, uncertainty and extraordinary pressure. And yet. Wherever we went, people offered coffee. Or water. Or hospitality. Again and again. Despite shortages. Despite hardship. Despite not having enough. The debates about Cuba are loud and ideological. Some blame socialism. Others blame the blockade and decades of economic isolation. Most acknowledge that today's crisis emerged from multiple forces colliding at once. I know economists prefer macro ex-
planations. But I keep returning to micro realities. A woman who cannot imagine motherhood. A child with only two days of school. A doctor who breaks down in tears. People with almost nothing still offering coffee. People debate Cuba endlessly. So do I. But after returning home, I find myself thinking about something simpler. What kind of people continue offering hospitality when scarcity shapes nearly every aspect of life? That is the Cuba I met. Not the slogans. Not the talking points. Not the abstractions. The people. And that is the Cuba I cannot unsee. WI
Callais decision, the court has embraced the fiction that blatant racial bias can somehow be walled off from policymaking, as long as it's not explicitly written into the law itself. When leaders repeatedly vilify a particular group and then act in ways that strip that group of legal protections, it is not unreasonable to ask whether those words and actions are connected. The court's majority, however, demands a level of proof so narrow that it is nearly impossible to meet. In doing so, it effectively immunizes decision-making from scrutiny, even when there is clear evidence of bias in the pub-
lic sphere. The consequences of the court's decision are not abstract. They will be measured in families torn apart, in lives upended, and in the erosion of a principle as old as the Constitution itself: that justice must be blind to race, not blind to racism. When the highest court in the land refuses to confront discrimination so clearly etched into the public record, it does more than misinterpret the law — it signals that some forms of prejudice can be ignored, excused or even sanctioned. And that is a precedent far more dangerous than any single decision. WI
Questions East of the River Voters Should Press
will SYEP connect to year-round apprenticeships, credentials and CBE employment?
Will you commit to using the D.C. 2050 Comprehensive Plan rewrite to require anti-displacement, affordable housing, grocery, health, school, transit and CBE goals for Ward 7 and Ward 8? Will you guarantee free or nearfree childcare first for low-income families, shift workers, student parents and parents entering job training? What annual dollar target will you set for CBE grants and contracts to Black-owned and Ward 7/ Ward 8 firms? Will every Ward 7 and Ward 8 youth who wants a paid summer job receive one, and how
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Bottom Line
East of the River voters are not asking for a separate city. They are asking for equal urgency, enforceable commitments and a mayoral agenda that treats Black life, Black families, Black businesses, Black health and Black land retention as central to D.C.'s future. The strongest mayoral platform will not simply promise affordability, safety and opportunity "in all eight wards." It will name the policies, dollars, deadlines and accountability tools that ensure Wards 7 and 8 are no longer the last places to receive what other parts of the city already have. WI
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and invest in neighborhoods. When businesses struggle or leave, it is the most vulnerable communities that feel the impact first and hardest. That is also why policymakers should be cautious about proposals that make everyday life more expensive while discouraging economic activity. Ideas like the proposed DC Delivery Tax may appear modest, but in practice they place additional burdens on working families, seniors, people with disabilities, and small businesses already navigating rising costs. The reality is that for many residents, delivery services are not a luxury; they are a part of how people access groceries, meals, and essential goods while balancing work, caregiving, and transportation challenges. At a time when D.C. should be focused on creating the conditions for residents and businesses to thrive, invest and expand, we should avoid policies that risk inhibiting economic growth or making it harder for residents and local employers to thrive. Being pro-business, then, should mean being practical. It means creating a city where entrepreneurs can open their doors without unnecessary barriers, where employers feel confident investing,
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hard questions instead of hiding from them. It is why I tell people we must step into the gray. We have always been more connected, and more human, than the history books let us believe. Juneteenth was the right day to remember all of it. In a single instant, the government stopped calling human beings property and started calling them the political equals of the men who had owned them. There may be no other holiday that marks a turn so complete and so sudden. So we stood on sacred and stained ground, and we sang, and we called each other cousin. We cannot control what was done to us, or for us. We control only what we build now. Ghosts cannot heal us. Only we can do that. The oldest truth my grandmother,
and where small businesses — the backbone of so many D.C. neighborhoods — can survive and grow. From where I stand, this is not an either-or choice. The needs of workers and the success of businesses are deeply connected. When people have access to good jobs, fair wages, and flexibility, they contribute more fully to the economy. When businesses have the support they need to thrive, they create the very opportunities our communities depend on. In our congregation, we often talk about stewardship, the responsibility to care for what we have been given, not just for today but for the future. That principle applies just as much to our city’s
economy as it does to our personal lives. We have an opportunity right now to steward D.C.’s growth wisely, to ensure it is not only strong but also just and sustainable. D.C. has never been a static city. Its strength has always come from its ability to adapt, to reinvent, and to bring people together across differences. At this fragile moment, that spirit matters more than ever. Growth is important. But growth alone is not enough. If we want a city that truly works for everyone we must commit to balancing economic expansion with the real, everyday needs of the people who call Washington home. WI
D.C. has never been a static city. Its strength has always come from its ability to adapt, to reinvent, and to bring people together across differences. At this fragile moment, that spirit matters more than ever.
Mamie Bland Todd, ever taught me was this: our people were always free. Strange, from a woman with three grandparents born into slavery. But it is both a basic Christian principle and a law of nature. Her third great-grandfather carried that same fire. His name was Richard Bland. In 1766, he published a pamphlet asserting that very point against the British crown: under English government, all men are born free, regardless of what the King said. Richard owned people even as he wrote it. His blood runs on both sides of the line. Two of his grandsons were half-brothers. They shared a father. One was born free. The other, Frederick, was born enslaved, six years the elder. Two brothers. One father. One owned the other. That is my family. That is the country.
Our cousin, President Thomas Jefferson, had a word for that freedom. He wrote that we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights. Among them: liberty. Unalienable. It cannot be sold, surrendered, taken away, or even granted. And like the Blands, his family owned their own kin. His words outran him too. From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War to the civil rights movement, the fight was never to "win" our freedom. It was to make a nation finally recognize what was already true: freedom is a right of all humanity. Period. Full stop. As we mark 250 years as a nation, that is still the work. To finally defend the freedom of every last one of our cousins. Because that is what we all are. Hey, Cousin! WI
we should not have to fight individually for protections that should already be in place. Pennsylvania chose to act. Maryland now has a choice to make. Will we protect our families, or wait
until trust is already broken? For me, the answer is simple. Because advocacy didn't start in a policy meeting. It started at home. And that's exactly where this issue belongs. WI
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This is not about fear. It is about responsibility. As a father, I will always advocate for my daughter. But as a community,
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