Volume 119 No. 29 www.afro.com $1.

00

FEBRUARY 26, 2011 - MARCH 4, 2011

GOP Spending Bill Devastates D.C. Residents Sound Off

on Chairman Brown’s
Low-Income Programs
By George Barnette
‘Over-the-Top’ Rides
Photos by
Valencia “Frank Nitti (Mayor Gray) and
Mohammed
AFRO Staff Writer his boy (Kwame Brown) need
proper rides but I think in
House Republicans on the morning of Feb. 19 passed this economy a tricycle
a spending bill that has many minority lawmakers crying would do.”
foul and sets the stage for a battle with Democrats and
the White House that could wind up with a shutdown of
government operations.
H.R. 1, a Continuing Resolution or spending plan for
the remainder of fiscal year 2011, would cut $61 billion in
government spending, including funding for key programs
according to some Democrats on Capitol Hill.
“The Continuing Resolution put forth by House
Jane Johnson, senior citizen organizer
Republicans is a terrible blow to all Americans,” Rep.
Donna Edwards (D-Md.) said in a statement. “The drastic
cuts in this bill would cost 55,000 teachers their jobs, The news of D.C. Council Chairman Kwame Brown’s
drop 218,000 students from critical Head Start programs, leasing of a luxury SUV for over $1,900 a month—after a first
eliminate life-saving health services for 5 million low- model was rejected—is reverberating around a city bound in
income women, and reduce Pell Grants for 9.4 million financial straits.
[college] students across the country.” On Feb. 22, the chairman apologized and said he had
Some of Edwards’ colleagues in the Congressional Tri- returned the vehicle to the Department of Public Works. He
Caucus, comprised of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said he also plans to reimburse the city for his share of the
the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional use of vehicle once the lease is renegotiated.
Asian Pacific American Caucus, joined Edwards in “I apologize for the disruption this has caused, and I regret
blasting the bill. that I appeared insensitive to the financial challenges our city
“Not only have Republicans failed to introduce any and residents face,” he said in a statement. “As Chairman of
job creating legislation since Speaker Boehner has had the the Council, it is my duty to make responsible fiscal decisions
Speaker’s gavel, but the Continuing Resolution they are In this Jan. 4, 1996, file photo, the sun gleams down on the regarding the District’s use of tax payer dollars. The fact that
pushing this week, makes their real priorities absolutely still-closed Washington Monument as the federal budget DPW procured the vehicle for nearly $2,000 a month is an
clear,” said Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman impasse continued in Washington. Many fear that given unacceptable use of city funds.”
Charles A. Gonzalez (D- Texas) in a statement. the current budget conflict a partial government shutdown Here, District residents sound off on the issue.
“Fiscal responsibility is every American’s duty, but could inconvenience millions as it did back in 1996.
Continued on A8
Continued on A4 AP Photo/Dennis Cook, File

Herman Cain’s Presidential Run Begins with Controversy
Slams Liberals, Gets Slammed in Return
By AFRO Staff a 2012 presidential run, is
already making waves.
Herman Cain, the first Tea In a Feb. 11 speech at the
Party-backed candidate to Conservative Political Action
take the initial steps toward Conference (CPAC), Cain,
an African American, ruffled
feathers with his thoughts on
why he disagrees with the
direction of America.
“The objective of liberals
is to destroy this country,”
Cain said in his speech. “The
objective of liberals is to
make America mediocre like
everybody else who aspires to
be like America.”
Cain, the former chairman
and CEO of Godfather Pizza,
is an Atlanta-based radio
talk show host who formed
an exploratory committee
last month to weigh a 2012
presidential bid.
An Atlanta native who
holds degrees in mathematics
from Morehouse College and
Continued on A8
“Is he serious? He’s crazy! It’s not fair for
him to ride around in luxury
while government workers
suffer. It just doesn’t make
sense. Did he think we would
not find out sooner or
later?”

Nadean Williams, Northwest resident

Hear the AFRO on The Daily
Drum, Wednesday at 7 p.m. “I think it was a very bad decision. Did he honestly think he
INSERTS could pass this by educated voters? With the political climate
the way it is, voters are watching
• Character Education
everything politicians do. This is
the same guy who overspent
his own personal
Your History • Your Community • Your News
afro.com

finances. Now
he’s after
ours.”

Herman Cain speaks at the Virginia Tea Party Patriots

Convention in Richmond, Va., Oct. 9, 2010. Cain
holds up a copy of the United States Constitution,
emphasizing the theme of the convention: “The
Constitution Still Matters.” AP Photo/Richmond Times-Dispatch, P. Kevin Morley Valentine Jackson, master barber, Master’s Touch

Low Voter Turnout Can Cause Upset in At-Large Council Race

By Zenitha Prince
Washington Bureau Chief
A crowded field of candidates and uncertain voter turnout promise to make
the April 26 special election of a new D.C. City Council member an exciting
and boisterous process, some political observers say.
“When you have special elections it’s pretty much a free-for-all,” said
21 former councilman Vincent Orange.
Orange was one of 11 candidates that met the Feb. 16 deadline to submit
3,000 signatures indicating their intent to run for the at-large Council seat
vacated by now-Chairman Kwame Brown. But one, Calvin H. Gurley, has
already been disqualified in the challenge process, which ends Feb. 28. The
7 47105 21847 2 Board of Elections and Ethics has until March 15 to complete its signature
validation process.
Mark Plotkin, WTOP’s political analyst and commentator, said so far the
contest seems a two-man race between former school board member Sekou
Biddle, whom the D.C. Democratic State Committee selected to temporarily fill
the vacant seat last month, and Orange, a Democratic heavyweight in the city.
“It’s Biddle’s election to lose and he can lose it,” since he lacks charisma
and name recognition, Plotkin said. “The entire establishment is for him (he’s
been endorsed by the Mayor Vincent Gray, the Council chairman and five other
council members) but Orange has name recognition.”
Orange, 53, a Northeast resident, garnered 50,000 votes in last year’s
mayoral race. He said the race comes down to experience—and the former
lawmaker, attorney, certified public accountant and business executive has
Continued on A8

Black History Motown Boxing Rematch: Malcolm X’s

Month/Character Comes to the D.C.’s Joppy vs. Daughter
Education White House Baltimore’s Arrested
Join the AFRO on
Twitter and Facebook Special Insert B3 B4 Cummings A2

Copyright © 2011 by the Afro-American Company

A2 The Afro-American, February 26, 2011 - March 4, 2011
AFRO National Briefs
Vice President Joe Biden and African-American leaders
Vice President Hosts Black
Leaders in Honor of Black
History Month
In honor of Black History
Month, Vice President Joseph
Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill
Biden, recently welcomed
more than 120 elected Black
officials and their guests at
the U.S. Naval Observatory.
Guests included members
of the Congressional Black
Caucus, state legislators,
county officials and mayors
from across the nation.
During his speech, Biden
spoke about the importance
of Black History Month
and reflected on a meeting
with pre-teen African-
American football players
at Fort Campbell, all whom
are children of deployed
Afghanistan and Iraq military
warriors. He also spoke about
being an attorney in 1968 just
after the death of civil rights
leader Dr. Martin Luther
King, the riots that followed
his murder and his train ride
with then-President-elect
Barack Obama in January
2009.
In prepared remarks that
lasted approximately eight
minutes, Vice President
Biden stayed mostly clear
of the politics of the day,
except for noting at the
outset that many of his
friends in the CBC could not
attend because they were
preparing for votes on the
Continuing Resolution to
keep the government from
shutting down, and that “they
White House Photo
were fighting for some key
things important to the Black
community.” He alluded to
the fact that if the Republican
controlled House of
Representatives has its way,
the next 18 months will be
a “rough ride” and that they
seek to cut many programs
that are critical to mayors,
state and county officials
nationwide who represent
struggling communities,
which are mostly of color.  United Negro College
The vice president closed his
remarks by saying, “The best
way to celebrate history is to
make it.”  Medical Center and
Courtesy Photo
Lloyd Howell
Booz Allen Hamilton
Executive Named Black
Engineer of the Year
Lloyd Howell, executive
vice president at Booz Allen
Hamilton, was named the
2011 Black Engineer of the
Year by U.S. Black Engineer
and Technology magazine in
the 25th anniversary of the
awards, according to a press
release. The Black Engineer
of the Year Award (BEYA)
was presented Feb. 19 in the
District.
The award, along with
others presented during
the ceremony, recognizes
“true pioneers who have
achieved exceptional career
gains in government and
industry, who have already
merited lifetime achievement
recognition, and who have
energized their companies
and their communities alike,”
according to the sponsors.
Howell serves as Booz
Allen Hamilton’s financial
services’ client service officer
for civil market clients. In
that capacity, he leads the
business in delivering the
firm’s capabilities and service
offerings to both the federal
and private sectors.
“Active with numerous
not-for-profit, educational,
and community organizations
and institutions, Lloyd
Howell is a vital force for
change,” said Booz Allen
Executive Vice President
Patrick Peck in a prepared
statement. “In addition
to an active coaching
role with area youth, he
serves on the board of the
Fund, has led important
pro bono engagements for
the Children’s National
Lincoln University, leads
Management Leadership for
Tomorrow, and supports the
Friends of the National Zoo,
among others.”
Howell holds a bachelor’s
in electrical engineering
from the University
of Pennsylvania and a
master’s degree in business
administration from Harvard
University.
Award-Winning
Educational Hip-Hop
Program Killed by Budget
Cuts
One of the nation’s first
Due to budget cuts, the Global Awareness through Hip
Hop Culture program will end in June.
programs to bring full-time
hip-hp education to high
school students seeks new
partners after financial crisis
terminates its five-year run
Since 2006, The Global
Awareness through Hip Hop
Culture program has been at
the forefront of legitimizing
the use of hip-hop culture in
mainstream education. Based
at a charter school in South
Los Angeles, it has been one
of the only educational hip-
hop programs in the nation
offered as a regular class
to middle and high school
students. Due to budget cuts,
the program will no longer
have a home as of June.
Sebastien Elkouby, the
program’s founder, created
the class to address the
educational crisis that affects
about 50 percent of inner-city
students across the U.S. “For
a variety of reasons, many
students feel completely
disconnected from the
traditional educational
process,” said Elkouby in a
press statement. “This class
uses the positive elements
of Hip Hop culture that
aren’t usually promoted
in mainstream media as a
medium to develop critical
thinking skills while teaching
them language arts, social
studies, and life skills.”
According to Elkouby, the
program experienced great
success during its run and
allowed inner city children
opportunities they’d likely
miss out on. “We’ve achieved
a lot. We’ve had Hip Hop
legends like MC Lyte and
KRS-ONE as guests. We’ve
sent kids to DJ retreats.
We’ve been awarded state-
of-the-art studio equipment.
We’ve received international
media coverage and been
featured in documentaries
... and this doesn’t even
Courtesy Photo
cover a third of what we’ve
achieved…”
In 2007, Elkouby
began working with the
International Visitors Council
of Los Angeles, advising
educators from around the
world on how to use Hip
Hop culture as an educational
medium. The following year,
the National Society of High
School Scholars selected
Elkouby as “Educator of
Distinction.”
He is hopeful the
program will find a new
home.
“It doesn’t even have to
be offered at a school,” the
program’s founder added.
“I’m open to bringing the
program wherever the need
is. I know that there’s money
available to fund creative
programs. We just have to
find it. Who knows? It may
even come from someone in
the Hip Hop community.”
Learn more about
the Global Awareness
through Hip Hop Culture
Program at www.
GlobalAwarenessThrough
HipHopCulture.com.
Malcolm’s X Daughter
Arrested, Denied Bond
Malikah Shabazz, 45, the
youngest daughter of late
civil rights leaders Malcolm
X, was arrested Feb. 18 at
her Mars Hill, N.C., home
on identify theft and grand
larceny charges. In a press
release posted on his website,
Queens District Attorney
Richard A. Brown said
Shabazz defrauded 70-year-
old widow Khaula Bakr,
whose husband was one of
her father’s bodyguards,
out of more than $55,000
between August 2006 and
November 2007. Brown said
Shabazz stole the woman’s
personal identification
documents.
“The defendant is accused
of stealing not only a
substantial amount of money
from a close family friend
but her personal identity,
as well,” Brown said in a
statement. “The alleged
theft represents a shameful
betrayal of friendship that
existed between the two
families.”
According to Brown’s
AP Photo/Madison County Sheriff’s
Office
This Feb. 19 booking photo
provided by the Madison
County Sheriff’s Office
shows Malikah Shabazz,
who is being held in a
North Carolina jail and
could be extradited to
New York to face charges
on several outstanding
warrants, authories said
Feb. 21.
report, Bakr discovered
something was awry when
she received a letter from
Wells Fargo claiming she
owed $28,789.38 on a credit
card she never knew existed.
Two more credit cards were
opened in her name and both
accounts showed Shabazz’s
former Columbia, S.C., home
as the address.
Shabazz’s lawyer, Sean
Devereux, said his client
denies the allegations and
considers Bakr to be a
longtime friend.
“She’s known this
woman. She shared a house
with her for a while in South
Carolina,” Devereux told
The Associated Press. “That
woman was going to be
the guardian for Malikah
Shabazz’s daughter.”
Shabazz and her
twin sister were born
several months after X’s
assassination at the Audubon
Ballroom in New York.
According to a biography
posted on a public speakers’
bureau she is a member of,
Shabazz holds a doctorate in
educational administration
and human development,
a master’s in mathematical
science and is certified
in HIV/AIDS awareness
counseling.
If convicted, Shabazz
faces up to seven years in
prison. She was awaiting
extradition to New York at
AFRO press time.
 Jennifer Hudson andA3Rela February 26, 2011 - March 4, 2011, The Afro-American

Local Resident’s Past Linked to Great Heroes, Achievers

By Valencia Mohammed
Special to the AFRO
When Gaithersburg
resident Angela Martin,
57, inherited her mother’s
genealogy project she had no
idea just how unique the
branches of her family
tree would be.
Her mother,
Dr. Ruby Martin,
started researching
their genealogy by
interviewing her parents
while they were living.
And before her passing,
Dr. Martin left her
notes, books, interesting
stories and grandparents’
taped interviews to her
daughter. Dr. Martin had
expressed an interest
in writing a book about
the accomplishments of
the family. “I thought
maybe I should try to
pick up where she left
off,” said the younger
Martin. Inspired by such
programs as the NBC
television series, “Who
Do You Think You Are?”
and Dr. Henry Gates’
“African American
Lives,” Martin began her
quest, which was sent into
high gear after she met
famous author Michelle
Norris and Bernard and
Shirley Kinsey of The
Kinsey Collection, who
also inspired her to do
research and tell the
family’s story.
After Martin began
the research, she was Viola DuVall Stewart, Nathan Stewart, Angela Martin and
astonished to find that Ruby Martin at an infamous “Hanging Tree,” the site of Black
she had a very rich lynchings.
family legacy on her
By Alan King sport-utility vehicle sought in from a
AFRO Staff Writer connection with the murder of cious v
Hudson’s mother and brother. the veh
Jennifer Hudson and other The white, 1994 Chevrolet dog. A
maternal and paternal side. members from different Viola DuVall Stewart, arelatives
pitcher positively
in the Negro League, Tuskegee
identified Airman
Suburban with Nathaniel
Illinois license Tribun
“I discovered that I have generations were high Martin’s maternal aunt, was along with icons such as and Viola Stewart. “My father multip
several family members that achievers and visionaries ina civil rights pioneer and Hank Aaron, Satchel Paige was very humble. I had to of the
have made history as African- education, sports, military,educational justice advocate and Jackie Robinson and find out from others about the tered to
American trailblazers,” the arts and horticulture in the
that made history in South was inducted into six Halls great things he did. It inspired brother
Martin said. midst of racial discrimination
Carolina in 1945, when her of Fame. Her mother, Ruby me to be successful,” he said. boy’s b
Many of Martin’s family in the South: equalization lawsuit became Martin, was an educator, Stewart also said he proces
law. The case, Viola writer and orator. She was appreciated how his mother cians a
was lat
Louise Duvall et al. head of the Department of stood up at a time when Black
the Co
V.J.F. Seignous, which Teaching and Learning at a people who took a stance
Exami
was argued and won by Tennessee State University. like hers would mysteriously Hud
Thurgood Marshall, was And Martin’s paternal disappear. “She was a very membe
among the precedents aunt, Zora Martin Felton, courageous woman,” Martin Exami
that led to the landmark 80, was the first African- remembered. noon to
Brown vs. Board of American graduate of World famous producer Given
Education decision. Moravian College and and gospel artist Dr. Bobby ing dir
In May 2010, Stewart member of the pioneering Jones worked with Dr. Ruby viewin
received a Congressional team of the Smithsonian Martin for 17 years. He also
Courtesy Photos
Record by Rep. James Anacostia Museum. encouraged the aspiring
Clyburn (D-S.C.). She
Jennifer Hudson and her mom, Darnell Donerson who
was Inkilled,
addition,
asMartin
well asis her brother,
authorJason.
to write the book.
“She
passed away at 91 in a direct descendant of the “Legacies like this encourage
December 2010. Her Gourdin and Noisette families high achievement and video s
husband, Nathaniel C. on
the her
bodymaternal side. Both
of her 7-year-old give
plate self-esteem
X584859 was to found
familyon the latt
Stewart Sr., Martin’s nephew Monday, just
families are noted French hours members and others after
Chicago’s West Side around Tribun
uncle, was a Tuskegee after his body was found
African-American families of in a police received
them,” he said. a 7 a.m. call that’s h
airman, Class 43J, 553rd South Carolina with recorded As Martin looked around
Fighter Squadron.
Jesse James Aarons,
Martin’s maternal grand-
ACORN Fights Back
histories that have been the
subject of several literary
works dating back to the
the room at the memorabilia
collected for her book, she
encouraged others to do the
uncle, was one of the
most famous sculptors
Leader Calls Voter Registration Fraud Charge
1600s.
Living with legacies
same. “You cannot know
where you are going in
that ever lived. His has
By inspired
Alan King other family life, until, Cowboys
and Dallas you knowplayers
and No won
works are well known, AFRO Staff Writer
members to be appreciative Tony Romo and Terrell
appreciate where haveOwens,
come trying t
and there are several of their past. Louis Stewart, among the
from,” shenames submitted
said. “Each oneto group,
Presidential candidate John election officials. Never O
literary works with 58, associate professor of us needs to help children
McCain’s attack on ACORN – Hurd said those workers, who But Ob
reference to his life. of accounting at Howard learn the value of their place
Associated Community were doing those things without long an
Martin’s maternal University, is the son of in history.”knowledge or permis-
ACORN’s for ACO
Organization for Reform Now –
grandmother, Pearl confirms the success of the sion, were fired. him for
Dunn, was known organization, the head of the “The evidence that has sur- But now
in South Carolina group says. faced so far shows they faked Rep
for housing Black “This is testimony to the work forms to get paid for work they 11 inve
entertainers along the we’ve done Your
andHistory • Your Community
success we’ve didn’t do,•not Your News
to stuff ballot country
Chitlin’ Circuit during The Afro-American
had,” Maude Hurd, president of Newspapers
boxes.” ACORN, she said, is the potenti
the Jim Crow era. ACORN, Baltimore
said in an Office
interview• Corporate victim ofHeadquarters
fraud, not the perpetra- forms.
Her father, Edward with the AFRO. 2519 N. Charles tor ofStreet
it. Ann
Photo Courtesy Angela Martin A. Martin Sr., was a “When thisBaltimore,
attack started,Maryland
we 21218-4602
Hurd said the only things fraud. A
well-recognized icon had just announced that we had
410-554-8200 • Fax: 1-877-570-9297bogus are the charges them- paid m
and coaching legend in registered 1.3 million newwww.afro.com
vot- selves. And factcheck. org ACORN
the history of college ers,” she said. “That’s just to say agrees. efforts.
basketball. He was also thatFounded
someone’sby John scared
running Henry Murphy Sr., August
It concluded, 13, 1892
“Neither Pressur
Washington Publisher
because of ACORN’s success.” Emerita -
ACORN nor its employees II
Frances L. Murphy have loans. N
McCain, who is running for been found guilty of, or even Barack

New Hotel Project Aims to Hire D.C. Residents, Chairman

president
Executive
of the Board/Publisher
on the Republican
Assistant
et, lashed out at ACORN in the
final debate against Barack
tick- charged-with,
- Takiea Hinton
votes.” -
Johncasting
J. Oliver,
410-554-8222
The problem came about pri-
Jr.
fraudulent Blind a
Americ

Black Contractors Director

ing one
Receptionist
Obama, contending

of theofgreatest
- Wanda
the group
Advertising/Sponsorship
frauds in
marily- because
“is Pearson 410-554-8200
on the verge of maybe perpetrat- ACORN operates. Rather than
rely onDevelopment
of the way

volunteers, it & Sales

pays peo-
ACOR
Sinc

bomba
By Gregory Dale participation goals, with District residents participating in: Susan
voter history in this country, Gould - 410-554-8289
ple, many of them poor or unem- racist m
AFRO Staff Writer 25 percent of the total journey worker hours, 60 percent of maybe destroying the fabric susangould@afro.com
of ployed, to sign up new voters. The
Advertising Manager - Robert TheBlount - 410-554-8246
all apprentice hours by trade and 60 percent of skilled and democracy.” idea was to help both those debate,
Sr. Advertising Account Executive -
Factcheck.org, a non-partisan being registered- and
Annie Russ 410-554-8235
Beyond encompassing well over 1,100 rooms, lush terraces unskilled laborers hours. Advertising Account Executive
those doing organiz
and hip retail shops, developers of the new Washington “Our commitment is to not only [make sure] our company Web site, found those claims to the registration.
- 410-554-8274
offices
Convention Center Hotel claim the establishment will give hires D.C. residents, but also to monitor our subcontractors to be “exaggerated,”Marquise
with “noGoodwin
evi- Maud explained, “We have a After a
District residents what they need most – jobs. make sure they are hiring them,” Eaton said. dence of any such democracy- zero tolerance policy for deliber- appeare
destroyingDirector
fraud.” of Finance - Jack ate Leister - 410-554-8242
falsification of registration.” sent to
After breaking ground in November, construction of the new The hotel, which will complement the existing convention
Hurd believes the McCain Most news account neglect to “is goin
$520 million, four-star Marriott Marquis Hotel on Ninth Street center across the street, is set for completion in spring 2014. It Archivist - John Gartrell - 410-554-8265
charges were politically motivat- point out that ACORN is A work
and Massachusetts Avenue is now underway. Developers say will be one of only four Marriott Marquis Hotels in the country. ed. required by law to turn in all reg- receive
with the building’s erection, nearly 1,600 construction jobs will The establishment is set to include 1,175 rooms, 46 suites Director, Community & Public Relations
She said, “Because it’s low- istration forms. And they also fail ing, “W
open. Additionally, once it’s completed, over 1,000 hospitality and over 100,000 square feet of meeting and assembly space. Diane W. Hocker - 410-554-8243
and moderate-income people, to note that it was the organiza- at 9” an
Visitors will also enjoy six and people of color, I believe the tion, in many instances, that first A ca
Editorial
food and beverage outlets McCainExecutive
campaignEditor
thinks -those brought the phony registrations messag
Talibah Chikwendu - 410-554-8251
including specialty restaurants, voters are going to voteE-mail: editor@afro.com to the attention of authorities. machin
a sports bar and a Starbucks. Democratic,
Baltimorewhich neces-- Tiffany The
is notChief
Bureau McCain
Ginyard camp apparently
- 410-554-8269 calling
An underground tunnel sarily true.” isn’t interested
Managing Editor - Kristin Gray - 410-554-8277 in those fine Barack
connecting the hotel to the ACORN is no stranger to points,
Washington Bureau Chief - Zenitha Prince - 202-332-0080, preferring to air mislead-
ext. 119 hung. H
convention center is also set to controversy. ing ads that seek to link Obama nigger,
Developers of the For 38 years, the non-partisan to ACORN, thereby undercutting (explet
be constructed. Global Markets
new Washington organization has fought for social his political support. fraudul
Eaton said the creation Director - Benjamin M. Phillips IV - 410-554-8220
Convention Center and economic justice for bphillips@afro.com
low- McCain: I’m John McCain hell. Al
of the hotel is just one step
Hotel say nearly and moderate-income and I approve this message. They’r
in rejuvenating the Shaw Washington Circulation/Distribution Manager
1,600 construction Americans. With 400,000 mem- Announcer: Who is Barack eys, the
community. He added that Edgar Brookins - 202-332-0080, ext. 116
nated, t
jobs and 1,000 ber familiesBaltimore into more Obama? A man
organized Circulation/Distribution with “a political
eventually, vacant buildings Manager
Ano
hospitality positions than 1,200 neighborhood Sammychap- Graham - baptism
410-554-8266 performed at warp
nearby will be converted to ters in 110 cities nationwide, speed.” Vast ambition. After col- liberal
will be created by the trendy restaurants and coffee ACORN has over the years seen lege,
Production Department - 410-554-8288 he moved to Chicago. deleted
project. shops. its share of criticism while advo- Became a community organizer. guys ju
Despite the heavy changes Washington
cating for affordable housing, Office
There, Obama met Madeleine come t
underway, Eaton said residents living
1917wages,
Benning healthcare
Road,for Talbot, part D.C.
the • Washington,
N.E. of the 20002-4723
Chicago every n
have still been supportive. and while organ-Fax: branch
underserved—202-332-0080 of ACORN. He was so
1-877-570-9297 and ma
“I have to take my hat off izing voter registration drives. General Manager
impressive that he was asked to all you
to the Shaw neighborhood,” he Edgar Brookinstrain
But none has been as withering - ext.the116
ACORN staff. up the
said. “They’ve been waiting and baseless as this one.
Office Administrator - Mia Hayes-Hawkins What did ACORN- ext. in
112Chicago one els
Courtesy Photo
a long time for something to With the presidential election engage in? Bullying banks. bills fo
happen over there. They have lessCustomer
than two weeks
Service,away,Home Delivery Intimidation tactics. Disruption
and Subscriptions: your ki
ACORN’s detractors allege410-554-8234the of business. ACORN forced move.
jobs will be available, according to a Marriott Hotel’s press been extremely good to us. They really have been working with
organization has engaged in mas- banks to issue risky home loans. Forget
release. us to see this project come to reality.” Customer Service@afro.com
sive voter registration fraud after The same types of loans that bills fo
Hensel Phelps Construction, the general contractor of the Billing Inquiries:caused
the reported discovery of bogus 410-554-8226
the financial crisis we’re it. You
project, said they have a series of goals and partnerships to Nights
names, such as Mickey Mouse and Weekends: 410-554-8282
in today. hope y
ensure small business and minority involvement. Hur
“You have to look at each aspect of the work and figure cease s
out how small minority businesses can participate,” Charles “In
Eaton, the director of diversity and project development at attacks
Hensel Phelps told the AFRO in a recent interview. He added will be
that among the company’s biggest contracts is one with a Black Identification Statements name b
local business. Baltimore Afro-American — (USPS 040-800) is published weekly by The Afro-American becaus
Hensel Phelps’ outreach team has also worked with the Newspapers, 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4602. Subscription Rate: the last
Baltimore - 1 Year - $30.00 (Price includes tax.) Checks for subscriptions should be made
mayor’s office and organizations such as the Department of payable to: The Afro-American Newspaper Company, 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD
But
Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) to draw 21218-4602. Periodicals postage paid at Baltimore, MD. deterre
contracts with other small businesses across the city. POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to: The Afro-American Newspaper Company, 2519 “We
long tim
Additionally, the company aims to gain local employment
N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4602.
the righ
by working jointly with organizations such as the Department The Washington Afro-American & Washington Tribune — (0276-6523) is published
income
of Employment Services, the Office of Apprenticeship
weekly by the Afro-American Newspapers at 1917 Benning Road, N.E., Washington, D.C.
20002-4723. Subscription Rate: Washington - 1 Year - $30.00. Periodical Postage paid country
Information and Training and other workforce development at Washington, D.C.
going t
organizations. POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to: The Washington Afro-American econom
In the end, they hope to accomplish a series of local resident & Washington Tribune, 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4602.
nities.”
A4 The Afro-American , February 26, 2011 - March 4, 2011

Study: WSSC Failed in Awarding Minority Contracts

By George Barnette
AFRO Staff Writer
The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC)
recently released a report saying it has failed in awarding
contracts to minority owned business (MBE).
The study, done by Mason Tillman Associates (MTA),
examined the contracts handed out from 2004 through
2009. It says that WSSC significantly underutilized MBE in
construction, architecture and engineering, goods and services
and professional services.
MTA recommended options for WSSC to consider, but
officials at the organization say they already see the writing on
the wall to explore other options as a result of the study.
“It’s important that WSSC fosters a business environment
that is inclusive in purchasing practices, expands contract
opportunities and cultivates the growth of small, local and
minority businesses,” said Towanda Livingston, director of
the WSSC Small Local and Minority Business Enterprise
(SLMBE) Office.
The study scrutinized bids, awards and payments to
MBEs that bid for contracts over that period in addition to
researching the regional market to determine whether enough
MBEs exist to meet WSSC’s needs.
Part of that research was to interview MBE owners to see
what kind of barriers stood in their way of receiving contracts.
According to the study, owners felt they were held to a
different standard than those of non-minority companies as
well as being disadvantaged due to a lack of vast resources.
“Unfair tactics by WSSC managers and inspectors were
“According to the study, owners felt they were held to a different
standard than those of non-minority companies as well as being
disadvantaged due to a lack of vast resources.”
also reported by several interviewees,” the report states.
“Furthermore, there was a report that large majority-owned
firms were able to convince or coerce WSSC selection panels
to select them because the panel members would most likely
work for such Caucasian prime contractors after leaving
WSSC.”
Despite this finding and the Commission’s
acknowledgement that it needs to change how it award
contracts, WSSC officials said it was fair in its contracting
process. John White, WSSC public affairs manager, told
the AFRO WSSC has always been committed to providing
opportunities to these unrepresented groups. Specifically,
White said, WSSC awarded over $77 million in contracts
and paid nearly $60 million in expenditures to MBEs. Those
numbers represented 29 percent of all contract awarded and 26
percent of all contract expenditures respectively.
“The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission takes
its responsibility to meet the expectations of our Minority
Business Enterprise program
very seriously,” White said.
“Our success depends on
our ability to manage costs,
provide safe and reliable
service to our customers
and we recognize that MBE
firms play a key role in helping us achieve our goals. WSSC
is committed to supporting the growth of MBE firms and
developing sustainable relationships with our MBE firms.”
WSSC is now re-evaluating its MBE program, which
expires April 30, and hopes to have a long-term agenda
in place by then. In order to do that, it will host several
community meetings and public hearings to discuss what
should happen next. The first community meeting took place
on Feb. 16 in Laurel. Subsequent public hearings will take
place on Feb. 23 in Upper Marlboro and Feb. 24 in Rockville.
According to WSSC general manager and CEO Jerry N.
Johnson, this phase will be “the foundation for creating a
legally sufficient minority business enterprise program.”

Republican Spending constituency of support—an association, an industry and

Continued from A1
it must be shared fairly among us, not placed on the backs of
seniors, children and the impoverished,” he continued.
Democrats weren’t the only ones to denounce the bill.
Charitable organizations nationwide have spoken out about it.
Bread for the World President David Beckmann, a Lutheran
minister, was harsh in his criticism as well.
“Of all the cuts the House could make to reduce the 2011
spending bill, too many of the items they chose neither
contribute to the deficit nor would help reduce it,” said
Beckmann in a statement. “The unfortunate truth is that these
cuts stand to hurt people in need the most.”
The bill, pushed by Tea Party-backed freshmen
congressmen, deepens the rift between Democrats and
Republicans in Congress. If passed by the Senate, the bill
would block the health care reform law passed last year,
remove regulation for Internet providers, cut food assistance to
the poor and slash money for community health centers.
In the mid-Atlantic region, Edwards said the bill would
cut $80 million from the federal payment to the District of
Columbia, slash $150 million from the federal payment to the
regional transit system, reduce the federal workforce and reduce
funding for environmental efforts in the Chesapeake Bay.
“Although we recognize that every dollar we cut has a
individual citizens—who will disagree with our decision, these
cuts are the result of difficult work by our subcommittees to
make the smartest and fairest reductions possible,” House
Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers (R- Ky.), said in a
statement. “No stones were left unturned and no programs were
held sacred.”
But some should be, according to Congressional Asian
Pacific American Chairwoman Judy Chu (D- Calif.). She said
some services are necessary to help Asian American and Pacific
“Fiscal responsibility is every American’s duty, but it must be
shared fairly among us, not placed on the backs of seniors, chil-
dren and the impoverished.”
Islander Americans (AAPI).
“The Republican spending bill only makes it harder to
survive by slashing programs that are critical to the well-
being and economic future of AAPIs and this nation,” Chu
said in an e-mail to the AFRO. “Neighborhoods with large
pockets of low-income AAPIs will struggle to climb out of the
recession without the Community Development Block grant
funding designed to help revitalize economically distressed
communities.”
The Tri-Caucus is vowing to fight the bill, saying it doesn’t
want its constituents handcuffed by what it believes is a
conservative agenda.
“As we leave behind the worst recession in generations, we
remain committed to working with President Barack Obama
to rebuild our economy and win the future for generations to
come,” CBC Chairman Emanuel Cleaver II (D-Mo.) said in a
statement. “The Congressional Black Caucus is also committed
to responsibly reducing the deficit by working to eliminate
waste, while ensuring that
we continue to invest in our
children’s future, American
innovation, and rebuilding this
great nation.”
The odds of the bill being
signed into law as it is currently
constructed are virtually
nonexistent. It has to pass the Democratic-controlled Senate
before it gets to President Obama, who has warned of vetoing
a bill with severe cuts. The two sides have until March 4 to
reach a consensus on the budget, the day when a temporary
bill to fund government-wide operations runs out. If that does
not happen, another temporary measure will be needed, or
government operations may shut down until a compromise is
reached.

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 February 26, 2011 - March 4, 2011, The Afro-American A5

Community Native Washingtonian Celebrates 100th Birthday

Anita Carolyn Kyler, a native
Washingtonian, will celebrate her 100th
with her family. Mrs. Kyler’s charm
and quick wit captures the hearts of
Kyler family, and they are truly blessed
to celebrate the life, legacy and style of
Dental Care – Key to African- birthday on March 5 surrounded by
family and friends at The Washington
everyone she meets. She has consorted
and been photographed with celebrities
their beloved centenarian. In April, her
family is sending her on the One Love
American Health Equity Navy Yard.
At the age of 21, Kyler joined East
such as Cathy Hughes, Jeff Majors,
Melba Moore, Damon
Gospel Cruise.

Calvary Methodist Church, now known Little, Dottie Peoples,

as Lincoln Park United Methodist.
In 1932, she married her sweetheart,
Harold E. Kyler, who passed away in
1991. Their union was blessed with 11
children, and continues to grow with 38
grandchildren, 82 great-grandchildren
and 71 great-great-grandchildren.
For many years Mrs. Kyler was
employed at DC General Hospital
as a dietitian until her retirement in
1967. She enjoys traveling on cruises,
listening to gospel music, watching her
favorite TV shows, and spending time
Kirk Franklin and Luther
Barnes, to name a few.
In 2000, Mrs. Kyler
was the first victim of
the D.C. serial arsonist.
This traumatic event was
difficult to accept, as she
couldn’t understand why
anyone would want to hurt
her. It took three years for
her to decide to move back
into her Capitol Hill home.
She is the matriarch of the Anita Carolyn Kyler Courtesy Photo

Pancake Paradise Returns March 1

Black Photographers
Courtesy Photo
Dental Pipeline program increased access to care for
underserved children. By AFRO Staff with loads of syrup. Pancake

Closing the gap in oral health… not a clever play on words,

Group Celebrates Its On March 1 from 7 a.m. to
Day 2010 was IHOP’s
largest one-day event in the
but a mission of a 10-year demonstration project supported by
the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in Washington, D.C., and History 10 p.m., all IHOP restaurants
will celebrate National
Pancake Day, offering a free
company’s 52-year history
with the most guests ever
documented. IHOP has 35
23 sites across the country.
While today’s health reform conversation focuses mostly The Exposure Group African American Photographers short stack of its famous restaurants in the Baltimore-
on primary care, oral health is the greatest unmet need for Association celebrated its history with “In the Beginning: buttermilk pancakes to each Washington, D.C. metro area
health services for African-American and Hispanic children in 1978 Evolution of POSITIVE IMAGE,” an in-depth guest in return for a donation within 50 miles of each other.
America. African-American and Hispanic children have more discussion with the founding members of Positive to the Children’s Miracle Pancake Day is a tradition
untreated tooth decay and less access to care than other groups Images, later renamed The Exposure Group African Network. Donations made at that dates back several
of children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and American Photographers Association. IHOP’s in the Baltimore area centuries to when the English
Prevention. A demonstration project funded by the Robert The event, dedicated to late founding member Harlee will benefit the Make-A-Wish prepped for fasting during
Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), in partnership with The Hoover Little Jr., focused on the history of photography Foundation. Lent. Strict rules prohibited
California Endowment and W.K. Kellogg Foundation, has in Washington and included discussions led by Edgar IHOP served 4 million free the eating of all dairy
etched out a way to confront America’s gaping oral health Thompson, Gene Young, Julia Jones, Marisa Pam Nixon, pancakes on National Pancake products
disparity. Marvin T. Jones, Milton Williams, Roy Lewis, Sharon Day in 2010 and pancake
This month – National Children’s Dental Health Month – Farmer, Vernard Gray and Winnie Day. David Hamilton, lovers
provides a perfect opportunity to spotlight the health disparity a member of The Exposure Group, moderated. donated
and strategies for addressing it. As a backdrop, the founding members also discussed more
The Dental Pipeline Program set out in 2001 to respond to the stories behind their lens and how their images have than $2.1
access disparities by increasing student diversity at America’s impacted African-American culture and communities million to
dental schools and increasing the length of time that senior nationally and internationally. children’s
dental students spend in community-based dental clinics Currently under the leadership of Bonita F. Bing, charities,
providing care to underserved patients. Howard University’s the Exposure Group African American Photographers far during
College of Dentistry participated in the project and generated Association’s mission states that the organization is a exceeding Lent, so pancakes
stellar results. By significantly increasing clinic rotation “participatory member-driven professional photographers the fundraising goal. All of were made to use up the
hours of its fourth-year students, the dental school at Howard association dedicated towards improving the skills, the free pancakes served on supply of eggs, milk, butter
expanded the safety-net to reach children and adults who professionalism, and productivity of its members through National Pancake Day 2010 and other dairy products, hence
otherwise might not have received dental care. information, education, and demonstration.” would have created a stack the name “Pancake Tuesday,”
The Dental Pipeline community experience had an more than 31.5 miles high or “Shrove Tuesday.”
immediate effect on increasing care to underserved patients.
Also, RWJF is hoping that the program, which ended in
2010, has influenced some dental school graduates to work in Giant Food Kicks Off Year-Long 75th Anniversary Celebration
community sites or treat more underserved patients in their Local officials, long-time community partners, members of Vincent Gray, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, Sen. Jim Webb
private practices. (It’s too early to tell but anecdotal data the founders’ families, and Giant team members and customers (D-Va.), and Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) sent proclamations and
suggest that the program has inspired some students to pursue gathered to commemorate the supermarket chain’s diamond congratulatory letters, which were read at the event. Students
community-service careers.) anniversary at the Tivoli Giant in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 10. from nearby Tubman Elementary School lead the crowd in a
“It remains clear that a great portion of our population D.C. City Councilmember Jim Graham (Ward 1) addressed lively rendition of “Happy Birthday.”
suffers from unmet oral health needs. A program like Dental the crowd and congratulated Giant on their milestone. On “Giant is honored that so many from our community
Pipeline is essential to bridging the gap for the nation’s most behalf of the D.C. City Council, Councilmember Graham gathered to celebrate our long history and to look toward our
vulnerable,” says Dr. Donna Grant-Mills, who directed the declared Feb. 10, 2011, as “Giant Food Day” in the District. future,” said Jamie Miller, manager of public and community
Dental Pipeline program at Howard University. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Mayor relations for Giant Food of Landover, Md., in a press statement.
“We’re very excited about our 75th anniversary and look

Reading is Fundamental and NASA Make Reading an
‘Out of this World’ Experience
Reading Is Fundamental
(RIF) and NASA teamed
up for an African-American
History Month celebration to Ferebee-Hope Elementary
get students over the moon School in Southeast
about reading on Feb. 8 at Washington, D.C.
Leland Melvin, a former
astronaut and NASA’s
associate administrator
for education, shared his
Courtesy Photo/Reading is Fundamental
forward to celebrating with Giant associates, customers and
community
partners
throughout
2011.”
by distributing more than Giant will
50,000 free books annually. celebrate its
Founded in 1966, RIF history over the
motivates children to read course of 2011
by working with them, their by highlighting
parents, and community significant events Courtesy Photo/Giant Foods
members to make reading from its past. Third- and fifth- grade students from

experiences traveling in space
and read-aloud, The Moon
Over Star by Dianna Hutts
Aston and illustrator Jerry
Pinkney.
The event was part of
Leland Melvin, a former astronaut and NASA’s RIF’s DC Initiative, a program
associate administrator for education, reads to student that serves more than 15,000
at Ferebee-Hope Elementary School. children in nearly 50 schools
a fun and beneficial part
of everyday life. RIF’s
highest priority is reaching
underserved children from
birth to age 8.
For more information and
to access reading resources,
visit RIF’s website at www.
rif.org.
Each month, Tubman Elementary School in Northwest
customers will Washington, D.C. joined the celebration
be greeted with and led guests in a celebratory rendition
75th anniversary- of “Happy Birthday!”
themed
promotions, events, and in-store celebrations. A new,
commemorative logo has been introduced in honor of the
anniversary and will be prominently displayed throughout the
year.

Bowie State Dean to Speak at First HBCU Conference

By AFRO Staff
The dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Bowie
State University, Dr. George Acquaah, will serve as one of the
invited speakers for the first annual 2011 Historically Black
Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Conference at Alabama
State University March 7-10. The conference will focus on
raising awareness of opportunities in areas such as business
development, entrepreneurship, grants contracting and
fellowships with a special focus in the science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Dr. Acquaah, who received his doctorate from Michigan
State University, has led several major initiatives as dean of
BSU’s College of Arts and Science. Some of those initiatives
include: the Center for Global Engagement, the Graduate
School Head Start Program, enhancing the STEM research
infrastructure, the Dean’s Young Faculty Development
Initiative, instituting the STEMing the TIDE initiative, SAS
(Science, Arts and Society) Connection TV outreach program
and an annual Celebration of Excellence Awards program in the
College of Arts and Sciences.
“It is important that HBCU’s continue to build and
strengthen relationships with businesses and enhance
programs and opportunities in the areas of science, technology,
engineering and mathematics. This conference will help
raise awareness of such opportunities and ultimately assist in
the growth and development of HBCU’s across the nation,”
Acquaah said in a prepared statement.
Acquaah will co-present at the conference with Dr. Cajetan
Akujuobi, dean of the College of Science, Mathematics and
Technology at Alabama State University. Dr. Akujuobi stated,
“The National HBCU Conference, the first ever of its kind,
presents a golden opportunity for HBCU’s and even the
larger community to discuss entrepreneurship opportunities
and what it takes to succeed in this 21st century economy.
Therefore, training the workforce of the future depends on how
institutions, especially, the HBCUs innovate, educate and build
STEM programs.”
More than 300 guests including representatives from
federal, state and local agencies, corporations, small businesses,
government officials and the higher education community are
expected to attend the event.
A6 The Afro-American, February 26, 2011 - March 4, 2011

Calendar
Drive, Temple Hills, Md. 4-6
p.m. Witness a unique play
and program about the events
faced by African Americans
from the 1940s through the
Feb. 24 1960s. For more information:
Freedom Train, Get on Board 301-505-0897.
Hillcrest Heights, Community Center, 2300 Oxon Run
Feb. 25
Rough Diamonds: The
Negro Leagues & Sandlot
Heroes in the Mid-Atlantic
Region
South Bowie Community
Center, 1717 Pittsfield Lane,
Bowie, Md. 7-10 p.m. View
photos and artifacts at this
exhibit highlighting the
connections between the
Prince George’s sandlot team,
the Washington Black Sox
and the Negro teams that
played at Black Sox Park
in Bowie. $2-$5. For more
information: 301-249-1622.
Feb. 26
Formal Dinner
The Fredericksburg
Expo & Conference Center,
1320 Central Park Blvd.,
Fredericksburg, Va. 5 p.m.
The Virginia Black History
Month Association will
present its formal dinner
featuring live entertainment
and actress Tasha Smith as
the keynote speaker. For
more information: www.
quanticobhmcommittee.com.

African-American Festival
Prince George’s Sports
& Learning Complex, 8001
Sheriff Road, Landover, Md.
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn African
dances and enjoy workshops,
performances, storytelling and
more. For more information:
301-583-2582.

The Rosa Parks Experience

The National Capital
Trolley Museum, 1313
Bonifant Road, Silver Spring,
Md. 1:30 p.m. The National
Capital Trolley Museum
will hold an event in honor
of Black History Month
and civil rights legend Rosa
Parks. Attendees will hop
aboard a streetcar from the
museum’s collections and
taken through a simulation of
Jim Crow practices. For more
information: www.dctrolley.
org or call 301-384-6088.

Feb. 27
Quest: Five Stages on the
Road to Romance
The Bridge, The Majestic
Movie Theater, 900 Ellsworth
Drive, Silver Spring, Md.
9-11:15 a.m. In this message
series, learn the five steps
to get you where you want
to be in your love life. For
more information: www.
thebridgedc.org.

Feb. 28
‘I Just Want to Tell
Somebody’
Woolly Mammoth
Theater, 641 D St., N.W. D.C.
7:30 p.m. Washingtonian
playwright Carole Mumin
links with Broadway star
Ronald “Smokey” Stevens to
bring forth this original piece
that delves into Smokey’s
life as a dancer with Lucille
Ball, Michael Jackson and
other legends. For more
information: 877-561-8809.

Lynette Washington
Blues Alley, 1073
Wisconsin Ave., N.W. D.C. 8
p.m. New York jazz vocalist
Lynnette Washington brings
her incredible renditions
of jazz, R&B and gospel
hits to D.C. $25. For more
information: www.bluesalley.
com.

March 2
Capital Wine Festival 2011
Fairfax at Embassy Row
Hotel, 2100 Massachusetts
Ave., N.W. D.C. 7-9 p.m.
Enjoy extraordinary meals
designed to enhance the
flavors of wine and spend
the evening with proprietors
from famed wineries across
the region. Attendees will
visit Ponzi Vineyards this
week. $85-$145. For more
information: 202-763-1453.

March 4
Café Groove For Teens
Publick Playhouse, 5445
Landover Road, Cheverly,
Md. 7 p.m. In this monthly
teen program, experience
the mix of dance, poetry and
visual art from local youths.
For more information: 301-
446-3232.

March 5
Omega Psi Phi Annual
Talent Hunt
Robinson High School,
5035 Sideburn Road, Fairfax,
Va. 12 p.m. The Psi Alpha
Alpha Chapter of Omega
Psi Phi will host their annual
talent hunt, hosted by the
Robinson Minority Student
Association. Guests are
urged to bring at least one
canned food item. For more
information: 703-489-6467.

GCNE112803.indd 1 2/18/11 9:39 PM


Opinion
Republican Budget Cuts: Lost Jobs, Lagging
Community Investment, Less Help for the Poor
House Republicans last
Rep. Maxine Waters week introduced a spending
measure to fund the federal
government for the rest of fiscal year. And, perhaps not
surprisingly, it is an extreme and indiscriminate assault on
African Americans and other populations who have historically
borne the brunt of budget cuts in the name of fiscal austerity:
women, children, students, veterans, the poor, the homeless,
communities of color, it goes on.
I rose on the House floor, in press conferences, and in
meetings with my colleagues many times over the last week
to make my position known, and in one instance I spoke about
something that many of my colleagues don’t like to talk about:
the urban, suburban, and rural poor. “Poor” is a four-letter
word in Congress. We see the rhetoric about preserving the
middle class. Of course we want to preserve the middle class:
the gap between the haves and have-nots continues to grow,
leaving no room for the middle class that makes this country
strong. African Americans are expected to lose $193 billion
through 2012 because of the housing crisis, and lending for
homeownership, the bedrock of wealth creation in this country,
was down 60 percent to African Americans between 2004 and
2009.
But what about Americans from low-income backgrounds,
many of whom we represent, and proudly so?
Maybe like you, I was shocked to recently read that the
poorest county in America was not in an urban area. It was in
rural South Dakota of all places – where the unemployment rate
is as high as 60 percent and the majority of the residents are
Native American. I point this out to say that there are serious
problems facing not just urban areas but all of America’s cities
and states. And the common theme is that these problems
impact people of color. Sadly, the Republicans in the House of
Representatives seem completely disengaged from the struggle
of so many communities, and have a proposed a budget plan
that would jeopardize the health, safety, economic security and
well-being of so many. Let me give you a snapshot:
• Housing: Community Development Block Grants
improve and revitalize homes and other infrastructure in
our cities and towns, attract private capital to underserved
communities, and most importantly, create jobs. Republicans
want to cut this vital investment by 66 percent to $1.5 billion,
down from $4.45 annually when the Democrats controlled the
Blacks Optimistic? Call it a Survival Tactic
It’s easy to grow bored
with public opinion polls, so
many are there to consider.
But, occasionally one
comes along that rivets the
attention. Like a new one
by the Washington Post,
Kaiser Family Foundation
and Harvard University that
shows the people who have
been among the hardest hit by
the country’s economic slump
are the most upbeat about the
Deborah Mathis economic future.
A staggering 85 percent of
Black poll participants expressed optimism about their financial
condition, and 62 percent expect things to improve in the next
year.
A Black History Month moment indeed. Because, as much
as anything, optimism has played a role in the achievements we
honor every February. That, and the ability to move on, plow
ahead and believe that tomorrow will smile on us.
I’m not sure what accounted for this originally, other than
a lack of viable options. Those Africans lying in the stinking,
sweaty, crammed hull of the slave ships – the ones who did not
Deep Enough, Far Enough, or Just Too Much?
(NNPA) – President
Barack Obama has proposed
a 2012-2013 budget that is,
at best, politically pragmatic.
Responding to the Republican
sway in Congress, he has
decided to impose a set of his
own cuts, anticipating those
his opponents might offer.
Their response is predictable.
The Obama cuts are not deep
enough; they do not go far
enough. And, I think they are
Julianne Malveaux just too much.
In other words, President
Obama has been forced to take the knife to programs he
supports, and he chooses to do so to hold another set of
programs harmless. He would cut community service
programs, but he’d hold firm on education. In yielding to
the new Republican majority, he has also reminded us that
education is a priority for him, and that he will not cut the
plethora of educational programs that buttress his vision.
Still, it is disturbing that education is on the table in a
number of cities and states. When people have to balance
budgets they come up with all kinds of cockamamie schemes,
including reducing school days from five to four, or reducing
classroom hours, or reducing something that not only impacts
the ways students encounter learning, but also the quality of
their lives.
February 26, 2011 - March 4, 2011, The Afro-American
House. In my district in South Los
Angeles – where last year $187 million
in Housing and Urban Development
funds supported rental, homeless, and
community improvements – cuts to
CDBG would result in over 350 jobs
lost. And the Republicans say they’re
the party of job creation.
• Education: The Head Start
program, where I started my career
in public service and where millions
of young children get the services
and attention they need to become
good students, would lose over $1
billion, preventing over 200,000 from
participating. Of the 1 million-plus
students who enrolled in Head Start
nationwide, over two-thirds are African
American and Hispanic.
• Health and Wellness: $1.3 billion would be cut
from Community Health Centers, where thousands of my
constituents and millions of Americans access health care
services. And the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program
would experience a 10 percent reduction. That’s right: Poor
“...the gap between the haves and have-nots continues to grow,
leaving no room for the middle class that makes this country
strong.”
women trying to make ends meet for their children would
have access to fewer services under the Republican vision for
America.
The Republicans seem to have a case of amnesia when it
comes to the budget. They shrug and say there’s simply not
enough to go around when it comes to economic development,
education and health care, forgetting that just a few weeks ago,
they passed $80 billion in tax cuts for the richest 2 percent of
Americans, plus another $25 billion in estate tax cuts. And
throw themselves overboard – what else could they have held
on to but hope – the very linchpin of optimism?
And what, other than optimism, made them run toward the
treacherous frontiers of newfound freedom without so much as
a pot to pee in, let alone 40 acres and a mule?
And what, but optimism, put the Freedom Riders on those
buses destined for hostile territory and made the Little Rock
Nine walk those high school steps and kept Thurgood Marshall
and Wiley Branton up all night writing Supreme Court briefs
“Those Africans lying in the stinking, sweaty, crammed hull of
the slave ships – the ones who did not throw themselves over-
board – what else could they have held on to but hope – the very
linchpin of optimism?”
and led Rosa Parks to keep her seat?
It was not optimism alone. For sure, fear and dread were
in the mix too because the dangers were real and raw. It took
courage and perseverance. It took determination and a yearning
for justice. It took sacrifice and jeopardy, patience and work. In
too many cases, it took blood.
But, not prone to suicide missions, Black Americans have
stared down the odds, pushed through the thickets, continued
Some school districts, thanks to cuts, have no more than
900 hours a year of instruction for students; others have as
many as 1,400. Imagine what this means on a daily basis when,
post high school, these students encounter a classroom. Some
are well prepared, some are unprepared, both are products of
decision that grown folks made, often mistakenly, about ways
to manage budgets.
And now the budget thing is really rearing its ugly head.
What will we do to balance federal, state, and local budgets?
In Wisconsin, there is a proposal to change the way the state
deals with teachers. In North Carolina we are blessed to have a
governor who says she will not sacrifice classroom study on the
altar of a blanked budget. In other states, there are challenges,
“To cut education in recession is akin to eating seed corn when it
is clear that planting will provide resources for a new day.”
and the challenges are also federal, because our government
has been asked, as states must, to balance budgets. What does
this mean for education?
To cut education in recession is akin to eating seed corn
when it is clear that planting will provide resources for a new
day. We can cut a plethora of things, but cutting education
is unconscionable. Education is our nation’s investment into
futures, our opportunity to shine, grow, compete we have to
wrap our arms around our young people, young achievers, and
provide them with opportunities.
A7
that’s not to mention our $2 billion-a-week spending binge in
Afghanistan.
I believe that our budget is a reflection of our priorities. And
to me, the Republican plan says that in the richest nation in the
world, it is acceptable to leave millions of Americans hungry,
cold, under- or unemployed,
and left to the whims of the
same firms that are foreclosing
on families and shipping jobs
overseas.
I believe that our budget
challenges can be solved
without breaking the backs of low- and middle-income
Americans. Practical, real-world solutions exist. We only need
to summon the courage to take on the powerful interests that
stand in the way of change. As the Congress works to address
our economic and budget future, I will continue to advocate for
solutions that ensure that our communities have the resources
they need to thrive.
Congresswoman Maxine Waters is a Democrat
that represents the state of California in the House of
Representatives.
to get up, dusted themselves off and kept moving, come hell or
high water, because beneath all the trepidation and above all
the danger was an inextinguishable flame of faith and hope –
optimism – that they were paving a road to better times, if not
for them then at least for someone later.
Unemployment, home foreclosures, lack of health care
coverage, inadequate or incomplete educational experiences
and poverty have always stalked the Black community more
heavily and steadily than any other. Not even the advent of a
Black president has changed that
tune.
And yet, 56 percent of Black
respondents said they’re not
stressing out over the current
state of economic affairs.
The Post-Kaiser-Harvard poll
found that the overwhelming
majority of Black respondents – 91 percent – said spiritual faith
has helped them make it through these tough, uncertain times.
That may have been news to the pollsters. It’s history to us.
Deborah Mathis is a columnist for the news website
BlackAmericaWeb.com, where this article was originally
published.
One of the most disturbing ends of the early 21st century
is the extent to which parents have embraced the notion of,
“every person for herself.” Some phenomenal young women
can use more parental support than they get, and more of an
opportunity to explore life’s opportunities. African-American
students are less likely than others to have the access that
comes from unpaid internships, often because parents and
others expect them to work, and to earn, during their summers.
If we want to develop a world that is resplendent with diverse
opportunities, we must develop a world where our young men
and women are held harmless from cuts that are too deep, too
harsh, too much. President Obama has been a visionary in
suggesting that we in the United States can again lead the world
in college attainment, but a
budget that cuts education does
not reflect his goals. Politics
notwithstanding, it is on time and
overtime for us to figure out ways
to educate more people. Even as
programs are cut, education funding must be expanded.
Those who have budgets in their hands must be prudent.
Sound fiscal planning does not mean cutting today to hurt
tomorrow. Education must be our priority. Whether we are
looking at cities, counties, states, or our nation, we must hold
education harmless as we exercise fiscal prudence.
NNPA columnist Julianne Malveaux is president of Bennett
College for Women and author of “Surviving and Thriving: 365
Facts in Black Economic History,” www.lastwordprod.com.
A8 The Afro-American , February 26, 2011 - March 4, 2011
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eventual victor of the seat, Johnny Isakson. More recently, he took the national stage last year to defend
against claims that the Tea Party Movement incorporated racist elements, according to Yahoo! News.
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mind. It just blows your mind. It’s the start of the 21st century. He accuses Herman Cain of being a
minstrel for giving a speech at CPAC. Now, if nobody spoke who was Black at CPAC, then you’d say,
oh CPAC is racist.”
Cain is also a cancer survivor; he was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer in both his liver and colon
in 2006, but underwent surgery and chemotherapy and has said he is now cancer-free.
EXTREME
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ea Low Voter Turnout spokeswoman, Board of
Elections and Ethics.
“I think he has a very
good shot of winning this
Continued from A1 In 1997, the last special election,” said Paul Craney,
Limit 1
0 election involving a citywide executive director, D.C.
plenty. race, voter turnout was 7.4 Republican Party, pointing to
“The fact that I am an percent, she said. Mara’s no tax hike platform
independent voice with strong It was in that year and his election to the school
experience in finance and that Arrington Dixon, a board, where he represents
job creation, that’s what the former council chairman Ward 1. “Ward 1 is the most
city needs…we’re in a crisis and Democratic National racially diverse ward…and
right now,” he said. “We Committee member, he was able to win there

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need someone who can hit
the ground running. We don’t
have time to train anybody
unexpectedly lost to then-
Republican David Catania in
what Plotkin called a “freak
based on his work ethic
and his experience…and
that translates well for this
eli because people are suffering election.” election.”
In the D
right now.” “There is some precedence The open election also

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Still, the contest’s
outcome is far from certain,
Plotkin said, given special
elections’ historically
that in a low-turnout
election, Republicans and
Independents voted en masse
[and the expected, usually
offers an opportunity to
Alan Page, an attorney, artist
and Statehood Green Party
candidate, who is, among
anemic voter turnout and Democratic candidate lost],” other things, advocating “a
Primo Taglio® the fact that everyone, the political analyst said. “It’s progressive income tax in the
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“Turnout is a lot lower,
open race.”
And that opens the door
District.”
“Our city faces a looming
budget crisis, and those of us
generally, in special elections to the only Republican with the most to give should
than in normal elections,” candidate, board of education be called to step forward and
said Alysoun McLaughlin, member Patrick Mara. help save our city,” he said on
his website.
District Residents Page’s win would inject
some diversity into a Council
Continued from A1 that currently comprises

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1 99
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“Kwame knew exactly what he was
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Valencia doing. Just like [former Prince
of Democratic candidate
Club Price
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Joshua Lopez, a 27-year-old
Jack] Johnson, he got caught.
of Guatemalan descent. Lopez
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is the lone Latino in a field of
smell real funky. He’s all
seven Black and two White
about himself.
contenders. The City Council
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six Caucasians.
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John Robinson, Northwest resident
“D.C. claims to be a
progressive and diverse
city but their immigrant
population—and that
encompasses Africans,
Limit 12
‘Caribbeans,’ Asians and
“I think it’s corrupt. D.C.’s political leaders all Latinos—has no elected
behave this way. It is indicative voice,” said Lopez, a 2010
of what they have been getting campaign aide to former
away with for years. They are Mayor Adrian Fenty.
going after the poor and Lopez hopes may lie
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competition.
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city funds.” “I’m out there every day
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* on participating* items. to community meetings,
Participating items include: Godiva Coffee 12-oz, going to Metro stations in the
morning…. The candidate
Folgers Coffee 27.8 to 33.9-oz, Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee
12-oz, Millstone Coffee 10 to 12-oz, Lipton Tea Bags Paul Pederson, warehouse worker
72 to 100-ct, Lipton Pyramid Tea Bags 18 to 20-ct,
who goes out there and works
the hardest and gets their
Twinings Tea 3.53-oz, Revolution Tea 16-ct, New
England Coffee 9 to 12-oz, CoffeeMate Creamers “When I first heard about this, I had a ‘Huggy Low Down’
message out there will win in
9-oz, Maxwell House Coffee 31.5 to 34.5-oz, Don
Francisco’s Coffee Can 12-oz, Kicking Horse Coffee moment. Chairman Kwame Brown will definitely be a
12.3-oz. Selected varieties.
contender for ‘Bama of the Year!’ However, April,” he said.
For the next few weeks,
* All 3 participating items must be scanned and
purchased in a single transaction with your Club Card. in all seriousness, this is a blatant
Participating items may not be available in all stores.
Offer valid 2/23/2011 thru 3/1/2011. Limit 21.
example of a country club mentality that District voters can also
our local politicians have in the Wilson expect to hear messages from
building. They are completely tone deaf Democrats Biddle, Orange,
Low
Pric

13
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Chairman Jacque Patterson,
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Prices on this page are effective family exorbitant salaries

FEB-MAR 23 24 25 26 27 28 WED THUR FRI SAT SUN MON TUES
1 Wednesday, February 23 thru Tuesday, March 1, 2011.
ALL LIMITS ARE PER HOUSEHOLD, PER DAY. Selection varies by store.
with our money.” Ward 7 school board member
Dorothy Douglas, the only
ITEMS & PRICES IN THIS AD ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR SEAT PLEASANT, MD: 6300 CENTRAL AVE., LANDOVER HILLS, MD: 4600 COOPERS LN., BALTIMORE, MD:

woman; and Independent

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Reporting by
AVE. NW., 514 RHODE ISLAND AVE. NE, 322 40TH ST. NE., 6500 PINEY BRANCH RD. NW, 2845 ALABAMA AVE. SE, 1747 COLUMBIA RD., NW AND 1601 MARYLAND AVE. NE SAFEWAY STORES. ITEMS OFFERED FOR SALE ARE NOT
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candidate, Arkan Haile.
(“BOGO”) OFFERS, CUSTOMER MUST PURCHASE THE FIRST ITEM TO RECEIVE THE SECOND ITEM FREE. BOGO OFFERS ARE NOT 1/2 PRICE SALES. IF ONLY A SINGLE ITEM IS PURCHASED, THE REGULAR PRICE APPLIES. MANUFACTURERS’
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 February 26, 2011 - March 4, 2011, The Afro-American B1

Photos by Robert Roberts

Prince George’s County Executive
Rushern Baker gives remarks.
Radio One DC Stations, WKYS-FM/WPRS-FM/WMMJ-FM/WYCB-AM/WOL-AM
celebrated their Annual Media Appreciation Luncheon recently. This year,
the stations selected two local newsmakers for “excellence” in journalism and
broadcasting: Jim Vance, anchor at NBC-4, celebrating 42 years; and senior staff
writer, Avis Thomas Lester, celebrating 22 years at The Washington Post. Last year,
the stations saluted the AFRO’s Edgar Brookins and Denise Rolark Barnes, of the
The Washington Informer. Community leaders and dignitaries were on hand
to celebrate the grand occasion. Among the notable attendees were:
Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker, Dr. E. Faye Williams,
president, National Congress of Black Women; Doreen Genztler, anchor, Chris Wegmann, regional VP/DC
NBC 4; Maudine Cooper, president/CEO, Greater Washington Urban marketing manager presents a
League and Dr. James Dula, former president, Prince George’s certificate of appreciation to Avis
Chamber of Commerce. Thomas Lester. Jim Vance and Maudine Cooper,
president/CEO, Greater Washington
Urban League

NBC 4 news director

Dan Hellie, Camille
Edwards and
meteorologist Doug
Krammer
D.C . Ward 8 Council
member Marion Barry Chris Wegmann presents a certificate
The NBC 4 team presents a leather
of appreciation to Jim Vance.
motor cycle jacket to Jim Vance, an avid
Dr. James Dula, former president, motorcyclist, as Mrs. Vance looks on.
Prince George’s County Chamber
of Commerce

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Vance; Maudine Cooper, president/CEO, Greater Washington Urban
League; Aisha Karimah, NBC 4’s community affairs director and the Washington AFRO’s
Edgar Brookins

The Radio One-DC team, the NBC4 team,

the Washington Post team and Prince
George’s County Executive Rushern Baker
came out to support honorees, Jim Vance
and Avis Thomas Lester (center).
The Radio One-DC Team: Radio One-DC news director, Sheila Stewart;
WKYS-FM program director, Neke Howse; Alan Leinwand, Jim Vance, Avis
Thomas Lester, Chris Wegmann, WPRS-FM/WMMJ-FM program director
Sisters 4 Sisters Network making Jim Vance, an
Jamillah Muhammad and Radio One General Sales Manager Sam Tatum
honorary member. Pictured are President Peggy
Morris, right, and Odessa Hopkins

County Executive Rushern Baker, Camille Edwards, Chris Wegmann,

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Jim Vance and Sheila Stewart, regional vice president/D.C. marketing manager, Radio One-DC;
Radio One-DC news director Jim Vance, Jay Karimah, Radio One account Avis Thomas Lester, senior writer, Washington Post; Jim Vance, Alan
executive, and Cordice Saunders, relationship Leinwand, director of sales, Radio One-DC; Doreen Gentzler, NBC 4
manager, PNC Bank news anchor; Sheila Stewart and Doug Krammer

By Robin Mazyck
Special to the AFRO
Ophelia Pinkard was recently honored at a celebration that recognized her 75
years of active service in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Pinkard and more than 65
The cake The celebrant, Ophelia
members from the Arlington-Alexandria chapter of AKAs, Zeta Chi Omega chapter
representing Pinkard (seated), John H.
celebrated this rare, amazing feat. She was initiated into the sorority in April
Ophelia Pinkard’s Pinkard Jr. and Mayme
1935 in Chi Chapter at Talladega College, Talladega, Ala. “I have enjoyed every
75 years in Alpha Holt
minute of being with Alpha Kappa Alpha,” Pinkard said. At one
Kappa Alpha
point during the celebration, she was overheard telling one
Sorority
of her sorority sisters, “I never thought I would live to see this
day. Nothing can top this.” The chapter
president is Michelle Jones.
Photos by Starr Garrett and Joyce Henderson

Lula Lang-Jeter, Michelle Jones, Eloise Smith, Ophelia

Cassandra Borden, Ophelia Pinkard and Starr Garrett Pinkard (receiving certificate) and Joyce Henderson

Front row: Michelle Jones, Ophelia Pinkard and Joyce Henderson. Back Row: Laurell Mayme Holt, Deloris Evans, Michelle Jones, president, Zeta Chi Omega
Jones, Demaris Thompson, Barbara Bellamy, Joyce Brooks and Annie Goshay chapter; Ophelia Pinkard, Joyce Henderson, Patricia Tutt and Louise Gordon
B2 The Afro-American, February 26, 2011 - March 4, 2011

Washington, D.C.-Based Magazine Releases Top-10

List of Cheapest Cars to Own Kiplinger
By AFRO Staff named the
Nissan Versa
Oil prices have risen to their highest level since 2008 and one of the
some experts predict gasoline prices of $5 per gallon will most cost-
soon follow. According to a report released by cnn.com last Courtesy Photo friendly cars.
December, gas prices were expected to reach $5 per gallon
by 2012 but a rapid increase at the pump has several experts thinking this will happen sooner than later.
To help consumers prepare for the rising surge, Kiplinger, a Washington, D.C.-based publisher of business
forecasts and personal finance advice, recently released its top-10 list of cheapest cars to own.
The company’s list, which incorporates an expected total cost of payment over the duration of a five-year
ownership of cars according to the following criteria: fuel, service and repairs, and the lowest market rate
down payment. The list is mostly comprised of compact cars featuring brands from Honda to Ford.
According to Kiplinger, the top three most cost-friendly cars to own are the Nissan Versa ($26,233), the
Hyundai Accent coup ($26,715) and the Chevrolet Aveo ($26,958). The company factored in each car’s market
price and five year costs of insurance and fuel. Motor companies Ford and Kia each placed two cars in the top 10
list with the popular Ford Focus rounding out the list at No. 10 with a total ownership cost of $30, 290
Information from yahoo.com was used in this report.

Libya Crisis Causes Spike in Oil Prices

By AFRO Staff

Oil prices have risen to their highest price since 2008 and a higher price on Feb. 22 plummeted stock in
New York City. The recent crisis in Libya has increased fears that the price of gasoline could rise to over
$5.00 per barrel—a sooner than expected arrival date for pump prices. According to a report released by
cnn.com last December, gas prices were
WITNESS THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS expected to reach $5 by 2012 but that
was before protests erupted in recent
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 February 26, 2011 - March 4, 2011, The Afro-American B3
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More Arts and Entertainment news on Afro.com

Joe Willie “Pinetop” Perkins Becomes Oldest Grammy Winner

97-Year-Old Bluesman Keeps on Giving Great Music
By AFRO Staff a sideman for groups like the Muddy Waters Band. A late
bloomer, Perkins came into his own as a soloist in the 1990s,
Joe Willie “Pinetop” Perkins made history on Feb. 13 when his seventh decade as an artist. Since 1992, he’s released more
the 97-year-old blues pianist won his third Grammy, becoming than 15 solo sessions.
the oldest person ever to snag the award. In the midst of recording, Perkins launched a foundation
Perkins topped the previous record-holder, beating out the in his name, which trains aspiring Mississippi musicians in
late comedian George Burns who won a statue at 95 in the early his instruments of choice, the piano and guitar, according to
1990s. Perkins’ official website.
Perkins and his harmonica-playing collaborator Willie “Big Honors keep pouring in for the veteran musician.
Eyes” Smith” won the award for Best Traditional Blues Album Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour will present Perkins with a
for their 2010 collection Joined at the Hip: Pinetop Perkins & Lifetime Achievement Award on Feb. 24 for his legacy in the
Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith. arts.
“After we won, they took us to the media tent and Pinetop His music partner says the duo might generate more music
took photos, did television. It was a lot of excitement. He soon.
was very excited about winning,” Patricia Morgan, Perkins’ “We’re talking about another CD together now,” Smith told
manager, told The Associated Press. the AP.
The bluesman won the award for Best Traditional Blues
Album in 2007 for his part in the Last of the Great Mississippi In this Oct. 11, 2009, file photo, Grammy-winning blues
Delta Bluesmen: Live in Dallas and received the Grammy pianist Joe Willie “Pinetop” Perkins motions a “thumbs up”
lifetime achievement accolade in 2005. gesture during the annual festival at Hopson Plantation
Perkins began his 80-year career playing guitar and piano at in Clarksdale, Miss. Perkins, 97, broke the record of oldest
house parties and “honky-tonk” bars throughout the Mississippi Grammy winner on Feb. 13 when he snagged a Grammy
Delta in the late 1920s. He spent the bulk of his career as AP Photo for best traditional blues album.

Martin Lawrence Back in Cross-Dressing Crime Comedy Ben Holt Memorial Branch
By Kam Williams
Special to the AFRO
It’s been said that there
comes a critical moment
in every African-American
comedian’s career when
he’s asked to put on a
dress. Among those who’ve
succumbed to that subtle
pressure over the years
are Flip Wilson (TV’s
Geraldine), Jaime Foxx
(TV’s Wanda), Marlon
and Shawn Wayans (White
Chicks), Eddie Murphy
(Norbit and The Nutty
Professor 1 & 2), Tyler
to fend off advances while
keeping up appearances.
In this critic’s opinion,
the renaissance of rubber suit
romps can be easily explained
by the fact that kids tend to
(Lawrence) and his stepson,
Trent (Jackson), an aspiring
rapper with raging hormones
and no interest in attending
college. However, Turner
will hear none of it, since the
Naturally, Turner and Trent
decide to don skirts to retrieve
Exhibit A by infiltrating the
place undercover. So, “Big
Momma” takes a job as a
housemother there while
“Charmaine” matriculates
as a transfer student.
From this point forward,
the film degenerates into
recycled fare strictly for
youngsters unfamiliar with
any memorable moments
from classic films or
television shows. For it
takes a lot of nerve to steal
Redd Foxx’s signature line
“I’m coming to join you,
Announces Voice Competition
By Patrick D. McCoy
Special to the AFRO
The newly formed
Ben Holt Memorial
Branch of the National
Association of Negro
Musicians recently
announced its local
scholarship competition
in voice. Contestants
between the ages of 18-
30 pursuing vocal music
study are encouraged to Ben Holt
apply. The competition
will be held in two Courtesy Photo

Perry (Madea), and of
course, Martin Lawrence
(The Big Momma trilogy).
Paradoxically, this
controversial sub-genre
has frequently been the
subject of debate, with
pundits disagreeing on
whether or not the films are
politically-incorrect. On the
one hand, you hear blowback
from naysayers complaining
about the stereotypical
portrayal of black women as
overweight and obnoxious.
On the other, the proponents
point out the fact that many
of these mistaken identity
adventures feature Black-on-
Black romance, a rarity in
Hollywood, even if between a
chocolate chubby chaser and
a terrified transvestite trying
Elizabeth!” from “Sanford rounds, with the first round taking place March 19 at 4
Brandon T. Jackson, left, and Martin Lawrence go undercover & Son” without even p.m., and the final round on March 20, 7 p.m., at Sixth
as “Charmaine” and “Big Momma” in the third installment of bothering to change the Presbyterian Church in N.W. Washington, D. C. The winner
the Big Momma trilogy. name Elizabeth. Equally of the local competition will represent the Washington, D. C.
Courtesy Image
shameless is an imitation of branch at the regional convention in April.
Jennifer Beal’s audition in For applications and all competition requirements, log on
find fat female impersonators academically-accomplished Flashdance right down to the at www.namn.org.
funny. It’s as simple as that. 17-year-old has already been head shaking and foot stomping All materials are to be sent in as a complete competition
After all, what’s funnier to admitted to Duke University. to the driving tune “Maniac.” packet consisting of application, competition fee in the
a child than a Black drag But before the college Then there’s Faizon Love’s form of a check/money order made payable to the Ben Holt
queen? question can be resolved, channeling Joe E. Lewis’ Memorial Branch and a CD recording including one aria and
How about two Black Trent witnesses the shooting crush on Jack Lemmon from one art song. All materials are to be mailed to local branch
drag queens? That ostensibly of a police informant (Max Some Like It Hot as an ardent Takoma Park Baptist Church, to the attention of Patrick D.
means double the laughs lay Casella) at the hands of admirer of Big Momma. McCoy, 635 Aspen Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20012.
in wait for the target audience Chirkoff (Tony Curran), I suppose there must be a
For additional questions contact William Jones at (202) 270-
with Big Mommas: Like a vicious Russian crime scriptwriting recession, too. 4004 and visit http://www.nanm.org/Scholarship_competition.htm
Father, Like Son, a gender- boss who’s searching for an Luckily, all these purloined for additional eligibility requirements.
bending crime comedy co- incriminating flash drive. As plot points will be lost on the
starring Martin Lawrence and the mortally-wounded stool tykes too busy howling at Just enough goofy Rated PG-13 for sexual
Brandon T. Jackson. pigeon passes away, he hints the “flabalanche” of pratfalls slapstick to enthrall the humor and brief violence.
At the point of departure that the key piece of evidence and wardrobe malfunctions under-10 demographic. Running time: 107
we’re reacquainted with is hidden somewhere at a to worry about the lack of Minutes
FBI agent Malcolm Turner nearby girls’ boarding school. originality. Good (HH) Studio: 20th Century Fox

Reader’s Corner
Obama Brings Motown Fallin’ Up presently appreciating the group’s stratospheric perch

to White House By Kam Williams

Special to the AFRO
atop the music industry, it wasn’t very long ago that
this once-reckless rap star came perilously close to
blowing it all.
The Obamas will celebrate Black History Month with “When I was young [my] Nanny In his heartfelt autobiography, Fallin’ Up: My
a series of performances featuring Motown artists Feb. 24, Aurora hung a dream catcher above my Story, Taboo recounts in entertaining fashion how a
according to The Associated Press. bed. She would read me a story, then skinny, half-Chicano/half-Native-American kid raised
President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will tuck me in, kiss me on the check and by his grandmother in the modest Dog Town section of
host the event, scheduled to include performers Smokey wish me good dreams. I didn’t know Los Angeles managed to overcome such humble origins
Robinson, Sheryl Crow and John Legend. The event will be back then what this Native-American and emerge a revered one-name icon with adoring fans
taped live and broadcast on PBS March 1 at 8 p.m. charm meant. I now believe it was the world over. However, part of what makes his rags-
“The event will include legends from Motown’s golden there to catch my dreams before to-riches tale unique is the fact that well after he was
age and performances by artists from others crushed them… already famous a substance abuse problem almost cost
today, all in tribute to Motown’s Somewhere between chasing my him his career.
50-year legacy,” the White House dreams and making them a reality, Taboo hit rock bottom after being arrested on March
said, according to USA Today. my grandmother passed away and joined the 27, 2007, for rear-ending another driver with his Range
Other performers include man she spoke with every day: God. I didn’t know back then Rover while under the influence of a drug cocktail. When he
Natasha Bedingfield, Jamie Foxx, what her death meant. I now believe that she passed on to came out of his stupor behind bars hours later, he didn’t know
Gloriana, Nick Jonas, Ledisi, become the angel who saved me from myself; to stop me from where he was and couldn’t remember what had transpired. But
Amber Riley, Mark Salling, Seal taking a wrecking ball to the very dream she helped build… after the cops helped fill in the blanks, he felt so humiliated
and Jordin Sparks, with Greg God doesn’t always give second chances. Not unless you’re and disgusted with himself that he says he wanted “to pull off
Phillinganes as the night’s really lucky and walk with angels. And believe me, I was my head and throw it against the wall.
music director. one of the lucky ones, performing and dancing with a dream He credits the spirit of his late grandmother with putting
The event is the latest of an catcher called Nanny whose wings helped me fly and, more him on the road to redemption at that juncture, a path which
Obama-hosted music series importantly, allowed me to remain midair, soaring.” would lead to sobriety, reconciliation with his son, Josh,
called “In Performance at the — Excerpted from the Dedication (pg. xiii) marriage to the love of his life, Jaymie, and then the birth
White House,” which includes of another son, Jalen. His checkered past fading away in his
musical tributes in various Jaime Gomez, aka Taboo, is a member of the Black Eyed rearview mirror, this moving memoir reveals the more mature
genres, including jazz, country Peas, the hip-hop quartet which just performed earlier this Taboo to be a well-grounded superstar with both his feet now
Smokey Robinson month during halftime at this year’s Super Bowl. Despite firmly planted on the ground.
and Broadway. Courtesy Photo
B4 The Afro-American, February 26, 2011 - March 4, 2011
Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Basketball
DeMatha Wins Little Battles,
Triumphs Against Gonzaga
By Stephen D. Riley
ARO Staff Writer
With first place on the line in the
Washington Catholic Athletic Conference,
the DeMatha Stags and Gonzaga Eagles
gathered to renew their historic rivalry Feb.
20 at DeMatha’s Convocation Center in
Hyattsville, Md.
One week after Gonzaga held on for
a 62-52 win at home over their rivals in
Washington, D.C., on Feb. 13, DeMatha
players arrived early to a festive crowd of
students and supporters large enough to help
power them to a 57-52 victory over Gonzaga
in front of a raucous crowd.
DeMatha (21-7 overall, 13-4 WCAC)
still has a conference game to play on Feb.
21, which could seal their fate, but they first
had to pass Gonzaga (21-6, 13-4), a test they
almost failed. The game was tight for most
of the afternoon until DeMatha sophomore
guard Jairus Lyles broke it open in the third
quarter with a pair of three-pointers that were
part of an 8-1 run to close the third quarter.
“He’s putting in extra work on his shot
and tonight he hit a couple of big ones,”
DeMatha head coach Mike Jones said.
DeMatha opened its biggest lead of the
game after sophomore center BeeJay Anya’s
turnaround jumper made it 50-36 with 4:30
left to play in the game but Gonzaga wouldn’t
Baltimore’s Cummings Aims for Revenge in Boxing Rematch
Against D.C.’s Joppy
By Stephen D. Riley
AFRO Staff Writer
Baltimore, Md. native boxer Cory “Black Ice” Cummings
doesn’t back down from anyone. It’s a policy that’s served
him well since birth, served him well throughout his life and
that’s serving him well in his current occupation. It’s also the
reason why he’s preparing for a rematch with former three-
time middleweight world champion and Washington, D.C.
native William Joppy. On March 12 at George Washington
University’s Patriot Center, Cummings is aiming for a little
revenge after a controversial draw in his first bout with Joppy
last November dashed his hopes of a signature win. This
time around, however, Cummings wants to make sure he
doesn’t leave the outcome in the hands of the judges. His first
fight with Joppy didn’t make headline news, but it did put
Cummings on the radar as an up-and-coming fighter.
“He’s Joe Frazier; he’s a brawler; he’ll crack you if you
sleep for one second,” Joppy said of his opponent immediately
after their November clash.
NFL Players Should Wait for Owners to Cave
The Pro Bowl is done. The Super Bowl is
done, but the NFL is still in the spotlight. The
owners and the NFL Players Association are
behind closed doors negotiating for a bigger bite
of the pie. What is on the table at present is a
renege on the part of the owners because both
parties have negotiated this issue in good faith.
Now the owners want to back out of the revenue-
sharing portion of the agreement.
Granted they are paying salaries and bonuses
to the players, but you better believe any bonus or
incentive clause in a player’s contract will be well
earned before the said player sees a dime of the
money.
When the players won the battle over free
agency, the owners went to work to find a
loophole to benefit their pocketbooks. When a
player reaches free agency status, he can be kept
from accepting a job from another team when the
owners slap the “franchise player” tag on him.
This means that a player’s salary is dictated by the
standards of his present team, and he can’t move.
The back door side of this is the fact that a
team can freeze a player with this tag, and then cut
him the next season and not pay him the full value
of his contract.
The overall deal of this current scuffle between
the two parties is revenue sharing where after
the owners earn the first billion, the players then
begin to share in the profits. Now the owners
are stretching out their greedy hands for another
billion before the players can get a taste.
In the meantime, the owners are sitting back
in their luxury boxes entertaining celebrities in
72-degree room temperature and drinking single
malt scotch, while the players are being knocked
around on cement masquerading as grass and
Pro Sports Commentary
Wizards Win at NBA All Star Weekend
possibly ever (special thanks thanks to that Griffin guy for
for him bringing his mother jumping over it, wow), D.C.
out to greet the judges). could’ve been home to the
The two most energetic Sprite Slam Dunk champion
stars of the Washington and the Rookie/Sophomore
Wizards actually made
their hometown fans proud
game MVP. I can’t remember
the last time two Washington
this weekend and gave the
Wizards their first signature
win of the season, even
players (Bullets or Wizards)
excelled at an All Star
weekend in such fashion,
bigger than their road win in
Cleveland a few weeks ago.
The Wall and McGee
stealing the show for much
of the night on back-to-back
days.
budge. Gonzaga narrowed their deficit to 53- duo has had the D.C. Considering what we
47 with less than two minutes to play before AP Photo/Jae C. Hong spotlight since the two just saw, Washington may
a reoccurring theme reared its head again. Rookie John Wall, of the showed off in the Summer actually have two of the
Back-to-back offensive rebounds allowed Washington Wizards, holds League last year. Their premier athletes at their
DeMatha to run nearly a minute off the clock up the MVP trophy after athleticism, however, was position, which doesn’t
before Gonzaga was forced to foul as time the rookie team beat the on full national broadcast as necessarily equal a lot
ticked away, sealing the game. millions tuned in for NBA of wins, but it’s a hell of
sophomores 148-140 in the
“Every time we got a good stop and they All Star Weekend. When an advantage point. Wall
Rookie Challenge game
got the rebound they made us pay for it,” you dish the ball around for belongs to the elite trio of
Gonzaga sophomore guard Nate Britt said. during the NBA basketball 22 assists, you’re a special Derrick Rose and Russell
“They won the little battles: the loose All-Star Weekend, Feb. 18 point guard. When you dunk Westbrook—point guards
balls, offensive rebounds, second chance in Los Angeles. two basketballs in two rims with incredible speed,
opportunities and it made the difference in then follow that up with quickness and crazy
the game,” Gonzaga head coach Steve Turner By Stephen D. Riley
three balls in one, you’re just athleticism. Besides Dwight
added. AFRO Staff Writer
special, period. Now, if there Howard, there probably isn’t
Although offensive rebounds were was only someway to parlay a center in the league with
key, Jones sent his players to thank their It’s about time the District
those skills into a winning enough bounce to match
lively student support section immediately showed well. Currently
team. But that’s another McGee who, quiet as it’s
following the game. Players shook hands and engulfed in a forgettable
story—different time; kept, may be a better athlete
high-fived students, expressing their gratitude season (yes, another one),
different place. than Howard anyway.
for a support group that’s aided them all Washington, D.C., actually
Wall, 20, and McGee, 23, All Star flashes don’t
season and was at their best when DeMatha showed some promise in
have officially put Wizards equal great NBA teams and
needed them the most. the NBA this past weekend.
basketball on the map for all jaw-dropping athleticism
“You got to give them all the credit for Thanks, John Wall for setting
the right reasons. It didn’t doesn’t equate to NBA
that,” Jones said. “They showed up at 10:30 the Rookie/Sophomore
take a practical joke or a gun championships. But, they’re
this morning, they were grilling hotdogs Challenge record with 22
charge this time around to put both great excellent places to
outside [and] it became a great atmosphere assists (special thanks for
the Wizards in the headlines. start when you’re trying to
here and we fed off of that energy. You would that bounce-pass alley-oop
Talent and athleticism have rebuild a franchise and they
hope a DeMatha/Gonzaga game doesn’t need to Blake Griffin). Thanks,
perhaps earned Washington do serve as good cooler talk
any influence but our students showing up JaVale McGee for the most
a few extra television slots when you’re trying to argue
tonight really helped.” creative dunks we’ve seen
next year, and if not for a how the Wizards are the
in a dunk contest in years,
new 2011 Kia car (special league’s next big thing.
With quick jabs and punishing hooks, Cummings had the
look of a clear-cut winner in the boxers’ first meeting, and
the announcement of a draw sent a packed Patriot Center
into an uproar. Although most fighters would be hesitant
about returning to the scene of a controversial decision, the
Baltimore local didn’t think twice about it.
“I didn’t have a problem taking the fight,” Cummings said.
“I’m not going to force a knockout; I’m going to just let the
knockout come to me. If I see something I’m going to take it
but I’m not going to force it.”
With a current record of 17 wins, four losses and one tie,
the 31-year-old Cummings has a long way to go to match the
iconic status Joppy enjoyed during his prime. At 39-7-2, the
40-year-old Joppy’s career is slowly winding down, but his
name can still draw a crowd. His first match with Cummings
drew a respectable turnout and his second could force an even
larger crowd. Despite the expected audience and important
Courtesy Photo opportunity to advance his career, Cummings is handling his
upcoming bout by applying his lifelong mantra.
Local Baltimore boxer Cory “Black Ice” Cummings is
“I just think of it as another fight,” Cummings said.
preparing for his March 12 rematch with former three-
time middleweight world champion William Joppy. “Somebody’s going to get hurt, that’s all.”
of tickets, and TV revenue, and you can bet there are more than a few ulcers being cultivated among the
owners.
Remember, quite a few of the owners are billionaires on paper. They are extended to the max, and
every dollar they have invested had better be working for them at every moment.
Let’s take Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones as a case in point. Jerry just built a new state of the art
stadium to the tune of $1.5 billion. You can bet Jerry didn’t have that kind of cash laying around under a
mattress. Jerry had to go to the bank for a loan, and the bank is looking for a payment on a timely basis.
Believe me these payments are a bit more than most of us are paying on the Honda Civic sitting in the
driveway.
So, I suggest the players hang on for a bit, because the owners have got to cave. But, that’s just my
opinion.
getting concussions.
Fifteen years down the road, some of the
players will be hobbling into a banquet hall to
give a speech to some Kiwanis Club members for
$3 grand. Meanwhile the owners will be behind
closed doors trying to figure out a way to get
another slice of the pizza.
However, I’m not sure this current tact by
the owners is going to work. The threat to shut
out the players for this upcoming season may
backfire if the players see the total picture. Some
of the players are not making grand theft money
like the superstars, but they are making a hell of
a lot more than us 9-to-five stiffs. A little money
management, and the owners are going to be so
out of luck.
For those of us who spend days staring out
of the window, looking for the mail carrier who
might be toting our Social Security checks,
remember the last time a season was on the verge
of collapse because of a strike. That time it was
the players who struck. The owners scraped
together a bunch of scabs (affectionately known
as replacement players) and entertained us with
a little sandlot football. But, the memory of the
strain on their pocketbooks has to be dancing
around in their heads at the moment.
Let’s take a look at the big picture. To do that,
we have to ask the question, “Can the owners
afford to lock out the players?” With a lock out,
the stadiums are dark and the only life wandering
around in the luxury boxes are the rodents
looking for a taste of that caviar they came to like
last season. On this subject, the average revenue
for luxury suites is $45 million. Factor in the
concessions where it costs $8 bucks for a hot
dog, the price of a house payment for a couple
 February 26, 2011 - March 4, 2011, The Afro-American B5

Matthew Knowles to Lead Gospel Music

Faith Pulse Association
The
Gospel Music
Association
division focused on exposure and promotion
of spiritually-based music. MWG has
experienced a great amount success within

Obituaries
(GMA) the last few years. The label features a roster
recently of award-winning recording artists, joint
appointed projects and special ventures including, Trin-
music mogul i-tee 5:7, Juanita Bynum, Brian Courtney
Mathew Wilson, Micah Stampley, Pastor Rudy
Ralph B. Thomas Jr., 28 Knowles to
its board of
Rasmus and The ESSENCE Gospel Project.
“I look forward to working with the other
C&C Meat Factory Employee directors. The board members in developing ideas and
Ralph Bernard Thomas their first steps, Ralph never president and concepts to further expand both the platforms
Courtesy Photo founder of and audiences for Gospel and Christian
Jr., aka “BJ” and also known missed a beat. Whether it was Matthew Knowles
to many as “Sleepie,” the son running errands or hanging Music World artists,” said Knowles in an issued statement.
of Ralph Bernard Thomas out with friends, they never Entertainment (MWE) joins the 35-member “These are challenging times in the music
Sr. and Rosetta Dolorse left his side. board comprised of front-runners in the industry, but it’s extremely important for us
Thomas, died Feb. 13. Ralph Ralph was loved by all gospel and Christian music industry. to work together to meet those challenges and
was born Dec. 7, 1982, at who knew him. He had a “I am so pleased that Mathew has been to achieve long-term stability and profitability
Prince George’s Hospital. gentle and quiet spirit, but elected to the GMA Board of Directors,” said for our business, for our Christian and Gospel
He graduated from Suitland was still a lot of fun and a Ed Leonard, president and chairman of the artists, and the faithful listeners they serve.”
High School and began in joy to be around at the same Board of the Gospel Music Association, in a GMA was founded in 1964 to serve as
the workforce, finally settling time. Ralph played defensive statement. “He will add his vast mainstream the face and voice of gospel and Christian
in a career with C&C Meat lineback for the Pee Wee and Gospel expertise to a board stocked with music. Its objective is to expose, promote
Factory. League as well as recreational talented professionals.  I know he will be and celebrate the Gospel through various
Ralph was a wonderful football for Peppermill integral in leading the GMA to greater heights genres of music including pop, rock, praise
father to JaLiyiah and JaLeil. Village Community Center. as we work together to expose, promote and and worship, urban gospel, R&B, hip hop,
If ever there was a father He cherished his favorite celebrate the Gospel through music.” Southern gospel, bluegrass, and many more.
who adored his children it Knowles founded one of the world’s More than 1,800 members, which include
RALPH B. THOMAS JR. football team, the Washington leading music and entertainment agents, artists, church leaders, managers,
was him. He truly enjoyed Redskins. Every time the
taking them to spend time opportunity presented itself, conglomerates, and has had a significant promoters, radio personnel, record company
with family and friends every chance he got. he loved to debate with any and everyone global influence on music and entertainment executives, retailers, songwriters and other
Ralph was very protective of his children, who was a rival of the ‘Skins. His favorite for nearly 20 years. In 2002, He launched leaders in the industry, are a part of the GMA
especially his precious little girl. He loved pastime was playing basketball and video Music World Gospel (MWG), formally community. The GMA also produces the
to show his affection by roughhousing with games with his nephews Tre’, Juwan and known as Spirit Rising Music, a MWE GMA Dove Awards, GMA Dove Week and
them. JaLiyiah and JaLeil meant the world to Zion. Ralpha also enjoyed boxing, camping, IMMERSE.
Ralph. From the day they came home from
the hospital to their first diaper change and
fishing, music, spending time with family and
cooking out with family and friends.
Faith Tabernacle of Prayer Confers Awards
By Herb Quarles Ward 8 community. Others A host of community
Berdie O. Odom, 85 Special to the AFRO included Metropolitan
Police Department Assistant
and faith-based leaders,
students, exoffenders,
Church volunteer, poll worker Faith Tabernacle of Prayer Chief Diane Groomes; apostles, bishops, pastors,
recently hosted an awards Seventh District Cmdr. Joel educators, attorneys, and
Berdie Onez Odom She had many adopted ceremony that honored more Maupin; the Rev. Betty business owners were also
was born Feb. 12, 1925, in children, grandchildren, than 112 recipients during Green, chaplain of D.C. among the guests. The Faith
Florence County, S.C., to the sisters and extended family. Tabernacle Mass Choir sang
the commemoration of the Department of Corrections;
late Ola and Janie McWhite. She married the late “Lean on Me,” and a skit was
25th anniversary of the Rev. the Rev. Joyce Scott, Ward performed by two brothers.
She attended Florence Eugene Odom in 1973. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 8 longstanding community Rev. Talbert’s community
County public schools and They joined Asbury United national holiday. leader and activist; the and grassroots work for the
graduated from Wilson High Methodist Church shortly More than 700 people Rev. Ronny Smith; the past 36 years, harnesses the
School in 1945. She came thereafter. She loved her of all nationalities, Rev. Angeloyd Fenrick; drum major instinct. She
to Christ at a young age church and church family and socioeconomic classes, the Rev. Robin Winfield; continues to provide services
and joined St. Luke A.M.E. was very active. She served political affiliations, and Trayon White, president of to at-risk youth, ex-offenders,
Church in Pamplico, S.C. on the Women’s Usher Board, faith traditions attended the Helping Inner City Kids, gang members, and homeless
After high school, Berdie the United Methodist Women event at the Clarion Hotel accompanied by several individuals as evidenced
moved to Pittsburgh then Jochebed Group, the South in Oxon Hill, Md. The Rev. young men from Woodland by the church’s outreach
Dr. Judy Talbert, pastor of Terrace; the Rev. Phil program, RAPP, a reentry
later to Washington, D.C., Carolina Club and the Food
Faith Tabernacle of Prayer in Jackson, RAPP counselor and transitional services
where she met the love of Pantry. program.
her life, the late Emory F. In addition, she was active Southeast Washington, was and Fatherhood director;
“We must help somebody
Acker Sr. They were united in BERDIE O. ODOM with Wilson High School the visionary and host pastor. Samuel Washington, RAPP
to help somebody and carry
holy matrimony in December Class of 1945 (the “45ers”) It was her desire to outreach coordinator and out the biblical mandate as
recognize the efforts of keynote speaker the Rev. written in St. Matthew 25:35:
1949 and blessed with seven children. They and looked forward to attending their alumni
many unassuming people Haywood Nicholas Williams, ‘...For I was hungered, and
joined Little Ark Baptist Church where the events and homecoming festivities until pastor, Tabernacle of Prayer
who have made great ye gave me meat….”’ Talbert
family served faithfully for many years. She she became ill. She was a member of the for All People, Riviera
personal sacrifices with said in her closing remarks...
loved the Lord, had great faith and was a AARP Downtown Chapter and Ward 4 Mini- Beach, Fla.
strong commitment and
prayer warrior. Commission on Aging and Thrift Chapter. dedication to serve. Award
Three of her children, Gertrude, Kenneth She also worked at the voting polls and was categories were from the
and Gerard, preceded her in death. Berdie elated to work in the last presidential election fields of law enforcement,
loved family and was happiest when she was where she witnessed the election of America’s ministry, medicine, reentry,
surrounded by her children and grandchildren. first Black president. community outreach and
education. The event echoed
the clarion call of Dr. King
Church Briefs to harness the drum major
instinct in service.
By Herb Quarles The Rev. Dr. Barbara
Special to the AFRO Williams-Skinner offered
a moving prayer that lifted
Church Hosts Nurses up the ideals of Dr. King
The Black Nurses Association of the metropolitan area will meet at 6 p.m. on Feb. 24 at and asked for healing of the
Peoples Congregational Christ located at 4704 13th St. N.W.  A light supper will be served.  nation, which also included
Black nurses in the area are invited to join them at their meetings that are held on the 4th Congresswoman Gabrielle
Thursday of each month. The nurses will host their 31st annual salute to the Black Nurse of Giffords and victims of the
the Year and Scholarship Awards Luncheon on March 5 at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Tucson, Ariz., tragedy. 
Md. Call Diana Wharton at 202-722-8670 or contact her via e-mail at twinmaljar@aol.com for One of the many
ticket and other information. highlights of the service
was 12-year-old Wheeler
HU Chapel Services Thompson IV, who gave a
Father Michael Louis Pfleger will be the guest speaker during the stirring rendition of excerpts
11 a.m. worship service on Feb. 27 in Cramton Auditorium on the from Dr. King’s “I Have
campus of Howard University located at 2455 Sixth St. N.W. He is a Dream” speech. D. Paul
pastor at Faith Community of Saint Sabina in Chicago, Ill. Bishop Monteiro, associate director
Vashti Murphy McKenzie will preach on March 6. of the White House Office
Chapel services are broadcast the following week each Sunday at of Public Engagement,
11a.m. on Howard University radio station, WHUR-FM 96.3. and Michael Blake, deputy
Recordings of chapel services may be ordered by mail with associate director of the
the Media Ministry Order Form. Recordings are also available White House Office on
immediately after the worship service or may be purchased in person Intergovernmental Affairs,
Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 5p.m. Call 202-806-7280 congratulated each recipient
or visit chapel.howard.edu/Information for additional information. The Courtesy Photo on behalf of President
e-mail address is chapel@howard.edu. Father Michael Obama.
Louis Pfleger will Rev. Talbert introduced
BHM Worship Service preach at Howard each recipient in her
The Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Gospel Service invites the University on Feb. own way, which made
community to attend its 2011 Black History Month worship service at 27. the ceremony more of a
2 p.m. on Feb. 27 in the Memorial Chapel located at Fort Myer, Va. community gathering. She
The guest speaker will be Chaplain (Col., Ret.) James Walker from Richmond, Va. made the attendees feel like
The 2011 Keeper of the Community honorees will include Michael Blake, Office of they knew each one as she
called them forward and
Public Engagement at the White House; Elise Scott, CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus
described their contributions
Foundation; Lesli Foster, weeknight anchor, WUSA and the renowned Buffalo Soldiers.
to the community.
Music will be rendered by Men of Christ from Victory Temple Missionary Baptist in
Many of the recipients
Alexandria, Va., and the gospel choir from American University in Northwest Washington,
included residents and
D.C. A picture ID is needed when entering a military facility. Call Edgar Brookins at 202-332-
service providers from the
0080 or reach him by e-mail at edgarb@afro.com for additional information.
 Superior Court of

CLASSIFIED
the District of

B6 The Afro-American, February 26, 2011 - March 4, 2011 District of Columbia

PROBATE DIVISION
Washington, D.C.
August 1, 2009 - August 7, 2009, The Washington Afro-American B7
20001-2131
Administration No. ds
2011ADM0067
Lula M. Towles
la 410-554-8200
202-332-0080

l
Sma
Decedent
Donald L. Wilson Esq
805 15th Street NW
Buy it • Sell it
Suite 100 Swap
Swap it
it •• Lease
Lease itit
Rent
Rent it •• Hire
it Hire itit
Washington DC 20005
Attorney
NOTICE OF
APPOINTMENT,

rr ee ss uu ll tt ss
NOTICE TO
CREDITORS
AND NOTICE TO
UNKNOWN HEIRS
J a c q u es P Wa l k e r,
Payment Policy for legal notice LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL
whose
LEGAL NOTICES
address
NOTICESis 2750
Payment Policy for legal 14th Street, NW Unit

SAMPLE
advertisements AFRO Classified minimum ad rate is $26.74 per col. inch
Superior Court of Superior Court of 304, Washington DC
20009 was appointed
1 Col. (an inch consists of up to 20 words). Mail in your ad on
notice advertisements the District of
Columbia
the District of
District of Columbia personal representative Inch form below along with CHECK or MONEY ORDER to:
Effective immediately, The Afro Ameri- Civil Division PROBATE DIVISION of the estate of Lula M.
can Newspapers will require prepay- Case No. 0000786-11 Washington, D.C. Towles, who died on Up to WASHINGTON AFRO-AMERICAN CO., 1917 Benning
20001-2131 January 19, 2011 with a
Effective immediately,
ment for publication The
of all legal notices. IN RE: Road, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002-4723, Attn: Clsf. Adv.
Clarence Fitzgerald Administration No. will, and will serve with-
out Court supervision.
20 Words Dept.
Afro American Newspapers
Payment will be accepted in the form Applicant
ORDER OF
2011ADM0069
William L. Rush Jr. All unknown heirs and
of checks, credit card or money order. h e i r s w h o s e
will require prepayment for
Any returned checks will be subject to a
PUBLICATION
CHANGE OF NAME
Decedent
NOTICE OF whereabouts are un-
known shall enter their
publication
$25.00 processingof fee
alland
legal
maynotices.
result in Clarence Fitzgerald hav-
ing filed a complaint for
APPOINTMENT,
NOTICE TO appearance in this 1 2 3 4 5
proceeding. Objections
Payment will be accepted
the suspension of any future in
advertising judgment changing his
name to James Isiah
CREDITORS
AND NOTICE TO to such appointment (or
at our discretion. to the probate of de- 6 7 8 9 10
the form of check, credit card Fitzgerald and having
applied to the court for
UNKNOWN HEIRS
Alfred R. May, whose cedent¬s will) shall
cedent’s will) shall bebe
or money order. Any returned an Order of Publication address is 3905-17th filed with the Register of
of the notice required by Street, NE Washington Wills, D.C., 515 5th 11 12 13 14 15
AD NETWORK
checks will be AD NETWORK
subject to a law in such cases; it is DC 20018 was ap- Street, N.W., 3rd Floor
by the Court this 1st day pointed personal repre- Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C .
Ad Network Classi- MOUNTAIN
$25.00 processing fee and may o f F e b r u a r y 2 0 11 sentative of the estate of 20001, on or before Au- 16 17 18 19 20
fieds are published in William L. Rush Jr, who gust 11, 2011. Claims
result
65 newspapers.
PROPERTY
in the suspension of any
hereby.
ORDERED, that all per- died on October 28, against the decedent
Attn Hunters/ Inves- sons concerned show 2010 with a will, and will shall be presented to the
future advertising
25 words $175 (For tors: at our
BEST¬BUY dis-
IN cause, if any there be, serve without Court su-
pervision. All unknown
undersigned with a copy
to the Register of Wills NAME
on or before the 8th day
cretion.
more than 25 words AMERICA! Mountain of March 2011, why the heirs and heirs whose or filed with the Register
there is an additional Land! From $995/ Acre. prayers of said com- whereabouts are un- of Wills with a copy to ADDRESS
Buy direct From timber plaint should not be known shall enter their the undersigned, on or
charge of $7 per granted; provided that a appearance in this before August 11, 2011, PHONE NO.
LEGAL NOTICES company
LEGAL&..SAVE!!!
NOTICES proceeding. Objections or be forever barred.
word.)
Woods, views, streams,
copy of this order be
published once a week to such appointment (or Persons believed to be CLASSIFICATION
trails. So many deer/ for three consecutive to the probate of de- heirs or legatees of the (Room, Apt, House, etc.) INSERTION DATE:
Call weeks before said day cedent¬s will)
cedent’s will) shall
shall bebe decedent who do not re-
(410) 554-8200 turkey the natives call in the Afro-American. filed with the Register of ceive a copy of this no-
All ads must be ‘em pests! County road JUDGE Wills, D.C., 515 5th tice by mail within 25
with power. Excellent A TRUE COPY TEST: Street, N.W., 3rd Floor days of its first publica-
prepaid
owner financing with 2/11, 2/18, 2/25 Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C .
20001, on or before Au-
tion shall so inform the
Register of Wills, includ- WASHINGTON AFRO-AMERICAN-NEWSPAPER
10% down. Call Now SUPERIOR COURT OF gust 11, 2011. Claims ing name, address and
877-526-3764 wvtim- THE DISTRICT OF against the decedent relationship.
berland.com COLUMBIA
FAMILY COURT
shall be presented to the
undersigned with a copy
Date of Publication:
February 11, 2011 Legal Advertising Rates
to the Register of Wills Name of newspaper:
ANTIQUES &
DOMESTIC
RELATIONS or filed with the Register Afro-American
Washington Law
Effective October 1, 2006
BRANCH of Wills with a copy to
COLLECTIBLES REAL ESTATE Jacket Number. the undersigned, on or Reporter
DC BIG FLEA 2010DRB1564 before August 11, 2011,
or be forever barred.
Jacques P. Walker
Personal
PROBATE DIVISION
Joseph Kabore.
MARCH 5-6. 2 Huge Retirement and Plaintiff. Persons believed to be Representative
(Estates)
heirs or legatees of the 202-297-0498
Buildings! 1100Booths! future move? Discover
vs.
TRUE TEST COPY
decedent who do not re-
Mid-Atlantic’s Largest Delaware and our gated
Josephine Ndote
Defendant. ceive a copy of this no- REGISTER OF WILLS 202-879-9460/61
Antique Market! Shop community. Manufac- The object of this suit is tice by mail within 25 2/11, 2/18, 2/25
For Bargains! Dulles to obtain divorce. days of its first publica-
tured homes from the tion shall so inform the Superior Court of
Expo - Chantilly, VA mid 50’s to low 100’s.
on motion of the plaintiff,
it is this xxx day of Register of Wills, includ- the District of PROBATE NOTICES
Adm. $10 Sat. 9-6 Sun. ing name, address and Columbia
Brochures available November 2010, or- Civil Division
11-5 www.damorepro- 1-866-629-0770 Or dered that the defendant relationship.
Case No. 2011CA733 a. Order Nisi
Josephine Ndote cause Date of Publication: $ 60 per insertion $180.00 per 3 weeks
motions.com search www.coolbranch. February 2, 2011 IN RE:
b. Small Estates (single publication)
her appearance to be Ineice R. Mease $ 50 per insertion SUPERIOR COURT OF
com entered herein on or be- Name of newspaper: THE DISTRICT OF
fore the fortieth day, Afro-American Applicant c. Notice to Creditors COLUMBIA
AUTOMOBILE exclusive of Sundays Washington Law ORDER OF
1. Domestic $ 60 per insertion $ 180.00 per 3 DIVISION
PROBATE weeks
PUBLICATION
DONATION SERVICES/ and legal holidays, Reporter
Alfred R. May CHANGE OF NAME 2. Foreign $ 60 per insertion $ 180.00 per
Washington, D.C.
3 weeks
occurring after the day 20001-2131
MISC. of the first publication of Personal Ineice R. Mease having
filed a complaint for d. Escheated Estates $ 60 per insertion $ 360.00 Foreign No.
per 6 weeks
this order; otherwise the Representative 2011FEP13
DONATE AUTOS, AD FUNDS 202-669-5698 judgment changing e. Standard Probates $ 125.00Date of Death
cause will be proceeded
TRUCKS, RV’S. TIGHT??? - Check out with as in case of de- TRUE TEST COPY Geonii Dillan-Joel
March 16, 2004
Mease name to Geonii
LUTHERAN MISSION THE DAILYCLASSI- fault. Provide, a copy of REGISTER OF WILLS Harriett H. Banks
SOCIETY. Your dona- this order is published 2/11, 2/18, 2/25 Dillan-Joel Butler and CIVIL NOTICES Decedent
FIED CONNECTION. once a week for three
having applied to the
NOTICE OF
tion helps local families For $199 per day - Get successive weeks in the Superior Court of
court for an Order of
with food, clothing, Washington Law Re-
Publication of the notice a. Name Changes 202-879-1133 $ 80.00APPOINTMENT
Ad Placement 5 Days the District of required by law in such OF FOREIGN
shelter. Tax deduct- porter, and The Afro District of Columbia b. Real Property $ 200.00PERSONAL
Per Week in 14 Major American Newspapers PROBATE DIVISION
cases; it is by the Court
REPRESENTATIVE
ible. MVA licensed. Daily Newspapers in before said day. Washington, D.C.
this 8th day of February
AND
LutheranMissionSoci- 2011.
Washington, Maryland Attest: 20001-2131 ORDERED, that all per- FAMILY COURT Superior Court of
NOTICE TO
ety.org 410-636-0123 and DC. Space is
JUDGE BAYLY Administration No. sons concerned show CREDITORS
2/11, 2/18, 2/25 2011ADM0068 the District of Earl Banks whose ad-
or toll-free 1-877-737- limited - Call now for William H. Jordan, Sr
cause, if any there be, 202-879-1212Columbia dress is 2 Retinue
8567. on or before the 13 day Civil Division
immediate placement to- Superior Court of Decedent Court, Unit 103, Bal-
the District of of March 2011, why the Case No. 557-2011
day 410-721-4000x19 or Columbia
Pamela Copeland, Esq
1050 17th Street NW
prayers of said com- DOMESTIC RELATIONS IN RE:
timore MD 21207 was
appointed personal re-
DONATE VEHICLE: visit our website: www. Civil Division plaint should not be Kyle Damien
Suite 600 granted; provided that a 202-879-0157 presentative of the
Receive $1000 GRO- mddcpress.com Case No. 9115-2011 Washington DC 20036 Washington estate of Harriett H.
copy of this order be Applicant
CERY COUPONS, IN RE: Attorney published once a week a. Absent Defendant
Banks, deceased, by the
Thomas William Martin NOTICE OF ORDER OF $ 150.00 Orphan's Court/Register
Your Choice, NOAH’S VACATION Applicant APPOINTMENT,
for three consecutive PUBLICATION $ 150.00 of Wills Court for Bal-
ARC, NO KILL Animal weeks before said day b. Absolute Divorce
ORDER OF NOTICE TO CHANGE OF NAME timore City County,
Shelters. Advanced RENTALS PUBLICATION CREDITORS
in the Afro-American. c. Custody Divorce Kyle Washington having $ 150.00
State of Maryland on
CHANGE OF NAME JUDGE filed a complaint for January 31, 2011.
Veterinary Treatments. AND NOTICE TO A TRUE COPY TEST:
OCEAN CITY, Thomas William Martin UNKNOWN HEIRS judgment changing Kyle Service of process may
Free Towing, IRS MARYLAND. Best having filed a complaint Joyce Jordan, whose
2/18, 2/25, 3/4 Damien Washington be made upon Laverne
To place your ad, call 1-800-237-6892, ext. 262
TAX DEDUCTION. selection of affordable for judgment changing address is 4841 Car-
Superior Court of
name to Kyle Damien Montgomery, 1720 22nd
Thomas William Martin mella Drive, Baltimore Public Notices $50.00 & Jones up depending
and having onap-sizeStreet SE Washington
Non-runners 1-866-912- rentals.Full/ partial the District of
GIVE
name to Olokun Salamu MD 21227 was ap-
District of Columbia Baltimore Legal Noticesplied areto$24.15
the court perforinch.
an DC 20020 whose des-
weeks. Call for FREE and having applied to pointed personal repre- Order of Publication of ignation as District of
There is no flat rate —the1-800 (AFRO)
the court for an Order of sentative of the estate of PROBATE DIVISION notice required892 by Columbia agent has
brochure. Open daily. Washington, D.C.
DONATE YOUR Publication of the notice William H. Jordan, Sr For Proof of Publication, pleaselaw callin 1-800-237-6892,
such cases; it is ext. been244filed with the Reg-
Holiday Real Estate. required by law in such who died on December 20001-2131 by the Court this 15th ister of Wills, D.C.
VEHICLE RECEIVE 1-800-638-2102. Online Administration No.
FREE VACATION
cases; it is by the Court 3, 2009 with a will, and
2011ADM0090 LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES day of February 2011.
LEGAL NOTICES The decedent owned
LEGAL NOTICES
reservations: www. this 1st day of February will serve without Court
Ashley Turton
LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES ORDERED, LEGAL NOTICES that all per- the LEGAL
followingNOTICES
District of
VOUCHER. UNITED 2011. supervision. All un- sons concerned show Colombia real property:
ORDERED, that all per- known heirs and heirs Decedent Superior Court of Superior Court of cause, if any there be, 719 Kennedy Street NW
BREAST CANCER holidayoc.com Alan B. Frankle Esq the District of on or before the 22nd Washington DC 20011
sons concerned show whose whereabouts are the District of
FOUNDATION Free cause, if any there be, unknown shall enter 751 Rockville Pike District of Columbia Columbia day of March 2011, why Claims against the de-
on or before the 8th day Suite 7 PROBATE DIVISION the prayers of said com- cedent may be pre-
Mammograms, Breast their appearance in this
Rockville, MD 20852 Washington, D.C. Civil Division
of March 2011, why the proceeding. Objections Case No. 0001307-11 plaint should not be sented to the under-
Cancer Info www.ubcf. prayers of said com- to such appointment (or Attorney 20001-2131
IN RE: granted; provided that a signed and filed with the
Administration No.
info FREE Towing, plaint should not be to the probate of de- NOTICE OF 2011ADM0075 Chinyere C.M. copy of this order be Register of Wills for the
Tax Deductible, Non- granted; provided that a cedent¬s will) shall
cedent’s will) shall bebe APPOINTMENT, Pearl M Butler Ahaghotu-Nwani published once a week District of Columbia, 515
copy of this order be filed with the Register of NOTICE TO Decedent Applicant for three consecutive 5th Street NW 3rd Floor
Runners Accepted, published once a week Wills, D.C., 515 5th CREDITORS Attorney ORDER OF weeks before said day Washington DC 20001
1-888-468-5964 for three consecutive Street, N.W., 3rd Floor AND NOTICE TO NOTICE OF PUBLICATION in the Afro-American within 6 months from the
UNKNOWN HEIRS APPOINTMENT, Newspaper.
weeks before said day Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C . NOTICE TO CHANGE OF NAME date of first publication
in the Washington Afro- 20001, on or before Au- Daniel Turton, whose CREDITORS Chinyere C.M. Ahaghout- 0
that pursuant to SCR of this notice. (Strike
BUSINESS American.
that pursuant to SCR
gust 11, 2011. Claims address is 800 A Street
SE Washington DC
AND NOTICE TO Nwani having filed a com-
plaint for judgment changing
205(b) notice be sent to preceding sentence if no
the applicant's creditors real estate.)
0
against the decedent UNKNOWN HEIRS
OPPORTUNITY 205(b) notice be sent to shall be presented to the 20003, was appointed Maurice A. Butler and
Chinyere C.M. Ahaghotu-
Nwani name to Chinyere
by registered or certified Earl Banks
www.afro.com

applicants creditors by
registered or certified
ALL CASH VENDING mail and that proof of
ROUTE! Be Your Own mailing be made in the
manner provided in SCR
Boss! 25 Machines + Probate Rule(b).
Candy All for $9995. JUDGE
877-915-8222 All Major A TRUE COPY TEST:
2/11, 2/18, 2/25
Credit Cards Accepted!
Superior Court of
the District of
Columbia
Furniture Civil Division
Case No. 00009006-11
IN RE:
Cherry Bedroom Set. Mary Fears King
Applicant
Solid Wood, never used, ORDER OF
brand new in factory PUBLICATION
CHANGE OF NAME
boxes. English Dovetail. Mary Fears King having
Original cost $4500. Sell filed a complaint for
for $895. Can deliver. judgment changing
Mary Fears King name
Call Tom 240-482-8721 to Mariam Aman and
having applied to the
court for an Order of
LEATHER LIVING Publication of the notice
ROOM SET. In origi- required by law in such
cases; it is by the Court
nal plastic, never used. this 3 day of February
Orig price $3000, Sac- 2011 hereby.
ORDERED, that all per-
rifice $975. Can deliver. sons concerned show
Call Bill 301-841-7565 cause, if any there be,
on or before the 19th
day of March 2011, why
the prayers of said com-
HELP WANTED - plaint should not be
granted; provided that a
copy of this order be
published once a week
Drivers- Paid CDL for three consecutive
Training! No weeks before said day
in the Afro-American
Credit Check, No Expe- newspaper.
rience required! 0
that pursuant to SCR
205(b) notice be sent to
TRAINERS EARN 49¢/ the applicant's creditors
MILE! 888-417-7564 by registered or certified
CRST EXPEDITED mail and that proof of
service of mailing be
www.JoinCRST.com made in the manner pro-
vided in SCR Probate
Rule 19(b).
JUDGE
A TRUE COPY TEST:
2/11, 2/18, 2/25
undersigned with a copy
to the Register of Wills
or filed with the Register
of Wills with a copy to
the undersigned, on or
before August 11, 2011,
or be forever barred.
Persons believed to be
heirs or legatees of the
decedent who do not re-
ceive a copy of this no-
tice by mail within 25
days of its first publica-
tion shall so inform the
Register of Wills, includ-
ing name, address and
relationship.
Date of Publication:
February 11, 2011
Name of newspaper:
Afro-American
Washington Law
Reporter
Joyce Jordan
Personal
Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
REGISTER OF WILLS
2/11, 2/18, 2/25
Superior Court of
the District of
District of Columbia
PROBATE DIVISION
Washington, D.C.
20001-2131
Administration No.
2011ADM0067
Lula M. Towles
Decedent
Donald L. Wilson Esq
805 15th Street NW
Suite 100
Washington DC 20005
Attorney
NOTICE OF
APPOINTMENT,
NOTICE TO
CREDITORS
AND NOTICE TO
UNKNOWN HEIRS
J a c q u es P Wa l k e r,
whose address is 2750
14th Street, NW Unit
304, Washington DC
20009 was appointed
personal representative
of the estate of Lula M.
Towles, who died on
personal representative
of the estate of Ashley
Turton, who died on
January 10, 2011 with a
will, and will serve with-
out Court supervision.
All unknown heirs and
h e i r s w h o s e
whereabouts are un-
known shall enter their
appearance in this
proceeding. Objections
to such appointment (or
to the probate of de-
cedent¬s will) shall
cedent’s will) shall bebe
filed with the Register of
Wills, D.C., 515 5th
Street, N.W., 3rd Floor
Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C .
20001, on or before Au-
gust 18, 2011. Claims
against the decedent
shall be presented to the
undersigned with a copy
to the Register of Wills
or filed with the Register
of Wills with a copy to
the undersigned, on or
before August 18, 2011,
or be forever barred.
Persons believed to be
heirs or legatees of the
decedent who do not re-
ceive a copy of this no-
tice by mail within 25
days of its first publica-
tion shall so inform the
Register of Wills, includ-
ing name, address and
relationship.
Date of Publication:
February 18, 2011
Name of newspaper:
Afro-American
Washington Law
Reporter
Daniel Turton
Personal
Representative
301-217-0505 (Attorney)
TRUE TEST COPY
REGISTER OF WILLS
2/18, 2/25, 3/4
Joan D. Stanard, whose
address(es) are 1228
Quincy Street, NW
Washington DC 20011 &
14105 Huckleberry Ln,
Silver Spring MD 20906
were appointed per-
sonal representative(s)
of the estate of Pearl M.
Butler, who died on June
6, 2003 with a will, and
will serve without Court
supervision. All un-
known heirs and heirs
whose whereabouts are
unknown shall enter
their appearance in this
proceeding. Objections
to such appointment (or
to the probate of de-
cedent’s will)
cedent¬s will) shall
shall be
be 205(b) notice be sent to the
filed with the Register of
Wills, D.C., 515 5th
Street, N.W., 3rd Floor
Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C .
20001, on or before Au-
gust 18, 2011. Claims
against the decedent
shall be presented to the
undersigned with a copy
to the Register of Wills
or filed with the Register
of Wills with a copy to
the undersigned, on or
before August 18, 2011,
or be forever barred.
Persons believed to be
heirs or legatees of the
decedent who do not re-
ceive a copy of this no-
tice by mail within 25
days of its first publica-
tion shall so inform the
Register of Wills, includ-
ing name, address and
relationship.
Date of Publication:
February 18, 2011
Name of newspaper:
Afro-American
Washington Law
Reporter
Maurice A. Butler
Joan D. Stanard
Personal
Representative
202-726-5982
301-871-9409
TRUE TEST COPY
REGISTER OF WILLS
2/18, 2/25, 3/4
C.M. Ahaghotu and having mail and that proof of Personal
applied to the court for an service of mailing be Representative(s)
made in the manner pro-
Order of Publication of the 410-929-8793
notice required by law in
such cases; it is by the Court
vided in SCR Probate TRUE TEST COPY
Rule 19(b). REGISTER OF WILLS
this 18th day of February JUDGE Date of first publication:
2011.
ORDERED, that all persons A TRUE COPY TEST: February 25, 2011
concerned show cause, if 2/25, 3/4, 3/11 Name of newspapers
any there be, on or before SUPERIOR COURT OF and/or periodical:
the 25th day of March 2011, The Daily Washington
why the prayers of said THE DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA Law Reporter
complaint should not be
granted; provided that a PROBATE DIVISION The Afro-American
copy of this order be pub- Washington, D.C. 2/25, 3/4, 3/11
lished once a week for three 20001-2131 Superior Court of
consecutive weeks before Foreign No.
said day in the Afro- the District of
2011FEP13 District of Columbia
American Newspapers.
0
that pursuant to SCR Date of Death PROBATE DIVISION
March 16, 2004
Washington, D.C.
applicant¬s creditorsby
applicant’s creditors reg- Harriett H. Banks
byreg- 20001-2131
istered or certified mail and Decedent Administration No.
that proof of service of mail- NOTICE OF 2011ADM0099
ing be made in the manner APPOINTMENT
provided in SCR Probate Levitha Hedgepeth
OF FOREIGN Suggs
Rule 19(b).
JUDGE PERSONAL Decedent
A TRUE COPY TEST: REPRESENTATIVE NOTICE OF
2/25, 3/4, 3/11 AND APPOINTMENT,
NOTICE TO NOTICE TO
Superior Court of CREDITORS
CREDITORS
the District of Earl Banks whose ad- AND NOTICE TO
Columbia
dress is 2 Retinue UNKNOWN HEIRS
Civil Division Court, Unit 103, Bal- Jacqueline Suggs,
Case No. 557-2011 timore MD 21207 was whose address is 4517
IN RE: appointed personal re- A r k a n s a s A v e N W
Kyle Damien presentative of the Washington DC 20011,
Washington estate of Harriett H. was appointed personal
Applicant Banks, deceased, by the representative of the
ORDER OF Orphan's Court/Register estate of Levitha Hed-
PUBLICATION of Wills Court for Bal- gepeth Suggs, who died
CHANGE OF NAME timore City County, on November 27, 2010
Kyle Washington having State of Maryland on without a will, and will
filed a complaint for January 31, 2011. serve with Court su-
judgment changing Kyle Service of process may pervision. All unknown
Damien Washington be made upon Laverne heirs and heirs whose
name to Kyle Damien Montgomery, 1720 22nd whereabouts are un-
Jones and having ap- Street SE Washington known shall enter their
plied to the court for an DC 20020 whose des- appearance in this
Order of Publication of ignation as District of proceeding. Objections
the notice required by Columbia agent has to such appointment
law in such cases; it is been filed with the Reg- shall be filed with the
by the Court this 15th ister of Wills, D.C. Register of Wills, D.C.,
day of February 2011. The decedent owned 515 5th Street, N.W.,
ORDERED, that all per- the following District of 3rd Floor Washington,
sons concerned show Colombia real property: D.C. 20001, on or be-
cause, if any there be, 719 Kennedy Street NW fore August 25, 2011.
on or before the 22nd Washington DC 20011 Claims against the de-
day of March 2011, why Claims against the de- cedent shall be pre-
the prayers of said com- cedent may be pre- sented to the under-
plaint should not be sented to the under- signed with a copy to the
heirs and heirs whose
whereabouts are un-
known 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.,
LEGAL
3rd Floor NOTICES
Washington,
D.C. 20001, on or be-
fore August 25, 2011.
Claims against the de-
cedent shall be pre-
sented to the under-
signed with a copy to the
Register of Wills or filed
with the Register of Wills
with a copy to the under-
against the decedent
shall be presented to the
undersigned with a copy
to the Register of Wills
or filed with the Register
B7
of Wills with a copy to
the undersigned, on or
before August 25, 2011,
The Afro-American, February 26, 2011 - March 4, 2011, The Afro-American
or be forever barred.
LEGALbelieved
Persons NOTICES to be LEGAL NOTICES
heirs or legatees of the
decedent who do not re-
ceive a copy of this no-
tice by mail within 25
days of its first publica-
tion shall so inform the
Register of Wills, includ-
ing name, address and
relationship.

 ! !  

Date of Publication:

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
signed, on or before Au-
gust 25, 2011, or be for- February 25, 2011
ever barred. Persons Name of newspaper:
believed to be heirs or Afro-American
legatees of the decedent
who do not receive a
copy of this notice by
mail within 25 days of its
Washington Law
Reporter
Glenwood P. Roane SR
Personal
!! 

first publication shall so

inform the Register of
Wills, including name,
Representative
401-526-1889
TRUE TEST COPY
!! !
! 
address and relation- REGISTER OF WILLS !'1320'.+-,+3"(&(/&2+3"2+.-2/ 3$,%%.00.,+3'2030*'1)(1)323
ship. 2/18,
2/25, 2/25, 3/4
3/4, 3/11
Date of Publication: (&.*312/.+3-,30,.*.-3*,%%1+-032&,(-323)/2
-3 #3/,/2%3,.* 
February 25, 2011
Name of newspaper: !'13(&.*312/.+03.3&1
Afro-American
Washington Law  !#3 #
Reporter
Jacqueline Suggs $#3##"3$! !#3$! ""$312)(2/-1/0
To Advertise call 202-332-0080

Personal 1)+10)2 31&/(2/ 33 !'(/0)2 31&/(2/ 33 1)+10)2 32/*'33

Representative 7*,.,72477*,., 7*,.,72477*,., 7*,.,72477*,.,
703-304-7699
TRUE TEST COPY 4&127(.515+23025417&5/(51 26//07,7031637&5/(51 &(52435&.
REGISTER OF WILLS $$74631437 (6174'5673, $))7%03/01(761&6 $)$7'652637016
2/25, 3/4, 3/11
**637%03/434!7%7) )) 4-5//6!7%7)
) 0&36/!7%7))
Superior Court of
the District of
District of Columbia $'1*3-'13""$31&0.-13-,3*,+
./%3-.%1032+)3)2-10
PROBATE DIVISION 00*2-1/*,%
Washington, D.C.
20001-2131 4767*/0-6(74172#67+*60637/5+2751(55(&0/+7-0176.05/7.6*4/5-'++-'0263,-4. 437-4120-272#6
Administration No. %7 ""5-67027 )$)

)),73522617-4..612+7.0767+&.5226(7"43751-/&+54175172#6736-43(
2010ADM78
Grace R. Gwaltney 76.05/51 7.6*4/5-'++-'0263,-4. 437.05/51 7%+,74'01(07,7551 +241!7536-243!7.0//!
Decedent 4-0/701(7%5143527&+516++71263*35+67 ""5-6!7!7226125417%734 30.!7$)$7'65263
Glenwood P Roane SR 016!70&36/7%7)),7#67*&/5-7#60351 736-43(7'5//736.05174*617&125/7%03-#7!7)$$,7
#971309
217 Exchange Avenue 4""63+770--4..4(025417"4372#67#60351 75.*0536(,7
Memphis, TN 38105
Attorney 7'5//7-41+5(6372#67-4..612+7'#617(30"251 707"510/7%74/5-7*34 30.724767*36+6126(724
NOTICE OF 2#674..5++54163+7"43707426,7#6716'734 30.7*4/5-7'4&/(720676""6-27%07$!7)$$,7#67-&33612
APPOINTMENT, 512635.7%74/5-76
*536+7*35/7 )!7)$$,74756'72#67(30"2716'7%734 30.7*4/5-!7 4724
NOTICE TO ''','++-'0263,-4.,
CREDITORS
AND NOTICE TO
UNKNOWN HEIRS
Glenwood P. Roane SR,
whose address is 217
Exchange Avenue,
Memphis Tennessee
38105 was appointed
personal representative
of the estate of Grace R.
Gwaltney, who died on
December 12, 2009
without a will, and will
serve without Court su-
pervision. All unknown
heirs and heirs whose
whereabouts are un-
known shall enter their
appearance in this
proceeding. Objections
to such appointment (or
to the probate of de-
cedent¬s will) shall
cedent’s will) shall bebe
filed with the Register of
Wills, D.C., 515 5th
Street, N.W., 3rd Floor
Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C .
20001, on or before Au-
gust 25, 2011. Claims
against the decedent
shall be presented to the
undersigned with a copy
to the Register of Wills
or filed with the Register
of Wills with a copy to
the undersigned, on or
before August 25, 2011,
or be forever barred.
Persons believed to be
heirs or legatees of the
decedent who do not re-
ceive a copy of this no-
tice by mail within 25
days of its first publica-
tion shall so inform the
Register of Wills, includ-
ing name, address and
relationship.
Date of Publication:
February 25, 2011
Name of newspaper:
Afro-American
Washington Law
Reporter

Local Artist Hosts Fundraiser for Famed ‘Blue Man Group’ Show
Glenwood P. Roane SR
Personal
Representative
401-526-1889
TRUE TEST COPY

Arts School
REGISTER OF WILLS
2/18, 2/25, 3/4
Comes to D.C.
By Bobby Marvin The high-octane “Blue Man
Photo by Paul Kolnik

Special to the AFRO Group” theatrical showcase will pump

up the Warner Theatre for a limited
Mark Cottman understands engagement, March 23 to April 3.
what it takes for Baltimore “Blue Man Group,” the critically
youth to succeed and he is acclaimed show USA Today called “an
determined help them. As a ecstatic experience,” is best known
visual artist and comedian, he
for its widely popular, yet totally
has made his way in and out
unique performances.  Audience
of many circles, so it was a
no-brainer when he decided members escape the ordinary as
to host a series of art shows they’re surrounded by an explosive
from his gallery with a portion Courtesy Photo/RainPryor.com
convergence of comedy and multi-
of the proceeds going to local Rain Pryor media technology, as well as the
programs and organizations. haunting, driving rhythms of a live
Given his love for comedy and the legendary funnyman Richard Pryor, Cottman decided band.  The family party atmosphere
to partner with comedienne and actress Rain Pryor, daughter of the late funnyman, to raise created at these events has become the
money for her upcoming theatre production featuring students from ConneXions Leadership trademark of “Blue Man Group.” The “Blue Man Group” comes to D.C. March
Arts Academy. The academy is a small charter middle/high school housed in the once troubled  For the first time, Washington 23- April 3 at the Warner Theatre.
Lemmel Middle School building in West Baltimore. On Feb. 25, Cottman will host an open will experience the classic “Blue
reception at his gallery featuring Pryor, comedian Koli Tengella along with acoustic guitarist and Man Group” performance in an intimate theater setting.  In addition to favorite Blue Man
former member of revered R&B singer Teddy Pendergrass’ band Karter Jaymes. moments, the production features brand new material that is garnering raves from critics and
“It’s very filling to be able to, in any small way, do something positive for these young fans alike.
people,” said Cottman during a visit to ConneXions. “Just to be able to create art is wonderful,
In a press release, the Blue Man Group shared a recent audience member review posted
just to be able to do something for young people is wonderful.”
on their website. “Absolutely amazing,” the show attendee wrote. “Never once thought I
Cottman took the time to sit in on one of Pryor’s theatre classes to observe the young
thespians in action. For clarification, Pryor briefly interjects between readings to explain passages could have so much fun in one night!!!!  Wanted to go back for another show the next night! 
as her handful of students take turns reading August Wilson’s stage play Gem of the Ocean. Simply INCREDIBLE!!!!”
“I really wanted to teach them [the students] about themselves and the Diaspora. His [August  “Blue Man Group” on tour also features a new physical design centered around a
Wilson] other plays are great, but I think this really depicts our ancestral journey really well,” massive LED curtain and high-resolution screen, creating an entirely new visual experience.
said Pryor.  “Until now, we have never mounted a touring version of our theatrical production,” said
ConneXions aims to empower Baltimore youth and cultivate arts awareness and culture. “Blue Man Group” co-founder Philip Stanton in a prepared statement. “The main reason
The school engages youth with diverse forms expression including dance and visual art. Just by for this is we needed to find a way to transform theaters of all shapes and sizes into spaces
walking down the hallways of the school, their mission is evident as the sound of African drums in which the Blue Man can intimately connect with the audience, where the audience can
permeate the walls of Pryor’s class room. The noise doesn’t bother the students. They are at ease. become engaged with the spirit of the show and of the Blue Man himself.  Our goal with this
For some students, this learning environment has improved their self-awareness and a sense production, as with all of our productions, is to help audience members reconnect with their
of personal responsibility. own sense of discovery, with their own sense of what is possible in their lives.”
“I’m very proud of myself. I take an extra step forward into pushing myself, so that way…  “Blue Man Group” at the Warner Theatre is produced by Blue Man Group Productions
when I get older I can know what to do,” said student Terry Benson Jr. “Because we need to and NETWORKS Presentations.
stand together, that’s what we’re not realizing.
Tickets, starting at $32 (plus applicable service charges), are on sale now at the Warner
Cottman looks on and is pleased with what the youth in the performing arts class have shared.
Theatre Box Office, online at www.LiveNation.com or www.Ticketmaster.com, and via
He only hopes that more adults would take heed to their efforts.
“You can’t grow a strong tree from the branches down; you have to grow it from the roots up. phone at 800- 551-7328.  For special group rates on select performances, call 866- 276-
So it starts with the people, said Cottman. “We have to take this into our own hands and make a 2947. For more information and show times, call the Warner Theatre at 202- 783-4000 or
change to care for these children and not let these children go into life without…opportunities.” visit www.warnertheatre.com.
Afro-American - Student_Layout 1 2/11/11 3:39 PM Page 1

B8 The Afro-American, February 26, 2011 - February 26, 2011

Strong
Men&
Women
THE SERIES

of words
By reading the writings of inspirational African-American leaders, these young
people learned how words can change the lives of others and themselves.

Basil Abdalla Starr Shands Atif Javed Benjamin Stoll

EASTERN REGION CENTRAL REGION NORTHERN REGION WESTERN REGION
Frank W. Cox High School Dinwiddie High School Fairfax High School Grace Christian High School
Virginia Beach, Virginia Dinwiddie, Virginia Fairfax, Virginia Staunton, Virginia

THEY READ ABOUT WHAT IT TAKES

to overcome the oppression of slavery, to persevere through
Strong
racism and prejudice, and to stand strong in their beliefs. The
Men&
more they read, the more these students understood how their Women
THE SERIES

own writings could affect attitudes and opinions and become

catalysts for change. That’s what led them to enter Dominion’s
2011 Strong Men & Women: Excellence in Leadership series
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS OF LEADERS
student writing contest. And as proof of their persuasive writing, FEATURED IN WINNING ESSAYS

they’ve become this year’s winners. 1830s

Their essays earned each of them a laptop computer Frederick Douglass escapes from slavery and
goes on to become the nation’s most eloquent
and a grant for their school. For further inspiration, they voice for emancipation.

Winning essay by Atif Javed

were introduced to some of the African-American leaders
Dominion has been honoring for the past 21 years. Instead of 1920s
Langston Hughes joins other influential
reading about this year’s Strong Men & Women honorees, African-American writers and artists in creating
the Harlem Renaissance, and publishes
they were able to meet them in person. And experience the his first book of poetry, The Weary Blues.

power of their words firsthand. Winning essay by Benjamin Stoll

1960s
Malcolm X makes his pilgrimage to Mecca,
The Strong Men & Women: Excellence in Leadership series is an annual series sponsored by Dominion to which transforms his life and his message,
honor the contributions of influential African-American leaders. In conjunction with this series, Dominion inspiring him to disavow racism.
is helping prepare future leaders by providing student scholarships and grants, as well as resource
material for schools. To learn more about the series, its honorees, and available resource materials, visit Winning essay by Basil Abdalla
www.dom.com, keyword: strong.
2000s
Nikki Giovanni is nominated for Best Spoken
Word Album at the 46th Annual Grammy
Awards and is named by Oprah Winfrey as
one of twenty-five “living legends.”

Winning essay by Starr Shands

©2011 Dominion