Prince George's County Afro-American Newspaper, March 19, 2011
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8/7/2019 Prince George's County Afro-American Newspaper, March 19, 2011
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March 19, 2011 - March 19, 2011, The Afro-American A1
By Gregory DaleAFRO Staf Writer
Kweisi Mfume, former
U.S. Congressman and
current chief executive
ofcer of the National
Medical Association
(NMA), recently announced
he was stepping down from
the position, effective in
June.
Ive had the
opportunity to work with
a great number of very
talented physicians and
scientists, as their chief
administrator who runs the
ship day in and day out,
Mfume told the AFRO in
a recent interview. Ive
really enjoyed my time
working there.
The NMA is the
nations oldest and largest
medical association
representing the interests of
more than 30,000 African-
American physicians and
their patients.
Mfume, who also once
served as president of
the NAACP, notied the
NMAs board last week of
his departure thats set to
occur on June 7. Despite his
imminent exit, hes offered
to stay longer in the position
to ensure a smooth transition
for the organizations
next leader. Mfume said
the organization has not
announced a new leader.
He joined the NMA in
2010, and explained that
at the time of his hire,
he agreed to stay in the
position for a year to try
to help it reach its goal of
becoming more effective
among plethora of
healthcare and medical
organizations.
Quite frankly, I feel
like Ive been able to do
just that, working with
board and committee
members to create a
more efcient scal
operation, Mfume
said. After working so
hard, Im just going to
take a break and try to
recharge my engines for
whatever my next step
or endeavor might be.
Im not even in a rush to
try to come up with solid
plans [for my next step],
but Im sure something
will present itself.
Mfume added that
some of the highlights
during his tenure at
NMA include helping
to reshape it to further
cater to its physicians
and patients needs.
The biggest thing
has been to work with the
physicians there in breathing
a whole new sense of life
back into the association
and having an opportunity
to make it much more of an
advocacy organization on
behalf of physicians around
the country, Mfume said.
By George BarnetteAFRO Staf Writer
Prince Georges County
Executive Rushern Baker
released his proposed budgeton March 14 for the Prince
Georges County Councils
review. In the budget, Bakersaid he tried to fund key
programs even though the
countys economy is still in adownturn.
In order to move Prince
Georges County along thepath to greatness, we had to
make difcult decisions in
the FY2012 budget processdue to these challenging
economic times, Baker said.I am committed to making
smart investments that will
move the county forward.The county has seen a
decrease in real property
assessments due to correctionin the housing market and
that will cause a decrease
from $96 billion in propertytaxes in scal 2011 to $84
billion in scal 2012, the
lowest in four years.The county is also
losing out on $10 million
in Maryland DisparityGrant funding, $46 million
in funding from Parks andPlanning and the loss of
several million in federal
stimulus dollars to thecountys public school
system.
Despite that, Baker plansto invest $1.6 billion in
the public schools, $535
million in public safety and$15 million for Dimensions
Health, the company that
operates Prince GeorgesHospital Center.
By George Barnette
AFRO Staf Writer
The Prince Georges Community College Communication
and Theatre Department is currently in rehearsals of AugustWilsons play, Two Trains Running, a story about civil rights era
Pittsburgh.August Wilson didnt write about famous people, said
Charles Weldon, the director of the play. He wrote about
people youve never heard of, who live in the house next door orthe house down the street, and their struggles.
Weldon is a veteran actor who has acted in a production of
Two Trains Running himself. Weldons career includes working
in lms such as Stir Crazy and Malcolm Xas well as appearing
on primetime television shows, Law and Order and NewYork Undercover.
Hes brought years of experience to the play so its only
natural that hes using that experience to teach the students atPGCC a process he said is coming along slowly but surely.
I used to teach acting a lot and thats what I nd myself
doing, Weldon said. At this point Im doing more teachingthan directing.
At the same time you want to push [the students] to wherethey can get to the point to where they can start creating on their
own, he continued. Some of them are getting there and doing
that and I really appreciate that.Weldon is very hands-on with the students and actors. He
doesnt mind stopping a scene or changing a detail here and
there to have the play make more sense. Hell even talk toan actor in the middle of scene, something that PGCC acting
teacher Gina Alvarado-Otero appreciates.
I love when he just goes and whispers advice in their ears,she said. Some people may get ustered but the kids hear the
Volume 119 No. 32 PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY EDITION
Hear the AFRO on The DailyDrum, Wednesday at 7 p.m.
MARCH 19, 2011 - MARCH 25, 2011
Sorry Sessoms, We Dont Buy It A7
Continued on A4
Continued on A4
Copyright 2011 by the Aro-American Company
Join the AFROon
Twitter and Facebook Continued on A4Continued on A4
Famed PhotographerBrian Lanker Dies A2
Baker Releases Proposed Budget
PGCC Communication & Theatre Department
Veteran ActorDirects WilsonsTwo Trains Running
Kweisi Mfume Stepping Down AsCEO National Medical Association
County Residents FavorForeclosure AssistanceBy George Barnette
AFRO Staf Writer
All over Prince Georges County, people are moving into foreclosed homesfor prices cheaper than many other people paid for their homes. And, for themost part, Prince Georges homeowners are perfectly ne with it.
In some areas of the country, government assistance, aimed at keeping andgetting people into foreclosed homes, is really angering residents, but not in
Prince Georges County. Residents are seeing their property value plummet and
their property taxes skyrocket so they are encouraged to see any assistance.Too many families have left our county due to foreclosure and high taxes
which has affected our synergy as a county, said James Dula, chairman of
the Maryland branch of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference andformer chairman of the Prince Georges County Chamber of Commerce. The
foreclosure crisis has resulted in the loss of families, businesses and taxes while
affecting who we are as a county.Lake Arbor resident Adrian McQueen agrees. He said hes frustrated with
seeing his property value steadily decrease and thinks that help is necessary.
As a homeowner I want these people to get assistance, McQueen said.People foreclosing is ruining my property value. The more foreclosures in the
market, the higher my taxes will be because the county has to make up for all
Courtesy Photo/Realty Trac
Prince Georges high rate o oreclosures is driving up property taxes.
Philly Teens Become FirstBlack Polo Champs B4
Rap mogul 50 Cent, inset, has angered ans with his tweeted comments in which he made jokes
about the earthquake-precipitated tsunami in Japan late last week, that has let thousands deadand many more injured or missing. In this photo, members o the Japan Ground Sel-Deense
Force walk in a deployment line as they search tsunami damaged parts o Ounato, Japan, orsurvivors, March 15. See the ull story on aro.com
AP Photos
Rapper 50 Cent Inames Fanswith Japan Tsunami Jokes
AFRO File Photo/Bill Tabron
Kweisi Mume, shown in thisAFRO fle photo, has announced
his plans to resign as president/
CEO o the National Medical
Association.
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A2 The Afro-American, March 19, 2011 - March 25, 2011
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The Afro-American NewspapersBaltimore Ofce Corporate Headquarters
2519 N. Charles StreetBaltimore, Maryland 21218-4602
410-554-8200 Fax: 1-877-570-9297
www.afro.com
Founded by John Henry Murphy Sr., August 13, 1892
Washington Publisher Emerita - Frances L. Murphy II
Chairman of the Board/Publisher - John J. Oliver, Jr.Executive Assistant - Takiea Hinton - 410-554-8222
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Director of Advertising/Sponsorship Development & Sales
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E-mail: [email protected]
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Customer Service, Home Delivery and Subscriptions:
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AFRO National BriefsFamed PhotographerBrian Lanker Dies
Pulitzer Prize-winningphotographer Brian Lankerdied March 13 at his home inEugene, Ore., the Register-Guardnewspaper reported.
He was 63.The photojournalists
images were featured in IDream a World: Portraits ofBlack Women Who ChangedAmerica and Track Town,USA.
Brian was a mastercraftsman who didnt needwords to communicate,Register-Guards editor andpublisher, Tony Baker, saidin an article posted on thenewspapers website. Hiscamera work alone made forextraordinary storytelling.He was a consummateprofessional, always preparedwhen on assignment forthe paper. He was a bigpersonality with a big-pictureview of life and of his craft.Brian made everyone aroundhim better at what they did.
Pa. Teen Accused of KillingMom over ConscatedVideo Game
A Philadelphia teen isfacing murder charges afterhe allegedly killed his motherfor taking away his videogame console.
Kendall Anderson, 16,is being charged as an adultfor the alleged murder of hismother, 37-year-old Rashida
Anderson. Following aheated argument on Nov. 26concerning a laptop stolenfrom school, Andersonsmother conscated hisPlayStation video gameconsole.
I couldnt stand thearguing, Anderson saidin a confession read byhomicide Detective ThorstenLucke of the PhiladelphiaPolice Departmentduring a preliminaryhearing. According to ThePhiladelphia Inquirer, theteen deliberated for threehours before he decided tokill his mother.
In his confession,Anderson said he struck hismother with a claw hammer20 times while she slept. Thegruesome confession alsorevealed that he attempted tocremate her body. When hisattempts failed, he proceededto beat her head with achair and dispose of herbody in an alley behind theAndersons home. The bodywas discovered two dayslater, after family memberssuspicions led them to callthe police.
Anderson is chargedwith murder, possession ofan instrument of crime andabuse of a corpse.
If I could, I would notdo it again, Anderson saidin his confession, accordingto reports. I really miss mymom. . . She was the onlyperson who cared for me.
Similar video-gamerelated deaths have occurred
in the past few years. In2008, Tyrone Spellmanof Philadelphia murderedhis 17-month-old daughterafter she broke his Xbox. In2010, Alexandra Tobias ofJacksonville, Fla., pleadedguilty to second-degreemurder after shaking herbaby to death for disturbingher while she played popularFacebook game Farmville.
President Obama, FirstLady Call for United FrontAgainst Bullying
President Obama and rstlady Michelle Obama metwith more than 150 parents,teachers, non-prot leaders,advocates, and policymakersat a White House conferenceon March 10 in an effort toaddress the problem of youthbullying.
Those in attendance
discussed methods toachieve safer schoolsand communities for thenations students. One of theobjectives of the conferencewas to dismiss the idea thatbullying is a part of growingup.
Bullying can have
destructive consequencesfor our young people.And its not something wehave to accept. As parentsand students; teachers andcommunities, we can takesteps that will help preventbullying and create a climatein our schools in which all ofour children can feel safe,Obama said in a preparedstatement.
As parents, this issuereally hits home for us. Itbreaks our hearts to think thatany child feels afraid everyday in the classroom, on theplayground, or even online,the rst lady said. I hope
that all of youand everyonewatching onlinewill walkaway from this conferencewith new ideas and solutionsthat you can take backto your own schools andcommunities.
The conference alsohighlighted private, nonprot,and federal commitments toprevent bullying. MTV andFacebook were among theorganizations that unveiledinitiatives against bullying.
Courtesy Image
Brian Lankers work was
featured in I Dream aWorld: Portraits of Black
Women Who Changed
America.
Courtesy Photo
Kendall Anderson
President Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, broughtthe issue of bullying center stage during a recent WhiteHouse conference on the issue.
Courtesy Photo
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A2 The Afro-American, March 19, 2011 - March 19, 2011
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POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to: The Washington Afro-American& Washington Tribune, 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4602.
March 19, 2011 - March 25, 2011 The Afro-American A3
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By Hazel Trice EdneyTriceEdneyWire.com
Special to the AFRO
WASHINGTON
(TriceEdneyWire.com) On
the 184th birthday of the
Black Press, March 16, an
odd debacle is underway.
The NAACP, the nations
oldest and largest civil rights
organization, is under re
from Black newspapers
around the country over an
issue of economic injustice.
NAACP President and
CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous
admits that a grave mistake
was made right under his
nose when advertising inserts
were placed only in White
newspapers on the eve of the
organizations annual image
awards, which aired March 4.
Danny Bakewell, chairman
of the National Newspaper
Publishers Association
(NNPA), a federation of
more than 200 Black-owned
newspapers, is demanding
justice.
If the NAACP desires
to advertise with the
White press, they need to
understand and experience
the repercussions of going
outside of their house (The
Black Press). The NAACP
needs to know that by
ignoring the Black Press they
are cutting off their nose to
spite their face, Bakewell
said in a March 7 letter to
NNPA publishers, obtained
by the Trice Edney News
Wire. We have marched side
by side with them and been
their voice in the African
American community. It is
truly disheartening to be on
the battleeld with someone
and not be able to share in the
spoils.
In his rst public response
to the issue, Jealous released
a statement on Sunday after
he was contacted by the Trice
Edney News Wire.
This years NAACP
annual Image Awards
television show was a great
success, he wrote in the
statement. However, on
the eve of the show, a grave
mistake was made: circulars
that were supposed to appear
in both the mainstream
press and Black community
newspapers only appeared in
the mainstream press.
The advertising debacle
has sparked a restorm of
criticism from the Black Press
family of which Jealous has
long been a member. Jealous
is a former NNPA executive
director and a former editorofThe Jackson Advocate, an
NNPA newspaper. NAACP
insiders said he is set to
meet with NNPA leaders and
members this week during the
organizations annual trek to
Washington for Black Press
Week activities.
I am very sensitive to
the need to support Black
community newspapers.
They are the only way to
assure Black readers in a
given community that you
actually want your ads to
reach them directly. In the
past, I personally have both
sold and purchased ads in
Black community newspapers
across the country. Moreover,
I dedicated years of my life
to working for them directly,
Jealous said in the statement.
Notwithstanding, Black
newspapers across the
nation have long fought
advertising discrimination
from mainly White corporatecommunities which ignore
the economic worth of their
readers Black consumers,
who spend billions on goods
and services. Therefore, Black
publishers have expressed
shock at nding this kind of
omission associated with the
100-year-old NAACP, which
has a rich history of ghting
alongside the Black Press for
racial and economic equality.
As a unied response to
the omission, Bakewell asked
NNPA members to refrain
from writing anything about
the Image Awards in the
weeks following its airing onFOX.
Scathing articles and
editorials joined Bakewells
letter.
Robert W. Bogle,
publisher of the Philadelphia
Tribune, said in a March 3
Tribune story reprinted by
Target Market News: In
(Thursdays) Philadelphia
Daily News, the 42nd
NAACP Awards Magazine
was inserted and not one
copy was inserted in the
Philadelphia Tribune,
Americas oldest andAmericas largest daily
newspaper serving
the African-American
community.
He continued, This
action is an insult to the
men and women who work
at the Philadelphia Tribune
and should be an insult to
Black Americans in this
country. The very right of full
inclusion and participation of
African Americans has been
denied by the organization
that purports that African
Americans should be fairly
included in all aspects of
American life.New York Beacons
Publisher Walter Smith,
president of the 17-member
Northeast Publishers
Association, wrote in an
editorial, We credit our
leaders of the NAACP with
good sound judgment and
common sense at least. What
were they thinking when this
decision was made? Who
were they trying to attract,
and or who were they tryingto impress?
Due to legalities,
according to the NAACP,
Jealous withheld the name of
the advertising agency, which
has distributed the guide for
ve years. But, his statement
sought to explain how the
omission occurred:
The advertising company
originally conceived the
guide and presented it as a
fundraiser to the NAACP.It is solely responsible for
selling the ads and handling
the distribution. It pays the
NAACP a licensing royalty
which is used to support our
ongoing diversity efforts in
Hollywood, Jealous states.
Accordingly, I requested
and received assurance fromthe advertising company
that their distribution plan
included Black community
newspapers. However, the
advertising company has
failed to follow through.
This year, when the guides
came out, they did not show
up in any Black community
newspapers.
He concludes, The
NAACP does not condone
the agencys decision to
exclude Black community
newspapers. It is contrary to
our explicit instruction, and
we were not aware of the
agencys decision until afterthe guides hit the papers,
Black Press Rebukes NAACP in Image Awards Advertising DebacleBen Jealous Admits Grave Mistake
"If this company wants to do businesswith the NAACP again, they will need tomake things right with Black communitynewspapers in the markets where theguide was distributed, and convince usthey are capable of keeping their word."
Ben JealousPhoto courtesy of TriceEdneyWire.com
Ben Jealous, NAACP
president and CEO, admits
a grave mistake was
made. He is working to
ensure it does not happenagain.
Continued on A4
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8/7/2019 Prince George's County Afro-American Newspaper, March 19, 2011
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March 19, 2011 - March 19, 2011, The Afro-American A3
the vacant homes where taxes
arent being paid. No matterhow much we make, some
assistance is needed.
Due to the rise in taxes andneighborhood blights, county
ofcials said they had to take
action. The county had somany vacant properties that
they decided to nd a way toget people into those homes.
As a part of the
Neighborhood StabilizationProgram, Prince Georges
ofcials created the Down
Payment on Your Dreaminitiative. This provides
down payment and closing
cost assistance to rst-timehomebuyers and people
who havent owned a homein three years, when they
purchase vacant foreclosed
property in the county.I know that the economic
times we are in are tough,
said Prince Georges CountyExecutive Rushern Baker in a
statement. However, history
has taught us that tough timesdont last forever. As a result
of our countys progress over
the last seven years, we are
well positioned to address the
challenges we face. Thatswhy the Prince Georges
County Government is
administering this program.Under the program, very
low-income families are
eligible for up to $60,000 in
loans from the county. Some
county homeowners whobought their homes the old-
fashioned way dont think its
fair, but understand why theprogram is necessary.
You have to think about
the type of person you are
said Christopher Cheatham, a
Lanham resident. A selshperson will protest, but a
non-selsh person will say,
If it helps them, I am all forit. For me, I would like for
people to be self-sufcient,
but some people just are notable, and I believe everyone
should have a chance to livea decent life with a roof over
their heads.
There are 33 zip codeseligible to receive funding
including target zip codes
in Upper Marlboro, Bowie,Largo and Fort Washington.
Currently there are no
funds available for theprogram, but county ofcials
hope to replenish the coffers.No timetable has been set for
that. The program was started
in the county in 2009 and hashelped over 500 families so
far.
A4 The Afro-American, March 19, 2011 - March 25, 2011
Bid OpportunitiesNutrient Compliance Facilities
UOSA Contract P1NR
Centreville, Virginia
Upper Occoquan Service AuthorityBid Due: April 12, 2011 @ 2:00 pm
Description of Work: Contract P1NR Nutrient Compliance Facilities gen-
erally consists of improvements to existing wastewater treatment facilities
(secondary treatment) at the Upper Occoquan Service Authoritys (UOSA)
Water Reclamation Plant located at 14631 Compton Rd, Centreville VA.
Primary elements of work are: Renewal, Demolition, Replacement, Repairs
and Modications to existing concrete structures; Aeration Basins, Second-
ary Clariers, and Pump Stations. In addition yard piping, clarier mecha-
nisms and extensive electrical and instrumentation work associated with the
improvements. Corman Construction, Inc. is soliciting quotes for the above
referenced project from all subcontractors, suppliers, and service providers.
In particular, Corman is seeking quotes from certied MBE and WBE sub-
contractors and suppliers for the following types of work: concrete demoli-
tion & structural concrete repairs, new structural concrete, reinforcing steel,
miscellaneous metals, painting, electrical, instrumentation, HVAC, erosion
control, permanent seeding, asphalt paving, concrete atwork, material &
equipment suppliers, materials testing, and hauling. Please contact Bonnie
Hulme at 301-953-0900 or at [email protected] with
questions or to schedule an appt to view bid documents and plans. Quotes
may be faxed to 301-953-2611.
Corman Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer,
M/F MBE WBE DBE SBE.
Baker Releases Proposed BudgetContinued from A1
Foreclosure AssistanceContinued from A1
Veteran Actor DirectsContinued from A1
MfumeContinued from A1
NAACPContinued from A3
The funding for public
schools still fell about $8million short of what the
countys school board
requested. However, PrinceGeorges Public Schools
Superintendent William Hite
still thanked Baker for hiscommitment to education.
I thank the CountyExecutive for his support
of education funding and
for making a decisionwhich will help sustain our
education reform, said
Hite in a statement. Thisannouncement demonstrates
his commitment to the
children of our County.One new initiative
Baker wants to fund is theEconomic Development
Incentive (EDI). Baker is
asking to use a one-timepayment of $50 million from
the countys fund balance to
provide a long-term nancial
solution to the countyscurrent scal woes.
That will help us expand
our economy and expand ourcommercial tax base, Baker
said. This expansion will
provide additional resourcesin the long term for our major
priority areas; K-12 educationand public safety.
Coming with the
fund is a new economicdevelopment team consisting
of Carla Reid, deputy chief
administrative ofcer foreconomic development, as
well as David Iannucci and
Aubrey Thagard, both giventhe title of assistant deputy
chief administrative ofcerfor economic development
and public infrastructure.
Although thoseinvestments were made,
the county will continue
its hiring freeze as well as
suspending all cost of livingand step increases for county
employees. Baker said
the decision to ask countyemployees to take a hit was
the toughest decision he had
to make.The people who work
in this government deserveincreases, he said. If there
was any way that I could fund
it I would.We simply cant nd
the resources to do it, he
continued.The Council now gets
the budget to work through
before they return it to Bakerfor nal approval. In the
meantime, Baker said he willcontinue to work with Gov.
Martin OMalley and the
Prince Georges delegation inAnnapolis to ght for more
funding.
he said. Nonetheless, it wasmade for a publication that
bears our name, and as CEO
I take ultimate responsibilityfor it. For that reason, I have
apologized to the NNPA andpromised their leadership this
will not happen again.
Jealous added that thedistribution will be put out for
bids next year with assurance
that Black newspapers will be
included.We have also let the
agency know that we willnot tolerate their abuse of the
trust the NAACP has placedin them, nor that which Black
community newspapers place
in the NAACP, Jealouswrote. If this company
wants to do business with the
NAACP again, they will needto make things right with
Black community newspapers
in the markets where theguide was distributed, and
convince us they are capable
of keeping their word.Whether his explanation
will end the controversyremains to be seen. Smith,
who is also NNPAs budget
director, concludes hiseditorial, Stay tuned, theres
much more to come.
Editors note: The writer
of this article is former
editor-in-chief of the NNPA
News Service and former
interim executive director of
the NNPA Foundation. She
was hired at NNPA by Ben
Jealous.
advice and then theyre ne.
Weldon said there are some distinct
challenges with working with a school,however. He said that after a month of
rehearsals with a professional acting company,
a play would be ready for open. But withstudents, who have to worry about school and
other time restrictions, its more difcult to getthis play perfected.
I know these kids cant come to rehearsal
until they get out of school, he said. Youcant rehearse more than four hours, which
is totally different than professionals because
then you can rehearse seven working hours.Weldon is also concerned with his other
job as artistic director of the Negro Ensemble
Company in Harlem, whose alumni list
includes Phylicia Rashad, Denzel Washington
and Samuel L. Jackson.
Weldon said he didnt mind taking the job,although he knew the school wouldnt be able
to pay him much. All I say is help me so that
I dont lose money, Weldon said. My staffis always one the phone with me and when I
woke up this morning I had a lot of messages.The natives are getting restless.
Despite the challenges, the play is coming
along and will be ready to open on March31. Weldon says the experience has been
invaluable to him.
This is a good place to start directing, hesaid. The kids are trying. Its good for me to
go through this part of it because I plan to do a
lot more of it.
Photo by George Barnette
Charles Weldon works with two students during rehearsals ofTwo Trains Running.
The industry is changing
so rapidly and so many of
those physicians have been
really working hard to ght
those disparities that exist in
our communities like cancer,
cardio vascular disease ...
hypertension and AIDS.
Additionally, he explained
that hes fought to ensure the
organizations mandate and
concerns were heard among
ofcials on Capitol Hill.
Mfume also worked
closely with the Student
National Medical Association,a subdivision of the
organization, to provide more
mentorship opportunities to
help them successfully lead
the organization into a new
era.
Ive made a big push my
whole time there as I did at
the NAACP, to make sure
that the younger aspect of the
movement is not left out,
Mfume said. We ought to be
prepared to help them lead the
way into the future.
As a result of ourcountys progressover the last sevenyears, we arewell positioned toaddress thechallenges we face.
Prince Georges County
Executive Rushern Baker
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March 19, 2011 - March 25, 2011, The Afro-American A5
The 12th Annual Youth Law Fair, hosted
by the D.C. Superior Court and the D.C.
Bar, brings cyberbullying and its harmful
effects to the limelight this year. The annual
fair brings lawyers, high school students,
judges and educators together to examine
local social and legal issues. Chief Judge
Lee F. Sattereld, Judge
Melvin Wright and D.C.
Bar President Kim Keenan
are among the participants
slated to attend the daylong
program.
The event also includes
a mock trial, speaking
sessions and rafe
giveaways, providinglocal teens an opportunity
to develop hands on
experience with practicing
law and understanding
Americas judicial system.
Students will also
receive breakfast and lunch,
and participate in exhibits
and tours of the courthouse
and holding cells.
The 12th Annual Youth
Law Fair takes place March 19, 9 a.m.-
4 p.m., at the Moultrie Courthouse, 500
Indiana Courthouse, N.W. Free. For more
information and to register, go to ezregister.
com/events/1670 or visit dcbar.org/youthlawfair.
Teens to Discuss Cyberbullying at Annual Law Fair
WASHINGTON Howard University students, inresponse to a news report of a Washington, D.C. high school
that doesnt have enough books in its library, have launched
a campaign to collect and donate more than 1,000 books toWashington Metropolitan High School as part of their annual
Alternative Spring Break program.
The students are asking faculty, staff and students atHoward University, as well as bookstores, publishing
companies and individuals throughout the Washington, D.C.
area, for high school appropriate ction, non-ction and
reference books.
The books will be presented to Washington Metropolitan
High School, which is in its rst year and is now setting up its
library with Howard students help. During the week of March
14, Howard students helped label and categorize the books andstock the librarys shelves. Their work will be presented March
21, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the schools library.
Tanishia Williams-Minor, principal of the school, praised
the students for their efforts.
This book drive initiative is truly amazing, Williams-
Minor said. The teachers and staff here at Washington
Metropolitan work hard every day to encourage the students to
pursue an education after high school.
As adults it is hard to effectively convey that message.
This book drive is the rst step to showing the students that the
community wants to invest in their future as well.
Antonita Pratcher, a junior health education major atHoward, is the site coordinator for the students effort in the
Washington area during the Alternative Spring Break program
and is leading the book drive.
Pratcher is asking every faculty and staff member atHoward University and Howard University Hospital to donate
at least two books.
We are really looking to the Howard University family tolead this campaign, Pratcher said. We ultimately hope to
not only stock the schools library, but to also give the students
enough books to start their own personal collection.Through this book drive, we hope to help instill an
appreciation for reading and learning in the students.
Donation centers are available at Howard at HowardUniversity Bookstore at 2225 Georgia Ave., N.W., Founders
Library; Cramton Auditorium and at Howard University
Hospital, 2041 Georgia Ave., N.W.In addition to the on-campus sites, there will also be
donation centers set up in the Howard University School ofDivinity and School of Law and at Washington Metropolitan
High School.
The public can drop off books at the HUB, and for large
donations, students will pick up 50 books or more. For pickups
or for more information, contact Pratcher ataspratcher@
howard.edu or 623.341.9280.
CommunityStudents Launch Book Drive or Public High School Library
Morguefle
Howard University students launched a book drive aspart o their Alternative Spring Break program.
Morguefle
D.C. students participating in the Annual Youth Law Fair
will discuss cyberbullying and its efect on their peers.
7321066
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Silver Spring, MD
301-637-4404
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Its the retirement you deserveand its more affordable
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Family and friends are welcome!
Corporation Boosts Anti-Hunger EfortByAFROStaf
Efforts to reduce hunger
among Washington, D.C.s
students received a signicant
boost from the Wal-Mart
Foundation on March 10.
The foundation awarded
$400,000 to D.C. Hunger
Solutions for the citys
schools breakfast programs.
The foundation made the
announcement during aspecial breakfast at the Center
City Public Charter Schools
Trinidad campus in honor of
National School Breakfast
Week.
The grant, which D.C.
Hunger Solutions will
administer, will help provide
equipment, training and
technical assistance to
increase participation in the
school breakfast program in
D.C. schools. It can have a
far-reaching impact. Amongthe 12.9 percent of District
of Columbia households
struggling with hunger, 4.5
percent were considered
to have very low food
security. Shockingly only
49.5 percent of eligible low-
income children participate in
the School Breakfast Program
in the District.
At a time when our citys
families are struggling, it is
crucial programs like free
breakfast in the schools thatgive children the nutrition
they need to learn, stay
healthy, and be active, said
Alexandra Ashbrook, director
of D.C. Hunger Solutions,
an initiative of the Food
Research and Action Center
(FRAC). Grants like this
one give the community the
support needed to ensure
that the breakfast program is
being as effective as it can be,
and reaching the thousands of
low-income children in D.C.who desperately need school
breakfasts.
The award was part
of Wal-Marts national
commitment to help end
hunger.
As part of our $2 billion
commitment to hunger relief,
were proud to support
initiatives that are helping
children get the healthy food
they need to learn and grow,
said Margaret McKenna,
president of the Wal-Martfoundation in a press release.
Bringing breakfast to
classrooms in D.C. will
ensure students are getting
the nutrients they need to
support healthy development
and to live better.
D.C. Hunger Solutions
was founded in 2002 as
to create a hunger-free
community and thereby
improve the nutrition, health,
economic security, and well-
being of low-income Districtresidents.
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A6 The Afro-American, March 19, 2011 - March 25, 2011
Compiled By Herb Quarles]
Tournament CalendarVIP ABA Headquarters
Benet (3-20-11) 2:30 p.m.
Dinner served at 2 p.m. Call
Shirley Wilson at 301-589-
8425.
Kings & Queens Open
Pairs C Regional (3-25-11)
11 a.m. Call Louis Garner at
301-894-1141.
Dubridgettes Open
Pairs C Regional (3-28-
11) 11 a.m. Call Virginia
Eggleston at 301-577-7176.
Tournament ResultsEastern - Thursday
Teams of Four (2-24-11)
1. Karen Pollock, Dorcas
Glascoe. Elizabeth Wilson,
Cornelia Proctor, 2. Rachel
Moore, Virginia Eggleston,
Clara Berryhill, Carrothers
Moore, 3. Audrey Bourke,
Alice Harriston, Ann Moss,
Louis Carpenter, 4. Costella
Tyler, Deloris Parker, BJ
Martin, Cleveland Lewis.
Kings & Queens (2-25-
11) 1. Reginald Chapman-
Faye Burke, 2. Frances
Power-Clara Berryhill, 3.
Mattie Barrow-Barbara
Garner.
WBU Open PairsC Regional (2-26-11) 1.
Reginald Chapman-Clarice
Reid, 2. Carrolena Key-
Dorcas Glascoe, 3. Faye
Burke- Victor Stewart. [New
Players] 1. Tawana Clark-
Ernestine Johnson, 2. Wilma
Bonner-Linda Lindsay.
WBU Cherry Blossom
Open Pairs A Regional
(3-4-11) [A] 1. Winston
Edwards-Herbert Pelham, 2.
Anderson Williams-Willetta
Phipps. [B] 1. Catherine
Marshall-Sandra Brown,
2. Wilma Middleton-Mary
Smith. [C] 1. Alice Harriston-
Louise Carpenter.WBU Open Pairs A
Regional (3-5-11) [A] 1.
David Smith-Louis Garner,
2. Winston Edwards-Jimmy
Pelham, 3. Foster Miles-
Daisy Smith, 4. Catherine
Jones-Angela Jones, 5.
Joe Anne Williams-Robert
Williams, 6. Frederick
Joynes-Celestine Howard.
[B] 2. Ray Moseley-Elizabeth
Moseley, [C] 3. Joseph
Hillery-Carol Hillery.
Eastern Thursday
Teams of Four (3-10-11)
1. Karen Pollock Dorcas
Glascoe, Elizabeth Wilson,
Herb Quarles, 2. AudreyBourke, Alice Harriston, Ann
Moss, Louise Carpenter, 3.
Gloria Cobbs, Mary Smith,
Delores Mills, Elve King, 4.
Elaine Neal, Odell Mouzon,
Wilma Middleton, Josephine
Caldwell.
Bridge in D.C.
THEHOTLISTSALE
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FIND MACY'S EVERYWHERE! Shop, share and connect anytime.
Use your Macys Card and take an extra 20% off select sale & clearance apparel for him & her including suits for her; or, take an extra 15% off all sale & clearance fine & fashion jewelry, shoes, coats, dresses, intimates; suit separates& sportcoats for him and select home items; or, take an extra 10% off all sale & clearance mattresses, furniture, area rugs, watches and electronics/electrics. EXCLUDES: special purchases, specials, super buys, cosmetics/fragrances,mens store electronics; apparel for boys, girls & infants; gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, previous purchases, special orders, selected licensed depts., macys.com, services. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon,extra discount or credit offer except opening a new Macys account. EXTRA SAVINGS % APPLIED TO REDUCED PRICES. EXTRA SAVINGS VALID NOW-3/20/2011. *Purchase must be made on a Macys credit card or by a Macyscredit cardholder paying with a Macys Gift Card, Rewards Certificate, EZ Exchange Card or merchandise certificate. Cardholders must present Macys credit card at time of purchase.
OPEN A MACYS ACCOUNT FOR EXTRA 20% SAVINGS THE FIRST 2 DAYS WITH MORE REWARDS TO COME. Macys credit card is available subject to credit approval; new account savings valid the day your accountis opened and the next day; excludes services, select licensed departments, gift cards, restaurants, gourmet food and wine. On furniture, mattresses and rugs/floor coverings, the new account savings is limited to $100;application must qualify for immediate approval to receive extra savings; employees not eligible.
NOWTHROUGHSUNDAY
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+ EXTRA 1O%-2O% OFFwith $99 online purchase($8 fl at-fee shipping withpurchases under $99).Use promo code:HOTLISTfor extra savings; offer validNOW-3/20/2011. Exclusions apply;see macys.com for details.
Excludes: special purchases, specials, super buys, cosmetics/fragrances, mensstore electronics, apparel for boys, girls and infants, gift cards, jewelry trunkshows, previous purchases, special orders, selected licensed depts., macys.com,services. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount orcredit offer except opening a new Macys account. EXTRA SAVINGS % APPLIEDTO REDUCED PRICES.
EXTRA15%OFFSELECT SALE & CLEARANCE APPAREL FOR HIM& HER INCLUDING SUITS FOR HER, PLUS FINE &FASHION JEWELRY & SELECT HOME ITEMS
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EXTRA1O%OFFALL SALE & CLEARANCEFURNITURE, MATTRESSES & AREA RUGS, WATCHES, SHOES, COATS,DRESSES, INTIMATES; MENS SUIT SEPARATES & SPORTCOATS ANDELECTRICS AND ELECTRONICS
EXTRA SAVINGS ONALL SALE & CLEARANCE APPAREL!(EXCEPT SPECIAL PURCHASES, SPECIALS & SUPER BUYS)
VALID NOW-3/20/2011
ELECTRICS,ELECTRONICS&WATCHES
S
TOREWIDEITEMS
: :
Photo by Herb Quarles
Jane Lee, Carrolena Key,
Elaine Conway, and BrendaGreen made up the team
that was second in Flight
A o the Modifed RoundRobin hosted by the
Washington Bridge Unit.
The team that won theevent was not available
or a photo but it included
Reginald Chapman, LuisF Pietri, Regena Edwards,
and George Hudson.
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8/7/2019 Prince George's County Afro-American Newspaper, March 19, 2011
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March 19, 2011 - March 25, 2011, The Afro-American A7
A nearly $8,000 ticket to Egypt? A $2,000 trip to SanAntonio? A chauffeur-driven Lincoln Navigator? Does the
controversial University of the District of Columbia PresidentAllen Sessoms really believe he can simply explain away such
extravagant travel expenses as justication for attempting to
transform the only land grant urban university in the nation intoa rst class institution?
We dont buy it. Neither, apparently does the universitys
faculty association which issued a no vote of condence inSessoms autocratic leadership last month. Add to that growing
list of skeptics the D.C. Council, which questioned him as he
stumbled through a long afternoon hearing last week.Sessoms raised the ire of protesting students and the scrutiny
of the D.C. Council after Fox 5 News reports revealed that airlineand hotel tickets had been purchased for him at prices far above
market rates to luxury destinations including Egypt, Hawaii,
Torrey Pines, Calif., and Jackson Hole, Wyo., where the entireSessoms family traveled during the July 4 weekend.
Sessoms has been making the rounds to various news
outlets to do damage control, since news of his extravagancieslinked out. However, the more he doth protest with his weak
explanations, the more absurd his explanations play.
In answer to the latest uproar, he speaks of the need to travelto raise the universitys prole and prestige. He speaks of the
need to travel (in a business class seat bed) with his feet abovehis head because of a medical condition. He speaks of the
questionable funds being expended ascoming from private foundations and
grants rather than city funds, as if usingthat private pool of money absolves a
public institution from frugality and
nancial responsibility.A public institution, by the way, that
serves a student body primarily of low-
income, low-literacy or working adultstudents who are making do with fewer
resources offered by the historically
underfunded school.In the midst of all of this, we are
forced to ask what has the universitysboard of trustees been doing while
news of Sessoms spending spree has
been circulating? In one televisioninterview this week, Sessoms stated he
hadnt traveled as much this year as he
has in the past.When students complain of increased
tuition, of not getting refunds in a timely
manner, of not being able to obtain books in a timely manner,and of not being in safe or comfortable classrooms, the university
trustees must fulll their duciary duties to ensure that no one,particularly its president, is spending money government or
I have recently been
shocked and appalled by
ads that I and other Black
publishers saw in severalmajor newspapers (The New
York Times, Chicago Tribune,
etc.) conrming that Toyota
spent hundreds of thousands
of dollars to advertise in
White mainstream daily
newspapers THANKING
their general market
consumers for their loyalty
and patronage to Toyota
during their time of major
controversy and concerns over the safety of Toyotas vehicles.
Thanking their customers is a smart move on Toyotas
behalf and one that I applaud. However, we cant overlook
the fact that Black people represent almost 10 percent of
Toyotas American market share, and with a $1.2 billion annual
advertising budget it is not unreasonable for the Black Press to
always expect to have a stake in Toyotas advertising (includingBlack advertising agencies). Nevertheless, Black newspapers
were left off Toyotas latest marketing campaign, sending a
clear and direct message that the Black consumer is still being
taken for granted and Black people are still being disrespected
and undervalued. This is disappointing behavior from a
company who was all too eager to send us their press releases
and ask us to write stories and editorials to inuence Black
America to stay with them in their time of trouble. But now
that Toyotas pain has been essentially easedfor nowby
a report issued by the Federal Transportation Department and
NASA that found no faults with Toyotas electronic accelerator
controls, the Black press has once again been forgotten along
with the Black consumer.
Toyota should note that it is going to take more than a
passing grade on a federal transportation report card to bring
back the consumer safety condence enjoyed for years by
Toyota from American consumers prior to one of the largestvehicle recalls in U.S. history.
So when the decision was made to advertise in mainstream
newspapers from coast to coast thanking their customers for
their loyalty, where was Toyotas loyalty to the 10 percent of
African- American consumers? DONT WE ALSO DESERVE
A GREAT BIG THANK YOU?
Historically, there has always been an imbalance between
what goes out of the Black community and what comes into
the Black community relative to retail goods, services and
representation. Despite the fact that the buying power of
Americas Blacks is reported to be roughly $1 trillion this year.
And it is highly doubtful that Black-owned businesses will
report revenue numbers that are the same and/or reap any of
the benets proportionate to our buying power. However, the
question still remains, why is Toyota undervaluing the Black
consumer and showing our community such blatant disrespect?
Tried, true, and tested the NNPA (Black Press of America)
remains the gatekeeper for reaching the Black community.
Corporations and advertising agencies wanting and needing
to reach the African-American consumer must understand the
relationship of the Black Press with Black people. They must
remember to place their advertising messages on the pages of
Black newspapers throughout America, and Black consumers
will respond in kind (Black advertising agencies could help
them with this). The days of being silent and complaining
among ourselves regarding these unethical and immoral
business practices are over.When Toyota wanted our help, it had no problem seeking all
200 Black newspapers in America to do just that. Their message
to Black people was, Please help us. We value your business.
We do not want Toyota to use us for editorial coverage and then
overlook us with their advertising dollars.
Black newspapers are not afraid to demand fair representation
and a seat to dine at Toyotas table, especially when their food
is purchased with approximately 10 percent of Black consumer
dollars. We are not interested in ghting with Toyota however,
Toyota has enjoyed healthy African-American consumer support,
and despite last years set back we have remained loyal. If you
want to thank Black consumers for our loyalty and keep our
business, do it on the pages of the Black newspapers that Black
people read, respect, trust and
own.
As chairman of the
National Newspaper Publishers
Association, I represent 200Black publishers throughout
America. I am challenging
Toyotas chairman and CEO
to do the right thing and meet with me to discuss the future of
their relationship with Black consumers and whether or not
we as Black newspaper publishers should continue supporting
Toyota or should organize a campaign to take Black brand
loyalty to Toyota elsewhere. WE WILL NOT BUY WHERE
WE ARE DISRESPECTED.THAT IS A PROMISE!
Danny Bakewell Sr. is the chairman of the National
Newspaper Publishers Association, parent organization to more
than 200 independently owned Black newspapers.
What we witnessed March
10 on Capitol Hill duringhearings led by Rep. Peter
King (R-N.Y.), chairman of
the House Homeland SecurityCommittee, was a shameful
example of the excesses ofpower. Claiming concernover the alleged radicalization
of Muslims in America, Rep.King conducted nothing
short of a witch hunt, by
singling out a single groupof Americans as an internal
threat to the nations security
worthy of suspicion by theirfellow citizens. The insult was enough to bring Rep. Keith
Ellison (D-Minn.), one of two Muslims serving in Congress,
to tears as he defended American Muslims, and emotionallydescribed the sacrice that some Muslims made on Sept. 11,
2001.The arrogance of Rep. King was evident as he maintained
that the threat of radical elements among the nations Muslim
population was extensive enough to warrant a McCarthy-like
probe. This, despite the fact that Kings earlier claims that morethan 80 percent of imams in our country were radicalized has
never been substantiated and widely ridiculed. To add insult,and further fan the ames of hate toward Muslims, King had
pictures of the devastation of 9/11 on the walls of the hearing
room. It was one of the worst examples of the immorality ofpolitical leadership of recent memory.
Meanwhile, as King works to pin the scarlet letter of
terrorism on Muslims, and make Islam a dirty word in America,the suspect in the attempted bombing of the Martin Luther King
Day parade route in Spokane, Wash., Kevin William Harpham,
was a member of the neo-Nazi National Alliance according to
the Southern Poverty Law Center. Like Timothy McVeigh, heis a former soldier in the U.S. Army, who sympathizes with
White supremacists. Had the bomb placed where it was
intended to do major damage detonated, the crowd wouldhave been sprayed with lead pellets coated with rat poison. Yet,
despite the very real existence and continued threat of Whitesupremacist groups and militias, Rep. King is invested in usinghis ofce to harbor his personal prejudices.
In Detroit, a family is grieving over the deaths of twochildren, 8-year-old Alaya Cook and 10-year-old Lataya Cook,
who lost their lives in a re that investigators have deemed
arson. The girls were too afraid to jump from a second-storywindow at the urging of their father, who was injured in the
blaze. The home had been rebombed. While the perpetrator(s)
have yet to be caught, and the cause remains unknown, the
incident is eerily similar to the tragic re that took the life ofa Baltimore family several years back. In that incident, drug
dealers had set the house ablaze because the parents werespoke out against the illegal drug activity occurring in their
neighborhood. Whether drug dealers or gangs are responsible
for the tragedy in Detroit, there is one thing that is certain:Alaya and Lataya are just the latest victims of an epidemic
of urban violence that is stealing the dreams and futures of a
generation of children.In cities, big and small, in every corner of our nation, gangs
and drug dealers are terrorizing communities, and their prey is
mostly Black and Latino children and families. Perhaps that is
why Rep. King does not show the same concern or expressesthe same outrage over the domestic terrorism of which there is
ample evidencejust as Timothy McVeigh showed no concern
for the life of children when he helped plot the bombing ofthe Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, a building
that contained a day care center; and in the same way KevinWilliam Harpham apparently had little regard for the lives ofchildren on the streets of Spokane celebrating the birthday of
Americas prince of peace, Dr. King. The congressman shouldtalk to funeral home directors and shock trauma medical
professionals who, every day, witness the result of the carnage
that has taken over communities. Put the faces of our deadchildren on the walls of your hearing room Mr. King, and let
America see what real domestic terrorism looks like.
We are treading ondangerous waters here. Peter
King is not making us any
safer. In fact, he is givingreason for Muslims and others
to hate us. It is his ilk, andother demagogues, who put
the security of our nation
in jeopardy. If he was serious and sincere about the safety
of American citizens Rep. King would be examining theresurgence of White supremacist groups, the proliferation
of gangs across America, including in seemingly safeWhite suburban communities, and the unfettered access to
rearms and explosives. The Long Island, N.Y. congressman
is perpetrating a fraud and he needs to be called out. AllAmericans deserve better from our political leadership than the
equivalent of Bozo goes to Congress.
Walter Fields is the executive editor of NorthStarNews.com,
where this article was originally published.
OpinionOur View
Sorry, Sessoms, WE DONT BUY IT
Danny J. Bakewell Sr.
Toyota Disrespects and Devalues the Patronage of their Black Consumers
Put the faces of our dead children on the walls of your hearingroom Mr. King, and let America see what real domestic terrorismlooks like.
we cant overlook the fact that Black people represent almost
10 percent of Toyotas American market share
The Real TerrorismPeter King is looking in all the wrong places
Walter Fields
otherwise in a frivolous manner.On behalf of students and taxpayers, we demand better
answers and most importantly, a clear structure of improvedaccountability moving forward.
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A8 The Afro-American, March 19, 2011 - March 25, 2011
March 17
DC Live With Colie Williams
Queen Makeda, 1917 9thSt., N.W. D.C. 8 p.m. Singer
Colie Williams will bring hersultry mix of jazz and classic
R&B to the District. $7. For
more information: colieindc.eventbrite.com.
March 18
Montpelier Jazz Series: Inside
Out
Montpelier Arts Center, 9652Muirkirk Road, Laurel, Md. 8
p.m. At this event, hear a blendof go-go, old school soul, hardbop and hip-hop. $20. For moreinformation: 301-377-7800.
Mardi Gras Extravaganza 2011
Martins Crosswinds,
7400 Greenway Center Drive,Greenbelt, Md. 9 p.m.-2 a.m.The Gamma Pi Chapter of the
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity willpresent this semi-formal eventfeaturing dinner, dancing, asilent auction and live music.
$75. For more information: 301-390-6668.
March 19
Springs Metamorphosis
Fashion Luncheon
Calvary Family Life Center,11150 Berry Road, Waldorf,Md. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy thisspring fashion show that helps
raise money for the DomesticViolence Victims Shelter. $40.For more information: 301-919-
6840.
National Single Parents Day
Celebration & Ice Cream
Social
Giant Foods, 5500 Silver HillRoad, District Heights, Md. 2-5
p.m. If you are a single parent,celebrate National Single ParentDay with your family at this ice
cream social featuring televisionand radio personality JeannieKitty of the City Jones. For
more information: 202-834-4686.
NCBW Annual Shirley
Chisholm Trailblazer Awards
Washington D.C. Navy
Conference Center, 1454Parsons Ave., S.E. D.C. 12:30-2 p.m. The National Congressof Black Women, Washington
Chapter, invites you to attendthis annual awards luncheon thatwill recognize various leaders
in the community. For moreinformation: 202-583-7426.
March 20
International Bridal Expo 2011
The Waterford of Springeld,
6715 Commerce St., Springeld,
Va. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. This eventhelps brides-to-be plan their
entire wedding with over 150exhibitors and the areas topwedding planners. $7-$10.
For more information: www.intlbridalexpo.com.
Hair Care Workshop
Bo26 Hair Studio, 173814th St., N.W. D.C. 2-4 p.m.Hairstylist Lynne Wooden
will host a workshop to helpyou nd the best products, ageappropriate hairstyles and will
discuss the benets of naturalhair vs. chemically treated hair.For more information: 202-234-
7575.
March 23
Redemption Wednesdays
Patty Boom Boom, 1359U St., N.W. D.C. 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
Each Wednesday, unwind at thismidweek party featuring the bestmix of reggae and soca music. Formore information: 571-435-5166.
March 24
Prince Georges Community
College Poetry Slam
Prince Georges CommunityCollege, 301 Largo Road, Largo,
Md. 12-2 p.m. Students willshare original writings aboutwomens history. For more
information: 301-336-6000.
D.C. Men Aint Boys FilmPremiere
Avalon Theatre, 5612Connecticut Ave., N.W. D.C. 8p.m. This lm offers a thought-
provoking look at issuessurrounding Black manhood, theresults of effective fatherhood
and the requirements formaintaining lasting love. $10-$20. For more information: www.
menaintboysdc.eventbrite.com.
March 26
The Backpack Monologues
Covenant Baptist Church,3845 S. Capitol St., S.W. D.C. 3
p.m. Experience this theatricalperformance that will empoweryoung women to promote social
change in their communitieswhile addressing sexual andsocial issues. $10-$20. For moreinformation: 202-562-5576.
Show Your Colors Bowling
Party
Fort Myer Bowling Center,411 McNair Road, Fort Myer,Virginia. 8 p.m. The Psi Nu
Chapter of Omega Psi PhiFraternity will host a bowlingparty at Fort Myer Bowling
Center. Ticket includes twogames, shoe rental, foodand drinks. $25. For more
information: 703-606-6434.
Foreclosure Prevention and
Credit Recovery Workshop
Suitland High School, 5200
Silver Hill Road, Suitland, Md.10 a.m.-2 p.m. The NID HousingCounseling Agency is hosting
a free foreclosure preventionworkshop that will feature aspecial credit recovery sessionfor homeowners who have
gone through foreclosure. Themain sessions of the workshopwill provide opportunities for
homeowners to meet with theirlenders and also gain adviceon their options from certied
housing and legal counselors.For more information: 1-866-993-4643.
. :
Community Calendar
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8/7/2019 Prince George's County Afro-American Newspaper, March 19, 2011
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March 19, 2011 - March 25, 2011, The Afro-American B1
The Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Gospel Service hosted its annual Black
History Month Worship Service recently at the Memorial Chapel, Fort Myer, Va.
The service included inspirational musical selections from the American UniversityGospel Choir and the Men of Christ gospel quartet, along with a powerful message
by chaplain, Col. James Walker (Ret.). Keeper of the Community awards were
given to Lesli Foster, anchor, WUSA9 News Now; Dr. Elsie Scott, president/CEO,Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF); Michael Blake of the White Houses
Oce of Public Engagement and the famed Bualo Soldiers, D.C. chapter.Army ROTC Cadets from Howard University assisted with ushering duties and the
afternoon service concluded with a fellowship dinner. The programs theme was,
Our Church, Our Family, Our History: This Far by Faith.
Ushers and ROTC cadets are briefed beforethe program starts.
Capt. Sansom, Paul Monteiro, Dr. Elsie Scott, Lesli Foster,Maj. Tyra Sellers, chaplain, 1st Lt. Dwayne Jackson and Jas
Stephenson
Musicians
prepare for theirperformance.
The Gospel Service Praise and Worship Team sings the opening selection.
Bill Douglas
provides the
call to worshipand scripture.
Some of the many guests whoattended the program.
Chaplain Maj. Santiago Cruz
receives a copy of the BlackHistory Month Presidential
Proclamation from Paul Monteiro,
Oce of Public Engagement,White House.
Miss Black DC USA
2010 Dr. AllisonHilll and Chelsey
Rodgers, Miss
DC International2010, were in
attendance.
American University Gospel Choir under thedirection of Sylestra Sledge provides a selection.
Junior Bualo Soldiers
Maj. Santiago Cruz,
chaplain, presentsthe Keeper of the
Community Award to
Lesli Foster, WUSA 9News Now anchor
Dr. Elsie Scott,president/CEO of
the CBCF, receivesthe Keeper of the
Community Award.
Men of Christ from Victory Temple Baptist
Church sing a rousing selection.
Maj. Santiago Cruz,
chaplain, presents the
Keeper of the CommunityAward to the Bualo
Soldiers, D.C. chapter.
The Webb family, members
of the Gospel Service
Bualo Soldiers
Howard University Army ROTC cadets with their cadre,
Maj. Sellers, far left, and Capt. Sansom, far right
Col. (Ret.) and Mrs. William Stephens, left,Chaplain (Col. Ret.) James Walker and wife, and
chaplain and Mrs. David Santiago Cruz
Lillian Wilkinson, Army Soldierand Family Readiness; Joi Alston,
PNC Bank; and Flora Marsh, NY
Life Insurance
Attendees enjoy dinner after an
inspirational worship service.
Photo by Rob Roberts
The Arlington, Va., chapter of The Links held its thirdannual National Wear Reception in support of HeartHealth Month at the prestigious Army Navy CountryClub in Arlington, Va. The award-winning chapter has
a longstanding commitment to raising heart diseaseawareness and under the leadership of President LavernJackson Chatman, leads eorts to educate women aboutthe tragic disease and its prevention.
The event, chaired by Links Karen Hughes, programcoordinator, and Avril Sisk, National Trends and Serviceschairwoman, commenced with a lavish reception ofdelicious healthy food fare, along with red wine, whichdoctors say is good for the heart.
Patrons enjoyed the ambiance of the evening. Thepanelists, Dr. Deborah Williams,a noted cardiologist atHoward University and JETmagazine medical expert, wasthe lead speaker. Dr. Jennifer Ellis, a cardiac surgeon atWashington Hospital Center, shared vital information andelded questions.
However, the star of the evening was rst- grader,Olivia Grace Jones, 7, who is truly a living miracle. A heartrecipient, Olivia and her mother shared some of the joysand pains of having a child plagued with a serious illness.Born with an enlarged heart, Olivia has endured much
throughout her young life,
but is now learning toenjoy simple childhood
pleasures. Oliviasinfectious smile wonover the crowd of over
200 patrons.
Doris McMillion, left, Linda Washington, Lisa
Noguera and Penny Koger
Lavern Chatman, president of the Arlington Links and theNational Urban League Young Professionals
Evelyn Gee, Lauren Parker
and DeVera Redmond
Lavern Chatman introduces the panel: Dr. Deborah Williams, cardiologist at Howard University Hospital; Dr. Jennifer
Ellis, cardiothoracic surgeon at Washington Hospital Center and Schonay Jones, mother of Olivia Grace Jones
Alexandria, Va., Mayor William Euille,
honorary chairman of Red Dress Day
Dr. Deborah Williams,
cardiologist, shares
vital statistics on heartdisease and obesity.
Olivia GraceJones, a 7-
year- old heart
recipient, andher mom,
Schonay Jones
Courtesy Photos
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B2 The Afro-American, March 19, 2011 - March 25, 2011
By Stephen D. Riley
AFRO Staf Writer
Continuing with
the design to revitalize
Washington, D.C.s
Southwest Waterfront, mayor
Vincent Gray announced
on March 10 that Graduate
School USA signed an
agreement to establish what
will be called the Center for
Education and Training at the
heart of The Wharf project.
The decision to construct
a facility makes Graduate
School USA the rst major
business to commit as a
long-term tenant as part of
the development scheduled
for erection along the
Washington Channel in the
coming year. Joining Gray
were Council Chair Kwame
Brown, Councilmember
Harry Thomas Jr. and Rep.
Eleanor Holmes Norton along
with other local government
afliates who welcomed the
new project.
The creation of this
center represents a huge
commitment to prepare our
residents for careers through
training and education,
Gray said at his presentation.
The Graduate School USAs
90-year history of training
and educating people in the
public sector makes themthe ideal partner for The
Wharf neighborhood. We
are excited they decided
to expand their mission
right here in this landmark
waterfront development.
Expected to break ground
in 2012, The Wharf will be
a $2 million residential site
that will also host retail,
hotel, ofce and recreational
space. It is expected to open
in 2015. The site will cover
27 acres on land and 24 acres
across the water, making it
one of the more anticipated
construction projects taking
place in the District.
Creating this
vibrant mixed-use urbanriverfront brings new and
distinctive retail, restaurant,
neighborhood living and
cultural destinations to the
District, said Deputy Mayor
for Planning and Economic
Development Jose Sousa.
We know this project will
deliver on the promise of
becoming one of the marquee
waterfront destinations for
Washington, the region and
the nation.
As the developments
rst multi-purpose project,
the Center for Education
and Training could drive
immediate trafc to The
Wharf after its completion.
The center will provide
resources for career seekingindividuals interested in
federal, state and local
positions in addition tooffering training for a variety
of vocational openings and
other jobs.This center demonstrates
our extensive commitment tothe DC community, Dr. Jerry
Ice, CEO and president of
Graduate School USA, saidin a press release. We are
working closely with the city
to understand areas with themost potential and the highest
need for workers. Our goal is
to bring a variety of training
options to residents in onelocation to prepare them forrewarding careers now and in
the future.
For more on The Wharf,
visitwww.swdcwaterfront.
comTicket s: 240.644.1100or ROUNDHOUSETHEATRE.ORG
MARCH 16 APRIL 3
Classic play. New vision.
The 1stproduction ofHorton Footesbeloved play
with an African-American cast
Bethesda
4th Annual Governors Leadership in Aging Award
Older Americans/Marylander Month
Celebration
May 10, 2011, 12 noon 2pm
Catonsville Senior Center
501 N. Rolling Rd., Catonsville, MD 21228
CategoriesTrailblazerAn individual, community group, business or organizationthat has demonstrated leadership in advocacy or developed aninnovative program, research or training for seniors.
Visual and Performing ArtsAn individual, 60 years of age or older, or a group (membersmust be 55 years of age or older), who has demonstratedexcellence in the visual or performing arts.
PhotographyAn individual 60 years or older who demonstrates excellencein photography or photojournalism that portrays SuccessfulAging.
Health and VitalityAn individual 60 years or older who demonstrates acommitment to healthy living and who serves as a role modelto others.
Instructions
Select a Category. Complete the nomination form and attach
a 500 word or less description of recommendation(why the nominee meets criteria).
Visual Arts nominations must be accompanied byphotos, slides, or CD of artwork.
Performing Arts nominations must be accompaniedby a DVD or web link to a video sharing site
(i.e. YouTube). Photography nominations must be in .jpg or .gif and
must not exceed 5 MB in size. Nominations that do not require supporting materials
can be faxed to: 410-333-7943
All nominations must be postmarked or e-mailedno later than April 8, 2011.
You may download copies of the nomination form by visiting
the website at: www.mdoa.state.md.us
For more information, call: 410-767-1064 or 1-800- 243-3425
Nomination Information
DEPARTMENT OF AGING
For Excellence and
Outstanding Contributions
to the Field of Agingand Quality of Life for Seniors
Graduate School USA Signs On as First Major Tenant of NewWaterfront Project
News21 photo by Justin Karp
The distinctive ootbridge at the Yards Park in Southeast
Washington will connect a 5.5-acre park to the AnacostiaRiverwalk Trail. The park is part o a 42-acre mixed-use
development, which will include 2,800 residential units,
nearly 1.8 million square eet o ofce space and 400,000square eet o shopping and dining.
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8/7/2019 Prince George's County Afro-American Newspaper, March 19, 2011
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March 19, 2011 - March 25, 2011, The Afro-American B3
A UNIVERSAL RELEASE2010 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
ERIC FELLNERTIM BEVANNIRA PARKPRODUCED
BY
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DEBRA HAYWARD NATASCHA WHARTON ROBERT GRAFLIZA CHASINEXECUTIVEPR
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PAUL NICK FROSTSIMON PEGG WITH SIGOURNEY W
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& NICK FROSTSIMON PEGGWRITTEN
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BYSOUNDTRACK ON UNIVERSAL RECORDS
STARTS FRIDAY, MARCH 18CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES
MOBILE USERS: F
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www.afro.com
By Kam WilliamsSpecial to the AFRO
This book is notexactly a family memoir, butneither is it traditional socialhistory. It is a narrative thatlies somewhere in between. Itrecords my search to fnd myfathers New York family; mysuccess in uncovering manydocuments [which] serve asa pathway to a larger publichistory: the history of socialmovements, political events,and cultural inuences
Ive written Black Gothamout of a sense of obligationto the dead, to give a face tothose left faceless by acts oftrauma and erasure. I alsofeel I owe something to myfamily and my communityBlack Gotham is meant tobe an act of reparation, anact to repair the tears of
memorytears in the senseof both sorrow and rupture.
-- Excerpted from theIntroduction (pgs. 6, 30 &31)
Before undertaking thisdaunting project, CarlaPeterson was aware ofprecious little about herroots. In fact, although shesAfrican American, the only19th century ancestor shereally knew anything aboutwas a Caucasian great-grandfather from Haitinamed Philip Augustus
White (1823-1891).But despite that lack of
genealogical information,Peterson, a professor ofEnglish at the University ofMaryland, embarked on afruitful quest which began inthe manuscript room at thefamed Schomburg Center forResearch. And the upshot ofher tireless efforts is BlackGotham: A Family Historyof African-Americans in 19thCentury New York City.
Among the surprisingdata unearthed by the authorin the course of her studywas that she had descendedfrom New York Citys Blackupper class, a cosmopolitancommunity comprised notonly of doctors, businessmenand other professionals but ofwriters, artists and musicians,too. This information ies inthe face of the conventional
wisdom which wouldsuggest that the HarlemRenaissance of the 1920s and1930s represented the rstowering of Black culture inthe city.
While Petersons familytree certainly provesfascinating, what makes herseminal opus so signicantis how she painstakinglyreconstructs her forefatherspast in light of the overallAfrican-American strugglefor emancipation andequality in the 1800s. Thus,we learn here about the
collective, New York CityBlack lobby for everythingfrom abolition to qualityeducation to the right to voteto the protection of fugitiveslaves.
Such demands for dignityin the face of virulentracism and constant threatsof violence often came at agreat cost, given that backthen the Dred Scottdecisionwas still the law of the land.For in issuing that landmarkruling, the U.S. SupremeCourt had deemed Blacksas beings of an inferiororder, and altogether unt toassociate with the white race,either in social or politicalrelations, and so far inferiorthat they had no rights whichthe white man was bound torespect.
A shameful legacywhich makes Carla
Petersons overdue tributeto her intrepid ancestors aninvaluable addition to theannals of African-Americanliterature.
Book Review
Black Gotham: A Family History ofAfrican-Americans in 19th CenturyNew York City
By Gregory Dale
AFRO Staf Writer
When an e-mail from the
D.C. Independent Film Festival
appeared in lmmaker David
Lee Roberts inbox, he initiallydisregarded it.
I thought it was junk
e-mail, Roberts told
the AFRO in a recent interview.
But to his surprise, it was
a message to inform him that
his lm Isaiah Waithad been
selected for entry in the annual
festival, which only chooses 110
lms out of 2,000 worldwide
submissions.
When I found that out it
really made me feel good, he
said.
Now, fresh off its world
premiere at the event, Roberts
hopes the lm will be a beacon
of encouragement for viewers
across the globe that are
experiencing tough times.
The lm gives you a greater
appreciation for what you may
be going through, Roberts said.
Set in the District, IsaiahWaittells the story of a
grandmother named Mrs.
Bennett who is raising her
teenage grandson, Isaiah. While
struggling to pay bills, various
circumstances strip her of her
nances and she winds up with
a mere $60 in her pocket. While
Isaiah wants his grandmother to
use the money for groceries, she
opts to continue tithing to her
church, despite her grandsons
wishes. While Isaiah struggles
to understand her faith, he later
nds that those who are patient
and trust in God are ultimately
blessed.
Based on a true story, Isaiah
Waitexplores many pertinent
issues in the Black community
that countless people can identify
with.
When I heard the story,
it inspired and encouragedme to hear how faithful this
grandmother was in the midst of
all her struggles, Roberts said.
He added that he also
wanted to tell the story to dispel
some of negative perceptions
some people hold about spiritual
practices, like tithing.
Tithing itself in many
cases has been looked upon in
many negative lights, he said.
I wanted to show some of the
positive things that can come
about [as a result of tithing.]
The 20-minute short
premiered at the lm festival
on March 8 and was nominated
for a handful of awards. Roberts
said he felt honored that his lm
was selected from such a myriad
of participants, mainly because
spiritual lms are rarely featured
at the event.
The D.C. Film Festival isnot a Christian lm festival,
he said. I found out during the
premiere that they generally get
a lot of spiritual lms, but they
[generally] dont accept them.
But, they looked beyond that and
found quality, so that made it a
little bit better for me.
The experience at the
festival opened more doors for
the District native, as he was
approached by a few sponsors at
the event who offered to fund his
next project.
The recent success is like a
dream come true for Roberts,
who became interested in lming
while attending Morgan State
University. After graduating, he
enrolled at Ohio Universitys
school of lm. But his love for
his hometown drew him back to
the District, where he currently
resides.
Though many may believeRoberts faces a tough road ahead
in todays industry as a Black
lmmaker, he insists otherwise,
and recalls a message that was
given to him early on in his
career.
My advisor told me, You
are not a Black lmmaker,
you are a lmmaker who just
happens to be Black, and I
understood and appreciated that,
Roberts said. I want people to
remember the quality that I bring
to them, rather than who I am as
a person. So, regardless of what
color I am, Im going to always
push to work with a diverse
group of people to embrace a
universal concept that everyone
can appreciate.
For more information visit
the D.C. Independent Film
Festivals website at dciff.org.
District Natives Isaiah Wai