WI Web Staff
District Residents Get Second Opportunity on Schools Budget
Friday, 17 February 2012 16:18 Published in Education
Mayor Vincent Gray and Deputy Mayor for Education De'Shawn Wright have added a second public hearing on the District's budget for public education on March 8 at 5:30 p.m., with the location to he announced.
The hearing will provide an additional opportunity for public feedback on school-budget issues to complement the already-announced budget hearing, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at H.D. Woodson High School.
The hearings are opportunities for community members to weigh in and offer testimony before the Mayor finalizes Fiscal Year 2013 total budget allocations for D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter schools.
The additional hearing is a bonus opportunity for the public to provide input prior to the final stages of the budget process. The March 8 hearing will provide an opportunity for feedback on individual budget proposals for DCPS campuses, which will receive their initial allocation proposals shortly after the latest Fiscal Year 2013 revenue projections are provided later this month by the Office of the Chief Financial Officer and reviewed by the mayor's office.
Initial budget allocations are the overall amounts each DCPS school receives within which to craft its budgets. These school-budget allocations are the vehicles through which school communities propose the specific staff positions and non-personnel spending that they need to enable their students to achieve. These schools then submit their proposed budgets back to DCPS.
Gray and Wright look forward to holding these two hearings and having the community weigh in on such important matters. Members of the public are invited to testify. Testimony may be limited to three (3) minutes per witness and five (5) minutes per organization or group. Those wishing to testify on February 22 at H.D. Woodson High School should contact Joshua Thompson in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by telephone at 202.701.9289 no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17.
Those wishing to testify on March 8 (location TBD) should contact Joshua Thompson in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by telephone at 202.701.9289 no later than 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6.
Projects in Capital Region Share More than $3.9M in Awards
Thursday, 16 February 2012 19:00 Published in LocalMaryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Secretary Raymond A. Skinner has announced more than $3.9 million in Community Legacy program awards to 35 municipalities and community groups around the state for revitalization projects.
Thirteen projects in the Capital Region of Maryland were selected to receive $1,237,000. Community Legacy provides flexible funding to local governments and community development organizations for essential revitalization projects in existing communities through activities that expand neighborhood business and job development, homeownership investment, commercial revitalization, and other activities that support Governor Martin O'Malley's Smart Green & Growing initiative.
"The Community Legacy Program supports jobs across Maryland while improving the quality of life for residents and visitors though home rehabilitations, cultural and community center improvements and 'green' upgrades," said Gov. Martin O'Malley. "By making investments in these improvements today, we can ensure that our local treasures are preserved for many years to come."
Smart, Green & Growing is a multi-agency, statewide initiative launched by Governor O'Malley to help Maryland achieve a more sustainable future by linking community revitalization, transportation improvements, economic development, smart growth and environmental restoration efforts.
Community Legacy projects directly support the Smart, Green & Growing initiative, including a program in the City of District Heights that provides assistance to elderly property owners to make green improvements and enhancements and upgrades to an existing HVAC system in Cottage City to make it compatible with solar panels.
For more information about Smart, Green & Growing, visit http://green.maryland.gov As one of its traditional, core goals, Community Legacy provides assistance to attract and support small businesses in historic downtown communities, including a façade improvement program in downtown Frederick, as well as projects that increase tourism and downtown foot traffic, including the restoration of a historic building in Thurmont to create a Main Street headquarters and visitor's center, improvements to the historic B&O Railroad station in Gaithersburg, and sidewalk improvements in Frederick and Forest Heights.
The list of award winning projects in the Capital Region includes: City of Frederick Amount: $100,000 Project: Carroll Creek Park Description: Construction of an ADA-compliant crosswalk connecting the park to the neighborhood. Awardee: City of Frederick Amount: $50,000 Project: Downtown Façade Improvement Program Description: Façade improvements to support economic revitalization initiatives on Main Street. Awardee: Town of Thurmont Amount: $75,000 Project: Main Street Headquarters Renovation Description: Restoration of an historic building on Main Street, which will help create Main Street headquarters, visitors' center, office space, and meeting space. Montgomery County Awardee: City of Gaithersburg Amount: $80,000 Project: Historic B&O Station Interior Improvements Description: Installation of ADA-compliant restrooms for a MARC train and to comply with Environmental Protection Agency requirements. Prince George's County Awardee: Town of Capitol Heights Amount: $200,000 Project: Property Acquisition for TOD Mixed-Use Site Description: Acquisition of properties near the Capitol Heights Metro station for land assemblage for a mixed-use Transit-Oriented Development site. Awardee: City of College Park Amount: $75,000 Project: Acquisition and Demolition of U.S. Route 1 Sites Description: Acquisition and demolition of blighted properties for redevelopment along the Route 1 Corridor. Awardee: City of District Heights Amount: $100,000 Project: City Beautiful Program Description: Provides grant funding to senior citizens making green improvements to their properties. Awardee: Town of Forest Heights Amount: $97,000 Project: Upgrade of Existing Pedestrian Facilities Description: Upgrades to the Town's sidewalk infrastructure to ensure ADA compliance. Awardee: Housing Initiative Partnership, Inc. Amount: $150,000 Project: Palmer Park Acquisition and Rehabilitation Description: Acquisition and rehabilitation of derelict properties for sale to first-time homebuyers. Awardee: Housing Initiative Partnership, Inc. Amount: $150,000 Project: Capitol Heights Acquisition and Rehabilitation Description: Acquisition and rehabilitation of derelict properties for sale to first-time homebuyers. Awardee: City of Mount Rainier Amount: $25,000 Project: Green Initiative Bike Share Program Description: Purchase and installation of bicycle racks to be used in the City's bicycle shared rental program. Awardee: Port Towns Community Development Corporation Amount: $35,000 Project: Cottage City HVAC Restoration Project Description: Energy efficient upgrades of an existing HVAC system to make it compatible with solar panels. Awardee: City of Seat Pleasant Amount: $100,000 Project: Seat Pleasant MLK Jr. Highway revitalization Project Description: Acquisition and demolition of several blighted properties along Martin Luther King, Jr. Highway. TOTAL AWARDS: $1,237,000
Survey Asks African-Americans: 'What's Missing from Your TV Choices?'
Thursday, 16 February 2012 16:05 Published in Local
"What's Missing From Your TV Choices?
A coalition of consumer groups, media activists, clergy and concerned citizens are launching a national online survey to ask African-American households to tell their preferences about the kind of relevant programming choices they want to see on television.
The coalition is being brought together by the Black Heritage Network, a new cable channel planned for launch this year that will offer what it calls "Black-oriented non-fiction programming." The network hopes to use the information gathered as a guide for its own programming plans.
According to Nielsen data, African-Americans watch 40% more hours of television per month than the general population. Despite being one of TV's most important audiences, programming that addresses their varied interests are not being offered. Coalition members says that there is plenty of research on what African-American are watching, but virtually nothing on what they would prefer to see on television.
A review of TV programs currently being aired that feature African-Americans in starring roles reveals that most are so-called reality-based shows or re-runs of comedies were once featured on the major four networks. The next largest block of hours of particular interest to blacks consists of re-broadcasts of theatrically released movies (again, mostly comedies) starring black actors.
"Based upon the viewing options available to black households, there seems to be a conscious effort to ignore certain types of programs that appeal to African-Americans," said Dr. Teresa Hairston, a member of the coalition and consultant to the Black Heritage Network. "News, interviews, documentaries and issue-oriented programs targeted for African-Americans are almost impossible to find, especially during the primetime schedule."
Conducting a first-time national survey asking African-Americans what they want to see on TV will clearly demonstrate there is demand for a broader range of programs beyond entertainment. WhatIWantToSee.com, which is being supported by various African-American groups and media outlets, plans to get as many participants to "vote" for more TV options as possible during the next two months.
"Many of the decisions that are made by the TV industry are based not necessarily on research but on the opinions and experiences of executives'," said Dr. Hairston. "This is an important opportunity for black families to let the industry know exactly what kinds of program choices they want, especially for their children."
In addition to gathering ideas for programs, the survey will ask participants to rank their interest in programs covering news and current affairs, documentaries and independent films, public television programs and regionally-aired shows.
The survey will be available online at www.WhatIWantToSee.com beginning January 15th -- the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King -- until February 29th -- the end of Black History Month. Some of the nation's leading newspapers, radio programs, magazines and Web sites will be encouraging their audiences to participate. The results will be made through these same outlets and will also be delivered to key leaders in media, civil rights and academia.
For further information, visit www.WhatIWantToSee.com. or call 312-408-1881.
A City Council retreat this week at the Washington Convention Center turned into a profanity-laced shouting match between Council members Marion Barry and David Catania.
The Valentine's Day incident was sparked by a discussion on the United Medical Center in Southeast. And, while it wasn't the first time Barry and Catania have traded barbs, the verbal fight -- that included insults -- might have represented a new height of animosity between the pair, according to reports.
Barry said in an interview afterward that Catania had been "disrespectful and rude." Catania countered that Barry "has cussed me more times than Carter's got liver pills."
In the end, as the Council closed out its planning for the upcoming legislative agenda, Vincent Orange good-naturedly walked around the conference room handing out Valentine's gift bags to his peers.
Kenyan McDuffie Candidate Ward 5 Special Election
Wednesday, 15 February 2012 15:11 Published in Local
Washington, DC – Kenyan McDuffie has announced his candidacy for the Ward 5 special election to fill the post on the D.C. City Council that was vacated last month by Harry Thomas Jr.
With an army of volunteers and supporters, McDuffie has collected all the necessary signatures to appear on the ballot for the May 15 election, according to a statement his office issued this week.
McDuffie's campaign motto is "Restoring Our Faith in Leadership."
"I look forward to confirming my name on the ballot," says McDuffie. "I will continue to work with residents across Ward 5 and listen to their priorities and concerns as I remain focused on my commitment to bringing integrity to the D.C. Council."
Throughout his career, McDuffie has developed a comprehensive understanding of local and federal governmental processes. His career in public service began by accepting an opportunity to work as an aide for Eleanor Holmes Norton, the District's Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. More recently, McDuffie served as a legislative and policy advisor to the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice, where he assisted in shaping legislation that improved the quality of life in the District of Columbia.
A former criminal prosecutor and experienced civil rights attorney, McDuffie is a proven community leader whose campaign is focused on restoring Ward 5 residents' faith in their elected leadership. For more than a decade, Kenyan has dedicated himself to improving the lives of Ward 5 residents and the collective life of the Ward 5 community.
For more information on Kenyan McDuffie visit: www.KenyanMcDuffie.com.
Sears Holdings Empowers African-American Entrepreneurs to Own a Sears Store
Tuesday, 14 February 2012 19:23 Published in National
Program Provides Opportunity to Own a Part of the Iconic Brand
HOFFMAN ESTATES,ILL. – Sears Holdings will Share the Word™ of empowerment through entrepreneurship in 2012. The Share the Word™ platform was created to promote and honor the legacy of African-Americans by providing valuable resources and information to enhance the lives of Sears and Kmart customers. Now in its fifth year, the program will focus on empowering African-Americans by presenting opportunities for entrepreneurs through the "Own a Sears Store" program.
A recent study in entrepreneurship found that African-Americans are 50 percent more likely to start a business than any other race or ethnicity. And, according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2011, the number of Black-owned businesses increased at triple the national rate over the past five years2.
"The desire and interest in owning a business is huge among African-Americans; and, in terms of sheer number, Black-owned businesses are one of the fastest growing segments of our economy," said Alfred Edmond, Jr., senior vice president and editor-at-large of" Black Enterprise" magazine. The "Own a Sears Store" program presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to work with one of America's most trusted and recognized brands.
Sears offers extensive training and ongoing support for retail franchise concepts including Sears Appliance Showrooms, Sears Appliance & Hardware Stores and Sears Auto Centers. Each franchisee is given a business model to follow, strategic insight and creative support for marketing and competitive pricing on premier brands such as Kenmore®, DieHard®, Maytag®,Whirlpool®, Samsung®, Craftsman®, Michelin® and Goodyear®.
Statistics show that seven out of 10 African Americans regularly access a social media account. As the role of social media in business continues to evolve, entrepreneurs can take advantage of the opportunities presented to engage customers in real-time dialogue and personally respond to questions and comments. Share the Word™ will bring the "Own a Sears Store" message of entrepreneurial empowerment to life through social platforms including Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn with engagement opportunities such as tweet-up events and sharable video content.
Additionally, in-store materials and signage will provide a QR code which links to the "Own a Sears Store" homepage. For more information on Sears Holdings Share the Word™ or "Own a Sears Store" programs visit:http://www.kmartepk.com/sharetheword and www.ownasearsstore.com
Efforts have officially begun to recall Mayor Vincent Gray and City Council Chairman Kwame Brown.
A special meeting was held Feb. 13 by the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics (BOEE) to approve the two petitions to recall Gray and Brown. However, that doesn't mean such a vote will take place: In order to garner a recall, more than 45,000 signatures have to be obtained by 5 p.m., Aug. 13, and elections officials can only schedule a vote once the signatures become certified.
Petitioners such as Northwest D.C. resident Frederick Butler -- who is spearheading the recall efforts -- have 180 days to gather signatures from 10 percent of registered voters from across the city, according to BOEE spokeswoman Alysoun McLaughlin.
"But no one has successfully gathered enough signatures before," said McLaughlin, who alluded to similar bid that was aimed at former Mayor Adrian Fenty. "A recall was done on Fenty but it didn't go through," she said.
Butler, 28, -- who reportedly needs some $170,000 to effectively launch a recall -- has cited a scandal-plagued year at Wilson Building in downtown D.C. that include federal investigations surrounding the 2008 and 2010 campaigns of Brown and Gray, respectively.
Meanwhile, both Gray and Brown have dismissed Butler's efforts as baseless, with Gray stating that most of his detractors were Fenty supporters.
D.C. Public School Enrollment Up for Third Straight Year
Monday, 13 February 2012 19:23 Published in Local
2011 - 2012 D.C. Public School Enrollment Audit Complete
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Current enrollment in public schools (District of Columbia Public Schools and Public Charter Schools) is up 2% (1,767) from last year, to 76,753, and numbers have been steadily increasing over the past three years, according to audited data by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education.
"The new enrollment numbers clearly show that parents have confidence in District schools," said Mayor Vincent C. Gray. "I am hopeful that as we continue to make improvements in our schools, the numbers will continue to grow."
A summary of the trends for 2011 is as follows:
· Categories that saw notable increases were Pre-Kindergarten ages 3 and 4 (13%), Kindergarten (6%) and grades 1-3 (4%).
· Public Charter School enrollment increased by 8%, from 29,356 to 31,562 (2,206 students) and saw the greatest increases overall in the Pre-Kindergarten ages 3 and 4 categories (24%).
· DCPS enrollment had a slight decrease of 1%, from 45,630 to 45,191 (439 students).
"States across the country look at early childhood enrollment numbers to determine future trends and to gauge the trust parents have in their school system," added Hosanna Mahaley, state superintendent of education. "Our amazing growth in the early grades and Pre-Kindergarten is a testament to the work of our school leaders, as well as the mayor's relentless early childhood efforts."
"This year's enrollment increase will no doubt become a driving force for continuous and permanent progress."
Samuel L. Jackson: 'I Voted for Obama Because He's Black'
Monday, 13 February 2012 18:45 Published in Arts & Entertainment
Actor Samuel L. Jackson says in an interview for the March issue of Ebony magazine that he became a supporter of Barack Obama in 2008 because of his race.
According to the interview, the Oscar-nominated screen legend admits that his decision to vote for Obama had nothing to do with his political beliefs.
"I voted for Barack because he was black. 'Cuz that's why other folks vote for other people — because they look like them," Jackson was quoted as saying.
'That's American politics, pure and simple,' he added. "[Obama's] message didn't mean **** to me. In the end, he's a politician. I just hoped he would do some of what he said he was gonna do," Jackson continued. "I know politicians say ****; they lie. 'Cuz they want to get elected."
The actor also went on to defend his use of the N-word, explaining it was used at home while he was growing up.
Said Jackson: 'When it comes down to it, they wouldn't have elected a n*****, because what's a n*****? A n***** is scary. Obama ain't scary at all. N****** don't have beers at the White House. N****** don't let some white dude, while you in the middle of a speech, call [him] a liar. A n***** would have stopped the meeting right there and said, "Who the **** said that?"
Prince George's Housing Agency to Get HUD Assistance
Monday, 13 February 2012 16:19 Published in Local
The Prince George's County housing department is about to get a long-overdue makeover.
According to a published report, the department which was the focus of former County Executive Jack B. Johnson's long-running pay-to-play scheme, will receive assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the county's efforts improve its management of housing programs and other community revitalization projects.
Governance of Prince George's -- which has had the distinction of being one of the most affluent black enclaves in the country -- came under scrutiny in the wake of Johnson's arrest more than a year ago. Under Johnson's administration, the housing department was cited for questionable practices and poor management. The agency, which currently has a $92 million operating budget, eventually loss some $2 million in unspent federal funding due to those and other concerns that have included lack of leadership and training for staff members.
County Executive Rushern Baker, who sought help from federal officials, is expected to sign an agreement this week with HUD that will help put the housing department back on track.
Mercedes M. Marquez, HUD's assistant secretary for community development, said in an interview that Baker sought her out for federal assistance.
"He came to my office, essentially saying, 'This is now on my watch, and I want to be a model for the country' and put the county's history behind it," Marquez was quoted as saying.
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