Washington Informer

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Emanuel Cleaver II released the following statement pertaining to the Aug. 30 ruling in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in Texas v. Holder, the state's proposed voter ID law:

"Attacks on our Constitutional right to vote are underway in states across the country and today's decision by a federal court proves these efforts can be challenged and defeated. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 guaranteed that every eligible voter in America would not be turned away from the ballot box, and blatantly discriminatory laws cannot be allowed to stand.

"Attempts to disenfranchise millions of voters, particularly those from African American, Asian and Latino communities must be stopped."While there are individuals working to guarantee our country's regression by proposing and advocating for these restrictive laws, there are many more diligently working in their communities to ensure voters are informed and prepared to exercise their right to vote on Election Day. Today's victory belongs to us.

"The Congressional Black Caucus applauds the Department of Justice for continuing to aggressively challenge these biased Voter ID and other suppressive laws. We will also continue to be vocal and active in defense of our fundamental right to vote."

Redskins' rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III made his home debut on Saturday, Aug. 25 at FedEx Field in Landover, Md. Griffin, the No. 2 pick of the 2012 NFL draft, faced Andrew Luck the draft's No. 1 pick for the first time. Griffin completed 11 of 17 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown and Luck completed 14 of 23 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown. The Redskins defeated the Colts 30-17. /Photo by John E. DeFreitas

ATLANTA – Music and entertainment maverick Jermaine Dupri continues to diversify his discography with new releases this year, including his latest offering, the remix to German producer/DJ Kurd Maverick's "Hell Yeah."

Released earlier this month, the electro dance track features an aggressive bassline and JD's signature vocals in the chorus. "With the 'Hell Yeah' remix, I'm doing pretty much what I've always done to records," says Dupri, "which is take a record that I like and remix it."

Dupri -- a resident DJ in Las Vegas with regular shows around the globe – maintains that songs like "Hell Yeah" dominate clubs outside the U.S. and are in the same vein as massive dance-pop hits such as Calvin Harris' "We Found Love" feat Rihanna and the David Guetta-produced "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas.

"Every week, I'm in all these clubs that are infusing hip hop and electro music," he says. "I'm constantly seeing these two worlds collide, so I felt like it would be a great collaboration to bring my vocals and celebrity to 'Hell Yeah.'"

Listen to Dupri's remix of "Hell Yeah" here: http://global14.com/new-music-kurd-maverick-jermaine-dupri-hell-yeah/.

Flack, Bryson Reunion Tour Possible

ATLANTA—Rare performances by Roberta Flack and her longtime musical mate, Peabo Bryson, attracted about 2,500 patrons in Atlanta who were provided separate performances by the two living legends as well. They will be touring most of the country.

Bryson, opened the two-hour show displaying the unique brand of vocalese that has garnered him Grammy Awards and other accolades throughout his successful 35-year career.

In a recent interview from his Atlanta home, Bryson reflected on his formative years in the Baptist churches of South Carolina's Piedmont region.

During his Atlanta performance, he displayed the gospel-like grit that helped him become a household name and romantic crooner with hit songs like "If Ever You're In My Arms Again" and the Disney hits which placed the soul crooner in a more classic category—"Aladdin (A Whole New World)" and "Beauty and the Beast"—his best-selling duets with singers Celine Dion and Regina Belle, respectively.

At midpoint of his show, Peabo announced he would revisit the R&B side of his career. To a rousing ovation, his rhythm section segued to a familiar intro into "I'm So Into You."

"I've always been very particular about the male singers that I work with. Luther (Vandross) was one of my background singers," she said during a pre-concert interview from her home in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C.

"I really hoped that Peabo would accept—I knew he was the one fellow who could perform the songs Live—I'm talking about all those songs that Donny and I had recorded in the studio," she said.

Conversely, Bryson said he was pleasantly surprised that Flack chose him to do the live tour.

"I remember thinking, 'she wants me to sing with her'? I was so honored," he said.

During the first portion of Flack's show, she kicked-it-off with a smooth-but-funky version of her classic, "Feel Like Making Love."

Flack is forever known for her intricately sweet background vocal arrangements.

Both singers reminded us that they are musicians. Roberta, the classically-trained academician of Howard University, was comfortable at her baby grand piano, while Bryson surprised some while performing the Sade classic, "King of Sorrow," as he accompanied himself on an acoustic guitar.

Meanwhile, it's hoped the tour will at least visit select American cities in order to provide real-music lovers a unique opportunity to witness these two living legends.

ARIES Use better judgment with regard to financial matters. Stop rationalizing. Money is important. Do something about the fact that you might find yourself broke more often than you wish. Continuing to deny it will delay doing something about it. Soul Affirmation: I find comfort in the familiar. Lucky Numbers: 6, 18, 24

TAURUS Move slowly concerning relationships this week. People are a little edgy and they don't know exactly where you are coming from. Make full explanations. Don't assume that they know what's on your mind. Most of all, stay positive no matter what. Soul Affirmation: Clinging to the old will inhibit my growth this week. Lucky Numbers: 19, 24, 51

GEMINI You can't be right all of time. Instead of always trying to be right, try to find the logic in other's viewpoint whether you happen to agree or not. Endear yourself to a loved one real soon, by really listening to what they have to say. Don't be so stubborn, that you deny yourself what you really want. Soul Affirmation: I celebrate will those around me. Lucky Numbers: 29, 48, 55

CANCER This week is a good week to dump any extra baggage that has been pulling you down. You have too much potential to throw away and waste your time on issues that will amount to nothing. Stay focused on your goals. Meet and spend time with people who will be able to help you reach them. Soul Affirmation: The word is in me. I bring it forth. Lucky Numbers: 23, 35, 48

LEO Your spiritual vibes will give you insight on a situation that's been on your mind. Share your thoughts with someone close to you. Spend time with friends and family that will provide support and guidance when you make an important decision. Soul Affirmation: I enjoy looking at the road of life sweeping just in front of me. Lucky Numbers: 20, 40, 41

VIRGO Your careless ways with money are going to be apparent this week. Financial mistakes you've made in the past will be especially painful. Don't conceal the pain from yourself. It is a warning that you should take steps to prevent future financial crisis. Soul Affirmation: I let my friendships guide my way. Lucky Numbers: 1, 27, 31

LIBRA Take advantage of the great weather and spend time outdoors enjoying and relaxing with Mother Nature. Learn a new sport, and spend time with family and friends. Don't take travel matters into your own hands. Seek a professional who will be able to plan a wonderful vacation for you without breaking your bank. Cook up some goodies for your loved ones. Soul Affirmation: I change who I am by changing where I am going. Lucky Numbers: 4, 53, 54

SCORPIO Stay positive, don't let negative people get inside your head. You know that things will work out well. Ease rapidly away from anyone who is a naysayer. During the week, things may seem hard at times but soon life will be filled with fun. Enjoy! Soul Affirmation: The slowness of my week gives me time to refresh my energy. Lucky Numbers: 19, 30, 45

SAGITTARIUS The bond that you established with your spiritual side works well in your relationship with a special person. Speak of the reality of the intangible qualities of life. Your lover will understand. Keep attention on the financial matters you've been dealing with. Soul Affirmation: I obey the rules this week and avoid hassles. Lucky Numbers: 18, 29, 30

CAPRICORN The link that you've established with your spiritual self will be strengthened by the people who come into your life this week. This week is a week for seriousness about a relationship. Discuss your deepest thoughts with others. They'll understand and thank you for sharing intimate parts of yourself. Soul Affirmation: Faith keeps me calm in the storms of life. Lucky Numbers: 14, 29, 43

AQUARIUS You've done some of your own love homework. Hopefully you've had an opportunity to learn a new way of seeing the world and in that way you've found a way of loving that is more natural for you. The combination of sexiness and joyful focus can create you a wonderful love experience. Soul Affirmation: I get joy from giving good things. Lucky Numbers: 14, 23, 45

PISCES Share in the glory of your friend who has been recognized for outstanding work. Plan a small get-together to celebrate the occasion. Your time will come, and you will be placed on the pedestal. Your intimacy radar is sensitive. Watch out for a new romance that might come along. Expect the unexpected! You will be pleasantly surprised! Soul Affirmation: Love is easier than breathing. Lucky Numbers: 16, 30, 50

District of Columbia and area students who headed back to school this week are expected to achieve academic excellence regardless of race, gender or economic status, but research shows that African American males are the least likely to attain academic success. Why African American males are over-represented among students who face retention, suspension, expulsion and overall academic failure and what it will take to significantly improve their educational outcomes was the focus of a Summit on Educational Excellence and Opportunity for African American Males hosted by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council of the Great City Schools on Monday in Washington, D.C.

Educators, researchers, policymakers, advocates, and students participated in the daylong conversation about creative ways some school districts and individual schools have addressed this conundrum. And, while more federal and private funding for educational resources and programs was mentioned during the panel discussions, reading, mentoring, peer support and consistent expressions of high expectations are factors that have made a significant difference in the academic lives of some African American male students.

U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan, who moderated the town hall discussions, asked participants what needed to be done "to make exponential gains as quickly as possible." That is the goal of an Executive Order signed by President Barack Obama in July which established the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans. The Obama administration acknowledges the educational gains of African Americans since the historic Brown vs. Board of Education decision 60 years ago, but the executive order seeks strategies to address the "substantial obstacles to equal educational opportunity [that] still remain in America's educational system."

"African Americans lack equal access to highly effective teachers and principals, safe schools, and challenging college-preparatory classes, and they disproportionately experience school discipline and referrals to special education. African American student achievement not only lags behind that of their domestic peers by an average of two grade levels, but also behind students in almost every other developed nation. Over a third of African American students do not graduate from high school on time with a regular high school diploma, and only four percent of African American high school graduates interested in college are college-ready across a range of subjects. An even greater number of African American males do not graduate with a regular high school diploma, and African American males also experience disparate rates of incarceration."

Prince George's County Schools Superintendent William R. Hite, who is scheduled to leave next week to lead the Philadelphia Public School system, said educators are among those who have constructed barriers that exclude African American males. "In Prince George's County," Hite said, "80 percent of the students are Black, but their representation in honors or advance placement classes is about 15 percent. We [educators] created that structure and we created the barriers for that to take place."

For many of the participants, this present generation of Black male students have already been written off, that is unless they are enrolled in the primary grades. "There are currently 3.5 million African American boys under the age of 9 in the U.S., noted one participant. "I am convinced that if we do the right thing using the best metrics, best practices and best partners, we can make the future brighter for those boys than it is for their counterparts."

We believe the future should be bright for every child and that it is never too late for even our most hard to reach males to see the light. The summit concluded with the notion that everyone has a stake in making sure African American males achieve academically. But the notion that we need to see gains "as quickly as possible" seems to be a harder message to sell.

Vocational Programs Work

Dorothy Rowley's article, "Vocational Program Honors Youth Who Exceeded Expectations," August 23, 2012 is a fine example of why schools should offer some kind of vocational education to its students. All students should have the opportunity to go to college, but all students may not want to go to college. Learning a trade can be a rewarding experience, and having a marketable skill can lead to a lifelong career or business ownership.

I applaud Toyota Motor Corp., and DARCARS Automotive Group for their Support of this program at Ballou Senior High School. I want to wish all the success to the young men and women participating in the program.

Caleb Johnson

Washington, D.C.

Kudos for Spotlighting Comic Con, Jennings

What great stories on the recent Comic Con in Chicago and artist John Jennings! I just read both stories at washingtoninformer.com and was floored. Too often great African American artists that show their works and make us cringe with fear are overlooked. The Informer got the story and provided tremendous insight. The pictures were also awesome. I love, love, love monsters and crazy looking things! How wonderful that the Washington Informer is the only newspaper to cover the world of science fiction and comic conventions from a Black perspective. Bravo, Derry Sexton and Shantella Sherman!

K. Lynn Brousard

Lansing, Michigan

Marginalizing African-American Businesses

Let's face it, we now have a city government workforce full of individuals with no clue of the struggles African-American businesses had to go through just to be able to bid on city government contracts, let alone be awarded one. Knowing the history of a city's government is probably not a prerequisite for getting a high-ranking, decision-making position in the city government, but knowing the law should be.

Your article in the August 23rd issue, "Informer Fights City Agency's Contract Decision," is just another sign of the beginning of the marginalization of African-American businesses and the African-American community in this city. But there is a much sadder part to this story: we now have a mayor and city council running scared, scared that if they stand up for something that's fair and just happens to be against the new order, they too might be smeared and voted out of office. Well, they might as well stand for something now, because they will more than likely be voted out of office anyway.

Thomas Lockingley

Washington, D.C.

The Michael Brown 2012 re-election campaign issued the following statement on behalf of the at-large council member:

"[The Aug. 29] preliminary Board of Elections hearings showed that the complaints against my campaign are without merit and were made in bad faith. Our campaign counsel argued to the Board of Elections that we have hundreds more valid signatures than required to qualify for the ballot. Fair-minded people reviewing the petitions and the challenges will conclude that hundreds of signatures were challenged without any basis and in bad faith.

"In addition to the large volume of frivolous challenges, further evidence of bad faith on behalf of the challengers is found in the large number of the challenged signatures that include high profile individuals in the District who both Ms. Brizill and Mr. Grosso should know are registered voters. Such invalid challenges include DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, Councilmember Tommy Wells, Councilmember Michael A. Brown, council staff, ANC Commissioners, State Board of Education President Ted Trabue, my own campaign spokesperson, and many others.

"My campaign looks forward to putting these proceedings behind us, appearing on the ballot, and talking about issues that matter like jobs and housing. Please allow me also to this opportunity to thank our campaign's hard-working volunteers and legal team, who worked tirelessly to address these challenges."

Residents Urged to Dispose Properly of Household Hazardous Waste at Monthly Drop-off

A Department of Public Works trash collection crew was exposed to a toxic vapor this week while working in Northeast Washington. The three-person crew was decontaminated on the scene by the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Although, two of the workers were transported to the hospital for additional treatment, the injuries they sustained were not life-threatening.

"This was a preventable incident that has harmed three valuable employees," said DPW Director William O. Howland, Jr. "We urge District residents to bring their household hazardous waste to our monthly drop-off, held the first Saturday of each month, so that our crews, the residents' families and the general public are not exposed to dangerous substances."

The next Household Hazardous Waste/E-cycling/Personal Document Shredding event is Saturday, Sept. 1 at the Ft. Totten Transfer Station. Residents may bring items such as pesticides, batteries and cleaning fluids to Ft. Totten between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

For a list of all household hazardous waste and e-cyclables accepted by DPW, please click on the HHW link at www.dpw.dc.gov.

Directions to Ft. Totten: Travel east on Irving Street, NW, turn left on Michigan Avenue, turn left on John F. McCormack Drive, NE and continue to the end of the street.

More than 13,400 Homeowners Invited to Free Event Sept. 13

LANDOVER, MD -- Wells Fargo & Company is hosting a free Home Preservation Workshop for Prince George's County Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Wells Fargo Financial, and Wells Fargo Home Equity customers facing financial hardships.

Wells Fargo has invited more than 13,400 mortgage customers to the free workshop which will be held on Thursday, Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Prince George's Sports & Learning Center, 8001 Sheriff Road in Landover. Attendance and parking are free.

"Although less than 2 percent of homeowner-occupied loans in our servicing portfolio have resulted in foreclosure sale over the past year, we understand that some of our customers are going through difficult times during this economic recovery," said Marie Day, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage regional servicing director. "During this free workshop Wells Fargo Home Mortgage customers, who are faced with payment challenges, will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with our home preservation specialists to explore the options available to them. Our goal with this workshop is to help as many people as possible preserve homeownership."

Where possible, borrowers will receive a decision on a workout, loan modification, or other options, on site or shortly following the workshop. Options include Wells Fargo's own loan modification program and the federal government's Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP).

About 75 Wells Fargo home preservation specialist team members – including bilingual specialists – will be on hand at the upcoming workshop to assist customers.

While Wells Fargo has participated in several home preservation events locally to provide assistance for its Prince George's County-based customers, this is the first Home Preservation Workshop Wells Fargo has hosted in Landover and the 74th the company has hosted since September 2009.

The Prince George's County event will be the 24th workshop Wells Fargo has hosted in 2012. Wells Fargo has met with more than 37,000 customers at 70 Home Preservation Workshops since September 2009 nationwide.

About Wells Fargo's Home Loans

• Wells Fargo originates one in every four home loans in the country, and services one of every six.

• In the second quarter of 2012, more than 93 percent of Wells Fargo's mortgage customers nationwide remained current on their loan payments.

• From January 2009 through June 30, 2012, Wells Fargo has modified 781,099 mortgage loans. Of those modifications, 84 percent were done through Wells Fargo's own modification programs and 16 percent were through the federal government's Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP).

• As of the second quarter in 2012, Wells Fargo's delinquency and foreclosure rates remain significantly below the industry average.

• Less than 2 percent of the loans secured by owner-occupied homes and serviced by Wells Fargo resulted in a foreclosure sale in the last 12 months.

• Just 7.14 percent of the first mortgage and home equity loans Wells Fargo services were past due or in foreclosure in the second quarter of 2012 compared to an industry average of 11.37 percent. Wells Fargo's totals are down from a peak of 8.96 percent in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Walk-ins are welcome, though registration is strongly recommended in order to guarantee the ability to meet one-on-one with a representative. Sign up by Tuesday, Sept. 11 at www.wfhmevents.com/leadingthewayhome.

For more information call 1-800-405-8067. Customers facing mortgage payment difficulties also can call 1-800-678-7986 for more information about potential options to avoid foreclosure.

Cholera Epidemic Envelops Coastal Slums in West Africa

DAKAR, SENEGAL — A fierce cholera epidemic is spreading through the coastal slums of West Africa, killing hundreds and sickening many more in one of the worst regional outbreaks in years, health experts said.

Cholera, transmitted through contact with contaminated feces, was made worse this year by an exceptionally heavy rainy season that flooded the sprawling shantytowns in Freetown and Conakry, the capitals of Sierra Leone and neighboring Guinea.

In both countries, about two-thirds of the population lack toilets, a potentially lethal threat in the rainy season because of the contamination of the water supply. Doctors Without Borders said there had been nearly twice as many cholera cases so far this year as there were in the same period in 2007 in Sierra Leone and Guinea, when it said the area experienced its last major outbreak.

Already, more than 13,000 people suffering from the disease's often fatal symptoms — diarrhea, vomiting and severe dehydration — have been admitted to hospitals in the two nations' capitals, and 250 to 300 have died, Doctors Without Borders said.

In Sierra Leone, the government declared the cholera outbreak a national emergency last week, while aid workers in Guinea said the outbreak was unlikely to have reached its peak yet. Both countries have been wracked by years of civil and political unrest, with Sierra Leone still recovering from a decade of bloody civil war that drove thousands from rural areas into the city's slums, and with Guinea emerging from a half-century of often brutal dictatorship.

Rains have already contributed to cholera deaths in the landlocked nations of Mali and Niger as well, health officials said.

Aid workers said the number of cases of the highly contagious disease continued to increase, particularly in Freetown, where most live in slums and children swim in polluted waters. Often, patients arrive at treatment centers in poor condition.

"They come barely conscious because they are severely dehydrated," said Natasha Reyes Ticzon, a cholera field coordinator for Doctors Without Borders in Freetown. "We've had some deaths because they come too late."

There have been more than 11,600 cholera cases in Sierra Leone since January, at least 216 of them fatal, according to the country's health minister, Zainab Bangura. More than 1,000 new cases a week are being recorded in Freetown, health officials said.

In Guinea, there have been 80 deaths out of 2,700 cases so far.