Washington Informer

by Greg Anderson,

foreword by Christiane Northrup, M.D.

by Nikki Grimes

Bloomsbury Kids

155 pages $15.99 / $18.50 Canada

Aliens have kidnapped your best friend.

At least that's what it seems like. The two of you used to do things together all the time. You'd hang out, watch TV, shoot hoops, or climb trees. You liked the same things and you knew each other's secrets.

But now, sometimes, you feel like you barely know her any more. She never wants to do the things you used to do and everything's different. It's almost like your best friend got kidnapped and replaced with someone who just looks like her.

In the new book "Planet Middle School" by Nikki Grimes, 12-year-old Joylin knows the feeling. Both her best friends are acting weird.

Rev. Rodney E. Braxton raises a DVD that will go into a time capsule at Metropolitan AME Church in Northwest./ Courtesy PhotosThe Metropolitan AME Church buried the faith, hopes and dreams of many Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011, when it entombed 173 years of its history in a time capsule. The event highlighted the church's 173rd anniversary celebration.

"This is a celebration of the history of this church, which has been designated by the AME denomination as its 'National Cathedral of African Methodism,'" Rev. Dr. Ronald E. Braxton, the church's senior pastor, said "These items will be buried for the next 102 years, and the time capsule will be sealed by the Historic Society so that the contents will be protected from the elements. Of course, we won't be around to witness the next opening of the time capsule. The grandchildren of the children here today will be the ones to open this time capsule."

ARIES - A party or gathering with friends from the past will give you the opportunity to see how much you are loved. You've made tremendous strides and accomplished much in your life, so be pleased with yourself this week. Pass some of your wisdom along to others. Soul Affirmation: I give thanks for who I am this week. Lucky Numbers: 40, 48, 55
 
TAURUS - An afterglow will surround you this week if you summon it up from your subconscious, and you may not feel like getting immediately into work-mode on several days this week. It's okay to go with your feelings; the world will wait for a little while. Treasure happy moments. Soul Affirmation: My smile gives light to everyone I meet this week. Lucky Numbers: 9, 21, 38
 
GEMINI - Your mind will be extra busy this week with thoughts of new projects and the things you want to get done. Best course of action is to clear up pending and overdue items. You'll have a clean slate in no time and will feel genuinely content and ready for the new stuff. Soul Affirmation: Light from my soul shines in many directions. Lucky Numbers: 11, 13, 51
 
CANCER- You should know by now that trying to be in two places at once is very taxing to your nerves! Slow down a bit and trust that you'll get what needs to be done accomplished. Give yourself a head start on all road trips so that you have time to enjoy the view. Love promises much this week. Accept the promise. Soul Affirmation: My mood is created by the company I keep. Lucky Numbers: 12, 19, 36
 
LEO - A friend from the past could suddenly appear in your life. This could be a highly beneficial reunion for both of you. Let bygones be bygones, and renew this friendship. Love isn't used up just because it's shared. Soul Affirmation: My blessings come through others this week. Lucky Numbers: 8, 24, 53
 
 
VIRGO - Drive the speed limit this week or you could wind up with a ticket. Why rush?
Serenity is available if you only stop and listen for it inside of you.  Discharge your usual obligations with dignity and silently count your blessings. Soul Affirmation: Friendships are the shock absorbers on the bumpy road of life. Lucky Numbers: 4, 52, 53
 
LIBRA - Trust! --that’s what you need to do. Sure people lie sometime but when you know their hearts you know what to expect and therefore you’re not deceived. Be prepared for lots of compliments this week. Most of them will be sincere, so plan to accept them gracefully. You may be planning a summer trip. Make it a nice getaway. Soul Affirmation: I take a chance on new beginnings. Lucky Numbers: 22, 28, 29
 
SCOPRIO - Live free and large, and cherish good friends. Financial matters are highlighted during working hours. Everything to do with your money, or money under your care, goes smoothly. A party invitation arrives...say YES! Soul Affirmation: I open myself up to the good news that wants to come ot me. Lucky Numbers: 33, 46, 55
 
SAGITTARIUS - Creative mental energy makes this a banner week for you. An ambition that you thought you had left behind years ago suddenly resurfaces, and you’ll see similarities between what you are doing now and what you dreamed of back then. Enjoy! Soul Affirmation: Laughter is strong medicine against any disease. Lucky Numbers: 34, 46, 55
 
CAPRICORN - No need for rowdiness, wild ones! You can make your point without jumping up and down and waving your hands and arms in the air! Speak your wisdom softly, gently this week, so that others can hear it and benefit, smooth one! Soul Affirmation: Wearing three different hats is easy for a person like me. Lucky Numbers: 18, 27, 39
 
AQUARIUS - Things speed up again this week and you are in a highly creative mood. An outspoken female in your circle may illuminate a thorny question for you. You'll be surprised and pleased by what you hear. Take her aside and thank her. Soul Affirmation: I keep myself free of all resentment. Lucky Numbers: 3, 40, 51
 
PISCES - Hello home life. After a busy next few weeks all you want to do is savor the feelings of domesticity at home. Or perhaps go shopping to spruce up your living space. Whatever you decide do it with a close friend. You'll both enjoy the week more if you are together. Soul Affirmation: The grandeur of my presence reflects the sunshine of my soul. Lucky Numbers: 11, 14, 17

Chef Tiana is an executive chef at Santa Clara University's tony Adobe Lounge, but she's also a native Washingtonian. If you're looking for twists on old traditional recipes or a way to make restaurant quality dishes, Chef Tiana has two festive recipes you'll certainly want to try. The Black Eyed Pea and Pumpkin Salad is a crowd pleaser at the Adobe Lounge and it's also good for your waistline as it's a heart-healthy recipe.

Week of July 2 to July 8

July 2

1822 – Denmark Vesey and five of his co-conspirators are hanged in Charleston, South Carolina. Vesey's "crime" had been the organization of the largest slave rebellion in American history. But the insurrection was betrayed by a "house slave" before it could be implemented. Vesey was actually a former slave who had purchased his freedom.

1908 – Thurgood Marshall is born in Baltimore, Maryland. Marshal would go on to become chief counsel for the NAACP and the lead attorney in the Brown v. Board of Education case which led to the desegregation of the nation's schools. President Lyndon Johnson would in June

July 3

1775 – Prince Hall founds African Lodge Number One – the first Black lodge of Free Masons in the United States. Hall would become the pioneer builder of Black Masons in America. He was also a leading voice against slavery and for Black rights in the North.

1962 – The first Black man permitted to play Major League Baseball, Jackie Robinson, is named to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

July 4

1776 – The United States formally becomes a nation with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The document was largely written by later President Thomas Jefferson. Amazingly, although he was a slave owner himself, Jefferson originally included a section in the Declaration denouncing slave traders and slave owners, but it was later deleted by Congress.

1881 – Booker T. Washington opens Tuskegee Institute (now university) in Alabama. It would become a leading center for the education of Blacks.

July 5

1975 – Tennis star Arthur Ashe becomes the first Black man to win the men's singles championship at Wimbledon defeating Jimmy Connors. Ashe was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. During his prestigious career he had become active in several social causes including frequent protests against the system of racial oppression known as apartheid in then white-ruled South Africa. Ashe contracted AIDS as a result of blood transfusion in 1988. He died of AIDS complications on February 6, 1993.

July 6

1862 – One of the most pioneering and militant Black journalists in Black American history is born. Ida B. Wells-Barnett came into the world on this day in Holly Springs, Mississippi. The legendary journalist was also a relentless anti-lynching crusader and a fighter for women's right to vote. She even made a stand against one of the more insulting laws of Jim Crow segregation nearly 70 years before Rosa Parks. In 1884, she refused to give up her seat on a train to a white man and move to an already over-crowded smoking car. She died in Chicago in 1931.

1957 – Althea Gibson becomes the first Black person (male or female) to win the singles championship at Wimbledon. Gibson was born in Silver, South Carolina and grew up in Harlem, New York. She died in September 2003.

July 7

1906 – Baseball legend Satchel Paige is born in Mobile, Alabama. He was one of 15 children born to John and Lula Page. Paige first learned to pitch in a reform school where he had been sent at the age of 12 for shoplifting. He is generally recognized as one of the greatest pitchers to ever play the game. Baseball great Joe DiMaggio once said Paige was "The best and fastest pitcher I ever faced." Paige pitched his last game in 1965 at the age of 60 throwing three shutout innings. The great Satchel Paige died on June 8, 1982.

July 8

1914 – Jazz great Billy Eckstine is born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was raised in Washington, D.C. where he began entering talent competitions at the age of 7. Eckstine would become one of the dominant Jazz singers during the era of the big bands. He has been described as "an exceptional singer who never failed to impress." Eckstine died of a heart attack in 1993.

[Robert Taylor is editor of "This Week in Black History." Receive a free copy of his bi-weekly "Black History Journal" by writing him at "Robert N. Taylor," P.O. Box 58097, Washington, DC 20037. Include $3.00 check payable to Robert N. Taylor to help defray mailing costs.]

by Michael Scotto, Illustrations by Evette Gabriel
c.2011, Midlandia Press                   
$10.99 U.S. and Canada                   
133 pages

“The babysitter’s here!”

When you were a little kid, those three words sometimes meant fun. Mom and Dad were heading out, leaving you in the care of someone responsible and older who let you eat snacks you usually couldn’t have, watch TV you usually weren’t allowed to see, and stay up way past your bedtime. It was almost like having a mini-vacation.

But now that you’re getting bigger, you wish you could babysit yourself because you’re certainly no baby. But in the new book “Latasha and the Little Red Tornado” by Michael Scotto, illustrated by Evette Gabriel, a young girl learns responsibility comes with growing up.

Eight-year-old Latasha Grady hates it when she’s sent downstairs. That’s because Mrs. Okocho, who came from Nigeria and lives downstairs, is Latasha’s neighbor and her landlady and her babysitter.

“Mrs. O” can be grumpy but Latasha likes her, so that’s not the problem.

The problem is that Latasha’s not a baby anymore and she doesn’t think she needs babysitting. She really wishes Mama would let her stay upstairs by herself while Mama goes out to look for a job. Besides, spending time with Mrs. Okocho means that Ella is left all alone in their Pittsburgh apartment. Ella Fitzgerald Grady is Latasha’s dog and she’s a wild girl. Ella, who was named after the singer, has a lot of energy because she’s still a puppy and she likes to zoom all over the apartment. Latasha knows that Mrs. O doesn’t like the noise that Ella makes when she gets the zoomies. Mrs. O doesn’t like Ella much at all, in fact.

ARIES One of your most unique gifts is the power to change your mind. You know how to change the way you think, and it gives you great versatility. This week you may be called upon to change the way you think about someone you love. Be kind! Soul Affirmation: I am on the watch for those who need me. Lucky Numbers: 32, 36, 45

TAURUS Focus intently on the personal this week. Others may seem scattered or impersonal, but that’s not for you. Keep your thoughts and feelings to yourself until others are more receptive to your steady vibrations. Soul Affirmation: Money and happiness are closely related this week.

Lucky Numbers: 20, 30, 50

GEMINI A personal decision is made, and you are happy for the person who makes it. This person may be younger than you, but you've got a karmic bond between you. Enjoy the excitement of shared moments. Use your imagination to create a better world for both of you.

Soul Affirmation: The pictures in my head give the greatest joy this week. Lucky Numbers: 9, 44, 52

CANCER A relationship may be heating up this week. Make sure you know what you want, then go ahead. Minor challenges on the home front are easily dealt with if you keep your sense of humor. Secrets are important. Keep them. Soul Affirmation: My goodwill is my best weapon.

Lucky Numbers: 3, 30, 31

LEO You may feel an extra burst of energy this week. This is a good time for you wrap up any miscellaneous details on a project that you’ve been working on. Your vibrations are very conducive towards generosity and general well-being that you’ll want to extend to friends and family. Soul Affirmation: Communication is a skeleton key that fits many doors. Lucky Numbers: 5, 7, 10

VIRGO Start setting goals. Do a periodic cleaning of your home and get rid of the junk that has been cluttering your life! Start saving your money for a big vacation that you and that special someone have been planning! Do something extravagant. Soul Affirmation: Clinging to the old will inhibit my growth this week. Lucky Numbers: 2, 39, 45

LIBRA Flexibility is needed to deal with a work issue. You're sure you're right but compromise will be necessary to overcome someone's objections. Don't think they are being spiteful. They simply see things differently than you do. Your insights this week are special and specialized. Don't expect agreement. Soul Affirmation: Slow and easy is the best way for me to travel this week. Lucky Numbers: 7, 8, 10

SCORPIO If you need a good week to put away the memorabilia of a past love; this week's that week. Tuck away his or her photograph. If it's over and now it's time to move on, don't stall your love life dwelling on what was. Get ready for what can be. Soul Affirmation: I slow down and take the feelings of others in consideration. Lucky Numbers: 1, 26, 33

SAGITTARIUS Your harmony with your business or domestic partner should improve as you take steps to strengthen communication. Slow down and give everyone a chance to get on the same page. Plan well before you act. Enjoy hanging loose. Soul Affirmation: I trust my gut instincts concerning all matters. Lucky Numbers: 2, 39, 40

CAPRICORN A little child will lead them is certainly something you should keep in mind this week. Wisdom from a little person, a son, daughter, younger brother or sister can be very helpful to you. Lighten up on yourself. Self-criticism is not a good idea this week. Soul Affirmation: I loosen up and enjoy my life without worry. Lucky Numbers: 24, 25, 26

AQUARIUS Trials and tribulations are damaging this week only if you let them be. You are a master at living above day-to-day concerns. Enjoy looking at the big picture. Watch bright skies gathering above a distant horizon. Bring the future into the present and enjoy.

Soul Affirmation: I enjoy the fruits of past labor. Lucky Numbers: 17, 19, 21

PISCES This week is a good week for remembering that without the help of your colleagues it would be impossible for you to expedite the tasks that need to be done. Cultivate relationships with those who can help you get important stuff done. Thank them graciously and celebrate with them. Soul Affirmation: I am everybody’s sweetheart. Lucky Numbers: 12, 41, 55

December 15:

1864 - One of the most decisive battles of the Civil War begins on this day with Black troops helping to crush one of the South’s finest armies at the Battle of Nashville.  After two weeks of positioning and waiting for a break in the cold weather, the Union side finally decided to hurl the 13th United States Colored Troops (U.S.T.C.) at the Army of Tennessee. Although suffering massive casualties, the Black troops broke through the Confederate lines in a matter of hours.

1934 – Maggie Lena Walker dies on this day at age 69. She was the most powerful Black female businesswoman and social activist in America.  She would help transform the Order and led it to become a premier black self-help group. At its height, the Order had 50,000 members, 1500 local chapters, and a multi-purpose financial complex. 

December 16

1859 – The last known slave ship – The Clotilde – lands in Mobile, Alabama with a cargo of 110 to 160 Africans. The importation of Africans as slaves had been illegal in America since 1808. But the law was poorly enforced. 

December 17

1663 – Queen Nzingha of Angola dies at the age of 82. Known as the Warrior Princess of Matamba, Queen Nzingha gained legendary fame for her resistance to Portuguese attempts to colonize the interior of Africa. She also battled the Dutch slave trade. Leading a tribal group known as the Jugas.

1975 – Pioneer Jazz lyricist Noble Sissle dies on this day in 1975.  Sissle wrote the lyrics and sang the songs while Blake composed and played the music. Sissle died at his home in Tampa, Florida. He was 86.

December 18

1865 – Congress passes the 13th Amendment to the Constitution officially abolishing slavery in America. The actual ratification of the Amendment had been completed on December 6th.

1917 – Performer Ossie Davis is born Raiford Chatman Davis in Cogdell, Georgia. Davis was probably Black America’s best example of a combination entertainer and political activist. In addition to acting career, Davis and his wife Ruby Dee were deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement. Davis delivered the eulogies of both Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. He died February 4, 2005 of natural causes.

1996 – The Oakland, California school board shocks and angers many by recognizing “Ebonics” (Black English) as a separate language and not a dialect or slang.

December 19

1875 – The “Father of Black History,” Carter Godwin Woodson, is born on this day in Buckingham County, Virginia. Woodson founded the Washington, D.C.-based Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History. He wrote hundreds of articles about Black history and published several books with the most widely circulated being “The Negro in Our History”.

1891 – One of the pioneers of Black Catholicism, Charles Randolph Uncles, was ordained the first African American priest in America on this day in Baltimore, Maryland.

December 20

1860 – Believing the November election of Abraham Lincoln would bring the end of slavery on this day in 1860 South Carolina becomes the first Southern state to secede from the Union. Other states held conventions and by the time Lincoln takes office on March 4, 1861, seven Southern states had seceded to form the Confederacy.

1988 – Max Robinson, the first Black co-anchor of a nightly network news program (ABC’s World News Tonight), dies in Washington, D.C. of complications due to AIDS.

December 21

1956 – The Montgomery Bus Boycott ends. For over a year Blacks in Montgomery, Alabama boycotted city buses to demand an end to segregation and demeaning treatment of African Americans. The boycott ended when the United States Supreme Court ruled that public transportation segregation was unconstitutional.

[This Week in Black History is compiled by Robert Taylor. Taylor will soon be forming a Black History Club in this area. Get on the invitation list by emailing him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by leaving your name and telephone number at 202-657-8872. WI

This holiday season, while some people are worrying about what gifts to buy and preparing to entertain family and friends, a group of women are taking time to capture the true essence of Christmas by giving of themselves.

Understanding that you don't have to be rich or famous to make a difference in someone's life, the Enchanting Women Foundation has made plans to serve others this season.

Touraine Lynch formed the Enchanting Women Foundation after making pleas to God to restore her health. In 2001, while serving in the U.S. Army, Lynch was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. After being told she only had six months to live, and surviving chemotherapy, two stem cell transplants, and radiation therapy she regained her health and strength and felt obligated to help the less fortunate.