Washington Informer

One in 30 baby boomers – the generation born from 1945 through 1965 – has been infected with hepatitis C, and most don't know it. Hepatitis C causes serious liver diseases including liver cancer, which is the fastest-rising cause of cancer-related deaths, and the leading cause of liver transplants in the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is issuing draft guidelines proposing that all U.S. baby boomers get a one-time test for the hepatitis C virus.

CDC believes this approach will address the largely preventable consequences of this disease, especially in light of newly available therapies that can cure up to 75 percent of infections.

"With increasingly effective treatments now available, we can prevent tens of thousands of deaths from hepatitis C," said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H.

The CDC reports that more than 2 million U.S. baby boomers are infected with hepatitis C, accounting for more than 75 percent of all American adults living with the virus. Baby boomers are five times more likely to be infected than other adults. Yet most infected baby boomers do not know they have the virus because hepatitis C can damage the liver for many years with few noticeable symptoms.

More than 15,000 Americans, most of them baby boomers, die each year from hepatitis C-related illness, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer, and deaths have been increasing steadily for over a decade and are projected to grow significantly in coming years.

"Identifying these hidden infections early will allow more baby boomers to receive care and treatment, before they develop life-threatening liver disease," said Kevin Fenton, M.D., director of CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and Tuberculosis Prevention.

Current CDC guidelines call for testing only individuals with certain known risk factors for hepatitis C infection. But studies find that many baby boomers do not perceive themselves to be at risk and are not being tested.

CDC estimates one-time hepatitis C testing of baby boomers could identify more than 800,000 additional people with hepatitis C, prevent the costly consequences of liver cancer and other chronic liver diseases and save more than 120,000 lives.

CDC's draft recommendations will be available for a public comment period from May 22 – June 8, 2012.

For additional information about hepatitis, visit www.cdc.gov/hepatitis.

WASHINGTON – As Carla Williams thinks back, she believes that it was an experience in her own family that unconsciously became the impetus for "Women of Promise," a community ambassador program to get more women screened for breast cancer starting this month.

Not long ago, an aunt had detected a lump in her breast, but didn't do anything about it or even tell family members.

"We still to this day don't know why she didn't go to a doctor when she saw the lump," said Williams, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of Medicine in the Department of Medicine at Howard University College of Medicine and Howard University Hospital.

"Maybe it was not being able to face the possibility of cancer. We think she just hoped it was something else and hoped it would go away."

But it wasn't, and it didn't. Finally, one of the aunt's children detected something was wrong and took her to the doctor.

"She had a mastectomy and survived for two years, but eventually she succumbed to the cancer," Williams said. "If she had done something about it sooner, she might still be here."

Williams hopes Women of Promise, a program funded by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and based in the Howard University Cancer Center, will change such behavior, a behavior that she said is still prevalent among too many African-American in the Washington area.

The program kicked off this week at Howard University. Andrea Roane, WUSA 9 weekday anchor and a Rebecca Lipkin Honoree for Media Distinction by the Susan G. Komen For the Cure for her coverage of issues related to breast cancer, has been named the Honorary Women of Promise Ambassador.

Women of Promise seeks 200 women to act as ambassadors to talk with women across the District, but particularly in Wards 7 and 8, about the importance of early screening and mammograms. The ambassadors will stress the American Cancer Society guidelines for women over 40 to have mammograms annually.

The ambassadors will be looking particularly for women who haven't been screened in the past two years, Williams said. And after identifying those women, they will follow up to make sure the women have mammograms done, Williams said.

The ambassadors also will tell women about the District's safety net for breast cancer treatment. For example, women who earn up to 250 percent of the poverty level can have a mammogram done free at participating hospitals, she said.

Additionally, the ambassadors will inform women about other free and low cost mammography programs such as the Rosemary Williams Mammoday program at the Howard University Cancer Center. The goal of the two-year program is to reach over 2,800 women, Williams said.

Early detection is the key when it comes to breast cancer, Williams said.

"Unfortunately, in D.C., black women are more likely to present at a more advanced stage of breast cancer compared to white women," she said. "Catching it sooner will help women have a better outcome, a better chance of survival."

To apply to be an ambassador with Women of Promise or to find out more about the program, call 202-806-5721 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Forty-five current and former student-athletes, student-trainers, managers and cheerleaders were among Bowie State University graduates who received degrees in the 2012 Spring Commencement – Friday, May 18 at BSU's Bulldog Stadium.

"Today is a great day to be a Bulldog. It is always great when we are able to celebrate victories together. And, today was a great victory for the Bulldog Nation. Having our student-athletes graduate today is a testament to the commitment the entire University has put forth in the support of Academics and Athletics", said Athletic Director Anton Goff.

Graduates include: William Bailey – B.S. Business Administration – Men's Track and Football Rebekah Cabaltica – B.A. Fine Arts – Women's TennisLakisha Carney – B.A. Fine Arts – Women's Track and Volleyball Maro Erhie – B.S. Sociology - FootballJulius George – B.S. Communications – Football Keith Harris – B.S. Sociology - Football Kevin James – B.S. Communications – Football Andre Johnson – B.S. Sport Management – Football Delano Johnson – B.S. Child and Adolescent Studies - Football Kimberly Jones – B.S. Sociology – Women's Basketball Seth Minter – B.S. Business Administration – Football Bridgette Ogunmokun – B.S. Social Work – Women's TrackAlonzo Williams – B.S. Sociology – Men's Track Maurice Wilson – B.S. Business Administration - Football Former Student-Athletes Solomon Adderley – B.A Fine Arts – Football Aaron Bolds – B.S. Biology – Football Jamese Cobb – B.S. Sociology – Women's TrackVerra Diggs – B.S. Sociology – Women's Bowling Joshlyn Eggleston – B.S. Communication – Women's Volleyball Ralph Fertil – B.S. History and Government - Football Jamin Gallman – B.S. Mathematics – Men's Cross Country and Track Aaron Henderson – B.S. Visual Communication, Digital and Media Arts - Football Cindy Holland – B.S. Biology – Women's Volleyball Tanika Jeffers – B.S. Communications – Women's Basketball Lateasha Johnson – B.S. Business Administration – Women's Volleyball Luqman Lawal – B.S. Biology – Men's TrackTiana Lewis – B.S. History and Government – Women's Basketball Jeremy Marshall – B.S. Business Administration – Men's Track Shamika Patton – B.S. Sport Management – Women's Cross Country and Track Alexander Payton – B.S. B.S. History and Government – Football Whitni Richardson – B.S. Psychology – Women's Basketball Kevin Thomas – B.S. History and Government – Football James Washington – B.S. Psychology – Men's Track Taylen Washington – B.S. Communications – Football Rodney Webb – B.S. Communications – Football Lemar Williams – B.S. Business Administration - Football Malcolm Womack – B.S. Mathematics – Men's Cross Country and Track Cheerleaders Courtney Forbes – B.S. Communications Andrea George – B.S. Communications Christina Jackson – B.S. Business Administration Athletic Trainers Morgan Jones – B.S. Elementary Education Managers Tara Davenport – B.S. Sport Management (Managers/Athletic Operations Assistant Staff)Stephanie Waters – B.S. Social Work

Former Student-Athletes Receiving Masters Rasheda Spratley – Master of Arts in Human Resource Management – Track/CheerleaderDarren Williams – Master of Arts in Human Resource Management – Football/Track.

The ceremony ended another successful academic year for the school's athletic program. The graduating class included NFL free agent Delano Johnson of the Houston Texans, BSU SGA President and one-time Cross Country Champion Jamin Gallman, 2011-12 BSU Athletic Department Male Student-Athlete of the Year and two-time NCAA Track All-American William Bailey. Also, one-time bowling champion and first CIAA Bowler to bowl a perfect game Verra Diggs and Rebekah Cabaltica member of the Women's Tennis team who won this year's BSU team highest grade point average award.

In partnership with Anne Beers Elementary School, the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) provided students a hands-on learning experience about their water resources at the Children's Water Drop Festival on Friday, May 11. Through this environmental education program, DC Water aims to engage students about various water-related topics and increase awareness of significant environmental issues affecting the health of our waterways.

Approximately 85 students in third through fifth grades took part in the free, outdoor environmental program. Students participated in numerous interactive games and activities, exploring and investigating their drinking water, the wastewater treatment process, water quality, and the Anacostia watershed. Joined by representatives from several environmental organizations and District agencies, DC Water staff facilitated hands-on environmental lessons and engaged students in related group discussions.

"This festival is a great way to engage and educate the next generation of environmentalists in a fun learning environment," said DC Water General Manager George S. Hawkins. "When our young people can see first-hand how they are connected to and dependent on water in their daily lives, they will develop a greater appreciation for these resources. We look forward to future opportunities to work with more students of all ages across the District."

Featured exhibits included water testing, simulated wastewater treatment system; a demonstration on how polluted water runoff affects our waterways; and a reenactment of the water cycle. In addition, students participated in recycling and water relays, toured the mobile water quality lab, and took group photos with DC Water's mascot, Wendy the Water Drop. Students received souvenir t-shirts, activity books, pencils, and water bottles for participating.

Marion Barry was hospitalized this weekend in Las Vegas after suffering from a blood clot.

The 76-year-old Ward 8 council member, who remained in the hospital as of Monday morning, became ill while on the trip -- where he was accompanied by Mayor Vincent Gray and other local leaders for participation in the International Council of Shopping Centers convention.

Barry's chief of staff said later in an interview that the councilman is "resting comfortably" and is expected to make a full recovery.

Barry states on his Twitter page that he suffered the blood clot while waiting on a flight from Memphis to Las Vegas.

TUSCALOOSA, AL -- The University of Alabama Press is proud to announce that Bernice A. King will sign copies of her mother's memoir, Desert Rose: The Life and Legacy of Coretta Scott King from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, May 26 at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial. The tour will continue later that day from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. as King signs the book at Busboys and Poets in Arlington, Va.

"When I first visited the monument of my father, I was both proud and humbled...proud to be the daughter of a man who impacted the world globally and humbled that our nation would bestow such an honor upon him," said King. "The book signing of my mother's memoir Desert Rose: The Life and Legacy of Coretta Scott King at the memorial is an opportunity befitting the tremendous love, dedication and impact she had not only on my father and his life's work, but also the world at large."

Desert Rose was written by Coretta's sister Edythe Scott Bagley, who partnered with award-winning author Joe Hilley during the editing stages to ensure the story was complete, comprehensive and compelling.

Although Bagley passed away in June 2011, the dream of Mrs. King to have her story published is being carried on through her daughter and Edythe's son, Arturo Bagley. Desert Rose details Coretta's upbringing in a family of proud, land-owning African Americans from Marion, AL, with a profound devotion to the ideals of social equality and the values of education, as well as her later role as her husband's most trusted confidant and advisor.

As Coretta's older sister, Edythe shared in almost all of Coretta's many trials and tribulations. Desert Rose charts Coretta's hesitance about her romance with Martin Luther King and the prospect of having to sacrifice her dream of a career in music to become a minister's wife. Ultimately, Coretta chose to utilize her artistic gifts and singing voice for the Movement through the development and performance of Freedom Concerts.

This book also charts Coretta's own commitment and dedication, in the years that followed King's death, to the causes of international civil rights, the antiapartheid movement, and the establishment of the King Center in Atlanta and the national King Holiday. Coretta's devotion to activism, motherhood, and the movement led by her husband, and her courageous assumption of the legacy left in the wake of King's untimely assassination, are wonderfully detailed in this intimate biography.

The MLK Jr. National Memorial is located at 1964 Independence Ave. in Southwest D.C. The Busboys and Poets signing will be held at the Shirlington location, 4251 South Campbell Ave. in Arlington (Phone: 703-379-9756).

There's still been no official word on when and where the public memorial for Go-Go legend Chuck Brown will be held. But Mayor Vincent Gray is planning for flags be flown at half staff during the funeral.

Ward 7 community activist Ron Moten, who was a close friend of Brown's, said that in light of the upcoming holiday weekend, it wasn't likely the service would take place prior to Memorial Day. He said however, it would be a problem finding a building large enough to hold the thousands of fans expected to attend.

"RFK Stadium wouldn't be classy enough and the Washington Convention Center won't work either," said Moten. "So I think the service should be held at the Verizon Center."

Moten, who helped arrange the funeral for Go-Go musician Benny Little in 2010 at the Convention Center, said there was barely enough room to accommodate the 7,000 to 9,000 people who attended. "We were rushing people through to see Benny," said Moten.

Brown died last week at age 75 following a lengthy illness. On Sunday, dozens of fans paid tribute to the "Godfather of Go-Go" by participating in an impromptu block party in the District on "Chuck Brown Way."

Donna Summer, known for her soaring voice and sensual purrs, died Thursday after a battle with cancer. The 63-year-old queen of disco, who had been living in Englewood, Fla., with her husband Bruce Sudano, was a five-time Grammy winner.

Although best remembered for her songs decades ago, Summer continued to tour and record, including a stint last year as a guest judge on the Bravo reality show "Platinum Hit."

Born LaDonna Andrea Gaines in suburban Boston on New Year's Eve, 1948, Summer was one of seven siblings in a church-attending family who encouraged studies and singing in equal measure.

An early fan of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, Summer sang in a Boston rock band called Crow in the late 1960s, and left home for New York City at age 18 to find work on Broadway, which she did quickly by landing a role in a touring version of the hot Broadway show "Hair."

She spent the next three years living and touring in Europe. There she met and married the singer Helmut Sommer, whose last name she adapted as her stage name.

While in Europe she also met Italian music producer Giorgio Moroder, whose early dance tracks were making an impact across Europe. Moroder and Summer started working together, resulting in their first hit, the seductive 17-minute-long dance floor epic "Love to Love You Baby." On it, Summer moans in ecstasy throughout, seeming to climax with the music. A shortened version of it was released by then-hot label Casablanca in 1975, and peaked on the Billboard singles chart at No. 2.

That was the first of a string of songs that not only helped bring disco to the mainstream, but predicted the rise of both techno and house music. Among those were "I Feel Love," "Bad Girls," "She Works Hard for the Money" and "On the Radio."

But unlike some other stars of disco who faded as the music became less popular, she was able to grow beyond it and later segued to a pop-rock sound. She had one of her biggest hits in the 1980s with "She Works Hard for the Money," which became an anthem for women's rights.

Soon after, Summer became a born-again Christian and faced controversy when she was accused of making anti-gay comments in relation to the AIDS epidemic. Summer denied making the comments but was the target of a boycott.

Still, even as disco went out of fashion she remained a fixture in dance clubs, endlessly sampled and remixed into contemporary dance hits.

Her last album, "Crayons," was released in 2008 and marked her first full studio album in 17 years. She also performed on "American Idol" that year with its top female contestants.

A statement from her family called Summer "a woman of many gifts, the greatest being her faith."

"While we grieve her passing, we are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy," according to the statement released by Universal Music, her record label. "Words truly can't express how much we appreciate your prayers and love for our family at this sensitive time."