Washington Informer

The largest African-American newspaper in the District recently won the right to keep its designation to be considered for government contracts.

The Washington Informer Newspaper in Southeast announced a settlement with the Office of the Chief Financial Officer in maintaining its status with the District government as a newspaper of general circulation and a Certified Business Enterprise. Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes expressed her satisfaction with the settlement.

"I am pleased with the OCFO's decision but I am still baffled by the unwarranted decision which got us here in the first place and its negative implications," Rolark Barnes said before a crowd of supporters on Monday, Nov. 5 in the plaza of One Judiciary Square in Northwest. "However, this settlement is not only a win for the Washington Informer, but it will apply to every D.C.-based newspaper that is a Certified Business Enterprise or that serves a target market. That was the purpose of appealing the decision."

In June, the OCFO's, Office of Contracts issued a solicitation bid for the publication of the city's unclaimed property listing to a "newspaper of general circulation" that is "widely distributed in the District of Columbia." The Informer responded along with other publications.

The $30,000 contract went to the Washington Times.

Rolark Barnes received notification of the decision by email, stating that "The Washington Informer was found non-responsive based on the fact that the Washington Informer serves a specific ethnic group and does not meet the requirements of a newspaper of general circulation" that was written by OCFO contractor Joseph Giddis.

Rolark Barnes hired noted District attorney Johnny Barnes to represent the newspaper and his efforts paid off. Johnny Barnes said that while he's pleased that the OCFO has decided to change its practices in the future, he said that the fight wasn't necessary.

"This is a victory for the Washington Informer, but it is unfortunate that it has to be this way," said Johnny Barnes, 63. "Someone got it all wrong but we commend those in the OCFO's office who understand the law and recognize the broad reach and respect for the Washington Informer. This whole thing didn't make sense."

He's not alone.

It didn't make sense to D.C. Council member Tommy Wells [D-Ward 6], who sent a Sept. 10 letter of support for the Informer to Marc Loud, chief administrative judge for the D.C. Contract Appeals Board.

"I am astonished that the Office of Contracting and Procurement could describe the Washington Informer as anything other than a "newspaper of general circulation," said Wells, 55. "In addition, that the Office of Contracting and Procurement would award the contract to the Washington Times – a newspaper whose ownership does not live in or operate in the District of Columbia – is disappointing."

Letters of support also came from Hazel Trice Edney, president of the Capital Press Club in Northwest, Prince George's County business and civic leader James Dula, Jim Haigh, government relations consultant-MidAtlantic Community Papers Association of Emmaus, Pa., of which the Informer is a member and Sylvia Cyrus, executive director of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History in Northwest and D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray.

D.C. Council member Vincent Orange [D-At Large], who chairs the committee that deals with small businesses and government contracts expressed support, as well.

The Informer was established in October, 1964 by the late Calvin Rolark, father of the publisher and the late D.C. Council member Wilhelmina Rolark.

The Informer has published various advertisements including the Unclaimed Property Advertisements and the Tax Sale Advertisements for the D.C. government. In Sept. 2009, the newspaper published the unclaimed property supplement and in June 2011, it published the tax sale listings.

Rolark Barnes said that the settlement will have a wide-ranging effect.

"This settlement agreement is a victory that affirms efforts to include weekly newspapers among newspapers of general circulation which opened the door for many newspapers to advertise public notices in the District, including the Washington Informer," she said.

Business leaders representing hundreds of Maryland businesses and thousands of employees held a rally at National Harbor in support of Question 7, a ballot initiative that would bring thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions in revenue to the state. The announcement is the latest in a large and growing coalition of support for Question 7, with Maryland businesses joining labor and county officials in urging Maryland voters to vote yes on Question 7.

Individuals participating in the event included:

M.H. Jim Estepp – President and CEO, Greater Prince George's Business Roundtable

Gwen McCall – President and CEO, Prince George's Economic Development Corporation

Matt Neitzey – Executive Director, Prince George's County, Maryland Conference and Visitors Bureau

James Henderson – Chairman, Prince George's Chamber of Commerce

Javier Torres – President & CEO, The Corporate Group, LLC

Mr. Torres joined eight other Maryland businesses in launching "9 for Seven," an effort by local businesses to support the new resort casino proposed in Question 7.  The companies, which will contribute to the 'Vote for 7' effort, include:

• Wyndham

• Tolin Mechanical

• The Corporate Group LLC

• Multicorp

• Mona Electric

• Metropolitan Protective Services

• Grace's Mandarin

• Complete Landscaping

• Coastal Properties Management

"As a non-profit, nonpartisan business alliance representing some of the most prominent employers of Prince George's County, we want to see our county and our state thrive," said Jim Estepp, President and CEO of the Greater Prince George's Business Roundtable.  "A new resort casino would continue the record of success established here at National Harbor by creating thousands of jobs and drawing millions of tourists, business travelers and other guests to Maryland.  At a time when we are desperately in need of new sources of revenue, we simply cannot turn our backs on this great opportunity."

"In Prince George's County, we are committed to promoting economic development and expanding business opportunities for our citizens here at home.  The new resort casino proposed in Question 7 would do that in spades," said Gwen McCall, President and CEO of Prince George's Economic Development Corporation. "I look forward to working with my colleagues in the business community to communicate to the people of Maryland that a vote in favor of Question 7 is a vote to bring jobs and opportunity back to our great state."

Supporting Question 7 on the ballot this November would create 2,000 new construction jobs, 4,000 permanent jobs at the new resort casino, 4,400 additional permanent jobs associated with the development, and 1,600 new jobs from the introduction of table games at all Maryland casinos.

"The development of a world-class resort casino in Prince George's County will attract tourists, visitors, meetings and conventions from all over the world," said Matt Neitzey, Executive Director of Prince George's County, Maryland Conference and Visitors Bureau.  "This destination facility will bolster not only travel and tourism but also create new jobs, provide revenue to help fund education and public safety, and create an entertainment corridor with upscale amenities unlike any other in the Metropolitan Washington, DC area."

Despite Penn National's best efforts to mislead Maryland voters and protect its Charles Town Casino in West Virginia, the Washington Post recently wrote that the casino behind the ads is "most concerned with its own bottom line," and the Baltimore Sun has stated that "it doesn't have Maryland taxpayers' interests at heart."

"The Prince George's Chamber of Commerce is here today to offer its unequivocal support for Question 7," said James Henderson, Chairman of Prince George's Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit alliance of over 900 businesses, representing 300,000 employees."The job growth and economic development a new resort casino would bring to the region speaks directly to our mission of advancing the interest of business for a vibrant Prince George's County.  As is evidenced by their participation here today, our local businesses support Question 7, and we support them as they launch the '10 for Seven' initiative."

"As a business owner, I have first-hand experience with the type of economic opportunity a project of this magnitude would bring to Prince George's County and the state of Maryland," said Javier Torres, President & CEO of The Corporate Group, LLC.  "A new resort casino would mean thousands of new, good-paying jobs across a broad range of industries, including construction, restaurant service, janitorial services, security and retail,among others.  We urge the people of Maryland to reject the bogus claims by Penn National, whose only motive is to protect its West Virginia casino, and vote for Question 7."

The Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation, in partnership with Prince George's County Executive's Office, Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) and NRG Energy, Inc. launched the "Redskins Read Book Challenge" at a kickoff event on Tuesday, Sept. 25th at FedExField.

The "Redskins Read Book Challenge" rewards students from across the Washington, D.C. metro area who read 10 or more books during the 2012-13 school year with a Redskins Read Book Challenge reading certificate. Eligible students will also be entered into a drawing to win additional prizes. The reading certificates as well as the prizes are being provided by "Redskins Read Book Challenge" sponsor NRG.

The event featured an assortment of local celebrities who will read to more than 200 students from PGCPS including Templeton Elementary School, Overlook Elementary School, Langley Park-McCormick Elementary School, Forest Heights Elementary School, Columbia Park Elementary School and William Beanes Elementary School.

The all-star guests included Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker III, NRG Solutions President Tom Gros, Prince George's State's Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks, Prince George's County Sheriff Melvin C. High, Prince George's County Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor, Board of Education Members Amber Waller, Carolyn Boston and Henry Armwood, and PGCPS Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alvin Crawley.

Prince George's County Council members and representatives from the Prince George's County Police Department and Prince George's County Memorial Library System also participated.

Students rotated to six different reading stations throughout the stadium including the Redskins locker room, press box and the Washington Redskins Cheerleader Dance Studio. Students had the opportunity to listen to excerpts from books such as Donavan's Word Jar by Monalisa DeGross, My Football Book by Gail Gibbons and The Busy Body Book: A Kid's Guide to Fitness by Lizzy Rockwell.

The Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation also produces and distributes thousands of Redskins Read Activity Books free of charge to local branch libraries, school districts, nonprofit organizations and literacy centers. For more information on the Redskins Read literacy program or to find out how to participate in the "Redskins Read Book Challenge," visit HYPERLINK "http://www.redskins.com/redskinsread" www.redskins.com/redskinsread.

ABOUT THE REDSKINS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION: The Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation, the non-profit philanthropic arm of the team, combines the influence and popularity of the Washington Redskins with the resources and assets of area corporations. Founded by owner Daniel M. Snyder, the Charitable Foundation is guided by its Leadership Council that consists of CEOs who help shape and define the philanthropic efforts of the Redskins to achieve a measurable impact on youth development in the areas of education, community outreach and health and wellness. Visit HYPERLINK "http://www.redskins.com/" \o "http://www.redskins.com/" www.Redskins.com and click on Community for more information.

ABOUT THE REDSKINS: Headquartered at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Virginia, and owned by Daniel Snyder, the historic Washington Redskins Football Club has won five World Championship titles including the 1937 and 1942 National Football League Championship games, as well as Super Bowls XVII, XXII and XXVI. Founded in 1932 as the Boston Braves in Massachusetts, the team changed its name to the Redskins in 1933 and relocated to Washington, D.C., in 1937. Since then, the team has become one of the most recognizable professional sports franchises in history, featuring three Hall of Fame coaches, 19 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (with seven others who also were Redskins) and becoming the first team in the NFL with an official marching band and fight song, "Hail to the Redskins." The Redskins have been owned by Dan Snyder since 1999, and beginning in 1997, began playing their home games at FedExField in Landover, Md.

Upper Marlboro, MD –   On September 13th, Prince George's County initiated demolition of the Chapel Wood Apartments, 26 vacant apartments on Nova Avenue, in the Coral Hills community.  The blighted complex has created significant public safety issues for the neighborhood over the years and tomorrow's demolition is an important step forward for the community.  County Council Chair Andrea C. Harrison (District 5), County Council Member Karen R. Toles (District 7), 24th Legislative District State Senator Joanne C. Benson and Delegates Michael L. Vaughn and Carolyn J. B. Howard joined County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III for this important event.

The County's demolition of the Chapel Wood Apartments is part of the County Executive's HYPERLINK "http://cms.princegeorgescountymd.gov/ExecutiveNews/default.aspx?itemid=650" Transforming Neighborhoods Initiative (TNI), which is designed to address issues in six areas of the County that have challenges with high rates of crime, low student achievement, limited economic opportunity and numerous health disparities.

"For the surrounding community, Chapel Wood Apartments have been more than blight to their neighborhood.  It has been a public safety hazard," said Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker. "These residents have waited too long for the removal of these apartments.  I want to thank the Gwendolyn Bowman and the Bradbury Heights Civic Association, Council Member Toles, and Senator Benson for their unwavering advocacy to resolve this problem.  I am proud of my Administration and the County employees who worked across several departments to resolve this issue and rid this neighborhood of blight that has been a part of this community for far too long.  This is a great neighborhood and I am glad that we are helping these citizens move forward and begin transforming Nova Avenue."

The complete demolition of the apartment complex will take approximately 6 weeks.  The cost of the demolition is approximately $585,000 and the first lien holder of the property has agreed to pay for the demolition.   The Prince George's County Government plans to work with the current lien holder and prospective developers to redevelop this land and create attractive and sustainable housing.

"Key among County Council legislative priorities is economic development and redevelopment of our communities," said Prince George's Council Chair Andrea C. Harrison (District 5). "The Prince George's County Council is pleased to partner with County Executive Baker to transform these communities into wealthier, healthier and safer neighborhoods."

"I commend County Executive Baker for his dedication to transforming Nova Avenue in the Coral Hills community and other such communities throughout District 7," said Council Member Karen R. Toles (District 7).  "In the past year, my colleagues and I have allocated funding and resources to assist in this transformation, and I remain committed to the redevelopment and revitalization of Nova Avenue and Capitol Heights."

"As we continue to raise the bar for the citizens of Prince George's County and the 24th Legislative District, this great day is long overdue, but we made it," stated State Senator Joanne C. Benson. "We know there is more work to do to continue the progress forward."

Demolition of the Chapel Wood Apartments will be conducted by Demolition Services, Inc.  The Office of County Executive Baker is currently in the process of notifying through the mail all residents in the vicinity of this work and encouraging any citizens of this community to call 301-952-4131 if they have any questions or concerns about this project.

The first music festival in the district of its kind, Trillectro bridged the gap between hip-hop and electronic music. On August 11, 2012, Trillectro united music enthusiasts at DC's brand new HALF STREET FAIRGROUNDS (outside nationals park! GO NATS!) for an unforgettable day of incredible performances from some of the best emerging local and national artists.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan, along with officials from White House and the Smithsonian Institution will join high-school student leaders from New York and Washington D.C., today for a series of events celebrating the 48th anniversary of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Joining the students and Secretary Duncan will be Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Russlynn Ali, Special Assistant to the President for Education Roberto Rodriguez, and leaders from the White House Initiatives on American Indian and Alaska Native Education, Asian American and Pacific Islanders, Education Excellence for Hispanics, and Historically Black Colleges.

Students will also hear from curators of the Smithsonian's National Museums of African American History and Culture and American History, and will delve further into civil rights history through discussions with senior administration officials about the struggle to achieve legislation prohibiting discrimination based on race in our nation's schools. They will also discuss current issues and perspectives on Title VI and develop their own visions for advancing equality. Youth involvement played a significant role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act, and youth continue to play a major role in sustaining its principles.

In addition, the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) will release "Title VI: Enforcement Highlights," published to commemorate the 48th anniversary of Title VI, and reviewing OCR's work over the last three years to enforce this important civil rights statue.

"Even as we celebrate today, we must also honor the legacy of Title VI by understanding its enduring relevance and continuing to vigorously enforce its protections for students of all races and national origins," said Russlynn Ali, the Department's assistant secretary for Civil Rights.

"Title VI: Enforcement Highlights" describes how OCR has fought civil rights violations such as discriminatory discipline, racial harassment, and barriers to education for English learners. OCR received nearly 5500 Title VI-related complaints in the last three years – a record -- and launched over 55 systemic, proactive investigations. The document also covers OCR's ground-breaking policy guidance in areas such as how school districts and colleges can voluntarily choose to promote diversity in their student bodies within the Constitution.

The document also reports on data culled from the Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC), released by OCR in March of this year. The CRDC surveyed 72,000 schools teaching 85 percent of America's students, and data show that racial inequities remain a reality in many of America's schools. For example, African-American students are over 3 ½ times more likely than their white peers to be suspended or expelled. And Hispanic students represent 21 percent of the enrollment in high school but only 13 percent of students passing at least one Advanced Placement exam.

Title VI states, "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance." Title VI applies to all levels of educational institutions – public or private – that receive federal financial assistance. The statute extends to all programs and activities and prohibits denial of equal access to college- and career-preparatory courses, programs for English learners, and discriminatory discipline and harassment—all of which are fundamental barriers to equal education.

Among the young people expected to attend today's events are students from the New York Mayor's Youth Leadership Council, New York Urban Ambassadors, the Close Up program, the Washington, D.C., Schools Without Walls, as well as winners of the Princeton Prize on Race Relations.

Following their time at the Department, the students and their chaperones will take part in tours through the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

American songwriter, producer and musicologist Nolan Williams, Jr. has been invited by the US State Department to lead an ensemble of nine singers on tour to Cairo, Egypt. The NEWorks Inspirational Voices will represent the United States as cultural envoys singing for the Fifth Annual Sufi and Chanting Festival, an international festival sponsored by Egypt's Ministry of Culture.  

The Sufi and Chanting Festival annually highlights various Muslim and Christian musical traditions from across the Middle East and the wider Muslim world, including India, Pakistan, Spain, Indonesia and Turkey.  The festival will kick off with a spectacular opening ceremony on Saturday, July 29 celebrating the holy month of Ramadan. 

According to Williams, "When I first received an email from a State Department official  inquiring if I would be interested in this tour I was absolutely thrilled, to say the least.  I had long hoped to become connected with their cultural exchange programs and had planned to one day apply.  It is gratifying to know the work that I have been doing has raised a level of attention that incited this prestigious invitation."

Indeed, Williams' work speaks for itself.  Williams is chief music editor of the best-selling African American Heritage Hymnal and is regarded as a leading authority on African American sacred music.  During the spring term of this year, he served as visiting professor at Dartmouth College teaching a course he designed on these traditions. Last year, Williams coordinated music for the Dedication Ceremony of the MLK National Memorial, including the 75-voice choir formed especially for the occasion.  And, earlier this year, Williams, along with his Voices of Inspiration, kicked off The White House tribute to African American History month in February--marking their fourth invitation to perform at the executive mansion since President Obama came into office. 

For the State Department's Bureau of Exchange and Cultural Affairs [EOC], Williams was a natural selection.  And, he will be joined by an impressive roster of singers including soprano Nova Tate, 2012 Helen Hayes Award winner for Best Supporting Actress in Signature Theatre's production of Hairspray, Washington National Opera soprano Samantha McElhaney, and Gospel recording artist Vanessa Williams. The full roster of NEWorks Inspirational Voices is: Nova Tate, Samantha McElhaney, Vanessa Williams, Dennis Sawyers, Victoria Purcell, Byron Nichols, Danton Whitley, Iyona Blake, and Joy Swafford.

Together, Williams and the NEWorks Inspirational Voices will be engaged in three major performances during the festival itself as well as multiple master classes, students workshops and media outreach events.  According to the State Department EOC, their visit is purposed to "promote mutual understanding, [building] trust among Egyptians of American respect for Islam (particularly among the newly empowered Islamists who swept the last elections), and [introducing gospel music as] an important and unique form of the American culture."  

In a statement, Rhonda Dallas, Executive Director of the Prince George's Arts and Humanities Council, says, "It is part of the mission of PGAHC to support arts programming that fosters inter-cultural understanding.  We are excited to partner with Nolan Williams and NEWorks as the arts organization partner for this historic tour."

Throughout their tour, Williams and NEWorks will blog and tweet about their experience.  Interested persons can follow them via Twitter @neworkspro and on Facebook at http://facebook.com/nolan.williams.

The envoys depart for Cairo this coming Thursday, July 26 returning August 5.