Washington Informer

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Due to overwhelming demand, additional performances have now been announced for "The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour Starring Beyonce," in both Washington, D.C., on July 30 at Verizon Center and Aug. 4 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Tickets for these two dates as well as previously announced performances in Atlantic City; Charlotte; Nashville; Oklahoma City; Philadelphia; St. Paul; and Uncasville, go on sale Friday, Feb. 15. Tickets in Atlanta go on sale Saturday, Feb. 16.

Tickets for Beyoncé at Verizon Center on July 30 at 8 p.m. are $253, $128, $88 and $48 (plus applicable service charges) and go on sale at 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 15. Tickets will be available through all Ticketmaster outlets including the Verizon Center box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or via Phonecharge at 1-800-745-3000. The floor is general admission, meaning no seats.

A ticket lottery will take place at 8 a.m. at the Verizon Center box office only. There is a 10-ticket limit for the day of the on sale. Accessible seating is available for patrons with disabilities by calling 202-661-5065.

For more information visit www.beyonce.com or www.verizoncenter.com. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Information can also be obtained in D.C. by contacting Sheila Francis, Verizon Center communications, at 202-628-3200 x6042.

Quvenzhane Wallis, who was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in "Beasts of the Southern Wild," is reportedly in talks for the lead role in the movie version of "Annie," the popular Broadway musical.

Nine-year-old Quvenzhane, who is competing for Best Actress at this year's Academy Awards, would replace Willow Smith, 12, the daughter of actors Will and Jada Pinkett Smith. Willow is dropping out of the movie to concentrate on being a child, according to EW.com.

While director Will Gluck and producers at Will Smith's Overbrook Entertainment banner and Jay-Z's Marcy Media have yet to make final casting decisions, insiders have suggested that Quvenzhane would be a big hit.

In an effort to reduce illiteracy among District residents and to help others acquire either a GED or the necessary educational and job training that lead to better career options, the YWCA National Capital Area (NCA) is sponsoring a Distance Learning Program for ages 18 and older.

The program is aimed at persons who aren't able to attend classes via the tradition classroom setting, but have access to a computer.

People interested in obtaining their GED before new test changes become effective in 2014, will be provided a flexible schedule to enhance their literacy and math skills in order to pass the examination. However, self-study is required for the classes, which will be offered Monday through Sunday, via online instruction.

Requirements also include attendance for classes from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. in-person on Tuesdays at the YWCA NCA site, 2303 14th St. in Northwest, the completion of at least 12 hours of face-to-face class time and an eight-hour orientation.

For more information, please contact Angela Hughes, 202.626.0706 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Pope Benedict XVI will step down Feb. 28, making him the first pontiff to resign in 600 years.

In making the unexpected announcement Monday in Rome where he spoke in Latin, Pope Benedict XVI cited advanced infirmities as the reason for his resignation.

"I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise [of leadership]," the pope said in a statement that has circulated around the globe via the Internet and social media.

The 85-year-old pope has served at the helm of the Roman Catholic world for the past eight years.

Former U.S. Rep. Cardiss Collins, the first African-American woman to represent Illinois in Congress, died Saturday, Feb. 2, in Washington, D.C. She was 81.

Collins, who served as Congressional Black Caucus chairperson during the 96th Congress, represented the 7th Congressional District for more than two decades prior to her retirement in 1997. During that time, she focused on women's health and welfare issues. She also fought for universal health insurance and Medicare coverage of mammograms.

Congressional Black Caucus Chairperson Marcia L. Fudge released the following statement on Collin's passing:

"During her tenure in the House of Representatives, Cardiss Collins was one of the most outspoken champions and advocates for women and minority communities. Ms. Collins was a leader in making women's health and breast cancer awareness a national priority, and used her voice to call attention and condemn discriminatory acts in all sectors of society.

"As the fourth African American woman to serve in the House and the second African American woman to lead the CBC, Ms. Collins never hesitated to speak on the needs of urban communities. Through her work, she also helped break down barriers for women to pursue and achieve any goal they set out to accomplish.

"Because of her commitment and her courage, I and many other women in this Congress are able to follow in her footsteps and be leaders among our peers. I appreciate and am grateful for the legacy of service Ms. Collins has left behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this very difficult time."

Three Performances Slated for Metro Area

Bowie, MD (Feb. 6, 2013) – Unlimited Entertainment Company presents "BEHIND THE PULPIT," a gospel comedy stage play written by the late playwright David Payton.

Fresh off of three tour stops in Durham, NC, Nashville, TN and Fayetteville, NC; "BEHIND THE PULPIT" will delight audiences from around the D.C. metropolitan area for three performances Feb. 15-16 at Reid Temple A.M.E Church in Glenn Dale, Md.

"Reid Temple is pleased to serve as the venue for this spirit-filled play," said Loxley O'Connor, director of Business and Financial Affairs for Reid Temple. "We hope that families in the DC metropolitan area are able to come out and enjoy this wonderful event."

"BEHIND THE PULPIT" tells the story of a pastor torn between loyalties to his family and congregation. His worlds collide as the church faces financial ruin and moral tests, and events at home challenge the structure and future of his family. Audiences will be entertained through faith, laughter, and song as nationally acclaimed musicians, actors, singers and dancers bring them to their feet.

The comedy, which began touring in 2012, features actress BerNadette Stanis, star of the hit television series "Good Times;" R&B sensation Tony Terry; 2012 Stellar Award-winning gospel artist Paul Porter; Terrell Phillips of Tyler Perry's "Meet the Browns" and "Madea's Family Reunion," and former member of popular R&B group, Blackstreet; and actor/comedian Lil' JJ of the "Rickey Smiley Morning Show," "Are We There Yet," "Beauty Shop," and other popular movies and series.

"We are honored that Reid Temple has agreed to host the DC-area premier of this tour," said Nate Tarver, founder and CEO of Birmingham-based Unlimited Entertainment Company. "We believe audiences will be truly inspired by the musicianship, comedy, and life lessons presented in this production."

Unlimited Entertainment Company has more than 36 years in the entertainment business, managing and producing many notable tours and events. From hit stage plays "Beauty Shop" and "When A Woman is Fed Up" to gospel superstar Kirk Franklin's "Tour of Life" and "Nu Nation Tour," the team has elevated black entertainment through the years. "BEHIND THE PULPIT" is the latest in the company's repertoire, enchanting audiences around the country during its spring 2013 tour.

Performance times are 8 p.m. Feb. 15, and 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Feb. 16. Tickets can be purchased online at eTix or at the Reid Temple Book Store (301.352.0320). For more information, please visit http://www.behindthepulpitplay.com/. Reid Temple A.M.E. Church is located at 11100 Glenn Dale Boulevard in Glenn Dale, Md.

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First Impressions Matter

I must say that I'm optimistic about David Grosso's term in office as a new at-large member of the D.C. Council, based on the article, "Members of the Council Chat with Residents" in the most recent edition of your paper. District residents would love to interact more with our representatives on the D.C. Council and have an opportunity to exchange ideas with them personally. What better way to make contact than to come out to the neighborhoods and meet us where we are?

I congratulate Mr. Grosso, not only because he's a new council member doing the right thing, but also because he chose to start his outreach in Ward 8, the most underserved ward in the city. I commend other council members who have been doing the same in their respective wards.

Hopefully, we in Ward 5 will see more of our new representative, Kenyan McDuffie, as well as Mr. Grosso, very soon. There are lots of issues to discuss.

Marian Harlan

Washington, D.C.

Curry's On Point!

I totally agree with George Curry's opinion piece "Hands off Malia and Sasha Obama" in your paper. The National Rifle Association (NRA) should be ashamed to make that statement about the president's children having armed protection while other children have none. They accuse Mr. Obama of being self-contradictory when he decries gun ownership while his children are kept safe by gun-toting security guards.

Obviously, the president's entire family is at risk of deadly attacks because everybody knows who they are! It would be foolish not to have armed security for them, as well as anybody else who happens to be in the public eye. Mr. Curry is absolutely on point regarding the NRA's ridiculous statement. Why would we provide armed security for all other presidents and their children, and not do the same for the Obamas? What an inappropriate way for the NRA to try to make a point!

Jarred Wilson

Hyattsville, Md.

$170 million Effort Offers Home-buying Education, Down Payment Assistance

for Moderate Income Buyers in 20 U.S. Housing Markets

San Francisco and Washington, DC — February 5, 2013 — Wells Fargo, one of America's leading financial services companies, and NeighborWorks America, a national non-profit organization which creates opportunities for people to live in affordable homes and improve their lives, today marked the one-year anniversary of their NeighborhoodLIFTSM and CityLIFTSM programs by announcing the efforts have helped 1,624 moderate income buyers purchase homes with the help of homebuyer education training and $27 million of down payment assistance grants. In addition, 460 applicants have a contract to purchase a home through the programs with the help of nearly $8 million for down payment assistance. More than $64 million remains available for down payment assistance grants through LIFT programs in participating housing markets.

The $170 million initiative created by Wells Fargo and NeighborWorks America has sought to keep the dream of homeownership within reach for prospective homebuyers facing down payment challenges in cities deeply affected by the housing crisis. The programs – first launched in February 2012 in Los Angeles and Atlanta – have made down payment assistance grants ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 per homebuyer depending on the housing market.

Pre-qualified applicants must meet certain criteria including annual income not exceeding 120 percent of the median income for the area; complete required homebuyer education training administered by HUD-approved housing counselors such as NeighborWorks America affiliates; and earn their down payment assistance grants when they buy and reside in an eligible home for five years. Mortgages available through the program are not exclusively offered through Wells Fargo, America's largest mortgage lender, and the down payment grants, while funded by Wells Fargo, are administered by NeighborWorks America's network of non-profit affiliates.

"NeighborWorks America and Wells Fargo have reached an important milestone in helping more than 1,600 families achieve the dream of homeownership through the LIFT programs," said NeighborWorks America CEO Eileen Fitzgerald. "These programs contribute to community stabilization because they promote successful, sustainable homeownership that's grounded in making responsible buying choices."

"At Wells Fargo, we believe in programs like LIFT because they provide community-based solutions that deliver real help to families," said Jon Campbell, Wells Fargo's executive vice president and head of Government and Community Relations. "These programs encourage the kind of collaboration that needs to keep happening between the private sector, the non-profit sector and elected and public officials."

Since the inception of the programs, more than 14,000 potential home buyers have attended NeighborhoodLIFTSM and CityLIFTSM events in the following cities: Los Angeles, Atlanta, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Houston, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Chicago, Sacramento, and Oakland. The next CityLIFTSM program homebuyer event is scheduled April 5-6 in Baltimore. Visit www.nhsbaltimore.org for more information about the CityLIFTSM program in Baltimore.

For more information about LIFT programs, go to www.neighborhoodlift.org. For more information about NeighborWorks America, go to nw.org.

(Source: Wells Fargo)

Essie Mae Washington-Williams, the African-American daughter of former Sen. Strom Thurmond, died Monday. She was 87.

Thurmond never admitted Washington-Willliams was his daughter, but the retired school Los Angeles teacher announced that she was the legendary South Carolina politician's secret child in December 2003. At that time, she stood before droves of news cameras and reporters to declare that, "I am Essie Mae Washington-Williams, and at last I am completely free."

Thurmond, who died six months prior to Washington-Williams' announcement, had built a long career on Capitol Hill as a champion of segregation. He was 100 years old at the time of his death. He also refrained from admittimng to having a liaison with Washington-Williams' mother, who was a family maid.

"My children ultimately convinced me that history needed to know about Thurmond and that I should set the record straight," Washington-Williams wrote in the Los Angeles Times in 2003. "I am not doing this for money. I am not suing his estate. I just want to tell the truth."

Washington-Williams, who died of natural causes in Columbia, S.C., had moved back to South Carolina a few years ago when her health began to fail.