Washington Informer

Wells Fargo & Company will donate $6 million shared across 59 nonprofits through its "2012 Leading The Way Home®" program to help stabilize and revitalize neighborhoods hard-hit by the economy. The Leading The Way Home® Priority Markets Initiative provides grant support for neighborhood stabilization projects that are located in areas designated for revitalization to stimulate growth, stability and investment in distressed areas.

"These grants are focused on stabilizing and rebuilding local communities," said Kimberly Jackson, executive director of Wells Fargo's Housing Foundation. "We're increasing our grant commitments to help even more efforts led by nonprofits to revitalize neighborhoods in cities that have been deeply affected by the challenging economy."

Grant recipients are nonprofits actively involved and experienced in community revitalization efforts and were selected from requests submitted by local team members and nonprofits Wells Fargo identified as being in need of extra help with large-scale neighborhood revitalization projects.

Source: Wells Fargo Corporate Communications

Hall of Fame boxing trainer Emanuel Steward, who worked with several world champions, including fellow inductees Lennox Lewis and Thomas Hearns, has died. He was 68.

Steward, a native of West Virginia, moved to Detroit as a child and ultimately made a name for himself as a trainer at the Kronk Gym. Hilmer Kenty became his first world champion there in March 1980 and was followed a few months later by Hearns, the power-punching welterweight who wound up with titles in six weight classes from 147 to 190 pounds.

Steward later worked with fighters outside of Detroit and was credited with raising the profile of Lewis, who held the IBO and WBC versions of the heavyweight championship when he retired in 2003. Since 2004, Steward had worked with Ukrainian heavyweight Wladimir Klitschko, who currently holds the IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO crowns and will defend them next month in Germany.

He'd also developed a following for his work as a boxing analyst for HBO.

Word of Steward's condition spread rapidly when it was announced this week that he'd not work Klitschko's corner for the November fight, and would instead be replaced by longtime Klitschko sparring partner and former cruiserweight champion Johnathon Banks.

Stewart's family confirmed on Thursday that he had indeed died, with his sister, Diane Steward-Jones, saying, "(He) fought harder than Hagler and Hearns."

Source: The Sports Network

Event Will Be Moderated by Actress Debbi Morgan, Keynote Address by Dr. Maya Rockeymoore

Maryland residents are encouraged to join local political leaders, community activists and educators on Sunday, Oct. 28 for the first ever "Women Educated, Women Empowered, Women Engaged" Women's Legislative Conference (WE3 Conference) at Prince George's Community College in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

The Prince George's County Commission for Women in partnership with the Office of the County Executive, Prince George's County Council, Presidents of the Maryland Association of Counties and Prince George's Community College, The Community Foundation for Prince George's County and the Department of Family Services have come together to host the all-day event which offers an opportunity for participants to engage political leaders across local, state and federal jurisdictions through interactive panel discussions, Q & A sessions and networking opportunities throughout the day.

The WE3 Conference strives to bring women together throughout Prince George's County and the State of Maryland to educate them on navigating the legislative process, empower through sharing key information on the unique relationship between legislation and their personal lives, and to also encourage them to connect with their elected officials.

Veteran actress Debbi Morgan (formerly of ABC's All My Children) will serve as the event's special moderator, and there will also be a lineup of powerful speakers, including keynote speaker, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore, who leads Global Policy Solutions, a Washington, DC-based social change strategy firm, will give the keynote address.

Also slated to speak with Maryland residents are Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (MD-4), Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski, Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III, Prince George's County Council Chair Andrea Harrison (District 5), President of the Maryland Association of Counties and Prince George's County Council Member Ingrid M. Turner (District 4) and Council Member Karen Toles (District 7). In addition to panel discussions, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in on-site physician consults and health screenings; and tour resource-focused exhibits providing services and information from County agencies, non-profit organizations and corporations for women and families.

Maryland residents interested in attending the WE3 Conference can register online at www.WE3-WLC.com or on-site the day of the event. The registration fee is $10. The WE3 Conference is a sponsored Program Fund for the Community Foundation of Prince George's County. For more information, individuals may contact Jennifer Jones, Commission for Women at 301-249-2037 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Howard University quarterback Greg McGhee is tackled in the second half of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football action before a homecoming crowd of 10,305 at Greene Stadium in Northwest on Saturday, Oct 20. McGhee added 44 yards on 10 carries as the Bison amassed 259 yards on the ground. "This was a must win, not only because it was homecoming, but because it is an MEAC game," explained Howard head coach Gary Harrell. "Our goal is to finish these last five games 5-0, so this is a good start." /Photo by John E. De Freitas

Morgan State running back Travis Davidson sprints past Howard’s Julien David and scores a first-quarter touchdown at Greene Stadium in Northwest on Saturday, Oct. 20. Davidson finished with 104 yards on 27 carries. He also scored his 11th rushing touchdown of the season and rushed for over 100 yards for the fifth consecutive game. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

Morgan State’s Nathan Ayers and Howard’s David Wilson pursue a loose football in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 20 at Greene Stadium in Northwest. Howard defeated Morgan State 21-20 before a standing-room-only-crowd. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

D.C. United players celebrate with a sellout crowd of 19,647 at the end of the team’s final home game of the season. The United defeated the Columbus Crew 3-2 on Saturday, Oct. 20 at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium in Southeast. The win ended a five-year postseason drought. “It was like the old days,” said head coach Ben Olsen, who played with the United for 12 seasons. “I don’t like to bring up the old days very often, but the feeling in that [stadium] felt like the good old days, and I would like to keep that around.” /Photo by John E. De Freitas

D.C. United captain Chris Pontius battles Columbus Crew defender Sebastian Miranda early in the first half of Major League Soccer action at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium in Southeast on Saturday, Oct. 20. The United defeated Columbus 3-2 and clinched a berth in the Eastern Conference playoffs in the team’s final home game of the season. “Relief, excitement – it’s been a long time coming,” leading scorer Chris Pontius said. “Everyone is excited for the opportunity. We’re sitting in a good position. We put ourselves in a good position.” /Photo by John E. De Freitas

D.C. United’s Nick DeLeon set a rookie scoring record with his sixth goal of the season. The D.C. United defeated the Columbus Crew 3-2 on Saturday, Oct. 20 at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium in Southeast and clinched a berth in the Eastern Conference playoffs. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

Invest in UDC-CC

The front-page story, "Future of UDC-CC at Center of Special Council Hearing," October 18, 2012 is such a timely article. Higher education should be of major concern to every District of Columbia resident.

For years we have heard how those in charge of the University of the District of Columbia wanted to make it a world-class institution of higher learning, but couldn't achieve it because of the type of classes it had to offer to satisfy the needs of a majority of students entering from the city's public school system. The solution was a community college and it's the right one.

If the city and UDC are serious about higher education in the District, they need to commit whatever resources necessary for the community college system to succeed. There isn't a state in the union that doesn't have a community college system. It has proven to be the best way to help students that may not be prepared financially or academically to ready themselves for admittance to a four year institution.

UDC-Community College is in its infant stage and there will be growing pains, but we must not allow a few pains to get in the way of insuring a proven way of educating our youth. We should not allow UDC-Community College to be bounced around like our school system has been over the past few decades. It should be supported at any cost and built on a sound foundation to provide education and training for the residents of the District of Columbia.

Karen W. Joyce

Washington, D.C.

A Great Artist and Person

Thank you for your short but touching article, "Remembering Georgette S. Powell, Artist and Activist," October 18, 2012. Not only was Mrs. Powell a wonderful artist, more importantly she was a beautiful and caring person.

As a young artist living and working in Washington, D.C., I had the opportunity to work with Mrs. Powell when we were both members of the DC Chapter of the National Conference of Artists. Georgette, what she wanted everyone to call her, was always a very hard and tireless worker when it came to the tasks of the organization. She could provide timely encouragement, advice and guidance to the young artists when she noticed any sense of frustration within us.

It wasn't until years later when I attended a ceremony honoring Mrs. Powell that I learned the full extent of her artistic legacy. At that moment I began to wonder: if I as an artist were ever to reach the heights in my artistic career as she did, would I be able to be as humble and caring toward others as she always was? Mrs. Powell was a great artist, but more important for me, she was a great person.

Larry Saxton

Washington, D.C.

First-Ever Mayor's Medal of Honor Recognizes Heroism in FRC Shooting

Mayor Vincent C. Gray has presented the first-ever Mayor's Medal of Honor in recognition of heroism this past summer. Despite being shot, on Aug. 15, Leonardo "Leo" Johnson, an operations manager at the Family Research Council (FRC), disarmed an assailant and protected others at the Council, possibly preventing further bloodshed.

"Leo Johnson put his life on the line to wrestle a firearm away from an assailant and prevented what could have been a very tragic situation," said Gray. "He is a hero and it is my privilege to recognize his bravery by awarding him with the Medal of Honor."

Two Metropolitan Police Department officers also were recognized by Gray and Police Chief Cathy Lanier for their actions during the FRC incident.

Commendations for Acting Sergeant Timothy Holmes and Officer Walter Gilmore highlighted the outstanding judgment and professionalism they displayed in responding to the incident, calling upon their training to accurately analyze the situation and take appropriate action.

Meanwhile, the suspect in the case, Floyd Lee Corkins II of Herndon, Va., has been charged with interstate transportation of a firearms and ammunition, along with assault with intent to kill while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

In a bid to convince Prince George’s County residents that voting "Yes" on Question 7 will provide them a wider array of economic opportunities, former County Executive Wayne Curry announced on Oct. 18, the formation of a new ballot committee.

Tagged Maryland First NOW, the committee is made up of community interests and business groups. Curry will serve as chairman and M.H. Jim Estepp, president and CEO of the Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable, will serve as treasurer.

The committee was launched with a $500,000 contribution from the Peterson Companies and will raise additional funding from individuals and organizations in Prince George’s County who support Question 7.

"I’ve lived the dream in Prince George’s County and Maryland all my life," Curry said in a statement to The Washington Informer. "I’ve seen us flourish against all odds time and time again. This fall, I hear more and more support for the economic development, jobs and school revenue opportunities that come with passage of Question 7."

Curry added that it has become clear that "the unprecedented blitz of advertising" from a West Virginia casino has muddied the choice facing voters. To that end, he said that supporters of Question 7 need to come together to do everything they can to bring Maryland dollars back to Maryland.

"We have a chance for a major economic investment in Prince George’s County that will attract significant tourism and entertainment spending,” Estepp added. “Question 7 means too much, to too many people, for us not to do everything we can to advocate for it. A vote for Question 7 is a vote for Maryland jobs and Maryland schools. A vote against Question 7 is a vote for West Virginia jobs and West Virginia schools. We need to make sure that every Maryland voters understands that choice.”

Bernie McCain, the first program director for Radio One's WOL AM-1450, has died. He was 76.

McCain's broadcast career spanned 45-years, where he worked in several radio and television markets throughout the United States as well as abroad in Europe, South America and Africa.

McCain, who hosted afternoons on WOL, launched his radio career began in Newark, NJ, at WNJR, and eventually held a range of posts from news and music director to talk show host and general manager. He also helped launch WKIE in Richmond and 2DK in Antigua.

Talk show host Bev Smith described McCain, who died on Oct.12, an African-American legend.

"'Uncle Bernie' was the wise man in the community, the calming voice, and a man who could organize African American men like no other in that area," she said.

Source: Urban Radio Nation