WI Web Staff
Elsie Scott Named Director of Ron W. Walters Center
Sunday, 14 October 2012 23:59 Published in Local
Howard University has named Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D., former president and chief executive of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, as the founding director of the Ron W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center.
"I am excited to have been selected to be the first director of the Ron W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center," Scott said. "Dr. Walters was a role model for me as a political scientist. I valued his wise counsel and consider it an honor to have been entrusted with a major role of preserving his legacy."
Scott will spearhead the development of the Ron W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center into a focal point for leadership development and public policy research and analysis into the areas of African-American contributions to U.S. national and foreign policy, and the role of African Americans in U.S. presidential and congressional politics. Through seminars, conferences, symposia, visiting scholars, executive programs, internships , publications and public events, the Center will play a critical role in developing leaders; providing resources to political leaders, policy-makers and nonprofit leaders; and serving as an epicenter for policy discussion on issues critical to the global black community.
Between 2006 and 2012, Scott served as president and chief executive of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. Previously, she had served as the organization's vice president for research and programs. Scott led the foundation's annual legislative conferences, which attract more than 10,000 attendees each year. In addition, Scott successfully launched several foundation initiatives that sought to strengthen the influence of African Americans in public policy development.
Scott has enjoyed a distinguished career in federal, local, nonprofit and academic settings. She has served as executive director of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and Deputy Commissioner of Training for the New York City Police Department. She has held senior and supervisory roles in the police departments of Detroit and the District of Columbia and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. She has also taught political science, urban studies and criminal justice at several universities, including Howard, Rutgers, Central Florida and North Carolina Central.
Dr. Scott earned a B.A. from Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., a M.A. from the University of Iowa and a Ph.D. from Atlanta University. She has written many articles and monographs on topics related to crime, police and the black community, as well as on women's issues, hate violence, management and training, and race and poverty.
Howard University established the Ron W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center in 2011. Ronald W. Walters, Ph.D., served as a Howard University professor for 25 years and was a preeminent global scholar and expert on American political behavior, black politics and comparative politics. He died in September 2010. Walters served as a campaign manager and consultant to the Rev. Jesse Jackson during his two presidential bids and was instrumental in the creation of the Congressional Black Caucus.
"The Hope Affair" Unites Renal Community, Celebrates Fight Against Disease
The American Kidney Fund's fourth annual national gala, "The Hope Affair," takes place at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 17 at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in the District.
The event, themed "All Things Are Possible," will honor three remarkable individuals: a dialysis patient, a caregiver and the American Kidney Fund's "Calendar Kids" art contest winner. For the second year in a row, Washington's FOX 5 news anchor, Shawn Yancy, will serve as the evening's emcee. This year's featured keynote speaker will be Alan Hobson, Mount Everest climber and cancer survivor.
"The Hope Affair is a special time for the American Kidney Fund as we bring together the national renal community and policymakers to celebrate inspiring individuals who bring our mission to life," said LaVarne A. Burton, president and chief executive officer of the American Kidney Fund. "This is a time to celebrate those who inspire us to continue in the fight against kidney disease and an opportunity to highlight the programs and services supported by funds raised through the gala."
The evening's honorees are:
• 'Hero of Hope' Award: Eric Dolby, Sr.
•'Caregiver of the Year' Award: Debbie Nutt
•'Calendar Kids Cover Artist' Award: Amelia Rowniewski
In his keynote address, international bestselling author and worldwide adventurer Alan Hobson will share his personal experience that demonstrates all things are possible. Three years after reaching the summit of Mount Everest, Hobson was diagnosed with an aggressive blood cancer and given less than a year to live. He not only survived, but thrived.
Funds raised through The Hope Affair contribute directly to the programs and services provided by the American Kidney Fund. The eighth-leading cause of death in the United States, kidney disease affects an estimated 31 million Americans, with millions more at risk.
For more information about the American Kidney Fund, visit www.kidneyfund.org.
Great Job, DCBIA!
I really enjoyed reading Elton Hayes's "Congress Heights Recreation Center Gets a Makeover," article in last week's [Oct. 4] edition of the Washington Informer. It was a pleasure to learn that the District of Columbia Building Industry Association [DCBIA] representatives took the time to invest in a community project. They're a large and influential association, and I was very impressed to see them out in the community, making a difference.
It was also refreshing to read that so many volunteers from diverse backgrounds, and walks of life, came out to participate as well. Young men like Lorenzo Simms, who brought along the youngsters who play on his basketball team participated in the daylong event. He's a great role model. I'm sure that there were other things that Simms could have found to do on a Saturday morning. But he was out in our community with his charges, helping to make it better.
Many children in Congress Heights call the recreation center their home and spend countless hours playing there. Its facilities have been in terrible shape for a while now. But thanks to the well-timed and much-needed renovations from DCBIA and their volunteers, the children now have a beautiful center to play in and enjoy themselves. The new pathways installed will make traveling to and from the nearby Metro station a lot safer and more accessible. The new community gardens are also a great addition.
I thoroughly enjoy reading the Informer, and stories like these are a large reason why. There's no shortage of negative news everywhere you turn. However, stories like Mr. Hayes's affirm that there are still people out there who have good hearts, are compassionate and remain committed to making a positive difference in our community. Keep up the good work!
Janice Watson
Washington, D.C.
HistoryMakers Make the Difference!
What a lovely article about those who have left an indelible mark not only upon our history but upon American history. The story, "HistoryMakers Program Showcases Distinguished Leaders at District Schools," written by Dorothy Rowley and published in the Oct. 4 edition of the paper, really hit the mark.
It's nice to know that people like former U.S. Rep. Ron Dellums, [D- Calif.] who also happens to be the current mayor of Oakland, Calif., and Reggie Weaver, the former president of the National Education Association along with Raymond Jackson, a professor of music at Howard University care enough about our children to return to District schools to share their life stories – provide invaluable insight – and recount their tribulations along the way. Despite the odds, failure was never an option for these men, nor should it be for our children.
I applaud the Washington Informer for covering stories of this nature and it's my most fervent hope that the paper continues to report stories that are uplifting and prove that despite the odds – we've always been and continue to be HistoryMakers!
Maurice Johnson
Washington, D.C.
Taxi Commission Unveils Customer-Friendly Phone Number
Tuesday, 09 October 2012 01:42 Published in Local
The D.C. Taxicab Commission (DCTC) announced a new 24-hour universal services phone number, 855-484-4966, active as of Tuesday, Oct. 9. The toll-free number provides callers with the means to reclaim their lost property quicker and lodge complaints on a real-time basis.
The customer-friendly prompts allows callers universal capability to access all services for both passengers and drivers.
The intent is to be able to respond to a lost item call within two hours. Callers will need to provide the driver's Face Identification Number or vehicle tag number as well as the name of the taxicab company.
Once the new standard dome lights are installed on D.C. taxis, a passenger will only need to provide the vehicle identification number visible on the dome light.
The universal number will be monitored regularly 24 hours a day; seven days a week. The objective is to offer real-time customer service at any time of the day or night.
Previously, only written complaints were accepted. This system will allow for oral complaints and enable a Hack Inspector to be quickly dispatched to locate an offending vehicle and issue a notice violation.
District Student Wins CBC Essay Contest
Sixteen-year-old Maya Wesby won the 2012 Congressional Black Caucus Spouses Essay Contest for her composition Defeating the Barriers of Physical Activity on Childhood Obesity. The Duke Ellington junior theater major was selected from a competitive field of more than two hundred submissions from across the country. This year's theme focused on helping America's youth move toward a healthier tomorrow.
An annual competition conducted by the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Spouses, the CBC Essay Contest & Issues Forum is designed to encourage youth to share their opinion on important issues affecting society.
"We were delighted by the eloquence and passion that the students expressed on this important topic," said CBC Spouses Chair Mereda Davis Johnson. "You make us proud to know that the future is bright."
Maya's essay is in keeping with first lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" initiative, which is dedicated to solving the problem of childhood obesity. In thinking through solutions to this problem, Maya posed several ideas to the CBC Issues Forum for consideration including: eliminating socioeconomic barriers to access fitness facilities, reducing fees for sports camps, investing in parks and recreation centers, and establishing physical exercise as a habit during teen years.
"I was particularly impressed with Maya's fresh ideas, expressed in her carefully researched and well-written essay on childhood obesity," said D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. "Maya is already showing she is fully ready to think through tough issues and even advise members of Congress on ways to grapple with them."
Maya, an honor student at Duke Ellington School of the Arts and a native Washingtonian, lives with her parents in the District of Columbia.
Funding will Promote Cybersecurity Education at Community Colleges Nationally
LARGO, MD -- The National Science Foundation has awarded Prince George's Community College a $5 million grant for its "National CyberWatch - Cybersecurity Education Solutions for the Nation" project.
"The award is a testament to the hard work and accomplishments of the CyberWatch team at Prince George's Community College," said Charlene M. Dukes, president of Prince George's Community College. "The grant extends the CyberWatch Center's scope and prominence and serves as validation of the great work already done," she added.
The grant will allow the National CyberWatch Center, headquartered at Prince George's Community College, to build a culture of collaboration, grow program and faculty capabilities based on models of excellence and promote the cybersecurity profession nationally.
In addition, it will help strengthen student aptitude and expand career pathways, as well as advance research in cybersecurity education across the country.
Successful Family Self Sufficiency Program Gets Additional $276,000 -
The D.C. Housing Authority has been awarded a $276,000 grant from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to link low-income families with the necessary education and job training to put them on the path to self-sufficiency.
Funded through HUD's Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) Family Self-Sufficiency Program, the grant will allow DCHA to expand its work with welfare agencies, schools, businesses, and other local partners that help individuals already participating in HCVP increase their education or gain marketable skills that will enable them to obtain jobs that pay a living wage.
"When families are given the tools they need to improve their lives, they do," said Todman. "Ultimately, they become self-sufficient and more vouchers become available for other families, some who have been waiting for long periods to receive housing assistance."
Curently 206 families participate in the FSS program.
"Last year, the FSS Program graduated more than 40 participants: 11 became new homeowners and five gave up their vouchers and are no longer on any type of public assistance. "This program plays a key role in carrying out our mission," Todman added.
The funding allows local housing authorities to hire caseworkers or coordinators to link adults to local organizations that provide job training, childcare, counseling, transportation and job placement. Participants sign a five-year contract that requires the head of household to set goals to obtain full-time employment.
As an FSS family's income rises, a portion of that increased income is deposited in an interest-bearing escrow account. If the family completes its FSS contract, the family receives the escrow funds that it can use for any purpose, including paying educational expenses, paying back debts or as a down payment to purchase a home.
Conspiracy Theory Questions if Barry Framed Years Ago
Friday, 05 October 2012 17:00 Published in Local
An article posted Oct. 5 on the Newsone website questions whether Ward 8 D.C. Councilman Marion Barry was framed two decades ago when he was busted smoking crack with a female in a District hotel room.
The article contends that Barry, 76, -- who was D.C. mayor at the time of his widely reported arrest in January 1990 -- launched his political career as a hard-working activist, but veered off course to a path of destruction.
As a result, "did Barry become the victim of racists who discriminated against Blacks or did he just self-destruct," the article asks. It adds that during Barry's first run as mayor in 1978, he had the support of the Washington Post, and that his first term in office was described as "methodical, competent, and intellectually superior."
The article goes on to state that the District's deficit had begun to evolve into a major problem and that by Barry's second term at the helm, details of his personal life were making their way into the press.
By the time he embarked on a third stint as mayor, Barry reportedly faced problems with alcohol and drug use that threatened his effectiveness, according to the article.
However, it was in June 1990 that Barry announced, prior to the start of his trial, he wouldn't seek a fourth term in office.
Holly Robinson Peete Inducted to AKA
Friday, 05 October 2012 15:23 Published in Arts & Entertainment
Actress/Singer/Philanthropist Joins Trio of Notables Inducted as Honorary Members
CHICAGO -- Actress, singer and philanthropist Holly Robinson Peete was recently inducted into the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority as an honorary member during a ceremony held in Los Angeles.
In making the announcement, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's international president, Carolyn House Stewart, explained that honorary membership is the Sorority's highest lifetime tribute and is extended to illustrious women of noteworthy achievements. She said that since its founding in 1908, the Sorority has extended honorary membership to a select few.
Holly Robinson Peete, best known for her starring roles in a series of popular television shows, is an actress, singer and author. In 1997, she added "philanthropist" to her titles when she and husband Rodney Peete founded the HollyRod Foundation. It is dedicated to giving compassionate care to persons living with autism and Parkinson's disease and was inspired by Ms. Peete's father and son, who were diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and autism, respectively.
Peete is also a singer and author who penned the books, "Get Your Own Damn Beer, I'm Watching the Game! A Woman's Guide to Loving Pro Football" and the children's book, "My Brother Charlie," for which she won an NAACP Image Award.
Peete is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, where she majored in psychology and French. She speaks four languages and spent a year at the Sorbonne in Paris.
She joins a trio of accomplished women who were initiated into the Sorority recently. They include: Suzanne Malveaux, CNN anchor; Carolyn Maull McKinstry, activist, author and survivor of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama; and Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel Capital Management.
"The many activities of these new members and their dedication to the welfare of all mankind and leadership merit this honor," said. "We welcome them to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and look forward to them being a part of the Sorority's mission to initiate new movements and launch programs that support our theme: 'Global Leadership Through Timeless Service.'"
Prince George's Country Executive Rushern Baker recently gathered experience answering calls during a visit to the new CountyClick 311 Call Center.
Said Baker in comments on Facebook: "Ever hear that phrase "Don't quit your day job?" Well, that was very applicable to me answering a 3-1-1 call [Oct.3] at the opening of our new CountyClick 311 Call Center.
"Remember, tell your friends and family that for non-emergency requests to the County, just call 3-1-1 now!"
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