The Fall School semester begins this Monday, August 26th for the District of Columbia.
There are 42 DC Pediatric Immunization locations. Click here.
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The victim was attacked in the 8500 block of 16th Street just after 11:50 p.m on August 16th.
26-year-old Kevin Mendoza has been arrested for last Friday’s brutal beating and rape of a woman on 16th Street in Silver Spring.
The victim was attacked in the 8500 block of 16th Street just after 11:50 p.m on August 16th. She said she was getting some grocery out of her vehicle when she noticed a man that appeared to be following her. She said after she unlocked the door to her apartment building that when he grabbed her from behind and threw her to the ground. When she tried to resist he started hitting her in the face and then strangling her with his hands. Doctor’s say that she was strangled for so long and with so much force that she could have died.
Investigators say Mendoza use to live in the building where the rape occurred. He has been charged with first-degree rape, attempted second-degree murder and first-degree assault.
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Leaders are reminding parents that school starts for the Fall semester on Monday. Parents must make sure their children are immunized so they can attend classes on the first day.
This test which looks at English and math is administered every spring. It is for students in grades 3rd through 8th grade. The results from the most recent scores show an increase in English but little gains on the math section of the test.
DC’s new Schools Chancellor Dr. Lewis Ferebee says he will be looking at how the students are being taught math and where improvements can be made. Ferebee believes the systems math curriculum is strong but he wants to make sure that the lessons better align with the assessments required.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has also admitted that the graduation rates were down last year by 4.6 percent. Many attribute that to big changes in attendance guidelines. She remains confident that the numbers will improve in time.
Leaders are reminding parents that school starts for the Fall semester on Monday. Parents must make sure their children are immunized so they can attend classes on the first day.
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It’s the 3rd Annual 50 plus Workforce Hiring Event.
Dust off those resumes. The 3rdAnnual 50 Plus Workforce Forum and Hiring Event is Thursday, August 22ndat Prince George’s Community College. It’s hosted by the Juanita C. Grant Foundation. My guest is Orlene Grant – President of the Juanita C. Grant Foundation.
The 3rdAnnual 50+ Workforce Forum and Hiring Event is Thursday, August 22ndfrom 9am to 12:30pm at Prince George’s Community College. More information here:
Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.
Follow me on facebook, instagram and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.
Listen to this mornings segment here:
Part 1 of our two-part look at obesity and extreme weight loss.
Resources:
National Integrated Health Associates
Guests:
Thousands of youngsters began lining up hours before the 9am start of the event to be among the first to get the free supplies. They were also treated to games, moon bounces, food trucks, face painting, and kid friendly music courtesy of WHUR and DJ Willy Wow. There was also a special surprise performance by National Recording Artist Raheem DeVaughn. 
With the help of more than a dozen sponsors, the youth also received free screenings and information about the upcoming school year. “I have four children and sometimes it’s hard to make ends meet. Getting these book-bags and school supplies for my kids is really a blessing,” said Vivian Adams from Riverdale. “I got crayons, a green book bag, paper, folders, scissors, a pocket pouch, and even glue,” a beaming 9-year-old Douglas Evans said about his good fortune. “I think I’m ready for school.”
Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and School CEO Dr. Monica Goldson were on hand to greet parents and their youngsters at the event. “It brings my heart great joy knowing we can give our students the best start possible for a new school year. This Back2School Block Party gives them the resources they need to succeed,” said Alsobrooks. 
The event sponsors also included SunTrust, FedEx, Comcast, Educational Financial Services Credit Union, and Texas Roadhouse among others. Each bag held basic supplies, including a notebook, a folder, pens and pencils. Schools in Prince George’s County start Tuesday, September 3rd.
NYPD Commissioner O’Neill Fires Officer Daniel Pantaleo Involved In Arrest Of Eric Garner
(New York, NY) — NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill is firing officer Daniel Pantaleo following the arrest and death of Eric Garner. O’Neill says while Garner was non-compliant when being arrested and that cops are given latitude to use physical force during arrests, Pantaleo used a banned chokehold in violation of department protocol. He went on to say that if he’d been working on patrol that day, he may have made similar mistakes. He discussed how difficult it is to be a police officer and expressed sympathy for both Garner and Pantaleo, but noted both men face consequences following the incident.
Inspired by Howard University senior and golfer, Otis Ferguson IV, whom Curry met during a campus visit earlier this year, Curry was compelled to act when Ferguson shared that his impassioned solo crusade to get a golf team at Howard proved unsuccessful. An avid golfer himself, Curry tapped into what is increasingly becoming his defining trait— the distinctive ability to connect and empathize with anyone, anywhere, and made the unprecedented decision to help bridge the gap between talent and opportunity. Utilizing his unique position, Curry will introduce and increase access to elite golf at a historically black college, furthermore calling on sport and community giants like Under Armour, Callaway, Eat. Learn. Play., among others, for help with equipment, uniforms, and more. 
“Golf is a sport that has changed my life in ways that are less tangible, but just as impactful,” said the NBA star. Adding, “It’s a discipline that challenges your mental wherewithal from patience to focus, and is impossible to truly master, so when you hear about these passionate student athletes who have the talent but don’t have a fair shot at the game, it’s tough. I feel really honored to play a small role in the rich history of Howard University, and look forward to building their first men’s and women’s golf teams with them.”
Howard University aims to debut the first men’s and women’s golf teams in the 2020/2021 academic year, with resources strategically allocated for talent scouting and training to have a competitive Division 1 team in place for its inaugural season, joining Howard’s other 19 Division 1 teams. The university previously had a Division 2 golf team and various intercollegiate and intramural club teams.
“Howard University is honored to partner with NBA Champion Stephen Curry to launch what is sure to become one of the best golf programs in the country,” said President Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA. “This program will expose the campus to a game with numerous benefits. Golf is unique because it can be played through various ages of life. Grandfathers can play with granddaughters. Expanding the competitive opportunities for student athletes, especially in arenas where they are underrepresented, is consistent with the university’s strategic plan.”
Curry was joined today by Howard University’s President, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, Athletic Director, Kery Davis, CEO of Callaway, Chip Brewer, and Howard student, Otis Ferguson IV, in a historic tee-off in Washington, D.C. 
Langston Golf Course is an 18-hole golf course established in 1939 and was named for John Mercer Langston, an African American who was the first dean of the Howard University School of Law. It was the second racially desegregated golf course in DC and in 1991 its first nine holes were added to the National Register of Historic Places.
About Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry’s on and off court legacy is marked by transformation and innovation. With a following of over 13.6M on twitter and 26.7M on Instagram, Curry is one of the most influential stars not only on the basketball court, but throughout the world of sports. His nine-year career in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors is marked by many firsts; he was the first person to be named Most Valuable Player by unanimous vote in NBA History and one of a select few to win MVP awards two years in a row. He holds six NBA all-star selections and three NBA Championships. Off the court, he is also an emerging figure in the tech space with direct investments in companies like Pinterest and eSports organization TSM. He is also the founder of the Film & Television company Unanimous Media specializing in Faith, Family and Sports content in tandem with Sony Studios and is the Executive Producer for ABC’s hit primetime show, Holey Moley. Follow more information on Stephen Curry, please visit: Instagram | Twitter | Website
About Howard University
Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, one Schwarzman Scholar, more than 70 Fulbright Scholars and 22 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.
About Howard Athletics
The Howard University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics sponsors 19 NCAA Division I men and women varsity sports. The programs represent six conferences: the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association (CCSA), Sun Belt Conference, Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and Atlantic Sun (ASUN) Conference. Visit www.hubison.com to learn more.
One of these families from the DMV will make the cut and get their shot on Family Feud
When officers arrived they found the person in question only wearing underwear and socks knocking on door to door along the 1400 block of Kings Manor Drive.
The person has been identified as 38-year-old Kevin Antonio Jessie. Officers responding to a call from a rideshare drive who said a man partially dressed was knocking on doors along Kings Manor Drive in Bowie.
When officers arrived they found the person in question only wearing underwear and socks knocking on door to door along the 1400 block of Kings Manor Drive.
Officer says Jessie appeared to be under the influence. As the ambulance arrived he began acting erratic so they handcuffed him for his safety. Once paramedics arrived they began to care for him. His conditions quickly worsen so they asked the police to remove his handcuffs, which they did. After working on him for 20 minutes he was pronounced dead on the scene.
An autopsy will be conducted on him. An Internal Affair Investigation has been launched. This is standard procedure when a person dies while in the custody of the police.
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The shooting happened at his home in the Fairland area of the county. Callery was set to start college this week at Bowie State University.
On Saturday 18-year-old Damion Callery Junior opened his basement door to someone who was knocking on it asking for someone named Kevin. When Callery opened the door he was shot and killed.
The shooting happened at his home in the Fairland area of the county. Callery was set to start college this week at Bowie State University. His father said he was the first of his sons to go to college and that he had a bright future ahead of him.
There’s no word on a motive or who they were asking for by the name of Kevin. Police are asking anyone with information to contact them.
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They were shot along the 1500 block of 45th Street. Tragically, this is the same place were a 20-year-old man was shot and killed last week.
What we do know is that the victims include one woman and two men. They were shot around 10 p.m. along the 1500 block of 45th Street. They were all rushed to a nearby hospital. Tragically, this is the same place were a 20-year-old man was shot and killed last week.
Police advise anyone with information about this shooting should call police. A motif in this case remains unknown. No arrests have been made.
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WHUR and WHUT-TV is teaming up again for a day of fun activities for the entire family
It’s another fun day at the National Harbor with WHUR and WHUT-TV. We are teaming up again this week for a morning of educational activities, reading, and much more with some of your favorite PBS characters. My guest is Krystal Branton – Manager of Education and Outreach at WHUT-TV
WHUT-TV and WHUR at National Harbor Wednesday, August 21stfrom 10am to 12pm. It’s a Back to School Get Together for the kids with reading activities, PBS characters, and lots of other fun interactive things for the kids to do. More information here:
Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.
Follow me on facebook, instagram and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.
Listen to this mornings segment here:
President Wayne Frederick talks with the Associate Provost and Assistant Vice-President for Enrollment Management, Mr. Anthony Jones.
ABOUT
From the time students enter Howard University until the time they leave, their journeys are tracked. Sometimes the process is invisible; other times it is not. Always it is at the heart of how students negotiate and encounter the institution. On this episode of “The Journey,” President Wayne Frederick talks with the Associate Provost and Assistant Vice-President for Enrollment Management, Mr. Anthony Jones.
Air Date: September 9, 2018
How do you deliver your best elevator pitch and navigating new social networking situations.
Resources:
Guests:
Enjoy a healthy good time. Come out August 24th for the 26th Annual Health Expo hosted by First Baptist Church of Glenarden. www.fbcglenarden.org
Jazz In the Park
The Creative and Performing Arts Center in Prince William County invites you to its Jazz in the Park September 7th at Virginia Community College. www.jazzintheparkpwc.org
Crab Feast
Get your eat on with Ivy Vine Charities Inc. at their Crab Feast September 6th at the Mid-County Community Recreation Center in Silver Spring. www.ivyvinecharities.org
Rangel Fellowship
The deadline is fast approaching to apply for the Charles Rangel International Affairs Fellowship. www.rangelsprogram.org
Heritage Award
Join Humanities DC for its Patsy Fletcher Cultural Heritage Award September 4th at the Arts Club of Washington. www.wdchumanitiesdc.org.
Giveback Event
The 5th Annual THUGS Inc. Community GiveBack event is September 1st at Johnson Park in Gaithersburg. Come out for free mentoring, haircuts, and backpacks. www.thugsinc.org
KanKouran
Enjoy a foot stomping good time at the 36th Anniversary KanKouran National African Dance and Music Weekend August 30th thru September 1st at Lisner Auditorium. www.kankouran.org
Back to School
Get in the back to school state of mind. Come out for the 5th Annual Class Is In Session presented by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. www.classisinsession.org
Teen shot by police in Colorado Springs after running away.
(Colorado Springs, CO) — The investigation into the shooting death of De’Von Bailey is now in the hands of the Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s office. The El Paso County Sheriff’s office announced yesterday that it has completed its investigation into the August 3rd shooting and has given that information to the D.A.’s office for review. That review is expected to last several weeks. The shooting has been the focus of protests and calls for an independent investigation after video showed that Bailey was shot in the back as he was running away from Colorado Springs police officers.
A petition drive has been launched to collect signatures of support from area business owners and residents along the busy corridor.
Civic and community leaders are showing a lot of support towards the idea. The feeling however was not the same when the Fairlawn Citizens Associations took up the issue. They voted not to change the name. It’s members feel the Good Hope Road name holds a lot of history with residents. Many of it’s members admire former Mayor and Councilmember Marion Barry. They say he was the mayor of the entire city and that he should be honored with his name at places in each of the Wards not just in Ward 8.
Barry’s widow Cora Masters Barry and Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White supports the change. In fact, White is expected to submit legislation for the name change to lawmakers. The change would need the approval of the city council.
Supports say the significance would be being able to tell someone to meet you at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr and Marion Barry Jr Avenue, two staunch civil right leaders. In 2014 when Barry passed away DC Mayor Muriel Bowser mentioned renaming Good Hope Road as a way to connect the two icons in the heart of Ward 8.
A petition drive has been launched to collect signatures of support from area business owners and residents along the busy corridor.
For many residents in Southeast Good Hope Road is as significant as Pennsylvania Avenue is for tourists trying to find the White House.
This issue is far from over and WHUR will keep you up to date on this developing story.
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The Courts did state it is still enough for them to search a vehicle but not the passengers inside unless there is clear evidence that a crime has been committed.
The Courts did state it is still enough for them to search a vehicle but not the passengers inside unless there is clear evidence that a crime has been committed.
The major decision follows the state’s decriminalizing possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana in 2014. This is now considered a civil offense punishable with a fine of $100.
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The DMV has plenty to offer this weekend as summer begins to wind down.
Weekend Haps Update
Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.
Follow me on Facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.
“Get out of here. Are you serious. Really. Man I was just about to put my last $10 in the tank until I got paid tomorrow,” said Kevin Henderson.
Washington, D.C. – (August 15, 2019) – Imagine being at the gas station ready to fill up your tank with your hard earn cash and someone politely steps in and says “put your money away, the gas is on us.” That’s exactly what happened today to more than 50 motorists at the BP Gas Station at 4400 Benning Road, NE. It was part of the WHUR Wells Fargo “Pay It Forward Thursdays,” a weekly initiative where the two businesses pop-up at locations around the DMV to surprise unsuspecting customers.
WHUR and Wells Fargo popped up at the BP shortly before 4p.m. alerting the cashier that they would be paying $20.00 in gas for the first 55 customers to pull into the station. Motorist after motorist was surprised to learn that their Thursday evening commute just got a lot better. “Get out of here. Are you serious. Really. Man I was just about to put my last $10 in the tank until I got paid tomorrow,” said Kevin Henderson. Henderson had just gotten off work and was headed to his home in Prince George’s County. He had no choice, but to stop at the BP station. “My gas light was on and I didn’t want to take the chance of running out of gas,” added Henderson. “This really makes my day and means a lot. Thank you WHUR and Wells Fargo.”
Henderson’s response was played out by dozens of BP customers Thursday as they got to fill-up their tanks with $20 of free gas courtesy of WHUR and Wells Fargo’s “Where We Live” program.
“Pay It Forward Thursdays” has helped hundreds of residents in the DMV to pay for things like groceries, lunch, and even their Metro morning commute. “This is our small way to help brighten the day of residents and to spur more people to do something kind for someone else,” said WHUR General Manager Sean Plater.
Pay It Forward Thursdays is now in its 4th week. You just never know where we will pop up next. In the meantime, make sure you’re doing something to make the DMV just a bit more kinder. #PayItForwardWHUR #WhereWeLiveDC #WHURFM
How are parents coping with the absence of their children after they leave to attend college?
Guests:
Two Arrested In Washington Hilton Assault
Kihn would not specify the schools in which the cases occurred. That has many parents concerned.
In a memo to ANC Commissioner Denise Krepp Kihn stated that the disposition of sexual harassment complaints reported to DCPS includes 18 unsubstantiated, 6 substantiated and 7 listed as other since January 2018. Two of the 6 employees investigated have been terminated. There are also 3 pending investigations.
Kihn would not specify the schools in which the cases occurred. That has many parents concerned. It is also being reported that the District is not revoking the licenses of these teachers or notifying the public about the investigations.
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Detectives say Odemns and Young were arguing before the shooting. Reportedly Odemns is dating the estranged wife of the victim.
25-year-old Daquan Odemns has been charged with this weeks shooting death of 31-year-old Donte Young of Waldorf.
Investigators say Young was found outside of a home in the 5800 block of Folgate Court. He was rushed to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injury.
Detectives say Odemns and Young were arguing before the shooting. Reportedly Odemns is dating the estranged wife of the victim. Odemns has been charged with first-degree murder. He remains in jail without bond.
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The AARP Foundation Experience Corp Program is enriching for both our youth and the adult volunteers
Helping youth become better readers. The AARP Foundation Experience Corps is looking for volunteers 50 and older to do just that. It’s a chance to help children at a vital time in their education while making a meaningful contribution to the community. My guest is Tracy Eichelberger – AARP Foundation Experience Corps
The DC Branch of AARP Foundation Experience Corps is looking for local volunteers 50 and older to help young students become better readers. More information here:
Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.
Follow me on facebook, instagram and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.
Listen to this mornings segment here:
A modern approach to generational wealth and affordable housing in DC and other cities.
Resources:
The United Planning Organization
Guests:
Amanda Stephenson, President, UNIFI Inc. (not pictured)
Wizards Owner Gets Some Advice From Obama
(Washington, DC) — The owner of the Washington Wizards is getting some basketball advice from a former commander-in-chief. The Washington Post reports Wizards owner Ted Leonsis called former President Barack Obama when rethinking the team’s direction after a disappointing season. Leonsis reportedly got in touch with Obama after firing longtime team president Ernie Grunfeld. The former President reportedly discussed the beauty of the game, teamwork, sacrifice and surrounding franchise stars with complementary pieces.
“I just tried not to go too big, because I can go so big and I have a lot of power and it’s not always easy to control it,” the 39-year-old Williams said. “So I’m trying to play smart instead of going hog wild, which is extremely easy to do.”
Tuesday didn’t go as well for sister Serena.
On a day when back problems forced the younger Williams to withdraw before her second-round match, Venus Williams reached the third round of the Western & Southern Open with a 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (4) upset of defending champion Kiki Bertens. Her key? Not going for it.
“I just tried not to go too big, because I can go so big and I have a lot of power and it’s not always easy to control it,” the 39-year-old Williams said. “So I’m trying to play smart instead of going hog wild, which is extremely easy to do.”
Hours before her match was scheduled to begin, Serena Williams withdrew, citing the same back injury that forced her to retire from the Rogers Cup final on Sunday in Toronto. The injury raises questions about Serena’s fitness ahead of the U.S. Open, which starts Aug. 26.
“I came to Mason on Sunday and have tried everything to be ready to play tonight, and was still hopeful after my practice this morning, but unfortunately, my back is still not right, and I know I should not take to the court,” Serena, winner of 23 Grand Slam titles and a two-time champion at Cincinnati, said in a statement.
Venus, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, is the oldest woman in the draw. She has made her deepest Cincinnati run since reaching the 2012 semifinals.
“It was just a second round, though,” Venus said. “For me, it’s just round-by-round. I have a third round to play. I’m ready for the next round.”
Bertens, seeded fifth, rallied from deficits of 3-0 and 5-2 in the third set to force a tiebreaker. The 2-hour, 17-minute match ended when she sailed a forehand wide.
“I didn’t do the things I was doing well coming back — playing aggressive, going for my shots,” Bertens said about the tiebreaker. “I didn’t do that anymore in the tiebreak, so there she could play her game again, which she did pretty good, I would say.”
On a star-studded day that was scheduled to include Serena and Roger Federer in the evening session, top-seeded and defending champion Novak Djokovic cruised into the third round with a 7-5, 6-1 win over wild card Sam Querrey.
Federer, the third seed who was playing for the first time since Wimbledon, needed 61 minutes — not including a 61-minute rain delay — to defeat Juan Ignacio Londerom 6-3, 6-4.
Djokovic felt a little rusty in his first match since his epic Wimbledon final triumph over Federer on July 14.
“It was kind of a nervous start,” he said. “I hadn’t played in weeks. It took time to adjust. It was a tricky match against a qualify opponent. He’s a big hitter. I was happy to be tested.”
Two-time Grand Slam-champion Petra Kvitova didn’t weather the rain delay as well as Federer. The sixth seed lost to Maria Sakkari 6-4, 2-6, 6-3.
Counting Serena Williams, Kvitova was one of six seeded women to withdraw or be eliminated on Tuesday in this U.S. Open tuneup. Thirteenth-seeded Angelique Kerber was knocked out by unseeded Anett Kontaveit 7-6 (7), 6-2, and 15th-seeded Qiang Wang lost to Su-Wei Hsieh 6-3, 6-4.
Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, who won Cincinnati in 2013, reached the second round after 12th-seeded Belinda Bencic retired because of an injured left foot while trailing 6-4, 1-0.
Madison Keys, the 16th seed, pulled out a 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-4 win over two-time Grand Slam winner and 2017 Cincinnati champion Garbine Muguruza.
On the men’s side, Stan Wawrinka advanced with a 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (4) victory over Grigor Dimitrov, and fourth-seeded Dominic Thiem withdrew because of illness.
In a match that lasted 2 hours, 34 minutes, Dimitrov fought off two match points in the eighth game of the third set and forced a tiebreaker. Wawrinka closed out the match with an ace.
Wawrinka next faces qualifier Andrey Rublev, who advanced with a 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-2 victory over 15th-seeded Nikoloz Basilashvili.
Daniil Medvedev, the ninth seed and runner-up to Rafael Nadal at last week’s Rogers Cup in Montreal, beat Kyle Edmund 6-2, 7-5.
“I lived in the Quad my freshman year, August 1985 to May 1986 and I had a wonderful time too. I lived in Frasier Hall and my daughter will now,” said N’Maat. “I remember the women from my floor who were from different parts of the country. I remember how we would pool our food and have a meal together as well.”
WASHINGTON – The Class of 2023 has arrived to Howard University, and the new ladies of the Harriet Tubman Quadrangle, affectionately known as “The Quad,” have settled into their newly renovated dormitory. The Quad is a set of five of the oldest dorms on campus, named Baldwin, Crandall, Frazier, Truth and Wheatley. When students arrived this weekend, they were privy to newly renovated rooms with upgraded furnishings and finishes.
“I’m really excited to be here. My room is gorgeous! I wasn’t expecting it to look like this, but its brand new. I’m excited to be a freshman at Howard,” said KenaMaat Ankhmeni, who arrived from one of the top state locations of the freshman class, New York.
“I choose Howard University for many reasons. Among other things, I love the rigorous yet fun atmosphere, the variety of ambitious and driven people, and the culture of the college. I feel as though I can reach my highest potential while attending this college and have fun along the way,” said KenaMaat.
“Additionally, my mother and her closest friends have been encouraging me to attend their alma mater my whole life. At first, I didn’t want to follow in their footsteps, but I grew to love the college.” KenaMaat plans to study physics and mechanical engineering, due to encouragement from her uncle and the coursework from high school.
For KenaMaat’s mother and alumna, N’Maat Ankhmeni ‘89, as well as other alumni mothers, they noticed improvements, such as upgrades to bathrooms, the bedrooms and more that were needed. This was also a nostalgic moment for them too.
“I lived in the Quad my freshman year, August 1985 to May 1986 and I had a wonderful time too. I lived in Frasier Hall and my daughter will now,” said N’Maat. “I remember the women from my floor who were from different parts of the country. I remember how we would pool our food and have a meal together as well.”
According to the Anthony Freeman who leads Real Estate Development and Capital Asset Management for the University, “updates to the Quad focused primarily on extensive infrastructure improvements required to modernize the buildings. Additionally, during phase one, individual rooms, communal restrooms, and recreational/lounge spaces received upgrades. During phase two, new building segments will be completed to interconnect the five residence halls with additional rooms, circulation, and elevators. Additional amenities and student services are scheduled to be implemented as a third and final phase.
“The renovations will increase the longevity of the five buildings while improving the quality of life for residents,” says Freeman. “The improved rooms, amenities and new elevators will further enhance the experience. The end goal is to support the academic achievement and success of Howard University students by providing living and learning spaces that support their personal, academic and professional growth.”
N’Maat smiled ear-to-ear as she walked through the halls leading her daughter through her memories to her new residence, adding a new chapter to their legacy.
“I am very sentimental and I think legacy means a lot. In so many families, and mine in particular, we have only four generations of history and only two generations of legacy where details have been passed down about our ancestors. This is a little thing in the scope of such big ideas, but it is a step a small step towards reclaiming ourselves and our culture,” she said.
“I am so proud of my daughter. She is an excellent student and an amazing person. Howard has been developing and nurturing leaders for 152 years and I am so excited that now my daughter will be counted amongst them. She has had many varied experiences to this point, which has prepared her for this experience. Howard will provide an opportunity for her to test those ideas and develop relationships that she will carry with her for a lifetime.”
The group’s past honorees have included Kerry Washington and Ellen Pompeo.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Octavia Spencer will be honored by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network with its Inspiration Award at a gala later this year.
The group known as GLSEN announced Tuesday that the star of “Hidden Figures and “The Help” will receive the honor at the group’s Respect Awards, presented in October in Beverly Hills, California.
GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard said in a statement that Spencer “has devoted her career to diverse storytelling, promoting social good and is a steadfast ally for the LGBTQ community.”
GLSEN was founded in 1990 to address LGBT issues in K-12 education, and has presented the Respect Awards since 2004.
The group’s past honorees have included Kerry Washington and Ellen Pompeo.
No arrests have been made in either case.
The first call came in just before 7 p.m. in Capitol Heights. Police responded to a 911 call of shots fired in the 5800 block of Folgate Court. The male victim was found lying on the ground. The victim who has not been identified died at the hospital.
Now after 10 p.m. in Hyattsville. Officers arrived in the 4200 block of Oglethorpe Street to find a male victim with gun shot injuries. That person’s identity has not been released. What we do know is that he was shot in the upper body. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
No arrests have been made in either case.
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“Roc Nation is one of the most globally influential and impactful organizations in entertainment,” Goodell said. “The NFL and Roc Nation share a vision of inspiring meaningful social change across our country. We are thrilled to partner with Roc Nation and look forward to making a difference in our communities together.”
The league not only will use Jay-Z’s Roc Nation to consult on its entertainment presentations, including the Super Bowl halftime show, but will work with the rapper and entrepreneur’s company to “strengthen community through music and the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative.”
Inspire Change was created by the league after an agreement with a coalition of players who demonstrated during the national anthem to protest social and racial injustice in this country. Those demonstrations were sparked by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem in 2016.
NFL owners agreed to contribute up to $89 million over six years toward causes players were supporting. Commissioner Roger Goodell sees the partnership with Roc Nation as a significant step in several directions.
“Roc Nation is one of the most globally influential and impactful organizations in entertainment,” Goodell said. “The NFL and Roc Nation share a vision of inspiring meaningful social change across our country. We are thrilled to partner with Roc Nation and look forward to making a difference in our communities together.”
While the entertainment portion of the deal is important — Roc Nation’s stable includes Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Shakira and, of course, Jay-Z — much emphasis from both the league and the representation group is being placed on the social relations aspect of the agreement. For Inspire Change to succeed, it must have strong roots within the communities that are most affected by the issues the players want addressed: criminal justice reform; relationships with police; economic growth opportunities; and educational progress.
“With its global reach, the National Football League has the platform and opportunity to inspire change across the country,” said Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter. “Roc Nation has shown that entertainment and enacting change are not mutually exclusive ideas — instead, we unify them. This partnership is an opportunity to strengthen the fabric of communities across America.”
Jay-Z has been a strong supporter of Kaepernick, who has not played in the NFL the past two seasons and is not with a team now. He has turned down invitations to perform at the Super Bowl, as has Rihanna.
But now there is a working agreement between the league and Roc Nation, which also represents such NFL stars as Todd Gurley, Saquon Barkley and Ndamukong Suh. How that plays out on both the entertainment and social initiatives fronts figures to be newsworthy.
The series, which premieres in 2020, will chronicle the lives of one couple per season, with each episode spanning a single day. It’s DuVernay’s second series on OWN since the creation of “Queen Sugar.”
The network said Tuesday that the 94-year-old legend will play Miss Luma Lee Langston, a star of stage and screen in decades past. She joins previously announced leads Xosha Roquemore and Alano Miller.
The series, which premieres in 2020, will chronicle the lives of one couple per season, with each episode spanning a single day. It’s DuVernay’s second series on OWN since the creation of “Queen Sugar.”
Roquemore plays Gently James, Luma’s live-in assistant who is encouraged by Miss Luma Lee to strike up a romance with Evan Fisher, played by Miller. DuVernay is the creator and executive producer.
A DC police officer was also implicated in this case. He has not been identified.
Officer Ian Lucas who is currently suspended with pay is expected to plead guilty to the charges according to a deal reached with the prosecution.
A year ago Lucas was accused of using his authority as a police officer to force transgender prostitutes in DC to perform sex acts on him. Two transgender victims who were given immunity to testify against him spoke to police. The acts happened in Northeast and in one case it was videotaped inside of a Prince George’s County Police cruiser in DC.
A DC police officer was also implicated in this case. He has not been identified. What we do know is that he is a Veteran Luetenient with the force. No charges have been filed against him. He, however, is still working but he can not have contact with the public.
Fox 5 has released images of a man apparently wearing a DC Police black polo with his pants down and a person performing an act on him. The victims say they were threatened with arrest if they didn’t comply with their request.
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Abrams says the multi-million dollar program will staff and fund voter registration teams in 20 battleground states ahead of next year’s Presidential election.
Since then people have been hinting or calling on her to run for President in 2020. Last night she announced while at a labor union convention in Las Vegas that she will not be running for President of the United States in 2020 but she will be launching a new multi-state voter protection initiative. It’s called “Fair Fight 2020”.
Abrams says the multi-million dollar program will staff and fund voter registration teams in 20 battleground states ahead of next year’s Presidential election.
Some say that Abrams decision not to run for President leaves the door open for her to possibly become a vice presidential pick as well as a possible rematch for Georgia Governor against Brian Kemp in 2022.
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Prince George’s County Public Schools are hosting their Back to School Block Party
School Days… Good Old Golden Rule Days. Back to school is just around the corner and Prince George’s County Public Schools is hosting a huge Back to School Block Party to get parents and students ready for the big day. My guest is Barbara Holt Streeter – Partnerships Officer for Prince George’s County Public Schools.
Prince George’s County Public Schools Back to School Block Party is Saturday, August 17thfrom 9am to 2pm at Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex. Students will get a free backpack filled with school supplies. Registration is required. WHUR’s own Bobby Gailes will be on hand for the day of fun and preparation. More information here:
Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.
Follow me on facebook, instagram and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.
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Part 1:
Part 2:
Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy discusses criminal justice issues in the county.
Resources:
Email for Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy: anbraveboy@co.pg.md.us
State of Justice Symposium, Hosted by Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy Tuesday, September 10th, 2019 6:00pm – 9:00pm The Hotel at College Park
Guests:
Warden Of Epstein Jail Reassigned
The department says in a statement Tuesday that the warden at the Metropolitan Correctional Center has also been temporarily reassigned to an office post pending the outcome of two investigations. Both the FBI and the Justice Department’s inspector general are investigating Epstein’s death.
Attorney General William Barr has expressed outrage that Epstein was able to take his own life Saturday while under the care of the federal Bureau of Prisons while the inmate was facing sex trafficking charges.
The Justice Department says the warden of another facility in upstate New York has been named the acting warden at MCC. The Department says it will take additional personnel action as warranted.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — A Maryland commission that will research at least 40 lynchings committed in the state between 1854 and 1933 and make recommendations about reconciliation held its first meeting Monday.
The Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission meeting was largely organizational, with members choosing an acting chairman and discussing future meetings.
“We have never really looked at it, looked at the facts,” said Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk, a Democrat who sponsored legislation this year to create the panel, which she described as the first statewide commission of its kind in the nation to take up the issue. “This commission is going to hold hearings and regional hearings throughout the state of Maryland where these lynchings took place.”
Pena-Melnyk is not serving on the commission, but delivered a welcome to the members.
The measure she sponsored was approved unanimously by the Maryland General Assembly this year.
“The idea is to learn from our history, especially given what’s happening in the U.S. right now,” she said. “We need to have a frank discussion about racism and about different cultures and respect them.”
More than a third of the lynchings in the state happened within about a 45-minute drive of Baltimore, The Baltimore Sun reported last year, and lynchings have been recorded in 18 of the state’s 24 counties.
George Armwood was the victim of the last recorded lynching in the state in 1933 in Princess Anne, Maryland, for allegedly assaulting a 71-year-old white woman.
The commission includes historians from each from the state’s historically black colleges: Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University and University of Maryland Eastern Shore. It also includes a state archivist and a staff member for the attorney general’s office, who will be able to subpoena witnesses or documents for the panel’s work.
Elected as acting chair was David Fakunle, of the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum in Baltimore.
The panel is scheduled to submit an interim report on findings and recommendations to the governor and state lawmakers by September 2020. A final report is scheduled to be submitted by Dec. 2021. The law puts the commission into effect for three years.
“There are instances where people are recommending, for example, markers” to honor the lives lost, Pena-Melnyk said in an interview before the meeting.
At least 40 African Americans were lynched in the state by white mobs between 1854 and 1933, the law says. It acknowledges that no one was ever charged in connection with any of the crimes and that government entities were often complicit in committing them and concealing the identities of those responsible.
Brown-Long was released on probation last week after getting clemency. Her case drew the attention of celebrities like Kim Kardashian West, Rihanna, Snoop Dogg and LeBron James, who lobbied on her behalf.
Wes Yoder, a representative for Brown-Long, the name she now goes by, confirmed Monday that the two had wed, but declined to provide more details, only saying that more would be revealed in the fall. Brown’s book, “Free Cyntoia,” is scheduled for release Oct. 15 through Atria Books.
Brown-Long was released on probation last week after getting clemency. Her case drew the attention of celebrities like Kim Kardashian West, Rihanna, Snoop Dogg and LeBron James, who lobbied on her behalf.
Brown-Long has said she was a sex trafficking victim at the time she killed a man in 2004. Now 31, Brown will remain on parole for 10 years, on condition that she does not violate any state or federal laws, holds a job and participates in regular counseling sessions, under conditions set by former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam.
Pretty Ricky, which originated in Florida, is known for their 2006 single, “Grind With Me,” which hit No. 7 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.
Her upcoming performance on the VMA stage will mark her first since 2003.
MTV announced Monday that Elliott will also perform on Aug. 26 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Since her debut video for “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” in 1997, where she sported an inflated trash bag with confidence and charisma, Elliott has been a powerhouse on the music video scene with an oddball, eccentric and creative style that’s inspired generations after her.
Her upcoming performance on the VMA stage will mark her first since 2003.
Elliott became the first female rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame earlier this year.
“Old Town Road,” which features Billy Ray Cyrus and is spending its 19th week at No. 1, surpasses the record set by Drake’s “One Dance” on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart. Drake’s track spent 18 weeks at No.1.
The song that beat out Mariah Carey and “Despacito” to become the longest-running No. 1 hit in the history of the Hot 100 chart has now set records on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs and Hot rap songs charts, respectively.
“Old Town Road,” which features Billy Ray Cyrus and is spending its 19th week at No. 1, surpasses the record set by Drake’s “One Dance” on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart. Drake’s track spent 18 weeks at No.1.
On the Hot rap songs chart, where Lil Nas X’s county-rap tune is also spending its 19th week on top, the 20-year-old beats the record set by Drake’s “Hotline Bling,” Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy” and Missy Elliott’s “Hot Boyz.” The latter three songs each spent 18 weeks at No.1.
Last month Lil Nas X’s viral song became the most successful No. 1 song of all-time when it reached its 17th week at No. 1 on the all-genre Hot 100 chart — Billboard’s main chart for singles — surpassing the 16-week record held by Carey and Boyz II Men’s “One Sweet Day” and Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber’s “Despacito.”
“Old Town Road” is now spending its 19th week on top of the Hot 100 chart.
Lil Nas X’s song, which has achieved most of its success through audio streaming, was originally a solo song but he added Cyrus to the track. The song also has remix versions featuring Diplo, Young Thug, Mason Ramsey and BTS, and Billboard counts the original song and its remixes as one when calculating chart position, thus helping “Old Town Road” stay on top.
Kenya Barris, who also produced the “black-ish” spinoff “grown-ish” and co-wrote the film “Girls Trip,” and Rania Barris, an anesthesiologist, married in 1999 and have six kids.
Los Angeles Superior Court documents show that Kenya Barris filed to end the marriage on Friday, his 45th birthday.
Kenya Barris, who also produced the “black-ish” spinoff “grown-ish” and co-wrote the film “Girls Trip,” and Rania Barris, an anesthesiologist, married in 1999 and have six kids.
Rania Barris previously filed for divorce in 2014, but the couple reconciled and withdrew the request a year later.
The married couple on “black-ish” played by Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross is loosely based on the Barrises, and Kenya Barris has said in interviews that the recent relationship struggles seen on the show have reflected his own.
Officials say he was hit this morning around 4 a.m. in the Southbound lane of Route 5 near Post Office Road.
The victim an adult male has not been identified. Officials say he was hit this morning around 4 a.m. in the Southbound lane of Route 5 near Post Office Road.
At last check traffic was not permitted between Vivian Adams Drive and Post Office Road. Police are working to collect information about the vehicle involved in the deadly crash.
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Investigators were able to use surveillance images of the suspect to identify him. In fact, when he as arrested days later he was wearing the same thing as seen in surveillance footage.
Police have identified the suspect as Vashann Robinson. The teen is accused of an August 6th attack in College Park.
The victim says the man walked up to her in the 4400 block of Guilford Drive and asked if she could help him find his dog. At first the woman said “No”. He asked her again a little later and she agreed to. She said as they searched together he grabbed her and tried to pull her into a nearby parking lot. A bystander saw what was happening and shouted at the suspect. He then just ran away. The woman was not seriously hurt.
Investigators were able to use surveillance images of the suspect to identify him. In fact, when he as arrested days later he was wearing the same thing as seen in surveillance footage.
Robinson who has admitted to the crime remains in police custody. He has also been denied bond. Officers are looking to see if he is linked to other similar cases.
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Investigators have released an image Fuller’s friend that was seen firing a weapon. Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call police at 202-727-9099.
The incident happened on Saturday night outside of a pop-up marijuana store in the 2200 block of 25th Place in Northeast. An attorney for Fuller said, his client did so in self-defense and it was during an attempted robbery.
Fuller who works for Ward 1 Councilmember Brianna Nadeau has been placed on administrative leave. Nadeau is an outspoken lawmaker for gun control.
Police are looking for one other person they say was with Fuller who also opened up fire. Surveillance video shows a white Jeep SUV pulling up to Fuller’s parked BMW. Two men got out of the Jeep and appeared to rob Fuller. The video then showed Fuller and the person he was with pulled out guns and that they just started shooting indiscriminately in the public area. There were no reports of anyone being shot. Reportedly, Fuller has a license to carry a concealed gun permit from the District as of July 30th. The gun was also legally registered.
Investigators have released an image of Fuller’s friend that was seen firing a weapon. Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call police at 202-727-9099.
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Bringing awareness and raising funds for breast cancer.
We are hitting the runway this morning to talk about the importance of mammograms and making sure all women have access to the technology. My guest is Raymia Henderson – Exectutive Director of Runway for a Cure DC
Runway for a Cure DC is hosting its annual fashion show to bring awareness and raise funds for breast cancer. Proceeds from the August 17thevent at the Renaissance Hotel in DC will go to support Breast Care for Washington’s mobile mammogram. More information here: WHUR’s very own EZ Street is the MC.
Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.
Follow me on facebook, instagram and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.
Listen to this mornings segment here:
Why are you having trouble sleeping? What can you do to address insomnia and other sleep disorders?
AU Student Wins In Case Against Neo-Nazi Trolls
