The Fort Washington Pulse

Fort Washington (MD) Alumni Chapter (E) • Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

WEEK OF OCTOBER 18, 2026 • EDITION 13 • FWAC Community Report

Brothers — welcome to Edition 13 of The Fort Washington Pulse. This week, accountability and ambition share the headlines in Prince George's County: leaders are demanding answers on millions in grant dollars, the Council has advanced a $215 million bond for a proposed National Harbor landmark, and our school system is carrying its funding asks to Annapolis.

The Pulse exists to keep educated Black professionals in the DMV informed, connected, and ready to act. Read the briefing, mark your calendars, and carry the word to a brother who needs it.

🔴 HIGH PRIORITY

County Leaders Demand $7.6 Million Back From Nonprofit Tied to the Council Chair's Friend

Civic & Political Accountability

On Tuesday, October 13, Council Chair Krystal Oriadha and County Executive Aisha Braveboy signed a joint letter asking the California-based Edward Charles Foundation to return $7,635,000 while officials investigate how the money was distributed and spent. The foundation is the fiscal sponsor for Community on the Frontline, a nonprofit founded by Janna Parker, whom Oriadha has publicly called her best friend. Together the county's January and June payments exceeded $8.5 million. Braveboy also asked the county auditor to investigate, and Councilmembers Jolene Ivey and Sydney Harrison have called for independent reviews of two nonprofits, Community on the Frontlines and Joan's House. Oriadha denies the selection was based on friendship and says she chose the organization for its structure. For brothers who lead nonprofits, sit on boards, or pursue county funding, expect tighter scrutiny of how grants are awarded.

Source: WJLA 7News • October 13–14, 2026

Council Unanimously Authorizes $215 Million in Bonds for Proposed National Harbor Sphere

Economic Development

The Prince George's County Council voted unanimously to authorize $215 million in bond financing for the proposed Sphere, a 6,000-seat venue planned for the National Harbor corridor. A final vote is expected October 27. County Executive Braveboy estimates $63 million in annual tax revenue, and supporters cite thousands of construction jobs and about 1,200 permanent positions. Those figures are projections. The plan would reinvest 15% of the tax revenues in neighboring communities and includes no project labor agreement, which several councilmembers and union leaders had sought. Prince George's Chamber of Commerce CEO Alexander Austin stressed that local and minority businesses must have a seat at the table. Critics such as resident Michelle Knox are asking for an independent financial review and enforceable community benefits before public money is committed. Brothers in construction, hospitality, and contracting should track the MBE participation terms closely.

Source: The Washington Informer • October 2026

PGCPS Brings a $12.7 Million Special Education Ask and Four Priorities to Annapolis

PGCPS & Education

At its annual Legislative Day on October 9 at Largo High School, PGCPS leaders and Board of Education members briefed state lawmakers ahead of the 2027 General Assembly session. Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph urged a recurring revenue source for special education and outlined about $12.7 million in annual priorities. They cover expanded autism programs, early childhood classrooms, specialized instructional support, and elementary IEP facilitators. The district is also asking the state to fully fund Maryland's Mathematics Policy, modernize bus facilities, loosen restrictions on construction funds, and upgrade school cameras and security. Board Chair Branndon Jackson and Delegate Kym Taylor joined the program. For parents and alumni advocates, this is the agenda to watch as budget season approaches.

Source: PGCPS Inside Scoop Blog • October 12, 2026

📡 ALSO ON OUR RADAR

PGCPS Wants Your Voice on Where the Next Schools Go

Community Programs

The Educational Facilities Master Plan Listening Tour begins Monday, October 19 at Bowie High School, with sessions in all nine Board of Education districts through December 9. Registration is required. Families can also complete the 2026 PGCPS Climate & Culture Survey before October 31.

Source: ENGAGE PGCPS Newsletter • October 13, 2026

More Than 14 Agencies Join Annual Family Violence Warrant Sweep

Community Safety

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Prince George's County Office of the Sheriff and partner agencies fielded 10 teams to serve about 200 outstanding warrants. The warrants included assault charges and protective-order violations. Officials say serving them can bring victims relief and may prevent further harm. If you or someone you know needs help, speak up and connect them with local resources.

Source: WJLA 7News • October 15, 2026

📅 UPCOMING EVENTS & DEADLINES

OCT 19 — PGCPS Facilities Master Plan Listening Tour Begins
District 5 — Bowie High School, Bowie. Registration required.
Next stops: Oct 21 (Bladensburg HS) and Oct 26 (Northwestern HS); all nine districts through Dec 9.

OCT 21 — District 6 Town Hall with County Agencies
6:00–8:00 PM • Greater Saint John Cathedral, 11425 Old Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro
Hosted by Council Member Danielle Hunter, with DPIE, Public Works, Police, Fire, and more on site.

OCT 27 — Prince George's Plaza Multigenerational Center Design Workshop
6:00–8:00 PM drop-in • Prince George's Plaza Community Center, 6600 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville
M-NCPPC seeks community input on design and programming.

OCT 31 — Deadline: 2026 PGCPS Climate & Culture Survey
Families are asked to complete the survey before October 31 to help shape family engagement, safety, and school climate.

⚫ D9/NPHC LOCAL CHAPTER EVENTS

A roundup of public events from Divine 9 organizations across the DMV — DC, Maryland, and Virginia — posted within the last 7 days. Chapter reps — submit your events to [email protected] by Saturday at 5 PM to be featured here.

Delta Sigma Theta — Washington DC Alumnae Chapter

Easterseals DMV Walk With Me 5K

Sat, Oct 24, 9:15–11:00 AM
National Harbor, 802 National Harbor Blvd., Oxon Hill, MD
The chapter supports this walk benefiting individuals with disabilities and their families.
Details

Delta Sigma Theta — Montgomery County (MD) Alumnae Chapter

MCAC All-Aboard

Sat, Nov 7, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM (registration 10:45 AM)
Jane Lawton Community Center, 4301 Willow Lane, Chevy Chase, MD
A sisterhood reconnection event with fellowship and a paraphernalia swap.
Tickets

Delta Sigma Theta — Prince George's County Alumnae Chapter

Google Career Certificate Scholarship – Spring Cohort 2027 Info Session II

Thu, Nov 12, 7:00 PM
Virtual (Zoom)
A scholarship information session for the Spring 2027 career certificate cohort.
RSVP

Omega Psi Phi — Lambda Gamma Gamma Chapter, Oxon Hill, MD

Purple & Gold Masquerade | The Convivium

Fri, Nov 13, 8:00 PM–Midnight
Harborside Hotel, Oxon Hill, MD
A formal evening of dinner, dancing, awards, and recognition.
Tickets

Omega Psi Phi — Alpha Omega Chapter, Washington, DC

Alpha Omega Chapter Founders Day Celebration

Sat, Nov 14, 12:00 PM
GAIA, Washington, DC
The chapter's Founders Day celebration, with general admission and VIP options.
Tickets

Kappa Alpha Psi — Washington & D.C. Alumni Chapters, Washington, DC

C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference

Sat, Nov 14, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Howard University, Washington, DC
A full-day leadership conference listed by the Eastern Province.
Details

Kappa Alpha Psi — Alexandria-Fairfax (VA) Alumni Chapter, Vienna, VA

75 Years in Kappa Alpha Psi Celebration Banquet

Sun, Nov 15, 4:00–8:30 PM
The Tower Club Tysons, Vienna, VA
An evening honoring brothers reaching 75 years in the fraternity.
Tickets

Iota Phi Theta — Beta Phi Omega Social Services Foundation, Inc., Greenbelt, MD

Holiday Scholarship Gala

Sat, Nov 21, 8:00 PM–Midnight
Martin's Crosswinds, Greenbelt, MD
A scholarship fundraiser featuring entertainment and networking.
Tickets

🎓 SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

TMCF Eastern Area Links Finish Line Scholarship — Up to $1,500

Deadline: December 1, 2026

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Eastern Area Links will select 75 scholars for awards of up to $1,500. It is open to full-time seniors in 2026–27 at listed schools, including Bowie State, Coppin State, Morgan State, and UMES, with a 2.5 GPA, demonstrated financial need, and U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Applicants submit a two-minute video on community and career values. Know a senior at one of these schools? Send them the link today — the deadline is December 1 at 11:59 PM Eastern.

Source: Thurgood Marshall College Fund • Apply here

Sallie Mae Completing the Dream Scholarship — $2,500

Deadline: December 1, 2026

Offered with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, this $2,500 award goes to 50 students at risk of not finishing because of financial need or an emergency. Undergraduate seniors and graduate students completing by spring 2027 with a 2.75 GPA may apply. The page states no racial eligibility requirement, so it is open to a broad pool. The application is a two-minute video about the applicant's financial circumstances. Apply by December 1, 2026, or sooner, since funds may run out.

Source: Thurgood Marshall College Fund • Apply here

Fort Washington (MD) Alumni Chapter (E)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. • Eastern Province • Fort Washington, MD

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