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Photo credit Trevon Henderson
Azel Prather, affectionately known as Mr. Prather, hosted his inaugural Move With Mr. Prather Live! at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, August 30.
Mr. Prather Hosts Inaugural Move with Mr. Prather Live! in Bowie
By PRESS OFFICER
Move With Mr. Prather Live
BOWIE, Md. (Aug. 30, 2025)—It was a morning of fun, laughter, and joy all in the name of learning thanks to Azel Prather, affectionately known as Mr. Prather. The Prince George’s County native hosted his inaugural Move With Mr. Prather Live! at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, August 30, drawing more than 500 children, parents, and families for a morning of music, movement, and community celebration.
Though this marks the first-ever Move With Mr. Prather Live, Mr. Prather is no stranger to the spotlight as a philanthropist, educator, and community leader in the DMV. For more than 10 years, he has served children locally, nationally, and abroad through his nonprofit, The Prather Foundation, from childhood programming and family support in Ghana, to programming in states such as Georgia and West Virginia. His commitment to children’s education and joy has even earned him a feature on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Launching the live experience in Bowie held special significance, as it pays homage to the community that raised and continually supports his efforts. To ensure that families across the county could attend, Mr. Prather partnered with local organizations such as Ms. Frazier’s Day Care, Zion Church, First Baptist Church of Glenarden, and the D.C. Chapter of the Daddy Stroller Club, which brings awareness to postpartum depression in fathers. Together, they helped make the event accessible to families throughout the region. The production itself reflected one of Mr. Prather’s deepest commitments: empowering young people. The event was staged in collaboration with Do The Work DC, a youth-led creative production company founded by Maryland native Aja Sophia and powered by teens and young adults ages 14–21.
The morning opened with remarks from Councilmember Wanika Fisher (District 2), who underscored the importance of community-centered programming. “I had an amazing time at the Live with Mr. Prather event on Saturday. It was great to see so many parents invested in the development of their children, and it was amazing to see so many children engaged and excited about learning. I am a firm believer that education is the gateway to unlimited possibilities for our youth, which is why role models like Mr. Prather are so important. I am amazed by his devotion and creativity and I look forward to seeing how he will continue to use his influence to take education to new heights in the DMV.”
To ensure the event was inclusive to all families, there was also a designated sensory station. From there, the stage came alive with high-energy performances, interactive skits, and surprise appearances. Mr. Prather was joined by friends and collaborators including Jump DC, DMV award-winning comedian Jay Cole, and former NFL player, Soul Cole, turning the event into a full family celebration.
Community leaders and supporters such as Broccoli City co-founder Jermon Williams, 4DMV Kids founder Sara Acors, AAU Coach Ralph Jennings of Toddler Ball, Eunique Gibson of Happy Hues Co and Culture Brands, Chef “JR” Robinson, owner of Kitchen Cray, and Kevin Ford, Candidate for Maryland State Senate (District 24), were also in attendance, highlighting the wide-reaching impact of Mr. Prather’s work and the shared commitment to creating spaces where children and families can thrive.
Since expanding into music in 2020, Mr. Prather has released two acclaimed albums, Move With Mr. Prather, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, which have garnered over 1.5 million streams. Saturday’s live show marked the first time that families in the DMV were able to experience his music and movement programming in a large-scale, interactive format.
While families eagerly await future dates for Move With Mr. Prather Live, his music remains available on all major streaming platforms and YouTube.
For more information and updates, follow @movewithmrprather across social media or visit www.thepratherfoundation.org
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DC Metro Area Space, AI, and Cybersecurity Conference Coming
This October
By PRESS OFFICER, Capitol Technology University
LAUREL, Md. (Sept. 5, 2025)—Capitol Technology University is helping define the boundaries of space and AI as the only local university that is sponsoring a conference dedicated to exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in space.
The GreyCon conference, Friday, October 10, at their campus in Laurel, Maryland, will offer tech leaders and innovators a full day of presentations, panels, and networking opportunities focused on how technological innovations in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are converging to transform the future in space.
Capitol Tech’s Dr. William Butler, USMC (Ret.) and VP of Cyber Science Outreach and Partnerships, is the event host and organizer. “GreyCon 2025 is about what comes next, shaping our future in space, AI, and cybersecurity,” said Dr. Butler. “At Capitol Tech, we’re leading the next wave—designing resilient systems, pioneering breakthrough solutions, and ensuring a smarter, safer, and more connected world. The pace of innovation is accelerating.”
GreyCon’s keynote speaker is The Honorable Charles F. Bolden Jr., Major General, USMC (Ret.), 12th NASA Administrator, U.S. Astronaut, and Founder and CEO Emeritus of The Charles F. Bolden Group, the operational center of Inter Astra™—the Global Community for the Business of Space.
Other featured speakers include Che’ Bolden, CEO of The Charles F. Bolden Group, Renee Wynn, CEO of RP Wynn Consulting LLC and former NASA CIO, Dr. Diane M. Janosek, CEO of Janos LLC and former NSA Deputy Chief of Compliance, Dr. Scott Stornetta, Chairman of SureMark Digital and co-inventor of blockchain technology, Ambericent Cornett, Founder and CEO of ChameleCo® LLC, David Akinsanya, Founder of Inspium—and more.
“GreyCon 2025 is where the future of technology takes shape—bringing together leaders in space, AI, and cybersecurity to explore the innovations transforming our world.” Dr. Janosek explains. “Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and lead at the cutting edge. I value the learning and networking experience of GreyCon and am so excited to be a part of Capitol Tech’s inaugural conference! Join us!”
To learn more and register, visit www.greycon.org
Capitol Technology University is a leading STEM university located in Laurel, MD near the vibrant DC metropolitan area. Ranked #1 in Maryland for salary outcomes at all degree levels, the university’s mission is to educate individuals for successful professional careers in STEM research, engineering, management, and business by providing relevant learning experiences. Through industry-expert faculty, technical skills development, and innovative partnerships, Capitol Tech fosters career advancement opportunities for the evolving global community. Visit www.captechu.edu to learn more.
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FedChoice Charitable Foundation and Blacks In Government Announce 2025 Guy Fleming Scholarship Recipients
By PRESS OFFICER
FedChoice Charitable Foundation
LANHAM, Md. (Sept. 2, 2025)—The FedChoice Charitable Foundation and Blacks In Government (BIG) are proud to announce the ten outstanding high school seniors selected for the 2025 Guy Fleming Scholarship program.
Initiated by Ms. Sarah Fleming to honor her late husband’s legacy, this collaborative scholarship program supports deserving students from Title I schools nationwide. Each recipient will receive a $1,000 scholarship to support their higher education journey.
The 2025 Guy Fleming Scholarship recipients are:
• Muhammad Bilal, Charles Herbert Flowers High School, Springdale, MD
• Tamyra Britton, Bowie High School, Bowie, MD
• Zain Elcock, Carter G. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
• Zaria Jacobs, Tampa Bay Technical High School, Tampa Bay, FL
• Josiah Jackson, TF North High School, Calumet City, IL
• Alysha Murrell, RCEC, Vicksburg, MS
• Jakiyah Perkins, Warren Central High School, Vicksburg, MS
• Madison Reynolds, Fultondale High School, Fultondale, AL
• Alexa Sneed, Thomas Dale High School, Chester, VA
• Sabrina Williams, Oakton High School, Alexandria, VA
“As the 16th National President of Blacks In Government, I am honored to support the second annual Guy Fleming Educational Scholarship in partnership with the FedChoice Charitable Foundation,” said David Groves. “This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to education as a catalyst for opportunity and advancement. Together, we’re providing resources and encouragement for students from underserved communities to pursue higher education and achieve their aspirations.”
As FedChoice Federal Credit Union celebrates its 90th anniversary alongside BIG’s 50th year, this partnership represents a powerful investment in future leaders from economically disadvantaged communities.
“We are honored to deepen our longstanding partnership with Blacks In Government during this milestone year for both our organizations,” said Brett Noll, President and CEO of FedChoice Federal Credit Union. “Together, we are proud to invest in the future by providing college scholarships to deserving students—empowering the next generation of leaders and leveling the playing field for those in need.”
The Guy Fleming Educational Scholarship celebrates the legacy of Mr. Guy Fleming, a loyal FedChoice FCU member and dedicated public servant who worked in the US Department of Treasury and IRS. Ms. Fleming established this scholarship program based on her belief in the transformative power of education and her desire to create more opportunities for deserving students from underserved communities.
The FedChoice Charitable Foundation improves the financial well-being of those in need, makes a positive difference in local communities, and serves as a resource, advocate, and champion for members of the Federal Community.
Blacks In Government (BIG) was established in 1975 and incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1976. BIG has been a national response to the need for African Americans in public service to organize around issues of mutual concern and use their collective strength to address workplace and community concerns.
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M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Board Announces the Retirements of Vice Chair Dorothy F. Bailey and Commissioner A. Shuanise Washington
By PRESS OFFICER
M-NCPPC
LARGO, Md. (Sept. 4, 2025)—The Prince George’s County Planning Board of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) announced today during its meeting the retirements of Vice Chair Dorothy F. Bailey, effective August 30, 2025, and Commissioner A. Shuanise Washington, effective October 1, 2025.
In Prince George’s County, all members of the M-NCPPC Planning Board are appointed by the County Executive, subject to approval of the County Council. Vice Chair Bailey was first appointed to the Planning Board in July 2011 and reappointed in October 2015 and October 2019. Commissioner Washington was first appointed to the Planning Board in July 2011 and reappointed in October 2012 and November 2016. The County Executive will appoint the next Planning Board members to fill the vacant positions, which are set to expire June 15, 2027, and June 15, 2028.
“Vice Chair Dorothy Bailey and Commissioner Shuanise Washington have been tremendous assets to M-NCPPC and our work in Prince George’s County over the past 14 years,” says Chairman Darryl Barnes. “During their terms, Bailey and Washington contributed significantly to the weekly review of development applications, were instrumental to the adoption of several master and sector plans as well as Plan Prince George’s 2035 – the Approved General Plan for Prince George’s County, and participated in many planning, parks, and recreational initiatives.”
“Serving as vice chair of the Prince George’s County Planning Board has been a wonderful way to complete five decades of service to the residents of Prince George’s County,” says Bailey. “It has been a joy and delight to experience the exciting M-NCPPC programs and wonderful places as well as work with people who love the County and are conscientious about services we provide to the residents.”
“Serving the residents of Prince George’s County over the past 14 years has been an extraordinary honor,” said Washington. “I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity, and for the trust placed in me to help the County’s growth and development through such a pivotal Commission. I hold great respect for the dedicated staff—whose tireless work in planning and implementing programs continues to benefit our community. I will miss them dearly.”
The Prince George’s County Planning Board meets weekly to review subdivisions, site plans, and other development applications and develop and make recommendations to the County Council on land use policies to guide the growth and development of the County. In addition, the Planning Board provides managerial oversight of the M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Department and the Department of Parks and Recreation. Together, with fellow colleagues from the Montgomery County Planning Board, they guide M-NCPPC’s bi-county mission to manage physical growth and plan communities; protect and steward natural, cultural, and historic resources; and provide leisure and recreational experiences.
The Prince George’s County Planning Board, together with the Montgomery County Planning Board, make up The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Visit www.pgplanningboard.org
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