Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels.com June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month — time dedicated to increasing understanding, advancing research and honoring the lives touched by this devastating disease. For the Black community, where Alzheimer’s is nearly twice as prevalent as in white Americans, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, the month carries an even more urgent message: We must plan ahead to protect our families, preserve our assets and ensure that our legacies reflect our values. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy — it is a critical act of love and protection for every Black family. It is the blueprint for what happens when we can no longer speak for ourselves due to illness like Alzheimer’s or after we pass. When done early and thoughtfully, estate planning helps ensure that our wishes are honored, our children are cared for and our assets stay within our community. The Alzheimer’s Connection Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of dementia that impacts memory, thinking and behavior. It slowly robs individuals of their ability to make decisions, communicate and recognize their loved ones. By the time many families confront the realities of Alzheimer’s, it is often too late to put legal protections in place. This is why starting the estate planning process before there is a diagnosis — or early in the disease’s progression — is essential. Legal documents like a durable power of attorney, health care proxy and living will give trusted family members the authority to make decisions on your behalf. Without them, families may face legal battles or be forced to make heartbreaking guesses about your wishes. A Community Call to Action The truth is, far too many of our elders die without a will or plan in place, and the consequences are serious. Homes passed down through generations are lost to probate court or tax sales. Siblings argue over money. Caregivers are left without clear guidance or financial support. These struggles are preventable with proactive estate planning. In our community, we must break the silence and stigma around both dementia and estate planning. Talking about what will happen when we age or become ill is not morbid — it is empowering. It ensures that the values we live by today continue to guide our families tomorrow. Planning is Power This June, as we honor those living with Alzheimer’s and remember those we have lost, let us also commit to taking action. Make an appointment with an estate planning attorney who understands your values and community. Update your legal documents if it’s been more than five years or if your health has changed. Talk to your loved ones about your plans. Estate planning is not just about death — it’s about living with dignity, clarity and control. It’s about showing up for our families now so they won’t have to scramble later. Let’s turn awareness into action. Protect your mind, your money and your legacy. Because our community is worth planning for.

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It was 60 years ago that The Washington Informer entered the stage of sharing news about and for the Black community of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. The vision of Calvin and Wilhemina Rolark, to be able to shape the narrative in 1964 of the community by the people who are living the story came to life in The Washington Informer. Entrepreneurship is not easy. It’s even more difficult when you are doing something to represent the people who are often disadvantaged and marginalized. The resources are not easy to be pooled for those with less discretionary income. However, it wasn’t their dream because it was easy. It was a dream because they saw a need and decided to be the vehicle to meet the need. The Rolarks were community activists through politics and publishing they were making and recording history. The mantel was passed to Denise Rolark Barnes upon the passing of her father. Denise is committed to continuing the important work that her family had begun and has incorporated the next generation into the work with her son Lafayette as the publisher of the Washington Informer Bridge DC that informs the next generation. The commitment to legacy building as exemplified by the Rolark heirs is not something that comes easily. It takes intentionality to build on a dream and decision to create values that can be thoughtfully passed on. The Washington Informer has had more than 60 years of bringing news and information that makes a difference to the community that may not be shared through the typical channels and through a lens of people who are culturally aligned with the readers. Denise grew up with the newspaper and understood completely the mission, goal and purpose. She shared the goals and committed her professional life to standing in the mission. While it was not easy, she saw the need and walk in that purpose. The Washington Informer is a voice for the community. As we reflect on the times that we are currently facing, it is familiar to the struggles that the Black community was fighting 60 years ago. It was a bit more than 60 years ago that we had the March on Washington to advocate for civil and economic rights. There is renewed frustration and advocacy for civil and economic rights with the current administration. There is indeed a call for another protest this month with civil and economic rights as the focus. The legacy that The Washington Informer has established with a commitment for being a voice for the voiceless is applauded and appreciated. We celebrate the effort that may feel unappreciated but needed during this time. I personally thank the Rolark Barnes family for the sacrifice of time, talent and treasure to build a legacy that supports not a family but a community and a country. In February, we proudly celebrated the great contributions that Black people have given to the world with Black History Month. I am honored to be able to be a member of the Black community. In March, we celebrate Women’s History Month. This is another group to which I proudly claim membership. We set apart these months to build up communities and honor those who have made great contributions, especially those who have not been given the recognition that was deserved. This country has failed to acknowledge the areas of disparate treatment. We must not wait for anyone else to celebrate our accomplishments. Communities and movements must take the time to share the impact to compensate for the lack of appreciation publicly given. I appreciate the quote, “Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in heels!” The revelation is that in most cases women are denied access and the opportunity to achieve goals and success. Over the course of history, women were measured with sticks that were not equally established. The facts show that there is a gender and racial income gap. We know that women were not allowed to open bank accounts without the permission or co-signing of a man for many years. Yet, women continue to impact the world by building businesses, often while simultaneously building families. I am honored to be a member of The BOW Collective, a group of Black Women Entrepreneurs who are committed to working together to break barriers. I celebrate the founder, Nicole Cober Johnson, Esq. She had the vision to displace the narrative that Black women-owned businesses only have revenue of $24,000 to create a collective where BOW level members have revenue exceeding $1,000,000 for a total membership of more than 300 women nationally with an annual revenue of $1.7 billion. Through The BOW Collective, I am privileged to meet amazing women who have a vast array of entrepreneurial experiences that include medical and dental practices, construction, hospitality, and even up to astronauts and arms dealing! We know that it is through the creation of jobs and businesses that we build communities. We know that small business is the economic engine of this country, and we are not on the sidelines watching things happen, but making things happen. I celebrate the intersection of Black History Month and Women’s History Month with The BOW Collective as we create herstory. We look for the opportunity to do business with excellence. We are not naïve when we seek to work together to change the world. We build deliberate partnerships that focus on working with people we know, like, and trust. We build strategic alliances that work collectively and collaboratively with excellence. We build networks that offer resources to open doors and blaze trails that provide opportunities for those who follow as we build the legacy. As Black women entrepreneurs, we know that there has never been equal access to opportunities and capital for the growth of business. It has been a continuous, upward climb, as we have been denied access and opportunity. Yet, as my father has always said, “Difficulty is no excuse for surrender.” We continue to do what is necessary to build and break barriers. We know that it is our commitment to ourselves, our families, and our communities. I am excited to work with individuals and families to build estate plans that include succession plans for business to preserve and protect the legacy that we work so hard to create.

In February, we proudly celebrated the contributions that Black people have given to the world with Black History Month. I am honored to be a member of the Black community. In March we celebrate Women’s History Month. This is another group to which I proudly claim membership. We set apart these months to build up communities and honor those who have made great contributions, especially those who have not been given the recognition they deserved. This country has failed to acknowledge areas of disparate treatment. We must not wait for anyone else to celebrate our accomplishments. Communities and movements must take the time to share their impact to compensate for the lack of appreciation publicly given. I appreciate the quote, “Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did, but backward and in heels!” The revelation is that in most cases women are denied access and the opportunity to achieve goals and success. Over the course of history, women were measured with standards that were not equally established. The facts show that there is a gender and racial income gap. We know that women were not allowed to open bank accounts without the permission or co-signing of a man for many years. Yet, women continue to impact the world by building businesses, often while simultaneously building families. I am honored to be a member of The BOW Collective, a group of Black women entrepreneurs who are committed to working together to break barriers. I celebrate the founder, Nicole Cober Johnson, Esq. She had the vision to displace the narrative that Black women-owned businesses only have revenue of $24,000 to create a collective where BOW level members have revenue exceeding $1 million for a total membership of more than a 300 women nationally with an annual revenue of $1.7 billion. Through The BOW Collective, I am privileged to meet amazing women who have a vast array of entrepreneurial experiences that include medical and dental practices, construction, hospitality, and even up to astronauts and arms dealing! We know that it is through the creation of jobs and businesses that we build communities. We know that small business is the economic engine of this country, and we are not on the sidelines watching things happen, but making things happen. I celebrate the intersection of Black History Month and Women’s History Month with The BOW Collective as we create herstory. We look for the opportunity to do business with excellence. We are not naive when we seek to work together to change the world. We build deliberate partnerships that focus on working with people we know, like and trust. We build strategic alliances that work collectively and collaboratively with excellence. We build networks that offer resources to open doors and blaze trails that provide opportunity for those who follow as we build the legacy. As Black women entrepreneurs, we know that there has never been equal access to opportunities and capital for the growth of business. It has been a continuous, upward climb, as we have been denied access and opportunity. Yet, as my father has always said, “Difficulty is no excuse for surrender.” We continue to do what is necessary to build and break barriers. We know that it is our commitment to ourselves, our families and our communities. I am excited to work with individuals and families to build estate plans that include succession plans for business to preserve and protect the legacy that we work so hard to create.

Next year we will celebrate 100 years of formally recognizing the contributions of the Black community in this country starting with Negro History Week. The celebration of acknowledging and teaching the impact of the Black people in this country began in 1926. As Black people, we knew we could not rely on anyone else to show us our value. With the massacre in Tulsa as an attack on Black economic development, we faced the truth of Frederick Douglass’ words in 1857, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” At this time, we are confronted with the reality that our story, Black History, is being deleted from the history of the United States. If the story of our enslavement and the historic, systematic oppression is not told, the facts of the comparison of the racial wealth gap are not presented in context. Yet, we cannot rely upon someone else to tell our story. We must continue to build our narrative. As a Black woman, whose parents were educators, I grew up understanding the great importance of knowing our past. My mother, who taught Black History, further affirmed that it is our responsibility to know our story. As we know, we have overcome amazing obstacles. When we remember what we have overcome and look at the obstacles we are currently facing, there is no comparison. We are more than conquerors. And we will continue to be successful. Our story has not come to an end. Our story is valid whether it is told or hushed. AND we have the responsibility of continuing to build our history and our legacy. Individually and collectively, we are building our story and transforming the world for ourselves and others. Life and Legacy Counselors is an estate planning attorney that supports the development of strategic planning for the family that impacts multiple generations. The opportunity to help families secure the legacy and the vision that they have for the people they love is a huge responsibility for the individuals we serve. We know that through estate planning, we are strengthening communities, one family at a time. We know that a vision to build multigenerational wealth is impactful for all that are connected. We know that we are able to strengthen our heirs, whether they are legally or biologically connected, or love related. We are experiencing blatant opposition to providing access and opportunities to diverse communities who have been denied access for centuries. The historic disregard for equal opportunity that started being addressed in the 1960’s through legal and constitutional recognition, is now prohibited. The recent proclamations forbidding access to women and diverse communities to opportunities are not veiled roadblocks, but direct. Yet again, we know this energy, and we have seen this enemy before. We were not defeated before and will not be defeated now. Thriving in the face of adversity, inequity, racism and sexism is what we have had to do for centuries and will continue to do. Whenever there is a crisis, we know that there is a challenge and an opportunity. I am excited about the challenge that we face. I am excited about the renewed commitment to our mission and purpose. I am excited that we will continue to stand with the lyrics of the Black National Anthem and Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on 'til victory is won.

It’s a new beginning! It’s the start of another new year. I have had the privilege of contributing to The Washington Informer for more than a decade, and I am still excited to provide estate planning tips and thoughts with the start of the new year. As we mark this significant change in the world with the turning of the calendar, there is a truth we can be certain of: Life is dynamic and change is consistent. It does not allow us to focus completely on Jan. 1 and disregard the rest of the calendar. It doesn’t relegate change to the alignment of the calendar. As folks say, “life be life-ing,” and it is not based upon the calendar. In the past 10 years, I have had the privilege of sharing information about the loss of my mother, the blending of my family with my second marriage, and the addition of my two beautiful granddaughters. None of these things happened at the beginning of the year. Yet, I embrace the measurement of time, and I am inspired by the change of the calendar as metrics. We can choose to use time as either a resource or as a constraint. We can celebrate the measurement of time while considering all the opportunities that time provides for us. I choose to celebrate the start of the new year by setting my focus on the opportunities for new beginnings. At my church, we start the year with the Daniel Fast. The Daniel Fast is a 21-day commitment to focus on enhancing spiritual discipline, prayer and seeking wisdom. Without even realizing it, we often use food to provide us with emotional and physical comfort. But during the fast, we refrain from certain foods to challenge our minds and bodies to rely on the great comforter, Jesus. It requires growth and focus. For me, this is a kickstart. While the calendar should not be the only thing that creates the commitment for growth, it is an opportunity to recharge and reset after the holiday season. While many people do not achieve their New Year’s resolution goals that they set for themselves at the beginning of the year, we ought not let that be the reason to eliminate the goals. I continue to create goals that include discipline and progressive enhancement that are modified slightly each year. I celebrate the ability to set goals with action plans that allow me to be better. A goal without a plan is a dream. As an estate planning attorney, I work with people who set goals and dreams for the impact they want to have on the lives of the people they love. Our goal is to create multigenerational strategies for wealth creation and preservation. We work with families to develop checks and balances for their loved ones, because we understand how important it is for families to have the support necessary to impact their capacity to move forward and achieve new heights. As an estate administration attorney, I work with families helping to unravel the aftermath of people who didn’t plan. Over the years, I’ve seen the devastation caused by a lack of planning. In addition to grief, these families were often left wondering what their loved ones would have wanted. The lack of instruction and clarity caused distress and conflict that could have been avoided. We take for granted many things that have significant positive or negative impact. By being thoughtful with foresight, we can have a goal with action steps that can be implemented to achieve the outcome that changes lives. As we look ahead for the new beginnings this year, let’s challenge ourselves to plan for what we desire. Let’s take this time as an opportunity to refocus, reset and plan with great intentions.

Estate planning is crucial for everyone, but it takes on added importance for single parents. In Maryland, single parents face unique challenges when it comes to ensuring their children's well-being and financial security in the event of unexpected circumstances. Effective estate planning can provide peace of mind and protect your family's future. This blog post will explore the essential components of estate planning for single parents in Maryland and how The Life and Legacy Counselors can assist in this important process. Why Estate Planning Matters for Single Parents As a single parent, you are likely the sole provider and decision-maker for your children. Having a comprehensive estate plan in place is essential for several reasons: Guardianship of Children : An estate plan allows you to designate a guardian for your minor children in case of your untimely passing. This decision ensures that your children are raised by someone you trust, rather than leaving it to the court to decide. Financial Security : Proper estate planning can help secure your children’s financial future by ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Medical Decisions : Estate planning includes creating advance medical directives, which outline your healthcare preferences if you become incapacitated. This helps ensure your wishes are honored and relieves your family of difficult decisions during emotional times. Minimizing Taxes and Fees : An effective estate plan can help reduce estate taxes and legal fees, maximizing the assets available for your children. Essential Components of Estate Planning 1. Last Will and Testament A last will and testament is a legal document that specifies how your assets will be distributed after your death. In Maryland, a will can also name a guardian for your children, making it an essential component of your estate plan. Key considerations: Choose an Executor : This person will be responsible for managing your estate, ensuring that your wishes are carried out, and handling any debts or taxes owed. Specify Asset Distribution : Clearly outline how you want your assets distributed among your heirs. 2. Guardianship Designations As a single parent, it is vital to designate a guardian for your children. This decision can be included in your will, but it’s also a good idea to discuss your choice with the prospective guardian beforehand. Consider the following factors: Values and Parenting Style : Choose someone who shares your values and parenting philosophy. Location : Ideally, the guardian should live nearby to minimize disruption in your children's lives. 3. Trusts A trust can be an effective way to manage assets for your children, especially if they are minors. By placing assets in a trust, you can specify how and when your children will receive those assets. Advantages of using a trust: Control Over Distribution : You can set specific conditions for how the assets are used, such as for education or health care. Avoiding Probate : Assets held in a trust generally do not go through probate, allowing for quicker access to funds for your children. 4. Powers of Attorney A power of attorney is a legal document that grants someone the authority to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. There are two main types: Durable Power of Attorney for Finances : This allows your chosen agent to manage your financial matters. Medical Power of Attorney : This grants someone the authority to make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot do so. 5. Advance Medical Directives An advance medical directive (or living will) outlines your wishes regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care. This document can provide guidance to your family and medical providers during difficult times, ensuring that your healthcare preferences are honored. 6. Life Insurance Life insurance can be an essential part of your estate plan, particularly for single parents. The proceeds from a life insurance policy can provide financial support for your children in the event of your passing. Considerations for life insurance: Choose the Right Coverage : Assess how much coverage is needed to support your children’s needs, such as education and living expenses. Beneficiary Designations : Ensure that your children are listed as beneficiaries or that the policy allows for a trust to be set up for them. How The Life and Legacy Counselors Can Help Navigating the complexities of estate planning can be overwhelming, especially for single parents. The Life and Legacy Counselors specialize in helping families create comprehensive estate plans tailored to their unique needs. 1. Personalized Consultation Our team offers personalized consultations to understand your specific situation and goals. We take the time to listen to your concerns and explain your options, ensuring that you feel confident in your decisions. 2. Comprehensive Estate Planning We provide a complete range of estate planning services, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance medical directives. Our goal is to create a holistic estate plan that addresses all aspects of your family's needs. 3. Guardianship Assistance Designating a guardian for your children is one of the most critical decisions you will make. We can help you navigate this process, ensuring that your wishes are clearly documented and legally enforceable. 4. Ongoing Support Estate planning is not a one-time event; it requires regular review and updates. We provide ongoing support to ensure your estate plan evolves with your family's changing needs and circumstances. 5. Legal Expertise Our experienced attorneys understand the intricacies of Maryland estate law. We can guide you through any legal challenges that may arise, ensuring that your estate plan is compliant and enforceable. Secure Your Children's Future: Estate Planning for Single Parents Estate planning is a vital process for single parents in Maryland. It provides peace of mind, protects your children's future, and ensures that your wishes are honored. By taking the time to create a comprehensive estate plan, you can secure your family's well-being and financial stability. At The Life and Legacy Counselors, we are committed to helping single parents navigate the estate planning process with ease. If you’re ready to take the first step toward protecting your family’s future, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can create a legacy that reflects your values and secures your children’s well-being for years to come.

To parents, I believe the most wonderful time of the year is the back-to-school time of year. As a perpetual student and now a professor, I will say that I am also re-energized at the beginning of the school year. I love the restart of learning and focused energy on advancement. For those with minor children, I like to remind the parents to be thoughtful of the responsibilities of caring for the babies. Of course, as parents we ill always be thoughtful of caring for our children. We need to have painful thoughts when we think about what the best protective action for our children is. As an estate planning attorney, I have the difficult responsibility of discussing with parents about the possibilities of providing for their children in their incapacity or the death. It is a thought that many people find so painful that they choose not to answer the question and simply pray that nothing happens to them. I believe that our best strategy is to pray for the best and plan for the worst. I believe it is best to have a plan and tools and not need them than to need a plan and tools yet not have them. If you have minor children, the legal parents should make the decision who would have legal responsibility for the children if the legal parents are not able. This is a challenge if both legal parents are not actively engaged in the life of the child or children. However, lack of involvement does not disavow any parent of their legal rights. This is an area of great concern for many parents. When the primary parent is not able to care for their child due to death or disability, they may not want the other parent who has not been actively involved in caring or participating in the child’s life to have the primary legal responsibility. However, that is not the legally authorized answer. Unless the parent has lost his or her legal authority, there would not be a need for intervention on behalf of the court. When there is inability for the legal parents to care for minor children permanently or for a short term, the parent can identify a standby guardian. That documentation would nominate someone to act as an interim guardian until the court established the legal permanent guardianship. This would enable someone to act to make medical and educational decisions for a minor child. To provide for the child financially, a trust would be the most appropriate vehicle for preserving assets for the benefit of a child. As you cannot distribute any real property or cash directly to a child it is necessary to provide for that child through establishing a trust. In many cases, when there has been co-parenting and not a continued relationship between the parents, a parent may choose to identify someone else to support providing for the minor child financially, as a check and balance to ensure that the funds and resources are managed for the benefit of the child. Also for our almost grown children, those who are legally defined as adults but not really, we recommend that a Financial and Health Care Power of Attorney be created for the ability to continue to support our young adults. This document will allow the young people to waive their right to privacy to receive necessary financial and health care support. Additionally, for those young adults who are attending school, I recommend that they have the young person execute a Family Education Right to Privacy Act waiver. This waiver allows the school to supply the parent with the information regarding the student’s academic, financial and health matters. It is best to have the necessary tools in place to provide for your young people. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year through planning and caring for the ones you love.

I have been in the small business/entrepreneurship movement for quite a few years now. It was more than 20 years ago that I began to appreciate the importance of small business and entrepreneurial efforts to be the transformation of the Black community. We know that there has been the racial wage gap in the United States. We know that enslaved people were denied wages in order to build wealth for the business owners. We know that oppressive wages and denial of employment opportunities were strategies used to grow profits on the backs of Black people through Jim Crow era and beyond. We know that by creating enterprises of our own we acknowledge our own value and the value of the people in our community and are able to build wealth. However, it is not without a struggle. Black entrepreneurship is not an easy road to travel. We know that most Black businesses do not have access to the resources and funds afforded other communities with historic wealth and access to wealth, either through direct racist policies or through years of economic oppression. We know that most Black businesses do not have access to opportunities that are afforded to other communities. We know that many of the relationships that begat business are not afforded and are often blatantly denied Black businesses. We know that direct harm is aimed at successful Black businesses as evidenced by Black Wall Street in Tulsa. What we know is that we still take on the efforts of the struggle. We know that it is the collective strength and honor that allows us to mobilize. Over 20 years ago, I became a part of the Black Chamber movement. We know that being the voice of the voiceless was important. Black business is important because we know that it is the way in which we raise the economic realities of the Black community. Black businesses employ Black people. Through the Black chambers we can bring information and resources to the Black community that truly are effective in starting, growing and saving Black businesses. Access to information is vital in being able to survive. I am privileged to say that I was involved in the creation of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. The U.S. Black Chambers has been the voice of Black business for the past 15 years. As we have experienced the pandemic, thousands of businesses were dependent on information regarding the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans that were transformational for the small business owner. The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., was the vehicle that provided information to thousands of Black businesses that struggled to survive. The collaborative efforts of the Black business community are vital to make voices heard. As Frederick Douglass stated hundreds of years ago, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never has and it never will.” The collaboration of Black businesses to fight injustice and inequity is necessary to fight evils of unrestricted power. I have been privileged as the last incorporator of the U.S. Black Chambers still serving. I was proud to expend my time, talent and resources as a board member and the corporate counsel for the U.S. Black Chambers from the inception until today. It is with great pride that I step down to allow for the next advocate to serve. As Ron Busby Sr., president and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., states, to have a strong America, we must have a strong Black America. To have a strong Black America, we need to have strong Black businesses. To have strong Black businesses we must have strong Black chambers. We as a people must stand together against injustice, inequity and fight for the strong America. We are better together.