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BERKLEE HONORS THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS WITH TRIBUTE AT SYMPHONY HALL pg 11
National Society of Black Engineers coming to Boston pg 9
BRA kicks off Dudley area planning process pg 2
plus 5 questions with Tracy Morgan pg 11 ‘Barbed’: The artwork of Jocelyn Chemel pg 12 Thursday, February 25, 2016 • FREE • GREATER BOSTON’S URBAN NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1965 • CELEBRATING 50 YEARS
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BPS protesters call on city, state Activists march to demand more funding for schools facing cuts By JULE PATTISON-GORDON
Hundreds of parents, students, teachers and activists trickled through the metal detectors at Boston City Hall and marched, chanting, to the mayor’s office to call for more funding for public schools. The demonstrators, brought together by Boston Education Justice Alliance, were part of a national day of walk-in protests. The Boston demonstrators delivered a list of demands to the mayor’s staff, along with a petition carrying more than 3,500 signatures that called upon BPS to fix the deficits. They then poured out onto Tremont Street and into the State House, where they filled the Nurse’s Hall to standing room only. Several of the activists delivered the same demands to the governor’s office. Neither the governor nor mayor were available to meet, their staff members said. At the governor’s office, demonstrators submitted a request to meet with Governor Charlie Baker to discuss school funding. In their request letter, they questioned Baker’s priorities: “We the people do not understand why GE is more important than Boston Public Schools,” it read. The event drew attention from officials: City Councilor Tito Jackson attended the rally, while City
BY THE NUMBERS
$13.5
million: The proposed increase by Mayor Martin Walsh to BPS’ budget — 1.3 percent. With the rate of inflation at 3 percent and some costs rising, BPS advocates say the result amounts to a cut. million: The estimated shortfall of the BPS budget.
$50
ON THE WEB Petition against BPS budget cuts: http:// petitions.moveon.org/sign/stop-budget-cutsto-boston?source=c.em.mt&r_by=10237357
Councilor Ayanna Pressley shook hands with marchers as they filed out of the mayor’s office. Sen. Sal DiDomenico helped sponsor the event, reserving the space in the State House for demonstrators to gather and give speeches, organizers said.
Predicted cuts
Mayor Martin Walsh has proposed a $13.5 million — or 1.3 percent — increase to BPS’ budget — but with the rate of inflation at 3 percent and some costs rising, BPS advocates say the result is a cut in school budgets and that many positions and programs will be slashed. Some have pegged BPS’ budget shortfall at $50 million.
See BPS BUDGET, page 13
PHOTO: DANNY THOMPSON
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders receives the endorsement from a coalition of community groups at the International Association of Iron Workers Local 7 union hall in South Boston. Looking on is Neighbor to Neighbor Executive Director Maria Elena Letona (left).
Presidential campaigns battle for votes in Mass.
Sanders makes swing through Boston, Amherst By YAWU MILLER
The Massachusetts presidential primary contest heated up this week as Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders made a swing through Boston and Amherst to fire up his base of progressive voters. At the Iron Workers Local 7 union hall in South Boston, Sanders received the endorsement of a coalition of grassroots organizations who pledged to pull out the
stops in the days leading up to next Tuesday’s Massachusetts primary. “Bernie Sanders speaks to all of who we are as a country, because Bernie’s agenda is our agenda,” said Neighbor to Neighbor executive director Maria Elena Letona. “It is an agenda that is bigger than a presidential race. It is an agenda for a political revolution. It is an agenda for the planet. It is an agenda for people — for workers, students, families, businesses, immigrants.”
Sanders’ appearance this week followed a pair of dueling endorsement press conferences in front of the State House last week that underscored the deep divisions among Democrats expected to vote in next Tuesday’s Massachusetts presidential primary. With Sanders and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in a dead heat in the polls, many of the party’s local luminaries are
See PRIMARY, page 6
Eyes are on primary in senate race Diana Hwang, Lydia Edwards campaign By JULE PATTISON-GORDON
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Students, parents, teachers and activists marched on the State House as part of a national day of demonstrations.
In the First Suffolk and Middlesex district, two women of color are making big plays for the state house and garnering attention. Lydia Edwards, a public interest lawyer with Greater Boston Legal Services with a focus on labor issues, and Diana Hwang, co-founder and executive director of the Asian-American Women’s
Political Initiative, have been collecting endorsements and voters as they campaign for the state senate seat that represents North End, Beacon Hill, East Boston, Revere, Winthrop and parts of Cambridge. Only one Republican has entered the race, thus shifting focus to the April 12 Democratic primary. Edwards and Hwang will be up against each other as well as Dan Rizzo, former Revere mayor;
Steve Morabito, current Revere City Councilor; Joseph Boncore, an attorney from Winthrop; and Jay Livingstone, 8th Suffolk District state representative, as they compete to nab the Democratic party nomination. The field may change as the March 8 candidate filing deadline nears. Whoever wins will face off with Republican candidate Donald Willyard — a member of the board on the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
See SENATE RACE, page 8
2 • Thursday, February 25, 2016 • BAY STATE BANNER
BRA kicks off Dudley area planning process By YAWU MILLER
Roxbury residents mingled with city officials Monday evening during the kick-off event for Plan: Dudley Square, the Boston Redevelopment Authority’s community participation process for Roxbury’s commercial center. Maps on poster board displays showed the planning area — which includes Dudley Square, Bartlett Yard, Harrison Avenue and Columbus Avenue between Melnea Cass Boulevard and Malcolm X Boulevard. Through the planning process, the Boston Redevelopment Authority can change zoning and craft requests for proposals to develop the many vacant parcels of city-owned land in the area. “What we want to examine is whether the zoning is right, and if not, we can take into account the needs of the community,” said Lara Merida, deputy director for Community Planning at the Boston Redevelopment Authority. Monday’s meeting was the first of six scheduled before BRA officials hope to submit a finalized plan to the agency’s board in August. The process, while more accelerated that those the BRA is undertaking in Jamaica Plain and South Boston, will touch on similar issues — the area’s business mix, transportation issues and housing — in a series of monthly meetings. The end product will be the latest in a series of redevelopment plans for Dudley Square dating back to
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BRA Planner Hughes Monestime (center) solicits ideas during the inaugural meeting of Plan: Dudley Square. the 1970s administration of former Mayor Kevin White. An earlier plan, the 2007 Dudley Square Vision planning initiative, is still listed as “in process” on the BRA website. But, as Dudley Square Main Streets Director Joyce Stanley noted, the area has undergone considerable progress in the last 20 years — including the redevelopment of 24 formerly vacant large buildings and the construction of five new buildings. “Before, we were just trying to get the signature buildings done,” Stanley said. “Now it’s time to look at the gaps — what’s working in retail and what isn’t.”
“The goals and aspiration ten years ago were based upon cleaning up the abandoned buildings that were worth very little money,” said business owner Sharif Abdal-Khallaq. “Today we have a lot of value. We’ve advanced.” City-owned parcels that remain vacant include the site of the former Area B substation on Dudley Street, Parcel 8 at the corner of the Harrison Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard and Parcel P 3 on Columbus Avenue. Monday’s interactive meeting was held in the lobby of the Bruce Bolling Municipal Building. Display boards showing current land uses and
LEARN. BUILD. EARN. LEARN. BUILD. EARN.
zoning, transportation patterns and demographics lined one side of the lobby, while on the other were boards soliciting resident input on new land uses for the planning area and other questions like what new businesses should come to Dudley. “We want people to ask questions and make recommendations,” said BRA Senior Planner Hughes Monestime, as residents left yellow notes on poster boards. Among the dozens of ideas posted to the boards were calls for more sit-down restaurants, restaurants that remain open after 7 p.m., and live entertainment. Despite predictions that new
development would drive up demand for parking, there was little interest in new parking facilities. Some local residents inquired about resident permit parking for the areas around the square, noted the Boston Transportation Department’s Alice Brown. According to Transportation Department statistics, just 43 percent of the residents in the immediate Dudley Square planning area — which includes Madison Park, Ruggles and Williams streets — have access to a car, far fewer than the 64 percent citywide average. The most common mode of transportation is buses — 36.7 percent — owing to proximity to Dudley Station, which is the MBTA’s busiest bus station. Just 6.4 percent of area residents rely on the subway. Only 3.6 percent bike to work, but 21.8 percent reported walking to work. Nearly a third of the residents — 31.4 percent — drive to work. At the next meeting, scheduled for March 21, BRA officials will report back to Roxbury residents the community input they gathered from the Monday meeting. In April, the meeting will focus on Tools for Development. In May, the meeting will examine Design and Feasibility. The June meeting will concentrate on transportation and the public realm. At the July meeting, the BRA will present draft plans to which residents can provide their thoughts and reactions. On August 1, the BRA officials expect to present the final implementation plan, before submitting it to the BRA board for an August 11 vote.
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Dudley Branch of the Boston Public Library 65 Warren Street, Roxbury ~ 617.442.6186
Thursday, February 25, 2016 • BAY STATE BANNER • 3
Charter demand is debated after new, lower waitlist counts could decide the cap question.
By JULE PATTISON-GORDON
A new report from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shines some light on the debate over just how in-demand charter schools are — a key factor cited in the even more charged dispute over whether the state’s cap on charters should be lifted. According to charter advocates, tens of thousands of children across the state are clamoring to get access to these schools and are shut out by a cap that strictly limits the available seats. Last week, DESE released its latest assessment of the number of children on charter waitlists, which lowered charter advocate’s oft-cited 37,000 figure to 34,000. Some — including DESE itself — caution that even this number likely overstates the demand for charters, due to an imprecise system of data recording. But charter school advocates say that even if an exact figure is elusive, the general picture is one of interest in charters outstripping access. The dispute over whether or not to lift the charter cap kicked up a notch earlier this month, with Governor Charlie Baker weighing in heavily on the side of a lift and a new “fact checking” campaign released by charter advocates. A pending lawsuit and an upcoming ballot measure also
Charged history
DESE’s waitlist figures previously have come under fire. A December 2014 audit by State Auditor Suzanne Bump concluded that the way the data was reported and analyzed was so unreliable that it was impossible to accurately determine how many children were actively seeking charter enrollment. The issues: Students who were entered on a school’s waitlist in one year could be kept on the list for subsequent years without any indication that they still sought enrollment, and the same student might be counted as a new person for each different charter at which they were waitlisted. DESE also failed to use a software application that had been designed to help eliminate duplicate entries, Bump noted.
Vague picture
DESE’s new report — released on Feb. 18 — gives its best assessment of what charter waitlist figures were as of Oct. 1, 2015. The new count: 33,900 students in combined total, with 74 of the state’s 82 charter schools maintaining lists. However, the DESE report cautioned that some problems of prior waitlists persist. In a department survey, approximately 75 percent of charter schools said that, for the 20152016 school year, they created completely new waitlists that only
included students who applied for that year, instead of automatically including names from previous years’ waitlists. Additionally, DESE added, a student’s presence on a waitlist does not mean they remain actively interested in enrolling. “It is important to note that not every student on a charter school waitlist would necessarily accept an offer of admission if, and when, it might be proffered,” the report stated. “The number of students found on each charter school’s waitlist should not be understood as the number of students actively willing to accept an admission offer at any moment in time.” Although the department has been making improvements, DESE said, the data still does not precisely capture how many students want entrance to charters. “It remains impossible to quantify the exact number of students that may be actively waiting for admission to a charter school unless the Department makes speculative assumptions,” DESE reported.
New numbers, same situation
According to charter school advocates, the numbers demonstrate a pressing demand for more charter seats — even if the size of that demand cannot be pinpointed. “Today’s announcement that approximately 34,000 students remain trapped on waiting lists for public charter schools reaffirms the
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PHOTO: COURTESY STATE AUDITOR’S OFFICE
PHOTO: JOANNE DECARO
State Auditor Suzanne Bump
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker
massive demand from families for these great public schools — and how vital it is that we lift the cap immediately to give all families access to the public school of their choice,” said Eileen O’Connor, spokesperson for Great Schools Massachusetts. “In spite of criticism to the contrary from charter opponents and the state auditor, the list is an accurate picture of the overwhelming demand for public charter schools,” Marc Kenen, executive director of Massachusetts Charter Public School Association, said in a statement.
Alliance, Race to the Top Coalition and the Mass High Tech Council — announced the website with a state house press conference attended by Governor Baker. Among the items the campaign aims to set straight is the size of charter school waitlists. At the time, the website totaled the count at 37,000 students. That same day, Auditor Bump responded with a statement that the campaign’s 37,000 figure misconstrues her 2014 audit. That audit found there were likely far fewer, due to duplicate and rollover entries on the lists, her statement said. “The campaign itself needs to check its facts,” Bump wrote. “When incomplete information is presented as fact, as is the case by this campaign, policymakers are not afforded the ability to make unbiased decisions and the public is misled.” The campaign has since updated the website to report that “More than 34,000 kids” are on the waitlists.
Fact check controversy
Another recent development came in the form of a new website, launched by charter advocates to dispel what they regard as prevailing misconceptions about charter schools. On Feb. 12, representatives of the “Fact Check: Public Charter Schools In Massachusetts” campaign — which includes Massachusetts Charter Public School Association, the Boston Charter
4 • Thursday, February 25, 2016 • BAY STATE BANNER
EDITORIAL
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Established 1965
Black press is key to self-determination A wise man once said, “You never let your adversaries define you.” That is a lucid description of the strategic role of the press. Black History Month is an appropriate time to consider the outstanding black and progressive press in Boston: David Walker’s Appeal, William Lloyd Garrison’s Liberator, William Monroe Trotter’s Boston Guardian, and the Bay State Banner. Each publication had a different voice, depending upon the circumstances of the time. They all had to combat the offensive images of blacks in the major press. David Walker was born in North Carolina in 1785, but he moved to Boston as an adult because he could not tolerate the enslaved status of blacks in the South. He became the Boston agent for New York’s Freedom Journal, then he began publication of his “Appeal to the Coloured Citizens of the World.” He exalted the history of blacks in Egypt and Abyssinia while encouraging slaves to rebel. His pamphlets were so threatening to slaveholders that they put a price on his head. Walker died in the doorway of his shop in Boston’s North End in 1830. Garrison began publication of The Liberator the next year, and republished many of Walker’s articles even though he did not support rebellion as the solution. The Liberator became the nation’s preeminent anti-slavery journal, and abolition became a major political issue in the North. Walker recognized the stultifying effect of slavery on the human spirit and insisted that by demeaning the humanity of slaves, whites felt justified in imposing such inhuman conditions on others. Garrison, who was white, included blacks in his political leadership group in order to avoid the appearance of racial discrimination. With the election of Abraham Lincoln as president and enactment of the 13th Amendment outlawing slavery, the race problem was still not solved. Racial segregation was declared by the U.S. Supreme Court in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) to be constitutionally permissible as long as conditions were “separate but equal.” Several years before that case, Chief Justice Roger Taney had ruled in Dred
Scott v. Sandford (1857) that blacks had “no rights which the white man was bound to respect.” William Monroe Trotter graduated from Harvard University with honors in 1895. He became the editor and founder of the Boston Guardian in 1901 to challenge the concept that blacks in America need not be respected. His early battles were with Booker T. Washington who had made a speech in Atlanta in 1895 that had compromised the status of blacks. In his “Atlanta Compromise” speech Washington promised that blacks “shall not agitate for political or social equality.” Trotter led a life of anti-Jim Crow protest. He later had the temerity to confront the president of the U.S., Woodrow Wilson, about racial discrimination in public service. He died in 1934 without attaining his ambitious goals of equality for African Americans. His brother-in-law Charles Steward periodically published the Boston Guardian until old age rendered that task impossible. The Bay State Banner was established in 1965 as the successor to the Boston Guardian. The country had entered an extraordinary period. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 had outlawed racial discrimination in employment, education and places of public accommodation. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 made it more difficult to deny black access to the voting booth. The Banner was expecting to chronicle an extraordinary era of progress. The original motto was “Unity, progress, let’s do it ourselves.” African Americans have indeed progressed in the past 50 years. While all civil rights issues have not yet been resolved, concern for income and wealth disparity now looms as an even larger issue. With few constitutional protections to rely on, progress will depend on the ambition and effort of African Americans. It will be even more critical for the black press to inform, encourage and motivate those who enter the very competitive business world. As survival of the black press becomes more challenging in the technology-driven economy, it is important for black youth to consider what media, then, will define who and what they are.
Protesting students, who demand the renaming of racist-connected buildings and prizes as well as the removal of portraits and statues of racists, have their critics. Some of those critics have cited the eleven slave-holding U. S. presidents and other powerful historic figures who tolerated (or approved of) official racist policies and laws — some, well into the 20th century. With such arguments the critics hope to refute or render untenable the students’ demands. In citing Washington, Jefferson, Madison, et al., as slave holders, as well as FDR and Dwight Eisenhower as respective Commander in
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Chief and Supreme Allied Commander of a Jim Crow U. S. military, etc., the critics wish somehow to diminish or nullify the students’ arguments. Supporters of the students have said that, by documenting literally hundreds of powerful leaders throughout U. S. history who actively or passively supported de jure racism, the students’ critics unwittingly buttress arguments for group compensation. I dare not use the word “reparations.” These “critics of the critics” suggest that the documented evidence of historic racist national leaders and the cumulative harm their policies heaped upon black people propagate to the
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The profits of racism
“These smartphones are really cool, but sometimes I really miss newspapers.”
descendants of their victims. They reason further that if a lack of direct involvement by current black people in slavery and Jim Crow invalidates any claim to compensation, then wills, bequests, endowed scholarships, etc., should be invalidated too. Recipients of those inheritances and scholarships usually weren’t themselves involved in establishing the value of those gifts. So I guess we might warn the students’ critics with the following caveat: Be careful with your documentation of racists and official racism. Your own data might come back to haunt you.
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The Boston Banner is published every Thursday. Offices are located at 23 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210. Telephone: 617-261-4600, Fax 617-261-2346 Subscriptions: $48 for one year ($55 out-of-state) Web site: www.baystatebanner.com Periodicals postage paid at Boston, MA. All rights reserved. Copyright 2016. The Banner is certified by the NMSDC, 2016. Circulation of The Bay State and Boston Banner 27,400. Audited by CAC, June 2015. The Banner is printed by: TC Transcontinental Printing 10807, Mirabeau, Anjou (Québec) H1J 1T7 Printed in Canada
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Thursday, February 25, 2016 • BAY STATE BANNER • 5
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The Supreme Court battle
What do you think is the importance of next week’s presidential primary?
By LEE A. DANIELS It’s no surprise the January 13th death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia immediately provoked a right-wing frenzy that’s raised the prospect of a constitutional crisis at the highest level of government. For at stake is whether the Court will continue to be dominated by the 5-to-4 conservative bloc — of which Scalia was the harshest voice — or swing to a 5-to-4 liberal majority. The prospect of either President Obama, or a President Clinton or Sanders, placing another liberal on the Court has not only undermined the “liberal disaster” rulings widely expected in several significant cases before the Court this term. It would also make highly unlikely a future Supreme Court’s approving more of the conservative movement’s legal agenda on such issues as abortion rights, affirmative action, voting rights and protections for workers. That’s why Republican Party leaders and wannabe presidential candidates have shown — again — they’re “conservative” only when it suits their purposes. When it doesn’t, they readily throw the Constitution on the closet shelf and support the most outrageous proposals, the most radical schemes. So, hoping the November elections will produce a Republican president, conservatives from all corners quickly put on their “Party of No” robes and declared President Obama should shirk his constitutional duty and not nominate anyone to fill the Supreme Court seat Justice Scalia had occupied for nearly three decades. Mitch McConnell, the Senate Majority Leader, thundered that if Obama ignored the demand, he would refuse to allow a Senate vote on the nominee. The conservatives’ ostensible argument was that, this being a presidential election and the last year of President Obama’s tenure, he should leave bringing the Court back to full strength to the next president. “The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice,” McConnell intoned — thereby ignoring both the Constitution’s directive and the fact that the President and the Senate represent “the people.” In fact, the GOP tactic isn’t new. Since the 2014 mid-term elections gave them control of the Senate and its committee chairmanships, Republicans have blocked all but one of the President’s nominees for vacancies on the country’s twelve regional federal courts of appeal — evidence that the Republican political establishment’s become not just reactionary in its ideology but also amoral about time-honored traditions of American politics. “Shut down the government? You bet!” columnist Paul Waldman wrote, describing the GOP’s Obama-era behavior. “Filibuster every bill [Democrats propose] Sure! ... Bring America to the brink of defaulting on its debt? Why not! And every incentive Republican members of Congress have pushes them to be more uncompromising, more reckless, and more pure in their opposition to anything and everything any Democrat wants.” (For a number of reasons, that scenario is far less likely to be put into play by Democrats against a Republican President.) The GOP’s stalling gambit was so patently absurd a few Senators last week began to twist this way and that under the weight of public outrage and a slew of critical newspaper editorials about exactly what their position on an Obama nomination was. But there’s little doubt the GOP’s anti-anything-Obama-saysor-does posture will hold as his naming a nominee opens the next stage of what is the climactic Republican effort to damage the Obama presidency. Last week a CBS News poll found that 82 percent of Republican voters oppose Obama’s exercising his constitutional duty and presenting a nominee to the Senate (77 percent of Democrats support it). That fact and the vicious civil war raging among the party’s various factions means that for the GOP presidential candidates, and every Republican officeholder up for re-election this November and for the GOP as a party, the Supreme Court battle is a fight for survival. Time will tell whether some critical number of Republican Senators commit to doing their duty as members of America’s national government. As President Obama said last week: “The Constitution is pretty clear about what is supposed to happen now. ... Now, this will be a test: one more test, of whether or not norms, rules, basic fair play can function at all in Washington these days.”
Lee A. Daniels’ collection of columns, “Race Forward: Facing America’s Racial Divide in 2014,” is available at www.amazon.com.
It’s critical for all our community. The issues before us — health care, education, the urban agenda — are at the forefront of this campaign.
It’s hugely important. We are at a juncture where we have a say in who the next president will be. It’s especially important for young people to get involved.
Ultimately, whenever there is an opportunity to vote, our communities need to send a statement that our votes count and our lives matter.
Jeffrey Sanchez
Sarah Sebastian
Michael Curry
Legislative Aide Cambridge
NAACP President Brockton
Looking at history, certain people weren’t able to vote. It’s important that people make their voices heard so resources get to the people. And it’s critical to determine who is going to represent you.
It’s important for people to vote and show their participation so that elected officials take us seriously. There’s a clear difference between candidates. Bernie Sanders has important ideas about economic development.
It’s important because we want this community to be well-represented and to show up in numbers when votes are counted.
Joshua McFadden
Craig Lankhorst
Hughes Monestime
Retired Principal West Roxbury
City Planner Jamaica Plain
they found themselves listening with outrage and frustration as neighborhood women confided of beatings and abuse at the hands of their husbands or partners. As the campaign to help them began to take form, activists from the Villa Victoria housing development, United South End Settlements, Casa del Sol, St. Stephen’s Parish, the Church of the Covenant in the Back Bay and the South End Community Health Center joined to organize and seek support throughout the South End. The first shelter, an eight-bedroom brownstone in Boston’s South End, was staffed entirely by volunteers. It has remained in continuous operation since opening and is now Casa Myrna’s emergency shelter program. Over the years, Casa Myrna added to its shelter capacity by acquiring other buildings in the city’s South End and Dorchester neighbor-
hoods and converting them for use as shelters. Today, the agency is New England’s leading provider of shelter and comprehensive services to victims and survivors of domestic violence.
State Rep. Jamaica Plain
Legislative Aide Dorchester
IN THE NEWS
LEELA STRONG Leela Strong has been appointed Director of Development & Communications at Casa Myrna Vasquez, an ant-domestic violence organization that offers a safe haven for women leaving abusive relationships. Strong comes to Casa Myrna after serving as director of development at LIFT-Boston where she was responsible for creating philanthropic partnerships and successfully planned and executed special events ranging from a 50 person cultivation event to a 500 person black tie gala. Strong has a Masters in Public Health from Boston University and received her BA from Lafayette College, where she doubled majored in Government & Law and Health Policy. Casa Myrna was founded in the mid-1970s by neighborhood activists and street workers in Boston’s South End. Day after day,
6 • Thursday, February 25, 2016 • BAY STATE BANNER
primary
continued from page 1 stumping for Clinton. The press conferences kicked off at 9 a.m. last Wednesday with a bevy of black elected officials stumping for Clinton. At-large City Councilor Ayanna Pressley — who since January has served as a surrogate for Clinton, appearing on her behalf at campaign events around the country — acknowledged Sanders’ appeal to voters, but said Clinton is better poised to lead the country. “I think Senator Sanders has very effectively tapped into the anger, frustration and cynicism many people have about government,” she said. “But as Senator Clinton says, that anger is real and
justified. But anger is not a plan and venting is not a strategy.” Pressley and others at the State House press conference cited Clinton’s appearance two days earlier in Harlem, where she spoke about the importance of ending systemic racism and outlined a $125 billion proposal to provide job training and education to low-income communities and communities of color. The pro-Clinton press conference was dominated by elected officials, with state Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry, Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins, former Suffolk County Sheriff Andrea Cabral and city councilors Tito Jackson, Michelle Wu and Pressley. The pro-Sanders press conference, held at 11 a.m., was dominated by Latino nonprofit activists and included Suffolk County
Register of Probate Felix D. Arroyo, Sen. Jamie Eldridge and Lawrence City Council President Kendrys Vasquez. “Senator Sanders is the person who is speaking directly to the needs of the city I love — Lawrence, Massachusetts,” Vazquez said. “He’s speaking directly to us, to immigrants, to people who don’t have health insurance. It’s not acceptable that we have people living in poverty who are working two or three jobs.” Vazquez and others at the press conference told reporters he is encouraged by Sanders’ support for universal health care, a $15 minimum wage, affordable college tuitions and immigrant rights. “I see, in the district I represent, people facing economic insecurity,” said Sen. Eldridge, whose Middlesex and Worcester District includes Acton, Middleborough and Harvard. “I think we need change in this country that aligns with what Bernie is talking about. As much as I appreciate the progress we’ve made under Obama, inequality has gotten worse. I think we need bolder strategies.”
Institutional support
Dudley Branch of the Boston Public Library Fellowes Athenaeum Trust Fund
Democratic activists say Clinton appears to have the support of many of the state party’s heavy hitters, including Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, the Massachusetts congressional delegation (minus U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren), Attorney General Maura Healey, Treasurer Deb Goldberg and Auditor Suzanne Bump. But Sanders’ lead in the polls underscores the more populist
appeal of his grassroots movement, according to one Democratic activist, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “It’s a bureaucracy versus a movement,” said the activist, who is not affiliated with either campaign. “A movement is always going to attract more people. It’s hard to compete with that. Especially when you have a wet-blanket message of pragmatism.” While congressional leadership has gone with Clinton, the Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus has not taken a position in the race, according to Chairman Russell Holmes. “Our position is that we will not endorse until we have had the opportunity to meet with the candidates,” said Holmes. “Even if it’s by phone.” Holmes did meet with Saunders’ Massachusetts campaign officials at the Dorchester home of Kevin Peterson, along with a group of about 30 black community political activists. Peterson, a Sanders supporter, said the Vermont senator’s progressive platform appealed to many at the meeting. “I think he offers a progressive message to the African American community that goes beyond the standard, boilerplate messages we’ve been getting from candidates,” he said. “He’s putting things on the table that are worth listening to.”
Clinton’s track record
The press conferences last week presented an interesting contrast between the Democratic candidates and their supporters.
Clinton’s supporters cited her experience as a key difference. “To me it’s simple,” Pressley said. “She’s not new to the issues to this fight. On the issues I care about, she has a track record.” But for Patricia Montes, executive director of the immigrant rights group Centro Presente, Clinton’s track record is an issue. “When Hillary Clinton was secretary of state, she supported a coup d’état in my country,” said the Honduran-born East Boston resident. While Clinton has denied supporting the overthrow of democratically-elected President Manuel Zelaya in 2009, emails the State Department released in September detailed efforts undertaken by Clinton and her staff to undermine Zelaya’s attempts to negotiate his return to power. Montes and other speakers also panned Clinton for her vocal support for the deportation of undocumented immigrants. “She supported deportation of undocumented immigrants from Honduras and El Salvador,” Montes said. “She knows those countries are now the most dangerous countries on the planet.” Also speaking for Sanders, Gabriel Camacho noted that Clinton served on the corporate board of Walmart at a time when the retail giant was sued for paying women lower wages than those paid to male workers and for violating the rights of workers who were locked in its stores while they cleaned. “Massive lawsuits were happening while Hillary was on the board of Walmart,” he said.
The Fellowes Athenaeum Trust Fund was established on February 1, 1974, by a vote of the Library Trustees. The income is to be used for “literary instructive purposes at its Dudley Branch Library.”
SPRING 2016 Programs: The following programs have been funded by The Fellowes Athenaeum Trust Fund of the Boston Public Library. All programs are free and will take place at the Dudley Branch at 65 Warren Street. (Note that listed dates/times may change & that pre-registration is recommended.) For more info: check the Dudley library’s calendar: bpl.org/calendar, the Dudley Branch’s Facebook page, or email: fellowestrust@yahoo.com.
For Teens: Concept to Catwalk (Sparklle Thames) – Sew Original Designs and plan fashion show Mondays, March 7-May 30 (5:45-7:30pm) For Families: Community Yoga Program (Chanelle John) Saturdays (no classes 1st Sat. of month), March- June (11:30-12:30) For Adults: Creative Non-Fiction/Memoir Writing Workshop (Naomi Lomba-Gombes) ages 25+ Mondays, March 7-April 25 (5:30-7:30pm) Enriched Language Arts & Math Program (W.A.I.T.T. House) Fridays, March-4-June 17 (11:00-1:00pm) Makanda Project Jazz Concert featuring saxophonist, Oliver Lake Friday, May 13 (7:00pm) New Pathways to CDL Transportation Career (N. Smith & G. Miller) – Info & resources for obtaining CDL License
Audition Monologue Workshop 14-20 (The Lyric Stage) – learn to act, learn “the biz”, & meet mentors Thursdays, March 17-April 21 (3:30-5:30pm) BANNER PHOTOS
Take Back the Kitchen Classes (Haley House) – Learn to prepare food from around the world. Mondays, April 11, 18 & 25 (5:30-7:00pm)
Session 1 – Ages 19-25 – Thursdays, April 28 & May 19 (5:30-7:30pm) Session 2 – Ages 25+ -Saturdays, April 30 & May 21 (10:00-12:00pm) Next Step Resource Fair (Dimock Center)- for Adults Friday, May 13 (11:00-2:00pm) – Career and employment resource fair Play Reading Book Club (Arts Emerson) – participants will read, explore, interpret and Daughter of a Cuban Revolutionary Saturdays, April 16-May 14 (12:00-3:00) Take Back the Kitchen Classes (Haley House) – Explore culinary traditions from around the world and learn to make dishes Tuesdays, April 12-26 (1:00-2:30pm)
Above: Centro Presente Executive Director Patricia Montes stumps for Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders during a press conference. Below: At-large City Councilor Ayanna Pressley, who is campaigning across the country as a surrogate for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, speaks in support of the candidate during a press conference.
Thursday, February 25, 2016 • BAY STATE BANNER • 7
BPS unveils investigation report on #BlackatBLS allegations By JULE PATTISON-GORDON
Last week, Boston Public Schools’ Office of Equity completed its investigation into allegations of racism and administrative inaction at Boston Latin School. In the report — which was reviewed by external consultant Kenneth B. Grooms, Esq. — investigators concluded that the administration took appropriate action, under BPS procedure policies, in all but one incident that they examined. Some— including the students whose #BlackatBLS social media campaign inspired the investigation — say the report’s narrow scope failed to capture the full picture of discrimination at BLS. This winter, members of BLS Black Leaders Aspiring Change and Knowledge launched the #BlackatBLS campaign in response to racially offensive tweets allegedly posted by other students and the headmaster’s perceived inaction when she was informed of the situation. These tweets occurred during an online discussion of the grand jury’s decision not to indict the officer who killed Michael Brown in Ferguson, MI. The Office of Equity examined the Nov. 2014 tweets, a Nov. 7, 2014 incident reported to the Office of Equity by the NAACP, social media posts in response to the #BlackatBLS campaign and four other race-related incidents reported between Nov. 1, 2014 and Jan. 26, 2016. Investigators said that BLS administrators only violated conduct in their handling of the Nov. 7 incident.
Nov. 7 mishandling
The NAACP informed the Office of Equity of a Nov. 7, 2014 episode in which a non-black male student allegedly called a black female student by a racial slur and made a threatening reference to lynching. Although the perpetrator was disciplined, the report noted that neither his nor the victim’s parents were informed of the event. Investigators wrote that BLS administrators did not properly apply the school’s discipline practices and did not take sufficient actions to support the targeted student. A BPS press release stated that the school system “did not adequately” investigate, discipline the perpetrator or support the victim came under critique by city councilors Ayanna Pressley and Tito Jackson for setting a low standard for responsiveness. “Adequate response is too low of a bar,” Pressley said.
Headmaster controversy
NAACP Boston Branch President Michael Curry said Headmaster Lynne Mooney Teta’s response to the Nov. 7 incident seemed to prioritize protecting the perpetrator’s reputation over the victim’s safety. He called for Teta to be fired based on her handling of it. In an official statement, Meggie Noel and Kylie Webster-Cazeau, the BLS BLACK students who organized #BlackatBLS, called for an apology from the headmaster for “ineffective actions” in response to issues and dismissive behavior that they say condoned discrimination.
However, they explicitly avoided opining on disciplinary measures for any staff or students.
Binder of tweets
In late November 2014, students delivered a binder of printed-out post-Ferguson tweets to Headmaster Lynne Mooney Teta. Those included tweets such as “… they feel entitled to special treatment because their great great grandpa was a slave” and “If you hate us so much Go Bach [sic] to Africa.” According to the report, Teta and Assistant Headmaster Sherry Lewis-daPonte determined that the most offensive postings were not made by BLS students. In their statement, Noel and Webster-Cazeau questioned the authority of administrators or investigators to determine what counts as “offensive,” and asked why investigators did not interview all students upset by the tweets. “The original tweets and other incidents reported by students (not mentioned in the Executive Summary released by the Office of Equity) were all in violation of the BPS Non-Discrimination and Zero Tolerance policies because the incidents have in fact contributed to, promoted, and resulted in a hostile or discriminatory environment (EQT-4) at BLS,” Noel and Webster-Cazeau wrote. Noel and Webster-Cazeau also called out what they said was the administration’s failure to implement a school-wide intervention focused specifically on racial discrimination and harassment. According to the report, in response to the binder of tweets, BLS held a voluntary after-school forum on topics that included race and gender, a presentation to all students on cyber safety — which did not mention issues of race or bias — and a voluntary forum on respectful online conduct.
Narrow scope of investigation
The report captures only a limited vew of the situation at BLS, many said. Noel and Webster-Cazeau said some incidents were not covered — including an episode they reported to investigators in which a teacher used the n-word directed to a student. Student voice also was limited in the investigation, they said. BPS reviewed students’ written feedback on the school’s culture
and climate and initiated 14 interviews, of which at least eight were with staff and faculty, according to the report. “Less than ten students were represented in the investigation, which is less than 1 percent of the nearly 2,600 members of the BLS community,” Noel and Webster-Cazeau wrote. “Interviews with such a small percentage do not reflect a complete assessment of the racial climate at BLS.” Alumni accounts provide evidence of discrimination that precede the study’s Nov. 2014 limit, BLS class of 2007 alumna Rashanna Roach said. “Alumni of color can agree there has always been this kind of underlying issue of racial discrimination,” she said. “Having the alumni voice is critical to affirming the student’s point that there’s more to the story.” One example of which Roach was aware: When a black student ran for class president in the late 1990s, several white students protested by arriving at the school dressed in white hoods. “We’ve gotten stories going back generations about racial incidents, without adequate resolution,” the NAACP’s Curry said.
In one instance, a Latin teacher singled out students of color during an attempt to explain institutionalized racism, Larner said. “She was singling out students of color in the classroom, particularly boys, saying, ‘So-and-So is this many times more likely to go to jail than So-and-So.’ They’re fourteen years old,” Larner said, noting, “It doesn’t take very many incidents of racial insensitivity to poison the climate.”
Recommendations and goals
The Office of Equity’s recommendations for BLS include increasing dialogue and training around diversity and equity issues, enhancing procedures and protocols for investigating incidents and increasing representation of minority students and teachers. BPS Superintendent Tommy Chang said he would adopt those suggestions, but take them further. In a memo to the Boston School Committee, he pledged to initiate race and ethnicity dialogues across
the district system, fund the work of Opportunity and Achievement Gap Office and reassign the Office of Equity so it now reports directly to the Superintendent. Noel and Webster-Cazeau called the recommendations a good “first step” and said they hope to collaborate with BLS on wider-reaching measures. They outlined goals including immediate ones, such as an online portal to allow students to directly inform the administration of incidents, and long-term measures, such as including African history/African diaspora history in the curriculum. Pressley emphasized the need to ensure that reforms affect the entire system, including enacting BPS-wide what the report deems a “racial climate audit.”
ON THE WEB READ the Office of Equity report executive summary: http://bostonpublicschools. org/cms/lib07/MA01906464/Centricity/ Domain/4/Executive_Summary_BLS_ Investigation.pdf
Berklee holds concert by The Fisk Jubilee Singers
Incident v. climate
Focusing on specific incidents and whether or not they violate policy fails to address the overall climate at the school and whether proactive measures should be implemented, said Rachel Larner, parent of a BLS ninth grader. “[The report] took a very narrow focus: Was the code of conduct upheld, Yes or no? That’s one set of questions. The other set is, What’s the school climate, where are the problems in the school cliPHOTO: COURTESY BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC mate and what do we need to do to Enjoying a moment during a Berklee College of Music concert by The Fisk Jubilee address it?” Singers at Symphony Hall are Berklee President Roger H. Brown, former Mass. Jackson also noted the report’s Gov. Deval Patrick and Hassell McClellan, member of Berklee’s Presidential limited focus. Advisory Council and Fisk alumnus. “I believe that the report falls short because the report actually analyzes individual instances of bullying and intimidation as well as racial hostility, but doesn’t look BOSTON COMMUNITY at these occurrences in their enREDEVELOPMENT tirety,” Jackson said. WORKSHOP AUTHORITY While the report targeted Partners inHuman Research Committee stances that suggest deliberate maliciousness, Larner said, there also APPROVAL Effective Date is a need to tackle well-meaning 8/11/2015 insensitivity. She said her daughter told her of many instances of tone-deafness from teachers and students which created uncomfortable atmospheres.
PLAN JP/ROX COMMUNITY WORKSHOP SATURDAY, MARCH 5
Help Us Learn More About Sleep! If you are: 55-70 years old Non smoker Healthy and taking no medication You may be eligible for a 37-day sleep research study at Brigham & Women’s Hospital. There will be a 4-6 week screening period. Must be willing to spend 37 consecutive days and nights in our facility.
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
10 LAMARTINE STREET
Ana M. Cole Community Center Bromley-Heath Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Please join your neighbors for a special Saturday morning Community Workshop to discuss emerging visions for JP/ROX! Open House 8:30AM-9:30AM PLAN JP/ROX is a visioning and planning process for the area between Washington Street, Columbus Avenue, and Amory Streets in Jamaica Plain and Roxbury. Launched in July 2015, PLAN JP/ROX is crafting a community vision to guide future growth in the study area. Prior community workshops have explored ideas for improving land use, getting around, development, job opportunities and the people who need them. On March 5th, we will be seeking your feedback on early recommendations and future building scenarios. We hope you attend and continue to share your ideas and enthusiasm for JP/ROX!-Enter off of the SW Corridor Park between Heath and Centre Streets (north of Jackson Square T Station)-Parking: No towing on site, or behind the new Urban Edge offices (1542 Columbus Ave)-Light refreshments and Spanish interpretation services will be provided.
Receive up to $10,125 mail to:
Call 617-525-8719 or email sleepstudy@partners.org
phone: email:
MARIE MERCURIO
Boston Redevelopment Authority One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.4352 Marie.Mercurio@Boston.gov
BostonRedevelopmentAuthority.org Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/planjprox
@BostonRedevelop
8 • Thursday, February 25, 2016 • BAY STATE BANNER
Senate race continued from page 1
— in the May 10 election. The race is a special election, which poses an added challenge to candidates of who must submit to an accelerated campaign schedule, with far less time to build support and get their names out.
Contested district
First Middlesex and Suffolk is a district with a strong and diverse immigrant population, which means success will depend, in part, on being able to connect across many communities, said former Cambridge vice mayor Dennis Benzan, who initially entered the race before opting out in late January. “This district is representative of an immigrant community from all over the world — an Italian community, Columbian community, Asian community — and it’s a very hardworking immigrant community,” Benzan said. “Really understanding the different immigrant groups that live within the district and serving as a bridge among those communities will be an important characteristic for anyone that’s elected to this particular seat.” According to Ballotpedia, the district is majority white, 10.5 percent Asian and nearly 5 percent black. Approximately 23 percent of the population is Hispanic. Hwang and Edwards both tout their experience with immigrant advocacy.
Asian-American Women’s Political Initiative
When Diana Hwang, the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants,
PHOTO: COURTESY DIANA HWANG
PHOTO: COURTESY LYDIA EDWARDS
Diana Hwang
Lydia Edwards
graduate from Dartmouth College, she became a legislative aide to the late State Rep. Debby Blumer. She said that at the state house, she was struck the lack of diversity — something that reminded her of the isolation her dad experienced as an immigrant in America, she said. “I noticed there was no one who looked like me and how little diversity there was,” she said. According to the Asian-American Women’s Political Initiative, only 37 of the nation’s 8,000 state legislative seats are held by Asian-American women. One of her formative memories, Hwang said, was as a young child watching a grocery store clerk overcharge and talk down to her father, who spoke with stilted English. Seeing this kind of disempowerment stuck with her. “I want to ensure that everyone has a voice in government. I think there needs to be more diversity in ours state house,” she said. Women of color feel the most disconnected from government, Hwang said, and she has sought to bridge that gap. Her past work includes serving as executive
director for the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators and co-founding the Asian-American Women’s Political Initiative, the nation’s first political leadership and mentoring organization for Asian American women.
Miss Lil,
we will mourn your loss as deeply as we celebrate your life.
Domestic Workers Bill of Rights
For Lydia Edwards, running for office is a natural progression, bringing her current immigrant and domestic worker advocacy to a larger scale, she said. In recognition of her efforts, she won 2015 Bostonians of the Year honorable mention. “[Running] had a lot to do with the trajectory I was on in terms of already organizing in the immigrant community on a lot of issues,” she said. Edwards learned Spanish and Portuguese while working and organizing with immigrants. As a lawyer, Edwards said she has broad experience representing working families and has worked with union members, immigrants and progressive groups.
Among her key achievements: helping to secure labor standards and protections for domestic workers that affect wages and working conditions. Edwards opened a first-in-the-nation law and policy clinic for domestic workers and was later part of the team that wrote the Massachusetts’s Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights. “That was the most prominent and impactful moment in my life,” she said of the bill’s passage. “Of all the candidates running, I’m the only one who’s managed to get a law passed in one session.”
Meanwhile, Edwards’ endorsers include Sen. Dan Wolf and Boston City Council President Michelle Wu, as well as the United Auto Workers Union, Bricklayers Union, Plumbers Union #12 and New England Joint Board Unit Here. Julie Brown, a finance marketing expert, is Edwards’ campaign manager. Her team includes about 50 volunteers and three to four paid staff members, a number she is looking to expand, she said. Edwards said the campaign has hit all its funding goals.
Campaign comparison
Special elections, special challenges
So far, Hwang has won endorsements from Sen. Sonia ChangDiaz and Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry, as well as Boston state Rep. Dan Hunt, Cambridge state Rep. Alice Wolf, former Fitchburg mayor Lisa Wong and Quincy City Councilor Nina Liang. Hwang’s campaign manager is Marisol Santiago and her team includes former state treasurer Steve Grossman and campaign strategists Deborah Shah — who ran Anthony Petrocelli’s campaign for this same seat — and Cayce McCabe — whose campaign management experience include Linda Dorcena Forry’s senate race. The team is primarily volunteer, with Santiago the only paid member. A recent volunteer event drew 35 people in the midst of 2° weather, Hwang said. In the last two weeks of December, the campaign raised $50,000. Hwang said that — giving a conservative estimate — the campaign is likely to receive $100,000 by the end of this month and that there are plans to raise another $100,000 in March.
Special elections tend to catch voters by surprise with their unusual dates and make for truncated campaigning, which pose a challenge to candidates for name recognition. “You don’t have a lot of time to meet voters,” Benzan noted. “This race will be won by the candidate that is most recognized throughout the entire district, but, most importantly, really gets out there and meets voters who come out for special elections.” Revere tends to have fairly strong voter turnout for special elections, while turnout is low in areas such as East Boston, Benzan said. He expected 2,000-2,500 votes could win the election. Hwang estimated approximately 12,000 votes will be cast and, with the wide field of candidates, those getting 3,000 to 4,000 votes would win. Even with these daunting challenges, Hwang and Edwards said they are encouraged by results thus far, as their campaigns continue to gain momentum.
Sending water to Flint
Lillie Williams November 8, 1933 ~ February 17, 2016 Services: Friday, February 26, 2016 St. John Missionary Baptist Church 230 Warren Street · Roxbury, MA 02119 Viewing: 10~11am; Service:11am~1pm
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State Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez collected water to ship to the residents of Flint, Michigan as part of a goodwill mission he and Union of United Minority Communities Director Horace Small organized. Members of the Teamsters Local 25 picked up the water from drop points in Jamaica Plain (above), Dorchester and Cambridge before transporting the hundreds of gallons they collected to Flint.
Repast immediately following, lower level of St. John
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Thursday, February 25, 2016 • BAY STATE BANNER • 9
BUSINESSNEWS CHECK OUT MORE BUSINESS NEWS ONLINE: BAYSTATEBANNER.COM/NEWS/NEWS/BUSINESS
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BIZ BITS TIP OF THE WEEK
Think ‘inside the box’ to protect your financial well-being From complicated passwords to smart home security systems, it seems like everyone these days is coming up with novel ways to protect themselves and their family and keep their valuables secure. We all want to feel safe. However, almost 60 percent of adults believe the overall level of risk facing their family — whether to personal safety or financial assets - is increasing, according to Travelers 2015 Consumer Risk Index. With so many creative and often confusing ways to achieve security, experts from the FBI to AARP agree that people need to start thinking “inside” of the box. That is, use a safe deposit box to store important documentation, jewelry, currency, collectibles and other valued possessions. For baby boomers and seniors especially, thinking inside the box is one of the easiest, most effective and inexpensive ways to protect valued assets. It is important, however, to also remember their limits. Contrary to popular belief, safe deposit boxes are not insured by any financial institution or federal agency. This is why Safe Deposit Box Insurance Coverage has recently introduced an affordable way to safeguard the contents of your box. With this added security, here are three reasons why store it and insure it should soon be a trending topic among certain groups. n Life transitions require blueprints: Life transitions are never easy and can often become entangled in unforeseen difficulties if a document is misplaced. The need to store important materials in a secure and accessible location, away from the shuffling of everyday life, is important. Wills, trusts, titles, legal directives for financial holdings and other documentation are critical to keeping your life in order, plus ensuring that those closest to you have a complete and organized ‘blueprint’ for executing and managing your personal and financial wishes. n Moving makes you more vulnerable: A Better Homes and Gardens survey found that 57 percent of boomers - amounting to almost 48 million - plan to move out of their current home. At the same time, their parents are often moving into assisted living facilities or retirement communities. These kinds of physical relocations increase the risk of having valuable property lost due to human error, theft or larceny and make your home more vulnerable to burglary. FBI crime report statistics show that of the approximately $2.6 billion in jewelry, precious metals, currency, notes and other documents stolen from homes, less than 8 percent was ever recovered. n The takeaway-store it and insure it: In addition to the peace of mind that comes with a safe deposit box, consumers can now easily access a patented, affordable insurance which provides blanket coverage for the entire contents of a safe deposit box without disclosures, appraisals or deductibles. It’s a new solution many banks across the country are beginning to offer their customers, according to the American Bankers Insurance Association. It is also the only insurance in the country that will now protect previously uninsurable items such as currency, bonds, cash, gold, silver and even important papers like wills, trusts, titles, deeds, photos and digital backups. “Our goal has always remained the same,” says Gerald Pluard, president of Safe Deposit Box Insurance Coverage, “to help make the safest places even safer for consumers.” — Brandpoint
PHOTOS: MARTIN DESMARAIS
Left, O’Dane White, director of community and special projects for National Society of Black Engineers Boston, speaks about the efforts to get local students out to attend the organization’s national convention, set for Boston from March 23-27. Right, Chiderah Okoye, president of the Boston chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, speaks on Feb. 19 at the Microsoft New England Research and Development Center in Cambridge during a kickoff event for the organization’s national convention.
Black engineers coming to Hub Will seek increase in number of blacks in field By MARTIN DESMARAIS
The National Society of Black Engineers is visiting Boston next month with its 42nd annual convention, but the organization was in town last week to ramp up efforts to connect with the local community. The NSBE’s goal is to support engineering students and professionals. But after four decades at the job, it also works strongly to develop the next generation of engineers — and hopes to leave a lasting impact on Boston in doing so. “NSBE is that pipeline; NSBE is that tool; NSBE is that platform that will take students that know nothing about sciences, that know nothing about engineering, and provide them the support to become professionals for the workforce,” said Neville Green, national chair of NSBE, who visited Boston on Feb. 19 for a convention kickoff event at the Microsoft New England Research and Development Center in Cambridge. The convention, which will be held at the Boston Convention Center from March 23-27, is expected to attract more than 9,000 attendees. It features networking, a career fair, workshops, professional development and keynote speakers. The ultimate goal is to function as an embodiment of what NSBE tries to do overall — provide the inspiration, education and connections needed for its members to succeed as engineers and technology professionals. Started in 1975, the Alexandria,
ON THE WEB National Society of Black Engineers convention: www.nsbe.org/Convention/2016/
Home.aspx Va.-based NSBE has 31,000 members with almost 400 chapters around the world. This base serves to showcase to young students the positive future of a career in engineering, technology and science fields. NSBE is a big supporter and advocate for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education for children and high school students.
Aiming high
The organization has an ambitious goal. Its Strategic Plan is to graduate 10,000 black engineers annually in the United States by 2025. Green said the future of engineering in the U.S. is in the black community and NSBE is aggressively working to make this a reality. As such, every annual convention in different parts of the country is a chance to bring that region into the fold for its 2025 Strategic Plan. The title of the Boston convention, “Engineering a Cultural Change,” suggests that larger vision. According to NSBE Boston chapter president Chiderah Okoye, the intent of having a Boston kickoff event a month prior to the national convention is to bring together local organizations and individuals to help them learn as much as they can about the upcoming convention, figure out ways to get them all involved
and meet the organizers and team running the show. She said that NSBE can use the convention as a major vehicle for bridging opportunities in STEM for youth, college students and professionals throughout Boston. Neville charged the gathered crowd of about 75 at the kickoff event to help NSBE make its mark. “Your presence here is helping us change the atmosphere and the climate of what engineering will be,” he said. While the convention is largely for the current members and there is a cost to attend, it is open to all and there are special, free events to draw in local youth, students and educators. On March 23, the convention will be free and open with a special innovation fair called Torch Fest. The fair will showcase engineering and technology exhibits and hands-on displays of the types of things that engineers work on and create. “It is an opportunity for the community to come in and experience what it is to be an engineer,” said O’Dane White, director of community and special projects for NSBE Boston.
Ongoing ties
The kickoff event brought in some local educators with the hope to get school districts to sign up and bring their students to the Torch Fest and to the convention’s open day. Organizers expect as many as 1,000 students to attend the Torch Fest. As part of its ongoing activities, NSBE Boston already goes
out into Boston’s schools, holding STEM days educating about the field, but it expects a boost from the convention exposure and new connections made. “Going forward, these relationships that we build, we want to keep them post-convention, so that we make sure we continue the work of exposing the local students to what STEM and engineering is,” White said. In addition to fighting a bias that seems to lead young minority students away from STEM fields, White said NSBE also works to combat the attitude that college is not an achievable goal, something his organization has heard at various events they have already held. When asked why they couldn’t attend college, White said the most common reason students give was they couldn’t afford it, but also that their parents did not attend college and are doing fine so it isn’t necessary. “It is unfortunate and this is why we want to do more STEM days, to expose these students to these fields but also let them know the resources available to them so they can have the same opportunities we have had,” White added. NSBE Boston President Okoye said that her group is dedicated to helping all students attend as much of the event as they want, which includes helping offset the cost to attend. “There should be no reason why a Boston area student who is interest in being a part of the conference or seeing what it has to offer shouldn’t be there,” she said.
Thursday, December 3, 2015 • BAY STATE BANNER • 21 10 • Thursday, February 25, 2016 • BAY STATE BANNER
IRS grants nonprofit status to ‘dark money’ group founded by Karl Rove
Black History celebration in Washington, DC
Crossroads GPS gets declared a nonprofit five years after applying, meaning that its donor list can remain private. By ROBERT FATURECHI AND DEREK WILLIS PROPUBLICA
Donors to the nonprofit group Crossroads GPS, founded by Republican strategist Karl Rove, no longer have to worry about their identities being disclosed. After a five-year wait, the IRS has approved the organization’s application for tax-exempt status. Crossroads had been the most active of the nonprofits that are funneling cash into politics — often called dark money because the original source of the funds may be kept secret if the organizations have social welfare as their primary purpose. During the 2012 cycle, Crossroads reported spending almost twice as much on political ads as the next most-active nonprofit, Americans for Prosperity, which is backed by conservative billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch. So far, during the 2016 cycle, the Rove group seems to be dormant. It has not filed any reports with the Federal Election Commission since January 2015, and has not reported any TV ad spending with the Federal Communications Commission. During the 2012 campaign, the
group didn’t start spending on TV ads until July, after Mitt Romney had locked up the GOP nomination. The IRS decision on Crossroads came in November but recently and was first reported today by the Center for Responsive Politics. Unless new facts arise or circumstances change, past, present and future donors to the Rove group can now feel assured that they will remain anonymous. That gives Crossroads a leg up over other dark money groups that lack IRS approval and could be vulnerable to having that status challenged by the federal government at any time. Crossroads GPS, also known as Crossroads Grassroots Policy Strategies, was created after the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United ruling helped pave the way for unlimited corporate and union spending on elections, super PACs and hundreds of millions of dollars in anonymous money. As ProPublica previously reported, in the group’s 2010 application for nonprofit status, it told the IRS that while it planned to spend money on elections, “any such activity will be limited in amount, and will not constitute the organization’s primary purpose.” A copy of the Crossroads application was sent from the IRS to ProPublica in late 2012,
although under the agency’s rules it isn’t permitted to release applications from groups that haven’t yet earned tax-exempt status. Critics had argued that Crossroads was spending so much on politics it should be treated instead like a political committee that’s required to disclose its donors. In 2013, the IRS became engulfed in a scandal over allegations that it gave more scrutiny to nonprofit applications from conservative groups. One top IRS official, Lois Lerner, was accused of singling out Crossroads and pushing for its application to be denied. Marcus Owens, the former director of the IRS’s Exempt Organizations Division, said that based on what has surfaced about Crossroads’ political activity in support of a single political party, he was surprised the group was granted a status reserved for organizations supporting the general public good. “Operating for the benefit of one particular candidate or party, it’s hard to say that’s not private benefit,” he said. Owens said he could envision corporations now being allowed to outsource various business functions to tax-exempt nonprofits. “Undertaking the marketing of General Motors,
PHOTO: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
U.S Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez joined former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick for a discussion to celebrate Black History Month in Cesar Chavez Auditorium at the U.S. Department of Labor’s Washington, DC office.
for example. Why not? If it’s OK to market the principles of a particular party or candidate, why leave it at that?” Owens asked. Republicans aren’t the only ones benefitting from nonprofits that are allowed to keep their donors anonymous. During the 2014 cycle, non-disclosing groups with a conservative viewpoint spent almost $125 million, and those with a liberal viewpoint spent almost $35 million, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. The biggest
liberal spender was union-backed Patriot Majority USA. In a statement, the president of Crossroads GPS, Steven Law, said that the organization takes compliance seriously, so it was not surprised by the IRS approval. “What we were surprised by was how long it took and how people outside the IRS improperly tried to influence and politicize the process, not just against us but against many other law-abiding advocacy groups,” Law said.
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Thursday, February 25, 2016 • BAY STATE BANNER • 11
ARTS& ENTERTAINMENT CHECK OUT MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS ONLINE: BAYSTATEBANNER.COM/NEWS/ENTERTAINMENT
BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC HONORS
Q&A
5 Questions: Tracy Morgan By STEVE DUFFY
FISK JUBILEE SINGERS WITH TRIBUTE AT SYMPHONY HALL By SUSAN SACCOCCIA
F
ew colleges can claim as far-reaching a legacy as that of Fisk University, in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 1866 at the end of the Civil War, it was one of the nation’s first institutions to offer a liberal arts education to “young men and women irrespective of color.” Five years later, the school’s pioneering choir, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, brought the hymns of slaves to concert halls throughout the world. By treating their own songs as an art form that could stir audiences everywhere, the ensemble planted the seeds of the still-growing family tree that is African American music, from jazz, gospel and R&B to hip-hop and beyond. Celebrating this living legacy as well as Fisk’s 150th anniversary, Berklee College of Music presented a program of music and readings Sunday evening entitled “The Fisk Jubilee Singers at Symphony Hall: A Tribute by Berklee College of Music.” Featuring the Fisk Jubilee Singers as well as Berklee vocal and instrumental ensembles, the two-hour program drew an audience that included Fisk
alumni, friends of Berklee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren and Frank Sims, president of Fisk University. Between musical performances, Deval Patrick, former Massachusetts governor, and Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, Harvard professor and Berklee board member, read an account of the choir’s historic journey by author Terry E. Carter, Fisk ’80. Seven of the singers in the original nine-member choir had been
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slaves. When Lawrence-Lightfoot read their names, the audience burst into applause. That first ensemble went on tour to raise funds for their fledgling university. The campus still celebrates their departure date — October 6, 1871 — as Jubilee Day. Despite ordeals, they persisted with their audacious enterprise. In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant invited them to perform at the White House. In the following year, they traveled to Europe
I had the recent pleasure of interviewing actor and comedian Tracy Morgan. Eighteen months after the car crash that left him critically injured, he is ready to get back to his stand-up roots. He is very excited to be back in Boston and share some laughs with his fans.
How did it feel to perform for the first time post-accident? PHOTOS: DAVE GREEN PHOTOGRAPHY
Above, the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Below, Berklee professor Donna McElroy with the Fisk Jubilee Singers.
and performed for Queen Victoria. Their earnings helped to finance the first permanent building on the Fisk campus, Jubilee Hall. In its lobby is a floor-toceiling portrait of the ensemble, a gift of Queen Victoria. Berklee professor and former Jubilee singer Donna McElroy, Fisk ‘77, directed the program. Joining the tribute to the Fisk Jubilee Singers was an extended musical family connecting three generations of performers and invoking those of centuries past. The 40-piece Berklee Jubilee Celebration Orchestra opened the program with a medley of African American spirituals arranged and conducted by Berklee professor Julius P. Williams. Soaring melodic passages glimmered with the orchestra’s many voices, including a sea of violins, a big brass section and an extended duo by Joe Galeota, associate professor at Berklee, on djembe drums with Alexis Soto, Berklee ’18 on congas. McElroy, radiant and regal, stepped to the mic and delivered an a cappella rendering of “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me” with prayerful immediacy. Her hands shaped her words as she eyed listeners, drawing all into her dialogue with God. Later, she sang another commanding solo, “Soon-Ah Will Be Done.” Pointing to people up in the balconies as well as those seated nearby with both her voice and body, McElroy inspired a clapping, call-and-response bond with the audience. Garbed in black evening wear, the Fisk Jubilee Singers performed eight hymns from their traditional repertoire, including one accompanied by McElroy. Fisk professor Paul T. Kwami directed the 16-member ensemble, evenly divided between women and men. Chosen for the quality
Tracy Morgan: Exhilarating! It is like getting a fresh start. I was ready to come back. I am very exciting to be touring again. It is a wonderful feeling to be back out on the road. I am so grateful for all of the well-wishers and the outpouring of kindness from all my fans.
When was the first time you realized that you had the talent to make people laugh? TM: It happened back in 1968, when my mother’s water broke at 4 a.m. I was ready to come into the world and nothing was going to stop me.
What is your favorite part about performing stand-up? TM: The laughter! There is nothing more energizing or infectious as listening to people laugh. As long as I am making people happy then I am happy. I love that my fans let me be me. Nothing more, nothing less.
As an entertainer, what are your thoughts on the Oscar controversy? TM: I have no thoughts about it. I was not nominated, so it is none of my business. There is so much more important stuff going on in the world right now that we need to worry about. I came out of a coma 18 months ago, so you tend to look at life a little different than before. I know what really matters now.
What can your fans expect to see and hear at your show? TM: Me! [He laughs] Me just being me and getting to be funny for all my fans. I am so happy to be back and sharing in their laughter.
IF YOU GO To purchase tickets to see Tracy Morgan
perform at Foxwoods Resort Casino on March 19 visit www.foxwoods.com
PHOTO: PAUL MOBLEY
See FISK, page 12
Tracy Morgan
12 • Thursday, February 25, 2016 • BAY STATE BANNER
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‘Barbed’: A South African artist confronts the post-Apartheid world Top left, “School Boy,” mixed media by Jocelyn Chemel. Below, “Yellow Flower,” a digital photograph mounted on wood panel with resin.
By CELINA COLBY
Growing up in apartheid South Africa, artist Jocelyn Chemel was taught to keep quiet. Jail time was an ever-present threat, and as Chemel’s parents searched for an exit strategy, she took in the violence around her in silence. The image that haunts her mind and her work is the tight, menacing coils of the barbed wire that divided the country by race, class and physical distance. Her show “Barbed,” up at the Mayor’s Neighborhood Gallery in City Hall until Sunday, February 28, deals with the injustice she witnessed and the path to a safer tomorrow. Chemel journeyed back to South Africa in 2013, just after the death of the country’s guiding force, Nelson Mandela. “It gave me a chance to look at the country through different eyes, post-apartheid,” she says. Chemel was disturbed to find that much of the barbed wire she remembered from her childhood was still present. Though no longer used directly as a divisional system, the wire was on the side of the road, left forgotten in bunches, and littering street corners. The landscape continued to be cut up with the wire,
PHOTOS: COURTESY JOCELYN CHEMEL
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just as it continued to be cut up by social strife. “I began to see barbed wire as a symbol of social, racial, and class segregation,” she says, “I want to draw attention to the violence that’s hiding in plain sight.”
“A PLAY WE ALL NEED TO SEE!
ING INN
Fisk
continued from page 11 and compatibility of their voices, they sang soprano, alto, tenor and bass parts in groups of four. They blended their voices with pristine precision, their sublime harmonies and musicianship a tribute to their tradition. Interweaving performances by Berklee musicians, the program mingled old and new veins of African-American sacred music. Violinist Tim Reynolds, Berklee ’15 performed a yearning solo of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” arranged by Julius P. Williams. The Jubilee Singers followed with a classical a cappella version, arranged by Paul T. Kwami. The orchestra played a composition written and directed by Williams, “Freedom Train, Get on Board.” Echoes of old hymns ran through the swinging, rhapsodic piece, which featured an exquisite violin solo by Bengisu Gokce, Berklee’19, from Turkey. Dennis Montgomery III, director of Berklee’s Reverence Gospel Choir, explored the familiar hymn “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” on his Hammond B-3 organ. Lingering on its lines and inserting syncopated pauses, he spoke with his organ as if with words
See FISK, page 13
WE’LL FEED YOUR BODY AND NOURISH YOUR SOUL.
Well-written with beautiful touches of poetry.”
D-W IE A WA R
Some of Chemel’s images of the wire are stark, aggressive photographs of the rough metal on concrete walls and lining fences. But many others soften the wire in unexpected ways, hiding the cruel history of the material. “I wanted to evoke a feeling of guilt when you realize what it represents,” says Chemel. “Yellow Flower” is a striking composition on a smoke grey background. Buttercup yellow blossoms wind diagonally down the canvas, wrapped around brown vines. Blooming from the other end of the rectangular image are spirals of grey wire, their usual harsh angles muted by a computer-generated softness. The composition is beautiful, a perfect symmetry of the natural and the manmade. But with time, the image becomes unsettling. The inviting flowers are overshadowed by the violent undertones of the wire.
Nelson Mandela is one of Chemel’s greatest personal influences, and she often incorporates him into her work. His call for education as a path to peace resonated with her and inspired “School Boy.” The piece features three children; two are identical cutouts of a photograph, the third is a silhouette with Mandela’s writing running across it. According to Chemel’s website, only one in three children in South Africa is actively educated in school as of 2013. Political and social growth is at a standstill without more educated citizens to get behind it. “‘School Boy’ draws attention to what is still needed [in South Africa],” Chemel says. Boston has long held ties to Nelson Mandela. In 1990 he came to visit schools in Roxbury, and spoke on the importance of education for young people. Many mayors, including current Mayor Marty Walsh, have cited Mandela as a source of personal inspiration. It seems fitting that an art series partially inspired by Mandela will hang in the walls of the building where change begins. Despite the tragic source material, “Barbed” has an ultimately uplifting message: There is hope for a brighter future if we are able to educate ourselves and make positive choices. Just as the flowers grow over the barbed wire, bringing life and brightness to a cruel past, we can grow into a more tolerant and inclusive society.
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Thursday, February 25, 2015 • BAY STATE BANNER • 13 Thursday, February 25, 2016 • BAY STATE BANNER • 13
BPS budget LEGAL continued from page 1
“We’re talking about every single high school getting cut somewhere between $300,000 and — at the very top end — $800,000 to a million dollars. That’s really catastrophic to our education system in general,” Heshan Berents-Weeramuni of the Citywide Parent Council told the Banner. Jessica Pereira, a seventh grade student at Joseph Lee School, said her school may cut music, art and technology programs as well as its only remaining after-school program, the debate team. Nino Brown, who is in his second year teaching at Young Achievers, said the school stands to lose needed staff and emotional support programs. “I have students who have post-traumatic stress syndrome, who don’t have stable housing,” Brown said. “Students who have severely high needs. If they do cut the budget, we won’t have human resources to deal with students who have those special needs and make sure they get an education.”
Prioritizing education
BEJA’s ten-point list of demands for city and state officials includes a call for no budget shortfalls this year, a restoration of the $140 million they say BPS lost over the last three years, improvement of BPS
Fisk
continued from page 12 and drew the audience into clapping in response to his rhythmic, R&B inflected story. Then adding his voice, he took the hymn—and the audience—even further on his walk with the Lord. Outfitted with festive touches, including blue scarves for the women — the 11-member Berklee Faculty Celebration Singers were the high-spirited aunts and uncles at McElroy’s family party. Each member had a unique look and their rendering of “Wade in the Water” celebrated their individuality. Fingering his keyboard with spare strokes, Jerome Kyles, a Berklee assistant professor, deconstructed the hymn into rhythmic chords while the singers passed the mike to one another, each injecting a brief solo into an exuberant, joyful anthem to freedom. McElroy directed a student chorale, the 14-member Berklee Jubilee Spirit Ensemble, in a tender rendering of the traditional hymn, “His Name So Sweet.” She then summoned to the stage the youngest members of her extended family, the 25-strong
Tito Jackson, city council chair of the Education Committee, also pointed to the budget as a question of political will, saying that elected officials must recognize the need to allocate funds to cover BPS’ expected $50 million shortfall. “The mayor proposes a budget and has the opportunity to modify, change and increase or decrease the budget as he feels fit,” Jackson
said. “I believe, in the nearly $3 billion budget, that there is enough money to fully fund the Boston Public Schools.” City authorities assert that it contributes considerably to BPS funding — spending more on education than on all other departments combined — and that some potential exists for that amount to increase. That especially is likely if collective bargaining drives up wages. “The increased appropriation [to BPS] in [Walsh’s] first two years was more than the increase of all other city departmental appropriations combined,” Boston Chief of Communications Laura Oggeri said in a statement. “The city looks forward to working with BPS to find the right balance of continued support for existing programming and services with investments in new initiatives as they move through the budget process.” The Walsh administration anticipates appropriating $1.027 billion to BPS for fiscal year 2017. City Councilor Annissa Essaibi-George is vice chair of the Committee on Education, a BPS parent and former teacher. The Education Committee has yet to convene on budget matters this session, she said. Her view is that the budget solution could entail further city spending, but also will rely on finding more efficient allocation of BPS’s revenues. “I think there’s some room for [the budget] to change, but as a
Boston Children’s Chorus, directed by Reed Spencer. Wearing matching red jackets, they sang “Every Time I feel the Spirit,” their faces a display of the many races whose home is Boston. All four vocal ensembles gathered on stage with the orchestra to perform the finale, “Hold On,”
directed by Kwami. McElroy then invited all Fisk alumni to rise and join her in singing their alma mater. While the choirs and orchestra left the stage, Montgomery kept up an infectious improvisation on his organ, accompanied by Kwami on the drums.
school facilities and greater investment in school staffing and services. The budget cuts are a question of priorities rather than available funds, many protestors said. “In a city as rich as Boston, we shouldn’t be scrambling for education funds,” said Marléna Rose, BEJA campaign coordinator. Many pointed to the tax breaks and credits offered to General Electric, as well as some in the city’s willingness to invest in the Olympics as indication that the city is not cash-strapped. Other demands include making the Boston School Committee an elected body rather than one whose members are appointed by the mayor, and giving voting power to student members. The School Committee currently is reviewing the budget and has the power to amend it. On March 23, the Committee will vote on the budget, followed by a City Council vote on April 6.
Officials’ stances
LEGAL
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school system we need to look very closely at how we’re spending this billion dollars,” Essaibi-George said. One major area for emphasis, she said: appealing to the state for more money. “Where there are some gaps we need to, as a city, make sure we are funding them but also make sure we’re doing a better job of petitioning the state for better funding
reimbursements,” she said. “There’s
a significant gap between what we’re LEGAL
giving the state as a city, in terms of revenue what we give to the state — whether income tax or sales tax — and what we’re getting back. “ The Walsh administration similarly noted that state funding has been low. State aid — in the form of Chapter 70 funding — has been decreasing over the past eight years.
Whittier Street Health Center 1290 Tremont Street, Roxbury, MA 02120 • www.wshc.org
Whittier Street Health Center Thanks You for Coming! Thank you for celebrating Black History Month at Whittier Street Health Center! Our President and CEO, Frederica Williams, delivered a wonderful address on the state of Whittier. EMC’s VP and Global Chief Diversity Officer, Jackie Glenn, received our 2016 Black History Leadership Award for her exemplary work promoting diversity and inclusion in the Boston Community. A big thank you to Ms. Glenn for a powerful speech and Branches Steel Orchestra for an inspiring performance.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT HALEY HOUSE BAKERY CAFÉ Thu 2/25: Lyricist’s Lounge from BDEA, 7 pm Fri 2/26: The House Slam feat. Siaara Freeman, 6:30 pm Thu 3/3: Jazz By Any Means Necessary with the Fulani Haynes Jazz Collaborative, 7 pm
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BANNER CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS The MASSACHUSETTS PORT AUTHORITY (Authority) is soliciting consulting services for MPA CONTRACT NO. M495-D1, REFRIGERATED CONTAINER STORAGE IMPROVEMENTS, CONLEY TERMINAL, 940 EAST FIRST STREET, SOUTH BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS. The Authority is seeking qualified multidiscipline consulting firms/teams, with proven experience to provide professional services including planning, design, and construction related services, including resident inspection, relative to refrigerated container (Reefer) storage rack design and pavement design. The Consultant must be able to work closely with the Authority and other interested parties in order to provide such services in a timely and effective manner. The contract will be work order based, and Consultant’s fee for each work order shall be negotiated; however, the total fee for the contract shall not exceed $1,000,000 (One Million). A Supplemental Information Package will be available, on Wednesday, February 24, 2016, on the Capital Bid Opportunities webpage of Massport
LEGAL http://www.massport.com/doing-business/_layouts/CapitalPrograms/ default.aspx as an attachment to the original Legal Notice, and on COMMBUYS (www.commbuys.com) in the listings for this project. If you have problems finding it, please contact Susan Brace at Capital Programs SBrace@massport.com The Supplemental Information Package will provide detailed information about Scope Of Work, Selection Criteria and Submission Requirements. In recognition of the unique nature of the project and the services required to support it, the Authority has scheduled a Consultant Briefing to be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at the Capital Programs Department, Suite 209S, Logan Office Center, One Harborside Drive, East Boston, Massachusetts 02128. At this session, an overview of the project will be provided, the services requested by the Authority will be described, and questions will be answered. By responding to this solicitation, consultants agree to accept the terms and conditions of Massport’s standard work order agreement, a copy of the Authority’s standard agreement can be found on the Authority’s web page at
LEGAL www.massport.com. The Consultant shall specify in its cover letter that it has the ability to obtain requisite insurance coverage. This submission, including the litigation and legal proceedings history in a separate sealed envelope as required shall be addressed to Houssam H. Sleiman, PE, CCM, Director of Capital Programs and Environmental Affairs and received no later than 12:00 Noon on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at the Massachusetts Port Authority, Logan Office Center, One Harborside Drive, Suite 209S, Logan International Airport, East Boston, MA 02128-2909. Any information provided to the Authority in any Proposal or other written or oral communication between the Proposer and the Authority will not be, or deemed to have been, proprietary or confidential, although the Authority will use reasonable efforts not to disclose such information to persons who are not employees or consultants retained by the Authority except as may be required by M.G.L. c.66. MASSACHUSETTS PORT AUTHORITY THOMAS P. GLYNN CEO AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
14 • Thursday, February 25, 2016 • BAY STATE BANNER
BANNER CLASSIFIEDS
LEGAL MASSACHUSETTS PORT AUTHORITY NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
Sealed General Bids for MPA Contract No. M394-C4, CONLEY TERMINAL DEDICATED FREIGHT CORRIDOR GUARDHOUSE, SOUTH BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, will be received by the Massachusetts Port Authority at the Capital Programs Department Office, Suite 209S - Logan Office Center, One Harborside Drive, East Boston, Massachusetts 02128-2909, until 11:00 A.M. local time on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2016, immediately after which, in a designated room, the bids will be opened and read publicly. Sealed filed sub bids for the same contract will be received at the same office until 11:00 A.M. local time on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016, immediately after which, in a designated room, the filed sub bids will be opened and read publicly. NOTE:
PRE BID CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT THE CAPITAL PROGRAMS DEPARTMENT (ABOVE ADDRESS) AT 10:00 AM LOCAL TIME ON THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016.
The work includes CONSTRUCTION OF ONE-STORY, 1,600 SQUARE FOOT GUARDHOUSE BUILDING AT THE NEW TRUCK ENTRANCE TO CONLEY CONTAINER TERMINAL, AND ASSOCIATED IMPROVEMENTS. THE PROJECT INCLUDES: A STEEL FRAMED VEHICULAR CANOPY APPROXIMATELY 4,500 SQUARE FEET IN AREA (ADD ALTERNATE), INTEGRAL WITH THE GUARD HOUSE ROOF AND COVERING ADJACENT DRIVE LANES; SECONDARY PRE-FABRICATED GUARD BOOTH; CAST-IN-PLACE CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS; MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, COMMUNICATIONS, FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS; CONNECTION OF BUILDING UTILITIES; AND 250 KW DIESEL STAND-BY GENERATOR AND DISCONNECT SWITCH.
LEGAL
LEGAL
(a) The Contractor has not submitted a complete compliance report within twelve (12) months preceding the date of award, and
Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises involvement as joint ventures, subcontractors/subconsultants in all of its contracts.
(b) The Contractor is within the definition of “employer” in Paragraph 2c(3) of the instructions included in SF100.
This announcement is not a Request for Proposal.
The contractor shall require the subcontractor on any first tier subcontracts, irrespective of the dollar amount, to file SF 100 within thirty (30) days after the award of the subcontracts, if the above two conditions apply. SF 100 will be furnished upon request. SF 100 is normally furnished Contractors annually, based on a mailing list currently maintained by the Joint Reporting Committee. In the event a contractor has not received the form, he may obtain it by writing to the following address: Joint Reporting Committee 1800 G Street Washington, DC 20506
MASSACHUSETTS PORT AUTHORITY THOMAS P. GLYNN CEO & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority is seeking bids for the following: DATE
TIME
03/08/16
12:00 p.m.
Bid Documents in electronic format may be obtained free of charge at the Authority’s Capital Programs Department Office, together with any addenda or amendments, which the Authority may issue and a printed copy of the Proposal form.
Purchase of Three (3) New 20-ton Tilt Deck Air Brake Trailer (per Specifications)
WRA-4179
Invasive Plant Control at the MWRA Chestnut Hill Reservoir
03/10/16
2:00 p.m.
In order to be eligible and responsible to bid on this contract General Bidders must submit with their bid a current Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Division of Capital Asset Management & Maintenance and an Update Statement. The General Bidder must be certified in the category of GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION. The estimated contract cost is ONE MILLION, FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,500,000) for the Base Bid and FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($500,000) for the Add Alternate.
WRA-4178
Supply and Delivery of Sodium Bisulfite to the Deer Island Treatment Plant
03/10/16
2:30 p.m.
WRA-4180
Manual Invasive Aquatic Plant Removal at the MWRA Ware River Shaft 8 Intake Pool
03/10/16
3:00 p.m.
In order to be eligible and responsible to bid on this contract, filed Subbidders must submit with their bid a current Sub-bidder Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Division of Capital Asset Management & Maintenance and a Sub-bidder Update Statement. The filed Sub-bidder must be certified in the sub-bid category of work for which the Sub-bidder is submitting a bid proposal.
To access and bid on Event(s) please go to the MWRA Supplier Portal at www.mwra.com.
The successful Bidder will be required to purchase and maintain Bodily Injury Liability Insurance and Property Damage Liability Insurance for a combined single limit of ONE MILLION DOLLARS ($1,000,000). Said policy shall be on an occurrence basis and the Authority shall be included as an Additional Insured. See the insurance sections of Division I, General Requirements and Division II, Special Provisions for complete details. Filed sub bids will be required and taken on the following classes of work: MASONRY ($20,000) MISCELLANEOUS AND ORNAMENTAL IRON ($26,000) ROOFING AND FLASHING ($133,000) ELEVATORS ($32,000) FIRE PROTECTION SPRINKLER SYSTEM ($109,000) PLUMBING ($48,000) HEATING, VENTILATING, AND AIR CONDITIONING ($51,000) ELECTRICAL ($419,000) The Authority reserves the right to reject any sub bid of any sub trade where permitted by Section 44E of the above referenced General Laws. The right is also reserved to waive any informality in or to reject any or all proposals and General Bids. This contract is subject to a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation provision requiring that not less than FOUR AND SEVEN TENTHS PERCENT (4.7%) of the Contract be performed by disadvantaged business enterprise contractors. With respect to this provision, bidders are urged to familiarize themselves thoroughly with the Bidding Documents. Strict compliance with the pertinent procedures will be required for a bidder to be deemed responsive and eligible. This Contract is also subject to Affirmative Action requirements of the Massachusetts Port Authority contained in the Non Discrimination and Affirmative Action article of Division I, General Requirements and Covenants, and to the Secretary of Labor’s Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Opportunity and the Standard Federal Equal Opportunity Construction Contract Specifications (Executive Order 11246). The General Contractor is required to submit a Certification of Non Segregated Facilities prior to award of the Contract, and to notify prospective subcontractors of the requirement for such certification where the subcontract exceeds $10,000.
NOTICE AND ORDER: Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor
INVITATION TO BID
DESCRIPTION
The successful Bidder will be required to furnish a performance bond and a labor and materials payment bond, each in an amount equal to 100% of the Contract price. The surety shall be a surety company or securities satisfactory to the Authority. Attention is called to the minimum rate of wages to be paid on the work as determined under the provisions of Chapter 149, Massachusetts General Laws, Section 26 to 27G, inclusive, as amended. The Contractor will be required to pay minimum wages in accordance with the schedules listed in Division II, Special Provisions of the Specifications, which wage rates have been predetermined by the U. S. Secretary of Labor and / or the Commissioner of Labor and Industries of Massachusetts, whichever is greater.
Docket No. SU15P1649GD
In the interests of Kaneeyah Vonzelle Jacqualine Shields of Dorchester, MA Minor
1.
WRA-4182
Bidders must submit a Buy American Certificate with all bids or offers on AIP funded projects. Bids that are not accompanied by a completed Buy American Certificate must be rejected as nonresponsive.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department
Complete information and authorization to view the site may be obtained from the Capital Programs Department Office at the Massachusetts Port Authority. The right is reserved to waive any informality in or reject any or all proposals.
BID NO.
A proposal guaranty shall be submitted with each General Bid consisting of a bid deposit for five (5) percent of the value of the bid; when sub bids are required, each must be accompanied by a deposit equal to five (5) percent of the sub bid amount, in the form of a bid bond, or cash, or a certified check, or a treasurer’s or a cashier’s check issued by a responsible bank or trust company, payable to the Massachusetts Port Authority in the name of which the Contract for the work is to be executed. The bid deposit shall be (a) in a form satisfactory to the Authority, (b) with a surety company qualified to do business in the Commonwealth and satisfactory to the Authority, and (c) conditioned upon the faithful performance by the principal of the agreements contained in the bid.
Francis A. DePaola, P.E. General Manager
SUFFOLK Division
Bid documents will be made available beginning WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016.
Bidding procedures and award of the contract and sub contracts shall be in accordance with the provisions of Sections 44A through 44H inclusive, Chapter 149 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Stephanie Pollack Mass DOT Secretary & CEO
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT MASSACHUSETTS BAY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY SOLICITATION FOR INSURANCE BROKER SERVICES REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is soliciting broker services to market, place and service the Excess Liability Insurance Program and related liability risk initiatives. Firms interested and capable of providing these services are invited to submit five (5) copies of a Letter of Interest stating their qualifications to Lee Ann Ross Berry, Risk Manager, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, 10 Park Plaza, Room 8450, Boston, MA 02116 no later than 12:00 PM (ET), March 8, 2016. Telephone calls and fax transmittals will not be honored or accepted. Any and all questions about this solicitation should be referred to the MBTA’s Risk Manager, Lee Ann Ross Berry, tel. 617-222-3064 or larossberry@mbta.com. There should be no direct contact with anyone other than the MBTA Risk Manager regarding this solicitation. To be considered to receive a Request for Proposal and an invitation to advance to the interview stage, your letter of interest must provide the information requested in the following paragraphs. Please provide: 1. Brokerage/Agency Name.
2.
Response to Petition: You may respond by filing a written response to the Petition or by appearing in person at the hearing. If you choose to file a written response, you need to:
File the original with the Court; and Mail a copy to all interested parties at least five (5) business days before the hearing.
3.
Counsel for the Minor: The minor (or an adult on behalf of the minor) has the right to request that counsel be appointed for the minor.
4.
Presence of the Minor at Hearing: A minor over age 14 has the right to be present at any hearing, unless the Court finds that it is not in the minor’s best interests.
THIS IS A LEGAL NOTICE: An important court proceeding that may affect your rights has been scheduled. If you do not understand this notice or other court papers, please contact an attorney for legal advice. Date: December 10, 2015
4. Number of Offices located in a) Massachusetts, b) United States, and c) Worldwide. 5. Number of professional and technical staff employed in your Massachusetts office(s).
Felix D. Arroyo Register of Probate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department Docket No. SU16P0062GD
SUFFOLK Division
In the interests of Quin’Dell D. Freeman of Boston, MA Minor NOTICE AND ORDER: Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor 1.
NOTICE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES Hearing Date/Time: A hearing on a Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor filed on 01/14/2016 by Scillio O. Freeman of Boston, MA will be held 03/17/2016 08:30 AM Motion Located at 24 New Chardon Street, 3rd floor, Boston, MA 02114.
2.
Response to Petition: You may respond by filing a written response to the Petition or by appearing in person at the hearing. If you choose to file a written response, you need to:
File the original with the Court; and Mail a copy to all interested parties at least five (5) business days before the hearing.
3.
Counsel for the Minor: The minor (or an adult on behalf of the minor) has the right to request that counsel be appointed for the minor.
4.
Presence of the Minor at Hearing: A minor over age 14 has the right to be present at any hearing, unless the Court finds that it is not in the minor’s best interests.
2. Principal Address. 3. Servicing Office Address.
NOTICE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES Hearing Date/Time: A hearing on a Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor filed on 07/07/2015 by Sara D. Davis of Dorchester, MA will be held 03/03/2016 08:30 AM Review Hearing Located at 24 New Chardon Street, 3rd floor, Boston, MA 02114 ~ Probation Department.
6. Description of your firm and explanation of how you would differentiate yourself from other firms in providing broker services to the MBTA. 7. Resume(s) of the Account Executive/Team Leader and team members that would be assigned to the MBTA account.
THIS IS A LEGAL NOTICE: An important court proceeding that may affect your rights has been scheduled. If you do not understand this notice or other court papers, please contact an attorney for legal advice.
8. A listing of the principal Liability Insurance markets used by your office, the lines of liability insurance placed with them, and the premium volume of each line of coverage placed with them.
Date: February 4, 2016
9. Listing of other government, quasi-government, and rail/transit clients serviced by your Massachusetts office(s), together with names and telephone numbers of person to contact for references. No broker is authorized to approach any market in connection with this solicitation without the specific approval of the Authority. Violation of this provision may result in disqualification.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department SUFFOLK Division
The criteria for broker selection will be based on the responses to the firm’s:
Docket No. SU16P0092GD
In the interests of Quin’neill D. Freeman Jones of Boston, MA Minor
Consideration for selection to receive a Request for Proposal and an invitation to the interview stage shall be based upon the MBTA’s evaluation of your responses to the above questions. Following an initial evaluation of the responses received, we intend to select two or three of the most highly qualified candidates to receive a Request for Proposal and a invitation to the next stage which is the interview process. Following the interview process, a single broker will be selected as the MBTA’s Liability Insurance broker and will be authorized to contact Liability Insurance markets on behalf of the MBTA.
Felix D. Arroyo Register of Probate
NOTICE AND ORDER: Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor 1.
NOTICE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES Hearing Date/Time: A hearing on a Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor filed on 01/20/2016 by Scillio O. Freeman of Roxbury, MA will be held 03/17/2016 08:30 AM Motion Located at 24 New Chardon Street, 3rd floor, Boston, MA 02114.
2.
Response to Petition: You may respond by filing a written response to the Petition or by appearing in person at the hearing. If you choose to file a written response, you need to:
File the original with the Court; and Mail a copy to all interested parties at least five (5) business days before the hearing.
4. Risk management capabilities (risk analysis/identification, alteratives/ options)
3.
Counsel for the Minor: The minor (or an adult on behalf of the minor) has the right to request that counsel be appointed for the minor.
5. General Evaluation (Overall assessment)
4.
Presence of the Minor at Hearing: A minor over age 14 has the right to be present at any hearing, unless the Court finds that it is not in the minor’s best interests.
1. Quality and responsiveness of RFQ/RFP 2. Managerial/technical approach (program design, market strategy, administration & services) 3. Experience & expertise of assigned account team
6. Cost & Compensation (Direct labor costs, overhead and fee for key personnel)
A Contractor having fifty (50) or more employees and his subcontractors having fifty (50) or more employees who may be awarded a subcontract of $50,000 or more will, within one hundred twenty (120) days from the contract commencement, be required to develop a written affirmative action compliance program for each of its establishments.
Broker services fees for the liability broker services are $175,000 annually for each of the next three (3) annual renewals with an option for a one year extension. This fee is not negotiable.
Compliance Reports - Within thirty (30) days of the award of this Contract the Contractor shall file a compliance report (Standard Form [SF 100]) if:
There is no Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goal associated with this solicitation; however, the Authority encourages the use of certified Minority,
THIS IS A LEGAL NOTICE: An important court proceeding that may affect your rights has been scheduled. If you do not understand this notice or other court papers, please contact an attorney for legal advice. Date: February 4, 2016
Felix D. Arroyo Register of Probate
Thursday, February 25, 2016 • BAY STATE BANNER • 15
BANNER CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL
Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department Docket No. SU16D0006DR
SUFFOLK Division
Divorce Summons by Publication and Mailing Scott, Melvin
vs.
Borges, Liliana
To the Defendant: The Plaintiff has filed a Complaint for Divorce requesting that the Court grant a divorce for irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under G.L. c. 208, Section 1 B. The Complaint is on file at the Court. An Automatic Restraining Order has been entered in this matter preventing you from taking any action which would negatively impact the current financial status of either party. SEE Supplemental Probate Court Rule 411. You are hereby summoned and required to serve upon: Melvin Scott, 25 Hosmer St., Apt. 1, Mattapan, MA 02126 your answer, if any, on or before 03/31/2016. If you fail to do so, the court will proceed to the hearing and adjudication of this action. You are also required to file a copy of your answer, if any, in the office of the Register of this Court.
HELP WANTED
Two openings for Math Teachers with at-risk adolescents in residential facilities run by the Department of Youth Services in Boston Apply at http://goo.gl/ woa1VN
Roofers Wanted: Experienced flat roof mechanics wanted. Benefits. Accepting Applications at: Capeway Roofing Systems, Inc. 664 Sanford Road, Westport, MA 02790. Minorities and women encouraged to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer.
Witness, Hon. Joan P. Armstrong, First Justice of this Court. Date: January 19, 2016
Felix D. Arroyo Register of Probate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department Docket No. SU14P1550GD
SUFFOLK Division
Citation Giving Notice of Petition to Expand the Powers of a Guardian In the Interests of Estella County Of Mattapan, MA RESPONDENT Incapacitated Person/Protected Person To the named Respondent and all other interested persons, a petition has been filed by Kenwin County of Hyde Park, MA in the above captioned matter requesting that the court: Expand the powers of a Guardian of the Respondent.
Medical-Legal Partnership Boston A fiscally sponsored program of Third Sector New England, Inc., seeks FT long-term temp atty to lead pediatrics-focused services. Non-traditional opportunity to deploy legal problem-solving skills in interdisciplinary environment and support healthcare workforce capacity to address health-related social needs.
(617) 261-4600 x 7799 • ads@bannerpub.com Find rate information at www.baystatebanner.com/advertise
Two Bedrooms Starting at $2200 888-842-7945
Wollaston Manor 91 Clay Street Quincy, MA 02170
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$ STIPEND DURING 12-WEEK TRAINING Are you a “people person?” Do you like to help others? Full-time, 12-week training plus internship. Job placement assistance provided.
Call Sandy Miller,
FREE TRAINING FOR THOSE THAT QUALIFY
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HS diploma or GED required. Free YMCA membership for you and your family while enrolled in YMCA Training, Inc.
Property Manager
Program Restrictions Apply.
Banner
Call 617-542-1800 and refer to Health Insurance Training when you call
Connect with the
Are you interested in a
Healthcare CAREER? Project Hope, in partnership with Partners HealthCare is currently accepting applications for a FREE entry level healthcare employment training program. Program eligibility includes:
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BAY STATE BANNER
www.baystatebanner.com
Position is 28 Admin Hours and 12 Clinical Hours, excellent benefits package including reimbursement of licenses, CME’s, 4 weeks vacation.
who will be responsible for working with the Chief Financial Officer to ensure smooth day-to-day operations of the organization’s finance function. Primary responsibilities include maintaining the general ledgers, reconciling accounts, preparing reports and supporting the team as needed. Please view our website www.facinghistory.org for more information about us. Responsibilities: n Manage Facing History’s general ledgers, including USA, Canada, and UK. n Prepare and enter journal entries. n Reconcile asset and liability accounts on a regular schedule. n Reconcile revenue accounts monthly. n Reconcile bank accounts monthly. n Maintain fixed asset and depreciation records. n Prepare monthly financial reports in GAAP-compliant format and in other formats as assigned. n Assist other Finance staff and the CFO as needed in areas including budgeting, budget variance analysis, bank relations, and insurance. n Act as backup to other Finance staff, especially accounts payable and accounts receivable managers.
REAL ESTATE
Stainless Steel Appliances New Kitchen Cabinets Hardwood Floors Updated Bathroom Custom Accent Wall Painting Free Parking Free Wi-Fi in lobby Modern Laundry Facilities
Qualifications: DMD or DDS degree from an accredited college or university with current Full MA License, DEA and MCSR, 3 or more years of experience as a Dentist with at least one year in a supervisory or management role, knowledge of electronic dental practice systems, 3 years of experience with dental coding and billing practices, proven knowledge of budgeting and accounting, proven training capabilities, experience working in Community Health Center setting preferred.
Facing History and Ourselves, an international non-profit headquartered in Brookline is seeking an Accounting Manager
WITNESS, HON. Joan P. Armstrong, First Justice of this Court. Date: January 25, 2016 Felix D. Arroyo Register of Probate
Brand New Renovated Apartment Homes
Duties include corporate over sight, policy development and implementation, budget development/management, development and implementation of dental policies and procedures and quality assurance plan; assuring compliance with regulatory agencies including State, Federal and The Joint Commission; hiring, development and retention of staff; assists with vendor negotiations; responsible for clinic hours and scheduling of appropriate levels of staff; acts as liaison with community partners, represents Harbor at State and Federal concerns; and provides direct dental care to patients. Position includes direct supervision of the Dental Team Leaders, Dentists and Hygienists.
ADVERTISE YOUR CLASSIFIEDS
The outcome of this proceeding may limit or completely take away the above-named person’s right to make decisions about personal affairs or financial affairs or both. The above-named person has the right to ask for a lawyer. Anyone may make this request on behalf of the above-named person cannot afford a lawyer, one may be appointed at State expense.
Parker Hill Apartments
our team as Corporate Director of Dental Services. Responsibility includes directing the Dental Departments for Geiger Gibson Community Health Center, Harbor Community Health Center - Plymouth, Harbor Community Health Center - Hyannis and the Ellen Jones Community Dental Center as well as the dental program for the Elder Service Plan.
Applicants please apply online at http://careers.hhsi.us/careers or send a letter of intent and current CV to jtranford@hhsi.us. For more information, please call J. Tranford at 617-533-2342 and/or visit our website at www.hhsi.us.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Harbor Health Services, Inc. is currently seeking a mission driven, community or public health oriented Dentist to join
Visit our website for more info and application instructions: www.mlpboston.org
The petition asks the court to make a determination that the powers of a Guardian and/or Conservator should be expanded, modified, or limited since the time of the appointment. The original petition is on file with the court. You have the right to object to this proceeding. If you wish to do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court on or before 10:00 A.M. on the return date of 03/03/2016. This day is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline date by which you have to file the written appearance if you object to the petition. If you fail to file the written appearance by the return date, action may be taken in this matter without further notice to you. In addition to filing the written appearance, you or your attorney must file a written affidavit stating the specific facts and grounds of your objection within 30 days after the return date.
HELP WANTED
• • • • •
Have a high school diploma or equivalent Have a verifiable reference of 1 year from a former employer Pass assessments in reading, language, and computer skills Have CORI clearance Be legally authorized to work in the United States
For more information and to register for the next Open House please visit our website at www.prohope.org/openhouse.htm or call 617-442-1880 ext. 218.
Qualifications: n Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or related field, or equivalent business experience. n CPA strongly preferred. n 5-7 years of experience including at least 2 outside of public accounting. n Nonprofit experience preferred but not required. n Hands-on experience with a mid-range accounting system. n Strong interpersonal and communications skills. n Ability to use spreadsheets and other tools to analyze and communicate financial data. Skills/ Attributes Qualified candidate must be: n Detail oriented with a focus on accuracy n A strong communicator, both written and oral, and be comfortable with phone outreach on occasion n Able to review data reports and make recommendations to others n Able to work collaboratively and at the same time be able to work independently for long periods of time n A demonstrated self-starter and problem solver n Able to work in open spaces without being distracted n Flexible and have the ability to adapt quickly to changing situations n Able to prioritize and complete multiple priorities n Able to succeed in a fluid and flexible environment Compensation and Benefits: In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, Facing History provides an excellent compensation and benefits. Facing History proudly values diversity. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Applications ONLY accepted online at facinghistory.org/careers. Job posted until filled.
This month, X1 from XFINITY® brings you iconic Black films and the filmmakers that make them. Join us as we relive, rediscover and realize the power of storytelling. See the often controversial, but always poignant look at social injustice in the Black community from Spike Lee, one of the “Greatest Of All Time,” award-winning directors. Or discover who’s next – with a collection of independent films curated by the American Black Film Festival. These movies, and more, are available anytime, anywhere, on any screen with XFINITY On Demand.™
X1 will change the way you experience Black film.
Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. © 2016 Comcast. All rights reserved. NPA178848-0001 DIV16-1-203-AA-BHM-A5
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1/25/16 6:41 PM