Bay State Banner April 16

INSIDE ARTS

business news

inside this week

HIP-HOP AND BASQUIAT pg 10

Medical staffing companies cut doctor pay pg 9

Chelsea officials grapple with high COVID numbers pg 2

plus Sonia Manzano to speak at Simmons Leadership Conference pg 10 Councilor, textile artists make face masks for healthcare workers pg 11 Vol. 55 No. 38 • Thursday, April 16, 2020 • FREE • GREATER BOSTON’S URBAN NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1965

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Mass. in midst of COVID case surge Governor, mayor taking steps to safeguard public health, economy

By KENNEAL PATTERSON Massachusetts is in the midst of a COVID-19 surge that won’t likely peak until the end of the month, city and state officials said in separate briefings Monday.

Boston’s cases have more than doubled in the last week, said Mayor Martin Walsh, addressing reporters on April 13.

As of Monday, there were 4,086 confirmed cases in Boston and 26,867 statewide. Boston’s death toll was 67 and rising.

“To every family who lost a loved one, our city is holding you in our hearts,” said Walsh, adding, “We will continue to work around the clock to prevent any future loss of life from this terrible virus.”

Aside from public health concerns, the virus has crippled the economy. Walsh announced several programs that provide financial relief for struggling residents.

The Renter Relief Fund helps struggling tenants that cannot access federal relief or unemployment benefits. On Monday, the Department of Neighborhood Development held a lottery for the 5,500 applicants who qualify for the first round of funding. This funding will be distributed by the end of the month, said Walsh.

The administration is also reviewing 3,000 applicants for the Small Business Relief Fund.

Walsh noted that businesses will be able to put money toward

rent, payroll and other COVID19-related challenges. The first round of funding has closed for both programs, but Walsh said more relief is on its way.

“There’s other federal money coming down to the cities and states that we should be seeing on the streets really soon,” he said.

While President Trump hopes to reopen the economy on May 1, Walsh disagreed with that assessment.

“That’s not only unrealistic, that’s completely irresponsible,” he said. “We are still in the very beginning of this surge.”

His administration’s focus right now, said Walsh, is to ensure the existence of medical care to protect vulnerable populations.

Preparations are underway.

Boston Hope medical center, a 1,000-bed recovery facility in the Seaport District, opened on Friday. There, 500 beds are reserved for homeless patients that require care. The new facility has already admitted a number of patients.

COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting communities of color, and Walsh noted the importance of examining these inequities. The recently established Health Inequity Task Force had its first meeting over the weekend, he said.

“Data is critical in this work,” said Walsh. “We need to know, and the community needs to know, what inequities are and

Data shows disparities in Boston COVID cases

See COVID CASES, page 8

See DISPARITIES, page 6

BANNER PHOTO

Commuter traffic is light during morning rush hour in Dudley Station.

BPHC finds blacks disproportionately affected by pandemic

By YAWU MILLER Data from the Boston Public Health Commission suggests that blacks in the city are being infected with the coronavirus at a rate nearly twice their percentage of the population.

The BPHC data show blacks as 42 percent of those infected where race was identified. Blacks make up 22 percent of the city’s population. While the data is incomplete,

the suggestion of high rates of infection among blacks is backed up by BPHC neighborhood data showing the highest concentrations of infection in Hyde Park, Mattapan and Dorchester.

The BPHC data, first released on Thursday and updated daily, also demonstrates the difficulty local and state authorities are encountering amassing reliable data.

As of Sunday, race was identified in just 62% of the 3,916 cases recorded in Boston. Latinos, who

account for 20 percent of the city’s population, were identified in 16 percent of the cases, despite a recorded infection rate in majority-Latino East Boston that is the second-highest in the city.

Infection rates among Latinos may be under-reported, as many health providers lack adequate translation services.

In response to the apparent disproportionate infection rates,

Mayor releases FY 2021 budget Pandemic impact won’t be felt till following year

By YAWU MILLER

PHOTO: ISABEL LEON, MAYOR’S OFFICE

Mayor Martin Walsh addresses reporters during a press briefing.

Mayor Martin Walsh rolled out a $3.647 billion fiscal year 2021 budget, representing a 4.4 percent increase over last year, and a $3 billion, five-year capital spending plan that includes $500 million in investments for affordable housing.

The budget comes amid great uncertainty as the city, nation and world struggle with an unprecedented shutdown stemming from

the coronavirus pandemic.

“This is an unprecedented crisis for the city of Boston and globally,” said Chief Financial Officer Emme Handy, speaking during an online City Council hearing. “It is really difficult for us to understand exactly what that will mean for us more generally in terms of the city’s response, and specifically, how it will impact our finances in the medium- and long-term.”

Nevertheless, strong cash reserves and property tax growth

from the last fiscal year mean the city can depend on increased revenue through the 2021 fiscal year, which begins in July, according to Budget Office Director Justin Sterritt.

“The real impact on new growth is actually going to be in FY22, because that number could plummet, basically over the next few months,” he told the council. “It’s something that’s going to trickle into the next few years.”

At 40% of the city’s budget, Boston Public Schools funding is

See BUDGET, page 8

2 • Thursday, April 16, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER

Chelsea officials grapple with high COVID numbers

By KENNEAL PATTERSON The spread of COVID-19 has escalated across the commonwealth. But last week, U.S. Congressman Joe Kennedy III warned that no community has been as affected as Chelsea.

“The numbers speak for themselves, but they are literally off the charts compared to any other community around our commonwealth,” he said in a video conference streamed on Twitter and Facebook on Thursday, April 9.

Chelsea’s count of cases and deaths continues to rise, with 472 confirmed cases and 14 deaths as of April 11. The largely working-class population of the city of 35,000 was counted as 62 percent Latino and 8.5 percent black in the 2010 Census.

“It comes as no surprise that communities like Chelsea, that have a predominantly immigrant population, are being impacted way more,” said Judith Garcia, Chelsea’s city council vice president.

Chelsea’s rate of infection stood last Thursday at 96 cases per 10,000 residents. Kennedy noted the stark contrast with wealthier communities: Somerville’s latest rate was 12.7 per 10,000, and Brookline’s was 22.5 per 10,000.

Garcia said that other communities of color, like Lawrence and

“

This is what poverty looks like.

This is what being a poor community, an immigrant community, a community of color is, that people are going to die in unprecedented numbers. And we should’ve been ready for this.”

— Maria Power

Brockton, are also “leading the charts” for confirmed cases.

Poverty may have exacerbated the spread. GreenRoots Executive Director Maria Power noted Chelsea’s vulnerability before the outbreak. “Some folks may be shocked at the numbers,” she said, “This is not a surprise.”

Power said that Chelsea is suffering from environmental injustice, and excess pollution has led to pre-conditions that worsen the virus’ toll. Black and Latino communities are predisposed to illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes and asthma. Some of the highest rates of those diseases are in Massachusetts, said Power.

“This is what poverty looks like,” she said. “This is what being a poor community, an immigrant community, a community of color is, that people are going to die in unprecedented numbers. And we should’ve been ready for this.”

There is also a lack of suitable housing for Chelsea residents. In many units, three or four families may be crowded into a single living space. The close contact increases the spread of infection.

When one family is crammed into a single bedroom, said Power, “How do you social distance? How do you socially isolate people? It’s impossible.”

Chelsea City Council President Roy Avellaneda agreed. Even with funding, he said, it’s hard to find shelters.

“If we’re going to have one individual in that family come down with COVID-19, and we need to separate them, they have nowhere to go.”

Avellaneda offered a solution: negotiating with hotels and using their available rooms. Due to stayat-home orders, many hotels are completely unoccupied.

“Tell us we have the power to commandeer a hotel,” said Avellaneda. “Right now, they’re empty, they’re not doing much business.”

Garcia stressed the importance of immigrant protection. Immigrants make up a large portion of Chelsea, she said, and many are

PPE manufacturing initiative

PHOTO: JOSHUA QUALLS/GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE

Brenna Schneider, CEO of apparel manufacturer 99Degrees, joins Gov. Charlie Baker to announce a new initiative and more than $10 million in funding to support manufacturers’ efforts to pivot production operations to produce personal protective equipment and other critical devices at a State House press conference. undocumented. Some families refuse to be hospitalized in fear of deportation or biased treatment.

In addition, detained immigrants throughout the country face risks from close confines. Detainment facilities are often congested and unsanitary, providing an ideal environment for the virus to spread.

A recent local coronavirus class action against ICE just ended with a favorable ruling. The court acknowledged “unconstitutional overcrowding that binds the class together.” The class consisted of civil immigration detainees held at a Bristol County and North Dartmouth facility. Eighteen immigrants from Bristol County have already been released due to the outcome of the case.

Chelsea also has a high population of service workers. Kennedy noted that Chelsea buses are still packed with people. Many risk their lives on public transportation to get to work. Some residents are going to work because they’ve been deemed “essential” workers, said Kennedy, while some just fear they won’t otherwise make their upcoming rent payments.

Avellaneda noted that many residents did not expect incoming aid and said that the federal government warned people and organized aid far too late.

“If you told our community a month ago that we were going to have these resources, people wouldn’t have been packing themselves into a 111 or 116 bus,” he said.

“We wouldn’t have gone into work and faced our jobs.”

The fate of the community was sealed a month ago, said Avellaneda.

“I hate to say it, but it’s already too late,” he said.

Avellaneda added that the community needs money. It needs direct assistance from the federal government to pay for food and shelter.

President Trump’s recent economic stimulus package allocated $1,200 to certain individuals, but Kennedy said that this isn’t enough. He said that this amount won’t go far in Chelsea, and that $4,000 per person would be a better alternative.

Residents must pay mounting health bills, said Kennedy. Although COVID-19 testing is free, treatment is not. Many families cannot afford expensive ventilators and ICU stays.

Garcia also acknowledged the necessity of increased funding.

But she stressed that the community needs “intentional leadership.”

“We need leaders who are going to push for priority funding, testing and facilities for communities, based on the rates of infection,” she said.

Chelsea has been left alone to deal with the pandemic, she added.

“We know that the commonwealth is doing whatever they can to focus a response throughout the state, but we have not been seeing and getting the help that we would like to receive.”

Avellaneda agreed.

“Too many times, our voices are not heard.”

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Coalition urges equity in COVID-19 care

By YAWU MILLER With COVID-19 cases expected to surge this month, state officials are concerned that the Massachusetts health care system could become overwhelmed with more patients than hospitals have the capacity to treat.

State Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders released guidelines for health professionals to make critical decisions about who receives care and who doesn’t in an April 7 memo titled “Crisis Standards of Care Planning Guidance for the COVID-19 Pandemic.”

In the document, a panel of 16 medical professionals call for a scoring system in which those with the lowest scores have the highest priority for treatment. But among the factors giving patients a higher score, and therefore, a lower priority for medical intervention are health conditions common to black, Latino and Asian people including diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

The inclusion of those conditions in the crucial care standards prompted black and Latino legislators to write a public letter calling for Gov. Charlie Baker to pause the care standards and factor in race.

“It is apparent that some severe diseases and conditions may warrant a standard of care protocol, however, utilizing points for conditions that we already know are rampant in low-income communities due to historic health

PHOTO: JEREMIAH ROBINSON, MAYOR’S OFFICE

The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in South Boston has been transformed into a medical center during the COVID-19 pandemic. disparities is unconscionable,” said Rep. Carlos González, chairman of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus in the letter.

The letter also calls on the Baker administration to allocate more resources for safety net hospitals, provide for more testing in communities of color where many of our low-wage essential workers reside and establish a diversity advisory task force to “provide a health disparity lens to support

government and hospitals as they update their protocols and guidelines.”

The legislators aren’t alone in voicing concern about the care standards. Dozens of doctors, nurses and other health professionals signed a petition calling on the Baker administration to involve community stakeholders in developing and approving new crisis standards that take into account political and social determinants of health to “assure truly

equitable allocation of resources.”

The state standards were set to prioritize individuals who have the greatest chance of living the longest after treatment, according to the standards the state’s panel outlined.

“To the extent resources become scarce, maximizing benefit will involve attempting to maximize life years saved, not only attempting to save the most lives,” the memo reads.

T he panel of 16 health

professionals, none of whom were African American, made clear the standards outlined were not meant to discriminate on the basis of race or other similar factors.

“Characteristics that have no bearing on the likelihood or magnitude of benefit including, but not limited to, race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, ability to pay, socioeconomic status, perceived social worth, perceived quality of life, immigration status, incarceration status, homelessness or past or future use of resources are irrelevant and not to be considered by healthcare providers making allocation decisions,” the panel members wrote.

Yet the dissenting health care professionals, who by Friday had garnered more than 300 signatures on their petition opposing the standards, said the standards would disproportionately affect people of color, immigrants and low-income people.

“These Crisis Standards of Care will result in the withdrawal of life-saving care– including mechanical ventilation– from a disproportionate number of indigenous people, Black people, Latinx people, other communities of color, elders, immigrants, asylees, refugees, and those who are undocumented, uninsured, incarcerated, homeless, experiencing poverty, or living with disability,” the petition reads.

The organizers of the petition had not yet received a response from the Baker administration Monday morning.

HEY BOSTON, STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY Message from Mayor Martin J. Walsh

CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS: Fever (100.4F / 38C or higher) Cough Shortness of breath Call ahead before going to your doctor's office or the ER. Call 311 for the Mayor's Health Line.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: Stay at least six feet away from others Do not socialize in person Wear a face covering when you are in public Wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, cover your cough and sneezes, and avoid others when sick There is a Public Health Advisory for everyone in Boston except essential workers to stay home from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. As a reminder, please stay home when you can during the day.

HOW TO STAY INFORMED: Sign up for text alerts in six languages: Text BOSCOVID, BOSEspanol, BOSFrancais, BOSKreyol, BOSKriolu or BOSPortugues to 99411 for daily updates Visit boston.gov/coronavirus or call 311 for guidance and information from the City of Boston By doing the right thing, we can slow the spread of coronavirus in Boston and save lives. Thank you for all you have done already: for staying safe, staying inside your home, and staying Boston Strong.

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Martin J. Walsh

4 • Thursday, April 16, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER

EDITORIAL

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Established 1965

Defending the guardrails of American democracy A U.S. president with a despotic that ultimately enabled them to inclination might find it difficult to impeach him. impose a tyrannical regimen on the Michael K. Atkinson, the inspecAmerican people. First of all, he would tor general for intelligence matters, have to neutralize the present guardreported the whistleblower’s complaint rails of democracy: both the system of to the director of national intelligence inspector generals and free and open who then disclosed to Congress that elections.

Trump was involved in a profoundly The Founding Fathers of the repubinappropriate telephone call with lic understood that many men aspiring the new president of Ukraine. This to be president might also be inclined telephone call served as the primary to be authoritarian. Consequently, they basis for the congressional impeachdrafted a constitution ment by the House of that would divide the Representatives. power of government Trump has fired among three equal Atkinson, but he is Congress established bodies — the legislature, required to provide a the IG system to the judiciary and the letter indicating a sound executive. curtail the violations reason for this action.

While this worked of the Richard Nixon So far there has been no much of the time report of the letter havadministration. because of the acceping been received by the Unfortunately, tance and commitment Senate. However, Trump of the officeholders, this has openly admitted it appears that structure was nonethehe fired Atkinson in Republicans are now that less flawed. The presretribution for reporting willing to diminish ident, as commander what Trump insists was in chief, controlled the American democracy “a beautiful phone call.” nation’s military capacNow that he is aware in favor of a despotic of the ity, and he could refuse power of the IG, president.“ to cooperate with other Trump has decided to co-branches of governremove independent ment. The reality of IGs involved in aspects this problem became apparent when of the management of the $2.2 trillion Donald Trump refused to provide in programs to rebuild the American documents to Congress as required economy that will be managed by the and Congress lacked the resources to Treasury. Without proper independent enforce compliance. oversight, this could allow for the largest Congress was aware of this probscam in history. lem for decades. In 1978, Congress Trump has also not lost sight of the established the Inspector General Act other guardrail — free and open electo facilitate congressional oversight of tions. He and other Republican leaders executive agencies in order to be aware have launched a campaign to characterof any misconduct, waste or fraud in ize mail-in votes as an effective fraud. the management of programs that Con- There is no evidence to support this gress had established. There are curview, but the protest now creates a psyrently 73 inspectors general in various chological foundation to challenge later agencies. election losses. There is also an effort to One of the important tasks of the prevent mail-in voting campaigns that inspector general is to communicate will increase the turnout of blacks and in private with whistleblowers. The Latinos, who usually vote Democrat.

IGs are required by law to conceal the Congress established the IG system identity of whistleblowers who come to curtail the violations of the Richard forth to report violations of the rules or Nixon administration. Unfortunately, it regulations of their agencies. This is the appears that Republicans are now willprocedure that led to an investigation of ing to diminish American democracy in Trump by the House of Representatives favor of a despotic president.

“To fire the inspector generals is like leaving the bank vault door open.”

“

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OPINION

It’s now Joe’s to win or lose

By EARL OFARI HUTCHINSON There was good news and bad news for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden on the same day. The good news was that Joe’s chief presidential foe, Bernie Sanders, threw in the towel. Sanders then gave a rousing denunciation of Trump and urged his supporters to do everything possible to oust him. That meant backing Joe, which Bernie promised to do.

Joe, for his part, extended the olive branch to Sanders’ die-hard backers and said he “heard” them. Presumably this meant he was on board with some parts of Bernie’s progressive agenda.

There was the other not-so-good news for Joe. This was yet another poll that showed him beating Trump in their November head-to-head presidential face-off.

But, buried in the good numbers for Joe was a little tidbit that showed that Republicans were far more revved up for Trump than Democrats were for Biden. There was still another worrisome note in the poll: A number of Democrats thought that Trump would do a better job in stewarding the economy than Biden could.

These in themselves didn’t mean that Biden would trounce Trump or go down to flaming defeat in November. There are many months ahead in the race, with lots of twists and turns, intangibles, unknowns and probable surprises ahead for Biden. Having everyone’s eyes glued to the COVID threat and the media almost exclusively locked in on it further clouds the election picture — for now.

What is well-known is that many Democrats have always fervently believed that Biden is the only Democratic presidential contender who can beat Trump. Trump certainly thought that too. Back in January 2019, he called Biden his “most dangerous opponent.” He unleashed a barrage of grotesque tweets ridiculing Biden as low-IQ for his alleged garbled sentences and mental lapses. He hectored and arm-twisted a couple of heads of state to try and destroy Joe by prodding them to investigate his son’s business dealings. This cost him impeachment. But Trump didn’t care. Joe had to be destroyed.

Trump didn’t succeed in that. However, that failure won’t stop him.

He’ll almost certainly go after Joe’s past. This is cause for concern. Joe’s alleged political sins — Anita Hill, his Iraq War support, his anti-busing stance, his touting of the Clinton crime bill and his alleged propensity for being too touchy-feely with women — have been repeatedly tossed up in his face. He’s been ruthlessly pounded for it.

In any other season, Joe’s past sins on these issues might not be a potential deal-breaker. What’s different this time around is that he doesn’t have a prayer of wining the Oval Office without energizing mid-income, college-educated suburban women and African American voters in the five or six must-win states. A big, enthusiastic turnout from both groups is the only thing that can, in part, neutralize the big turnout Trump will get from his base in those states: less-educated white male and female blue-collar and rural voters.

No amount of earthy, tough talk from Joe is going to crack that with them. So that brings it back to revving up blacks and middle-class, educated white women to march to the polls in big numbers. The great lesson and mistake that should have been learned from 2016 is that banking on their loathing for everything that Trump represents won’t ensure their storming the polls to oust him.

Trump will have the bully pulpit of the presidency. He will again get piles of free media for any and every silly, inane utterance that he makes. He will have a near-united, take-no-prisoners GOP behind him.

Biden’s counter is a possible united and energized Democratic party. Possible, only, because he’ll have to pick well a VP running mate who can try and help him accomplish two Houdini-like tricks.

One is either to win over or at least not alienate Sanders supporters. The other is to win over or not alienate just enough rural, blue collar, less-educated whites in the five Heartland states and Florida that will decide the White House.

That’s a heavy lift for Joe in the coming battle with Trump — a battle that is Joe’s to win and lose.

“

What is wellknown is that many Democrats have always fervently believed that Biden is the only Democratic presidential contender who can beat Trump. Trump certainly thought that too.“

Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst.

The crises our families face every day

By JULIA MEJIA and IMARI PARIS JEFFRIES Inequality is nothing new; it’s only front-of-mind right now because we are in the middle of a pandemic. COVID-19 has turned life as we know it on its head. But for many, it intensified the challenges that parents and families already face in their daily lives.

So far, the conversation around COVID-19 susceptibility has understandably focused on the elderly and those with compromised health; however, there is another group which needs to be uplifted in our fight against this public health crisis, according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: working class people and those experiencing poverty.

Poor health outcomes are directly tied to our broken economic system. Low-income workers are more susceptible to chronic health conditions and, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, many low-income occupations see some of the highest rates of uninsured, such as cooks, construction laborers, cashiers, waitstaff and others. These are workers who do not have the luxury of working from home but, because of their occupation, are now deemed “essential.”

And this inequity is playing out in the newly released data on COVID-19 infection rates in New York City, the epicenter of the pandemic here in the U.S. Elmhurst hospital in Western Queens is the hardest hit, with ER visits over six times the city average. The population of Western Queens is

COVID-19 has turned life as we know it on its head.

But for many, it intensified the challenges that parents and families already face in their daily lives.

35% service workers, over 60% rent-burdened, and is the third most overcrowded neighborhood in the city.

This upsetting trend is reflected in the recent data on COVID-19 infection rates in Boston, with Mattapan, Dorchester and Hyde Park — neighborhoods with high rates of non-English speakers — being hit the hardest. According to data published by the Boston Health Commission on cases that have reported ethnic data, 44% of known cases are in the black community alone as of April 10.

The families we partner with at Parenting Journey and those Councilor Mejia represents are making difficult economic decisions every day, not just during a pandemic. We are hearing from families who are deciding whether to pay their electric bill or put food on the table, due to massive layoffs and work closures.

Not to mention those who are continuing to work despite dangerous working conditions so they can make ends meet.

We applaud the Massachusetts Legislature and Governor Baker for their swift action in addressing the emergent needs of families during this pandemic, like ensuring no one’s utilities are turned off, limiting evictions until the end of April, waiving the one-week

waiting period for unemployment benefits, and granting emergency sick time. On a local level, a call for a moratorium on rent, mortgages and evictions on commercial properties, filed by Councilor Mejia, seeks to uplift the voices of those living the realities in the time of this public health crisis.

But isn’t it time that we live in a society where these things are always available to the families who need them?

Nonprofits like Parenting Journey are doing our best to fill the gaps by providing emergency funding to families, but we can’t do this alone. If we are going to stop income inequality in its tracks, we must create a reality in which all families have enough in their savings account, or a strong enough social safety net, to weather any kind of crisis.

We realize that there is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach for families facing these challenges every day, but this virus is showing us that we need to do better.

As such, it is imperative that our local and state officials take bold measures to close the wealth gap and help our parents and families thrive every day.

Julia Mejia is an at-large Boston city councilor.

Imari Paris Jeffries is executive director of Parenting Journey.

IN THE NEWS

KYERA SINGLETON The Royall House and Slave Quarters museum of Medford announced that Kyera Singleton will serve as its new executive director.

Singleton is a PhD Candidate in the Department of American Culture at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and currently a dissertation fellow in the history department at Harvard University.

She has held academic fellowships from Emory University and the American Association of University Women. She has a B.A. in American Studies and Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies from Macalester College.

Singleton has demonstrated her commitment to making history both visible and accessible through public history projects in museums and nonprofits that are committed to social justice. She served as the Humanity in Action

COURTESY PHOTO

Policy Fellow for the ACLU of Georgia, where she worked on various issues including mass incarceration, reproductive justice, and voting rights. And she

was a research fellow for the Charles Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit.

Singleton believes history is a vehicle through which we can understand and affect the conditions of the present. She is immensely excited and grateful to represent the Royall House and Slave Quarters as the new Executive Director, and we are just as excited to welcome her to launch the museum’s next chapter.

In the eighteenth century, the Royall House and Slave Quarters was home to the largest slaveholding family in Massachusetts and the enslaved Africans who made their lavish way of life possible. Architecture, household items, and archaeological artifacts bear witness to the intertwined stories of wealth and bondage, set against the backdrop of America’s quest for independence.

6 • Thursday, April 16, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER

disparities continued from page 1

Mayor Martin Walsh has assembled a new COVID-19 Health Inequities Task Force to help the city better serve black, Latino and Asian communities.

“We know that there are significant inequities that put our communities of color and immigrant population at higher risk for contracting coronavirus, developing severe illness and impeding them from accessing care,” Walsh said.

The data city officials provided includes whites, blacks, Latinos and Asians, but has not been disaggregated to show nationalities such as Vietnamese, Cape Verdeans or Central Americans.

Immigration status is also not recorded in the data. Asians, who account for 9% of the city’s population, accounted for just 4% of infections in the city’s data.

Of patients where race is reported, 57% of COVID-19 positive patients are either black or Hispanic/Latino, according to the BPHC data released Friday. Additionally, 61% of COVID-19 positive patients are from Dorchester, Roxbury, Hyde Park and Mattapan.

Many of BMC’s COVID-19 positive patients have presented with higher rates of underlying conditions compared to historical data, including 34% with diabetes, 49% with hypertension and 52% with a Body Mass Index above 30, indicating obesity.

The BPHC data defines neighborhoods by zip codes, which don’t neatly correspond to popular notions of neighborhood boundaries.

As of Sunday, the South End, Chinatown and Lower Roxbury

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City officials secured basketball hoops at White Stadium with wooden boards. Outdoor sports are banned during the COVID-19 pandemic. zip codes 02111 and 02118 show the highest rate of infection, according to the BPHC data, with 78.9 percent of infections per 10,000 residents — more than twice the rate in the more heavily-white neighborhoods of West Roxbury (34.1 per 10,000) and Back Bay/Beacon Hill (23.2 per 10,000).

East Boston’s rate of infection, 50.7 per 10,000, underscores the risks facing low-wage workers in that majority Latino neighborhood. When the MBTA first cut service to subway lines two weeks ago, essential workers in East Boston commuting to grocery

stores, hospitals and janitorial services jobs were crowded on Blue Line trains heading toward downtown Boston.

While the MBTA has since restored rush hour service to the Blue Line as well as to the Green Line branches accessing the Longwood Medical area, many workers face continued exposure as they ride public transit to access essential jobs.

State Rep. Liz Miranda, who represents the 5th Suffolk District in Dorchester and Roxbury, made an appeal to her constituents to observe social distancing norms and stay home.

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“The cases that are happening in my district now are almost all young black men and Latino men,” she said. She noted that she has seen people playing soccer and basketball in parks in her district. “You cannot be throwing parties,” she added. “You cannot be going to basements for card games.”

Members of the city’s new COVID-19 Health Inequities Task Force include: • Dr. Thea James, Boston Medical Center • Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, IBA • Manny Lopes, East Boston Health Center

• Guale Valdez, Mattapan Community Health Center • Carol Rose, ACLU • Alexandra Oliver-Dávila, Sociedad Latina • Frederica Williams, Whittier Street Health Center • Michael Curry, Mass League of Community Health Centers • Dr. Joseph Betancourt, MGH • Karen Chen, CPA • Tanisha Sullivan, NAACP • Michele Courton Brown, Quality Interactions • Rev. Ray Hammond, Bethel AME Church • Rev. Gloria White Hammond, Bethel AME Church • Paul Watanabe, UMass Boston • Dr. Lorna Rivera, UMass Boston • Suzanne Lee, former principal, Josiah Quincy School • Eva Millona, MIRA Coalition • Marie St. Fleur, St. Fleur Communications, former State Representative • Rev. Sam Acevedo, COPHANI • Petrina Cherry, Boston Medical Center • Linda Dorcena Forry, Suffolk Construction • Dr. Jean Alves, Bowdoin Street Health Center • Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, DentaQuest Partnership for Oral Health Advancement According to the Mayor’s Office, the Task Force will review existing racial and ethnic data among Boston residents, as well as review data collection processes, data analysis and best practices related to the COVID-19 response for the Black, Latino, Asian and immigrant populations.

Material from the Mayor’s Press Office has been included in this report.

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City councilors discuss pandemic inequities

By KENNEAL PATTERSON Researchers predict that the COVID-19 pandemic could reach a peak in Massachusetts within the next week. Current totals for Massachusetts as of April 9 were 18,941 confirmed cases and 503 deaths. As hospitals prepare for an oncoming surge, Boston city councilors are devising new ways to protect city residents.

The pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity for low-income residents across the city. Financial stress, fear and citywide mandates have prevented some families from accessing food.

“Before the COVID-19 outbreak, 1-in-11 families in Massachusetts did not have enough food to feed themselves,” said City Councilor Julia Mejia in Wednesday’s council meeting. “While 61% of these families live in poverty, 34% are working class, meaning that they make too much money to qualify for governmental assistance, but make too little money to adequately feed themselves.”

Some families must travel long distances to get food, she noted, risking exposure on public transit or on the streets.

“This is dangerous, and it is unfair — that in times of crisis we tell poor people to just suck it up and take what they can,” said Mejia.

Councilor Liz Breadon said that the low-income elderly population, including immigrant elders, are experiencing these food shortages.

“They are frequent visitors to our food pantries historically, but in this crisis, they’re finding it increasingly difficult to access a food pantry,” she said.

One solution, noted the councilors, could be an accessible food delivery system. Mejia urged the city to take action.

“I think more needs to be done a lot sooner, so that we can keep our people alive,” she said.

Boston’s homeless population, too, is especially vulnerable. Families are taking refuge in shelters, despite the availability and abundance of empty units in the area.

Councilor Kenzie Bok urged property owners to rent out their vacant apartments to protect these vulnerable individuals.

“We have 500 families right now in shelter with housing vouchers who have not found permanent housing,” said Bok. “It’s a public health emergency for them.”

Some of the vacant units are newly available, as college students across the city have returned home due to protective mandates.

Boston has 500 vacant suitable units that are sitting in the housing

BANNER FILE PHOTO

At-large City Councilor Julia Mejia. stock, said Bok. Housing these families, she said, is an important act of human solidarity.

“This COVID-19 crisis has really put a spotlight on all the weaknesses and injustices of our society,” said Bok. “I think one thing it has shown us — which we already knew — is everyone needs a home to be safe.”

“

What we do have the authority to accomplish at the city level is to issue rent relief for city-owned and BPDAowned buildings.”

businesses in there that are struggling right now, that may or may not be able to survive economically this pandemic, and to which rent relief would make a big, big difference,” Wu said.

Councilor Ricardo Arroyo agreed. He said that it is incumbent on the Council to be creative about solutions and bring relief to these residents and business owners.

“We’re going to see more and more businesses and more and

more residents struggling to afford to stay where they are,” he said.

Wu noted that property taxes are a tremendous burden to residents and businesses — especially now. She ordered a hearing regarding property tax deferral: “Let’s evaluate what it looks like if the City of Boston were to help support and stabilize our community members who are really struggling with staying in their spaces,” she said.

In the wake of this crisis, Mejia

urged people to reconsider using a “deficit lens” when addressing low-income communities. She said that too many conversations focus on what these communities lack.

“We are not as hopeless or as helpless as people have been led to believe,” she said, adding that the city has an ability to “shift the narrative.”

Other resolutions at the April 8 meeting included Council President Kim Janey advocating for the protection of university workers who have been laid off.

Councilor Andrea Campbell urged Boston to create a mental health fund, as the pandemic’s impact has affected the mental health of many residents. Many are facing severe depression or anxiety throughout the crisis, and isolation also leads to higher rates of domestic violence.

Another grim reality is that communities of color and low-income residents are especially impacted by COVID-19, Campbell said. She referenced a Kaiser Family Foundation poll, published April 2, which found that 42% of all adults, and 53% of women, said that the crisis has affected their mental health. Nearly 20% said that it’s made a major impact — and Campbell said that this impact is higher for black and Latino individuals.

All of this adds up to an unknowable future, but it’s clear that much assistance will be needed.

“The scope of where relief will be needed is beyond what we know right now,” Campbell said.

— Michelle Wu Councilor Lydia Edwards noted that many voucher-holders seeking housing face an “unfortunate stigma” that they are less-than or not ideal tenants.

Councilor Michelle Wu also acknowledged the importance of keeping people in their homes. She said that the City Council does not have the ability to issue a rent moratorium, but it can provide relief in other ways, for instance to small businesses struggling to pay rent.

“What we do have the authority to accomplish at the city level is to issue rent relief for city-owned and BPDA-owned buildings,” Wu said.

These buildings include historic sites like Faneuil Hall.

“We know that there are several amazing community small

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“

COVID cases

I know we’ve been feeling like we’ve been dealing with this crisis for about three years now, but it’s really only been about a month.

We’re all wondering when we’re going to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I want to assure you that day will come. But I need each and every one of you to help us get there.”

continued from page 1

what can be done about them. So we’ve been collecting and sharing race and ethnicity data in Boston.”

These communities need accessible testing and screening, said Walsh. He said that the Whittier Street Health Center in Roxbury is offering scheduled, rapid-result testing starting Monday. The Health Center has been a champion in reducing health disparities, said Walsh.

City officials are extending stay-at-home orders as the virus claims more lives. Walsh reminded residents to adhere to health guidelines, and he dispelled myths surrounding immunity for young people. People under the age of 40 account for 40% of the state’s cases, he said, adding that contagious people may be asymptomatic.

The mayor acknowledged the difficulty of the crisis and urged patience.

“I know we’ve been feeling like we’ve been dealing with this crisis for about three years now, but it’s really only been about a month,” he said. “We’re all wondering when we’re going to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I want to assure you that day will come. But I need each and every one of you to help us get there.”

Difficult times lie ahead, noted

— Mayor Martin Walsh BANNER PHOTO

Most joggers, walkers and golfers at Franklin Park Saturday wore face masks in keeping with Boston Public Health Commission recommendations.

Gov. Charlie Baker during a conference Monday. There will be an uptick in emergency response calls, he said, as well as more patients rushing to hospitals.

“This hasn’t been easy, but across the state people have stepped up, adapted to these trying times and are doing their part to stop the spread of the disease,” he said.

Baker has joined with governors of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Rhode Island to form a joint regional task force that will determine when it’s safe for the states to reopen non-essential businesses.

The Broad Institute and Massachusetts National Guard launched a mobile testing program for nursing home residents on March 31. More than 3,700 onsite tests have been collected at more than 220 facilities, and facilities with trained clinical staff can order their own kits. Last week, the program was expanded to include certain assisted living residences.

Even so, there needs to be more

budget

continued from page 1

Starting on April 13th, 2020, Whittier Street Health Center will offer the 15 minute COVID19 RAPID RESULT TEST at 1290 Tremont Street, Roxbury, MA 02120 on Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

For more information, please check our website: www.wshc.org or call 617 427 1000 to schedule an appointment.

We prefer that you schedule an appointment, but walk-ins will be served, giving priority to those with scheduled appointments.

We will also provide COVID19 RAPID RESULT TESTS ON WHITTIER’S MOBILE HEALTH VAN AT DESIGNATED LOCATIONS. For the Mobile Health Van schedule, please check our website for the schedule.

We are also open for other non-COVID19 related medical and behavioral health issues for all ages. Your good health is our number one priority!

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the largest item. An additional $80 million in funding to the schools represents a 7 percent increase. Fiscal year 2021 is the first of three years in which the administration plans to implement a previously announced overall $100 million increase in spending, with targeted investments in 33 schools the state has deemed underperforming.

Funding for meals and Chromebook computers for BPS students has come out of the 2020 budget and will not affect the 2021 budget.

Other spending priorities include investments in affordable housing, including $2.5 million for the city’s first-ever rental voucher program and $1.8 million for addressing youth and family homelessness.

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the administration has committed $9 million in additional funding for the Boston Public Health Commission, bringing its budget to $100 million.

Walsh said the budget will further his administration’s commitment to equity and help lead the city through the pandemic and its aftermath.

“I believe that with responsible fiscal planning, with investments in the equity, health and

testing, and faster, said Baker.

“We’re a top-10 tester on a per-capita basis,” he said, “but if you were to say to any of us up here, ‘Are we doing enough testing?’ we would say no.”

Testing has increased fourfold in Chelsea, however. Chelsea’s largely Latino community has experienced financial burdens and high caseloads throughout the pandemic. In addition, Baker said that thousands of new meals will be delivered per week, and hotels are opening their doors for people that need to self-isolate.

The Baker administration also established the Manufacturing Emergency Response Team (MERT) on April 2 to produce well-being of our residents, and with our spirit of courage and collaboration, we will emerge together from this crisis stronger and more resilient than before,” he said in a statement to the news media.

Council questions

During the City Council budget hearing, Sterritt and Handy took councilors’ questions, many of which were focused on how the pandemic would affect the city’s finances.

Sterritt told the councilors that property tax revenue would not likely decline in the coming years, but he added that a sustained recession could affect real estate development and construction and would have effect on revenue growth. Property taxes on businesses and residences make up 72 percent of the city’s revenue.

Other sources of revenue, including state aid and local excise taxes, could be affected by a downturn in the economy, Sterritt said.

The impacts of a recession would be felt more acutely in next year’s 2022 budget.

The city’s current revenue projections assume a resumption of the economy some time in fiscal year 2021.

“The question we won’t know until later down the line is what that new normal looks like, and what is the new baseline of revenue that we’re collecting,” Sterritt said.

personal protective equipment and replenish diminishing supplies. MERT assists small businesses with manufacturing PPE; for instance, the 3-D greeting card company Lovepop is now making face shields, surgical gowns and shoe coverings.

“As usual, we are blown away with the resiliency, imagination and creativity of many of our entrepreneurs and business owners,” said Baker.

April 15 marks the seventh anniversary of the Boston Marathon Bombing, and the date is now known as “One Boston Day.” Baker urged residents to practice kindness on Wednesday and protect the city’s most vulnerable.

“We’re asking you to join us in standing together while standing apart,” he said.

“That’s really going to be a moving target.”

The city has taken a cautious approach to budgeting, given the economic uncertainty the world economy is facing. The 4.4% increase in the city budget is the smallest in the last five years, according to Sterritt, who said the city is in good position to weather economic downturn, with healthy reserves.

The budget has projected a decrease in local receipts from $97 million last year to $87 million this year, given the lack of revenue from hotel room occupancy taxes.

District 1 Councilor Lydia Edwards questioned whether the city’s capital budget will be able to honor the mayor’s $500 million commitment to affordable housing over the next three years.

Sterritt acknowledged that much of the funding for the construction and preservation of affordable housing will depend on the state Legislature supporting the mayor’s bill establishing a Boston real estate transfer tax and the planned sale of the Lafayette Garage, neither of which is a certainty.

“Beacon Hill has functionally come to a stop over anything that’s non COVID-related,” he said.

Sterritt said, however, that the housing voucher program will move forward.

“We do feel like that’s a program that will ramp up over time,” he said.

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Medical staffing companies cut doctor pay Firms want bailout money

By ISAAC ARNSDORF PROPUBLICA Medical staffing companies — some of which are owned by some of the country’s richest investors and have been cutting pay for doctors on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic — are seeking government bailout money.

Private equity firms have increasingly bought up doctors’ practices that contract with hospitals to staff emergency rooms and other departments. These staffing companies say the coronavirus pandemic is, counterintuitively, bad for business because most everyone who isn’t critically ill with COVID-19 is avoiding the ER. The companies have responded with pay cuts, reduced hours and furloughs for doctors.

Emergency room visits across the country have fallen roughly 30%, and the patients who are coming tend to be sicker and costlier to treat, the American College of Emergency Physicians said in an April 3 letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar. The professional group asked the Trump administration to provide $3.6 billion of aid to emergency physician practices.

“Without immediate federal financial resources and support separate from what is provided to hospitals, fewer emergency physicians will be left to care for patients, a shortfall which will only be further exacerbated as they try to make preparations for the COVID-19 surge,” the organization said in the letter.

The American College of Emergency Physicians’ 38,000 members include employees of large staffing firms as well as academic medical centers and small doctor-owned practice groups. The letter was signed by the group’s president, William P. Jaquis, whose day job is as a senior vice president at Envision Healthcare, a top staffing firm owned by private equity giant KKR. Envision, which has 27,000 clinicians, said it’s cutting doctors’ pay in areas that are seeing fewer patients, as well as delaying bonuses and profit-sharing,

retirement contributions, raises and promotions. The company also cut senior executives’ salaries in half and will impose pay cuts or furloughs for nonclinical employees. However, Envision said that it’s adding doctors in hard-hit New York and other coronavirus hot spots.

“Where they lose their normal billing revenue, medical groups are losing money. Where medical groups are losing money, they have to reduce salaries and furlough workers,” Envision CEO Jim Rechtin said in a statement. “Unfortunately, we are no different.”

KKR didn’t respond to requests for comment. Co-founders Henry Kravis and George Roberts said they’ll donate $50 million to first responders and health workers, as well as forgoing bonuses and the rest of their salaries for the year, Forbes reported. Forbes estimates Kravis’ wealth at $5.6 billion and Roberts’ at $5.8 billion.

Before the pandemic, Envision made a lucrative business out of buying practice groups in specialties where patients don’t choose their provider, such as ER physicians and anesthesiologists, according to Dr. Marty Makary, a surgical oncologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine who studies health care costs. Envision could then charge patients high prices for outof-network care, a practice known as “surprise billing.” The model was profitable until a public backlash led lawmakers to investigate the practice, according to Makary.

“Private equity consolidated large physician groups in an unprecedented financial gamble using capital and banking on revenue not skipping a beat,” Makary said. “When the investment model works, investors get rich. When the investment goes sour, who bears the risk? As in the mortgage crisis of 2008, taxpayers are bearing the risk of financial gambles of investors.”

Envision won’t send surprise bills to COVID-19 patients, the company said; patients will be responsible only for in-network copays.

Health insurance companies, which are often at odds with doctors and staffing companies over payment disputes, have said they support government aid to hospitals and doctors, but they specified that relief should go to “small and independent practices.” A lobbying group representing insurers and

“

…federal funds should not be used to bail out private equity firms during a public health emergency, especially when there are no federal surprise billing protections in place to protect consumers at their most vulnerable.”

— Coalition Against Surprise Medical Billing

business groups raised concerns about the potential for investors to benefit from the emergency physicians’ request for $3.6 billion.

“We need to do everything to support health care workers on the frontlines of this pandemic, and we want to make sure they get the resources they need to care for patients and protect themselves,” the Coalition Against Surprise Medical Billing said in a statement to ProPublica. “At the same time, federal funds should not be used to bail out private equity firms during a public health emergency, especially when there are no federal surprise billing protections in place to protect consumers at their most vulnerable.”

The top lobbyist for the

American College of Emergency Physicians, Laura Wooster, warned that efforts to single out companies with rich backers could catch patients in the crossfire.

“If you start trying to parse big or small, independent or not, it’s going to get messy really quickly,” Wooster said in an interview. “This isn’t the time to figure out too late that unintended consequences left a rural emergency department understaffed because it happened to be staffed by one of the bigger groups.”

Wooster noted that it’s not only big private equity-backed staffing firms that are hurting, and she provided data from small practice groups that are also losing business and scaling back. She said she

couldn’t commit to conditions on receiving aid — such as restricting “surprise billing,” investor payouts or executive bonuses — without seeing how the terms are structured. She said the administration hasn’t offered a proposal at that level of detail nor asked for one.

Katy Talento, a health adviser to President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2019, offered a different view. “If they’re private equity-owned, I have no sympathy, and I don’t think any patient out there struggling paycheck to paycheck — if they have a paycheck — is remotely interested in the crocodile tears of private equity firms and their revenue losses,” she said. “We have to target rescue funds to the hardest-hit areas, and emergency physicians are not the hardest-hit target of our charity.”

The administration hasn’t said much about how it plans to distribute a $100 billion fund for health care providers that was part of the $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package. Last Friday, Azar said “a portion” of the money would reimburse hospitals for caring for uninsured patients. He said providers would get paid at Medicare rates and prohibited from billing patients beyond that.

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HIP HOP

Sonia Manzano to speak at Simmons Leadership Conference ‘Sesame Street’ actress one of first leading Latina women on television

AND

By COLETTE GREENSTEIN

BASQUIAT

By Celina Colby

On Friday, April 3, the Museum of Fine Arts launched its exhibition “Writing the Future: Basquiat and the Hip-Hop Generation” on Instagram. The show was intended to debut at the museum this month, but as COVID-19 caused the arts institution to close doors, the MFA followed Basquiat’s lead and took the show to the streets. Or, the 2020 version of the streets: the internet.

The show explores the work of pioneering street artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in the 1980s, his connection to hip-hop culture and the collaborations he had with other artists at the time.

It’s divided into seven sections: Post-Graffiti, Community Portraiture, Writers, Music, Futurisms, Bodies, Ascension. Contemporary voices in both hip-hop and street art, local and otherwise, weigh in on Basquiat’s continued impact on the scene.

The now-virtual exhibition debuted with a party, the first

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“Insta Late Nite” online gathering hosted by local artist Oompa on Instagram’s livestream feature.

Exhibition co-curators Liz Munsell and Greg Tate joined in to celebrate the opening of this social-media-hosted presentation.

The exhibition has been displayed primarily in Instagram stories, and then saved in Highlights in the MFA’s profile for future reference. In one of the initial show previews, Munsell and Tate provided context for the exhibition and then curatorial interpretations alongside images of work that are exhibited.

The intertwining of the hiphop and street art worlds is evident in Basquiat’s work. For example, he created the album cover for “Beat Bop: Rammellzee Vs. K–Rob” and produced many portraits of black and Latinx friends and family, some of who were musicians and artists themselves.

“Basquiat ensured these artists’ presence through portraiture, valorizing black and brown creatives

from his community,” Munsell says in a story slide depicting Basquiat’s “Hollywood Africans” piece. “By depicting himself too, he documented his present moment and projected his own image into the future alongside them.”

The MFA had several friends of Basquiat weigh in on his work and collaborations among street artists, including Kool Koor and Lee Quiñones, and brought in the local hip-hop community to tie contemporary culture into Basquiat’s ethos and artwork.

Via Instagram, art-lovers can view a virtual tour of the show, listen to a Spotify playlist Tate curated for the exhibition, watch concurrent movies suggested by the museum’s film curators, see how the physical exhibition space was designed, and participate in Q&As with the show’s developers.

Many of these resources are also available on the MFA’s website, www.mfa.org.

The Basquiat exhibition was

MFA launches street artists’ exhibition online Check out the exhibition at www.instagram.com/mfaboston initially planned to run at the museum through Aug. 2. However, as the museum has announced it will remain closed to the public through June 30, with live public programs canceled through Aug. 31, the dates of the show are subject to change and perhaps will be extended for the benefit of in-person viewers.

In the meantime, free of entrance fees and transportation barriers, the online exhibition does just what Basquiat did: It brings art to the people.

Best known for her role as Maria on PBS’ groundbreaking children’s series “Sesame Street,” actress Sonia Manzano is one of the signature session speakers at this year’s Simmons Leadership Conference. Due to the COVID19 pandemic, the professional development conference will be held virtually for the first time in its continuous 41-year history, on April 16.

Powered by Cisco and Vbrick, the virtual main stage offers registered participants the opportunity to listen to panel discussions, engage in moderated question-and-answer sessions, and participate in live polling. The conference begins at 9:00 a.m. with welcoming remarks by Emmy Award-winning journalist Joyce Kulhawick, followed by keynote addresses, signature sessions and business panels.

Emmy Award-winning actress Sonia Manzano joins a powerful lineup of accomplished women that includes Serena Williams, tennis champion, activist and entrepreneur; Pat Mitchell, media pioneer and former CEO of PBS and CNN Productions; and Muffet McGraw, head coach for Notre Dame’s women’s basketball team.

Each will discuss what this year’s theme of “Defining Power” means to them.

Manzano, a South Bronx native of Puerto Rican descent, was one of the first leading Latina women on television, having joined the PBS series in 1971. Coming of age against the backdrop of the civil

See MANZANO, page 11

(above) Hollywood Africans, 1983.

Jean‑Michel Basquiat (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York.

Gift of Douglas S. Cramer. Digital Image © Whitney Museum of American Art / Licensed by Scala / Licensed by Art Resource. © Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Licensed by Artestar, New York. (left) Untitled, 1982. Futura. Private Collection © Futura 2000 / Wave 5 Communications LLC. COURTESY, MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, BOSTON.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF SIMMONS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Sonia Manzano

Thursday, April 16, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER • 11

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Manzano

“When I got on Sesame Street, I always remembered that there might be a kid that was in the same situation I was, looking for comfort on television, and I knew it was bigger than letters or numbers,” says Manzano. “I knew it was an oasis of peace, an oasis of communication through television. And that was an intriguing concept to me.”

And for 44 years, until she retired from the long-running children’s series in 2015, Manzano made sure she accurately represented the Latino community. “As an actor, I quickly realized that was probably the least powerful role you could have, unless you’re Meryl Streep, being in front of the camera,” says Manzano. “I wanted to contribute more, and I started doing it behind the camera. The writing is where the power lay.”

As part of the show’s writing team, the actress and educator won 15 Emmy Awards.

She also authored several children’s books, as well as her 2015 memoir, “Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx,” and was recognized with a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. Manzano continues to be a beacon of light and hope in educating children and youth through her national speaking engagements.

continued from page 10

PHOTO: CELINA COLBY

A finished mask and the sewing tools used to make it.

City councilor, textile artists make face masks for healthcare workers

By CELINA COLBY Boston textile artists have turned their talents from statement-making art projects to the Boston Area Mask Initiative to make face masks for healthcare workers and citizens in need.

Just days after launching its website on March 22, The Boston Area Mask Initiative had received 2,400 requests from medical workers for fabric masks. The need has remained steady in the past few weeks, with hundreds of masks being distributed daily.

City Councilor Annissa Essaibi-George, who also is owner of Stitch House in Dorchester, has been churning out masks from her shop, which is closed to the public.

Stitch House also serves as a mask drop-off facility and has distributed kits to other sewers looking to contribute.

Essaibi-George estimates Stitch House has sewn 500 masks and distributed kits for 1,000 others.

“If you participate in any sort of craft, whether it’s knitting, whether it’s sewing, whether it’s quilting, we as a community are doers,” she says. “I try to keep the first half of my day for my council work and then the afternoon into late-night I’ve been up at my shop every night for hours making masks.”

Essaibi-George, a longtime advocate to end homelessness, has also

“

I try to keep the first half of my day for my council work and then the afternoon into latenight I’ve been up at my shop every night for hours making masks.”

— City Councilor Annissa Essaibi-George

partnered with The Winter Walk to provide masks for homeless individuals at high risk.

There are a variety of different styles of fabric face masks, some that include pockets for filters and some that serve just as a basic face covering. None of these fabric masks are meant to replace medical-grade masks, but health care workers can use them as an extra layer of protection to prolong the use of their surgical masks. Ordinary citizens can wear them as a covering per Mayor Walsh’s instructions to have a face covering on whenever outside home.

Stitch House also has been running Zoom and Facebook Live workshops and sew-alongs to allow the textile arts community to work together while apart. These

gatherings are sometimes instructional but also mimic a craft circle, with the sewers discussing their lives and bonding during a challenging time.

“It’s sometimes a lonely community, because you can find yourself working on your craft solo. To be able to do this with others and do it virtually, it’s really nice to be connected to other people,” says Essaibi-George.

The Boston Area Mask Initiative Facebook page has come alive with makers joining together to compare sewing notes, discuss where to get supplies and celebrate the large batches of masks that are completed daily.

Though health is the first concern in this project, joy is a welcome side effect. Essaibi-George recalls a nurse friend asking her for a fabric mask to wear to and from work instead of her medical-grade mask. She wanted something lively and pretty to bring brightness into her challenging days.

Essaibi-George created a vibrant floral mask for her.

“If I can lift her spirits in that little way,” she says, “I feel that I’ve got a small gift to give somebody, and it’s what I can do.”

rights movement, the anti-Vietnam War movement and the turmoil of the 1960s, Manzano instinctively understood the importance of representation.

As a young child, she grew up in a chaotic home with an alcoholic and abusive father who battered her mother. She found herself escaping the instability of her household and finding solace through television and the shows “Father Knows Best” and “Leave It to Beaver.”

“I wondered about that world, and I wondered how I would contribute to a society that didn’t see me,” recalls Manzano, speaking by phone earlier this month.

“People would ask you what you wanted to be when you grew up and you had no idea. There were no Latin teachers or doctors.

You just didn’t see any images of yourself. There were ‘Dick and Jane’ books at school.”

“Sesame Street” was one of the first television programs to boldly feature a more representative world. Manzano was a college student at the time and was excited to see people of color sitting on an inner-city stoop on the children’s program, similar to her experience growing up in the South Bronx.

At age 21, the actress, whose professional career began with a starring role in the off-Broadway production of “Godspell,” landed the role of Maria Rodriguez.

ON THE WEB Simmons Leadership Conferencee virtual experience and full program schedule:

https://leadership.simmons.edu

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The Bay State Banner—online and in print—a new issue every Thursday. SEE FOR YOURSELF.

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FILM REVIEW

‘Cuba’

MUSIC REVIEW

Wil B. (left) and Kev Marcus

Feminist Fusion

COURTESY PHOTO

Film explores the island’s unique heritage

BANNER PHOTO

for the Boston Thousands turned out

Latina band LADAMA rocks the Berklee stage

Women’s March Saturday.

Forward organized by March affiliated is not Massachusetts, Inc., the with Women’s March e for the 1

By CELINA COLBY on responsibl organizati n, D.C. march. original Washingto Massachusetts, Inc. has recently municipal office in Women’s March The Museum proud to see the of Science of allegations on Feb. of spoke about being been the subject its guiding 15 debuted in public office. its latest amongfilm ismIMAX ofgrowing diversity anti-Semit she was elected this was not fering, “Cuba,” a Although 50-minute She said that when peek unbeliev- members. at the Boston addressed the explicitly vibrant culture in 2017, it had seemed nointo

By CELINA COLBY of the other Ca- diwere Rowe, executive able, because there ribbean island. march, Cindy The film was pro- for Alliance office. women like her in rector of the Jewish spoke onduced specifically imaginable for the giant “It has now become Law and Social Action, On Thursday, March 21, the screen format ing, refugee

by Golden against a long to have a hijab-wear stage with SullivanGate 3D anConin feminist Latina band LADAMA Muslimin association , including with BBC Somali-American victo- list of prejudices Earth, xenophobia “All those performed at Berklee as part of the Giant , racism, Screen Films and gress,” Butt said. ti-Semitism the Giant 2016, in ble ia.

Celebrity Series of Boston Stave Theater ries seemed unimagina Dome and homophob Consortium. they are not only here by the thousands Sessions festival. The group com“We are and now in 2019, The Museum of Science’s reject all 180are reality.”

Common to imaginable, they on Boston prises four talented female mudegree moredome screen speak out say that to the is one and of of hate, Butt went on to sicians from four countries: Lara running few in the forms thethat seek to tear that forces will show women should continue momen- country 13 against Klaus (Brazil); Daniela Serna the “We are here pg for office, to continue the film. us apart,” Rowe said.

(Colombia); Mafer Bandola (Venpg 12 tum and create more change. not be divided.”

“We are thrilled will say weto bring “Cuba” brought the to the optimism from ezuela); and Sara Lucas (United The march also to the Mugar Omni Despite Theater, pg 11 transto the spotlight, to the changes due diversity of speakers States). Pat Swoboda accompanied theme many to meet porting our visitors speBANNER PHOTO a first pan-Women’s up speakers to talk observed since the them on the bass. Fusing music Common bringing orama of people of faces clear from and personalities rights in 2017, it wason proceeded from the Boston cifically about the Jewish March and education, cultural heritage Women’s March, which the ,Caribbean’s and overall chants largest island,” of empowerment to the said of color, Native Americans , the speeches, Common. signs with messages disabilities and contemporary flair, the group that none of pg 13 Public Garden to the Doty, manager of anger Demonstrators brought women, people with Robin Omni then looped around the of vio- expressionof the victims aims to transcend boundaries and were ready to stop to Commonwealth Avenue, and 4D Theater attendees LGBTQ+ people, theat the museum, in s. bring people together. yet. lence and immigrant a release. seek out films that that you con-“Wefighting Washington “I’m going to ask highlightand “I have been in Throughout their two-hour rights the diversity of weeks the world and people have two for 13 tinue to fight for gender pg now Stave Sessions set, each LADAMA I’m around to women us, including matter cultures, I’m disillusione

By COLETTE GREENSTEIN many possibilities to as wide an the d, if tell other issues that not asked me if musician seamlessly played multhat you butarts, technological Pressley said. “I and” scientific audience as possible. and our families, dismayed, CHECK OUT MORE BUSINESS NEWS a luxury and the weight tiple instruments and sang everythat cynicism is not and more.”

ONLINE: WWW.BAYSTATPart forget the intersectionadvancements of what fuels EBANNER.COM/ them, they constant and them afford. I wake up every dayThe classical hip-hop duo CATEGORY/NEW thing from protest songs to unifyof this country’s most The we can information Tani- threads and say, is the way that the kids’ eyes S/BUSINESS said film with purposed feet Black Violin, composed of clasing ballads. Gonzalez strummed persistent foe: racism,” Black Violin’s genre-bend- light clear eyed, about you Boston history and culture that sically-trained of Cuba’s up when they see Black violist Wilner ing sound, which sha Sullivan, president a strength of conviction magic from the chords of the banfor different through n three justice has been Washingto and story me to de- Violin perform.

Baptiste (Wil B.) and violinist NAACP. “Equality One have delivered lines. dola llanera, a traditional Veneble.”Patricia scribed as “classical boom,” has justice.” follows non-negotia to fight Torres Diaz, “I know for sure that somea for Kevin Sylvester (Kev Marcus), mandate women of color is a March, with a zuelan instrument with few wellexposed them to an ever-growyoung ballet dancer hoping to land The Boston Women’s thing about what has

march

continued from page

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Film review: ‘Cuba’ at Museum of Science

, March 28, 2019 Vol. 54 No. 35 • Thursday

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FOR STUDENTS ENTER A BPE Teaching Academ

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with

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support and enrich

time programs in the

President Jessica Tang Boston Teachers Union on.

Councilor Kim Janey looks

speaks during a rally outside

BANNER PHOTO

Building as City the Bruce Bolling Municipal

ling Teachers, parents cal rts po sup nt de stu re mo for nts, activists say stude Declining budgets short-change

By YAWU MILLER

Union While Boston Teachers midst of neleadership is in the raises and gotiations over pay Public other matters with Boston outside the Schools officials, Buildl Municipa Bruce Bolling staff raling teachers and school for more relied last Wednesday in which sources for the schools they teach. need we because out “I came every single a full-time nurse in

Mathieu, school,” said Anthony Boston Latin a history teacher at Academy. wants to Teacher Francis Pina specialists in see more inclusion classrooms Boston Public Schools disabilities so that students with regular educan keep up with the they learn, cation classes in which wn High including his Charlesto School math class. are certiWhile many teachers education fied to teach in special as in regular classrooms as well g to education rooms, attemptin

been smashing musical ste- ing we do coma highly sought-after spot in the fan base and opened the pletely transforms them,” says reotypes for more than a decade. door to numerous opportuniCuban National Ballet Company.

Baptiste, a father of three young The two musicians met in ties.

Another follows Eusebio Leal, city They performed at Presi- children. orchestra class at Dillard High dent Obama’s inauguration ball historian of Havana, in his life’s Sylvester and Baptiste are School for the Performing Arts in 2013, headlined their own work to preserve the unique archistrong proponents for educain Fort Lauderdale, Florida. show on Broadway, and opened tecture and history of the capital tional outreach. In 2017 they Years later, they reconnected for Kanye West in Dubai and city. Lastly, viewers learn about the were announced as Turnaround after attending separate colleges Jay-Z in Switzerland. They have work of Fernando Bretos, a marine Artists for Mary M. Bethune Elin South Florida and combined collaborated with Alicia Keys, biologist, and Dr. Daria Siciliano, a ementary School in their hometheir love for hip-hop music Wu-Tang Clan, Aerosmith, Lil marine scientist. The duo is studytown of Broward County, Florwith their classical training to Wayne and Wyclef Jean. In ing Cuba’s coral reefs, which have ida. Turnaround Arts, founded form Black Violin. The duo per2016, the duo composed the thrived and grown while other reefs

by President Obama’s Comforms with DJ SPS and drumscore for the Fox television worldwide die out. mittee on the Arts and the Humer Nat Stokes. series “Pitch.”

These storylines ground the film manities in 2011, is a national Black Violin’s breakthrough Currently on their “Impossi- education in the human experience while program of the John moment came with a win at ble Tour,” which began in Janualso explaining why the island is F. Kennedy Center for the Per“Showtime at the Apollo” in ary, Black Violin is slated to persuch a unique ecosystem and culforming Arts that infuses arts 2005. The duo’s appearance on form through the summer, with tural melting pot. “Cuba” doesn’t into struggling schools to supthe talent competition set the a stop at The Wilbur in Boston delve into the political challenges port overall reform efforts. stage for what was to come next. on Friday, April 5 at 8 p.m. The the country has encountered, but it The musicians say they love “It solidified us mentally. It Impossible also doesn’t sugarcoat the country’s Tour began shortly being involved made us really realize that we in the program after the group wrapped last past. Instead, Director Peter Chang and with an organization they had something special,” says year’s successful Classical Boom illustrates how economic chalbelieve in.

Wil B., speaking to the Banner Tour, which included more than lenges have created a distinctive re“This is what we’re about. recently by phone. “That gave 90 concerts and back-to-back sourcefulness and resilience in the This is what we’re meant for,” us the confidence to really go island’s residents. Cuba’s economic whole.” sold-out performances at the says Baptiste. “This is what full force.” the community as a I’m and Kennedy Center in Washingchallenges have even contriba week after here to do. If I have something, comes Since then, they have recorded The policy ton, D.C. uted to theByunique LAVERY that TREAecosystem Liberties I want to be three Civil able to give it back with the third, “SteAmerican the albums, Bretos and Siciliano are studying. released a In addition to the group’s to the universe.” reotypes,” settsmajor their Massachu own tours, Black Violin has perUnion of marking “It’s the architecture, Attorney label the large the tenure debut on Universal County District data fromMusic.

Suffolk formed for more than 100,000 unspoiled report using swaths of land and a “Stereotypes” the Dan officially released Attorney debuted Rollins at No. District 1 Rachael students cities. former and Cuba is so unique and in more than 125 includes onofthe Billboard Classicalthat in 2013 Monday that fasmemo public shows across the U.S. policy A cinating. world unto itself,” says Conley that revealed Crossflagged and No.15 campaign promise over chart 4 on the Billcharges on herthe and Europe, and they often On the web Chang. action “Seeing 2014, the and R&B landscapes 15 minor board chart. band re-nearly to prosecute dismissed have young people join them on andtothe wereThe decline cityscapes on this large

by Rollins Black Violin: http://blackviolin.net/ leased the song “Dreamer” addition, stage. For Baptiste and Sylvestime. Inand canvas will make people realize crimes. percent of the Info/tickets for April 5 Boston show: accompanying to the res- its 60 thatwho were exposed video last cases ter, offall, a promise what’s there, just 90 “I made 10 percent to music https://thewilbur.com/artist/black-violin/ miles from our for andonly theyabout plan to release aafourth that n in middle border.” school, it’s about shar- Turnaround d to dispositio idents of Suffolk County were Arts program: thisprosecute summer. ytheir love of music t offenses, I album ing exclusivel nonviolen were and its http://turnaroundarts.kennedy-center.org low-level, during that time to Prose declination or

“This is what I’m here to do. If I have something , I want to be able to give it back to the universe. ”

emphasiz diversion which was Learn more said lins at: in the memo, www.mos.org/imax/cuba staff Monday distributed to her Monday and released to the public was part of a night. “That decision two important strategy to achieve to reduce the footprint first, goals: ously shortsystem where do both simultane of the criminal justice education interest, special safety the public no changes it served more of our students, Pina says. and second, to allocate the speto the serious “They’re not getting prosecution resources the minutes families, cialized support and offenses that harm people, required to of instruction they’re get by law,” he said. teacher For kinderga rten such as Peejay Clarke, supplies and paint for markers, paper, glue the Martin his K2 classroom at would be Luther King K-8 School a good place to start. would ON THE WEB whenever possible,” Rol-

cite Advocates in favor, developers S

By KAREN MORALE

known female players. Serna spat Spanish rhymes with a casual ease.

Stave Sessions is a series that features up-and-coming musical trailblazers in an intimate setting.

The series ran for five nights, from March 19 to 23, and featured musicians from a variety of genres and backgrounds.

Everything about LADAMA’s work transcends boundaries. The musicians fly across country and continent lines to rehearse and record together. Their rhythms fuse chords from traditional

See LADAMA, page 14

See BPS, page 10

allow the and Kim Janey, would fee of city to impose a transfer between up to 6 percent, split on sales of buyers and sellers, wned commercial and investor-o $2 million. properties exceeding includes also The proposal 25 percent, a higher fee, up to of propon repeat transfers in order months, 24 within erty practices in to deter “flipping” neighborhoods. the new All funds raised by the city’s fees would go to

trust for neighborhood housing preservation the production and of affordable housing. ownThe fee would exempt between er-occupants, transfers under sales family members and $2 million. at last City councilors present Janey, included week’s hearing Flaherty, MiEdwards, Michael Campbel l, chelle Wu, Andrea and Matt Josh Zakim, Ed Flynn O’Malley. another “ This would be to prevent tool in the toolbox

See TRANSFER, page 15

Rachael Rollins

www.baystatebanner.com

BIZ BITS TAX PREP How the property tax deduction works The property tax deduction is one of many benefits of being a homeowner, but you don’t need to own a house to get this tax break — there are other ways to qualify.

WHAT’S DEDUCTIBLE

You might be able to deduct property and real estate taxes you pay on your: n Primary home n Co-op apartment (see IRS publication 530 for special rules) n Vacation homes n Land n Property outside the United States n Cars, RVs and other vehicles n Boats In 2018, there’s a new limit: You may deduct up to $10,000 ($5,000 if married filing separately) for a combination of property taxes and either state and local income taxes or sales taxes.

WHAT’S NOT DEDUCTIBLE

The IRS doesn’t allow property tax deductions for:

LADAMA— Their rhythms fuse chords from traditional instruments with a contemporary message empowering women to own their own talents and experience.

PHOTOS:

charges from the “Decline ecute” list. question: “Our analysis begs the charged for Why are people being Wilner Baptiste being proseShamsothat arehasnot Ahmed created crimes a salon in the South End where observant executive Muslim women can have their hair styled in privacy. cuted?” said Carol Rose, of Massachudirector of the ACLU . “Diversion is setts, in a statement the disposal of an important tool at many but officials, law enforcement

KAREN MORALES

South End Shamso Hair Studio caters to wome n of all faiths

By KAREN MORALES ROLLINS, page 6 See

For some people, getting a haircut is a normal, regular task, checked off the to-do list without a second thought. However, for Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab, having their hair styled at a public salon poses a challenge to their faith.

The newly opened Shamso Hair Studio and Spa in the South End, founded by local entrepreneur Shamso Ahmed, provides a space for Muslim women — or any woman of any faith — to get styled and pampered in a private, ladies-only setting.

According to their faith, Muslim women must remain modest and cover their hair with the hijab in the presence of any non-relative males, but salons in Massachusetts are open to both men and women.

“It limits where you go,” said Ahmed in an interview with the Banner. “The only option for Muslim women around here was to befriend a stylist and have them come to your home.”

February and is located at 1807 her over a month to “There should be a place for Washington St., has its get approval wide store- from the state any woman, no matter her to black out the belief, front windows covered by neutral windows. to feel comfortable and safe PHOTO and BANNER shades to ensure modesty for its get the privacy she’s looking “Nothing in this process for,” clientele. has she said. been easy,” she added.

Because the space is in a The salon, which opened in hisThe salon’s interior is like steplate toric building, Ahmed says it took ping into your glamorous aunt’s

n Property taxes on property you don’t own n Property taxes you haven’t paid yet n Assessments for building streets, sidewalks or water and sewer systems in your neighborhood.

(Assessments or taxes for maintenance or repair of those things are deductible, though.) n The portion of your tax bill that’s actually for services — water or trash, for example n Transfer taxes on the sale of house n Homeowners association assessments n Payments on loans that finance energy-saving home improvements.

(The interest portion of your payment might be deductible as home mortgage interest, though.) n More than $10,000 ($5,000 if married filing separately) for a combination of property taxes and either state and local income taxes or sales taxes

HOW TO TAKE THE DEDUCTION

BAYSTATEBANNER.COM

transfer tax Council hears case for risks Council At a Boston City affordable hearing last Tuesday, voiced their housing advocates that would support for a city law and comestablish an investor transfer fee, mercial properties the Greater while members of Board exBoston Real Estate pressed opposition. , filed The proposed legislation lors Lydia Edwards

Bending Genres, Inspiring Youth

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boudoir, with lush and sparkling wallpaper, twinkling chandelier light fixtures, velvet waiting chairs and a soothing mini waterfall by the entrance.

See SHAMSO SALON, page

n Find your tax records. Your local taxing authority can give you a copy of the tax bill for your home. But you should also scrutinize the registration paperwork on your car, RV, boat or other movable assets, says Robert Kirby, a CPA at Munc CPA in Rohnert Park, California. You might be paying property taxes on those, too, and the portion based on the value of the vehicle is likely deductible. n Exclude the stuff that doesn’t count. You can deduct a property tax only if it’s assessed uniformly at a similar rate for similar property in the community. The proceeds have to help the community, not pay for a special privilege or service for you.

“Sometimes there are assessments that are made by the county for improvements. Those actually are not deductible because they are not a tax,” Kirby notes. You might be able to add them to the cost basis of your property instead, though, which could help when you sell, he says. n Use Schedule A when you file your return. That’s where you figure your deduction. Note: This means you’ll need to itemize your taxes instead of taking the standard

12 • Thursday, April 16, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER

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Or that Boston is the headquarters of OneUnited Bank, the largest black-owned and managed bank in the country?

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Thursday, April 16, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER • 13

FOOD

www.baystatebanner.com

CHECK OUT NUTRITION AND HEALTH NEWS ONLINE: WWW.BAYSTATEBANNER.COM/CATEGORY/HEALTH

TIP OF THE WEEK

BREAKFAST NACHOS

BROWN FOODS CAN BE HEALTHY ADDITION TO DIET Numerous studies have shown brown foods are superior in nutritional value than their white counterparts. Foods such as brown rice, brown flour and brown sugar are deemed to be healthier because the process of milling and refining (white foods) strips the grains of it nutrients, while brown foods retain the minerals and vitamins that are present in the outer bran or husk.

Along with gaining more nutrients, brown foods can also help fight obesity and disease. For example, evidence has been found that eating brown rice instead of white can help people maintain their weight, and white rice intake increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

While brown rice, brown flour and brown sugar are ingredients that can be used to get more nutrients in your diet, here are a few other brown foods you can use, according to Firstpost.com. n Walnuts: For skin and hair health.

Walnuts have also been shown to fight diabetes and heart disease. n Almonds: Fights cholesterol and

diabetes; helps prevent kidney stones. n Chickpeas: Available in several

varieties, chickpeas can be a source of protein and minerals. n Potatoes: Provide essential carbohy-

drates and are a source of vitamin B6. n Dates: High in iron content and may

Breakfast Nachos are pan-fried like migas, rather than baked like nachos. You need a pan with a tight-fitting lid, preferably a heavy pan that can hold heat. Unless it’s a really big pan you should prepare this dish one serving at a time, as you would an omelet.

In today’s rendition I’ve included carrots and spinach, as they are currently in season, but you could prepare it with whatever vegetables you care to eat with breakfast.

Jalapenos are good. Mushrooms, too.

Makes 1 large serving

Just add eggs and veggies

Nachos for breakfast?

(Yes, please!)

reduce the risk of anaemia and heart diseases.

By Ari LeVaux / More Content Now

n Flaxseeds: Provide healthy fats,

Migas are a delicacy as old as tortillas. The word is Spanish for “crumbs” — specifically the crumbs of tortillas of a certain age. In the U.S., the tortilla fragments are usually served with salsa, beans and sour cream.

The basic concept of cooking old chip shards has been independently invented countless times by folks who are weary of dipping increasingly smaller chips into their bowl of salsa, and wish for some way to use those tasty, unwieldy crumbs at the bottom of the bag. That weary tortilla eater was me when I “invented” migas.

I found myself staring down the dregs of a bag of tortilla chips, determined to not allow that resource to go to waste. Taking the obvious route, I fried the little crumbs with bacon.

The eggs followed the bacon, and the salsa followed everything. After that, and ever since, the bottom of a bag has been a time to rejoice.

These days, I sometimes don’t wait for the crumbs. Instead, I make a migas variation with whole, unbroken chips. Breakfast Nachos, as I call them, are for when

antioxidants and dietary fiber. n Jaggery: Can help flush out toxins

from the body, while may fight signs of aging, indigestion and liver damage. n Brown spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg,

cumin and star anise are rich in antioxidants and contain anti-inflammatory benefits.

BREW NEWS

DRINKING COFFEE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH According to HealthLine.com, although coffee increases the production of stomach acid, research has shown that drinking on an empty stomach doesn’t appear to cause digestive issues for most people.

FUN FACT

HAND ME THAT BANANA! A cluster of bananas is formally called a “hand,” while a single banana is called a “finger.”

Ari LeVaux

“This eggy tortilla

migas just aren’t big matrix can absorb enough.

I soak the chips in whatever vegetables beaten egg, and pan and proteins you fry them with vegetables. This treatment could think to add. gives the formerly crunchy chips a moist, pliable texture that’s somewhere between a tamale and a cheesy enchilada.

This eggy tortilla matrix can absorb whatever vegetables and proteins you could think to add, with each addition cooked as needed so as to be ready when the eggs are done.

Bright green broccoli florets may not be a typical topping for nachos, but the egg helps it fit in. Fry ground meat ahead of time. Add leftover pulled pork at the last minute.

Ultimately, migas are about improvisation, and that spirit lives on in my Breakfast Nachos. I’ve even swapped the corn chips for potato chips, and would do it again if necessary. But one thing I won’t be doing is waiting for the end of a bag to make my migas.

”

n 2 eggs n ¼ cup milk n 2 cups whole corn chips (shake the cup so they settle) n 1 carrot, sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds n 2 tablespoons oil (or bacon or side pork, chopped) n 1 clove garlic, minced n 1 handful spinach or baby bok choy n ½ cup (loosely packed) grated cheese n Serve with: salsa, coffee Beat the eggs and milk in an oversized bowl. Add the chips and gently toss them so they are completely coated, and sitting in a pool of egg wash.

Heat the pan on medium. Add the carrot and oil or chopped bacon, everything scattered so each piece makes contact with the pan. Give it a stir after about 4 minutes.

After another 2 minutes, add the garlic, stir everything around, add the spinach on top and cook another minute. Add the soggy chips and quickly give them a gentle stir to mix them with the carrots, garlic and spinach. Spread the chips evenly around the pan, then add the remains of the egg wash, sprinkle the cheese on top, and cover.

Cook for a minute with the lid on, then take a peek. If it looks like it’s setting up, with the egg on top looking close to cooked and the cheese melting, then turn it off and let it finish in place on the hot stove. If it’s not quite there, cook another 30 seconds with the lid on and check again. Repeat until it’s almost there, then turn off the heat and let the pan sit covered for about 10 minutes.

Stack it all into a steaming pile, and serve with copious amounts of salsa and hot coffee.

FIND MORE FOOD PAGES AT BAYSTATEBANNER.COM

14 • Thursday, April 16, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER

CHECK OUT OUR ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS! Post your own

real estate properties and job openings. BAYSTATEBANNER.COM

BANNER CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL

LEGAL

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department SUFFOLK Division

to be present at any hearing, unless the Court finds that it is not in the minor’s best interests.

Docket No. SU18P1042GD

NOTICE AND ORDER: Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor

Date: March 13, 2020

2.

NOTICE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES Hearing Date/Time: A hearing on a Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor filed on 05/10/2018 by Esperanza Javier of Boston, MA and Ramon Castillo of Boston, MA will be held 06/12/2020 08:30 AM Guardianship of Minor Hearing Located 24 New Chardon St, Boston, Mass 02114 (Probation Dept.)

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.

5.

Counsel for Parents: If you are a parent of the minor child who is the subject of this proceeding you have a right to be represented by an attorney. If you want an attorney and cannot afford to pay for one and if you give proof that you are indigent, an attorney will be assigned to you. Your request for an attorney should be made immediately by filling out the Application of Appointment of Counsel form. Submit the application form in person or by mail at the court location where your case if going to be heard.

SUFFOLK Division

To all interested persons: A Petition has been filed by Ho-Lim Lau of Boston, MA requesting allowance of the first and final account(s) as Personal Representative and any other relief as requested in the Petition.

WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court.

Date: March 27, 2020

You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before 10:00 a.m. on 05/01/2020. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an Affidavit of Objections within thirty (30) days of the return date, action may be taken without further notice to you.

BID NO.

DESCRIPTION

WRA-4842

Purchase of One (1) Reverse Floor 04/28/20 2:00 p.m.

Boom Crane

WRA-4843

Purchase of One (1) Articulating Boom Lift

REAL ESTATE

50% AMI Units: One Studio $923*, Five 1BR $1,021*, Four 2BR $1,079*, One 3BR $1,139* *See Income Limits Below! Utilities not included. Tenants will pay own Gas Heat and Hot Water and Cooking, Electricity, Water and Sewer. For 50% and 80% units, one parking spot is included. Parking is NOT included for the 100% and 120% AMI units, and parking is estimated to be $200/mo Trio is a 140 unit rental apartment community on the corner of Washington St and Walnut St in Newtonville, a prime location which is within walking distance to many shops, restaurants, and coffee houses, and which provides convenient access to the Newton Public Library, Newton North High School, and Newton’s many parks and open spaces including Cold Springs Park and Cabot Field. Also easily accessible are Newton Center and Downtown Boston via the Mass Pike or via the commuter rail located just across the street. 35 units will be available through this lottery process. All units have high end apartment grade finishes including steel front appliances and in-unit washers and dryers. Trio offers an indoor fitness center area, multiple food and beverage options, two roof decks with grilling stations and fireplaces, an outdoor plaza with café seating, a game room a club room with a lounge, a coffee station, and both indoor and outdoor community space.

MAXIMUM Household Income Limits: 100% AMI

$79,310 $90,640 $101,970 $113,300 $122,364 $131,428

120% AMI

$95,172 $108,768 $122,364 $135,960 N/A (no unit) N/A (no unit)

04/28/20 2:00 p.m.

DND Affordable Rental Opportunity Talbot Commons - Phase 1 Multiple Addresses in Dorchester, 02124: •

15 & 17 Mallard Ave

•

207 Norfolk Street

•

4-6 Norfolk Terrace

40 Income-restricted Units 19 New Construction and 7 Moderate Rehab to be rented through lottery 14 units are currently occupied with no waiting list. Filled on turnover by this lottery NUMBER OF UNITS NUMBER OF BEDROOMS

3 6 3 25 3

2-Bedrooms* 3 Bedroom* 1-Bedroom 2-Bedroom** 3 Bedroom

RENT

MAXIMUM INCOME IN AMI

up to 30% household income up to 30% household income $1,359 $1,530 $1,359

30% AMI 30% AMI 60% AMI 60% AMI 60% AMI

* The three 2 bedrooms and one 3-bedroom units are Homeless Set-asides filled through direct referral from HomeStart. For more information, please visit https://www.homestart.org/bostonhsa or call 857-415-2139 **Two of these units are built out for people with mobility impairments + one is built out for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing

Maximum Yearly Income based on Number of People in Household (2019 limits, provided by DND) NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN HOUSEHOLD

30% AMI

60% AMI

1 2 3 4 5 6

$24,900 $28,450 $32,000 $35,550 $38,400 $41,250

$49,800 $56,880 $64,000 $71,100 $78,800 $82,500

Minimum Yearly Income Based on the Number of Bedrooms

Completed Applications must be received, or postmarked, by 2 pm on May 22nd, 2020.

Applications postmarked by the deadline must be received within 5 business days.

NUMBER OF BEDROOMS

30% AMI

60% AMI

An Online Public Info Session will be held on April 20th, 2020 at 6:00pm. The link is: https://youtu.be/fWcfofWQwBo (or just search “SEB Housing” in YouTube). Interested households may also attend by conference call: (425) 436-6200. Access Code: 862627

1 2 3

No Minimum No Minimum No Minimum

$41,133 $49,371 $57,024

The lottery will be held on June 8th, 2020 at 6pm. Applications and Information available at www.sebhousing.com For Lottery Information and Applications, or for reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, go to www.sebhousing.com or call (617) 782-6900x1 and leave a message or postal mail SEB Housing, 257 Hillside Ave, Needham MA 02494. For TTY Services dial 711. Free translation available. Traducción gratuita disponible.

Voucher holders (like Section 8 and other rental certificates) are encouraged to apply, even if their gross household income is less than the advertised minimums. Applicants who receive a housing subsidy (like Section 8) are not subject to the minimum income requirements for these units, but like all other applicants, will have to pass reviews on credit scores, tenant history, etc.

TIME

REAL ESTATE

14 & 18 New England Ave

80% AMI Units: One Studio $1,447*, Five 1BR $1,621*, Four 2BR $1,753*,

DATE

To access and bid on Event(s) please go to the MWRA Supplier Portal at www.mwra.com.

Felix D. Arroyo Register of Probate

100% AMI Units: Two Studio $1,784*, Two 1BR $2,039*, Two 2BR $2,294*, One 3BR $2,549*

Felix D. Arroyo Register of Probate

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority is seeking bids for the following:

WITNESS, HON. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court.

Date: March 27, 2020

120% AMI Units: Three 1BR $2,492*, Four 2BR $2,804*

$62,450 $71,400 $80,300 $89,200 N/A (no unit) N/A (no unit)

You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 05/08/2020. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an Affidavit of Objections within thirty (30) days of the return date, action may be taken without further notice to you.

In the matter of: ln-Fai Nancy Saksena Date of Death: 12/19/2018

845 Washington Street, Newton, MA

$41,500 $47,400 $53,350 $59,250 $64,000 $68,750

A Petition for Order of Complete Settlement has been filed by George Ridley of Boston, MA requesting that the court enter a formal Decree of Complete Settlement including the allowance of a final account, First and Final account and other such relief as may be requested in the Petition.

Citation on Petition for Allowance of Account

Inclusionary Housing Lottery

1 person 2 persons 3 persons 4 persons 5 persons 6 persons

Estate of: Oscar M. Ridley Date of Death: 01/07/2019

Docket No. SU19P0962EA

Trio

Docket No. SU19P0355EA

Citation on Petition for Order of Complete Settlement

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department

REAL ESTATE

80% AMI

SUFFOLK Division

Felix D. Arroyo Register of Probate

Presence of the Minor at Hearing: A minor over age 14 has the right

50% AMI

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department

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.

In the interests of Joel E. Castillo of Boston, MA Minor 1.

LEGAL

Minimum Incomes do not apply to households with housing assistance like Section 8, MRVP, Vash

Applications are available March 30, 2020 through April 24, 2020 After careful consideration and an abundance of caution, the City of Boston has decided to cancel the in-person application distribution period.

To request an application online please go to: http://bit.ly/talbotcommons1 If you cannot complete the application online (recommended), please call us at (617) 287-9580 to request that we mail you one and to ask for any guidance you might need to complete the application.

When you call, you will be asked for your full name, complete mailing address, and phone number.

This is a City and HUD requirement.

Application must be submitted online OR postmarked by April 24, 2020.

Reasonable accommodations made.

Selection by Lottery.Income, Asset, & Use Restrictions apply. Preferences apply. For more information, language assistance, or reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities please call or email.

For more information, language assistance, or reasonable accommodations email WinnResidential at TalbotCommons@winnco.com or call (617) 287.9580 / TTY/TDD: (800) 439-2370

Thursday, April 16, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER • 15

BANNER CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE Saugus Income Restricted Rental Opportunity

Essex Landing

REAL ESTATE

DND Income Restricted Rental Opportunity

The Meeting House

1595 Broadway & 44 Collins Ave Saugus, MA 01906 www.EssexLandingLottery.com

233 Hancock Street, Boston, MA 02125 • www.MeetingHouseLottery.com

8 INCOME RESTRICTED UNITS AVAILABLE # OF UNITS

UNIT SIZE

RENT

8

1 Bedroom

$1,478

20 INCOME RESTRICTED RENTAL UNITS # OF UNITS 3 4 1 1 4 4 2 1

*including utilities or utility allowance. Actual rents may vary.

Two units are built out for persons with mobility and/or hearing impairments MAXIMUM INCOME PER HOUSEHOLD SIZE

HOUSEHOLD SIZE

80% AMI LOW INCOME

1 2 3 4 5

$62,450 $71,400 $80,300 $89,200 $96,350

*2019 Area Median Incomes for the Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, MA-NH MSA. Income limits are subject to change based.

Households may request an application be sent by email or mail from March 15, 2020 – May 15, 2020 through the following methods: Download by Visiting: www.EssexLandingLottery.com Call: 781-992-5301 – MA Relay 711 Applications will also be able to pick up an application at the Saugus Public Library, 295 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906 between March 15, 2020 – May 15, 2020 during business hours: Monday - Thursday 9AM – 8PM Friday - Saturday 9AM – 4:30PM INFORMATION SESSION: Thursday, April 9, 2020 at 6:00PM Saugus Public Library, 295 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906 Deadline for completed applications by mail only: Postmarked no later than May 15, 2020 Maloney Properties, Inc. Attention: Essex Landing Lottery 27 Mica Lane, Wellesley MA 02481 Selection by lottery. Use & occupancy restrictions apply.

For more info or reasonable accommodations, Call Maloney Properties, Inc 781-992-5301 - US Relay 711 or Email: EssexLanding@MaloneyProperties.com

Equal Housing Opportunity

Affordable Housing Available: Avalon Acton II Avalon Acton II is a BRAND NEW phase at Avalon Acton, which is a non-smoking community with on-site management, state of the art fitness center, outdoor pool, resident lounge, modern apartments with in-unit laundry and an 80% moderate-income affordable housing program.

Moderate-Income Guidelines Apply Avalon Acton II is currently under construction! 1, 2, 3 bedroom garden-style apartment homes available starting in July 2020.

Informational Meeting

Wednesday, March 18, 2020 5:30pm-7:00pm at Avalon Acton 1000 Avalon Drive, Acton, MA 01720 Open Enrollment Period: March 16, 2020 to May 15, 2020 Apartment selection by lottery To request an application packet starting March 16, 2020: Go to www.avaloncommunities.com; Call Avalon Acton II (978) 263-3400 email avalonacton@avalonbay.com or visit Avalon Acton at 1000 Avalon Drive, Acton, MA 01720 To Submit a Completed Application: In Person or By Mail: Avalon Acton, 1000 Avalon Drive, Acton, MA 01720

By Fax: (978) 263-3433

By Email: avalonacton@avalonbay.com

Monthly Rents (80% Program)* 1 Bedroom: 2 Bedrooms: 3 Bedrooms

$1,666 $1,842 $2,031

*Avalon Acton II Residents are responsible for gas, electric, sewer, water, phone, and cable utilities. Additional fees for pets ($80) may apply.

Voucher holders are encouraged to apply.

Household Maximum Income Limits 80% Program One Person Two People Three People Four People Five People Six People Seven People

$62,450 $71,400 $80,300 $89,200 $96,350 $103,500 $110,650

Rates and Income Limits May Change With or Without Notice. Minimum income limits do not apply to households applying with a housing voucher.

Applicants with disabilities may request modifications to the rental unit and/ or accommodations to our rules, policies, practices or services, if such modifications or accommodations are necessary to afford an equal opportunity to use and enjoy the premises.

AvalonBay Communities, Inc. does not to discriminate in the selection of applicants on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, ancestry, children, familial status, genetic information, marital status, public assistance recipiency, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran/military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

REAL ESTATE

# OF BEDROOMS Studio 1 Bedroom* 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom Studio 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom

AMI 80% 80% 80% 80% 100% 100% 100% 100%

RENT $1472 $1,569 $1,874 $2,155 $1,984 $2,125 $2,550 $2,946

*one 1-bedroom unit at 80% AMI is built out for persons with mobility impairments, vision impairments and/or deaf/hard of hearing

MINIMUM INCOMES (set by owner + based on # of bedrooms + AMI) + MAXIMUM INCOMES (set by DND + based on household size + AMI) # OF BEDROOMS

MINIMUM FOR 80% AMI

MINIMUM FOR 100% AMI

studio

$42,057

$56,686

1-bedroom

$44,829

$60,714

2-bedroom

$53,543

$72,857

$61,571

$84,171

3-bedroom

HOUSEHOLD SIZE

MAXIMUM FOR 80% AMI

MAXIMUM FOR 100% AMI

1 2 3 4 5 6

$63,500 $72,550 $81,600 $90,650 $97,950 $105,200

$79,350 $90,650 $102,000 $113,300 $122,400 $131,450

Minimum incomes do not apply to households receiving housing assistance such as Section 8, VASH, or MRVP

After careful consideration and an abundance of caution, the City of Boston has decided to cancel the in-person application distribution period and the information meetings. To replace the informational meetings, we have created a presentation that includes information about the property, the application process, preferences, the lottery, and what happens after the lottery. For a copy of the presentation, please visit: www.MeetingHouseLottery.com

MAXIMUM ASSET LIMITS 80% AMI $75,000

100% AMI $100,000

Does not include retirement.

Does include Real Estate

Households may request an application to be sent by email or mail from: Wednesday, April 22, 2020 – Friday, May 22, 2020 through the following methods: To complete the application online (recommended), please visit: www.MeetingHouseLottery.com To have a hard copy of the application sent to your mailing address, please call: 781-992-5307 If you cannot complete the application online, please call us at 781-992-5307, to request that we mail you one and to ask us for any guidance you might need to complete the application.

Applications can be completed online by May 29, 2020 Completed printed, signed, paper applications can also be mailed to Maloney Properties. Postmarked no later than May 29, 2020 Maloney Properties, Inc. Attention: 233 Hancock Street 27 Mica Lane, Wellesley MA 02481

• Selection by lottery. Asset, Use & Occupancy Restrictions apply. • Neighborhood Diversity Preservation Preference applies to 50% of units • To qualify applicants must live within a ½ mile radius of of 233 Hancock Street AND meet at least one other criteria • For a list of qualified addresses and more on those criteria, please visit www.MeetingHouseLottery.com • Preference for Boston Residents.

• Preference for Households with at least one person per bedroom • 2-person minimum requirement for the 3-bedroom For more info or to make a request for reasonable accommodations, please call, Maloney Properties, Inc. at 781-992-5307 | US Relay 711 | Email: MeetingHouse@maloneyproperties.com EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

FINANCE MANAGER and SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OR MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

Somerville Community Corporation (SCC) seeks both a Finance Manager and a Senior Project Manager. SCC is a 50-year-old nonprofit Community Development Corporation (CDC) that strengthens the city of Somerville by producing and preserving affordable housing, and by organizing Somerville residents to give voice to community needs and priorities.

The Finance Manager is the key person responsible for day to day financial operations at SCC and oversees the accounting and reporting for SCC and its related entities. The Senior Project Manager will join our Real Estate team to advance our construction pipeline to completion and to play an oversight role in our 100 Homes Program.

Full position descriptions and additional information can be found at http://annlsilverman.com. Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume as follows: Finance Manager http://annlsilverman.com/scc-finance-manager/ and Senior Project Manager http://annlsilverman.com/scc-senior-project-manager/.

Somerville Community Corporation is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

We encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

The Plainville Housing Authority is accepting applications for a parttime, 16 hours per week, Executive Director. The Plainville Housing Authority is a public housing agency managing 40 units of Massachusetts Chapter 667 housing.

Minimum requirements include at least two years of experience in housing, community development, public administration or a closely related field. Computer proficiency is required. Knowledge of the principles and practices of housing management, finances and maintenance systems in public housing is required. Candidate must have strong written and verbal communication skills as well as the willingness to work with people of various socio-economic backgrounds in addition to knowledge of laws regulating State of Massachusetts housing programs. Applicant must be bondable and pass a criminal history screening. Certification as a Public Housing Manager (PHM) or Massachusetts Public Housing Administrator (MPHA) from a HUD or DHCD approved organization is required or must be obtained within one year of employment. Two-year full time post-secondary education in a related field may substitute for up to one year of experience.

The Plainville Housing Authority will also entertain proposals for a Management Contract with an area Housing Authority.

Salary is commensurate with experience and education in accordance with DHCD guidelines and salary schedule.

Please submit a cover letter and resume with three references to: Plainville Housing Authority, Executive Director Search, 140 East Bacon Street, Plainville, MA 02762.

The search will remain open and resumes will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

MORE CLASSIFIEDS AT BAYSTATEBANNER.COM

The Plainville Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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