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A new name for Dudley library Library board eschews ‘Nubian’ name By KENNEAL PATTERSON
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Thousands of demonstrators flooded Nubian Square Friday evening.
Police, demonstrators turn violent in protests Peaceful Boston protests marred by late-night looting By YAWU MILLER At the beginning of last week, news of the May 25 Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd dominated headlines as black America came to grips with the latest in a string of video-recorded violence. By the end of the week, it was the widespread police violence against protestors, journalists and bystanders — as well as growing
accounts of rioting and looting — that captured the attention of the media. Sunday, the wave of violence hit Boston, when protestors and, by many accounts, newly arriving provocateurs, leaving a gathering at the State House fanned out into Downtown Crossing, some smashing store windows and throwing rocks and water bottles at police officers. A police car was set ablaze and some stores were looted. Police responded with tear
gas and stun grenades in some areas. The National Guard was called in by 11 p.m. as the looting extended into Newbury Street and the Copley Square area and beyond. In all, Boston police arrested 53, including one man charged with firing 10 shots at officers, 23 charged with breaking and entering, three with assault and battery on a police officer and five with
See PROTESTS, page 9
Boston Public Library trustees have voted to change the Dudley branch’s name to the “Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library.” Not everyone is in favor of the name change, which passed in a 7-4 vote. “Folks are stunned and upset,” said Sadiki Kambon, chair of the Nubian Square Coalition. “We intend to contest this whole process,” he told the Banner. Kambon led the movement to rename Dudley Square to Nubian Square, in honor of the ancient Nubian Empire, an African empire in the Nile Valley. He said that the library’s name should have reflected this change. The square and library were originally named after Thomas Dudley, a British Colonial official who governed the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the mid-17th century. There is no evidence that Dudley owned slaves, although many advocates claim that the governor perpetuated slavery and created laws that sanctioned slavery. Critics of the square’s name change, which city officials made following a nonbinding referendum on the 2019 ballot, countered that Nubians owned slaves, and their descendants in the Nile Valley region continue to. Kambon said that he reached out to the library system months ago and advocated for the Nubian title. When he urged the trustees to adopt this title, they
had not yet made a decision. Kambon was invited to a virtual trustee board meeting on May 26. He said that BPL President David Leonard told him that no vote would be formally taken on the name change at that time. He was told that due to the pandemic, there would be a “pause” to think through the issue.
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Folks are stunned and upset. We intend to contest this whole process.” — Sadiki Kambon, chair of the Nubian Square Coalition
Nevertheless, said Kambon, trustees voted that day. Despite Kambon’s testimony, the naming branch of the trustees decided on “Roxbury” rather than “Nubian.” Kambon said that the chair of the board of trustees, Robert Gallery, sabotaged things by calling for a vote on that day and rammed the new name down advocates’ throats. There was no public forum or community vote on the name change. Evelyn Arana-Ortiz, vice chair of the BPL board of trustees, voted in favor of the name change. She said she hasn’t heard any complaints from members of the community as to the absence of a community vote. All trustee meetings are
See LIBRARY, page 2
Riots a driving force in U.S. history Bloody protests, Boston Massacre to present By BRIAN WRIGHT O’CONNOR To paraphrase H. Rap Brown, the history of police violence sparking urban unrest is “as American as cherry pie.” The radical black activist was speaking at a Washington press conference in 1967 but could have expressed the same sentiment at most any point in American history. In 1770, the killing of an
11-year-old boy by a customs officer fueled tensions leading to the Boston Massacre, with a stevedore of African and Native American descent, Crispus Attucks, becoming the first to die in the nation’s founding fight for freedom from tyranny. Not much has changed in 250 years. Cellphone videos have punctured the blue wall of denials that once shielded law enforcement from accountability, but that hasn’t stopped abuses
from occurring. Certainly not in the case of George Floyd. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, indifferent to the cries of spectators and the weakening pleas of “I can’t breathe” from Floyd himself, pressed his knee into the neck of the handcuffed victim for almost nine minutes as the cameras rolled. The brutal episode set off protests in more than 130 cities and led to the deployment of the National Guard in 13 states where
See RIOTS, page 8
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The Dudley branch library, currently being renovated, has been renamed the Roxbury branch.
2 • Thursday, June 4, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER
library
continued from page 1 public, and members of the community are invited to participate in the meeting during a public comment section. Arana-Ortiz said she supported the Roxbury Historical Society and Friends of the Dudley Branch groups, who both supported the name change. The Friends group has a long history of working in the community, she said. “Not only do they support the branch, they do fundraising for the library, they do events and they do scholarships for seniors going into college,” she said. “They do a lot for the library and they go even beyond on behalf of the library.” Kambon said that only two or three trustees are connected to the community. State Rep. Chynah Tyler, who serves on the library’s board of trustees, supported Kambon. She was against the library’s name change, he said. He noted that she supported the Nubian Square change and wanted the library to follow suit. Kambon noted that the MBTA had followed the square’s lead and changed the name of Dudley Station bus terminal to Nubian Station. “Why wouldn’t the library follow the same path?” he said. Kambon said the fact that the trustee vote was not unanimous “already tells you there’s concern” with the name change. Most people are “operating under
the assumption that it was a done deal,” he said, but he intends to challenge the vote. “We’re not just going to sit idly by,” he said. “We are definitely going to protest that name.” He maintains that a vote from the community should have been taken to determine the name change. “We’re getting ready to send a letter,” he said. “We’re going to make the appeal that the vote be rescinded.” Kambon also pointed out that there are three other libraries in Roxbury. This branch, however, is centrally located in Nubian Square. A May 27 press release from the Boston Public Library notes that the name change honors Roxbury’s historic contributions to Boston — contributions that date as far back as the Revolutionary War. It also notes that Roxbury was one of the first towns founded in the Massachusetts Bay Colony circa 1630. The press release says that Roxbury is one of the few larger Boston neighborhoods without a library branch in its name. It has a 100-year historic precedent of being named Roxbury from the late 1800s to mid-1900s, however. “The Roxbury Branch, housing the Fellowes Athenaeum, opened on Millmont Street in 1873, and served patrons for more than 100 years,” notes the press release. Leonard said, “The community has said, loudly and clearly, that they do not feel the name Dudley
“
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An outdoor pavilion under construction at the Roxbury branch library. is suitable for the square or the surrounding area. We return to having a Roxbury branch of the Boston Public Library as a testament to the deep, rich history of the area and its communities.” In the press release, Arana-Ortiz said that she’s glad the branch’s name “will be synonymous with this dynamic neighborhood.” Arana-Ortiz told the Banner that she found the Roxbury name to be more inclusive. “I’m very conscious, very respectful about the history of the library. For that reason, I voted [for it] to be Roxbury branch,” she said. “Roxbury branch is one of the anchor libraries in the neighborhood, there are only a handful of those. So it’s important that it
represents everyone and not just the square.” Arana-Ortiz questioned how other demographic groups feel about the Nubian Square name. “In the walls of our library, it says ‘Free to all,’” she said. “It doesn’t say, ‘the Nubian people’ or Latino … It doesn’t say that. It doesn’t specify demographics. It’s free to all and that is so important. So to me, inclusivity and diversity, as a Latina woman, is paramount.” The library branch is currently in the midst of a $17.2 million renovation. The money will go to a new plaza, a nutrition and learning lab, an updated children’s section, pieces of public art and an African American collection. “We are very respectful of the
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The community has said, loudly and clearly, that they do not feel the name Dudley is suitable for the square or the surrounding area. We return to having a Roxbury branch of the Boston Public Library as a testament to the deep, rich history of the area and its communities.” — David Leonard, BPL president
demographics of the area, and we will continue doing that in the Roxbury branch as well,” Arana-Ortiz told the Banner. The library is currently closed due to the pandemic but may reopen during the summer. The library’s signage, website and book codes will all change to fit the new name. The BPL Board of Trustees is not the only entity that has eschewed the “Nubian” nomenclature. The former Dudley Square Main Streets organization recently changed its name to Roxbury Main Streets.
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Local electeds united in opposition to police violence By KENNEAL PATTERSON Thousands of protestors took to the streets of Boston over the weekend in memory of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man killed by a Minneapolis police officer on May 25 and whose death ignited protests nationwide. Mayor Martin Walsh joined Police Commissioner William G. Gross and District Attorney Rachael Rollins Monday to acknowledge the largely peaceful protests and warn against violence. “I want to say to all of those peaceful demonstrators your words, your testimony, your call to action, move me and you are moving our society forward,” Walsh said. “We will continue that conversation and lead that progress because that’s who we are in Boston. But what happened in downtown after the protests ended was an attack on those values. And it was an attack on our city and its people.” As of Monday morning, 53 people have been arrested in Boston due to the protests and their aftermath. Nine police officers and 18 bystanders were hospitalized, Walsh added. The National Guard was called into Boston late on Sunday evening as organized protests were ending and crowds turned to destruction and looting. Floyd’s death follows dozens of other black men and women murdered by police. Walsh recognized some of those who have
PHOTO: JOHN WILCOX, MAYOR’S OFFICE
Rachael Rollins speaks during a press conference at City Hall Plaza Monday. died, including Breonna Taylor, 26, Trayvon Martin, 17 and Tamir Rice, 12. He also recognized Ahmaud Arbery, who was murdered by a former police officer and his son in Georgia in February. “We have to understand that the black community is in real pain,” he said. “Struggling with lifetimes of unequal treatment and putting themselves out there to try and make a change.” Floyd died after three officers pinned him to the ground. Officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee to Floyd’s neck for over eight minutes, despite Floyd repeatedly telling the officer he couldn’t breathe and later losing consciousness, and despite the cries and pleas of witnesses.
Chauvin has since been charged with third-degree murder. The other three officers, Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao, remain under investigation. District Attorney Rachael Rollins said she was “exhausted.” She said that police officers across the country have “shot us in the street as if we were animals.” “People are disgusted and outraged, and they should be,” she said. “And it is completely ironic to have to say to you, ‘Please don’t be violent. Please keep your voice down. Please be silent and comply with all of the police’s requirements,’ when in fact it’s those very people who murder us with impunity. But that’s where we are right now.”
Rollins called attention to two black men: CNN reporter Omar Jimenez, who was arrested on air while covering the Minneapolis protests, and Christian Cooper, who was birdwatching in New York recently when a white woman called the police on him. People are “fed up, she said. “And to the white community that is now waking up to see this rage, we have been telling you this forever,” she said. “We have been saying this since Colin Kaepernick took a knee, we have been saying this for decades. And you didn’t listen to us. You didn’t care until you saw a video.” As the weekend’s protests escalated, certain demonstrators “disgraced George Floyd’s memory” by looting, burning police cars and throwing objects and debris, said Rollins. She said that behavior was unacceptable, and that people will be prosecuted and held accountable. “But I will also say that buildings can be fixed,” she added. “And I am happy that those officers I hope will make it out of it, as will the civilians. There are lives that were stolen and people that were lynched and murdered and they are never coming back.” Walsh also criticized those that resorted to violence. He also noted that memorials were defaced, police officers were hit with sticks, bottles and fireworks, and stores were “smashed up and robbed.” He said the night’s escalation frightened certain peaceful protestors, as well as the families of police officers and first responders. “This was the very last thing that our city quite honestly needed,” he said. He noted that Boston is still in the midst of the COVID-19
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pandemic, and first responders and protesters risk their lives with every interaction. He urged people to continue focusing on George Floyd’s murder, but said, “The actions of some last night hurt that cause and hurt a community that is already hurting more than anyone should ever have to bear.” He added, “We can’t allow violence to take away our focus. I want the black community to know I hear your message and I will continue to be your ally.” William G. Gross, Boston’s first black police commissioner, also advocated for peace. “Voices have to be heard and black lives do matter,” he said. “Those voices, speaking out against murderous acts that were committed in Minneapolis, have to be heard and move us along to where we can better serve the community together.” He noted that most protestors were peaceful and some of those arrested weren’t even from Boston. Out of the 53 people arrested, he said, 24 people are from outside of Boston and two are from outside the state. Nevertheless, he said others came “hellbent” on destroying the city. Being disruptive does not “pay homage” to Floyd’s death, he added. Walsh urged Boston to stand united. “We will stand with the injured officers and their families, we will be there for the damaged stores just as we have been there for small businesses throughout this entire crisis,” he said. “And we will stand with our black community as a city where black lives are valued and where positive change is always our goal and our guiding light.”
4 • Thursday, June 4, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER
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Keep a united black voting bloc at the polls Americans live in a continually chang- only black candidate for president to ing society. Today’s comments and attibenefit from the black bloc. Nonetheless, tudes will lose their novelty and become blacks turned out in force for a number outmoded even before the next generof white Democratic candidates for Conation emerges. That is what caused the gress and president. In 2016, the Repubmisunderstanding on Joe Biden’s remark lican Donald Trump won only 8% of the that “if you have a problem figuring out black vote. Republicans realize that they whether you’re for me or Trump, then must receive a much higher black vote to you ain’t black.” win the presidency. Prior to 1964, the goal was simply to The future of white domination in get blacks registered to vote despite the America looks imperiled. According to discrimination in some places. There the United States Elections Project, the was little belief that the black vote was white share in the electorate was 85.9% sufficiently powerful to change the in 1990, but it has declined to 73% in oppressive circumstances that blacks 2018, and the path continues downward. encountered. However, when Sen. Projections are that America will no lonBarry Goldwater vigorously opposed ger be a white majority country by 2050. the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and ran as This specter of the loss of racial dominthe Republican candidate for president, ion motivates much of the nation’s racist blacks became aroused conflict. and gave 95% of their The Trump campaign It was apparent votes to the Democrat and conservative Repubthat with a black Lyndon B. Johnson, who licans have enlisted the then won in a landslide. support of black operapopulation of only From that time on, the tives to breach the soli12% of the total, black black vote became overdarity of the black voting political solidarity whelmingly Democratic. bloc. They now try to It was apparent that with impress the younger was necessary to a black population of only gain significant black generation to 12% of the total, black believe that Biden has power at the polls. political solidarity was disrespected blacks with necessary to gain signifan expression that was icant power at the polls. actually approved of and Since 1964, about 90 percent of black accepted by most of their elders. Those voters have cast their vote for the Demo- complaining ought to explain why they cratic candidates for president. think it is helpful to blacks for them to Blacks were able to see from the be the agents of conservative tactics to policies of President Johnson that it diminish the power of the black vote. was important to maintain black politAccording to a recent poll of African ical power. In 1965, Johnson approved American voters by the African Amerthe Voting Rights Act to force reticent ican Research Collaborative and the Southern states to place black applicants NAACP, 80% give Trump a negative raton the voting rolls. In 1968, the Fair ing in responding to the Covid-19 crisis Housing Act made racial discrimination that has so disproportionately inflicted in housing illegal. suffering on blacks. As a consequence, Black leaders understood that progonly 11% of registered voters in that poll ress depended upon the maintenance of plan to vote for Trump. a solid black vote. Those who deviated There is much to do to create racial from the standard were often openly justice and equality in America. Biden is derided. Some comments were quite much more likely to contribute to that harsh and insulting. More diplomatic process than Barry Goldwater would statements were “All black ain’t coal,” have had he been elected in 1964. Foror simply “He looks black, but he don’t tunately, blacks had the wisdom to elect think black.” Lyndon B. Johnson. Now 56 years later, It should be pointed out that the black blacks are at another political crossroad. political mindset is so humanistic that Surely, blacks are too wise to abandon a many whites feel comfortable with it. tried and true political strategy for the Since 1964, Barack Obama has been the likes of Donald Trump.
“Back in the day we would always think black to vote for the best candidate.”
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We must brace our elections for COVID-19
It’s time for America to address systemic racism
By CHERYL CLYBURN CRAWFORD The data is undeniable: COVID-19 is hitting underrepresented communities hardest. In Boston, for example, African Americans make up approximately 25% of the population, yet they comprise nearly 40% of the city’s COVID-19 cases. Research also reveals that, alongside communities of color, immigrant populations and those living in crowded housing conditions are suffering from COVID-19 at disproportionately higher rates. But it is not just hitting their health hardest. Minority-owned businesses are at a disproportionately higher risk of closing amid this crisis. This is made only more worrying by the fact that most minority-owned businesses were unable to apply for federal aid through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). These businesses either lacked the resources to apply, experienced language barriers that made applying too burdensome or were overwhelmed by the convoluted application process. The COVID-19 crisis has not only revealed the inequalities present in Massachusetts but exacerbated them. Yet we can and must act to prevent this stratification from growing worse. In one area specifically — an area that underrepresented communities have routinely seen their interests go ignored — we can and must act. That area? Voting rights. Since gaining the right to vote — which often proved a long, laborious fight in and of itself — underrepresented communities have routinely seen their voices hindered at the polls. Whether it was through poll taxes and literacy tests, or gerrymandering and voter ID laws today, underrepresented communities have always had to fight to ensure their right to vote. COVID-19 presents a new set of challenges that once again risk limiting the voice of underrepresented communities at the ballot box. Forcing people to congregate in one place on election day proves a public health risk we must avert. We must not force voters to choose between their health and their rights. The state must take a number of steps to ensure this. First, it must implement a vote-by-mail system that would see voters automatically receive a ballot for the November general election. This must include a prepaid return envelope to easily submit their ballot, as well as ballot tracking software that allows them to follow their ballot throughout the mailing process. Five states currently practice vote-by-mail in all elections, and more are following suit. The support for vote-by-mail is there. Approximately 74% of Bay Staters support voting by mail, as do 22 mayors, 100-plus organizations, and all nine members of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation. To all of these groups, a vote-by-mail option isn’t partisan or political, but a practical method to confront the coronavirus crisis. Yet alongside this, the state must protect the in-person voting process. The state must provide poll workers personal protective equipment and sanitizing supplies. They must also expand the early voting period to limit crowding on election day and provide voters more options. Additionally, they must ensure that polling places are adequately staffed, emulating efforts like the BPS Student Poll Worker Program. Finally, the state must remove impediments to voter registration in this unprecedented era. With in-person voter registration drives less likely to take place, the state must make the voter registration process as easy and accessible as possible. While advocacy organizations like MassVOTE will pioneer voter registration efforts through this crisis, steps like reducing the voter registration deadline will allow more voters to speak their mind this fall. We at MassVOTE have been fighting for these reforms throughout the present crisis. We endorsed HD.5075 and testified in favor of it to the Joint Committee on Election Laws. We also testified to the Boston City Council and recommended these very reforms. Utilizing classic efforts in these unprecedented times, we are continuing to lobby legislators, partner with fellow advocacy organizations, and mobilize grassroots support. No matter what our elections look like this fall, MassVOTE will be there to educate and empower voters. Yet voters deserve to speak their minds in the safest, most inclusive manner possible. With the COVID-19 crisis crippling underrepresented communities, it is urgent that their voices be heard at the polls this fall. We have no choice: We must brace our elections for COVID-19.
Forcing people to congregate in one place on election day proves a public health risk we must avert.
Cheryl Clyburn Crawford is the executive director of MassVOTE, a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization dedicated to voting rights, voter education, and social justice.
By SEGUN IDOWU Almost one century ago, between May 31 and June 1, 1921, white residents used rumor and speculation to justify the murder of dozens and the looting and burning of over 1,000 homes, businesses, churches, hospitals, and schools that were owned and managed by black residents. This mass lynching is considered to be one of the worst single incidents of racial terrorism in U.S. history. At the time, it was called the Tulsa Race Massacre. Today, we know it as Black Wall Street. The justified uprisings we see erupting across the nation — from New York City to Philadelphia to Atlanta to Minneapolis to Louisville to Salt Lake City to Los Angeles — are in fact the rebellion of a people who are responding to the daily massacres that they have experienced for generations in a long list of past and present injuries that include abusive police tactics, stagnant wages, lack of contracts with black businesses, growing health disparities, discriminatory housing practices, the denial of mortgages and loans, and other offenses that are repeatedly addressed only with symbolic gestures rather than substantive action. Today, black people are fighting battles seemingly on every front, from ensuring we can survive the health and economic stresses that COVID-19 has put on our businesses and communities, to fighting that other
virus that this nation has long given up finding the vaccine for: systemic racism. While many, if not all of us, are still trying to describe how we are feeling in this moment and attempting to process these latest examples of America’s insanity, James Baldwin’s words continue to unfortunately ring true that, “To be [black] in this country and to be
appointed leaders at the state and local levels to use their positions to act on the demands of grassroots organizers and organizations to address the root of the problem at hand. In the long history of black rebellion in the United States, protests have never been solely about police violence, but about the system, the way of life, the philosophies
In lieu of statements of support, we urge elected and appointed leaders at the state and local levels to use their positions to act on the demands of grassroots organizers and organizations to address the root of the problem at hand. relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time.” We will not use this moment to condemn the sometimes passionate reactions of an oppressed people to the visible reminders of their oppression. Life is the property of the living and it is this property we seek to protect. Instead, we send our hopes for safety to, and stand in solidarity with, those who are literally risking their lives as they display a righteous indignation toward racist double standards, police brutality, and continued oppression, and who stand up in our steads to call for basic human rights. In lieu of statements of support, we urge elected and
and the policies that produce and condone this violence. In the coming days, we will work with our partners in coalition to develop and present a united agenda to our local and state leaders. On behalf of the leadership of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, we send our deepest sympathies and warmest embrace to the families of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and the countless others not ingrained in our mental catalogs as hashtags or videos whom we have lost to police violence.
Segun Idowu is the executive director of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA).
IN THE NEWS
SEYQUAN MACK The Handel and Haydn Society announced Seyquan Mack is one of four students receiving a 2020 Youth Choruses Scholarship Award. Presented annually by the H+H Education Committee, the award is given to four musicians who are members or alumni of the Youth Choruses were awarded scholarships between $1,000 and $3,000. Mack, who graduated from the Youth Chorus in 2016, is studying voice at Oberlin Conservatory. The award honors the legacy of Handel and Haydn Society Governor Barbara E. Maze, who was instrumental in creating the Youth Choruses program. The Barbara E. Maze Award for Musical Excellence extends the Handel and Haydn Society’s support with a $3,000 scholarship to an outstanding Youth Choruses alumnus who intends to continue professional vocal instruction.
“These are all immensely talented students and it has been a pleasure to see them grow and develop in their musical
education through our youth choruses,” said David Snead, President and CEO of Handel and Haydn Society. “We are happy to see these students using the skills they learned with H+H as they work toward a career in the performing arts. The H+H Education Committee has done an incredible job selecting these very deserving honorees.” Due to the COVID-19 crisis the Handel and Haydn Society High School Soloists Recital in June, in which the students would normally be honored, has been canceled. Boston’s Handel and Haydn Society is dedicated to performing Baroque and Classical music with a freshness, a vitality, and a creativity that inspires all ages. H+H has been captivating audiences for 205 consecutive seasons (the most of any performing arts organization in the United States).
6 • Thursday, June 4, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER
Some question push for fall school opening By YAWU MILLER As local and state officials lay the groundwork for reopening school buildings in the fall, some are raising concerns over the potential risks and costs of bringing students back into classrooms. During last week’s meeting of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education board, Massachusetts Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley said he will release plans to opens schools by September. “I want to be clear, we are working to have schools up and running in the fall, with appropriate safety protocols,” he said during the meeting. Schools across the state closed in March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as state and local officials closed places of public accommodation to stem the spread of the coronavirus. As districts have pivoted to remote learning, many are struggling with issues including families that lack connections to the internet or even a quiet place for children to participate in online instruction, the difficulty in providing instruction to disabled children who might normally require one-on-one assistance, and the education of kindergarten through third-grade students who often have difficulty sitting still without an adult in the room. School closures have also placed strain on parents who work, many of whom have been juggling unexpected homeschooling with
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BPS officials say they’re preparing for schools to reopen in the fall. working from home, as well as parents who have been laid off from their jobs. Increasing unemployment and the inability of parents to return to workplaces could have implications for efforts to restart the economy. Yet parents and students looking forward to the start of the next school year are facing uncertain prospects. School officials have indicated they are looking at the
challenges of how social distancing could take place during student transportation, classes and meals at schools. State Education Secretary James Payser told legislators in April that school officials need to be “prepared for the possibility that in-person education will be interrupted again.” While the state is undergoing a phased reopening process, epidemiologists warn that
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Massachusetts could see a second surge of the virus if social interactions return to pre-pandemic practices. Currently, places of public accommodation such as restaurants and MBTA buses are operating at reduced capacity in order to curtail infections from the coronavirus, which can be spread through the breath in close quarters. Many BPS schools may lack the classroom space necessary to keep students at a distance, not to mention the additional teachers it would require to function with smaller class sizes. Other challenges include school buildings with windows that do not open and ventilation systems that may not be up to the task of providing adequate fresh air. During an April 14 meeting, Boston Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius told city councilors she did not think the city could safely reopen schools during the fall. “Children cannot be depended upon to socially distance,” she said. “I just don’t know how that is even possible, quite honestly.” Last week, however, Cassellius told councilors she’s moving ahead with a planning process to reopen schools in the fall if key public health conditions are met, including declines in the number of COVID cases and deaths and increased capacity to test for the virus. “The children would have to be able to return [with] their health and safety being guaranteed,” Cassellius said during a May 26 meeting. “I think that’s the hard box that the mayor and I would want to see checked off.” The superintendent’s apparent change of heart caught City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo off guard. He questioned her logic and the wisdom of sending young children to schools using public health guidelines that were crafted with adults in mind. “They’re not educators,” Arroyo said of public health experts. “They don’t work with third-graders and fourth-graders and second-graders. And they don’t recognize whether they’d be able to keep masks on and social distance. My concern is that the reopening is becoming a political decision.”
Cassellius said she and Mayor Martin Walsh remain focused on students’ needs. “We’re always going to be focused on the children, not on a political decision,” she said. Boston Teachers Union President Jessica Tang cautioned that any reopening plan should be crafted with equity as a guiding principle. “Reopening schools should not mean going back to a way of schooling that does not take care of the highest-needs children,” she said. Tang said schools with higher concentrations of black and Latino students have traditionally had less access to counselors. Given that many students have lost family members to COVID-19, she said the needs for counselors and mental health professionals will likely be greater for students from communities that were hit hard by COVID. Many low-income families could also be facing evictions, economic insecurity and other challenges that could make it difficult for students. Students from struggling families will likely need more time to catch up on their academics than their middle-class peers. “How do we ensure that when we reopen schools, those who didn’t have what they need before
“
They don’t work with third-graders and fourth-graders and second-graders. And they don’t recognize whether they’d be able to keep masks on and social distance. My concern is that the reopening is becoming a political decision.” — City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo
will have what they need moving forward?” she said. During the City Council hearing last week, Arroyo said he would like to see detailed plans from BPS on how the district will handle the challenges posed by the pandemic. “We don’t have the capability to ask students every day if somebody in their family is getting tested for COVID-19 and awaiting results,” he said. “And if the answer is yes, what’s the answer to that? Do we tell them to stay home? Do we wait till the results come in before we tell them to stay home?” Arroyo suggested putting more effort into strengthening the district’s remote learning plan. Cassellius acknowledged that schools may not be ready to open in the fall, but she said the planning must continue. “We will have to reopen at some point, whether it’s now, whether it’s in the fall, whether it’s sometime in the winter,” she said. “It’s on us to have those plans so well laid out, so well thought out ... so we have all of those contingencies as part of our decision matrix ready and available now, so the public will be able to see them transparently.”
Thursday, June 4, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER • 7
Activists press legislators on Safe Communities Act Bill would protect Massachusetts immigrants against deportation By KENNEAL PATTERSON A group of Haitian pastors and advocates sent a letter to Massachusetts legislators last week urging a favorable report for the Safe Communities Act, noting that the ongoing pandemic has demonstrated the importance of protecting immigrants, who risk COVID-19 infections while facing the threat of deportation. “In the past four years, a deep, pervasive fear has taken hold in immigrant communities due to aggressive enforcement and a multitude of hostile policies,” the letter reads. “Many avoid seeking health care — especially emergency services, but also care for serious chronic conditions,” due to the fear that public officials will share data to Immigrations and Custom Enforcement (ICE). The Legislature’s Joint Committee on Public Safety was scheduled to take action on the bill Monday but extended its deadline to July 15. Public health officials often conduct contact tracing when someone shows symptoms of COVID-19. Fear of public officials
has prevented many immigrants from sharing information, ultimately impeding efforts to contain the pandemic. “The concern is that people are not giving up their contacts because they’re afraid of deportation of themselves, their friends or their family members,” said Amy Grunder, director of legislative affairs for the Massachusetts Immigrant Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA). Most infected individuals are asked to provide contact information. The statewide average is only two contacts, even though immigrant families are much bigger, according to data provided by state Rep. Denise Provost. Grunder told the Banner that healthcare institutions are not sharing information with ICE and that the fear is “imagined.” However, the distrust of law enforcement “bleeds into other institutions.” Immigrant communities are the most impacted by the disease, she said, but also unlikely to cooperate with public health officials. She acknowledged studies that found Haitian and Central American individuals to be hospitalized
at two to three times the rate of white people. Furthermore, neighborhoods and towns with large Haitian populations like Dorchester, Brockton and Randolph have some of the highest infection rates in the state. “If we want people to feel confident in local public officials … the Safe Communities Act would send a really strong reassuring message to the immigrant community,” she said.
enforcement and public safety work from immigration enforcement, said Grunder. “It provides concrete protection against some of this continuing involvement in immigration enforcement, and protects basic rights,” she said. Grunder noted certain provisions from the bill. “One provision says that law enforcement shouldn’t ask questions about immigration status because of the chilling effect that it has on people seeking assistance,” she said. This policy is already practiced by Massachusetts state police and other local police departments across the city, she said. The bill would make the policy a “general standard” for the whole state.
“
If we want people to feel confident in local public officials … the Safe Communities Act would send a really strong reassuring message to the immigrant community.” — Amy Grunder, Massachusetts Immigrant Refugee Advocacy Coalition
The Safe Communities Act has always been a public health and safety bill, said Grunder. Fears of deportation have prevented immigrants from getting health insurance or seeing doctors. Other immigrants are afraid of making a police report. Some women facing domestic abuse do not report the violence. “That’s always been a problem,” said Grunder. “Now of course it’s worse because of the shelter-inplace rules.” The bill would disentangle law
She also noted that ICE agents often visit houses of corrections or police lockups to identify people that may be deportable. Oftentimes, individuals are not warned that they’re part of an immigration interview. Grunder said that many people do not know the interviewer is from ICE or that they have the right to decline the interview and call their own lawyer. “It’s only fair for people to know they’re being interviewed by an immigration agent,” she said. The bill would require law enforcement
to provide a standardized form informing individuals of the immigration interview. Individuals do not have to participate in the interview, she said. Many immigrants are unaware of their own rights, Grunder said. She’s even heard of individuals signing their own deportation orders unknowingly. The bill would “create guidelines and standards to protect existing rights” and cultivate more trust with local police. It would also provide police officers with guidance on how to work with these communities, she said. The bill also limits sharing of an individual’s release date and time. Many immigrants are unable to testify during court proceedings if ICE is notified before the court date. Under the bill, said Grunder, ICE wouldn’t be notified until the end of an incarceration sentence. The bill has received the support of multiple organizations, including the Massachusetts Public Health Association. The fear of deportation is preventing many from getting the help they need. “We’re talking about family separation here,” said Grunder. “It doesn’t just happen at the border. People will do anything to avoid it, and now that has potentially fatal consequences, not to mention the public health consequences of not getting accurate tracing.” The advocates’ letter to the Committee notes that the state legislature has an opportunity to show immigrant communities that “in Massachusetts, immigrants are safe and protected, regardless of their status, and state and local agencies will not collaborate in deportations.”
Sen. Collins secures PPE for public, affordable housing Partners with Housing Managers to distribute over 40,000 masks ahead of order Ahead of an executive order mandating the use of facial coverings for all residents, Senator Nick Collins announced a district-wide initiative to equip residents in need with free protective masks. “On behalf of our residents and staff, we thank Senator Collins for providing needed masks during this difficult time,” said Lydia Agro, Boston Housing Authority Chief of Staff and Public Affairs. “Wearing masks or face coverings is especially important for our more vulnerable residents as we flatten the COVID curve –there are instructions to make your own face coverings on the City’s website at boston.gov/facecovering.” In collaboration with his district representatives and councilors, Senator Collins and his team distributed over 30,000 masks to the Boston Housing Authority, other subsidized and affordable housing managers, as well as non-profit organizations working in communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. “Our residents were grateful to receive this much needed PPE to protect them and their families,” said Gail Lattimore of Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation. “As we continue to face this crisis together, we are proud to partner with our elected officials, local businesses, and residents to provide resources in our community”, said Gail Lattimore, Executive Director of Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation. Many individuals are currently facing unprecedented economic hardship with record unemployment filings and thousands of small business owners are struggling to pay the bills. “Covid-19 is an evolving situation that is definitely a test of our resilience. We are proud to have the kind support of Senator Nick Collins and his team who donated over 3,000 face masks to be distributed to residents of Cruz Management properties.” said Justin Cruz, Director of Cruz Management. “Together is the best way to overcome obstacles.” The cost and lack of availability to PPE in many socioeconomically distressed neighborhoods across the City of Boston along with reports that masks were being sold at corner stores for $5 each, highlighted a new inequity that has come out of the COVID-19 outbreak. “Not everyone has access to masks or extra clothes to sew a face covering. To avoid a de facto tax on the poor, we thought it was important to take the lead on this and push back against the criminalization of poverty. In this unprecedented time, we must look out for the health and safety of our neighbors, especially those most vulnerable.”, said Senator Collins. State Senator Nick Collins represents the First Suffolk District which includes Dorchester, Mattapan, Hyde Park and South Boston. He is Also the Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health in the Massachusetts Legislature.
8 • Thursday, June 4, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER
riots
continued from page 1 demonstrations turned from peaceful marches to clashes with police and widespread destruction. Including in Boston, where rioters ran amok in Downtown Crossing, just blocks from the threshold of the Old State House where Attucks fell in a hail of British musket fire. If, as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. said, riot “is the language of the unheard,” America has had a hearing problem going back a long, long time. After the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore in 2015 — his back broken in a police van after being taken into custody — reporter Jamilah King compiled a
“
... it is as necessary for me to be as vigorous in condemning the conditions which cause persons to feel that they must engage in riotous activities as it is for me to condemn riots. I think America must see that riots do not develop out of thin air.” — Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
century-long timeline of urban uprisings triggered by police violence, going back to Chicago in 1919. In that incident, a black teenager defied unofficial segregation on the beaches of Lake Michigan and drowned after white teenagers stoned him. When police refused to make
an arrest, the black South Side “erupted in rage,” she wrote. “After nearly two weeks of protests, 38 people were dead (15 white, 23 black), 500 people were injured, and more than 1,000 black families lost their homes because of the damage.” Harlem, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Brooklyn, Cincinnati, Oakland. From the cusp of the Jazz Age up until today, reactions to police violence against blacks have punctuated the last century of American history. King published her chronicle of more than a dozen other cases — just a partial list — less than a year after an unarmed 18-yearold Michael Brown had been shot and killed by a police officer after a confrontation in Ferguson, Missouri. In Ferguson and Baltimore, police violence intersected with tensions over jo blessness, decay and neglect, creating a toxic cocktail of anger that sparked riots in both locations. These were the same conditions identified by the 1968 Kerner Commission report as responsible for the unrest the commissioners were charged to study and understand. Created after the 1967 uprisings in Detroit and Newark — both set off by anger at police abuse — the presidentially-appointed commission found the unrest rooted in despair and resentment over poor housing, health care, education and employment bias. “White society,” said the landmark report, mostly forgotten by now, “is deeply embedded in the ghetto. White institutions created it, white institutions maintain it, and white societies condone it.” Dr. King condemned the riots but never ignored what caused them. “I will continue to condemn riots and continue to say to my brothers and sisters that this is not the way. And continue to affirm that there is another way,” he said in his speech “The Other America,” delivered at Stanford
8 • Thursday, January
24, 2019 • BAY STATE
BANNER PHOTO
Peaceful demonstrators at the youth march on the Boston Common Sunday. University 10 days after he spoke out against the Vietnam War at Riverside Church in New York City. “But at the same time, it is as necessary for me to be as vigorous in condemning the conditions which cause persons to feel that they must engage in riotous activities as it is for me to condemn riots. I think America must see that riots do not develop out of thin air,” he said. Despite the advances of the civil rights movement and gains at the ballot box, African Americans are three times more likely than whites to die at the hands of police. African Americans are also three times more likely to be denied mortgage loans than whites, even when equally credit-worthy. One of the incidents that didn’t make it into Jamilah King’s dispiriting refrain was the so-called “Grove Hall Riot” in Boston in the summer of 1967, when a group of mothers gathered outside the welfare office on Blue Hill Avenue in Roxbury to raise their voices against capricious policies and mistreatment by agency staff. The protest was peaceful. Until it wasn’t. The group, “Mothers for Adequate Welfare,” entered the
ARTS& CULTURE
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FILM REVIEW
‘Cuba’
Film explores the island’s unique h heritage marc
Thousands turned out
for the Boston Women’s
MUSIC REVIEW
Wil B. (left) and Kev Marcus
Feminist Fusion
COURTESY PHOTO BANNER PHOTO
March Saturday.
Forward organized by March affiliated is not Massachusetts, Inc., the with Women’s March for the organization responsible march. , D.C. original Washington Inc. has recently municipal office in Women’s March of proud to see the subject of allegations spoke about being office. been the public in of Thediversity Museum sm among its guiding Science on Feb. growing anti-Semiti not elected she was debuted that when Although this was its latest IMAX film ofShe15said unbeliev- members. at the Boston had seemed 2017, it“Cuba,” a 50-minute in fering, explicitly addressed peek diother no were executive there culture intobecause the vibrant able, march, Cindy Rowe, of the CaAlliance for her in office. likeisland. ribbean women The film was pro-rector of the Jewish onnow become imaginable Law and Social Action, spoke “It has specifically duced for the giant a long hijab-wearing, refugee Sullivan against have aformat toscreen byMuslim Con- 3Dstage with GoldeninGate including anerican prejudices, of Somali-Am list in association with BBCvictoEarth, xenophobia said. “All those gress,” ti-Semitism, racism, Giant Butt Screen Films and le in 2016, Giant seemed unimaginab theonly ries and homophobia. Dome Theater Consortium. thousands they are not now in 2019, “We are here by the andThe all Museumare reality.” 180Common to reject imaginable, they of Science’s more on Boston out degree to sayisthat screen one of the forms of hate, and to speak went on Butt dome running to tear few in the continue country that will the forces that seek show women should the momen- against Rowe said. “We are here the office, to continue forfilm. us apart,” change. divided.” more “We arecreate thrilled and to bring “Cuba” tum say we will not be brought the to alsoTheater, to the the optimism from march Mugar Omni The Despite transthe spotlight, due to the changes porting of diversity visitorsto theme our to meet a panspe- many speakers the first Women’s BANNER PHOTO to talk up speakers since orama of faces bringing observed and personalities Common people on from of the rights aboutlargest in 2017, it was clear proceeded from the Boston thecifically Caribbean’s island,” Jewish March Women’s March, which Native Americans, said, the speeches, chants and overall of empowerment to the of color, Robin Doty, manager the Omni Common. signs with messages that none of Public Garden to the people withofdisabilities Demonstrators brought expression of anger andwomen, 4D Theater then looped around the of vioat thevictims museum, ready to stop in people, to Commonwealth Avenue, LGBTQ+ the attendees were a release. “We seek out .films that lence and immigrants n con- fighting yet. highlight the diversity that 13 theyou pgWashingto to askof world going “I have been in and around“I’m rightsthe us, including cultures, people have two weeks and forCOLETTE GREENSTEIN tinue to fight for gender nowBy pg 12 d, if I’m arts, technological matter to women other issues that and scientific asked me if I’m disillusione “I tell advancements pg 11 but that you not and more.” Pressley said. and our families, dismayed,” The classical weight hip-hop luxury the duo and The film intersection cynicism is not a thethreads information that forget plus Black Violin, day composed constant and them of clasup every most Black Violin’s genre-bendaboutofCuba’s history this country’s can afford. I wake and culture LADAMA sically-trained and rocks band said Tani- we feet violist Latina Wilner ing sound, which has been defoe: racism,” through with purposed three different persistent clear eyed, (Wil story lines. you that pg 13scribed as “classical B.) and stage violinist president of Boston aBaptiste conviction One follows theofBerklee sha Sullivan, Patricia strength boom,” has Torres a for Kevin justice Sylvester andDiaz, to Washington (Kev me Marcus), “Equality exposed them to an ever-growyoungNAACP. delivered ballet dancer hoping to landble.” have has been smashing fight for justice.” of color is a non-negotia women a highly with a mandate to musical sought-after spot in the March, reotypes ‘Cuba’ste-at ing fan base and opened the review: Film for more than a decade. door to numerous The Boston Women’s Cuban National
Latina band LADAMA rocks the Berklee stage
1 continued from page By CELINA tts, COLBY Massachuse
Black
INSIDE ARTS
inside this
BLACK VIOLIN BENDS GENRES, INSPIRES YOUTH
s successes WeWork event highlight neurs of black, Latina entrepre
City fighting hair test lawsuits on two fronts
Vol. 54 No. 35 •
By CELINA COLBY
On Thursday, March 21, the feminist Latina band LADAMA performed at Berklee as part of the Celebrity Series of Boston Stave Sessions festival. The group comprises four talented female musicians from four countries: Lara Klaus (Brazil); Daniela Serna (Colombia); Mafer Bandola (Venezuela); and Sara Lucas (United States). Pat Swoboda accompanied them on the bass. Fusing music and education, cultural heritage and contemporary flair, the group aims to transcend boundaries and bring people together. ss news busine week Throughout their two-hour Stave Sessions set, each LADAMA many possibilities to as wide an musician seamlessly played mulaudience as possible. tiple instruments and sang everyPart of what fuels them, they thing from protest songs to unifysay, is the way that the kids’ eyes ing ballads. Gonzalez strummed light up when they see Black magic from the chords of the banViolin perform. dola llanera, a traditional Vene“I know for sure that somezuelan instrument with few wellthing about what we do comknown female players. Serna spat pletely transforms them,” says Spanish rhymes with a casual ease. opportuni- Baptiste, a father of Ballet Company. 13 The two musicians three young met inpgties. They performed at Stave Sessions is a series that feaMuseum of Science Another follows Eusebio Leal, city Presi- children. orchestra class at Dillard High tures up-and-coming musical dent Obama’s inauguration ball historian of Havana, in his life’s Sylvester and Baptiste are School for the Performing Arts trailblazers in an intimate setting. in 2013, headlined their own work to preserve the unique archi.com strong proponents for educain Fort Lauderdale, Florida. show on Broadway, and www.baystatebanner The series ran for five nights, from tecture and history of the capital opened tional outreach. In 2017 YearsCHECK BUSINESSfor later, OUT theyMORE NEWS they reconnected ONLINE: March 19 to 23, and featured muKanye city.SINCE Lastly,1965 West WWW.BAYSTATEB viewers learn about the in Dubai and ANNER.COM/CATE were announced as GORY/NEWS/BUS after attending separate colleges Turnaround INESS BOSTON’S URBAN NEWS SOURCE sicians from a variety of genres and GREATER Jay-Z in Switzerland. They have • work of Fernando Bretos, a marine FREE • 2019 Artists for Mary M. Bethune Elin South Florida and combined backgrounds. Thursday, March 28, collaborated with Alicia Keys, biologist, and Dr. Daria Siciliano, a ementary School in their hometheir love for hip-hop music Everything about LADAMA’s Wu-Tang Clan, Aerosmith, Lil marine scientist. The duo is studytown of Broward County, Florwith their classical training to work transcends boundaries. The Wayne and Wyclef Jean. In ing Cuba’s coral reefs, which have ida. Turnaround Arts, founded form Black Violin. The duo permusicians fly across country and 2016, the duo composed the thrived and grown while other reefs by President Obama’s Comforms with DJ SPS and drumcontinent lines to rehearse and score for the Fox television worldwide die out. mittee on the Arts and the Humer Nat Stokes. record together. Their rhythms series “Pitch.” These storylines ground the film manities in 2011, is a national Black Violin’s breakthrough fuse chords from traditional 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 culSee LADAMA, page 14 forming 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. y on Friday, April 5 at 8 p.m. The the country has encountered, but it The musicians say they love A BPE Teaching Academ “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 for learning, with illustrates how economic year’s successful Classical Boom chalbelieve in. Wil B., speaking to the Banner Tour, which included more than students lenges have created a distinctive re“This is what we’re about. recently by phone. “That gave provided for all ent 90 concerts sourcefulness enrichm and back-to-back and resilience in the This is what we’re meant for,” us the confidence to really go support and sold-out performances at the island’s residents. Cuba’s economic says Baptiste. “This is what I’m visual challenges full force.” Kennedy Center in Washingprograms in the have even contribhere to do. If I have something, Since then, they have recorded ton, D.C. l fitness uted to the unique ecosystem that I want to be able to give it back three albums, with the third, “Stescience, and physica In addition to the group’s to Bretos and Siciliano are studying. the universe.” reotypes,” marking their major arts, music, dance, own tours, Black Violin has per“It’s the architecture, the large to label debut on Universal Music. formed for more than 100,000 with strong ties unspoiled swaths of land and the “Stereotypes” debuted at No. 1 students and in more than 125 cities. Cuba is so unique and fasnity partners on the Billboard Classical Crosspublic shows across the U.S. cinating. A world unto itself,” says neighborhood commu over chart and No. 4 on the Billand Europe, and they often On the web Chang. “Seeing the landscapes board R&B chart. The band rehave young people join them on and the cityscapes on this large Black Violin: http://blackviolin.net/ leased the song “Dreamer” and stage. canvas will make people realize For Baptiste and Sylves- Info/tickets as a whole.” the community its accompanying for April 5 Boston show: andvideo last fall, ter,awho after what’s there, just 90 miles from our were exposed to music https://thewilbur.com/artist/ comes week policy and The they plan black-violin/ to release a fourth in middle border.” school, it’s about shar- Turnaround By TREA LAVERY Liberties Arts program: album this summer. the American Civil ing their love of a music and its http://turnaroundarts.kennedy Massachusetts released -center.org Attorney Union of
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tenure Suffolk County District using data from the released a report District Attorney Dan Rachael Rollins officially PHOTOat: BANNERmore Learn that includes of former revealed that in 2013 policy memo Monday that as City www.mos.org/imax/cuba promise Conley Building action on her campaign minor and 2014, the 15 charges flagged the Bruce Bolling Municipal 15 Wilner Baptiste nearly speaks during a rally outside to decline to prosecute President Jessica Tang by Rollins were dismissed Boston Teachers Union of the time. In addition, on. crimes. Councilor Kim Janey looks to the res- 60 percent percent of cases that “I made a promise 10 that for only about a disposition to idents of Suffolk County prosecuted offenses, I were low-level, nonviolent that time were exclusively Prosdeclination or during would emphasize from the “Decline to possible,” Rol- charges diversion whenever list. which was ecute” question: the begs lins said in the memo, analysis “Our for staff Monday people being charged distributed to her Monday Why are proseand released to the public that are not being was part of a crimes night. “That decision said Carol Rose, executive two important cuted?” of Massachua salon the strategy to achieve Shamso Ahmed has created of in theACLU South End where observant is Muslim women can have their hair the footprint director styled in privacy. goals: first, to reduce in a statement. “Diversion of system where setts, simultaneously shortdisposal of the criminal justice important tool at the Mathieu, do both education safety interest, an school,” said Anthony t officials, but many changes the special it served no public teacher at Boston Latin students, Pina says. more of our law enforcemen history a allocate to MILLER second, YAWU and By the speto the serious Academy. “They’re not getting See ROLLINS, page 6 prosecution resources wants to families, and the minutes Teacher Francis Pina Union in cialized support offenses that harm people, By KAREN MORALES required to While Boston Teachers more inclusion specialists of instruction they’re midst of ne- see leadership is in the Public Schools classrooms get by law,” he said. Boston and raises with disabilities teacher gotiations over pay For some people, getting For kindergar ten Public so that students the regular edua such as other matters with Boston haircut is a normal, regular keep up with Peejay Clarke, supplies task, outside the can in which they learn, checked off the to-do list without and paint for Schools officials, markers, paper, glue Build- cation classes a second thought. However, the Martin his Charlestown High Bruce Bolling Municipal for his K2 classroom at staff ral- including be Muslim women who choose ing teachers and school math class. King K-8 School would to for more re- School are certi- Luther wear the hijab, having their lied last Wednesday While many teachers hair place to start. in which styled at a public salon poses education a good sources for the schools a fied to teach in special challenge to their faith. page 10 as well as in regular BPS, they teach. See classrooms we need The newly opened Shamso to “I came out because rooms, attempting Hair Studio and Spa in the every single education South a full-time nurse in End,
ON THE WEB
“This is what I’m here to do. If I have something, I want to be able to give it back to the universe. ”
ling Teachers, parents cal ports for more student sup
students, activists say Declining budgets short-change
transfer tax Council hears case for risks
trust for neighborhood housing preservation the production and of affordable housing. ownThe fee would exempt allow the ts, transfers between and Kim Janey, would fee of er-occupan and sales under city to impose a transfer between family members split percent, 6 to up on sales of $2 million. at last buyers and sellers, City councilors present ned commercial and investor-ow hearing included Janey, $2 million. week’s Michael Flaherty, Miproperties exceeding includes Edwards, also Campbell, proposal The Wu, Andrea 25 percent, chelle Ed Flynn and Matt a higher fee, up to of prop- Josh Zakim, on repeat transfers in order O’Malley. another erty within 24 months, “ This would be practices in to prevent to deter “flipping” tool in the toolbox neighborhoods.
cite Advocates in favor, developers By KAREN MORALES
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
Your voice. Your news.
Violin
Bending Genres, Inspiring Youth
BUSINESSNEWS n for Muslim women rolls RollinAssalo
LADAMA— Their rhythms fuse chords from traditional instruments with a contemporary message empowering women to own their own talents
and experience.
South End Shamso Hair Studio caters to women
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 “There should be a place BANNER PHOTO for Washington St., has its wide storeany woman, no matter her belief, front windows covered by neutral to feel comfortable and safe and shades to ensure m hael Rollins
her over a month to get approval from the state to black out the windows.
PHOTOS: KAREN MORALES
of all faiths
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.
The Bay State Banner—online and in print—a new issue every Thursday. SEE FOR YOURSELF.
WHAT’S NOT DEDUCTIBLE
The IRS doesn’t allow property tax deductions for:
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
boudoir, with lush and sparkling wallpaper, twinkling chandelier light fixt
office beneath the words “Overseers of the Public Welfare” engraved above the doorway and barricaded themselves in with bicycle chains. Arriving police climbed in through a window and soon unleashed their billy clubs. “They’re beating us in here,” cried one of the mothers from an open window. The crowd outside grew unruly at the report and police waded in, escalating the melee. A Harvard student at the scene said shouts of “Kill ’em” came from the all-white phalanx of police officers as they raised their batons and rushed the protesters. Breaking off from the clash with police, many turned their anger on storefronts and cars along Blue Hill Avenue, leaving some three dozen businesses looted and in flames over two nights of disturbances. “Police Riot in Grove Hall,” reported the Banner in a famous headline, countering the police narrative of using justified force to quell an angry mob. The Rev. Virgil Wood, an associate of Dr. King, told newspapers that “war was declared on the black people by the police force.” Today, remnants of the scars of those hot June nights are still visible. Is anyone listening?
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
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Thursday, June 4, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER • 9
protests
continued from page 1 larceny. Nine Boston officers were transported to local hospitals, including one who was hit in the head with a brick. The demonstrations in Boston and around the U.S. came after Minneapolis police fired officer Derek Chauvin, who kneeled on Floyd’s neck, suffocating him, and three officers who stood by and did not intervene in the killing. Criminal charges were brought against Chauvin within days — an unprecedented pace for a police killing in the United States — but it was already too late to calm the conflagration of protests from people who are frustrated after six years of Black Lives Matter demonstrations and little apparent change in police attitudes toward the black men and women who continue to die at their hands. That frustration was on display last week when demonstrators forced their way into a Minneapolis police precinct and set the building on fire. Footage of the police building engulfed in flames spread on social media and served as a Rorschach test for Americans. Donald Trump on Twitter referenced a segregation-era Miami sheriff ’s words, “When the looting starts, the shooting starts,” raising charges he is fanning the flames of racial tension and emboldening trigger-happy police officers. For some, the sight of the burning precinct sent a message of a popular uprising in blacks’ decades-long struggle against police brutality and malfeasance. “It’s not seeing the flames. It’s not imagining the smell of the fire. It’s hearing people cheering on the news that gave me goosebumps,” said one demonstrator during a protest in Boston on Friday. For police officers who have responded to the last six years of demonstrations with the same paramilitary tactics, tear gas, and rubber-coated steel bullets used on protesters in the streets of Hong Kong and in Palestine,
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Demonstrators gather at Peters Park in the South End Friday.
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I’m pretty tired of what’s going on. This is repeat and recycle. It’s frustrating. It’s sad. It’s infuriating, so I’m ready for it to be done. That’s why I came out here. I want to make a change.”
police violence in Boston seemed tame compared to other U.S. cities. In Minneapolis, one journalist lost an eye after an officer fired a rubber-coated steel projectile at her face. In Louisville, Kentucky, a police officer appeared to take aim at a journalist before striking her in the eye with a pepper ball on live television. In addition to being targeted with non-lethal weapons, more than 100
journalists have been arrested while recording police. In New York City, video footage showed police ramming demonstrators with their cruisers, pushing through a crowd that blocked an intersection. In Sacramento, demonstrators complained police fired rubber-coated steel bullets at eye level, striking at least one teen in the face. While the socalled rubber bullets police are using are considered non-lethal
weapons, they have caused death in Palestine, South Africa and other countries where police and soldiers have responded to mass uprisings with violence. As protestors filled the streets of Washington D.C. Saturday, President Trump tweeted threats of using “vicious dogs” and “ominous weapons” should any demonstrators breach the fence surrounding the capitol building. He encouraged his supporters to stage a “MAGA NIGHT AT THE WHITE HOUSE.” Trump’s provocative rhetoric drew swift rebuke from Democrats, with California Congressman Adam Schiff calling on Trump to “stop stoking the fires of racism and constrain his apparent zeal for bloodshed.” Sen. Elizabeth Warren called on her colleagues in Congress to denounce the president. “Donald Trump is calling for violence against Black Americans,” she wrote in a tweet. “His advocacy of illegal, state-sponsored killing is horrific.” In Boston, Mayor Martin Walsh, Police Commissioner William Gross and clergy leaders held a prayer vigil Saturday at City Hall Plaza. That event was dwarfed by demonstrations organized by Mass Action Against Police Brutality Friday and by a coalition of youth groups Sunday. Brookline resident Briana Cardwell marched from Nubian Square to the State House, joining a crowd of several thousand led by youth activists. “I’m pretty tired of what’s going on,” she said. “This is repeat and recycle. It’s frustrating. It’s sad. It’s infuriating, so I’m ready for it to be done. That’s why I came out here. I want to make a change.”
— Briana Cardwell the sight of the burning precinct seemed to elicit a more violent response to the anti-police violence demonstrators. While officers in Boston used tear gas and clubs on some demonstrators and rioters, the level of
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Scenes from protests against police violence
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Thursday, June 4, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER • 11
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New leadership for Nubian Sq. Robert George envisions a more vibrant shopping district By YAWU MILLER The board of Roxbury Main Streets, Inc. has announced that Robert George, former executive vice president of Zoo New England, will serve as the organization’s executive director. The organization, formerly Dudley Square Main Streets, coordinates efforts to improve Roxbury’s largest commercial district, now known as Nubian Square. Born in Antigua, George attended UMass Boston, where he now serves as alumni board president. The Banner caught up with George by phone last week to discuss his vision for the commercial district. The following interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
What attracted you to the job of leading Roxbury Main Streets? What attracted me to the job was the chance to practice and participate in the heart of the black and brown community of the city of Boston. The work done today will yield significant benefits in the future, so I wanted to apply my experience to the work being done. The team I work with is passionate about the project. I personally wanted to contribute to the historical legacy.
What do you envision happening in Nubian Square in the next 10 years? There are several things I see happening. I see stability, I see growth and a strong business
environment that emerges as a diverse cultural destination attracting individuals and families from all across Boston. I also see the state attracting national and international tourism. I would like to see well-paying jobs that offer stability to the community. I also envision a strong night life utilizing places such as Hibernian Hall and other facilities in the district for jazz, soul music, theatrical presentation, steel bands, African and Hispanic music. I’d also like to see casual and semi-formal dining in Nubian Square, spaces for education and learning, family fun destinations that build on the history of Nubian Square.
What will it take for Nubian Square to become a thriving business district? It will require a continued focus on creative urban planning that involves the Roxbury community, the city of Boston, the lending institutions in the city and the philanthropic community. We have to start valuing the culture and the ethnic diversity that our community has to offer. The success of Nubian Square is the success of the black and brown community in the city of Boston, which benefits the entire city.
What are the challenges Nubian Square is currently facing? The perception of safety. There’s still a perception that Nubian Square is unsafe. I would say that during business operating hours the square is just as safe as any other location in Boston.
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Robert George in front of the Roxbury Main Streets office on Washington Street.
“
We have to start valuing the culture and the ethnic diversity that our community has to offer. The success of Nubian Square is the success of the black and brown community in the city of Boston, which benefits the entire city.” — Robert George
There’s also a lack of support from lending institutions investing in the community. A lot of things can
get done here. I hope to be a driving force of getting things from point A to point B.
What are the district’s greatest assets? I think it’s its residents, the people who create that rich ethnic background, what I refer to as black and brown Boston. Its location is unique. There are assets that already exist there. There’s tremendous opportunity for growth. There are recreational opportunities, arts, music. It’s a prideful, hard-working community. It has all the key ingredients to be a successful, thriving business community.
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‘CAREoke’ for a cause
parable path boston
TCBF fundraises through song and dance By CELINA COLBY In the months since Boston withdrew inside to fight COVID19, the local theater community has taken to the internet to keep spirits high and artists secure. Online performances both livestreamed and archived have kept audiences and performers connected and hopeful. Now, to add to social-distanced entertainment calendars, the Theatre Community Benevolent Fund has launched a new program called CARE-oke to raise funds for affected artists and bring local favorites back into the spotlight.
“
A pandemic-era artist residency tackles societal fault lines PHOTO: WALEED SHAH
By CELINA COLBY
In
2017, the stirring chords of Toshi Reagon’s opera adaptation of Octavia Butler’s “Parable of the Sower” filled the halls of ArtsEmerson’s Paramount Center. Three years later, Reagon has returned to build her yearlong artist residency with ArtsEmerson around the tenets of Butler’s novel. Reagon’s vision for the residency, titled “Parable Path Boston,” included in-person community events, conversations and performances for creative “groupthinks” on Parable’s themes. Now, she’s adapting these programs to the new online art space of COVID-19. The pandemic may have disrupted the residency’s logistical workflow, but it has also served to magnify the issues at play in Butler’s novel and Reagon’s corresponding opera. The 1993 sci-fi novel looks forward to 2024 and presents a societal timeline alarmingly similar to the current circumstances of the United States. Many of the issues in the novel, including resource scarcity, poverty, racism and societal violence, are at play at this very moment. “This pandemic shows us our togetherness in a way that nothing else has,” says Reagon. “And I hope for us to embrace that knowledge and to let some of our more superficial structures fall down the way they seem to be wanting to. And not try to see if we can keep racism up or see if we can uphold lying and cheating politicians.”
“
It’s been a good time for us to be explorative and to try to come up with the art, the language, the teaching possibilities to shift our behavior so we’re not constantly on a path of destruction with the earth.” — Toshi Reagon
Reagon gives the example of teachers. With parents now at home teaching their own children, they’re developing a better understanding of the hard work teachers do and how problematic their low pay and lack of resources really is. Similarly, food scarcity, which is a problem for many populations on a regular basis (and is a major plot point of “Parable”), has been magnified with long lines at the food bank. In some ways these magnifications have guided Reagon’s plans for upcoming events. “Some of them are answering to emergency situations,” she says, explaining that food justice funding is being reallocated to address the immediate needs brought on by COVID-19. Though the residency process looks a little different, with ideas shared via phone call and Zoom conference rather than in in-person brainstorming sessions, the goal of bringing the community together around these issues persists. Reagon says that in the next few weeks she’ll be finalizing initiatives and events big and small to launch with ArtsEmerson during the year. “It’s been a good time for us to be explorative and to try to come up with the art, the language, the teaching possibilities to shift our behavior so we’re not constantly on a path of destruction with the earth,” says Reagon. “Just because we know where we were before doesn’t mean we should go back there.”
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the TCBF has granted over $90,000 in aide, but has raised only $50,000, and requests for assistance are still pouring in.” — Amy Barker
Local performer Amy Barker brainstormed the fundraiser and brought it to the attention of the TCBF board. “These are tough times for all of us and the theater community has been hit particularly hard. Many theater artists in the Greater Boston area have no means of support and are struggling to make ends meet,” says Barker. “Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the TCBF has granted over $90,000 in aide,
See CARE-OKE, page 13
ON THE WEB PHOTO: PAUL MAROTTA
Scenes from “Parable of the Sower.”
Watch for announcements of Parable Path Boston events at: parablepathboston.com PHOTO: UNSPLASH
Thursday, June 4, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER • 13
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Black and white and political all over Zanele Muholi’s self-portraits challenge race in visual history By CELINA COLBY “Somnyama Ngonyama: Hail the Dark Lioness,” an exhibition of photographs by Zanele Muholi at Harvard’s Ethelbert Cooper Gallery, is an art history textbook painted black. The series of more than 80 self-portraits of the artist challenges race and representation in visual history in striking and beautiful way. The show is on view through June via virtual tour on the Cooper Gallery website. “Visual activism has a lot to do with two things, connecting the visual and my activism. Which means that every image that I take has a lot to do with politics. In my work I’m pushing a political agenda,” says Muholi in a video conversation with the Seattle Art Museum. “The aim of this series is to undo racism in the media, in mainstream spaces.” Aesthetically, the black and white portraits are breathtaking. The stark color contrast and textures of the images draw viewers in. On further inspection it becomes clear that the props used
“
In my work I’m pushing a political agenda. The aim of this series is to undo racism in the media, in mainstream spaces.” — Zanele Muholi
to make hairpieces, headdresses and garments are everyday items like pens, cardboard, clothespins and vacuum tubing. Each of these objects is tied to an instance of social, economic or environmental injustice — or sometimes, all three. Muholi uses these everyday objects and poses from famous paintings in the Western canon to expose centuries of violence, disenfranchisement and fetishizing of black cultures and people. In photographs taken in Japan around Bonsai trees, Muholi points to the cultural appropriation and environmental
© ZANELE MUHOLI. COURTESY OF THE ARTIST, YANCEY RICHARDSON, NEW YORK, AND STEVENSON CAPE TOWN/ OHANNESBURG.
Kwanele, Parktown, 2016. Gelatin silver print. disruption of removing these trees from their natural habitat to be taken to other parts of the world. Muholi’s black body in this space is also pushing a question, what about the Afro-Japanese populations that are never represented in
mainstream culture? In “Kwanele, Parktown, 2016” Muholi’s face emerges from a heap of ripped white plastic. Her expression is angry, defeated and tired. This is the plastic often wrapped around suitcases while traveling
to prevent bursting suitcases from opening. Muholi is referencing how it feels for dark-skinned individuals to cross borders with the additional hoops and scrutiny they find themselves facing. “Sometimes you feel like trash,” they say. “You feel like the same plastic that covers your suitcase.” In portraits where Muholi wears an elaborate necklace of cowrie shells or a footstool as a crown, the artist references the exoticism placed on African cultures. In historical Western portraits of foreign countries, people are painted and labeled as “other” in similar styles. “Ntozabantu VI, Parktown,” shows Muholi wearing a plastic tiara on their piled-high hair and staring directly into the camera. Here they’re alluding to beauty pageants, such as Miss World, which South African women were not allowed to enter prior to 1970. “With this work, people will see that it’s possible that the gallery is meant to be for everybody and not for a select few and also to engage in a mature and constructive way,” says Muholi. “We don’t have many of us in these spaces, but it’s possible.”
ON THE WEB View the virtual show at: coopergallery.fas. harvard.edu/somnyama-ngonyama
A MUST-READ FOR EVERY BOSTONIAN! Did you know... One of Boston’s skyscrapers — State Street Bank — was developed by black people? PHOTO: CELINA COLBY
Theaters like the Huntington have been closed since March, but the CARE-oke fundraising performances bring local favorites to the online stage.
CARE-oke continued from page 12
but has raised only $50,000, and requests for assistance are still pouring in.” Here’s how CARE-oke works. Every Tuesday and Friday a performer shares a short video on the TCBF Facebook page. It could be anything — a song, a monologue, a friendly chat — and then encourages the audience to donate whatever possible. Then that performer nominates another artist. The funds donated go directly to aiding local theater workers who have been impacted by the crisis, typically through loss of work. According to a cultural impact study conducted by ArtsBoston, arts audiences spend an additional $675 million every year at restaurants, parking facilities and other local businesses when they attend a performance or art event in the Boston area. The industry also creates more than 30,000 jobs. These benefits for the city
That Roxbury’s Clifton Wharton Jr. became the first black president of a major U.S. college?
and cultural workers are at risk without support to get artists through this challenge. Though CARE-oke is primarily about fundraising for those causes, it also creates the feeling of seeing old friends. In the first CARE-oke performance, Kathy St. George, a Stoneham native and local favorite, sang “For Me and My Gal,” by Judy Garland and Gene Kelly. St. George had all the energy and excitement she exhibits on stage, bringing a bit of normalcy and good humor to the heavy emotional atmosphere of the pandemic. The upside of this karaoke night is that every performer happens to be spectacular. “We can’t wait to be back in the theaters, our second homes, with you, our families,” says Barker. “But until we are able to do so, let’s have fun and support our friends and colleagues in need.”
ON THE WEB To donate or learn more about CARE-oke, visit: www.tcbf.org/care-oke.
Or that Boston is the headquarters of OneUnited Bank, the largest black-owned and managed bank in the country?
Learn about these black achievements and more in “Boston’s Banner Years: 1965-2015”
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$3 trillion HEROES Act promises more COVID-19 relief Will the U.S. Senate act swiftly on the new legislative plan? By CHARLENE CROWELL As the nation’s Center for Disease Control (CDC) tracks the spread of COVID-19, by late May, at least 1.6 million infections and over 100,000 deaths occurred. This data includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the territories of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S Virgin Islands. At the same time, the Bureau of Labor’s most recent unemployment data for the month of April showed that over 36 million people have filed for unemployment and affected all major employment groups. One bit of data also showed that Black America’s unemployment rate of 16.7% was surpassed by that of Latinos at 18.9%. Similar data for others showed that of Asian-Americans to be 14.5% and whites at 14.2%. Further and according to a survey published on May 14 by the Federal Reserve Board on the COVID-19 pandemic, as of early April: ■ Among adults who lost a job or had their hours reduced, 70 percent reported that their income declined; ■ More than 9 in 10 who lost a job or were told not to work expect to return to the same job; and ■ Sixty-seven percent of workers who never attended college and 60 percent who completed some college or an associate degree worked entirely outside of their homes. In sum, the economic effects of a raging pandemic are affecting
people of all races, backgrounds, and educational levels. And an unfortunate pattern continues: families hardest hit by the Great Recession are again disproportionately affected. Speaking on behalf of the 12-million strong American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations, more commonly known as the AFLCIO, Richard L. Trumka , its President sent a May 15 letter to Congress that spoke to the real-life concerns of working people. “Don’t tell us we should wait a little longer for the unemployment benefits we earned or the health insurance we deserve,” wrote, the AFL-CIO’s Trumka. “We have waited long enough.” “Don’t tell us we should sacrifice our pensions,” he continued.” Don’t tell us states should go bankrupt or that federal relief is a blue state bailout. We are all vulnerable, and this nation deserves better.” Later that day, a new $3 trillion legislative initiative known as the HEROES Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday, May 15 on a 208-199 vote, and awaits review and action by the U.S. Senate. But how swiftly will the upper chamber move on the new COVID-19 plan? And how many Senate amendments will strike at key provisions passed by the House? Introduced on May 12 by New York Congresswoman Nita Lowey, the HEROES Act had 11 co-sponsors representing the additional states of Arizona, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and
MORE
Virginia and provides a broad assortment of new and renewed assistance targeted to essential workers, first responders, minority-owned and other small businesses, students, the homeless and others. For example, housing concerns for renters, homeowners and the homeless in the HEROES Act would extend the CARES Act’s previous moratorium on evictions and foreclosures. But it would also provide new housing assistance with $100 billion in emergency rental assistance, $75 billion for homeowner assistance, $11.5 billion in homeless grants and expand Section 8 vouchers with a
vote, multiple stakeholder groups spoke out in support of the bill. “The HEROES Act focuses on real people because consumers drive our economy and we can’t just leave American families to trickle-down help from businesses,” said Lauren Saunders, associate director of the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC). For Abby Shafroth, an NCLC attorney, criminal justice issues were a particularly key part of the legislation. “The last thing that we need right now is to have people in unsafe prisons and jails for the crime of being poor,” said Shafroth. “By prohibiting the government
“
Don’t tell us we should wait a little longer for the unemployment benefits we earned or the health insurance we deserve. We have waited long enough.” — Richard L. Trumka, AFL-CIO president
$1 billion revenue infusion. The bill also includes $500 million for Section 202 Housing for the Elderly, $100 million for housing counseling, and $14 million for fair housing activities. Similarly, debt collections against either minority-owned and other small businesses or consumers would be suspended during the pandemic. Consumers would not be subjected to negative credit reporting and debt collection, while the Federal Reserve would be required to make low-cost, deferrable loans to small businesses, nonprofits, and public universities. Nonprofits serving low-income communities could be eligible for these loans to be forgiven. Before the early evening House
from incarcerating people for nonpayment of debts, restricting the use of money bail to detain poor people who have not been convicted of a crime, and incentivizing state and local governments to suspend imposition and collection of fines and fees during the crisis, the HEROES Act protects people from being imprisoned or trapped in the broken criminal justice system merely because they are unable to afford a debt or a fine.” Before House voting began and speaking on the chamber’s floor, Chairwoman Maxine Waters of the House Financial Services Committee summarized the feelings of many citizens and lawmakers alike. “We hear Members on both
sides of the aisle talking about how much they love America, how much they love their constituents, said Waters. “Put up or shut up. Now is the time to do it.” That advice needs to be heard in the Senate, where the bill’s outcome is unclear. Although the House inserted provisions to address wide-ranging concerns, there is no guarantee that the Senate will act promptly or as generously. Even so, the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) remains hopeful that the act will not only be preserved; but strengthened. “The HEROES Act shows strong promise and addresses important needs of low-wealth families impacted by COVID-19, such as mortgage and forbearance relief, extended unemployment benefits, food assistance, and protections against harmful debt collection activities and negative credit reporting”, said Ashley Harrington, CRL’s Federal Advocacy Director and Senior Counsel. “However as amended, the bill curtails its original, inclusive plan to cancel $10,000 of debt for all federal and private student loan borrowers,” added Harrington. “These cancellation provisions are unmanageable and inequitable – they won’t help many of the student loan borrowers due to its structural flaws that exclude millions from getting relief.” Harrington also noted how the HEROES Act fails to include “important safeguards against highcost lending and abusive overdraft fees” during the crisis. “The Senate should act swiftly to include these additional consumer protections and ensure that all those with student debt are able to benefit from debt cancellation,” concluded Harrington.
Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending.
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LEGAL
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.
The outcome of this proceeding may limit or completely take away the above-named person’s right to make decisions about personal affairs or financial affairs or both. The above-named person has the right to ask for a lawyer. Anyone may make this request on behalf of the above-named person. If the above-named person cannot afford a lawyer, one may be appointed at State expense.
Docket No. SU20P0412GD
Date: March 27, 2020
NOTICE AND ORDER: Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor In the interests of Sakinah Emily-Amunra Viktor of Boston, MA Minor 1.
2.
NOTICE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES Hearing Date/Time: A hearing on a Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor filed on 02/26/2020 by Maryam S. Hakim of Brighton, MA will be held 06/12/2020 08:30 AM Guardianship of Minor Hearing Located at 24 New Chardon Street, 3rd floor, Boston, MA 02114. 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.
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.
5.
Presence of the Minor at Hearing: A minor over age 14 has the right to be present at any hearing, unless the Court finds that it is not in the minor’s best interests.
Felix D. Arroyo Register of Probate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department SUFFOLK Division
WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court. Date: May 21, 2020
Docket No. SU20P0789GD
Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department
Citation Giving Notice of Petition for Appointment of Guardian for Incapacitated Person Pursuant to G.L. c. 190B, §5-304 In the matter of Melvin Bean Of Mattapan, MA RESPONDENT Alleged Incapacitated Person To the named Respondent and all other interested persons, a petition has been filed by Pamela R Bean of Brockton, MA in the above captioned matter alleging that Melvin Bean is in need of a Guardian and requesting that Pamela R Bean of Brockton, MA (or some other suitable person) be appointed as Guardian to serve on the bond. The petition asks the court to determine that the Respondent is incapacitated, that the appointment of a Guardian is necessary, that the proposed Guardian is appropriate. The petition is on file with this court and may contain a request for certain specific authority. You have the right to object to this proceeding. If you wish to do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance at this court on or before 10:00 A.M. on the return date of 06/11/2020. This day is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline date by which you have to file the written appearance if you object to the petition. If you fail to file the written appearance by the return date, action may be taken in this matter without further notice to you. In addition to filing the written appearance, you or your attorney must file a written affidavit stating the specific facts and grounds of your objection within 30 days after the return date. IMPORTANT NOTICE
Felix D. Arroyo Register of Probate
SUFFOLK Division
Docket No. SU20P0776EA Estate of: Constance Ryan Eagan Date of Death: March 23, 2020
INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Mary Ellen Eagan of Boston, MA a will has been admitted to informal probate. Mary Ellen Eagan of Boston, MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner.
Thursday, June 4, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER • 15
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38 Lorchris Street in Leominster Massachusetts FOR SALE ~ Completely renovated through a pilot program from MA Department of Housing and Community Development and NewVue Liabilities to Assets, Inc. 3-Bedroom home with easy access to shopping and transportation. Studs in renovation with new energy efficient HVAC, bath, kitchen and appliances. Open concept with cathedral ceiling in living room. Available to income eligible owner occupant purchasers. Sale will be subject to an Affordable Housing Covenant for 7 years to insure any resale is also to an income eligible Buyer. NO OFFERS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL COMPLETION OF MARKETING AND APPLICATION PERIOD ENDING ON JUNE 9, 2020. Accommodations are available for persons with disability. Applicants with limited English proficiency are entitled to request language assistance at no cost to them. Contact listing agent; Dylan MacLean, Foster-Healey R.E. for assistance by phone or email 978.270.9713 or Dylan@Foster-Healey.com 1
$65,780
INCOME ELIGIBILITY LIMITS (BY FAMILY SIZE)
2
$75,240
3
4
$84,590
5
6
7
8
$93,940 $101,530 $109,010 $116,490 $124,080
Accommodations are available for persons with disability. Applicants with limited English proficiency are entitled to request language assistance at no cost to them. Contact listing agent for assistance.
Make a CORCORAN Community Your New Home
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NEW HAMPSHIRE RHODE ISLAND
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Renaissance Station (508)455-1875 75 South Main Street
CENTRAL MASS.
Worcester Webster Pelham Apartments Cutler Heights Ashland Woods Canterbury Towers Sitkowski School (508)872-6393 (508)429-0099 (508)861-3052 (508)943-3406 75 Second Street 79 Hollis Street 30A Ashland Woods Ln. (508)757-1133 6 Wachusett Street 29 Negust Street Nashua Amherst Park (603)882-0331 525 Amherst Street
Halstead Salem Station 72 Flint Street, Salem, MA
Eight 1BRs @ $1,625*, Five 2BRs @ $1,777*
*Rents subject to change in 2020. Tenants will be responsible for paying utilities: gas (heating, hot water, cooking), electricity, water and sewer. This community is smoke free. Pets are allowed. Each affordable unit will have access to a free parking spot on site.
Halstead Salem Station is a luxury apartment community located in Salem, Massachusetts. The prime location is walking distance from downtown Salem and from the MBTA commuter rail, with direct access to Boston in as little as 26 minutes. Apartments offer high-end features and finishes such as 9-foot ceilings, in-unit washers and dryers, large walk-in closets, stainless steel appliances, gas stove tops, plank flooring, modern cabinets and countertops, and the latest smart home technology from Latch, Butterfly, and Ecobee. The community offers a wide variety of amenities including a fitness center and a roof deck with grills and a turf area for outdoor games. There will be 13 affordable apartments ready for occupancy starting in Summer 2020. All affordable apartments will be rented to households with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income through this application process. MAXIMUM Household Income Limits:
BOSTON Allston
Affordable Housing Lottery
W. Warwick Westcott Terrace (401)828-1490 319 Providence Street
For more information or reasonable accommodation, please call the property that interests you. We provide free language assistance by phone, just state your language and hold for an interpreter
To Place a Call Using MassRelay, dial 711
HELP WANTED? HELP FOUND! CHECK OUT OUR ONLINE CLASSIFIED JOB LISTINGS
BAYSTATEBANNER.COM/JOBS
$67,400 (1 person) $86,650 (3 people)
$77,000 (2 people) $96,250 (4 people)
A Public Info Session will be held on June 10th, 2020, at 6:00 pm via: • YouTube Live Stream https://youtu.be/hMmxMyUDF2g (or just search “SEB Housing” in YouTube) • and via Conference Call: (425) 436-6200. Access Code: 862627 Completed Applications and Required Income Documentation must be delivered, or postmarked, by 2 pm on July 14th, 2020. Applications postmarked by the deadline must be received no later than 5 business days from the deadline. The Lottery for eligible households will be held on July 28th at 6:00 pm via: • YouTube Live Stream https://youtu.be/vnZ98pYPO_o (or just search “SEB Housing” in YouTube) • and via Conference Call: (425) 436-6200. Access Code: 862627
For Lottery Information and Applications, or for reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, go to www.sebhousing.com or call (617) 7826900x1 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.
HELP WANTED LEAD MECHANIC | Maintenance Department Brookline Housing Authority (BHA)
DUTIES INCLUDE
• Respond to resident requests for repairs, complete resident work orders. • Repairs include appliances, minor plumbing and electric, carpentry, painting, exterior grounds, roofs, and gutters. • Prepare vacated apartments for leasing. • Remove ice and snow. • Maintain grounds and buildings per Covid-19 best practices. • Participate in evening and weekend on-call rotation.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Knowledge and experience in the areas noted above. • High school diploma or equivalent. Driver’s license. • Relevant experience in property maintenance or a similar field and solid references.
WAGES AND BENEFITS
As established in the AFSCME-BHA contract. Overtime hours available. Excellent benefits including health insurance, dental, vision, public transportation, tuition reimbursement, and participation in the State retirement system. Union membership anticipated.
TO APPLY
Submit a resume OR a completed application form by email to jobs@brooklinehousing.org or Application forms and the full job description are available at the BHA website www.brooklinehousing.org, by e.mail request to jobs@brookline-housing.org, or by calling Susan Halpert at 617-277-2022, ext. 314.
DEADLINE: June 23, 4:00 p.m. Interviews of qualified candidates commencing immediately. BHA reserves the right to extend the deadline.
The BHA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Females, LGBTQ individuals, minorities, veterans, Section 3 qualifying individuals, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
BAYSTATEBANNER.COM/JOBS
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