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A.N.R. Robinson: A Legacy to Inspire Generations
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was the first presidential candidate who was not elected unopposed (the Opposition People's National Movement (PNM) nominated Justice Anthony Lucky as its candidate for President). President Robinson sparked controversy in his term in office when he refused to appoint certain Senators recommended by Prime Minister Basdeo Panday following the elections in 2000 and in 2001 when he appointed the Leader of the Opposition, Patrick Manning to the position of Prime Minister after a tied election. Robinson was a also a courageous survivor of a violent coup attempt in Trinidad in which he was badly beaten and shot.
BY CAW EDITORS
he Caribbean mourns a leader. Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson SC, OCC, TC (December 16, 1926–April 9, 2014; known as A. N. R. or "Ray" Robinson) was the third President of Trinidad and Tobago, serving from March 19, 1997 to March 17, 2003. He was also Trinidad and Tobago's third Prime Minister, serving in that capacity from December 18, 1986 to December 17, 1991. He is internationally recognized for his proposal that eventually led to the founding of the International Criminal Court. Robinson was the first active politician to be elected to the Presidency, and
HOT TOPICS:
Hon A.N.R. Robinson
Taking the Fear Out of Credit Repair ... see page 9 Are You Ready for Sex? ... see page 16 (CV2)
Is the NBA the New Plantation? BY BRIAN FIGEROUX, ESQ. & PEARL PHILLIP
Magic Johnson
continued on page 6
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Let Bankruptcy Be Your Personal Bailout: Call 718-222-3155 for a FREE Consultation
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Reaction to Proposed Municipal ID Card ...see page 22
Brian Figeroux, Esq.
Legal Concerns for Single Moms ...see page 7
The Civil Rights Project: New York’s State Extreme School Segregation
ew York has the most segregated schools in the country: in 2009, black and Latino students in the state had the highest concentration in intensely-segregated public schools (less than 10% white enrollment), the lowest exposure to white students, and the most uneven distribution with white students across schools. Heavily impacting these State rankings is New York City, home to the largest and one of the most segregated public school systems in the nation.
Congressman Rangel Honors Friend, Basil Paterson...see page 8
DIASPORA ISSUES:
he straw has finally broken the camel’s back. After having a history of racial discrimination, Los Angeles Clippers owner, Donald Sterling seems to have come full circle with negative remarks made about black people, and this fire is one that is in full force and will not be put out easily or anytime soon. According to a leaked tape of a conversation between Sterling (who is married) and his girlfriend,Vivian Stiviano, Sterling expressed his displeasure and disgust about black people. Here is the transcript continued on page 4
New Caribbean Islands Chambers to be Launched...see pages 12-14
New Reports Undermine Claims About Deportations ...see page 10
Superstar Bob Marley’s Message Immortalized ...see page 15 (CV1)
Forty years ago, school desegregation was a serious component of the state’s education policy, as a result of community pressure and legal cases. Key desegregation cases arose throughout a number of segregated communities. The U.S. Justice Department case in Yonkers was the first in history to combine housing desegregation and school desegregation claims simultaneously. The remedy for the school desegregation case in Rochester led to one of the country’s eight existing voluntary inter-district programs. The magnet school plan for the school desegregation case in Buffalo was continued on page 21
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2
Caribbean Consulates
Anguilla 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0277
Antigua & Barbuda 610 Fifth Avenue, Suite 311 New York, N.Y. 10020 Tel: 212-541-4117
The Bahamas 231 East 46th Street New York, N.Y. 10020 Tel: 212-421-6420
Barbados 820 Second Avenue, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-551-4325
Belize 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1911 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-949-1240
Dominica 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400H New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-949-0853
Dominican Republic 1500 Broadway, Suite 410 New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel: 212-768-2480
Grenada 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400K New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-599-0301
Guyana 370 Seventh Avenue, 4th Floor New York, N.Y. 10001 Tel: 212-947-5110
Haiti 271 Madison Avenue, 17th Floor New York, N.Y. 10016 Tel: 212-697-9767
Jamaica 767 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-935-9000
Martinique 444 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-838-6887
Montserrat 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200
Panama 1212 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel: 212-840-2450
St. Kitts & Nevis 414 East 75th Street, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10021 Tel: 212-535-5521
St. Lucia 800 Second Avenue, 9th Floor New York, N.Y. 10007 Tel: 212-697-9360
CARIBBEAN NEWSBRIEFS Grenada PM Wants IMF Agreement
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rime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell says the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is likely to meet and approve the island’s “Home Grown Structural Adjustment Program” next month. Mitchell, who has returned here from Washington, where he attended the annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank, told reporters the international lending financial institution had signaled its desire to meet and approve the package early next May. He said a senior IMF official, who is likely to chair the meeting, had met with Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Timothy Antoine, on the matter. “He did ask Timothy to work with his team to look for a date, early, most likely in May. We were hearing, before that, they
Dr. Hon. Keith Mitchell
were talking about the end of May. But we were a bit nervous about that because we
St Lucia Non-performing Bank Loans a Concern
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rime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony says he is concerned about EC$150 million (One EC dollar = US$0.37 cents) in non-performing bank loans, vowing that the problem has to be resolved. “This is not an issue to be tackled by one country alone, but by all of us in the financial space that we occupy,” Anthony said as he addressed the 50th anniversary of Scotiabank operations in St. Lucia. Anthony, who is also finance minister,
said if this is going to be achieved, then the gulf between the financial sector and the government that makes the decisions, must be addressed. “The time has really come for us to be one team, one partner, but protecting our respective interests, but at the same time addressing the common interest of the jurisdiction that we manage,” said the Prime Minister.l
wanted to see the resources start flowing before the end of May,” Prime Minister Mitchell said. “From all indications, now it looks like we will be up-and-running sometime early in May which is an excellent thing for the country as a whole because given the fact that we know people are hurting in every respect, we want to start delivering on some of the programs as early as possible,” he added. In March, the IMF said it had reached agreement in principle with the Grenada government for a three-year US$21.9-million Extended Credit Facility to support an “ambitious program” to correct the island’s fiscal imbalances and lift sustainable growth.l
Dr. Hon. Kenny Anthony
Jamaica Anti-doping Officials Admit to Errors in Drug Testing
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he Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) has conceded that some procedures carried out while collecting samples for testing last year were not consistent with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) International Standards. JADCO made its concession in a statement on Wednesday after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) blasted Jamaican anti-doping officials for the mishandling of a drug test by sprinter Veronica Campbell-Brown. Three-time Olympic gold medalist Campbell-Brown had a successful appeal to her two-year ban on the grounds that international standards were violated during her sample collection. “JADCO acknowledges that some procedures carried out in the sample collec-
Campbell-Brown
tion process on May 4, 2013, at the Jamaica Invitational Meet at the National Stadium, in Kingston, Jamaica were inconsistent with the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) International Standards,” said the statement from JADCO. CAS has cited errors in the collection
and handling of Campbell-Brown’s urine sample last year that could have resulted in its contamination. “Specifically, no partial sample kits were used in the collection process,” said JADCO. “We therefore, take this opportunity to state that there is no documentation in existence at JADCO, indicating that WADA gave the Commission permission to deviate from the standard, which is applicable to all signatories of the WADA Code.” Eight Jamaicans, including former 100meter world record holders Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson, failed doping test last year, forcing a major overhaul of doping procedures highlighted by the resignation of the entire JaDCO board and the appointment of a new executive director.l
St. Maarten 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1807 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 800-786-2278
St. Vincent & The Grenadines 801 Second Avenue, 21st Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-687-4981 Trinidad & Tobago 125 Maiden Lane New York, N.Y. 10038 Tel: 212-682-7272
For more Consulate information go to www.cawnyc.com/directory
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ABOUT US
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CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN WEEKLY TEAM
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. —Hosea 4:6
Publisher I.Q. INC.
Managing Editor & Editor-in-Chief Pearl Phillip
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Is the NBA the New Plantation? continued from page 1
of the TMZ tape of the alleged conversation between Donald Sterling and Vivian Stiviano in which he confronts her about associating with black people in public. He was particularity outspoken about her posting Instagram photos with black friends. DS:You can sleep with [black people]. You can bring them in, you can do whatever you want. The little I ask you is not to promote it on that ... and not to bring them to my games. He went on to single out Johnson, who played his entire career for the rival Los Angeles Lakers and has gone on to become part of the Los Angeles Dodgers' ownership group DS:Don't put him [Magic] on an Instagram for the world to have to see so they have to call me. And don't bring him to my games. An additional audio clip was posted, which contains more of Sterling's alleged comments: VS: I don't understand, I don't see your views. I wasn't raised the way you were raised. DS: Well then, if you don't feel—don't come to my games. Don't bring black people, and don't come. VS: Do you know that you have a whole team that's black, that plays for you?
Reaction to the audio tapes has been swift and with the general consensus of
Why in the world is the NAACP looking to honor Sterling in the first place, when he has a historical record of being racist?
disgust for Sterling and a call for boycotting by sponsors, players and fans to send a strong message, that this blatant ignorance will not be tolerated in 2014, and there will be consequences. Hall of Famer, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who was singled out in Sterling’s fury and is the most popular figure in Los Angeles’ proud basketball history, said he won't attend another Los Angeles Clippers game as long as Donald Sterling remains the team's owner. In addition to not attending Clippers games, Johnson is demanding that Sterling be stripped of ownership. Johnson, along with his billionaire partners, are looking to purchase the Los Angeles Clippers. Take that Sterling. Outside of Los Angeles, from President Barack Obama to NBA icon Michael Jordan to current superstar LeBron James to organizations such as the NAACP (that just announced that the Los Angeles branch will not honor Donald Sterling with his second Lifetime Achievement Award next month) and the AntiDefamation League, the reaction was just as loud and unified, that is, condemnation and calls for swift and decisive action by the NBA against Sterling. Caribbean American Weekly, also wonders why in the world is the NAACP
looking to honor Sterling in the first place, when he has a historical record of being racist? President Obama had this to say: “We have to be clear and steady in denouncing it [racism] and teaching our children differently. I have confidence that the NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver, a good man, will address this.” Clippers owner Donald Sterling will get "due process" as the NBA investigates whether a tape released purportedly records him making racist remarks is authentic, the league commissioner said. The league will act "extraordinarily quickly," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said, but in the meantime Sterling said he will not attend his team's playoff games against the Golden State Warriors. Doc Rivers, head coach of the Clippers, addressed the controversy in a pregame news conference before the Clippers took on the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, Calif., in Game 4 of their playoff series. During the news conference, Rivers was asked whether Sterling or the Clippers organization needed to say or do anything to make him want to continue working for the team. "Don't know yet. I'm just going to leave it at that," he said, according to the Los Angeles Times. Of course, there are seven million reasons
CIVIL RIGHTS
for Coach Doc to come back with the Clippers next season and each has George Washington’s picture on it. Rivers admitted that he had some idea of Sterling’s background but really hadn’t research it much. He saw a basketball opportunity to help take a team to the next level and maybe challenge for a ring; and to get paid handsomely while doing it. He took it. Doc was coming from a lottery-bound team, the Boston Celtics to a potential championship contender, the Los Angeles Clippers. Current, NBA coach of the year, Gregg Popovich of the defending Western Champions, San Antonio Spurs had this to say, being more forthright than the Spurs Chairman and CEO: “I think it’s disgusting. It’s not just inappropriate, it’s disgusting. It’s something that has to be handled and we have full faith that the NBA will react appropriately.” Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers superstar guard and President of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), said: “This is a very serious issue which we will address aggressively. We have asked Mayor Kevin Johnson to expand his responsibilities with the NBPA, to determine our response and our next steps. As players, we owe it to our teams and our fans to keep our focus on our game, the playoffs and the drive to the Finals.” The game’s biggest star, Michael Jordan, who avoided controversy at all costs during his playing career, now as a continued on page 20
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IN THE COMMUNITY
Rev. Brown: A Modern-Day Good Samaritan
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BY VANDELL PARK
ore than 35 years ago, a woman with love in her heart for the underprivileged around her, embarked on a mission to provide for their needs, even if it cost her last dime. This valiant modern-day good Samaritan says, while the years have gone by, the desire to feed the hungry and clothe the less fortunate has grown stronger and is burning with more fervor than when it was first ignited. This wonderful servant of humanity is none other than Reverend Phylis Page-Brown of the Mount Calvary Baptist Church, located at 560 Rogers Avenue here in Brooklyn, New York. Reverend Brown, a native of Jamaica, says since she accepted the call to follow Jesus in 1955, and got baptized in 1956, she purposed in her heart that she wants to emulate her Master by first fulfilling the physical needs of people, then reaching out to them spiritually: “The story of Jesus feeding the five thousand people and them preaching to them the love of God, is foremost in my mind, and I always want to follow that example of Jesus. That is why I have engaged in this feeding program for years, because I believe that once people have food, it is easier to tell them about God. However, I also believe in helping my fellow men. Where I come from in Jamaica, the villagers would first make sure they offer
you something to eat before they question you otherwise. That tradition along with my desire to serve people like Jesus did is my sole motivation.” Reverend Brown started her ministry back in Jamaica, as an ordained missionary and evangelist, and continued it when she moved to America. Once here, she started off at the Trinitarian Spiritual Baptist Assembly where she served for thirteen years. In 1986 she started her own mission and the Lord has blessed her tremendously. She was ordained to the Ministry in 1987, and has subsequently graduated from the Vision
Christian University in 1992. She said that her church has served thousands of individuals over the years. Her mission, she says, is just to serve: “you may notice that my church is not fancy like others, and I am not too fussy about the glamour that so many church leaders these days are accustomed to. I am not into church to make money or a profit. I work with people and try to meet their needs. I don’t do it alone. I have the help of some food donors and other donors of clothing and people who just feel compelled to share of their means. I am just a humble servant of God trying to do his bidding.”
Reverend Brown
Reverend Brown says organizations such as the City Harvest Food Bank, helps her to provide food and clothing to approximately 200 individuals every Saturday. She wants the public to know that the doors of her church are open for both spiritual and physical care every Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, and on Saturdays from 10:00 am until what ever supply she has to share is finished. Reverend Brown says people of all walks of life are invited to visit her church at 560 Rogers Avenue in Brooklyn to share in the blessings God has bestowed on her. l
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FREE Financial Literacy Breakfast for Faith-Based & Non-Profit Leaders Do you need help with: nMortgage approval nApartment rental nBusiness/Church loan nGetting rid of student debts nAuto finance or lease nLower interest rates
Join us on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 8:30am-9:00am: Registration & Breakfast 9:00am-9:30am: Welcome Remarks & Introductions 9:30am-10:30am: Presentations 10:30am-11:00am: Networking & One-on-One Meetings COME LEARN HOW TO GET RID OF THE FOLLOWING NEGATIVE ITEMS:
nLate Payments nCharge Offs nCollections nTax Liens nCreditors’ Harrassment
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nRepossessions nForeclosures nBankruptcies nClosed Accounts nIn Dispute Status
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A.N.R. Robinson: A Legacy to Inspire Generations continued from page 1
Political Life Robinson had first become committed to the idea of a permanent tribunal to prosecute people for crimes against humanity in the 1950s at Oxford University, where he and a fellow student, Robert Woetzel, decided they would try to jumpstart new enthusiasm into an idea that had dated back to the League of Nations. Eventually, in 1972, he and Woetzel – who became a specialist in international law – set up the Foundation for the Establishment of an International Criminal Court (ICC), with Robinson as director. Many years of campaigning followed until, as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Robinson was able, in 1989, to table a motion at the UN General Assembly for the court to be set up. The timing was perfect, given the collapse of the Berlin Wall, and the idea was accepted. After years of UN machinations, the court was eventually set up in 1998, and established itself in the Netherlands in 2002. Its first verdict, in 2012, was against Thomas Lubanga, a militia leader in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who was convicted of war crimes. Robinson's intervention in 1989 had provided the vital push for the creation of the ICC and greatly enhanced his international reputation. In addition to his promotion of the ICC, Robinson also maintained his youthful allegiance to Caribbean solidarity, playing a key role in the Grand Anse
CARIBBEAN STAR
LaRocque said, “his [Robinson] courage, integrity and strength of character were epitomized in his unyielding utterance, ‘Attack with full force’, when held captive during the invasion of the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament in 1990.”
Agreement of 1989, to deepen integration of the Caribbean economic block, Caricom. His work on the Paper for the Grand Anse Declaration and Work Program for the Advancement of the Integration Movement and the Resolution of the Summit was designed to prepare the people of the West Indies for the 21st century and establishing the West Indian Commission. Robinson’s vision of the West Indies beyond 1992 was not to be attained by the generation of leaders who followed him; but it remains a beacon to guide them and the people of the Caribbean.
Honors, Illness and Death It’s always good to be acknowledged and honored while you are alive and aware. Locally, in May 2011 for his great service to this country, the airport in Tobago was renamed the A.N.R. Robinson International Airport, replacing the name "Crown Point International Airport." In November 2011, A. N. R. Robinson was the recipient of Tobago's highest award, the Tobago Medal of Honor. Internationally, during the investiture of President Thomas Boni Yayi of Benin as a titled Yoruba chieftain on December 20, 2008, the reigning Ooni of Ile-Ife,
Nigeria, Olubuse II, referred to President Robinson and his wife as previous recipients of the same royal honor. For his service to Caricom, Robinson was bestowed with its highest award, the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) in 1998, in St. Lucia on the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas. Robinson suffered from a number of ailments including a stroke and prostate complications and was hospitalized at the St Claire Medical Hospital after he complained of feeling unwell. Following an illness of several months, he died at St Clair Medical Center at about 6:00am on April 9, 2014 at age 87. His death was confirmed by National Security Minister Gary Griffith. He had a state funeral of five days. In reaction, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said that he was "one of our nation's outstanding sons...but the legacy he leaves behind shall surely live on to inspire today's and tomorrow's generations." Leader of the Opposition Keith Rowley added that he was "resolute in his role as leader. I acknowledge his distinguished contribution to this country's development and join the rest of the nation in mourning his loss.” Respect from Caribbean Leaders Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Hon. Portia
Simpson Miller in conveying deepest condolences to the government and people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, said “Trinidad and Tobago has lost a giant of a human being, a distinguished leader and statesman, and the Caribbean, a true son of our regional community.” Caricom’s Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, expressing condolences to his children, other family members and to the government and people of Trinidad & Tobago, LaRocque said, “Robinson’s legacy to our Community has endured and will ensure that he will be remembered as a true Caribbean man.”
Words of Wisdom “When you build a nation, you build for a thousand years.” Those were the words of wisdom former Prime Minister and President A.N.R. Robinson shared with his successor, Dr. Carson Charles, leader of the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR), which Robinson founded. Charles said, “We are thankful for the life of ANR Robinson and all that he has given to us an to the nation and the Caribbean.” The Caribbean and Diaspora mourns a great leader, a great man. Hopefully, his vision will serve as an inspiration to current and future leaders of the Caribbean. Robinson's wife, Patricia Rawlins, an economist, died in 2009, but he is survived by their two children, David and Ann-Margaret. May he rest in peace; our deepest sympathies to the people of Trinidad & Tobago and his family.l
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FAMILY MATTERS
Legal Issues of Concern to Single Moms
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BY MARILYN SILVERMAN
n contemporary American society, the structure of our families is an everchanging phenomenon. According to the Census Bureau, 37% of all mothers inhabiting our multi- ethnic communities in the year 2011, were unmarried; furthermore, more than 60% of those in the age range of 20-24, were unmarried. That is quite an impressive statistical analysis which has significant legal ramifications that this population should comprehend as they juggle work and family as single moms. Here are some legal concerns for single moms. 1. Understand what physical custody is all about. A parent who possesses physical custody has the legal right to provide care for that child on an everyday basis. Usually, physical custody is granted to one parent only who we will call the custodial parent. In most instances, the noncustodial parent is granted visitation rights with exclusive time with the child on a clearly delineated schedule. In the past, joint physical custody arrangements were the law of the land whereby the child lived with each parent approximately half of the time. Today the implementation of such living arrangements is a rare occurrence since obviously this will have a detrimental impact on the child’s routine. Instead, one parent is given primary custody of the child, most emphatically a less disruptive procedure.
2. The right to implement decisions. These decisions can concern the child’s education, medical care, and religious instruction. In most child custody cases, legal custody is awarded to both parents which is known in legalese as joint legal custody, unless of course it can be demonstrated that one parent or the other is deemed unfit or is incapable of implementing such decisions, e.g., Mom and Dad have divorced which is attributable to Dad’s substance abuse. Mom seeks and is granted legal custody which means that she alone has the legal authority to decide key issues related to their child and that Dad has absolutely no legal rights which is attributable to his abuse.
3. Child support. This is a potent issue, particularly in our recessionary economy. Non- custodial parents are legally mandated to pay child support When a child spends an equal amount of time living with both parents they will both be considered custodial parents but one parent may still be required to pay child support. This is the case when there is a sizable disparity in the parent’s income, e.g., if a husband and wife divorce and agree to share joint physical custody of their child, it is likely that the husband would be entitled to receive child support from the wife if he was a stay at home father during the marriage, and the wife earned a six-figure income. Though not the norm, it does pop up now and then especially with women breaking the proverbial glass ceiling.
4. DNA testing. The absolute best way to determine paternity when it might be contested, is via DNA testing. If a father
refuses to undergo this medical procedure, paternity laws may permit the court to make this compulsory. A paternity determination is crucial for several reasons; one concerns the possibility that the mother wants to give up her child for adoption; consent from the biological father is a prerequisite. The child will benefit emotionally and psychologically, knowing who their father is, rather than always wondering. It also secures the right to obtain personal information about the health risks of the biological father; if as the years progress the child is struck with an illness, the doctor will want to know the family medical history in order to properly treat the particular disorder.
5. Bad mouthing. Bad mouthing or parental alienation syndrome or hostile aggressive parenting happens when a child is brainwashed by one parent whose malicious goal is to turn the child against the other parent. Unjustifiable accusations of sexual or physical abuse may ensue; as well as refusing to let the child have any contact with the other parent; telling the child too much about the reasons for the breakup; using the child to spy; and listening in on the child’s phone conversations with the other parent.
6. Child care. In order to locate safe and affordable child care while you’re at work all day, involves due diligence on your part as you ask yourself some questions while visiting child care facilities so that you can make an educated decision con-
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Supreme Court ruled unanimously that U.S. Army Sgt. Jeffrey Chafin can seek custody of his six-year-old daughter who lives in her mother’s native Scotland. Previous courts stated that the US had no jurisdiction. Furthermore there is the possibility that the Scottish court may not enforce a ruling emanating from a U.S. court so that even if Chafin is awarded custody, it may still be a tough battle to get his daughter returned to him here in the States.
cerning your comfort level in entrusting them to watch your child. Is the center licensed and have any complaints been filed? Did you have a positive first impression when you crossed the threshold? Do the caregivers have appropriate education and training? Are small toys kept away from toddlers? Do the children appear happy? Does the caregiver demonstrate a positive attitude, answer children’s questions and encourage children to treat each other with respect? Is outdoor play part and parcel of each day’s activities which of course is dependent on the weather? Are plenty of books and toys available? Does the center provide nutritional meals?
7.I nternational disputes. This will be inevitable when your child lives outside the borders of the US; this is a complex battle since it will be difficult for the court to hear both sides. The following case exemplifies the complexity. The US
8. Visitation. It is left to the discretion of the parents to devise a schedule of parental visitation while they are still communicating with one another. If in the event the ex -spouse was physically abusive to the ex -spouse and children and nonetheless has visitation rights, it is mandatory that this aggressive behavior is pointed out to the court; the latter can thereupon stipulate that visitation is supervised by someone agreed upon by the parents or a person appointed to the role by the court in order to protect the best interests of the child. Today, single moms are growing in number in cities across the nation, and are here to stay. In order to protect their rights and the rights of their children they should consult an attorney in order to understand their legal rights. The Law Firm of Figeroux and Associates should be consulted for exemplary legal advice to protect both the mom and the innocent victims of divorce—their children.l
Family Law Practice Summarized
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8
PASSAGES
Rangel Honors Life and Legacy of Basil Paterson, Friend & Civil Rights Champion
C
ongressman Charles B. Rangel issued the following statement after learning of the passing of Basil Paterson, his dearest friend of more than fifty years: “I am deeply saddened that my best friend and brother, Basil Paterson, has passed away. No one has ever had an unkind thing to say about Basil — he was a man of great integrity, justice and courage to do what is right. I am honored and grateful to have known and worked with Basil. Basil Paterson, Percy Sutton, David Dinkins, and I were inseparable and indefatigable in our continuous efforts to make Dr. King's Dream a reality for all. Each step of the way as he championed Dr. King's legacy as the state senator, deputy mayor of New York City, and then the Secretary of State of New York, Basil helped pave the path in which anybody, regardless of race, could not only vote, but also hold any public office in the nation. In everything he did in and out of office, Basil was a pioneer who blazed the trail for a generation of leaders in Harlem, in our city and across the state. Basil broke so many barriers, giving voice to our community in his own special and unforgettable way. My deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with his wife Portia, his sons former Governor David
Harlem’s ‘Gang of Four’ (left to right) David Dinkins, Basil Patterson, Percy Sutton and Charles Rangel in their prime. (Photo by Harlem CORE member Tony Spencer)
Paterson and Daniel, and his grandchildren during this difficult time. We have lost a giant among men.” Lots of outpouring of respect and admiration by elected officials (current and former) for Paterson: Councilmember Jumaane D. Williams (D-Brooklyn, 45th District): "I am saddened to learn of the transition of Basil Paterson, who paved a way for people of more color in careers of public service across this state. Basil, himself a public servant of Grenadian descent, spent decades serving the people of this city
and state, including as the first black to serve as Secretary of State for the State of New York, as Deputy Mayor for the City of New York, and as longtime labor attorney who represented the interests of those who are long ignored in this economy. He was one of the original 'Gang of Four'— pioneering black Harlem politicians who opened to door for so many more than four decades ago. Although I only had the pleasure of speaking to him just a few times, he always spoke words of encouragement as if he had known me for years. I extend my prayers for peace and comfort to former Governor David Paterson
and the entire Paterson family at this difficult time." Former Mayor David Dinkins, an member of the original ‘Gang of Four” said: "I feel a tremendous personal loss," Dinkins said. "He was a dear friend for a long time. He did so much for so many of us ... He'll be remembered as a very, very smart guy who cared about his community." Current Mayor, Bill de Blasio said in a statement: "New York City has lost a progressive giant who committed his life to lifting up others." He added that he sought Paterson's advice in the 20 years he worked with him. "Basil Paterson exemplified a model of public leadership, serving the people of New York with integrity and dedication to make this state a better place," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. "His legacy inspired a new generation of talented public leadership, a legacy his son Gov. David Paterson carried on as governor." "Basil was well known throughout the community as a man of action, as someone who set his mind to accomplishment and always met those goals," the family's statement said. "He was a selfless leader and he dedicated his life to making sure others' lives were better."l
Planting the Seeds of Entrepreneurship in our Youths!
Junior Achievement Youth Business Program:
Small Business Boot Camp Series
The New American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) in partnership with the African-American International Chamber of Commerce (AAICC) and the Hispanic-American International Chamber of Commerce (HAICC) believe that it is important to plant the seeds of entrepreneurship in our youths to encorage them to become business owners and understand the importance of business ownership to generational wealth and neighborhood/community development. This certificate program is geared towards youths 12 to 18 who are committed to four sessions. These sessions will be presented by experts in a fun and interactive way, after which participants will be equipped with a strong foundation to start a business. The program is sponsored by the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates.
For program schedule and registration, please visit www.mynacc.org
If you would like to contribute/donate towards this program, please contact Ms. Phillip at 718-722-9217 ext 201. VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION, FREE LEGAL CONSULTATIONS AND A CHANCE TO WIN A TV!
MONEY MATTERS
Taking the Fear Out of Credit Repair
M
BY DANIEL RAMRATTAN
illions of Americans face financial hardship each and every day. It may be caused by periods of unemployment, house foreclosures, medical expenses, credit card debt or a plethora of other reasons. What gets lost in this struggle is the importance of maintaining or correcting your credit report and score. Having bad credit can adversely affect you in a number of ways. It may prevent you from obtaining a loan or getting a new credit card. It may hinder you in opening a checking account or renting a home. Additionally, it may hurt you from getting a job offer. Furthermore, a bad credit score will likely result in a higher interest rate, a decrease in your credit limit, and increase your car insurance. With credit reports playing such a major role in our lives, most people think they are infallible. Most people believe that a document of such importance must be accurate. However, to the shock and surprise of many, an astonishing 79% of all credit reports contain errors. Therefore, the vast majority of credit reports contain errors. It all starts with ordering a credit report from each of the three credit reporting bureaus of Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Let us first distinguish between credit reports and credit scores. A credit report is a statement made by the credit reporting agency about a consumer which details their credit worthiness, cred-
it standing, credit capacity, character, employment, and other factors. While a credit score is a number that represents a current evaluation of your credit history derived from your credit report, this score tells creditor whether you are likely to repay your accounts. You likely have multiple credit scores as companies use their own evaluation models. A higher score will result in better rates of credit for you. Once you have your reports, you will be able to review it for any errors. At this point, it is critical to examine the reports for accounts that do not belong to you. Every year there is a multitude of people who are the victims of identity theft. These identity thieves generally begin by taking out small amounts of credit and if they are never discovered, they can remain unpaid and cause adverse effects on your credit report. Once you are able to determine whether there are errors on your credit report the next step is to send dispute letters to the credit bureaus detailing these errors. The bureau may respond back to you by sending a new report that still contains the disputed item and stating that it is verified. However, you are still able to send a follow-up letter requesting proof of verification as the bureau is required to provide such verification. If there were errors and mistakes on your credit report that were fixed then you are likely to see an increase in your credit score. Remember, maintaining good credit
is an ongoing process and it is important that in the future you avoid the common pitfalls that lead people into bad credit.
Credit Repair Scams You see the ads in newspapers, on TV, and on the Internet. You hear them on the radio.You get flyers in the mail. You may even get calls from telemarketers offering credit repair services. They all make the same claims: Credit problems? No problem! We can erase your bad credit — 100% guaranteed. Create a new credit identity — legally.We can remove bankruptcies, judgments, liens, and bad loans from your credit file forever! Do yourself a favor and save some money, too. Don’t believe these statements. They’re just not true. Only time, a conscientious effort, and a plan for repaying your debt will improve your credit report.
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Protecting Yourself Here are some tips to keep in mind before you respond to ads that promise easy credit, regardless of your credit history: nMost legitimate lenders will not “guarantee” that you will get a loan or a credit card before you apply, especially if you have bad credit or a bankruptcy.
nIt is an accepted and common practice for reputable lenders to require payment for a credit report or appraisal. You also may have to pay a processing or application fee.
nNever give your credit card account number, bank account information, or Social Security number out over the telephone unless you are familiar with the company and know why the information is necessary.l
FREE BANKRUPTCY CONSULTATION Get the legal help you need NOW! Call 718-834-0190!
STOP Creditors’ Harassment! STOP Lawsuits!
STOP Foreclosures!
Collection Harassment: *Profane or Abusive Language *Threats/Yelling *Family or Neighbors Called? Save Your: *Home *Business *Car *Health *Peace of Mind/Health *Marriage/Relationship
Filing a Chapter 7, 11 or 13 bankruptcy may be your only choice!
Documents Required: *List of debts *Your most recent tax returns *Correspondence from creditors *Lawsuit documents *Social Security and ID *List of assets
For a FREE CONSULTATION call the Law Offices of Figeroux & Associates
26 Court Street, Suite 701 Brooklyn, NY 11242
Tel: 718-834-0190
Visit www.figeroux.com
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10
OBAMA ADMINISTRATION
New Reports Undermine Obama Administration’s Claims about Deportations
I
BY WALTER EWING
mmigrant advocates and serious researchers have known for years that the deportation dragnet cast by the Obama administration is capturing thousands and thousands of people who pose no serious threat to public safety. Recently, the New York Times and the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) at Syracuse University, each independently confirmed this conclusion. They did so through comprehensive analyses of data obtained from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) via Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests (not included were deportation numbers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection). Both investigations thoroughly undermine the administration’s claim that it is going after “criminals, gang bangers, people who are hurting the community, not after students, not after folks who are here just because they’re trying to figure out how to feed their families.” The principal finding of the Times investigation is a damning indictment of an administration that has claimed repeatedly to be targeting the worst of the worst violent, foreign-born criminals. In reality, according to the Times analysis, “twothirds of the nearly two million deportation cases involve people who had committed minor infractions, including traffic
violations, or had no criminal record at all.” In contrast, only “twenty percent—or about 394,000—of the cases involved people convicted of serious crimes, including drug-related offenses, the records show.” The investigation found that the largest increases in deportations under President Obama have involved unauthorized immigrants “whose most serious offense was listed as a traffic violation, including driving under the influence. Those cases more than quadrupled from 43,000 during the last five years of President George W. Bush’s administration to 193,000 during the five years Mr. Obama has been in office.” At the same time, “removals related to convictions for entering or re-entering the country illegally tripled under Mr. Obama to more than 188,000.” Likewise, the TRAC report found that from Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 to FY 2013, “two large categories that ICE has classified as convicted criminals shot way up: those with a traffic violation (up 191 percent) and individuals convicted of immigration offenses (up 167 percent).” In FY 2013, “these two categories comprised half of all those classified by ICE as ‘criminal’ deportees.” TRAC finds this ironic at best considering that former ICE Director John Morton on June 30, 2010, called for “a renewed focus on finding and deporting ‘convicted criminals’ who posed a serious threat to public safety or endangered
national security.” Yet “the number of individuals deported who have been convicted of any criminal offense apart from an immigration or traffic violation has actually declined.” In other words, “the trumpeted increase in the number of ‘convicted criminals’ ICE has deported resulted entirely from jacking up the deportation of noncitizens whose most serious criminal conviction was a traffic or an immigration offense.” TRAC found that, in FY 2013, the top three criminal convictions among deportees were illegal entry into the country (46,759), driving under the influence (29,852), and traffic offenses (15,548). Also populating the top-20 list were other immigration offenses, such as illegal reentry into the country (3,992) and possession of fraudulent immigration documents
(1,994). Compared to traffic and immigration offenses, relatively few deportations involved individuals convicted of more serious crimes, such as larceny (3,845), burglary (3,076), and domestic violence (1,849). This emphasis on immigration and traffic violations is indicative of some very skewed enforcement priorities. These reports come on the heels of 90 nationwide events protesting the mass deportations that are now taking place. In March, President Obama called for a review of deportation policies in an effort to make them more “humane.” His administration would do well to practice what it preaches and focus the nation’s immigration enforcement resources on the apprehension of people who are dangerous— not people who have gotten traffic tickets.l
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11
IMMIGRATION
An Unnecessary Pre-Emptive Strike Against Young Undocumented Immigrants
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BY MATTHEW KOLODZIEJ
ecently, the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) issued a criticism of the Kids Act, a bill not yet released by House leadership. The thrust of their argument is that any legalization program the bill could propose would be an “amnesty,” no matter what the requirements, and that even young, educated immigrants who came to the U.S. as children are not worthy of lawful status or citizenship, no matter what the circumstances. Even the possibility of a future House proposal for legalizing young educated immigrants is being exploited by CIS to stoke fears of immigrants and “amnesty” based on pure speculation and misinformation. The Kids Act, as described by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and House Judiciary Committee Bob Goodlatte, may provide legal status and eventual citizenship to undocumented youth who were brought to the U.S. as children, as part of a larger immigration reform strategy considered by the GOP last year. No details of the bill have been made public. However, it might look something like the DREAM Act, a version of which was included in S.744, which allowed the legalization of young persons under 30
who entered the U.S. under the age of 16 and pursued post-secondary education or military service. The DREAM Act could have considerable economic benefits, including reducing federal direct deficits and increase federal government revenues, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, and creating over a million new jobs, according to the Center for American Progress. However, no legalization program is a good legalization program, even one benefiting only young educated immigrants who entered as children, accord-
ing to CIS. No matter how tough or narrowly tailored, all legalization proposals are tarred as “amnesty” and catastrophic, imaginary consequences are invented. CIS criticizes the Kids Act for leading to the legalization of the “lawbreaking parents” and millions of others immigrant based on speculation and flat-out misinformation. According to CIS, the only solution is deportation for all because “under current law, all illegal aliens are to be returned home, regardless of their age.” This is incorrect: some immigrants can legalize their status without returning
home (e.g. through marriage or asylum). In addition, they suggest that the Kids Act would allow legalization of family members as well, although no details of the bill are known and similar proposals (DREAM Act and DACA) do not legalize family members. The suggestion that the children would be able to instantly legalize family members or bring them from abroad upon turning 21 is also false: under current law their undocumented parents in the U.S. are permanently barred from changing their status and other family members outside the U.S. would face decades-long waits. In the end, CIS believes the only course of action is more deportation and more extreme enforcement bills like the SAFE Act. Any bill that benefits the undocumented, no matter how narrow or strict, is “amnesty” and another opportunity to stir up fear by spreading prejudice and misinformation. This report is not about critiquing a bill that does not even exist yet, it is about exploiting every opportunity to repeat stereotypes and misinformation suggesting that all the undocumented, no matter their circumstances, are criminals and drug dealers and that more deportation, detention, and criminalization are always the solution. l
ALL IMMIGRATION MATTERS lGET THE FACTS
lBE SMART
lMAKE THE RIGHT DECISION
lBEWARE OF IMMIGRATION FRAUD
uHealth Care (RN/OT/PT/TSHH/SLP’S & IT Cases) uExtension of Status & Visa Renewals uWork Authorization uH-IB Professional Workers uF-1 Students uJ-1 Exchange Visitor Trainees uO-1 Extraordinary Ability uR-1 Religious Workers uU.S. Citizenship uFamily-sponsored Permanent Residence uGreen Cards/Labor Certification (RIR) uImmigration Visa Petitions:Employment Based uTemporary Work Visas uNaturalization Derivative Petitions uLabor Certifications uApplication for Asylum uPetitions for Writ of Habeas Corpus
uAppeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals
uLawsuits involving Eligibility and Processing for Citizenship
CALL 718-834-0190 26 Court Street, Suite 701 Brooklyn, NY 11242
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BROOKLYN: 26 Court Street, Suite 701. Tel: 718-834-0190 VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION, FREE LEGAL CONSULTATIONS AND A CHANCE TO WIN A TV!
12 NEWS
SMALL BUSINESS MATTERS
Help Is on the Way for Haitian-American Businesses
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n a world where business investments appear to be the only economic salvation for many, and the financial hope for the future, people are seeking ways to capitalize on business opportunities, but are struggling to find the right niche. It is for this reason many financial counseling firms are established, money management centers are set up, banks and other financial corporations are creating programs to help entrepreneurs and business owners thrive. Government and city administrations are developing small business entities that help to buffer the fears of small business owners, and are cushioning their economic hopes with small loans. However, despite all these efforts, business owners crave more tangible evidence in order to be assured that their ventures will succeed. It is in light of this craving, that a few men and women who are interested in the sustainable economic welfare of business owners and entrepreneurs have pooled their intellectual, experiential and physical resources together to form the HaitianAmerican International Chamber of Commerce (HAICC). Haiti, a long-standing trade partner with the United States, is still struggling to effectively market its products here in the United States and the wider interna-
HAICC President, Smith George
tional communities, including its CARICOM counterparts. The new HaitianAmerican International Chamber of Commerce is established primarily to forge partnerships of Haitian businesses in the tri-state area and Haiti between corporations here in the U.S., the Caribbean and other international markets. President of the Chamber Smith George, spoke about the objective of the newly formed body and how it intends to meet the needs of Haitian business owners: “Our main priority will be focused on fundamental and strategic programming, expansion and deepening community relations so that the Chamber can diversify funding for small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs, in order to
utilize untapped resources. This Chamber will be kicked off officially on May 15, 2014 at the Haitian Consulate right here in New York. We are expecting a coming together of all the Haitian Chambers of Commerce in support of this new initiative. We are also planning a more comprehensive program for the Chamber’s establishment, when we join with the New American Chamber of Commerce at its International Multicultural Expo on June 19, 2014 at the Marriott Hotel, Downtown Brooklyn, to further share what the Chamber is about and how it can benefit the local Haitian Diaspora.” According to George, the Chamber
will facilitate business educational programs for the Haitian Diaspora here in the tri-state area and in Haiti, hold economic empowerment seminars, and assist business owners with finding markets for their goods and services as well as securing the necessary financial backing that businesses may need to succeed. George says the Chamber will be organized into a number of committees so as to provide an efficient service to its members. Those committees will be comprised of government affairs, design, construction and housing, global import and export, technology and social media among others. Individuals from the Haitian community across the Tri-State area are invited to seize the opportunity of becoming members of the Chamber of Commerce. Information on the Chamber can be found on the website: www.mynacc.org. Registration to become a member of the Chamber can also be done via the website listed above, or by making contact with Smith George at 347-208-2155, or Orlando Aponte at 718-243-9431. Persons can also visit the Chamber’s office which is located at 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Brooklyn, New York, where more information on the Chamber can be obtained as well as registration for membership.l
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Multicultural Business Expo
Early Bird Special
There's a popular age-old saying, "the early bird catches the worm." In the nature of our fine-feathered friends, here is an early bird special to save you money!
Exhibitor’s Table Regular - $1250 (includes 6x6 skirted table, 1 ticket to VIP Welcome Breakfast and 2 tickets to Cocktail Reception & Pillar of the Community Awards)
Early-Bird Special: $1000
(includes 6x6 skirted table, 1 ticket to VIP Welcome Breakfast and 2 tickets to Cocktail Reception & Pillar of the Community Awards)
Past Exhibitors: Get an extra 10% OFF. Special $695*: Exhibiting table only*. *Conditions apply. Limited quantity.
Don’t miss this great opportunity to market and brand your business at our Multicultural Business Expo on THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014 at the Brooklyn Marriott
Special ends soon. Call now.
Call 718-722-9217 ext 201 to secure your table or for sponsorship opportunities. Expo Kit is available at www.mynacc.org
ONE DAY. ONE LOCATION. ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES.
20+ Empowering Seminars. VIP Welcome Breakfast. Juneteenth Celebration, Cocktail Reception & Awards EXPO PRESENTED BY NACC IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AAICC, HAICC & NYSCHCC VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION, FREE LEGAL CONSULTATIONS AND A CHANCE TO WIN A TV!
14 NEWS
SMALL BUSINESS MATTERS
A New Chamber of Commerce for Guyana Launches in New York City
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Chamber of Commerce is organized primarily for the purpose of promoting and protecting the interest of those who are members of that particular organization. It is also designed to provide deals and discounts among participating businesses. The objective of such an organization is basically to provide its members an opportunity to meet and strategized ways and means of fostering their cause economically. Well, this is the sole purpose why for the first time, a body of well intentioned individuals have come together, pooling their intellectual, financial and physical resources to provide additional economic opportunities for Guyanese and Guyanese businesses here in New York, the wider United States, the Caribbean region and the international business world. For the first time, a chamber of commerce will be set up for Guyanese in New York City. The Guyana American International Chamber of Commerce (GAICC), is in the process of being organized, and will be officially launched on June 19, 2014, at the 3rd annual MultiCultural Business Expo, organized and hosted by the New American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) and its affiliates, the African American International Chamber of Commerce (AAICC) and the Hispanic
GAICC President, Daniel Ramrattan
American International Chamber of Commerce (HAICC). President Daniel Ramrattan, of the newly formed Chamber of Commerce, says it is essential for the Guyanese business community to be part of an organized body here in New York City in order to foster economic growth and stability at a more sustainable level than is currently experienced. He added: “As an individual
of Guyanese descent, I have noticed that Guyanese have tremendous potentials that once guided in the right direction, can work wonders for the country. Sometimes one just need a little bit of help to start a business or to have your business grow. GAICC is intended to create a frame work, that will allow businesses and people of Guyanese descent to create businesses, sustain and grow their business in New York City, across the United States, the Caribbean region and even in Guyana itself and internationally.� Ramrattan says the Chamber will provide individuals with the training necessary to help them develop their own business plan, and help guide them in the direction on how to secure business contracts with New York City and other corporations be it here in the United States, Africa, the Caribbean or wherever they may want to establish a business. While the Chamber is in its embryonic stage, efforts are being made to mobilize the necessary resources that will equip the organization with the tools required to strengthen economical ties between its members and the corporate Diaspora locally here in New York City and elsewhere. Already committees are being formed to create policies that will guarantee the effectiveness of the organization.
Ramrattan says a number of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), are in place with NACC, AAICC and HAICC that will facilitate the smooth administrative operation of the organization. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to come on board by going to the New American Chamber of Commerce website: mynacc.org, and sign up to become a member of the Guyana American International Chamber of Commerce. As the membership grows, a number of committees will be formed so as to provide an efficient service to members of the organization. Committee members will be operating on a voluntary basis. The Chamber has already begun forging relationships with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and other business organizations and corporations in Guyana, the Caribbean and here in New York City. Guyanese and Guyanese businesses are invited to take advantage of this business opportunity. The Chamber can be contacted by reaching its President, Danny Ramrattan at 917442-5332 or email: danny.ramrattan@gmail.com, or committee member Colin Moore, at 718-2439431. You can also go to the website: mynacc.org and sign up to become a member. l
VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION, FREE LEGAL CONSULTATIONS AND A CHANCE TO WIN A TV!
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NEWS
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5 Reasons to Smile this Mother’s Day
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id you know the act of smiling can impact both how you look and how you feel? Dove research finds that one in three women hardly ever smile at themselves because they don't like what they see in the mirror. Building a positive relationship with beauty helps women to feel more confident, and every encounter with the mirror can be a positive affirmation for a woman of her beauty. Research has shown that girls replicate their mother's behavior about beauty, confidence, and self-esteem; so this Mother's Day, all women are encouraged to smile when they look in the mirror. Jess Weiner, the Dove Global Self-Esteem Ambassador, offers five reasons to keep beaming this Mother's Day:
Sets a positive example It's important that mothers recognize the beauty in themselves in order to set positive examples for their daughters. All women can recapture the elation they felt when they looked at their reflection as a young girl and pass that feeling on to the next generation. Improves levels of happiness Studies show that smiling is effortless and immediate. It has been proven that smiling
J
Caribbean Kitchen Corner
Trini Style Chicken SUBMITTED BY KIMMY ALLRECIPIES.COM
This is a Trinidadian style chicken with bok choy. It is tasty and easy to make."— Kimmy
can actually make you happier. In the UK, a British study found that one smile can even provide the same level of stimulation as up to 2,000 chocolate bars. Improves health Smiling can also provide therapeutic effects. An Empirical Reflection on the Smile documented positive effects such as reduced stress hormone levels, increased health and mood enhancing hormone levels, and lowered blood pressure.
It's contagious A Swedish study included in the Journal of Nonverbal Behavior proved that humans are wired to smile back. It is an unconscious, automatic response. So, when you wear a smile, you can help to lift the moods of the people around you.
Today is your day Mother's Day is a great day to be celebrated by those who love you, but it is also important for you to celebrate yourself. Whether it's your first or your 50th, smile and enjoy having a much-deserved day that is all about you. (BPT) l
Bob Marley’s Message Immortalized at U.S. Park
amaican reggae icon Bob Marley’s signature anthem, “One Love” appears to have hit the right note with members of the Wilmington City Council in Delaware. Recently, the council voted to rename
nHOROSCOPE
Ingredients 2 1/2 pounds bone-in chicken pieces 2 tablespoons garlic powder 1 tablespoon sea salt 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper 1 (.18 ounce) packet sazon seasoning chicken, cover, and cook for 2 tablespoons white sugar about 25 minutes. 3 bok choy stalks, chopped 3.Remove cover, and cook for Directions another 15 to 20 minutes, let1.Stir together the garlic powder, ting the juices cook down until salt, cayenne pepper, and sazon they are almost gone. Add the seasoning in a shallow dish. Coat bok choy, and cook just until chicken pieces with this mixture. wilted.l 2.Heat a Dutch oven or heavy skillet with a lid over medium heat for • at least 3 minutes. Sprinkle the • sugar over the bottom of the pan, • and stir gently until it becomes liquid and caramelizes. Add the
PREP 15 mins COOK 45 mins READY IN 1 hr
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the Tatnall Playground “One Love Park” to honor and promote the message of peace and unity that the musical legend — a one-time Wilmington resident — championed in his famous song. “The lyrics of ‘One Love’ and what the song has come to mean to people in the years since Bob Marley composed it is what I hope to capture by renaming the park,” Wilmington City Council President Theo Gregory was quoted as saying by nbcphiladelphia.com. “We all need a reminder from time to time about the importance of love in our hearts for our children and for each other,” added Gregory, who first suggested the name change. “I want children who play in Love Park to ask why it was given that name and accept their responsibility to make this a better city and world.” The late Bob Marley, who died of cancer at the age of 36 in May 1981, had strong links to the area. His mother, Cedella, moved to a house within a block of the park at 2311 Tatnall Street in 1962. Young Bob lived in that home for eight months in 1966. while working at the nearby Chrysler plant and DuPont labs. His son, Stephen, was born in Wilmington in 1972.l
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H A P P Y
O L D A G E
CV2 NEWS
Are You Ready for Sex? S
exual expression is an amazing gift. Sex, in its many different forms, can provide a way to express love, give and receive pleasure, and learn about yourself and the ways in which you communicate with other people. With that said, sex is also deeply personal, and can result in feeling vulnerable to another person. Your reaction to sexual expression is uniquely yours, and only you can determine, in any relationship, when you’re ready to have sex. Even more importantly, no one ever has the right to pressure you into having sex. If you’re not ready—even if you and that person have had sex before—you always have the right to say no. It can be hard to say “no,” even if you want to; you might feel badly about hurting someone else’s feelings, or feel that there are expectations about what is supposed to happen. But you are the only person who should have control over your body.
Are you ready for sex? The best way to prepare for the decision to have sex is to become comfortable with communicating about your needs. Choosing to take part in one kind of sexual activity doesn’t automatically mean that you’re up for anything. The best way to make sure that your limits are understood and respected is to have sex with a partner who not only respects, you and your body, but who will talk with you before you
Even if you’ve had sex before, it’s still totally your right to decide that it’s not something that you want to do. Remember: it’s your body! have sex about your concerns and boundaries. Communicating these things before you’re actually in a sexual situation can be very helpful in making sure that you are both on the same page. If you don’t feel right about something, say so! Anyone who challenges your choices about whether or not to have sex is not giving you the respect that you deserve. Pay attention to your feelings, and don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for making decisions that are right for you. Your Feelings Are Your Own Because sex can bring about new feelings, it is helpful to think about your reactions,
emotions and possible risks every time you consider having sex with a new person. Make sure you take time to think about how to prepare yourself for an experience that could be wonderful, but can also be hard emotionally. These questions can be helpful:
•How will you feel about yourself after you have sex? •Why is it a good idea to have sex now, with this person? •How will you feel about your partner after you have sex? •Can you talk to that person about how you’re protecting yourself against pregnancy and STD/STIs?
HEALTH
•If you’re new to sexual activity, have you spoken with someone you trust about how to find and use that protection (i.e. birth control methods, such as condoms, etc.) correctly?
Abstinence Choosing abstinence, or making the decision not to have sex at all, is your option at any time. Even if you’ve had sex before, it’s still totally your right to decide that it’s not something that you want to do. You might choose not to have sex at all for a long time; you might decide not to do so after you’ve been sexually active for several years. Remember: it’s your body! Pay attention to your feelings, and give yourself time and space to make the best choice for you.
Asexuality Asexuality is another thing that might come into play in your life. Being asexual means that you don’t feel sexual attraction to anyone. Remember that it is absolutely normal to experience phases in your life that don’t include sex. However, if you want to learn more about your own feelings of asexuality or feel uncomfortable about them — especially if they come about abruptly — don’t hesitate to talk to a doctor or therapist.l Source: American Association.
Sexual
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Health
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
3 Ways to Stop Being Defensive
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with what your partner is actually saying — your history of being attacked is just quickly coming in to play. If you have a history of family and former lovers attacking you, you may be always waiting for an attack. You will need to find your pause button, slow things down, and figure out the root of the issue. If you feel you are going to be attacked (or are being attacked) your job is to call it out to your partner. Open up and share that you feel attacked and that doesn’t feel good. Instead of being defensive and withdrawing, start a conversation about how you can change your interactions in the future so you both feel respected.
BY JENNINE ESTES
hen your partner brings up something that is bothering her in your relationship, it can be easy to put up a wall and start to defend yourself. But what if you took a deep breath and were careful about how you responded? Your partner is being vulnerable when she tells you something that hurt her, so shutting down with defensiveness will only teach her not to open up in the future. Here are some ways that you can learn to stop being defensive and own up to your own feelings and responsibility.
Build Self-Worth People who feel good about themselves are less likely to be defensive about another person’s opinion. If you know that you are good at your job, for example, it’s easier for you to take a co-worker’s criticism with a grain of salt than if you have been harboring doubts about your work. One of the best things you can do to stop being defensive in your relationship is to work on YOU. When you have a good self-esteem and are confident that you are smart, kind, and a good partner — you may not fly off the handle when your spouse questions something that you did or said. Since we are often most defensive when a button about our insecurity is pushed, building a
CV3
stronger you, will bring down your defensiveness.
Use “I” Statements for Feelings Focus on “I” statements when it comes to talking about feelings. Remember that your feelings are not facts — so you shouldn’t present them as such. For instance, don’t say, “You’re untrustworthy,” or other “you” statements that deflect your own feelings and put them on the other person. Instead say, “I feel nervous when I don’t hear from you” and explain why that brings up feelings of
mistrust. It’s better to own your part in your feelings instead of just placing all the blame for how you feel on the other person. Sometimes your own history can have a lot to do with why you feel a certain way now — and your partner has little to do with it. Be Conscious of Past Events — But Try to Move Forward People are often defensive when they have historically been attacked, blamed, or criticized. When that is the case, your defensiveness may have nothing to do
Being defensive can be a real road block for healthy communication in your relationship. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be a total deal breaker. Instead, you can learn to put the past behind you, harness selfesteem, and work out communication with your partner that is constructive.l About Jennine Estes, MFT
Jennine is a Marriage and Family Therapist in San Diego, CA. Certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples. She writes relationship and self-growth advice for her column Relationships in the Raw and is the Creator of #BeingLOVEDIs campaign. MFC#47653. Visit her website at www.estestherapy.com
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ENTERTAINMENT
Mighty Sparrow & Star-Studded Artists at Mother’s Day Caribbean Concert
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he Mighty Sparrow, internationally recognized as the Calypso King of the World and credited for popularizing the annual Mother’s Day Saturday Caribbean Concert in New York City, is performing at this year’s spectacular concert. The Mother We Love You Concert” will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2014, 8pm, at Whitman Theater at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College. Joining Sparrow on stage is a stellar cast of Caribbean artistes including Singing Sandra, the dynamic Jamaican Braata Jamaica Singers, Guyana’s sensation Tony Ricardo, Antigua’s indomitable King Short Shirt, and Chucky Gordon, the 2014 National Calypso Monarch of Trinidad & Tobago. “It’s a pleasure to be back on the big Mother’s Day Saturday Concert stage,” says Sparrow. “I want fans to know that The Sparrow appreciates your prayers during my illness and recovery. Moms can expect a dynamic performance from me at Brooklyn Center.” The Mighty Sparrow, the Calypso King of the World, is about to be presented with Trinidad & Tobago’s highest award, The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago. Other icons serenading moms at the gala concert include the Shadow and Calypso Rose. Young artists, in addition to Chucky Gordon, include Lyrikal, a 2014 International Soca Monarch finalists and Young Devyn.
Mighty Sparrow
Other performers include the Braata Jamaica Folk Singers which is one of the Caribbean’s leading performing arts ensembles. Fans at the Mother’s Day Saturday concert and those who are bringing their mom, grandma, wife and sweetheart can expect the group to take them back in time to hear the songs of Lord Kitchener, the Roaring Lion as well as the songs of Bob Marley and Harry Belafonte. There’s a photo of Shadow, Sparrow and the late Lord Kitchener holding nine-year old Machel Montano at the Mother’s Day Concert. “It is a concert I love very much and love singing to moms. I am looking forward to the May 10, Mother’s Day Saturday Spectacular,” explains Shadow, a Road March, International Soca and National Calypso Monarch. Performing as well is Calypso Rose, the first woman to win the two highest titles in
Chucky
Young Devyn
calypso, the Road March and National Calypso Monarch of Trinidad & Tobago. She is one of hardest working artists on the Caribbean scene. Her latest tour included performances in China, Japan and Poland. The 12-year-old child star, Young Devyn who has been performing since five is in the line-up. She has already graced the same stage with Beres Hammond, Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin, Beenie Man and Movado. Born in Brooklyn, NY of Trinidadian parentage, Young Devyn says, “If this music thing doesn’t work out for me I’m going to be the first African American woman President of the U.S.” The concert is presented by EVERYBODY’S “Caribbean” Magazine. The Sunshine Orchestra is providing the music for the nine veterans and emerging superstars on the star-studded bill. The Whitman Theater at the Brooklyn Center for the
Short-Shirt
Performing Arts, Brooklyn College is located at Avenue H and Campus Road near the Nostrand and Flatbush Avenues junction. It is the last stop on the 2 and 5 trains to Flatbush. Tickets are available at EVERYBODY’S Magazine, (718) 941-1879 and www.everybodysmag.comand in Brooklyn at Conrad’s, Allan’s, JW Records, Charlie’s Records and Tropical Paradise.l
Call 718-771-0988 ext 112 for registration information.
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NEWS 19
HOT TOPIC
Hidden in Plain Sight: Sex Trafficking in New York City
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BY TIFFANY THOMAS
ecently, SUNY Downstate School of Public Health hosted a campus-community conference, Hidden in Plain Sight: Sex trafficking in NYC, to educate and inform individuals about child sex and labor trafficking and discussed possible solutions and prevention strategies. The objective of the community conference was to recognize individuals and groups vulnerable to commercial sex exploitation, to discuss best practices for intervening with exploited individuals and to discuss strategies for prevention and mitigation with a focus on Brooklyn. Child sex and labor trafficking is becoming a national epidemic. The reality is that foreign nationals are not the only victims of trafficking, but it occurs daily in the United States. It is also said that child sex and labor trafficking are only limited to people of low socio-economic status and that exploitation is a choice made by victims. Unfortunately, these are all myths because it can happen to anybody. In a brief presentation on commercial sexual exploitation of children also known as CSEC, Dr. LeConte Dill, gave a public health approach to sex traffick-
ing. CSEC is when a child is treated as a commercial and sexual object. Exploited children’s basic rights are abused and they suffer mentally and physically. Children at risk for CSEC are usually minors under 18, frequent internet users or have the desire for male attention. The environment also plays a role in child sex trafficking. There are children who are living in poverty, raised in foster care, victims of abuse and are neglected. This leads to the desire for love, attention and affection and young girls involved in sex trafficking find that in their pimps they identify them as their ‘father.’ Females tend to brand themselves as ‘daddy’s girl,’ or ‘daddy’s little bitch.’
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Even though it is hidden in plain sight, the business of exploiting children for sexual purposes, are rapidly increasing. Change in physical appearance, signs of abuse such as unexplained bruises, presence of branding or unfamiliar slang and repeated calls from an adult boyfriend are all warning signs of sex trafficking. Not only does it affect the mental state of its victims, but child sex trafficking can cause serious physical damages. Victims are vulnerable to chronic pains, memory loss depression, and sexual transmitted diseases. According to Dr. Dill’s public health approach, “the leading cause of death in CSEC victims are homicide and HIV/AIDS, their lifespan is seven years
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after going into CSEC.” Public health’s approach to resolve CSEC are to identify the problem, explore root causes of vulnerability to sex trafficking, and strategize prevention through shaping the public’s view. “When I hear sex trafficking, I automatically thought international, but I really learned that kids that are so young are being paid for their bodies,” according to Afiore, an MPH graduate student at SUNY Downstate School of Public Health. Human labor trafficking is prevalent throughout Brooklyn. You will be surprised to know that restaurants, private escort companies and massage parlors are involved in the inhumane act of using victims to provide commercial sex acts and labor services. Victims are forced to perform duties against their will. They are prone to sexual violations, beatings, rape, threats of violence, manipulation and psychological damages. Victims of trafficking are sometimes “denied food and water, and are forced to have sex multiple times with strangers” according to the domestic abuse intervention project power and control wheel. Human sex traffic controllers control their victims. They do so by confiscating passports, identity documents, and use drugs as a means to control and manipulate trafficking victims. Trafficking can cause physical injury or death, it is a health risk and victims can face imprisonment even though they are the victims. In an effort to prevent child sex trafficking and exploitation of humans through labor, the Kings County District Attorney Human Trafficking Bureau is defending victims of labor trafficking from being prosecuted. Their team includes a group of individuals such as social workers that are qualified to identify victims of sex trafficking opposed to prostitution. Bianca Hill, an MPH graduate student at SUNY Downstate School of Public Health, applauded the District Attorney of Kings County for their approach to prevention. “I think the fact that they are taking the extra step to identify the cases that are sex trafficking as opposed to prostitution, is essential.” In the latter part of the conference, there were workshops where attendants were able to voice their concerns and formulate plans to further prevent the issue of child sex trafficking and human labor trafficking. Some participants shared that there are innumerable organizations that catered to victims but they are not known to the masses. In order to spread the word, the organizations need to go into neighborhoods that are prone to trafficking and offer help. “It all starts at home, parents need to educate their children on sex trafficking and make sure that they don’t fall into the hands of a pimp,” Latoya Jones said, a participant in the community-based approaches to prevention workshop. l
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20 NEWS
How to Protect Yourself from Uninsured Drivers
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hough most states require drivers to have car insurance, there are still motorists who take their chances and drive without coverage or with insufficient coverage. Nationwide, an estimated 14 percent of drivers are uninsured, and, in a handful of states, that figure tops 20 percent, according to the Insurance Research Council. States have threatened uninsured drivers with fines, license plate confiscation and other penalties. Some states are even using databases to better identify motorists who lack insurance. Still, the problem persists, and it can be costly for responsible drivers who do have insurance. If you have an accident with a driver who doesn't have insurance or lacks sufficient coverage, you could find yourself on the hook for thousands of dollars in medical expenses and repair costs, regardless of who's at fault. Buying uninsured and underinsured motorists' coverage can ease your fears and pay off if you have an accident. The insurance pays for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering from injuries sustained in a car wreck. If you purchase uninsured motorist property damage insurance, you also get coverage for vehicle repairs and damage to valuables that were in your car at the time of
the accident. If a minivan smashes into your brandnew SUV, causing $33,000 in damages, and the other driver's insurance provides a maximum of $25,000 per vehicle for property damage, you could be stuck with the remaining $8,000 to repair your vehicle. Underinsured motorists coverage fills the gap if the at-fault driver's policy limits are not adequate to cover your damages. "The insurance provides a great deal of benefit for a modest cost," says Charles Valinotti, a senior vice president at an insurance company. Uninsured and underinsured motorists' coverage typically costs from 6 to 9 percent of the total policy premium. "If you are already paying for insurance, why wouldn't you choose to protect your family with uninsured and underin-
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sured motorists' coverage?" Valinotti says. "Typically it only costs pennies on the dollar." Though states require drivers to have auto insurance, the liability requirements vary greatly from state to state. In states that have low minimum insurance requirements, drivers often don't have the coverage to deal with a serious car accident. If you live in one of those states, you should verify what limit of uninsured and underinsured motorists' coverage you have. Mississippi, Alabama, California, New Mexico, Arizona and Tennessee traditionally have had the highest percentage of uninsured motorists. Depending on your state, it's possible that uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is mandatory on your policy. Talk to your agent to verify that you are adequately insured. "Your agent can tell you what the requirements are in your state, and also if the uninsured and underinsured motorist coverages are already included within your policy," Valinotti says. "Unfortunately, you can't protect yourself from every disaster, but you can plan ahead by protecting yourself and your family with this coverage. It can provide financial benefits along with peace of mind."l(BPT)
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Is the NBA the New Plantation? continued from page 4
Chris Paul and Doc Rivers
NBA owner, had this to say: “In a league where the majority of players are African-American, we cannot and must not tolerate discrimination at any level. I am appalled that this type of ignorance still exists within our country and at the hishest levels of our sport. As an owner, I am obviously disgusted that a fellow team owner could hold such sickening and offensive views. As a former player, I am completely outraged. There is no room in the NBA — or anywhere else— for this kind of racism.” The words of Sterling are racist, if these are his words, but his reputation, whether it is former New York Knicks guard Baron Davis, whose experience as a player with the Clippers indicated racism of the Clippers owner or the discrimination lawsuit brought by Eligon Baylor against Sterling, that Sterling won, are all indicators of a smoking gun. According to former New York Jets coach, Herman Edward, on ESPN’s Mike & Mike, why has the NBA ownership that huddle with him, not responded in numbers? Up to press time, the only owner who has responded is San Antonio Spurs owner, Chairman and CEO, Peter Holt. Taking a cautious tone, he said: “I want to be very careful. The league is doing its own investigation and I don’t want to jump the gun. I don’t know the context, but from what I’ve heard, it sounds bad and it isn’t like it’s the first go-around for him.” Sterling’s plantation should be boycotted by corporate sponsors, tickets holders should demand a refund, and not return until there is new ownership and NBA players should avoid that franchise, until there is new ownership as well. A review of the NBA Constitution, under Paragraph 13, suggests a three-fourths vote of the NBA Board of Governors (which is composed of all 30 owners) could terminate Donald Sterling’s ownership. As the condemnation of Sterling and his racially insensitive comments spread, major financial supporters of the NBA franchise announced they were severing ties with the Clippers. In rapid succession, the mass exodus included used car seller CarMax, State Farm Insurance, Kia Motors America, airline Virgin America, P. Diddy's water brand, AQUAHydrate, and Red Bull. As AQUAHydrate posted on its Twitter account: "In the wake of Sterling's alleged intolerable comments, we are suspending our Clippers sponsorship until the NBA completes its investigation." We also need a code of ethics for ownership of these exclusive teams. Like the code of ethics required of players. Finally, are there other NBA plantations? This is a valid question. l
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EDUCATION
New York’s State Extreme School Segregation continued from page 1
hailed as a model for other similar cities across the country. In New York City, a citywide desegregation case was never brought but community control of local schools sometimes helped integration efforts, as many school officials and community members challenged practices and policies that perpetuated racial imbalance and educational inequity across schools. In light of these efforts, local and political resistance influenced New York’s history of school desegregation. Around the time of Reagan’s administration, the state moved away from desegregation efforts and instead focused on other practices and policies like accountability systems, school choice, and charter schools. By the early twenty-first century, most desegregation orders in key metropolitan areas were small and short-lived due to unitary status, and many programs designed to voluntary improve racial integration levels, like magnet schools, are now failing to achieve racial balance levels due to residential patterns, a lack of commitment, market-oriented framework, and school policy reversals. In New York City, the area has been experiencing significant school choice programs and policies that are exacerbating racial isolation as demographics continue to change. In this report, we provide a synthesis of
NYC Schools Chancellor Carmen Farria
over 60 years of research showing that school integration is still a goal worth pursuing. From the benefits of greater academic achievement, future earnings, and even better health outcomes for minority students, and the social benefits resulting from intergroup contact for all students — like the possible reduction in prejudice and greater interracial communication skills— we found that “real integration” is indeed an invaluable goal worth undertaking in growing multiracial societies. Can separate be equal, yes. If measured by test scores, a few re-segregated schools show high performance. But even if equality can be reached between racially isolated schools, students may never achieve the skills and abilities required to navigate an increasingly diverse nation. Due to such benefits of racial integration, we next explore the demographic and segregation patterns across New York over the last 20 years in a variety of geographical areas. A number of findings
resulted from this analysis. For one, we found a growing diversity of student enrollment in schools and school districts across the state and main metropolitan areas, particularly in urban schools. This changing demography, accompanied by a lack of diversityfocused policies over the last two decades, has inevitably been linked to another main finding: persisting segregation patterns, and in some contexts, an increase. With school poverty so closely linked to so many harmful social and educational conditions and outcomes, we then explored a number of associations between race and class, leading to another main finding: the overexposure to lowincome students for black and Latinos across geographical levels. Next, we found high racial isolation for the average charter school and lower segregation for the average magnet school across New York City. However, we did find substantial variation within magnets with close to 20% enrolling less than 1% of white students. Finally, due to the lack of voluntary metropolitan or other large inter-district policies across upstate New York, as well as the proliferation of numerous small, fragmented school districts, we found that the majority (close to 90% or above) of segregation is occurring among rather than within upstate districts.l For the full report, www.cawnyc.com
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22 NEWS
HOT TOPIC
Proposed Municipal ID Card met with Opposition and Support
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BY VANDELL PARK
ome undocumented immigrant activists here in New York City say they are not in favor of the Municipal Identification Card proposed by Mayor Bill de Blasio for undocumented immigrants. They contend that a city identification card will only target the undocumented more, since the use of the document will be limited and may also be somewhat discriminatory. President of the Immigrants Journal Legal and Educational Fund (IJLEF), Diandra Archibald, says her organization thinks the proposal by the mayor is not the kind of relief undocumented immigrants in New York City is longing for: “I do think that the municipal ID, after reading about it, is going to stereotype us and put us into a category. The ID is for the homeless people, the LGBT community, and undocumented people who have had trouble in the past, so it would be used for reporting a crime, opening a bank account, and should the police stop you, you have this ID.… I propose that they give them a driver’s license along with a New York State ID. Many of the undocumented who live here, work hard, pay their taxes and contribute to the economic welfare of New York State and the City; why not give them the benefit of having a driver’s license and a New York State Identification Card?” According to Archibald, Mayor de
Mayor de Blasio’s proposed Municpal ID card has been called “stereotyping, a terrorist empowerment act and has also a means for undocumented immigrants to better provide for their families...”
Blasio needs to join forces with Governor Andrew Cuomo, finding some sort of common ground on the issue of immigrant relief, and work towards producing an identification document that would be recognized by the state rather than by the city alone. She also contends that immigrant issues are tossed about like a political football and that no one in authority is really taking the needs of the undocumented seriously and standing up for them in a tangible way: “The municipal ID that de Blasio is presenting that undocumented people use, I think is falling short of what we want. Like anything else, when we asked for Comprehensive Immigration Reform, when we asked for the Dream Act, we get not the pie, but crumbs, so I don’t think the municipal ID will be helpful; we
want a driver’s license. There are so many of us who are undocumented here in this country, who work hard every day, who have families and need a vehicle to maneuver around to take care of our families, and … to provide for them. It is an essential tool that will help to make life easier for them and also provide more safety for our streets.” Meanwhile, the mayor’s proposal of a Municipal ID Card found both support and criticism in Albany. State Senator Greg Ball (D-Patterson) dubbed the identification card proposal as, “De Blasio’s Terrorist Empowerment Act,” citing that the legislation would allow undocumented immigrants to vote in municipal elections, a move he says is counterproductive for the fight against
terrorism here in New York City. However, State Senators Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) and Jose Peralta (D-Elmhurst) support introducing legislation that will provide both a Municipal Identification Card and a state driver’s license for undocumented immigrants. Senator Peralta said the two pieces of identification documents will only enhance cooperation between the undocumented immigrant community and city and state officials. Senator Peralta says: “With Municipal IDs and driver’s licenses, undocumented immigrants today would be able to better provide for their families, contribute more to the economy and fully integrate into the American mainstream, just as generations of immigrants of this country have before them…all immigrant driver’s licenses, including the one I have proposed in New York and those already in place in 11 states and Washington, DC, must be clearly distinguishable and meet with the approval of the Department of Homeland Security.” Both Senators Peralta and Dromm are working towards introducing legislation in Albany that will allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses and a Municipal Identification Card. Both the mayor’s proposal and the senators’ proposed legislation are being strongly supported by other legislative representatives in Albany. l
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