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Obama Talks about Small Businesses ...see page 10

MUHAMMAD ALI: Civil Rights Leader, Champion Boxer, Simply the Greatest

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BY CAW EDITORS

enee Graham in a tribute article to Muhammad Ali, states he was ”Beautiful, outspoken, and defiant, Ali, who died Friday, June 3, 2016 at 74, was everything we wanted to be. It wasn’t just that he fought with hands fast and strong enough to knock a grown man flat. He fought with words and ideas at a time when the world was on fire, and we were forged in its heat. We Negroes and colored folks were shedding those demeaning labels, and reveling in what it meant to be black and proud.”

Do you think he might prefer us calling him pretty? Like he said in one of his famous quotes — and boy did he have many — before his fight with Sonny Liston, Ali said, “He’s too ugly to be the world champ. The world champ should be pretty like me!”

On a more serious note, the former boxing heavyweight boxing champion, Muhammad Ali, was the singularly, most important, complex, confident, defiant and perhaps polarizing athlete of our time. Ali, a man in love with his race, who couldn’t care less what anyone — white or black — thought about him. We adored him for it.

Beautiful in Motion and Otherwise What is indisputable, though, is he was the most beautiful athlete we had ever seen, and likely ever will again — beautiful not so much in the common sense of physical attraction, but in the classical sense, the platonic sense.

He was beautiful in motion, the way he danced in the ring — the patented Ali Shuffle — as he circled another victim. And he was beautiful in complete stillness, as in the many iconic photographs of him: standing over Sonny Liston in 1965, his arm cocked

continued on page 22

Before Hillary Clinton, there was Shirley Chisholm

On behalf of Caribbean American Weekly, Brian Figeroux, Esq., extends congratulations to Hillary Clinton, on being the first woman Presidential nominee

St Lucia Has New Leadership ...see page 2

T&T Prime Minister Updates Diaspora... see page 5

Decades before Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton, there was Shirley Chisholm. As the first black woman to run for president for a major political party she was years ahead of her time.

Forty-four years ago, Shirley Chisholm made history as she announced her candidacy for the White House. Her bid for the top job was short lived, but the symbolism is as powerful today as it was then. Chisholm ran under the slogan: UNBOUGHT and UNBOSSED. One of her famous quotes: "If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair."

Read article at www.cawnyc.com

Black America Has No Leader. Not Even Obama ... see page 3

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Caribbean Consulates

Anguilla 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200

Antigua & Barbuda 305 East 47th Street, Suite 6A New York, N.Y. 10020 Tel: 212-541-4117

The Bahamas 231 East 46th Street New York, N.Y. 10017 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: 212-593-0999

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: 212-599-8478

Grenada 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400K New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-599-0301

Guyana 308 West 38th Street New York, N.Y. 10018 Tel: 212-947-5119

Haiti 815 Second Avenue,6th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-697-9767

Jamaica 767 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor 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, 20th 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 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, 4th Floor New York, N.Y. 10038 Tel: 212-682-7272

For more Consulate information go to www.cawnyc.com/directory

NEWSBRIEFS

CDB Says Agriculture Can Transform Jamaica Economy

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aribbean Development Bank (CDB) President, Dr. Warren Smith believes agriculture can potentially transform Jamaica’s economy into one that engenders growth and prosperity.

The sector is one of two deemed pivotal to the government’s economic growth and job creation agenda, which has benefitted from significant CDB funding support. The other is the micro, small and medium-size enterprise (MSME) sector.

Dr. Smith says the CDB’s input in agriculture has been undertaken through the provision of US$8.1 million in 2012, to fund first phase implementation of the Government’s National Irrigation Development Plan.

He explained that the undertaking entailed development of the irrigation systems in the farming communities of Hounslow and Pedro Plains in St. Elizabeth, and Sevens River in St. James.

The inputs included the establishment of

he United Workers Party (UWP) led by Allen Chastanet has convincingly won the June 6 general elections, securing 11 of the 17 seats in Parliament and sending the incumbent St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) into Opposition.

The new Prime Minister of St. Lucia has issued a call for unity among St.Lucians in one of his first addresses to the nation on the morning just hours after being elected to office in a landslide victory over the incumbent, Dr. Kenny Anthony, leader of St.Lucia Labour Party.

Chastanet declared “The work to build a new St. Lucia begins officially today.

Again, I would like to thank the Almighty God for allowing His will to be done. It has been a very difficult period for me and my family, but God has helped me through. No doubt, it has also been very difficult for you as well and you have also been carried through by God.” Chastanet called for an end to the name calling and insults which were prevalent throughout the heated campaign. He called for St. Lucians to come together in unity as one family.

“Elections are over and so, let us put all the name calling, insults and persecution away; let us unite as a family, one nation under God. We all are St. Lucians and we must all work together to build this great nation of ours,” Chastanet declared.

“I categorically state that there will be absolutely NO victimization. As of today, we must see each other as a St. Lucian and NOT a Labour Party supporter of UWP supporter. You elected us to help ALL St. Lucians and that is exactly what we will do,” Chastanet continued.

And on the heels of his party’s loss, Dr. Kenny Anthony announced that he is stepping down as SLP leader, but will serve the Vieux Fort South constituency he won in the polls. His was one of the six seats won by the SLP. In a statement issued after the results were announced, Anthony conceded defeat and congratulated Chastanet on the win, saying it was “a convincing victory.”

“It is clear there was a major national swing against the St. Lucia Labour Party.

I wish the people of St. Lucia the very best as we embark on this new journey,” he said.

“As to my future, I do not intend to serve as the Leader of the Opposition and indeed, political leader of the St. Lucia Labour Party. I will, however, continue to serve my constituents of Vieux Fort South and support my other Parliamentary colleagues in their vari-

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CDB’s President, Dr Warren Smith

wells, and the installation of pumps and pipelines, among other equipment and infrastructure.

In noting that these are “key agricultural areas,” Dr. Smith says the CDB has also financed the provision of technical support for the farmers, to better enable them to achieve maximum yields from their crops.

He points out that the overall objective of CDB’s input is to improve the productivity and competitiveness of a wide range of agricultural commodities.

“We feel that agriculture can lead to the transformation of Jamaica, economically and socially, and we expect it to be a big part of the growth strategy of the country,” the CDB president said.l

Elections Usher New Leadership in St Lucia

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St Lucia’s new Prime Minister, Hon. Allen Chastanet

ous constituencies as they seek to protect the interests of their constituents.”

The former prime minister said he was deeply grateful for the honor of serving the country for nearly three terms and gave special thanks to Vieux Fort South residents for electing him as their parliamentary representative for the fifth time.

Shortly after the UWP was declared the winner of the 2016 general elections, Chastanet promised that the party would deliver on the promises it made during the election campaign — including a reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) — and return the country to economic growth.

The UWP eader concluded “Again, I would like to say thank you for having confidence in the United Workers Party and in me to build a new St. Lucia for you!”l

IMF to Help Guyana in Move to Reduce VAT

he Guyana government is considering reducing the Value Added Tax (VAT) in a move that could see the expansion of the tax base. But changes are not likely before the next budget.

At a recent media conference, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been approached for assistance, and a team from the institution’s Barbadosbased Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC) is expected to arrive soon to begin its work.

“They (CARTAC) are going to send a

Guyana’s MInister of Finance, Winston Jordan

one or two-person mission to do a complete assessment of our VAT, where it is today, including options for changes in the system, so it is on the cards,” he said.

“I don’t see it happening before the next budget. It would be extremely difficult to

just bring in a VAT reduction in the middle or half of the year, when our budget anyhow is not based on that.”

During the visit, the CARTAC team is expected to conduct an assessment and examine the quantitative work of the Tax Reform Committee.

Back in January, that committee had recommended that VAT be lowered by two percent to 14 percent, along with the introduction of an intermediate rate of seven percent.l Source: caribbean360news.com

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MOVING FORWARD

Black America Has No Leader. Not Even Obama

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BY NOAH FELDMAN

he death of Julian Bond, a leading 1960s civil rights leader who became chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, raises a deep question about contemporary U.S. politics: Where are today’s young Julian Bonds? Why isn’t there a clear and identifiable national black leadership for the under-50 generation?

The answer isn’t that the civil rights challenge is over. As the deaths in Ferguson, Missouri, and Staten Island and beyond show, race remains a crucial area of injustice in the U.S. And as the “Black Lives Matter” protests demonstrate, people, black and white, can be motivated to participate in a social movement seeking to remedy that injustice.

What’s striking about this new movement is how leaderless it seems. If you aren’t convinced it is, close your eyes and try to name a single nationallyknown leader — not a celebrity or public intellectual, but an actual leader of people. What’s the reason for an absence of leaders — good, bad or indifferent — devoted to racial equality? And what does the answer tell us about the future of race equality in America?

There are, I think, two main explanations for the headless character of the new civil rights movement — and both are telling for the movement’s trajectory.

The first lies in the contemporary, socialmedia driven nature of civil rights today.

The second is Barack Obama.

Start with the answer born of social technology. As events from Cairo's Tahrir Square to Occupy have shown, it’s no longer necessary for protest movements to be led by charismatic, central figures.

Once, such leaders helped frustrated and dispossessed people overcome what economists call the transaction costs of getting organized. Then, a moving speech or a name or a heroic story might motivate people to coordinated action.

Today, social media means coordination can take place in a decentralized way. Grievances, once shared, can be understood as universal. They alone are enough to bring people into the streets.

And those gatherings can move political discourse.

Today’s new civil rights movement is the product of people with access to social media and a mindset similar to other movements that spread over the same media. It isn’t an accident that many recent protests arose from videos that went viral, many shot on cell phones.

The vector of the outrage helped specify the direction of the movement.

But here’s the problematic payoff: So far, social media-inspired movements haven’t managed to create institutional change. Hosni Mubarak fell — but only because the Egyptian army willed it.

Occupy brought fame to Senator Elizabeth Warren and economist Thomas Piketty — but it hasn’t yet got results for

TEAM

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My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. —Hosea 4:6 Publisher I.Q. INC.

Managing Editor & Editor-in-Chief Pearl Phillip

Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq.

Assistant Editor Marilyn Silverman

the 99 percent.

The difficulty with diffuse movements is that they are good at protest but bad at coordinated policy pressure, which takes an old-fashioned political party or movement. And leaders, for better or worse, are part of the political process. They drive change, and speak out over time when it’s too slow in coming, as Julian Bond did.

The need for leadership brings us to the other reason why there’s no obvious heir to Bond and his generation: Barack Obama has drained the energy out of African-American leadership.

To be sure, Obama isn’t at fault, or not exactly. The historical process of electing a black president was always going to mean white Americans anointing the candidate (and the elected official) as the spokesman for black America — and at the same time imposing on him the obligation to speak for all Americans of all races.

It helped of course that Obama was racially complex. As son of a white mother and an African father, he was black, he was (part) white, and he was African and American without exactly being African-American, except by choice and marriage.

In any case, Obama’s election meant that no other young black person could become the definitive spokesperson for African-Americans — because he or she would never match Obama’s fame or success or influence. His election meant the passing of the generation of Jesse Jackson. The somewhat younger Al Sharpton became a shadow of his former self — a low-carb CNN commentator, Sharpton-lite.

As if on cue, Jesse Jackson Jr. implod-

ed and disappeared. Cory Booker has always seemed genuinely to want to represent people of all races and backgrounds (disclosure: we were students together and I consider him a friend).

Like Obama, he’s a leader of Americans who happens to be black and cares about black people a lot, not a black leader per se.

Of course, in some ways it’s a great thing for black Americans that no one leader needs to speak for the whole community. Yet it’s worth realizing that, after he leaves office, Obama isn’t going to become a race-leader either. He’ll want to preserve his unique status, and speak on black issues occasionally when it seems necessary. But his presidential legacy, and probably his disposition, will require him to remain an American leader, looking at the interests of all. He isn’t just the first black president. He’ll be the first black former president, too— and for the rest of his life.

The consequence is that Obama may well keep on sucking the oxygen out of the system of black leadership for years to come —not by design, but by circumstance. Both black and white America will look to him for leadership on race before they look to anyone else. Which means anyone else will be a distant second-best.l

Noah Feldman, a Bloomberg View columnist, is a professor of constitutional and international law at Harvard University and the author of six books, most recently, "Cool War: The Future of Global Competition." Feldman has a bachelor's degree from Harvard, a law degree from Yale University and a doctorate in Islamic thought from the University of Oxford, where he was a Rhodes scholar.

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Contributors President Barack Obama Noah Feldman Dr Naa-Solo Tettey D’Arcy Lyness, PhD Vandell Park Patrick McNeil Gustavo Velasquez Amy Loftsgordon Wendy Feliz Joshua Breisblatt Naasir Williams Rachel Carrigan Dobler Lindsey Pfeiffer Email: cariaweekly@aol.com Telephone: 718-771-0988

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CIVIL RIGHTS

A Special Invitation

to all faith-based leaders to empower their congregation and membership

from the IJLEF, Inc., a 501(c)(3) approved not-for-profit organization offering

FREE IMMIGRATION SEMINARS/ PRESENTATIONS & CONSULTATION CARDS ($100 VALUE) ON THE DAY OF THE PRESENTATION

Call 718-243-9431 to schedule a presentation

HHS Announces New NonDiscrimination Rule

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BY PATRICK McNEIL, CIVILRIGHTS.ORG

he U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new rule to implement Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in certain health programs or activities.

Discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or based on factors of other underserved populations creates unequal access to health and health care. Rather than being distributed equally, the burdens of costly health care fall disproportionately on communities of color and other underserved populations, which are more likely to experience higher rates of unemployment, to have jobs that do not have health insurance, and to have lower incomes that put higher insurance premiums out of their financial reach.

“We applaud today’s announcement, which represents a major milestone in the Obama administration’s efforts to ensure that everyone in America has access to quality, affordable health insurance coverage and health care,” said Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference, in a state-

ment thanking Secretary Sylvia Matthews Burwell and the Obama administration for the new civil rights protection. “Since enactment, members of The Leadership Conference have strongly advocated for the full and complete implementation of Section 1557.

Our organizations raised numerous issues in comments on the proposed rule, outlining specific suggestions to ensure that the law fully protects people of color, women, people with disabilities, seniors, people whose primary language is not English, immigrants, and LGBT individuals.”

Section 1557 builds on long-standing federal civil rights laws, and is the first

federal civil rights law to prohibit sex discrimination in health care.

“We are pleased that the rule includes important new protections to prohibit sex discrimination; protects transgender people on the basis of gender identity; and largely protects lesbian, gay, and bisexual people on the basis of sex stereotypes,” Henderson said. “While we understand that the law is evolving, we hope that in the future, HHS guidance will follow the lead of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in expressly clarifying that all forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation are inherently sex-based and unlawful.”l

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ISLAND FOCUS: T&T

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T & T Prime Minister Updates Diaspora on His Government’s Stewardship

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BY VANDELL PARK

ust eight months after assuming office, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, seized the first opportunity presented to him to report on his stewardship of the country to Trinidadians and Tobagonians living in the New York Diaspora. Before a packed audience at Medgar Evers College, Dr. Rowley patiently outlined to his country’s men and women, the work his government is doing to ensure Trinidad and Tobago achieves and sustains its moral, social and economic goals under his tenure. Recognizing that the challenges are enormous, Dr. Rowley says his government is charting a systematic path towards development: “Since assuming office about eight months ago, the government charged with the honor and privilege to lead, has been making steady progress. We have been doing so objectively, systematically and without the excess of expensive fanfare. Step by step we have been putting the modalities in place to steer the nationship towards a state of recovery and restoration, from a traumatic and painful period of five years of reckless, irresponsible and woefully unacceptable government. The special entities which we have set up and the series of bold initiatives which we have taken in our quest for a much improved quality of life for all, are taking root. We are tackling waste, inefficiency and cor-

Trinidad & Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley

ruption. We are restoring good governance and good order to a people who are crying out for these values. We are operating with a smaller cabinet with no members standing in an overcrowded cabinet room; the size of the government has been reduced from 34 members to 24 members. Our newly appointed boards comprising of extremely qualified citizens, have been settling down and now oversee the successful functioning of our public utilities, state boards and functioning corporations. A thorough review and analysis with respect to the quality of our health and an upgrade of our general health care delivery services, is well on course. Our national economic advisory board is functioning and has begun

to deliver as can be evidenced by the midterm financial review, which was passed in the Parliament on April 9th.”

According to the Prime Minister, his government has the daunting task of maintaining an economy that is faced with declining finances due to the country’s main economic resource, which is its oil industry which is being plunged into a state of uncertainty because of the global oil price crisis. He stressed that despite the problems, his government will identify and implement initiatives that will keep the economy afloat: “The drastic reduction on the price of oil and gas has placed serious restrictions on our revenues; our earnings are considerably down and consequently, our spending capacity has been considerably constrained. The restored standing committee on energy, now guides us scientifically and meticulously as we seek to navigate the turbulent international waters in monetizing our national indigenous energy resources given the prevailing adverse global economic circumstances.

A modern statistical institute is taking shape in order to afford us the crucial ability to make data-driven decisions at the level of the government and the population at large. In spite of our very challenging recessionary circumstances, there is a revised value-added tax regime that’s down by 2.5 percent which would see our citizens experiencing a bit more disposable income in their pockets as

they face inevitable increases consequent upon the economic adjustments which we are called upon to make across the board.”

Dr. Rowley assured his citizenry that programs are afoot nationwide on the promised local government reform, so as to give those individual local government bodies greater autonomy and jurisdiction over the provision of services to their respective districts, and that the appropriate mechanisms to ensure transparency and equality are in place. He noted that the consultative phase has concluded and they are now moving to adjust the existing laws which will be introduced to parliament for debate prior to the local government elections due later in 2016. He also spoke on what is being done by his government to combat crime and corruption in the country: “The government has moved to parliament to fight corruption by introducing a bill called the whistle blower legislation and adopt a procurement legislation that will make it more difficult for public officials and other citizenry to be involved in corruption in the country. Technical work on major highways is about to commence; plans are afoot to double the number of hotel rooms within the next three years. To tackle crime, the government has gone to parliament to extend the eavesdropping law to monitor criminal conduct in the country given the crime wave that the country faces.”l

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DIASPORA CONCERNS

Project Labor Agreement Not a Deterrent for MWBEs to Bid for Government Construction Projects

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BY VANDELL PARK

ome 187 countries worldwide, including the United States, are signatories to the International Labor Organization (ILO), a UN body designed to develop policies that promote social justice and protect the rights of government, employers and employees under collective bargaining provisions. While the ILO does not require mandatory adherence to all of its policies from all member states, signatories to the organization are expected to observe labor and human rights in the workplace. Those rights can be adhered to either by a unionized agreement or any other form of collective bargaining agreed to between government and employers to protect workers’ rights. In the United States, a number of workers advocate groups as well as employers advocates, for various reasons, oppose to a large extent, unionized labor, citing the freedom of choice for employees in the workplace from what they term compulsory financial support of unions.

Despite the opposition to unionized

labor, both federal and local governments in the United States have found ways to ensure organized collective bargaining in the workplace, especially when it comes to government construction projects. With most government construction projects, whether renovation, rehabilitation or new construction, employers are required to submit to collective bargaining in the form of a Project Labor Agreement (PLA).

According to the New York City Mayor’s Office of Contract Services (MOCS), all bids for city construction contracts are subject to a PLA. The MOCS gives this definition for the PLA: “An agreement by owner (here, the City) with construction trades that all bidders must agree to as part of a responsive bid. Subcontractors to be used by prime contractors on a city contract must also agree to the terms of the PLA to be approved.”

At a recent conference held by the General Contractors Association, special attention was given to the understanding of PLA, because the associa-

tion believes the collective bargaining process is not fully understood by many contractors and subcontractors bidding for New York City construction projects. PLA expert, Lorraine D’Angelo, of the L.D.A. Compliance Consultancy.

Inc., said the PLA is a negotiating tool between the employer and the union which seeks to standardize the terms and conditions for a particular project.

She shared this explanation about the PLA with the number of contractors and subcontractors in attendance: “The Project Labor Agreements are specific agreements for specific projects.

Sometimes various parts of a state, like New York State, or New York City, will let a contract using a particular PLA that the City or State requires be negotiated by those government bodies. These PLAs can be for building construction, renovation and rehabs. These PLAs can also be limited to contracts under a certain amount of money such as contracts under $500,000; there are different criteria surrounding when and how the PLA will apply. If the city puts out a project and say you are going to use this particular PLA, it becomes mandatory for that specific contract or project.

There are unions that sign on to the PLA. Once they become signatories, then their requirements also are included in the PLA requirements. So the PLA governs and then the collective bargaining agreements are set based on the PLA.” According to Ms. D’Angelo, New York City Project Labor Agreement law is difficult to interpret, but, both contractors and subcontractors should just concentrate on the PLA that’s binding for the particular project for which they are bidding. She noted that Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) can only be reached for the terms and conditions of that particular PLA. According to Ms. D’Angelo, while local unions are

signatories to PLAs, contractors and subcontractors who may win a city project are only subjected to the CBA reached with the local union for the PLA of that project. The local union that is signatory to that PLA, will be required to provide skilled labor to the project based on the terms and conditions agreed upon. However, non-union employees working on the project are not subject to mandatory union terms and membership beyond that particular project.

While most city projects are commissioned to established licensed contractors, there are provisions in the PLAs for MWBEs to participate as subcontractors or bid for projects that cost up to $1 million. It is mandatory in NYC for participation goals for certified MWBEs to be set in accordance with the NYC Administrative code for most city or state projects. Those MWBEs are allowed to employ at least 12% of their non-union qualified workforce on a given city project, while the local union provides the remaining labor for the project. However, the PLA allows for the sub-contractor or the contractor to reject unproductive union labor.

The notion that local unions control city and state construction projects in New York State, that only established big money contractors win bids for these projects, is misleading. Based on the cost of the project, certified MWBEs are entitled to bid for construction projects advertised by the state or city governments once they sign on to the PLA that pertains to that particular project.

The only requirements needed by small construction contractors to bid for city or state construction projects are to become a certified MWBE, and secondly, once certified, become a signatory to the specific PLA for that specific project.l

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MONEY MATTERS

News Flash: An Ex-Husband Can File for Social Security Based on His Ex-Wife’s Salary

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an additional amount on your exspouse’s record so that the combination of benefits equals that higher amount.

BY MARILYN SILVERMAN

nce upon a time, happily ever after wasn’t just an adage you read about in the pages of a romantic fairy tale. Marriage at one time lasted till the proverbial death do us part.

But in today’s world, divorce is probably just as a commonplace phenomenon as the marriage ceremony itself. Divorce admittedly is a painful experience and can have a detrimental impact on us in these spheres—psychologically, emotionally, physically and financially.

Consultation with a professional health provider is recommended for the first three spheres, consultation with the Social Security Administration (SSA) is all that is necessary for the last sphere since it is possible for an ex-spouse to tap into their ex-spouse’s social security benefit is according to NowItcounts.com.

But alas, this is unbeknownst to the population of the divorced out there. In this article the focus is going to be on ex-husbands. First let’s discuss the rules and regulations, as delineated by the SSA. If you are divorced, but your marriage lasted 10 years or longer, you can receive benefits on your ex-spouse's record (even if he or she has remarried) if: •You are unmarried;

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•You are age 62 or older; •Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits and •The benefit you are entitled to receive based on your own work, is less than the benefit you would receive based on your ex-spouse's work.

Note: Your benefit as a divorced spouse is equal to one-half of your ex-spouse's full retirement amount (or disability benefit) if you start receiving benefits at your full retirement age. The benefits do not include any delayed retirement credits your ex-spouse may receive.

If you remarry, you generally cannot collect benefits on your former spouse's record unless your later marriage ends (whether by death, divorce or annulment).

If your ex-spouse has not applied for retirement benefits, but can qualify for them, you can receive benefits on his or her record if you have been divorced for at least two years.

If you are eligible for retirement benefits on your own record and divorced spouse’s benefits, we will pay the retirement benefit first. If the benefit on your ex-spouse’s record is higher, you will get

Note: If you were born before January 2, 1954, and have already reached full retirement age, you can choose to receive only the divorced spouse’s benefit and delay receiving your retirement benefits until a later date. If your birthday is January 2, 1954 or later, the option to take only one benefit at full retirement age no longer exists. If you file for one benefit, you will be effectively filing for all retirement or spousal benefits If you continue to work while receiving benefits, the retirement benefit earnings limit still applies. If you are eligible for benefits this year and are still working, you can use our earnings test calculator to see how those earnings would affect your benefit payments.

If you will also receive a pension based on work not covered by Social Security, such as government work, your Social Security benefit on your ex-spouse's record may be affected.

Note: The amount of benefits you get has no effect on the amount of benefits your ex-spouse or his or her current spouse may receive. l

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8

AMERICAN DREAM

Ensuring Access to Housing for Every Person, Regardless of Sexual Orientation

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No person should be

BY GUSTAVO VELASQUEZ

n recent years, our nation has made great progress in recognizing the legal rights of LGBTQ individuals.

Discrimination still exists, though, often witnessed in that most basic of human needs — housing.

The Fair Housing Act of 1968 protects against discrimination in housing andthe Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is tasked with enforcing that law. Since 2010, the year HUD formally adopted the principle that gender identity discrimination is sex discrimination under the Fair Housing Act, HUD has investigated and closed 230 complaints alleging LGBTQ discrimination.

It’s not only complaint statistics that indicate the extent of the problem.

HUD’s 2013 nationwide study on housing discrimination against same-sex couples in the private rental market — the first-of-its-kind — found that same-sex couples experience adverse treatment more often than heterosexual couples when responding to Internet ads for rental units, and that gay male couples were more likely to receive adverse treatment than lesbian couples.

In a country founded on the principles

subjected to discriminatory

policies and practices simply because of who they choose to love.

of justice and equality for all, the fact that this type of discrimination continues to occur is unacceptable. No person should be subjected to discriminatory policies and practices simply because of who they choose to love.

HUD is doing its part to not only address this form of discrimination, but to also ensure that its programs are available to all. HUD has made three significant announcements in recent years. In 2012, HUD published a final rule titled Equal Access to Housing in HUD

Programs Regardless of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity. The Equal Access Rule requires that housing that is assisted by HUD or subject to a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) be made available without regard to actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. The rule also prohibits recipients and sub-recipients of HUD funding, including owners and administrators of HUD-assisted and FHA-insured housing, from inquiring about the sexual orientation or gender identity of a housing applicant or occupant for the purposes of determining eligibility or otherwise making the housing available.

In February 2015, we released additional guidance under the Equal Access Rule on how best to provide shelter to transgender persons in single-sex shelters or other facilities. As many as 40 percent of

homeless youth are LGBTQ, and the majority of them report harassment or even sexual assault when trying to access homeless shelters. The guidance instructs providers on how best to address privacy and safety concerns within the facilities in ways that do not segregate or isolate transgender individuals.

And last November we published a proposed Gender Identity Rule that would require HUD community planning and development fund recipients and owners of shared sleeping quarters to provide transgender persons access to service and accommodations in accordance with their gender identity. HUD is reviewing the public comments now.

HUD is proud of its efforts to level the playing field for LGBTQ persons, but we know that more needs to be done. If you think you or someone you know has been a victim of housing discrimination, you can file a complaint by contacting HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at (800) 669-9777 or by going to www.hud.gov/fairhousing.

So, let us rededicate ourselves to working together to create a more just society, where everyone has the opportunity to live openly and freely. l

Gustavo Velasquez is the Assistant

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9

AMERICAN DREAM

Right of Redemption Before Foreclosure

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to the foreclosure sale. This is because borrowers who have access to enough funds to redeem the property prior to sale usually do not fall behind in payments in the first place.

BY AMY LOFTSGORDON CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, NOLO.COM

edemption allows you to get your home back before or after foreclosure by paying off your mortgage and other costs and fees.

A redemption period is a specific time period given to borrowers in foreclosure during which they can buy back, or “redeem,” their property. Read on to learn more about the right of redemption before foreclosure, as well as the right of redemption following foreclosure.

Understanding Redemption "Redeeming" the home can refer to either of the following situations: •paying off the total debt, including the principal balance, plus certain additional costs and interest, before the sale in order to stop the foreclosure, or •paying off the purchase price, plus certain costs and interest, after the foreclosure sale to reclaim the property.

In all states, the borrower can redeem the home before the foreclosure sale, but only certain states provide a redemption period following the foreclosure sale.

Redemption Before the Foreclosure Sale One way to avoid a foreclosure is by redeeming the property prior to the fore-

closure sale. This right is an equitable principal based upon the idea that borrowers should be given one last chance to keep their home, even if they have defaulted on the mortgage payments.

Cost to redeem. Generally, the borrower must pay off the entire underlying mortgage debt, plus interest and other costs (such as foreclosure fees and expenses), which are due at the time the property is redeemed.

When a borrower may redeem prior to the foreclosure sale. The borrower may redeem the property at any time between the acceleration of the underlying promissory note and the foreclosure sale.

Redemption prior to the foreclosure sale does not occur very often. In practice, borrowers do not often redeem prior

Statutory Right of Redemption As noted above, all states allow a borrower to redeem the home before the foreclosure sale, but some states wanted to provide additional time for homeowners to save their property. To accomplish this, those states passed statutes (laws) that offer an additional amount of time to redeem the property following the foreclosure sale. This right is called a statutory right of redemption because the amount of time allowed to redeem arises solely from the state statute.

How does a statutory right of redemption work? Statutory rights of redemption grant borrowers a certain period of time after a foreclosure during which they may reclaim the property by paying the foreclosure sale price, plus certain other allowable charges.

Benefits to borrowers. Statutory redemption laws give the borrowers more time to obtain the funds needed to reclaim the home, and, in some cases, the redemption period gives the borrowers additional time to live in the property before they can be evicted.

A statutory redemption period aims to ensure a fair price at the foreclosure sale.

The right of redemption attempts to ensure that bidders at the foreclosure sale will bid a fair price because a higher winning bid at the foreclosure sale reduces the likelihood of the former owner’s redeeming the property. In reality, however, redemption statutes may chill bidding at the foreclosure sale because the purchaser must wait for the statutory redemption time to expire before they officially own the property, thus reducing the price a purchaser is willing to pay for the property.

If you are facing foreclosure in New York, it’s important to understand some of the basics, including: •the most common type of foreclosure procedure (judicial v. nonjudicial) used in New York •how much time you have to respond •your rights and protections in the process, and •what happens afterwards (for example, whether you’ll be liable for a deficiency judgment).l Note: Foreclosure laws and procedures are complex and subject to change by legislatures and to interpretation by courts. Please retain the services of an attorney.

Creditors’ Harassments!

Lawsuits! Foreclosures!

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10 NEWS

OBAMA ADMINISTRATION

Support for Small Businesses in America

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Across America, small businesses support economies, employ local residents, and contribute to the vibrancy of their communities. Our Nation's small businesses play a critical role in generating economic prosperity...

BY PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

esponsible for creating nearly two-thirds of net new jobs in the United States each year and employing more than half of all Americans, small businesses have always been a vital part of our country's economy. As outlets for creativity and ingenuity, small businesses do more than create jobs and foster growth — they represent the spirit that has always driven our Nation forward.

Throughout National Small Business Week, we celebrate the irreplaceable role these enterprises play in our national life by pledging to support them and equip them with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

Across America, small businesses support economies, employ local residents, and contribute to the vibrancy of their communities. My Administration is dedicated to helping these businesses and the entrepreneurs who took a chance on turning ideas into realities. We have enacted 18 tax cuts for small businesses, and because of the Affordable Care Act, a tax credit of up to 50 percent is available for certain small businesses to help offset the cost of insurance. And our businesses have created jobs in every month since I signed this law.

Our Nation does best when we help our

startups and small businesses expand into new markets and offer goods and services to more people. Ninety-eight percent of the American companies that export are small-and medium-sized businesses, but less than 5 percent of our country's small businesses export. In our 21st-century economy, it is imperative that we break down the trade barriers that too often hold small businesses back from extending their reach to those abroad to sell more goods made in the United States. Last year, we reached an agreement with 11 other nations that allows us to write the rules of our global economy

and gives more of our people the fair shot at success they deserve. The TransPacific Partnership will eliminate over 18,000 taxes imposed by other countries on our goods and services and level the playing field for American workers and businesses, and I look forward to working with the Congress to implement this agreement.

My Administration has taken action to ensure the Federal Government does its part to support our Nation's small businesses. During fiscal year 2015, we awarded an all-time high of more than a quarter of eligible Federal contracts to

small businesses, and we made great strides in ensuring more Government contracts are given to women-owned small businesses — nearly $18 billion worth. We have launched next-generation manufacturing hubs, and we have made more online tools available to entrepreneurs to give them the resources they need to start a business in a single day — and the Startup in a Day initiative is continuing to engage with all levels of government to streamline the process of beginning a business.

Our Nation's small businesses play a critical role in generating economic prosperity, and the effort poured into them by ordinary citizens across our country reflects the hard work and determination inherent to who we are as a people. We renew our support for these engines of growth and recognize their incredible contributions to our country.l

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11

IMMIGRATION

Giving the Immigration Facts a Fighting Chance

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BY WENDY FELIZ

s we move through the 2016 presidential election cycle, the issue of immigration will continue to be a central topic of the debate. The United States is at a tipping point after more than two decades without meaningful upgrades to its immigration system.

Current U.S. law does not provide sufficient channels for legal immigration and does not respond to the country’s economic needs. As a result, we have a mismatch between labor supply and demand that is most dramatically illustrated by the millions of undocumented immigrants living in our country today.

Adding to the momentous challenge of reforming our immigration system is the fact that much of the debate around it is taking place in the context of a heated presidential election, where misstatements and half-truths often go unchecked. This makes it difficult for the public, who by and large support reform, to understand the nuts and bolts of what is needed to truly upgrade our immigration system.

In order to support a sane and factbased debate, the American Immigration Council issued a guide, Giving the Facts a Fighting Chance: Addressing Common

Questions on Immigration, which provides answers to many of the most common questions about current policies and what immigration means to the United States both socially and economically.

The guide delves into a wide range of issues including the economic benefits of immigration, the high cost and diminishing returns of immigration enforcement, the various roles states play in immigration policy, and the importance of additional due process protections for those in immigration court proceedings.

The guide also tackles misinformation spread by some presidential candidates including accusations that immigrants tend to have high rates of criminal behavior. The truth is that high rates of immigration actually equate with low levels of crime. ◾Between 1990 and 2013, the foreignborn share of the U.S. population grew from 7.9 percent to 13.1 percent and the number of unauthorized immigrants more than tripled from 3.5 million to 11.2 million. During the same period, FBI data indicate that the violent crime rate declined 48 percent—which included falling rates of aggravated assault, robbery, rape, and murder. Likewise, the property crime rate fell 41 percent, including declining rates of motor vehi-

cle theft, larceny/robbery, and burglary.

Additionally, the guide also answers questions around the much-debated topic of refugee admissions into the United States and reminds us that refugees are actually the most scrutinized group of migrants that enter the country: ◾Refugees must pass multiple, intense background checks, medical screenings, and interviews in order to be accepted for admission into the country. ◾On average, it can take over 1,000 days for refugees to be screened by federal agencies and approved for travel to the United States. The lengthy processing times mean some refugees must stay in dangerous locations or circumstances.

The guide also provides striking economic data regarding immigrant entrepreneurship: ◾In 2013, 18 percent of business owners in the United States were foreign-born.

Furthermore, 28 percent of “Main Street” business owners—those who bring businesses like grocery stores, restaurants, and clothing stores to neighborhoods— were foreign-born. ◾Immigrants were founders of 18 percent of all Fortune 500 companies, many of which are high-tech giants. As of 2010, these companies generated $1.7

trillion in annual revenue, employed 3.6 million workers worldwide, and included AT&T, Verizon, Procter & Gamble, Pfizer, Comcast, Intel, Merck, DuPont, Google, Cigna, Sun Microsystems, United States Steel, Qualcomm, eBay, Yahoo!, and Nordstrom.

Answers to many other questions that arise in the immigration reform debate are addressed in this guide and it makes clear the U.S. immigration system is very different today than it was when prior generations of immigrants arrived. In fact, it notes that many of our ancestors might not have been allowed to enter the country had today’s laws been in effect even though today’s immigrants make enormous contributions to our economy and our communities—just as immigrants in the past did. Finally, the guide reminds us that any immigration policies we develop today must be based on facts and data, not hyperbole or political pot shots.l

WE LOVE IMMIGRANTS!

lGET THE FACTS

lBE SMART

lMAKE THE RIGHT DECISION

uHealth Care (RN/OT/PT/TSHH/SLP’S & IT Cases) uExtension of Status & Visa Renewals uWork Authorization uH-IB Professional Workers uF-1 Students Visa uJ-1 Exchange Visitor Trainees uO-1 Extraordinary Ability uR-1 Religious Workers uU.S. Citizenship uFamily-based Petitions and Fiancee Visa uGreen Cards/Labor Certification (RIR) uImmigration Visa Petitions:Employment Based uTemporary Work Visas uU.S. Citizenship & Derivative Petitions uLabor Certifications uU Visa - Crime Victimd uApplication for Asylum uPetitions for Writ of Habeas Corpus uAppeals to the Board of Immigration Appeal uLawsuits involving Eligibility and Processing for Citizenship uDACA, DAPA & Provisional Waivers uDeportation Defense, 601 Waivers, etc

lBEWARE OF IMMIGRATION FRAUD

LAW OFFICES OF FIGEROUX & ASSOCIATES

CALL 718-834-0190 26 Court Street, Suite 701 Brooklyn, NY 11242

lPERSONAL INJURY lACCIDENTS lFAMILY LAW lPOLICE BRUTALITY lCRIMINAL LAW lCIVIL LITIGATION lBANKRUPTCY lREAL ESTATE

Visit our website at: www.311immigration.com

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12

IMMIGRATION

What the New Citizenship Fee Structure Means for Aspiring Americans

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BY JOSHUA BREISBLATT

.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is primarily a fee-funded agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Every two years they are required to review the fees they collect and adjust as needed. Earlier this month USCIS announced they have completed their “fee study” and have proposed raising fees across-the-board by an average of 21 percent.

The fee hike that will have the largest impact on aspiring citizens is the increase in the already-high naturalization fee which is set to go up 6.6 percent.

Currently the application fee is $680, including $85 for biometrics which will increase to $725. However, the agency will also implement a newly proposed partial fee waiver that would reduce the naturalization fee to $405 ($320 plus a biometric fee of $85) for families living between 150-200 percent of the federal poverty level. For families of four, the new partial fee waiver would apply to those earning between $36,450 and 48,600. Individuals who earn up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level, will continue to be eligible for a full fee waiver.

Of the 13.1 million legal permanent residents (LPRs) in the United States, 8.8

million are currently eligible for citizenship. Many, however, are not making the leap from legal permanent resident status to citizen. The number of those naturalizing has been less than 800,000 for the past five consecutive years (however, there has been a recent spike in naturalizations which is likely due to the upcoming presidential election). For those eligible to apply, the application cost of naturalization is one of the main barriers to citizenship.

According to Professors Manuel Pastor and Jared Sanchez from University of Southern California’s Center for the

Notary Public Training Course

Study of Immigrant Integration (CSII) roughly 1 million people, or 12 percent of the eligible to naturalized population, could take advantage of the new fee waiver, cutting the cost of naturalization in half.

The fee waiver is good news, according to Gustavo Torres of Casa de Maryland who said, “Millions of new Americans will have a shot at participating in our democracy. The old fee structure disproportionately blocked the poor from becoming American citizens, freezing them out of our democracy.”

Citizenship is a good thing for immi-

grants and for the United States.

Citizenship means a commitment to the U.S., to the constitution, and to learning U.S. civics and history. Citizenship also comes with many social and economic benefits for individuals, families, children, communities, and our nation as a whole. Addressing the systemic barrier of the cost of naturalization, therefore, is important to prevent citizenship from becoming a privilege available only to those who can most afford it. l Photo Courtesy of City of Bellevue Washington

This 3-hour New York Notary Public Training course is designed to educate individuals with the legal terminology, concepts and clauses contained in the framework of the New York State Notary booklet.

Cost includes materials and information on: lSupplemental Study Guide lNotary Fact Sheet lPractical Exam lSample Forms lNotary Public Application and Oath of Office lNY State License Law Booklet lNY State Exam Schedule lExpert Training and Assistance

Fee: $50 covers course materials.

Presented by

www.figeroux.com

Date: Thursday, July 7, 2016 Time: 6pm-9pm Location: 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Downtown Brooklyn.

For more information call 718-722-9217

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14 NEWS

JOBS & RECESSION

Student Loans: Cancellation, Deferment, and Forbearance

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BY KATHLEEN MICHON, J.D.

f you can't make payments on one or more of your student loans, you may be able to get temporary or permanent relief from making payments.

Learn about your options before you go into default. If you default on your student loans, you will suffer negative consequences. For example: •Your credit will be damaged.

•Your loan balance will increase dramatically as collection fees are added to the pot.

In the worst-case scenario, your loan holder will take aggressive action to get the loan money from you, including taking a portion of your paycheck or your tax refund.

Your Options If you are unable to make loan payments, some options include: •Postponing payments through deferment or forbearance programs •Eliminating the loan altogether through loan cancellation •Discharging the loan in bankruptcy •Considering other, more affordable payment plans or loan consolidation

Deferring Student Loans A deferment excuses you from making student loan payments for a set period of time because of a specific condition in your life -- such as returning to school, economic hardship, or unemployment.

Interest will not accrue on subsidized loans during the deferment period.

Qualifying for deferment. You can defer repayment of a student loan if: •You meet specific criteria and conditions for your type of loan, and •You are not more than 270 days behind in loan payments (or six months behind for an unemployment deferment on a FFEL).

The most common deferments are: •Enrolled in school at least half-time •Unemployed and seeking employment •Suffering economic hardship •Serving in the military on active duty called to service while enrolled in school, or serving in the Peace Corps.

How to get a deferment.

Contact your servicer to get an application to apply for a deferment.

IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW?

Obtaining a Forbearance In a forbearance, your loan holder gives you permission to stop making payments for a set period of time or to temporarily reduce payments. Interest always continues to accrue during a forbearance. In some circumstances, a forbearance may be available even if you have defaulted.

Qualifying for a forbearance.

Forbearance on federal loans may be granted for a number of reasons, including: •Poor health •Unforeseen personal problems •Inability to pay within the maximum repayment term (usually 10 years), or monthly payments totaling more than 20% of a borrower's monthly income.

Canceling Student Loans In certain limited circumstances, you may be able to cancel your student loan —meaning that you no longer have to pay it. Doing this is not easy; you'll have to meet specific conditions depending on the type of loan you have.

Often, when you cancel your loan, the government will also reimburse you for payments already made, and help clean up your credit record. In some situations, you won't be able to cancel the entire

loan, but you may be able to get rid of a portion of the loan.

Loan cancellation (also called loan discharge) is available only in certain, specific situations, including: •You attended a school that closed •You didn't get a refund where appropriate •Your school falsely certified that you would benefit from the education and you don't have a GED or high school diploma •You work in certain occupations after graduation (like teaching or some public service jobs), and •You are disabled or die.l Source: nolo.com

This article is not legal advice. Please call 855-768-8845 to schedule an appointment for a FREE consultation on getting rid of your student loans.

PUT YOUR FUTURE IN OUR HANDS. WE CAN HELP. CALL NOW. 718-834-0190.

Remember the lawyer you hire, does make a difference!

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15

FAMILY MATTERS

How Can I Help My Child Deal With My Dating after Divorce?

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REVIEWED BY D'ARCY LYNESS, PhD

housands of kids experience the stress of divorce each year. How they react depends on their age, personality, and the circumstances of the separation and divorce process.

Every divorce will affect the kids involved — and many times the initial reaction is one of shock, sadness, frustration, anger, or worry. But kids also can come out of it better able to cope with stress, and many become more flexible, tolerant young adults.

The most important things that both parents can do to help kids through this difficult time are: •Keep visible conflict, heated discussions, and legal talk away from the kids.

•Minimize the disruptions to kids' daily routines.

•Confine negativity and blame to private therapy sessions or conversations with friends outside the home.

•Keep each parent involved in the kids' lives.

Adults going through separation and divorce need support — from friends, professionals, clergy, and family. But don't seek support from your kids, even if they seem to want you to.

Expect resistance and difficulties as kids adjust to a new mate or the mate's kids.

New relationships, blended families, and remarriages are among the most difficult aspects of the divorce process. A new, blended family can add more stress for a while, and can cause another period of adjustment. Keeping lines of communication open, allowing one-on-one time for parents and kids, and watching for signs of stress can help prevent problems developing.

According to newly-divorced mom, Michele: “I have been divorced for more than a year and have started dating again, but my son isn't handling it well.

$399 Divorces

There's also the issue of territory — it's his house, you're his mom, this date is not his dad.

He seems to dislike anyone I go out with.

Is there a way to make this easier on him?”

As frustrating as this can be, your son's behavior is quite natural. He may be upset for any number of complex reasons. If he's just gotten used to you and his father not being married, he might now fear that a stepparent will further complicate things and take up your time.

There's also the issue of territory — it's his house, you're his mom, this date is not his dad. These feelings may be scary and overwhelming for him.

Talk with your son about how your dating makes him feel. Try to understand the aspects that upset him, which can help

you find ways to make the experience easier on him. If he's worried that dating will cut into your time together, for example, then you might create some special one-on-one time with him. If he's really put off by the idea of you dating a man other than his father, explain that you're making new friends, just like he does when he's in a new situation.

Try to maintain your usual routines with your son so that your dating doesn't disrupt his day-to-day life and he still has lots of time with you. It's not necessary for him to meet every person you go on a date with — this may be overwhelming and confusing. Wait until you know if a relationship has serious potential before introducing your child.

Be patient — it's likely to take some time for your son to adjust. Many kids hope their parents will get back together, but, ultimately, most want their parents to be happy. Talking with a counselor or other divorced parents who are dating may help.l © 1995-2015. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission. For full article, visit:www.kidshealth.org

Se Habla Español nSpouse’s nFast

signature not needed

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you do not need to pay the Court fee

Office Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm Saturday: 9:00am to 4:00pm

FIGEROUX & ASSOCIATES, Attorneys at Law 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Toll Free: 855-768-8845 Online www.311divorce.com

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16 NEWS

EMPOWERMENT

NACC Introduces Nanny Certificate Training Program

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BY VANDELL PARK

he world of work has become so demanding that more often than you can imagine, both parents, married couples, and in a number of cases, single parents, are required to be on the job at the same time. With this demand comes scheduling problems for parents to individually take care of their children, thus the growing need for today’s “Nanny Industry.” As the industry expands, it is evident that parents do not just need someone to sit and watch their children while they are at work, or have to go socializing. Nannies are now required to have a certain level of training in child care, and in some instances must be certified or even have a formal academic degree in child development.

As a result of the growing demand for nannies who are skilled child care specialists, it is imperative that those seeking to work in the industry be certified. In this light, the New American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), is offering a “Nanny Training Program” to equip not only the Caribbean nationals who are in high demand as nannies, but anyone interested in working in the nanny industry. The program is geared to enhance child care skills and provide a rounded

skills set for those desirous of working as nannies. Very often, in addition to taking care of the child, nannies are now required to assist children with their school work, clean house, and prepare meals for both the children and their entire families, take children on play dates, among other things. These duties are challenging singularly, and when combined, can become overwhelming for someone who is not properly trained to deal with them. In this regard, in most cases, to land a job as a nanny, it is essential to be prepared by being trained and certified, thus positioning yourself to be competitive in the industry.

The Nanny Training Program offered

by NACC provides the skills set required to fulfill the duties as a nanny, thus making one not just certified, but also equipped with the competitive edge needed to land the job.

One of the lead trainers of the NACC Nanny Training Program, Ms. Kathy Marin, explains what those enrolled in the program can expect: “Critical to the development of children is care, nurturing and the study of behavior from birth onwards. Providing instruction for the modules, Child Development, Birth to 2 Years, and Child Development Ages 2 to Adolescence, would enable me to share

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and discuss the specific aspects of biological development and indicators of growth and social development and the interaction between the child and its environment, the dynamic two-way psychological impact on and with those whom the child engages. Additionally, understanding cognitive as well as emotional development would empower nannies to understand the reasons behind choices, behavior and actions, even when the child does not fully grasp the full import of them. Nannies could therefore respond appropriately, having this knowledge. Blending of cultures and an understanding of nannies of different cultures as well as nannies’ understanding of the culture of their employers and the children’s needs serve to shape the environment in which children thrive.

Learning about various stages of development would afford nannies the opportunity to enrich the lives of children, the future of our society. The Nanny Training Certificate Program offered by the New American Chamber of Commerce is geared towards the enhancement of childcare skills. It would serve those persons who care for babies, infants and older children well, if they were to become and remain fully aware of the stages and types of development. By observing those within their care for any abnormal developmental delays, health issues, or the achievement of milestones, nannies may assist parents and guardians in making pertinent decisions in the lives of children. Nannies provide a valuable service in the nurturing, care, social, emotional and academic development of their charges.”

Those enrolling for the NACC Nanny Training Program are expected to fulfill a strict admission criteria. They must pass a rigorous background screening, a psychological and sociological assessment, physical examination, and a good-conduct letter of recommendation.

Additional requirements include prior experience working with children, a high school diploma or GED, and fluency in the English language. However, individuals who may wish to take the course and do not have the academic entrance requirements can personally contact the program administrator for assistance.

The NACC Nanny Training Program is scheduled to commence in August 2016, and will run for a period of four months.

Participants are expected to complete at least 14 weeks of training, in addition to a mandatory once a week in-home Newborn and Toddler practicum with a local childcare organization for 10 weeks in older to be eligible to obtain the NACC Nanny Training Certificate. The program will be held at 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Downtown Brooklyn, New York 11242.

For additional information on the Nanny Training Program, kindly call 855-768-8845, or go to www.nannytraining.nyc where you can register for the program.l

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Nanny Training Certificate Program

Enhance Your Child Care Skills!

Our mission: The Chamber’s mission is to empower nannies to start nanny businesses utilizing the skills developed from our Nanny Training Certificate Program and our Small Business Boot Camp. We establish through our Nanny Training Certificate Program, knowledgeable, nurturing and loving nannies, who are dedicating their careers to challenging children to achieve greatness.

Admissions Requirements

lA rigorous background screening on all applicants, requiring (not limited to) FBI and local police clearance, safe driving records lLetters of recommendation lAcademic transcripts lPhysical examination lPsychological-sociological assessment with the Chamber’s independent Licensed Practical Clinical Counselor Additional requirements for admissions consideration for Nanny Training Certificate Program are as follows: lPrior experience working with children is an asset; not required lHigh School diploma or GED equivalent lFluency in English

Academic Completion Requirements

Who should attend?

Great for new parents, practicing and entry level nannies!

The full number of hours prescribed for the program at an overall performance level of 70% or above must be completed within 14 weeks of commencement of the program to receive a certificate of academic completion. Students must also have all Required Documentation submitted and approved to receive their Nanny Certificate.

Nanny Training Certificate Program

For more information:

Telephone: 855-768-8845

Location: 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Downtown Brooklyn Register at www.nannytraining.nyc

Nanny Training Program Practicum

(Required) During the academic session, all students participate in an inhome Newborn and Toddler Practicum with a local childcare organization. At minimum, the organization will have newborn infants and toddlers between the ages of 2 and 4 years. This experiential education program takes place once per week for ten weeks. This practicum allows students to utilize the techniques learned in the classroom with children, giving them hands-on experience in the profession.

Students will be responsible for keeping weekly logs of their activities with the children. These logs will be reviewed by staff and applied toward the trainee’s grades. The child care organization submits weekly evaluations concerning the progress and activity of each student, which are kept in the student’s file.

lAccent Reduction lAmerican Museum of Natural History lBrooklyn Children’s Museum lChild Abuse Awareness lChild Development: Birth to Age 2 lChild Development: Ages 2 to Adolescence lChildren’s Dentistry lCreative Play & Outings lDriving School (recommended) lEtiquette lEquestrian Safety lFire Safety lHealth Insurance - ObamaCare lHearing, Language & Speech lHome Safety & Childproofing lHow Money Works lIndependent Contractor vs Employee

TOPICS:

lInfant Care & Massage lInterpersonal & Intrapersonal Relations lLearning Disabilities lLife Saving Techniques - First Aid & CPR lMusic, Arts & Drama lNutrition & Organic Foods lPersonal Awareness & Child Security lPublic Transportation & Safety lRole of the Nanny lSafety with the NYPD lSocial Services lSpecial Needs Awareness - Autism lTraveling with Children lVision Issues lWater Safety & Rescue lWorkers’ Compensation, Unemployment Tax & Payroll

Program is non-accredited.

Students who wish to start a placement agency or are selfemployed must attend our Small Business Boot Camp

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NEWS 19

NEWS

nHEALTH

nENTERTAINMENT

nRELATIONSHIPS

nRECIPES

nSPORTS

VIP Attractions Adopts Montego Bay Autism Center

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IP Attractions (Club Mobay and Club Kingston) added color to the lives of 38 children through its inaugural Labor Day initiative which led 100 members of staff to the Montego Bay Autism Center.

Compelled by their passion to serve, the staff opted to spend the holiday painting classrooms and gardening in an effort to enhance the property’s landscape.

Autism is a life long developmental disability that causes individuals to experience difficulties in understanding what they see, hear and sense. This results in severe challenges with social relationships, communication and behavior. It affects one in every sixty-eight children.

Founded in 2010, by Mr. and Mrs. Adam Blagrove, the Center was developed from an in home service which catered to the need of a mother with a special needs child. The non-profit organization offers early intervention, pre-school and primary education services.

When asked why this project was selected, newly appointed CEO Ricardo Esteban responded, “I am delighted that this is one of the first initiatives as a part of the VIP family that I am undertaking considering my passion and previous

nHOROSCOPE

Kitchen Corner

Grilled Chicken Pineapple Sliders

Directions 1. Whisk together the lemon juice, lime juice, cider vinegar, salt and pepper in a large glass or ceramic bowl. Add the chicken and toss to evenly coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

2. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate.

involvement in projects assisting children. VIP Attractions (Club MoBay and Club Kingston) since inception has been actively involved with assisting children with special needs and their families. We are guided by the footsteps of our Executive Chairman, David Hall who dedicated years of his life towards building a Special Needs academy for children in Kingston. It is our core value of service that motivates all of us to help to make a difference in our community and this year we have chosen the Montego Autism Center of St. James to lend our support. WE MAKE IT HAPPEN!” Overwhelmed with joy and moved to tears Mrs. Blagrove noted, “this is a testament that all things are possible through Christ. I prayed for God to send us an angel and my prayers were answered.” She further stated that it has always been her vision and dream to elevate the lives of these kids at the Center. l

BY LINDSEY PFEIFFER ALLRECIPES.COM

“A Haiwaiian twist on sliders.”

1 lemon, juiced 1 lime, juiced 1 tablespoon cider vinegar Salt and black pepper to taste 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut in half 6 pineapple rings 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce 6 slices red onions 6 Hawaiian bread rolls, split and toasted 6 lettuce leaves, rinsed and dried

3. Remove the chicken from the marinade, and shake off excess.

Discard the remaining marinade.

Grill the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes each side, or until juices run clear when chicken is pierced with a fork. Grill pineapple for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until heated through and grill marks appear.

4. Spread 1 teaspoon teriyaki sauce on the bottom half of a toasted roll; next add a lettuce leaf, a piece of chicken, a pineapple round, and an onion slice. Replace the top and repeat with the remaining rolls.l

• •

Prep: 1 hr Cook: 15 minutes

Rihanna's New Global Scholarship Program Now Open

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ike we needed another reason to love her. Our girl, Rihanna, steps up in a huge way.

Multi-platinum international superstar Rihanna started the Clara Lionel

Foundation (CLF) in honor of her grandparents, Clara and Lionel Braithwaite. Funding via the Foundation is used to promote global programs in areas that Rihanna is most passionate about including health, education, arts and culture.

Applicants to the scholarship program must be citizens or natives of the following countries: Brazil, Barbados, Cuba, Haiti, Grenada, Guyana, or Jamaica. They also must have already been accepted into an accredited four-year college or university for the entire upcoming academic year.

Rihanna, who was born and raised in Barbados, says she believes that "to be able to give the gift of an education is actually an honor." Every year, she raises millions of dollars for education at her foundation's annual Diamond Ball.

The deadline for the scholarship is in June, and the award amount ranges from $5,000 to $50,000. l For more details and/or to apply, visit: www.scholarshipsonline.org/2016/05/rihanna-clara-lionel-foundation-global-scholarship-program.html

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20 NEWS

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

How to Say "Eh" Without Killing the Mood

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BY RACHEL CARRIGAN DOBLER

sually the most productive conversations about what goes on in the bedroom happen outside of the bedroom, but sometimes in the moment you need to get your partner on the same page. A lot of times we hesitate to talk about sex during sex for fear of hurting our partner’s feelings or to avoid “killing the mood,” but the truth is that when you are not fully present, the sexual experience is just not what it should be.

Even couples that consider communication to be one of their strong suits may find that a tête-à-tête during lovemaking just feels out of place. It can be difficult to know how to talk about sex during sex.

One of the best phrases to get into your sexual vocabulary is “slow down.” If you mean “no” or “stop” then by all means, halt the interaction. But if you are wanting to stay in the moment, saying, “Let’s slow down” can gently communicate that you are still into what is happening but you want to change how to go about it.

Here are a few scenarios where you need to speak up and how to do it: When Something Hurts Obviously, if your partner sees you

wince in pain, they should check in with you to see how to help. Perhaps they missed your pained reaction or mistook it for enthusiasm. An expression of pain may look similar to that other, happier kind of expression they expect to see in bed, so you need to speak up. (If you need to say “stop”, do so. Otherwise…)

Try “Can you slow down for a second?

That didn’t feel right.” Add in what was working for you as well to reinforce what you liked so your partner knows what to do as well as what not to do.

“Everything was amazing right up until you switched positions, can we backtrack?”

Sometimes stopping altogether or extending foreplay can make both of

your bodies more receptive to the experience you are trying to have. It can be easy to think that something is wrong when that happens, but it is a perfectly normal sexual struggle that many couples experience from time to time. On the other hand, if painful sex is a regular thing, talk to your doctor about what is happening. You may benefit from some kind of medical treatment or sex therapy.

When You Want to Change It Up You have to love those nights when everything seems to be going right and you are both into it, but maybe you are wanting to add a little spice to your typical lovemaking routine. Changing up your usual rhythm can be exciting and help reignite heat in the bedroom.

Completely new experiences should probably be discussed beforehand in order to reduce a sense of pressure. More than likely, your partner wants to please you and it is only fair to give them a neutral situation in which to decide if they are willing to try something different.

If you are just wanting to do something just a little different, it is still a good idea to ask anyway.

This can keep you from startling your partner or making them feel unsafe; even if they trust you and are comfortable with you, surprising new positions or words may trigger a sense of anxiety which could shut down their arousal in a snap.

Instead, keep your voice low in match with the moment and ask, “I want to try _______. Would that be hot for you?” By stating your intention and asking for clear consent, you have reinforced your value for your partner’s boundaries while including their interest in your risqué venture. Win, win.

GREEN CARD SLAVERY? Don’t put up with ABUSE anymore! We can get a Green Card for you and your children PLUS a divorce.

Call 718-222-3155 now for a FREE consultation!

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

When You’re Just Not Into It So you got all hot and heavy and at first everything was sexy and fun, but the further you go, the less into it you feel. This is okay. It is common to feel a sense of obligation to “finish what you started,” but sex is not a marathon, it is a relationship. Think about it — if your partner was not feeling interested but faked their way through and you found out later, wouldn’t you feel a little deceived? For all of the playfulness in sex, honesty is the key to keeping your sexual relationship safe. You can let yourself off the hook without hurting your partner’s feel-

ings (too much, anyway). It is only fair to tell your partner what is going on in clear terms. If you are not sure whether you want to really stop or not, bust out the “slow down” again: “Can we slow down?

I don’t know that I’m really there.” The two of you can talk about if you want to keep trying, what might feel good, and if you feel like simply taking care of your partner this time. If you are completely over it, do not continue doing something you do not want to do, even if you have done it dozens of times before. When you do something against your will, you communicate to yourself and your partner that a feeling of being unsafe is tolerable.

For a healthy sex life, you need two enthusiastically consenting people.

A kind way to say you are finished might be, “Babe, usually I think I would love to do this but now that I am in it, my mind and body are not having any of it. Can we try again another time?” With these words you are communicating your value for the sexual relationship and not blaming your partner for your not feeling up to the current experience. Keep in mind that if your libido consistently flakes out on you, you may want to check with a doctor and look into increasing your healthy habits like good nutrition and regular exercise.

Using your voice during sex is an empowering way to make sure that you and your partner take care of each other emotionally as well as sexually. For all of the implication of sex in the media, a partner who reads your mind and anticipates your every need does not really exist. On the other hand, when you talk about sex during sex to communicate what does and does not work for you, your partner learns to tune into your emotional and sexual needs all the more accurately. And should all else fail, make sure to have a follow-up conversation later. A great opener is, “So how was that for you?” Your partner may respond by asking about you. If not, tell them what you liked and follow up the statement with “and I think I would enjoy it even more next time if…” It is important that you feel safe to talk about your sexual experiences with your partner in order for you to both have that fun, passionate sex life you deserve. But if you never speak up, your partner will not know! So go ahead. Talk about sex during sex.l

About Rachel Carrigan Dobler Connection is a passion of Rachel’s as a psychology student pursuing a career in therapy. She is enraptured with the function of attachment in relationships of all kinds. In the meantime, she is learning all that she can about psychology, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and taking her education a day at a time. Rachel is a student and project manager for Estes Therapy working under direct supervision of Jennine Estes MFT#47653.

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NEWS 21

HEALTH

Too Much Sitting is Bad for Your Health

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It is important to note that exercising is not enough to counteract these health problems. The key is to be moving more throughout the day. The point is not that people should stand all day, there are also health risks associated with standing too long. However, as more research continues to warn about the dangers of prolonged sitting, it is time that more attention is paid to this issue.

BY DR NAA-SOLO TETTEY

hen most people think about unhealthy behaviors, they often envision activities like eating fried foods, drinking sugary beverages, or smoking cigarettes. However, a growing body of research is highlighting the dangers of sitting for long periods of time. The importance of physical activity has clearly been established as beneficial to health. Physical activity is essential for preventing chronic illness like heart disease and maintaining an overall good quality of life. According to The American Heart Association, the recommendation for physical activity is 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise, or any combination of the two. The standard suggestion for exercise is 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Although this guideline for physical activity is correct, it is based on the assumption that people are active in others ways throughout the day.

The problem is that many people are living lives that are mostly sedentary.

This starts with a commute to work that involves sitting, which is followed by sitting while at work, then sitting at home.

Those who work desk jobs or hold other positions that require sitting such as bus driver, train conductor, or taxi driver are

all at elevated risks of suffering from the adverse health effects of prolonged sitting.

Some of the health hazards of sitting too long include: •Shorter life span •Increased risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and colon cancer •High blood pressure and elevated cholesterol •Weakening of muscles •Decreased circulation and brain function •Back, neck, shoulder, and bone problems

Some actions that can be taken to reduce sitting time include: •Counting steps throughout the day. It is recommended that most people reach 10,000 steps each day which is equivalent to 5 miles. The easiest way to accomplish this is through using a pedometer. Most cell phones have an app for this but they can also be purchased separately.

•Getting off of the bus or train a stop earlier and walking the rest of the way.

•Walking more and driving less •Taking the stairs instead of the elevator •Setting time each hour or half hour to stand up, walk around, and stretch •When watching television, stand and walk in place during commercial breaks These are all activities that can be incorporated into a busy schedule. Making these small changes can lead to lasting positive health outcomes. l

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22 NEWS

Mohammad Ali continued from page 1

in rage; leaning on the rope, glistening with sweat, during a break from training; delivering a devastating right hook to Joe Frazier; clowning with the Beatles; and mugging for the camera. He was beautiful when he famously appeared, dressed in white, to light the Olympic flame signaling the start of the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games, his right hand gripping the torch, his left hand gripped by tremors. His refusal to hide his disease away from the public was, in its own way, an exceedingly beautiful thing.Yes, Mohammad Ali was beautiful.

Civil Rights Leader and Defiant Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., on January 17th, 1942. Clay became a member of the Nation of Islam, and the sect’s leader, Elijah Muhammad, personally renamed him, Muhammed Ali. He was very outspoken, especially at a time when Black people did not have a voice.

He changed America. His radical-for-hisday stances on race relations, his embrace of the Nation of Islam, and the Vietnam War, which he opposed, made him perhaps the most visible symbol of the social upheaval that defined the 1960s.

“One of the reasons the civil rights movement went forward was that black people were able to overcome their fear,” television commentator Bryant Gumbel once said. “And I honestly believe that, for many black Americans, that came from watching Muhammad Ali. He simply refused to be afraid. And being that way, he gave other people courage.”

White America, including the sportswriters who covered his career, didn’t quite know what to make of him. And while some people called him traitor — or worse — others came to see him a martyr, as when his refusal to fight in Vietnam cost him the heavyweight title, which was stripped from him in 1967.

Ali spoke boldly against the war in Vietnam and refused conscription into the army. This is Ali's famous explanation of why he refused to serve in the United States Army: "Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go ten thousand miles from home and drop bombs and bullets on brown people in Vietnam while so-called Negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs and denied simple human rights?" Ali, February, 17, 1966.

Muhammad Ali was thus convicted of draft evasion, and the U.S. government tried to send him to prison. But the U.S. Supreme Court later overturned the charges. Ali on hearing the news, said, "I've done my celebrating already. I said a prayer to Allah."

Outspoken Ali was an outspoken Muslim convert, and he became the unofficial spokesman for millions of blacks and oppressed people around the world. In Seattle for a benefit for Sugar Ray Seales, he famously said: "People say I talk so slow today. That's no surprise. I calculated I've taken 29,000 punches. But I earned $57m and I saved half of it. So I took a few hard knocks. Do you know how many black men are killed every year by guns and knives without a penny to their names? I

CONVERSATIONS Ali was charismatic,

courageous and, yes, The Greatest. A flame so bright may dim, but will never go out.

He will burn indelibly whenever we speak without fear, embrace and celebrate our culture, and are moved, despite the consequences, to action instead of acquiescence. may talk slow, but my mind is OK." — Ali, January 20, 1984.

Quotes As we mentioned before, Ali was afamous for his quotes, both inspirational and funny. Here are some of them: "Why are all the angels white? Why ain't there no black angels?"

—Ali at a church in 1983.

"My name is known in Serbia, Pakistan, Morocco. These are countries that don't follow the Kentucky Derby." —Ali in a New York Times interview, April 1977.

Since the Paris attacks, Muhammad Ali spoke out against the incrimination of Islam with ISIL attacks: "I am a Muslim and there is nothing Islamic about killing innocent people in Paris, San Bernardino, or anywhere else in the world. True Muslims know that the ruthless violence of so-called Islamic

Jihadists goes against the very tenets of our religion." — Ali, 2015.

Connection with People As the world mourns the great Mohammad Ali, President Barack Obama in an essay penned: “...the quality of Ali’s that I have always admired the most: his unique ability to summon extraordinary strength and courage in the face of adversity, to navigate the storm and never lose his way.

This is the quality I’m reminded of when I look at the iconic photo I’ve had hanging on my wall of the young fighter standing over Sonny Liston. And in the end, it was this quality that would come to define not just Ali the boxer, but Ali the man — the Ali I know who made his most lasting contribution as his physical powers ebbed, becoming a force for reconciliation and peace around the world.”

We admire the man with a soft spot for children, who, while visiting a hospital in Philadelphia many years ago, picked up a boy with no legs. Gazing into the child’s eyes, Ali said, “Don’t give up. They’re sending men into space. You will walk someday and do this,” and proceeded to do the famous Ali Shuffle with the giggling boy in his arms.

Obama stated, “We admire the man who has never stopped using his celebrity for good. We admire the man who, while his speech has grown softer and his movement more restricted by the advance of Parkinson’s disease, has never lost the ability to forge a deep and meaningful connection with people of all ages.”

Asked why he is so universally beloved, Ali holds up a shaking hand, fingers spread wide, and says, “It’s because of this. I’m more human now. It’s the God in people that connects them to me.”

We Will Remember Muhammad Ali leaves behind a personal legacy that includes four marriages and nine acknowledged children.

Whether he was facing down racism, a war he thought unjust, or a contender in the ring, Ali was charismatic, courageous and, yes, The Greatest. A flame so bright may dim, but will never go out.

Muhammad Ali will burn indelibly whenever we speak without fear, embrace and celebrate our culture, and are moved, despite the consequences, to action instead of acquiescence.

We will remember you always, Mohammad Ali as the greatest and always, beautiful. Rest in peace. l

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Caught Holding Hands; Public Intoxication & Disorderly Conduct

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BY NAASIR WILLIAMS

ew York City, the “City that never sleeps,” lives up to its name. A place that is always busy and full of individuals who are looking to enjoy themselves. Who blames them? The city is a tourist attraction and most people find themselves wanting to experience the New York nightlife.

On the same note, New York City is also a college town that has a very large population of students within the five boroughs. Not only are there bars and pubs on every other corner, but there is a large number of places where people can purchase and consume liquor.

Being that New York City, as well as every other major city, becomes alive in the nighttime; there are many cases of both Disorderly Conduct and Public Intoxication on a daily basis. Both can pose as a criminal charge in many jurisdictions of the country and in many ways, go hand-in-hand with one another.

Disorderly Conduct makes it a crime to disturb the peace and be drunk in public.

Disorderly Conduct is the disruptive behavior that constitutes a minor offense.

Any way that a person can disturb the peace; speech, fighting, assaulting, or harassment can all result in charges. All of those actions can be triggered by being

intoxicated.

Being drunk in public is another way to phrase Public Intoxication. In New York, public alcohol intoxication is not a crime itself. However, law enforcement officials have the authority to take a person who seems to be drunk in a public environment into protective custody. It can be considered a crime if that person who is under the influence, decided to behave in an improper manor.

In some places around the country, such as Montana, Nevada, Missouri, and the city of Milwaukee, being drunk in public is not criminalized.

In the state of Montana, public intoxication is not a crime. Instead it is looked upon as a public health issue. However, while walking on a public road in Montana while intoxicated, it is consid-

ered a criminal act. In Missouri it is only prohibited to be drunk and disorderly in the realms of an occupied school, church, or courthouse.

The state of Nevada also believes that it shouldn’t be a crime to be found in public in an intoxicated condition. However, Nevada believes that public intoxication can most definitely make a person more likely to be arrested for offenses such as disorderly conduct, trespassing, drunk driving, open container, and public urination.

The state of being drunk and disorderly, however, isn’t the only way one can “disturb the peace.” There is also Public Intoxication due to drugs.

If caught behaving in a way that comes off as being drunk or high on drugs, offenses will be determined according to

NEWS 23

how drunk or high the individual was.

Especially if the individual has conducted himself in a disorderly manor due to being under the influence, offenses would derive from their disorderly actions as well as their intoxication level.

New York has strict laws when it comes to public intoxication and disorderly conduct and if not followed correctly, punishments are given. Disorderly conduct is just a violation, but can be punishable to up to fifteen days in jail, along with a fine.

The punishment gives a bit of leeway as violations do not result in criminal records. Disorderly Conduct does not always have to only occur when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Being that the urban areas of many major cities can be over populated at times, many kinds of people walk the streets with different motives. Disorderly conduct can be a result of miscommunication between individuals, people just naturally acting in a disturbing and disruptive manor, or individuals not properly controlling their liquor when out and about in public. Public intoxication is one of the many keys that open the Disorderly Conduct door.l Naasir Williams is a student at ASA College studying Criminal Justice.

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