New York Amsterdam News Issue # 13 March 30-April 5, 2023

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Afrika Bambaataa and his Universal Zulu Nation's involvement with Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx on March 27 at City Hall. (See

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Democratic Change, a group that opposes Kagame’s rule. He has admitted having a leadership role in the group but denies links to its armed wing.

Found guilty of the charges, he was sentenced to 25 years in the Mageragere prison in 2021. His captors kept him blindfolded, and security forces stepped on his neck and denied him food and sleep. A cancer survivor with hypertension and a history of cardiovascular disease, Rusesabagina was threatened with shortages of food, water, and his medication.

row we will be killed with our families,” a book by Philip Gourevitch, staff writer of the New Yorker magazine. Gourevitch wrote about a Hutu pastor, Elizaphan Ntakirutimana, and his son Gerard, who were found guilty of summoning the Hutus to butcher the Tutsis in what became the worst single massacre in the entire 1994 genocide. The Hollywood movie may have saved the disaster from oblivion as audiences filled theaters to watch Don Cheadle in the role of Rusesabagina in 2004.

Arts & Entertainment Page 17

» Astro Page 18

» Jazz Page 24

» Theater Page 21

Caribbean Update .........................Page 14

Classified Page 32

Editorial/Opinion Pages 12,13

Education Page 28

Go with the Flo Page 8

Health Page 16

In the Classroom Page 26

Nightlife Page 9

Religion & Spirituality Page 30

Sports Page 40

Union Matters Page 10

(GIN) — From the cinematic screen of “Hotel Rwanda” to solitary confinement in a Rwandese jail, Paul Rusesabegina has been there and back.

Now, after a round of quiet diplomacy with two U.S. senior officials of the Biden administration and a final meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Rusesabegina is free and heading to the U.S. to be reunited with his family in Texas. This ends an ordeal of 900 days linked to Rwanda President Paul Kagame and his war on dissent at home and against opponents abroad.

Rusesabagina was accused of terrorism over his ties to the Rwanda Movement for

In the Oscar-nominated film “Hotel Rwanda,” viewers were given a rare look inside Rusesabagina’s luxury Hotel des Mille Collines in the capital Kigali. There, 1,268 Rwandans, both Tutsis and Hutus, were saved from genocidal forces waiting beyond its walls. Rusesabagina was depicted as a hero who saved these lives.

As Rusesabagina, a Hutu married to a Tutsi, described in his autobiography, “An Ordinary Man,” it was his ability to persuade the killers against targeting those who had sought refuge in the Hotel des Mille Collines that spared them. He was also able to use his connections and call in favors with some of the high-profile people who used to pass through the upmarket hotel. He also had cash.

The international community was slow to learn the horrific details of the Rwandan genocide as described in “We wish to inform you that tomor-

The U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom was among the honors awarded to Rusesabagina over the years for risking his life to shelter hundreds of people when ethnic Hutus killed more than 800,000 people, mostly from the Tutsi minority.

“Rusesabagina’s release will conclude a case that has highlighted Rwanda’s blatant disregard for international norms when it seeks to target people deemed [enemies] of the state—even those far beyond their border,” Lewis Mudge, Central Africa director at Human Rights Watch, told Al Jazeera.

Meanwhile, on the International Right to Truth Day (March 24), Kagame critic Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza called for an independent commission of inquiry to investigate mysterious deaths and disappearances of opposition members, “including those of my friends and colleagues.”

Afro Peruvians have high hopes even during their current national crisis

By JESÚS CHUCHO GARCIA Special to the AmNews

Translated by KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

The current crisis rattling the Peruvian people is due to the impeachment of President Pedro Castillo.

A former union leader and schoolteacher, Castillo served as president of Peru from July 28, 2021, through December 7, 2022. He was impeached and arrested after he announced his intention to dissolve Congress, install an emergency government, and draft a new constitution. Legislators claimed he was attempting a coup d’état and had Castillo detained.

This led to an unprecedented spiral of violent protests, with people being killed in the streets in different parts of the country.

Afro Peruvian singer Susana Baca, a three-time Grammy award-winner who served as Peru’s minister of culture in 2011, condemned Dina Boluarte, who replaced Castillo as Peru’s president. The Peruvian National

Police have violently repressed protests against the Boluarte presidency. So far, 67 people have been killed and more than 300 arrested by security forces. Amnesty International stated on March 17 that “thousands of people have been injured, several of them seriously, mostly in the southern regions of Ayacucho, Apurímac, and Puno.”

Baca told the investigative news program Hablemos Claro Exitosa, “I was very excited when they named her [Dina Boluarte] president, when they gave her the presidential sash. I said ‘at last a woman.’

We women have a very great intuition…But the only thing I can ask of this lady is [to] step down before she is accused of committing crimes against humanity.

“When you don’t have the qualifications for the position you hold, the best thing you can do is to step down. But before retiring, you have to get elections brought forward. We hope that because of this terrible situation, we will know how to make a better choice. That is the only way.”

The African presence in the Republic of Peru is the result of the

painful slave trade and the ways in which slavery was maintained: through rigidly controlled productivity systems like sugar cane plantations and the nation’s gold and silver mines. Black people staged constant rebellions against enslavement, such as the one led by Francisco Congo in 1713, which led to the establishment of a liberated space called the Palenque de Guachipa.

Slavery was abolished on December 3, 1854, but social marginalization and racial discrimination have

been a constant up through today. Afro Peruvian culture is expressed in its dances, cajon music, the quija de burro, the Peruvian waltz, marineras, the poetics of the Santa Cruz brothers, the creation of Pisco (an Afro Peruvian spirit drink), foods––from the carapulcra to the seafood batea to the ceviche. All represent a culture of resistance and creativity that gives a face to the cultural diversity of the country.

From the 1980s to the present day, See PERU on page 29

U.S. WINS RELEASE OF JAILED HERO OF ‘HOTEL RWANDA’

Paul Rusesabagina (GIN)

Members of CEDET march against racism in Peru (Photo by Oswaldo Bilbao).

Betting on Black: Diversity on forefront of casino bidding war

By TANDY LAU

Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

Prominent Black New Yorkers like restaurateur Melba Wilson and ex-councilmember Robert Cornegy Jr. are putting their cards on the table for the city’s burgeoning casino bids. Three licenses are potentially up for grabs after the New York Gaming Facility Board voted in early January to issue a Request for Applications (RFA).

“Down here, as part of our rebuild, recovery, [and reinventing] our city, the casino would help,” said Mayor Eric Adams last month. “Does it matter where it is? I’m in favor of having one here. The jobs, bringing people into the city…I just think that we should have it somewhere here in the city.”

Interested in building a casino? Applicants just need $500 million in minimum capital investment and fees; 10% of the evaluation process will weigh a bid’s “diversity framework,” which looks at workplace demographics, ownership/leadership diversity, and present and future general diversity efforts. Another 10% of the evaluation considers workforce enhancement, which includes contracting with Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) businesses.

Wilson, founder and owner of Melba’s Restaurant in Central Harlem, announced her support for a Caesars Palace Times Square earlier this month. She told the Amsterdam News that she was introduced to

the project by friends who formerly did business with Caesars Entertainment and thinks the proposed venue can revitalize the local Manhattan economy.

“Everyone’s going to Times Square [and it] was hit really hard,” said Wilson. “I can tell you how many restaurants because I’m the president of the New York City Hospitality Alliance. I can tell you that there are so many restaurants that are still suffering, so they could use this infusion. Let’s be honest, they’re a lot more expensive than my rents uptown. But they also provide jobs.”

Also onboard with the bid is Jay Z’s Roc Nation and One Vanderbilt real estate investor SL Green. They’re joining the Coalition for a Better Times Square, which Melba’s is also part of.

“Reward Credits” won at the casino can be spent on partnering businesses, if the bid is successful.

Cornegy recently resurfaced as a consultant for a coalition headed by Thor Equities aiming to build a casino in Coney Island. He formerly served as councilmember for the 36th District, which comprises Bed-Stuy and Northern Crown Heights, and left office at the start of last year. He told the Amsterdam News he came across the role when the bidders made a presentation to the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.

Cornegy is a board member and said he approached the partners to get involved. His current role on the project is recruiting MWBE partnerships into the fold, which he

calls “economic justice.” Cornegy chaired the Minority-and-Women-Owned Business Enterprise Task Force while on the City Council. He calls his current work an extension of his time in office, although he’s acutely aware of the chatter and criticism that comes with moving to the private sector.

“There’s somebody believing that they’re pouring money into accounts for people to work on projects like this, and that just wasn’t the case for me,” he said. “I wanted to be a part of this because it was an extension of the work I committed myself to [on] the council, whether through chairing Small Business or Housing and Buildings [committees].”

The project is proposed for Coney Island’s boardwalk, which relies on seasonal foot traffic during the warmer months when the beach is crowded and the rides are operating. Also on board with Thor Equities are Saratoga Casino Holdings, the Chickasaw Nation, and Legends. The venue also promises to include local businesses like Nathan’s Famous hotdog stand. Asked about the street vendors that populate the boardwalk, Cornegy said a casino would provide them with year-round business.

When it comes to casinos, the house always wins. But what about the residents? Recent Coney Island protests organized by tenant rights organization United Front Against Displacement (UFAD), largely composed of those living in the local NYCHA buildings, has opposed the local casino

See CASINO on page 27

Challenging Wrongful Convictions Act takes next step after passing in State Assembly

By TANDY LAU

Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

There’s more to acquitting than the glove not fitting, so most New York criminal cases don’t make it to trial—instead, they’re overwhelmingly resolved through plea bargaining. For wrongfully-convicted New Yorkers who plead guilty, the only pathway to pursuing exoneration is through DNA evidence, even if they can prove innocence without it. But a bill amending this roadblock just took its next step in becoming a law. The State Assembly passed the Challenging

Metro Briefs

Con Edison celebrates 200 years powering New York

Con Edison is celebrating its 200th anniversary of energizing New York City, marking two centuries of powering one of the most iconic cities in the world. Known for its skyline and the bright lights of Times Square, New York City wouldn’t be the global destination spot to the millions of homes, restaurants, hotels, and other businesses that it is today without Con Edison lighting up the city.

The company aims to build on its track record of constant innovation by creating historic investments in clean energy technologies to help New York meet climate goals and deliver 100 percent clean energy by 2040.

Con Edison has grown into one of the largest U.S. energy companies, supplying energy to more than 10 million people in the New York City region while serving as an anchor for the local economy. Con Edison’s main focus today is building a climate-resilient energy system that will maneuver primarily on renewables, while maintaining the reliability that New Yorkers count on.

Senator Parker appointed to budget subcommittees

As the state budget deadline gets closer, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins appointed Senator Kevin Parker to the General Budget Conference Subcommittee on Environment, Agriculture, and Housing and the Subcommittee on Higher Education.

Wrongful Convictions Act last Thursday, March 23. If passed, it would allow New Yorkers to challenge credible wrongful convictions if they plead guilty with nonDNA evidence.

“It is a crime that New Yorkers are languishing in prison for crimes that they did not commit,” said sponsoring Assembly Member Jeffrion Aubry. “My legislation will allow those who have been wrongfully convicted to seek justice by providing the opportunity for applicants for post-conviction relief to submit evidence of their innocence and provides a remedy for those convicted under laws that have since been decriminal-

ized or found to be unconstitutional.”

“The Assembly Majority is committed to building a criminal justice system that ensures that every person in our state is able to seek justice,” added Speaker Carl Heastie. “But far too many New Yorkers are sitting behind bars for crimes they did not commit. This legislation will put into place the mechanisms to review cases of those who have been wrongly convicted and for them to present evidence of their innocence.”

These barriers to exoneration stem from the 2018 ruling of People v. Tiger, where the New York Court of Appeals—the final word

‘One45 Harlem’ housing development project resurrected—‘For ALL’

By ARIAMA C. LONG

Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

The saga that is the One45 housing development project in Harlem continues. The real estate developer renewed his housing proposal this year after placing a hotly contested truck depot on W. 145th Street last year. The new building plans will purportedly benefit the neighborhood’s Black and brown community members.

“Last week, developers reappeared [at]

the community board with revised plans for the proposed One45 development. Although past discussions have been in bad faith, we have seen positive movement between the two proposals, and finally a willingness to work with our community and our office,” said Councilmember Kristin Richardson Jordan, who was spearheading the crusade to keep the housing project as affordable to the community as possible.

Richardson Jordanand the community board voted against the original building plans and protested with residents against

the “spiteful” truck depot. State Attorney General Letitia James had issued a letter to One45 Lenox LLC Developer Bruce Teitelbaum warning that the truck depot might be an illegal public nuisance and violate environmental state laws.

“I want to commend the activists, organizers, and community members who showed up to oppose the original proposal. When we organize, we win for our community. Developers can listen to the community, and we don’t need to

“I am honored that Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins chose me to sit on these important budget subcommittees as we look to strike a budget deal that puts working families and vulnerable New Yorkers first,” Parker said. “This year would make it the 20th state budget I have had the opportunity to help craft on behalf of our state’s long-neglected communities. I look forward to focusing on the appropriation aspect of these critical issues, particularly how they will affect Black and brown communities like the 21st Senate District.”

Parker is known for advocating for healthcare, education, housing, tax, and criminal justice reforms to acknowledge inequalities while improving outcomes for New Yorkers from communities that are at a disadvantage. As chair of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, Parker is determined to decrease New York’s carbon footprint by using renewable energy resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving broadband access in underserved areas and communities.

Group protests public funds for NYC Universal Hip-Hop Museum

Outside of City Hall on Monday morning, a sexual abuse advocacy group called Hip Hop Stands with Survivors demanded the resignation

Biden calls again for ban on assault weapons after six killed in Nashville

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

Within hours after the mass shooting in Nashville on March 27, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden voiced their condolences and dismay at the continuing assault-weapon gun violence. “We have to do more to stop gun violence,” the president said, after praising the police who responded to the shooting that left three children, three adults, and the shooter dead.

“We have to do more to protect our schools so they’re not turned into prisons,” he added. “It’s ripping our communities apart, ripping the soul of this nation.”

The incident shored up Biden’s call for the ban on assault weapons, two of which, along with a handgun, were used by the 28-year-old female as she entered the side door of the Covenant School, a private elementary school, and began a barrage of shots before she was killed.

First Lady Biden, who teaches at a northern Virginia community college, echoed the president’s comments during an earlier conference of city leaders. “I am truly without words,” she said. “Our children deserve better. We stand, all of us, we stand with Nashville in prayer.”

Anything being done legislatively or through Congress remains a question be-

tween the president and lawmakers, particularly Republicans, who have been less than cooperative on an initiative to ban assault weapons.

Earlier this month, Biden signed a background check order during a visit to Monterey Park in California, where a gunman killed 11 people in January during Lunar New Year celebrations. But it’s unlikely the Republicans will pass any other action on the matter.

Meanwhile, the investigation continues in Nashville to further identify the shooter and what may have been her motive. It’s not clear if there were others injured in the incident.

Culling colorectal cancer, a silent killer of Black Americans

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

For years, Black Americans have been about 20% more likely to get colon cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other ethnic and racial groups. The disease has tragically taken the lives of Black celebrities, including actor Chadwick Boseman, soccer legend Pelé, and singer Eartha Kitt.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) reported that this year, about 153,020 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer and 52,550 will die from it, including 19,550 cases and 3,750 deaths in individuals younger than 55. In New York City, colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death.

Black hospital leadership, electeds, and church groups are launching innovative new ways to screen for colon cancer, as well as promoting local and national awareness about the risks. Often, colon and colorectal cancer does not show signs or symptoms of growth until it spreads. More importantly, when colon cancer is detected early, it has an almost 90% survival rate.

“The risks of not getting [screening] done are death and dying from a terrible disease,” said NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H)/Harlem Chief of Gastroenterology Dr. Joan Culpepper-Morgan. “I hope that this demystifies and takes away some of the fear that people have, especially that Black men may have. We are here as a resource.”

“The best way we can help end glaring disparities in colorectal cancer occurrences and mortality is public education.

As with most cancers, early detection is key,” said Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse, who chairs the council’s Committee on Hospitals. “Of course, as with

all healthcare disparities, the fight must be centered on bringing equity to our healthcare delivery system. This starts with appropriately funding H+H facilities and safety-net hospitals. As chair of the council’s Committee on Hospitals, this remains a top priority.”

Most insurance plans, including Med icaid and Medicare, cover colon cancer screenings starting at age 45. There are two common ways to test and screen regularly for colon cancer: a colonosco py or an at-home fecal immunochemical (FIT) test, which is less invasive and sam ples can be sent in by mail. A colonosco py is a simple procedure where a doctor checks a patient’s rectum with a fingersized camera for signs of cancer.

NYC H+H/Harlem CEO Georges Leconte, 62, shared his personal experience to try to destigmatize the process for other men and women his age. Leconte said his first colonoscopy was at age 50 after his primary doctor and friend encouraged him to get it done. They didn’t find any growths or polyps—pre-cancerous growths the size of a microscopic mushroom—to worry about. Most people need to return every 10 years to get checked. This time, Leconte allowed cameras to follow him as he prepped and underwent the routine colonoscopy. He began the night before with a regimen of laxatives and cleansing solutions. The next day, he was put to sleep with anesthesia during the 30-minute procedure.

“Especially in the African American community, we don’t look at going to the doctor as prevention, and if you catch things early, you can make a difference,“ said Leconte. “Chadwick Boseman was probably one of the most gifted actors, and to lose him at such a young age to colon cancer was something that should wake us all up. It’s so preventable.”

Generally speaking, symptoms of colon cancer can include blood in the stool or rectum, nausea and vomiting, sudden weight loss, and diarrhea or constipation that doesn’t go away. Culpepper-Morgan, who performed Leconte’s colonoscopy, stressed that these are often late presentations of the cancer and may indicate a serious progression.

“The bowel is large and it can stretch— it takes a lot to cause a blockage. By the time there is a blockage, it has spread already beyond the walls of the bowel to other organs,” she said. “We definitely don’t want anyone to get to that point.”

Sometimes the presumed sexual connotation of a colonoscopy prevents people from wanting to get it done, according to Culpepper-Morgan. “I think the thought of it is much worse than the reality,” she said.

The journey to lowering the risk of getting colon cancer starts with a conversation about awareness with a trusted doctor, which is understandably difficult for many in Black and brown communities that have been subject to the whims of a systemically racist healthcare system, said Culpepper-Morgan.

Montclair State University event pays tribute during women’s month

Prominent women from across New Jersey gathered Sunday at Montclair State University to pay tribute to those who paved the way for them.

U.S Sen. Robert Menendez hosted the 12th annual Evangelina Menendez Women’s History Month Celebration and Trailblazer Awards, which honored New Jersey women who have made an impact in their fields.

Menendez kicked off the inspiring event by honoring his late mother, who emigrated from Cuba… “She set out as a refugee toward unknown shores in an uncertain future, arriving first in Puerto Rico, later New York City. I can’t imagine the remarkable bravery she needed to start over again and come to a place she had never been,” Menendez said.

A panel of keynote speakers joined, including Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, spoke at the event. “For every advance that we have made, and thank goodness they have been so quick and so positive over so many years, we are living now at a time when there is a concerted effort to push women aside,” Clinton said.

The panelists stressed that even though women have made significant progress, work still has to be done to eradicate issues that heavily affect women, like equal pay, and acknowledge recent accomplishments.

“It’s because of so many of you, and women like you, that I entered Congress in the largest class of women,” said Rep. Mikie Sherrill. “That has led to better addressing sexual assault and harassment in our military, bringing attention to the deficit in child care in our country, working in Congress to better implement the vision of Title 9, and a focus on better health outcomes for women.”

Newark coffee shop opening up doors for the community

In Newark, Black Swan Expresso has become one of the most popular coffee shops in town. Mayor Ras Baraka has said how much he enjoys the fresh baked goods and coffee, as do the other locals who flock to the café. As a Black-woman owned coffee shop, it has become more than just a tasty breakfast spot; it has become an example of diversity and perseverance.

Owner Laura Mashtaler created her coffee shop for one reason: She couldn’t find her order at fast food restaurants.

“I like coffee, and my husband does, too,” Mashtaler said. “And, honestly, we got tired of going to Starbucks and all these other places and telling them how we wanted our coffee. We’d go into (New York City) and get coffee the way we really liked it, but didn’t have a place in New Jersey, so I decided to make it myself.”

Mashtaler had no clue that her business would open up endless doors for those in her community. She has found success in bringing in Newark residents who might never

on page 25

NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem CEO Georges H. Leconte underwent a routine colonoscopy for National Colorectal Awareness Month. (Contributed photo)

Harlem’s hairstylist extraordinaire

Ciara Smith enhances beauty services

By BRENIKA BANKS Special to the AmNews

Beauty standards and trends are constantly changing at rapid rates. Harlem native Ciara “CCVant-Garde” Smith understands the rapid evolution of beauty sectors and styles. As an expert in the industry, she knows how crucial it is to keep up with the latest advancements and expansions in the field. In March 2023, Smith relaunched and enhanced her cosmetic businesses while catering to the changing demands of beauty enthusiasts.

Smith was born and raised in Harlem, “where trends and looking your best is the motivation of it all.” She grew up with her mother and was influenced by the beauty world at a young age. She used to watch her aunt and cousin transform their clients with beautiful hairstyles, motivating her to start practicing her own at nine years old. “Watching, studying, and continuously learning to do new things, I became a young unlicensed stylist at a very young age,” said Smith.

As an adolescent, Smith noticed her aunt and mother experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions. She began customizing wigs for them, as well as other women, until she had an epiphany: It was time to pursue a professional career in hair. “I had to make a change in career and create an intimate setting for my clients,” said Smith.

Smith’s company, Hairtastique Mobile Salon Systems Inc., is a one-stop-shop traveling salon and spa concierge, originated in 2015, that provides a unique engagement for clients at the locations of their choice. The mobile salon also offers incentives from personal referrals. “The main goal is to make sure our clients are satisfied and feel fabulous once they have received our services,” said Smith. She said the business benefits the Black community because its pampered services are designed for individuals and groups who need remote care for safety reasons, busy schedules, or medical dilemmas.

Smith, along with her partner Karen Vanderburg, is also revamping the HairMadness Foundation Inc., founded in 2017, and

HairMadness: The Ultimate Hair Competition, founded in 2012. The HairMadness Foundation is a not-for-profit organization created to give human and synthetic wigs to individuals who suffer hair loss from the effects of alopecia, cancer treatments, aging, and other hair disorders. HairMadness: The Ultimate Hair Competition gives individuals a platform to showcase their hair creativity. This type of event is typically held in the South. “This event was designed to bring something special to NYC,” said Smith. “This is something that isn’t normally done often in the city.”

Smith enjoys thinking outside of the box when it comes to her beauty concepts. Pieces of Hairtastique is one of her distinctive notions: making wigs that resemble cakes.

“We need our women to bring life to the world; we are stronger than we give ourselves credit for,” said Smith. She credits Women’s History Month as a reminder for women to be fearless in accomplishing all their aspirations and never feel defeated while gaining success.

“We are standing in a world that is considered to be a man’s world,” said Smith.

“This is why it’s important for me to make sure that all of my endeavors are successful, and I can make a change for legacies to come.”

Making the American Dream a reality is Smith’s biggest goal, aside from raising her 1-year-old son. She wants to convey a great example for him of believing that dreaming is the first step to a big break. She credits her struggles as lessons that taught her true survival and faith in God. “I’m proud to be a Black woman from Harlem while showing others they too can achieve the American Dream and make it their reality,” said Smith.

Smith’s HairMadness Foundation Inc. has partnered with Raymour & Flanigan, in addition to hosting upcoming makeover extravaganzas for Mother’s and Father’s Day, as well as Prostate and Breast Cancer Awareness makeovers.

Smith’s dreams are big, with aspirations to accomplish plenty in life. “I’m a dreamer and I need to wake up into my reality.”

For more information, visit https://vantgarde.myshopify.com.

THE URBAN AGENDA

By David R. Jones, Esq

State Lawmakers Must Increase, Expand Child Tax Credit

Poor and low-income New Yorkers on food stamps got a lifeline when Congress boosted food stamp aid during the worst days of the pandemic to help families make it through the COVID surges, lockdowns and work stoppages.

Now the extra cash is gone. The last enhanced payments went out already, so seniors and families enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) face a hunger cliff as they receive significantly lower payouts in the months ahead. The lapse in COVID-era benefits means the average recipient will lose $90 a month, and some households will plunge $250 a month or more.

But New York state legislators can offer a helping hand to New Yorkers facing food insecurity by expanding the New York state’s Empire State Child Credit (ESCC). Research shows that when New Yorkers received the expanded federal Child Tax Credit, more than 90 percent of the families said that they spent the additional cash on basic necessities like food, clothing, rent, utilities, or school supplies.

Encouragingly, there are several bills in consideration that aim to expand the ESCC and widen its reach. One bill (S.00771/A.2464) would expand the Empire State Child Credit to a permanent $1,000-per-child credit for all children under 4 years and to $500 for all children between the ages of 4 and 17. It would also expand eligibility to families at the lowest income levels by eliminating that families have a certain minimum income to qualify for this credit. Single-headed households making up to $75,000 and married joint filers making up to $110,000 would qualify for this credit. Payments would go out quarterly – and that would go a long way toward helping with utilities, food, clothing and other expenses. Its passage could not come soon enough.

Additionally, both the Assembly and State Senate one-house bills also include oneyear extensions of the supplemental credit as well as expansion of the credit to families with the state’s youngest children—those who are less than 4 years old. But by leaving in the minimum income requirement, the one-house bills leave out the state’s lowest income families, who are most in need, from receiving this benefit. The federal tax code, which provides a Child Tax Credit of $2,000 per child, again leaves out a third of all children whose families incomes are too low to receive the full benefit.

Expansion of the child tax credit needs to be part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s $227 billion budget, which already attempts to tackle

New York City’s many pressing problems, such as crime, housing shortages and the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s finances. The Community Service Society has previously published on the many ways in which expanded child tax credit can help to not only alleviate families’ hardships today but also make tomorrow’s children smarter and healthier. A cost-benefit analysis of the proposal, done by researchers at Columbia University, shows that while the proposal would cost $1.1 billion annually, it would produce $9.8 billion in increased benefits to the society from investing in our children. These are particularly difficult days for families with children in New York, where 18 percent live below the poverty line. The rate is even higher for children in Black and Hispanic families—28 percent of whom are growing up in poverty. Our state is home to some communities with the highest rates of child poverty in the nation: in Syracuse and Rochester, 48 percent of children live in poverty, followed by Buffalo (42 percent) and the Bronx (37 percent).

Children in low-income households are most vulnerable to the devastating impacts of poverty, of insufficient nutrition, and might develop lifelong deficits, reducing their future earnings and worsening their health. Even before the reduction of SNAP benefits, children in low-income households were struggling with rising housing costs and continued inflation. In the first week of February, the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey found 5.2 million New Yorkers in February were having a somewhat or very difficult time paying their household expenses. They include hundreds of New York City Housing Authority residents in serious arrears on their rent. Sadly, women-headed households comprised 3.9 million of this group struggling to pay their bills.

President Joe Biden championed expanding the Child Tax Credit that in a single month slashed child poverty nationally by nearly 40 percent and lifted three million children out of poverty. It expired in December 2021, unable to garner Republican support. Adding insult to injury, Republicans in Congress are pushing to cut regular SNAP benefits this year by reducing assistance and imposing stricter work requirements.

Lawmakers in Albany have a responsibility to help, especially as inflation shows no signs of abating. Budget negotiators in Albany should do the right thing and expand the New York Empire State Child Credit to every child. Poverty is a policy choice. It doesn’t have to be.

David R. Jones, Esq., is President and CEO of the Community Service Society of New York (CSS), the leading voice on behalf of low-income New Yorkers for more than 175 years, and a member of MTA Board. The views expressed in this column are solely those of the writer. The Urban Agenda is available on CSS’s website: www.cssny.org.

Ciara Smith (Chasney Lyons Photography photo) Black New Yorker

City to expand Harlem River Greenway to the Bronx

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

Last Wednesday, Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced the 7-mile expansion of the Harlem River Greenway from Van Cortlandt Park to Randall’s Island in the Bronx.

The expansion is funded by a $7.25 million federal grant award to build more greenways, and the aim of the project is to reconnect communities historically divided by highways. The Major Deegan Expressway has cut off Bronxites’ access to the Harlem River waterfront since the 1930s.

“We are expanding the Harlem River Greenway to the Bronx. Connecting all of the disconnections that we are making is really a symbol of the past,” said Adams at the press conference. “It’s a symbol of the Robert Moses era—bridges and highways that were built, that ripped apart communities such as the Cross Bronx Expressway, the BQE, bridges like ones we’re standing on. In so many ways, not only did we disconnect the communities, but we disconnected opportunities.”

Adams said that during his time as Brooklyn Borough president, there was significant development of Brooklyn’s greenways and waterfront, which he wants to contin-

ue in the Bronx and Washington Heights. He also noted that during the COVID pandemic, families and commuters used greenways and public green spaces in a major way.

The Harlem River Greenway will be along the waterfront, with a network of walking and bike paths. The city is also launching a community engagement process to crowd-source public input on the upgrades.

The DOT is collaborating with the Bronx Center for Environmental Quality and the Harlem River Working Group. “The city’s first greenway plan that included the Harlem River Greenway was developed under Mayor

David Dinkins and Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer in 1993. Today, we can finally make those dreams a reality,” said Harlem River Working Group Coordinator Chauncy Young in a statement.

Rodriguez, a former Manhattan councilmember, was excited to connect Dominican and immigrant communities in Manhattan and the Bronx with the bridge. He is also eager to partner with advocates in the community to make the greenway project vision a reality.

“We want to hear from you on how you want to use your waterfronts. No one will

come from the outside imposing that vision,” said Rodriguez at the press conference.

Electeds like US. Rep. Ritchie Torres, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, and U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat were instrumental in creating the RAISE grant to expand the biking and walking greenway network across the five boroughs.

“We can never go back in time to reverse the systemic harm caused by the construction of highways that divided entire communities—like the Bronx—and forever changed their trajectory, but we can be intentional about how we move forward to reconnect these communities in a way that enriches their surroundings, creates vital greenspaces, and improves the quality of life for people who live there,” said Torres in a statement. “I’m encouraged to see a plan from the city moving forward that promises to provide new and improved access to the waterfront for Bronxites for the first time in decades, while offering safe and convenient recreational and transportation opportunities.”

Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews1

University program seeks to reach Black and brown communities with CDC-backed HIV self-testing kits

By TANDY LAU

Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

Could the contents of an inconspicuously packaged USPS envelope be a long-awaited W-2 form just in time for tax season? Maybe it’s an extremely late holiday card.

Or it could be an HIV rapid self-testing kit

from Emory University’s Together TakeMeHome program, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hopes will increase HIV status awareness nationwide, especially in Black and brown communities—so much that the agency is putting $41.5 million toward the initiative over the next five years.

Together TakeMeHome’s director Dr. Travis Sanchez said the discreet packaging and at-home testing option alleviate HIV stigma, which prevents people with or at risk of infection from seeking treatment and support.

“The basic points of the program are that we were trying to improve people’s access to HIV testing,” said Sanchez. “People have various reasons why it may be difficult for them to get into regular physical facilities to get an HIV test, so we wanted to reduce the barriers as much as possible for these communities to make sure that they have access to HIV tests.

“And also to make the experience easy enough for them so that way, maybe they make this a more routine part of their general health care and sexual health process.”

“HIV self-testing gives people the power to test on their own terms,” said Robyn Neblett Fanfair, the CDC’s acting director of Division of HIV Prevention. “Removing barriers to testing like stigma, discrimination, and access to physical services improves health, advances health equity, and moves our nation closer to ending the HIV epidemic.”

Sanchez said the program hopes to send more than 1 million tests over the next halfdecade nationwide. The kits are free and are available for order online by anyone over age 17. Health insurance companies will not be billed.

To be clear, Sanchez said self-testing will not replace traditional HIV screenings, and those suspecting recent exposure should not order a kit. The goal is to get the process started, especially for those unwilling to step into a clinic.

While HIV treatment has advanced significantly over the past three decades, attitudes and stigma often haven’t. The CDC traces HIV stigma to specious ideas conjured up during the 1980s that are rooted in homophobia, disinformation, and outdated information.

“When we’re thinking about stigma as

a barrier to healthcare management, the other thing you have to think about is kind of intersectional stigma—how people are perceived or are treated differently in healthcare settings, because of other intersectional characteristics that they have,” said Sanchez. “It could be race, skin color; [it] could be language barriers [or] gender. All of those could potentially be barriers to accessing healthcare through a clinic setting. The program itself doesn’t address that directly, but what it again does is maybe give people an additional tool to take the first step and try to address their healthcare.”

The CDC is primarily looking to reach Black and brown communities for the program, employing the agency’s “Let’s Stop HIV Together” campaign for outreach. Grindr, a prominent gay dating app, is also working on pushing out kits, reported NBC News.

Still, what good is an at-home test for people with no home? Last December, activists rallied on World AIDS Day, demanding Gov. Kathy Hochul to invest in rental assistance for New Yorkers living with HIV.

“As we push forward onto progress in ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic, we stand ready to fight for legislation to help people infected with HIV meet basic needs, including safe, affordable housing, food, and transportation,” said Assemblymem-

ber Harry Bronson last winter. “We cannot end this epidemic while 10,000 or more individuals with HIV across the state remain homeless or are unstably housed. Housing is healthcare and I will not stop fighting until we meet this need.”

Sanchez said Together TakeMeHome is currently working on solutions.

“The first step in the program allows people to have the test kits delivered wherever they like, so it doesn’t necessarily have to be at home—just somewhere where they can receive the kit,” he said. “In the future iterations of the program, we are already having discussions with other collaborators and community organizations about potentially working with them. They could be part of our network to get kits ordered and receive them for other community members."

“That may be particularly important for folks who either don’t have or can’t have a place for things to be delivered to, or may actually need a private space to conduct the test itself.”

Tandy Lau is a Report for America corps member and writes about public safety for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep him writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews1

Mayor Eric Adams announces expansion of Harlem River Greenway to the Bronx on High Bridge connecting Manhattan to the Bronx on Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023. (Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)

OF HIGH DRUG PRICES?

THERE IS A CURE. TELL OUR LAWMAKERS TO LOWER Rx PRICES.

Do you feel sick when you see the price of prescription drugs? Americans pay more than three times what people in other countries pay for the same medicine. New Yorkers shouldn’t have to choose between buying groceries and buying the medicines we need. Patients shouldn’t have to ration their prescriptions or put retirement plans on hold. Unfair drug pricing is a life and death issue.

We have the power to push our lawmakers to crack down on shady deals that delay bringing affordable drug prices to market and hold drug companies accountable by shining a light on prescription drug price gouging.

Tell your lawmakers to pass a state budget that includes Rx price reforms. Act now.

Go With The Flo

FLO ANTHONY

Jonathan Majors was spotted leaving a New York City courthouse on March 26, wearing a hat that had “freedom” written across it after being arrested at an apartment on West 22nd Street and Eighth Avenue following an alleged “domestic dispute” with his girlfriend on March 25. Variety reports that according to the Manhattan DA’s office, The “Creed III” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” star was charged with several counts of assault in the third degree, three counts of attempted assault in the third degree, one count of aggravated harassment in the second degree, and one count harassment in the second degree. As a result of all these charges, the U.S. Army has already taken Major’s two commercials off television, until the investigation gets sorted out. Meanwhile, Majors’ attorney, Priya Chaudry says her client is totally innocent. The alleged victim plans to recant her statements to the NYPD, and the defense team has video footage from the car they were riding in, statements from the driver, along with several other witnesses that will prove Majors’ innocence.....

Robert “Kool” Bell, co-founder, master bassist and leader of the Grammy winning legendary funk and R&B group Kool and the Gang, has taken his Le Kool Champagne on the road. The bubbly spirit made Oprah Winfrey’s Top 10 list of recommended gifts for Valentine’s Day. “Kool” hosted a Meet and Greet for Le Kool champagne on March 29 at MGM Resorts Las Vegas. Dubbed Le Kool Ladies Night, the evening featured music by Mohamed Moretta with Lucky Lou & Saxxi in the Main Room and patio, along with a bottle signing by “Kool.”.......

On March 27, the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards took place at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, hosted by Lenny Kravitz. During the ceremony, TLC members Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas and Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins were honored for being America’s biggest selling group of all time, according to multiple reports. Other celebs at the awards show included H.E.R., Latto, who performed; Muni Long, who won Best New R&B Artist and Doja Cat.......

Hot new couple alert! Tiffany Haddish is dating Bitcoin investor Marvin Jones. The actress/comedienne and the former lawyer were spotted exchanging major PDA after eating brunch in Studio City, California recently. JustJared.com reports that the couple have actually been dating for a few months. Haddish and Jones actually walked the red carpet together at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival premiere of Invisible Hand this past January......

Bichotte Hermelyn hosts Women of Distinction award ceremony

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

Brooklyn Party Boss and Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn hosted her annual Women of Distinction Award Ceremony on Sunday, Mar. 26, to celebrate Women’s History Month and local honorees who work to uplift other women.

“Women’s History Month is a time to stop and commemorate and celebrate women—recognizing the exceptional women who contributed to our lives, our history, different areas—whether it’s government, politics, businesses, sciences, or women who fought for our civil rights so that women can have a seat at the table,” said Bichotte Hermelyn.

Bichotte Hermelyn said that women are often overlooked for their achievements. She said she has experienced this in her role as county party leader, which has traditionally been a male-dominated position.

Attendees dived into food and treats from local businesses. Allan’s Bakery, Bon Bonbon, and Footprints Cafe were among the many sponsors.

Community activist Joan Alexander Bakiriddin was the “mistress of ceremonies”

and Senior Pastor Diane Jacques kicked things off with a solemn prayer.

“We have come a long way,” said Jacques. “I’m a female pastor of a Haitian church. I’m a senior pastor. My husband supports me. I need to say to everyone that is here, it doesn’t matter how far we have to go but, we have to acknowledge that we have come a long way.”

The seven honorees were from different walks of life and religions in Brooklyn: Jennifer Searles for arts and entertainment, Ume-Kulsoom Butt for business and entrepreneurship, Shawn Alyse Campbell for community engagement, Fanny Ralbag for education, Lupe Ramsey for environmental activism, Mari G. Millet for health, and Donna Baptiste for the Lifetime Achievement Award.

“During Women’s History Month, and all year long, we are not only celebrating these terrific women, but we are also praising the women in our community making a positive difference, many of whom are in this audience” said Bichotte Hermelyn at the podium.

The event was held at Brooklyn College, with special guest speakers City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, U.S. Rep Yvette Clarke, Senator Kevin Parker, and Coun-

cilmember Rita Joseph.

Adams is the first Black woman to lead a woman-majority New York City Council and is also the first woman to represent District 28 in Queens.

“Congratulations, awardees,” said Adams. “I’m proud of you as a woman standing strong, standing with you in your leadership. I salute you all. I believe as I know many of you do that women are truly the backbone of our communities. And when women thrive, so do our families and children. Women give birth to nations.”

Adams, Clarke, and others added honors for Bichotte Hermelyn in their speeches as well. “I’d like to thank a woman of great distinction in her own right, our Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn,” said Clarke. “Her ceaseless dedication to the upliftment of women in our community and our state.”

Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visitin: https://bit.ly/amnews1.

Photos from Women’s Distinction award ceremony on Sunday, March 26. (Ariama C. Long photos)

Sistas will work it out

By AMADI AJAMU Special to the Amnews

On Saturday, Mar. 25, 2023, a significant program took place at Sistas’ Place coffee shop in Bedford Stuyvesant to celebrate Women’s History Month. The “Sistas Celebrating Sistas” gathering came together to lay down a blueprint of purpose and an action plan to deal with critical issues facing the community.

It was a grounding of conscious, grassroots activist leaders, local politicians, and everyday working class people discussing real issues and finding ways to resolve them.

“We are here to salute the ‘Sistas,’ and where else can we do that but Sistas’ Place,” said Nayaba Arinde, editor of the Amsterdam News and principal organizer of this meeting of the minds. “I just want to start a conversation about anything. This is a safe place where you can talk about anything you want.”

The panel started with a conversation with Fela Barclift (Mama Fela), a lifetime resident of Bedford Stuyvesant, who created and founded the child care center Little Sun People (LSP) in Bed-Stuy in 1980, beginning with her own daughter Aaliyah and three pre-schoolers in her home.

“Growing up as a child, I had been influenced when I heard Malcolm X speak. It was like a light and it became clear to me that I was an African,” Barclift said. “I began to look at my own schools and the teachers who said we were ‘negroes,’ and

we began to be ashamed. As I grew up, I wanted to teach our children to always be proud of themselves and know who they really are. Many grassroots activists, conscious people were seeking an Africancentered grounding for our children and enrolled them at LSP pre-school.”

She established her preschool in Restoration Plaza in Bed-Stuy, fighting many struggles over the past 45 years as community support grew. Recent aggressive gentrification and developer economic pressures forced them to move and the preschool is now in Clinton Hill. They are working to educate kindergarten students and hope to include third-grade students under the leadership of Mama Fela’s daughter Aaliyah Barclift, her first student.

“[Aaliyah] is now the educational director, has gotten all her educational degrees, and is learning the ropes so she can take over as I retire within the next two years,” Barclift said. “She understands that the African-centered perspective is moving forward and will not change under any circumstances.”

Also on the panel was Rosalyn McIntosh, who leads the nonprofit organization Sisters Building Sisters in Brooklyn that supports women who have experienced domestic violence. She began workshops to give guidance to women and girls focusing on the empowerment of Black women and girls in self-esteem, self-love, and selfworth to help them build the courage to develop their own self-determination.

“We take these amazing workshops

to centers, shelters, schools, churches, mosques—to wherever we can…make a difference to women in marginalized communities,” McIntosh said. The organization has made a significant impact through grassroots hard work on the ground.

NYS Assemblywoman Stefani Zinerman raised her concerns about the recognition of Black women’s struggle and accomplishments, and the need for the centuries-long collective community-based networking on fundamental life issues. Her main concern was legislation for education.

During Zinerman’s lead-up, veteran human rights warrior Viola Plummer, chair of the December 12th Movement, the Harriet Tubman Fannie Lou Hammer Collective, and Sistas’ Place, entered the room. Nayaba said “We see you,” which is an African principle, and asked Plummer to take a place on the panel and speak.

Plummer started with her appreciation of Arinde’s contributions to the struggles through the decades. “When we came here (to Bed-Stuy), we said, this district where we live, will always be under the control of Black people,” she said. “Hopefully we will continue, if we stand up and fight for it.”

Plummer recognized the “beautiful Black children in the room, with love.” Then she explained, “Poverty is the child of capitalism, let’s be clear. None of us were born poor. We have been born into an existence that created these conditions, and that’s the way that we exist in 2023.”

Zinerman raised the issue of education:

“Just recently, I attended a fireside chat with the City of New York Schools Chancellor David Banks and he said that 65% of the children in the city of New York do not read on grade level,” she said. “That didn’t sit well with me. ZIP codes dictate funds and we spend $30,000 per child on education with our tax dollars.”

Plummer responded, “If we start with the stats, the question is why do they exist? Particularly to David Banks, who led Eagle Academy successfully—his students were not at 65%. This is not about education. It’s about money and maintaining their jobs.” The group participation segment of the event brought out many questions and answers about the way forward. “Never give up” was the tone.

Lookman Afolayan, chef and owner of Buka restaurant, joined the panel to talk about the food he brought to the event. He described his story as an immigrant from Nigeria who raised a family and has restaurants in Bed Stuy and on the Lower East Side. Afolayan said he has an initiative with the Department of Youth and Community Development where he takes African food such as egusi and fufu, jolloff rice and chicken, and puff puff for desserts to afterschool programs. The same dishes were happily devoured by the appreciative crowd.

Overall, the Sistas Celebrating Sistas Women’s History Month event was a tremendous success where the community came together to enjoy positive conversation and delicious food.

Colette Pean, Nayaba Arinde, Viola Plummer, and Attorney Joan Gibbs (Bill Moore photos)

Colette Pean, Nayaba Arinde, and Fela Barcliff

Assemblywoman Stefani Zinerman

Chef Lookman Afolayan

Union Matters

Corey Grable talks running for PBA prez with the Amsterdam News

By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

Usually those with around three decades of experience aren’t considered fresh blood. But long-time New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer Corey Grable hopes to shake things up by running for president of the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), the country’s largest police union. It represents a majority of the NYPD officers. Grable is currently the PBA’s only Black board member, according to a union spokesperson.

Earlier this month, Grable sat down with the Amsterdam News over a cup of “the best hot chocolate he’s ever tasted” to chat about his story and candidacy.

He was born and reared in Brooklyn. And proud of it. Grable once pursued a law career, but fell into law enforcement, joining the transit police in 1992 after graduating from St. John’s University. He joined the NYPD— and subsequently the PBA—after the departments merged in 1995. Grable was elected as the Transit Bureau’s PBA financial secretary in 2011. If his custom-made pens are any indication, Grable is all in on winning.

“I’m definitely running the campaign on change,” he said. “This election I believe is going to have a New York City impact. Because of just the history and sometimes unfortunately the lack of trust the public have with police and specifically with the unions, this election probably has a little bit more of an intention to it.”

But what does change look like to Grable? For one, a new contract—the PBA is closing in on six years of working on an expired contract, which he squarely blames on current PBA President Pat Lynch. He recalls several instances of officers leaving the force to work in the service industry due to wages. Additionally, he wants more mental health and wellness services available for members and to establish a childcare voucher system.

Then there’s the matter of police reform. Grable wants to reestablish relationships with community leaders and legislators, some who seek sweeping changes with how the NYPD operates. Simulta-

neously, he’s pushing back against the police disciplinary system, which he thinks is unfair. Still, Grable says such conversations are only possible with a change of leadership.

The field is yet to be set for the May election, according to a PBA spokesperson. But Grable is almost guaranteed to run against the incumbent Lynch, who has been entrenched as union president since 1999. Back then, he was the youngest to hold the office. Lynch is now running in his sixth term. He ran unopposed in 2019, the most recent election. In 2015, he won with over 70% of the vote.

“Our entire focus right now is on securing a contract for our members,” said Lynch over a brief email

statement. “Politics comes later.”

Speaking of politics, Lynch was lambasted by Black police officers for endorsing then-President Donald Trump during his 2020 reelection campaign. The NYPD wing of the Guardian’s Association—the city’s Black law enforcement fraternal order—penned a letter critiquing the move to involve the union in partisanship, especially without conferring with its members. Grable called the move a “slippery slope.”

“Obviously there’s some engagement that you have to do,” he said. “The extent of how great you go beyond the five boroughs and the state, that’s always the million dollar question. Whenever you start to talk about that engage-

it's about pedigree, I am probably one of the most qualified candidates to ever run for [PBA] president,” said Grable. “Obviously my black skin lets everybody know who I am, but I think that it’s the quality of the person in the position that could resolve any of these issues. [It] doesn’t necessarily mean race will have an effect or bearing on anything. It’s about being fair. It’s about being open-minded.”

Another Black officer, Ronald Wilson, was one of two candidates who ran against Lynch in his 2015 landslide victory.

The Guardians Association’s Charles Billups says Grable— who the organization will likely back come election time—walks a tightrope balancing the changing demographics of the police force.

“You got to give Pat Lynch whatever credit [you] can to the point where he is representing his members,” he said. “Can his tactics and his methods of doing things be different? Yes, it can be. But that’s just not him, personality wise. But he does defend his union…Pat Lynch and that crew of his on the board, they came from an era where it was years ago. The sad thing about it, what he should have done is to allow that union to [evolve to] where it should be today.

“If he allowed it to evolve in the right direction, it would be open minded to the reflection on what the city is today.”

ment policy, how does it benefit the cop?”

Throughout the interview, Grable wasn’t shy about much. While respectful, he likened Lynch to the recently retired Tom Brady, feeling as if the metaphorical game has passed the long-time PBA president by. No clue on how well Lynch throws a football, though. And Grable didn’t flinch when talking about his past CCRB misconduct complaints, which he claims he largely doesn’t remember due to the 20- or so year gap since they were investigated. But he was more reticent when asked about race, despite the historical significance of potentially becoming the first Black PBA president.

“When you look at my résumé,

Billups strongly believes that local Black and brown communities will play a major role in the upcoming election, citing the influx of officers who come from them. He says they’re often dual stakeholders for both the police and the policed.

“The community does play a role in that election,” said Billups. “A lot of those cops [in] their union, they [have] family members that live in the city and their family members also influence their decisions on how they are going to vote.”

Tandy Lau is a Report for America corps member and writes about public safety for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep him writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https:// bit.ly/amnews1

Corey Grable speaks with Amsterdam News at local Harlem restaurant. (Corey Grable Campaign photo)

Two prominent voices converge on slavery

It is an interesting kind of swap, you might say, to have U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in Ghana while the country’s president, Nana Akufo-Addo, is in the U.S. to address the UN. Akufo-Addo’s topic, “Toward Eliminating Racism and Discrimination Against People of African Descent,” coincides perfectly with Harris’s tour of a female slave dungeon at Cape Coast. Harris was probably placing a bouquet of flowers at the centuries-old wall as AkufoAddo prepared his speech.

“Being here was immensely powerful,” Harris said at the castle, through which passed countless numbers of African captives to be taken across the Atlantic. “The crimes that were done here; the blood that was shed here.” It was an emotional moment for her. As she departed, she said the descendants of many of those who went through the doors of no return “went on to fight for civil rights, fight for justice in the United States of America and around the world. And all of us, regardless of your background, have benefited from their struggle and their fight for freedom and justice.”

Before embarking on the rest of her tour, which will include visits to Tanzania and Zambia, Harris promised $100 million to the region and $139 million to help Ghana reduce child labor,

improve weather forecasting, support local musicians, and defend against disease outbreaks.

Some of her comments about the trans-Atlantic slave trade and reparations are sure to resonate in AkufoAddo’s speech at the UN. Those issues are not foreign to him and on several occasions, he has framed reparations within a global historic context, noting how others have received monetary restitution for the sins of enslavement and degradation.

At a recent summit, AkufoAddo said, “Native Americans have received and continue to receive reparations; Japanese American families, who were incarcerated in internment camps in America during World War II, received reparations; Jewish people, 6 million of whom perished in the concentration camps of Hitlerite Germany, received reparations, including homeland grants and support.” He said owners of enslaved Africans received reparations to the tune of 20 million pounds sterling, “but enslaved Africans themselves did not receive a penny.”

We can expect more of this at the UN and at the IBW 21st State of the Black World Conference, which convenes from April 19–23 in Baltimore. From both sides of the Atlantic and two prominent leaders, the echoes of enslavement continue to resound with passion and commitment.

Elinor R. Tatum: Publisher and Editor in Chief

NYC Education Chancellor Banks urged to redesign failing model

By DAVE DANIELS

The discussion of community involvement and community struggle in education is certainly very important, from people with different skills, from where they are and with their various capacities. It is critically important for NYC students to perform at or above their grade levels. But the key thing that I hear is that we must see the overall system that is in play and preventing the NYC Department of Education (DoE) from providing excellence to our children; this system is known as capitalism.

For the new NYC Chancellor David Banks to improve the abysmal statistic of 65% of African American students not reading at grade level, I humbly suggest that he confront the dominant presence of the profit motive within the NYC Department of Education. To make it simple, the problem is that the system is all about

the money and not about educating the children.

Our city can no longer play the “blame the parents” game! Or the “blame the teachers” game!

The NYC DoE’s budget is, I believe, the largest in the country and is actually larger than many state governments, so we have to ask why the NYC DoE is failing a significant number of our children year after year after year after year.

I’m fortunate that my children go to a very rigorous school. A school that consistently prepares children to perform above [the norm] in all of the state exams. This is in part because the school has a history of being led by very dynamic Black women principals who demanded that and expected such outcomes. These women’s view started from a position that Black children can learn and that they can excel. I mention this fact because it destroys

Reading saved my life

By DAPHNE CARTER MCKNIGHT

I am an ordinary African American woman in her early seventies, of average height, more plump than slim, who has wonderful friends and laughs loud and easily. I have lived in the city and suburb, traveled some, worked hard all of my life, and am reasonably healthy. My life could have been very different given who I was as a young child. I was painfully sensitive, awkwardly shy, a scared-of-the-dark bedwetter and prone to cry easily. As a teenager I was angry, furtive, bullied at school and frightened. But I was smart and could dance (a definite asset), and early on I discovered a sure way to navigate and eventually overcome all of my quirks, fears and boundaries. I found books!

expand my self-confidence and emerge decades later as a sane, loving and responsible adult.

Today, I am still that greedy reader, even more so now having access to audiobooks. I continue to read mainly African American, African, and South American literature; I also read science-fiction, fantasy, mystery, poetry, essays and other non-fiction; autobiographies, historical fiction, cookbooks, self-help manuals and more. Reading has allowed me to think, to analyze, to understand other cultures, and develop an extensive vocabulary, to get into college, to maintain a healthy lifestyle and make a reasonably good living.

the idea that Black children cannot learn and achieve at high academic levels. An idea that is pure nonsense.

As well, such NYC public schools with a full instrumental band, introduction to STEM, dance, and science, and very practically engaged parents, etc., prove that it is possible to provide both a nurturing and “whole student” learning environment for all students—regardless of their race, or religion, or the tax bracket of their parents.

The question becomes why doesn’t this exist at all schools. Yes, we must acknowledge that racism does exist by ZIP codes. That’s true and our chancellor needs to acknowledge that. However, what our chancellor is up against, and at some point will have to confront if he intends to address the cancer that continues to prevent academic excellence, is the presence of the profit motive in the NYC DoE.

See CHANCELLOR BANKS on page 29

She liked the attention he gave her the feelings she felt. I guess I think. I suppose.

So when her family moved to the suburbs and the man next door the one called Uncle was no longer in her life. She grieved.

Silent and grieving

Member

for

Kristin Fayne-Mulroy: Managing Editor

Nayaba Arinde: Editor

Cyril Josh Barker: Digital Editor

Damaso Reyes: Investigative Editor

Siobhan "Sam" Bennett: Chief Revenue Officer and Head of Advertising

As early as elementary school, I discovered that reading could take me as far away from reality as I could possibly imagine, and farther. I became a voracious, greedy, all-consuming reader. I went through books like a family goes through groceries. I stayed away from newspapers and non-fiction, preferring to immerse myself in the lives of fictionalized characters, and to learn from them. Reading enabled me to channel pain and depression, overcome violence and hurt,

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone desiring success and happiness, or just an escape from their current reality, it would be this: READ! READ! READ! And write – fluently, extensively - for the rest of your life, to save your life.

INTRODUCTION

She was four.

So many words she hadn’t learned

She didn’t know molestation predator abuse.

She was sent to dancing school. Fearful and grieving

–Daphne Carter McKnight

Corruption, collusion, and the dark side of COVID-19 response

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the New York Amsterdam News. We continue to publish a variety of viewpoints so that we may know the opinions of others that may differ from our own.

ARMSTRONG WILLIAMS

In a world shrouded by a veil of secrecy, the common man seldom sees the twisted alliance between the ruling class and corporate giants. The global pandemic unleashed a wave of destruction that demanded swift action. Yet, the thirst for power and control drove governments to unprecedented heights, forging unholy alliances with pharmaceutical conglomerates that put profits above people. The sinister collusion threatened to tear the very fabric of society apart and jeopardize the lives of billions in the name of greed.

In the early days of the pandemic, a united America stood firmly behind the notion that lockdowns were the only way to curb the rampant spread of COVID-19. The majority of the population, gripped by the fear of a disease with no cure, took the necessary precautions to avoid contracting the deadly virus. Amidst the uncertainty and the looming threat of death, people’s natural instinct to protect themselves and their loved ones kicked in, prompting them to stay indoors and practice social distancing.

As more data about the virus emerged, a divide formed between conservatives and liberals. While conservatives began to listen to the science and adjust their behavior accordingly, many liberals remained steadfast in their commitment to lockdowns, disregarding the mounting evidence that certain settings were safe, healthy individuals faced little risk, and masks did very little to prevent the spread.

Despite the conclusive data, governments persisted in enforcing lockdowns, ignoring the harmful ancillary effects they clearly would—and inevitably did—have on society. This prompted a fierce backlash from conservatives who saw through the government’s façade, realizing that they were being controlled through fear and the guise of public safety. The government’s refusal to listen to reason only fueled their skepticism.

With the rollout of the vaccine, the government and even many conservatives urged the public to get vac-

How do we find homes for the unhoused?

cinated. Initially, many, including myself, heeded the call. However, as we learned more about the vaccine’s efficacy, doubts began to surface. We learned more and more about how truly ineffective they were at preventing COVID-19. We were told that even those who were vaccinated should still practice social distancing and wear a mask. And pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Moderna stated that there was no need to worry about longterm side effects, given the billions of doses already administered—although this circular logic went unnoticed.

The companies touted a 99% efficacy rate, yet breakthrough cases continued to occur, and the side effects were often more severe than the virus itself. Again, the once-united front cracked as the reality of the vaccine’s limitations became apparent.

We didn’t have all the new data back when the vaccine was first rolled out. Yet, I have always believed that freedom and choice are values too precious to be compromised. I thank God every day that I am in a position where I can empower my own employees with those values—where I can honor my employees’ autonomy and give them the power to choose. While tens of millions of Americans across the country were faced with the agonizing dilemma of choosing between their livelihoods and their beliefs, my employees were free to chart their own course.

As the pandemic eased, big pharmaceutical companies began releasing booster shots, leaving many wondering why they were necessary if the initial vaccines were truly effective. Despite continued claims of effectiveness, evidence emerged that those who were fully vaccinated still contracted COVID-19 at a higher rate than the unvaccinated. It appeared that the push for booster shots only served to benefit the pharmaceutical companies’ bottom line, rather than addressing COVID-19.

The quest to uncover the origin of COVID has been a challenging one, with the hopes of discovering the ini-

tial conditions that could lead to an effective and safe vaccine. Amidst the chaos of vaccines and lockdowns, it was the conservatives who pointed the finger right from the start, blaming the Wuhan Institute of Virology for its involvement in gain of function research that unleashed the virus upon the world. But instead of acknowledging this theory, the government pushed back with an iron fist, censoring and shaming anyone who dared to even say the word “Wuhan,” all at the behest of Fauci, the darling of the left; the consistently wrong and deceitful spokesperson who fueled misinformation and hide the truth about the virus and the vaccines.

As the grip of COVID-19 loosens, with its weakened mutations and decreased fatality, big pharmaceutical companies seem to be circling like vultures, ready to prey on the fears of the susceptible liberals. Shockingly, they are charging up to four times more for the COVID19 vaccine, taking advantage of the trust and desperation of the people.

It’s perplexing to think that the very same government that passed a law granting blanket immunization for the vaccine is now failing to take any action to force these companies to keep their prices in check. One has to wonder if the government lacks foresight or if they are beholden to the vested interests of big pharma.

As Americans are confronted with the disturbing reality of government corruption and the insidious tactics of big pharma to embed itself in the halls of power, the question that begs to be answered is this: Will we allow history to repeat itself? Will we stand idly by and allow those with power and influence to manipulate our government and exploit our vulnerabilities for their own gains?

Armstrong Williams (@ARightSide) is manager / sole owner of Howard Stirk Holdings I & II Broadcast Television Stations and the 2016 Multicultural Media Broadcast Owner of the year. www.armstrongwilliams.co | www.howardstirkholdings.com

I have been thinking about the unhoused population in New York City. It seems like no matter where you go in the city, you see men and women of all ages living on the streets. Some ask for money or a hot meal, others sit quietly as New Yorkers of all walks of life shuffle by. I know I do that often myself, and feel like I could do more…I guess we all could. I think the struggle I and many others have is how to address this large institutional set of failures on the local, state, and federal levels. I also think about how so many of us are just one illness or one lost paycheck away from being in similar circumstances.

What COVID showed us was just how many New Yorkers were so close to being unhoused with the loss of employment. As I buy Girl Scout cookies from friends all across the U.S., I think of Troop 6000, the Girl Scout troop comprised of Girl Scouts who happen to be unhoused. Despite living in shelters, they are just like all other elementary, middle, and high school girls. They laugh, they’re kind and interesting, they want to try new things sometimes and other days they don’t. Troop 6000 has done so much to make sure these girls get the same Girl Scout experience as their peers from other neighborhoods and class brackets.

New York Times reporter Nikita Stewart wrote a beautiful reflection on the troop, contextualizing what they do for the girls and the larger institutions and systems in place that perpetu-

ate this housing inequity. In her book, “Troop 6000: The Girl Scout Troop That Began in a Shelter and Inspired the World,” she lays out an intricate portrait of their realities and we will never look at the unhoused in the same way. During this Girl Scout cookie season, I am reminded of the great work being done by the Girl Scouts on behalf of young girls across New York City.

So, what should be done to combat the larger housing problem? How do we get landlords and tenants and the city to come to the table to figure out equitable and affordable housing? How do we have an honest conversation about what “affordable” means in a city that in increasingly more expensive by the minute? I wish I had solutions, but I am confident that some members of the City Council are seriously thinking about these issues to help solve what has clearly become a citywide crisis.

Individuals and families who rely on the kindness of strangers need more than individual generosity, they need substantive laws to protect them. We must continue to pressure our elected officials to make affordable housing a priority for all.

Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University, the author of “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream”; and the co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC and host of The Blackest Questions podcast at TheGrio.

CHRISTINA GREER, PH.D.

Caribbean Update

Apartheid era rights activists Randall Robinson dies in Caribbean

By BERT WILKINSON Special to the AmNews

An African American lawyer and rights activist who played a key role in the fight against apartheid in South Africa, and railed against negative and oppressive American foreign policy initiatives against Haiti and other parts of the Americas, died at his adopted home of St. Kitts over the weekend.

Randall Robinson, 81, had become best known for his work to dismantle the apartheid system of white domination in South Africa in the ’80s and ’90s, as well as for his spirited resistance to American foreign policies to keep Haiti in turmoil.

Those who aren’t familiar with the Richmond, Virginia-born Robinson might recall his strident resistance to American government efforts to remove and exile elected Haitian President Jean Bertrand Aristide from office two decades ago by way of a CIA-inspired coup.

Robinson was one of the leaders of the Free South Africa Movement that sprung to life in the early ’80s to resist western policies and pressure to maintain the apartheid system. The movement tried to engage governments and rights organizations globally to end apartheid in South Africa, raining awareness about the issue. “He led a range of foreign policy campaigns in his life-long advocacy in defense of democracy and justice in Africa and the Caribbean,” Robinson’s family said in a release announcing his death at the weekend in the Eastern Caribbean nation of St. Kitts.

He was also a founder of the Washington, D.C-based advocacy group Trans Africa, which was aimed at promoting diversity and equity in foreign policy formation and justice for Africa, even organizing a sit-in at the South African embassy in the U.S. to highlight white atrocities in Southern Africa.

Robinson was also part of a group that held a 27-day hunger strike to attract greater at-

tention from Washington to push for the reinstatement of Aristide, who had been ousted in 2004 by a CIA-inspired coup and banished to the Central African Republic against his will, and later to South Africa, where he remained for seven years. Robinson was adamant that the U.S. had not only wanted Aristide out of Haiti for pressing for reparations from France, but also out of the Caribbean entirely, hence his abduction to Africa.

Robinson wrote several books about American foreign policies toward the Third World, including the 2008 classic “An Unbroken Agony: Haiti, from Revolution to the Kidnapping of a President” and “Quitting America: The Departure of a Black Man from America,” detailing his frustration with racism and inequality in the U.S. as he joined his Caribbean-born wife Hazel Ross-Robinson in the tiny tourism paradise of St. Kitts. He lived there full-time for just over two decades.

As an indication of his level of frustration and dejection with American and western

approaches to the Third World, Robinson said the U.S. is basically only concerned with political and economic dominance, and little else.

“As long as one member nation of the global family of nations is free to behave toward a fellow member nation with lethal impunity—to bully, to menace, to invade, to destabilize politically or economically, to reduce to tumult—no country, so threatened, can hope to enjoy the social and political contentment that ought inherently to attend democratic practices,” he told international media. “Where the poor were concerned, the United States invariably opposed the efforts of the poor’s own governments, whenever and wherever those governments tried in any serious or structured way to ameliorate the poverty of their own people. If there has ever been a circumstance in which the Americans did not take the side of the rich in efforts to quash even modest reforms to help the poor, I do not know of it.”

The U.S.-Canada border deal and what it really means

A day after U.S. President Joe Biden and Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced changes to the Safe Third Country Agreement after a record number of asylum seekers arrived in Canada via unofficial border crossings, Canada began sending asylum seekers back to the U.S. after some tried crossing into Quebec from Roxham Road in Champlain, N.Y.

The Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the United States is part of the U.S.–Canada Smart Border Action Plan. The Agreement, signed in 2002 and made effective in 2004, originally meant asylum seekers crossing into either Canada or the United States at formal border crossings were turned back and told to apply for asylum in the first “safe” country they arrived in.

The Additional Protocol to the STCA, which came into effect on March 25, 2023, follows completion of regulatory amendments across the entire land border of 6,416 km (3,987 miles), including internal waterways.

The expansion took effect the same day as the protocol. If a migrant crosses the border into Canada from the U.S. to make an asylum (refugee) claim and does not meet one of the Agreement’s exceptions, they will be returned

to the U.S. Roxham Road, which had become a notorious unofficial crossing for asylum seekers into Canada, closed at midnight on Saturday, March 25, but dozens of migrants from Africa, Haiti, and Latin and South America crossed anyway just after midnight, including one group with a baby and a toddler. Police took them into custody, warning them they could be turned around.

Police also unveiled a new sign near the dirt path linking New York State with the province of Quebec, informing people they could be arrested and returned to the United States if they crossed.

Reuters reported that confusion reigned at a bus station early on Saturday, where about 25 people from Venezuela, Haiti, Ecuador, and Peru milled about, wondering what to do next.

Under the revised Agreement, refugee claimants are required to request refugee protection in the first safe country they arrive in, unless they qualify for an exception to the Agreement. Asylum seekers make a refugee claim in Canada at a port of entry or online.

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act requires that every person seeking to enter Canada must appear for an examination at a port of entry to determine whether they have a right to enter Canada or may become authorized to enter and remain in Canada.

Exceptions to the Agreement consider the importance of family unity, best interests of children, and public interest. There are four types of exceptions:

• Family member

• Unaccompanied minors

• Document holder

• Public interest

Family member exceptions

Refugee claimants may qualify under this category of exceptions if they have a family member who:

• is a Canadian citizen

• is a permanent resident of Canada

• is a protected person under Canadian immigration legislation

• has made a claim for refugee status in Canada that has been accepted by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB)

• has had their removal order stayed on humanitarian and compassionate grounds

• holds a valid Canadian work permit

• holds a valid Canadian study permit, or

• is over 18 years old and has a claim for refugee protection that has been referred to the IRB for determination (This claim must not have been withdrawn by the family member, declared abandoned or rejected by the IRB, or found ineligible for referral to the IRB.)

Unaccompanied Minors Exception

Refugee claimants may qualify under this category of exceptions if they are minors

(under the age of 18) who:

• are not accompanied by their mother, father, or legal guardian

• have neither a spouse nor a common-law partner, and

• do not have a mother, father, or legal guardian in Canada or the United States Document Holder Exceptions

Refugee claimants may qualify under this category of exceptions if they:

• hold a valid Canadian visa (other than a transit visa)

• hold a valid work permit

• hold a valid study permit

• hold a travel document (for permanent residents or refugees) or other valid admission document issued by Canada, or

• are not required (exempt) to get a temporary resident visa to enter Canada but require a U.S.–issued visa to enter the U.S. Public Interest Exceptions

Refugee claimants may qualify under this category of exceptions if they have been charged with or convicted of an offense that could subject them to the death penalty in the U.S. or a third country.

However, a refugee claimant is ineligible if they have been found inadmissible in Canada on the grounds of security, for violating human or international rights, or for serious criminality, or if the minister finds the person to be a danger to the public.

The writer is publisher of NewsAmericasNow.com – The Black Immigrant Daily News.

Child sex abuse survivors and advocates protest hip-hop museum affiliation with Afrika Bambaataa, Universal Zulu Nation

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

It’s been years since the disturbing allegations of pedophilia and child abuse against musician Lance Taylor, aka Afrika Bambaataa, and his Universal Zulu Nation organization were brought to light. A decision in the sex trafficking lawsuit against him is still pending.

In the interim, Hip Hop Stands With Survivors, a collective of advocates, former Zulu members, and sexual abuse survivors, banded together to protest Bambaataa’s involvement and his works being displayed at the Universal Hip Hop Museum (UHHM) in the Bronx this Monday.

“This problem with the Zulu Nation is indicative of a bigger problem in hip hop,” said writer Leila Wills at the protest held adjacent to City Hall park. She likened the situation to 2018 rape allegations against music mogul Russell Simmons and other major hip hop figures who attempted to sweep their victims under the rug.

Abdul-Malik Mikail, 45, a former Zulu member spokesmen, said that he was involved with the Zulu organization from when he was 14 to 37 years old. Visibly shaken at the podium, he recounted his

time with the “cult”-like gang culture in the Zulu community. He said there may be trophies or Polaroid photos of others with these alleged victims that implicate their involvement.

“I’m not going to stay quiet like a lot of you punks,” said Mikail at the protest. “This block should be flooded with people.”

The museum’s founding members include Executive Director Rocky Bucano, Shawn Thomas, Kurtis Blow, Bambaataa,

Grandmaster Melle Mel, Grand Wizzard Theodore, Mickey Bentson, and Joe Conzo, Jr. The group demanded that Bucano resign and Bambaataa memorabilia be removed from the museum. They said it is a conflict of interest to have public city and state funds support an “accused pedophile.”

In an extensive letter to Mayor Eric Adams, Wills and activists detailed their grievances.

“Any form of sexual abuse is reprehensi-

ble, and we condemn any individual or organization involved with these acts,” said a City Hall spokesperson in response to an Amsterdam News inquiry. “After allegations surfaced, the Universal Hip Hop Museum assured the administration that they cut ties with the Universal Zulu Nation and that Afrika Bambaataa has not had a role at the Universal Hip Hop Museum since 2016. Our administration stands with survivors of sexual abuse.”

Instances of child molestation of young Black boys in the music industry were by no means unknown decades ago, said advocates. Everyone knew, but no charges were or have been officially filed.

University of Pennsylvania law professor Marci Hamilton said that people of color are “vastly underrepresented” when it comes to being victims as children. She said there’s no chance there’s less abuse in these communities; it’s that most people will not come forward. Hamilton said the courts are currently experiencing a backlog of cases due to a combination of COVID-19 and “bureaucracy.”

“Typically, the victims feel threatened, and this is a group of survivors that have been severely threatened and are standing

Group protests Afrika Bambaataa and his Universal Zulu Nation involvement with Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx on March 27 at City Hall. (Ariama C. Long photo)

Factcheck—False: If you test negative for COVID-19, you do not need to take further precautions

By DIVYA PARMAR

Should people who test negative for COVID-19 continue to take precautions?

Yes, according to many public health experts: People should continue to wear masks and observe social distance to reduce the number of hospitalizations and deaths.

CDC safety guidelines were put in motion with the outbreak of COVID-19 in the U.S. in January of 2020. These guidelines involved mandatory mask-wearing, social distancing, restrictions on non-essential indoor and crowded outdoor settings, and regulations for testing and isolation. Cases began to drop after peaking in January and February 2022, but have continued to emerge—although in relatively low frequencies—across the country.

While testing negative for COVID-19 may make individuals feel as though they no longer need to take precautions, it is important to be aware that a negative test does not guarantee that they are not infectious or at risk of infection. The CDC continues to encourage and recommend safety precau-

tions, including moving indoor activities to an outdoor setting and wearing a protective mask to minimize the risk of infection in case someone is exposed to COVID-19.

The lifting of mandates by the CDC has been accompanied by a decrease in regular testing for the virus.

Despite having the highest number of COVID-19 testing rates, New York State continues to observe a drop in daily testing.

Since the pandemic started, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have come out with resources to decrease the likelihood of contracting and severity of COVID. The vaccines being launched in mid-April 2021 and the antiviral medication Paxlovid was released in December 2021 to mediate the effects of COVID-19.

Dr. Rachael Piltch-Loeb, a research scientist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, told the AmNews about the concern regarding testing today. Despite the prevalence of COVID-19 testing sites and easy accessibility to free at-home rapid testing kits, “A test is only a snapshot of one moment in time, so if you are symptomatic or recently

exposed, it may be that the timing of the test is before you have enough virus in your body to test positive.” The FDA recommends individuals to reduce the possibility of a false negative by testing again after 48 hours. PCR tests are recommended for accurate results as they are highly specific and sensitive to the COVID-19 virus.

Jade Flinn, the program and unit director of the Johns Hopkins Hospital Biocontainment Unit, told the AmNews that “personal accountability and personal risk should also be considered in addition to testing.” She mentioned how this may include the “failure to mask or even vaccinate, resulting in infection” and “the risk of severe disease based on an individual’s current state of health or risk of spreading to close contacts who may have a higher

risk of disease severity if infected.” Individuals should continue to be aware that not following guidelines and recommendations by the CDC may contribute to the low frequencies of cases observed today. By being more responsible and avoiding settings that increase one’s exposure to the virus or endangers those who are vulnerable, COVID-19 cases within the U.S. could continue to decrease.

Individuals should consider how having the option to wear masks or socially distance may affect the wellbeing of other individuals. Those who choose to not wear a mask or socially distance should be more aware of how their actions may put an individual who is susceptible to COVID-19 at risk of the virus. Despite a negative COVID-19 test result, See HEALTH on page 29

Stephane Labossiere, right, with Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs, hands out masks and printed information about free COVID-19 testing in Brooklyn offered by NYC Health + Hospitals (AP File Photo/Mark Lennihan)

This chart from the NY State Dept of Health shows that the average molecular and antigen testing for COVID-19 has decreased in the recent months. (Source: https://www.nyc.gov/site/ doh/covid/covid-19-data-totals.page)

Arts & Entertainment

“AfroPop” celebrates the artist in milestone 15th season

By NADINE MATTHEWS Special to the AmNews

“AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange” is celebrating its milestone 15th season by shaking things up a bit. Brought to you by WORLD Channel and Harlem’s Black Public Media and co-presented by American Public Television, “AfroPoP” is renowned for its annual showcase of some of the best documentary films from across the African diaspora.

This year, for the very first time, the films, airing on WORLD Channel each Monday between April 3 and May 1 at 8 p.m. ET, will center around one theme. The arts, and of course, the artists behind them will be the focus of five extraordinary films, starting with dancer Rosalynd LeBlanc’s directorial debut, “Can You Bring It: Bill T. Jones and D-Man and The Waters.” That will be followed by “Queen Kidjo,” “Bill Traylor: Chasing Ghosts,” “Sound of Masks,” and end with “Rewind & Play.”

“Can You Bring It: Bill T. Jones and D-Man and The Waters” takes the audience on sev eral journeys, with a crop of young dancers as LeBlanc and D-Man and The Waters’ cel ebrated choreographer Bill T. Jones, teach ing them some of the most difficult and demanding contemporary dance chore ography ever made. It also carries the au dience back to the fraught and anxious era that in part inspired D-Man and The Waters: the late 1980s, when AIDS, then a frightening, unknown entity, began surg ing, hitting the arts community particularly hard. It sadly took the lives of many (includ ing the “D-Man” after whom the dance is named, and Jones’s romantic and profes sional partner Arne Zane) and their cre ative bounty with them. “D-Man and The Waters” is a brisk walk through history and intriguing insight into the creative process for both teacher and student.

Buckle up tight for “Queen Kidjo,” be cause it does a deft job of showcasing not just the prodigious singing talents of per haps the foremost ambassador of African music the world has ever seen, but also An gelique Kidjo’s signature copious energy and magnificent joie de vivre.

Taking us from her birth and childhood in Benin, where she first began to find her voice, through her expatriation to France as a young adult, and finally to her domina tion on the “world music” scene as some one with the singular ability to meld almost any musical genre with the rhythms of vari ous African musical forms.

The doc uses other artists, family mem bers, and mainly Kidjo herself to illustrate her uncanny talent and ability to connect

with people across the globe through the power of her art. Vast amounts of archival footage provide insight into those she influenced and was influenced by both artis-

tically and politically.

An artist who flourished in Jim Crow-era Alabama and died in relative obscurity, Bill Traylor, who was born a slave in 1853, fi-

nally began getting his flowers a few years ago, with a Smithsonian exhibition of his work. Now the beautifully wrought documentary “Bill Traylor: Chasing Ghosts” further familiarizes the public with him. Although sadly, much of the work Traylor did was lost to time, what remained is put to excellent use in this intimate look at the work of the self-taught artist. An emphatic melding of folk and modern art, Traylor’s drawings and paintings, in all their seeming simplicity, reflect the complexity of his own world—that of the blues, nascent jazz, belief in the supernatural, the slavery-influenced rural life of his youth, and the urban life of his later years, where he astutely observed modern African-American identity begin to take shape.

Dance is again the focus in Sara CF de Gouveia’s “Sound of Masks.” Deeply engaging, it showcases the Mapiko, a traditional masked dance done exclusively by male members of the Makonde community of northern Mozambique. The dance is seen through the expert eyes of Atanásio Nhussi, historically considered one of the world’s best Mapiko dancers and an amiable arbiter of the culture. Not simply movement, the dance, which is done in elaborate masks and costume, is also art, social commentary, and theater, telling the story of the struggle of the Makondo people against colonizers and their postcolonial efforts to hold onto their culture

Doing away with virtually all the usual documentary trappings (interviews with the subject and other commentators, archival footage, photographs, etc.), “Rewind & Play” director Alain Gomis keeps an intimate focus on jazz legend Thelonious Monk as he and fellow musician and TV producer Henri Renaud tape an episode of the French TV series

Although it showcases Monk’s brilliance on the piano, “Rewind & Play” is often hard to watch. Many extreme close-ups catch Monk, clothed in a suit and hat under studio lights, with rivulets of perspiration cascading down his face. When Monk tells the truth about the pay and other discrimination he’s faced, Renaud, who is white, bluntly shuts him down, saying only that “It’s not nice.” It’s literally an up-close examination of the way culture is manipulated to fit a narrative convenient for an often-racist mainstream populace.

“AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange” can also be viewed on WORLD Channel’s YouTube channel and on all station-branded PBS platforms, including PBS.org and the PBS Video app.

Stills of Angelique Kidjo, including a image of her with Harry Belafonte, from the “Queen Kidjo” episode of “AfroPop” (Courtesy photos)

Dominique Fishback: A Star Is Born in “Swarm”

By MAGRIRA Special to the AmNews

There’s something unique about actress Dominique Fishback that is hard to place a finger on. Some of my colleagues, in reviewing her work, talk about the power of her gaze. I’d agree. Fishback was riveting in HBO’s “The Deuce” and is one of the reasons that I’ve listed the series over the years.

In the new Prime Video limited series “Swarm,” Fishback plays Dre, the ultimate fan (a crazy one). In this horror satire, her performance elevates the both genre and the written material.

“Who’s your favorite artist?” asks Dre, because the answer she’s looking for is Ni’Jah (Nirine S. Brown), the reigning pop princess who looks and sounds like the rise of Beyoncé, including how her followers are borderline on being members of a cult who will cancel someone (digitally) for any insult, real or perceived.

Dre’s in her 20s with very little (if any) love in her life aside from her childhood best friend and roommate Marissa (Chloe Bailey), who is just as involved with singer Ni’Jah; something that binds them throughout their lives.

But Marissa is more grounded and she’s hustling to build a career as a hair and makeup artist, desperate to break into the entertainment field.

To say that Dre is passive is a massive understatement. She bounces between dead-end day jobs when she’s not dancing at a gentlemen’s club. It seems the only thing that makes Dre come alive is her devotion to Ni’Jah and the tribe of diehard devotees/fans. She’s literally memorized every album and choreography. And instead of paying back-due rent, she purchases concert tickets that are insanely expensive. But that’s the question: how far will Ms. Dre go to show her undy-

ing commitment to the world of Ni’Jah?

Talking about the series becomes tricky— no spoilers are allowed. I don’t want to spoil the joy of it.

“Swarm” was created by Donald Glover (“Atlanta”) and Janine Nabers, a frequent collaborator on “Atlanta.” Glover directed the pilot, which is a beautiful mix of African culture and surreal horror. (An interesting note: Malia Obama was part of the “Swarm” writers’ room and is credited as Malia Ann.)

“Swarm” is linear, which helps us try to make sense of Dre’s internal motivations. She goes on a road trip from the spot that she, and Ni’Jah share. Her goal is to meet her idol where, in her mind, they will become best friends.

There’s a lot to unpack about the toxic level that some fans fall into. A lot of that access (or perceived access) comes from social media. So much access. So little con text. Almost zero filters. And remember the age-old saying: People believe what they believe, which is a massive problem that seems to be growing.

Ni’Jah is a full-on character who manages to dazzle even in silhouettes and shadows, which I think is smart. She’s supposed to be mysterious, overexposed, and unknowable. It makes an audience want to know her more. Her name—Ni’Jah —and legendary status is in every frame. The entire series “Swarm” is about her, but she’s in only a few scenes. Such. An. Intelligent. Choice. The creators get it.

What we know and care about this super star—Ni’Jah—comes from the mind, heart, and soul of Dre, the perfect unreliable narrator. This brings me back to Fishback and her amazing performance. It’s not too early to say that she’s the next generation of great actresses to watch and keep an eye on, closely. She’s been smartly and quietly building her body of work under the radar of most but not all.

This is a horror series, but an important fact to highlight (again) is that maybe it’s more of a slasher genre with bloody kills. But what makes it hard to define, genrewise, is because of Fishback’s creation of her character, Dre whose emotional levels are pitch-perfect.

There are just seven episodes of “Swarm”

with most running around 30 minutes each, so it’s a comfortable binge. The road trip provides a solid story structure: Each episode focuses on the last stop. There’s an interesting cameo from Billie Eilish and former “Daily Show” writer X Mayo. “Swarm” is not a perfect show, but it’s worth taking the trip for all seven episodes.

Dominique Fishback as Dora in “Swarm” (Courtesy photos)

Nirine S. Brown as Ni’Jah in “Swarm”

Met’s new Juan de Pareja exhibit links with Schomburg’s search for Black roots

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) is exhibiting some of the works of the painter Juan de Pareja in what they’re calling the first major retrospective to examine the Afro Hispanic artist’s life and work.

“Juan de Pareja, Afro-Hispanic Painter,” on view from April 3 through July 16, 2023, is a multilayered presentation destined to attract art aficionados and African history buffs. The show, cocurated by Dr. Vanessa K. Valdés, CUNY associate provost for community engagement and professor of Spanish and Portuguese, and David Pullins, an associate curator in the Met, displays archival books and manuscripts, juxtaposed against paintings that illustrate a 17th-century southern European world. The exhibition then places those items alongside photos of a 20th-century man caught in a revelry as he tries to retrace the steps of Africans in southern Spain.

Born in southern Andalusia to an African mother and Spanish father, Pareja was a 17th-century

artist who first gained renown while working as an assistant to naturalistic portrait artist Diego Velázquez. Pareja was enslaved as an artist assistant to Velázquez and accompanied him while the Spanish painter was collecting art in Italy.

When they were in Rome, Velázquez needed to practice his portraiture technique because he was scheduled to do a painting depicting the Catholic pope. He had Pareja sit for him and the resulting piece, “Portrait of Juan de Pareja” (1650), was heralded by Velázquez’s contemporaries and has been on view at the Met since 1971.

It’s an arresting piece, a work of art widely celebrated when purchased by the Met. Pareja seems to stare out at you, and measure you, as you, the viewer, try to decipher who this boldly confident man is. The name of the piece just tells you that it’s a portrait, but with this Met exhibit, you get to find out a little more about Pareja and why—and how—if he was enslaved at the time of this picture, he was able to hold his head so high.

Pareja’s stance was so prominent that it caught the eye of Arturo

Schomburg in the early 1900s.

“Arturo Schomburg’s politically attuned recovery efforts around Pareja in the 1920s in New York became increasingly…a sort of steppingstone between 17th-century Spain and 21st-century New York,” Pullins said.

“Juan de Pareja, Afro-Hispanic Painter” combines the story of Pareja with Schomburg’s famous quest to prove that African people have had an impact on history. One portion of the exhibit depicts how, after Schomburg sold his 10,000-item collection of African art and archives to the Carnegie Corporation for the creation of what would become the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Collection, “On June 12, 1926, Arturo Schomburg set sail from New York Harbor for Europe…writing, ‘I depart now on a mission of love to recapture my lost heritage.’”

Valdés said that, “With his earnings, that $10,000––today valued at almost $170,000––he traveled to Europe with the express goal of visiting archives throughout the continent. [He wanted] to recover what he called vindicating evidences

that proved that people of African descent had always contributed to the societies in which they have lived.”

The first room of the exhibition includes personal photos Schomburg took during this trip. The photos include Schomburg’s handwritten notes about former streets, homes, and neighborhoods where Black people once lived in Córdoba and Seville, Spain. The room also has some of the important books he collected—works created by Juan Latino in 1573, Junilius Africanus from the 6th century BCE, and Leo Africanus in 1526––although most of these books were collected before his trip to Spain.

The other three sections of the exhibition prove that Schomburg was right: Pareja and other artists had created works in the 17th century that showed how Black people were an integral part of society during the European Middle Ages. Some had been enslaved; others had played important intellectual and spiritual roles in Europe’s formation.

“Juan de Pareja, Afro-Hispanic Painter” ends by centering Pareja’s work. After presenting Velázquez’s portrait of Pareja and the actual manuscript that released him from slavery, the ex-

hibition finishes with a view of Pareja’s paintings and shows how these works distinguished him as an artist. His “The Calling of Saint Matthew” (1661), “The Flight into Egypt” (1658), “Portrait of José Ratés” (1660) and “The Baptism of Christ” (1667) close the show. “The Calling of Saint Matthew” was one piece that Schomburg had pleaded with the curators at Madrid’s Prado Museum to be able to see.

“When Arturo Schomburg goes to Spain in 1926, when he arrives in Madrid he specifically goes to the Prado and this painting was not on display,” Valdés said. “He speaks with the director there to try to get access to it because he writes that he traveled thousands of miles to be able to see this painting. ‘I had come to the Prado to see one painting, “The Calling of Matthew.” I had journeyed thousands of miles to look upon the work of this colored slave who had succeeded by courageous persistence in the face of every discouragement. [. . .] I sat in reverent silence before this large [canvas].’

“So, we have benches in this space,” Valdés said, for Met visitors who come to see this and Pareja’s other works. “We hope that our visitors will also do the same when they come upon this work.”

For more information, visit: https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/juan-de-pareja.

Portrait of Arturo Schomburg, ca. 1925 (Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, NYPL)

‘Portrait of Juan de Pareja’ with Pareja’s manumission papers from 1645 in foreground (Photo by Anna Marie Kellen, courtesy of the Met)

Dr. Vanessa K. Valdés introduces Juan de Pareja exhibit at the Met (Karen Juanita Carrillo photo)

HOROSCOPES BY KNOWYOURNUMB3RS

By

SUPREME GODDESS KYA

March 30, 2023—Arpil 5, 2023

Rebirth of A New Nation: The first full pink moon in Libra on April 5/6 is magnetically blossoming up the constellation at night and even in the day time. Goddesses, grab your flower essence to take for a great vital boost; Gods, purchase some flowers for the Goddess in your life, be it your great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, aunt, niece, sister, friend, co-worker, associate, etc. The great activator of the Sun, Jupiter, Mercury, Chiron is in Aries, initiating the extraordinary reset of love, healing, creativity, resolving disputes, and your extrasensory perception, or ESP is highly felt. Venus and Uranus in Taurus are sending out the love, ancient messages, and vibration for you to remember the history of you and your origins. As the days, nights, hours, minutes, months, etc., seem to be moving rapidly, slow down just a bit so you can feel the beat like Michael Jackson said in his song “Rock With You”: “Just take it slow ’cause we got so far to go when you feel that heat and we gonna ride the boogie, share that beat of LOVE.”

Cappy, a new leaf is forming for a new passage ahead. Keep a suitcase packed and tuck it under the bed or in the closet until the moment presents itself to you. Everything you need to know is within the ingredients of the recipe. Keep your eyes peeled and your heart open. This year, you have an ton-load of Capricorn and Taurus vibration as the main theme, so use balance, stability, self-restraint, due diligence to inner-stand the content clues. On the rising of April 2, 57 minutes past 6 a.m. until 5 p.m. on April 4, a significant encounter presents itself to you. Stay focused on your voyage ahead.

A week to relax as the universe is sending you messages and insights, through sounds, symbols, signs, and sudden meetings and departures. Memories of certain family members will come to you, be it in your dreams, messages, phone conversations, etc. In those moments, sit down to inner-stand why you are feeling the way you feel. Your dreams hold meaning about what’s occurring in your life, so get it now rather than later when it occurs. Days leading up to the evening of April 4 around 6 p.m., everything is in motion, even the plans/projects you are working on.

Get ready for the great times April has to offer you. It’s time to activate the dreamer in you to create your world in the physical reality. Whatever footwork is needed, get right to the beat of the rhythm so this grand mastermind plan can manifest. There always come moments of being tested while on your mission by distractions and suggestions from others, including your own thoughts to derail you off path. Follow your heart with discipline to inner-stand your path, because you desire something different in your life besides the same old game playing out.

April is a significant month to water the grass and ensure the sprinkler is on for the times you are away from home. Nourish yourself because this is a slow month, moving like a turtle or snails, yet at a fast pace. Jupiter, Sun, Mercury, and Chiron are in Aries, which is significant for communication, healing, rebirthing, telepathy, astral travel, and learning new things. An important teacher may show up, as might a major shift within your body. Schedule a body massage with focus on and around your temples and a great scalp massage. March 30 after 6:30 p.m. until 2 a.m. April 2, what may seem like déja vu is the energy catching up from the previous retrograde effects of certain various moments in your file.

This is an ancient timeline of great-grandparents pouring insights into you from a spiritual distance. The ancestors are walking with you and waking up the people with awareness. It is strongly felt within the Sun sign of Taurus and those with double Taurus in their natal chart or the position of the house where Taurus is stationed. Questions will come up regarding your agenda and blueprint for the direction in which you are heading, and some form of humanitarian reward, public announcement, or appearance is indicated for the month of April. April 2 until April 4 around 5 p.m., I believe you catch the drift of what’s taking place within your inner environment.

Partnerships, family obligations, business adventures, and sudden twists and turns are occurring in your life. Mars was in Gemini for seven months and as of March 25, 2023, Mars is in the Sun sign Cancer, a semisextile that adds flavor to the punch of what you are creating. Now you must apply the work after all that talking; moving around here, there; popping up coast to coast; sending your message in all four directions through all the elements. What’s the recipe for what you’ve been baking—is it done yet? April 4 will be the start of the show of proof, be it internal or external, but not public to the world.

It’s time for some amazing great days ahead, of transformation and squashing any beef to surrender to a higher calling. Mars in Cancer will have you drenched like heavy rain pouring down and nurtured like a brand-new baby on the scene. Take notes as you go through the metamorphosis of the matrix. April will be a month that will make you dance on your tiptoes and feel grounded against all odds. Pucker up, Cancer, and enjoy the ride, forming a new foundation.

It’s Aries season—a fire season to network and spread the fire, bringing folk to the campfire. April is a month for self-improvements, travel, conversing with foreigners, making public appearances with a message. A showstopper kind of month where the boss pulls up and gets the ball rolling on the agenda, leaving no time to waste. This is not a circus; you are running a formative program with talented people. March 30 until April 1, do you hear the cardinal birds at the board meeting putting the facts together for the main event?

Are you excited about the alignment of the new partnership? The best partnership is the source of the information that comes from within, plus experience to share the wisdom in your community. A phenomenal month to sketch, draw, outline the new cover of your book, product, class, etc. Any semi-legal matters can be resolved or handled accordingly without hassle, as long as you apply yourself. Those deep inner feelings arise at a time of fulfillment of a lesson for the next phase of advancement. On April 2, 57 minutes past 6 a.m. until 5 p.m. on April 4, revelation is at its finest.

It’s time for the merry-go-round to come to a halt with new scripts and ingredients to pass down. Every generation brings change and something learned from the previous generation to carry on. We the people are in a new age of operating and passing the baton from the prior generation. Libra, what’s it going to be, when the scale is in need of balance with a new justice, law, and financial system with new jurisdiction? What happened to the people with Full Faith and Credit? April 4 until the rising of April 7 around 2 a.m., the information flows fast like a hurricane and flood watch developing, with news broadcasting a flash warning.

April is when it all comes pouring down, gushing up like when a woman’s water breaks, signifying that the birth of the baby is on the way. Nourish your body as you do a newborn baby. Be attentive, get rest for the growth of a new paradigm on Earth and in the universal constellation of the great beyond of awakening. What may seem out of sight, out of pocket, what’s not able to be found, is right in your face and your eyes will land on it when you just relax. Keep floating on.

The scholarly Sagittarius arrives with a new perspective to learn from different angles and not just mediocrity. It’s about going beyond the realm of the norm of what she says and he says. It’s time for some study time to use your words in the correct origin, and inner-stand how words affect humanity and competence. Sag, when you are ready for another adventure, the vehicle is accessible to take you on another journey down the rabbit burrows in the woods. March 30 until April 1, the discovery of change is mentally on the horizon, just like when a rainbow appears.

Vinateria

“Sweeney Todd” is a devilish delight on B’way

By LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews

“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” has got to be the contender for Best Musical in all the awards that Broadway has to offer. This musical is spectacular, powerful, and hilarious. Playing at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (W. 46th Street), it is boldly brought back to life and is captivating to watch.

Josh Groban gives a fascinating performance as Sweeney Todd, the barber who had his family taken away from him, himself put in prison for life, and after escaping, comes back to London to exact his revenge.

Annaleigh Ashford is an astonishing delight as Mrs. Lovett. This brilliant comedic actress will have you laughing out loud. At times, she seemed to be carried away by her own lines and the rest of us went right along with her for the ride. With a look, a gesture, and much physical comedy, she kept the audience in stitches throughout this remarkable musical. Her character, Mrs. Lovett, is a woman who runs a shop selling the worst pies in London, as she proclaims herself. When she teams up with

Sweeney Todd, her pies go from a feline-infused despicable taste to a hearty humanity-filled delicacy that has everyone opening wide and gobbling them down.

“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” is, of course, the genius of Stephen Sondheim, who provides the fantastic music and lyrics. A thrilling book by Hugh Wheeler and an adaptation by Christopher Bond complete this dynamite package. The choreography of Steven Hoggett is absolutely haunting. I also love the use of the chorus to move the story along and keep reminding us of the evil that Todd possesses.

This cast is what dreams are made of. Groban and Ashford are joined by Jordan Fisher, who is sublime as Anthony, a young sailor who saves Todd from drowning at sea and comes to London, only to fall in love with Joanna, a beautiful girl who is being kept locked away in the home of Judge Turpin, because she is his ward. Fisher catapults to new heights when he sings “Joanna.” The sparks are certainly flying between Fisher and Maria Bilbao, who plays Joanna. Their scenes together are quite passionate.

Ruthie Ann Miles gives a heartwrenching, unforgettable per-

formance as the Beggar Woman. Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin in TV’s “Stranger Things”) is mesmerizing in the role of Tobias. John Rapson is quite entertaining and funny as Beadle Bamford. Jamie Jackson leaves his mark in the role of Judge Turpin. Nicholas Christopher is a charming Pirelli.

The ensemble for this musical is the best, bar none. Thomas Kail’s di rection puts him in a class of his own. There is something about the music and lyrics of “Sweeney Todd” that gives you chills and thrills, and makes you want to feel that excitement of being daz zled, amused, and astonished at a Broadway show. “Sweeney Todd” is Broadway at its best.

Every facet of this musical screams perfection, including using the original score with Jon athan Tunick’s original 26-player orchestration, along with cos tumes by Emilio Sosa, sets by Mimi Lien, lighting by Natasha Katz, sound by Nevin Steinberg, special effects by Jeremy Cher nick, music supervision by Alex Lacamoire, and wigs, hair, and makeup by J. Jared Janas. For tickets to what will certain ly be one of the most enjoyable musicals on Broadway, visit www. sweeneytoddbroadway.com.

“black odyssey”—Definitely a journey worth taking

By LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews

The play “black odyssey” just completed a magnificent run at the Classic Stage Company (CSC; E. 13th Street in Manhattan). This play was the brainchild of Marcus Gardley and it was inspiring to watch. Gardley’s inspiration was Homer’s “The Odyssey” and the journey of Ulysses, but with that story based in Harlem and fo cused on a modern-day Black vet eran—Ulysses Lincoln—trying to return to his family after the war in Afghanistan; a war he carries guilt for because of having to kill and in which he is used as a chess piece as two gods battle—Deus and Paw Sidin (God of the Sea).

Gardley started this production off with the all-Black cast inviting the audience to feel open to sing, dance, or do whatever the spirit moved them to do. The audience was told that we would all be part of the journey of Ulysses getting back home to his family in

Harlem. This was a journey that would require him to get the help of the ancestors as well.

Throughout the play, there were so many references to the history and horrors Blacks in this country have faced and are still facing, in-

cluding discrimination, hangings, killings, police brutality, and mass incarceration. Gardley boldly and creatively spoke of the Scottsboro Nine; the four little girls who died in the church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama; and the assassina-

tions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, and Malcolm X. He said the names of so many—Trayvon Martin and others who were victims of hate and violence in this country. He also examined how a Black man can’t know himself if he does not know and embrace his ancestors and his history. How will you know where to go if you don’t know where you come from?

This storyline was filled with humor and some funky stuff, but also addressed what happened to Black people in New Orleans who were left on the roofs of their homes to perish after Hurricane Katrina. It showed a family where the father continued to believe that the government was coming to rescue them from the roof, even though they had been on it for 40 days.

This play truly gave an audience a lot to mull over. It took a classic tale and reimagined it in a way that the African American community can see itself be recognized, embraced, and emboldened.

The flow of the play was abso-

lutely beautiful. The cast delivered phenomenal performances: James T. Alfred as Deus; Jimonn Cole as Paw Sidin; Sean Boyce Johnson as Ulysses; Harriett D. Foy as Aunt Tee; Temidayo Amay as Benevolence; Adrienne C. Moore as Alsendra Sabine; Lance Coadie Williams as Artez Sabine; D. Woods as Nella P. Lincoln, the wife of Ulysses; and Marcus Gladney Jr. as Malachai Lincoln, Ulysses’s son.

Some of this incredibly talented group of actors also played multiple roles. Live music was provided by percussionist Ayinde Webb. Stevie Walker-Webb truly connected all the elements of this production so you walked out feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

In addition to the drama and comedic moments, this production also had some great singing performances. “black odyssey” succeeded in taking the audience, no matter their racial background, on a journey of substance and joy.

If you hear it is being performed again, make sure you experience it.

Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford in “Sweeney Todd” (Matthew Murphy photo)

(l-r) Adrienne C. Moore, Lance Coadie Williams, Temidayo Amay, and Sean Boyce Johnson in a scene from “black odyssey” (Julieta Cervantes photo)

Solidarity of Sisterhood shines through entrepreneurship in Harlem

By BRENIKA BANKS Special to the AmNews

Champagne and skin care may seem like an unusual combination for business sponsorship, yet DarDra Coaxum and Aisha Darboe’s pairing goes beyond products. Women’s solidarity was the bigger goal for both businesses at a Saturday, March 11, brunch celebrating Honey Botanics; HRLM Champagne was the main refreshment served. DarDra Coaxum, coowner of HRLM Champagne, said this partnership with the skin care line implements the practice of women building with one another.

“It was awesome to see Aisha shine,” said Coaxum. “Also, it was awesome to see how much support she got, and her products are amazing!”

Darboe started Honey Botanics in August 2022, after she suffered from severe eczema. Born and raised in the Gambia, West Africa, she experienced the insecurities and stress that people often face with this skin condition. Darboe was placed on steroids for treatment at one point, when she was diagnosed with a type of eczema called Atopic dermatitis.

“The steroid is a Band-aid to the

itching,” said Darboe. “It’s not preventive and it doesn’t protect your skin, and it damages the nerves in your skin.” She created Honey Botanics to offer natural-based solutions for people in desperate need of skin treatments.

Darboe was elated that Coaxum sponsored champagne at her brunch. “It’s very important for us to link Black women entrepreneurs because it’s very tough; linking helps provide support to each other,” said Darboe. “I was really happy and grateful that she came.”

Coaxum, born and raised in Harlem, viewed the brunch as a mutual benefit for her champagne.

“In a way, [Darboe is] looking out for me because that’s exposing my brand to all of her people,” she said.

HRLM Champagne is her latest coowned business, started in 2020 and inspired by her father. Coaxum shared this motivating quote from him: “There’s really no success unless you can bring your friends with you.” This resonated while developing the champagne with her friends. “I have this champagne, but it’s not my champagne; this is

Harlem’s champagne…something that we can call our own, something we can celebrate no matter the occasion,” said Coaxum.

Coaxum is also the co-owner of Harlem Shake, a well-known dinerstyled restaurant that locals, celebrities, politicians, and international travelers enjoy. With 10 years of business experience, she knows what it takes to succeed and understands that success can’t be achieved alone. Her restaurant with business partner Jelena Pasic displays her ability to work well with women.

Coaxum describes her life as joyful and always stopping to smell the roses. She encourages people to enjoy drinking HRLM Champagne during any occasion. According to Coaxum, HRLM champagne tastes different from others because of its “super-smooth, crisp, and clean” taste. “It’s not bitter but it’s also fitting for every occasion,” she said. “Every day you wake up is a reason to celebrate.”

Coaxum and Darboe share a

connection of catering to their customers’ needs as Black women entrepreneurs. Darboe bestows personalized treatment on all her customers. They are ecstatic to see her when they enter Honey Botanics because she is attentive to their needs. She said the best part of her life right now are the faithful consumers. “I have met people that have impacted my life by the wisdom they share, or the advice they gave me,” Darboe said.

Darboe likes hearing customers’ reactions on how the products work. Their feedback reinforces the necessity of her brand’s creation. These compliments inspire her to continue making helpful products and staying available to provide information for customers while finding the best match for their skin problems.

Both Darboe and Coaxum recognize how crucial it is to create an environment where excellent customer service thrives. Coaxum does this by doing whatever is

necessary for Harlem Shake and HRLM Champagne to perform well. For Women’s History Month, Coaxum and Darboe equally share the sentiment of “women make the world go around.” Darboe specified that Black women make the world go around, while Coaxum focused more on women’s role of giving life. Darboe foresees Honey Botanics as a brand where women “come home to the beauty that is uniquely theirs.” Coaxum is inspired by Darboe because she is an ambitious Black woman who enjoys fellowship. “If I could help her business in Harlem by sponsoring champagne, that’s what I’m going to do,” said Coaxum. “That’s what people in Harlem do: We put each other on.” Coaxum anticipates franchising Harlem Shake into other cities, like Atlanta, as well as expanding HRLM Champagne into various countries. Darboe aims to expand her business into a wellness location where customers can do morning Pilates and yoga, and receive mental health services if traumatized by eczema struggles. She is also looking forward to future partnerships with Coaxum.

For more information, visit www.honeybotanics.com and @Hrlm_champange on Instagram.

Aisha Darboe and DarDra Coaxum at the Honey Botanics brunch in Harlem. (Abou Traore photo)

DarDra Coaxum at Harlem Shake. (Brenika Banks photo)

Bottles of HRLM Champagne. (Brenika Banks photo)

Burger, mango lemonade, and cheese fries from Harlem Shake. (Brenika Banks photo)

Aisha Darboe at the Honey Botanics brunch in Harlem. (Brenika Banks photo)

In nonfiction: Kevin Powell Reader, Sojourner Truth, Rita Dove

By JORDANNAH ELIZABETH Special to the AmNews

Where can young and aspiring Black writers go to learn the depth and intricacies of the craft, the trials and tribulations of the calling, and the importance of reading, vulnerability, and speaking from the heart and mind to cultivate a lifelong narrative and career where external circumstances, the past, and criticism cannot crumble the validity and invaluable contributions made to Black society and people from all backgrounds?

Rita Dover, Sojourner Truth, and Kevin Powell are writers who are able to reflect these abilities along with inspiring competence and unwavering commitment to excavating Black life. They have generously lent the majority of their lives to the advancement of Black existential freedom, education, and clarity of thought and communicative exchange with readers, thinkers, politicians, artists, and an international audience of literary admirers. Their impacts and collection of work are almost unfathomable in terms of what they’ve been able to do in a lifetime. Dove and Powell are still on this Earth, giving all they have to the world. If we, as Black culture and community, are willing to learn and listen, read, and respect, we can become like them—larger than life, yet thoughtful and self-regarding.

The Kevin Powell Reader: Essential Writings and Conversations by Kevin Powell

With a 20-year career as an author, Powell’s first book, “In the Tradition: An Anthology of Young Black Writers,” published in 1993, launched him into the Black literary atmo-

sphere where he has consistently published candid nonfiction political books, memoirs, and collections of poetry and essays written by himself and other prolific writers. Also a journalist, he is an alumnus of VIBE magazine, where he was invited to write during its inaugural year, 1992–1996. He is also a former writer for the Amsterdam News. The writer’s accomplishments are extensive.

This year brings the publication of “The Kevin Powell Reader: Essential Writings and Conversations,” a culmination of Powell’s work that, as noted by publisher Akashic, spans “the Reagan-Bush years of AIDS and crack epidemics to our current era framed by the COVID-19 pandemic; the tragic killing of George Floyd; the #MeToo movement; and much more.”

This comprehensive anthology of the writer’s selections of his most important pieces is essential to aspiring writers and readers interested in viewing Black life through a vast and diverse lens.

Narrative of Sojourner Truth by Sojourner Truth (1853)

Published in 1853 by writer Olive Gilbert and Sojourner Truth, “The Narrative of Sojourner Truth” is an in-depth biography of Truth’s life from birth to the time of publication, 30 years before her death in 1853. The book opens with, “THE subject of this biography, SOJOURNER TRUTH, as she now calls herself—but whose name, originally, was Isabella—was born, as near as she can now calculate, between the years 1797 and 1800. She was the daughter of James and Betsey, slaves of one Colonel Ardinburgh, Hurley, Ulster County, New York.”

The book follows Isabella, her pre-slave

name, which she thoughtfully and respectfully acknowledges throughout the entire book, takes readers through every portion of her life in incredible detail: her family, religious upbringing, being sold at auction, slavery, her marriage, and so on.

This historical book is a reproduction of the first edition of the manuscript, which was restored for clarity and republished for collectors and devourers of Black history who would relish in reading it.

Playlist for the Apocalypse: Poems by Rita Dove

“I was so busy being out there and speaking for poetry. I couldn’t hear myself anymore. And every time I would try to get the time and the quiet, there was never enough time,” Dove told the Los Angeles Review of Books. “Playlist for the Apocalypse,” her first offering of a poetry collection in 12 years, is a well-rounded examination of myriad experiential landscapes through the perspective of diverse but mainly Black beings of the past, such as Henry

Martin, the grandson of President Thomas Jefferson, a biracial young man whose position in life was unique and interesting to ponder.

Journalist Dwight Garner delves into Dove’s style, pinpointing a subtle nod to her predecessor, Toni Morrison, who was 20 years her senior. He writes (trigger warning: explicit language), “One of the best, ‘Aubade East,’ is set in Harlem. The cocky speaker, out for a walk, squints into the ‘bitch sunlight fingering the spaced-out tenements.’” This is a hat-tip to Morrison, who famously—famously in my house, anyway—wrote, in “Sula,” “The sun was already rising like a hot white bitch.”

Dove, the first Black Poet Laureate of the United States of America, as an individual, as a masterful writer in her own right, gives her all to tell the stories of characters, their mannerisms, their thoughts, their days and intimate moments to pen poetry that is just as evocative as any of her early work, dating back her the publishing of her first book, “The Yellow House on the Corner” in 1980.

Book review: “The Trials of Mumia Abu-Jamal—A Biography in 25 Voices”

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

The activist community—Black and white, local and global—is well aware of the torment and travails of Mumia Abu-Jamal. A political prisoner for more than 40 years, Abu-Jamal has been enshrined in the social media platform, and “The Trials of Mumia Abu-Jamal—A Biography in 25 Voices,” edited by Todd Steven Burroughs, should give his continuing plight added resonance.

Burroughs is among a coterie of writers and scholars who have been relentless in their resolve to free the iconic figure, and he has summoned many of them to carry on this mission.

“Here is a ‘collective biography,’” Burroughs notes in the book’s introduction. It includes such prominent activists and journalists as Pam Africa, Linn Hamilton, Jr., Johanna Fernandez, Noelle Hanrahan, and the indefatigable

Angela Davis. The book is divided between a “Now” and “Then,” illuminating the evolution of AbuJamal’s odyssey, and visually complemented with flyers, posters, photographs, and a veritable scrapbook of government documents and memorabilia.

In the foreword, Zayid Muhammad thoughtfully lays out what the reader can expect. “This is for those whose eyes have not yet seen what we’ve seen,” he says.

“This is for those whose eyes have not seen what the rest of the world has seen. This is for those who still can’t believe that the government and the state of Pennsylvania can actually be actively trying to eliminate a courageous dissident and a dissident journalist.”

Muhammad clearly foreshadows some of the commentary that flows seamlessly as the contributors chronicle the various aspects that have made Abu-Jamal emblematic of the injustice endured

by the oppressed and imprisoned, and at the same time, a fearless advocate on their behalf.

One of the most alarming recent accounts is from Fernandez, who teaches history at Baruch Col-

lege, CUNY. In a phone conversation with Bob Boyle, Abu-Jamal’s health attorney, who with another lawyer won a lawsuit that got Abu-Jamal treatment for hepatitis C, she learned that Abu-Jamal had contracted COVID-19. Along with this condition, she says in her article, “He’s got liver damage that was imposed by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections because it failed to treat his Hepatitis C in a timely fashion.

“Mumia has high blood pressure, and, like so many other prisoners, he has been sedentary in a prison, 23 hours a day, for a year.”

Africa, who has been exemplary in her fight for Abu-Jamal’s freedom, underscored Fernandez’s comments during a Zoom presentation. “I can’t express it enough,” she said. “Mumia is very ill in that prison. He’s not like he was two years ago…We need to immediately put pressure and demand that [Philly DA Larry]

Krasner release Mumia based on judicial and prosecutorial evidence—a move you don’t have to come back to court [to do] because Krasner released two of the prisoners from prison.”

To some extent, and Burroughs makes this point himself, the collective biography fits nicely with the 1996 publication “In Defense of Mumia,” edited by S.E. Anderson and Tony Medina. Taken together, they are companion pieces for Abu-Jamal’s own books, articles, and radio prison broadcasts.

Even so, there is still so much more to be said about a case— an injustice that has a number of social and political ramifications, and some of these issues are sure to be thoroughly discussed in Burroughs’ forthcoming “Talking Drums and Raised Fists: Mumia Abu-Jamal, a Biography of a Voice.” Meanwhile, invest a little of your precious time in reading about a precious life.

SMOKE JAZZ, NEW JAWN, WESTON, ‘HARDER THEY COME’

Maybe the only thing that really keeps the Upper West Side swinging is the Smoke Jazz & Supper Club (2751 Broadway), which is defined by its regular lineup of noteworthy musicians. On April 4, vocalist and songwriter Cynthia Scott takes to the stage with tenor saxophonist Houston Person, pianist Jeb Patton, bassist Russell Hall, and drummer Willie Jones III.

For three decades, Scott has been telling stories through her mid-range contralto, swinging up-tempo songs that make you move, tap your feet; ballads that touch the heart; and gospel tunes may make you shout. Her soulful roots grew from her native Arkansas home and that rhythmic flow inspired by her father’s Sunday morning preaching. While making her home in Harlem for many years, she has accumulated a host of fans on her tours of Africa, Europe, and Asia. Her soulful timbre was enhanced by her two-year stint as a Raelette with the genius Ray Charles.

Over the years, the great saxophonist Person and Scott have become quite a duo, swinging through ballads, jazz classics, and R&B covers, along with some originals. Still wondering why Person hasn’t made it to NEA Jazz Master status, with more than 75 albums and as a leader from hard bop to soul jazz who has kept audiences on the edge from Harlem to Japan.

The band is made up of all-star bandleaders in their own right. Be prepared for a moving evening. “Most people sense that all is not well in the world we live in, and I’ve put these concerns to music,” said Scott. “My goal at this time is to lift the world with my music.”

For reservations, visit the website smokejazz.com or call 212-864-6662. Two shows, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Christian McBride’s New Jawn engagement, April 4–9 at Dizzy’s jazz club (10 Columbus Avenue; two shows each night, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.), is sure to be a complete sellout. New Jawn is McBride’s other band, collaborating with saxophonist Marcus Strickland, trumpeter Josh Evans, and drummer Nasheet Waits, who are bandleaders and like McBride ooze with soul—that tabas-

co sauce funk from the streets. The Philly sound that rocked the bassist’s neighborhood as a teenager, where Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff broke out with the Sound of Philadelphia (TSOP), the O’Jays, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Teddy Pendergrass, and the Jones Girls, among others.

His Philadelphia is where Jocko Henderson called home after Baltimore, the pioneer of hip hop, smooth rap with jazz undertones. Where WDAS radio rocked the sound waves with Georgie Woods and Butterball (Joe Tamburo) and the Uptown Theater, where the live music took place. As a point of reference, “jawn” is a Philly term, slang for what is hip—could be a person, place, or thang. You dig.

This engagement will feature tunes from their new album release Prime (Brother Mister) on Mack Records. Eight of the nine album songs are originals written by bandmembers and one was written by Wayne Shorter. The Jawn performance will be loaded with hardcore swing, dips and hips, improvisation jazz and soul— hold on.

For reservations visit the website jazz.org or call 212-258-9595.

The composer, pianist, arranger, and author Randy Weston would have celebrated his 97th birthday on April 6. In his honor, the celebration will commence on that date at the Central Library, Dweck Center (10 Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn) at 8 p.m.

For this special occasion, a quintet of Weston’s longtime collaborators will come together to play some of his compositions, many of which have become jazz standards. Some of the musicians will include pianist Danny Mixon, bassist Alex Blake, and longtime collaborating Gnawa musicians with Ma’ alem Hassan Ben Jaafer (sinter, tbal and vocals) and Naoffal Aliq (chorus and qraqeb), among others.

The birthday celebration is

taking place in Weston’s native Brooklyn, where he was raised and graduated from Boys High School. His classmates included Max Roach and Dewey Redman. Weston, an NEA Jaz Master, recorded more than 40 albums as a leader. He was a spiritual improvisationalist whose chords reflected the motherland of Africa. He was a musician, our griot, who kept the music entwined in its ancestral roots. His commentary at every concert elaborated on the cultural history of this music called jazz and its significance in the context of Africa and its American lineage. For more information call 718-230-2100 or visit the website bklynlibrary.org.

Before the Jamaican songwriter/singer Jimmy Cliff, born James Chambers, made his starring debut in the breakthrough film “The Harder They Come,” he was already a prominent singer in his homeland of Jamaica, the site of the filming.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the film’s premiere in New York City, the Public Theater (425 Lafay-

ette Street) has extended the world premiere of “The Harder They Come,” a musical adaptation of the classic Jamaican film produced and directed by Perry Henzell and co-written with Trevor Rhone, from now through April 9. The musical features a book and additional new songs by Pulitzer Prizewinner Suzan-Lori Parks. Tony Taccone directs this new musical, with co-direction by Tony Awardwinner Sergio Trujillo and choreography by Edgar Godineaux.

Some cast members of “The Harder They Come” are Natey Jones (Ivan), Jeannette Bayardelle (Daisy), Shawn Bowers (ensemble), J. Bernard Calloway (Preacher), Andrew Clarke (Lyle), Meecah (Elsa), Jacob Ming-Trent (Pedro), Alysha Morgan (ensemble), and Ken Robinson (Hilton). The play features hit songs by Grammy award-winning Cliff that include “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” “Many Rivers to Cross,” and—of course—“The Harder They Come.”

“The Harder They Come” tells the story of Ivan, a young singer who leaves the hills of Jamaica

in pursuit of stardom in the fastpaced city of Kingston. He quickly discovers that becoming a recording star is no easy task. The record business in the area is controlled by one avaricious music mogul (Hilton), who doesn’t believe in playing fair. After falling in love and having to support his woman, Ivan takes a job dealing marijuana that eventually lands him entrenched in turbulence that threatens his life and the inter-workings of Jamaican society.

Theater-goers can visit “Wheel and Come Again: The 50th Anniversary Art Exhibition of ‘The Harder They Come’” on the Public Theater’s Levin Mezzanine, an exhibition of art inspired by the original film. The exhibition of more than 50 pieces was originally mounted at Perry Henzell’s Kingston home and studio, where much of the film was shot. To honor the film’s significance and influence on Jamaican culture, select pieces will be on display at the Public Theater for all to visit through the show’s engagement.

For tickets, visit the website publictheater.org, or call 212-967-7555.

Cynthia Scott and Houston Person (Image courtesy of Smoke Jazz Club)

Metro Briefs

Continued from page 3

of Universal Hip-Hop Museum’s executive director and calling to end taxpayer funding for the museum, which is located in the Bronx.

The group consists of victims’ advocates, professionals, activists, and sex abuse survivors who argue that public money shouldn’t go toward the cultural venue because the museum’s co-founder, Afrika Bambaataa, and the international hip-hop awareness organization Universal Zulu Nation have been named as defendants in a child sex trafficking lawsuit.

A list of the victims and their advocates want to see the statute of limitations on child sex abuse crimes in New York eliminated, which might prompt other people to also come forward.

Compiled by Morgan Alston

New Jersey

Continued from page 4

have considered a career in coffee and training them to be some of the best at creating some of the most delicious coffee around town.

“We’re in an urban area and we deal with a diverse population, with people from LGBT communities, African Americans, Latinos…we wanted to bring them in,” she said. “A major part of what we were trying to do is bring jobs to the area.”

Six Flags prepares for 2023 season

Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson is preparing to launch its 2023 season, and park officials said there are a variety of updates for the new year, which starts with the Safari opening on April 1.

“At Six Flags, we’re laser-focused on improving the overall guest experience,” said Randy Wilke, interim park president. Wilke said the company has made investments in the beautification and advancement of the park with an expanded events schedule. The fun will start with the new Scream Break night event during spring break.

Park officials said the new and approved Safari has added new baby animals born this year, including European brown bear cubs under specialized care, a rare newborn bongo calf, and a sable antelope calf. Even more babies are on the way, park officials said, with giraffes and scimitars anticipated to give birth this year.

Compiled by Morgan Alston.

CLASSROOM IN THE

Anna Belle Rhodes Penn, poet, essayist, and teacher

ACTIVITIES

FIND OUT MORE

As cited above, Jessie Carney Smith’s “Notable Black American Women” is a good place to begin, then add Irvine’s book.

DISCUSSION

Perhaps Irvine’s book says more about the working relationship he had with his wife.

PLACE IN CONTEXT

Anna was born just as the Reconstruction era was getting underway and lived to experience some of the early effects of the Great Depression.

By HERB BOYD

Special to the AmNews

In our Classroom column, we endeavor to include partners, companions, husband-and-wife mates who have made significant contributions to the struggle for freedom and justice. Last week, we featured Irvine Garland Penn, the pioneering journalist and chronicler of the Black press. Conveniently for us, his wife Anna Belle Rhodes Penn was a writer in every way comparable to Irvine, and perhaps even more creative.

Born on June 18, 1865, in Paris, Kentucky, Anna was the daughter of William Emerson and Sophia Piland Rhodes. She was still very young when her parents moved to Lynchburg, Virginia. As a gifted student at a private school, she was only 13 when she began studying at Shaw University. By 1880, she had earned a BA degree in classics and then began teaching at the school before returning home to continue her career.

In 1886, Rhodes Penn was a par-

ticipant at a summer institute at the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute (now Virginia State University), which was a state requirement for teachers. The program was newly formed two years before her arrival, making her among the first Black women to enroll. According to the records in the program’s archives, she was a prominent and active student at the institute. Exemplary of her involvement, she was asked to compose an essay for the closing graduate exercises. “All that glitters is not gold” was the theme of her essay and it was overwhelmingly received by the audience and John Mercer Langston, the school’s president.

Langston, himself a distinguished man of letters and an early relative of Langston Hughes, congratulated her on her command of language and the beauty of her diction when she delivered it. In his estimation, it was among the best he had ever heard. He confessed that he was mesmerized by the words and how well she articulated them. There was little sur-

prise among those who knew of her literary aspirations that she was selected to write and deliver the address at the closing ceremonies upon graduation from the institute.

Since her formative years, she had been writing poems and was encouraged by her parents and teachers. Two of her later poems, “No Footsteps Backward” and “Light Out of Darkness,” were delivered on various ceremonial occasions, including at the QuartoCentennial of Shaw University. The latter poem, according to author and historian Jessie Carney Smith, celebrated the school’s “role in alleviating the illiteracy of slavery inflicted upon Black Americans…its dominant images being light and dark thus giving the poem a Biblical as well as a political tone.”

Moreover, Smith continued, Anna used her poetry to explore themes of a more personal nature, such as love and grief. Her poetry appeared in a number of publications and whenever she recited them, it added to the

impact of the words, thereby giving her wider recognition and creating demand for her as a speaker.

Of course, none of this expertise was ignored by her husband, and she was an invaluable assistant in all of his literary and journalistic writings, most indispensably in his book “The Afro-American Press and Its Editors” in 1891.

Perhaps in devoting too much of her time to aiding and abetting her husband’s projects and books, she never published a book under her name, which must not have been an important matter for her. And then there was the family to deal with. In 1889, Anna married Irvine and, as we noted last week, they had seven children: Wilhelmina (b. 1890), Irvine Garland Jr. (b. 1892), Georgia (b. 1894), Elizabeth (b. 1896), Louise (b. 1898), Marie (b. 1900), and Anna Belle (b. 1903).

Anna died in 1930, just a few weeks before her husband, and both are buried in the Colored American Cemetery in Cincinnati.

THIS WEEK IN BLACK HISTORY

March 26, 1950: Soul singer Teddy Pendergrass was born in Kingstree, South Carolina. He died in 2010.

March 26, 1944: Vocalist “supreme” Dianna Ross was born in Detroit.

March 27, 1924: The Divine One, Sarah Vaughan, was born in Newark, New Jersey. She died in 1990.

The Penn family, c. 1900 (Public domain photo)

Anna Belle Rhodes Penn

bid. A UFAD spokesperson said the pushback is rooted in fears of increased crime, gambling addictions, and developer activity in a neighborhood facing gentrification.

“The average income of our family of four in Coney Island is under $60,000,” said local activist Ann Michelle Valdez. “With such a low amount of capital, such a low income, that tells you this is not a place to put a casino.”

“Definitely the casinos are a huge no,” said a resident named Jeanny, whose last name is withheld due to immigration concerns. “Why? Be-

WCA

Continued from page 3

in the state’s court system—ruled those who plead guilty cannot challenge convictions without the backing of DNA evidence. And 96% of the state’s felony cases end in a plea agreement.

Elizabeth Felber, who directs the Legal Aid Society’s Wrongful Convictions Unit, says the bill would make the Tiger ruling obsolete and open the door to more commonsense exonerations in her line of work.

“Everybody knows innocent people plead guilty because of the risks involved,” she said. “To [go] home to your children, to try to get your job back, all of this. I’ve seen people

cause casinos are connected to more crime and I’m not gonna lie, we do have crime, right? We do everywhere, but the casino would definitely increase crime, and this is why we don’t want a casino, especially around children and families.”

Valdez said she would prefer a casino in Times Square. The UFAD spokesperson opposed any casino in the city. While Cornegy argued that the busy streets and bright lights of the casino would generally make Coney Island safer, he acknowledged that crime may mutate to reflect the new venue.

“When there’s illumination, it doesn’t go away, but the very crimes change [with] the severity of crimes decreasing, and petty crime sometimes increasing,” he said. “I don’t want to be dishon-

est. There’s a potential for an increase in crime. It’s just not the crimes that people would think [of] and [they’re] more socially manageable.”

He also said the applications are currently in a formative stage and there’s no guarantee a casino will even be built in Coney Island.

So far, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso is ambivalent about the bid, with the office currently gauging community interest. On March 6, he hosted a pair of public engagement sessions. For now, he’ll let the chips fall where they may.

“At this stage, I neither support nor oppose a Coney Island casino—what matters most to me are the perspectives of the people who live and work in Coney Island,” said Reynoso

by email. “My priority right now is providing community members with all the information my office has on the proposal and the potential impacts of a casino, engaging residents to understand how they feel about the proposal, and ensuring that no decision is made by the State without the input of the Coney Island community.”

Tandy Lau is a Report for America corps member and writes about public safety for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep him writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https:// bit.ly/amnews1.

where they had great defense claims [but] they were offered a felony and probation. And they gave themselves a felony conviction to get out of jail.”

The bill also includes post-conviction discovery—which allows the acquisition of evidence from the other party, a move Felber says would allow those seeking exoneration to more comprehensively build their case. She says it would reduce her unit’s dependency on public records requests, which are frequently fought “tooth and nail” by the agencies providing the information, leading to long delays.

And the bill would also afford a right-to-counsel to those challenging a wrongful conviction.

VOCAL-NY community leader Roger Clark says the Challenging Wrongful Convictions Act

would help him clear his name.

“If it becomes law today, it will simply open up the door for me to get back into court [to] have a hearing, get discovery and—after my lawyers look through everything—have a long conversation about what’s the best way to fight this case,” he said.

To be clear, not everyone challenging a wrongful conviction is seeking prison release. Clark says he’s seeking vindication to remove the “dark cloud” hanging over his head. Vacating a felony also means an easier time searching for housing and employment in a city where both are often already difficult to obtain.

And exoneration allows the wrongfully convicted to seek restitution. Earlier this week, the state paid out $5.5 million to Anthony

Broadwater who was wrongfully convicted for the 1981 rape of author Alice Sebold. He spent 16 years in prison and was exonerated two years ago, according to the New York Times. But while time might be money, money isn’t always a substitute for time.

“Anybody who’s been wrongfully convicted will tell you that you don’t really get the time back,” said Felber.

Tandy Lau is a Report for America corps member and writes about public safety for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep him writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews1.

Jill Scott’s Blues Babe Foundation celebrates 16th anniversary of giving back to the community

By STEVEN N. LARKIN Special to the NNPA

On a cool star-studded evening at the Arden Theater Company, one of Philadelphia’s premier theaters, hosted the Blues Babe 16th Foundation anniversary. The Blues Babe Foundation (BBF) is the brainchild of soulful, sultry, sensuous singer/poet, Jill Scott. The life she has lived has inspired her to help young children make dreams happen through education and the arts.

The evening began with a lobby full of Ms. Scott’s colleagues, the board of directors for BBF, kids, and many of the students who have received scholarships along with many that attended Camp Jill Scott through the years. A room full of Philadelphia’s movers and shakers were on the scene.

They were all smiling, bubbly, and full of joy in Philadelphia! To say the atmosphere was festive would be a huge understatement. Not that anyone was hungry, but the food catered by Eatible Delights was tasty: lots of green salad, loaded with five major cheeses, topped off with a side of sliced roast off the bone. Just picture a lobby full of an array of beautiful people looking like a rainbow. There was a complete mixture of good-looking ladies, dapper men dressed to impress, and of course a host of the young kids, who Ms. Scott has inspired to live their lives to the fullest. Education is the key.

We talked with Parker Scott (no relationship to the singer) one of the kids who is a member of Camp Jill Scott. The 7th grader shared that she is going to be a biomedical engineer, and the help that the BBF provides the kids is invaluable. She, along with her girlfriend, Londyn Hayward, look forward to laughing and learning all they can throughout the year in class and especially, when they go to Camp Jill Scott.

A packed group of supporters then entered the auditorium to learn more about the Blues Babe Foundation as Dr. Val Gay, member of the board of directors––who happens to be a classically trained soprano––came on stage sharing with the audience all of the dynamic work the foundation has been doing for underserved children in the Philadelphia, PA and Camden, New Jersey areas. They begin working with youth from grades four through seven. She went on to share that the foundation keeps track of the participants all the way through high school. The BBF also provides summer youth employment opportunities for young people. Another member of the BBF board of directors, Brandon Pankey, who is also vice president Live Nation Urban, then came

on to discuss how the BBF is sensitive to the needs of the community. He talked about how thankful they are for the community along with the fantastic work many corporate supporters and partnerships have provided. Much of the work that the BBF does couldn’t be done without these resources especially from Amtrak and Peco.

BBF Director Aisha Winfield then came on to expound on how the work that they do is really making a difference in young people’s lives. In addition, the BBF also provides mentoring programs for the area’s youth.

Since 2008, the foundation has provided over 300 kids a week with pure fun at Camp Jill Scott! They swim, run, play basketball and volleyball where they play hard, laugh, and just have fun! The main focus of the BBF is to help young children develop strong learning skills, provide financial help for them to continue their education, and not be stalled for a lack of funding. Going to school is not easy; the BBF recognizes this fact, while enjoying the opportunity to give back to the community!

Of course, the highlight of the evening was when Jill Scott and her band strolled on stage! Jilly from Philly was in the house! She simply walked in with her beaming smile and began to do her thang! Singing “The Way,” the crowd went to a whole brand new level, with a soulful clap! She followed up with “Golden!” Big fun on a cold night. She then went on to thank all of her supporters and the difference that they make by providing resources and support to help the kids continue their education. Scott also shared that she faced so many obstacles while attending Temple University and simply trying to live. While in school, she actually worked at the Arden Theater in a variety of roles from the ticket office to learning how to build sets for stage productions. That experience created a movement in her soul to help young people facing the same kind of life challenges; thus she created the BBF. The board of directors for the BBF is a group of unique, hard working group of professionals, who are committed to help the youth in the north Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Camden, New Jersey, areas to excel in education, fun and life.

In this short journey we call life, the Blues Babe Foundation is, indeed, the real thing!

If you have an opportunity to donate and support the Blues Babe Foundation, it would be wonderful and very much appreciated! You can make a meaningful difference by investing in our community. For more information, please visit www. bluesbabefoundation.org

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATE THE WOMEN WHO TELL OUR STORIES

Jill Scott’s Blues Babe Foundation Celebrates its 16th Anniversary of Giving Back to the Community… Helping Young Children Grow In Life… The Real Thing! (NNPA photos)

Peru

Continued from page 2

Afro Peruvian social movements have been fighting against exclusion, racism, and racial demagogy.

Afro Peruvians have been speaking out about the current political climate in the nation.

Antonio Quispe, a lawyer, musician, and activist, said that “Peru is undergoing one of those cyclical crises that affect the capitalist system. This has existed since Peruvian society declared its independence from the colonial system: There is a coexistence of a conservative Peruvian society with the extreme tasks left unfinished by a liberal revolution. Today, when social protests have turned political, there is an obvious deficiency of leadership. This interim regime is a mockery of the 200 years of the Republic… its actions have not only exposed the infamous economic and social [class] inequality, but also a lack of class organization and political perspective from the popular sectors.

“The political crisis that we are living in Peru is against the economics of the people itself (particularly Afro Peruvians), who, despite not having suitable tools, continue to mobilize in search of better living conditions and opportunities. The slogans that are being chanted, almost spontaneously, reflect a history of exclusions and hardship.”

The human rights group Center for Ethnic Development (CEDET) said in a statement: “We express, first of all, our indignation and

Chancellor Banks

Continued from page 12

You cannot have a school system that is genuinely and fundamentally about educating our children to be the owners of their labor, the owners of their intellectual property, and the problem-solvers of everything affecting Black people, and all people, if this system’s guiding priority is about what individual(s), and/ or detached bureaucratic unit(s) or third-party vendor, etc., is able to grab for the maximum amount of money. Chancellor David Banks has stepped into a system based on a model of sustaining who gets paid. A system tied to all of the business contracts not measured by academic excellence for our children and support for our teachers.

This is an educational system that has to justify why New York needs to have a job position of a state education commissioner, as an example. As opposed to what perhaps needs to be done, and what, in essence, is what Chancellor Banks did when he was the leader of Eagle Academy: He needs to rip apart the current Dept. of Education system and build a new model of quality

rejection of the loss of life that occurred during the period of December 7–9, 2022, and January 9, 2023, the date on which we write this proclamation.”

“Life being the principal and most sacred of all the rights of humanity, the attack against it constitutes the most flagrant opprobrium in a constitutional state of law. And here, treaties, norms, and all international jurisprudence fully agree that the government, through its officials, is politically, socially, and legally (criminally) responsible for its dissemination, protection, and effective compliance.

“Furthermore, it is evident the continuity of the exercise of power based on centralism, classism, and structural racism, because, as in the past, the victims of the crisis are the most vulnerable sectors, which, in their own way, or as they can, call for a fair and rapid solution to the crisis. We, therefore, demand from the Peruvian government (Executive, Legislative, and Judicial), the immediate cessation of the deaths of Peruvians; the cessation of the criminalization of protest; and the creation of bridges of dialogue that guarantee a period of peace and tranquility.

“Secondly, and not because it is secondary but rather because of the structural and historical nature of its correlate which requires greater political and social dialogues and agreements, we raise our voices, demanding the updating of the Social Pact, which will lead us to a more supportive and equitable society. At the end of the day, a

teaching and learning that yields demonstrated excellence.

With such a new DoE system in place, my children would ask me to buy them a STEM kit with parts to design and make their own original iPad-like technology device. They would say, “I don’t want to buy Apple—I want to make my own device capable of helping someone afflicted with diabetes, for example, access some form of care/medicine from their bed or wheelchair.” Other children across the city of New York would be confident and excited to attempt using technology in combination with various school subjects to help create innovate quality of life improvements for all.

Therefore, with this vision in mind, we are inspired to develop a partnership with the city’s proven educators and Chancellor David Banks to change the horrific below-grade-level indicators of far too many students.

Dave Daniels is executive director (volunteer) of The Code Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)3 not-forprofit youth development organization.development organization.

more humane society. It is the political model or system that has collapsed in our country; we have had six presidents in the period corresponding to one, and that is only the tip of the iceberg...

“We, therefore, demand the immediate holding of general elections, guaranteeing true popular participation. We also call on all the forces of the nation to reflect on the need to re-organize the basic structures of the national government, to make it a true leader of the common welfare, and able to respect the unrestricted fundamental rights of all individuals and communities, collectives and peoples of our territory.”

Health

Continued from page 16

individuals may potentially be infected with the virus and may put others at risk by not taking other precautions. The U.S. documented in early January 2023 that 68% of the population of all ages are fully vaccinated. Despite New York having a vaccination rate of 79%, the test positivity is reported to be 14% as of January of 2023. Greater rates of vaccination across the nation are correlated with lower positivity rates or a decreased probability that an individual may contract the virus.

For more information regarding vaccines and boosters in New York City, please go to www1.nyc.gov/ site/doh/covid/covid-19vaccines.page. These and other resources can also be accessed on the AmNews

COVID-19 page: https:// amsterdamnews.com/covid/.

CITY OF WHITE PLAINS

POLICE OFFICER EXAM

Salary: $56,563 - $110,749

Apply now through May 4, 2023

Exam to be held on September 9 or 10, 2023*

Women, Minorities and Veterans are encouraged to apply.

EDUCATION: HS or equivalency not needed to take exam, but required for appointment.

RESIDENCE: Must be a legal resident of Westchester, Putnam, Orange, Rockland, Bronx or Nassau County at least one month preceding exam and continuously until date of appointment. Preference in appointment may be given to White Plains residents.

US citizenship and NYS driver’s license: not needed to take exam, but required for appointment.

AGE: May not have reached 35th birthday as of exam date.

Application available at: www.cityofwhiteplains.com

• White Plains Personnel Dept 255 Main Street

• Thomas Slater Center 2 Fisher Court

• El Centro Hispano 346 South Lexington Avenue

FREE TRAINING: for both the written and physical agility portions of the exam. White Plains is hiring under the terms of a Federal Court Consent Judgment

*You will be assigned to Sept 9, 2023 or Sept 10, 2023.

Members of CEDET march against racism in Peru (Photo by Oswaldo Bilbao)

Members of CEDET conducting class with residents of Lima, Peru

Religion & Spirituality

Ordination service at Harlem’s Bethany Baptist Church

This past Sunday was the ordination ceremony for the Rev. Leroy Thomas at Bethany Baptist Church in Harlem New York City. The Rev. Leroy Thomas, his wife First Lady Alfreda Thomas, the Rev. James Graham and First Lady Gloria Graham, helped present the robe to a happy Rev. Leroy Thomas.

Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, the Rev. Quinton C. Foster and Rev. Evelyn Mayrant presented the certificate of ordination to Rev. Leroy Thomas. Special thanks were given to Bethany Church Family, Deacon Steven A. Robinson and trustees for making the occasion memorable.

Randall Robinson, an unwavering foe of injustice and human rights advocate, dies at 81

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

When a notice appeared that Randall Robinson, the exemplary human rights activist, law professor, and man of letters had transitioned, journalists around the world recalled his unimpeachable commitment and global influence, many of their voices gathered on Journal-isms where the esteemed editor Richard Prince is at the helm.

On Saturday, as word spread of Robinson’s death, James Hudson of TransAfrica, the platform established by Robinson in 1977, told Journal-isms that Robinson had been hospitalized in St. Kitts where he died on Friday morning at 81. According to Hazel Ross-Robinson, his wife, the cause of death was aspiration pneumonia.

Given his prominence as an activist, information about him is available from Historymakers to Encylopedia.com. Those sites state that he was born June 6, 1941 in Richmond, Virginia. After attending Norfolk State College and Virginia Union University, he was a student at Harvard University in 1970 when his older brother Max began to gain national attention as a newscaster. (Max died of AIDs in 1988.) Rather than pursue a more lucrative path in corporate law, Robinson, with his law degree intact, ventured to Tanzania on a Ford Fellowship and later returned to Boston to work as a lawyer for a legal aid project.

It was there that he began to fulfill his mission to live a principled life. In 1975, he was an aide to Rep. William Clay of Missouri, and was an administrative assistant to Rep. Charles C. Diggs Jr. of Detroit a year later, where he was critically involved in a

congressional trip to South Africa. This exposed him to a more intimate view of apartheid, and almost immediately, he began thinking of ways to extend the advocacy spirit of the Congressional Black Caucus. As executive director of the newly formed TransAfrica, Robinson instituted programs that challenged President Ford’s “policy of tolerance toward white rulers.”

Within five years the group had grown exponentially and morphed into the TransAfrica Forum, the research and educational affiliate of TransAfrica, thereby expanding its global policy of education and publications. “You don’t change policy under the presumption that you must have a majority opinion on your side,” he told Black Enterprise. “In the final analysis, you need to organize a critical mass of people, which

is not necessarily the majority of the Black community.” By 1984, some elements of that critical mass were evident. That was certainly the case two years later when TransAfrica, aided by other groups, pushed the U.S. Senate to override President Reagan’s veto to pass a series of sweeping sanctions against South Africa. In effect, this launched the Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986.

TransAfrica’s additional pressure was instrumental in more dramatic reforms in South Africa, several of which led to the first free and fair multiracial elections in the spring of 1994. Bringing about change in South Africa was just one of several crucial issues on Robinson’s agenda. He planned a hunger strike in protest of President Clinton’s policy on Haiti of stopping Haitian refugees at sea and returning them to their homeland. The Clinton administration vowed not to be influenced by Robinson’s defiance, but many believe Clinton capitulated after the activist’s nearly month-long fast, which eventually led to his hospitalization.

As Robinson struggled during the fast, the White House offered no comment on his worsening condition. Meanwhile, Robinson’s second wife was constantly at his side. “It is difficult to watch the one you love deprive himself of one of the most basic human activities to sustain life and maintain health,” she told reporters. She said she had never tried to discourage him because “I think it is a just cause.” In ”An Unbroken Agony,” Robinson writes of this ordeal and the Haitian experience at length.

Out of the hospital, Robinson renewed his commitment to other human rights issues, particularly in Ethiopia, Kenya,

Congo, and Malawi. In 2000, reparations were a chief concern and his book ”The Debt: What America Owes to Blacks” gave the cause additional resonance. He followed this popular publication with ”Reckoning: What Blacks Owe Each Other.” Here, the ever insightful Robinson flipped the script as he examined crime and poverty in urban America, at the same time urging Black Americans to intensify the quest for social and economic success. Other topics discussed included ramifications of the prison industrial complex.

To some extent this was a harbinger of his passing the baton of struggle to the next generation, and by 2001 he relinquished his leadership of the two groups he founded. Disgusted with the persistence of racism and discrimination in America, he moved his family to the Caribbean island of St. Kitts, Hazel’s home. “America is a huge fraud, clad in narcissistic conceit and satisfied with itself, feeling unneeded of any self-examination nor responsibility to right past wrongs, of which it notices none,” he explained to reporter Ellis Cose of Essence magazine why he left America. He elaborated on this point in 2004 in his book ”Quitting America: The Departure of a Black Man from His Native Land.” His other books are ”The Emancipation of Wakefield Clay: A Novel and Defending the Spirit: A Black Life in America.”

Robinson’s last book was Makeda, which Essence described as a “hypnotic” novel about the bond between a remarkable Black matriarch and her grandson. It was published by Open Lens, an imprint started by three Black women who were determined to get the book published.

Randall Robinson (Public Domain photo)

Rev. Quinton Foster, Rev. Leroy Thomas, and Rev. Evelyn Mayran (Bill Moore photo)

Zulu

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up,” said Hamilton. “Children are collateral damage in these systems and it’s time to stop enablers.”

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Advocates at the rally who know the victims said that many were not exactly “altar boys”—that they did engage in crime and gang activity as youths, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve justice for being abused as adults.

“Many times, Black and Latino men get raped, molested as little boys, and their culture tells them not to go to the police. Their culture tells them not to tell anybody, be tough, suck it up,” said Gabar Rodriguez.

Allegations reportedly first cropped up in former Zulu member Ronald Savage’s 2014 memoir. Then Troi “Star” Torain, from the Star and Buc Wild radio show on Hot 97, spoke about it publicly.

Activist Anton Edwards, 61, said he found out about the allegations from a friend who lived in the building where Bambaataa resided in 2014. “I learned the hard way over time that the organization was not what it pretended to be,” said Edwards at the protest, “One of them on the phone actually told me, ‘Well, it wasn’t like babies, it was like 10-, 12-year-olds.’ And this is what we protect.”

More alleged victims came forward— up to 15 men, saying that Bambaataa had

In 2019, New York State law extended the statute of limitations for the Child Victims Act, which allows for prosecution even if the acts occurred decades previously. An anonymous defendant, named John Doe, was the first to file a lawsuit in 2021 against Bambaataa for sexually abusing him and allowing other men to abuse him in the 1990s when he was 12 years old.

Bambaataa has not responded to the case that’s awaiting a final verdict and has adamantly denied allegations. He reportedly considers himself an “intergalactic lord” who “practices a form of Moorish law that rejects the jurisdiction of United States courts.”

In an interview in 2021 on VLAD TV, Melle Mel casually confirmed the existence of homosexuality during that time, and also insinuated that sexual child abuse was rampant. He said that “it’s not like people didn’t know” and that maybe it was “hip hop’s best-kept secret.”

The Amsterdam News reached out to Universal Zulu Nation for comment. There was no response by post time.

Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews1.

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BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE 200 CHAMBERS STREET CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff -against- ERIC R. BRAVERMAN, DARYA BRAVERMAN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated February 24, 2022 a nd entered on March 21, 2022, I, the und ersigned Re feree will se ll at public auction at the New York County Courthouse located on the portico at 60 Centre Street, New York on May 3, 2023 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, Unit being de signated and described as Unit No 26C in the condo minium known as "The 200 Chambers Street Condominium" together with an undivided 0.8256% in terest in the common elements.

Block: 142 Lot: 1183

ALSO, Unit being designated and described as Unit No ST14 in the condominium k nown as "The 200 Chambe rs Street Condominium" together with an undivided 0.0103% interest in the common elements.

Block: 142 Lot: 1375

All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and so cial distancing must be observed by all bidder s at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mand ate will be removed from the auction.

Said pr emises known as 200 CHAMBERS STREET, UNIT 26C, NEW YORK, NY and UNIT ST14

(a storage un it), 200 CHAMBERS STREET, NEW YORK NY

Approximate amount of lien $702,840 07 plus interest & costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale

Index Number 162556/2015

MARK MCKEW, ESQ., Referee

Armstrong Teasdale LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

7 Times Squar e, 44th Floor, New York, NY 10036

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK

HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION, Plaintiff -aga in st- MICHAEL SCOTT FERRARO, NANCY ANN FERRARO, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated October 4, 2022 and entered on October 7, 2022, I, the un dersigned Refe ree will sell at public au ction at the New York County Courthouse located on the portico at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on April 26, 2023 at 2:15 pm premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an undivided ownership intere st as tenant-in-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the bu ilding located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY; known as The NYH Condominium. Together with an appur tenant undivided 1.4182% common intere st perce ntage. This a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshar e un it, a studio penthouse on a floatin g use ba sis every year, in a ccordance with and subject to declarations Declaration of Coven ants, Cond itions and Restrictions dated September 22, 2014, October 6, 20 14 as CFRN # 2014 00 0330111 as record ed in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York The Timeshare Unit is also de signated as Block 1006 and Lot 1303

The Foreclosure Sale will be co nducted in accordan ce with 1 st Judicial Districts COVID-19 Policies an d Foreclosure Auction Rules.

All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and so cial distancing must be observed by all bidder s at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mand ate will be removed from the auction.

Said premises known as 1 335 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY

Approximate amount of lien $142,531 81 plus interest &amp ; costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale

Index Number 850161/2020

ALLISON FURMAN, ESQ., Referee

DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 1159 0#

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf v. MALOU RIVERA BRAGANZA, Deft.Index # #850 030/2021. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale da ted September 26, 2022, I will sell at public auction Outside the Po rtico of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Ce ntre Street, NY, NY on Wedne sday, Ap ril 12, 2023, at 2:15 pm, an undivided 10,000/28 ,402,1 00 tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as HNY Club Suites located at 1335 Ave nue of the Amer icas, in the County of NY, State of NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $82,674.53 plus costs and interest as of January 12, 2022 Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale wh ich includes annual maintenance fees and charges Jeffr ey R. Miller, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitche ll, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingd ale, NY

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf v. ROSA LIE T. MALONEY, Deft.- In dex #850005 /2022. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated March 2, 2023, I will se ll at public auction Outside on the Portico, NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Str eet, NY, NY on W ednesday, April 12, 2023, at 2:15 pm, two undivided 0.00986400000% tenants in common interest in the timeshare known as 57th Str eet Vacation Suites lo cated at 102 West 57th Street, in the County of NY, State of NY Appr oximate amount of judgment is $51,714.89 plus costs an d in terest as of April 22, 202 2. Sold subject to terms and condition s of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which include s a nnual maintenance fees and charges Allison Furman, Esq., Refe ree. Cruser, Mitchell & Novitz, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingda le, NY

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: NEW YORK. RIMBAMBITO LLC, ET AL

V. L.I. BUILDERS CORP., ET AL Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale filed on September 27, 2022, bearing Inde x No 850 012/2022, I will sell at public auction on Wednesda y, April 19, 2023 at 2:15 pm on the portico at the New York Co un ty Supreme Court, 60 Centre Str eet, New York, NY 10007, the premises known as 59 John Street, Unit 4F, New York, NY 10038 (Block: 78, Lot: 1622) Premises is being so ld subject to a filed Judgment of Foreclosure an d Sale and Terms of Sale. Judgment amount $1,543 ,053.58 plus interest and costs. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with the 1st Judicial District's Covid-19 Policies. All parties attending must wear a mask and practice social distan cing. SCOTT SILLER, Esq., Re feree. Harry Zubli, Esq., attorne y for plaintiff (516) 487-5777.

Adal ys Trains LLC filed Arts of Org. with the SSNY on 1/10/2023. Office: NY County SSNY ha s been de signated as agent of the LLC upo n wh om process against it may be served and shall mail process to : 530 East 88th St., #1B, New York, NY, 10128

Purpose: any lawful act.

Notice is hereby give n that a license, serial #1360253 for beer, wine & liquor has been applied for by th e undersigned to sell beer, wine & liquor at retail in a restaurant under the ABC Law at 637 Hu dson St., NYC 11238 for on-premises consumption; Emel NY Corp

Notice is hereby give n that a license, serial #13591 82 for beer & wine has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer & wine at retail in a kiosk under the ABC Law at Grand Central Madison-Kiosk for on-premises consumption; Fratoni LLC

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK Morgan Stan ley Private Bank, National Associatio n, Plaintiff AGAINST Joseph J. Ceccarelli, III aka Jos eph J. Ceccarelli; Susan K. Lagholz aka Susan L. Cecc arelli aka Su san Langholz Cecc arelli; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale du ly entered Ap ril 29, 2021 I, the undersigned Refe ree will sell at public auction at the Portico of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre St, New York, NY 10007 on Apr il 12, 2023 at 2:15 PM, premises known as 200 Ea st 32nd Street, New York City, NY 10016. All th at certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erecte d, situate, lyi ng and being in the Boro ugh of Manhattan, County, City and State of NY, Block 912 Lot 1165. Approximate amount of judgmen t $1,6 76,660.05 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 850018/2017. The auction will be con ducte d pur suant to the COVID-19 Po licies Concerning Public Au ctions of Foreclosed Property established by the First Judicial District Ar thur Greig, Esq., Referee LOGS Lega l Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro , DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorn ey(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Cro ssing Boulevard Rochester, Ne w York 1462 4 (877) 430-4792 Dated: December 7, 20 22 74355

No tice of Qualification of ASTON 41C LLC Appl for Auth filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/14/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in New Jersey (NJ) on 08/19/22. Princ. office of LLC: Ira Z. Kevelson, 410 Ce ntral Park West, #3A, NY, NY 10025. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon wh om process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Irina Stanovitch, 7 Berkley Pl., Co lts Neck , NJ 07722. NJ addr of LLC: 7 Berkle y Pl., Co lts Neck , NJ 07722. Cert of Form filed with Acting State Treasurer, 33 W. State St., Fifth Fl., Trenton, NJ 08646. Purpose: Any lawful activity

No tice of Qualification of MAROON PEAK MANAGEMENT LLC Appl for Auth filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/10/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 06/01/22. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon wh om process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail pr ocess to c/o Corporation Service Co (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr of LLC: CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmingt on, DE 19808. Cert of Form. filed with DE Secy of State, 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK

LYNX ASSET SERVICES, LLC, Plaintiff -against- PEGGY NESTOR, MARIANNE NESTOR, et al., Defendants. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision and Order on Motion, signe d by the Honorable Francis A. Kahn, III on September 27, 2022, and entered in the Office of the New York County Clerk on Octobe r 5, 2022, and an Amended Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision and Order on Motion, signed by the Hono rable Francis A. Kahn, III on October 12, 2022, and entered in the Office of the New York County Clerk on October 12, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at pu blic auction at the New York County Courthouse located on the por tico at 60 Centre Street, New York, New York, on April 26, 2023 at 2:15 p.m., all that certain plot, piece or par cel of land, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, bounded and described as fo llows: BEGINNING at a point on the northerly side of East 63 rd Street distant 124 fe et 6 inches westerly from the corner formed by the intersection of th e no rtherly side of East 63rd Street and the westerly side of Madison Avenue;

RUNNING THENCE northerly pa rallel with the westerly side of Madison Avenue and part of the distance through a party wall 100 feet 5 inches to the center line of the block between Ea st 63r d and East 64 th Street; THENCE westerly parallel with the nor therly side of East 63rd Street 25 feet; THENCE southerly and again paralle l with Madison Avenue part of th e distance through another party wall 100 feet 5 inches to the northerly side of East 63rd Street; THENCE easterly along th e northerly side of East 63 rd Street 25 feet to the point or place of

BEGINNING Block: 1378 Lot: 12 on the Tax Map of the Borough of New York, County of New York All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all time s and social distancing must be ob served by all bidd ers at all time s. Bidder s who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing ma ndate will be removed from the auction.

Said pr emises known as 15 EAST 63RD STREET, NEW YORK, NY

Approximate amount of mortgage lien: $17,251,886.48 plus interest & costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisio ns of the Amended Judgment and Terms of Sale, posted at the auction, and subject to (i) the prior mortgage held by Emigr ant Mortgage Company, In c., as recorded in th e Office of the City Register of the City of New York, County of New York, on September 9, 2010 as CRFN: 2010000304435, (ii) the pr ior judgmen t he ld by Joseph Defino dated September 12, 2014, in the amount of $395,604.57, and (iii) the prior judgmen t held by DeLuca as Public Administrator of New York County and Administrator CTA of the Esta te of Oleg Cassini dated November 27, 2015, in the amount of $1,046,214.59.

Index Number 850129/2019

MARK L. MCKEW, ESQ., Referee

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff: McGRAIL & BENSINGER LLP

888-C Eighth Avenue, # 107, New York, NY 1 0019

Ilana Volkov, Esq. Telephone: (201) 931-69 10, Email: ivolkov@mcgrailbensinger.com

Co ntinuums Strategies LLC

Arts of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/30/20 22 Office location: New York Coun ty SSNY designated as agent of LLC upo n whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 440 W. 34th St., #5A, New York, NY 10001.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose. continuumsstrategies.com

CRYSTAL UP! LLC filed Ar ts of Org. with the SSNY on 12/02/2022. Office loca tion: One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231, New York County.

SSNY has be en designated as agent of the LLC upon wh om process against it may be served and shall mail process to: Mary Ter novsky, 422 E. 72nd St., Apt 37C, NY, NY, 10027. Purpose: Any lawful activity

No tice of Qualification of ELYSIAN COMMUNICATIONS LLC Appl for Auth filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/14/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in New Jersey (NJ) on 10/03/12. Prin c. office of LLC: 255 W. 94th St., Apt. 11-U, NY, NY 10025. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon wh om process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Kristina B. DiPalo at the princ. office of the LLC

Ce rt of Form. filed with State Treasurer, Dept of the Treasury, PO Box 002, Trenton , NJ 0862 5-0002 Purpose: Any lawful activity

Formation of NORTHERN STANDARD CONSULTING, LLC filed with the Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/17/2023. Office loc.: NY

Co un ty SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address SSNY shall mail process to 517 W. 147th St., Apt. 32, New York, NY 10031. Purpose: Any lawful activity

Queen's Ransom Media LLC

Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 02/16/23. Office located in Ne w York Co SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Queen's Ransom Media LLC, 360 W. 36th Street, Apt 7N, New York, NY 10018. Purpose: any lawful activity

Ra mli Jewellery LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 02 /17/22. Office located in New York Co SSNY de signated agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. First Agent LLC, 447 Broadway 2nd Fl 18 7, New York, NY 10013. Purp ose: an y lawful activity

ROLECKS LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Se c. of State (SSNY) 07 /26/22. Office located in New York Co SSNY de signated agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail pr ocess to: 156A 83rd Street, Ne w York, NY 10028. Purpo se: any lawful activity

Ru by and Rosey LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 01 /07/23. Office located in New York Co SSNY de signated agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail pr ocess to: United States Corp oration Agents Inc., 7014 13th Ave, Su ite 202, Brooklyn, NY, 11228. Purpose: any lawful activity

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK INDEX NO. 850236/20 22 COUNTY OF NEW YORK

U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST Plaintiff,

Plaintiff designates NEW YORK as the place of tria l situs of the real property

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Mortgaged Premises: 418 CENTRAL PARK W EST, NEW YORK, NY 10025 Blo ck: 1837 , Lot: 1036 vs

ALON BARASHI; B418 CPW LLC; BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE BRAENDER CONDOMINIUM, its successors and/or assigns; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK “JOHN DOE” (REFUSED

NAME) AS JOHN DOE #1; “JOHN DOE” (REFUSED

NAME) AS JOHN DOE #2; “JOHN DOE” (REFUSED

NAME) AS JOHN DOE #3, “JOHN DOE #4” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last nine names bei ng fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the per sons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, per sons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, de scribed in the comp la int, Defe ndants

To the above named De fendants

No tice of Qualification of energyRe Services, LLC Appl for Auth filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/15/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in De laware (DE) on 11/04/22. Princ. o ffice of LLC: 30 Hu dson Yards, NY, NY 10001. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corp oratio n Service Co (CSC), 80 State St., Alban y, NY 12207-2543. DE addr of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 1 9808. Cert of Form filed with DE Secy of State, Div. of Corps., John

G. Townsend Bldg., 40 1 Federal St - Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19 901. Purpose: Any lawful activity

Ha ar ex Laboratorie s LLC filed Ar ts of Org. with the SSNY on 12/22/2022. Office: Ne w York County. SSNY has been designated as agen t of the LL C upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail to: Firstbase Agent LLC, 477 Broad way, New York, NY 10013. Purp ose: an y lawful act.

He ar t & Seoul Food Co LLC filed Ar ts of Org. with the SSNY on 11/08/2022. Office: Ne w York County. SSNY has been designated as agen t of the LL C upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail to: Heart & Seou l Co LLC, 55 W 95th Str eet, Ne w York, NY 10025 Purpo se: Food Ma nufacturing.

Sprezzatura Pa rtners, LLC

Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 01/13/23. Office located in Ne w York Co SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: United States Co rporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 1 1228. Purpo se: any lawful activity

TICKET ME PINK LLC Arts of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/13/23. Office : New York County. SSNY de signated as agent of the LLC upo n wh om process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 178 Duane Street, 3rd Floor, Ne w York, NY 10013. Purpo se: Any lawful purpose.

Un ited Laundre LLC filed Arts of Org. with the SSNY on 11/16/2022. Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as agen t of the LL C upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: 2320 Frederick Douglass Blvd ., Ne w York, NY, 100 27 Purpo se: Any lawful activity

UTOPIAN COLLECTIVE LLC filed Ar ts of Org. with the SSNY on 11/11/20 22 Office location: NY County. SSNY ha s been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and sh all mail process to: Elitia Mattox, 19 90 Lexington Ave., Ap t. 3K, New York, Ne w York, 10035. Purpose: Any lawful activity

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the abo ve entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiffs attorn ey with in twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete wh er e service is made in an y ma nner other than by personal delivery with in the State. The Un ited States of America, if designa ted as a defendant in this action, may answer or appea r within sixty (60) da ys of service. Your failur e to appear or to answer will result in a judgmen t against yo u by default for the re lief demanded in the Complaint. In the even t that a deficiency balan ce re mains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT

THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $741,000.00 and interest, recorded on June 21, 2016, in CRFN 2016000207933, of the Public Re cords of NEW YORK County, New York., covering premises known as 418 CENTRAL PARK WEST, NEW YORK, NY 10 02 5.

The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises de scribed above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. NEW YORK County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.

NOTICE

YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this summon s and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this fo reclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a defau lt judgment may be entered and you can lose your home Speak to an attor ney or go to the cour t wher e your ca se is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your prop er ty

Sending a payment to the mortgage compan y will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT

Da ted: February 24, 20 23

ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675#

No tice of Formation of WALNUT HILL HOUSING

CL ASS B, LLC Arts of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/27/23. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 30 Hudson Yards, 72nd Fl., NY, NY 10001. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail pr ocess to Corporation Service Co ., 80 State St., Alban y, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful activity

No tice of Formation of WALNUT HILL HOUSING DEVELOPER, LLC Ar ts of Org. filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/27/23. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 30 Hudson Yards, 72nd Fl., NY, NY 10001. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail pr ocess to Corporation Service Co ., 80 State St., Alban y, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful activity

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO DR2022- 900699.00 IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF GLENDA F. ARRINGTON,PETITIONER WIFE AND ROWANTA D. ARRINGTON, RESPONDENT/HUSBAND. NOTICE OF PETITION FOR DIVORCE Rowanta D. Arrington, whose whereabouts are un known, must answer Glenda F. Ar rington Complaint for Divorce by thirty (30) days of the last notice of publication, or thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No DR2022-90069 9.00.

No tice of Qualification of JLT HOLDINGS, LLC Appl for Auth filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/06/23.

Office location: NY County.

LLC formed in Virginia (VA) on 01/29 /19. NYS fictitious name: JLT HOLDINGS 197 1

LLC SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail pr ocess to c/o Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. VA addr of LLC: 13511 Split Creek Dr., Ch ester, VA 23831. Cert of Form. filed with State Corp Commission, 1300 E. Main St., Richmond, VA 23219-3630. Purpose:

Any lawful activity

KLM Advisory, LLC filed Arts of Org. with the SSNY on 1/15/2023. Office loca tion: NY County. SSNY has been de signated as a gent of th e LLC upo n whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: KLM Advisory, LLC, 64 East 94th St., #6F, NY, NY, 10128. Purpo se: Any lawful act.

No tice of formation of Lodeco Books LLC Arts of Org with the Secy of State of New York on 3/3/2023 New York (SSNY) Office lo cation : NY Co un ty SSNY ha s been designat ed as an agent upon wh om process against it may be served and to which th e SSNY shall mail a copy of an y process against the LLC served upon is C/O the LLC/LLP 1390 Lexington Ave, #4 ; New York, NY 10128. Purpose: Any lawful activity

U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY

Plaintiff designates NEW YORK as BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, the place of trial situ s of the real property

Plaintiff, SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS vs

Mortgaged Premises:

50 PINE STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10005 un known to plaintiff, claiming, or wh o may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific Block: 41, Lot: 1015 lien upon the real property de scribed in this action; such unknown persons being he rein gener ally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executor s, admin istrators, de visees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, an y and all persons deriving interest in or lien up on, or title to said r eal property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their resp ective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, ad ministrators , devisees, legat ees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors an d assigns, all of whom and whose na mes, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; BOARD OF MANAGERS OF 50 PINE STREET CONDOMINIUM; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU, THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; ADAM REDICH; MELISSA SILVERWOOD,

AYRIN WIDJAJA A/K/A AYRIN POOR, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons

"JOHN DOE #3" thro ugh "JOHN DOE #12," the last ten names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended be ing the tenants, occupants, pe rsons or corporations, if an y, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, De fendants.

To the above named De fendants

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff?s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within th irty (30) days after service of the same is complete wher e service is made in any manner other th an by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, ma y answer or appear with in sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to a ppear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default fo r the relief demande d in the Complaint In the event that a deficienc y balance remain s from the sale proceeds, a judgment ma y be entered against you.

NOTICE OF NATUR E OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT

TH E OBJECT of the above caption action is to forecl ose a Mortgage to se cure the sum of $1,000,000.00 and interest, recorded on March 28, 2006, in CR FN 20060 001 71967, of the Public R ecords of NEW YORK County, New York., covering premises known as 50 PINE STREET, NEW YORK, N Y 10005. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing th e sale of the premises described above to sat isfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.

NEW YORK County is designated as the place of trial because the real property aff ected by this action is located in said county.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by servi ng a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you a nd filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home

Spea k to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the forecl osure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE AN SWER WITH THE COURT

Da ted: Februar y 17, 2023

Zobuilden LLC filed Arts of Org. with the SSNY on 02/05/2023. Office: New York Co un ty SSNY ha s been designat ed as a gent of the LL C upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail to: Reindaldo Alvarado, 3556 Webster Ave. Purp ose: any lawful act.

Notice is hereby give n that a license, serial #13605 25 for beer & wine has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer & wine at retail in a catering establishment under the ABC Law at 143 W. 69th St., NYC 10023 for onpremises consumption; Noi Du e Pizzeria LLC

ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Me rchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675

193 JOB TRAINING 195 HELP WANTED

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195 HELP WANTED

Administrative Coordinator Flushing. Overse e administrative support for complex window production management: finan cial statements; budgets & related statistica l reports; review customer communication practices to improve se rvice & relationships. Req'd: Associates degree business or rela ted including tourism & hospita lity or 2 yrs. exp. job duties. Knowledge of statistics, accounting, organizational beha vior, public communication & HR management M-F, 9-5.

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Send resume to Job#3, Crystal Window & Door Systems, Ltd. 31-1 0 Whitestone Expre ssway, Flushing, NY 11354

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One 45 Harlem

Continued from page 3

just take what we can get when we can stand up and demand better,” Richardson Jordan said.

Teitelbaum restarted the rezoning process with the Department of City Planning (DCP) this February. He sent a letter to Richardson Jordan, telling her that he was filing the pre-application and restarting the housing project—a first step toward brokering a tentative peace between the formerly hostile parties.

“I am therefore asking you again to join me in direct talks with no pre-conditions, no ultimatums or rigid demands, so that we can try to find a resolution to the issues that divide us by choosing the path of reconciliation and understanding,” wrote Teitelbaum.

He said his preference was always to build housing and not necessarily run a truck depot, although there clearly is one there now.

The letter outlines the new project, renamed One45 Harlem For ALL. The plan is to create 915 units with 50% income-targeted, and of those, about 174 units would be income-restricted for Harlem residents earning about 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Some units would be available at 40% to 120% of the AMI level, and

at least 120 units would be reserved for union member households and civil servant-income levels. In total, 458 affordable units would be permanent and would not “sunset.”

“We changed the name because it truly reflects a project that will be accessible to everyone in Harlem, not just one small slice of the population,” said Teitelbaum.

There will still be three buildings with two towers, one 27 stories tall and the other 31 stories. The buildings will be about 25% studios, 45% onebedrooms, and 30% two- to threebedroom units.

Teitelbaum promises 1,500 jobs, career training, year-round paid youth internships, women/minority-owned enterprises (W/MBE) entrepreneurial initiatives, a Geothermal Green Energy District, and other amenities if approved. The new version of the project will have an eight-story senior housing building and a community center operated by Pastor Walter Sotelo of NYC Love Kitchen and activist Adama Bah.

“We are donating the use of a large portion of our site, including several vacant stores, and will pay for the build-out costs to create a social services hub right here in Central Harlem, that will be used on a temporary basis where food, clothing, and other supplies will be distributed to those in need, no matter who they are or where they are from,” said

Teitelbaum in a statement.

The original project was estimated at $700 million, which Teitelbaum said is likely to be much higher now.

Teitelbaum’s new plans exclude Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network (NAN) headquarters and civil rights museum. NAN is still technically a tenant of Teitelbaum’s, but he said he doesn’t know what their plans are currently. The Amsterdam News reached out to the NAN group but they didn’t return a request for comment by press time.

A preliminary presentation about the renewed housing project was shown at Manhattan’s Community Board 10 land use meeting on March 16 via Zoom.

There seemed to be a vastly improved reception to the renewed plans by committee members compared to last year, although resident Julius Tajiddin noted that the buildings were still too high for him.

Teitelbaum’s representative said in the meeting that there have been “very productive conversations” with Harlem electeds in the area, as well as other city officials.

Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews1.

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Cancer

Continued from page 4

She added that Black and brown people are prone to environmental factors, like food deserts and redlining, that contribute to poor diets and poor health outcomes. Processed meats, such as hot dogs and deli meats, fast foods, and sugary foods overly available in food deserts can lead to unhealthy weight gain and potentially to colorectal cancer, according to research.

“High-fructose corn syrup has, of course, been linked to diabetes, obesity—a tremendous uptick—but now we’re coming into a generation that has been weaned, if you will, on high-fructose corn syrup their entire life,” said Culpepper-Morgan. “We’ve seen in animal models that this substance increases the rate of growth of colorectal cells.”

Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, chair of the Conference of National Black Churches (CNBC), concurred that it’s often not easy for people to trust doctors. In communities of color, “trusted voices” tend to be a pastor or church when it comes to health matters,

which was evident during the COVID19 pandemic. He said that the culture of health neglect and fear, sexual connotations about getting a colonoscopy, and mental health must be addressed in the church and in the community.

The CNBC represents more than 25 million people and 31,000 Black ecclesiastical congregations. The network has been dedicated to improving access to health and beating back comorbidities, and launched a series of efforts this March for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, since many congregants missed doctors’ appointments and skipped screenings and follow-ups during the pandemic.

“There’s a stigma attached to any kind of health challenge in the African American community, [including] prostate cancer among men,” said Richardson. “Men have a tendency to avoid the health experience, and it’s the lack of trust in the health experience. It doesn’t matter what illness is going on, the Black community has hesitancy and it’s borne out of a history of neglect and barriers to healthcare.”

Pastors were immediately confronted with the realities of health disparities when members were dying and unable to bury loved ones because of the high number of COVID deaths, he

said. Richardson worked with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on vaccination efforts and soon agreed to expand the operation.

“Every statistic regarding health, Black people are at the bottom of,” said Richardson.

CNBC is also partnering with Lab Corp to distribute test kits at congregations across the country.

People are also more likely to have a higher risk of developing colon cancer if they are older, have a history of polyps or cancer in their family, have inflammatory bowel disease, exercise irregularly, are obese, drink alcohol, or smoke.

To consult with a NYC Health + Hospitals healthcare provider about colon cancer risk and with your insurer about your coverage for a screening test, visit NYC Care. For more information, call 1-646-NYC-CARE (1-646-692-2273).

Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews1.

Opening Day is finally here for Mets and Yankees

By RASHID MCDONALD Special

to the AmNews

After a month of spring training, Opening Day has arrived for the Mets and Yankees, and the teams’ rosters have been shaped. This past weekend, they executed their final moves before commencing the 2023 MLB season.

Max Scherzer will get the start for the Mets when they begin a fourgame series today against the Miami Marlins on the road and Gerrit Cole will be on the mound for the Yankees this afternoon when they host the San Francisco Giants to kick off a three-game set in the Bronx.

Last season, the Houston Astros swept the Yankees in the American League Championship Series. The Yankees now look to get past the team that has stopped them from reaching the World Series three times in the last six seasons.

The Mets are also looking ahead to a more fruitful season after a horrible ending to last season, losing to the San Diego Padres in the National League Wild Card Series two games to one. Last Sunday, the Yankees posted a video

on their Twitter page of manager Aaron Boone and general manager Brian Cashman informing top prospect Anthony Volpe he had made the Opening Day roster.

After achieving a .314 average with three home runs and a 1.064 OPS, the Watchung, New Jersey, native, who was drafted by the Yankees with the 30th pick in the first round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Delbarton High School in Morristown, will live his dream of wearing Yankee pinstripes on Opening Day.

“My heart was beating pretty hard—I don’t have too many words right now, but this feels amazing.” said the 21-year-old shortstop.

While many Yankee fans are excited about Volpe at shortstop position, they have concerns about the team’s rotation, which has taken another massive hit with Luis Severino being shut down for five to 10 days due to a lat strain. The severity of the injury is unknown.

Last Friday, Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake said the injury to Severino is in a different location from the one that put him on the 60-day IL on July 13 last year. Up to that point, Severino was having a great

bounce-back season after missing 120 games since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2019.

The Yankees do have pitching depth with Deivi Garcia, Domingo German, and Clarke Schmidt. Meanwhile, the Mets did not reward their 23-year-old third base prospect Brett Baty, who had a .325 average and six RBI’s this spring with an Opening Day roster spot. Mets GM Billy Eppler expressed the need for Baty to “reach some more development markers at the minor league level.” The decision not to include Baty on the 40-man Opening Day roster has Mets fans split, because some felt he should begin this season in the big leagues, but Eppler and manager Buck Showalter have a clear plan for him. Baty played 11 games and had 38 at-bats for the Mets last season after being called up from the minor leagues.

The Mets also announced that David Robertson will be the team’s closer at the outset of this season in the absence of star closer Edwin Diaz, who suffered a torn patellar tendon earlier this month in pitching for team Puerto Rico during the World Baseball Classic.

Howard University assistant coach receives WBCA honor

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

While Howard University women’s basketball didn’t get to go dancing this year, the Bison do have something to sing about. Assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Jeanne-Marie Wilson was honored on the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association

Thirty Under 30 list. Thirty Under 30 was created to recognize up-and-coming women’s basketball coaches aged 30 and under who have exemplified community service, mentorship, impact on others, professionalism, and professional association involvement.

“It’s an honor and a blessing because when you get into season and you do a lot of work, the long hours, it’s being recognized,” said Wilson, who grew up just outside of Washington, D.C. in Prince George’s County, Maryland. “This is an opportunity for me to feel good that I’m actually doing the things that my boss is asking me to do and helping the program get better.”

Wilson is big on building relationships. She loves mentoring young women and seeing their growth as players and people. As a recruiting coordinator, she meets a lot of families, which she finds uplifting. This is especially meaningful at an HBCU. When Wilson was deciding where to play her college basketball, she passed up offers from

predominantly white institutions and intentionally played at Saint Augustine’s, an HBCU in North Carolina.

“I am a student of the game,” Wilson said. “A lot of people may say they like the Xs and Os or they like to watch film. I like coaching because of the fact I’m able to impact young women’s lives. Mine is not necessarily daily duty stuff, it’s things that people can take in, learn from, and grow from.”

Last year, Howard earned a spot in the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament, winning its first game. Wilson said it was emotional for her because of her background in the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area. When she was growing up, Howard was known for its academic excellence, but it wasn’t necessarily mentioned in sports conversations. For her to be part of Coach Ty Grace making herstory was amazing. The hunger to excel was exhilarating, and she considers Grace a mentor.

“I tell her, ‘You can’t fire me because I’m still going to show up to work,’” Wilson said. “I would not work under another head coach if they’re not like her. She’s so understanding, so authentic, so compassionate, she’s so real. She will give you really hard criticism, but she’s going to teach you and show you how to be better. If you ask anybody, not just on her staff, they’re going to say the same thing.”

Anthony Volpe (pictured with the Yankees Double-A team last season), a 21-year-old native of Watchung, New Jersey, was informed on Sunday by Yankees manager Aaron Boone that he would be the team’s Opening Day shortstop (Jeffrey Hyde, Anthony Volpe (52073955522), CC BY-SA 2.0)

Jeanne-Marie Wilson of Howard University (Howard Athletics photo)

Knicks try to get healthy and whole as playoffs near

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

Health has become a critical factor for the Knicks, specifically the condition of starting point guard Jalen Brunson’s sprained right hand and sore left foot. After sitting on the bench in street clothes in the Knicks’ 137–115 win over the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden on Monday night, the team’s second-leading scorer (23.8) behind Julius Randle (25.1) going into last night’s game versus the Miami Heat at MSG had missed seven of the previous 11 games.

The Knicks were 43–33, the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference, 2.5 games ahead of the 40–35 No. 6 seed Nets and three in front of 40–36 No. 7 seed Heat when the game tipped off. With just five regular season games remaining, beginning with the No. 4 seed Cleveland Cavaliers tomorrow on the road, getting Brunson at or near his optimum capacity will be a priority for the Knicks’ medical and sports science staff.

In his absence, guard Immanuel Quickley has elevated his production and increased his impact. The 23-year-old, third-year guard, who has manned both backcourt positions, is a leading candidate for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award. Before facing the Heat, he was av-

eraging 14.1 points and 4.1 rebounds, both career bests, and 3.3 assists per game.

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said labeling Quickley as a point- or shootingguard is immaterial.

“I don’t know what he is, other than a good basketball player,” he maintained after the win over the Rockets, ending the Knicks’ three-game losing streak. “If you need scoring, he can score. If you need playmaking, he had nine assists.

“He’s effective starting. He’s effective coming off the bench. You can play him at the point, at the two, at the three. You can plug-and-play with him.”

Quickley scored a career-high 40 points on Monday with urging from his comrades to hit that milestone.

“My teammates were pushing me to get 40 and also try to get that 10th assist,” said Quickley, whose two foul shots with 4:11 remaining gave him that career-high 40 points. “Those were the most nervous free throws I ever took.”

He shot 14–18 overall and 7–9 on 3-point attempts, but fell one assist short of 10.

“Quick was good,” complimented Randle. “He was super-efficient tonight in leading us to the win. He obviously had it going with his scoring and got a career high, so overall, he did a good job with being a floor general out there. He was amazing.”

Nets need a playoff mentality to finish out the regular season

By VINCENT DAVIS Special to the AmNews

After going 1–1 last weekend in Florida, the Nets have six regular season games remaining after playing the Houston Rockets last night (Wednesday) at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. They went into the game 40–35. A playoff attitude is what the Nets need right now as they fight to stay one of the top six seeds in the Eastern Conference and avoid being a Play-In Tournament team.

The Nets blew out the Miami Heat by 129–100 Saturday night, a team that they're battling for the No. 6 seed in the East. On Sunday, they fell to the young Orlando Magic, No. 13 in the East and well out of the postseason hunt, by 119–106.

The Nets took a 25–24 first quarter lead, then were outscored 36–26 in the second quarter to trail 60–51. Down 18 by the third, the Nets weren’t able to close the gap and the Magic held a large lead for the rest of the game.

“First quarter, we were able to hang around a little bit. We were okay,” said Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn. “But to sustain it over the course of the night, to play the way we wanted to play, to defend the way we wanted to play ... we just didn’t have it

tonight… We’ll have another back-to-back and we’ll have to deal with it better than we did this time, for sure.”

The Nets’ next and last back-to-back this season will come next week when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves in Brooklyn on Tuesday, then play the Detroit Pistons on the road next Wednesday. Nets forward Mikal Bridges, who scored a team-high 44 points against the Magic, summed up the reason the Nets didn’t sweep their short Florida trip. “They just played harder than us,” he said of the Magic. Bridges also led the Nets with 27 against the Heat.

In that game, the Nets were down 69–65 at the half, but held the Heat to 18 third period points and 13 in the fourth, ending a five game losing streak. “We had the mindset coming in that this was a playoff game,” said forward Cam Johnson, who scored 23 for Brooklyn.

On Tuesday, the Nets revealed that forward Ben Simmons, who has not played since February 15 due to knee and back issues, would be shut down for the remainder of this season but would not require surgery as of now and instead will begin a rehab program.

The Nets will play their next two games at home, taking on the Atlanta Hawks tomorrow and the Utah Jazz on Sunday.

Tom Thibodeau

Jacque Vaughn

Cam Johnson

Immanuel Quickley

Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn and forward Cam Thomas understand an urgent mindset is required by the team as they face the final six games of the regular season (Bill Moore photos)

Knicks head coach Tom Tihibodeau has leaned on guard Immanuel Quickley who has filled in admirably for starting point guard Jalen Brunson, who is dealing with a foot injury (Bill Moore photos)

Columbia women’s hoops advances to WNIT Fab 4

By LOIS ELFMN Special to the AmNews

It wasn’t even close, but then it was. Columbia University women’s basketball saw a 20-point lead disappear after intense play from Harvard, but the Lions came made some crucial stops and big buckets to triumph 77–71. The victory on Sunday afternoon earned Columbia a spot in the WNIT’s Fab 4, extending what people are calling Columbia’s revenge tour after a loss to Harvard in the Ivy League Tournament.

Columbia’s high scorer was senior Kaitlyn Davis, who had 17 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. While those who have followed Davis’s collegiate career are very aware that they could be seeing her in a Columbia uniform for the last time, Davis said during the action that she’s staying focused on the task at hand.

“I’m really not thinking about that in the moment,” said Davis. “Staying present has been really important, especially in this postseason, through all the games. I’m just trying to stay focused on my teammates in the moment.

Maybe afterward, I’ll think, ‘That could have been my last game.’ This is a unique team and we have gone very far.”

Point guard Kitty Henderson had 15 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Post-game, she joked that she and her teammates like to keep games close to give spectators some excitement. After the game, they told Griffith they’d

gotten bored and decided to liven things up. Henderson praised Davis as a teammate.

“She’s the best player I’ve ever played with,” Henderson said.

“She literally does everything on the floor…She hits big-time shots; she’s clutch as hell. Our defense has the clutch gene. Playing with KD is just really fun.”

Griffith said it’s hard to imagine

the team without Davis, saying she’s a unique player because of all her abilities. Opposing teams struggle to scout her.

Other players in double figures were Jaida Patrick with 10 points and Abbey Hsu with 12 points.

“[Harvard] really battled today,” said Columbia head coach Megan Griffith. “They never gave up, which is great. That’s what you

want. That’s what you hope people are playing with in March. It’s a great Harvard team. We were excited to get another shot at them. I felt like it was the basketball gods saying this was meant to happen. We’re taking that revenge and we’re ready for the Fab 4, so here we come.”

Columbia played last night for a shot at the WNIT title game.

Upsets mark the NCAA Women’s Tournament

By LOIS ELFMAN

Special to the AmNews

Only two of the regional one seeds are advancing to the Final Four, which begins tomorrow. The 2023 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament has been a wild ride so far.

A Final Four without the University of Connecticut seemed impossible. Even though the Huskies haven’t claimed the NCAA title since Breanna Stewart graduated in 2016, the team has made the Final Four every year. Last year, UConn battled University of South Carolina in the National Championship game. Unfortunately, for all who love Huskies basketball, this year the team made history of another kind: falling in the Sweet 16 to Ohio State, snapping a 16-year streak of making at least the Elite Eight.

As one team takes a step back, another surges back to the front. Louisiana State University earned its first trip to the Final Four in 15 years. Under the masterful leadership of the late Sue Gunter and with All Americans like Marie Ferdinand-Harris, Seimone Augustus, and Sylvia Fowles, the LSU Tigers were a force to be reckoned with. Following Fowles’ graduation in 2008 and move to WNBA stardom, the team slipped down

the rankings. Now under the leadership of head coach Kim Mulkey, the team has surged back to the front of the pack.

“It’s super exciting to see,” said Ferdinand-Harris. “It’s something we haven’t seen in so long…To see the fans coming out and how exciting it is to be a Lady Tiger, it’s something I wanted to see again.”

LSU, which had only the No. 3 seed in their region, will play Virginia Tech (the top seed in their region), which defeated Ohio State in the Elite Eight, in one semi-final.

Caitlin Clark posted the first 40point triple-double in NCAA Tournament history to lead the University of Iowa to its first Final Four in 30 years.

“Iowa is playing with a chip on their shoulders,” said Lynn Milligan, head women’s basketball coach at Rider University. “Everybody knows what Caitlin is, and when those other players are stepping up and hitting shots and she’s throwing dimes, they become really tough to beat.”

The Iowa Hawkeyes, the number two seed in their region, will meet the overall top seed in the Tournament South Carolina Gamecocks in one semi-final. “South Carolina is really special. They’re fun to watch,” said Milligan.

Columbia thriving in WNIT play (Columbia University Athletics/Mike McLaughlin photos)

Aliyah Boston leads South Carolina to another Final Four (South Carolina Athletics photo)

Senior Kaitlyn Davis is savoring every game

“Sweetwater” illuminates intersection of sports and society

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

Historical narratives are often obscured in plain sight.

A trip to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame decades ago compelled award-winning filmmaker Martin Guigui, writer and director of the upcoming biopic “Sweetwater,” to learn more about the late Nathaniel (Nat) “Sweetwater” Clifton, a pioneering NBA figure in 1950. Clifton, Chuck Cooper, and Earl Lloyd became the then-fledgling league’s first Black players.

The movie was filmed primarily in the San Francisco Bay area and will debut nationally in theaters on April 14.

“When I first came across the story [of Sweetwater Clifton] in 1995, I was visiting the Basketball Hall of Fame for the first time and there was information, but not enough,” Guigui, 57, said via Zoom on Tuesday. “It said that Earl Lloyd was the first Afri -

can American to play a game. But then it also mentioned Chuck Cooper as the first drafted and Nat Clifton as signing the first contract. I said, ‘That’s cool that there were three,’ but I wanted to know how that happened. I got kinda obsessed with it.”

Particularly with Clifton.

Guigui, a pianist, violinist, and blues artist, is the son of symphony orchestra conductor Efrain Guigui and was reared eclectically. He was born in Buenos Aires and experienced his formative years in Puerto Rico, the Upper Westside of Manhattan, and Vermont. He spent countless hours playing basketball on the blacktops of Manhattan, and continued to engage in the sport competitively through high school and college.

He learned that Clifton, the first Black player for the New York Knicks, was a 6–8 power forward and a standout at Xavier University in the early 1940s, excelled with the New York Rens from 1945–47,

and was a featured member of the Harlem Globetrotters from 1947–50 before a legendary career with Knicks from 1950–57.

The England, Arkansas, native attended DuSable High School in Chicago, was a WWII veteran, and was a notable pitcher in the Negro Leagues.

Osborne Everett, who stars as Clifton in the movie, said the film was n opportunity to educate the masses about an important part of American history is an honor.

“Martin Guigui has been working on the film for 28 years,” said the 29-year-old Los Angeles native, who played college basketball for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, from which he graduated with a BA degree in psychology before embarking on a professional playing career in New Zealand and Australia.

“I am standing on the shoulders of a real human being. Whether you play basketball or not, you will be affected by Nathaniel ‘Sweetwater’ Clifton’s

story. I am just thankful now is the time we’re sharing it with the world,” Everett said. “It doesn’t hit just one diaspora. Humanity holds an interdependence on one another, so if one is affected, we’re all affected. If one is enslaved, we’re all enslaved. If everyone is free, we’re all free.”

“Everett, needless to say—it’s like he was born to play this role,” said Guigui. “It was meant to be. There was this spirituality that he and I connected on. Similar upbringings and similar values about why we’re here…Our purposes were validated.

“I loved his audition. It was wild to see that he was like, it was like a calling for him…”

Guigui recalled that “we got hundreds of submissions…the usual suspects in Hollywood called and they were like, ‘I wanna do this,’ and I was like ‘I get it, I get it.’ It has to feel right.

“We got hundreds of

submissions from NBA players, ex-NBA players, retired NBA players, and college ball players… I knew that Everett had done his homework. I knew that it was something deeper than just…a role and a movie.”

Everett has a strong conviction that there is a profound meaning in his portrayal of Clifton.

“Seeing the art of service of this human being. Seeing that during his time going through discriminatory situations as a Black man,” he said. “Sweetwater carried himself with self-respect, with values…That higher purpose of a belief system is something I grabbed from him and I think the world will, too.”

Actor Everett Osborne plays starring role in upcoming movie “Sweetwater” as Nathaniel Clifton, a groundbreaking NBA figure. Jeremy Piven (standing left) portrays Ned Irish, the founder and first president of the New York Knicks