New York Amsterdam News Issue #16 April 20-26, 2023

OVER

RETURNING

DOGS AND THEIR NEW FRIENDS

(AP Photo/Hans Pennink, File)

(Photo courtesy of Latrice Walker's office) (Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office)

Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Keechant Sewell makes a public safety announcement introducing new technology during press conference in Times Square on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 (Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)

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system is far from just or sustainable. It was captured by imperialistic and colonialist forces in the past and remains, even today, under the control of the powerful and the rich to a large extent,” according to Oxfam. “Trade justice offers an alternative approach. But as long as it excludes people and future generations from its welfarecreating properties, trade cannot be considered just or sustainable.”

return to their countries of birth.

“If the government wanted to terminate the program, it must demonstrate that this decision is linked to a positive change in the economic and political situation in Zimbabwe that gave birth to the exemption program in the first place,” asserted the lawyer for the Zimbabweans.

Arts & Entertainment Page 17

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

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Editorial/Opinion Pages 12,13

Education Page 28

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Health Page 16

In the Classroom Page 26

Nightlife Page 9

Religion & Spirituality Page 30

Sports Page 40

Union Matters Page 10

ACTIVISTS CHALLENGE ‘FAIRTRADE’ LABEL ON SOUTH AFRICAN WINE (GIN) — The label says “Fairtrade” but the conditions at some of South Africa’s money-making vineyards are anything but…

That’s what two academics from Rhodes University of South Africa concluded in a study of the country’s wine industry, once characterized by the use of enslaved workers and the exploitation and paternalistic control of Black and “colored” laborers by white farmers for more than 300 years.

After the end of apartheid and with the country’s reintegration into the international community, winegrowers were able to import modern technologies and access global export markets for the first time. As a result, South Africa is now the ninthlargest producer of wine in the world and generates more than US$550 million in export value annually.

A number of wineries have formed to fulfill the standards of Fairtrade International, such as workers’ rights and environmental protections. The group certifies products and ingredients after reviewing company practices and is a symbol commonly associated today with chocolate, coffee, cotton, and various other items.

Fairtrade products are sold at a higher price because a percentage of the sale value is designated for day care centers, literacy programs, and medical centers.

But interviews with a number of farmworkers suggest that while the wine bottles might bear the Fairtrade label, the workers on these farms do not feel fairly treated.

Of some 30 farmworkers interviewed, most were not even aware that the farm they worked on was Fairtrade-certified. Several farmworkers reported poor and unsafe living and working conditions. One woman complained of the vineyard where she worked lacking toilets for women. “We have to relieve our-

(GIN photo)

selves in the vineyards. The only toilets you see is when there is an audit.”

“We were promised that these houses would be temporary,” said another. “It is cold, and when it rains, the rain comes in…We have reported this, and nothing happens. I have to constantly move my bed when it rains because the water comes through. I have been here since 1979. They [farm management] have ignored me. They don’t care.”

An investigative documentary (“Cheap Wine, Bitter Aftertaste”) that spotlights Germany, the second-largest importing country of South African wine after Great Britain, found problems.

Of farm workers in the wine sector, 80 percent were seasonal, forcing them to turn to the state’s Unemployment Insurance Fund when the harvest season ends in March.

The minimum wage is about onethird below the living wage needed to support a household, as calculated by the NGO Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity.

The workers’ harshest criticism about working conditions was over the use of pesticides, particularly the herbicide paraquat, which is banned in many countries.

“There is no simple answer to the problems faced by workers on wine farms in South Africa, wrote Gisela ten Kate of the Dutch activist group SOMO in an article titled “Labor Conditions in South African wine industry remain appalling.” “Dutch supermarkets need to take their role in the supply chain seriously, to pay fair prices so that farmers can pay a proper wage.”

The human rights defender Oxfam International wrote: “We found proof of labor rights violations and inhumane conditions.”

Oxfam has been part of the global Fair Trade movement since its inception. Today, it continues to inspire many volunteers to champion just and sustainable trade.

“We believe the current trade

SOUTH AFRICA TO END ASYLUM FOR THOUSANDS OF EXILED ZIMBABWEANS (GIN) — “We are sleepwalking into a catastrophe of monumental proportions.”

Those were the words of South African attorney Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, representing more than 1,000 Zimbabweans facing deportation if their permits to live, work, and study in South Africa are allowed to expire.

The disaster looms because South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi is refusing to renew the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit, which is set to expire in June 2023 after several prior extensions.

“This is the end of the permit,” he said. “We have written a letter to all the permit holders. We also sent an SMS to their phones and also put it on the website to inform people that the permit will not be extended. We think we have done enough and we have explained this.”

Under its original terms, the permit allowed qualifying Zimbabwean nationals—approximately 178,000 people—to live lawfully in South Africa.

Returning to Zimbabwe now could put lives in danger, especially for those who voted against ZANUPF, Zimbabwe’s ruling party, and for supporters of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change.

The permits were introduced in response to a political and economic crisis that created an exodus to South Africa. The permit system was extended twice, in 2014 and 2017. The government maintains it was always clear that the permits were temporary.

Those holding a permit have been advised to apply for alternative visas or waivers by June 30, although few are expected to qualify in terms of the government’s critical skills list.

Permit holders are now pinning their hopes on the country’s judicial system, but they might meet backlash from anti-migration vigilante groups such as Operation Dudula and right-wing political parties such as the Patriotic Alliance that want illegal migrants to

According to Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the Helen Suzman Foundation, among others, there is a deteriorating human rights situation in Zimbabwe, accompanied by government hostility to opposition activists and journalists, unlawful killings by security forces, an underfunded healthcare system, and many people at risk of becoming stateless.

Some 7 million Zimbabweans reportedly need of food aid and the reported unemployment rate of 41 percent in 2021 is little changed from the year before.

Sean Rosenberg, lawyer for the minister, insisted it was never the intention to extend the residency deadline any further.

When the case resumes, the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit Holders Association (Zepha) will ask the court to grant them permanent residence in South Africa. “We have waited a long time for this hearing, and hope for a favorable decision from the court.”

CONTINENT IS RIVEN BY CONFLICT — FROM EAST TO WEST (GIN) — Catastrophic fatalities are rising across Africa as conflict breaks out from east to west.

“We can hear shots being fired. We can hear heavy artillery being fired,” Al Jazeera’s Hiba Morgan reported from Khartoum after fighting broke out on Saturday. “It’s not clear who is in control of the [Presidential] Palace, and there are battles over the state television.”

At least 56 civilians have been killed and 595 people, including combatants, have been wounded in fierce fighting between the Sudanese army and the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Under an August 2019 agreement, the military agreed to share power with civilians before elections. That arrangement was abruptly halted by a coup in October 2021 that triggered new mass pro-democracy rallies across Sudan.

Sudan’s state television cut its transmission on Sunday afternoon,

Critics hound city over NYPD’s returning robot dogs and their new friends

By TANDY LAU

Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

Even with a controversial multi-billion-dollar budget, the NYPD is getting into the side hustle of dog-sitting. Except these puppies don’t need walks. The department has announced the acquisition of a pair of canine-shaped robots affectionately coined “Digidogs.” Their arrival is a part of a broader implementation of “innovative policing technologies.”

“Throughout its history, the NYPD has leveraged the latest available technology and pioneered ways to do our critical work safely and effectively,” said

NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell. “In every era, we have maximized public and officer safety through emerging technology—and that approach continues today. It is time, again, for the NYPD to adapt, to improve, and to continue exceeding public safety expectations.

“But we want to be clear: The implementation of these technologies will be transparent, consistent, and always done in close collaboration with the people we serve. Our job is to fight crime and keep people safe, and these tools are significant steps forward in that vital mission.”

What tricks can a Digidog perform? The NYPD lauded the robot’s capabilities in “specific critical incidents” deemed too

Metro Briefs

Harlem City Council candidates’ forum

risky or impossible for human officers to access, such as hostage situations or chemically-hazardous zones. Each one is equipped with gauges for radiation, gas, and heat.

“Digidog is now part of the tool kit that we are using,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “And trust me when I tell you this: If a person has a loved one that is in a hostage situation, they want a Digidog, a real dog, and anything else they can get, to keep their family members safe. We are leaving no stone unturned to protect New Yorkers.”

Digidog hit the ground running, with videos of the four-legged robot already at work during a parking garage collapse

Assemblywoman Latrice Walker continues her NYS State/Bail Reform hunger strike

By NAYABA ARINDE Amsterdam News Editor

Assemblywoman Latrice Walker is literally putting her life on the line for the second year in a row as she continues her hunger strike as a protest of what she says is Governor Kathy Hochul’s attempts to overturn—or at least incrementally chip away at—gains made in the Bail Reform effort.

The New York State budget is officially three weeks late as of press time, and another extension was filed to ensure that essential state bills and state employee salaries are paid (not the electeds, though), but crucial bills in need of discussion and passage are also awaiting.

Brownsville-born and -raised Walker has represented New York’s 55th Assembly Dis-

trict since 2015.

“I began a hunger strike on April 9. The first three days were pretty difficult; I had headaches. But now things have gotten a lot easier,” said Walker. Her faith is giving her strength and encouragement, she said, “in this opportunity to fast for justice.”

Although Walker held a hunger strike this time last year, she said, “A lot of people may ask why am I doing something so drastic, but I have no problem this year, nor last year when it lasted 19 days, putting my body and my well-being on the line for something that I believe in. For something that is just—in support of no rollbacks to bail reform, which are clearly working.”

Walker said she recently visited Riker’s Island. “We saw a report that came out [April 14], which indicates that due to prob-

lems at the Department of Corrections for New York City, 19 people died pre-trial last year, and over 36 people have died pre-trial over the last two years. And I’m watching now as we have a budget (that) is being held up because the number-one priority is to incarcerate Black and brown people without ever having been convicted of a crime.”

During her January 10, 2023, State of the State address, Hochul said, “Bail reform is not the primary driver of a national crime wave created by a convergence of factors, including the pandemic…The bail reform law as written now leaves room for improvement…Of course, we know changing our bail laws will not automatically bring down crime rates.”

NYPD union president Pat Lynch will not seek a seventh term

By TANDY LAU

Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

For the first time this century, someone new will lead the nation’s largest police union. Pat Lynch will not seek re-election as president of the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), which represents most NYPD officers. He’s served in the role since 1999 and his term ends this summer.

“This decision is part of a philosophy I have long held: a rider cannot switch horses in the middle of a battle, and the PBA must not change leadership in the middle of a contract fight,” said Lynch in a letter to union members.

And now the fight is settled. Earlier this month, Mayor Eric Adams announced a new contract with the PBA resulting in up to 4% in raises, along with a pilot pro-

gram to work up to two months fewer annually—it’s currently rolling out in select Bronx precincts. The ex-transit copturned-mayor said Lynch reached out before publicly announcing his decision.

The previous contract expired in July 2017, with 3,701 officers leaving the NYPD last year. It’s the department’s largest exodus in two decades.

“Pat and I have not always agreed on topics, but we’ve never been disagreeable,” said Adams. “And not only when he first ran. I was in 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care, and many times we were on opposite sides of issues, but there was never a time that we could not pick up the phone and speak. He fought on behalf of his membership and I fought on behalf of the things that were important to me. I think that he has been a good public servant for his members and even in those areas that we did not agree on,

we both agreed that we should support our law enforcement officers, that we should make sure our city is safe.”

Lynch’s announcement, along with the recent bargaining agreement, throws a curveball into the plans of Corey Grable, the PBA’s only Black board member, who aimed to run against the long-time president this summer under the platform of securing the new contract. If he wins, he’ll become the union’s first Black president.

“Corey was a viable candidate and I think made [Lynch] nervous if the contract hadn’t been settled,” said a PBA member who wished to remain anonymous. “I honestly think that he would have lost because people are just tired of his way of leadership. He’s done great things and a couple of things that are not so great. This is coming from [mostly] younger officers.”

Join the Greater Harlem Coalition and Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association (MMPCIA) on Thursday, April 27, at 7 p.m. for a Democratic primary candidates’ forum. The forum will be virtual. You can register to attend at https://fordham.zoom.us/ meeting/register/tZMoc--prDMiHdW3qNmpPUDoH1JMhYvGKVq.

Assemblymember Inez Dickens, candidate Yusef Saalam, and Assemblymember Al Taylor will all participate and take audience questions about their quests to unseat Councilmember Kristin Richardson Jordan. (Councilmember Jordan was invited to attend but declined.)

‘Women of the Movements’ concert

The Harlem Chamber Players’ “Women of the Movements” concert will take place at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church ( 521 W. 126th Street in Harlem) on Saturday, April 29, at 5 p.m. The program features Tania León, “Esencia”; Gabriela Lena Frank, “Leyendas: An Andean Walkabout”; and Jessie Montgomery, “Strum.” Artists will include Claire Chan and Ashley Horne on violin, William Frampton on the viola, and Wayne Smith on the cello. This concert is free and open to the public. RSVP is required via Eventbrite.

Afro Puerto Rican bomba songs for children

Raquel M. Ortiz has released the album “Que Vengan Los Niños,” a series of Afro Puerto Rican bomba songs for children that are sung in Spanish and English, and some are also bilingual. The album was created in collaboration with William Cepeda, a four-time Grammynominated Latin Jazz legend, composer, and educator. The 12 songs range in topics from the beauty of the island of Puerto Rico to animals, bomba music, and Boricua pride in the U.S., and incorporate traditional Latin American children’s songs. Four of the songs are inspired by Ortiz’s children’s picture books and two theater productions. Ortiz will perform the entire album on Saturday, April 29, at the Brooklyn Public Library’s Dweck Center in the Central Library (10 Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn) from 1 p.m.–2 p.m. Children will receive a copy of “When Julia Danced Bomba” and educational materials.

Become a psychoanalyst with Harlem Family Institute

The Harlem Family Institute (HFI) is seeking applicants with advanced degrees in any discipline and the self-awareness, intuition, curiosity, and passion to become licensed or certified psychoanalysts through its psychoanalytic training programs. Join HFI’s annual Open House on Saturday, May 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to learn about its clinical training programs. Applicants must have at least a master’s

See ROBOT DOGS on page 27

See WALKER on page 25

Biden phones Black youth shot in Kansas City

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

In a rare early response to a shooting victim, President Biden placed a call on Monday to Ralph Yarl, the 16-yearold Black youth shot in Kansas City after reportedly going to the wrong house. While the actual conversation has not been released, the White House said in a statement Tuesday that the president “spoke by phone

to Ralph Yarl and shared his hope for swift recovery.”

Yarl, who was shot twice last Thursday, once in the head and once in the arm, and hospitalized in critical condition, is now recovering at home. He had gone to the wrong address to pick up his younger brothers when he was shot by the 84- or 85-year-old homeowner Andrew Lester. On Monday, Lester was charged with two felonies: first-degree assault and armed criminal action. He

is not in custody.

According to Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson, there “was a racial component to this case.”

If convicted of the first count, a Class A felony, Lester could receive between 10 to 30 years to life. For the second count, he would get between three to 15 years, Thompson said.

“Ralph is alive and recovering,” said attorney Benjamin Crump, who is representing the family with Lee Merritt.

Pest Day Ever: New rat czar Kathy Corradi’s work starts with Harlem

By TANDY LAU

Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

Out of roughly 900 applicants, Kathy Corradi is the winner of New York’s most literal rat race. Mayor Eric Adams announced the former elementary school teacher as the inaugural citywide director of rodent mitigation last Wednesday, April 12. In other words, the city just found its rat czar—and her work begins in Harlem.

“Kathy has the knowledge, drive, experience, and energy to send rats packing and create a cleaner, more welcoming city for all New Yorkers,” said Adams. “Beginning with this $3.5 million investment toward rodent mitigation in Harlem, Kathy will

take the lead on our multi-agency effort to test new mitigation techniques, expand outreach and education efforts, and increase maintenance and remediation work. The rats are going to hate Kathy, but we’re excited to have her leading this important effort.”

Her work uptown encompasses Manhattan Community Boards 9, 10, and 11. A 33-person team—including 19 full-time staff—will check and maintain public spaces, terminating any pests they encounter. Private properties can expect biannual inspections.

In an email statement, the new rat czar discussed with the Amsterdam News the importance of addressing the city’s rat problem for Black and brown neighbor-

hoods like Harlem.

“Rats are more than a quality-of-life issue for New Yorkers; they are a symptom of systemic issues, like sanitation, health, housing, and economic justice that too often disproportionately impact Black and brown communities,” said Corradi. “Every New Yorker, regardless of where they live, should be able to live without rats in their homes or impacting their neighborhoods. I’m thrilled to begin this work with a $3.5 million investment to fight rats in Harlem and am committed to ensuring no community is left out of our war on rats.”

Last year, rodent experts told the Amsterdam News that rats are a broader

Man charged in front-door shooting of Black teen Ralph Yarl

By MARGARET STAFFORD and JIM SALTER Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — An 84-yearold white man in Kansas City, Missouri, was charged Monday with first-degree assault for shooting a Black teen who mistakenly went to the man’s home to pick up his younger brothers.

Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson said at a news conference that there was a “racial component” last Thursday night, April 13, when Andrew Lester twice shot 16-year-old Ralph Yarl, who is recovering at home after being released from the hospital. But nothing in the charging documents says the shooting was racially motivated, Thompson clarified.

“We understand how frustrating this has been, but I can assure you the criminal justice system is working and will con-

tinue to work,” Thompson said.

The shooting outraged many in Kansas City and across the country. Civic and political leaders—including President Joe Biden—demanded justice. Some, including lawyers for Yarl, pressed the racial dimension of the case.

Yarl, an honor student and all-state band member, was supposed to pick up his two younger brothers when he approached the wrong house at roughly 10 p.m. Lester came to the door and shot Yarl in the forehead—then shot him again, in the right forearm.

No words were exchanged before the shooting, the probable cause statement said. But afterward, as Yarl got up to run, he heard Lester yell, “Don’t come around here,” the statement said.

Yarl ran to “multiple” homes asking for help before finding someone who would call the police, the statement said.

Rev. Vernon Howard, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Kansas City, called the shooting a “heinous and hate-filled crime.” Vice President Kamala Harris wrote on Twitter that “No child should ever live in fear of being shot for ringing the wrong doorbell.” The Missouri Senate held a moment of silence for Yarl on Monday.

The civil rights attorneys for Yarl’s family, Ben Crump and Lee Merritt, said in a statement that Biden called Yarl’s family and offered “prayers for Ralph’s health and for justice.”

“Gun violence against unarmed Black individuals must stop,” the lawyers’ statement read. “Our children should feel safe, not as though they are being hunted.”

Yarl’s supporters plan to hold a rally Tuesday evening in Kansas City.

Newark’s Mayor Ras Baraka delivers state of the city address

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka presented his ninth state of the city address on Tuesday, April 18, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s Prudential Theater. This year’s State of the City address showcased the impact of a wide range of initiatives on residents’ wellbeing through the reimagining of public safety and innovative approaches to job creation, economic development, homelessness, and affordable housing, which have become a model for other cities across the country. Under the theme “Newark Leading. And Proud of It,” the evening featured personal testimonies about how the Baraka administration’s vision has improved individual lives today and raises their trajectories toward tomorrow.

Jersey City second-most ethnically diverse city in the U.S.

Jersey City has been ranked the secondmost ethnically diverse city in the U.S. by the personal finance website WalletHub.com. In a survey of 501 cities across the nation, Jersey City—with a population of 268,578— was second to only Germantown, Maryland, in its degrees of ethno-racial, linguistic, and birthplace diversity. It is New Jersey’s second largest city–– Newark has 301,055 people––and the 83rd-largest city in the United States.

“The main benefits of living in an ethnically diverse city include interpersonal contact with others whose identities, beliefs, and behavior differ from your own,” said Rice University sociology Professor Tony N. Brown. “To sharpen that point, the only way to expand one’s worldview is to see the world from someone else’s perspective, especially when the other person is not like you. Ethnic diversity becomes the spice of life, figuratively and literally.

“Just imagine the cultural and food scenes in ethnically diverse cities. There are nearly limitless opportunities to learn about and from others: what they eat, what they celebrate, and what they believe.

“For many white individuals growing up in racially and ethnically homogeneous surroundings, rapid changes in a city’s ethnic composition are perceived typically as a threat. The threat emanates from a sense of unexpected change related to growth in non-white populations. For many marginalized and underrepresented racial minority groups (i.e., Blacks, Asians, Hispanics, and Native Americans), rapid changes in a city’s ethnic composition present a political opportunity to coalesce around shared grievances generated by white supremacy.”

Bergen County’s Senior Nutrition Program

The Bergen County Department of Human Services, Division of Senior Services, has organized a countywide Senior Nutrition

Grandmaster Gregory Robeson-Smith Jr. : Never losing touch

By MAL’AKIY 17 ALLAH Special to the AmNews

For serving his beloved community for several decades, Gregory Robeson-Smith Jr., 59th Grandmaster at Harlem’s Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Masons, State of New York (454 W. 155th Street), was recently honored for his unselfish contributions. As head of the local chapter of the Masons, he has ensured that their legacy has continuously benefited the local community.

“We have many Master Masons and Eastern Stars who are active within the community,” he said, adding that there are more than

in Albany, during the annual New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, & Asian Legislators Inc. Legislative Caucus Conference, Senator Kevin Parker presented him with the prestigious Chair’s Award.

“He exemplifies the values of the organization of brotherly love, charity and truth,” Parker said. “He is a devoted father and husband, intrepid corporate leader, and visionary conservator of Prince Hall Masonry, which is why I was honored to join Assemblywoman Latrice Walker in presenting him with the Chair’s Award.”

The black-tie dinner also served as a scholarship fundraiser, and

Percy Sutton, David Patterson, Brian T. Walker, Calvin Butts, and Adam Clayton Powell Jr.

“I look at this Chair’s Award as I wasn’t accepting it just for myself, but also for all the Master Masons and Eastern Stars that did work in the community for the state,” Robeson-Smith said. “When I accepted this award, I accepted it on behalf of all the brothers and sisters of our organization that are doing great work. I do it for the people. I don’t look for any accolades because I come from humble beginnings and my family raised me to always help our brothers and sisters out.”

After graduating from Atlanta’s

Gregory Robeson-Smith Jr. (MAL’AKIY 17 ALLAH photo)

Hashing it out: Legal cannabis’ public safety role still a work in progress

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

Today marks the first “4/20” since legal recreational cannabis dispensaries hit the Big Apple. But roughly five months since the first Manhattan location opened, licensed shops are still nonexistent north of 42nd Street.

Vladimir Bautista, co-founder of Latino-owned cannabis lifestyle brand Happy Munkey, says the lack of licensed recreational dispensaries uptown means Harlemites are stuck choosing between a long commute or buying from an unlicensed seller.

“The reality is that if you are [far] away and you go on the site and there’s this… new cannabis space but [if] you [need] to drive [far], most people are not going to do that,” he said.

His company held a symposium with Community Board 9 on Columbia University’s campus to promote cannabis literacy this week. But Bautista says he’s still waiting for his Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensaries (CAURD) license to be approved. He says busi -

nesses like his will be key to rooting out unlicensed retailers.

“I believe that what happens is the market corrects itself because then the community bands together around [people they’ve known for] years [that] now they have a license,” said Bautista. “And that helps shake out the opportunists and helps the industry find out because at the end of the day, regulators can only do so much. The authorities can only do so much. The community also needs to have people that they respect running these organizations.”

This past February, Mayor Eric Adams and Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg partnered up to crack down on unlicensed dispensaries. The D.A.’s Office sent more than 400 letters to shops around the borough warning them of potential eviction.

“Legalizing cannabis was a major step forward for equity and justice— but we’re not going to take two steps back by letting illegal smoke shops take over this emerging market,” said Adams back then.

The NYPD says it cannot stop unli -

censed shops from displaying cannabis and its main tactic to curb them is through the nuisance abatement law, which allows police to label and penalize properties over alleged nuisance or illegal conduct.

“However, the nuisance abatement law does not authorize the closure of these unlicensed dispensaries until all parties have had an opportunity to present their case to the court,” said an NYPD spokesperson. “This can take weeks or months.”

But dispensaries, legal or illegal, aren’t the only public safety concerns uptown faces in the wild, wild west of weed retail. Multiple shootings were reported in Harlem inside or near smoke shops over the past year. Earlier this month, a 36-year-old man was fatally shot inside a store steps away from the prime intersection of 125th and Lenox. A former NYPD detective was struck by a stray bullet last October outside the same shop.

To be clear, the city is still in the early stages of rolling out these recreational dispensaries. So how do New Yorkers know if they’re purchasing licensed

cannabis? Taylor Randi Lee, Public Affairs Coordinator for the NYS Office of Cannabis Management, said a list is currently on the agency’s website.

“In New York State, licensed dispensary owners must use the Display Verification Tool: a sticker issued by the New York State Office of Cannabis Management in the window of their shops near their main entrance for all cannabis consumers to see,” added Lee. “This Display Verification Tool will contain a QR code that is linked to the Office’s list of licensed adult-use cannabis dispensaries. Unlicensed and illegal dispensaries will not have access to the Display Verification Tool stickers and consumers will know that without that sticker, those dispensaries are selling untested products.”

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

8 kids a day are accidentally killed or injured by FAMILY FIRE.

FAMILY FIRE is a shooting involving an improperly stored gun, often found in the home.

IF IT CAUSES IRRITATION, IT MAY BE A VIOLATION.

If your landlord is using construction to harass you, this can include cutting off essential services like heat, electricity, or excessive construction noise at odd hours, it’s illegal. DOB’s Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA) is here to protect your rights. We make landlords obey the law.

TO FILE A COMPLAINT CALL 311 AND ASK FOR DOB’S OFFICE OF THE TENANT ADVOCATE

A new star on the Hollywood walk of fame

Seun Kuti blends Afrobeats and activism at the Apollo

How quickly life has changed for Jonathan Majors. Last month he became the only actor in the history of the film business to have movies that were No. 1 and No. 2 in the same week at the box office. Now, the actor and his talent manager Entertainment 360 have parted ways, an insider told Variety. This occurred three weeks following the “Creed: III” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” star’s arrest on charges of assault and harassment of a 30-year-old woman in New York City in late March. Majors has also been let go by his former public relations manager, the Lede Company. Lastly, according to JustJared.com, the actor and fashion house Valentino mutually agreed that he would not attend the prestigious Met Gala which takes place in Manhattan on May 1…..

In celebration of its two year anniversary and its commitment to support authentic Black content and creators, Comcast NBCUniversal’s Black Experience on Xfinity announced the winners of its $1 million in Emerging Black Filmmaker grants. Winners were selected for their ability to tell engaging and culturally relevant stories about the African, African American, or other Afro subculture experiences through a feature film, documentary, or web series, and were selected by an esteemed panel of diverse, entertainment-industry leaders, including Gil Robertson, Lyn Sisson- Talbert, and Yvette Miley……

Martin Lawrence is set to receive the 2,753rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 20, which is located at 6617 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. The revered actor will receive his star in the category of Television. Guest speakers will include Steve Harvey and Lynn Whitfield, who co-starred with Lawrence in the film “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate,” and also appeared on “Martin.” Lawrence and Will Smith were recently spotted in Atlanta, Georgia, filming the fourth installment of the “Bad Boys” movie franchise, “Bad Boys 4.”…..

Media mogul, Porter & Craig Film and Media CEO, Sgt Major Keith L. Craig went from the military to Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, where he helped bring in a record $3.7 billion as Theatrical Sales and Distribution Manager for their Central Division working on blockbuster films like the game-changing “Black Panther,” “Lion King,” and Oscar winner “Coco.” Sgt. Major Craig, aka the “Hollywood Whisperer” is poised to take film development and distribution to the next level with his new company Porter & Craig Film and Media Distribution and its release of 50 films on broadcast networks, digital platforms, and in theaters….

By NAYABA ARINDE Amsterdam News Editor

Seun Anikilapo Kuti brought his Egypt 80 energy and intertwined his infectious Afrobeats with his no-holds-barred politics, challenging activism, and international call for social justice to Harlem’s Apollo Theater on Saturday, April 15.

Seun, the youngest son of Fela Anikulapo Kuti brought his Egypt 80 band, and, like his father three decades prior, infused the Harlem air with their musical spirituality hitting the soul in his hour-plus-long show. “Love and Revolution” smashed the acoustics. Learning and listening were the patrons to “Political Statement Number 1” as they were with the melodic, all-powerful “Top, Top, Top -People Over Things.”

The band was tight despite a couple of technical difficulties that broke neither concentration nor flow. They were in tune with the maestro Kuti, the background singers and dancers, and each other—the beautifully loud and multifaceted horns, drums, bass, and guitar. Seun’s immaculate saxophone and keyboards bolstered an already eagerly anticipatory sold-out crowd.

The dope song “We Move” was not on the playlist, but it was felt in the motion onstage and in the crowd. “African Dreams” were satiated as concert-goers ‘sabi’ that Kuti’s missions are earthy musicality and people-centered political advancement. That was understood the very second the people entered the historic Apollo Theater. The excitement was palatable. The enjoyment was mandatory!

The very mixed audience, while lively and pleasantly interactive, were more subdued than some of the other New York City crowds who have all but stormed the stage once Kuti’s familiar beats burst through the sound system.

Obviously enjoying himself as he delved deep into the roots of his music, Kuti addressed everything from the recent Nigerian elections, to the beauty and resilience of the “Black Woman,” to what manhood should be in terms of

protection and building.

Reintroducing himself as Pro-Tem Chairman of his father Fela’s revised Movement of the People, Seun dove into his thought-provoking catalog, whilst recalling that it was when he visited the Apollo 30 years ago with his dad Fela “that I decided I wanted to be a musician. So this is full circle.”

Like father, like son. Seun shows always have a Fela-like political purpose. They are known for slamming the professional and middle class as a “conduit of oppression” through the real estate agents, bankers, journalists, and lecturers upholding a status quo. The life-long activist told the press previously, “It is our duty to begin to align with our people.”

The Pro-Tem Chairman of the Movement of the People continued the Fela Kuti-like rhetoric of vocal political opposition to the ruling elite with his “People Over Things” ideology railing against “capitalistic tyranny.”

With his forever ode to the Black woman, Kuti spoke of ego-driven manhood gone awry, telling his Apollo audience, “This is the power we are losing, by trying to show that we are strong by beating on the weak…to accumulate as much material things as possible.”

He berated male conspicuous consumption and the obsession with big cars and bigger money. “This concept of masculinity is very dangerous..so we must recalibrate our thinking. We must reengage in protection,” he said between songs.

“Our strength is not for oppression as African men. It is to protect …the true strength of humanity, the African woman. And anything you are doing other than that, you are not masculine… this is the real copping out, where we are afraid to protect, to build, to envision, to be sovereign.”

All this Kuti-like analysis, sounding like his Father’s son, and then came the big tunes, with a great band, and energetic dancers and singers. Seun Kuti, just off yet another international tour, is cementing himself as the consummate activist artist. (Nayaba Arinde photos)

VP Kamala Harris gives remarks at National Action Network Convention

Written by David Goodson

Hot 97 Summer Jamming with Cardi B, GloRilla, Ice Spice, Coi Leray, Fivio Foreign, French Montana, Lola Brooke

So the way the I remember her glow up to blow up was as 1) a round card girl for a rap battle in the Ultimate Rap League; 2) a charismatic dose of comic relief on the hit franchise Love and Hip Hop New York for seasons 6 and 7; and 3) a recording artist that went from having a hot lil joint on the radio become a Diamond-selling (that’s 10 million copies) single.

“HOT 97’s Summer Jam is a hip-hop staple, and we are excited to bring the most electric show of the summer back to NY for hip-hop’s 50th anniversary,” said Bradford Tobin, president, chief operating officer, and general counsel.

By MORGAN ALSTON Special to the AmNews

On April 14, the National Action Network (NAN) convention welcomed Vice President Kamala Harris to deliver a keynote speech to galvanize the fight to protect democracy.

Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and president of NAN, hosted the annual event, which was the largest in their convention’s history. Held at the Sheraton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, the convention kicked off on Wednesday, April 12, with the traditional ribbon-cutting with New York City and state elected officials. During the week-long event, the civil rights organization will bring together trailblazing leaders in entertainment, business, civil rights, education, and other fields as the nation confronts concerted threats to its democracy. Those figures include Harris and nearly a dozen Biden Administration officials, Tyler Perry, Kerry Washington, Magic Johnson, and more.

The room echoed with cheers as Harris, surrounded by Black civil right activists and other supportive members, prompted the hundreds

of attendees to “stand and protect our democracy” from Republicans. She touched on topics condemning the stripping of African American history in school curricula, voting rights, reproductive rights, and the lack of gun laws, while justifying how Biden’s administration has supported Americans, including Black Americans.

“Extremists across our country attack the freedom to vote,” Harris said. “They ban books to attempt to erase America’s full history. They attack the ability of people to love openly and with pride. They attack the freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body instead of the government. They attack medications that for 20 years the FDA ruled as being safe. Democracy means being heard. However, we are lacking at this.”

Harris recounted recent events that occurred in Tennessee, where Republican legislators removed two Black lawmakers from office after the men led a peaceful protest to reinforce stronger gun control measures after six people lost their lives to gun violence in Nashville. Along with a white third-party legislator, the two legisltaors—Justin Jones

and Justin Pearson—have made headlines nationally that fueled the nickname the “Tennessee Three.” After gaining substantial, vocal support nationally, they were quickly reinstated.

Harris made it clear during her 34-minute speech that extremists cannot be allowed to silence people, and believers in social justice must be more vocal than ever about the social issues affecting the country. “Seven thousand students and parents continued to organize and march and raise their voices, and now Justin Jones and Justin Pearson are back in their seats,” she said as the crowd rose to their feet applauding. “The people spoke.”

Harris invoked the powerful legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., saying the struggle for civil rights includes a fight for economic justice for all: “As Dr. King made clear, freedom includes the ability of all people to fully exercise their rights—rights that generations of Americans bled and died for, rights that the people in this very room continue to march and fight for,” she said. “That is our nation’s freedom blueprint. And that is what we stand for.”

Her ascension to her spot in the game is in many ways a mirror image of the very culture she represents—she too is a child of the Boogie Down Bronx. Now here we stand with accolades ranging from a Grammy Award, eight Billboard Music Awards, six Guinness World Records, six American Music Awards, and 14 BET Hip-Hop Awards from a slew of singles and primarily one album release, “Invasion of Privacy.” It’s hard to argue choosing her as the headliner for what’s unofficially known as the biggest concert of the summer with the highly anticipated 2023 HOT 97 Summer Jam. Not only is this a homecoming of sorts for the headliner, but after more than 20 years, the iconic hip-hop music festival is back in New York at UBS Arena in Belmont Park.

2023 HOT 97 Summer Jam will offer two stages featuring some of the biggest names in hip-hop, while putting a spotlight on the recent rise of women to the forefront of the hip-hop movement. The Main Stage performers include Cardi B, GloRilla, Ice Spice, Coi Leray, Fivio Foreign, French Montana, Lil TJay, Lola Brooke, and a number of exciting surprise guest performances that will make the night even more unforgettable.

The show will also feature a dynamic performance by legendary group The LOX, celebrating 50 epic years of hip-hop and culture.

In addition to the main event, the Warner Records Stage at HOT 97 Summer Jam will kick off the afternoon pre-show with host French Montana and feature some of the hottest emerging artists, including NLE Choppa, Kenzo B, 2Rare, Sha EK, McVert, and TQ. From the Main Stage to the Warner Records Stage, the star-studded music celebration is guaranteed to be one of the best Summer Jams thus far.

“The show is all about bringing hip-hop’s biggest stars to the stage, and we are honored to have New York’s own Cardi B as our headliner this year,” said TT Torrez, multi-media personality and VP of artist and label relations. “I am so proud of the strong female presence in our lineup, which represents women’s dominance over the airwaves this year.”

As for the Bronx itself, the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, in association with SAL ABBATIELLO of Fever Records, presented a spectacular display of timeless songs that put the disco in disco fever on Saturday, April 15, 2023. This special concert brought together the most beloved disco stars for a nostalgic journey to the golden era of disco music. Featured performances were by the Trammps, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, France Joli, Lime, Musique, Rochelle Fleming (The Voice of First Choice), Carol Douglas, and the Intruders. It was hosted by Joe Causi and Sal Abbatiello.

Over and out. HOLLA next week. ’Til then, enjoy the nightlife.

Kamala Harris delivers the keynote speech at the National Action Network convention (Bill Moore photo)

Union Matters

Rutgers strike paused, negotiations to continue

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

The Rutgers University strike, which saw some 9,000 staff members participate in a work stoppage that paused the education of 67,000 students at the university’s Newark, New Brunswick, and Camden campuses, was suspended on Saturday, April 15.

Union bargaining committees and school management said they had come to an agreement on the framework of a four-year labor deal the evening before.

Brokered with the assistance of Gov. Phil Murphy, the deal, according to Rutgers

AAUP-AFT, proposes agreements regarding 18 union contract issues.

There are agreed-upon raises for full-time faculty, teaching assistants, graduate assistants, postdoctoral associates, part-time lecturers (PTLs), Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) counselors, and Winter-Summer Instructors. PTLs who have taught for two years will now have two-semester appointments and those who have been with Rutgers for 12 years or longer will receive four-semester appointments; PTL appointment renewals are also, for the first time, practically guaranteed.

Other issues remain outstanding, including a promise of five years of funding for

graduate assistants, student debt forgiveness, a fund to help undocumented and other service workers across the campuses, and a settlement with medical faculty The agreed-to frameworks could become tentative agreements.

Members of Rutgers AAUP-AFT, Rutgers Adjunct Faculty Union, and the AAUP-BHSNJ will have to vote on the deal for it to be finalized.

“In return for this framework, the three Rutgers union leadership bodies agreed to suspend our five-day strike and return to work immediately,” the Rutgers AAUPAFT said. “However, a suspension of our strike is not a cancellation. There are still

crucial outstanding articles addressing core issues that have not yet been tentatively agreed to between the unions and management, and so bargaining and the fight continues.

“If we do not secure the gains we need on the open issues through bargaining in the coming days, we can and will resume our work stoppage,” the union warned. When Murphy announced the brokered deal after 1 a.m. on April 15, he said, “This fair and amicable conclusion respects the interests of many different stakeholders, upholds New Jersey’s values, and puts an end to a standoff that was disruptive to our educators and students alike.”

Pennsylvania, New Jersey to create joint task force to address worker wage theft

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy have announced plans to create a “interstate task force” that would strengthen labor law enforcement in both states.

As the governors toured the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades’ Finishing Trades Institute in Philadelphia on April 13, they announced plans for the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) and Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (PA L&I) to “root out illegal practices and hold bad actors accountable” by strengthening workplace standards in both states.

The governors said that wage theft (when workers are paid less than minimum wage, not paid overtime, or not allowed to take meal and rest breaks) and worker misclas-

sification (when workers are incorrectly classified as independent contractors and denied employee benefits and protections) can be a problem that traverses

state lines. Employers who use wage theft and/or worker misclassification will often

“As neighboring states with a shared border and broad economic ties, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have a common interest in ensuring that workers enjoy the full protection of the rights and privileges to which they are entitled,” the two governors wrote in a joint letter. “Indeed, many employers operate in both states and, when they misclassify an employee or withhold earned wages, both states and the employees are harmed. In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, we are committed to upholding the simple yet critical principles that one should be paid in full for their work and have unobstructed access to their rights.”

continue the same illegal practices in adjoining states.

The proposed Pennsylvania-New Jersey task force is set to begin with both states, but the governors said they are interested in expanding the task forces’ labor enforcement efforts so they can also work with other states in the Northeast.

“As neighboring states with a shared border and broad economic ties, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have a common interest in ensuring that workers enjoy the full protection of the rights and privileges to which they are entitled,” the two governors wrote in a joint letter.

(AP Photo / Seth Wenig photos)

1st Black chief judge for New York state confirmed

By MICHAEL HILL Associated Press

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

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York’s Senate confirmed Rowan Wilson as the state’s first Black chief judge Tuesday, two months after lawmakers dealt Gov. Kathy Hochul a political defeat by rejecting her initial nominee for the top court post.

Wilson has been an associate judge of the Court of Appeals, New York’s highest court, since 2017. Hochul tapped him earlier this month to lead the seven-member high court and oversee the state’s judicial system. The confirmation vote caps months of conflict between Hochul and her fellow Democrats in control of the Senate over the direction of the court.

“Judge Wilson has proven himself to be one of the most thoughtful, well-written, and persuasive jurors in the nation, and in the history of the Court of Appeals,” state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, chair of the state’s Senate Judiciary Committee, said on the floor.

The Hon. Milton Tingling—the first Black Clerk of New York County—told the Amsterdam News he recalls first meeting Wilson after he joined the Court of Ap-

peals. He was floored by his knowledge.

“The scholarship of his decisions is something that the court hadn’t seen for a while—his writings are pristine,” said Tingling. “My first relationship with him was just one of respect for his legal acumen and scholarship. Then, I met him socially. Here’s a gentleman on the Court of Appeals—the highest court in the state. He’s writing decisions that belong in law books

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and law schools. And you sit down talking to him like somebody you’ve known most of your life.”

Wilson’s nomination came after Hochul’s first choice, Hector LaSalle, faced a barrage of criticism from liberal senators and their allies, who criticized decisions he made as an appeals judge.

In an unprecedented move, the Senate rejected LaSalle in February. LaSalle would

have been the first Latino to lead the high court.

Dr. Hazel Dukes told the Amsterdam News that while she also supported Hochul’s previous appointment, she was excited for Wilson’s confirmation.

“He has demonstrated in his work and in his thinking that he is absolutely [for] this time in the history of New York state and the country where we are debating and talking about how we look at the system to make sure that people are treated equally and fairly,” she said. “None of us want criminals in our community [and] all of us want to be safe…but then we must also realize there is more than just locking them up and throwing away the keys.”

Wilson, 62, is more palatable to liberals, who have praised the Harvard Law School graduate’s record on civil rights, labor, and environmental issues.

Wilson also dissented in a top court ruling last year that rejected new congressional maps that had widely been seen as favoring Democrats.

That dissent has alarmed some Republicans because the Court of Appeals could possibly one day consider a Democrat-backed lawsuit seeking to compel the redrawing of New York’s congressional boundaries. The current maps helped the GOP regain

DECONSTRUCTING POWER

W. E. B. Du Bois at the 1900 World’s Fair

EXHIBITION NOW ON VIEW

Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals Rowan Wilson (AP Photo / Hans Pennink, File photo)

See CHIEF JUDGE on page 29

Black family grief

We learned this week that the family of Tyre Nichols, who was slain earlier this year, plans to file a civil lawsuit against the city of Memphis. That move is expected on Wednesday by attorney Benjamin Crump, the family representative.

Although five officers were fired and charged with second-degree murder; a sixth officer was relieved of duty, along with two EMTs; and a Memphis Fire Department lieutenant was fired, that was not enough for the family’s grief and loss, and we agree.

A similar action may be in the works for the family of Jayland Walker, who was shot 46 times by police officers in Akron, Ohio, last summer. A grand jury brought no charges against the eight officers involved in what began as a traffic stop that escalated in a barrage of 96 bullets fired at the fleeing 25-year-old Black man.

There is certainly more to this horrific incident, but once Walker was no longer a threat, why gun him down? Why not just apprehend him? This is a question we have been posing for years without any clear sense of understanding and justice.

At least the Nichols family can feel some small sense of solace with the charges against the officers in Memphis, while the Walker family will have to wait and see if other violations warrant the Justice Department stepping in.

Again, we are flummoxed by the ongoing police abuse that even the several existing consent decrees, where police departments failing to reform face the loss of federal funds, have only been modestly effective. Obviously, other steps are necessary, including the removal of qualified immunity and more potent civilian complaint review boards, where they exist at all.

And it’s no victory at all that one family has some glimmer of justice and another is denied.

Elinor R. Tatum: Publisher and Editor in Chief

Community Op-Ed: Summer Rising, free program for grades k through 8

By MAYOR ERIC ADAMS

Summer is a great time for children, but a challenging time for working parents. No parent wants to leave their child at home without family or trusted friends to look after them. Learning loss also happens over the summer—studies have shown that during the summer, students can lose about 40% of what they have learned during the school year.

Summer Rising, a free program for New York City public school students in Grades K through 8, provides a safe, fun, and enriching alternative.

Summer Rising provides a full day (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) of in-person academics combined with social-emotional learning, art activities, field trips, and sports. Last summer, students participated in a variety of programs, including World Ex-

plorer, which focused on the food, language, and culture of different countries. They played ping-pong and kickball; took part in nutrition classes and learned to cook with fresh vegetables; and went on trips to the Bronx Zoo, the Aquarium, Lincoln Center, NY Liberty basketball games, and the BioBus.

The Summer Rising session runs from July 5 to August 18 for students in Grades K–5, and July 5 to August 11 for students in Grades 6–8. Students receive breakfast, lunch, and a snack, and students with disabilities receive the supports they need. Priority for the 110,000 Summer Rising seats will be given to students in temporary housing, foster care, and with 12-month IEPs.

Children can be enrolled now at: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/summer/grades-k-8.

The deadline to apply is May 1, and those whose children have received a seat will be notified via email about a week afterward.

It cannot be emphasized enough how important it is for young New Yorkers to be in a safe environment for learning and socializing with their friends, and experiencing the attractions of the city, instead of sitting at home and surfing the internet all summer. Summer Rising makes that possible—and the city offers it at no cost to families.

Be sure to apply, and spread the information to other parents who might be interested in this opportunity.

And there’s more: Children born in 2020 who live in New York City are eligible to attend one of the city’s free age 3–K programs this fall. Apply now at www. myschools.nyc.

Do you support a political candidate who might be a prison candidate?

By JAMES B. EWERS JR., ED.D.

America is the land of hope and good fortune. Our landscape has often been the launching pad for honorable and rewarding careers.

This is the big difference between our country and those ruled by dictators and carriers of fear who are in office simply because citizens are afraid of them.

We have seen too many instances when speaking up creates turmoil, retribution, and sometimes death. It is troubling that people can lose their lives because they voice their opinions.

Fortunately, we have not had many problems with the conduct of our national leaders. Our democracy is stronger than folks we put in office who then create confusion.

conclusion about his innocence or guilt.

More recent history will bring us to what happened with Donald Trump, the 45th president of the United States of America. The allegations of his wrongdoings have captured the attention of we the citizens.

He lost the last election, yet still believes that he won. He claims that the election was fraudulent and unfair. In the eyes of most, Mr. Trump is fraudulent and unfair.

Calling Brad Raffensperger, Georgia’s Secretary of State, and saying he needed 11,000 votes from him was unscrupulous. That is a crime, in my opinion.

with Mike Pence and Ron DeSantis waiting to announce later.

Member

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Reyes: Investigative Editor

Right will always “trump” wrong. Evil will never be able to stand next to good and last. The wrong and the evil will eventually fall and self-destruct.

The mayhem that occurred on January 6 has been attributed to him as he encouraged and cajoled people to come to Washington, D.C., to wreak havoc at the U.S. Capitol. Again, we know what happened.

Now, if you have read any of the reports, you know that the former president has trouble brewing in Georgia and New York.

These are questions on the justice stove, and they are hot. As close as these papers are to being served, will they be?

I do not believe that he will go to a federal prison. The delays and appeals will keep him out of harm’s way. But without the political trappings, if we had committed what he allegedly has committed, we would be serving time.

America, here is a scenario that would be a nightmare for us. Just suppose his legal problems last until next year, before the November election. Will the Republican Party still make him their choice for president? That move would be unprecedented and embarrassing. That is my opinion.

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If you don’t remember Watergate and Richard Nixon, go to the history books and you will find out what happened to that former president. You can draw your own

In New York, we know about his questionable business practices and having hush money paid on his behalf. In Georgia, he wanted officials to change the voting count to allow him to win.

The next presidential election will be held in 2024 and he has already announced his intention to run for that office. However, so has Nikki Haley,

It may just happen because there is a voting block in this country that believes that he can do no wrong. They blow everything off as minor and much to do about nothing.

How is it that they can turn away and only blink awkwardly about his indiscretions? That is a mystery to many of us.

Let’s stay aware of what may happen. This is history in the making and we don’t want to miss it.

Trump is confronted with mounting legal battles. Indictments appear to be on the way. Will he have to testify, or will he go to prison? Maybe nothing will happen and it will be business as usual.

Crime stats

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 recent years, there has been growing concern over the rise in crime rates across the country. While some may attribute this increase to factors such as poverty and lack of education, which shouldn’t be dismissed, it is essential to consider the role of personal responsibility and individual choice in criminal behavior. Individuals who break the law and violate other people and the community must be held accountable for their actions, and punishment is a necessary deterrent to crime.

One of the most pressing issues facing our criminal justice system is the problem of repeat offenders. Too often, individuals who have been released from prison or jail go on to commit new crimes, creating a cycle of violence and victimization. Unfortunately, this clearly indicates that our current approach to rehabilitation and reentry is not working.

I believe in the power of personal responsibility. Individuals are responsible for their own actions, and they must be held accountable for the harm they cause to others. This is why we support tough sentencing laws, including mandatory minimums for certain offenses.

Some may argue that mandatory minimums are too harsh, and that they do not take into account the unique circumstances of each individual case. However, mandatory minimums serve as an important deterrent to crime.

When criminals know that they will face a minimum sentence for certain offenses, they are less likely

Financial Literacy Month

to commit those crimes in the first place. This protects potential victims and saves taxpayers money by reducing the number of people in prison.

Another issue facing our criminal justice system is the problem of illegal immigration. Illegal immigration not only undermines the rule of law, but it also creates a range of public safety concerns. When individuals enter the country illegally, they often have criminal records in their home countries or have engaged in criminal activity during their journey to the United States.

It’s fundamental that we secure our borders and enforce our immigration laws. This not only helps to reduce crime, but it also protects American workers and taxpayers. When illegal immigrants take jobs that would otherwise go to American citizens, it strains our economy and burdens our social safety net programs.

Some may argue that we should be more lenient toward illegal immigrants, especially those who have been in the country for a long time or who have children who are American citizens. However, it is essential to maintain the rule of law and ensure that our immigration system is fair and equitable for all.

In cities across the United States, gang violence is rampant and out of control, destroying communities and families. We must address the issue of gang violence, which is a growing problem in many urban areas. Gangs not only engage in drug trafficking

and other illegal activities, but they also create an environment of fear and violence in their communities.

Law and order are important features of an industrialized and civilized society. We need strict anti-gang laws that give law enforcement the tools they need to dismantle these criminal organizations. We also must support initiatives that help young people avoid getting involved with gangs in the first place, such as after-school programs and mentoring.

Addressing the root causes of gang violence, such as poverty and lack of opportunity, goes hand-inhand with policing. It’s not enough to increase policing numbers or have harsh penalties for criminals; we must reach our children before they become consumed by this criminality. Personal responsibility, law and order, and the rule of law are critical components of maintaining a safe society. We must hold individuals accountable for their actions, and we must take steps to deter criminal behavior. By supporting tough sentencing laws, securing our borders, combating gang violence, and addressing poverty and education, we can create a safer and more prosperous society for all Americans.

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

Did you know April is Financial Literacy Month? I did not. I was having a conversation with a dear friend about how expensive everything is these days, how one paycheck seems to evaporate quickly, how you can leave the supermarket having spent $100 for two bags of groceries (if you’re lucky), and how we finally understand what our parents meant when they’d say, “It’s always something!” when discussing finances.

I have been trying to think more strategically about my finances. I feel young, but I am over 40 and need to start thinking more seriously about retirement and what saving and investing looks like for me and my lifestyle. I am also someone who does not like to think about money often. It stresses me out just a bit. However, I realize that I must do a small amount of planning now so that in my later years I am not stressed, broke, or a burden to others.

I recently met with a financial planner and he gave me some great words of wisdom. First, everyone has differing levels of comfort when it comes to money and savings. Much of our relationship to money has to do with our childhood and upbringing; whether we are in a relationship and sharing financial responsibilities; and whether or not we have loads of debt, etc. When discussing money, we must meet people where they are and realize we may be starting these conversations from vastly different vantage points.

Second, when we think about what we want our lives to look like when we are no longer working, what do we see? I pray I am healthy and mobile so I can continue to travel. I am not that interested in designer clothes or very expensive restaurants, but I do know that much of my disposable income goes towards experiences. We must be sure to plan to be able to afford the things that bring us joy in the future, no matter what they may be.

Last, live below your means when possible. Many people max out credit cards and have no savings whatsoever. This is not a judgment, merely a statement of fact for millions of Americans. Raising kids, helping family members, and being a stable force in one’s community is often an expensive responsibility. When possible, I was advised to squirrel away money when I could, whether for a rainy day, vacation, or emergency fund. As I’ve mentioned in the column before, I try not to spend $5 bills. I put them in a can for miscellaneous expenses that pop up. You’d be amazed how quickly $5 bills can turn into well over $100.

So use this month to take stock of where you are and how you feel about your financial health.

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.

(Adobe Stock image)

CHRISTINA GREER, PH.D.

Caribbean Update

Jamaica inches closer to republic

BY BERT WILKINSON

Special to the AmNews

Apparently still motivated by the ease with which Barbados transitioned to a republic nearly a year and a half ago, authorities in Jamaica are pushing the acceleration button on joining its Caribbean neighbors that have already done so in recent decades, starting with Guyana back in 1970.

A lawyer-heavy constitutional reform commission has been going over the postindependence document in recent weeks and has already agreed to tell the government to get rid of the white, British king and other monarchical trappings and appoint a Black or brown local as a ceremonial or titular president who would function as the island’s non-executive head of state.

Legal Affairs Minister Marlene Malahoo Forte told Parliament in the past week that the committee has already wrapped up that aspect of its work and has also deliberated on the process of selecting who will be nominated as president.

But the way forward is littered with some major constitutional and political hoops because such changes are rooted as entrenched clauses in the independence constitution and can only be removed by a people’s referendum vote. The committee has met five times so far and plans to

continue sitting, seeking to do a comprehensive overhaul of the document to modernize it and look to the future.

“Once we have abolished the monarchy from the make-up of our form of government, it will be replaced by the office of president of the republic of Jamaica. The president of the republic of Jamaica is to be a separate office from the head of government of Jamaica,” the minister told reporters.

She said the prime minister or head of government would be the one to nominate the president after consultation with the leader of the opposition. Parliament will later confirm the nomination.

“It is our intention to legislate that the

two houses (Assembly and Senate) will sit together to make this determination on a special vote,” Malahoo Forte said. Any country other than Jamaica will be considered foreign, she said of the committee.

When Barbados made the switch at the end of November 2021 to dump the British monarchy, Jamaican authorities had clearly signaled and determined that such would have provided the perfect excuse and time to sell the idea to the public. When England’s Prince William and his wife visited Jamaica last year as part of a mini Caribbean tour, Prime Minister Andrew Holness dropped the political bomb on the royals, telling them of the country’s intention to become a republic.

“Jamaica is, as you would see, a country that is very proud of our history and very proud of what we have achieved,” Holness said. “And we are moving on and we intend to attain, in short order, our development goals and fulfil our true ambitions and destiny as an independent, developed, prosperous country.”

Of the 15 nations in the Caricom trade bloc, Guyana, Trinidad, Dominica, and Barbados are republics with their own presidents. In the case of Guyana, its president is both head of state and government as of a constitutional amendment in 1980.

The Bahamas, Antigua, St. Vincent, and a few others have made political rumblings about ditching the British, but no serious or concrete steps have been taken so far. Of these, Antigua seems to be the most determined.

What is still not clear or determined in Jamaica, meanwhile, is whether the referendum will be held simultaneously with general elections scheduled for late 2025.

“It is too early to provide an answer on whether the country will vote in a general election and vote on the referendum on the British monarch at the same time,” Malahoo Forte said recently. “We are taking advice, we are assessing the matter, and what I promise you is that I will give the nation a timely update on where we are.”

Here’s what DREAMERS need to know about upcoming Biden DACA Health Insurance policy change

FELICIA PERSAUD IMMIGRATION KORNER

For many Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA recipients, also known as Dreamers), access to affordable healthcare has been a significant challenge. These immigrants have often been forced to go without insurance or rely on emergency room visits as their only source of medical care.

That made it great to hear from President Joe Biden last week that DACA recipients will soon be able to access Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid benefits. With this new policy, DACA recipients will be able to gain access to primary care, preventive services, and prescription medications.

This decision will have a significant impact on the approximately 600,000 DACA recipients and their U.S. citizen children who will now be able to secure and purchase health insurance through the ACA.

The proposed rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) amends the definition of “lawful presence” to include DACA recipients for eligibility for Medicaid and marketplace coverage. Medicaid and exchange applications will have verify their eligibility electronically when they apply for coverage, the administration said.

”Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege, and my administration’s worked hard to expand healthcare. And today, more Americans have health insurance than ever,” President Biden said in a prerecorded video announcing the decision.

The good news also includes that the administration expects to have the new policy in place by the end of the month. Several states, including California, New York, and Minnesota, already cover DACA recipients through Medicaid. However, they have been unable to receive federal matching dollars for the coverage, so they have had to pull funding from their own state coffers. Other states have taken

creative approaches to expand health insurance access for immigrants, such as Colorado’s new OmniSalud program, which allows people to purchase health insurance through the state marketplace without disclosing their immigration status and potentially receive state subsidies to help with premium costs.

To apply for these benefits once the policy is approved, DACA recipients will probably have to follow a few simple steps, such as confirm that they meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid or an ACA plan. To do this, they will involve going to the healthcare.gov website or contact the marketplace call center at 800-318-2596. They probably also will have to provide information about their income and immigration status, as well as personal information, including name, address, and Social Security number, as well as information about their income and household size.

Once their application is processed, DACA recipients will then be able to

choose from a variety of health insurance plans offered through the ACA marketplace. They can compare plans based on cost, benefits, and provider networks to find the plans that best meet their needs.

In addition to Medicaid and ACA plans, DACA recipients may also be eligible for other healthcare programs, such as community health centers, which provide primary care services on a sliding scale based on income. They can find a community health center near them by visiting the Health Resources and Services Administration website.

Overall, the new policy granting access to ACA and Medicaid benefits is a significant victory for DACA recipients and their families. It will help to ensure that they have access to quality, affordable healthcare and can live healthy and productive lives. It is left to be seen which of the red states will challenge the administration on this move once it becomes a reality.

The writer is publisher of NewsAmericasNow.com

“Jamaica is, as you would see, a country that is very proud of our history and very proud of what we have achieved,” Holness said. “And we are moving on and we intend to attain, in short order, our development goals and fulfil our true ambitions and destiny as an independent, developed, prosperous country.”

Reynoso, more than 200 Muslim Brooklynites gather for Ramadan iftar at Borough Hall

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

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio

Reynoso held his annual Ramadan iftar at Borough Hall on April 5 to honor the borough’s Muslim communities during their holy month.

“Our Muslim community unites in peace and love in an incredible diversity of cultures, stories, and heritage right here in our beautiful borough of Brooklyn. It was my honor to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan at our second annual iftar dinner alongside so many of our neighbors,” said Reynoso in a statement.

Imams Abdulkarim Samarkandiy and Siraj Wahhaj gave the call to prayer and were joined by hundreds of Brooklynites in observance of Ramadan. The tradition during Ramadan is to fast from sunup until sundown and then break the fast with a meal called iftar.

The sit-down dinner featured Uzbek plov, samsa, dates, and other traditional foods, followed by prayers.

“The marks our Muslim Brooklynites have made on this borough reach far

back in time,” said Reynoso. “In fact, one of the oldest mosques in the United States lives right here in Brooklyn— the Powers Street Mosque, which was founded back in the 1930s—and resides in my old Council District.”

Currently, neighborhoods like Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, Coney Island, Brighton Beach, and more are home to Muslim communities.

At the event, Reynoso honored two individuals: Dr. Salman Haq, a cardiologist who trained at Brooklyn’s Methodist Hospital, and firefighter/EMS Farooq Muhammad; and two organizations: Bed-Stuy’s Masjid At-Taqwa and the Silk Road Foundation.

The iftar was sponsored by the Silk Road Foundation and the Council of People’s Organization (COPO) provided prayer rugs for the event.

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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Brooklynites come together for iftar at Borough Hall (Office of the Brooklyn Borough President photos)

Health

Factcheck—False: COVID is never going away so we might as well give up

By HEATHER M. BUTTS, JD, MPH, MA Special to the AmNews

In the midst of the third year since COVID emerged, and the upcoming end to the federal public health emergency declaration, pondering where we are regarding the pandemic and where we are heading should be a top priority. Unfortunately, some individuals believe the pandemic is either over or never going to end, leading to detrimental behavior both for themselves and others

According to Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, chief of Research and Development at the St. Louis VA Healthcare System and clinical epidemiologist at Washington University, while reinfections from COVID are a serious concern, vigilance—not complacency or denial—is the key.

By continuing to take common sense steps like being fully vaccinated, masking, testing, and using social distance, we can reduce the hundreds and sometimes thousands of Americans killed or hospitalized as a result of COVID each week, a disproportionate number of whom are people of color.

In an interview with the AmNews , Al-Aly said that “we certainly think that reinfection contributes additional risk, so we’re not saying re-infection necessarily is. . .worse than the first. We’re saying that if you got infected the first time, you

may have dodged the bullet the first time and did not get Long COVID when you get re-infected…[It] doesn’t mean that every time you get infected, you’re going to dodge the bullet…the second infection might be milder, but could still contribute additional risks for both an acute phase and in the Long COVID phase, so I think [it] is very important for people to [realize] that we’re not really out of the woods yet…it’s still very, very important for people to really wrap their heads around [this].”

Al-Aly co-authored a paper entitled “Long COVID after breakthrough SARSCoV-2 infection” whose authors found that “vaccination before infection confers only partial protection in the postacute phase of the disease; hence, reliance on it as a sole mitigation strategy may not optimally reduce long-term health consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The findings emphasize the need for continued optimization of strategies for primary prevention of BTI [breakthrough infections] and will guide development of post-acute care pathways for people with BTI.”

The authors’ takeaway is that COVID as a disease is to be avoided and that relying on any one measure to prevent COVID infection is not as effective as using multiple methods. Vaccines are effective in reducing the worst outcomes of COVID,

but the best strategy is to avoid contracting COVID at all.

The authors explored the notion of giving up and said at least one specific population cannot afford to take such a stance: “The end of the COVID public health emergency is near, but that’s small consolation to the estimated 7 million to 10 million immunocompromised Americans who are soldiering on with a dwindling number of tools to protect them.”

In an interview with the AmNews , Lisa McCorkell, one of the co-founders of the Patient-Led Research Collaborative, an organization made up of Long COVID patients who are also researchers in fields such as biomedical research, neuroscience, cognitive science, public policy, and health activism, reflected on where we are headed and what continuing to ignore COVID will do in the long term to all of us.

“Right now, we are nowhere near eradicating COVID,” she said. “It’s continuing to kill people at a very high rate, it is continuing to disable people at a very high rate. It’s not too late to take action on that and to prevent as many cases as possible moving forward. I think there are several ways to do that.

“From a public health perspective, we need data-driven mask requirements so that when cases increase, we require masks indoors…to prevent the spread

and to protect people who are more vulnerable. We need better ventilation and investments in ventilation and UVC lamps and other mitigations that are proven to reduce COVID spread.

“Ultimately, we need a paradigm shift in how we view disabled people and how we respond to a community problem, because at this point, we are viewing it as an individual issue when it’s a public health issue, and we’re not caring for the most vulnerable among us and not even caring for our future selves.”

For additional resources about COVID-19, visit www1.nyc. gov/site/coronavirus/index. page or call 311. COVID-19 testing, masks, and vaccination resources can also be accessed on the AmNews COVID-19 page: www.amsterdamnews.com/ covid/.

Claim: is never going away, so we might as well give up.

Factcheck: False. While navigating COVID-19 and its variants has been challenging, we should continue to be vigilant against it. This is the actual purpose of public health, and it is particularly true for the most vulnerable in society.

Arts & Entertainment

Barkley L. Hendricks photos on view

premiered “Barkley L. Hendricks: Myself

When I Am Real” a retrospective of the photographs of the late artist Barkley L. Hendricks.

Best celebrated for his paintings, Hendricks, who passed in 2017, is known for having reinterpreted the visual perceptions of African Americans.

Black people had been traditionally depicted by artists of different ethnicities as either viewed from afar or as embodying certain tropes which could then be comfortably understood by those observing them. Hendricks’ full-length portraits of various people helped transform Black visual culture: he allowed everyday Black Americans to express a sense of style and to stand before viewers with a distinct assurance. In his oil paintings from the 1960s and 1970s, Black Americans are seen presenting themselves as they wanted their presence to be understood and interpreted in the world.

The Shainman Gallery in Chelsea, which is representing Hendricks’ estate, presents some of the artists’ photos in this new exhibit. Photography was another medium he often turned to—these photos allow us to see the world and

period of time he lived through, and to look at what caught his attention. These photos range from the 1960s through the 1990s, important periods in African American history. These decades saw changes brought about by the Civil Rights Movement and a resultant political and social progress on the grassroots level. Hendricks’ Shainman Gallery photos show how he witnessed the way the lives of ordinary Black people changed, and the ways that even celebrated African Americans––from Martin Luther King Jr. to 1983’s Miss America Vanessa Williams to jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong to attorney Anita Hill and to the boxer Muhammad Ali––imprint-

The gallery notes in its literature for the exhibit that Hendricks has many photos he took while at a bar near where he lived in Connecticut: “A series of television screens, another recurring theme that fascinated Hendricks throughout his practice, documents vignettes of popular culture, news, and public figures such as Anita Hill and Ronald Reagan. The images serve as a record of the American media landscape and Hendricks’ own surroundings; a large number were taken at the Dutch Tavern, a local establishment in New London, Connecticut, over the years. Covering a broad range of subject matter, the series demonstrates

the birth of media oversaturation and the shape of visual culture in its wake.”

These photos are not solely of African Americans. They show the world African Americans lived through—where other figures, like Salvador Dali and Richard Nixon and Judy Garland also made impacts. Swirling around this larger world, Black life in America is put in context.

“Barkley L. Hendricks: Myself When I Am Real” is on view through May 26 at the Jack Shainman Gallery, 513 W. 20th Street, Manhattan, NY. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Untitled, c. 1970, Barkley L. Hendricks photos (Courtest Jack Shainman Gallery)

“Untitled, 1967”

“Untitled, c. 1975”

“Untitled, c. 1965”

A conversation with DTH icon Virginia Johnson as she passes the baton

By ZITA ALLEN Special to the AmNews

Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) Artistic Director Virginia Johnson is passing the baton after a career that began just six months after the 1969 founding of the critically acclaimed, groundbreaking institution by the trailblazer ballet dancer Arthur Mitchell (AM), with the help of renowned teacher Karel Shook. The audacious DTH would fly in the face of racist assumptions about the suitability of the Black dancers in ballet, winning national and international critical acclaim and opening doors for many who, like Johnson, had been told, “There’s no place for you in ballet.”

Johnson’s career began with ballet lessons, in her native Washington, D.C., first with Black ballet teacher Therrell Smith, then at the Academy of Washington School of Ballet, followed by admission to New York University as a dance major. A year’s leave from college to pursue ballet with the fledgling Black ballet company turned into a 28-year career as she rose to the pinnacle as prima ballerina before leaving to attend Fordham University and then become founding editor of Pointe magazine. In 2009, at Mitchell’s request, she returned to DTH to protect his vision and shepherd his mission forward.

As a dancer, Johnson dazzled and impressed critics with performances in leading roles in most of the company’s diverse repertoire. She won praise for her clean, crisp elegance and musicality in such neoclassical masterpieces as Balanchine’s Agon, Allegro Brillante, and Serenade and for her powerful, gripping expressiveness in such iconic dance dramas as Agnes de Mille’s Fall River Legend and DTH’s iconic staging of the classic 19th-century Romantic ballet Giselle, which won the Laurence Olivier Prize when it premiered in London in 1984.

As an artistic director, Johnson has more than fulfilled the mission Mitchell asked her to take on as his successor. She stepped into the demanding role as head of a company whose singular presence in the dance world continues to mark it as much as a testament to its dancers’ technical elegance and inimitable musicality as to their impressive artistry, commendable resilience, and transformative, and—yes—revolutionary impact on a world once oblivious to the boundary-less beauty of the Black ballet dancer. Her achievements as both prima ballerina and artistic director have earned her numerous honors.

Recently, Johnson took a few minutes out of a hectic schedule to speak with the Amsterdam News as she prepared for the

Dance Theatre of Harlem’s upcoming New York City Center season, April 19–23, fea turing two New York premieres: William Forsythe’s“Blake Works IV,” the latest installment of the choreographer’s continuously evolving work “The Barre Project,”and a new ballet by Tiffany Rea-Fisher, set to the score created by New York-based DJ and composer Erica Blunt (aka Twelve 45) and inspired by the trailblazing jazz musician and civil rights activist Hazel Scott. The program also features Robert Garland’s latest hit, “Higher Ground,” and Johnson’s favorite Balanchine ballet, the exuberant “Allegro Brillante.”

AmNews: Why have you decided to pass the baton at this stage in the history of DTH?

The reason that I’m passing the baton forward is because I know that I’ve done what I could for the organization and now it needs a new leader, a new vision, and new talent. I’m really thrilled that Robert Garland is there. Every iteration of the company is about growth—it’s about becoming more. I did what I could. Now, it’s time for a new, young visionary leader and Robert is that person. When I came back to be artistic director, I was committed to making sure DTH would flourish again...I knew that I had been given the assignment to bring back the company and I knew that I had to find a way to do it. That is nowhere near what Mr. Mitchell did when he created this place.

AmNews: Looking back [at] how things have changed from 1969 to 2023, in terms of audiences, dancers, and the way people view the company. Compare and contrast those two periods.

VJ: In recent months, the pandemic has given me more time to think about it because things ground to a halt, but the period from 2010 to 2018 or so was very much like the beginnings of the company. You had a group of dancers who came from the far corners of the world that you had to make into a company, so that was a similarity for sure, and it gave me more insight into how AM had to work with us to put this together. But it was also different because we are in a different point in time. People like to draw comparisons between the 1970s and the 2000s, and there are similarities—but there are huge differences. There may be things about the Civil Rights Movement that echo the Black Lives Matter movement, but there’s also the context of having a whole generation of dancers who experienced dance in a different way from the dancers who Arthur Mitchell was working with back in the 1960s. I don’t think that it’s hard for me to be able to say, “Oh, it’s like that” or “It’s different because we’re living in a different time and we’re living in a different world.”

AmNews: DTH has played a role in creating that change, especially in terms of the way dance is looked at, and the way the Black body in dance is looked at. Talk about that in terms of the perception of the Black ballet dancer in 1969 and 2023, and the role that DTH and you have played in changing that perception.

VJ: I think that when Arthur Mitchell created this company, he wanted people to understand that ballet didn’t have to be going down the road that it started to go down. DTH did show a different way of seeing what ballet could be, and I think that’s one of the things that he probably would be happiest about. Also, he probably would be a little disappointed that people are still trying to tug us back to “Do you have the right body?,” “Is your hair right?”

AmNews: The legacy of the company is phenomenal in terms of opening people’s eyes to help them re-envision the ballet dancer, and DTH played a huge role in that process. Talk about the DEI initiatives and DTH’s role in laying the foundation for those initiatives.

VJ: [In] 2017, [we aimed to] answer the question that PHILADANCO’s Joan Myers Brown asks all the time: “Where and why are we not making this change ?”

DTH Artistic Director Virginia Johnson (Theik Smith photo)

We brought together some of the executive leadership of some of the major ballet companies across the country to try to unpack that question and what we learned is that everybody is well-intentioned, but they don’t really see that there’s a problem. Until they understand that the problem is in their own hearts, they’re not going to make a difference...

AmNews: Has DTH done a lot to help change hearts and minds in some ways?

VJ: It has been our work from the very beginning and I think so—yes, but there’s still a lot of territory to cover yet.

AmNews: Let’s talk about you and your plans for the future.

VJ: People don’t really understand, but this job is really all-consuming. I don’t really have the time to think about myself, so when I wake up from my year-long sleep, I’ll be able to take time to think about what I want to do. The job just demands every inch of your mind, every inch of your body, every inch of your time. And that’s never enough. There’s always somebody waiting for you to tell them what do, to make a decision.

A hundred percent, I don’t like the word “retire” because I don’t feel like I’m done at all. What I’m doing is passing the baton for the leadership of Dance Theatre of Harlem forward. I need to take a good long rest, so I can get back and take care of the things that Virginia wants to do because I haven’t been

able to do them in this long time.

AmNews: Let’s talk about Robert. You’ve passed the baton to Robert. How did you make that choice? Why did you make that choice?

VJ: To go back to the real reason for me to make this change, [it’s that] the compa-

ny, the dancers—they need a new vision [for] the work that they’re doing. I think that Robert is a brilliant, brilliant choreographer. He’s somebody who thinks deeply about the artform and how the artform can grow and what it needs to do. He can do that because he’s directly connected to Arthur Mitchell. Those

two things were the reasons that Robert is the right choice for this next iteration of Dance Theatre of Harlem. Those are the real things. It was really, for me, about the art—making sure the art continues to grow and move forward.

AmNews: You mentioned the phrase “directly connected to Arthur Mitchell,” which leads me to assume that it’s not just about the art, but also about being directly connected to Arthur and to his vision when he founded DTH.

VJ: The original vision, absolutely.

AmNews: In terms of the way DTH has helped change the world of ballet and a look at the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives many of the white companies have adopted, what’s your sense of the effectiveness of that, especially considering that a number of DTH people are now in positions that would not have been open to them decades ago?

VJ: I think the murder of George Floyd made a big difference in this country...We all have the fear of “OK, after the emotion, we’ll just go backward.” But I don’t think we are going to go backward. I think the DEI initiatives in some places are making great strides, but in other places, not so much. We can’t expect it to be the same everywhere, but you know what’s going to happen? The thing that’s going to make the biggest change is a change of generations. That means younger dancers, younger directors, younger people who have experienced the world differently from those who’ve lived through the Civil Rights Movement, making the change in this country in ways that are going to increase in speed over time.

(L-R) Derek Williams as Alexandre de la Cour; Hugues Magen as Etienne de Villefort; Theara Ward as Bathilde de la Cour; Virginia Johnson as Giselle Lanaux; and DTH Company in “Creole Giselle” (Dance Theatre of Harlem Archive photo)

Virginia Johnson as Giselle Lanaux and Lorraine Graves as Myrta in “Creole Giselle” (Dance Theatre of Harlem Archive photo)

HOROSCOPES BY KNOWYOURNUMB3RS

By SUPREME GODDESS

KYA

April 20, 2023—April 26, 2023

The previous new moon in Aries at 0 degree on March 21, was a new beginning and there will be a solar New Moon eclipse in Aries at 29 degree is an end of something that was started. You are either investing your time or not for the change you want to see results. This solar eclipse is a preview of the north and south node axis in Aries and Libra upcoming on July 13,2023. What did you begin new and pay attention to this fire pioneer bursting through to advance you on a higher level. Any area in your life that needs to work on this is a perfect time to do for a brand new you with new terms, conditions, laws, rules, boundaries, and most importantly doing what brings you peace in the pursuit of happiness. A prominent time to be engaged with prominent people. “When things change inside you, things change around you.”-Unknown

A week of professional window of opportunities as you head in a new direction this week. Yes, change is here for the better so enjoy the adventure and life has to offer. Engage in the opportunities that align with your core values and mission as you see the vision. Partnerships is a theme this week although mercury is due to retrograde on April 21,2023 read all data on the paper before you sign any documents/contracts. Engage in communities’ events, pop ups, etc. to grow your network and provide your services to the next agenda. April 20th until 6 a.m. April 22 rapid change growth is taking place so get in the driver seat while the passengers enjoy the magical ride.

You mean business this week and there is no way around it, so brings your A game to the table or board meeting. A lot of intel is related to you and in your personal life romance, family, work affairs also time out time is on your schedule. Heavy responsibilities come with a hefty bill, speeding ticket for putting in the work without a fuss or complaint in the world. This is what you signed up for and the rewards or return of your investment are wrapped nicely. April 22 until 2 p.m. April 24,2023 ask and you shall receive, ensure you apply the footwork for a special delivery.

Embrace yourself with a hug due to it’s time to surrender the old and surrender to the new version of you. A slight change in your plans occurs so that direct flight may be a connecting flight to connect you to certain people or an excursion on the way to your destination. Change occurs when it’s time to go in a different direction like learning a trade. Now you can fill in all the details this week without any hassle. A new program is ready for you and all you need to do is crawl, walk, run, jump on board. April 24 until 2 a.m. April 27th the lights are all green.

Lucky you Aries the new moon on March 21 at 0 degrees. Aries this upcoming solar eclipse on April 19 new moon at 29-degree Aries is a double dose of what you initiated and things coming to culmination and expansion of what you started. Things were lagging only due to the detail; entail needed more resources to reach a full story. This week everything is in motion, just remember you call the shots also making it a joint team effort. April 17 until 12 a.m. On April 20th you know what needs to be done. Your ancestors are standing by you plus their money to assist on the journey. Ask for their guidance.

You are popping up everywhere on social media, on articles, within communities, also in the school. Are you having thoughts on building your own educational school, programs, outlets for folks to receive a better education financially, emotionally, mentally, for growth. Listen to the call in the voices within and simply act. April 20th until 6 a.m. on April 22nd time will tell as you elevate into higher realms of life. Study, observe and allow experience to be your teacher.

It’s an up in the air kind of week so search for clues, hints coming your way to be better equipped. Some form of awareness will show up in the most awkward way and it’s for you to receive the upload without asking any questions. It Is what it is. Continuing planning on this big partnership deal to extend your foundation in other states, countries wherever you see fit. April 22nd until April 24 after 2 p.m. What did you discover or what was revealed to you in secrecy? You have your ways of finding out information.

This is a business making boss move kind of week to take your projects, plans to the next level. Present your proposal and know that someone will be interested in collaborating with you or joining the team. Include all the linguistics and keep your secret ingredients to yourself. Share what you want folks to know, you know it’s called a hook to grab people’s attention to come see what you have to offer. April 24 until 2 a.m. April 27th , rewards show up unexpectedly, and business and family matters need your attention. Know your limits and boundaries.

This is a one in a million kind of offer or week where information is pouring in from the east, west, north, south to get you on board or staying in the loop. Stay away from the gossip you have great decrement on real vs fake. A lot of folks want to sit at the table and eat with you with wooden nickels and look at you in front of the bill. Nope that’s not happening on your watch. It’s time for building and gaining your own resources at your cost. You can lead them, yet they have to do their own homework. April 17 until 12 a.m. On April 20th, alignment of the stars is favorable to you to get what you need and want.

When you put a pot of water on the stove to heat up, the process of boiling is slow until you start seeing bubbles from the bottom. Exactly my point: you started from the bottom before those bubbles can come up and now your water is boiling ready for whatever you have to put in the water to make a delightful entry to purchase as a result. The finished product is here; also, come join in on a class or meet me in person for a meet and greet after the lecture. April 20th until 6 a.m. April 22 what’s odd and unusual is the new norm nowadays.

Say yes, due to you having all the tools, experience, to be qualified for the mission. You just need to apply yourself like nobody business and nobody watching you. Who cares anyway when you have the keys in your hand to open doors for you. What brings people to the tables is your wisdom, information, your story and now it’s time to teach, sell your products and follow that inner calling from your higher self. April 22 until 2 p.m. April 24,2023 this conversation is for you and the divine creator to know. Pursue in what belief and have faith.

Your intuition is in a high mode so if someone accidentally touches you or bumps into you, your energy will send them healing energy. Hug yourself then hug others who may need your warm embrace. You have an inkling about something, and the movie will play out very soon. Stay tuned and do you in the mist and the message will get to you like in Oleta Adams song get here. Continue applying yourself to make your wish come true. April 24 until 2 a.m. April 27th, a reward of some kind is on the way be it acknowledgement, monetary, kind word and a nice gift even from an admirer from a distance.

Wherever you go, you know and feel change is occurring so you either be still and keep doing what you’ve been doing or go in a new direction. Top dollar information is floating in your hands, ears, dreams, conversation etc. for the assignment ahead. First listen, then go back and take notes finally apply the information and do ask questions when you are not sure. Your best friend is investigating and researching. Allow your gut and inner intuition to guide you. April 17 until 12 a.m. On April 20th, enough thinking, make a decision. You in or not.

Vinateria

There’s nothing not to love in ‘Mafia Mamma’

By MAGRIRA Special to the AmNews

There’s something delicious about the new comedy “Mafia Mamma,” starring Toni Collette as the Italian American working mom Kristin Balbano Jordan. And her story, I feel, resonates with many women across cultures and languages. Her life isn’t easy. She has a lazy-to-the-bone, cheating husband (Tim Daish) who shapes her life, and an independentminded son who’s halfway out the door to college. Her work life isn’t much better because it’s filled with male colleagues who take delight in undermining her ideas.

For a minute there, it seems that Kristin’s life is set for a continued string of disappointments, but destiny has other plans. Fate does not see her as a doormat for the incompetent but as the next

in line to run Italy’s well-connected Balbano clan; same for these crafty people. Kristin, in a trillion years, would have never imagined that her inheritance was to be inserted into an organized crime family, and here’s the kicker: They make her an offer she can’t refuse.

I can only imagine the pitch. I would have said yes. Thankfully, this film uses the gifted Collette correctly. She brings a gentle ferocity (I know, it’s an oxymoron, but it’s accurate).

It’s a fish-out-of-water comedy for sure. Where else could a pair of stiletto heels be used to stab your rivals’ paid assassin? The first hit in the crotch, and the second in the face. Who knew that Kristin had it in her? Well, the mafia did, and once the deed is completed, she thinks that maybe she’s better suited to the job, surprising her enemies and herself.

Collette brings all of the elements needed to amplify the character’s induction into this new, and deadly, world. There are many memorable scenes, but one of the best is when Kristin meets with the head of the rival Romano family, thinking that she’s just inheriting the family’s wine business. Utterly clueless, she misinterprets the negotiations for sexual attraction and follows him back (a bit drunk) to his room, where a poisoned shot of limoncello awaits its victim. The bodyguards (Alfonso Perugini and Francesco Mastroianni) know this isn’t a good idea, but their boss is cocky. Here’s where fate is on Kristin’s side because she accidentally kills the guy who’s trying to murder her. I don’t usually laugh at death, but this one made me giggle. Note that the movie trailer is a bit misleading, with Kristin

shouting: “Eat, pray, f***!” If you think it’s that kind of movie, think again—it’s so much better.

“Mafia Mamma” is wonderfully bold in its celebration of a middle-aged woman coming into her power and trying to stay alive in the process. Because, as viewers, we pretty much know how movie mafia families work, it’s also so much fun watching Kristin do things differently.

A modern woman, she engages her marketing expertise culled in pharmaceuticals in the U.S. in a brand-new venture, creating a black market for low-priced prescription drugs. To add more revenue, she tinkers with the wine, taking it from being basically undrinkable, since it was just a cover for the Balbanos’ illegal dealings, to something popular and profitable.

What’s funny is that Kristin—

who claims to have never seen any of the “Godfather” movies— makes her illegal business legal after assuming control of the family.

“Mafia Mamma” is directed by Catherine Hardwicke with a screenplay by Michael J. Feldman and Debbie Jhoon.

Yes, “Mafia Mamma” is a comedy, but in the end, it’s really about a woman discovering hidden talents and winning in a man’s world.

“Mafia Mamma” now playing, starring Toni Collette, Monica Bellucci, Sophia Nomvete, Eduardo Scarpetta, Alfonso Perugini, Francesco Mastroianni, Giulio Corso, Dora Romano, Giuseppe Zeno, Vincenzo Pirrotta, Tommy Rodger, Alessandro Cremona, Alessandro Bressanello, Tim Daish (English, Italian dialogue).

“Mafia Mamma” (Photo courtesy of Bleecker Street)

‘Camelo’ needs its voices to soar

By LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews

I was so excited to hear that Lincoln Center was presenting Lerner & Loewe’s “Camelot.” This is a musical and story I have cherished and enjoyed for decades. However, this new take on the classic story, with a book by Aaron Sorkin based on the original book by Alan Jay Lerner, was a take that focused more on humor than on the audio quality of the production.

My seat was close to the stage, but I could barely hear the performers, who were at times drowned out by the orchestra. This was not fair to the great work of Lerner, who wrote the lyrics for the songs and music of Frederick Loewe. When I go to a musical, especially one where I know the songs very well, I am going there to hear the performers showcase their vocal gifts. I’m not used to being at a performance, especially at Lincoln Center, where it is difficult for me to hear the performers on stage. I kept thinking: If I can barely hear them, what about the people behind me and upstairs?

One of the things that always attracted me to this musical was the beautiful, passionate, innocent, sudden, and forbidden love that Lancelot du Lac developed for Queen Guinevere, and which she returned. However, this version seems to lack passionate moments where they declare and demonstrate their love. In fact, it is stated that he has been around her for only one day per month for a year, and she has treated him cruelly to try to persuade him to leave, so when Lancelot sings, “If Ever I Would Leave You,” there is not a lot that he is really giving up, except to be in her presence. While he has not had any type of relationship with her, Lancelot (brilliantly played by Jordan Donica, who many may know as the first Black performer

to play Raoul in “Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway) delivers this song with passion—to a point. After seeing him in “Phantom,” I know very well the range of his

‘Salt City’ rocks the Apollo

voice, but he doesn’t get to use his full instrument here. While his delivery was beautiful, it could have been better if he was able to be louder.

If you are like me, you truly expect to enjoy marvelous, audible singing when you go to see a Broadway musical and this “Camelot” simply doesn’t have that. “Camelot” needs the company’s voices to soar!

The other two leads in the musical are Andrew Burnap as Arthur and Phillipa Soo as Guinevere, along with supporting cast members Dakin Matthews as Merlyn/ Pellimore, Taylor

Trensch as Mordred, Marilee

Talkington as Morgan, Anthony Michael Lopez as Sir Dinadan, Danny Wolohan as Sir Lionel, and Fergie Philippe as Sir Sagramore.

The music is beautiful and I know it well, but again, the most important aspect of enjoying a musical is the glorious, harmonious, clearly discernible, and powerful singing of a gifted cast. While there were some enjoyable moments, I need the performers to be loud and proud, and belt out those songs in a way that does them—both the performers and the songs—the greatest justice.

“Camelot” has direction by Bartlett Sher and is playing at Lincoln Center Vivian Beaumont Theater (150 W 65th Street).

“Camelot” has a technical team that includes sets by Michael Yeargan; costumes by Jennifer Moeller; lighting by Lap Chi Chu; sound by Marc Salzberg and Beth Lake; hair and wigs by Cookie Jordan; music direction by Kimberly Grigsby; original orchestrations by Robert Russell Bennett and Philip J. Lang; original dance and choral arrangements by Trude Rittman.

For more information and for tickets, visit www.lct.org/shows/ camelot.

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

When the house lights dimmed and a quintet of performers emerged from the darkness and marched to the stage from the back of the room, you knew this was going to be creatively unique, even by the often adventurous standards for the Apollo Salon Series.

The retinue of dancers wore white hazmat suits with headlights beaming as though they were speleologists on their way underground. That was in fact their destination in the production of “Salt City—A Techno Choreopoem,” written by jessica Care moore and directed and choreographed by Aku Kadogo.

Some hints about what was to transpire were revealed in the program, where it was noted that the story was centered on Detroit in 3071. At the core of this Afro-futuristic, nonstop musical is a brown girl named Salt (Mikaela “Miki” Evans) who time-travels, futilely seeking her tribe and reclamation of family history. Her pursuit occurs amid a swirl of dancers and speakers, all now stripped of their suits and colorfully adorned. Later, the sparkle of their attire will match the lights from a spinning globe.

With changing images, a screen on the back wall continuously highlights the flow, none more illuminating than

a bright pile of salt, symbolic of the salt mines below Detroit.

All told, this is a dazzling display of dance, poetic lyrics, and the shifting tempos of techno-music, much of it in the capable hands of tech-masters from Motown. Things unfold in rapid precision, the dancers in sync with the pulsing sounds and the words helping to keep you in touch with the mythological, anthropological, political narrative. There’s no easy distillation of Salt’s odyssey, and the multiple meanings of her cohorts—Ainghku (Chris Woolfolk), Erzulie (Axelle “Ebony” Munezero), Musa (James Abbott), Cosmic Mother (Ta’Rajee Omar), and La (Halimah Consuelo)—but there are literal occasions when some current social and cultural issues, such as gentrification and reparations, are spot on, particularly in the “Not for Sale” segment, rendered in chorus-like recitative.

“Salt City” surges with a relentless beat, and the discography—from “Transformation A” by Jeff Mills to “Salt City Mix” by Nick Speed—provides a sizzling tapestry of techno as it gives sonic inspiration to a troupe of tireless dancers. There is every reason to keep the tour rolling as it speeds from city to city. The sold-out weekend at the Apollo should put the rest of the nation on notice that Afro-futurism is on the way.

Director and choreographer Aku Kadogo (far left); jessica Care moore (Herb Boyd photo)

Jordan Donica and Phillipa Soo in Lincoln Center Theater’s production of “Camelot” (Joan Marcus photo)

A tribute fit for a queen!

By LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews

When we have greatness in our midst, honor must be paid. But what happens when that greatness is taken away from us? How do we honor them then?

Woodie King Jr.’s New Federal Theatre recently answered that question when it presented a tribute to the late Micki Grant in a special presentation called “Micki Grant: Step Into My World.” The Castillo Theatre on 42nd Street was the place to be to listen to Grant’s lovely voice singing songs from her album “Lovin’ Kind of Woman.”

When we think of Micki Grant, we think of the first Black woman to do the book, music, and lyrics to a Broadway show with “Don’t Bother I Can’t Cope” and the creator of “Your Arms Too Short To Box With God,” but this lady was so much, much more.

The actor, composer, writer, and singer, who was born Minnie Louise Perkins in Mississippi and died in 2021 at the age of 92, was a distinctive

icon in the Black community for decades and left her mark on her people.

Sitting in this very intimate theater, the audience stepped into Micki Grant’s world, not just hearing her singing so beautifully the songs she wrote, but also hearing never-before-shared poetry and other writings of hers that were found by her nephew Daryl Walker in her estate. When he said that these poems, songs, and other writings existed, Grant’s longtime friend Nora Cole was inspired to compile, direct, and perform in a very special program to honor Grant and share her creative greatness with the world.

It was delightful and moving to experience Cole, Ebony Marshall Oliver, and Debra Walton singing songs from Grant’s work and performing her powerful writings, filled with messages like “if we refuse to kiss the dream goodbye, we can change the world today,” a sentiment from her song “Step Into My World.”

We saw a picture of Grant’s personal and creative journey in

life and realized that her gift was that she put words to issues that faced the Black community.

Grant appreciated people who were real and sincere. She wrote with deep feelings about experiences like going to see her elderly grandmother, who didn’t recognize her.

This production presented a history of Grant that I don’t think many people knew. We learned of her professional journey—first being cast in “Tamborines to Glory” which led to TV opportunities. When asked how she felt once she had made it, and was famous thanks to her photo being featured in the subway, Grant was as humble and honest as ever.

Grant’s writings during this love fest were full of love, bravery, and passion.

She covered topics that are engaging and did so in a compassionate and non-judgmental way. This brilliant, passionate lady wrote about her wonderful ability to give love and to receive it. And she loved to honor the ancestors, like Bessie Smith,

Louis Armstrong, and Billie Holiday, and their gifts.

Grant was an advocate for our people of all generations. She didn’t shy away from controversial topics—she wrote pieces about the evils of war, especially American soldiers dying in foreign lands. Growing up and being raised in Mississippi, Grant saw many atrocities that happened to Black people and she made it her business to call out these wrongs in her work. She called out the racist white people who hanged Black people from trees. She wanted people not to kill another preacher, as Jesus had been killed and then Dr. Martin Luther King. She was candid about the fact that the American Dream was a false hope for Black Americans. She made it her business to sound a battle cry for change.

When it came to the sacrifices and compromises that Black people make to be in this business, Grant did not softsoap what we have to do at times to get opportunities, and how that could mean having a dream and

not seeing it fulfilled the way you dreamed it would be.

Cole, Oliver, and Walton delivered gorgeous, spirited, and memorable performances of Grant’s songs and poetry, leaving the audience with a feeling of having spent time in the world of a woman who truly loved her people, stood up for her people, looked at the world with vividly clear lenses, called out the atrocities, and sent out a rallying call.

Grant is sorely missed, but her work—and the sharing of it at events such as this one— keep her alive in our hearts and minds. It’s important that she be ever-present, lest we forget her brilliance, deep love for her people, and hope that we try to work toward making things better.

As a Black community, we have to stick together and bring each other up. We also always have to pay homage to the ancestors who came before and paid their dues so we could have the opportunities that we have today. God bless Micki Grant for always looking out for us.

Scene from “Micki Grant: Step Into My World” tribute at New Federal Theatre with (l–r) Ebony Marshall Oliver, Nora Cole, Debra Walton (Lia Chang photo)

AHMAD JAMAL, LYRICAL PIANIST, DIES AT 92

Ahmad Jamal, the pianist and composer, whose lyricism flowed like calm ripples from the Euphrates River and whose definitive cascading riffs brought listeners into his time and space, died on April 16 at his home in Ashley Falls, Massachusetts. He was 92.

The cause of death was prostate cancer as confirmed by his daughter Sumayah Jamal, to The New York Times.

Long before this writer had any concept of what jazz was as an adolescent, I played Jamal’s most memorable song, “Poinciana.” My mother was in the back room; my father was not home because it was a sure trouble to touch his hi-fi system. Putting on the 45rpm, I wasn’t quite sure what I was listening to, but that “Poinciana” sure sounded good to me, so it became my favorite, along with Erroll Garner’s album “Concert by the Sea,” fellow pianist and early influence of Jamal.

Years later, it was revealed to me that “Poinciana” was actually from Jamal’s most successful recording, the now-classic 1958 live Chicago album “At the Pershing: But Not For Me.” It was the first jazz album to shine on the music charts for over two years and was the first jazz album to sell over a million copies. (In a interview, Jamal stated, “It’s been the thing that has paid the bills for the last 61 years.”)

In 2022, two double-set unissued CDs, Ahmad Jamal “Emerald City Nights Live at the Penthouse” (1963–64, and 1965–66) were released on producer Zev Feldman’s debut recording label Jazz Detective.

“I’ve been listening to Mr. Jamal my entire life,” said Feldman. “He’s a true original and beyond category. I couldn’t be more proud of this new endeavor and these releases.”

During his career, Jamal released more than 60 albums. He received many awards, including the Living Jazz Legend Award from the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, France’s Ordre des Arts and des Lettres in 2007, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.

The NEA Jazz Master was a pure jazz pianist with avant guardian statements. His spacing offered him the opportunity to move in any direction, thus we have these elegant flourishing riffs and de-

fining cadenzas. His riffs and use of space inspired sampling from hip hop artists, who began to sample his rhythms like Ski (Jay-Z’s “Feelin’ It”), DJ Premier (Gang Starr’s “Soliloquy of Sadness”), Pete Rock (MOP’s “Stick to Ya Gunz”), and J Dilla (De La Soul’s “Stakes Is High”). He also inspired the iconic piano legion of McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Bill Charlap, Keith Jarrett, and Miles Davis. Davis recorded Jamal’s composition “New Rhumba” for his 1957 album “ Miles Ahead,” the two remained close friends until his transition. Vocalist and pianist Shirley Horn, with her rich, smoky vocals, elegant phrasing, and utilization of her space behind the beat was mesmerizing, a Jamal influence.

Jamal’s creativity as a composer is well acknowledged. “Tranquility” comes to mind, but his musicality to reconstruct jazz classics into his own unique castle is astounding. He has reimagined such classics as “Stolen Moments,” “Dolphin Dance,” “Billy Boy,” and “Cherokee,” among others, into Jamal gems. Sonny Rollins also possesses that same creative imagery.

“I was 12 years old when I saw Ahmad Jamal play on PBS TV.

That’s what made me want to be a jazz musician,” said avant garde pianist and composer Matthew Shipp. “He has always been the quintessential musician to me— pure, elegant and understated.”

Shipp added, “He always knew exactly what he wanted to play and where he was going. His GPS was always perfect.”

Ahmad Jamal was born on July 2, 1930 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a community blossoming with jazz musicians like pianists Erroll Garner, Earl Hines, and Mary Lou Williams. Jamal delivered newspapers to Billy Strayhorn’s house. He was a child prodigy, playing with confidence at the age of three. He began professional work at age 10 and joined the Musician’s Union at 14 while still in high school, when the minimum age was 16.

“I just put my age up two years and didn’t get caught,” He explained in a San Diego Union-Tribune interview.

Jamal studied everything from the jazz masters to European classical music; Art Tatum, Nat King Cole, John Kirby, Count Basie, Bach, and Beethoven. Jamal told Wax Poetics, “My mother was rich in spirit, and she led me to another rich person my teacher, Mary Cardwell Dawson, who started the

National Negro Opera Company.”

Reflecting on Jamal’s influence, pianist and composer Vijay Iyer said, “Ahmad Jamal showed us how to bend time, space, form and texture through sound, and he captivated listeners for many decades. We will miss him madly, but he has left us with an ionic catalog of musical memories that will live forever.”

Jamal began recording in 1951 with an ensemble called The Three Strings, which was later renamed the Ahmad Jamal Trio. The group became famous for their club residency at Embers in New York City where they impressed producer John Hammond, who signed them to the Okeh label.

By 1957, Jamal’s Trio became doubly famous as the house band at Chicago’s Pershing Hotel and releasing its live album, “At the Pershing: But Not for Me.” His reputation at the Pershing offered Jamal an opportunity to open his own jazz club in Chicago, the Alhambra, where he recorded a few live albums until the club’s closing in 1961.

After Alhambra’s closing, Jamal moved to New York City. Jamal toured North Africa in 1959 in pursuit of the music, culture, and history of his ancestors. He began recording the albums “Extensions”

and “The Awakening” in 1965. After that, he moved from strictly playing acoustic piano to working with electronics and electric piano on such instrumental recordings as “Suicide is Painless,” the theme song from director Robert Altman’s 1970 film “M*A*S*H*.”

“I met Ahmad at the beginning of my career. We all worshiped him. He was in a class by himself,” said trumpeter and composer Charles Tolliver. “He put all the language of our artform in every song he played both harmonically and solicitously.”

Jamal continued to perform and record well into his 80s, releasing his final album, the mostly solo piano collection “Ballades” in 2019, which included a solo version of “Poinciana” that served as a poignant bookend to a prodigious, acclaimed career that also included the founding of several record labels.

“Music chose me, I didn’t choose it,” said Jamal. “At that age you don’t make decisions, as such; decisions are made for you. So, I’ve been with the piano and the music scene ever since.”

Jamal is survived by his daughter and two grandchildren. He divorced his wife and manager, Laura HessHay, in 1984, but she continued to represent him until his transition.

Ahmad Jamal (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

The Center for Community Alternatives noted that Hochul’s plan “would remove the standard by which judges are required to evaluate whether to set bail, remand, or other conditions in bail-eligible cases. Specifically, it would remove this language: ‘The court in all cases, unless otherwise provided by law, must impose the least restrictive kind and degree of control or restriction that is necessary to secure the principal’s return to court when required.’”

“One says, how does this hell on Earth exist today?” asked Hochul about Rikers Island in 2021. Comparing the situation to Attica 50 years ago, she said, “It’s also about protecting human dignity, and this questions who we are as a people when we can allow situations, as we’ve seen in Rikers, exist in a prosperous, mighty city like New York. The fact that this exists is an indictment on everyone. And I’m going to do what I can…because no one, no [incarcerated person], no corrections officer, no family members who visit should have to witness the reality of Rikers as it exists today…We have a combustible situation at Rikers because of overcrowding…a volatile tinder box.”

But now, Walker said, Hochul was trying to “incarcerate her way out of a political problem. We have seen the numbers across the state within the most recent elections and from the day that we passed bail reform, there has been an organized attack to undo it. We know that bail was based on poverty, and not any sound legal argument. Most people are unable to post bail, and it’s a woman’s issue: Many women come into the office because someone has been locked up and they’re trying to make a way for this person to be returned back to their home, back to work. back to their families, and back to the community.”

Walker said data shows that the safest communities “have the most resources and not the most police officers.”

“I represent a community that is 90 percent Black and brown, and I’m here to tell you that it is fake news when you try to argue that bail reform is responsible for a spike in crime,” said Assemblymember Monique ChandlerWaterman, who represents Assembly District 58. “Removing the least-restrictive standard will open the door to more of the same— more Black and brown people being caged. We need support and funding. Let’s focus on that. The safest communities have the most resources. Let’s focus on that.”

Rallying for support

At a recent rally in Manhattan’s Foley Square, people “who have survived Rikers Island, and people who lost loved ones at Rikers” gathered to push the legislature to protect an un-watered-down bail reform bill, saying it is working to address the issues it was originally set up to do.

The key, Walker told the Amsterdam News, is “addressing the underlying factors (that lead) to poverty, such as homelessness or

access to as a quality education, or access to suitable housing—that is the numberone crime prevention that we need in our society. People are broke, people are poor, people are struggling. And they’re struggling their way through a system in a society (that) has forgotten them and has left them to languish in a cycle that we just are trying to fight our way out of.”

Walker said the 13th Amendment of the Constitution indicates that slavery was abolished except in the case of criminal punishment, “and so this means that when someone is subjected to the criminal justice system, they are subjected back to slavery as we know it. What happens then is you’re not even counted as an individual, you’re not entitled to the protections of the Constitution including the Eighth Amendment, which says that bail should not be excessive, or cruel and unusual punishment, and that everyone is entitled to due process, which is why, when we did bail reform, we did discovery reform, as well as speedy trial.

“We are watching both bail and discovery come under attack in this situation. Prosecutors utilize bail and pretrial detention as a means to coerce plea bargains and get pleas based on a conviction or get convictions based on an underlying charge that was never even done…in Kings County alone, there have been over 225 wrongful convictions overturned. These are some of the things that we are fighting against in this movement.”

According to published reports, the bail law has spared more than 24,000 people from being jailed on bail for misdemeanor and nonviolent felony charges. Activists have said that equals thousands of New Yorkers who “were able to fight their cases from a position of freedom, (and) able to keep their jobs, housing, and access to life-affirming services, such as medical and mental health care.”

Bail reformers also contend that “re-arrest rates have declined and court appearance rates have increased. It costs New York taxpayers close to half a million dollars to keep one person in jail for a year.”

“The budget is about the fiscal responsibility of our state to the people that we collectively represent. To utilize the budget for legislative items that we can deal with during the legislative session, I think is unheard of,” Walker said on InceptionFM.com’s Back to Basics. “We’re ready to get back to business. We’re ready for people to continue working, and we’re ready for government to continue working for us. We do not have to hold up a budget based on the poor, because the other conversation that we’re talking about, as well as access to affordable housing, which is a human right.”

On April 12, the “Third Report and Recommendations on 2022 Deaths in New York City Department of Correction Custody” was released, written by Deputy General Counsel Melissa Cintrón Hernández, and others. The report identified the following trends among all nineteen deaths that occurred in DOC custody in 2022:

Correction officers did not tour or supervise people in custody in accordance with

Department policy in 13 of the deaths.

A “B” post officer was not assigned to a housing unit in four cases.

Correction officers failed to render immediate first aid to unresponsive individuals in five instances.

There were inaccurate or incomplete logbook entries in six cases.

Six of the 19 people who died had spent more than a year in custody.

There was incident after incident of systematic, regular abuse and brutality, and failure of staff to assess and monitor at risk individuals.

Six of the people killed in NYC jails last year had been locked in jail for over a year before they died.

Many of those who died had significant mental health needs that were not adequately treated while incarcerated. Michael Nieves was one such individual: He bled out from his neck for 9 minutes without anyone giving him assistance. Erick Tavira died by suicide even after he had requested mental health care in Rikers.

“It’s unbelievable that Governor Hochul is holding the whole budget hostage just to lock up more Black and brown people in these deathtrap jails,” said Lezandre Khadu, advocate and member of Freedom Agenda. “My son died in jail of meningitis at age 24. They could have saved him. They didn’t care because they don’t care about Black and brown people.”

According to Walker, “We’ve seen that bail reform is clearly working. People are returning to court 99.999% of the time, and most people who are charged with crimes that fall under bail reform are not rearrested for a violent crime. And these are just the facts. This is not the first time that we’ve been here. Pretty much every year since we’ve passed bail reform, we are watching the attack take place. Even as early as December of last year, when we were having a conversation with respect to legislative pay, the governor made an attempt to link the legislative pay raise to bail reform, which again says that we are putting politics over people.”

Walker said one of the key areas of dispute is Hochul’s effort to “remove return to court as a standard for bail in the State of New York, something that has existed since the existence of bail in New York. The other thing is removal of the ‘least restrictive measures’ as a standard. Basically, it states that we don’t have to go straight to remand, that judges have more tools in their toolbox to use to connect people back to society in a meaningful way, as opposed to just putting them in jail pre-trial where they don’t have access to evidence against them, and they don’t have access to just be human beings who live in a humane situation. Instead, they want us to go into a death trap.”

D’Juan Collins, VOCAL Leader and founder of the Isaiah Foundation for Family Reunification and creator of a mentoring program, “Fresh Minds, Fresh Livez,” said: “Because of my lawsuit, I was able to pay my bail and that’s the only reason I’m out here today. I was able to re-engage with my son. I was able to get housing. I was able to start a nonprofit to give back to communities, all while fighting my case.”

Since 2020, bail reform proponents have said that both New York State jail populations and deaths in jails have seen a disturbing rise.

Hochul has tried to maintain that her proposals will give more discretion and clarity to judges. Opponents to her plan say that the opposite is true. An Office of Court Administration representative apparently testified that judges need no additional clarity.

Meanwhile, more than 100 law professors, teaching at every law school in New York State, penned a letter strongly opposing Hochul’s bail plan. A broad coalition of advocates and state legislators is calling for deep investments in resources that will improve community safety and not make changes that would upend the bail laws.

Unions UAW Region 9A and DC37 have called on lawmakers to reject the governor’s bail plan, and several coalitions and organizations are united in their call—amid their fights about public safety, housing, education, and climate—for policymakers and electeds to reject any budget with changes to the bail laws, and instead focus on the “humanitarian crisis in the jails.”

A visit to Riker’s Island, Walker said, would reveal the real conditions in which “we’re placing individuals under who have not been convicted of any crime, most of whom have mental health and drug abuse issues. We are not addressing the underlying situations of substance abuse in the City of New York, and we definitely are not addressing, in any meaningful way, homelessness in our society. Instead, this has been about political expediency. Everyone is saying, ‘Oh, well, bail is a problem in my district.’

“We have done a number of polls that indicate that people want us to do something about bail and the answer has been left up to political pundits to be able to address, as opposed to listening to defense counsel all across the State of New York who have indicated that this is one of the most progressive criminal justice reforms that our state has seen in over 50 years.”

Walker’s hunger strike, with her twice-daily bone broth and water diet, is just her effort, she said, to show how “we’re all just standing up against the powers that be who are saying otherwise to keep your hands off of bail reform and fund the underlying circumstances, including pretrial services, as well as fund the apparatus to complete a proper discovery within the State of New York, including, but not limited to, having a universal system where people can have access and upload evidence that may be used against you so a person does not have to languish on Riker’s Island for one year, as we’ve seen.”

Walker said that in many of the incidents when people have died recently, they had been incarcerated for over a year before their deaths. “As we’ve seen with the Kalief Browder situation, where he was incarcerated pretrial for over three years, cases are just taking too long.”

Both this and the issue of discovery are “are under assault, but they are intertwined and they are so interconnected with one another that that becomes the basis of the attack on human beings, as well as your constitutional rights,” Walker concluded.

J.D. Baltimore: inventor, engineer and teacher

By HERB BOYD

Special to the AmNews

Several weeks ago, while reading “Men of Mark” by Dr. William Simmons, the name J.D. Baltimore, of all the men mentioned, lingered for the longest. It loomed even larger as I planned a trip to that southern city. Jeremiah Daniel Baltimore was not from Baltimore, but it was not too far away from the nation’s capital where he was born on April 15, 1852.

His parents Thomas and Hannah practiced different religions, his father a Catholic and his mother a Methodist. Jeremiah decided to become a Methodist and was baptized at the Wesley Zion Church in 1866. As a child he was fascinated by steam engines and often conducted all kinds of experiments. He told his mother he wanted to be an engineer. His mother explained the difficulty they would face trying to get him through school. None of this discouraged his experiments, even when the steam boiler he made was ultimately a flop. Nevertheless, his pastor placed it in an exhibition at the church and then in the United States Treasury Department where he received considerable attention and praise.

Their impressions fed his desire and provided him with the incentive he needed. One of the contraptions he created resulted from a combination of bricks, flower pots, and a kitchen stove to melt brass and other household utensils to make a steam engine with a tubular boiler. He took the engine to the patent office and the device was widely discussed, including mention in the Iron Age of London and, locally, in the Sunday Chronicle . Fueled by the publications, Baltimore took copies to the desk of President Ulysses S. Grant, who invited

him to his office. At their meeting, Grant gave Baltimore a card to deliver to the Secretary of the Navy requesting that he be employed at the Navy Yard so he could learn and work on machinery.

When he arrived at the Washington Navy Yard, Baltimore became an apprentice in the department of steam engineering. He spent several months facing racist derision from fellow workers, until he eventually brought his complaints to Professor John Mercer Langston, who then escalated them to the Secretary of the Navy. This allowed Baltimore

ACTIVITIES

ployment at a large mill, then at the Sellers & Brother manufacturing firm. When his health began to decline, he resigned and moved back to Washington, D.C. where he became an engineer of the United States Coast Survey and opened a general repair shop. In 1880, he was appointed chief engineer and mechanic at the Freedmen’s Hospital. He attended Howard University Medical College in 1880 and received a master’s degree from Livingstone College in 1883. A number of his inventions received patents, including the pyrometer. He was a member of several unions and played a key role in uniting Black and white workers in unions.

FIND OUT MORE

One of the most accessible and reliable sources is Dr. William Simmons’ encyclopedic “Men of Mark,” and there you can find other leads.

DISCUSSION

His tenure at Howard University and his academic accomplishments would be rewarding.

PLACE IN CONTEXT

As his inclusion in the Men of Mark indicates, he had some memories of enslavement and made considerable contributions during and after the Reconstruction era.

CLASSROOM IN THE THIS WEEK IN BLACK HISTORY

to be transferred to the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Once again, he was met with racism and discrimination, forcing him to study on his own away from the yard. That soon paid off and he became the second African American to be admitted to the Franklin Institute. By September 6, 1873, despite the relentless prejudice he encountered, he completed his apprenticeship and was assigned to the Philadelphia Naval Station on League Island to assist with monitor repairs.

When working staff was reduced at the Yard, Baltimore found em -

Baltimore’s extensive background in engineering made him a highly touted teacher of mechanics, which he did for several years in schools in Washington, D.C. from 1890 to 1922. Along with these teaching responsibilities he sat on the trial board of the naval battleship USS Texas in 1892. He was also one of the organizers and officers of the Potomac Hospital and Training School. In 1903, he was elected a member of the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia. Twelve years later he was a member of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Art, Manufactures, and Commerce of London.

The list of his commitments to the city and the church is long, including a position as a trustee of the Metropolitan AME Zion Church. In 1872, he married Ella Waters and she died in 1889. In 1908, he married Jeanette Anderson, who was director of art in public schools. They had three children. J.D. died on July 29, 1929. At his death he was a member of the 19th Street Baptist Church where his funeral was held.

April 20, 1951: R&B legend Luther Vandross born in New York City. He died in 2005.

April 21, 2003: Singer and pianist Nina Simone died in France. She was 70.

April 22, 1922: Jazz great and composer Charles Mingus born in Nogales, Arizona. He died in 1979.

Image of J.D. Baltimore from 1887 (Public domain)

Robot dogs

Continued from page 3

this week—and reportedly sporting a Dalmatian paint-job.

“Everyone asked why do you [need] a robotic dog,” said Adams on Wednesday. “Because it saves lives. If we didn’t have that ro botic dog, we would have placed those firefighters in jeopardy.”

The robots are paid for by asset forfeiture money, typically seized from drug-related prosecutions, according to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Reforms. The NYPD’s Frank Digiacomo, who commands the unit operating the Digi dogs, said around $750,000 of forfeited assets paid for the bots.

Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights Council Member Chi Ossé called the process theft over Twitter, accusing the NYPD of steal ing New Yorkers’ property and selling it to buy “robocops.” He joined his City Council colleagues Alexa Aviles, Tiffany Cabán, and Sandy Nurse in a joint statement opposing the robots.

“Once again, Mayor Adams is choosing to invest in a milita rized police force rather than in evidence-based public safety strategies,” they said. “This time, he spends our public money on dystopian robot ‘dogs.’ The NYPD already receives billions of dollars that could instead enhance public safety through investment in schools and community spaces.

“As members fighting for historic investments in reducing harm and community violence, we are unified in our categorical opposition to this technology. New Yorkers know that our dollars are best spent on schools, libraries, and infrastructure, not mechanized violence. We rose up to reject the project once before; we will again.”

Two years ago, Digidogs were rejected by the city after critics similarly opposed the robots’ implementation. But Mayor Adams is proudly announcing their return “from the pound.” And they’re here with some friends.

Digidogs are joined by fellow robot K5 ASR, which is best described as a plus-sized cross between R2-D2 and WallE’s girlfriend. Such security bots are frequently deployed in public spaces like malls and college campuses.

Beyond robots and androids, the NYPD also announced the implementation of the StarChase system. Think Apple AirTag, but for cars: A GPS marker is attached or fired onto vehicles the NYPD is tracking. The department says the technology will curb high-risk police chases while keeping suspects within the line of (virtual) sight.

Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.) communications manager William Owen said the implementation of “Digidog’s creepy friends” is concerning from

Metro Briefs

Continued from page 3

degree in any discipline, which allows individuals from across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences to enter the field. Training to become a licensed or certified psychoanalyst usually takes four to five years parttime, although swifter advancement is possible.

More information about the Institute and its psychoanalytic training programs is available on its website, www.hfi.nyc, or by calling 212-920-7965. To register for HFI’s Open House, use this Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrcOCpqz4uHNwxY8JsXU-Bv9Uz7SJfDdz-.

Compiled by Karen Juanita Carrillo

New Jersey

Continued from page 4

a privacy perspective.

“The StarChase devices allow police to shoot a GPS tracking device at vehicles and individuals and then can track them really anywhere on the planet,” he said. “This is a highly invasive surveillance technology and definitely highly vulnerable to abuse and misuse.

“[K5 robots are] dressed up to appear somehow friendly, but they are yet another surveillance droning tool at the NYPD’s disposal and represent even more spending on militarized surveillance technology for the police.”

He said nonwhite neighborhoods are usually the most surveilled communities through such technologies.

Unlike Digidog, the K5 ASR and StarChase technologies are currently in the pilot phase and on loan from their manufacturers.

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.

Program for each of the county’s 23 Senior Activity Centers/Nutrition Sites. The event, which takes place Tuesday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature a special luncheon, fun activities, and an overview of what Senior Activity Centers offer.

Transportation to any of the locations is available by calling the Bergen County Division of Community Transportation at 201-368-5955 in advance.

Seating is limited and reservations are required by May 9 for the special luncheon. Call the location of choice for details and reservations. The list of open house locations includes:

Continued from page 3

Securing a new contract lets Lynch leave office on a major high-note, providing a big boost to whoever he en dorses, and potentially damaging Grable’s chances if he backs an opponent.

The announcement also aligns with Lynch’s philoso phy to avoid changes in leadership during bargaining. The newly secured contract expires in 2025, just one year before his mandated retirement from the police force. Only active NYPD officers can serve on the PBA’s execu tive board, and another contract dispute could drag out by the time he ages out of the department.

A PBA spokesperson told the Amsterdam News Lynch is committed to business as usual until his term ends this June. No retirement party has been planned yet.

Tandy Lau is a Report for America corps member and writes about public safety for the Amsterdam News.

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.

Bergenfield Senior Activity Ctr., 293 Murray Hill Terrace: 201-387-7212; Cliffside Park Senior Activity Ctr., 500 Gorge Road: 201-943-3768; East Rutherford–Southwest Senior Activity Ctr., 147 Hackensack Street: 201-935-8920; Elmwood Park Senior Activity Ctr., 500 Mola Boulevard: 201796-3342; Englewood–Bergen Family Ctr. Adult Day Program, 44 Armory St.: 201-568-0817; Fair Lawn Senior Ctr., 11-05 Gardiner Road: 201-7961191; Fort Lee–Richard & Catherine Nest Adult Activity Ctr., 319 Main St.: 201-592-3754; Garfield Senior Activity Ctr, 480 Midland Ave.: 973478-0502; Garfield–Golden Towers Senior Ctr., 225 Midland Ave.: 201-522-4280; Garfield–Belmont Gardens Senior Ctr., 377 Midland Ave.: 201-5224280; Hackensack–Americas Unidas Multicultural Senior Ctr., 101 Hudson St.: 201-336-3320; Hackensack–Martin Luther King Jr. Senior Ctr., 375 First St.: 201-342-2654; Lyndhurst Nutrition Program, 281 Stuyvesant Ave.: 201-896-1629; Midland Park - Northwest Senior Activity Ctr., 46-50 Center St.: 201-445-5690; N. Arlington Senior Activity Ctr., 11 York Road: 201-998-5636; Palisades Park Senior Activity Ctr., 300 Highland Ave.: 201944-5616; Ridgefield Park Senior Activity Ctr., 159 Park St.: 201-641-1220; River Edge (Kosher)–JCC of Northern NJ, 385 Howland Ave.: 201-666-6610 x. 2; Rutherford–55 Kip Senior Ctr., 55 Kip Ave.: 201460-1600; Teaneck–Asian Women’s Christian Association (AWCA), 9 Genesee Ave.: 201-862-1665; Tenafly (Kosher)–JCC on the Palisades, 411 E. Clinton Ave.: 201-569-7900; Tenafly–Korean Community Ctr., 100 Grove St.: 201-541-1200; Wallington Senior Activity Ctr., 24 Union Blvd.: 973-777-5815.

Compiled by Karen Juanita Carrillo

Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Keechant Sewell make public safety announcement introducing new technology during press conference in Times Square on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 (Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)

Pat Lynch in 2019 (NYC PBA photo)

Closed Door Policy: Banks brothers and Commissioner Sewell brief city on school safety measures

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

Earlier this month, Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell joined brothers DOE Chancellor David Banks and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks to delineate previously announced plans implementing door-locking mechanisms in more than 1,000 New York City public schools.

“We intend to lock the front doors once our kids are in school, and anybody who’s coming to visit the school will have to present themselves before entry is made,” said Chancellor Banks. “The doors will not be wide open for anyone to simply walk into. We’re going to start this process in May. We’re going to start with our elementary schools first. It’s going to take place over a number of months.

“We certainly hope to have all of our schools outfitted with this new technology by the spring. Our school safety agents are being trained in this new system as well.”

The technology’s implementation stems from the uptick of school shootings nationwide, although it was announced before the March’s shooting in Nashville.

“Over the last several years, there [has] been a significant increase in the number

of shooters under the age of 18 [along with] the number under 18…who are victims and arrested with a gun,” said Sewell. “In fact, under-18 shooting victims actually accounted for 10% of our shooting victims over the last year, so pointedly, what we see is an increase in youth crime and more youth victims of crime.”

During the panel, School Safety Division Deputy Chief Marlon Larin mentioned roughly 175 incoming school safety agents this month, along with another 118 arriving in May. He added that the current force sits at roughly 4,000 uniformed and civilian members, around 1,000 below pre-pandemic levels. Last month, Chalkbeat reported the city’s budget indicates there’s little intention to rise back up to 5,000 agents.

Whatever plans the city has for school safety, Teamsters Local 237—which represents the agents—isn’t clued in. President Gregory Floyd told the Amsterdam News the union hasn’t been consulted on matters of hiring or training for the door-locking mechanism.

“We have no comment at this time because no one from the Adams administration contacted us about hiring more school safety agents and their new duties of staffing locked school doors,” he said. “We really can’t weigh in on this issue, since its plan-

ning and implementation was never discussed with us.”

Anthony Gentile, associate director of the Center for Private Security and Safety at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said the best perimeter is a closed perimeter.

“It’s going to work if the school safety officers are properly trained,” he said. “What level of clearance satisfies the security officer or the safety officers to allow that visitor in? We don’t know those things yet. No matter what we do, there’s always going to be a vulnerability, and I always tell parents who I speak to that in spite of our best efforts, sometimes bad things are gonna happen.”

The Newtown Public Schools enlisted Gentile as a public safety expert after the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. He recommends the city look at using the space between the front door and the lobby door, which he’s seen at a majority of local public schools, as a potential mantrap if the locks are installed on both ends. He said the mechanism can not only enclose a potential shooter, but also protect students fleeing into the school, a concern brought up during the panel.

“I can’t speak to every design in every New York City school, but I do know that the majority, if not all, of the high schools I have visited have that front door and then a bit

of a lobby, and then that second door where you come into contact with the access control,” said Gentile. “A mantrap there would be perfectly (safe), whereby that person comes in, that door closes behind them.

“They can’t leave, and they can’t get past that vestibule until security lets them in or tells them to leave the door. What that would do is allow that student who fears something externally to get back into the building into a safe haven.”

Jackie Rowe-Adams of Harlem Mothers (and Fathers) S.A.V.E. commended the city’s school safety efforts, but said more needs to be done.

“This is serious. I’m glad they took that measure and I support it wholeheartedly,” she said. “But more needs to be done (to) put in some more security measures. This is a start…they may have the parents’ associations, the parent councils. Everybody [needs to] work together because this is very serious. We’re losing our children.”

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

DOE Chief of Safety and Prevention Partnerships Mark Rampersant, New York Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Keechant Sewell, New York City Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III, Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor David Banks, and NYPD School Safety Division Commanding Officer Deputy Chief Marlon Larin take New Yorkers’ questions on Adams administration’s ongoing public safety efforts in New York City. Tweed Courthouse, Manhattan.

Friday, April 7, 2023 (Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office photo)

Chief Judge

Continued from page 11

a move that employees said was aimed at preventing the broadcast of propaganda by a paramilitary force that was battling the army for control of the capital.

Violence erupted after weeks of deepening tensions between military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, paramilitary commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, over the planned integration of Daglo’s RSF into the regular army. The integration was a key element of talks to finalize a deal that would return the country to civilian rule and end the politicaleconomic crisis sparked by the military’s 2021 coup.

In Burkina Faso, unidentified assailants killed 40 people and wounded 33 others in an attack on the army and volunteer defense forces in northern Burkina Faso, the government said in a statement.

Burkina Faso’s military government had declared on Thursday a “general mobilization” to give the state “all necessary means” to combat a string of bloody attacks blamed on fighters affiliated with alQaeda and the ISIL group.

Last week, “armed terrorist groups” reportedly killed 44 civil-

ians in two villages in the northeast, near the Niger border. It was one of the deadliest attacks against civilians since Captain Ibrahim Traore came to power last September, after 51 soldiers were killed in February at Deou in the far north.

Meanwhile, the wave of racist violence sweeping Tunisia is unlike anything in recent memory. The attacks follow a speech by Tunisia’s President Kais Saied accusing African migrants of conspiring to make Tunisia more African and less Arab. This is the latest in a string of authoritarian moves by the president, and it has protesters back out in the streets.

Finally, Mohamed El-Amine Souef, special representative of the chair of the African Union Commission for Somalia, acknowledged during a radio interview with VOA Somali that thousands of African Union peacekeepers have been killed

and hundreds more injured in Somalia since the forces began their work in that country in early 2007. The peacekeepers were deployed to help protect the government and installations from al-Qaida-affiliated al-Shabab militants.

“The troops were not well-prepared, and the administration was not even in Mogadishu. Many cases were not properly documented,” Souef said via the WhatsApp messaging platform. “The mission has documented around 4,000 casualties. According to the force officers who served in the mission, the casualties, including those disabled, can be as high as over 5,000.”

He said troops from Burundi and Uganda suffered the most casualties.

This is the first time that an African Union official has commented publicly about the overall casualties among peacekeepers operating in Somalia.

control of the U.S. House last year.

Senate Republicans described Wilson as an “activist judge,” focusing their opposition on a recent decision he wrote overturning a rape conviction. Wilson cited the local prosecutor’s yearslong delay in pursuing the case.

“That result, I think, is egregious. I think it’s a misapplication of the law,” said Sen. Anthony Palumbo, the ranking Republican on the committee.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said in her opening remarks that she was disappointed in the “tone and tenor” of her Republican colleagues and said the chamber “was better than that.” But she was intent on celebrating the landmark occasion.

“Let us get back to the good news,” she said. “We have officially confirmed the first AfricanAmerican Judge to serve the state of New York as the Chief judge of the Appeals Court.”

Wilson watched the debate silently from a Senate gallery. He had no comment on the way out.

Wilson succeeds Judge Janet

DiFiore, who resigned in August. His confirmation leaves a vacancy for an associate judge on the top court.

Hochul said she intends to nominate former state solicitor general Caitlin Halligan, who is currently a partner at a New York City-based law firm, to fill the associate judge vacancy.

Halligan answered questions from the Judiciary Committee earlier Tuesday, setting up an expedited confirmation process when Hochul formally makes the nomination.

Associated Press writer Maysoon Khan contributed. Tandy Lau is a Report for America corps member and writes about public safety for the Amsterdam News. Khan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep Tandy writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews1.

Religion & Spirituality

NAN hosts 32nd-year convention

Rev. Al Sharpton and his National Action Network (NAN) hosted their 32nd convention with some of the biggest names in pol-

itics, entertainment, activist clergy, social justice advocates, and families of victims of police violence.

Hon. Al Green (Bill Moore photos) Hon. Susan Rice

Tyler Perry addresses NAN audience

Hon. Yvette Clarke

Earvin “Magic” Johnson

Rev. Al Sharpton, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Mayor Eric Adams

VBSOV Choir (Bill Moore photos)

Bishop J. Drew Sheard, presiding bishop of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) VP Kamala Harris

Rev. Al Sharpton and Gov. Kathy Hochul

Rev. Al Sharpton and Kerry Washington

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HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION, Plaintiff -against- SHEILA G. SCOTT, CRANFORD L. SCOTT, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 1, 2022 and entered on November 9, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse located on the portico at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on May 24, 2023 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an undivided ownership interest as tenant-in-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY; known as The NYH Condominium. Together with an appurtenant undivided 3.1810% common interest percentage. This a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 27, 2003 and November 3, 2003 as CFRN # 2003000442513 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1006 and Lot 1302.

The Foreclosure Sale will be conducted in accordance with 1st Judicial District’s COVID-19 Policies and Foreclosure Auction Rules.

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

Said premises known as 1335 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY

Approximate amount of lien $93,944.86 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 850031/2022.

SCOTT H. SILLER, ESQ., Referee

DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK

HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION, Plaintiff -against- LOUIS L. GIORDANO, ANTOINETTE R. GIORDANO, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated February 21, 2023 and entered on February 23, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse located on the portico at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on May 17th, 2023 at 2:15 p.m. premises being an undivided ownership interest as tenantin-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Together with an undivided .015171% interest in the common elements. This a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37.

The Foreclosure Sale will be conducted in accordance with 1st Judicial District’s COVID-19 Policies and Foreclosure Auction Rules.

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

Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY

Approximate amount of lien $53,650.70 plus interest & costs.

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

Index Number 850079/2022.

JERRY MEROLA, ESQ., Referee

DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK, CAPITAL ONE, N.A., Plaintiff, vs. KENNETH D. LAUB, ET AL., Defendants.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 7, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse, on the portico, 60 Centre Street, New York, New York on May 3, 2023 at 2:15 P.M., premises known as 163 EAST 64TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10021. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City, and State of New York, Block: 1399 , Lot: 25. Approximate amount of judgment is $10,653,559.26 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 159315/2017. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee's attorney, or the Referee.

DORON A. LEIBY, Esq., Referee Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York

11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff

Salesperson: Not

Contact: 15% DISCOUNT

Fee Simple Absolute Vast Estate Trustees Proclamation

Phone: (518)490−2388

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. SHEILA G. SCOTT, CRANFORD L. SCOTT, Defts.Index # 850311/2018. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated March 2, 2023, I will sell at public auction Outside the Portico of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 9,000/28,402,100 tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as Phase I of HNY CLUB SUITES located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York. Approximate amount of judgment is $55,796.05 plus costs and interest as of April 22, 2018. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Mark McKew, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK - COUNTY OF NEW YORK

HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR WELLS FARGO ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-AR19, V.

SUSAN PROCTOR, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated April 27, 2020, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of New York, wherein HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR WELLS FARGO ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-AR19 is the Plaintiff and SUSAN PROCTOR, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the PORTICO OF THE CIVIL SUPREME COURTHOUSE, LOCATED AT 60 CENTRE STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10007, on May 17, 2023 at 2:15PM, premises known as 350 WEST 42ND STREET, UNIT 35C, NEW YORK, NY 10036: Section , Block 1032, Lot 1340:

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN, COUNTY, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 850039/2015. Mark Arthur Berman, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

Fax#:

Email: tsassociates.legals@gmail.co

Acct #: 4 TS ASSOCIATES 7 MARTIN CT CLIFTON PARK NY

Agency:

PUB ZONE EDT TP AN A 97 S

Contact: 15% DISCOUNT

Phone: (518)490−2388

Fax#: Email: tsassociates.legals@gmail.co

Agency:

We the Trustees of the 1928 Vast Estate Express Trust whose names are: Dwight Cory with surname Lewis, doing business as Dwight Cory Lewis, Mark Andrew with the surname Ahart doing business as MARK ANDREW AHART, Jamelah Johari with the surname Arnold doing business as JAMELAH JOHARI ARNOLD, Asah Saleem with surname Ahart doing business as ASAH SALEEM AHART here by proclaim we are Moslems of the West. We the Trustees of the 1928 Vast Estate Express Trust proclaim we are the descendants of the original inhabitants of the Americas, and we are the free holders in due course of the fee simple absolute vast estate. The fee simple absolute vast estate was placed in an Irrevocable Express Trust for the heirs in Succession and we are those heirs. All heirs are fiduciaries and beneficiaries of said Trust; A religious body politic and corporate was also created for the heirs by filing an affidavit of organization under Hurd’s Smith Revised Statutes Chapter 32 section 36. The affidavit was filed August 1, 1928 at approximately 2:52 p.m. in Cook County, in the state of Illinois. Please refer to document # 10105905, BK 521, pg 579 recorded in the Torren’s system of Cook County Illinois recorder of deeds. We the Trustees of the 1928 Vast Estate Express Trust here by are proclaiming liberty through out the lands and we are making a claim of postliminy under General Orders No. 100 Article 43; We are not subject to: any color of law, taxes, nor any encumbrances. We the Trustees of the 1928 Vast Estate Express Trust are proclaiming our ancestral and religious names which are Nobel Dwight Cory with surname Lewis el, Nobel Mark Andrew with surname Ahart Bey, Nobel Jamelah Johari with surname Arnold Ahart Bey, noble Asah Saleem with surname Ahart Bey. The Trustees of the Vast Estate Express Trust here by proclaim our free national name as the members of the religious body politic and corporate is Moorish Science Temple of America not to be confused with any irregular Moorish Science Temple of America, sovereign citizens, or any other organization not following the principles of love, peace, freedom, truth and justice. The Trustees of the 1928 Vast Estate Express Trust are proclaiming our nationality to be Moorish American and we are proclaiming we are part and parcel of the United States of America Republic. We the Trustees of the 1928 Vast Estate Express Trust has taken the oath of Amnesty and Reconstruction signed by Abraham Lincoln. The following persons Lewis, Dwight Cory, Dwight Cory Lewis, Dwight C Lewis, Dwight Cory Lewis 156-73-312056, Dwight Cory Lewis 384 293 431, Dwight Cory Lewis xxx-xx-5580, Asah Saleem Ahart, Ahart, Asah Saleem, Asah Saleem Ahart 156-14-046091, Asah Saleem Ahart 674722120, Asah Saleem Ahart xxx-xx-0612, Andrew, Mark Ahart, Mark Andrew Ahart, Mark Andrew Ahart 156-66-128962, Mark Andrew Ahart xxx-xx-1037, Mark Ahart Al Bey 597 674 943, Jamelah Johari Arnold 156-71-332559, Jamelah Johari Arnold xxx-xx-7871, Al Bey Jamelah, Johari Ahart 106 021 945, Jamelah Johari Arnold-Ahart 525309579, Arnold, Jamelah Johari, Jamelah Johari Arnold, Mark Andrew Ahart L8100582, Jamelah Johari Arnold new surname Ahart L8100582 has been conveyed into the 1928 Vast Estate Express Trust and is now the property of said Trust. We the Trustees of 1928 Vast Estate Trust extends our hand of fellowship to all United States of America government officials and to all other governments from near and far lands.

Under this agreement event of a cancellation rate charged will _____________________________________

Name (print or type)

PUB ZONE EDT AN A 97

Under this agreement event of a cancellation rate charged will _____________________________________

Name (print or .

Notice of Formation of WALNUT HILL HOUSING CLASS 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 process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of WALNUT HILL HOUSING DEVELOPER, 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 process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of ZM88 LLC. Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/07/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/28/23. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Seward & Kissel, Attn: Hume R.Steyer, One Battery Park Plaza, NY, NY 10004. DE addr. of LLC: c/o Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State of the State of DE, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., Federal & Duke of York Sts., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF NEW YORK

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

INDEX NO. 850226/2022

Plaintiff designates NEW YORK as the place of trial situs of the real property

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Mortgaged Premises:

10 LITTLE WEST STREET, UNIT PH1C, NEW YORK, NY 10004

Block: 16, Lot: 9111

Plaintiff, vs.

SHUIGUN CHEN, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; MINGSEN CHEN, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; GUIXIN HONG, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; BOARD OF MANAGERS OF MILLENNIUM POINT CONDOMINIUM; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

"JOHN DOE #1" through "JOHN DOE #12," the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.

To the above named Defendants

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 thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains 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 $2,350,000.00 and interest, recorded on February 16, 2012, in CRFN 2012000064492 , of the Public Records of NEW YORK County, New York., covering premises known as 10 LITTLE WEST STREET, UNIT PH1C, NEW YORK, NY 10004.

The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described 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 summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak 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 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.

Dated: March 22, 2023

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

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION, Plaintiff -against- DEIDRA B. CIZON, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 1, 2022 and entered on November 14, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse located on the portico at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on May 24, 2023 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an undivided ownership interest as tenant-in-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY; known as The NYH Condominium. Together with an appurtenant undivided 1.4182% common interest percentage. This a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 27, 2003 and November 3, 2003 as CFRN # 2003000442513 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1006 and Lot 1305.

The Foreclosure Sale will be conducted in accordance with 1st Judicial District’s COVID-19 Policies and Foreclosure Auction Rules.

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

Said premises known as 1335 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY

Approximate amount of lien $66,705.42 plus interest & costs.

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

Index Number 850053/2022.

HAYLEY GREENBERG, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590

101 LEGAL NOTICES

Notice of Formation of ALTO NEW YORK FLEET 6 LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/23/23. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 141 Manufacturing St., Dallas, TX 75207. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of ALTO NEW YORK FLEET 5 LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/23/23. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 141 Manufacturing St., Dallas, TX 75207. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of MIPH HOLDINGS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/22/23. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: c/o Yekaterina Poyarkova, 524 E. 72nd St., Apt. 37F, NY, NY 10021. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Purpose: To hold real estate.

Notice of Qualification of PENNBRIDGES TRANSPORTCO LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/23/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/21/23. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Jeffrey W. Bullock, Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Ste.4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Application for Authority of Men of Steel Enterprises, LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/22/2023. Formed in NJ 7/21/2004. Office Loc.: NY County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address SSNY shall mail copy of process to and the principal office address is 2500 State Rd., Unit A, Bensalem, PA 19020. Cert. of formation filed with the State Treas., 33 W. State St., 5th Fl., Trenton, NJ 08608. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NOTICE is hereby given that a license, number 1340153 for liquor, wine, beer & cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, wine, beer & cider at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 241 Cook Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206, Kings County for on premises consumption. Savannahs Sweets Bakery and Bistro LLC d/b/a Savannah’s Sweets Bakery & Bistro

101 LEGAL NOTICES

Notice of Qualification of NONNAS PRODUCTIONS D&S, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/27/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/16/23. Princ. office of LLC: 9560 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Jeffrey W. Bullock, 401 Federal St., Ste. 3, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Film and television production.

Notice of Qualification of EMPASS MANAGEMENT, LLC

Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/28/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/14/23. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, 401 Federal St. - Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Level Engineering, PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/7/22. Office address: 575 Lexington Avenue 17th Fl, New York City and County, NY 10022. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 320 Cleveland Avenue, Loveland, CO 80537. Purpose: any lawful act.

Notice is hereby given that a license, serial #1361151 for beer, wine & liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine & liquor at retail in a restaurant under the ABC Law at 812 181st St., NYC 10033 for on-premises consumption; Darin Thai LLC

NOTICE is hereby given that a license, number 1345690 for liquor, wine, beer & cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, wine, beer & cider at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 28-02 21st Street, Astoria, NY 11102, Queens County for on premises consumption. SNN Food Corp d/b/a Astoria Taco Factory

Notice of Formation of SKHH HOLDINGS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/11/23. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 270 W. 17th St., #20A, NY, NY 10011. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office. Purpose: To purchase, own and sell real estate in New York.

Notice of Formation of TRAVEL THE ARTIST WAY, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/05/23. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 200 Park Ave. S, Fl. 8, NY, NY 10003. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Josh Work at the princ. office of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

All Season Fit LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 3/16/2023. Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy to: 228 Park Ave S #402852, NY, NY 10003. Purpose: To provide fitness and eating coaching or to engage in any lawful activity.

KnowledgeGuru LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 3/28/2023. Office location: NY

County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy to: 250 W 94th St, Apt 9C, NY, NY 10025. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Firstbase Agent LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 8/9/22. Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy to: 447 Bdwy, 2nd Fl 187, NY, NY 10013. Purpose: any lawful act or activity

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 serv ed 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

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

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 serv ed and shall mail to: Heart & Seou l Co LLC, 55 W 95th Str eet, Ne w York, NY 10025 Purpo se: Food Ma nufacturing.

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

Sprezz atura 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

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 serv ed and shall mail to: Reindaldo Alvarado, 3556 Webster Ave. Purp ose: any lawful act.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK

HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION, Plaintiff -aga in st- KEITH R. HUGHES, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judg ment of Foreclosure and Sale dated October 12, 2022 and entered on October 20, 2022, I, the under signed Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Co ur thouse lo cated on the portico at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on May 10th, 2023 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an und ivided owne rship interest as tenant-in-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, Ne w York, NY; kn own as The NYH Condominium. Together with an appurtenant u ndivided

1.4182% common interest percentage. This a foreclosure on ownership intere st in a timeshare un it, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to de clarations Declaration of Covenants, Conditio ns and Re strictions dated October 27, 2003 and Novemb er 3, 2003 as CFRN # 20030004 42513 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1006 and Lot 1303.

The Foreclosure Sale will be conducted in accordance with 1st Judicial District's 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 $117,987 17 plus interest & costs.

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

Index Number 850159/2020

ROBERTA E. ASHKIN, ESQ., Referee

DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 1159 0

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK

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

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

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

WANTED: Certified M/WBE Subcontractors

The Schwan's Compan y has created a divers ity outreach program to enhance the ab ility of M/WBEs to compete for contracts We are look in g for ce rtified M/WBE subcontractors to provide raw materials, supplies or services to the Schwan's Co mpany If you are intere sted in this opportu nity, please contact SupplierDiversity@Schwans.com for consideration.

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 serv ed & shall mail to: 440 W. 34th St., #5A, New York, NY 10001. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. continuumsstrategies.com

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Rat Czar

Continued from page 4

indicator of local divestment. An uptick in the critters’ populations often tracks with rising rent stress.

The mitigation zone covers 28 NYCHA buildings—earlier this year, repair tickets released by the tenant organization United Front Against Displacement showed residents complained extensively about rat sightings in Harlem public housing units.

The westside’s Douglas Houses and the eastside’s Johnson Houses are receiving eight new “rat slabs,” which fill flooring to prevent rat burrows.

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has also designated three other zones, including one in Brooklyn.

“Rat Mitigation Zones have been part of the city’s strategy to combat rats since 2017, including the neighborhood of BedStuy,” said a Health Department spokesperson. “These Mitigation Zones have

Shooting

Continued from page 4

The assault charge carries a penalty of up to life in prison. Lester also was charged with armed criminal action, which has a penalty range of three to 15 years in prison. Lester was not charged with a hate crime. Thompson said Missouri’s hate-crime statute is considered a lesser felony than first-degree assault, and carries a less severe penalty. Missouri is among roughly 30 states with “Stand Your Ground” laws, which allow for the use of deadly force in self-defense, but the prosecutor determined the shooting was not in self defense.

An arrest warrant was issued but Lester was not yet in custody, Thompson said.

Lester told police that he lives alone and had just gone to bed when he heard his doorbell, according to the probable cause statement. He said he picked up

recently expanded to include Harlem. Res idents in these zones, including Black and Latino New Yorkers, will get proactive and enhanced attention from the city as it re lates to rat-related issues. This will help all New Yorkers experience better conditions in their neighborhoods.”

In addition to teaching in Central Brook lyn, Corradi boasts experience in leading programs at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and developing New York City’s Zero Waste Schools program for the Department of Ed ucation’s Office of Sustainability. The posi tion’s listing drew significant attention and interest due to the announced salary range of $120,000 to $170,000.

In other rodent-fighting news, the Depart ment of Sanitation kicked off this month by curbing—pun intended—the time window for when trash can be left out. New Yorkers must wait until 6 p.m. to dump garbage in a safe container and until 8 p.m. to set these “rat buffets” curbside.

“Piles of black trash bags have been rob bing us of clean and usable public space for

his gun and went to the door, where he saw a Black male pulling on the exterior storm door handle and thought someone was breaking in.

A number for Lester was not in service on Monday evening and it was not immediately clear whether he had an attorney to speak on his behalf.

The shooting happened in a middleclass neighborhood in north Kansas City. Yarl didn’t have a phone with him and went to the wrong block, his aunt, Faith Spoonmore, wrote on a GoFundMe page set up to help pay medical bills. By Monday afternoon, $1.4 million had been raised.

Police Chief Stacey Graves said that Yarl’s parents asked him to pick up his brothers at a home on 115th Terrace, but he mistakenly went to 115th Street, the Kansas City Star reported.

Yarl is a bass clarinetist who earned Missouri All-State Band honorable mention and plays several instruments

in the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of Kansas City, Spoonmore wrote. A statement from the North Kansas City School District described Yarl as “an excellent student and talented musician.”

Spoonmore said Yarl is “doing well physically” but has a lot of trauma to overcome emotionally.

By Monday afternoon, the home where the shooting happened had been vandalized. Black spray-paint on the side of the house showed a heart with “16” in the middle. Eggs splattered the front windows and the door.

A message seeking comment from Republican Gov. Mike Parson, a staunch gun rights supporter, wasn’t immediately returned.

Crump, who has represented families in several high-profile cases of Black people being shot, including those of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, questioned why the

shooter wasn’t arrested and charged immediately.

“We all believe that if the roles were reversed and this was a Black citizen who shot a 16-year-old for merely ringing his doorbell, they would have arrested him, and he wouldn’t have slept in his bed that night,” Crump said.

Two days after Yarl was shot, a 20-yearold woman was killed by a homeowner in Upstate New York after the car she was in was driven to the wrong address. Washington County Sheriff Jeffrey Murphy said Kaylin Gillis was in a car with three others, looking for a friend’s house.

As the car was turning around, Kevin Monahan came out and fired two shots, one of which struck Gillis. Monahan was charged with second-degree murder.

Salter reported from O’Fallon, Missouri. Nick Ingram in Kansas City and Summer Ballentine in Columbia, Missouri, contributed to this report.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announces appointment of Kathleen Corradi as the city’s first-ever citywide director of rodent mitigation, also known as ‘rat czar,’ during a press conference in St. Nicolas Park in Harlem on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. (Michael Appleton/ Mayoral Photography Office)

Mets and Yankees are forced to shake up their lineups

By RASHID MCDONALD Special to the AmNews

The New York Mets are out West for a 10-game road trip that began in Oakland versus the A’s last Friday with a 17–6 win. In the opener of the three-game series, Mets starter Kodai Senga allowed 4 runs in 4 2/3 innings with 7 strikeouts. He was backed by a lineup that produced 17 walks and 11 hits.

On Saturday, Carlos Carrasco pitched into the fifth inning for the first time in three starts this season, giving up just two runs in a 3–2 Mets victory. The righty is 0–2 thus far with a massive 8.56 earned run average. He was placed on the injured list on Tuesday with elbow inflammation. In the finale on Sunday, the Mets called up Jose Butto from their Triple-A affiliate Syracuse. He would pitch five solid innings, giving up one run and striking out two batters. The Mets overcame a 3–2 8th inning deficit with runs in the ninth (a homer by first baseman Pete Alonso) and 10th for a 4–3 win to cap off the sweep.

After the game they promoted their top prospect, third baseman Brett Baty, who made his Major League Debut last August 17, to infuse offense into the lineup as Eduardo Escobar, who had been the regular third baseman, was batting just .122

in 49 at-bats when the Mets took on the Dodgers Tuesday night. The 23-year-old Baty was at third on Monday when the Mets faced the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of a three-game series.

He had one hit and an RBI in four at-bats, but most of the Mets’ offensive production came from Daniel Vogelbach. The designated hitter homered and had three RBI as the Mets topped the Dodgers 8–6 despite a poor outing from starter David Peterson (1–2), who gave up six earned runs in six innings, increasing his ERA to 6.10. They went into Game 2 on Tuesday 11–6 and riding a five-game winning streak.

The Mets will conclude the road trip with four games against the San Francisco Giants tonight (Thursday) through Sunday before returning to Citi Field next Tuesday to host the Washington Nationals for three games.

The Yankees began a 10-game home stand last Thursday by playing the Minnesota Twins and ended it on Sunday with a win to gain a split in the four-game series. The Twins took the first two and the Yankees snatched victories over the weekend. Staff ace Gerrit Cole’s first complete game shutout of the season highlighted the series. Cole spearheaded a 2-0 Yankees win on Sunday and is 4–0 with 0.95 ERA and 32 strikeouts in four starts.

Third baseman DJ LeMahieu provided all the offense Cole would need, delivering an RBI single and home run. With Josh Donaldson, who is the regular starting third baseman, working to return from a hamstring strain suffered on April 4 against the Philadelphia Phillies, manager Aaron Boone will ultimately have to find a way to get both players at-bats. LeMahieu has had a solid start to the season, hitting .265 with two home runs, six RBIs, and a .856 OPS after going 0–3 with one walk in the Yankees 5–2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels in the Bronx on Tuesday to begin a three-game series. The loss dropped the Yankees to 10–7.

Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani, who like Yankees legend Babe Ruth is an accomplished hitter and pitcher, hit a tworun home run in the first inning on the 100th anniversary of the opening of the original Yankee Stadium. Ruth hit a three-run homer on April 18, 1923.

As Donaldson makes his way back, AllStar outfielder/DH Giancarlo Stanton is expected to be out four to six weeks with a Grade 2 hamstring strain sustained on Saturday. Also on the injury front, starters Luis Severino (low grade lat strain) and Carlos Rodon (forearm strain and lower back) are still rehabbing and have yet to make their 2023 season debuts.

The Yankees have one more game tonight versus the Angels before three against the Toronto Blue Jays Friday-Sunday before going on the road to play the Twins three games Monday-Wednesday.

Kawhi Leonard reminds basketball world he’s still one of the best

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

Out of sight, out of mind. This is seemingly the story of Kawhi Leonard over the past three seasons. He was out 30 games in the 2020–2021 season; was sidelined for the entire 2021–2022 campaign recovering from a torn ACL, sustained in the 2021 playoffs versus the Utah Jazz; and played in only 52 of the Clippers 82 regular season games in the current season.

Naturally, his standing among the game’s best players, if only in perception, diminished. No longer was the two-time NBA Finals MVP with the San Antonio Spurs (2014) and Toronto Raptors (2019) mentioned with the same reverence as the game’s unequivocal superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, et al.,despite being All NBA five times, including First Team in 2021.

This postseason, the 31-year-old Leonard is reminding the basketball world he is as good as any player on the planet when he’s healthy and engaged. His 38 points in Game 1 of the No. 5 seed Clippers’ 115–110 opening round win in their best-of-seven series versus the No. 4 seed Phoenix Suns on the road on Sunday underscored the bona fides Leonard maintains.

Leading up to the playoffs, he was named

the league’s Western Conference Player of Week for games played from Monday, April 3, through Sunday, April 9, making it the eighth time in his career he has won the award. During that stretch, he averaged 25.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. The Clippers lost to the Suns in Game 2 on Tuesday night by 123–109, but Leonard had another strong game with 31 points on 11–20 shooting and eight rebounds.

Leonard is doing his work without eighttime All-Star Paul George, who has been sidelined since March 21 with a sprained right knee and is unlikely to return for the Clippers, current series. If they advance to the conference semifinals, George is expected to return.

The health of Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant is dubious. He has a soft tissue bruise in his right hand that occurred in Game 1 of the No. 2 Grizzlies’ home game against the West’s No. 7 seed Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

Midway through the fourth quarter, the 6-2 Morant elevated at the rim to dunk over the Lakers’ 6–10 forward Anthony Davis and fell awkwardly. He did not return and the Grizzlies went on to lose by 128–112. His status for Game 2 last night (Wednesday), as of late yesterday afternoon, was uncertain. Games 3 and 4 will be in L.A. this Saturday and Monday.

The Mets called up top prospect, third baseman Brett Baty, last weekend. He made his season debut versus the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday (MLB.com photo)

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard remains one of the NBA’s best players while All-NBA point guard Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies try to hold of the Los Angeles Lakers (Bill Moore photos)

Kawhi Leonard Ja Morant

Tank Davis and Ryan Garcia set for long awaited match SPORTS

By JASON GONZALEZ Special to the AmNews

Gervonta “Tank” Davis had two words for his opponent “King” Ryan Garcia.

“Get ready,” he said calmly during the “Davis vs. Garcia” episode of Showtime’s “All Access.”.

Davis, widely recognized as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world, and the imposing Garcia are set to knuckle up this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a lightweight bout contested at a catch weight of 136 pounds. Davis and Garcia are elite fighters in their primes and are providing a compelling match up craved by boxing fans as star welterweights Terence Crawford and Errol Spence continue to stall in solidifying what would be the most highly anticipated fight in several years.

Davis, 28, of Baltimore, Maryland, is 28–0, (26 KOs) and the WBA “Regular” lightweight champion. Garcia, 24, of Los Alamitos, California, is 23–0 (19 KOs).

“He’s gonna be surprised though, for sure,” said the five-foot-five-and-a-half-

inch Davis in an interview with Fight Hub via Boxing Social, about the much taller five-foot-10 Garcia.

“His reach is not that much longer than mine, so he needs to shut the hell up. Looking back on it, he looks good against people that he’s supposed to look good against. I’ve never seen somebody that he fought or

somebody that he sparred that’s come out and said he’s, like, top level.”

Davis recently saw action in the squared circle in January. He stopped Hector Luis Garcia in the eighth round in Washington, D.C. Ryan defeated Luke Campbell to win the WBC lightweight interim title in January 2021. He skipped a tune-up with Mer-

cito Gesta this past January to focus solely on Davis. Ryan’s last fight was a knockout against Javier Fortuna last July.

“I’m here to win, and I promise you that I have heart and determination like you’ve never seen before,” Garcia said at a press conference in Los Angeles. “Tank likes to fight guys that don’t hit hard, but I hit hard. When I hit you with that left hook, you’re gonna be on the floor. Asleep. Good night.”

Garcia will be working under the watchful eye of trainer Joe Goossen for the contest with Davis. As for Davis, he will have other issues to tend to after the fight with Garcia. In February, Davis pled guilty to four traffic violations involving a hit-andrun incident in November of 2020: leaving the scene of an accident involving bodily injury, failing to notify of property damage, driving with a revoked license, and running a red light.

Davis is believed to have left the scene of an accident involving several people, including a pregnant woman. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 5 and is facing up to seven years in prison.

Wendy Hilliard honored with award named for gymnastics trailblazer

By LOIS ELFMAN

Special to the AmNews

Their friendship spanned nearly four decades, both trailblazers in their sport. In 1983, Dianne Durham was the first African American artistic gymnast to win a U.S. all-round championship. Around the same time, Wendy Hilliard was similarly blazing a trail in rhythmic gymnastics. Both became coaches and made ongoing impact on the sport they loved. Sadly, Durham died in 2021.

Last weekend, Hilliard, found-

er and CEO of the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation, received the Dianne Durham Humanitarian Award in Fort Worth, Texas, site of the 2023 NCAA Collegiate Women’s Gymnastics Championships. The award was created by Paul Ziert, Alice Durham-Woods (Durham’s sister), and Tom Drahozal (Durham’s husband) to remember Durham’s contribution to gymnastics.

The presentation occurred at an American Gymnastics Alumni Association (AGAA) reception, which included multiple generations of gymnasts, includ -

ing women of color for whom Durham and Hilliard were inspirations. The AGAA was formed to bring athletes together.

“It was so lovely to see everybody for a celebration,” said Hilliard, whose foundation is based in New York and Detroit. It provides low-cost or free gymnastics to urban youth, serving more than 25,000 young gymnasts since its inception 26 years ago.

“The award is really special because Dianne—I really loved her a lot,” said Hilliard. “We performed together [in shows and

tours] for so many years, and she was such a rock star athlete and outstanding person. She always had something to say and she was always so positive, so it’s really nice to celebrate her this way. It keeps her name and her legacy alive.”

The criteria for the annual award focuses on a female gymnast past or present who has demonstrated a love of the sport and a positive attitude, and is a role model. Hilliard said celebrating Durham’s legacy against the backdrop of the collegiate championships was a great fit, partic-

ularly with the diversity of today’s gymnasts.

“Everybody who saw Dianne compete knew how great she was,” said Hilliard. “The new athletes will always have this guiding star to see where it started… It feels great for us to keep recognizing her because history is important.”

Among the athletes directly affected by Durham is Corrinne Tarver, the gymnastics coach at Fisk University, the first HBCU to have a gymnastics team. An alumna of Hilliard’s foundation will join the team at Fisk this fall.

Wendy Hilliard (front center) with fellow members of American Gymnastics Alumni Association (Photo courtesy of Wendy Hilliard)

Wendy Hilliard with friends and family of the late Dianne Durham

Gervonta

“Tank” Davis (right) will face Ryan Garcia this Saturday in a matchup of undefeated lightweights. (Premier Boxing Champions photo)

Howard’s Mikyla Rodgers works toward a grand finale

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

After four years and a bachelor’s degree in speech, language, and hearing sciences from the University of Connecticut, thrower Mikyla Rodgers from South Huntington, New York, knew that her extra year of eligibility, granted due to the pandemic, gave her an opportunity not only to extend her time as an athlete, but also have a great start to graduate school.

Rodgers tentatively started track and field in her freshman year of high school to stay in shape during the off-season for volleyball, her main sport. A lifelong athlete, she demonstrated a clear ability in track, and as a high school senior, college recruitment offers came her way. “‘Oh, I’m pretty good at this. I actually like it.’ That’s when I made it my main sport,” she said.

As a developing track and field athlete in high school, she didn’t really know what throwing was—it encompasses the discus, shotput, javelin, hammer, and weight—but a coach encouraged her to try it. “It ended up working out,” Rodgers said. “Once I got to college, I focused on hammer and weight throw with a little bit of shot put.”

The weight is her best indoor event and hammer the best in outdoor competi -

tion. Being part of the athletic program shaped her positive UConn experience, but when deciding where to go for graduate school, she opted for a city environment. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree at Howard University—one of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)—in speech language pathology, with the goal of becoming speech pathologist.

“I wanted to experience HBCU culture,”

Rodgers said. “Definitely, a change in environment being at an HBCU. It’s a smaller, homier feel…It’s been good seeing a lot of people that look like you all the time. People have the same mindset as you. You’re not really arguing about different race topics. I like the area (Washington, D.C.). I like the campus. The athletics have been good as well.”

Being a graduate student (she will graduate May 2024) and athlete has required

Rodgers to double down on time management. “I don’t really get to practice with my team as much,” she noted. “There are a lot of solo practices…making sure that I’m doing what I have to do to be the best athlete I can and making sure I’m staying on top of my studies to be the best student I can.

“Being an athlete gives you skills you can apply anywhere,” she added. “Time management, teamwork, balance, and organization (as an athlete)…prepared me.”

Respect for women’s sports continues to grow

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

On the April 8 episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL), an iconic comedy sketch show, cast member Punkie Johnson appeared during the Weekend Update segment, portraying Angel Reese of Louisiana State University, which six days before won the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship. Unlike previous SNL portrayals of female athletes, Johnson’s depiction of Reese was a celebration of the junior forward.

“I’m a big deal now,” said Johnson’s Reese. “Since college players get endorsements now, I’m about to cash in, and my brand works for anything…

Last week, women’s sports was boring. Now, all y’all talking about is women’s sports all this week. Why? Because women is balling right now.”

She’s not wrong. It appears that people are finally noticing some of the incredible female athletes, especially in basketball. Viewership of this

year’s WNBA Draft was up 42%.

There’s a real sense of anticipation for the upcoming WNBA season. Other sports like soccer and track seem to be getting more mainstream media coverage. It’s about time.

Why did it take so long? We live in society where women’s athletic accomplishments are often undervalued. An increasing number of female sports journalists have tossed out the notion that you’re not

really getting respect unless you cover men’s sports. Here’s hoping that change in mindset increases.

On the local level came the announcement that Megan Griffith, head women’s basket -

ball coach at Columbia University, has signed a five-year extension to remain with the program. “While we have accomplished several firsts and broken numerous records, there is still much work to do,” said Griffith. “We have unfinished business and I am hungrier than ever to get back to work.”

As someone who once was excited at seeing a half-full gym for women’s events, watching Levien Gymnasium packed this season was an incredible sight.

Most previous comedic depictions of female athletes— except for the incredible HBO series “ARLI$$,” which ran from 1996 to 2002 and should be seen and appreciated anew— mocked female athletes. When Johnson rolled in wearing Reese’s #10 LSU jersey, a long dark wig, and some awesome eyelashes, it was clear that a new day had arrived. She delivered her lines with gusto and respect for Reese, showing an athlete in on the joke, not the butt of it.

Let’s keep the laughs, views, and inspiration coming!

Howard University graduate student Mikyla Rodgers (Howard Athletics photo)

SNL Weekend Update anchor Michael Che and Punkie Johnson as Angel Reese (Will Heath/NBC photo)

Knicks return to Garden to resume playoff battle with Cavs

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

After taking a 1–0 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road in their best-of-seven NBA Eastern Conference playoff series, with a hard-fought 101–97 victory at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Game 1 on Saturday, the Knicks were beaten decisively in Game 2 on Tuesday night by 107–90 and now return home to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 tomorrow night. (8:30 p.m.). Game 4 is onSunday afternoon (1 p.m.) at MSG.

The Knicks began Game 2 by taking an early 13–6 lead and were up 22–21 with .48.1 seconds remaining in the first quarter, but that would be the last time they had an advantage on the scoreboard. Playing with expected urgency to avoid having to go to New York down 2–0 and face the monumental challenge of needing to win four of the next five games to reach the conference semifinals, the Cavaliers, who were the league’s top-rated defensive team during the regular season, suffocated the Knicks.

The Cavaliers adroitly disrupt-

ed the Knicks’ offense by blitzing point guard Jalen Brunson, who was exceptional in Game 1, with two defenders and pressuring him full court, and prevented the Knicks from effectively executing their sets. They harassed the Knicks into missing 50 of their 79 shot attempts (36.7 percent), including 7–29 from behind the 3-point line (24.1 percent). Moreover, after the Knicks manhandled the Cavs on the glass on Saturday, out-rebounding them 51–38, Cleveland course-corrected and held a 43–36 margin in Game 2.

The Cavaliers also scored 26 points off 16 Knicks turnovers in Game 1 and had 32 on Tuesday as both teams had 18 miscues.

“I thought the biggest thing was the ball pressure,” said Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. “[Offensively], Garland got loose on us. Had a big first half. Mitchell made a number of good plays. When you look at it, we turned the ball over, so that was a big problem…The rebounding was a problem.”

Cavaliers point-guard Darius Garland dropped 26 of his gamehigh 32 points in the first half. His backcourt partner Donovan

Mitchell, who scorched the Knicks for a game-high 38 points on Saturday, became a willing facilitator with a career-high 13 assists in Game 2, and reserve guard Caris LeVert contributed 24.

“It’s the makeup of this group, again—being who we are and where we came from,” said Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of his squad’s resilience in evening the series.

“You don’t get to 51 wins if you can’t handle some adversity and bounce back. This league is too good.”

Nevertheless, the Knicks took away home court advantage from the Cavs going into Game 3 with a spirited win in Game 1, in which AllStar forward Julius Randle scored an encouraging 19 points and 10 rebounds in 33 minutes in his first game since suffering a sprained ankle on March 29.

Forward Josh Hart provided the Knicks with invaluable intangibles off the bench, getting to 50–50 balls, menacing the Cavs out of their offensive rhythm, and putting up a game-changing 17 points, 10 boards, and a crucial 3-pointer with 1:49 remaining in the fourth quarter to give the Knicks a 95–93 lead.

Nets, down 2–0, look to bounce back

By JERALD L. HOOVER Special to the AmNews

Down 2–0, the Nets are in a must-win game tonight (Thursday) against the Philadelphia 76ers in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center in their opening round best-of-seven Eastern Conference playoff series.

In Games 1 and 2 in Philadelphia, the Sixers, powered by this season’s Most Valuable Player finalist, center Joel Embiid, proved too much for the Nets to handle. The Nets fell 121–101 last Saturday, then 96–84 on Monday.

The Nets have no one capable of countering Embiid’s massive 7-foot, 280-pound frame. He posted 25 points in Game 1 and a commanding performance in Game 2, putting up Most Valu-

Yet it was Brunson who was central to the Knicks’ victory. He overcame first-half foul trouble, playing just 9 minutes, and scored 21 of his 27 points in the second half. Cleveland had no solution to stop him, even when using multiple defenders who were all abused by the crafty shot creator, who netted a career-best 48 point against the Cavs on March 31.

Conversely, their adjustments in

versus

Game 2 stymied Brunson. He finished with 20 laborious points and shot an uncharacteristic 5–17.

“First and foremost, they played really well,” Brunson said of Cleveland. “We gotta come back Friday, stick together the next couple of days, and play well.”

The Knicks hope to get showings from RJ Barrett, who is struggling with his shot going 6–25, including 1–8 on 3-point attempts.

76ers in Brooklyn

able Player stats of 20 points, 19 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocked shots. His one blemish was eight turnovers.

The defensive philosophy employed by the Nets in this series has been to double team Embiid for the majority of his touches. Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn employed that strategy for much of the first half of Sunday’s game, but went away from it in the second half. The Sixers then took over in the final two quarters after trailing 49–44 seeing the Nets’ offense falter.

“The only adjustment made was that the ball didn’t go in the hole for us,” Vaughn said afterward. “We got open looks. They tried to go zone. We had enough shooting out there. The ball just didn’t go in.”

Embiid has had ample support. All-Star point guard James Harden and his emerging third-year backcourt mate Tyrese Maxey took turns being Embiid’s No. 2. Maxey was stellar on Monday, leading the Sixers with 33 points, and Harden controlled Game 1 with 23 points and 13 assists.

At the start of this season, the Nets were betting favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Now they are led by Mikal Bridges, who was acquired in the February trade of Durant to the Phoenix Suns. Bridges was masterful in Game 1 with 30 points on 12–18 shooting. Forward Cam Johnson, who came with Bridges to the Nets from the Suns, had a team-high 28 points on 11–19 shooting in Game 2.

Game 3 is tonight (Thursday) at 7:30 p.m. at the Barclays Center, and Game 4 will be on Saturday in Brooklyn at 1 p.m.

Forward Cam Johnson led the Nets with 28 points in a 96–84 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 2 of their opening round playoff series. (Bill Moore photo)

RJ Barrett Donovan Mitchell

Knicks forward RJ has shot just 6–25 in Games 1 and 2 of opening round playoff series against Cleveland Cavaliers while guard Donovan Mitchell is averaging 27.5 points per game for Cleveland. (Bill Moore photos)